Forging Day (Crucible of Change Book 1) by Noelle Alladania Meade

impressive-looking axe.
    Ignoring the interruption, Berto added, “There will be a bardic tonight. We will begin to assemble at the hour of seven, or at the conclusion of the stone soup, whichever should come first. Bring your talent to share freely with friends.”
    It may have been nerves or a lingering hangover, but the longer Berto spoke, the twitchier I got. My ears felt itchy and I swore the sun was scorching my eyeballs, even under the pavilion roof. Hangovers were supposed to get better over time, not worse. I gave Berto a little wave to get his attention before he headed off on another errand.
    There were a few other miscellaneous announcements by the cook and the nice lady trying to organize children’s activities, and then court was dismissed.
    Thankfully, Berto saw my wave and came back over to me. “Hey Olivia, what’s up?”
    “Could you please do me a huge favor? I’m still doing penance, but could you bring me some allergy meds and my sunglasses? The sun is killing my eyes today. Yes, I know, I drank too much and this is my just punishment for overindulgence, but I’m dying here.”
    At this point his nursing training took over and he got all serious on me. “How much water have you had to drink today? Not enough, I’m sure.” He opened his flask and handed it to me. “Start on this and I’ll get more water at camp. Your eyes do look a little red. I’ll be right back.”
    The flask was empty and I was ready for more water by the time he got back. My eyes were closed, but I could hear him walking up. I could just tell it was him.
    “Here you go.” My glasses were pressed into my hands.
    I didn’t even open my eyes until they were in place. “Ah, that’s better.” Sunglasses didn’t go with the look, but the dark lenses were a blessed relief today. I downed my allergy pill with most of a chilled bottle of water. Hopefully that would help with whatever else was going on. “Thanks, Berto. You’re the best.”
    “You know I am, sweet thing.” He gave me a wicked smile. “But alas for you, I am taken. I’m off duty now. Do you need anything else before I go watch my husband be oh-so-manly at the archery range?”
    “Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”
    “I brought our feast gear. Since you’re going to already be here, I thought you could claim us a good spot when it’s time to set up for the feast.” With that, he handed over a mid-sized wicker basket. “Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun for now. Later, my lovely.”
    * * * *
    The sun was still too bright, even with my dark glasses on. The day felt off. The air almost had a faint metallic tang that jangled the fillings in my teeth. The sky was filled with huge, low hanging clouds. They kind of reminded me of the clouds in one of those alien invasion movies, right before you saw the alien ships for the first time.
    Good thing doing my part of the dinner prep was fairly brainless, because the last few days had really thrown me off my game. Colby, Kat, and now a stray teenager. My father would be spinning in his grave, if he knew. Of course, he’d have planted Colby in a grave of his own. That thought made me smile. Cordelia, though, was very much alive, and she was going to freak out all over me. I could feel it. According to her, I’m supposed to stop playing dress-up, get a real job, find a nice young man, and settle down—preferably in that order. Sometimes she forgets she’s my big sister and not my mother. And what was with my damn ears already? The itching was making me nuts. The allergy pill obviously wasn’t helping, so I peeled off the ear tips and tucked them into my belt pouch. Maybe it was the adhesive.
    The aromas from the soup pot were delectable, and I was starting to get hungry. Sir Tarly was heading toward the cooking area and came directly over to me. “Her Majesty is pleased with how you carried out your tasks with good grace. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
    Since it was getting close to dinner, there