Chapter VIII, Reading 1

Kewero was up early one morning and slipped into the kitchen to start cooking before Flindra awoke. The princess was an early riser so it was a rare day that she made it to the kitchen before Flindra. Flindra had taken over the job of doing most of the cooking so this morning would give Kewero a chance to concoct something tasty as a special treat.

Her kitchen was a large cave off the main chamber of the cavern. There was a large rock hearth in the center of the cave. Smoke would rise from the fire and disappear into the great spaces above, so it never was smoky in the kitchen cave. She hastened to get a fire burning and planned her meal and her day while she coaxed the flames to life.

Kewero traded for all of her food so what she had was simple and consisted of such things as coarsely ground grain which she could make into porridge, flour to be made into bread, jerked meat, and dried fruit she purchased after the harvest in the orchards to the south. Occasionally, the Ainaz would offer her fish, which was pickled in brine and stored well. It wasn't as tasty as fresh fish but it added needed protein to her menu.

Their standard breakfast usually consisted of a bowl of porridge and perhaps a slice or two of toasted bread. To add a splash of variety to the meal, Kewero planned to mix some dried fruit and spices into the porridge. For an even more special treat, Kewero pulled out her secret stash of honeycomb. What better way to enjoy toasted bread than to slather it with honey?

Kewero hummed happily as she gathered her supplies and returned to the hearth to begin her preparations.

"Good morning," Flindra said with a smile as she entered the kitchen cave.

"And a good morning to you, Flindra."

"May I lend a hand?"

"Perhaps you could put on a kettle so we could share a cup of tea while we wait for the porridge to cook?"

"Gladly."

"Thank you."

Flindra sniffed the porridge pot when she placed the kettle on the andiron. "That smells yummy."

"It should be good," Kewero noted with satisfaction, "but our dinner has the potential for being tastier yet."

Flindra turned to Kewero with a question in her eyes. "What are you planning?"

Kewero smiled secretively. "I have a special task for you today. I think you'll like it."

She looked puzzled. "What do you have in mind?"