“Don’t mind Buttons,” Callista told Cole. “He just likes to be part of the conversation.”
“I’m your only conversation most of the time,” Buttons said in a deep voice.
The little balls of light twittered countless outraged protests.
“Unless you include the twinklers,” Buttons added. “Or Gurble.”
“Gurble?” Mira asked.
“Gurble is an ancient figment,” Callista said. “He belonged to many Grand Shapers before me. He holds a lot of knowledge.”
“Gurble is stuffy,” Buttons complained. “Knowledgeable, sure, but about as companionable as a stack of scrolls.”
“I can’t get over Trillian sending you to me,” Callista said to Honor. “I’m surprised he let you go once he had you.”
“My sister freed me by winning a contest,” Honor said.
“Yes, I understand, but Trillian gave her the opportunity,” Callista said. “That is not often the case.”
“I think he is worried about Morgassa,” Honor said. “She’s a monster who is changing the people of Elloweer into her horde.”
“I’m aware of her, darling,” Callista said. “I’m sure we’ll discuss her eventually. But first an important question: How are you all enjoying my soup?”
“It’s great, thank you,” Mira said.
“Nice and warm,” Dalton added.
“What is it exactly?” Jace wondered. “It must be tough to find food.”
“It can be difficult,” Callista said. “I have an exquisite mushroom garden. Fungi flourish here. I also harvest several species of edible slime.”
“Don’t forget the moths,” Buttons inserted.
Cole fought the urge to gag. What had been in his soup?
“Yes, we have a surprising array of moths,” Callista went on. “And there is a pond not far from here where I collect guppies and other wee beasties. I change them into this and that, depending on my mood. Had I known to expect you, we could have enjoyed a grander meal.”
“What about firewood?” Cole asked, setting aside what remained of his soup.
Callista made a face. “No, dear, firewood tastes terrible.”
Cole laughed. “I mean, where do you find firewood? Do you make it out of mud?”
“This isn’t Sambria,” Callista said. “I can’t transform nonliving matter. I get my wood as offerings from the mist grifters. They also bring me food from time to time—frogs, birds, and fish, mostly.”
“Why do they bring you firewood?” Jace asked.
“In return for me not slaying them, dear,” Callista said.
“Trillian told us he trained you,” Mira said.
“Then he told you true,” Callista said.
“Isn’t he dangerous?” Mira asked.
Callista cackled freely. “I don’t know. Buttons, is he dangerous?”
The dog shivered. “He’s not my favorite. Leave it at that.”
“Trillian is very dangerous,” Callista said. “So am I. He would not be the right teacher for many. That wily old torivor knows more about shaping than anyone in all five kingdoms. He sees it as one great whole rather than individual disciplines. I would not have discovered most of what I know without his guidance.”
“Weren’t you worried he’d keep you there?” Twitch asked.
“No, no, no, my pet,” Callista said. “Had I gone there hoping to leave, he would have never let me go. I went there to learn. I was willing to stay forever if it meant I could learn from the best. He knew my motives. And eventually he released me. I returned to him when I went into hiding. He granted me sanctuary for a time, then suggested I set up a home elsewhere, where I could stay in touch with happenings in Elloweer.”
“This place keeps you in touch?” Jace asked.
“Children,” Callista said, shaking her head. “So candid. It reminds me why I never had any. Who would like dessert?”
Cole tentatively raised his hand. The others sat politely.
Callista pointed at Cole. “That one can stay. If you don’t want my hospitality, the fog can have you.” She sweetened her voice. “Once more, who would care for dessert?”
All hands went up.
After tipping back in her rocker, Callista swung forward briskly, catapulting herself to her feet. “Buttons, entertain our guests.” She left the room.
“Okay, she’s gone,” Buttons said in a conspiratorial tone. “What do you want to know?”
“She made you?” Dalton asked.
“With the help of three apprentices, all dead,” Buttons said. “She didn’t kill them,” he clarified.
“What’s for dessert?” Twitch asked.
“I can’t say for sure,” Buttons said. “She’s improvising. Most of the desserts are slime-based. Don’t worry, she changes the slime.”
Changed or not, Cole did not like the idea of eating slime. Dalton read his disgusted expression and scrunched his face in agreement.
“Will she help us?” Mira asked.
“I expect so,” Buttons said. “She doesn’t like the High King at all, and she trusts Trillian. Just humor her.”
“I heard that,” Callista said, sweeping back into the room with a platter full of low wooden cups. “It doesn’t hurt to humor me, but watch that you don’t condescend. I’m eccentric, not daft. Our dessert tonight is sorbet surprise.”
She brought the platter around to her guests. Cole took a cup. Inside was a soft white lump with tiny bits of some herb sprinkled on it. The lump moved as he watched, bulging and shifting. Some of the herbs disappeared into the mass.
“Eat up,” Callista said, settling back into her rocker. “It’s best fresh. You don’t want it to get away.”
Cole probed the white lump with his spoon. The mass flinched a little. Steeling himself, he scooped up a bite and put it in his mouth. The cool texture was like ice cream. It tasted like minty vanilla with a hint of salt. Not bad. He might have liked it more if he didn’t know the main ingredient was slime. Given how attentively Callista was watching everyone, he figured he should eat it all.
“It’s quite good, thank you,” Mira said politely.
“I like this one,” Callista said, winking at Mira. “If you all finish your desserts, I may have a surprise for you.”
“I cannot partake,” Minimus apologized.