Knight Harris shook Fin’s hand slowly and upon releasing it, eyed the man up and down.

There was something odd about the cook… something strangely authoritative and… untouchable.

“You lot seemed to be arguin’ when we stepped up. What was that you were sayin’ Taylor about not bein’ Knightly?” The group behind Sir Harris was back to laughing, and pointedly looking away from the tall redhead that had not shifted his gaze from Sir Harris. The cook still had a broad smile on his face, though his hands were now on his hips after the firm handshake.

“Nothing! Nothing at all!” There was a great scuffle happening behind Sir Taylor that appeared to require Sir Andrews, Lewis, and Peter to handle.

“You know why yeah always lost to me in poker Taylor? You start pronouncin’ things real well when worried.” The Knight took a step towards the kitchen staff, his feet pointing towards the edge of the group that was still desperately trying to contain something or someone.

Sir Harris was beginning to frown and smile at the same time, when he found Fin had leaned over so that he was inches from his left ear.

“That’s close enough.”

“Gods you girly lookin’ freak! Back it up!” Sir Harris jumped, yet despite his bold words appeared unnerved.

When the Knight had recovered he fixed Fin with a glare.

“I was seein’ what the fuss was back there. I oughta report you to the Captain for bein’-”

“I WANNA HEAR THEM SING!”

Every man present froze as the clear but inebriated voice of Hannah broke the tension.

“What was that?” Sir Harris was rediscovering his sneering smile as Sir Taylor’s eyes bulged from his head.

Everyone remained frozen.

It was then that from the fresh shadows of the dusk, a figure in a black cloak stepped forward.

“I believe what Hannah was saying is that; she wants to hear Sir Taylor, Lewis, and Andrews sing.” Lady Annika Jenoure lowered her hood, and every Knight present either dropped into a bow or straight to their knees.

It took Fin, Peter, and Hannah a few moments of being stunned before they remembered they too how to show their respects.

“I would also like to hear their songs to see what all the fuss is about. I am not the type of Lady to force those of a lower status to do her bidding however.”

“Of course not, my Lady!”

“No one would think so, my Lady!”

“Your nothin’ less than a saint, Viscountess!”

Came the many voices of the Knights as everyone remained bowed.

“Please rise.” She commanded effortlessly.

As everyone straightened, Fin felt something shift inside of himself… and it wasn’t something good.

It was the sinking awareness of how far apart they truly were.

“I think to add honor to the request, we could make this a little more interesting.” She addressed them all calmly, her dark brown eyes sweeping over them all without really looking at them.

“W-What did you have in mind, my Lady?” Sir Lewis squeaked his brown eyes wide in trepidation.

“A bet.”

On the opposite side of the festival, behind the confrontation, the minstrel competition was beginning. As it did so, music washed over all of them, filling their ears with dulcet tones and yet no one moved.

“I bet that I can out-drink three of you Knights.”

It was a good thing that majority of those present at the festival had made their way far closer to the stage. It would undoubtedly have been a far larger spectacle if more people had heard what one of the most powerful, and wealthy women on the continent was suggesting.

Jaws dropped, eyes bulged, and nervous glances grew in abundance.

“M-My Lady, surely you cannot-”

“My Lady, we can simply sing it isn’t worth-” Annika held up her hand, silencing Sir Taylor.

“You haven’t heard the terms yet.”

Fin’s Knight’s all gulped.

“If I can out-drink three of you, and I expect an honest effort, or I will have every Knight present transferred to be under Royal Cook Finlay Ashowan’s command for a month.”

“Hold on, wha-”

Fin began to protest, only to find Peter slapping his hand up over his mouth in an uncharacteristic show of force.

“If your three selected challengers beat me, I will pay for each of you to have a day off of your choosing as long as the Captain agrees on the day. If I win however, the Knights here,” She gestured at Sir Lewis, Andrews, and Taylor. “Have to sing on stage tonight in front of everyone.”

No one dared defy her. Peter dropped his hand from Fin’s mouth.

“My Lady, w-we accept these terms, but we want you to have a backup.” Sir Taylor managed though it very clearly pained him.

“Very well. Hannah will be my backup.”

Every man present watched mortified as the petite blonde girl skipped over happily to the Lady. No one wanted to point out that a man had been what they meant.

“Sir Taylor, you and your men shouldn’t be part of this, as we can’t have you on stage stumbling drunk. Why don’t you select your three champions?”

The Knight turned slowly to look at every pair of eyes on him, and slowly without moving his gaze, leaned over to Fin.

“Help.”

The witch sighed.

“Because this is Hannah’s fault, I will. I don’t think any of your fellow Knight’s will actually aid you.”

“They will. Knights always stick together. If someone goes against one of us, it’s really all of us.”

Fin went quiet and studied each of them. They were strong burly men, why was Sir Taylor quaking in his boots if they were loyal?

“The issue is they’re all already drunk an’ have a lotta pride.” Sir Taylor explained when he saw Fin’s confusion.

“Pick Harris to start.”

Sir Taylor groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Can’t yeah forgive him just once-”

“What, you think I’m being unfair?” The cook asked innocently.

“I don’t trust yeah.”

“He’s the most sober of them.”

Sir Andrews and Lewis stepped towards Fin and Taylor, and bowed their heads closer to hear the discussion.

“Cook wants Harris to go first.”

“… Why do I get the funny feeling that this won’t go well for him?” Sir Andrews shot Fin a calculating look, but the cook maintained his guiltless expression.

“Who’ll be the other two?” Sir Lewis asked nervously.

“Myself and Fin.” Peter volunteered suddenly. All eyes turned to him. “Get Harris to take the most, I drink daily and am still quite sober, so I can go after. Fin looks like he’s still on his first ale, so save him for last to hold out.”

Sir Taylor announced their decision, and in no time at all, it began.

*

A small barrel had been rolled out and two empty goblets set atop its surface. The Knights that were intending to be the audience of the competition had made themselves useful as the challengers briefly prepared themselves. Both Peter and Annika had disappeared for a short while, but had reappeared before someone could be sent looking for them.

The Knights had found torches tall enough to provide adequate lighting, as well as a tree stump and stool for the opponents to rest on. The Lady would of course take the stool. They had chosen a back corner of the festival near some lovely shrubbery for the event, where no one would pay any attention to a group of large men milling about.

The Knights were quite effective as human shields against prying eyes as a result, which was a happy coincidence for the Lady Jenoure.

Once the opponents were seated, Annika smiled at Sir Harris whom looked deeply uncomfortable with the situation.

“How about we go back and forth deciding on the drink per person, hm? I will decide what we start with.” Annika’s musical voice made Sir Harris risk glancing at her face, then over to his left where Fin stood grinning ear-to-ear. That expression made him somehow even more concerned.

“Uh, sure my Lady.”

Still smiling, Annika procured a glass bottle that she had had stowed in the inner lining of her cloak.

“I retrieved this from my private stock just for this festival. It is a pleasure to drink it with you Sir Harris.”

The Knight blushed and bowed his head, his hands curled into fists pressed atop his thighs.

“You-You honor me, my Lady.”

Annika poured each goblet half full. She raised her cup and locked eyes with Sir Harris’.

“To your health and fortune.” She toasted serenely. The Lady was an angelic picture of calm and peace.

“And yours.” Harris returned, beginning to sweat.

Annika dumped the entire contents of the goblet back, and drained it in one go.

This earned several shocked expressions from the Knights.

Sir Harris, saw this however, and instead became emboldened.

So he followed her lead.

The Knight promptly sprayed the beverage everywhere, coughed, vomited, and then collapsed on the ground.

All eyes rose from the spectacle to the Lady whom made no show of being at all perturbed by the disgusting display, or the alcohol she had consumed. The Lady was actually in the middle of picking up the fallen Knight’s goblet.

She took a gulp, and lowered the cup with a dainty shrug.

“Tastes fine to me.”

Sir Taylor, Lewis, and Andrews slowly turned to face Fin whom was still smiling down at Sir Harris.

“You’re a scary bastard you know that?” Sir Taylor uttered as he watched the twitching body of his comrade be dragged over to the bushes by his more compassionate colleagues.

“How is it my fault that the Lady drinks Troivackian moonshine?” Fin managed a straight face as every man that heard the exchange turned to stare at Annika. She fixed the cook with a sly subtle smile at his words.

“Peter, I think you’re up.” Sir Andrews clasped the aide’s shoulder, and gently pushed him towards the vacant stump.

He sat down, looking slightly more serious about the endeavor than he had moments ago.

Peter drew out a bottle of his own that he had been keeping under his arm that had a strange green tinge.

Fin watched as Annika’s smile became genuine, and instantly paid closer attention.

“What… in the world is that?” Sir Lewis asked looking around at everyone else who already seemed to know.

“Absinthe.” Peter answered while giving a small bow to the Lady. “My family’s recipe.”

“Gods! Is this a match to the death or something?!” The Knight cried out and tried to step forward, but both Sir Taylor and Fin stopped him.

Peter poured for himself, then for the Lady.

They toasted and drank.

The goblets hit the barrel both empty, and so in went another shot of the green liquor.

Two shots down.

Three shots down.

Four shots down.

Five shots down.

Peter’s complexion was nearing the color of the liquid, and while there was a small sway to Annika, she remained upright and composed.

“I must admit Peter, I did not expect you to be the greater challenge.” She praised.

“S-stop! You’ll both die!” Sir Andrews called out in distress.

The sixth shot was poured, and swallowed.

Fin leaned back to whisper to Sir Taylor.

“The good news is that Peter weakened Lady Jenoure. The bad news is you may be stuck singing at his funeral.”

“Gods help him cook.” The Knight shook his head in awe.

The seventh shot was poured somberly into the goblets and then down their throats.

Peter stood up abruptly.

The man took four steps, collapsed, and then proceeded to vomit everywhere.

Sir Andrews and Lewis immediately scooped him up and hauled him over to the bushes where they rested him on his side. They returned looking far paler than before.

Fin stepped carefully around the vomit, and sat across from the Lady. She slowly dabbed the corner of her eye delicately; her hand movements indicating that she was quite inebriated herself.

“I must admit my Lady, you are full of surprises.” Fin confessed as Annika drew out the dreaded moonshine once more.

Noting her unsteadiness and lack of coordination, the witch reached over and took the bottle from her gently. Their fingers touched momentarily, making them both lock eyes for the briefest of moments, before both averting their gazes shyly as Fin poured for the both of them.

“Mmm, well I was passing by and was oh so curious about the singing.” She explained without her usual eloquence.

Fin responded by raising his glass in a salute, which was when Annika held up her hand.

Everyone held their breaths.

“You know… I think you all were right after all. I’m glad I have my backup. Hannah, please tap in for me.” Lady Jenoure stood, and gracefully turned towards the young woman.

Fin’s face fell.

Hannah stumbled forward, and clumsily seated herself.

‘Did she… plan this?!’

The witch was frozen. What in the world could he do?!

“Son of a mage.” The cook cursed, making all the Knights around him glance around in confusion.

Keith was around?

“We forfeit.” Sir Taylor stepped forward boldly.

Lady Jenoure folded her arms across her chest. “I believe I said not to go easy on me.”

“Hannah is not you, my Lady.” Fin pointed out standing with Sir Taylor.

“Oh very well. As penalty Finlay Ashowan must finish his goblet.” She sighed, and fixed Sir Taylor with a firm stare. “You better go immediately after to inform Mr. Howard that I have commanded you Knights to perform.”

Some of the Knights that had been watching the entire match in silent amazement stepped forward and clapped the trio on their shoulders in support. Fin raised his goblet to the Lady, and downed it.

His insides blazed, melted, froze, blazed, and melted again.

If he moved he would be ill.

They all bowed to the Lady as everyone tried to leave quickly to get away from the growing stench of putrid vomit on the grass around them. Annika smiled graciously as they did so, as Hannah excused herself to go check on Peter. Lady Jenoure and Fin found themselves completely alone.

He held up his index finer once Hannah had disappeared into the bushes, then turned around and vomited. Unlike Sir Harris however, he stood back up wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“How much of that had you planned ahead?” He asked blinking away the stars in his eyes, and feeling incredibly grateful that the moonshine wouldn’t be staying in his stomach. His throat burned something fierce, but his focus on the woman in front of him helped distract from the fact.

Her smile turned devious.

“Since Sir Harris and the other Knights came.”

Fin frowned.

“Why?”

“They were going to bully your aides mercilessly. If Sir Taylor did sing under their force, he would’ve lost all dignity. This way he is the hero making a grave sacrifice.” She slurred some of the explanation and shrugged. “It also saved a potential brawl.”

The witch became very aware in that moment how terrifying the Viscountess truly was.

He realized that she could have easily dismissed them using her status and power. However she was right in her prediction that the Knights would’ve come back another time to harass Sirs Taylor, Lewis, and Andrews. She had manipulated the entire scenario from the beginning with incredible ease.

“Now shall we go hear them sing? After all this trouble they better be good.” Annika swept a loose strand of her hair back, and took a step forward only to stumble slightly.

Fin quickly caught her and helped her find her feet.

Feeling her in his arms however, reminded him quickly why he needed to stay away from her. She looked up at him, her eyes slightly unfocused, her lips a deep rosy color, and a small blush in her cheeks.

Gods she felt amazing being so close to him.

Fin’s heart was suddenly thundering, and so it was with great difficulty he pulled away from her.

“Perhaps you should return to the castle my Lady.”

“I’m seeing those Knights sing no matter what you say.” She stepped forward stubbornly.

Rubbing the back of his neck and staring at her retreating swaying back, he slowly moved his feet to catch up with her.

“So you knew I wouldn’t make Hannah drink that?”

“I knew the second all of you moved to protect her that she was a surefire way to make things go in my favor.”

“Where were you watching us from and why?”

“A Lady needs her secrets.” She answered daintily. “So the Knights… do they sing dancing music?”

“Maybe. I only heard them sing one song before. Why? Do you really want to dance in your current state?”

“I’m more interested to see you dance actually.” She teased staring up at him in a way that made him blush and feel pleased all at once.

“I-uh- I can’t dance. Or sing for that matter, so don’t get any ideas.”

“Don’t worry, I already have plenty of ideas and plans.”

Fin glanced over at her and smiled while shaking his head.

“I doubt any of those ideas are good.”

“Depends who you ask.” She laughed to herself while staring straight ahead.

People once again surrounded them as they rejoined the festival crowd, and Fin was left trying to dim the smile he wore. He failed to notice that the Lady beside him was doing the very same thing, and both of them were wholly unsuccessful.