Fallen Angel

Chapter 40: Emily

Warmth filled me as I stepped into the open area, the fire burning brightly in the dark room.

"Here, warm by the fire."

I sat on the chair and sighed heavily.

"Tell me what troubles you Emily."

"This."

Pulling the photo from its hiding spot, I passed it to the man.

"And I take it that this is the boy that your heart yearns for?"

"Yes. That is him and that is who he has moved on with."

"It would be wise to not dwell on such things my dear, you will only make your heart suffer more."

I nodded as he looked at the fob watch attached to his side pocket.

"The hour draws near and our guests will be arriving soon Emily. Come, let us prepare a feast for them."

"What is your name?" I asked as I followed him into the kitchen.

"Nathul."

I smiled as I leaned on the old oak bench, shaking my head in disbelief.

"And how is it that I did not recognise Nathul the great?"

"Because you were lost to your emotions, my dear."

Nathul limped his way around the kitchen that was like it belonged in a country manor. White panelled doors with thick slabs of oak surrounding three of the sides.

"Who are you expecting?"

"Three more, very important people. Time is escaping us Emily. Fetch that teapot and fill it with hot water from the kettle."

Taking the teapot, I filled it with hot water and put the tea into it.

"Set it onto the table with these."

I turned and saw the island bench filled with platters of food.

"Food made by magic does not have the same qualities as food made by hand. Are you certain you wish to offer these things Nathul?"

"It will be fine Emily."

He nodded as his eyes squinted, pushing half a boiled egg into place. The little yolk inside it had been shaped into a peak.

"Devilled eggs?"

"Don't you like them?"

"Uh yeah, well no. I mean, they're great."

Nathul nodded and produced an enormous chocolate cake.

"Let me guess, devil's food cake?"

"A sinful cake but I do love it, don't you?"

"I prefer the angelic variety."

I took the platters as well as the teapot to the dining room. It was a cosy room yet it seemed so spacious. The walls were lined with rows of tree trunks that went as high as the ceiling, curving over to form a tight canopy of branches and leaves. It was like I was standing in a forest. In the centre of the room was a long table, five chairs were nestled against it.

Three guests and the two that were already here. Two chairs at each end of the table, two on one side and a single chair on the other. The table was smooth and glossy, sitting in the centre was a candelabra that looked like it was made from a branch, the limbs spreading either side along the length of the table with white church candles resting on them.

Setting the items to the table, I returned to see that Nathul had set out a platter of dainty sandwiches.

"You know, I expected a hearty broth from a wizard."

Nathul huffed as he set a large bowl onto the bench, lifting the lid to show the broth.

"Anything else?"

"Just the names of the guests."

"I don't know their names."

His hand flicked as he gestured for me to move around the bench to him.

"Close the cupboard door, think of what you want to feast upon and then open the door again, the item will be waiting for you."

"Magic does not fill the stomach Nathul."

"It is fine Emily, we do not need to survive on this alone."

Then he began to walk to the door, hobbling with his cane in one hand.

"Where are you going?"

"To search for the guests, they may become lost if I am not there to greet them. Stay and fill the table."

I put my hand on the door handle and thought that I needed the setting for the five seats, when I opened the door there was a stack of plates, bowls, cups and cutlery.

Everything sparkled as I set the table, glinting with a brilliant shine. When the table was set with perfection, I went back to the cupboard.

"Serviettes would be great."

I opened the door and found the most peculiar squares of material. They were a swirled pattern of red and purple, the curl formed a point in the centre of the square. Folding them I placed them at each of the settings and walked out of the room. Stopping at the threshold, I turned back and looked at the table that was filled with so much food it was ridiculous. There was barely a spot on the table to be seen.

Returning to the kitchen I stood at the magical cupboard with my hand on the handle.

"Okay cupboard, I'm going to ask something of you and I hope that you will give it to me."

Taking a deep breath I closed my eyes and asked for Brannon. Opening the door I warily cracked one eye to see an empty space. With a huff of dejection I shut the door and suggested it needed a smack in the head. I cried out in pain when I opened the door and smacked my own head.

"I meant you, not me."

I rubbed my forehead, soothing the pain and hopefully removing any redness from the skin.

"Stupid door." I hissed at it. "Don't go telling me that you don't have a head and I deserved it for asking for something ridiculous. It's not ridiculous to ask for you to give me Brannon. You are a magical cupboard, you are supposed to give me what I want."

Huffing at it, I closed the door and restrained the tears. I was not going to cry over hitting my head or not having Brannon here.

Hearing the main door close, I stepped quietly through the kitchen to see who it was that Nathul had brought here. I couldn't see much, there was only the limited light from the fire place. But I could hear the voices, I could hear who they were and it made my heart jump with joy and fear at the same time. I didn't know what to do.