Chad was thankful the chair sat in close proximity to the fire burning in the fireplace. The chill from outside still maintained a presence within him. Once seated, Chad silently enjoyed the fire’s warmth while her father gazed at him. The fact that her father didn’t say anything slightly unnerved him. When the silence grew too overwhelming, he said, “You have a wonderful family.”

Alicia’s father nodded. “They are my greatest treasure,” he replied.

The doorway to the library was in Chad’s line of sight and he saw little Erin peering around the corner at him. When she caught him looking at her, she quickly ducked her head back out of sight.

“Alicia tells me you belong to the Warriors Guild here in Gilbeth?” asked her father.

Chad nodded, returning his attention to the man sitting across from him. “That’s right,” he replied. “I recently finished my initial training and have been raised to Armsman.” He sought some sort of reaction from him at that, but his face revealed nothing.

“She also tells me that you are employed by a magic user,” he stated. “One who himself has only recently left behind the designation of Apprentice.”

“Yes, sir,” he acknowledged.

“Not much money in that is there?” he asked.

Chad didn’t know what to say to the man. “Not a lot, no,” he replied. Then his eyes caught sight of Erin peering at him from around the corner again.

“Hmmm,” grunted her father. He didn’t look entirely pleased at the man his daughter held an interest in. But then again, what man was ever good enough for a father’s daughter?

“My father owns and operates a mill up north in Quillim,” Chad offered.

“A millers’ son?” he asked.

Chad nodded. “That’s right,” he replied. “Though my older brother Tye will be taking over the mill after my father.” Erin continued to stare at him from the hallway.

“I see,” Alicia’s father said.

Just then Erin disappeared from the edge of the doorway. A moment later, her mother arrived with a tray bearing two glasses of steaming mulled wine. “Thought you could use something to warm yourself,” she said as she entered the room.