The door pushed open with a familiar creak.
Mr. Dand stepped in, brushing dust from his sleeves. His eyes scanned the room and landed on the two bowls waiting on the table.
"You cooked?" he asked, raising a brow.
Billy wiped his hands on a cloth. "Tried to make something decent before you got back."
Artur added, "He used the good rice."
Mr. Dand gave a short grunt—half amused, half tired—and made his way to the chair with that slow, steady pace of his. "Must be a good day, then."
He sat down, nodding once in approval. "Smells better than what they served at the elder's meet."
Billy glanced over. "Rough meeting?"
"Long," Mr. Dand said, accepting the bowl Billy placed in front of him. "And full of opinions."
Artur sat back down, raising his spoon. "What's the plan now?"
"They want us ready by the end of the week. First prep starts soon as tomorrow."
Billy leaned forward. "Same arrangement as before?"
