Chapter 14
Thomas startled Lionel and Magda by rising with the sun the next morning. Worry had made sleep elusive and the dark dreams that came with it made the night less than restful. Bleary-eyed and foggy, he stumbled to the well and doused himself with a bucketful. The shock of the cold water drove off the fog, leaving his mind clear and his body shivering.
“You know, we can heat water before you put your face under it,” said Lionel, stepping out of the forge. “Or is it a scholarly tradition?”
“Usually only after a night of drinking,” Thomas shook his head then combed his fingers through his hair to get the water out. “Hot water for shaving would be appreciated, though.”
“Shaving?” Lionel’s eyebrow went up. “You? You have your father’s skin, and he can’t grow a beard to save his li
