CHAPTER NINE
I flopped my tongue out and stared at myself in the mirror.
Ben and I had returned to our room after our breakfast with Aunt Dreda and I now stood in front of the vanity mirror staring at my reflection. I poked at my tongue.
Ben strode up behind me. “Is something the matter?”
I slurped my tongue back in and turned to face him. “I was just making sure my tongue was still there. Your aunt’s coffee is so strong I thought maybe it had strangled my tongue.”
He chuckled. “She is fond of strong foods. You should try her chili. It’s legendary in these parts.”
I shuddered. “I think that’s one legend I don’t want to meet.”
“Then what do you say to making the acquaintance of less legendary subjects?” he mused as he folded his arms over his chest. “The people of Scima are
