The Trusted Keeper

Lenora looked from Grover to Leona.

Leona who had known Grover for a year. Who had spoken with Grover about the plants from Isolde. Who had found in that head of household a quality she had never been able to name but had always felt.

Now the name was there.

Nikolai.

Twelve years of preparation.

For this moment.

In the same kitchen where tea had always been ready before anyone asked for it.

Lenora