Cooper said, “I have never hunted a day in my life.”
“Really? Never?”
“Never. Meat comes from the store. It has come from the store for a hundred years, basically.”
“Och, that would be a life of ease, yet… I think I would miss the act of it. A hunt always tests the best and worst of a man. Ye will experience more of everythin’ — I hae been grateful for God’s largesse and angry, hungry, and fearful, sometimes in the same morn.”
Cooper nodded, then said, “So we’re comparing the two worlds, as if we believe it?—”
Torin leaned forward, “I dinna prove m’self, Master Cooper?”
“A little, I think you proved you were a time traveler, you’re very good in the role, but sadly you haven’t proven that time travel exists. It doesn’t, so no matter how good you are at staying in character, I can’t believe you are who you say you are. Like,if you told me you were, I don’t know… a fairy, you could be the most convincing fairy in the world. I could fully believe you are as close to being a fairy as possible, but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t believe in magic, fairies don’t exist.”
Torin’s brow drew down. “What dost ye mean by fairy, the fae? Ye daena believe the fae exist?”
Cooper’s eyes went very wide, “Now what, you’re going to tell me they do?”
Torin shook his head. “Ye must hope they canna hear ye, Master Cooper, the fae daena take kindly tae men questionin’ their existence.”
Cooper rolled his eyes. “Man, this has been a wild couple of meals. It’s been really interesting meeting you… when do you leave?”
I raised my brow. “Cooper, you promised.”
Cooper said, “I know, sorry, Babe, I’m being cool… sorry Torin.”
Torin said, “It daena matter, Mistress Lexi. I said I was leavin’ after breakfast and I am, nae matter how delicious the cakes-from-the-pan taste. Tae answer your question, Master Cooper, I will leave once the meal is over.” He looked around the table. “Tis close.”
I said, “Would you like some more strawberries?”
“Aye.”
30
LEXI
2004 - THE KITCHEN
Isaid, “So you’re leaving.”
“Aye, I will leave on the vessel as soon as we finish.”
“But you’ve left before…”
“Aye, four times already, if m’memories are correct, five if ye count last night.”
I said, “Last night! You left last night?”
“Aye, after we spoke. I knew ye wanted me tae come tae breakfast, but I thought twould be better if I left afore ye were beggin’ me tae go. Ye dinna see the storm?”
“No, I guess I was sleeping.”
He chewed his lip. “I walked a good way off. I meant tae go farther, but was concerned because Dude was followin’ me and I dinna ken if he knew his way back.”
Cooper said, “You time traveled last night… but now you’re back? It didn’t workagain?”
“Aye, I attempted it, but I had misgivings. The vessel had different markings than the last time I jumped, somehow they were altered. Dost ye remember anything changin’ when we looked at it at the table?”
I shook my head.
