Page 57 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

“Great job, Percy.” Leo kneaded dough. “You’re really earning your keep!”

Percival’s chest puffed up. It turned out, his ability to sense and control the heat in the oven really helped at the family’s Christmas market stall.

“Thanks.” Lacy patted Percival on the shoulder and took the basket to the counter.

A line of customers waited at their stall, probably drawn in by the smell of baked bread, which lingered in the air. Their stall sold a variety of baked goods, much of which was made in the bakery. But they baked various breads fresh in the oven that stood to the side of the stall.

Percival walked over to the dough. Leo had made them earlier, and they had been resting. He placed the proofed dough, one by one on the shelves in the oven, once again using his bare hands. He closed the oven door.

Then he placed his hands to the oven. Closing his eyes, he attuned to the coals burning within. Concentrating his focus, he steadied the heat radiating from them.

He smiled. He was getting a hold of his phoenix powers. He inhaled. The scent of smoke and baking bread filled his nostrils, along with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and honey-roasted nuts from nearby stalls.

For a couple of seconds, he lingered, hands pressed to the oven. Not to control the heat, but for the pleasure of the scorching temperature seeping into his hands. Finally, he stepped back and went to help Lacy, Jack, and Grady serve customers.

“Merry Christmas. How can I help you?” Percival asked a centaur.

But even as he served customers, in the back of his mind, he kept sensing the oven and stabilising the heat. When needed, he went and added more coal. Then when the bread finished baking, he took them out.

“Evening, all,” Wulfric called out as he and Briar entered the stall.

There was a round of greetings.

“All right! That’s the end to our shift, Percy.” Leo took off his apron. “Let’s take off.”

Percival and Leo said their goodbyes as they left.

“You worked well today. Are you tired?” Leo asked. “Do you want to head home or stick around?”

Percival stared up at the snow falling from the sky. He glanced around at the markets and the smiling faces. “Let’s walk around a bit longer.”

They walked to a stall and got a couple of mugs of hot chocolate with cinnamon. They sipped as they strolled.

The stalls sold a plethora of things: fried meat, wooden figures, mulled wine, wreaths, different types of candy, and dried fruit and nuts. It was an overload of the senses. Everywhere he looked there was something new to see.

“Oh, look! It’s Cas and Graal!” Percival pointed.

Up ahead, Cas and his orc mate, Graal, walked together.

Leo’s adopted pixie brother wasn’t working tonight. But it was pretty common for Cas and Graal to visit the Christmas markets even when Cas wasn’t working.

Leo lifted a hand and waved. But they were too busy whispering to each other to see Leo and Percival. Then Cas kissed Graal and grabbed the big orc’s hand. Graal smiled affectionately as he was tugged behind a stall.

Leo’s hand dropped. “Ah… I think they’re busy.”

Percival frowned. Then his eyes widened as understanding dawned on him. “Here? At the Christmas markets?”

“Yep. I think they just like fucking outdoors. And Cas loves Christmas, so maybe that’s why he particularly likes fucking here.” Leo chuckled.

Percival laughed, shaking his head.

They passed more stalls. A dwarf sold jewellery, including a beautiful phoenix pendant. At another stall, a yeti sold socks knitted from his own fur. Percival itched to buy some of the wares. But right now, he had no money.

Grady had mentioned he’d be paid at the end of the week. If he had any money left over after purchasing some basics, maybe he’d come and buy something here.

They passed a stall selling glass baubles. A sign on the table read “Everflame Glass Factory.”

Percival halted. His skin prickled.Everflame Glass Factory. This was his uncle’s company. This was the company he’d worked for.