Pilot: Book One of the Channel Riders

and syrup stained the air and her stomach rumbled in response. Heat

nens and sparkling crystal. Around the sides were various stations where one could have waffles or an omelet prepared by the person manning that station. Rememb

." Alexandro left her to have her waffle made. By the time the chef handed her a

oms, " she commented, lo

zed." They made their way to the table and took their seats. Other Council members loade

for a beverage m

d be nice, "

decaf madam?

ever came. Instead a simple cup of black coffee was placed beside her plate. The others around the tabl

w, " Peter said taking t

she

here often enough that

to her lips. The strawberries smelled sweet and fresh, complementing the warm waffle. The melted butter filled the square hole

ut risking a fire. Personally, she always thought this was

uld crease her forehead as she left on Saturday evening. Leaving a reckless child and a crazy old man alone to wreak havoc on the orderly house she left behind never set we

l for the Council and we have had to meet a

ed, pulling her mind

't know?"

e muscles tighten in her grandfather's jaw. Her lack of political interest had always been a sore point between the

ion. She turned her attention back to Peter. She noticed his eyes slide between her and Ale

to break a few of your records." He spread clotted cream on his scone. Elena smiled, a bit uncomfortable with the implied praise. Sh

r continued. "She favors you in coloring a bit

said. In truth Therese was exactly three and one quarter's in

hair is

lots either kept their hair long so that it could be tied back and out of the way while ship board or cu

t Danvers." He said. E

ility where people could come and talk council politics, possibly even snagging the ear of a councilmember or two for a few minutes. Michael Danvers had long since turned to dust, his grave lost and fo

ever bee

n, but couldn't fault his derision for her massive understatement. Her first trip to Danvers had ended in what could politely be termed a brawl. As Therese later pointed out, the first ever brawl Danvers ha

e old story into the light. To her relief, he let the topic of politics drop. "Alexandro

aid, giving up all pretense of ignoring

a deep sip of the fresh coffee, unsure what else to say about her business. She knew Peter would just as easily see the links for his business as her grandfather had and the thought made her unco

ing. 'Would I find those same stories about grandfather if I looked?' she wondered silently.

you are being quite modest, " he

t straight into the council chambers." Elena narrowed her eyes and cut them towards her grandfather. He once again appeared to be deep in conve

go and stopped to take a look. His description was quite favorable. Perhaps there

home was far removed from the normal course of Guild business, Peter would have had to send Nick specifically to see what she was up to. While a

efer to see if Peter has another foot he would like to try swallowing?" Elena smiled and realized the

" Elena turned towards the table. "If you gentlemen would excuse me, Mr. Baranov. Grandfather." E