Read Online Sacred Bloodlines by Wendy Owens - Free Book Online

at some point.  There were wooden prep tables in every direction.  Gabe counted at least a dozen stoves.  He could imagine what the kitchen must be like when it was bustling with cooks.
    “Chef,” Michael said rushing over to shake the hand of a lanky man standing only feet away.  Gabe thought it humorous that a chef could be so thin, but quickly lost that thought when he saw the lavish table behind the man.  He realized he hadn’t eaten dinner the previous evening.  The growling in his stomach gave testimony to his hunger. Michael continued introducing them.  Gabe struggled to listen with all the distracting delicious delights before him.  His attention was caught by the food.  Soon the pleasantries were done and the chef stepped aside so Gabe could fill his plate.
    There were stacks of flapjacks with butter pooling on the top and drips running down the side.  Another plate was overflowing with twisted cinnamon buns that were smothered with homemade icing so thick the top of the buns were barely visible.  Crisp bacon, brown sausage (links and patties) and ham slices were artistically spiraled on another platter.  Scrambled eggs, any fruit you can imagine, biscuits, and gravy so creamy and smooth that Gabe mistook it for buttermilk.  
    The table never seemed to end.  Gabe couldn’t figure out where to begin.
    “Don’t worry,” Michael said patting him on the back.  “You can always get seconds.”
    Gabe was relieved that he didn’t have to choose only one item.  The thing that pleased him the most was that it wasn’t another morning of burnt toast and powdered eggs served at the home for wayward boys.  Gabe began to pile his plate as high as he could, catching a sausage link in his hand as it rolled from atop his mounded plate.  Once he found a seat at one of the wooden tables and benches, he didn’t stop eating until he thought he might burst.

Chapter Six
    After his amazing meal earlier that day, Gabe was given a tour of the grounds by a young boy named Rufus who he guessed couldn’t be any older than twelve.  
    As they walked the grounds, Gabe began to play back the conversations he and Michael had shared.  He had many more questions, but Michael had been called away on important business.  He had assured Gabe there would be plenty of time for more questions after he returned.  
    Gabe became uncomfortable when he realized that Rufus was continuously staring at him and stumbling over his words each time he spoke.  It didn’t take long for Gabe to realize the boy had some misplaced hero worship.  After only a few stops on the tour, Gabe feigned a headache and asked to be escorted back to his room.
    Rufus had been all too willing to accommodate him and practically tripped over his feet guiding him back to his chambers.  Once there, he offered to get Gabe anything he needed; perhaps a pain reliever or a healer.  Surprised at the notion of a healer coming to cure a headache, Gabe shook his head and explained to Rufus he just wanted to lie down.
    Gabe began to close the door with Rufus still yammering on the other side.  He guided it closed slowly trying not to be rude but the boy seemed to ramble incessantly.  At last, the boy paused to catch his breath.  Gabe seized the moment to say a quick thank you and goodnight, pushing the door closed completely.
    After he was alone, Gabe plopped down into one of the high back chairs near the fireplace.  His thoughts had just begun to wonder when he noticed that on the side table was the book he had been studying earlier with Michael.  
    On top of the book was a paper.  A short note was scribbled on it:
     
    Gabe,
    Please feel free to study further.  Hopefully, it will help you answer any questions you may have.  We will talk soon.
     
-Michael

    Gabe felt excitement swell up inside him as he tore open the book and thumbed through the thin pages.  He poured over all the details it contained for hours. He was amazed at how ideas in the book