Mr. Hartwell had assumed Alex’s best gift was fresh water a miracle in and of itself during this extended famine.
But he never expected Alex to bring that much food. Fresh beef alone was all but impossible to obtain even Ironhold’s richest merchants may not be able to afford such a cut now. And fruit? That was a fantasy.
Mr. Hartwell gazed at the feast, then promptly thrust up his hands in dismay.
"Mr. Alex, this is altogether too valuable. We can’t possibly accept it."
He shook his head resolutely. "During a famine year year, even if water is gold, but this... this is too expensive."
Although his mouth watered at the prospect, he couldn’t bring himself to waste Alex’s precious supplies.
Nathan nodded to his side, attempting to conceal how intensely he was gazing at the fruit and beef.
"Brother Alex, you really ought to reserve this for yourself. No one has any idea how long this famine will continue. You shouldn’t spend it on us."
Lucy joined in as well, her gentle voice warm with compassion but resolute in determination.
"Right, Alex. We’re thankful really but fortune can sustain you when things are worst. You shouldn’t waste it just to amuse us."
They three hadn’t enjoyed a full meal in years. Daily was half-hunger, half-hope. Some days, it was living while already halfway dead.
Alex had already done more for them than anyone — sold them pure water, kept Mr. Hartwell alive when the stones almost killed him. And now this — so much good food, spread out like a feast in a season of dryness and parched mouths.
Their good breeding in their family restrained them, they would not allow themselves to appear greedy, even when they ached for it.
Alex could tell. The words uttered no, but their eyes and Nathan’s audible swallow spoke louder.
He raised his brows on purpose, applying a mock scowl.
"Enough. Don’t attempt to reject me."
Alex folded his arms, his voice becoming half serious, half teasing.
"I’ve had more than enough nowadays and there’s a lot more in my storehouse. Today you eat with me, and you will eat well. If you don’t, you’ll be humiliating me."
He gestured toward Nathan, then toward Lucy, then toward Mr. Hartwell.
"No more excuses. You will sit, you will eat, and you will savor it. If you don’t I’ll be angry!"
Nathan gazed at Lucy, then back at the stacked meat on the weathered wooden table. He licked his lips once more, powerless.
Lucy released the slightest laugh, her head shaking back and forth. Even Mr. Hartwell’s eyes softened.
Only through the Hartwells’ good breeding and true kind hearts did they even attempt to decline Alex’s invitation to the barbecue.
Had it been any other family or worse, the starving refugees huddled outside Ironhold’s gates — no one would have bothered to ask. They’d have burst in and grabbed every bit of meat and fruit they could manage.
Mr. Hartwell lifted his hands once more, attempting to insist.
"Sir, this isn’t right... this food is too valuable. We can’t"
But Alex stopped him at once, patting him on the shoulder.
Mr. Hartwell was held in doubt, torn between thankfulness and reluctance. For a moment, he didn’t know if he should nod or protest again.
Alex moved forward, his tone warm but insistent.
"On now, Mr. Hartwell don’t stand on with me. I will be needing your assistance later on selling my water throughout Ironhold. You’re my partner now so you’ll have to eat well at my expense, isn’t that right?"
He squeezed Mr. Hartwell’s shoulder reassuringly. After a pause of several long moments, the old man finally caved a spark of genuine enthusiasm flashing in his weary eyes.
"Okay, Mr. Alex... thank you. Really."
Alex turned to Nathan and Lucy, who were still standing there in shock.
"Well? Your dad’s agreed. Are you two going to stand there all day? Get on with it prepare the firewood!
Nathan practically bounced in place like a boy half his age.
"Haha! Finally, a real meal! Thank you, Brother Alex from today, you’re my brother too!" He dashed off toward the shed to grab firewood, his grin wide enough to split his face.
Lucy’s cheeks flushed pink she tried to hide her smile but couldn’t help it.
"I’ll get the stove and spices ready, then..." she said quickly, disappearing into the kitchen to gather utensils and sauces.
After three harsh years of scraping by on scraps and weeds, the thought of a proper meal made their hearts race.
They moved together efficiently. Firewood was piled, tinder was arranged, and in a few moments, a good fire crackled under a plain iron grate. Alex put out the wings, ribs, and slices of beef. The fat splattered and spattered as it seared the meat, its golden-brown crust glinting in the dancing light.
The smell of something delicious drifted through the little courtyard thick, smoky, and irresistible.
When the first batch was done, Alex turned with a smile and offered a wing to Mr. Hartwell.
"It’s ready dig in! There’s plenty for everyone tonight."
Nathan dug into his portion with wide eyes.
"Incredible! Brother Alex, you’re amazing!"
Mr. Hartwell took a small, cautious bite and couldn’t help his grin.
"Delicious — you really know your craft, Alex. This is the best thing I’ve tasted in years."
Lucy had a bite as well, eyes lighting up as the taste landed on her tongue. She promptly clapped her mouth shut, giggling.
Alex joined in on the laughter, sitting down on a stool and taking a wing for himself.
"Barbecue’s my forte, you know," he joked playfully. "I used to do this all the time back home practice enough and you’re a pro at it.".