The Feast of Ashes
The wind carried the scent of smoke from the volcanic island. curling around the cliffs where Taranis trained his Black Shields. Even here, amid ash and stone. There was a need for sustenance not just for the body, but for the soul.
In a small, concealed cave, Lore the chronicler and mystic had set a fire. From his satchel, he pulled fragrant herbs, roasted nuts, and grains known to those who traveled far and survived hardships.
Tonight, they would eat something more than survival rations a meal to remind them of home, strength, and resilience.
Lore’s Fire-Roasted Chicken with Autumn Vegetables (Diabetic-Friendly, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients (serves 4):
4 skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced butternut squash
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 small red onion, quartered
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Place chicken on a baking tray and surround with vegetables.
Roast for 35–40 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F and vegetables are tender.
Serve hot, letting the aromas of rosemary and smoke linger like whispers of legend.
Lore handed Taranis a bowl, and for a moment, the fire’s warmth softened the storm within him.
The Black Shields ate in silence. Each bite a small act of defiance nourishing bodies. That would soon fight, and reminding themselves that even in exile, life is reclaimed.
“Food,” Lore said softly, “is also a shield, a weapon against despair. Remember this taste, for one day, it will be a memory of freedom.”
Taranis nodded, letting the smoke and flavors mingle with the burning promise in his veins. The storm waited outside, but tonight, they were fed stronger, sharper, ready
StormborneLore 