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 cannot possibly accept it."
He shook his head resolutely. "During a famine year like this, even water is gold, but this... this is too expensive."
Although his mouth watered at the prospect, he could not bring himself to waste Alex's precious supplies.
Nathan nodded at 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 should not spend it on us."
Lucy joined in as well, her gentle voice warm with compassion but resolute in determination.
"Right, Alex. We are thankful, really, but fortune like this can sustain you when things are worst. You should not waste it just to amuse us."
The three of them had not enjoyed a full meal in years. Every day 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 upbringing and their family values 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. Do not attempt to reject me."
Alex folded his arms, his voice becoming half serious, half teasing.
"I have had more than enough nowadays and there is a lot more in my storehouse. Today you eat with me, and you will have to eat well. If you do not, you will be insulting me."
He gestured toward Nathan, then toward Lucy, then toward Mr. Hartwell.
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' upbringing 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 would 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 is not right... this food is too valuable. We cannot..."
But Alex stopped him at once, patting him on the shoulder.
"That is final."
Mr. Hartwell was held in doubt, torn between thankfulness and reluctance. For a moment, he did not know if he should nod or protest again.
Alex moved forward, his tone warm but insistent.
"Come now, Mr. Hartwell. Do not stand on ceremony with me. I will be needing your assistance later on selling my water throughout Ironhold. You are my partner now, so you will have to eat well at my expense, is that not 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 has 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 are 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 could not help it.
"I will 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 sizzled 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 is ready. Dig in! There is plenty for everyone tonight."
Nathan dug into his portion with wide eyes.
"Incredible! Brother Alex, your cooking is amazing!"
Mr. Hartwell took a small, cautious bite and could not help his grin.
"Delicious. You really know your craft, Alex. This is the best thing I have tasted in years."
Lucy had a bite as well, eyes lighting up as the taste landed on her tongue. She promptly covered her mouth, giggling.
Alex joined in on the laughter, sitting down on a stool and taking a wing for himself.
"Barbecue is my forte, you know," he joked playfully. "I used to do this all the time back home. Practice enough and you become a pro at it."