Crunchy Nut Bars of Energy

Talia's POV

"Are the soups doubling?" The Inn owner's eyes widen, seeing each half-filled plate of soup doubling as fast as I can't even explain. The scene before me amazes me, but I compose myself quickly so he won't notice I'm as surprised as they are. Are the soups supposed to be doubling? The thought crosses my mind.

The name of the soup calls my attention to the reason this is happening. It is called Enchanted Stew of Plenty, which explains it better. I smile, meeting the owner's gaze as he gazes at me surprisingly, and then back to the plates of soups.

"Serve the guests now, please. It will take a long time before it finishes." I say, shoulders high and feeling myself for a job well done. The more the staff serve, the more the soup increases, and in no time, the Inn is filled with soups here and there, and everywhere is filled with food. Everyone is eating, and the Inn is becoming lively, unlike the moment we came earlier.

The Inn owner and his staff treat George and me like VIPs. We are given their best room, enjoying all the facilities in the Inn.

It is morning now, and we are set to leave, just as we step out of the Inn, the Inn owner rushes towards us. "Can you please wait here and work for me? I'll pay you any amount if you don't mind; the thing is, my clients loved the soup last night, and they want to have more of it." He pleads.

"I'm sorry, I can't. I have a destination, and that is certainly not here. I'd love to, left to me, but no thanks." Bidding farewell to the Inn owner who is still following us with his gaze, we set out, continuing the journey of no destination in the woods.

A part of me is afraid of what the future holds, while another part is grateful to Grandma, for allowing me to help a lot of people through the recipe book. This gives me a confirmation that I can be useful and that not a total waste like I was made to feel in my Pack.

"So where are we heading to now, Talia?" George who has been quiet since we left the Inn speaks,

"Nowhere, my dear, but we will surely get somewhere." I'm aware of the fact that he didn't understand my reply, but I am not in the mood for explanations right now. Moving ahead, we see a brook ahead of us, a sly smile creeping onto George's lips while calling my attention to it.

"Look, that brook ahead of us can serve as a resting place. Can we rest Talia? Even if it's for a short time. Please?" He begs, and for some seconds, I wonder why I decided to take him along in the first place.

"Okay, we'll take a short break."

As we are resting, our stomach begins to rumble at the same time, and we are feeling the urge to eat. I am confident now to try out another recipe from my book, so I search for another simple recipe. "Crunchy Nut Bars of Energy." Just what we need now. Energy to push through on this journey. The instructions are straightforward.

Ingredients

1. Rolled oats – 1 cup (easy to carry, nutritious).

2. Honey – 3 tablespoons (a natural sweetener and binder).

3. Mixed nuts – ½ cup (e.g., almonds, cashews, or peanuts, pre-chopped).

4. Dried fruits – ¼ cup (e.g., raisins or chopped dates for sweetness and energy).

5. Peanut butter – 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra flavour and binding).

Equipment

A small cooking pot or tin.

A spoon for mixing.

Wax paper or leaves to set the bars.

Steps to Prepare

1. Set up

Find a flat surface and gather a few stones to stabilize the cooking pot over a small fire. Alternatively, use a portable camping stove if available.

2. Mix the base ingredients:

Combine rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruits in the pot. Stir them well.

3. Heat the binder:

Warm the honey (and peanut butter, if using) gently in the pot. Stir until it becomes a smooth, sticky mixture.

4. Combine everything:

Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

5. Shape the bars:

Spread the mixture onto a piece of wax paper or smooth it into a flat layer on a clean leaf. Press it down firmly to pack it tightly.

6. Cool and set:

Place the mixture in a shaded spot near the brook to cool for about 10–15 minutes. If the brook is shallow and cool, the bars can be set on a clean, flat rock near the water.

7. Cut and store:

Once firm, cut into bar shapes and wrap individually for easy snacking during the journey.

Magical Incantation for "Crunchy Nut Bars of Energy"

*By the brook where waters flow,

Grant this meal a vibrant glow.

With oats of strength and sweet honey,

Infuse this mix with energy's beat.

Nuts of wisdom, fruits of light,

Empower all who take a bite.

Bind these gifts with nature's charm,

To shield the weary from all harm.

Moonlight's grace and the sun's warm rays,

Bless these bars for endless days.

Crunch and chew, let spirits rise,

Magic crafted, energize!*

We are done with the preparation now, and I have recited the magical incantations. As we are eating, a strange rumble in the bush nearby causes us to sit up on high alert.

"Did you hear that sound?" George asks, tensed and almost jumping off the stone he's sitting on.

"Yes I do, but it's probably a stray insect or so. You don't need to panic, eat up and let's continue the journey. I'm certain we will find a place to stay very soon." I assure.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a mischievous squirrel jumps out from behind me, and before I can say, Jack, it snatches my bag and the Crunchy Nut Bars I am holding. Dashing into the woods, I give it an immediate chase, following it up and down in the woods.

It keeps circling the woods while I and George follow. "Hey give me the bag, you can have the Crunchy bags! Just give the bag back to me!" I am screaming, but this mischievous squirrel doesn't seem to understand the importance of the bag in its custody.

I stop my chase, panting and frustrated. That squirrel was no ordinary rodent-it was cunning and fast and seemed to delight in taunting me. I glance at George, who's doubled over too, trying to catch his breath.

"This is insane!" George gasps, wiping his sweaty face. "What are we going to do, Talia? The recipe book is in that bag!"

My heart beats faster. I can't let some cheeky squirrel scamper away with what seems like my inheritance.

Then a realization hits me. A recipe I can use to make the squirrel come out of wherever it's hiding. "Heh, squirrel? You want food, Hun? I'll give you some now." I yell into the thin air.

"George," I say, calming my breath, "we're not going to chase it anymore."

He looks at me like I've lost my mind. "Why not?"

"No," I reply with a grin. "We're going to outsmart it. Fetch me those extra nuts and fruits we didn't use earlier. I'll prepare something irresistible."

I pull out the recipe book's magical memory from my brain. "Nutty Trail"

Ingredients for Nutty Trail:

1. Mixed nuts – a handful.

2. Dried fruits – a handful.

3. Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional).

4. Honey – just a drizzle.

I grab what we have left: a handful of nuts, some dried fruits, and a few crumbs George finds at the bottom of his pocket.

"Watch this," I whisper, focusing on the task.

I sprinkle the nuts and fruits on the ground, drizzling the honey in a trail leading to an open clearing.

The Incantation for Nutty Trail

Little thief of forest skies,

Here's a treat you can't despise.

Nuts and fruits, a tempting prize,

Come to a feast where bounty lies.

I can feel the magic working from the tingling of the air.

"Now we wait," I whisper to George, pulling him behind a tree.

The squirrel shows up in less than two minutes, its nose twitching as it smells the air. It scurries along the trail, grabbing each piece of nut and fruit, looking more relaxed with every bite. When it gets closer to the clearing, I see my bag hanging on its back like a prize.

"Come on, just a little further," I murmur.

It finally reaches the end of the trail, where I've placed the large walnut as big as its head. Greedy little thing can't resist.

As soon as it's occupied with cracking the walnut, I pounce.

"Gotcha!" I yell, grabbing the bag. The squirrel squeaks in protest, scurrying away into the bushes with the walnut still in its mouth.

George cheers, clapping like a kid. "Talia, you're a genius! That was amazing!"

I sling the bag over my shoulder, feeling triumphant. "You learn a few things when your life revolves around food magic."

"What is that place?" George questions, pointing towards a direction.