The apple cider was still simmering on the stove as Rex and I walked outside, taking the door that led to the garden. We decided to go on a quick walk in the garden, letting the cold air seep into our skin so that we could get in a proper mood for the warm cider.

When we walked back inside, I was shivering, both of our noses and cheeks red from the biting air. We took the pots off the stoves one by one. Rex poured out the liquid while I caught the fruits and spices in a cheesecloth, carefully using a spoon to squeeze as much extra juice and flavor into the containers.

"Alright, let's try the first one then," I said, lifting my spoon to take a sip. The first one with only sweet apples was, of course, sweet. A little bit too sweet, tasting almost like a warm apple juice. The second one with just tart apples was a lot more sour, which I happened to like a bit more than the first. The third one with unpeeled oranges was the best tasting so far, but the orange peels added a slight hint of bitterness and tartness that I wasn't the biggest fan of.

"I think the fourth one, with both types of apples and the peeled oranges will taste the best," I said, before trying it out. I nodded in confirmation. "This one has the perfect combination of sweet and sour, and the warming spicy taste from the cloves, cinnamon and other spices."

Rex set down his spoon, saying, "Honestly, I can't really taste the difference between the last two or the first two."

"Well, that's fine. It doesn't matter that much, since everyone's preferences will be different," I explained.

"For now, let's just pour all four of these together and drink ourselves, and then we can find time to make enough for all the knights," I suggested, tipping the bowls together into more glass jars we had set aside.

"How are we going to make enough for all of the knights though..." Rex wondered.

"I'm not sure, we might have to use all the pots we have," I said. "I doubt there's a single pot large enough to hold all of the liquid we'll need."

"Well, I'll try to see if I can find one," Rex shrugged. "Using up all these pots just means more things to clean, and that's no fun."

"I agree," I sighed. "If only there was something that could help speed up washing dishes."

Like a dishwasher. Too bad I have no idea how to make one.

"We should just tell Commander Landon to make washing dishes a punishment for poor performance," Rex suggested.

"Then I'd be washing all the dishes!"