Temporal Adventures

Chapter 04: Stolen

Chapter 04: Stolen

As the sun grew hot over their heads, Sir Kastin led the Jenkins family to a small inn where a meal had been prepared for them.

The inn was crowded and boisterous. Most of the people worked on devouring heaping portions of food, but others laughed together loudly between gulps of large tankards topped by crowns of white foam. The tables and chairs were made from either logs or tree branches cut down to size and polished smooth. A roaring fireplace in the corner roasted a large piece of meat on a spit, sending out a fragrant aroma to fill the inn.

Trophies from successful hunting trips hung on the walls in the form of skulls bearing horns or antlers. Spears and swords were also mounted on the wall, and banners hung from the overhead beams of the ceiling.

Sir Kastin guided the family to a table where they might observe the entire dining hall while maintaining a discreet distance from the other patrons.

"I shall see to thy meal," he told them before vanishing into the crowd on his way to the kitchen.

"Do we have to wait until tonight to talk?" Cassie asked in an insistent whisper while leaning across the table to her father.

"I don't suppose so," Mike replied after looking around and being certain no one could possibly overhear their conversation.

"So, how did we get to England?" Cassie questioned.

"I've been thinking about it," Mike answered. "From what I know of temporal theory, gravity is a factor."

"Do you mean similar to when a black hole slows down time near the event horizon?" Sean questioned, remembering a comment one of the characters on a sci-fi TV show had mentioned on the subject.

"Yes, exactly," Mike confirmed his son's opinion. "If this is the case, it would explain everything. Earth's orbit alters its position in the solar system, and the earth's rotation on its axis causes continents to be in different locations as time progresses. As Earth moves along its orbit, we'd be pulled along. Although the draw of gravity isn't enough to leave us in the exact spot where we started, it is sufficient to keep us from being deposited in space."

Just as Mike finished speaking, Sir Kastin returned with their lunch. The wide tray held a variety of fruit and a large bird, easily recognizable by the fact it still had a beak.

Cassie cringed slightly as she felt uncomfortable eating anything that still looked like an animal and had a face. Sir Kastin observantly picked up on her unease and turned the tray slightly, revealing a chunk of meat, well cooked over an open fire.

"Perhaps, I could interest thee in the mutton?" he offered.

"Thank you," Cassie said gratefully, taking a portion of the meat onto her plate.

Each member of the family helped themselves to the available options of meat and a selection of the fresh fruits piled around them. Sir Kastin departed and returned after a moment with tall metal cups filled with ice cold water.

"How did you get the water this cold?" Mike asked when he drank some from his cup.

"It comes from the king's private spring," Sir Kastin explained. "He authorized a portion for his guests."

"If you see the king before we do, be sure to express our deepest thanks for this honor," Alison said.

"I will do so," Sir Kastin promised, "but, the reason the king offered this to thee is because it is he who is honored by thy presence. I'm certain thy family wishes to speak without concern over my hearing, so with thy permission, I shall withdraw."