Kings and Pawns

Chapter 9

The next morning the sounds of the garrison awoke me. By the time I arrived downstairs, most of the men of the fort and the junior officers had already assembles in the dining hall. The long tables were filled with a bounty of food and the men were piling their plates full.

I navigated through the crowd to an empty seat beside Norfrin. He was shoveling food into his mouth with one hand and holding his beard away from his plate with the other.

"Good morning Norfrin," I greeted him as I sat down. He grunted in return, barely glancing in my direction. Neither of us wasted much more talk, instead we focused on filling our stomachs, grabbing food from the large platters that were being passed down the table.

The food was a far cry above what we had been eating the past three days, and I mentally noted to be sure and pay my compliments to the cook. By the time I had finished my plate, most of the other men had already left the building. I spotted Caliet at the far corner of the room and motioned her over to where Norfrin and I sat.

When she was sitting with us, Norfrin started a conversation. "What exactly have you two got planned today?"

Caliet frowned at him. "That depends, who is asking? You or Captain Trey?"

Norfrin ginned. "She is a bright one isn't she?" he asked me.

I nodded with a smile of my own. "She is at that, she has been the brains of our partnership for quite some time now."

Norfrin chuckled. "And it would be wise to continue so, for she is exactly right. Captain Trey has made it my duty to keep both of you under surveillance until he is satisfied with your conduct and competence."

Caliet bristled at his admittance, but I was glad of Captain Trey's choice, not only did his decision show wisdom, it also provided Caliet and I with our own personal guide to the fort.

"Well," I said, speaking before Caliet could open her mouth and spout whatever indignant insult was clearly on her tongue, "I think it's a good thing you will be our companion, it will give me the opportunity to ask questions and familiarize myself with all of the aspects of the fort."

Norfrin nodded, suddenly all business. "Indeed, that much I can do, I've been over every inch of this place since we were assigned here a year ago. Anything you'd like to know, I can tell you or find someone who can."

From Caliet's facial expression, I could tel she was not happy to be followed by Norfrin, but even she could see the value of his knowledge of our knew post.

"Good," I said, "We'll have a closer look at the fort this morning. I take it we will be able to ride the perimeter of the clearing and the village as well?"

Norfrin answered affirmatively and we stood. They moved to the door to leave and I told them that I would meet them outside. When they exited, I went to the door at the opposite side of the room.

Heat from three ovens was spilling from the door of the large kitchen. As I reached it, I almost collided with a young girl as she left it to collect empty dishes from the tables. I peeked inside the kitchen, paying heed to what Norfrin had said yesterday about not bothering the cook. She was standing at a table, her back to me. The only detail of her appearance I could make out was her wavy brown hair that, even contained in a braid, fell past her thin waist. Her dress was a nondescript greyish colour and was covered by a wrap-around apron.

I cleared my throat and she turned her head so I could see her ear and the flush on her cheek. "My compliments to the cook, and my thanks for the fine meal."

She nodded. "You are welcome," she said before turning her head back to her work, effectively dismissing me.

I left the dining hall, looking around until I spotted Norfrin and Caliet by the stables. I went to them and together we went inside and retrieved our mounts.