Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 42

      "But I want you to cook too," Evergreen says from across the tent. "Besides Osprey here wanted to meet you and you are making such a bad first impression."

     "I am a plains heathen, we don't make good impressions," I retort throwing the pillow in Evergreens direction. I finally give up on extending my nap as Osprey erupts into a fit of giggles. I follow the girl up to the keep and down into the kitchen. I find everything sitting out and three very fearful looking cooks staring at me. I ignore the cooks and begin to boil the water and then chop the vegetables.

     "How many are we serving?" I ask. The three cooks gasp and then look at me. I try lowland and get the same result. I change to highlands dialect and receive the same result. In frustration I switch to Draconian and ask the question a fourth time.

     "We are serving all of your people, plus the keep, mi'lady," the eldest cook finally sputters.

     "Thank you," I say in Draconian. I switch to the biggest pot I can find and add more water. I wait for it to boil as I chop another pile of vegetables. I throw them into the boiling water as I mince an entire wheel of cheese. I check the flavor and adjust the seasoning after adding some flour to thicken the meal. I taste it again and smile.

     "That is ready," I say helping them to ladle it into wooden bowls. I make sure to set aside four bowls and then take the first set of trays up to the hall. I pass them out and watch the group sitting at the high table. Lark and Osprey smile at me as I set down their bowls along with Evergreen's and Pine's bowl. I return the empty tray to the kitchen and watch as the cooks load up the last four bowls.

     "These three are for you," I say setting them in front of the cooks.

     "We aren't allowed to eat their food," says the youngest.

    "Well I cooked it and I want you to try it, how else will you learn how to make it," I say shoving the bowls back at them. I grab my bowl and begin to eat while the other courses are served. I eat with the help and learn that only a few of the people in this keep rallied against Evergreen. I also find out that most if not all are now dead. The help is happy that Lark is in charge and none like their councilor except for the late Lord of the Mountain Keep. I steal bits of food from the returning platters. Then I begin to make a smaller stew with the leftovers. I take the smaller pot and several mugs and visit the wounded. I start with the ones able to feed themselves and then move on to those that need help. When they are full I return the empty pot to the kitchen and help wash the dishes.

     "Thank you for feeding my son," says the eldest cook.

     "I am sorry I don't know which one he is," I say rinsing the bowl.

     "He's the fair haired boy with the gash across his head. He has trouble sitting up," she says. "I went to visit him and he said you helped him eat."

     "I fed all the wounded," I say as I continue to wash the dishes.

     "You let us finish up," they all chorus gently removing me from the menial tasks. I wander out of the kitchen and into the herb garden behind the kitchen. I stare up at the stars and moon and admit to myself that I miss my plains and my aunt and uncle. I close my eyes and turn my face towards the moonlight. I sense him approaching before he stops next to me.

     "I missed you at the meal," Evergreen says quietly.

     "I find I can get a better feel of a keep from the lowest rung rather than the highest rung," I say.