Read Online Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist - Free Book Online Page B

said, “You hold your tongue. That is a good quality.” He rose and came to stand before Talon as if seeking to see something in his face up close he could not see from a distance. After a brief inspection, he asked, “What did Leo say you were to do?’’
    â€œI was to pour wine into wine goblets and ale into ale goblets.’’
    â€œThat was all?’’
    â€œYes, sir.’’
    Kendrick smiled. “Leo thinks it amusing to toss a boy into service without mentioning all the duties. I shall again have to have words with him. You did well enough, and none of the guests realized you were not experienced.” He turned to Robert, and said, “I will leave him to you. Good night.’’
    Robert rose and nodded in farewell, then motioned for Talon to come sit.
    Talon did so, and Robert studied him.
    Finally, Robert said, “Do you know the name of the man who sat at the head of the table?’’
    Talon said, “Yes.’’
    â€œWho is he?’’
    â€œCount Ramon DeBarges.”
    â€œHow do you know that?’’
    â€œI saw him before, the last time he visited the inn. Lela told me his name.’’
    â€œHow many rings did he wear on his left hand?’’
    Talon was surprised by the question, but said nothing as he tried to remember. After calling up an image of the count holding his wine goblet for more wine, he answered, “Three. A large red stone in a silver setting upon his smallest finger. A carved gold ring upon his next finger, and a gold ring with two green stones upon his pointing finger.’’
    â€œGood,” said Robert. “The green stones are emeralds. The red stone is a ruby.’’
    Talon wondered what the purpose of these questions was, but kept silent.
    â€œHow many emeralds in the necklace worn by the Lady to the Count’s left?’’
    Talon paused, then said, “Seven, I think.’’
    â€œYou think or you know?’’
    Talon hesitated, then said, “I think.’’
    â€œNine.” Robert studied the young man’s face, as if expecting him to say something, but Talon remained silent. After a long pause, he asked, “Do you remember what the Count and the man two places down, on his right, were speaking of when you were serving ale to the lady between them?’’
    Talon remained quiet a minute as he searched his memory. “Something about dogs, I think.’’
    â€œThink or know?’’
    â€œKnow,” said Talon. “They were speaking of dogs.’’
    â€œWhat about dogs?’’
    â€œSomething about hunting dogs.” He paused, then added, “I still do not speak the Roldemish tongue well, Robert.’’
    De Lyis was motionless for a few seconds, then nodded.“Fair enough.” He then launched into a serious of questions, ranging from who ate what, what was discussed at various times, what manner of clothing and accessories the ladies wore, how many drinks each man consumed, until it seemed to Talon he would be there all night.
    Suddenly, Robert said, “We are done. Return to the barn and sleep there until you are called. Then you will be moving into the servants’ quarters here; you will share a room with Gibbs and Lars.’’
    â€œAm I then to be a servant in Kendrick’s household?”
    Robert smiled slightly. “For a time, young Talon. For a time.’’
    Talon rose and made his way through the kitchen, where loaves were rising before the hearth, waiting to be baked first thing in the morning. Realizing he had not eaten for hours, Talon paused to snatch an apple from a large bowl and bit into it. He judged them to be used for pies, but was content that the loss of one would be no great hardship for Leo.
    Making his way outside, he saw the eastern sky was lightening. Soon it would be the time before dawn his people knew as the Wolf’s Tail, that grey-upon-grey time