[Arry]

Aranel is waited upon

‘Ferdy!’ Ruby’s voice rang out across the Common Room, cutting easily through the buzz of conversation at the tables.

‘Oh, now you’re for it!’ laughed Gil as Ferdy’s head swung around, finding the source of the call. Gil nudged his friend, as the rest of the companions at the table shook their heads in a knowing manner. ‘She’s got your number now. You don’t go over and see what she wants and she’ll tell Ginger how rude you were to her.’

Ferdy raised his hand reluctantly to Ruby and waved, indicating he was coming. Those seated at the tables he passed quieted as he passed and eyed him, wondering why he had been called. He shrugged at their questioning looks, hands in his pockets, as he ambled toward the bar where Ruby stood.

‘Oh goodness!’ she said, looking at room. ‘Didn’t mean to put you on the spot.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘Been taking too many lessons from Cook, haven’t I? But Miz Aman’s gone missing again – that horrid Snaveling has poked his nose in her business again somehow. We’re a bit short-handed . . . and well, you looked available.’

Ruby introduced a newcomer to the Inn – Aranel. ‘I’ve got her signed in for a room,’ Ruby said, ‘but she’s a mind to have something to eat. Be a good lad, and get her seated while I get someone to ready the room. Then fetch what she’d like from the kitchen.’ Ruby winked at Ferdy, mouthing, ‘Ginger’s in there!’ Quick as she had winked, she was away, seeing to another customer.

‘Well, Miz . . . Aranel, is it. Sorry for all the shouting. But here’s a nice table, near the fire,’ Ferdy said, leading the way to a small table and pulling out the chair for the woman. ‘Now what would you have in mind for a meal?’

He waited patiently as she made up her mind.