The Seventh Star Inn

[mark12_30]

Nose a-quiver, eyes bulging, he savored one promising whiff after another. When the servant-girl re-entered, more aromas followed her. Flour, honey, cheese, roots, apples. The day had only just begun; it would be a long wait til nightfall.

He found a gap in the wall, squeezed through and turned around. He still had a view of the fireplace and surrounding tables. And if some crumbs went unguarded long enough, he would know.

********

Mellonin returned hastily with a large bag, placed it carefully beside the others, and turned to get another. But the booming voice spoke again. "Take them to the pantry; no sense in making two trips!"

She re-shouldered the bag, and turned for the kitchen door, shooting a questioning look towards the lady, who gave her quick directions to the pantry. She hurried through the kitchen door, found the pantry and put the bag down. Then she hastened through the common room to fetch the next one. The Lady and the Booming Voice were laughing and had begun catching up on old times, so she carried the remaining bags undetained. When all eight bags were lined up in the pantry, she listened a moment; they were still talking.

She returned to the kitchen and paced a little, and then quietly stepped back through the door. They paused, and looked at her.

"Shall I have a look in the cupboards, sir? The pantry smells a bit rank."

[ November 24, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]