Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist Page A

overwhelmed with the aroma of the kitchen and simultaneously struck by a fierce hunger and a stab of pain through his chest, as the warm smells shocked him back into memories of his mother and the other women preparing meals.
    As his eyes threatened to well up with tears, Talon saw a large door swing aside, and through the doorway strode a man. He was of middle years, heavyset, with a large belly protruding over his belt—which looked more a horse’s girth than a belt to Talon—breeches tucked into midcalf boots, and a voluminous white shirt, covered with spatters of food and wine. His face was almost perfectly round, hishair black with grey shot through, tied back in a horse’s tail, with long sideburns that almost met at the point of his chin. He glanced around with a critical eye and found nothing lacking until his gaze fell upon Talon.
    â€œYou there, boy,” he said, pointing an accusatory finger at Talon, though his eyes were merry and he had a slight smile on his lips. “What is it that you’re doing?’’
    â€œI’ve skinned this deer, sir,” Talon said, haltingly, as the man was speaking Roldemish. The question snapped him out of his sadness.
    The man walked purposely toward the boy. “That is something which you have done,” he said in an overly loud voice. “What is it you are currently doing?’’
    Talon paused, then said, “Waiting for someone to tell me what to do next.’’
    The man’s face split into a grin. “Well said, lad. You’re the boy from the barn, Talon, is that correct?’’
    â€œYes, sir.’’
    â€œI am Leo, and this is me kingdom,” said the man, spreading his arms in an expansive gesture. “I’ve served as cook to nobility and commoners alike, from Roldem to Krondor, and no man living has a complaint of my cooking.’’
    Someone in the busy kitchen muttered, “Because they died before they had the chance.” This brought laughter for a moment before the workers stifled the outburst, causing Leo to turn with unexpected swiftness, a black look crossing his visage. “You, there, Gibbs! I recognize that smart mouth. See to the slops.’’
    Gibbs stood erect, and said, “But the new boy should do that, Leo. I’m for the serving table.’’
    â€œNot tonight, my glib Gibbs. The boy will stand at the table, and you can see to the pigs!’’
    As a dejected-looking Gibbs departed the kitchen, Leowinked at Talon. “That’ll sort him out.” He glanced over the boy’s rough appearance. “Come with me.’’
    Without waiting to see if he was being followed, Leo turned and pushed aside the large door through which he had entered. Talon was a step behind.
    The room was obviously some sort of servants’ area, with another door in the wall opposite. Large side tables ran along the left and right walls. Upon one table sat a variety of dishes, bowls, goblets, and other table service. “There is where we keep our dishes,” said Leo, pointing out the obvious. “If we have a reason, we’ll show you how to set the table for guests.” He pointed to the other table, which now sat empty. “There will be hot dishes at suppertime. Lela and Meggie will serve.’’
    He pushed through the second door, and Talon followed into the center of a long hallway. The opposite wall was composed of shelves upon which a variety of items rested: lamps, candles, mugs, goblets, an entire inventory of supplies for a busy inn. “Here’s where Kendrick keeps the knickknacks we need,” said Leo. Pointing to the door at the left end of the hall, he said, “That’s the common room. If we have a caravan stopping by, or a patrol from one of the local castles, it’ll be full of loud, drunken fools.” He pointed to the door at the right end of the hall, and said, “That is the dining room, where the