Black wizards - Douglas Niles [51]
"Rodger!" echoed Daryth.
Pontswain ignored them, seizing another massive boar's rib and biting greedily into the succulent meat. Red juices ran into his beard, but his hair, brushed again, had regained its elegant curl.
Moments later they slammed down the empty stoneware next to the empty pitchers. Tristan felt vaguely guilty. This was the first time he had thought of the fisherman who had given his life to carry them to Alaron. "I didn't even find out if he had a family," he said.
"He was a widower, his children grown," replied Daryth. "He told us that in Kingsbay."
Tristan felt another twinge of guilt. He had drunk so much beer that night that he barely recalled the conversation. "I'll see that they're provided for," he said, raising his head. The thought made him feel slightly better.
He looked around The Diving Dolphin. The inn was pleasantly crowded, with a steady buzz of conversation. Pretty maids bustled about replenishing pitchers, mugs, and platters. Heavy beams of dark wood crisscrossed the ceiling, and bright lanterns showed the place to be clean and well-maintained. The huge skin of a cave bear served as a rug before the vast fireplace, and the head of a leering sea monster was mounted above the hearth.
Daryth showed his companions the gloves he had found in the castle and told them how he had found their weapons in the treasure room.
"Where did you find your sword?" he asked Tristan.
The prince smiled. The rush of alcohol made his secret seem even more pleasant. He felt better than he had in days. He leaned back in his chair and lifted a booted foot to the table. "Magic," he said smugly.
They found the beer to be a bit watery to their palates, but that hadn't stopped them from finishing four pitchers. Actually, Tristan had had most of it. Daryth had filled his mug a few times, but Pontswain was still on his first.
"Another, gentlemen?" said a freckled barmaid. A great spray of red hair fell across her shoulders. She had a pretty face, though Tristan was barely aware of it. He was more consumed, with the ample shape of her figure straining against the tightly laced stays of her bodice.
Even in his fog, though, Tristan caught Pontswain's warning glance; the lord obviously disapproved of his consumption. That alone was enough to make him want to order more, and he was about to signal the lovely maid to bring it.
"Not for now!" announced a voice. Tavish marched up to the table, bearing a pitcher in each hand. She ignored the barmaid, smiling at Daryth as he rose to offer her a seat.
"So, how do you like this place?" she asked as Tristan watched the barmaid flounce away. He thought wistfully of Robyn and turned back to his companions.
"It was rather empty earlier, but it seems to be filling up," observed the prince.
"Oh, it gets pretty crowded," said lavish with a secretive little smile. "Especially on nights like this!"
"What's so special about tonight?" asked Daryth.
"Music, for one thing." She smiled, but would say no more.
A screeching sound drew their attention to the hearth, where several pipers were tuning their instruments.
"I love the airpipes!" shouted Tavish over the noise. "The audience is always ready for something different when they stop!"
Tristan observed the pipers through a thin fog as they played a fast jig, drawing several dancers, including Daryth and Tavish, to their feet. A few more songs followed, and after each Tristan noticed more and more of the patrons looking over at his table. Finally, one of them shouted "Tavish!" In moments, the room vibrated as everyone called for the bard.
"Hometown girl," Tavish smiled at her companions' looks of surprise. Grinning easily, she took her lute and stepped to the makeshift stage vacated by the pipers. Twanging a few soft chords, she assured herself that the instrument was tuned. With the first chord, Tristan recognized the song.
My tale's of far Corwell, on Gwynneth so wild,
Of heroes, and demons, and druids, and war.
And the Beast that rose darkly, from waters deep black,
And stalks all of Corwell, in times old and new…
Tavish's