The kitchen, larder and wine cellar of the keep.

Continued from link to a message in this game

"It don't taste as good as the wite stuff." Oscar said after he swallowed the core.

"It's not supposed to. I promise you that you do not have to eat everything in sight at one time. Wulfsen and I will not let you go hungry. You don't need to eat the inedible parts nor a whole pot of porridge. My Mama and Papa will not let you go hungry either. You no longer have to worry about where your next meal is going to come from. Never again."

Oscar did not believe it, and his doubt was clear on his face.

"When I first came here to the village, I was just like you. I knew what it was like to not know where or when my next meal would be. I ate and ate until I was sick. When I went to the market with Yehudit, I stole food. Just like you, I doubted Yehudit when she said Mama and Papa would always make certain I was fed. When I was at Aunt Aislyn's bakery, I would stuff my pockets with sweets until they bulged. Aunt Aislyn never let anyone go hungry. But I soon learned it was true. If I was at Aunt Aislyn's, she always made certain there were snacks. Mama fed me three full meals each and every day. If I didn't know I could make certain that would happen for you, I wouldn't have brought you here to give you a home and family."

Oscar was not convinced. His eyes darted about for more food to stuff his pockets with.

"I know it will take time for you to adjust and believe it. But I'm going to remind you every chance that I get." Sileas wanted to tousle his hair but she knew too well that he wasn't ready for that.

Oscar made a scoffing sound and went back to eating porridge, even though he was already beyond full.

While he ate, Sileas sneaked a glance at Wulfsen. She didn't recall ever having told him over much about her childhood and what she went through, nor how she had stolen from her aunt or the merchants before she finally settled down. Sileas began to eat her porridge quietly.

Wulfsen gave Sileas's arm a gentle squeeze.

Sileas swallowed her spoonful of porridge and lifted her head. She gave him a small smile.

"Are yer gonna start snoggin' on the chuffin' table?" Questa asked.

"Mind your language, Questa, there are children about," Sileas replied, blushing. "And no."

"Under the table then?" Questa asked.

Sileas glared at Questa. "Oh, look, there's Xavier." She squinted. "Who's that with him? He doesn't look familiar."

"Why the hell would I know?" Questa asked.

"You hear things more than I do," Sileas replied.

"I'm bloody well not takin' a census." Questa sniffed.

Xavier spotted Wulfsen and Sileas, and headed that way with Dyfrig. "Dyfrig, this is Lord Wulfsen Thornblade, lord of the keep and the village. Wulfsen, this is Dyfrig, he would like to be our cook, which I'm sure would be a great help to Mrs. Spenser."

Dyfrig smiled and doffed the floppy hat.

"Pleased to meet you, my Lord. I am a wanderer, a cook by trade, seeking work."

He looked around the kitchen. The signs of neglect were apparent. It didn't look like they'd had a proper cook for a while.

Wulfsen was still blushing brightly from Questa's suggestions. He stood up and held out his hand.

"Hello Dyfrig. We have a lot of hungry people, the kitchen needs all the help it can get."

Dyfrig's smile widened.

"In which case, shall I make you all a meal. Then you can decide if you want me to stay. Deal?"

"That sounds more than fair. Sileas, if you know where your mother is, would you mind getting her?"

Sileas got to her feet. "I won't be but about five minutes." She disappeared toward the back corner of the kitchen and returned with her mother.

Wulfsen nodded.

"Where are you from, Dyfrig?" Wulfsen asked.

"Many places... but originally from a small village on the edge of a wood near the sea in the west, called Coedarian. It's unlikely that you have heard of it."

He started looking round to see what supplies were available.

Wulfsen thought for a moment.

"Doesn't it have an old sign that says 'Woo, stay away fools, cause love rules at the love shack'?"

Dyfrig looked puzzled.

"I do not recall such a thing. Perhaps someone put it up after I left."

"It was a very old sign." Wulfsen stoked his chin and to his annoyance felt a single hair that managed to escape the razor last time he shaved. "You can't miss it... Maybe I'm thinking of a different place."

Brie followed Xavier to where Wulfsen was speaking with the potential new cook, Sileas right behind her.

Dyfrig looked round and smiled at the newcomers.

"Hello there. I'm Dyfrig."

"Brighid Spenser," Brie replied. "I understand you would like to be the cook here," she added with a smile.

"That is correct, Lady," said Dyfrig politely.

"What role do you play here?"

Brie smiled. "My friend, who ran the bakery in the village, was trying to run the kitchen and I was helping out. But she lost most of her children during the raid and the strain was too much for her. So I've been doing the best that I can, but to be truthful, I have a little one to care for and this is all just too much for me." Brie eyed him. "i trust you have experience in cooking for large numbers of people?"

Sileas returned to her seat beside Wulfsen and Oscar. She eyed the boy to make certain he was behaving and eating properly.

"Yes, I have."

Dyfrig took a deep breath and looked round.

"Right. Where is the pantry? First I need to know what I have to work with. Then I can set to preparing and then cooking a meal. Sundown, you feast."

"That sounds delightful. I know my husband has been waiting for me to have some free time to show me something. I'm more than happy to help out though. If you'll follow me. The pantry is rather well stocked, Lord Thornblade has been sending men to Portside several times a week for supplies, both for the kitchen and the rebuilding."

"Excellent... and if you are willing and able to help that will be appreciated."

Dyfrig was soon rummaging through the stores, and beginning to plan his feast.

"For the meantime, we shall put up some bacon and bread, maybe some cheese, for anyone who is hungry during the day."

"I agree. We should keep it of the reach of small hands...we have a street boy from Portside here who is trying to make it his business to eat everything he sees. I have the feeling my eldest daughter intend to make him my grandson," she laughed.

Dyfrig set too with a will, finding a side of bacon and fresh loaves. He looked for the street boy, handed him half a loaf and a generous slice of bacon and told him to stay out of the kitchen.

Soon meat was roasting, vegetables were being chopped and all the signs of a feast in preparation were to be seen, heard and smelled.

Brie grinned. "It appears you have things well in hand," she commented. "I am going to go find my husband and my little one but I will be back for the afternoon meal rush."

>>>>>from the main gate

"After you get a bite to eat, I'll take you to the healing rooms to introduce you to Difyr, our healer. And, please, it's just Shawn. We're in the process of finding someone to take my position as I have given Lord Thornblade my resignation." Shawn shook his head. "I do need to speak with Lord Thornblade of relieving that knight of his position. He's problematic."

Luka nodded. "I am Luka. It is a pleasure Shawn. I'm okay to begin now, food would be more beneficial after I heal. My method takes up lots of.....energy."

"I don't see my wife at the moment, so I'll take you down to the healing rooms then," Shawn offered, turning to leave the kitchen.


>>>>to the healing room(s)

Luka nodded and followed Shawn to the healing rooms.

>>> To the Healing Rooms >>>

Oscar scoffed the bread and bacon, then resumed snooping for more food.

Sileas trailed her spoon through her oatmeal. She had taken a few bites, but it really wasn't what she wanted.

Brie embraced Shawn. "Difryg, this is my husband, Shawn. Shawn, this is Difryg, he is hoping to take over the cooking."

Wulfen noticed that Sileas wasn't eating much. "Are you all right?"

"Hmm? Oh. Yes, it's just...lacking. I keep thinking about normal breakfasts, which have bacon and biscuits, lots of butter and jams along with the oatmeal. It's not very appetizing on it's own."

"I'm sure someone can fix that up for you." Wulfsen said.

"I don't want to be a bother. I know Mama's stretched pretty thin with feeding this many people. Maybe Papa can watch Oscar today and we can spend the day in Portside?" Sileas asked hopefully. There would be no shortage of different things to eat there, and she wouldn't have to worry about overworking anyone for it.

Going to Portside with Sileas sounded wonderful, but Wulfsen knew he could not leave. He had so many responsibilities and had only just returned.

Wulfsen sighed. "I'd love to, but I can't." He gently squeezed Sileas's arm.

Sileas tried to hide her disappointment. "I understand." She gave up the pretense of eating. "Perhaps lunch will be more interesting."

"I had only just gotten back." Wulfsen explained. "We're supposed to start clearing the rubble from the village today."

"I know, and I do understand. I should start unpacking the things from the manor and look through the books to see if there's mention of a way to stop the mermen," Sileas replied. She pushed her bowl away. "Any hope of finding any other things that might be salvageable for use?"

"We had been salvaging for weeks, but you never know."Wulfsen said. "If you want you can come too, but it would not be much fun."

Dyfrig went over to the range.

"All right - what do you want for breakfast then?" he called over to Sileas.

"I still love exploring but I guess I shouldn't go digging around." Sileas had a few worries about the baby, since it was all a surprise and she remembered Difyr telling her mother she should take it easy. "I also don't think I want to find any bodies." It was just as she said that that Difryg walked up behind her and spoke.

Sileas jumped a bit then glanced at Difryg sheepishly. "I would love some bacon and biscuits with blackberry jam, if we have any and it's not too much trouble."

Shawn pulled Brie to him after Difryg walked away. "So, can you get away for awhile? We've not had a chance to talk, and I have something to tell you, something to show you and then Difyr wants to speak with us."

"Of course it's not too much trouble," said Dyfrig, who seemed to be in his element.

In short order, a plate of bacon, biscuits and jam appeared in front of Sileas.

"Anyone else want some breakfast?"

Sileas's mouth watered at the sight presented before her. "OH, thank you so very much," she said to Difryg before she set in on her breakfast.

"You're most wel..."

Dyfrig broke off as he caught a movement behind him. He turned and grabbed Oscar just as the boy was reaching for the fresh biscuits.

"No you don't. You ask like everyone else. Sit down."

The boy was dumped unceremoniously on a stool... and then served with a plate of biscuits and jam!

Oscar ignored the biscuits and began eating the jam straight from the bowl with his fingers.

Sileas pulled the bowl away from him and spread the jam on the biscuits for Oscar. When she was done, she returned the bowl to him.

Yehudit flopped down on a stool, flopped off it onto the floor. Cursed and kicked the stool away. She sat on the floor.

Dyfrig looked down at the newcomer.

"Are you wanting some breakfast, then?"

Yehudit nodded, her eyes watering. She had kicked the stool with her bad foot, so now her ankle was sending streams of pain up her leg. She was trying to hide the fact she was in agony.

Dyfrig bustled off and returned with a plate piled with bacon, bread, biscuits and cheese. And a dish of jam.

"Here you go. Ask if there's anything else you want. I'm Dyfrig, by the way, the new cook... Hey, are you all right?"

Yehudit glanced at Sileas.
"I'm fine." Yehudit lied and began eating.

"Eat up, then," said Dyfrig, "And if your ankle is troubling you, go see a healer when you are done."

He went back to his dinner prep, picking up a large knife and starting in on a mound of root vegetables.

"My ankle is fine." Lying again. Yehudit knew seeing the healer would do her no good. All Difyr was able to do was give her a concoction to ease the pain and have her soak her ankle in cold water. Even Aalyssa had been unable to fix her ankle. It had been broken badly and never healed right.
"Damn Andy." Yehudit muttered under her breath as she ate.

"Your ankle," said Dyfrig over his shoulder, hands not ceasing in their chopping.

Sileas caught the movement of Yehudit toppling off the stool and then staying on the floor. It was obvious, even from the distance between them, that Yehudit's ankle was bothering her. She glanced at Oscar and placed her hand on her stomach for a brief second. If she couldn't even keep her cousin safe, what made her think she could protect her children. She only had a few bites left on her plate and she pushed it away.

"Are you all right?" Wulfsen asked, worried that Sileas was going to throw up.

"Hmm?" Sileas said distractedly. "Oh, I'm fine," she lied. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears. She doubted she would ever get away from the guilt over what had happened.

Wulfsen slipped an arm around her. "What's wrong?"

"Yehudit's ankle is bothering her. I can see it even from here. It's my fault she was injured so badly, and I was just wondering why I think I can keep my children safe, when I couldn't keep her safe," Sileas said quietly, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"You killed the man who broke her ankle." Wulfsen said, "And you're not going to be alone, I'll help protect the child." Wulfsen wiped away the tear.

Lek was feeling really tired and sore as he came down to the kitchen.

"I know, but it didn't fix the ankle or help take away the pain she still feels," Sileas whispered, allowing another tear to fall. "Her mother was right when she said I only brought pain to Yehudit."

"That's not your fault." Wulfsen gave her a squeeze. He looked up and saw Lek come into the kitchen. "All done in the stables? Good, now go clean and polish my armor. You'll know you're done when you can see your reflection in it."

"But it is. Andy kidnapped Yehudit to hurt me," Sileas replied before Lek came in to view. She quirked her eyebrow a bit as Wulfsen spoke to Lek.

Lek blinked. He had expected a break, or at least some weapon training. "Oh, okay." Lek turned and left.

"I promised his mother I'd do my best to make him quit if he wasn't up to this." Wulfsen watched the the young man go, then turned back to Sileas. "It's not your fault that Andy was evil and did evil things."

"Ahh." Sileas glanced down at her hands. "But what if my rejection is what turned him toward evil?"

"You didn't make him do anything." Wulfsen said. "It was all his own choices."

Having gotten through the gate with a little magic, Bai had donned an apron he found drying on a line. It was still a little damp but he thought he could pass as the kitchen help if no one looked too hard at him, or wonder what a kitchen worker was doing with a staff.

The artifacts were close, he could sense them. He entered the kitchen and tried to look like he belonged there.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 87):

"It doesn't make me feel any less guilty, no matter how much I tell myself that," Sileas replied. "I was able to manage until Aunt Lia pointed out that I was a danger to her and seeing the pain she is in."

"Look, I don't see Yehudit blaming- who the hell is that over there?" Wulfsen did not recognize the boy in the apron edging towards Sileas's rooms.

Sileas followed his gaze. "I don't know, but he's certainly not from the village, he's not kitchen staff and why is heading toward my rooms?" She got to her feet, pulling her dagger.

Bai caught the movement. He swore and charged the door. He began running down the stairs to the rooms. If he didn't destroy the stuff now he did not think he would get another chance before they were used, and if these were the people who did terrible things in the village without magic he hated to think what they would do with these artifacts.

Wulfsen got up from the table in a rush.

Sileas ran after Wulfsen. How dare someone encroach on her private space. She hoped her mother or Yehudit had locked the door before coming back upstairs.

Bai blasted the door off its hinges with magic, not even bothering to check if it was locked first. He spun around and held up his staff.

"Back off!" Bai ordered. "Stay back or someone could get hurt!"

Sileas's eyes flashed with anger. "Just why are you breaking in to my rooms? You're damn right someone will be hurt. It will be the criminal who is breaking in to another's rooms." The pendant heated against her chest. Sileas tugged on the chain so it hung atop her tunic.

"Oh ****!" Bai recognized the pendant. He braced himself as he drew energy into his staff. "You're a thief! Drop that pendant!"

"I'll do no such thing. It's the only thing my father left me that was personal. Besides, it won't come off."

"Kegan didn't have any kids." Bai squinted at her. "What did you do to it?"

Of course Yehudit came thudding down the stairs after Sileas.

"Apparently he did. He tried to find me but couldn't. This was wrapped in a letter addressed to me."

"What is your name?" Bai asked.

Sileas glanced at Wulfsen. "Sileas. A barmaid gave birth to me, but I was since adopted."

"Kegan didn't marry a barmaid." Bai said. "Give me the pendant."

"No, he didn't. If he had, I would have had a happier childhood. He wed my adoptive mother, Brighid."

Bai clenched the staff. Brighid. She must have been slaughtered during that attack.

"Give me the pendant." Bai repeated.

"No. Even if I could, I would not. My father wanted me to have it. It's mine by birthright," Sileas said stubbornly.

Anger flashed in Bai's eyes. "If I destroy it while you're wearing it you will be badly hurt, maybe even killed. Give it to me."

"Like hell you will!" Yehudit got to her feet, only to stumble down a few more steps.

Anger flashed through Sileas, quick and hot. The pendant glowed and shot a blast of power at the stranger. "I don't know what part of it can't be removed you can't understand, but if you keep making me angry, it seems to feel it and it will harm you."

Bai used his staff to deflect the power into the ground.

"She shouldn't be able to do that." He muttered.

Great. That's all I need, Yehudit getting caught in some sort of magical crossfire. "Yehudit, get back." She glared at the stranger. "I have much to learn regarding my birthright, and I only received the pendant yesterday. Now if you will kindly move on before you get sent to the dungeon, I can get my door repaired and set about learning things."

"I'll destroy it all before I let you use the artifacts!" Bai said.

"If we weren't flooded with mermen, some of whom are masquerading as people we would know, I wouldn't need to learn any of this," Sileas spat back. "I'll destroy you before I let you destroy any chance I have of ending this invasion."

"What the hell?"

Dyfrig picked up the largest cleaver he could find.

"Whatever's upsetting you lot, take it out of my kitchen!"

Oscar dove under the table.

Assured the area was now secure, and everyone happily eating, Xavier headed over toward the food, his stomach rumbling loudly.

Dyfrig was putting the chopper to more conventional kitchen use now, making neat cubes of meat for a pie.

Xavier grinned. "Is there anything left for a starving assistant to the lord of the keep?"

"Of course."

The chopping stopped.

"For breakfast there is bread and bacon and biscuits and jam..."

As he talked, Dyfrig put a plate together and handed it to the newcomer.

"I'm Dyfrig. And who might you be apart from hungry?"

Xavier's stomach grumbled loudly again. "That sounds very good." He grinned. "Xavier DeVale, best friend and second-in-command to Lord Thornblade. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Dyfrig."

"Likewise. Do you want a plate to take to Lord Thornblade when you are done?" asked Dyfrig.

The bread was soft and crusty, the bacon crisp.

"Thank you, but no. I saw him eating with his betrothed earlier." It was all Xavier could do to not let his mouth water at the sight of the food.

"Sit down now, and enjoy your food," said Dyfrig.

"Thank you," Xavier smiled before leaving with his plate to find a spot to sit.

"You let them take Aalyssa?" Wulfsen asked.

The men all jumped to their feet. The lead man, Tristan, lowered his head. "We did try to intervene, but they had some of the Portside guard with the who said we had no jurisdiction to stop them. The Portside Captain said all of their papers were in order and he would have no cause to delay them, my lord."

"Papers?" Wulfsen exclaimed. "Aalyssa did nothing wrong! Where did they take her?"

"Yes, sir," Tristan said. "They had a writ from the King of Hazewood and wanted posters, that she was wanted for treason. They were returning her to Hazewood for her punishment from the King there."

"Like hell they are!" Wulfsen shouted. "Xavier- Gather a dozen volunteers to retrieve Aalyssa."

"I will gather them. We'll need paperwork of some sort declaring she has sanctuary," Xavier said. "I'll be back shortly."


He headed out to the training area.

Wulfsen nodded. He was furious that those men so easily let them take Aalyssa.

Tristan was chagrined, but without any sort of paperwork or insignia of the throne, he hadn't felt they had the legs to stand on to stop it. Besides, those elves were much larger than he and the men were, and armed to the teeth.

Dyfrig quickly parcelled up some cured meat and bread for the party to take with them.

The awkward young woman followed Sileas into the kitchen.

Sileas found Oscar. "Come along, Oscar. I have a few things to take care of so I'm going to ask my aunt and uncle to watch over you for awhile."

"I can wotch meself." Oscar said.

"I realize you think you can, but you're not familiar with this area or the people. Plus there are possibly some bad people around and I would feel better knowing you are under the care of someone I trust."

Oscar pointed at Bai. "He didn't 'ave boobs wen 'e were up 'ere before."

Sileas blushed as red as her hair. "That is not something you need to be worrying about, young man. Come along and meet Aunt Aislyn and Uncle Nelek."

"They're real and evryfink! 'ow'd that 'appen, isit? Is that gonna 'appen ter me, then, eh? I like bein' a boy! Blimey!" Oscar continued.

Bai felt even more awkward. He blushed too.

"You have nothing to worry about, Oscar, that won't happen to you. Now, stop embarrassing family and come along."

"Yer better be right." Oscar said sulkily, moving to leave the kitchen.

Sileas pressed her lips together to stifle her laugh. Short of someone casting a spell on him to turn him into a girl, Oscar was indeed in absolutely no danger of turning female. She headed for the healing room where her aunt and uncle were residing.

In the bustle of preparations for the wedding feast, an entire stack of dishes had been tipped and shattered on the floor.

Ila was keeping her head down. There had been now open harassment, no one had dared to touch her. But she could hear the murmurs, see the looks. She quietly got a broom and swept up the broken plate fragments.

"Thank you, Ila," said Dyfrig coming past with a large ham.

"When you are done sweeping, would you be so kind as to score the ham and insert cloves, please?"

He set the ham down on a nearby table and was off again.

"Are you su-" Ila started to ask, but Dyfrig was already busy working on something else. She suspected that Dyfrig was deliberately trying to spite the murmurers.
She washed her hands, then set to work scoring the ham.