Page 27 of Lord of Misrule

“Your...hound?” She looked confused. “What about him?”

“I’d like you to take him into the kitchen.”

“You would? Why?”

“Tolin? What are you doing?” asked Rook. “Your hound is always at your feet during a meal. You are sending him away?”

“I want you to bring my dog to the boy so he can watch him.”

“The boy?” One of Kit’s brows lifted into an arch.

“Parker. That’s his name, right?”

“Yes, my lord,” she answered with a stiff upper lip. “My son’s name is Parker. I would have thought you’d know that by now. Especially after sentencing him.”

“He’s good with the hound. Make certain he feeds King whatever he wants to eat. Go King,” he told the dog, giving him a small push until the dog jumped down from the dais.

“Whatever the dog wants to eat he gets?” she asked, sounding as if she thought it was absurd.

“Yes,” he answered. “And make certain you and your family get some food too.”

“I have cakes to bake for the bean game, my lord. I’m afraid I might not get the luxury of eating until later tonight and only if there is anything left at all.” She reached out and took the dog by the collar. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have much work to do.” She turned and left before she was dismissed.

Tolin raised a finger meaning to reprimand her, but then decided he didn’t want to do that. Not with everyone watching. He slowly lowered his hand and sat back down.

“Isn’t that the girl who is the mother of the boy thief?” Raven’s husband Jonathon leaned forward and looked down the dais past Raven to talk to Tolin.

“She’s the baker,” he said. “Her name is Kit.” Tolin took the spoon and some salt, sprinkling it on his food. He kept thinking of what Kit said. That she might not have time to eat. Why did this bother him so much?

“Tolin? Tolin, can you pass the salt?” asked Rook.

“Sure,” he said, handing it to Rook’s wife, Rose who sat next to him.

“Is something the matter?” asked Rose, passing the dish to her husband.

“Nay. Why would you think that?” asked Tolin, busying himself pushing his food around his plate with his spoon.

“It just seems like something is taking your concern,” Rose answered, taking a sip of wine.

“Nay. Not at all.”

“Mayhap he’s afraid he’ll lose any game he plays tonight,” Daegel said from down the table. “After all, he is on a losing streak lately.”

“That is all about to change,” said Tolin, lifting his goblet to his mouth. Over the rim, he saw Kit bringing his hound into the kitchen. Parker ran out and hugged the dog. Together they left the great hall. This didn’t feel right to him. He didn’t want to think of Kit and her son working so hard on Christmas. Even the serfs had the week off from working the land.

“How are things going with that little thief?” Rook broke him from his thoughts.

“I’m not so sure the boy really is a thief,” said Tolin.

“Then why don’t you let him and his mother go back home?” asked Rook.

Tolin could very well decide to do that. But if he did, he would never have the chance to get to know Kit better.

“Nay. I’ve made my decision and they will work in the kitchen until Twelfth Night,” said Tolin.

“Good, good.” Rook nodded and took a swig of ale. “It seems you are getting the hang of things after all. I’m glad to see you are taking proper measures and teaching the peasants a valuable lesson.”

“Yes. I suppose so.” Tolin pushed his food around his plate, no longer hungry.