Monday, May 27, 2019

Excerpt from MARABELLA, QUEST FOR MAGICS


Marabella visits Castle Mirador.     

     The next morning most of the other guests, including Josef, slept in. Marabella rose early. Prince Merc had entertained her at the gala. He was interesting and kind. He told her that the Moorcat village was a good day’s ride going around the lake. She dressed in her hunting clothes, grabbed her heavy cloak, and stole down to the kitchen. As she reached for a biscuit from the tray warming on top of the oven she was struck from behind with a broom.

     “Hands to yourself, sneak-thief!” The rotund cook brandished the broom like a sword. She raised it for another blow.

     “How dare you strike an honored guest!” Princess Celeste barked from the doorway. “I’ll have you flogged.”

     The cook froze. The color drained from her face as she dropped swiftly to her knees. “Mercy, your Grace. I meant no…”

     “Silence.” Celeste hissed.

     Marabella rushed to put herself between the enraged Princess and the poor cook. “Oh good morn Princess Celeste. Please don’t misunderstand. Cook wasn’t being disrespectful. She was just teasing me. We’re great friends.” She helped the portly woman to her feet as she spoke. “Cook is helping me get provisions for my excursion. I’m going to the Moorcat Village today.”

     The Princess softened, distracted from her ire. “Please extend an invitation to each of the clans. They are, of course, welcome to attend the festivities here at the castle.”

     “I’d be happy to, Princess.” Marabella breathed a sigh of relief.

     Celeste glared at the cook. “You are inappropriately familiar with our guest.”

     Again, Marabella intervened. “That’s my fault, Princess. Being from Common Valley, I’m afraid I am more comfortable with your staff than most of the nobles.”

     “Familiar or not, it is not her place to deny you anything. And to accuse you of thievery, even in jest, is a serious offense.” Celeste glowered at the cook with every word.

     “An unfortunate turn of phrase, your Grace.” Marabella placed her arm protectively around the shoulder of the quivering cook. “Cook has made me feel very welcomed here. Thank you, Princess.”

     The cook managed a smile at Marabella. “I didn’t want you taking old rolls from last night when I have fresh hot biscuits coming out of the oven in a wink.”

     Marabella rubbed her hands together, still addressing the Princess. “I do so love her hot biscuits. Would you join me for one right out of the oven?”

     “No thank you. I must breakfast with the Queen this morning. Enjoy your excursion.” The Princess nodded to Marabella before ascending the stairs out of the kitchen.

     Cook blew a sigh of relief as the Princess disappeared up the steps. She took Marabella’s hand executing a perfect curtsey. “I am in your debt, my Lady. Our Princess is,” she paused, searching for the appropriate language, “strict about castle protocol.” She dropped Marabella’s hand looking at the floor. “I am sorry about the broom. I didn’t realize you were a guest.”

     Marabella laughed. “It’s alright. I’m Marabella, by the way.”

     “I suppose I should know your name since we are such great friends.” Cook relaxed. “They just call me Cook but my name is Essmae.”

     “Essmae. Lovely name.” Marabella sniffed. “I smell your biscuits, Essmae.”

     The portly woman moved with surprising speed, grabbing a pot holder and wrenching open the large brick oven in one swift motion. “Perfect.” Essmae placed the huge pan on a table to the side, brushing the biscuit tops with melted butter from a crock near the ovens. She presented one to Marabella on a small plate.

     Marabella winked at her new friend. “Got any figs?”

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