“The hunt was not held in later years-while Eskevar was away at war. But we revived the custom,” said Toli.

“Yes, it was all Toli’s doing!” said Quentin. “He wanted to display his horses! What better way than a hunt?”

Wilkins nodded knowingly. “These horses of yours, master-I have heard of them also. Even in faraway Elsendor the Dragon King’s horses are highly regarded.”

Just then there was a motion in the doorway, and Quentin looked up to see Queen Bria and Lady Esme step into the hall. Both were wearing light summer gowns of sendai: Bria’s was rose and Esme’s russet. He smiled broadly and went up to them. “Good evening, my love.” He kissed his wife. “Esme, I am so glad you have come. It is happiness itself to see you.” He pulled her to him in a fond embrace and kissed her cheek. “Welcome. I hope you have come prepared to remain with us a long time.”

“Thank you, Quentin. You are looking fit as ever. Bria tells me the work on the temple continues apace.” Her eyes darted away from his momentarily.

“Yes,” replied Quentin. “The work goes on. But we can talk of that later. I imagine you would like to greet-” He turned, casting a quick glance behind him. “Where has he disappeared to all of a sudden? He was here but a moment ago.”

“Who, my lord?”

“Toli! He was…” He gestured to the spot where Toli and Wilkins had gone. “Well, he is still as shy as the deer he grew up with. I am certain he will want to greet you in private, later.”

From the other end of the hall kitchen servants entered, carrying huge platters of food: venison and pork, roast fowl and game, freshly picked vegetables, and round loaves of brown bread hot from the oven.

“Let us be seated,” said Bria. Already the benches on either side of the long lower table were being filled. Esme’s traveling company had found friends among the courtiers of the king’s household. A wandering bard bad been invited to attend the meal and was now moving among the guests at tables, singing nonsense rhymes and taking requests for stories he would tell after dinner. Laughter followed him as he moved along the tables.