Thank.
I immediately, without hesitation, began to eat. I really liked Simon. He offered the second plate to Mrs. Doyle. She politely declined.
I have done my supper. Ill stay with Miss Burling. After she eats, Ill take her to the womens tower.
Oh. Got it. Hmm, why werent you, Rose, at dinner with everyone?
Simon took a chair against the wall and sat down next to me. I didnt want to mention my «faint». And it was not possible to speak with a mouth full. So I looked up at him and chewed in silence. And he smiled.
Then there was a knock. As if someone were knocking on glass. Simon reluctantly got up from his seat and hurried away.
«Our guard has arrived. Who else?! he muttered, taking off his apron on the go.
I wondered who else could have come to the kitchen at this hour. Guardian? Simon disappeared behind a tall cabinet. There must have been a passage or a door. I heard voices. But there were no people to be seen. Simons tired but perky tone and heavy leisurely bass. I looked up from the food when the figure of a tall man in black floated out from behind the closet.
I will hunt this beast. And I say, this is not a predator, but a werewolf!
Well, werewolf, then, werewolf. Simon appeared. And dinner is on schedule!
A man dressed in a black cloak walked towards me. He turned his face and his stern eyes immediately glared at me.
I looked down at the table. A small square tablecloth, a salt shaker a little away from Mrs. Doyle, who never touched the food. I guessed that I was sitting not at the usual kitchen table, but at the refectory. And my meal coincided with the supper of this formidable man in black clothes.
He came over and sat down next to me, but keeping his distance. I heard the creak of leather boots, the clatter of heavy metal, it seems, under the cloak. On the tablecloth lay a pair of large gloves of thick, rough leather. The yellow and scarred hands reached across the table to Mrs. Doyles plate.
«Do you mind, Sally? The bass croaked.
No, Noel, help yourself. Ive already had dinner.
Hmm. Noel scooped up the mashed potatoes.
Sine came up with two plates and a bottle of red wine.
«Noel, the food is cold. Heres a hot one.
Do not worry. Slowly chewing food, replied Noel. «But the blood sauce would be useful here. Is he still left?
Ill take a look. Simon threw the plates under Noels side and ran away.
Noels left hand lifted, barely exposing his wrist. The rim of a silver bracelet with black stones flashed on it. The predatory fingers twitched as if they had caught an invisible apple. A fire broke out in the plate and immediately extinguished, leaving behind a little black smoke.
Noe-ale! Simon walked over and put the saucepan on the table. «Dont burn my tablecloth. Dorothy will swear at me.
Noel smiled wryly with one half of his face and sniffed the saucepan.
This is for you, Rose. Said in a completely different tone Simon, softer, and put a mug of drink in front of me.
Thank. Barely audible I whispered, without touching the mug, and continued to follow this giant. I was afraid of him. Although Mrs. Doyle and Simons behavior said my fears were unfounded, I could sense something tense in him. I peered with interest at the edge of Noels bracelet. Here is his magical artifact. Maybe hes giving me an unpleasant tension? Noel himself was completely relaxed and enjoyed the meal. He poured all the bloody sauce onto his plate and looked at me. I immediately buried myself in my puree with meat and noted that I had already eaten everything.