Chapter 20
We walk towards the kitchen and I already hear Nan's yelling and Aseir's barking. I looked at Nienna who had a confused look on her face.
"Is someone getting mauled in there?" She asked, still amused at the idea.
I shake my head, "The only thing getting mauled is food, most likely."
The three of them entered the kitchen, to see Nan standing outside the larder door with two workers looking at her. It was quite clear that she was livid about the hound getting back into the larder.
"Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!" I saw Nan yell at the two that helped her in the kitchens.
"But, mistress! It won't let us near!" One responded, looking both afraid of Nan and my hound.
"If I can't get into that larder," she continued, "You'll be scouring the pots for months!"
Gilmore stepped into their conversation, "Err… calm down good woman. We've come to help…"
Nan turns around, glaring daggers, "You!" Nan then notices my presence, "And you! Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!"
I sigh, used to having this conversation at this point. "I'm sorry he is bothering you, Nan."
"Just get him gone! I've enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers!" Nan turns to the two workers, "You two! Stop standing there like idiots! Get out of the way!"
"Oh Nan! Our guest Nienna," I gesture to her, and she gives a small wave, "Hasn't eaten last night. Would you mind getting her some food?"
"Alright," Nan turns to Nienna. "Follow me." Nan leads Nienna away to a small table with a chair in the corner of the kitchen as I head into the larder with Gilmore.
As we enter Ser Gilmore sighs, "Look at that mess. How did he even get in here?"
Aseir started barking excitedly when he noticed my presence. "Are you trying to tell me something, boy?" He continues his barking while spinning around.
Gilmore looks at Aseir, "He does seem like he is trying to tell you something. Wait, do you hear that?"
As he says this, several large rats come out into the larder. They really don't pose a threat to us and we quickly dispatch them.
Gilmore chimes in, "Giant rats? It's like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather used to tell."
Well I guess your adventure will start just the same as those tales, Ser Gilmore.
He continues, "Your hound must have chased them in through their holes. Looks like he wasn't raiding the larder after all."
Aseir barks excitedly in response. "It certainly seems that way."
Ser Gilmore looks at the rats, "Those were rats from the Korcari Wilds. Best not to tell Nan. She's upset enough as it is. But seeing as you've got your mabari well in hand, I'll be on my way. I'm to prepare for the arrival of more of the Arl's men." Gilmore gives a polite nod and leaves.
I look at Aseir, "You know Nan is very mad at you, right?" Aseir whines, causing me to sigh and pat him on the head. "You've done good today boy." We turn and head out of the larder.