“Jacob!” Caleb returned.
The young man had sandy hair and a rawboned, rangy look. He wore a simple cotton shirt and leather trousers, with heavy work boots. He took the horses in hand, and said, “Who’s your friend?’’
“Talon, this is Jacob.’’
Talon nodded and jumped down from the wagon.
“Father will be glad to see you,” said Jacob. “He’s got some more hunting stories for you.’’
“He found time to go hunting?” asked Caleb.
With a grin, Jacob answered, “No, but he’s got some new stories.’’
Caleb smiled. “ ‘Tis ever thus.’’
They left the wagon to Jacob’s care and entered the inn. A plump woman brightened as she saw Caleb. She hurried around from behind the long bar and threw her arms around him. “Caleb, you rascal! It’s been too long between visits! We haven’t seen you since last summer!’’
If the usually taciturn hunter was discomfited by the overwhelming embrace, he bore up with good grace, and when at last she released him, he said, “Hello, Angelica.” Then he indicated his companion. “Talon here is helping me on this trip.’’
Suddenly, the boy found himself engulfed in a fragrant bear hug.
“Welcome to the Blind Juggler, Talon.” To Caleb she said with a wink, “Ella’s in the kitchen.’’
Caleb said nothing, just smiled slightly. “We’ll need a room for two, perhaps three, days.’’
“You have it,” said the woman. “Now, get yourselves a good table by the fireplace. The porters and teamsters will be filling the place up as soon as it’s dark, and then it’ll be every man for himself.’’
Caleb pointed to a small table in the corner near the fireplace, and Talon went over and sat down. “We’ll wash one at a time,” Caleb said. “She’s right. In a few minutes there’ll hardly be room to turn around in here.’’
Angelica appeared a moment later with two large mugs of ale. Handing a key to Caleb, she said, “First room, top of the stairs. It’s the best.’’
“Thanks,” said Caleb.
Talon sipped at the brew and found it strong and flavorful.
“Watch how you drink that, Talon. It’ll sneak up on you if you’re not careful.” Leaning forward, he continued, “Learn to sip and look as if you’re drinking more than you are.’’
“How do I do that?’’
Caleb demonstrated. He picked up the mug and appeared to take a hearty draught, but when he put the mug under Talon’s chin for inspection, the boy saw only a drop of the ale was gone. “You spill some on the floor or let it drip down your chin if you’re with rough company. If you’re dining with quality folk, you motion for the server to bring you a fresh goblet from time to time. No one except the servant will notice he’s carrying away a half-filled cup, and he’ll not speak to anyone—most likely he’ll drink it himself before he reaches the pantry.’’
“Why?”
“Why will he drink it?’’
Talon shook his head and grinned. “No, I get that part of it. No, why do I want to appear to be drinking more than I am?’’
“Make it a habit. Men in their cups are fools, more often than not. And it can be wise to look the fool at times.” Caleb stood. “I’m going to have a wash.’’