Talon of the Silver Hawk

Twilight was upon him before he realized it. He was just lighting a lamp when he heard a wagon pull up outside the hut. It must be his supper, he thought.

 

He opened the door and almost fell over backward to get out of the way of Alysandra, who marched purposely into the room carrying a steaming kettle of something wonderful. Behind her a voice called, “I’ll unload.’’

 

“Thanks, Jom,” she said over her shoulder.

 

“What are you doing here?” Talon asked.

 

“I’ve brought you your supper,” she said. “Didn’t they tell you?’’

 

“They told me someone was bringing it, but not who,” he answered, then felt foolish for having said it.

 

She smiled, then removed the light cloak she had around her shoulders. Underneath it she wore a simple dress, off the shoulders, and her hair fell around her face. Talon felt his chest tighten.

 

He stood there speechless for a long moment, then said, “I’ll help Jom.’’

 

She smiled and turned to find plates and cups.

 

 

 

Jom handed down two large sacks to Talon, and said, “I’ve got more in that box, there.’’

 

“What is it?’’

 

“Food. You’re supposed to cook for yourself, I was to tell you. Practice what Leo taught you. Whoever he was and whatever it was he taught you,” Jom added. He took up a third sack and jumped down from the wagon.

 

Talon picked up the food and carried it inside. “Better dig a cold cellar out back,” said Jom as he put down the sack. “Got some ham and a quarter of beef coming tomorrow, I was told to tell you. There’s a shovel and some tools in a shed out there, if you didn’t know.’’

 

“Thanks,” said Talon as Jom went out of the door.

 

Talon turned, expecting to see Alysandra moving to follow Jom, but instead she stood at the table, ladling out portions of stew into a pair of bowls. “Ah . . . you’re staying?” asked Talon.

 

She waved for him to sit, and produced a bottle of wine. Then she poured two mugfuls, pulled out one of the two small stools that had been stored beneath the table, and sat down. “Yes, I’m going eat with you. Didn’t they tell you?’’

 

Talon sat down. “Apparently everyone else got told except me.” He could hardly take his eyes off Alysandra, but each time she glanced at him, he looked away.

 

She laughed. “It’s like that sometimes around here, isn’t it?’’

 

“It’s like that a lot around here,” he replied, and she laughed again.

 

They ate in silence for a few minutes, then Talon said, “I’m pleased you’re here, really, but . . . well . . . what are you doing here?’’

 

“Oh, didn’t Master Maceus tell you that, either?’’

 

“No,” said Talon. “As I said, no one has been telling me much of anything.”

 

 

 

“I’m going to be staying here with you. I’m your new model.’’

 

Talon put down his mug. He could not believe what she had said. “You’re the model.’’

 

“Yes, for the nude study you’re doing.’’

 

Talon felt his cheeks begin to burn, but he forced himself to calmness. Obviously, she had no problem posing for him, so he needn’t feel uncomfortable, he decided. Despite that, however, he couldn’t eat, so he put the contents of his plate back in the pot. “I’m not really hungry,” he said weakly. “I was in the kitchen all day, and you know how it is, a bite here, a bit of a nibble there.’’

 

She smiled and said nothing.

 

When she had finished her supper, she said, “Fetch me some water from the lake, and I’ll clear up.’’

 

Glad for the excuse to be alone for a moment, Talon hurried to comply with her request, taking the large oak bucket from beside the door and going down to the lake. A small stream fed the lake, and Talon filled the bucket there, where the water was freshest. He lugged it back and found that Alysandra had already cleared the table and put the plates and cups on the rack outside next to the door. When he appeared, she took the water from him without comment and quickly washed up.

 

Talon went inside, agonizing over what to say to her next. But before he had been able to think of anything, she stepped into the doorway and paused there, letting herself be framed in it. “It’s warm tonight,” she said.

 

“Yes,” said Talon, realizing that he was perspiring, but certain it had nothing to do with the weather. “It’s a bit warm.’’

 

Suddenly she was undressing. “Let’s go for a swim.’’

 

Talon sat in mute astonishment as she quickly removed her dress. Seeing his expression, she laughed. “Get used to seeing me this way, Talon. You’re going to be painting me for a while, remember.”

 

“I suppose so,” he said, watching as she turned and hurried down to the water.

 

“Come on!” she ordered, laughing at his obvious discomfort.

 

Talon stripped off his boots, tunic, and trousers, and ran after her. Alysandra was already splashing into the water by the time he reached the shore. He ran into the water and executed a shallow dive. Coming up, he wiped his hair back, and said, “This feels wonderful.”

 

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