Page 117 of Moon Craving

instruction and unwilling to lie either.

As she and Guaire left, Abigail was actually grateful for her inability to hear the

many whispers and comments that had to be going on behind them.

They stepped into the hall and Abigail sucked in a breath.

The interior was every bit as imposing as the exterior and far more austere. No

colorful silks adorned the stone walls to give the hall a more cheerful aspect. No chairs

surrounded the huge fireplace, conspicuously unlit despite the late-afternoon chill in the

cavernous room. The sun might shine outside, but it had not penetrated the thick stone

walls of Talorc's tower home. The only furnishings in the great hall were two long tables

with backless benches down each side.

"How many of the soldiers dine in the hall?" she asked Guaire, rather than

commenting on the cheerless aspect of the huge room.

"Ten of the elite soldiers live here in the hall as well as Talorc's advisor, Osgard,

and myself. Another ten to fifteen of the unmarried soldiers will join us for the midday or

evening meal."

"The married soldiers never share a meal with their laird?" That surprised her.

Talorc struck her as a leader who would prefer to stay connected to all his people.

"It would be considered rude to leave their wives and families for such. Is it not the

same in England?"

"Well, I know that all Sir Hamilton's soldiers were on rotation to eat in the great hall

once a month. It was considered an honor."

"As it should be."

"Of course, their families were welcome to join them. Some did and some

preferred not to. My mother liked to lord her position over the other women living in my

stepfather's barony."

"Interesting." Guaire did not appear as if the comment was merely a polite one. He

looked intrigued. "I do not think we have had a child at the laird's table since Talorc and

Caitriona themselves were children."

"Perhaps it is time to change that."

Guaire smiled at her, his expression saying he was amused but approved.