Part 74 (1/2)
”Put them aside for the moment; there will be a short delay and the onions should not overcook.”
”Just so, Your Honour.”
”You may pour the elderberry wine which our guests have demanded for the slaking of their thirsts.”
”By no means!” said Madouc. ”We would never think to impose upon your generosity! Sir Pom-Pom, set out your golden vessel. I will drink mead.”
Sir Pom-Pom arranged the vessel and from the first spout poured mead for Madouc.
Travante said: ”I believe that I will drink good red wine to day.”
Sir Pom-Pom poured full Travante's goblet from the appropriate spout. ”As for myself, I will drink some fine cracking ale!”
From the last spout Sir Pom-Pom poured foaming ale into his own goblet. Throop's three heads watched the operation in wonder, then all muttered into each other's ears. Pasm said aloud: ”That is an excellent vessel!”
”So it is!” said Sir Pom-Pom. ”And while we are on the subject, what do you know of the Holy Grail?”
All three heads instantly bent forward to stare at Sir Pom-Pom. ”What is this?” demanded Pism. ”Did you put a question?”
”No!” cried Madouc. ”Of course not! Never! Not by so much as a breath! Nor an iota! You mis-heard Sir Pom-Pom! He said that better than all else he enjoyed his ale!”
”Hmf. Too bad!” said Pasm.
”Information is valuable,” said Posm. ”We hold it dear!”
Pism said: ”Since you have been allowed free and liberal use of the goblets, perhaps you would allow us to taste the product of that remarkable vessel!”
”Certainly!” said Madouc. ”It is only good manners! How do your tastes incline?”
”I will drink mead,” said Pism.
”I will drink wine,” said Pasm.
”I will taste that smas.h.i.+ng ale,” said Posm.
Naupt brought goblets which Sir Pom-Pom filled from the vessel. Naupt then served to each of the heads its specified tipple.
”Excellent!” declared Pism.
”Tasty and of high quality!” said Pasm.
”Batasta!” cried Posm. ”I have not tasted such ale for many a year!”
Madouc said: ”Perhaps we should now offer our host-gifts. Then you may offer your guest-gifts in return and we will resume our journey.”
”Bah batasta!” growled Pasm. ”This talk of guest-gifts scratches harshly on my ear.”
Pism once again winked a great white eye. ”Have you forgotten our little joke?”
Posm said: ”No matter! We must not cause our guests to wonder. Princess Madouc, so tender and sweet! What of your host-gift?”