Chapter 21

Maxi was strolling along the hall while glancing out of the windows when a bright voice addressed her.

"It seems you are ready, my lady. I was just on my way to escort you to the dining hall."

She spun around to see Rodrigo, smartly dressed, swinging his spindly legs as he rushed toward her.

"The knights have arrived. Let us hurry, my lady. Lord Calypse is waiting."

Maxi followed him downstairs. When they reached the entrance of the dining hall, she heard boisterous voices coming from within. She peered inside without entering. Under the twinkling lights, fifty men sat crammed on either side of a long dining table, and maidservants waited on them. The table was laden with delectable roasts, loaves of bread, goblets of wine, and ripe fruit. Flames blazed golden in the fireplace.

Maxi hesitated, unsure that her presence was appropriate at a knights' banquet.

"Is something the matter, my lady?" Rodrigo asked with a hesitant look on his face.