Dallas had just barely got the spoon to his mouth before a sudden whack across the head and wood splinters interrupted his repast.

"THIEF!"

"This is MY kitchen! Just who do you think you are?" The tall woman glared at him and he saw she'd already rearmed herself with yet another wooden kitchen utensil. "Now you've done it, you've gone and scared the wee one as well." She placed a protective arm around Siofra but never taking her eyes of the food thief.

"Now get out of here. You will be served when the stew is ready and not a minute sooner." She cracked another spoon over his head, sending splinters flying and shoved him toward the door. "And there had better not be any splinters in the stew or you'll pay dearly." Her rising voice, along with her increased fury, sent the other kitchen helpers scurrying for cover.

The noise from the kitchens reached the main room.