Free Volle by Kyell Gold, Sara Palmer Page A

Exchequer had been.
    “Lord Vinton?” He turned to see a large black wolf glowering at him from under white bushy eyebrows. He was dressed in charcoal grey: a lighter grey vest over a darker shirt, and short pants that matched the shirt. The shirt stretched out slightly over the pants, but the wolfcarried the extra weight well. A black paw was extended towards Volle, and he saw a bit of grey fur both on the paw and on the muzzle.
    He reached out and grasped the paw. “Yes, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
    The white eyebrows lifted, and the light blue eyes sparkled as the wolf smiled. “Lord Tistunish of Hallenford. Even if Lord Dewanne weren’t on vacation, you’d be easy to pick out.” He glanced at the leather trousers. “Did you just arrive today?”
    Volle nodded. “It’s been a long trip.” His ears flicked, and he smiled. “These are the nicest clothes I have.”
    “Plenty of time to remedy that. See that you do. The palace tailor is a good old goat, he’ll find something for you.” Lord Tistunish cocked an ear to the footmarten who was announcing that the King had entered the banquet hall. “You’ll need to go down to eat, soon. Junior nobles are announced first and you’re about as junior as they come. Your personal servant…” He looked around behind Volle.
    “Haven’t been assigned one yet.”
    “Ah. Never mind, then. Come along. I’ll ask them to arrange the seating.” He took Volle’s arm in a surprisingly strong grip and steered him towards the nearest footman, which happened to be the fox.
    The fox met Volle’s eyes and gave a quick smile of species familiarity, then turned to Lord Tistunish. “Yes, my lord?”
    “Lord Vinton is to be seated next to me at dinner.”
    The fox looked again at Volle, and inclined his head. “I’m sorry, my lord. I didn’t realize who you were.” He made a note on his scroll and looked back at the wolf. “Yes, my lord. I’ll see to it. Lord Vinton, you’ll be in the first group called. I believe they are getting ready to announce them now. If you would follow me, your lordship?”
    Lord Tistunish shook his paw again. “Go ahead. I’ll see you at dinner.”
    “Thank you.” Volle smiled, shook the wolf’s paw, and set off behind the fox.
    The fox and marten conferred, and only a minute later, the marten announced, “Welcome to the Royal Banquet in honor of the Festival of the Renewal. My lords and ladies, it is my honor to invite you to join their Majesties at this sumptuous feast.”
    He opened the door and stood in the doorway to one side, facing the other side, and called out a list of about ten names. Volle heard his among them, but hung back to let some of the others go in first so he could follow their lead. He ended up eighth in line, behind a chubby young wolf with grey fur and in front of a raccoon and his wife. The foppish weasel was near the front of the line.
    The wolf glanced at his trousers and gave him a rather condescending look before facing forward. Volle frowned at his tail, then chuckled to himself. “Short tail, small tool,” he muttered under his breath, and the childish words made him feel better.
    The line of nobles proceeded to the two chairs at the head of the table where the King and Queen were sitting. They were imposing in person, as most bears were, but they did have a noble carriage and alert, if not kind, eyes. Each noble bowed deeply to both and kissed the Queen’s paw, then met a servant on the other side of the royalty and were escorted to their seats.
    Volle heard the wolf in front of him say “All honor to their gracious majesties,” as he bowed, so when it came his turn, he repeated the phrase. The Queen smiled at him and moved her gaze to the raccoon and his wife behind him, but the King’s eyes lingered on Volle. The next servant, a badger, was about to take Volle’s arm when the King held up a large paw.
    “Lord Vinton?”
    Volle looked back into the clear brown eyes. “Yes,