Free Haven Keep (Book 1) by R. David Bell Page B

of talking always amused Von.  It was worse than any sailor Von ever encountered.  At least the grammar was, sailors often used more colorful words that Redd refrained from uttering.  He claimed those words made you sound uneducated.
    Redd continued, “They be discussing business  private like, and d’ not wish t’ be bothered.  Tis why they is eatin’ in Baiden’s chambers.  They been in t’ere fur some time an’ probably have a worked up appetite.  Take t’is to ‘em and be quick ‘bout it.”  He shoved the heavy laden tray at Von and gestured with his thumb toward the great Hall.
    Von grabbed the tray and left, apparently everyone was on edge. Von made a mental note not to do anything to agitate Redd any further and hurried on his way.
    The Hall was an enormous rectangle of timbers and woodwork, filled with the citizens of Azmark, finishing a somber dinner.  It was a much more subdued group than occupied the Hall  the previous night.  A few people were seated at some of the tables that ran along the outside edge.  At the head of the Hall was an empty table, where Baiden would have normally been.
    The side walls of the Hall were lined with doors leading to private residences. Scores of them.  Staircases at each corner led to balconies that ran along the perimeter.  The second story was filled with apartments.  There was almost enough room for everyone in Azmark to dwell inside the Hall in the unlikely event of a siege.  Von realized the thought was a little silly.  Who would do such a thing?   Of course that was the reason the Hall had been designed this way.
    Von continued on his way, passing weapons and tapestries hung on the walls, covering the timbers that framed the inner structure. The walls were stone, light in color, solidly built and comfortable, remaining warm in the winter and cool in the summer.   Von would  like to live in here, but only freemen and their families lived within the walls of the Hall.
    Von climbed the nearest staircase and made his way up to the third story.  The Lord of Azmark and his family dwelt on this level.  It was not extravagant, nothing in this frozen land was. The only difference Von saw in these rooms was they were slightly larger.  He turned a corner and his soft boots made silent footfalls down a narrow hallway.  He passed a few doors that led to empty rooms only filled when there was a visiting dignitary.  There hadn’t been a visitor important enough to occupy them in some time.
    Von stopped at a heavy oak door and knocked.
    A deep voice answered, “Come.”
    Von opened the door and peered around the room.  Baiden crouched at the fireplace stoking the fire.  He appeared much like his son in height and stature, only mature and even more confident.  He was tall and broad, his frame still well muscled even as he approached his later years.  His rugged features looked grim.
    “Ah, Von.” His deep voice sounded happier than his expression appeared.  “You have brought dinner.  Maybe a good meal can lift Jordy’s spirits.”
    Roren, Jordy and Flenn were seated at a plain, but well made table in the middle of the room.
    “It will take more than food to do that,” Flenn said with a smile.
    “This is not something to be joked at, Flenn,” replied Jordy, a man of middle years, some would say still in his prime.  His hair was darker than most northern men, which meant it was light brown.  A hard man, but a fair man also.
    Jordy went on, “If Roren’s tales are to be believed this is more than just an icebear.”
    “Old men’s tales are often disregarded by the young.”  Roren interjected, the oldest of the councilors and by far the oldest in the room. Large as most northern men, so even at his age he was still a foreboding presence, made  more so with those flat gray eyes which Von suspected saw everything.   “I was young once.  At that time these tales were taken for truth.  Yet, I have had no evidence in my own life other