Lillian’s voice came bellowing over the clamor of the noisy pub, “I need another round of ale for the gentlemen at the corner table, Allorah!” Lillian was a stout woman with hardened features and tired eyes; she was pleasant to work with, as barmaids go, and tried to make little lasting impression to anyone but her regular customers.
Allorah’s reply sang over the crowd like a beautiful bird floating on a fowl wind. “Right away, Lillian!” A pleasant-looking woman turned sharply toward the counter and poured four mugs of ale for the gentlemen at the corner table, sighing as she placed them on a flat, wooden plank she used to carry drinks. The men had remained aloof the entire evening, drinking one round after another of pleasantly strong ale. They hadn’t really caused any problems, but they
