We took our time going back to the castle. The horses were happy to plod along or trot when we asked. Arriving just after the midday meal, Talon asked the stable hands to look after our horses and lead me to the kitchens. Without a word, he went into stealth mode as soon as he reached the kitchen's outside door. Talon crept forward, inch by inch, peeking around corners and tip - toeing through doorways.
"Why are we sneaking?"
Talon silenced me with a look, "Have you ever tried to get any food out of the kitchen here, between meals? The head cook is evil."
I put my hand to my mouth to stifle a laugh. I couldn't believe my friend could be any more serious right now. Signing with his hands, he told me to stay where I was, and he disappeared into the dingy little kitchen. I heard a flurry
