Tales of the Horns: Part 1 The Berserk Beast

by R Mountebank

Mary staggered back to the kitchens at the end of the day, dumping her final load of dirty dishes into a filthy sink. She stood there soaking her aching hands in the tepid water when Barnabas snuck up behind her. Mary turned to face him slowly, half wondering if he would try and grope her too. The tall chef leered down from his lofty height, looking like an albino raisin with teeth.

  "I think you're beginning to fit in, missy."

  Mary gave him her best fake smile and brushed the hair behind her ears coyly. "Thank you, sir."

  Barnabas nodded and continued to leer down at her.

  Mary took a deep breath. "Um... Sir, is there any where special where the kitchen staff are meant to sleep? I only ask 'cause I was on the cold hard floor last night."

  Barnabas rubbed his long chin thoughtfully as he eyed Mary.

  "I suppose I could find you something more suitable. Somewhere more private..."

  Mary gulped. "Um... Privacy isn't really that important. A mattress and a blanket would do."

  Barnabas continued his awkward inspection of her. Just when Mary thought she had lost him, he snapped his fingers bringing over a scullery boy.

  "Yessir?"

  "Find missy here a room. A cosy one with a blanket and all would'ya?"

  The scullery boy rolled his eyes. "Yessir." He ambled away towards the main hall. Looking back over his shoulder at Mary, he waved his hand impatiently.

  Mary took her cue and scooted past Barnabas, muttering her thanks.