Palace Gossip

 “I ran into Tobias, the kitchen boy, earlier this evening. He looked nervous.”

“Tobias is always nervous, Nathaniel. His first day, he shook so hard he nearly dropped the roast pheasant.”

“Well, then he’s more nervous than usual. It’s his turn to take food up to the king.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Joash, I don’t know what’s come over the king, but…”

“He disobeyed God during the Amalekite campaign, you know that.”

“Well, yes, but still, this is getting out of hand. Tobias said that last night, one of the other kitchen boys—I think his name’s Caleb—let slip some remark about David and got a facefull of lamb stew.” 

“Is he alright?”

“I think so, though Tobias said the guy won’t come out of his quarters. There may be two holed up in there by tomorrow.”

“I don’t blame him. Normally I’d say he’s just shirking, but with the king going mad lately, I’m inclined to be generous.”

“Rebekah said two more servants quit yesterday.”

“That makes, what, five this week?” 

“Six, if you count that one missing guard.”

“He’s dead, remember? He got drunk and fell from a window.” 

“Oh, right.”

“Joash, Nathaniel, are you in?”

“Yes, Reuben. What is it?”

“Do you have the totals for this storeroom?”

“They’re right here.”

“Thank you, Joash. Hey, uh, did either of you see Leah, the washerwoman?”

“No, why?”

“I heard the king tried to strangle her.”

“Who told you that?”

“Abigail, one of the serving maids.”

“I wouldn’t trust her if I were you. I know the king’s off his head, but Abigail’s known to twist words around.”

“So, she lied about Tobias getting a black eye?”