By then, the ground-floor hall had been transformed into a magnificent banquet hall.
More than a dozen long tables draped in snowy-white cloths stood in rows along either side. Colorful tapestries hung on the walls, embroidered with waves, sailing ships, and whales, their colors glowing softly in the candlelight.
Clusters of fresh flowers, preserved by magic, had been arranged on the tables as decorations. The air held a warmth mingled with candlelight and floral fragrance.
A huge crystal chandelier hung overhead. The light of hundreds of candles fractured into countless glittering shards, spilling over the white tablecloths and silver platters and reflecting back and forth until every face shone brightly.
Beneath the gallery at the far end of the hall, several bards in brightly colored clothes played music. An organ laid down deep harmonies while a psaltery released clear arpeggios beneath nimble fingers. The two voices answered each other, elegant and delicate, rising just enough above the guests' conversation without overpowering it.
Outside lay the damp, salty sea breeze and the cooling night; inside, the room brimmed with glittering lights and music.
The guests entering from the garden could not help marveling at the lavish arrangements. Any lingering irritation over the wait vanished in an instant.
Servants bustled between them with trays, and soon the long tables were covered in gleaming silver platters.
They held roasted rock lobster, lentil and seaweed soup, salt-baked sea bass, sardines in olive oil, creamy clam chowder, garlic octopus tentacles, pan-fried mackerel, pickled olives, and sheep's milk cheese...
Meat and vegetables, soups and cold dishes-everything was there, with other side dishes piled almost beyond the rims of their plates.
Other servants circulated among the guests with trays of drinks: pale golden fruit wine, deep red grape wine, and hot spiced wine in silver pitchers... all