"Delicacy, Toggle," the Dark Lord corrected."Delicacy, Toggle," the Dark Lord corrected. "We can't have our guests thinking they are eating sentient beings. The word is delicacy, not delegate." The hobgoblin nodded and shrugged and apology. Sir Edward regained his composure somewhat, but ate with noticeably less enthusiasm. Now more curious than ever, King Fionn persisted, "We may have to rethink our initial evaluation of your humanoid allies. But please, what is Pooshnok?" The Dark Lord gestured to General Garza who had been leaning forward, eager to explain. "As the Warlord said," the general began formally, "they are a hobgoblin delicacy. Most humanoids from the Mountains of Menace live underground, hence their diets have developed along a very restricted track from limited natural resources. In fact, Pooshnok was extremely rare until only recently when our new trading policies opened them up to the outside, but even now they are still considered a delicacy, at least to some palates. But in answer to your question, Your Majesty, Pooshnok is pickled goose eyes, and Javooka-du-Shagga are worms sauteed in butter with crack-shelled snails." Duke Zuberbier roared with laughter as Sir Edward turned an unhealthy shade of green and slumped in his chair, but a withering glance from the Dark Lord silenced his ridicule. General Ravensblood, having unwittingly taken a fair sized portion of the buttered worms and snails also felt a sudden knot in his stomach, but avoided reproach, by feeding the remainder of his food to Morgan, who shuddered at every mouthful. It was permissible to feed the slave girls unwanted food, and as a slave, Morgan could not refuse any such favors. "An interesting menu, Great Lord," King Fionn answered, taking a moment to let his own stomach settle as Ursala refilled his wine-glass. |