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beneath the lofty ceiling, mingled a bizarre combination of oversized and undersized furnishings. Two little women and one tiny old man appeared busy preparing a meal.
    “We have a visitor,” Peluthe announced.
    “My goodness,” exclaimed one of the women. “Is he safe?”
    “Quite safe,” assured Peluthe. “He is Matt, son of David. This is my sister, Deloa; Saul’s wife, Laila; and my codger, Jep.”
    Those mentioned smiled and nodded in turn.
    “Pleased to meet you,” Jason said.
    Peluthe patted Retta on the shoulder. “If you must make added preparations to accommodate our guest, be quick about it. My stomach is impatient today.”
    Retta rolled her eyes. “Stop trying to show off in front of our company. I’m either your wife or your slave. You decide.”
    “I don’t want to cause any trouble,” Jason said.
    “Nonsense,” Peluthe said. “Retta is happiest when complaining.”
    “Must be why I keep you around,” she replied.
    “He’s gargantuan,” the old man griped. “He’ll eat us all.”
    “Behave, codger,” Peluthe scolded.
    The old man toddled toward Jason. “We’ll have to butcher a herd of deer just to feed this behemoth.” He tapped Jason with a gnarled cane.
    “Be kind, Jep,” Deloa said, moving between the old man and Jason. She smiled up at Jason with wide eyes.
    “Don’t you start getting ideas about kissing giants,” the old man hollered, using the cane to pat Deloa on the rump. “We don’t have a ladder tall enough.”
    Peluthe, Saul, and Ulrun burst out laughing. Jason covered a smirk. Deloa looked scandalized.
    The small front door opened, and two little men entered. “Evening, Peluthe,” one of them said, rubbing his palms together.
    “Out of here, you two,” Peluthe cried, hustling over to the door. “I realize everybody in town wants to dine with our visitor, but we don’t have enough as it is. Spread the word.”
    Dejected, the two men retreated out the door. Peluthe locked it behind them.
    Over at the immense fireplace, in front of a huge cauldron, Laila tended a pot on a small bed of coals and ash. “Find a seat,” she invited.
    The little people gathered around a low table. Moving a chair out of the way, Jason sat on the floor, putting himself at about the proper height.
    “Perhaps you would be more comfortable at the big table,” Peluthe suggested.
    “I’m not that large,” Jason said. “Plus, I would miss all the conversation.”
    Laila carried the pot over, and Deloa walked with her, spooning stew into the wooden bowls on the table. They served Jasonfirst, then worked their way around. Retta collected tough, dark rolls into a pan and offered one to every guest. The little women served themselves last. Once they took a seat, everyone began to eat.
    “This is good,” Jason said. The thick, meaty broth was loaded with chopped vegetables.
    “It better be,” the codger griped. “Grew those carrots myself. Best in town. Which gives me an idea.” He turned to Peluthe. “What do you say we throw a harness on this great brute and let him plow my field?”
    “That is enough, codger,” Peluthe admonished, then turned to Jason. “Forgive him.”
    The codger was shaking silently with laughter.
    “No problem,” Jason said, after swallowing another mouthful of stew.
    Jason remained hungry after finishing his stew, but pretended to be fully satisfied when he complimented the meal.
    “Why, thank you,” Retta replied. She glanced at Peluthe. “At least some people in the world still have manners.”
    “Oh, yes, very fine work,” Peluthe mumbled.
    From the westward windows, golden light streamed in: the final rays of the setting sun. “How far before I reach the northern coast of the peninsula?” Jason asked.
    Peluthe squinted. “With those long legs, not more than two days. That about right, codger?”
    The old man grunted. “If he fell over, his head would be halfway there.”
    “Of course, I give you my word to keep your secret,” Jason