25

Pottery was neatly arranged on the table. In the center stood a large deep bowl intended for soup, in which lay a ladle, next to four flat oval dishes, on which game and snacks are usually taken out. Two jugs with narrow long necks and carved handles immediately attracted Yarsi's attention. And ten plates, arranged along the edge of the table, next to each lay a spoon, four of them were quite small.

The dishes were shiny clean, there was not a trace of dust, as if a large family was about to sit down to dinner. Only the aroma of ready-made dishes does not hover over the table, wine does not splash in jugs and the voices of household members sitting on the benches are not heard. Emptiness.

He stretched out his hand for the jug, the earthenware was quite strong and without a single crack. An angry hissing was heard from behind the stove, a quick shadow darted along the wall. Pressing the jug to his chest, Yarsi turned his head. The nostrils did not catch the smell, only the eyes noticed