There was one ingredient left: the Eastern spices that would make this batch of cookies very special indeed. I carefully sprinkled them over the dough, then kneaded the mass one more time, muttering the words of a baking spell to make sure nothing went wrong.
I fidgeted at the oven, not daring to leave the cookies unguarded. Finally, they were done, and I carefully pulled the baking sheet out of the oven. Just slightly brown, they looked stunningly delicious.
I personally shifted them to a basket, taking great care not to break even one of them. I carried the basket upstairs, to the rooms of the visiting holy knight, and placed it on the table. Then I waited for the results, loitering in the hall.
The noble visitor arrived in splendid glory and was shown to his room. Soon …
A roar came from above. I moved back, as the door flew open and a second roar shook the hall. A hairy monster stumbled down the stairs, only to be speared by the terrified guards.
A little later, it lay dead on the flagstones.
Another of those knights down. I would get them all eventually, I promised myself.