near him were what i assumed must be the intimate members of colum 's staff : a thin-faced man in trews and smocked shirt , who lounged against the wall ; a balding little man in a coat of fine brocade , clearly a scribe of some sort , as he was seated at a small table equipped with inkhorn , quills , and paper ; two brawny kilted men with the attitude of guards ; and to one side , one of the largest men i have ever seen .