he brought the taste of wine of his breath , introduced his puzzled guest to the ruddy glow itself , the stranger at first gulping from the cup , only for the marsh king to admonish him playfully , his words suspended , grilled like the meat , sinking into the fire , warm and full and bleary-eyed as the unfamiliar drink coaxed him to sleep , lying next to his toppled stool , his dreams the imaginings of madmen ... a cloak was draped over his naked form as the gathered lords retook their places in the timbered hall , some nervous of the heap , others excited .