Crossword Genius

Deceptive patter of volunteers left with king after time of hunger (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fast talk

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'deceptive patter' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'volunteers left with king after time of hunger' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'volunteers' could be 'ta' (abbreviation for Territorial Army) and 'ta' is found in the answer.
'left' could be 'l' (common abbreviation) and 'l' is found in the answer.
'king' could be 'k' (abbreviation for king in chess) and 'k' is located in the answer.
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'fas' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

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I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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