* * * * *
Little Smoky was glad to be out of the barn and back on the road. At the crossroads outside of town they turned north. Liam wished they were going south to the castle to see Belinda, but he knew that wasn't possible. He smiled to himself. There was always the door to the bakery, and tonight he would talk to her again on the shell.
The Greenway was wide and smooth. It stretched all the way from the castle to Three Oaks Dale. Mature oaks cast dappled shadows on the road making the hot, sunny day cool and comfortable for travel. Willow hummed softly.
“What a pretty tune,” Liam said.
“What a haunting melody. Does it have words?” Mica asked.
“It's the Ballad of the Wild Rose,” Willow said, “the trials of two young lovers. I don't think it's ever been translated from Elvish.”
“If you're willing, I'd like to hear it,” Mica said.
“As you wish,” Willow said. She began singing, her voice sweet and clear. Liam didn't understand the words, but they conjured images of bubbling springs, misty waterfalls, and elves passing hand in hand among the trees. When she finished, they rode on in silence each wrapped in their own thoughts.
They were still in high spirits when they spotted a beckoning grove on the edge of a pond, and they decided to stop early for the night.
Mica quickly fed and watered Little Smoky while Willow arranged the camp. “If you'll start the fire hero, we'll go stretch our legs and perhaps find dinner.” He grabbed his bow from the cart and tossed Willow hers. They walked off towards the pond, their shoulders almost touching. Liam smiled. He could see his friends were happy.
He whistled a few bars of Willow's song while he gathered wood and started a fire. Soon he had a cheery blaze. Leaning back against a tree, he laced his fingers together behind his head and looked up. A soft breeze caused the leaves to dance, painting soft green patterns across the blue sky. He wished he could share this day with Belinda.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the shell. Slipping it over his ear, he whistled the three notes softly. Belinda answered right away.
“Isn't it early for your call?” she asked. “Is everything all right?”
“Everything is wonderful,” Liam said. “The doors are installed and tested. Now the people from Peat Town have access to Highland Town.”
“That will make such a difference for them. It will enrich their lives and give them greater access to the kingdom.” Her voice softened. “I'm so proud of you.”
Liam felt a thrill of pride, and struggled to cover his embarrassment. “It will make my mother happy.”
“It's your first door. You must tell her all about it as soon as you can.”
Liam smiled. “I'll write her a letter as soon as I get home.”
He could hear voices in the background. Belinda said, “I hear the queen. I must go.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Goodnight, Doormaster.”
Liam laughed out loud and slipped the shell back into his pocket.
He was still grinning when Mica and Willow returned. Mica was carrying a pair of coneys. Willow held a bundle of green sticks.
“Did you fall asleep hero? That fire's not near hot enough to cook on.”
Liam looked at the sticks Willow carried and said, “Those look too green to burn. Let's use these.” He took a thick branch from his pile and set it on the fire.”
Willow laughed. “These are not destined for the flames. They are Ol-saiget reeds and will soon become fine arrows.
Mica picked up one of the reeds and tapped it against his hand. “Quite amazing. Hollow, yet strong. I've walked past these reeds for years and never thought of them as arrows.”
Willow handed Liam a pouch filled with tubers and herbs. “If you would be so kind as to prepare the stew, I will continue Mica's education.” She smiled sweetly at Mica and took the reed he was holding. With a deft movement of her knife she trimmed off the leaves and set them aside. “Nothing is wasted. The leaves will be used for fletching.”
Before dinner was ready, Mica and Willow had turned the pile of reeds into a quiver full of arrows.
Darkness came quickly to the grove. Willow climbed a convenient tree and the boys settled into the back of the cart for the night.