The Doormaster's Apprentice

  * * * * *

  Liam woke to the sound of soft voices. He yawned and stretched. The voices did not belong to Mica and Willow. He jerked awake. Trying to move quietly he pulled himself up and looked over the side of the cart.

  A half dozen elves dressed in brown leather sat around the remnants of last night's fire. A long narrow sword hung from each one's hip. Their short bows were stacked against the tree. Liam could see knife handles extending above the cuffs of their high top boots, each marked with the elf king's insignia.

  They were talking to Mica and Willow and passing around what looked like packets of dried fruit and smoked fish.

  Liam crawled out of the cart and shook the straw from his robe, keenly aware of the travel stains. He ran his fingers through his hair. This will have to do, he thought. He tried to slip in beside Mica without drawing attention, but Willow spoke as soon as he walked up. “And this is Liam, the third member of our party.”

  Six stern faces turned towards him. Liam bowed and gave them a weak smile. The leader looked him up and down. “You're not armed,” he said.

  Liam stammered. “I...I left my sword in the cart, sir.”

  “Best not to stray too far from it. These woods are not as friendly as one might think.” He turned his attention back to Willow.

  “We have neither seen nor heard trace of goblins since Highland Town,” Willow said.

  “They are gathering in number. Often attacking small groups of travelers. Father north and east they are even more bold.” He tossed the last of his fish into the fire and stood. The others rose to their feet as did Willow and the boys. “Have care while traveling,” he said. He adjusted his sword belt and picked up his bow. “There are unfriendly eyes in the woods.”

  “We are forewarned,” Willow said. “Thank you for your service.”

  The elves faded silently into the woods.

  Liam looked to Mica. “Do you think the Doormaster is in danger?”

  Mica glanced sideways at Willow before answering. “Safe enough as long as he doesn't store any more crates in his cellar.”

  “All the same,” Willow said, “we should not linger on the road.”