The Doormaster's Apprentice

  * * * * *

  Liam stepped through the door into the spell room licking his fingers. He raced up to his room. He couldn't wait to tell Belinda the news. Hoping she would be listening, he slipped on the shell and whistled softly.

  To his delight she answered. “Liam! I was hoping to hear your voice. Things have been dull. I've been wearing the shell all day hoping you would call.”

  “If things are that dull, maybe you wouldn't mind seeing me. Maybe tomorrow?” He held his breath waiting for her answer.

  “Really? I would love to see you. When?”

  He breathed out in relief. “I have errands at the castle tomorrow. I'll be delivering Drindle's baked goods at sunrise.”

  “Then I will meet you at the lift by I'llaskya's table. We'll take the breads up to Lumba's kitchen together. Oh, the princess is waking up. I have to go.” And she was gone.

  Liam set the shell down on the table and sat on the bed. Lumba. He'd forgotten all about Lumba. There wasn't much time to worry about it though. By the time he'd finished his chores it was dinnertime. The Doormaster and Hodekin were already at the table when Liam slipped into his chair.

  Hodekin passed him a chunk of bread and ladled potato soup into a bowl.

  Liam tore a piece off the bread. “Seems a little quiet without Mica and Willow.”

  Hodekin plopped the bowl down in front of Liam, slopping soup on the table. “Conversation's overrated. Too much chatter is bad for the digestion.”

  Liam avoided Hodekin's scowl and changed the subject. “I had a good visit with the baker Drindle today,” he said between bites. “He accepted your invitation and could come tomorrow if he had someone to make his delivery to the king.”

  “Hmmm, I see,” The Doormaster said with a sly smile. “Perhaps we could find a volunteer. Delivering a little bread shouldn't be much of a hardship for a strong lad,” he said with a wink.

  “No hardship at all, sir,” Liam said. “I'd be happy to go.”

  “It will take some time for Drindle and I to catch up on the years that have passed. I'm sure you can find a pleasant way to spend some time at the castle.”

  “Sounds like almost everyone has something pleasant to do tomorrow,” Hodekin muttered.

  “It's been a while since you've had a day to yourself, Hodekin. If I know Drindle, he won't be satisfied without showing off his latest delicacies. I think the old bird and I can muddle through an afternoon. It might be a good time for you to take a bottle from the cellar and share it with one of your friends.”

  Hodekin popped out of his seat and straightened his vest with a tug. Jumping up he clicked his heels together. “That's such a grand idea I think I might start tonight.” With that he left the room, his feet dancing a jig to a tune only he could hear.

  The Doormaster laughed out loud. “I guess that leaves the cleaning up for us, lad.”

  “There's not much needed, sir,” Liam said. “I'll clear it away.”