* * * * *
By the end of the week the Doormaster's limp was barely noticeable. Mica recovered from his knock on the head. He took to pacing the rooms like a caged animal. His fingers constantly stroked the bracelet, releasing the catch. He spent long moments peering into the mirror.
The Doormaster walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Patience, lad. She strikes me as quite capable. She'll have no trouble making her way back.”
Closing the mirror, Mica looked up at the Doormaster with a weak smile. He still fingered the bracelet but resisted opening it.
“When next you see her,” The Doormaster said, “show her this.” He handed him a folded parchment bearing the purple wax seal of the king.
Liam looked over Mica's shoulder as he opened it. His eyes widened in surprise. “Sir, you've been invited to celebrate the king's birthday at the castle.”
“Not just me, lad. The invitation is for me and my retainers.” His eyes twinkled. “Which I think could include you and Willow. If you think she could be persuaded.”
Mica sadly handed the invitation back. “My wardrobe is not up to a king's ball.”
The Doormaster stroked his beard and peered over his rose tinted glasses. “It seems to me that Hoby the Tailor owes me a favor or two. Why don't the two of you pay a visit to his shop?”
Mica started to object, but the Doormaster dismissed his protests with a wave. “It's just a token gesture of my thanks for your intervention in the spell room. Hoby will be happy to clear his debt with me, and I've no need for yet another robe.”
Hodekin jumped up from his chair. “Now that's settled. You're all heading off to your king's party.” He rubbed his hands together. “That will leave me to mind the house?”
The Doormaster laughed out loud. “Are you sure we can't persuade you to join us?”
Hodekin stood up straight and with one finger cocked his hat to the side. “I'll go if I must, but your king's party sounds a little stiff for my liking. Too much pomp and posturing. Too little song and not enough good drink.”
“Well my friend, I'm sure you'll find something to amuse yourself with while we're away. Just try to keep your friends from burning the place down.”
A grin spread across his face. “I'll try not to break anything expensive.”
As soon as he could get away, Liam slipped off to his room and whistled in the shell for Belinda. When she answered, he told her about the invitation.
“That's wonderful,” she said. “I knew the Doormaster was invited but I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I was so hoping you would be able to come.”
“The Doormaster invited Mica and Willow. I'm sure they will come too.”
“How perfectly wonderful. That will make it complete. I can't wait for our first dance.”
Suddenly Liam felt queasy. “Dance?” His voice quavered.
She didn't seem to notice. “Oops, Princess Jenna is calling. We'll talk later.”
Liam placed the shell on the windowsill. Dance, he thought. What have I gotten into?