* * * * *
Liam had hardly closed his eyes when a slap from Mica's hat jolted him awake. “Sun's up apprentice. It's daylight in the swamp.”
He rolled over. The sun was just clearing the trees. He rubbed his face and yawned.
“Don't you have bonding to do?” Mica asked. He walked over to Smoky and gave her the last bit of the apple he was eating for breakfast.
Liam remembered the shells and jumped up. Hastily he gathered his components and went to work on bonding the rings. By the time he finished he was ready for breakfast and needed more than just an apple. He laid the rings on a flat rock near the fire and checked the cart to see what he could find.
Mica had finished brushing Little Smoky. He wandered back to the fire and picked up a ring. “They don't look real impressive. Will they work?”
“They’ll work,” Liam said around a mouthful of cheese. “If you need proof, we can test them.”
Mica scooped half of the rings into his belt pouch. “I've been wanting to see what's on the far side of the lake ever since we got here.” He clipped one of the shells over his ear. “Let's test these too.” Slipping his bow over his shoulder, he strode off toward the lake.
Liam packed up his tools cleaning each one meticulously as the Doormaster had taught him and stored them in the cart seat.
He heard muffled voices coming from behind Miraz's wagon. Quickly he closed the lid and jumped down from the cart. As he came around the trader’s wagon he saw the little man sitting on his back steps. Yellow smoke curled over the pipe bowl, wreathing his hand. Spicy aroma filled the air and tickled Liam’s nose.
“Perfect morning!” called Miraz. “Join me good fellow. Nothing better than pleasant company and a good smoke.”
Liam looked around. “I thought I heard you talking to someone. Do you already have company?”
Miraz raised the pipe, sending embers flying in a small arc. “Tis only Griswald here with me. He's a faithful companion and trusted confidante, though I wouldn’t often call his company pleasant.” The scowl on the pipe's face deepened and the eyes glowed red.
Liam wanted to ask about the pipe, but the face glared at him. Its eyes glowed like burning coals, and the words caught in his throat.
Miraz looked out across the water. “I always liked this spot. The lake is a nice place to rest my geese. Fresh water, sweet grass.”
“You pass this way often then?”
“Regular as clockwork. Every full moon will find me with new wonders for those with a discerning eye for the unique.”
Smoke billowed from the pipe. “Barrring goblins…” it steamed with a hiss.
“There is that, Griswald. Goblins are interfering with the western routes, but they haven’t come this far yet.”
A loud honking from across the clearing interrupted the conversation. Miraz jumped up. “Ah, the morning is aging. There must be road dust on your boots before there’s gold dust in your purse. I need to gather my geese.”
At a rolling gate, Miraz moved off into the woods. His coattails swirled around his legs giving glimpses of the striped stockings. Liam was surprised at how quickly he covered the ground. Soon he was out of sight, but his cheery voice could still be heard calling to his geese.
From the shell behind his ear Liam heard Mica’s voice. “Hoy, Liam?”
“Mica?”
“I've been testing the rings as I walked. Your bonding is strong.”
“Miraz is rounding up his geese. I can see why he needs the rings. It will take him a while. How long before you’re back?”
“I’m at the far end of the lake. Might as well continue on around. It's just as short forward as back.”
“I’ll tell Miraz we’ve tested the rings and you’re on your way here.”
By the time Miraz had finished rounding up his geese and packing his wagon, Liam could see Mica moving along the lakeshore. It didn’t take long to band the geese and soon Miraz was in the wagon.
“Many thanks for the remarkable rings. Look for me here when the moon rises full. If I glimpse your campfire through the trees, my geese and I will swing by with a fresh stock of rare and amazing wonders.”
With an extra loud honk on his whistle, he set the geese off down the hill with the wagon bouncing behind them. Just before they reached the lake they took to the air dragging the wagon behind them. As the wheels left the ground, Miraz pulled another lever. Indigo wings sprang from the sides with a pop, transforming the wagon into a flying vessel. Geese, wagon, and trader wheeled out over the lake and disappeared behind the trees.
Liam turned to Mica. “Have you ever met anyone quite like Miraz before?”
“He's one of a kind for sure. I never saw such a pack of marvels. Maybe I'll stop back this way if I ever have a coin to spare.”
His wistful tone surprised Liam. Before he could say anything Mica said gruffly, “Let’s finish the Doormaster’s business.” He led the way back to the cliff where the door stood shadowed by the overhang.
The boys built a structure to anchor the frame to the rock. When it was finished, they shoved the door into place.
Liam struggled to balance it. “This thing's heavy,” he said.
“Hold steady now. Whining won’t ease the load. At least it's smaller than the one across the lake.” Mica drove in the last peg. “That’s it. Your grief is over.”
“’Bout time,” Liam muttered and gratefully dropped his arms. He bent down to help Mica pick up the tools. “So, you saw the door that Miraz told us about?”
“Hard to miss,” Mica said as he headed back to the wagon. “The ground was stomped flat all around and the bloody thing must be thirty hands high.”
“That’s twice my height. Who would have need for a door that size out here? The closest village is Fairgrove.”
“There were strange prints nearby too.”
“What kind of prints?”
“Can’t say for sure. The ground was too hard.”
“Let’s go look. I’m sure if it was made by the Doormaster I could tell.”
“First we need to finish the task at hand,” Mica said. “The king's door still needs to be tested.”
Liam knew Mica was right. He wanted to see the giant door, but it would have to wait. Turning his thoughts to the task at hand he stood in front of the door and nervously smoothed the front of his robe. He'd never been to the castle before. Wishing for a mirror he ran his hands through his hair. It was the best he could do.
Methodically, he began going through his pockets checking for magical items. Remembering the shell behind his ear, he pulled it off slowly. For a moment he studied it. “Best not to take any chances,” he said. He dropped it into his silver lined pouch and tucked it into his pocket. Then he opened the door.
A dim corridor stretched before him lit by widely spaced fire globes. From the far end he could hear the sound of footsteps and scraps of conversations.
“Seems to be working,” he said. “I’ll try the shell after I’ve collected payment.” He stepped from the grassy meadow into the stone corridor. The door closed behind him shutting out the sunlight. He stood for a moment letting his eyes adjust to the fire globe's faint light.
Doors lined the long hallway with small wooden plaques hanging over each one. He looked above his door. The plaque there was crown shaped. Painted on it in vivid detail was a small black boat with royal purple sails bobbing on blue waves.
The noise seemed louder to his right, so he turned and followed the sounds down the corridor. The light brightened as he reached the end of the hallway. He looked out into a large oval room brightly lit with fire globes. Tall smooth walls made the room into an inescapable pit. The only way out was on a platform that was raised with a series of ropes and pulleys.
People with handcarts and bundles streamed into the room, emerging from the many corridors that led into the pit like spokes on a wheel. Large wooden signs hanging from heavy chains marked the openings. Brightly painted images depicting well-known star cluste
rs of the night sky decorated the signs.
Liam was captivated by the artist's work. Each illustration was more intriguing than the last. A ramping lion hung above the corridor he had just left. Across the room the wild eyes of a charging bull seemed to follow his movements.
Liam jumped when strong fingers seized his arm and jerked him aside. He spun quickly to see who gripped him. A burly giant covered in chain mail towered over him. At his side hung a plain functional sword. Both weapon and warrior had seen some wear, but the metal shone and the man's eyes glinted in the dim light. Behind him a shield with the king’s insignia leaned against the wall.
“’Ere now boy, yer stemin’ the flow. State yer business.” Liam looked up into the grizzled face of the palace guard.
“Beg pardon, sir. This is my first time here. I just finished installing a door for the king.”
The guard’s face softened. “Ifen it’s the king’s business ya be on, you’ll need to speak to I'llaskya.” He nodded toward a wizened elderly gnome perched on a tall stool behind an old, much used table. The gnome bent over a thick ledger making notations with a long quill pen. Several people with carts and packages waited in line. Behind the table, a platform full of goods was being raised to the top of the pit.
Liam's gaze was drawn across the room. A young girl in a flowing sea green gown walked beside a tall man. His searing white robe shone like a beacon in the crowded room. Liam took a step forward, but the flow of people pushed him back toward the wall. He bobbed and stretched, trying to catch a glimpse of the girl. For a second their eyes met, and she smiled.
His foot bumped against something hard sending him sprawling across the top of a low wooden crate. He scrambled to his feet and looked back across the room. The girl’s eyes sparkled as she giggled behind her hand. He felt his face flush. “That wasn't the impression I was hoping to make,” he fumed.
Unaware of the girl’s merriment, the stately man in the white robe continued walking. He gestured grandly as he lectured to the young girl. The ever-moving crowd closed around them, and Liam lost sight of her.
He scowled down at the crate. The image of a crudely painted boar's head marked the hinged lid. It's red eye glared back at Liam. He gave the crate a half-hearted kick, and the catch rattled.
A heavy hand fell on his shoulder and the guard laughed kindly. “Steady boy. Yer not der first ta fall fer Lady Belinda. Some say she's bonny nuff ta be a princess herself.”
Embarrassment jammed the words of thanks in Liam’s throat. He nodded, brushed himself off, and took his place in line.
When it became his turn he stepped up to the table.
“I'llaskya yer business,” the gnome growled in a bored voice without even looking up.
Liam smiled as he realized how the gnome got his name. “I’m on my master’s business. Here to report that the king’s door has been installed at Yellow Fingers Lake.”
“Are ye now?” One bushy eyebrow raised and he evaluated Liam with a critical gaze. Slowly he reached for a small brass bell that sat on the corner of his desk. With a flick he gave it a sharp jingle. One of the servants working on the loading platform plodded over.
“Tell Alabaster that the ‘prentice he’s been spectin is here.” He waved a grizzled hand at Liam. “Step ta the side young'un. I’spect the wizard will want a word with ye.”
Liam moved out of line. Following the servant with his eyes, he watched him approach the man in the white robe. The servant pointed in his direction. Liam was dismayed as the tall man and the pretty girl looked his way. Just my luck, he thought. People scurried to make way for the wizard.
“Ah, you must be the Doormaster’s promising young apprentice. Liam, I believe. Let me introduce myself. I am Alabaster, Weapon Master to the King.” With a graceful sweep of his arm he said, “This is the charming Lady Belinda, handmaiden to Princess Jenna.”
Liam turned to Belinda. Her fiery red hair flowed down past her shoulders, caught in a net of silver. Green eyes, darker than her gown, twinkled up at him. A light sprinkling of freckles dotted her cheeks giving her a mischievous presence. He knew he was staring, but he was unable to look away.
Seconds ticked past. A smile pulled at one corner of Belinda’s mouth.
“You are apprentice Liam, are you not?” Alabaster asked.
Liam jerked his gaze away from Belinda. “Uh, uh…yes Sir, I’m Liam. You…you, know my name?”
“Knowing things comes in handy if one wishes to become the King’s own Wizard,” he said as he stroked his pointed chin. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Uh…yes Sir,” stammered Liam, still wondering why a wizard like Alabaster would want to know his name. Then he remembered why he was there. “Sir, I’ve just completed installing and testing the king's door.”
“Then all that is missing is your payment. I shall inform the paymaster; however, these matters take some time. Your gold should be ready before the evening bell.”
“Sir, where should I wait –?”
Before he could finish, a page dressed in a diamond checked purple and white tunic bearing the king’s black peregrine insignia ran up. “Sir,” he said handing Alabaster a sealed parchment. “From the king.”
“Oh bother,” Alabaster grumped with a grin. He broke the seal and scanned the message. “I’m sorry my dear,” he said to Belinda. “Only the king’s business could tear me away, but it seems there is a package arriving that he wishes me to see. Probably some new sword or dagger that needs enchanting.”
“I understand,” Belinda said. “Perhaps another time.”
Alabaster nodded. After a quick word to the paymaster he swept off down one of the side corridors with the page, his mind already on other matters.
“It seems my escort has been called away,” Belinda said. “Perhaps you would care to accompany me to lunch?”
“You honor me, m’lady. But I need to tend to my master’s business.”
“You still need to eat do you not? If the gold arrives before you return the paymaster will keep it safe.”
Liam could not believe his good fortune. It seemed this beautiful girl wanted to spend time with him. “Then lead the way.”
Belinda took Liam’s arm and steered him around the desk to the loading platform. “Hold tight to the railing. The first time is a little tricky.”
With a jerk the platform started to rise catching both of them by surprise. Liam lurched into the rail and Belinda stumbled against him. To his delight she was suddenly in his arms. This was the first girl he had ever hugged, other than his mother. He didn’t want it to end and he took his time letting her go. “Are…are you okay?” Liam stammered as he looked down at her.
Belinda looked up smiling, “Fine, but I believe you are standing on my dress.”
Flustered, Liam quickly removed his arm and stepped back. What a fool I am, thought Liam. I thought she was standing there because she liked me hugging her and all the time I was standing on her dress. He could feel his face growing hot. Knowing he was blushing, he looked over the side in an effort to hide his embarrassment.
Below him he could see the entire floor of the receiving pit. All manners of boxes, crates, casks, carts and bundles were flowing in. From all over the kingdom merchants traveled through the magic doors to bring their goods to the castle. Most of the traders were men, but other races were there too.
Liam caught a glimpse of two elves carrying a fine tapestry rolled up like a carpet and slung between their shoulders. Near the wall a dwarf in full plate armor struggled to drag an iron bound chest. A small company of gnomes slowly pushed a three-wheel cart across the floor. Their leader gestured wildly and screeched in a high-pitched voice at anyone who came within arm’s reach.
Belinda stepped up beside Liam. “It is quite the spectacle is it not? All those people and goods…and everything has to be pulled up with this lift.”
“This is the only way up?” asked Liam, his curiosity overcoming his embarrassment.
“Oh yes, Alabaster was expl
aining it all to me before he was called away. As you can see, goods come here from all over the kingdom,” she said pointing to the floor below. “If the doors opened directly into the castle, it would be an easy matter for an invading army to capture some merchant’s door and force their way in. But the doors all open into this pit and it takes but a single man to cut the rope that raises the lift.”
“Still, now you think about it, doesn’t it seem a little dangerous having all those doors opening to who knows where?”
“Belinda pointed to the ledge running along the top of the pit. “Alabaster tells me that if the alarm is sounded the pit will be ringed with archers in minutes.”
The platform reached the top. With a soft thump it bumped to a stop. Workmen with carts and barrows were waiting to unload the platform. Liam and Belinda quickly moved past them. The guard nodded to Belinda.
Near the platform the hall was filled with workers moving the goods into nearby storerooms. The noise and bustle died down as they moved down the hall.
“This must be your first time to the castle,” said Belinda.
“Is it that obvious?” asked Liam.
Belinda cocked her head and smiled, “Well you did make quite an entrance.”
Liam ran his hand through his hair self-consciously, “I must have seemed quite the fool…falling over that crate?”
Belinda giggled and placed her hand on his arm. “To have a man fall for her is quite a compliment actually.”
Her frankness surprised Liam. His awkwardness faded and he began to relax. “In a castle like this you must have many suitors to choose from,” he said.
“I grew up in a small village north of here. I find these strutting court dandies lacking. Most are spoiled and incompetent, fearful of straying too far from their mother’s touch. I long to find one who is able to speak of something other than one’s self. But enough of that, I am hungry. Shall we find something to eat?”
Liam nodded and the two continued down the hall towards the kitchen.
For all of her talk about being from a small town, Belinda took pride in the castle and was more than willing to tell Liam about anything that he asked. They passed by dozens of doors. Occasionally one would be open giving him a glimpse of heavy ornate furniture and walls draped with rich tapestries. One was filled from floor to ceiling with tall cases stacked with leather books. The sheer size of the castle amazed him.
She guided him upstairs, down halls and around corners until he was quite confused. Liam was starting to suspect that they were lost when his nose detected the smell of fresh bread.
Belinda stopped in front of a large wooden door at the end of the hall. “Here we are, Lumba's kitchen, where good food and abuse flow in abundance. Don’t be fooled by his gruff manner. It’s just his way of protecting his soft heart. When I first came to the castle I use to come down here because the kitchen reminded me of home. I think Lumba kind of adopted me.”
Belinda swung open the door. A wave of warmth struck Liam, washing him in a sea of savory smells that reminded him of his mother’s kitchen on feast day. The large room bustled with activity all directed by a great ox of a man.
The door had hardly closed before the kitchen master descended upon them. His rolling gait propelled him across the room. Towering over them he wiped his hands on his stained apron. Taking no notice of Liam, he beamed at Belinda. “Bless my pots, ‘tis the Lady Belinda it is come to see old Lumba. Good on ya dearie!” Wrapping his huge hand around her tiny fingers he led her towards a small table in the corner. “Ya be looking a bit peaked. How 'bout a nice hot bowl of barley stew and a warm bit of spiced bread?”
“That would be wonderful,” said Belinda as she turned towards Liam. “I was hoping you would have enough for me and my friend.”
The big man seemed to notice Liam for the first time. Placing his hands on his hips he scowled down at him. “Who’s this stray ya’ve dragged into my kitchen?” he growled.
“Kitchen Master Lumba, I would like to present Doormaster’s Apprentice Liam. He has just installed a magic door for the king.” Standing on her tiptoes she pulled Lumba closer and whispered loudly, “Stop trying to scare him, he’s nice.”
Lumba squinted suspiciously and eyed Liam up and down. Then he offered his hand to him. “The lass seems ta think ya might be a bit of all right.”
Liam took Lumba's offered hand. “An honor to meet you sir.”
Lumba squeezed Liam’s hand tightly. He pulled him close and Liam felt the big man's hot breath on his face. “I ain’t no sir,” he snarled. “It's 'er you’ll be 'onoring or I’ll be feeding ya your own innards.”
“Lumba!” Belinda said and stomped her tiny foot.
Lumba let go of Liam’s hand and threw a wink at Belinda. “If en ‘e wants to play the game ‘e should be knowing the rules. Now ‘ave a sit and I’ll ‘ave old Foogle bring your food. I’ve a castle ta feed.” And off he went.
Belinda cast a worried look at Liam. “Please don’t judge him too harshly. He can be quite nice when he wants to.”
Liam looked across the room at Lumba. “And quite scary too,” he said with a grin. “I’ll try to remember not to anger him.”
As Liam sat down his hand bushed the lump in his pocket, and he remembered the shell that was linked to Mica’s. Taking it out he showed it to Belinda. “Have you ever seen a shell like this?” He placed it in her hand. “It lets people talk to each other at a distance. I got it from a trader.”
Belinda looked at the shell. “Its shape is a little odd, but it doesn’t look magical.”
“Ah, a skeptic I see. My friend is at Yellow Finger Lake. Shall we test it?” He held out his hand and she dropped the shell onto his palm. Liam placed the shell behind his ear. “Mica can you hear my voice?”
Mica responded immediately. “Surely. Where are you?”
Liam couldn’t resist boasting about his good fortune. “I’m in the castle having lunch with a very pretty girl.”
“Right, and I’m dining with the king.”
Liam laughed. “I know. I’m having trouble believing it myself. Wait, I’ll ask her if she would like to speak to you. Her name is Lady Belinda.” He took the shell from behind his ear and offered it to her. “Would you like to talk to my friend Mica? He doesn’t think you are real. Just hook it behind your ear and you will be able to talk to him.”
Belinda studied the shell carefully, turning it over in her hand. Then brushing her hair back she hooked it behind her ear. Looking at Liam she asked, “Now I talk and someone will hear my voice?”
Before Liam could answer, Belinda’s eyes got wide. “What a clever trick. It sounds like someone is talking from inside the shell.”
Liam smiled. “No, my lady. The shells are linked and carry the sound of voice between them.”
Without the shell Liam couldn’t hear what Mica was saying, but it brought a giggle to Belinda’s lips.
From out of the bustling kitchen Foogle appeared with a tray stacked with food. He placed it on the table and quickly disappeared.
Belinda said, “Perhaps someday we will meet and I will be able to match your quick wit to a face. But for now I think I will return the shell to Liam.”
Liam placed the shell back behind his ear. “As much as it grieves me I must turn my attention to the lady and the food she has kindly provided.”
“Enjoy yourself while you may,” Mica remarked. “You're facing a cold bed tonight and a long journey home tomorrow.”
Liam laughed. “I will return before nightfall with the payment.” Smiling he returned the shell to his pouch.
As they talked, Belinda’s mischievous smile and openness put him at ease. Afterward he couldn’t remember what they talked about, but sharing the simple meal with her was better than any feast day he could recall.
They sat at the corner table talking long after the meal was done. Lumba threw them several scowling looks, but Liam didn't want to leave Belinda's company. Finally, he could put it off no longer.
“I don't want this to end, but my friend Mica is waiting back at camp. We have an early start in the morning.”
“Yes, I've been away from my duties too long as well.”
On their way out Belinda thanked Lumba with a smile and a wave. She hurried Liam out the door in order to save him from another lecture.
The trip back was much too short. Liam walked slowly and Belinda matched his steps. As they neared the platform, Liam hesitated and they both stopped. “Thank you, this has been a day I’ll long remember.”
“I will remember it fondly also,” said Belinda. “Perhaps someday chance will bring you back.”
Liam reached into his pouch. His heart was thumping in his chest. Before he could change his mind he blurted out, “I wish you to take this.” He pressed the shell into her hand. I will wear its mate behind my ear after the evening meal until I go to bed. Simply whistle and I will hear you.”
Smiling Belinda took the shell. “I will look forward to hearing your voice.”
Liam squeezed her hand and gathered his courage. He leaned forward hoping for another hug but a movement in the shadows caught his eye. Belinda turned to follow his gaze. In the darkness of the archway loitered an unkempt page. His dirty tunic showed the signs of his last meal. He gave them a lopsided smile but made no attempt to move on.
Belinda backed away slightly and Liam knew the moment was lost. Clearing his throat he said, “Just remember the shell is magic and it must be shielded with silver if you wish to take it through a magic door.”
“I’ll remember,” said Belinda and they continued on down the hall.
At the platform she said a quick good bye. “I fear by now the princess has risen from her nap and is terrorizing the maids. Fare you well until next we meet.”
Liam barely had time to wave before Belinda’s green gown disappeared around the corner. Thoughts of her drifted through his mind as he rode the platform down, picked up his payment, and returned to camp.
When he stepped through the magic door, Mica was sitting by the fire. “Ah the dandy’s returned.” Mica stoked the fire with another log. “And did he have the wits to remember why it was he went?”
Mica sounded cross but Liam could see the smile he was trying to hide all the way across the camp.
“Of course.” Liam removed the purse from his belt and jingled the coins. He swaggered over to the cart. “Conveyed, installed and invoiced.” He dropped the coin purse through the magic door under the seat. “All in a day’s work.” Liam made a show of dusting off his hands. “Some work days are just more enjoyable than others. Can’t be helped really.” Liam was smiling so hard his face hurt, but he couldn’t stop.
The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning up the camp and preparing for an early start the next day. While they worked Liam babbled with enthusiasm, telling Mica everything that happened at the castle. Mica laughed out loud when he heard about him falling over the crate while Belinda watched.
After dinner Mica winked at Liam and volunteered to clean up. With a grin of thanks Liam placed the shell behind his ear and walked down to the lake. He hoped Belinda would use the shell tonight. Finding a spot at the foot of a tall tree he made himself comfortable. Before long he heard Belinda whistle a short little tune. Soon they were talking and laughing as they told each other about their day. Long before he was ready to say good night, Belinda told him she had to put the princess to bed.
“Worry not. We will talk again tomorrow eve,” Belinda assured him. “Fair well until then.”
The shell went quiet. He knew she had put it away for the night. Smiling he rested his head against the tree and let his mind drift across the wonders of the day. The sun slowly sank and shadows closed in around the lake. Pushing himself up, Liam stood. Stiffly he made his way back to camp stumbling over the rough patches in the dark.
The camp was quiet. Mica was already lying in the back of the cart wrapped in a blanket. Liam banked the fire and checked on Smoky, then found his own blanket. What a wonderful day he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
The Doormaster's Apprentice Page 6