* * * * *
The first couple days passed quickly while Liam finished the map. Then time crawled as he waited for Mica and Willow to return. He and Hodekin took turns watching the Doormaster's every move. For Hodekin it was easy. The master didn't know he was being watched. But he soon tired of Liam's constant hovering.
As Liam walked past the door for the third time in the same hour he heard the Doormaster call. “Come in lad. Pacing the hall will not hurry your friends' return.”
Liam entered the room and crossed to where the Doormaster sat. “I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to disturb you.”
“What you need is something to take your mind off your worries. An idle mind can open perilous doors. We need to return to practical work.”
“But sir, your leg...will it allow you to work?”
“No need for me to work off my worries. It is you lad that needs to be busy.”
“Surely sir, you're not thinking of sending me away.” Liam cringed. Who would protect the master if he were sent on some silly errand?
The Doormaster smiled. “You'll still be here, lad. You just need something to do besides mollycoddle me. I think it is high time you made your own door.”
Liam took a step back. “My own door?” he whispered. “Do you really mean it?” Suddenly doubt filled his mind. What if he failed? What would Mica and Willow think? Should he tell Belinda or wait until he knew it worked?
The Doormaster gave him little time to think. “I've already commissioned a set of doors to be crafted. They will be delivered tomorrow.”
The Doormaster's Apprentice Page 11