* * * * *
The next two days passed pleasantly. The boys installed the door in a church alcove while Willow explored the town. Liam was careful to explain to Friar Roark how the door worked and cautioned him about not letting magical items pass through it.
As they were preparing to leave, Friar Roark met them with bread and aged cheese and sent them on their way with his thanks and a blessing.
Once out of town Mica turned the cart northeast onto Bogwater Trail toward Highland Town. Pools of stagnant water flanked both sides of the muddy track. The cart's wheels splashed through puddles, sending up clouds of midges that had no qualms about dining on strangers. It wasn't long before they were longing for the cold clear air of Snowy Range pass.
Liam slapped the back of his neck, which was already covered with welts. “Even goblins would be a pleasant change from being eaten alive,” he said.
“This place isn't fit for goblins,” said Mica.
“I find the lack of goblins strangely curious,” Willow said. “With all that trouble up north by Fairgrove, there wasn't even a rumor of goblins near Peat Town. While you two were busy with the door I had a chance to walk the town and speak to some of the locals. They tell me that there are goblins lurking in these bogs but they cause little trouble and choose to run rather than fight.”
“Something around Fairgrove has them stirred up like a hive of bees,” said Liam.
“Bees with poison swords,” said Mica as he slapped yet another crawly off his neck.
They were all relieved when they finally got past the bogs and neared Highland Town. Even from a distance the noon sun reflected off the tall white stone buildings. It was busy and Liam was glad they didn't have to go far. The people hurrying past were better dressed. Smoky shied at the noise from the city.
Mica turned off the busy street and they traveled up a shaded road leading to the monastery. A high wall shielded it from the rest of the city. The plain adobe walls looked out of place in the shadow of the shinning white buildings. As they passed through the heavy wooden gate, they saw monks tending gardens. The sounds of the city faded and peaceful quiet settled over them. Smoky relaxed into an unhurried stride.
Mica reined back Smoky in front of the main building. Liam hopped from the cart. Before he could get to the door, it opened and a round, elderly monk appeared. Unlike Friar Roark, this man's robe showed no sign of wear. Dimples adorned his rosy cheeks as he smiled in greeting.
“Welcome to Highland Town Abbey. I am Abbot Taylor.”
“Good afternoon Abbot. I am Liam. I believe you received a letter from Doormaster Ogden.”
His smile widened. “Yes, indeed. The letter mentioned a door.”
“We have it with us. We have already set the linked one in place in Peat Town.”
“Wonderful. We have chosen a place for it in the house of healing. But first we must attend to the needs of you and your friends and care for your weary beast.”
With a wave he summoned an apprentice who took Little Smoky's lead from Mica. The Abbot turned and led them inside talking all the while over his shoulder. “A meal is being prepared and someone will come for you within the hour.” They reached the interior of the abbey. He stopped and swept his arm toward a short hallway that led to a small set of rooms. “Please, refresh yourselves...rest.”
Mica rubbed his neck and peered around the doorway.
The Abbot placed his hand over his mouth. “Oh,” he said, “you've been feeding the swamp midges, haven't you?”
“Not by choice, but they had me outnumbered ten thousand to one.”
The little father laughed heartily and clapped him on the back. “But you've escaped, and they shouldn't bother you here. I'll have some midge balm sent up to your room. Wonderful concoction, wonderful,” he said, and bustled off down the hall.
Liam took the first room. A window in the shape of a cross provided the only light. It was simply furnished with a narrow cot, but the blanket looked warm. Nothing adorned the bare walls except for an iron sconce and a short fat candle. A small table held a wash basin and coarse towel.
Liam washed up and lay down on the cot. He only meant to close his eyes for a moment, but was sound asleep when a knock on the door summoned him to dinner.
The meal was a simple fare of smoked fish, dark bread, and strong black tea.
The Doormaster's Apprentice Page 17