* * * * *
Two days later Liam woke to the sound of a merry whistle accompanied by the tapping of Hodekin's boots down the hall. He rolled over and pulled the pillow tight against his head. All he wanted was a few more minutes of sleep, but the sound only grew louder. Soon Hodekin was banging on his door.
“Arise! Arise! The sun is in the sky. Much to do on party day. If you're late for the king's ball you needn't think you can join mine.”
Liam turned over and groaned. It would be hours before the ball started, but ignoring Hodekin would only encourage the little kobold to be more annoying. He gave in to the inevitable and struggled out of bed.
Hodekin turned on his heel and skipped down the hall. “Breakfast is hot eggs and biscuits,” he called back. “But they won't last long.”
Liam groaned again, but he stumbled down to the kitchen. He'd hardly finished breakfast when Hodekin came into the room and snatched up the dishes. “You've been fed. On your way now.” With that he started sweeping the floor with swift short strokes. Every step Liam took put him in the kobold's path. Seeing he was obviously in the way, Liam scooped up another biscuit and escaped out the door.
He headed down to the lake thinking he might find a shady spot to rest his eyes. When he got to his favorite spot, he found that Mica was already there.
“It’s a mite early for you to be up,” Mica said. “I thought heroes slept in.”
Liam laughed and handed Mica half his biscuit. “Hodekin is in rare form this morning. I think maybe the king's ball will be tame compared to the frolic that Hodekin is planning.”
Mica took a bite of the biscuit. “A lot less pomp and decorum I would venture.”
He offered Liam a spare pole, but he shook his head. “I'm not much for fishing. Once you catch a fish the fun's all over. It just leads to a lot of cleaning and cooking. And the fish bones are a nuisance. Give me a hot loaf of bread any day.” Leaning back against the tree he nibbled on the biscuit.
The boys enjoyed the morning as it slipped into afternoon. Liam was starting to get hungry. “You're not catching many fish,” he said.
“I thought you didn't want fish,” Mica said.
“Wouldn't mind you catching some. As long as you did all the cleaning and cooking.”
A voice from behind them said, “I suppose he'd have to eat them for you too?”
Both boys jumped. “Willow!” Mica said. “You make a cat sound noisy.”
Her laugh rang like small clear bells. “It's fortunate I'm not a cat. It doesn't look like you have enough fish to share.”
Mica started to protest, but Willow touched his shoulder. “I'm sure your luck would change in time, but the king would probably be less impressed with the fish than I.”
Liam reluctantly got to his feet. “I guess it is time to get cleaned up. And I wouldn't mind a little lunch.”
Mica pulled up his small string of fish. “It would take more time to clean these than eat them.” He released the fish into the water and the three friends walked back together.
It didn't take the boys long to eat and get ready. They decided to wait outside for Willow. They sat on a bench under the tree. The air was starting to cool. Shadows stretched across the yard and fireflies floated across the garden.
“I'm a little worried about tonight,” Liam said.
“About what?” Mica said.
“About dancing.” He looked down at his shoes. “I don't know the first thing about dancing. All that stepping and bowing and twirling...”
When Mica didn't reply, Liam looked up. His friend was looking across the yard. “Are you listening? I could use some help with this dancing thing.”
He followed Mica's gaze. Willow drifted gracefully across the grass. Her dark silver dress sparkled with each step like reflected moonlight. She stopped in front of them. The silver shimmers muted and sank like receding ripples on a quiet woodland lake.
Mica jumped to his feet stammering. “I didn't expect...I mean...” His voice softened. “You're beautiful.” He took her hand in his. “Tonight you will outshine the royal ladies in their own court.”
“I am pleased my gallant escort approves. And look at you two.” She held out her arms. “The ladies aren't the only ones who will have cause to be jealous.”
Liam felt his face warm. “We better get started or the ball will be finished before we get there.”
They joined Ogden inside and he led the way into the potion room. As Liam was shutting the door, Hodekin winked and tipped his hat sideways with his finger. “Enjoy the ball,” he called. Then he dropped his voice so only Liam heard. “We'll keep the light on, but there'll be no need to hurry home.”
When they came through the door at the castle, carpets lined the stone floors in the corridors. The king's guards, in dress uniforms, checked invitations as the guests entered the large commerce room.
The lifting platform's safety ropes had been replaced with soft black velvet cords draped with garlands of wisteria. They joined the gaily dressed crowd and made their way through the hall to the courtyard. A line of guests slowly made their way up the stairs to the ballroom.
As they waited their turn, Alabaster came striding down the stairs. He swept past them, his white robe flowing behind him. Liam watched as he crossed the courtyard to his tower.
Mica jabbed Liam in the ribs with his elbow. “That one seems full of himself.”
Liam smiled. It was good to be the one with the answer instead of always having to ask questions. “That's Alabaster, the king's wizard. He's the one who introduced me to Belinda and arranged payment for the door we installed.”
The crowd thinned in front of them. The Doormaster stepped forward and handed his invitation to a page wearing a purple and black tabard. The young man turned to the king.
“May I present to your majesties, Doormaster Ogden and his party.” With a deep bow and a flourish, he waved them in.
The Doormaster strode up to the king and bowed. “Your majesty. It is my honor to be your guest.”
The king clasped Ogden's shoulder in a firm grasp. “Good to see you my friend. You're looking prosperous.” He poked him in the belly and grinned.
“Someone has to sample Drindle's wares to be certain they are fit for your majesty.”
“His pastries are truly delicious. If not for the queen, I'd need new robes every fortnight.”
While the king and Ogden talked, Liam’s gaze wandered to where the queen and the little princess Jenna were standing. A swirl of blue caught his eye. Behind the princess stood Belinda. The deep blue satin of her gown flowed out from her waist like a bell, cascading over a flame red underskirt. Slits in the puffy blue sleeves revealed more of the bright red silk. Her hair was pulled into an elaborate braid, entwined with blue ribbons to match her dress.
She smiled and nodded her head sideways towards the king. Liam followed her gaze and was mortified. The king was watching him.
“...my apprentice, Liam,” Ogden was saying.
The king smiled at his embarrassment. “It's okay, boy. Even a king can't compete with a young girl's beauty.”
The queen smiled. “The ball is to be enjoyed.” She turned to Belinda. “Take your young friends and join the merriment.”
Belinda looked at her in surprise. “But your majesty...”
The queen shooed her away. “Go, my dear. The princess will be fine with me.” She looked down at the little girl. “Won't we darling?” The little girl nodded.
They edged their way along the dance floor. The weapons festooning the ballroom walls starkly contrasted with the festive dancers. At the end of the room tables were setup on three sides of a small alcove.
A large peregrine carved from a single piece of lavender quartz sat in the center of the first table, its back and wings hollowed out. A frothy punch filled the deep bowl. Frost formed on each of the finely detailed feathers. The vessel was obviously linked to a glacier or frozen lake.
A rainbow of long stemmed quartz goblets filled
the table. Each was carved with an exalted member of the realm in a scene. Not all were warriors leading charges. There were teachers, healers, artisans, builders, astronomers, sailors, and weavers.
The table on the left held small sandwiches, of every shape, each one more decorative than the last. But they couldn't compare to the intricately decorated pastries from Drindle's shop that filled the right hand table.
Liam filled one of the goblets and handed it to Belinda. Mica reached for a goblet.
Willow placed her hand over his. “Perhaps you'd rather ask me to dance?” she said. Mica’s face lit up with a grin and he offered her his arm. They disappeared into the swirl of dancers, Willow's silver dress flashing like starlight amidst the garden of color flowing on the dance floor.
Liam turned back to Belinda. She was gently swaying to the music as she watched the dancers. She turned to Liam with a hopeful smile.
Searching for the right words he heard himself stuttering, “I don't know...I can't dance...” Her smile started to fade. “I'd like to,” he added quickly, “but I don't know how.”
“It's just like walking,” she said. “You learn by the doing.” She set down her goblet and grabbed his hand. “It has to be easier than fighting goblins.”
He followed her onto the floor not at all sure she was right. They joined the crowd and Liam tried to blend in with the rest of the dancers.
Belinda stepped into his arms and he made a few clumsy steps as he struggled not to step on her feet. Gracefully she drifted across the floor as if weightless. She melted into his arms and whispered in his ear, “Just relax. Let the music move your feet.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. Her hair smelled of lilacs. The other dancers faded into a swirl of colors. The music engulfed them. He couldn't ever remember being this happy, and he hugged her tightly. The song ended much too soon and his arms felt empty when Belinda stepped back.
“Are you sure you've never danced before?” she asked.
Before he could answer she was distracted. Two brutish men dressed like the king's servants were arguing near the food tables.
“Liam, those men look familiar.”
“Aren't those the two men who were in the service of Alabaster?”
“Yes!” she said. “The ones carrying the heavy box into the tower. Alabaster would be appalled to know they are using such common language at the king's ball. I need to find him before the king notices this disturbance.”
“I saw him in the courtyard. I think he was headed towards his tower.”
Belinda squeezed his hand. “I'll be right back.” In a flash she was gone, weaving her way through the crowd.
Liam looked around for Mica and Willow, but they were nowhere in sight. Near the door he spotted his master talking to the queen. Knowing Belinda would have to come back through the courtyard door, he made his way to the entrance. He could talk to the Doormaster until she returned.
As he got closer, he heard the little princess talking to the Doormaster. “Mama says it's time for me to go to bed, but I don't want to leave the party.”
The Doormaster leaned down and smiled. “Parties aren't as much fun for the very young or the very old. They aren't nearly as pleasant as a good bedtime story.”
“I've heard all my mama's stories. Perhaps you know some stories.”
The Doormaster laughed. “Me?”
“Jenna, dear,” the queen said, “we mustn't impose on the Doormaster.”
Jenna looked up at him with pleading eyes. “Just one? I'm sure your stories are the best.”
“The princess has learned statesmanship at a very young age.” He chuckled. “How can I refuse such a charming request? But we must leave the decision to your delightful mother.”
The queen smiled at Ogden. “If you really don't mind one short tale. Then we'll rejoin the party.”
They headed up the stairway together with Jenna slightly ahead, pulling on the Doormaster's hand. She led them past the guards into the royal apartments.
A horrendous crash drew everyone's attention to the buffet tables. The musicians stopped playing. Everyone stared. The two brutes that had attracted Belinda’s attention stood grinning wildly. In their hands was the tablecloth they had just ripped from beneath the centerpiece.
Liam stared in disbelief at the table. It was his missing door from the lake! What were these two fools up to standing there amidst the broken shards of goblets and pieces of punch bowl as if waiting?
With a bang the door flew open and up popped a goblin’s head, followed quickly by the rest of him.
“To Arms!” shouted the king. Dancers rushed to pull weapons from the walls as goblins poured through the door like bats from a pit.
Just when Liam thought it couldn’t get worse out squeezed a troll. The door frame groaned and an even bigger troll followed. They headed straight for the king. Goblins swarmed towards the stairs. Guards with their pikes, and dancers wielding weapons from the walls rushed to defend the royal apartments.
The king drew his sword and strode past Liam towards the fight.
Liam caught his cloak “Wait!” he cried.
The king spun on Liam, his face set in a scowl. “Do Not hinder me. I must save my queen.”
Liam released his hold but stood his ground. “You’ll never make it past the trolls.” The king ignored him and pushed him aside. Liam thought quickly. “There’s another way,” he shouted.
“State your plan quickly then,” the king said.
Liam faltered a second under the king’s stern gaze then blurted, “The trellis outside…we can climb the vines up to the balcony.”
The king's scowl faded and his mouth twitched upward. “Perhaps… the wisteria may hold us if we climb one at a time.” He sheathed his sword and rushed towards the door. Liam hurried to catch him.
The king stopped at the bottom of the trellis and gave the vines a tug. With a satisfied grunt he began to climb. “Wait until I reach the balcony before you follow,” he called over his shoulder.
Liam peered nervously back into the ballroom. The guards and dancers were holding the stairs against the press of goblins. He could see Mica and Willow near the edge of the fight. Willow was standing on a small decorative table her shimmering gown flowing around her as she made good use of the bow she had found. The goblins had learned to fear her aim, and used what cover they could. In front of her stood Mica, striking down any goblin that dared to come within reach.
The trolls used their great bulk, pushing through the crowd. Liam realized they were making their way toward the king. He looked up to call a warning and saw the king's robe disappear over the balcony rail. Liam jumped. His hands clenched the vines as he struggled to find a foothold. He could hear the slap of troll feet and the scrape of their claws on the marble floors behind him. Fear surged through him and he scrambled up the vines.
Below him the first troll reached the trellis. The vines shook violently. He struggled to throw his leg over the rail. The pot holding the vine smashed into the railing and dropped Liam back slamming him against the wall. “Oof,” the air was forced from his lungs. The vine shook again and he felt his grip slipping. The troll roared and his fowl breath swept up. Liam’s stomach lurched. He clenched at the shaking vine but couldn’t hold on. He looked past his shoulder into the upturned face of the troll. Its moist yellow tusks glistened beneath him. A vice like grip clamped his wrist and jerked him over the railing. The troll bellowed with rage and ripped the vines from the trellis.
The king helped Liam to stand. “At least we won’t be followed.”
Liam looked over the rail. The first troll had been joined by the second. Together they howled in frustration, stomping and shredding the wisteria vines with their tusks. He started to follow the king but was turned back by a cry from the courtyard. Fear sent a spear of ice deep into his stomach. He knew that voice. The king had heard it too and he pointed across the courtyard. Beyond the trolls a flash of white robes framed with blue caught his eye. Liam choked back
a gasp as he recognized Belinda’s gown.
The king growled, “What treachery is Alabaster up to? I will not tolerate this treatment of Belinda.” He pounded his fist on the railing. “The queen warned me that wizard was not to be trusted.”
Liam watched as Alabaster dragged Belinda into his tower. The door slammed behind them and Belinda was lost from view.
“Come,” said the king. “Now is not the time to be idle.” He turned and swept through the door and down the hall.
Liam collected his wits and ran after the king. He wasn’t sure how he was going to fight a wizard but he knew he wasn’t going to abandon Belinda to Alabaster. He wished he had brought his sword.
The king moved quickly through the castle, not slowing until he reached the doors to the royal chambers. There he was met by a dozen men of arms with swords and pikes. The captain stepped forward with a short bow to the king. “All secure Sire. The queen and princess are safe. The goblins have been repelled. The trolls however are proving to be more of a bother but nothing we can’t handle.”
“Well done captain. Stay at your post until this entire mess has been cleared from my castle.” The captain nodded and stepped back in to the ranks.
“Follow me,” the king called to Liam. “We have a wizard to attend to.” And he strode off quickly towards Alabaster’s tower.
Liam found he almost had to jog to keep up with the king’s long strides. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. What was happening to Belinda? Were Mica and Willow still fighting goblins? What was Alabaster up to and how was he going to fight him without so much as a butter knife?
The king led them through a door and outside to the balustrade. In the courtyard below the two trolls were cornered in the garden. They had broken the statuary and were throwing chunks of marble at their attackers. They were holding the band of king’s guard at bay. He could see guests from the ball joining the king’s forces. It was only a matter of time before the trolls would be subdued.
The king hardly paused at the entrance leading to the wizard’s tower. He jerked open the door. It swung wide on its hinges to bang against the stone. They stepped inside and paused to let their eyes adjust to the dim light. Above them they heard scuffling and a dull thud. A maniacal laugh drifted down the stairs.
The sound chilled Liam. It was the sound the black wizard had made when attacking his master in the spell room.
The king slipped his sword from its sheath. “Alabaster’s rooms are just above us,” he said. “It’s time to discover what deviltry he’s up to.” He hurried up the spiral staircase. Liam followed behind on the narrow stair. Unlike the guard’s heavy boots, the soft soles of their shoes made little noise on the stone steps.
The door at the top was slightly ajar. The king eased it open with his sword. The black wizard was nowhere in sight. Belinda lay at the far end of the room. Alabaster bent over her, binding her hands. Behind them a heavy door stood half-open revealing a dimly lit room beyond.
“Alabaster!” the king said.
Startled, the wizard straightened. His surprise turned to disgust as he sneered at the king. “I would have thought you’d be busy entertaining my goblins.”
“Explain your actions,” the king said.
“Explain myself? To you? You wouldn’t comprehend.”
“Try me,” the king said. “I might surprise you.”
“Not likely, but it might prove amusing.”
Liam looked toward Belinda. Her eyes were closed, but she was still breathing. The bonds looked cruelly tight. He took a step forward. Alabaster pulled a wicked looking knife from beneath his robe. Liam’s eyes widened and he froze. A moist green substance shimmered on the blade.
The wizard laughed with insane glee. “I see you recognize my workmanship.”
Suddenly it all made sense to Liam. The laugh tied it all together. Alabaster was the black wizard who had attacked the Doormaster.
Alabaster was still talking as he twisted the blade to reflect the light. “Just one little scratch is all it takes.” With a sweep of his arm he indicated the open crates of swords cluttering the room. “An impressive collection don’t you think? Even a slight wound from any one of them is instant death.”
“What are you raving about?” the king said.
Alabaster laughed again. “Even this simple boy understands. I have linked each sword to a vat of my perfect poison. I’ve spent years concocting the extract. It’s made from combining the sting of the smallest insect to the venom of the largest reptile.”
A chill ran down Liam’s back as the wizard’s words pulled at his memory.
“Why would you do this?” the king asked.
“Why? To supply my army of course. Once my goblins are armed with these swords it will be a simple task to relieve you of your crown.”
A slight movement of Belinda’s head drew Liam’s attention. Her eyelids fluttered briefly. A thrill shot through Liam. She was not unconscious. She was listening.
“As wizard to the crown you were second in command only to me,” the king said. “Yet you betray my trust and commit this treason?”
Alabaster scoffed. “At last you understand.”
Liam stepped sideways, anxious to draw the wizard’s attention away from Belinda. His voice shook slightly. “So what did you promise the goblins to get them to fight for you?”
“It’s really quite marvelous. They despise you. Any opportunity to destroy you pleases them.”
Belinda moved slightly. Again Liam shifted sideways drawing Alabaster’s eye. His voice was steadier. “Why weren’t the goblins that attacked tonight armed with your magic weapons?”
Without conscious thought Alabaster tracked Liam’s movement, turning away from Belinda. She now lay at the wizard's side.
“It proved harder than I anticipated to procure enough silver to shield the swords.” Alabaster flourished the wicked knife. “One cannot transport magic weapons through the doors without it. Even your feeble Doormaster must have taught you that.”
Liam flushed with anger but managed to ignore the insult to his master. “So you decided to bring the goblins to the swords instead of the swords to the goblins.”
“With only a few silver scabbards, there was no other way. Buying silver in any quantity would have raised suspicion.”
Liam took another small step sideways. Beside him lay a black robe draped over a chair. The king was watching him closely. Waiting for his opportunity. Liam smoothed the fabric with his hand. “This is the robe you were wearing when you attacked my master.”
Alabaster frowned. “That didn’t go as planned. Your friends were too well prepared. If I hadn’t been wearing armor under that robe it would have gone worse.”
“But why attack my master?”
“Your master is feeble minded, but knows his craft. I needed a door to span the long distance between here and Three Finger Lake.” He shrugged. “I commissioned the door in the king’s name, and you so kindly installed it.” A malicious grin split his face. “I had to eliminate any witnesses. I thought you would be the one to open the crate.”
Liam’s next step bumped him against the wall. “But Belinda recognized your henchmen and figured it out,” he said.
Alabaster twisted to keep him in sight. Belinda was now almost behind him. Her eyes were open. The wizard was standing between her and the partially open door. He raised the wicked blade. “And for that brief little moment of insight, you shall both share your king’s fate.”
The knife flashed in his hand. Liam flinched and called to Belinda, “Now!”
Belinda curled and kicked Alabaster with both feet. The wizard crashed against the door frame with a curse.
The door swung wide. Fear gripped Liam as he stared into the room beyond. Green bottles with red stoppers filled shelf after shelf. A viscous green substance bubbled uneasily in a rusted iron vat.
The king rushed forward to disarm Alabaster. But the wizard was too quick. He jumped sideways to avoid the king’s sword. His foot
tangled in Belinda’s gown. With a cry of outrage he tumbled backwards through the door still clutching the knife. Liam shouted a warning and dropped to the floor, pulling the king with him.
The spelled blade passed the threshold severing the magic link. The door burst in a blinding flash sending shards of wood exploding into the room.
Liam raised his head. Nothing was left of the door. He jumped up, ran to Belinda and helped her to her feet. “Are you all right?” he asked as he loosened the straps binding her wrists.
Belinda smiled. “Far better than that snake of a wizard.”
The king sheathed his sword with a snap. “Well done, dear! Well done. Let’s put an end to the rest of this nasty business.” He headed for the door.
Liam brushed a wood splinter from Belinda’s hair. “I’m sure the king will understand if you need a short rest before defeating the next villain.”
She smiled. “He might need some help and we do make such a good team.”
Liam felt ten feet tall. Seconds ago the wizard had filled him with fear and with just a few words Belinda gave him the courage to face anything. He took her hand and they followed the king back to the royal chambers.
The captain was already reporting to the king. “The battle is over, sire. With the help of your loyal subjects, the guard has overpowered the trolls. The door the goblins used has been sealed. All is secure. The scum has been cleaned from your castle.”
“Well done captain. Attend to your men and any wounded. Two guards for the inner chamber will be sufficient for tonight.”
The captain bowed and departed leaving two of his men at a discrete distance.
The apartment door opened. The queen and the Doormaster stepped out. Jenna pushed past her mother’s skirts and jumped into her father’s arms. The queen said, “The noise from below frightened her. But you see Jenna? Just as I told you, everything is fine.”
The king smoothed Jenna’s hair. Looking over the little girl’s head he caught the queen’s eye. “All the trouble makers have gone little one. There’s nothing to fear.” He set her down and kneeled to face her. “It’s time for my brave little princess to go to bed. It’s been a long day and I’m very proud of you.”
Belinda squeezed Liam’s hand and whispered to him, “I have to go, but I'll whistle for you when she’s asleep.” Going over she took the little girl’s hand. “Come Jenna darling. Let’s get you tucked in.”
Belinda paused briefly and gave Liam a small wave before she closed the door.
Worry clouded the queen’s face as she looked into her husband’s eyes. “Is the danger really past? Do we know how this came about? This is more than goblins and trolls.”
“You are right. The plan was too complex to be orchestrated by goblins and trolls. You were also right about Alabaster.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Where was our exalted wizard when he should have been fighting beside his king to defend the castle?”
The king said, “Where indeed? He masterminded the attack. Without my knowledge he commissioned the door that gave the villains entry to the castle. If it hadn’t been for Belinda, he would have armed them all with poison swords. All this time he’s been linking weapons to a hideous vat of poison.”
“Poison swords!”
“There are crates of them in his tower.”
She looked alarmed. “Where is he now?”
“Alabaster is no longer a problem. He passed through a linked door and severed the link.”
“That must have been the explosion we heard,” the Doormaster said.
The king nodded. “We’ll have little to fear from him now. But I still have the crates of poison swords to deal with.”
The Doormaster stroked his beard. “Hmmm. You could have your blacksmith melt them down. The heat from the forge would be transferred to the vat. That would destroy the poison. Then you'll have no need to worry about making new tools from the purified metal.”
While they were discussing the swords, Liam heard a voice from the stairs. “Hey, hero. You survived.”
A wave of relief washed over Liam. He turned to see Mica and Willow. Mica’s new clothes looked worse than his old ones and Willow’s dress was stained and torn.
He met them at the top of the stairs and impulsively threw his arms around Willow in a hug. He stepped back stuttering slightly in his embarrassment. “What…what happened to your gown?”
Mica held up his hand. A piece of the shimmering fabric wrapped around his arm from elbow to wrist. “I’m wearing it.”
Liam gave Mica a lopsided grin. “It looked better on her.”
“Where’s Belinda?” Willow asked.
Liam filled them in on Alabaster’s plan and on Belinda’s quick thinking.
The Doormaster walked up and looked over the group. “What a festive looking group of defenders,” he said with a grin. “Your heroic accomplishments have earned you bed and breakfast. The king has provided us with rooms for the night. Hot baths and warm beds wait for us all.”
The Doormaster's Apprentice Page 32