Blast of the Dragons Fury (Andy Smithson Book One)

by L. R. W. Lee

  Chapter Four

  The Flood

  A line of servants stretched out the front door from the entry hall down the stairs to the servants’ quarters on the floor below. Buckets floated up and down the stairs in the hands of anxious servants as they attempted to bail water back into a moat surrounding the castle. The King led the charge, barking orders.

  Andy spotted a gap between two servants on the steps and hastily joined, grabbing the overflowing bucket thrust at him.

  “Uhh,” Andy grunted as the sloshing water made him lose his balance. He lurched down a step, nearly trampling the stout servant below.

  “Easy laddie,” the lady cautioned.

  “Sorry.”

  Andy’s hand found purchase on the rough wall and he steadied himself then stepped up.

  “You gotta keep up,” the man on the step above admonished, empty handed. He waved his fingers, motioning for Andy to pass him the offending bucket posthaste.

  Andy groaned, muscling the now half-full bucket up to the man, then ducked as an empty pot passed overhead. He spotted Alden laboring at the bottom of the steps far below, thigh-deep in muddy water.

  Not used to physical labor, Andy’s arms and back soon ached. I may be a guest, but I’ll show them I can be tough. I’m not stopping until they do. The regime went on for what seemed like hours. With each bucket he passed, blisters formed then burst, leaving his hands raw and bloodied.

  When will this end?

  Some while later, Andy moved aside as the King and Mermin made their way down the steps. The sovereign gave Andy a smile as their eyes met.

  A few minutes later, the sound of something rough sliding across the stone floor could be heard below, followed by the echo of a heavy door closing.

  Uh oh, that sounds familiar, Andy fretted.

  Still the bailing continued. Andy’s back ached and he thought his arms might fall off. Soaked to the bone, he shivered in his wet clothes.

  The King made his way back up the stairs with Mermin in tow. He raised his hands and everyone halted.

  Phew! A break.

  “This was very serious,” began the sovereign. “One of the sections of seals had been slid out of place, allowing water to gush in. If Alden hadn’t reported it when he did, the breach could have washed out the bottom floors of the castle, making the entire structure unstable.”

  Excited murmurs erupted.

  “Have any of you seen someone tampering with the seal or know anything about this?” the King questioned.

  It was an accident! I didn’t know what I was doing. I was just exploring! The last thing I wanted was to hurt anyone. If I tell them I did it, they’ll probably all hate me and never want me around. Alden won’t be my friend anymore. What would they do to me? No, I’m not saying a word.

  The monarch’s inquiry met only a chorus of wagging heads and more murmurs. The King and Mermin exchanged glances.

  “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” the sovereign asked his wizard.

  “Abaddon.”

  He nodded. “Let’s discuss this later.”

  The King started barking orders again, and the bucket brigade resumed. They bailed until the floor of the servants’ quarters, as well as the steps to the dungeon, had no standing water.

  “No telling how much water got in the dungeon,” Andy overheard the King say to Mermin. “We’ll deal with it later. I don’t feel like battling those creatures right now.”

  “I quite agwee,” replied Mermin, wiping his brow.

  Creatures? In the dungeon? The image of the distended door flashed across Andy’s mind and he swallowed hard.

  A hush lingered over dinner. Only a handful of those present attempted conversation, and then only for necessities. Neither Marta nor Alden said a word as exhaustion, coupled with the reality of how close they had come to losing the castle, sunk in.

  I did this, Andy chided himself then sighed, drawing a look from his green-haired friend across the table.

  Alden turned back to Marta and patted her shoulder as she swiped a hand across her eyes.

  Andy wanted to go hide when dinner ended, but Marta halted his retreat. “I think Alden would appreciate a friend right now. Why don’t you come with us?”

  Andy opened his mouth, then closed it again.

  “What is it?” she queried.

  Andy hesitated but finally spit out, “I’m sorry for your loss.” I’m such a fraud! And a loser!

  She nodded. “Thank you.” Then pulling back her shoulders and taking a steadying breath, she put an arm around her son. “It won’t get any easier.”

  The trio descended the stairs to the servants’ quarters.

  Wailing and shrieking echoed down the corridor as they reached the moist landing. Mud coated three feet of the wall and revealed the crest of the travesty. Andy peeked in quarters as they passed: a burly man shook his head surveying one room. In another, a dark-haired maiden in a smudged dress quaked as she held her head in her hands. A small child with a dirt-striped face held her mother’s hand with wide eyes in a third. No matter how many rooms he surveyed, the result was the same.

  “Ha, ha, ha!” cackled a girl’s voice. Raucous clapping followed. “You burn inside…buurrn! Ha, ha, ha!”

  “Imogenia. Stop!” admonished a man’s voice.

  What? Who? Andy shook his head then chanced a glance around.

  “Something wrong, Andy?” Marta inquired.

  “You didn’t hear that? Just now?”

  “Hear what?”

  “Two voices.”

  Marta looked at Andy and furrowed her brow.

  “I didn’t hear anything either,” Alden said.

  “Then what?” Andy squeezed his eyes shut and wagged his head. “I’m imagining things.”

  Reaching the room at the end of the hallway, Andy held his breath as Marta opened the door to reveal the devastation. “Looks like everything’s soaked with that filthy water,” she croaked.

  Andy nodded as he surveyed the brown-tinged bedding that still dripped. Firewood oozed water from between its stacked lengths. A steady trickle ran from under the doors of the armoire.

  Exclamations reached them from down the hallway: “Abaddon’s going to pay!” “The King’s not going to let this go!”

  Marta gasped as she approached the small desk against the near wall and picked up a short stack of papers. “Your artwork, Alden! These are still dry!”

  Alden gave a half smile.

  “These are what matter most,” Marta declared.

  Andy bit his tongue and took a small step toward the door, wishing he could be invisible.

  “We’ll all sleep in the dining hall! Gather your things and join us for an all-servants’ slumber party.” A forced chuckle followed the announcement as it boomed down the hall. “Might as well make the best of things.”

  “You and Alden are welcome to stay in my room tonight,” Andy offered, glad for the opportunity to tame a smidge of guilt that had morphed into a snapping turtle.

  “Thank you, Andy. That’s certainly better than sleeping on that hard floor. Head up to bed. Alden and I will join you shortly.”

  Minutes later, Andy threw open the door to his chambers and slammed it shut behind him as he dove onto the bed, dissolving into sobs. I’m just a big disappointment like Dad says.

  Several minutes later his body still quaked although his eyes no longer leaked. A shiver rocked his body from filthy clothes that swaddled him in cold dampness. A washbasin of clean water and a soft white towel stood next to his wardrobe. He stripped, washed, and changed into a dry outfit. I don’t deserve this. What I did is unforgivable. His body betrayed him as it relaxed in the comfort of warmth. He shunned the relief, convinced torment was a more fitting partner.

  What am I gonna do?

  A quiet knock on the door interrupted his sulk.

  “Come on in. Let me get some clean water so you can wash up,” Andy offered.

  Marta raised an eyebrow and exchanged a
glance with Alden.

  “No, it’s fine. You’re tired,” Andy insisted.

  After washing up, Alden put on a pair of Andy’s jeans and a T-shirt. Inspecting himself in the mirror, he lit up and declared, “These are really different!” Marta couldn’t help but chuckle.

  Marta had found a nightgown that had not been soiled in the top drawer of her armoire. After she washed and changed, they all crawled into Andy’s bed—even though three of them shared, there was plenty of room.

  Despite being bone-tired, Andy’s mind whirred thinking about everything that had happened. He tossed and turned for what seemed like hours as his guilt morphed from a snapping turtle into a rabid dog.

  “Annndyyyy,” sang a wispy voice, interrupting the canine’s incessant barking.

  More voices? Am I dreaming? Is it that boggart?

  Andy sat up and looked around. He glanced over at the still forms of Alden and Marta as the voice repeated its call: “Annndyyyy.”

  It sounds like the King. After everything that happened today, I better go see what he wants…right away. Andy slid out of bed, trying his best not to disturb his companions.

  After the warmth of the thick covers, the frigid night air caught him off guard. A shiver rocked his body as he pulled on jeans and sandals. He eased the door open as quietly as possible and stepped into the cold corridor.

  “Annndyyyy.”

  “I’m coming,” he whispered, trying to reassure the voice.

  Even though he tried to tiptoe quietly down the hallway, the scuffling of each footstep reverberated off the hard walls and his eyes darted about. The only light was from the moon attempting to shine through the fog-congested window near the stairs ahead, but the shadows it cast heckled and mocked, and he struggled to quell his rising fear. Glancing over his shoulder every few seconds, Andy scurried up two flights to the sixth floor where he knew the King slept. Even though he had never been invited inside, he remembered Mermin pointing out the door to the King’s chambers the night before when he had accompanied the wizard to his quarters.

  Andy stopped outside the door. A thin line of light shone beneath it and he exhaled. Surely it was the King calling me, he tried to reassure himself. He nodded once then raised his fist.

  “Who is it?” came the King’s voice.

  “It’s me, Andy.”

  The King opened the door. He wore a blue satin robe that extended to his slipper-covered feet. “I’m surprised to see you at this hour. I was about to turn in. I’ve been thinking about everything that happened today and contemplating what to do about it. King Abaddon must not be allowed to harm us.”

  As soon as the words crossed the King’s lips, the rabid canine morphed into a hyena that began laughing uncontrollably. Desperate to rid himself of increasingly vicious predators, Andy opened his mouth, but words failed him.

  “So, what can I do for you, Andy?”

  “Well, sir, I came because I heard you call me. What did you need?”

  The King smiled. “That’s very thoughtful of you, but I did not call you. Perhaps after all of today’s excitement you thought you heard something. Go back to bed. Rest will do us both good.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry to disturb you then. Good night, sir.” That was weird, he thought as he headed back downstairs.

  Andy slipped into bed and minutes later exhaustion mercifully whisked him off to dreamland. But not for long, for just as he dozed off, he heard the same voice: “Annnndyyy.”

  Surely it’s the King this time. Andy wiped his eyes, slowly pulled his jeans and shoes back on, stumbled across the chamber, quietly opened the door, walked up to the sixth floor, and knocked on the door of the King’s chambers.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s Andy again, sir. I heard you call, so I came to see what you needed.”

  A minute later the King pulled open the squeaky wooden door. His hair peeked out at odd angles like he had been asleep.

  “Andy, I did not call you. Please go back to your chambers and get some rest. We both need it.” His tone was flat.

  “I’m so sorry. I could have sworn—” Andy felt his cheeks warm. He turned and headed back to his room. What did I hear? I know it sounded like him.

  He slipped back into the warm bed but did not have opportunity to doze off before he again heard the call: “Annndyyy. Annndyyy.”

  Same sing-songy tone. Same unhurried pace. He doesn’t sound upset—that’s a relief. It’s got to be the King! Andy deduced. But if I disturb him one more time… He shuddered. I’m ignoring it.

  “Annndyyy. Annndyyy,” it came again.

  I’m crazy. That’s all there is to it. Okay, fine. He pulled on his jeans and sandals, crossed the chamber, eased the door open, walked up the stairs, and again knocked on the King’s chamber door.

  “Who is it?” the King yawned.

  “I’m really, really sorry, sir, but I could have sworn I heard you call…”

  The King eased the door open fully and Andy breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the man wore a curious grin rather than an angry scowl. He had no doubt the latter would have greeted him had it been either of his parents.

  “I can assure you I did not call.”

  Andy grimaced and swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry for disturbing you, sir.”

  “It’s all right, Andy. I appreciate your diligence in offering help. But I’m wondering about the voice you’re hearing.”

  That makes two of us. Andy shuffled his feet.

  “Don’t feel bad. Why don’t you try this: the next time you hear the voice, ask it what it wants. See what it does. Let me know what happens in the morning.”

  Feeling like a complete idiot, Andy stammered, “Okay.” He’s humoring me. The sovereign gently closed his door and Andy smacked himself in the forehead with the palm of his hand before turning.

  He returned to bed. Marta and Alden still slept, oblivious to all that had just happened. Stupid, stupid, stupid, Andy berated himself as he stared at the ceiling. And then he heard it again.

  “Annndyyy.”

  This is crazy. I’m crazy!

  “What do you want? Please speak,” he whispered.

  “About time!” came a voice in his head that sounded strangely like his father. “After your conscience brought me up to speed, I sent it back to the land you came from for a much-needed rest.”

  What?

  “I’m your inneru.”

  My what?

  “Your inneru.”

  What’s that?

  “In the land you come from, you call us your conscience. In the land of Oomaldee, we are referred to as innerus. Both consciences and innerus hail from the same species of innerbeings; we’ve always had a symbiotic relationship with humans. However, consciences have evolved to handle a more sophisticated and refined human. They are not hardy enough to withstand the harsh climate of a place like Oomaldee. Innerus are a much tougher breed. We’re more down to earth and won’t take your crap; we’ll tell you the way things are and not sugarcoat it.

  “When someone enters this land, an inneru is assigned to take over the responsibility of keeping their human’s thoughts in line. That said, I have to admit, I’m not very happy about being assigned to you. I was enjoying a vacation after spending the last seventy-seven years as another’s inneru. You slipped into the land very unexpectedly. Headquarters was short on available staff, so they pulled me off my vacation and here I am.

  “As I was saying, I just got through being brought up to speed by your conscience. Not a good report, I must say. Seems as though you regularly ignore it and do what you please. It was worn out and despairing from all you’ve put it through.” As the voice spoke, its tone became stern. “I refuse to be treated that way. I will not be ignored. Is that clear?”

  Is that you, Dad?

  “While your father is the voice of your conscience, and I also sound like him, I’m not him. When you return to your land, I will turn you back over to my counterpart. Hopefully you will treat it w
ith more respect. In the meantime, we have a few issues to discuss. ”

  This is too weird. I must be dreaming.

  “You’re not dreaming. The exercise you just went through with the King was me.”

  What? You made of fool of me! How could you do that?

  “Just showing you my power. I can make your life miserable if you choose to ignore me.” It paused briefly, then slowly and sternly added, “I am not your conscience. I am your inneru. And I will not be trifled with.”

  I don’t like you.

  “Matters not. You can’t get rid of me. Now, it seems we have an urgent matter that needs to be addressed.”

  Andy panicked. Does it know about the flood I caused?

  “Come on! I’m in your thoughts. Of course I know about the flood. I also know it was an accident. But you’re dying inside because you’re afraid of what might happen when you’re found out. That is very clear. Your stomach is upset, you’ve been crying, you’re on edge.”

  Andy exhaled loudly.

  “Andy, I know you’ve only been here a couple days, but do you care about these people?”

  I guess so.

  “You guess so?”

  Okay, yes. I care about them.

  “Exactly. That’s why this is bothering you so much. Why do you care for them?”

  Andy considered and finally replied, I feel like they understand me. But I screwed up so bad! They’ll never forgive me. I’ve hurt them too much!

  “Is your relationship with these people something you want to grow?”

  I guess so.

  “Then what do you think you need to do?”

  Andy hesitated. No, I can’t. I can’t tell anyone. They’ll hate me!

  “Suit yourself.”

  Ugh. I really hate you.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, but it’s your prerogative. May I remind you I wasn’t the one who got you into this predicament?”

  Andy’s thoughts churned until finally he wondered, What would I even tell the King and everyone else?

  “You’re smart, you figure it out.”

  A real help you are.

  The following morning, Andy woke to a rooster crowing. He was alone in his bed. He stared at the ceiling, his stomach clenching as he tried to figure out what he would tell the King at breakfast. As he rolled over and got out of bed, he nearly stepped on a large stone lying on the floor. It was the color of amethyst, perfectly round and highly polished, the size of a baseball.

  Where did this come from? He picked it up and the core began to pulse. He brought it up to examine more closely. As he did, a trumpet blast sounded as if an announcement were about to be made by an important official, much like during the Curse Day remembrance ceremony.

  “It was my request that brought you here to the land of Oomaldee,” a voice boomed. Andy jumped and nearly dropped the sphere. “I have great plans for you that you know not of, Andrew Ferrin Smithson. From before your birth, I have chosen you.”

  “What? From before my birth? Chosen me? To do what?” interrupted Andy. “What do you know about me or my birth?”

  Ignoring Andy’s questions, the message continued, “I was there as you emerged into the world and your lungs first drew breath. I was there protecting you when you were two years old and you ran out in the middle of the road. I prevented you from being struck by an oncoming car.”

  Andy scratched his head. “Wait a minute!” He’d heard the story about nearly getting himself killed when he was little. “How would you know anything about my life? Who are you?”

  The stone continued pulsing but the voice stopped for a full minute. Andy shook the sphere and struck it against his palm. At length it continued, “I saw your curiosity and what you could do, for both good and bad. Andy, have you ever wondered why your mind works the way it does? Have you ever wondered why you feel like you never quite fit in?”

  “How would you know how I feel?” The instant the words escaped, Andy wished he had not yelled. The message paused once more although the stone continued to pulse for another full minute.

  “If you do what I ask, you will become a great leader in this land. Even the King will follow you.”

  What’s it talking about? This is crazy!

  “You need not know who I am or even trust me right now, although you will in time.” The calm of the voice grated on Andy’s nerves. He rubbed the back of his neck. With all the strange things that had happened, he was afraid the prediction might just be wild enough to be true.

  The stone continued to pulse. “Tell the King everything you have heard. Leave nothing out.”

  “But who should I say told me?”

  The rock stopped pulsing then vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. Andy stood for several minutes looking at his empty hand, trying to make sense of it all. Well, at least now I know who brought me here.

  “Hey, let my parents know I’m okay!” he called as an afterthought.

  Andy entered the dining hall and saw the King sitting at the head of the long table, wearing his standard black T-shirt and faded blue jeans.

  “Good morning!” he boomed, motioning for Andy to join. “Sleep well?” he asked with a sly grin.

  “I’m sorry for disturbing you last night, sir.” Andy felt his face warm.

  “You have nothing to apologize for. Away from home, new surroundings—I’m not surprised you thought you heard something.”

  Better get this over with before I lose my nerve. He took a deep breath and plunged in, “Sir, I caused the flood yesterday. It was me.”

  The King stopped chewing mid-bite. His eyes wandered up from his cereal, meeting Andy’s. “What do you mean?”

  Andy recounted everything. Partway through, he paused and took a deep breath, trying to hold back tears. “I’m sorry! I never meant to hurt anyone. It was an accident.”

  The King sat quietly for several minutes, considering.

  Andy fidgeted as he awaited a response. Please say something.

  “Interesting,” the King at last pronounced.

  He’s not furious?

  “I don’t understand how you could have found the emergency switch. It’s hidden. Only Mermin and I know where it is.” He shook his head, continuing his reverie.

  “I don’t know, sir.”

  “I know telling me the truth was not easy, Andy.” The sovereign’s voice was even. “Your actions created a lot of damage for my servants as well as the castle—it could have collapsed.”

  Andy nodded and squirmed as the full weight of responsibility pressed hard. But while he staggered under the burden, the pressure crushed the cackling hyenas that had hounded his thoughts, restoring a measure of inner calm.

  “Yet, you took responsibility,” the King added. He paused, letting the words penetrate before concluding, “I’m proud of you.”

  Andy eyes met the King’s. “Really?” Maybe there’s something to this truth-telling after all.

  The King raised a cautioning hand. “I’m proud of you, not for what you did, but for taking responsibility and telling me the truth even though it wasn’t easy. This is a virtue I try to live by. I happen to believe that one’s success comes only from responsibility, diligence, and dignity.”

  Andy exhaled. Never before had he done anything like this—he usually tried to take the easy way out by not coming clean.

  “Thank you, sir.” Andy took a bite of toast, basking in the overwhelming relief and feeling calm for the first time in several hours. But relief proved fleeting as the realization began to dawn on him that he would need to apologize to everyone he had affected. His stomach lurched.

  “You okay, Andy?”

  “Yeah, just thinking about how I’m going to tell everyone.”

  “Telling me took courage, and it shows me you care for us. By the way, why did you tell me?”

  Andy shifted uncomfortably. After a moment, he blurted out, “I feel more accepted by you and everyone here than I do at home.” His face burned.

  “I see. No
need to be embarrassed, Andy. I’m sorry that’s what you think about your family. But I’m honored you feel this way about us, especially after such a short time.”

  Andy did not know how to respond, so he sat unmoving feeling the burn spread to his ears.

  The sovereign cleared his throat. “I’m glad you told me what happened. I had been considering what actions we would need to take against King Abaddon, assuming he was responsible. That would have resulted in war and loss of life between our lands.”

  Andy nodded.

  “Had it been him, we would have needed to reestablish our strength lest he try to take further advantage of us. Our enemies must always know we are strong. I’m just glad you told me it was you.”

  Andy took a deep breath. “Oh, I almost forgot. When I was getting up this morning there was a round, purple stone laying on the floor next to my bed. When I picked it up, it started pulsing. A trumpet blasted and then it spoke.”

  The King’s eyes grew wide. “That’s a message sphere. They’re not common because they’re very expensive to send. How curious that you would be receiving one. You say it started with a trumpet blast?”

  “That’s right.”

  “The ones starting with a trumpet blast are from royalty.” The King rubbed his chin. “What did it say?”

  Andy recounted everything, just as he had been told.

  “It didn’t say anything about breaking the curse, did it?”

  “No.”

  “Still, your arriving on the anniversary of Curse Day—I have to believe it’s more than coincidence.” The King shook his head. “All these years of enduring under the curse that I am responsible for, all these years of trying to break it with my own efforts…” His voice trailed off. “Did the message say who sent it? Most times these things tell you the sender just before they disappear.”

  “No. Who could it be from?”

  “What color did you say it was?”

  “Purple. Why?”

  The sovereign shook his head. “I’ve no idea, although purple was the color of my father’s household.” He continued pondering and at last concluded, “No, that’s a crazy idea.”

  “What is, sir?”

  “Oh, nothing. It’s too wild to even consider. But it’s got me even more curious about whether you’re here to help break the curse.”

  “I don’t know anything about breaking curses.”

  “You don’t have to. It sounds like whoever sent it will show you how. Please don’t tell anyone what you shared with me, not even Mermin.”

  “I won’t, sir. I promise.”

  “Well, at least we know who brought you. They’re the only one who can send you back. And that won’t happen until they’re good and ready.”

  Andy sighed heavily. Why me?

  The King rose and patted Andy’s shoulder. “Everything will work out in due time.”

  What do I have to do before I can go home?

  “Now, I must be off to a meeting.” He gave Andy a reassuring nod. “I’m confident the servants will forgive. Trust me.”

  Easy for him to say. Andy’s stomach started doing aerobics and he pushed his cereal away. Maybe I’ll start with Marta.

  Andy scooted back his chair, then took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Fear reared up and incited a sword fight with his resolve. Fear jabbed, I can’t do this! But Resolve parried the blow, Yes, you can! The war within intensified. Not to be outdone, Fear thrust and nicked Resolve’s leg. I just need to do this!

  Trying to ignore the battle that raged, he popped his head into the kitchens and spotted Marta. Just do it. Just do it. The purple-haired servant smiled broadly the instant she saw him. “I made more chocolate chip cookies for you. They’re over there.” She pointed.

  “Thanks, but I need to tell you something.”

  “Are you all right?” Worry creased her face.

  Andy’s eyes bored into the floor as the story tumbled from his lips, bringing activity around them to a halt. At length he ended with, “I’m so sorry. I never meant for any of it to happen!”

  Silence screamed as he awaited the scorn and punishment he knew he deserved.

  But a minute later, he felt Marta’s arms around him. “I know you didn’t do this on purpose. No one would. Thank you for telling me. I forgive you.”

  The other servants, overhearing Andy’s confession, joined in more hugs.

  The tall, thin servant with scruffy whiskers whom Andy had seen wrestling firewood yesterday introduced himself. “I’m Hans. What you did just now was honorable and we respect you for it. I accept your apology.” He reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Andy’s shoulder.

  Word spread throughout the castle about all Andy had done, both bad and good. To his great relief, no one seemed angry with him, and everyone graciously accepted his apology. When he finished confessing to all the servants, he headed down to their quarters, picked up a bucket and sponge, and pitched in to help get their accommodations back in livable condition. He dragged out soggy mattresses, scrubbed walls, and mopped floors. One servant showed him how to sew new mattress covers. While it proved to be his least favorite task, he stuck to it. And even though the blisters on his hands pained him, he felt redemption every time he bumped a sensitive spot. It took nearly all day, but by the time evening came, all the servants declared satisfaction with the improved condition of their quarters.

  I didn’t wimp out! He couldn’t help but smile.

  That night at dinner, as Andy sat with the King enjoying his favorite meal of chicken and dumplings, Mermin rushed in, stumbling on his oversize robe, his hat askew. “I’m sowwy to be late for dinner, Your Majesty!” He stopped and waited for the King to acknowledge him.

  The monarch nodded and Mermin pressed on, “I was just leaving to come down for dinner when I thought I heard something in your labowatory. When I investigated, nothing had been disturbed, but I happened to open Andy’s mailbox and—” He pulled a golden envelope from inside his robe. “This was in it!”

  He handed the envelope to the King.

  “To Andy, Son of Smith, Responsible One,” the King read the addressee. “Well, you seem to be very popular—first the message sphere and now this. Seeing as it is an offense punishable by imprisonment to tamper with the US Mail, why don’t you open it and tell us what it says.” The King winked as he passed the envelope.

  A smiled broached Andy’s lips as he tore it open and pulled out a short note. He intoned:

  You have been faithful, now give ear to hear,

  Riddle and verse and phrase to make clear.

  Rely on wisdom, learned, now dear,

  The salvation of Oomaldee draweth near.

  In a room full of knowledge, give careful search,

  To find a True Guide, the soul of the birch.

  One single leaf, two covers conceal,

  The keys that bring life, to you reveal.

  “The salvation of Oomaldee! Do you know what this means?” The King beamed.