The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen

Author:Jacquelyn Hagen [Hagen, Jacquelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mastmarner Books

Together they made their way back to the Dining House. The sky had darkened and a damp chill remained in the air, threatening rain. Conversation was sporadic during lunch. Uneasy. No one said a word about the incident, and those who tried to encourage Ink with a smile or a kind word couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable afterward. In the past few days of teaching the boy to milk cows, grow herbs, and cut grass, they had almost forgotten he was such a dangerous liability.

As soon as Ink finished eating he rose to clear away the dishes, having learned to start the chore as early as possible. He entered the kitchen with an armful of plates, avoided looking at Martin as he set them on the counter, then hurried out again. This continued for a good ten minutes before he realized the dishes piling up beside the sink were not moving. On his way out again, he snuck a glance at the dish-washer.

Martin was hunched over the sink, clutching the edge of the counter with his eyes shut, taking deep, shuddering breaths. Ink hated to show a single smidgeon of concern for the man, but he couldn’t help himself.

“You all right . . . sir?” Ink added the last word grudgingly.

Martin started and turned fast, as if spooked by his voice. “What? What did you say?”

“I was just asking if . . . if you were all right.”

“Oh,” Martin said, nodding. “Oh, so . . . you’re finally showing some concern about someone other than yourself?”

Ink frowned. “I just—”

“You’re starting to notice you’re not the only one around here with problems? Is that it? Well that is a wonder. A kindness indeed. What charity! What . . . what benevolence!”

Ink took a step back. Something wild flashed in Martin’s eyes.

“How extraordinary!” he continued, his brow beginning to glisten with sweat. “To think that you should grace us with such compassion! You! Who has suffered far more than any mortal should be made to bear!”

“Look, I’m sorry I asked!”

Martin swooped towards him and put his hands on his knees, now at eye-level with the boy. “And what’s this? An apology for your behavior? Showing some regret for your conduct? And here I thought you never erred! Here I thought you had life all figured out!”

Ink stayed silent, knowing better than to take the bait.

“Well, don’t you? Don’t you have it all planned out? Don’t you have us all pegged as either fools or tyrants? We who live to either serve you or get out of your way?”

Ink was startled when he bumped against the wall. He hadn’t noticed he’d been backing away. He glanced around the room, looking for something he could use as a weapon if it came down to it. The only thing nearby was a wooden spoon.

“You know,” Martin said, straightening again and stepping back, “I’m not convinced you’re a mere human. Not with the way you treat the rest of us. You must be something more. An immortal, perhaps? A god? Maybe that’s your secret.

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