Winthrop, Elizabeth - The Castle in the Attic 02 - The Battle for the Castle by Winthrop Elizabeth

Author:Winthrop, Elizabeth [Winthrop, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 1993-07-15T04:00:00+00:00

Dick lived in a room at the very top of the inner gatehouse. When they arrived, he was trotting around the outer edges of the small circular space. A black cat was sitting under a table in the center of the room. He paid no attention to the man but concentrated instead on washing his paws.

“That’s Calendar’s cat,” William said. “The one who was the dragon.”

“Yes. He keeps me company,” Dick said. “The poor thing thinks I’ve gone quite mad this morning.”

“Well, you do seem to have regained some of your old spirit, sir,” said William. He hunkered down next to the cat and they stared at each other for a moment. “Same eyes,” William said at last. “I remember them from when I faced him as the dragon.”

“He’s getting old now but he’s still a good ratter. He keeps the castle free of the vermin,” Dick said as he sat down to his breakfast. “Will you join me?”

“I’ve already eaten,” William said. “But I’ll sit with you.”

Gudrin had settled herself on the stone bench near the window. Her head was bent over a piece of embroidery but William felt her eyes on him.

“I find I have quite an appetite this morning,” Dick said. “ ’Tis good to get the blood moving a bit, I expect. I told Gudrin I wished to speak to you.”

“Yes,” William said.

“Although we have nothing to fear, we must be prepared at all times. I have spoken to the guards, but you and Jason and I should check on them regularly to be sure they have secured the watch. They have a tendency to slacken off when Sir Simon’s away.”

“Yes, sir.” William glanced at Gudrin, who flashed an unexpected smile at him. Her uncle’s good mood must have lifted her own. Dick went on about checking the armory and keeping the horses exercised and William kept nodding and agreeing, all the while wondering how he could get Gudrin to hang out with him for the day.

“About the horses, sir,” he said suddenly.

“Yes?”

“Gudrin and I could exercise two of them. She could give me some riding instruction at the same time. That would be useful, I think.”

“Splendid idea, my boy,” Dick said, clapping him on the back.

“I have some work to finish here, Uncle,” Gudrin said.

“She always has work to do. Out roaming in the fields like a wild thing and then studying over those books night and day. I should never have allowed Deegan to teach you to read, my girl,” Dick said.

Gudrin did not lift her head.

“You will meet young William in the stables this afternoon, won’t you?”

“If you insist, Uncle.”

“After the noon meal?” William asked.

“Suit yourself,” she said with a shrug. But she did not sound totally disappointed.

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