walkways here. Sprinkle as you go.” I saw their
confused faces. “Salt keeps the snow clear, you see.
Chemistry.” I walked them outside, demonstrated, and
then passed the salt around.
“There, there. Sprinkle walkways as you head
out.”
They each thanked me on their way out, and I
made myself a short note to dock their pay
accordingly. Of course circumstances were
understandable, but one does not get paid for time
one has not worked. I indented to run a strict
household.
Thinking of my lord, I warmed some milk by
the fire and followed the long stairway down the
library. The sun, reflecting off the snow now, brought
an almost heavenly yellow glow to the place that
warmed it despite the cold.
I tapped lightly on the library door.
“Come in.”
I opened the door slowly and found my lord
engrossed in his studies. I said nothing, merely set the
warmed milk onto the tray close to his desk.
“You’ve sent the others home then.”
“Yes sir, but don’t worry—”
“I’m not worried.”
“Very good sir.”
33