Chapter 1
"Septimus!" Marcia called up the stairway. "Breakfast is on the table! What's taking you so long?"
"I'll be right there!" came the reply. "Just give me a second!"
The ExtraOrdinary Wizard rolled her eyes and strode briskly back into the kitchen. At her reentrance the kitchen table immediately straightened up, while the stove and coffee maker shrank into the shadows, suddenly fearful that they might still be needed. They weren't, of course, but Marcia still noticed their futile attempts to hide.
"Why are you two slouching?" she demanded in annoyance.
Somewhat relieved, the stove and coffee pot jumped to attention. But Marcia had moved over to the table by that point. Impatient, she straightened the silverware and added more coffee to the mugs, then dished out the food to both plates when Septimus still wouldn't come. When that was done, she almost gave in and started eating, but just as she was sitting down the ExtraOrdinary Apprentice dashed in with a hurried greeting of, "Morning, Marcia."
"Ah, there you are! What took you so long—oh!" She stared at her Apprentice in surprise, whose reason for being late became evident when Marcia saw how well-groomed he looked. He had on his brightest-green tunic, free of wrinkles or stains, and his face was immaculately scrubbed. His blonde hair had been meticulously combed to the extent that it shone in the morning light, and the wild curls actually lay flat for once. Even his nails were clipped.
Marcia hid a smile. "Wow, Septimus. You look...good."
"Gee, thanks," Septimus replied, blushing slightly.
"Are you really that excited for today?" Marcia went on, raising an eyebrow.
Septimus looked confused. "Of course," he said, pulling out his chair to sit down. "I've been looking forward to this day for a whole month now."
Marcia chuckled as she stirred her oatmeal. "I suppose you have a point. It's not everyday one gets a chance to visit—and repair, in this case—all four of the original CattRokk Lights—"
"GLURG!" Septimus choked on his coffee. He turned aside as he was ridden with a hacking fit, then looked back up at Marcia, wide-eyed with shock. "That's today?! I thought we were leaving for the lighthouses tomorrow!"
Now it was Marcia's turn to look confused. "Er, no. The date was set three weeks ago for today and tomorrow." Then something occurred to her. "Why is that a problem? You didn't have anything else planned for today, did you?"
Septimus nodded miserably. "Uh-huh," he mumbled. "I'm taking Rose out to the Little Theater tonight."
"Oh. Right." Marcia's shoulders slumped. She remembered her Apprentice, bursting with excitement, telling her about this just days before Milo and Marcellus had agreed on a date for visiting the lighthouses. Since she had a soft spot for Rose, Marcia had said that Septimus could have the afternoon and evening off, in order to spend time with his girlfriend. But she didn't realize that that day was today.
Marcia sighed. Septimus is a Senior Apprentice, she mused while she ate, and you did permit him to have the afternoon and evening off. But he's also supposed to be there to help! It's expected! Then again...will he really be needed? After all, between Marcellus, Lucy, and me, we should have the repair work covered. Besides, she thought with a rueful smile as she admitted this to herself, I certainly wouldn't want to be deprived of my chance to see Milo, any more than he wants to miss being with Rose. And his date was arranged first... "It's alright, Septimus," she finally said aloud. "I suppose you can stay here."
The Apprentice perked up instantly. "Really? Are you sure you'll get on without me?"
"I'm sure," Marcia said, standing up to deposit her dishes in the sink. "Just don't forget to tidy the Pyramid Library, as usual."
Septimus jumped up and hugged her. "Thanks so much, Marcia!" he said happily.
Marcia smiled. "You're welcome. Now run along," she said briskly. "You and I both have duties to attend to, after all."
Caught up in a fervor, Septimus neglected his dishes as he darted towards the stairwell. Normally Marcia would have been annoyed with her Apprentice's carelessness, but right now she didn't feel like dampening his spirits. So, Septimus, she reflected as she cleared the table, you will be with someone you love today, and so will I. Hope you two enjoy yourselves. The table cleared, Marcia hurried out of the kitchen and, after a cursory inspection of the living room, through the front door.
A/N I know there's nothing interesting yet, but four more chapters are forthcoming, so please R&R!
