In Which Calcifer's Boredom Annoys Michael
Michael handed Calcifer another log before slouching over the workbench.
"You know there has been an unusual amount of magical activity in the Sultanates of Rashpuht." Calcifer noted passively as Michael hunched over his spell. After a rather long pause, Calcifer spoke again.
"I just think that it is rather odd."
Michael sighed dramatically, a gesture that he seemed to have picked up from his master. "Why do you think that this is odd Cal?" The apprentice glanced at the fire briefly.
"Well, in all honesty, I was just trying to make conversation with you by bringing up some things that I have encountered in my travels." Calcifer was still adjusting to his freedom and seemed to have the unusual desire to make casual conversation, a gesture that regularly failed with Howl.
Michael put his pen down and turned his body toward the fire. "Listen, I know that it must be dull sitting in that hearth all day but that is simply not my problem. You are free now, so why don't you go and do those things that fire demons do in their spare time. I have a great deal of work to do since Howl cannot seem to keep up with his clientele."
"Perhaps I can help you with your spell? Sophie always included me in her endeavors." Calcifer devoured the remainder of his log and detached himself from the hearth floating over to the workbench.
Michael leaned away from Calcifer's dancing flames. "Why don't you tighten up the spells on the Castle? I have noticed a bothersome groan every time we open the Porthaven door."
"Would this be useful?" Calcifer asked.
"Actually yes." Michael said with a tone of surprise. "It would help immensely."
"Then I will see what I can do." Calcifer then flared slightly, causing Michael to lean away even further, then the fire whizzed out of the room and up the chimney.
Michael smiled at Calcifer's attempt at enthusiasm. Then, as the young apprentice turned his head back toward his spell, he noticed something out of place on one of the shelves across the room. It was a small cylindrical tube that looked as if it housed some sort of scroll or parchment. Michael pulled it off of the shelf and tried to open it, but it began to shout wildly at him in Howl's voice.
"DON'T BE NOSING AROUND BOY. I WANT THAT SPELL COMPLETED BY THE TIME I RETURN!" Michael nearly dropped the container in shock. Shaking, he placed it back on the shelf and backed away from it until he reached the bench.
"What in the blazes is that wizard up to I wonder?" Michael mused to the empty room. Then he realized that he probably didn't want to know.
Okay, sorry about the short excerpt, I have been extremely busy lately. With the holiday season approaching, I will definitely have the time to put some more work in to the story. Thank you for reading and for your patience! Take care dear reader, and Happy Thanksgiving.