Chapter Eight: In Which Sophie Finds Her Fortune
The Sleeping Dragon Inn was bustling with the lively chattering of everyday folk. Tom the young innkeeper was hastily putting together the drinks the fellows from Market Chipping ordered. He surveyed the entire main room and grinned because the profit would most certainly be tremendous tonight. Aside from the odd scurrilous lush to surface, everything seemed to be going well.
'Excuse me, sir, but do you need any help? Are all positions taken?' Tom looked at the pretty girl who had asked him. She was carrying a medium- sized suitcase and holding a pair of ragged brown boots. He was doubtful because though she seemed strong, capable and trustworthy, she looked no more than eighteen. Since he did need a temporary seamstress until his cousin from Strangia came about year, he suggested it to her. She agreed quickly. Tom asked for her name and answer, which she readily gave.
'My name is So- Su Li from Tsapfan. I am glad to have the job even for only awhile. What can I do? Wash the dishes?'
'Not so fast, little madam. I can see you have just had a rough trip and I don't want my employees fainting at work. Come, I'll take you to your quarters. You can start tomorrow morning by mending the ripped sheets.' He said kindly, taking her case.
While Tom brought Su Li to her quarters, they talked amiably about the latest goings on in Ingary. He thought it rather strange that the girl knew quite a lot concerning the defeat of the Witch of the Waste by Horrible Howl. It seemed as if she had known them and hated both with a vengeance. The Sleeping Dragon had four floors and several small towers but the walk did not feel very long. At last they arrived at Su Li's room in the northwest loft.
'Goodnight, Su Li. Rest well, we start at five in the kitchen.' Tom said, as she bid him goodnight.
Once the tall innkeeper left, she dropped everything and threw the coat and the seven league boots over the chair. The room was small but clean and cosy, at least the wind from the open window cooled it. Su Li fell into bed and became Sophie again. But was it really Sophie? One could wonder because the girl started to cry into the pillow.
She finally evaded the clutches of the impeccably dressed egocentric wizard and yet she was hopeless still. Sophie had taken the boots back and forth across the country, trying to create a misleading trail if ever Howl chased after her. She had left him a note but knowing Howl- but perhaps she did not know him- he had not run after her at all; be glad, she told herself. A lilting voice in her head told her that deep down, she wanted him to.
Sophie sobbed harder. Tears came streaking down her cheeks and she felt like dying or at least fading away into nothing. Why was her heart hurting so much? She vaguely thought that it was all because of the suit and yet she knew that Howl had not worn it for weeks. A thousand thoughts whirled around her head, aching to be realized.
Maybe because of the journey throughout the earth today. Maybe the lack of sleep. Maybe it was the funny whelk she had by the sea.
The most obvious reason never even crossed her mind.
Sophie cried herself to sleep but managed to somehow wake-up in order for her first day at work. Tom, the darling man, left her two simple blue gowns, which were to be her uniform. She donned one before skipping lightly downstairs, hardly remembering last night. When she reached the kitchen, the cooks were about to begin and the scullery maids and waitresses were lined up for inspection. The stable boys and all-around men were straightening their own blue livery. Tom and a middle-aged lady who must have been his mother stood in front. He brightened when Su Li entered.
'All right, ladies and gents, we have a new seamstress who'll work here. Folks, welcome Su Li from Tsapfan.' Tom announced cheerily. She smiled sweetly and greeted everyone merrily. Most of them responded just as pleasantly though a cook commented that she never knew that 'those lasses from the exotics had ginger hair.'
Tom introduced Su Li to everyone, beginning with the woman who was indeed his mother, Mrs Pruett. There was Anna the third-floor maid, Carl the stable hand, Mike the chief cook and many others. The general chatting died down when the clock rang five-thirty and everyone got back to work. Su Li was quite at a loss on what to do until Tom took her aside.
'Here Su, if I may call you that. Take these to the lounge upstairs and mend them. I'll have Patty pass by later with some more. Oh, and here are the thread, needles, and things you might need. Good luck then, Su.' He gave her a wicker basket filled with heavy covers and ripped shirts and left.
So that was how she went about her days at the inn. Wake up, converge at kitchen for breakfast, sew until lunch, more sewing if not helping out at the bar, early dinner with the boys and waitresses, sleep. It was not very hard work and she actually enjoyed it. She made friends and liked gossiping with Anna though it was really against Sophie's principles. But that was exactly it! Su Li was not Sophie until she had latched the garret door for the night. No, Su Li was bright and jolly with always a kind word or interesting story; and Sophie was a confused girl who did not know what was wrong with herself.
The days grew into weeks and weeks into months and soon Sophie had been at the Sleeping Dragon for almost half a year. It was late evening and she was sitting on the windowsill looking out at the city of Kingsbury. That day she had one of the nicest times in her life. Su Li had finished her tasks much earlier and hung around with Tom. The customers were not as numerous and they had taken to playing cards. Su Li had been a much better player. They had been laughing again at one of his anecdotes when a frown had creased Tom's dark face. She had turned to see what he had been staring at. It had been a large bosom noblewoman dressed head to sparkling toe in fur, in her hand was a leash that was around a ridiculous-looking tiny dog.
'Innkeeper! I wish a saucer of warm cream for my lovely Pumpkin-pop and a champagne for me.' The lady had said haughtily.
Tom had replied graciously that there was no cream today and only beer and red wine were served here perhaps some apple cider would do. The woman had huffed and demanded she speak to the owner. 'You're right in front of him, madam.'
'Don't be ludicrous, boy, you cannot be more than five-and-twenty!' He had only nodded solemnly, assuring her of his ownership of the Sleeping Dragon Inn.
'Perhaps if madam would go over to the High and Mighty Excelsior a street away, she could find the right bubbly champagne year 1879 and the special silver dishes for stylish young poodles.' The woman had gasped in horror before telling Tom this would not be the last of her. He had replied that he was sure it wouldn't be either. She had stuck up her chins and walked towards the exit, dog yapping and pulling everywhere. Tom had rushed to open the door for her as she stalked out.
Su Li had giggled and had gone beside him to see the posh lady out. The poodle had suddenly tugged and had caused the woman to lose her balance. Just before her face had come in contact with the muddy pavement, her footman had caught her. She had slid into her fancy carriage and had commanded the driver to make for the Excelsior. From the doorway, the two had laughed.
When Su Li asked later why he acted like that, Tom only said that the Sleeping Dragon was only for the good and common people. He did not feel the need to service the elite members of Ingary. Su Li had nodded and asked whether he himself was ordinary.
'Hmm... I believe I am quite ordinary. Yes, Tom the down-to-earth and absolutely everyday Tom.'
Sophie returned to the present and let her mind wander. She was brought back to when a certain git asked her whom her dream prince was. Tall, dark, and handsome not to mention ordinary and very sweet. Tom was exactly like that and more wonderful things besides. She was quite sure she was falling in love with him. He always spent a lot of time with her, or rather Su Li, always smiling when she came near. He was perfect in comparison to-
Her mood darkened. Why did she have to think of him at a time like this? Sophie gave up trying to find answers to the questions that plagued her and attacked her out of nowhere. She ended thinking, I have found my fortune, and Tom is my fortune.
The Wednesday after was a very extremely busy day and Su Li was put off from her usual work to waitress downstairs. Apparently people from all over Ingary had come to attend a royal meeting conducted by the king. Many very important people were booked to be staying in the Sleeping Dragon, and they had all chosen to come at the same time that night. Su Li was talking to an old biddy from Porthaven who did not seem to want to shut up.
'So I told Margaret that apples are so much better in pies than oranges. Anyway did you hear what happened to that poor Sorcerer Jenkins a few months ago? It was dreadful really; we were all woken up one day with these ghastly howls and moaning from his house. He didn't want to make any spells for weeks and the King himself had to come down to talk some sense into him. We in town still haven't found out why though little Marcus Wellington is probably right. The Wizard finally got himself caught in his own trap, jilted by some harlot who's as mad as a hatter, they say.'
She had almost dropped her tray when she heard what happened. Did Sophie's disappearance really cause something in Howl's life? Su Li vehemently disagreed and put it all down to silly babbling. It was all rumours anyways and she knew for a fact that if he wanted to, Howl could have found her. Stashing it away in her mind, she quickly excused herself to fetch the pudding.
In the crowded kitchen, the cook practically pushed dish of cream and strawberries into Su Li's hands. Even amidst the hustle and noise, she heard Tom declare that new customers had arrived. She yelled back that she was coming and fixed her apron and pulled her hair up in tighter a bun. Taking the platter, she kicked open the door and stepped towards the bar.
Dollops of cream and the luscious red ripe berries went crashing through the floor. Su Li fled from the Sleeping Dragon and left Sophie Hatter to deal with the problem. That problem of course was Howell Jenkins, sitting on the high stool looking absolutely unHowl-like. The racket caused by the breaking dish made all eyes to turn to her. One pair in particular brightened in surprise.
'Sophie?' the man who was the Wizard Howl queried rather dazedly, breaking the silence of the inn. Tom glanced at him, wearing a confused look then back at the girl the sorcerer had talked to. 'Er, sorry, Wizard, you must be making a mistake. That's Su Li from Tsapfan, my seamstress.' Dear Tom, he was lacking a bit of a brain right now. But so was the girl who stood shock-still.
'No, it most certainly isn't! That is Sophie, Sophie Hatter, my apprentice!' Howl went on, putting more of his mind under control now. So did Sophie at his last words. She gave a lingering look at Tom and mouthed the words 'sorry' then she dashed off, upstairs into her tower. 'Sophie!'
Botheration! Here we go again.
'I am not her brother, a jilted suitor, an evil sorcerer out for her soul! Listen, man! I'm ordering you to tell me where her room is!'
Howl shouted at the ruddy innkeeper. He had got the shock of his life when he saw Sophie standing there astonished. Strangely, his first thoughts were- What the hell is she doing in that hideous blue dress? Why was she here? Then he had snapped out of it and pursued her. But since he had no idea where she had gone, Howl had rounded on the Tom fellow.
He stood there waiting impatiently for the innkeeper to make up his mind. What does Sophie see in this bloke? Sure he was tall, dark, hand- oh. Howl became annoyed and was about to scream bloody murder when Tom nodded his head and beckoned him to follow. As they quickly left the main room, he heard the clientele mutter in relief. He could have hexed them if he bothered but there were more important things to attend to. The two men rushed up the several flights of stairs, arriving in the smallest tower. Tom made a move to knock but he moved swiftly and surely to break down the door.
Once again, the window was open, the room empty, and Sophie gone.
Well, there it was- he had let her go again. Howl fell into the chair nearby and held his head in his hands. Might as well give up, Sophie was to smart to be caught and- someone coughed purposely, and he looked up. Cauldrons, Pruitt the Innkeeper was still there and obviously wanted an explanation. He rolled his eyes and asked him snidely what he wanted. Couldn't the ninny see he was trying to feel sorry for himself?
'Why, Mr Jenkins, did Su Li, er, Sophie run away if you are supposedly her friend?' Howl groaned and tried to wave him away but still he persisted, finally he mumbled out. '-Because I told her to and the little prat did.'
'Then aren't you glad? What's all the fuss, if you yourself fired her?' exclaimed Tom.
'I didn't lay her off! And I really didn't want her to go but Sophie's fierce and once she sets her mind to it, you ought to consider it done.' The wizard gazed vacantly out the window and Tom finally understood. He patted him on the shoulder and shook Howl.
'Then why don't go after her? After all, you have nothing to lose, only something to gain.'
The Sleeping Dragon Inn was bustling with the lively chattering of everyday folk. Tom the young innkeeper was hastily putting together the drinks the fellows from Market Chipping ordered. He surveyed the entire main room and grinned because the profit would most certainly be tremendous tonight. Aside from the odd scurrilous lush to surface, everything seemed to be going well.
'Excuse me, sir, but do you need any help? Are all positions taken?' Tom looked at the pretty girl who had asked him. She was carrying a medium- sized suitcase and holding a pair of ragged brown boots. He was doubtful because though she seemed strong, capable and trustworthy, she looked no more than eighteen. Since he did need a temporary seamstress until his cousin from Strangia came about year, he suggested it to her. She agreed quickly. Tom asked for her name and answer, which she readily gave.
'My name is So- Su Li from Tsapfan. I am glad to have the job even for only awhile. What can I do? Wash the dishes?'
'Not so fast, little madam. I can see you have just had a rough trip and I don't want my employees fainting at work. Come, I'll take you to your quarters. You can start tomorrow morning by mending the ripped sheets.' He said kindly, taking her case.
While Tom brought Su Li to her quarters, they talked amiably about the latest goings on in Ingary. He thought it rather strange that the girl knew quite a lot concerning the defeat of the Witch of the Waste by Horrible Howl. It seemed as if she had known them and hated both with a vengeance. The Sleeping Dragon had four floors and several small towers but the walk did not feel very long. At last they arrived at Su Li's room in the northwest loft.
'Goodnight, Su Li. Rest well, we start at five in the kitchen.' Tom said, as she bid him goodnight.
Once the tall innkeeper left, she dropped everything and threw the coat and the seven league boots over the chair. The room was small but clean and cosy, at least the wind from the open window cooled it. Su Li fell into bed and became Sophie again. But was it really Sophie? One could wonder because the girl started to cry into the pillow.
She finally evaded the clutches of the impeccably dressed egocentric wizard and yet she was hopeless still. Sophie had taken the boots back and forth across the country, trying to create a misleading trail if ever Howl chased after her. She had left him a note but knowing Howl- but perhaps she did not know him- he had not run after her at all; be glad, she told herself. A lilting voice in her head told her that deep down, she wanted him to.
Sophie sobbed harder. Tears came streaking down her cheeks and she felt like dying or at least fading away into nothing. Why was her heart hurting so much? She vaguely thought that it was all because of the suit and yet she knew that Howl had not worn it for weeks. A thousand thoughts whirled around her head, aching to be realized.
Maybe because of the journey throughout the earth today. Maybe the lack of sleep. Maybe it was the funny whelk she had by the sea.
The most obvious reason never even crossed her mind.
Sophie cried herself to sleep but managed to somehow wake-up in order for her first day at work. Tom, the darling man, left her two simple blue gowns, which were to be her uniform. She donned one before skipping lightly downstairs, hardly remembering last night. When she reached the kitchen, the cooks were about to begin and the scullery maids and waitresses were lined up for inspection. The stable boys and all-around men were straightening their own blue livery. Tom and a middle-aged lady who must have been his mother stood in front. He brightened when Su Li entered.
'All right, ladies and gents, we have a new seamstress who'll work here. Folks, welcome Su Li from Tsapfan.' Tom announced cheerily. She smiled sweetly and greeted everyone merrily. Most of them responded just as pleasantly though a cook commented that she never knew that 'those lasses from the exotics had ginger hair.'
Tom introduced Su Li to everyone, beginning with the woman who was indeed his mother, Mrs Pruett. There was Anna the third-floor maid, Carl the stable hand, Mike the chief cook and many others. The general chatting died down when the clock rang five-thirty and everyone got back to work. Su Li was quite at a loss on what to do until Tom took her aside.
'Here Su, if I may call you that. Take these to the lounge upstairs and mend them. I'll have Patty pass by later with some more. Oh, and here are the thread, needles, and things you might need. Good luck then, Su.' He gave her a wicker basket filled with heavy covers and ripped shirts and left.
So that was how she went about her days at the inn. Wake up, converge at kitchen for breakfast, sew until lunch, more sewing if not helping out at the bar, early dinner with the boys and waitresses, sleep. It was not very hard work and she actually enjoyed it. She made friends and liked gossiping with Anna though it was really against Sophie's principles. But that was exactly it! Su Li was not Sophie until she had latched the garret door for the night. No, Su Li was bright and jolly with always a kind word or interesting story; and Sophie was a confused girl who did not know what was wrong with herself.
The days grew into weeks and weeks into months and soon Sophie had been at the Sleeping Dragon for almost half a year. It was late evening and she was sitting on the windowsill looking out at the city of Kingsbury. That day she had one of the nicest times in her life. Su Li had finished her tasks much earlier and hung around with Tom. The customers were not as numerous and they had taken to playing cards. Su Li had been a much better player. They had been laughing again at one of his anecdotes when a frown had creased Tom's dark face. She had turned to see what he had been staring at. It had been a large bosom noblewoman dressed head to sparkling toe in fur, in her hand was a leash that was around a ridiculous-looking tiny dog.
'Innkeeper! I wish a saucer of warm cream for my lovely Pumpkin-pop and a champagne for me.' The lady had said haughtily.
Tom had replied graciously that there was no cream today and only beer and red wine were served here perhaps some apple cider would do. The woman had huffed and demanded she speak to the owner. 'You're right in front of him, madam.'
'Don't be ludicrous, boy, you cannot be more than five-and-twenty!' He had only nodded solemnly, assuring her of his ownership of the Sleeping Dragon Inn.
'Perhaps if madam would go over to the High and Mighty Excelsior a street away, she could find the right bubbly champagne year 1879 and the special silver dishes for stylish young poodles.' The woman had gasped in horror before telling Tom this would not be the last of her. He had replied that he was sure it wouldn't be either. She had stuck up her chins and walked towards the exit, dog yapping and pulling everywhere. Tom had rushed to open the door for her as she stalked out.
Su Li had giggled and had gone beside him to see the posh lady out. The poodle had suddenly tugged and had caused the woman to lose her balance. Just before her face had come in contact with the muddy pavement, her footman had caught her. She had slid into her fancy carriage and had commanded the driver to make for the Excelsior. From the doorway, the two had laughed.
When Su Li asked later why he acted like that, Tom only said that the Sleeping Dragon was only for the good and common people. He did not feel the need to service the elite members of Ingary. Su Li had nodded and asked whether he himself was ordinary.
'Hmm... I believe I am quite ordinary. Yes, Tom the down-to-earth and absolutely everyday Tom.'
Sophie returned to the present and let her mind wander. She was brought back to when a certain git asked her whom her dream prince was. Tall, dark, and handsome not to mention ordinary and very sweet. Tom was exactly like that and more wonderful things besides. She was quite sure she was falling in love with him. He always spent a lot of time with her, or rather Su Li, always smiling when she came near. He was perfect in comparison to-
Her mood darkened. Why did she have to think of him at a time like this? Sophie gave up trying to find answers to the questions that plagued her and attacked her out of nowhere. She ended thinking, I have found my fortune, and Tom is my fortune.
The Wednesday after was a very extremely busy day and Su Li was put off from her usual work to waitress downstairs. Apparently people from all over Ingary had come to attend a royal meeting conducted by the king. Many very important people were booked to be staying in the Sleeping Dragon, and they had all chosen to come at the same time that night. Su Li was talking to an old biddy from Porthaven who did not seem to want to shut up.
'So I told Margaret that apples are so much better in pies than oranges. Anyway did you hear what happened to that poor Sorcerer Jenkins a few months ago? It was dreadful really; we were all woken up one day with these ghastly howls and moaning from his house. He didn't want to make any spells for weeks and the King himself had to come down to talk some sense into him. We in town still haven't found out why though little Marcus Wellington is probably right. The Wizard finally got himself caught in his own trap, jilted by some harlot who's as mad as a hatter, they say.'
She had almost dropped her tray when she heard what happened. Did Sophie's disappearance really cause something in Howl's life? Su Li vehemently disagreed and put it all down to silly babbling. It was all rumours anyways and she knew for a fact that if he wanted to, Howl could have found her. Stashing it away in her mind, she quickly excused herself to fetch the pudding.
In the crowded kitchen, the cook practically pushed dish of cream and strawberries into Su Li's hands. Even amidst the hustle and noise, she heard Tom declare that new customers had arrived. She yelled back that she was coming and fixed her apron and pulled her hair up in tighter a bun. Taking the platter, she kicked open the door and stepped towards the bar.
Dollops of cream and the luscious red ripe berries went crashing through the floor. Su Li fled from the Sleeping Dragon and left Sophie Hatter to deal with the problem. That problem of course was Howell Jenkins, sitting on the high stool looking absolutely unHowl-like. The racket caused by the breaking dish made all eyes to turn to her. One pair in particular brightened in surprise.
'Sophie?' the man who was the Wizard Howl queried rather dazedly, breaking the silence of the inn. Tom glanced at him, wearing a confused look then back at the girl the sorcerer had talked to. 'Er, sorry, Wizard, you must be making a mistake. That's Su Li from Tsapfan, my seamstress.' Dear Tom, he was lacking a bit of a brain right now. But so was the girl who stood shock-still.
'No, it most certainly isn't! That is Sophie, Sophie Hatter, my apprentice!' Howl went on, putting more of his mind under control now. So did Sophie at his last words. She gave a lingering look at Tom and mouthed the words 'sorry' then she dashed off, upstairs into her tower. 'Sophie!'
Botheration! Here we go again.
'I am not her brother, a jilted suitor, an evil sorcerer out for her soul! Listen, man! I'm ordering you to tell me where her room is!'
Howl shouted at the ruddy innkeeper. He had got the shock of his life when he saw Sophie standing there astonished. Strangely, his first thoughts were- What the hell is she doing in that hideous blue dress? Why was she here? Then he had snapped out of it and pursued her. But since he had no idea where she had gone, Howl had rounded on the Tom fellow.
He stood there waiting impatiently for the innkeeper to make up his mind. What does Sophie see in this bloke? Sure he was tall, dark, hand- oh. Howl became annoyed and was about to scream bloody murder when Tom nodded his head and beckoned him to follow. As they quickly left the main room, he heard the clientele mutter in relief. He could have hexed them if he bothered but there were more important things to attend to. The two men rushed up the several flights of stairs, arriving in the smallest tower. Tom made a move to knock but he moved swiftly and surely to break down the door.
Once again, the window was open, the room empty, and Sophie gone.
Well, there it was- he had let her go again. Howl fell into the chair nearby and held his head in his hands. Might as well give up, Sophie was to smart to be caught and- someone coughed purposely, and he looked up. Cauldrons, Pruitt the Innkeeper was still there and obviously wanted an explanation. He rolled his eyes and asked him snidely what he wanted. Couldn't the ninny see he was trying to feel sorry for himself?
'Why, Mr Jenkins, did Su Li, er, Sophie run away if you are supposedly her friend?' Howl groaned and tried to wave him away but still he persisted, finally he mumbled out. '-Because I told her to and the little prat did.'
'Then aren't you glad? What's all the fuss, if you yourself fired her?' exclaimed Tom.
'I didn't lay her off! And I really didn't want her to go but Sophie's fierce and once she sets her mind to it, you ought to consider it done.' The wizard gazed vacantly out the window and Tom finally understood. He patted him on the shoulder and shook Howl.
'Then why don't go after her? After all, you have nothing to lose, only something to gain.'