6. Accumula Hotel 2

I came awake to a firm touch on my shoulder. I'd felt Wilhelm leave the bed, but I usually slept with him and was used to him leaving before the rest of us. I opened my eyes to his serious face staring down at me. "We have thirty minutes. Get dressed. Room service will bring our breakfast," he said.

He disappeared into the bathroom. I yawned and stretched. I was dressed by the time Wilhelm came out and was munching idly on a large leppa berry from the room service tray. I ducked into the bathroom and examined myself in the mirror. A little tired, but those dark circles never went away. I needed to shave, and made quick work of it. Maybe one day I'd just let my beard grow and save myself the trouble. We were late when I came out, but Wilhelm said nothing. He finished his Ancient Grain Cornn Flakes while I poured myself a coffee. I cooled it liberally with MooMoo milk and drank it fast. Wilhelm was waiting on me. He set our breakfast tray outside the door and we walked together down the halls to Ghetsis' room.

I looked at Wilhelm apprehensively. He was being quiet, as usual; however, I couldn't help but wonder how he felt about my intrusion on his duties. I remembered his sympathy from the night before and I also remembered Ghetsis' admonishment about my pride. Wilhelm was not a bad sort, for all his silence. It couldn't hurt to try to make up for my aloofness, even if it was too late,

"So, what do we do in the morning?" I asked.

Wilhelm said nothing. I waited, but he did not seem inclined to answer. I sighed. Maybe he was angry after all.

"We make his tea and set up his breakfast," Wilhelm said suddenly. "We won't bother being quiet, because he prefers to wake up to the sound of people moving around, but we can't go into the bedroom until he's in the shower. He has regular habits, so he'll be in there for about thirty to forty-five minutes. We'll make his bed and lay out his clothes, but he'll wear the white dressing gown for his breakfast and he'll need his slippers of course. When you hear him shaving, that's when you send for his breakfast. I arranged for it yesterday. He always takes the same, razzberry oatmeal with a splash of milk, six peeled grepa berries with a half teaspoon of sugar, and a boiled egg on the side. He'll want a copy of the local paper and the Castella Tribute, and wepear leaf tea blend for breakfast and a cup of milky Oran-Sitrus Zing when he's finished. Then he'll take thirty minutes alone in the bedroom for stretches and meditation, and after that we have to get him dressed. He'll want his honey water left on the table, but then he'll send us away so that he can be alone. That's about all he'll want until eleven-thirty when he'll expect his lunch."

I stared wide eyed at the taciturn Wilhelm.

"That is the most I've ever heard you say," I said, half joking half serious.

"You need to know," he said simply.

"You think so?" I asked. Wilhelm nodded. "God, did you use up all your words for the month?"

Wilhelm shook his head with a small smile.

"I just want you to know, I didn't ask to intrude. It wasn't my intention to take your tasks," I said quickly.

I waited for his smile to falter, but it didn't.

"I don't mind. I expected it," he said.

"Really? And it doesn't bother you at all?"

"No," Wilhelm said. At my incredulous look, he smiled a little wider. "I knew yesterday when you fought with him and I was certain last night when he sent me for you. He likes spirit and he really likes yours. You challenge him. I don't. I can't, and I don't want to. He is regular in his habits, but his moods are quick and unpredictable. He can be cruel and kind in a breath and I..." Wilhelm looked looked grave. "Quand le maître est rude, l'ètudiant est digne. It's Kalosian. Do you know what it means?"

"No," I said.

"It's a popular saying, and translates roughly to 'When the master is harsh, the student is worthy.' I am not, but you, you want to be, don't you?"

"I... Yes, I do," I said.

"Be careful," Wilhelm said.

I gave him a quizzical look, but he opened the door to Ghetsis' room and said nothing more to me.