Kyle

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Supper

"S-so...um, how was the journey here?"

"Fine." Sigmund answered flatly.

We were currently sat across from one another in my dining room, settled as we waited for supper to be served. Sigmund's eyes darted from one end of the room to the other, then looked over the décor I'd set on the table. His expression hadn't changed the entire time. He didn't seemed pleased with anything. Lifting one of the goblets I had on the table, he bought it to his lips and took a sip, just to choke on the liquid.

"Ahem! Ugh..."

Setting the drink aside, he went for the other and sipped that instead. I was restless at the moment, hoping that the Headmaster would change his mind and show up. Maybe this was part of the test?

"No surprises, right?" I asked. "Or is this part of the evaluation?"

"What are you on about?"

"When you said no one else was showing up...did you truly mean that? Is the Headmaster coming?"

"Ja, Kahl." He replied, butchering my name. "I meant it. I was the only one who voted to give you another chance. No one else is here to grade you but me."

That, in itself, was worrisome. Sigmund and I were obviously not seeing eye to eye. I knew, for a fact that his grudge against me hadn't changed, especially after ditching his show a week ago. With him grading me, I was sure he'd bring personal matters into the evaluation. I wanted to be sure he'd keep things on a professional level.

"You're grading me specifically on this evening, right?" I spoke up after a moment, fidgeting a tad in my seat. "Not based on our personal relationship?"

"I'm grading based off the criteria I was provided with. I'm not immature, I'm a member of the board. I take my duties seriously. You're aware of the criteria I'm speaking of, ja?"

I watched as he reached for his school bag on the ground. Digging through it momentarily, he pulled a manila envelope from inside and then what I suspected to be the grading sheets from the envelope. I cleared my throat before I answered.

"Well, yes. I was informed before you arrived. The Headmaster called—which is why I'm surprised he didn't show up."

"It was just a formality." Sigmund shrugged as he conjured a fluffed quill feather and a small pot of ink. Setting everything aside, his eyes finally met mine. I felt my entire body lock up. "So, this dinner? What are we having?"

"O-oh, yes! Of course!"

I looked around the room in search of the pair of poorly dressed fools and didn't see any sign of them bringing supper out anytime soon. I wasn't sure how I should grab their attention, we hadn't exactly gone over that. Again, I cleared my throat and clapped my hands to summon them, hoping for the best.

"ELVES! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"YES MASTER!" They actually called back from the kitchen. "WE'RE ON OUR WAY MASTER!"

I was thankful when they rushed through the door with the start of our meal. Fanboy set down a large bowl of chopped salad and a gravy boat. Chum Chum came out with a pitcher. Both seemed to pause and view the table in confusion. I raised a brow as Fanboy leaned into me to whisper.

"Hey, Kyle...I thought you asked us to set the table for more guests. Is uh...is this it?"

"Why don't you mind your business and deliver the rest of our dinner, ELF?! We've been waiting long enough!"