“As long as it’s all right …” Robinton said in an almost unintelligible murmur.
“It is more than “all right”, Robinton, it is essential. Now, stop colouring up like a glowbasket. Learn to take honest praise with the same dignity with which you’ve received criticism.” Abruptly, Gennell cleared his throat. “Well, that’s decided, but I wanted to know if you wished to stay on in the Hall. We’d find something to keep you busy if you did, though your mother’s much better since she came back.”
Robinton met Master Gennell’s concerned grey eyes and gave a grateful smile. “I’m your apprentice, sir; you can assign me where you will. Where I’d do some good.” What he didn’t add hung in the air: Because I can’t do any good here.
“Well then, that’s settled. I’ll see who can use an assistant harper.”
Robinton was still trying to absorb this astonishing news when he found himself out in the corridor.
To be utterly truthful, he looked forward to leaving the Harper Hall and getting away from the constant censorious glances of his father. Privately he thought this was what was eating away at his mother: the tension and having to placate his father all the time. He wanted to get on with his own life – without constraint and with an enthusiasm he wasn’t able to give scope to here in the Harper Hall.
He’d really enjoy being away – and as Master Gennell had promised to keep him informed about his mother’s health, he could go with an easy conscience. It’d be so much better for her, too, if she didn’t have to worry about him, had a reason to be proud of him.
He went back to putting the final coat of varnish on the lap harp he was making. He would take that with him, he thought, though originally he had made it to sell. He had already earned quite a few marks at Gathers with his output. When Master Jerint asked him what the MasterHarper had wanted him for, Robinton shrugged it off. “Next term’s duties,” he said, which had the advantage of being the truth.
Robinton had become so adept at keeping emotions to himself that it had become a habit. And though he yearned to tell his mother, he knew she was busy with lessons this afternoon. He’d just have to hold his good news in. It was something to relish,
anyway. As relieved as he was that he wouldn’t have to take Theory under his father, he was most excited at the prospect of leaving the Hall on his first official assignment. He also knew he’d had a hint of something the oldest apprentices would die to hear: he suspected that Master Gennell was about to reveal who would walk the tables – the best of all the traditions in the Harper Hall. The announcement of who had made journeyman rank could be any day now; there was a lot of talk about its imminence in the dorms.
Sometimes the lucky ones were warned to pack what they’d need, but just as often no clue at all was given until Master Gennell called out the names. That was always a great evening. The Masters loved to surprise the fourths, make them sweat a little before giving them the reward for four turns’ work. At least he’d have time to warn his mother of his leaving; but he knew she’d be pleased for him. Even being assigned as assistant harper was an honour.
Robinton paused in his varnishing, whooshing the fumes away from his nose. The reek was stifling.
“That’s the ticket,” Master Bosler said, pausing by Robinton’s work station. He gave him a quick pat on the back. “One of the nicer ones with all that careful inlaid pattern. And the skybroom wood! Very good! We can get a good price for it at the next Gather.”
“With skybroom wood hard to come by, I think I might just keep it for a while,” Robinton said, watching Bosler’s expression. Would the Master have an idea of Robinton’s immediate future? He knew that Master Gennell listened to the opinions of his Masters. As an apprentice, Robinton’s studies were governed by what all the Masters – probably his father, too – thought of his progress, so maybe Master Bosler was aware of his good news. But no, the lined face and keen eyes did not alter.