Read Online Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks - Free Book Online

apart from the other servants. Like this here.’ He touched the olive-green and gold sash around his waist. ‘It’s the colours of the Cleefs – my family’s house.’
    â€˜Your family has its own colours? You must be awfully posh.’
    â€˜No, not really. Certainly posher than Groot – not that it counts for anything round here. Not while he’s in charge.’
    â€˜I know!’ said Mel. He reached inside his cupboard, pulled out his faded, tabby breeches and tore off a wide strip. Tying it around his waist, he said with a sense of pride, ‘It’s the Womper family colours.’
    â€˜Great! That’s one in the eye for Groot.’
    The two of them pinned his drawings up around his bed.
    Ludo picked up the portrait of Mel’s mother. ‘I’m really sorry, Mel. That was a squity thing to do. Even for Groot.’
    Mel could not respond because a great lump had formed in his throat. He placed the drawing in his cupboard. He felt tears forming but did not want to embarrass himself in front of his new friend. Changing the subject, he said, ‘I’m starving.’
    â€˜I guess you don’t want to go back to the refectory. Let’s sneak down to the kitchens. It’s strictly out of bounds but Wren will give you something to eat. But first, I think we’ll get rid of these.’ He picked up Mel’ssmelly shoes and, holding them at arm’s length, dropped them out of the open window. ‘If only Groot was as easy to get rid of.’
    â€˜There she is. Psst! Wren. Wren ,’ called Ludo softly from their hiding place. Heat and bright light radiated out of the bustling kitchen into the cool, dimly lit storeroom.
    â€˜Who’s there? Is that you, Ludo?’ came a girl’s voice from beyond the door.
    â€˜Wren, this is Mel. He’s new here and he’s missed his supper. He’s starving – could you find him something to eat?’
    â€˜You know it’s not allowed, Ludo. You shouldn’t be down here. And if they catch me then I’ll be out on my ear. We both will.’ She peered cautiously over her shoulder and stepped into the storeroom. ‘And who’s this new … You! ’
    It was the girl Mel had seen earlier, cleaning up the mess he had created in the hallway. She was slim and wore a long cloth wrapped around her head like a turban. Beneath it she had auburn hair, green eyes and her cheeks were bright with exertion. Over her longdress in the Blenk household blue was a soiled, white pinafore. When she’s not scowling she might be quite pretty , thought Mel. ‘Uh, hello,’ he said sheepishly. ‘Sorry about the … the you-know-what.’
    â€˜Why should I risk my job to get anything for you – after all the work you made for me?’
    â€˜But, Wren, he’s really hungry. Please ,’ pleaded Ludo.
    Wren glared at Mel, but after a moment her expression softened and she said, ‘Oh, all right. You look half starved. Wait here. And keep quiet. If they catch you there’ll be big trouble.’ She disappeared into the kitchen and returned shortly with an apple and a generous sandwich containing a thick slice of succulent beef. ‘I must go now. We’re rushed off our feet at the moment. Just stay out of sight.’
    Mel had only ever eaten beef once before, at a village feast. It tasted even better than he remembered but he only managed one bite.
    â€˜Caught yer, thief!’ A plump woman grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and held him fast. ‘Minch, Minch! Come and lend a hand. I’ve caught a thief.’
    Mel looked round quickly for Ludo. Where was Ludo?
    Minch emerged from the kitchen, wiping his greasy mouth on his sleeve. He grabbed Mel’s arm. “Prentice,’ he said. He snatched Mel’s sandwich away proclaiming, ‘Proof.’
    â€˜It’s off to the steward with you, my lad,’ said the cook. ‘This