55

Les followed Master Gilroy back through the halls to a room on the first floor. She hoped that meeting whoever this Lord was would answer her questions. Or that he would allow her to speak and ask them. Mostly the burning question was, Why am I here? Though Les was almost glad that she hadn't started asking questions yet. Things hadn't gone poorly yet, she was eager to see what was in store. They finally stopped at a large double door, but before going in, Master Gilroy turned to her. He cleared his throat again. Les wondered if he was sick, or he did it for attention.

"You will enter the study and go to the center of the room. You will bow or curtsy. You will not approach unless he bids you to. You will not speak unless asked to. Nod if you understand." Les tried to keep a neutral face and nodded. He nodded in return and gave her a long hard look. Satisfied, he turned back to the doors and opened them. Then stood aside for Les to enter. She did and Gilroy pulled the doors closed behind her as he left. At the center of the large room was a huge round rug, with a design on it that Les couldn't make out. She walked and stood at the center of it, holding her head high, willing herself to not be afraid or nervous. She didn't see anyone else in the room.