Mark of the Fool

Chapter 557: The Grand Opening

A loud gasp reached Alex from downstairs, sending him into action. He waved a hand, dismissing the celestial fox and using a flight spell, shot toward the sound.

In the bakerys dining area, he found Troy and his wife rooted in place, looking like some monster had leapt from the shadows and now loomed over them in the early morning light. Claygon stood in the centre of the room, towering above them like an old oak, his head swivelling toward Alex. Goodmorningfather.

Well, hello to you too the young wizard murmured in surprise, taking in the room.

Overnight, the dining area had transformed.

Every chair and table was ready for customerseach freshly polished, shining in the early morning light pouring through the bakerys windows. The floor sparkled from a fresh scrubbing, and display cases below the counter were gleaming, free of dust and fingerprints.

Alex looked up at Claygon. Did you do all this last night?

Iwasexcitedfor the day, the golem said. AndI have no need for sleep, so it waseasy. the outdoor eating area is also ready for diners.

The young wizard took a look out the front windows: the chairs and tables theyd stacked beside the door last night were now in front of the bakery, waiting for customers who preferred a meal outdoors while enjoying what promised to be a lovely sunny day.

By the Traveller, Claygon, thank you. He floated up to his golem, patting him on the shoulder.

Yeah, you have my thanks too. Troy wiped a finger along a tabletop. You really saved us a lot of time this morning by taking care of everything like you did.

What cost me nothing would haveleft you tired andcost you timeit is nothing. Claygon said, his voice its usual rumbling self.

Well, youll still get gratitude from me, LorraineTroys wifesaid. Well be able to get the stoves and ovens roaring and our cooking started a lot faster with all those extra chores out of the way.

Yeah. Alex looked at the couple. How are you two feeling?

Troy blew out a breath of air, his cheeks puffing up. Well, to be honest, I feel a little wild around the edges, boss. If you told me at the start of the year that Id be standing in this bakerynot a sliver of vermin aroundwith proper ingredients waiting in the kitchen and a spring in my step, I would have laughed at you while wondering if you were a madman. It feels like Im in a dream that Im afraid is gonna end. Gods, for nights now Ive been having nightmares about something going wrong.

And thats why Im here to help out on your big day. Lorraine squeezed Troys arm. Youll all be fine: I tell you true, I havent seen Troy this happy and confident since Beerensteyn Senior was still with us, may the gods see him rest in the afterworld.

Oh, Lorraine, you dont have to say that much. Troy said, blushing. How about you boss, howre you feeling this morning?

Oh, steady as a rock, of course, Alex said, raising a hand to make his point.

The hand was shaking like a trembling leaf in a windstorm.

Oh boy, Troy flinched, then burst out laughing when he saw Alexs smile.

The young wizards hand abruptly stopped shaking. You know, I am nervous, no question about it, but I know we can do this. Beerensteyn Jr. did a lot of damage to this places reputation, so I dont expect were going to get everyone in the city at our front door today, but all Im looking for is a start: just that little seed to get word out.

Yeah, thats healthy, Troy said. AndOh, morning!

The baker was looking up the stairs when Alex heard wood creak. Theresa, Selina and Brutus were on their way down, gawking at the inviting-looking eating area.

Imorning, Troy, Lorrainewe were coming to help set things up, but Theresa stared at the room while Brutus bounded down the last few steps and began sniffing the floor. looks like all our work is done.

I had timedo not worry, Claygon said.

Awwww, thank you, Claygon. Youre the best. Selina ran up to the golem, wrapping her arms around one of his stone legs.

Yeah, he really is. Alex floated over to Theresa, greeting her with a morning kiss. Thanks for volunteering to help out today. You too, Selina.

I wouldnt miss this for anything. His sister grinned. A lot of my friends said theyd be coming, and I want to show off the Roth Family Bakery.

Alex burst out laughing. You really are my sister. He looked at his family with pride, hardly believing what was happening. It seemed strange, but he almost felt more nervous than he had in Cretalikon fighting demons, or even negotiating with Toraka.

The stakes were lower today: even if he failed to sell a single loaf of bread, his income was secure and there wasnt any threat of him being torn limb from limb by raging monsters.

And yet, in some ways, it felt more important, more personal.

And that was enough for him to give the bakery his all and see it succeed.

Alright, everyone, now that were all here, I just wanted to say something before we got started. Thank you. Thank you for helping out today and for all the time youve been pitching in these last few months. The clean up, the baking, the recipe testingall of that is going to bear fruit today. I know it will. All we need is one final push. Alex squared his shoulders. And I believe we can do it. If anyone has any questions or needs help, just come to me and Ill try and solve any thing that comes up. So, roll call time: does everyone know what theyre doing? Troy?

Aye aye, boss, Ill be in the back keeping the goodies flowing. Troy saluted Alex as though he was his captain.

Perfect. Lorraine? Alex turned to Troys wife.

Ill be Troys helper in the kitchen for the dayearning the pay that you insisted I takeand Ill also take orders at the counter, and take food to tables, and do anything else that needs doing.

Perfect. And listen, Lorraine, I know you offered to be here because you wanted to help Troy, but Im not the kind of man whos going to take advantage of that. Simple rule: you work for me? You deserve to get paid. Unless youre family. Im more than willing to take advantage of family. He grinned at Theresa, Selina and Claygon, chuckling as the two young women rolled their eyes. What about you, Selina?

I Selina started.

Wheres your salute?

Ill salute you alright, she shook her fist at him.

Alright, alright! Alex chuckled.

Ill be outside offering people free samples, she said.

Ill be doing the same, Theresa said.

Aswill I Claygon echoed.

Good, and I will be holding down the counter and serving customers, Alex said. Then, since we all know our roles. He saluted everyone as though he was in the Thameish army. Alright, folks. Its time. Theresa? Selina? Get some breakfast and then, its showtime. May the Traveller guide us and bring us good fortune on this special day. Lets go.

Together, the employees and family of the Roth Family Bakery sprang into action.

Troy, Lorraine, and Alex headed into the kitchen, fetching supplies they kept cool in a preservation chamber, and got to baking. The kitchen was soon a storm of flour, Wizards Hands, butter and flame, as they transformed dough, cream, custard, meat and fruit, into a variety of warm, succulent breads, pastries and pies.

These were the recipes that Alexs friends had given thumbs up to, approving them for a hungry and curious public.

As Alex worked alongside Troy, he rarely had to call on the Mark for help. The experienced baker could stand on his own, and since Lorraine knew him so well, she usually anticipated what he needed before he could even ask for it. Everything was moving along fine. Alex knew things would be in good hands with the couple staffing the ovens.

Troy paused for a moment, watching as Alex juggled five dishes at a time, mixing sugar and cream in one bowl, while Wizards Hands added yeast to warm water, whipped custard in another bowl, ground dried and candied fruit, and put baking sheets in one of the ovens.

The older man shook his head. You know, sometimes I forget that youre actually as young as you are. The way you move around a kitchenit seems like youve been baking twice as long as youve been alive.

Alexusing the Mark even now to streamline his baking processwinked at Troy. Lets just say I know how to compact a lot of life experience into a small amount of time. Living in the moment, and all that.

If you say so, boss. Troy carried cookies to the display cases for Lorraine and him to put on silver trays.

Soon, Brutus came bounding back downstairs, licking stray bits of food from his chops, while a well-fed Theresa and Selina followed close behind. They were dressed and ready to hand out samples to passersby.

Remember, these arent for you, Alex warned his little sister, watching herself closely. So control yourself.

Selina smiled sweetly. Is it really me you should be watching, big brother? she asked innocently.

Whatre you talking abouTheresa! he gasped, catching his girlfriend stuffing a cookie in her mouth. Come on, we havent even started yet.

That's for that crack about exploiting family, she said, swallowing, then sticking her tongue out at him. Im getting paid one way or another.

Ugh, what did I do to deserve such a treacherouslittle sister? He heard a suspicious crunch, whirling as a walnut tart disappeared into Selinas mouth. What the hells?

Im getting paid too, she grinned, showing off a mouth full of mashed up tart.

Ugggggh, he groaned, handing four trays of baked goods to Claygon.

Do not worry fatherI wont eat your stock he said.

Yeah, see! Alex gestured to his golem. Now this is a proper family memWait, Claygon, you cant eat.

And even if I could, I wouldnt take even a morsel off these trays the golems voice sounded like a heroic, young knights.

Aha, and you see,Theresa and Selinathats why Claygon is my favouri

Probably.

Eh?

Iprobably wouldnt eat any of your stockfather. The golems voice shifted to that of a mischievous little boy.

Traitors! Alex cried, throwing his hands up. Traitors, all of you! Out! Out!

He ushered the laughing Theresa, Selina and Claygon through the front door, holding it open as Brutus loped after them. And stop eating my stock!

Shaking his head, he closed the door and took a final look around the dining area. Lots of food was on display. Tables and chairs were ready. Free samples were outside, and Troy and Lorraine were cooking up a delicious smelling storm.

Alright, here goes nothing.

Alex walked to the sign in the window, slowly flipping it so the open side faced the street. Outside, Grand Opening signs displaying the menu and prices, stood near the door.

Hed use the Markalong with Selinas creative talentsto create signs that were inviting, and bore images of steaming goodies at competitive prices. Too high, and passersby would have laughed in his face. Too low, and most would wonder if something was wrong with the food, especially with the unsavoury reputation the bakery had when Beerensteyn junior owned it.Doing anything that man had done would have been the perfect way to kill a brand new food business in one day.

And so the prices Alex offered were a little lower than his competitors, which he could afford since his general costs were lower; his ingredients were premium, making for the finest treats, everyone received a discount on opening day, which built a sense of exclusivity and excitement designed to bring customers through the door.

Hopefully, thatll be enough, he whispered as he stepped behind the counter.

Outside, he could already hear the bustle of people heading for work, looking for a quick bite of breakfast. Selina and Claygons muffled voices came through the morning air, inviting potential guests to come sample their wares.

From where the pair were standing, Alex couldnt quite see them through the windows, so he really had no idea if their bait was hooking any fish. Come on, come on, he muttered.

And he waited.

And he waited.

Every minute seemed like an hour as he stood behind the counter, listening to Troy and Lorraine bustle about the kitchen, while city sounds seeped in from outside. The street grew louder as more folk left their homes for their days workyet still, no no one stepped through the door.

He began to worry.

Come on, Beerensteyn isnt here anymore, he whispered. Give it a trydont let the old reputation keep you

Before he could finish, the front door chimed.

His heart leapt.

Good morning and welcome to the Roth Family Bakery! he called, using a customer-service voice hed perfected using the Mark over weeks of experimenting. What can I

He paused.

oh, its you.

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