Tales From the Glades of Ballymore Read Online Free

surprisingly, he responded, “The opportunity does sound interesting, but let’s talk it over as a family.”
     
    “Thank you for letting us know about this, and we’ll make a decision soon,” he continued.
     
    Bartholomew said, “If you decide to apply for the position.  Please go and talk with Morris.  I know he would like to choose someone soon.”
     
    He was pleased that Birk was interested in the apprenticeship.  Birk was a conscientious young beaver, and Bartholomew had always liked him.  He stayed a bit longer to talk and finish his tea.  Then, he said goodbye and flew home.
     
    The wind was stronger now, but since it was mostly at his back, he had no difficulty.
     
    When he got home, he was a little tired and thought a light lunch was in order.  Then, perhaps some reading or a nap would be nice.  In the past when a storm was coming, he usually needed to put in extra time making sure everyone was prepared and safe.  He thought that he had better rest now, while he had the opportunity.  After lunch he retired to his comfortable rocking chair.  Looking at the flames from the fireplace, he found himself reflecting on the past.
     
    He was born in Ballymore over twenty years ago.  His parents had been gone for a long time.  He never married.  That was, probably, because he had come in contact with so few owls in his lifetime.  Now, he felt he was too set in his ways to be married.  Maybe!  Maybe not!
     
    Bartholomew was more of an introvert than an extrovert, but he did enjoy helping the residents.  His extensive library ensured he could find solutions to many kinds of problems if he didn’t already know the answer.  This life suited him well.  As a result of his counseling, he was much respected and had many friends.  His best friends were Dr. Brigit, Stoddard & Sean Swan, and Morris.
     
    He was getting older and would need to find an apprentice eventually but not yet.  Everything in its own time.  No need to rush.  No need to rush.
     
    Bartholomew spent most of the afternoon reading and eventually nodded off to sleep.

 
     
    As Bartholomew was napping and after a lengthy family discussion, the beavers decided to visit Morris.  They would talk with him about the apprenticeship opportunity.
     
    The whole family went.  They closed their storm shutters and left by the underwater entrance.  It was much easier traveling underwater in bad weather.  They arrived at Morris’s cottage safe but wet, of course.  Between vigorous shaking and the wind they quickly dried enough to be presentable.  Beatrice combed her children’s fur before they went up to the door.  
     
    Morris was not expecting them, but he saw them come out of the water near the dock.  As they dried off, he poured some tea.  He always kept a kettle-full of tea at the ready.  When they knocked on the door, the hot tea was on the dining table, and he welcomed them in.
     
    As Morris served, Birk spoke up.  He said they had heard that Morris might be looking for an apprentice.  Morris indicated that he was.  He told Morris of his interest in learning how to make furniture.  He described his experience in building windows and doors with his family.  The young beaver was very enthusiastic.  Even though Morris didn’t know him well, he felt immediately that Birk would make a good apprentice.  Everyone knew the beavers were excellent builders. 
     
    After asking a few wood related questions, Morris said to Birk, “I would like you to be my apprentice.  These are the terms of what I propose.”
     
    Birk said, “I accept!”
     
    Everyone, except Birk, laughed.
     
    Morris continued, “I would like you to be here five days a week for three or four hours a day.  There is a lot to learn, but I’ll teach you everything I know about furniture making.  We’ll start with easy projects such as kites.  At some point, you should know enough to be on your own.  My hope is that you will become my partner and that