a turning point

 ”Now hold on a sec, son.” Said the Kindly Magician. “I would like to help you.” 

“You would?” 

“Yes, and it’s a good thing for you, because I have a plan!” The Wizards pointer finger rose as a match to the exclamation! 

 Grail was hesitant, “Why do you want to help me, I thought you worked for the King…?” 

“Well…” Horatio paused, his brow shrouded in a great pointy cap. “…I need an Assistant.” 

“An Assistant?!”

 ”Yes. To hold down the frogs.” 

“…To hold down the frogs.” Grail said muzzily, as if lost. And then, sharpening, “What do you mean?”

 ”Well…” Mr. Oriculture’s elaboration was interrupted by a sharp knock from the other end of the chamber. Horatio motioned for Grail to step out of sight and then glided over to the door.

The voice that spoke when he opened it was respectively gruff, “Sorry to bother you sir, but I’m here with a request from the King.”     

“Go ahead.” Horatio said mildly.

“The King would like to know if there has been any recent activity at the Smell Trap.”           ”Tell the King that the Smell Trap is well watered but empty, please.”  And with that, Horatio spun away from the door, slamming it with a grin.