Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 132625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
I know that goblins are always collecting information. I know that they are the keepers of the history of the realm. “Then tell me, will I find what I’m looking for—will I find a way to defeat him—at Feegus Keep?”
She barks out a laugh. “We know facts. We know history. We aren’t seers.”
“You just told me everything changes if you don’t help me.”
“That’s not seeing. That’s logic.”
Nonsense. Why do goblins always speak in nonsense? I take another sip of the warm chocolate and reframe my question. “Is the Sword of Fire at the keep?”
“It was once, if the rumors are true. Mordeus was said to have used great magic to shield the sword from anyone but himself.”
“And I can use it to destroy him?”
“The girl asks so many questions but has given me nothing in return.”
I turn up my palms. “What do you want? My hair? Nail clippings?”
She wrinkles her pointed nose. “I cannot be bought with such tawdry scraps.”
“Then what?”
“I want you to wake up,” she snaps. “To fight.”
“I’m trying. I’ve only just found out about Mordeus using me to come back. I came here only to rest before I leave to retrieve the sword.” I fold my arms across my chest. “If you want me to fight, tell me how. Tell me my plan will work.”
She purses her lips. “The Eloran Sword of Fire can be used to destroy anything or anyone if she who wields it is deemed worthy.”
“Deemed worthy by whom?”
“By the sword, of course.”
“If I’m deemed worthy, it could kill Mordeus? And it could take me to him?”
“If you’re deemed worthy, it could kill anyone and take you anywhere.” She shakes her head. “But you’re asking the wrong questions.”
I don’t have time to argue with her. She doesn’t understand. I force myself to set down my mug—no matter how delicious it is, I have more important things to do than linger over a treat. I push out of bed. “I need to go.”
She harrumphs. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
I wipe a hand over my face and shake my head. “I’m sorry. Thank you for letting me sleep here.”
“And for the drink?”
I nod and force a smile. I slept in this female’s house without permission. The least I can do is show a little gratitude. “Yes, thank you for the melted chocolate. It was truly delicious.”
She rolls her eyes. “Delicious? You didn’t notice anything else?” When I don’t immediately understand, she gives a heavy sigh. “Did you notice that you now have the strength to stand when before you couldn’t even open your eyes?”
I frown at the mug and then toward the dark window. “The drink did that? I thought nightfall was bringing my strength back.”
She cocks her head to the side. “You have no idea just how insidious that ring is, do you? You’ve slept day and night, too weak to know time is passing you by.”
I tug at the ring, not that it matters. It won’t budge. I’d hoped that the weakness would abate in the nighttime hours, but if what she’s telling me is true— “Do you have more of this? If I don’t get what I need tonight?”
“I don’t exactly keep it on hand, no.”
“Do you have the recipe? Where can I find the ingredients?”
“The recipe doesn’t have to be so precise. I just added the chocolate and spices to make it more enjoyable for you.” She shrugs. “The forest is the easiest place to find what you need. If you’re not too squeamish.”
“Too squeamish for what?”
Her eyes light up, and when she smiles, the chocolatey drink is smeared across her teeth. “To drain the beating heart of an innocent magical creature.”
Nausea surges into my throat and this time it has nothing to do with the ring. My mug holds the dregs of the concoction. “Blood? You had me drink blood without telling me?” Moments ago I was ready to lick the cup clean. Now I want to retch the contents up and onto the floor.
“You feel better, don’t you?”
“I . . .” I close my eyes and focus on my breath until the nausea settles. “I didn’t know I was drinking blood.”
“You eat meat. I don’t see the difference.”
“The difference is that this is disgusting.”
“You didn’t seem to think so before.” She huffs. “It doesn’t matter. You’ll do what needs done when the time comes.”
“I thought you weren’t a seer.”
“I’m not. I’m an optimist.”
I hang my head and draw in a long breath. Yes, if the alternative is letting Mordeus use me to destroy my sister’s court, I would do worse than drink blood. “What kind of magical creature?”
Her grin is nearly feral. “Have you ever heard of the wolpertinger?” She waves a hand and an image appears in the air between us. The creature looks a bit like a large bunny, complete with soft fur and floppy ears, but tiny little antlers sit on the crown of its head and thin, gossamer wings sprout from behind its front legs.