Hapenny Magick Read Online Free Page B

touched the book without Gelbane’s permission, and then only to wipe the soot from its cover, so she hadn’t had a chance to read the truth.
    A red, oversized chair stuffed full to bursting sat close to the hearth, with an oval-shaped rug on the floor in front of it made from loops of colorful fabric. Mae was pretty sure she saw a fancy-dressed critter scurry under a tall cabinet in the corner. She dropped to her knees and peeked under, but only caught sight of little footprints in the dust. “What was that?”
    Callum ladled soup into a small bowl. “You mean, ‘Who was that?’ That was Trina. She’ll come out and introduce herself when she’s ready. She’s a bit shy, like all red squirrels.” Callum pointed to the furry critter in his hat brim. “This is Beau, her brother. He’s a bit braver and already sneaking curious peeks at you, I’m sure.”
    Over the brim of the wizard’s hat Mae spotted two gleaming eyes, peering at her as she brushed the dust from her skirt. She moved toward the crackling fire and sat on the hearth, and Callum handed her a bowl of soup along with a wooden spoon. The spoon was carved from a twisted twig and worn smooth from use. It was much fancier than the spoons she used at her house. Mae dipped into the broth and sipped.
    The sweet taste of onions and potatoes was bliss. She grinned as Callum slipped a piece of partridge into her bowl. Her supper usually consisted of watery cabbage, with bits of tough old chicken thrown in when one of the hens refused to lay more eggs. Mae gobbled the meal down like a pig at a trough.
    Callum sat in the overstuffed chair watching Mae. She ate the last spoonful and wished she had a piece of bread left over to sop up the last licks of broth. She sighed with contentment, full for the first time in months. The wizard took the empty bowl and set it on the narrow table near his chair. “How was your supper?”
    Mae smiled. “It was the best meal ever!”
    â€œFood is kind of my specialty,” Callum said.

    â€œThank you, sir.” Mae leaned against the hearth. The stones were warm from the fire and soothing against her tired body. Her eyelids were heavy. It would be so nice to fall asleep, but Mae knew she would have to go home soon. She wasn’t looking forward to another wet trek through the woods.
    The raven flew to Callum and settled on his shoulder. The wizard patted the bird without much thought. Then, leaning forward in his chair, Callum swung his arms forward to rest on his knees. “I take it your life with Gelbane has been a little, uh, unpleasant.”
    Mae’s gaze flicked from the man’s stare to the raven perched on his shoulder. She shook her head, dropping her gaze to the floor. She followed the curving paths of the wood grain with a finger. “How do you know about Gelbane?”
    Callum lifted the front brim of his hat off his head and scratched his scalp. “She’s been your guardian since your mother left, hasn’t she?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œShe treats you like her servant.”
    â€œI don’t want to be a bother to anyone, sir.” Mae twisted the corners of her apron. “She was kind enough to take me in.”
    â€œHogwash! We both know that Gelbane is anything but kind.”
    Tears gathered on Mae’s lashes. She didn’t like to wallow in her sorrows. What was the wizard trying to get at, anyway?
    Callum’s voice softened. “Your mother was very kind to invite Gelbane to share your home after her village was invaded by trolls. It’s too bad your mother isn’t around to see what a fine young lady you’ve become, despite Gelbane’s dreadful treatment.”
    The tears that had gathered now hurried down Mae’s cheeks. She didn’t swipe them away. “I miss her. I wish she would come home.” The raven hopped from Callum’s shoulder to the top of the chair and settled