The Tinkerer's Daughter Read Online Free Page B

cobbled streets even in the middle of the day. I saw dozens of people on the streets, some pulling carts, others riding in wagons or, rarely, even in a carriage. Others strolled along the wooden boardwalks peering into shop windows and greeting one another with smiles and nods. Lamps rose up along the street every few yards, and Tinker was kind enough to explain their purpose as I stared in wide-eyed wonder.
    Looking back now, I know that our town was really little more than a backwater village, but at that moment it was a city. I had never imagined so many people might exist in the whole world, much less in one place. I was so overwhelmed with excitement that I completely forgot who I was and why I was there. I just wanted to see it all.
    We made several stops along the way and Tinker was cautious to warn me every time. “Stay put, and keep that hat on! I’ll be back in a few moments.”
    He wandered into the first shop with a box of nuts and bolts, and other hand-made fasteners. He returned with saw blades, paint, and sandpaper. At another stop he traded knife blades and sharpening tools for a good supply of smoked meat. A peddler on the street gave us a pig and two chickens for a clock and a small supply of Tinker’s explosive balls. Tinker delivered several boxes of those balls at the post office, and I was glad to see them gone.
    We made several more stops like this, and our wagon slowly filled with the supplies that Tinker would need to get us through the winter. It wasn’t until our last stop that things went bad.
    It was late afternoon when we pulled up to the mercantile at the far end of town. The sun had already begun to set behind the mountains. A middle-aged man and his plump wife were standing on the long porch, greeting people on the street. They waved as we pulled up. “Evening, Tinkerman,” said the man. “What can we do for you?”
    Before Tinker could reply, the woman let out a squeal. “Oh, my, look at this dear child. Tell me this isn’t one of your fabulous inventions!”
    Tinker smiled and said, “This is my niece, Breeze. She’s visiting for a few weeks while her family tends to matters with their farm in South Bronwyr.” It was so well rehearsed that I almost believed it myself.
    “Well, lucky for us!” said the woman. “Come, child, let’s get you inside. I’ll fetch you a piece of candy.” Before I knew it, she was at my side, lifting me out of the wagon.
    Tinker reached out but I was already gone. “I don’t think… we don’t really have time for-”
    “Oh, nonsense. You men see about your business, while us ladies get acquainted.”
    Tinker gave me a helpless look as the woman hauled me away. Inside the store, she plopped me down on the counter. She bent over, and reappeared with a small, brightly colored stick. “Here we go, the best sweets in Riverfork.” She handed it to me, and I thanked her. “Well now, we haven’t been properly introduced. Your name is Breeze, yes? Well I’m Analyn Trader. My husband out there is Daran. This is our store. So tell me Breeze, how long will you be staying?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “I see. Tell me, what sort of education have you?”
    “Education?”
    “Yes, proper education I mean. Not tending sheep and chickens and the like, but writing and reading and math. Do you know these things?”
    “Some,” I said awkwardly. I wasn’t sure where her train of questioning was leading, and I was afraid Tinker was going to be angry with me. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing.
    “Some? Tell me, how long ago did you start school?”
    I gave her a blank look.
    “You haven’t been to school?” she said. “Well this is a scandal! It’s an outrage! I’m going to have a talk with that tinkerer.” She was scowling, but she must have seen the terror in my eyes. Her face softened a bit and she decided to change the subject. “Ah well, later for that. You are a pretty little thing, do you know that? And look at those curls. Do you know