Hunter's Legend: A Baylore High Fantasy by R.J. Vickers

Author:R.J. Vickers
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2018-06-12T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

W hen I let myself into our—no, my—cool, stale-smelling hall, I half-expected Hunter to poke his head around the kitchen door and ask for a treat. Instead I was met by silence. Refusing to dwell on this, I fetched a paper and began organizing my thoughts. First I listed everyone I ought to talk to: the idiot reporter who had spun this nonsense; Hunter’s family (though not until later, since they terrified me); Samara, if I could track her down; and lastly, the professor. Any confrontation with the professor would be delayed until the last possible moment. If he knew I was on his trail, he could make life very difficult for me.

For the same reason, I resolved to stay in the sculpture garden, rather than returning to my parents’ home. They should not be involved in anything potentially dangerous.

I had barely finished this list when someone rapped at the door. I considered ignoring the interruption, though it could be someone who was genuinely concerned for me. Maybe even my father.

It was a stranger. I knew he was a journalist even before he spoke from the way he held a notepad along one arm like a shield.

“Milady Fenwood,” he said, flashing his teeth in an insincere smile. He was slim and tall, like a reed that would blow over in a single gust of wind. “You must be the most sought-after woman in Baylore just now. As Hunter’s traveling companion and pretend sister, you are a highly desirable news source.” He raised an eyebrow and gave me a look that was almost obscene.

“Beg pardon,” I said. “I’m busy.” I tried to close the door on him. To my irritation, he had slipped one toe into the doorway, so I could not budge him without giving him a boot down the steps.

“Please, Milady. I insist you join me for tea at Lady Marla’s.”

He seemed the type that might resort to force or bribery to get his way. But I had a better idea. “Will you allow me to correct the hideous lies printed in the Baylore Daily and the Palace Times?” I asked sharply. “I will only consent to speak to you if you give me your word.”

“I will listen to anything you say with fascination.” He gave me another unconvincing smile. “As to the stories that are printed, that is up to the newspapers to decide. The more convincing your tale, the likelier it will reach the presses.”

Muttering under my breath, I slipped on my shoes and latched the door carefully behind me.

As I hastened along behind the reporter, I thought perhaps it was not the best idea to remain in the statue garden alone. I had no one around to ward off unwelcome visitors, and my status as a resident of the Gilded Quarter was questionable enough that the royal guards might overlook anything untoward that befell me.

Lady Marla’s Teahouse, it transpired, was a posh, frilly, cushion-filled little shop just a block from the central square. Four large

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.