Tattered Huntress (Thrill of the Hunt Book 1) by Helen Harper

Tattered Huntress (Thrill of the Hunt Book 1) by Helen Harper

Author:Helen Harper [Harper, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-23T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter

Eighteen

With Hester perched on my right shoulder and Otis on my left, I followed Boonder into the tunnel. It was big and airy enough to keep the worst of my fears at bay, and we were able to walk side by side. His eyes flitted from left to right as if he were looking for something specific, while I sniffed the air. I decided that it didn’t matter if I used my torch now instead of a magic flame; I wouldn’t be down here for much longer.

‘I’m sorry that I’ve not spoken to you properly before now,’ Boonder told me. ‘To be honest, I was bit wary of you. Lots of people seem to think that treasure hunting is easy – they give it a try and get themselves and others killed in the process. It’s usually wise to avoid beginners. And,’ he added, ‘there was that business with John Thurgood’s team.’

‘I tried to help them,’ I said quietly. ‘I didn’t deliberately lead them into danger.’

‘I know. Hugo made sure we all knew.’

Oh. ‘Did he tell everyone I’m a junkie too?’ I managed to keep most of the bitterness out of my voice. My feelings towards Hugo were becoming increasingly complicated; it was far easier when I’d simply hated him.

‘I heard something about that, but not from Hugo.’ He scratched his neck awkwardly. ‘I guess word kinda got around.’

My lip curled. Yeah. I guessed it did.

‘I get it, though.’ His tone was earnest. ‘I had a good friend who was a spider’s silk addict. He was a nice guy who never did anyone any harm.’

‘Was?’ I asked.

Boonder was silent for a second. ‘He – uh – died a couple of years ago.’ I didn’t need to ask what had killed him.

I resisted my knee-jerk reaction to dig into my bag for another pill. I’d taken one before I’d left my tent that morning and I’d only brought a couple with me in case I got stuck down here. I didn’t need more drugs, not right now. I drew in a deep breath. There was plenty of time before I’d need to dose myself again.

‘How did you get into treasure hunting?’ I asked to change the subject. ‘You’re the only sorcerer here. Do the two things go hand in hand?’

He chuckled. ‘Not often. Actually, it’s not the treasure that lures me in, it’s the history.’ He waved a hand around. ‘I mean, look at this place. Look at us. Eight teams of experienced hunters with all that the twenty-first century has to offer and we’re finding it hard to follow in the footsteps of men from three hundred years ago who had almost no resources. Sometimes I think we rely too much on technology and not enough on our inner capabilities.’

I tried not to look too surprised at his wise words. Until we’d entered the cave, Boonder had struck me as a grumpy loner. It was far too easy to pre-judge others. I hated the way Hugo had done it to me – but perhaps I was guilty of it, too.



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