The Crimson Shard by Teresa Flavin

Author:Teresa Flavin [Flavin, Teresa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
ISBN: 9780763662080
Publisher: Templar
Published: 2011-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Rain pelted down upon Bandy Lane, turning it into a sea of rubbish floating along the gutters. A few feeble candles blinked from the upper floors of the houses, but except for the Green Dragon’s glow, the lane was dark. None of the residents had bothered to light the lamps above their doors.

Fleet led the way, loping across streaming puddles and kicking dead rats out of their path.

Sunni scanned doors and windows as they went along, unable to shake the feeling that hidden eyes were following them. She kept looking over her shoulder but saw nothing. When they crossed the junction, she looked back one last time, assuming the street would still be deserted. It was not.

The dark shape of a man stood in the gloom. He was still, like an animal sensing prey nearby. Sunni couldn’t see his face, but she knew he was watching them.

“Someone’s behind us,” she hissed to the others.

“Do not run!” said Fleet. “Go swift, but calm. And follow close.”

He quickened his pace and made a sharp turn into a back lane. Once they were out of the man’s view, he whispered, “Good eyes, Sunniver. It may be something, or it may be nothing. Make haste now, boys.”

They moved stealthily from alleys to streets, aiming to outrun the man tailing them. Sunni glanced at every face they passed, looking for inquisitive eyes intent upon tracking them. But the people hurrying past took no interest in anything or anyone except escape from the lashing rain.

The nightsneaks finally pulled Sunni and Blaise into a quiet corner.

“This is as far as we goes. ’Tis no use being seen together,” said Fleet. “You carry on through the back streets: next right, second left, and first right again until you comes into Piccadilly. Find the theater at number 24, where magicians conjure wonders for ladies and gentlemen at three pence a ticket.”

“Thanks for everything,” Sunni said, panting, still watching for the dark figure who had followed them.

“Maybe we’ll see you again at the Green Dragon,” said Blaise.

“Not if oglers is nearby watching for us — and for you. Best not to return there. Sleekie and I will disappear now.”

They shook hands all around and Blaise checked that neither of the nightsneaks had picked his pocket at the same time.

With a grin, Fleet turned away. “To the top of the dung heap, Sleekie.”

Sleek raised one black-gloved finger to the brim of his hat before the pair slipped away into the night.

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