Witch by Frank Hardt

Author:Frank Hardt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chase Degenhardt

Randy had to keep from rolling his eyes as he walked up to the old church grounds. They’d even put up a banner, the bastards. And it looked like the whole town was there, not that that was so many people. Perhaps thirty or forty all told.

As Randy approached the grounds, the crowd began to cheer.

“Randy, the hero!” “Randy, the savior of Oaktree!” the shouts rang out.

Randy waved despite himself. Kenyon Russell was the first man to greet him, his wife Ilene close behind. “Randy!” he turned, and young Eyrie Russell ran toward him and jumped into his arms.

“I’m so glad you’re safe!” she squealed. “I haven’t seen you in forever.” Randy smiled and put her down.

Kenyon put one of his big hands on Randy’s shoulder.

“I’m glad we could do this, Randy. You saving my daughter really means the world. I slaughtered three pigs to put this on!” Kenyon laughed, but Randy squirmed slightly. Three pigs were a lot for the little village, even for a relatively wealthy man like Kenyon. They were supposed to have a Harvest Festival in just a few short weeks, too.

“Happy to be here, sir,” Randy said unhappily.

“Oh! Randy! You remember my other daughter, Denise?” Randy turned, and the young woman was offering him her hand. He inclined his head to her. Her blue eyes seemed to stare into his urgently, and Randy’s brow furrowed.

“It’s a pleasure,” Randy said.

“So lovely to meet my sister’s brave rescuer.” Denise’s eyes were expressive, but Randy couldn’t figure out what they were trying to say.

“Denise is unmarried, Randy,” Randy’s mother said from behind them, and several people tittered. “Perhaps you and her should go for a walk in the church gardens after dinner. With Kenyon’s permission, of course.”

“I don’t—” Randy started, but Denise spoke before he could finish.

“That would be lovely. Can we father? Hilda can come as our chaperone?” Denise’s head was bowed demurely as she spoke to her father. Randy couldn’t read the man’s expression, but he sensed a barely contained fury.

“You have my permission, but the man himself hasn’t accepted,” Kenyon said, and he looked at Randy. Randy had the distinct feeling the man’s smile was forced. He was about to say no when he saw young Eyrie’s eyes. They were pleading, and the young girl nodded as though to tell him to say yes.

Randy frowned.

“It would be nice to see how the gardens have changed since I was last in Oaktree. I’d be happy to have Denise accompany me,” Randy said stiffly, and Kenyon’s sudden smile looked genuine.

He clapped Randy on the shoulder.

“Then it’s decided. My servant Hilda will serve as your chaperone.” Kenyon’s eyes were infused with warmth. An indecipherable look passed between him and his daughter, and then he roared at the crowd. “It’s time to feast! For Randy, hero, and protector of Oaktree!”

The crowd roared back in response.

Randy made his way to his seat. As he did, men and women rushed forward to shake his hand. One of them was a young woman holding a small baby.

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