Harsu and the Werestoat by Barbara Else

Author:Barbara Else
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gecko Press
Published: 2019-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Inside, hoping to see the family again, Harsu sat on the window-seat for a view of the gate.

Daama was flicking through the House and Garden. “Coffee machine—I must have one. And a fridge, soon. Oh, this chandelier! It is outstanding. No. I should rest. I charmed up lights for this room only today.” She glanced at the globe above the sofas. “But I absolutely deserve something better.”

Harsu watched her hands make a complex sign. One moment the globe already in the ceiling gleamed like an eye. Next moment it was replaced by a dazzle of intricate silver with blue and gold stars.

Without thinking, he repeated her sign. On the instant, a second chandelier, twice as dazzling with twice the number of stars, hung over the dining table.

Daama crowed. “I’m stronger than I knew!”

He nearly said it was him, though he could hardly believe it. Yet—however it had happened—the magic had put his mother in an excellent mood. This was a good time to do something for the stolen children.

“In this magnificent kitchen, you’re sure to bake the most remarkable creations,” he said. “Under these astonishing clusters of light, your three perfect children will understand how deeply their superb mother is owed words of thanks.”

She gave a lovely smile and put down the magazine. Then she glided to the kitchen cupboards. “You may be right. Harsu, fetch the prison-jars up to the landing.”

Oh. All those stairs.

His mother smiled. “Poor lad. You’re worn out.” She thought for a moment, then she signed a small beckoning and he found himself gripping the handle of a metal trolley. Well, yes, it wasn’t much, but it would make the steps easier. He clattered it down to the cavern, then loaded the cart with the prison-jars and pushed it to the foot of the steps.

“You may not believe me,” he whispered while he was tying Blanche’s jar to the trolley, “but New Zealand has greater magic than any of us have ever seen or imagined. When Daama asks, say the words she wants to hear and she’ll reward you.”

“Swear words,” Blanche mumbled. “Bite my thumb. I want my poppet.”

But at last the three jars sat on the landing behind the kitchen door. Before he opened it he signed two charms over them: be calm. Be cheerful.

Pride and excitement swelled up within him. He was son of Mistress-princess Daama, Demon-wizard.

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.