The Crèche Keeper's Guild: A Cozy, Quirky Fantasy by Ware Wilkins & Faith Anthony

Author:Ware Wilkins & Faith Anthony [Wilkins, Ware & Anthony, Faith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, cozy fantasy, adventure, swords and sorcery, lgbtqa+
Publisher: Vintage Pixie Press
Published: 2023-09-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Pearl had stayed to eat with the children. Anah witnessed how quickly the stress that had bound the acolyte’s body fell away by the end of the meal. It had probably helped that the children had tried almost everything they’d cooked and, while not always fans, there’d been minimal complaining.

That was, until Anah announced it was time to clean up. Apparently there was a limit to what they wanted to assist with.

“But it’s rest time,” Snoop countered slyly. “We needs our sleep and reading.”

“Ah, but you don’t have anything to read yet.” Anah put her hands on her hips and enjoyed looking down at the gnome. It occurred to her that once she had the wand and was out of the temple, her days of being taller than someone would be over once more.

Noses wrinkled in distaste, but Hailee flexed her large biceps and all the children quickly shushed, bizarrely entranced. Anah shook her head. “But if you do a good job and don’t complain, I have a treat for you.”

Hope’s eyes grew large and round. “Is it pudding?”

“Uh, no.”

Thin shoulders drooped. “Rats.”

Anah bit back a laugh. “Miss Pearl has said we can venture to the temple library. I can help you find some scrolls or books to read – carefully – during rest time.” She chanced a look at Pearl, hoping the woman hadn’t changed her mind.

When Pearl nodded, all the children cheered. That was all it took to get them up and scrubbing. The washing up took less time than Anah anticipated as every child dedicated themselves to the tasks given to them. Impressed, Anah and Hailee had them line up to follow Pearl.

Aside from some small whispers from the children, they were on their best behavior. Anah imagined this as due to being allowed to try something new and not wanting to screw it up.

Finally, they reached the temple’s library. Windows lined the tops of the walls, allowing natural light to spill in over a few desks and chairs in the middle. A surprised acolyte looked up when they entered, his face blanching as the children spilled in. Anah didn’t blame him. Though tremendously smaller than the Academy libraries in the larger cities in Deladrin, it was impressive for a temple devoted to one of the lesser deities. Scrolls were stacked in neat rolls along shelves. Sheathes of papers bound with twine were available as well. And books, their leather-bound covers in rich colors, lined an entire back wall.

Pearl turned to face them. There was no missing the renewed panic in her expression, but she managed a tight smile. “There are rules. Acolyte Thomas can help you find reading suitable to your age and reading level, as well as interests. He will also explain how to handle what you borrow.”

A squeak pulled her attention to Thomas. His cheeks quivered as he meekly asked, “Borrowing?”

There was a shared moment of hesitation between the two. To Anah’s relief, though, Pearl doubled down. “Yes, borrowing. Obviously nothing too priceless or valuable.

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