The Weary Traveler by A. K. Caggiano

Author:A. K. Caggiano [Caggiano, A. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

DECEIT IS INDECENT

Lorelei wrapped her arms around herself as she stepped off the back porch of Moonlit Shores Manor and into the windswept yard. It got colder here quicker than back home, and she could see the greens were already turning to oranges and yellows in the trees that lined the property. No harm in that, she thought, eager for that summer and her mistakes to be in the past, and she hurried down the well-worn path that led to the barn.

“Knock, knock,” she said, rapping on the edge of the large breezeway at the end of the building. “Ziah said you wanted to see me?”

Ren did not look up immediately when she entered, but Lorelei was getting used to his ways along with those of everyone else as the last few weeks had gone by. “Yes,” the elf responded, focused on the feed bag draped over his shoulder. He tipped it back when he was satisfied with the amount in a shallow but wide bowl, and placed it on the ground. “I have something for you, but first I would like to attempt an experiment.”

She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. “Habian said the same thing the other day and locked me in a closet for two hours.” She scowled at the memory of the sullen faery who had played at being friendly just to trick her into the closet of a guest room where her cell phone had no signal and the knob no keyhole. There had been plenty of spiders though, thankfully friendly enough to get her some help once she finished screaming.

“It will not be like that,” he said, sprinkling something flaky and green atop the bowl. “Now please, go into that stall.”

Along the sides of the barn were sets of swinging doors that reached just over Lorelei’s line of sight, but were not so high that Ren couldn’t see over them. They also locked but were not so complicated that someone with thumbs couldn’t get out, if they could reach. “I don’t see how this is different,” she mumbled, eyeing the wooden doors he had pointed out.

“What use would I have in keeping you against your will? Your complaints would only prove to be a distraction.”

Unable to argue with either his logic or his tone, Lorelei pushed at the door and peeked inside. A set of small goats were munching on some hay there, one with its legs tucked under it, and the other perched on the edge of an upturned bucket in a way that didn’t seem like it should be possible. These were some of the newest ones, hornless and with stubby little legs, short snouts, and beards that had yet to come in all the way. They looked at her sidelong with their boxy pupils, mouths constantly munching, and one tried to bleat as she walked up to them.

“Hello, there.” Lorelei patted the teetering one’s head, and it butted up against her hand.

“All right. Come here, please.” Ren was standing at the stall doors now, having reached them silently as always.

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