‘Starling’s rather special?’ Little Thom began overly bright, hoping to ease the suddenly tense atmosphere. ‘She’s –’
‘Spending some time working here,’ the woman cut him off and her look told him that Starling was none of his business.
He cleared his throat lightly and tittered. ‘I do so hope Mistress Grevilya can help me with my little problem,’ Little Thom replied, disgusted by his tentative female voice. ‘I have ample coin,’ he assured, jangling his purse of gold sovereigns.
‘A most encouraging sign,’ the woman said. She stared back at him and while her tone suggested a hint of friendliness, the warmth hadn’t yet reached her cold stare. ‘And who told you to seek her out?’
Little Thom had learned it was best to stay as close to the truth as possible when lying. ‘I was staying at an inn at Tarrow’s Landing,’ he said. ‘And was passing through the dining room when I overhead two people.’
‘Yes?’
‘One was a dwarf,’ he said, carefully. ‘The other a woman. They spoke of a spell that someone called Grevilya had cast.’ He looked up, making sure his expression was all innocence. ‘I hoped –’
‘That would be Bitter Olof,’ his listener said, blithely batting Starling out of the way and pulling the door fully open. ‘My name is Salma, the housekeeper. Where did you see that wretched dwarf and his ugly wife?’
‘Lo strike me but you know them?’
‘Of them,’ the woman corrected and waited.
‘Er, well, it was Tarrow’s Landing. I heard only a snatch of conversation.’
‘You made this trip on such slight information?’ she asked, incredulous.
‘No, I made lengthy enquiries over many moons but I got lucky,’ Little Thom lied.
The housekeeper seemed to weigh their discussion in her mind. Then finally she mustered a smile. It didn’t spark in her eyes though and Little Thom felt a glimmering of fear.
‘Mistress Greenleaf, your journey has been long. Perhaps I can offer you some refreshment?’
‘Thank you, an ale would be nice.’
‘An ale?’ She looked stunned. ‘I was thinking of a dandelion tea.’
‘Oh yes, that would be delicious too,’ Little Thom replied, mentally kicking himself. ‘Ale is very healthy actually. I drink it to help my digestion,’ he elaborated, knowing he should say as little as possible.
‘Is that so?’ Salma gestured for Little Thom to follow her. She closed the door behind him. ‘We’re running the household on a thin staff,’ she said, trying to smile again but it wasn’t working for her, Little Thom noted.
‘Oh, I’m just grateful for any help, thank you.’
‘Come and be seated,’ Salma said, leading Little Thom into the bright parlour. ‘Why do you seek Grevilya?’ She gave him a tight smile when he stared at her. ‘It’s all right, I’m not so much a housekeeper as her companion.’
‘I see. Then in that case I will be candid. I’m aware that Mistress Grevilya can make up potions.’ He blinked and looked down, hoping he could effect the same shyness that his lovely Lara adopted.
‘I’m not sure I understand you, Mistress Greenleaf,’ the woman said, her back turned as she busied herself with his tea.
The dance had begun and Little Thom knew he must tread carefully now. ‘Please, call me Lara.’
‘Then you should call me Salma,’ the lady said, placing down a delicate cup of dandelion tea.
‘I said I would be honest with you. I have learned that your companion is a witch and a very good one. I have gold and I wish to pay her to make a spell for me.’
It came out baldly but it was there between them now. He tried not to hold his breath.
‘I see.’ Salma frowned. ‘And who gave you this information?’ She held his gaze and there was nothing kind in it. ‘And how did you find Grevilya?’
Little Thom pasted a look of complete innocence onto his borrowed face. ‘Well, it so happened that I met a Master Tyren of –’
‘The Travelling Show, yes,’ Salma almost spat. She seemed to know what was coming, which was surprising because he was making this all up. ‘That old rogue! Grevilya sold him her wide-mouthed holonk. We had wearied of its endless croaking wisdom, but that’s of no issue here. We paid Tyren extremely well to keep his own wide mouth closed.’
Little Thom gave a small shrug. ‘I paid well, too,’ he said. ‘I tried out Mistress Grevilya’s name to Master Tyren and he told me he’d heard a rumour and said I should look to the treasure trove of pirates. He would say no more. I have to admit, it has taken me many fruitless moons of searching to discover this place.’ Little Thom looked around at the crumbling mansion. ‘It is most handsome.’
Salma sighed. ‘Grevilya likes to keep herself to herself,’ she warned.
He took a sip from the tea, regretting it instantly. Firstly because he hated flowery infusions but mostly because his huge fingers couldn’t wrap themselves ably around the delicate porcelain.
‘I have told no one of my destination. It is why I alighted from the carriage at Hawkville.’
‘You walked the rest of the way?’ She sounded genuinely impressed.
‘Most of the way. Perhaps you haven’t failed to notice that I am strong,’ he commented, hoping this was the opening.
‘Now you mention it, Lara, it is true that you have an unusual build for a woman,’ Salma replied, diplomatically.
‘And that’s why I’m here. I am a freak. Master Tyren said that if he could think of a way to make money from me, he would offer me a job.’ Little Thom made a sob in the back of his throat, dabbing at his eyes though no tears were present. He just needed to fool Salma enough of his despair. He made sure his voice sounded wavery when he next spoke. ‘I don’t want to be an exhibit in Master Tyren’s show!’
‘What do you want, Lara?’
This was the chance. ‘I want to marry Duke Foxton. I know he loves me – the person inside – but he has voiced that he couldn’t possibly marry me. I am too tall for him. He believes we would become a laughing stock.’
‘How cruel,’ Salma said, but Little Thom sensed she couldn’t care a whit.
‘Not really. He is a wealthy man with a public life. He has vast lands that he must visit and make sure his vassals are content. He hosts plenty of formal gatherings and has the ear of the King …’ Little Thom trailed off, waiting for the woman to make her conclusion.
‘So what you’re not saying is that the Duke, though he loves you, wants a beautiful wife?’
Little Thom sniffed. ‘He needs a wife who doesn’t attract the sort of attention that I do. He is at the royal court often and –’
‘Oh, you’re making excuses for him, Lara! The man wants a beauty. It’s all about his image, not yours!’
He couldn’t lose her now. ‘I can’t blame him. Look at me!’
‘And so you want Grevilya to change you?’
He nodded, gave another loud sniff and sipped his tea as daintily as he could. ‘I want to look like my friends. I think Lo made a mistake when he made me.’
Salma smirked.
‘But is Grevilya’s magic powerful enough for this?’ Little Thom gently taunted.
‘Of course it is! It’s whether she will do it.’
‘I will pay handsomely, of course.’
‘So you keep saying. Maybe it’s not coin she wants.’
Little Thom blinked. ‘What else can I offer?’
‘You said the Duke has the ear of the King?’
‘I did.’
‘Excellent.’
‘But I –’
Salma held up a hand. ‘Don’t fret, please. We would ask little more than a message to be passed on via your Duke Foxton to His Majesty.’
‘And that’s all she’d want in payment?’
Salma nodded but there was wickedness in her cold smile now.
Little Thom felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end. Something was going horribly wrong here; there was another plot that he was not privy to, but
already Salma had involved him. He could tell it from the way she was now tapping the side of her neat nose.
‘You sit tight, Lara. Finish your tea.’
‘Wait. Er, Salma, is that a yes?’
‘Oh, indeed. Let me fetch Grevilya for you. Now that we know how well connected you are it could save us some time and trouble.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘You don’t need to. You just need to agree to deliver a message to the King, whether it’s in person or via Duke Foxton … or should I say your husband – which is what he will be once he catches sight of the new you.’ She chuckled to herself.
‘Just a message?’
‘A few words,’ Salma said.
Little Thom frowned beneath his temporary face. ‘May I ask what they are?’
‘You may.’ Salma laughed again and it was a harsh sound. ‘You will be telling King Lute that we have his precious Princess Ellin.’
Little Thom watched as the housekeeper licked her lips with glee and he noticed with horror that her tongue was forked.
‘Go upstairs and rest, Miss Greenleaf. You’ve come a long way and must be exhausted. Please follow Starling.’
Little Thom had no choice. Salma was staring at him, her eyes glittering darkly with amusement. He had to keep up the pretence, especially now that he’d been invited upstairs – precisely where he needed to be.
‘I believe Grevilya’s out walking but I will find her for you.’
Little Thom nodded, pulling off his bonnet carefully so it didn’t disturb Calico Grace’s wig. Starling showed him upstairs and his thoughts fled to Bitter Olof. His friend was going to get a lot more than a grimoire. He was going to get a huge problem landed in his lap and it involved Princess Ellin.
25
Little Thom paced. The sprite had shown him into a chamber and asked him to wait. He moved back to the window and watched Salma dash out the back door and run towards the cliffs overlooking the bay where the wonderful and invisible Silver Wind awaited his signal. Little Thom was torn as he looked out to sea again. They had the Princess! He had to get word to Lute. He didn’t want to admit it but the realm’s needs and its royals’ safety were more important than Bitter Olof’s revenge. His friend wouldn’t see it that way but Little Thom couldn’t escape his own conscience that demanded he do his patriotic duty above his duty of friendship.
He squinted into the distance and could see Salma now talking to a caped figure. They’d emerged from somewhere on the cliff in the last few moments of his reverie. He had to make a rapid decision.
‘Here,’ said a voice by his ear.
Little Thom’s gaze swung left and he was astonished to see a different tiny figure hovering.
‘Lo’s fire! It’s raining sprites. You’re not Starling?’ he said, his tone betraying his confusion.
‘And you’re no woman.’
Little Thom pointed. ‘I asked you first!’
‘I am Wren.’
Little Thom hesitated. ‘And not one of her spies?’
‘No! I am now independent of her and him.’
‘Him?’
‘Grendel. Keep up, giant. What’s your name? And,’ he held up a tiny hand, ‘no lying. I’m intrigued as to why a man, dressed as a woman, using magic, is here in Grevilya’s hideout.’
‘Little Thom,’ he replied obediently, fascinated.
The sprite gave a twitter of a laugh. ‘That’s appropriate.’
‘Yes, I think the man who coined the nickname found it amusing too, although he now walks with a limp.’
Wren stopped his tittering.
Little Thom pointed his finger now. ‘Your turn, why are you here?’
‘Revenge.’
‘Against Grevilya?’
‘Against all who believe the sprite kingdom is theirs to meddle with.’
‘So Grevilya and Grendel meddled?’
‘You might say that,’ Wren said, his voice acid.
‘Then we are no enemies of each other, Wren. For I am here to take revenge on Grevilya as well.’
‘Then why do you hesitate?’
‘To do what?’
‘To steal her book of spells.’
His jaw fell open. ‘How did you know?’
‘Why else would any stranger come here?’
‘Does she know?’
Wren cocked his head to one side. ‘I cannot say.’
They both glanced out and found the two figures still deep in conversation.
Wren gave him a wry look. ‘You’d better hurry and make your decision.’
‘I am hurrying.’
‘What else stands in your way?’
Little Thom sighed. ‘Duty to the King.’
The sprite looked surprised. ‘Well, now, I took you for something of a cut-purse or similar.’
‘Don’t judge too quickly, sprite.’
‘Am I wrong?’
‘Well, it’s true that I have been on the other side of the law for many years, but –’
Wren’s smile was full of new warmth. ‘But you respect your king.’
‘I do. I always have and now the son is every bit as good as his father and so I must help.’
‘I’m impressed you put your king first. Does this have anything to do with the Princess Ellin?’
‘You know her?’
‘I have seen her. Grendel was trying to entrap her with the royal centaur, Davren, but I know they managed to break his spell because the magical bindings that had me as his prisoner were also broken.’
It was so much information at once. Little Thom blinked, trying to sort it out in his mind. ‘Why are you here?’
‘Two reasons. The first is my wife.’
‘Starling?’
‘Indeed.’
‘She said she is the queen of the sprites.’
Wren nodded. ‘And I its king.’
‘And the second reason?’
‘There is one among the group who came to Grendel that I do not trust.’
‘Who is that?’ Thom asked but they were interrupted.
‘Starling!’ Wren called, as she re-entered the chamber. He didn’t want to alarm her.
The sprite queen turned, and even though her skin was naturally a bluish pale, she appeared to grey with shock. ‘Is it really you, my king?’ she said, before bursting into tears.
‘Hush now, Starling. Don’t you cry, my love. I’m here now and Pipit is safe,’ Wren soothed his wife, showering her with small sprite kisses.
Wren hurriedly told Starling and Little Thom everything he knew.
‘So Princess Ellin is here. Salma didn’t lie,’ Little Thom said. ‘But they don’t have her yet,’ he added, with relief.
‘Salma is no woman,’ Starling warned. ‘His name is Simeon and a more vile creature you can’t imagine. He can assume any shape or form. Be warned, he could appear as me, or you,’ she said, pointing at Little Thom. ‘The only way you will know him is by his forked tongue that is restless in his mouth like that of all serpents,’ she said.
Little Thom blew a low whistle.
Wren squeezed his beautiful wife’s hand. ‘Come, Starling,’ he said, kissing her hand. ‘You need no longer fear her. I’m getting you away from here.’
Starling sniffed back her tears of relief. ‘No, wait, my king,’ she said. ‘I would never forgive myself if I didn’t help these people to rescue the children from Grevilya’s clutches. They are such innocents … just like Pipit.’
‘But this is our chance to escape to freedom –’ Wren began.
‘We will have our freedom,’ Starling assured him. But I of all people know what it’s like to have one’s child taken. I cannot walk away from those children. Grevilya treats me like dirt and I am a queen. She must be punished by the royals she threatens.’ Starling turned to Little Thom. ‘I was supposed to drug your tea,’ the sprite said. ‘I chose not to because I was intrigued by your strange arrival. The witch thinks you’re sound asleep but we can help you steal the grimoire.’
> ‘Really?’ Little Thom said, filled with awe at the pair of sprites – so tiny and yet so brave. ‘King Wren, can you alert Bitter Olof and Calico Grace?’
Wren nodded. ‘I was going to find them but I chose to come here first for my wife.’ He looked at her now. ‘You’ll help get the grimoire?’
Starling nodded. ‘Only I can.’ She glanced at Little Thom. ‘You’ll understand.’ Starling took a deep breath. ‘Grevilya’s coming back to the house now,’ she said, peeping out the window. ‘I must return to her or she’ll get suspicious. But I’ll be back soon. She’ll expect to meet you, of course. In the meantime, Wren, you go and find his companions. And you, Miss Greenleaf, must pretend to rest.’
‘That won’t be hard,’ Little Thom admitted.
Starling found Grevilya in the drawing room staring out over the ramshackle gardens.
‘Is everything all right?’ the sprite queen asked, hoping that Grevilya could hear neither excitement nor fear in her voice.
Grevilya turned. ‘Where is the woman?’
‘Upstairs, as you asked. She collapsed and fell asleep instantly.’
‘Good. I don’t trust her a bit. I don’t know who she is but her arrival at this time is too much of a coincidence with the King due shortly.’
‘I shall keep an eye on her for you.’ Starling licked her lips and steadied her nerve. This was it. ‘But before I go, I thought I should mention that the grimoire is weeping.’
Grevilya swung around. ‘Oh, what now?’ she snapped. ‘It’s worse than a child.’
Starling shrugged. ‘She’s sensitive to you. Maybe she senses unrest or the stranger in the house.’
‘She’ll set my nerves on edge if she starts in on her wailing. I don’t have time for these distractions. I’m waiting for the ghost-boy to come and tell me we have the Princess for bait.’
‘I can soothe the grimoire, Grevilya. Leave it to me,’ Starling said, gently.
Grevilya eyed her suspiciously. ‘You’re being very generous, Starling,’ she said.
Starling swallowed, pleading with the sprite gods to heed her prayer and keep her voice from trembling. ‘Tonight is a full moon, Grevilya. I am hoping you will let me see my child in your magical looking-glass.’
‘I said I’d think about it,’ Grevilya responded, irritably.
The Rumpelgeist Page 18