AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The girl smiled and signed something else. I didn’t know what it was, but she had this look on her face that told me I shouldn’t worry. She made a gesture that told us to follow her.
She guided us behind a row of shelves, where an older man was walking toward the fundraiser tables. A white jaguar bigger than a grizzly bear prowled beside him. The creature had glowing blue lines running through his fur and shimmering blue eyes. The man stopped when he saw her approaching, and she signed something to him.
The man looked a lot like the girl, but he had long black braids with white feathers twisted into the ends. He had the kindest eyes, but I also saw wisdom in them. It wasn’t hard to believe we could trust him.
The man nodded kindly to the two of us. “My daughter tells me you are looking for someone.”
Lucas kept his voice low. “Yes. We’re looking for a man named Beau Blankard. We believe he might have information that will help the Miriamic people.”
“We have heard of the conflict within your coven,” the man said. “I’m Chief Cauac, leader of the Anichi House, and this is my daughter Luana. I’ve spoken with other witches who have come to Hok’evale.”
“Then you must know Chloe and Miles,” I said. “They sent us. I’m Nadine, and this is Lucas.”
“Yes, they mentioned you,” Chief Cauac said brightly. “You certainly understand that given the nature of your conflict, I must ask what you wish to speak to Mister Blankard about.”
Lucas and I exchanged a glance. I nodded to him to let him know we could trust these people. We had to if we were going to get any information.
“Our priestesses are searching for antique relics known as the Oaken Wands that could control all witch magic if they get their hands on them,” Lucas explained. “We intend to find the Wands before they do, so that we can unite our people before the priestesses divide them completely.”
I lifted the hem of my shirt and showed Chief Cauac my crescent moon tattoo. “I’m the only Curse Breaker of my coven. I served on the Imperium Council before they stripped me of my title, because I opposed their tyrannical methods. If it helps… Beau made my wand.”
I showed Chief Cauac my wand, and his contemplative gaze roamed over the craftsmanship.
“All we want is to help our coven,” I told him. “Beau may have information that will stop our priestesses from hurting our people.”
Chief Cauac looked sympathetic. He signed something to his daughter, and she walked away.
“Although we do not wish to involve ourselves in other supernatural affairs, we cannot witness the downfall of another people,” Chief Cauac said. “We will help in any way we can.”
“Thank you,” Lucas replied kindly.
Luana returned with an elderly man who seemed to have years of wisdom in his eyes. He had salt-and-pepper hair and wrinkles around his eyes, and he walked with a cane. A miniature cat-like creature with the wings of a dragonfly fluttered onto the front of the green wool suit he wore. The animal reminded me of some of the other Familiars in Hok’evale, but this man was part-witch, part-fae, so he couldn’t have one.
It hit me then that the animal on his shoulder wasn’t a Familiar. It was his faekin companion. I didn’t know what I expected faekin to look like, but Grammy had said they were companions to the fae and shared some of their blood. It was my understanding that there were many types, but this faekin appeared to be part of a group of tiny animals with fairy wings that could fit into the palm of your hand.
“These witches wish to speak with you, Mister Blankard,” Chief Cauac told him.
“I believe you might recognize this,” I said, holding out my wand. “It contains hair from your faekin.”
The faekin locked its feline eyes on me and gave a low growl.
“Settle down, Bitsy,” Beau scolded the small creature. “I apologize. Faekin are very protective. May I?”
Beau reached for the wand, and I handed it to him. He turned it over curiously.
“Yes… I remember this,” he said thoughtfully. “But I didn’t design it for you.”
“You made it for my mother, Faith Evers—her maiden name is Tucker,” I told him. “I inherited it.”
“Yes, I recall making it for Helena Tucker’s daughter,” he recalled. “I heard what happened to her. It was awful she was driven out of the coven by a family curse.”
“I broke the curse. But not before…” I choked up.
Beau dropped his gaze. I didn’t have to say it out loud for him to understand. “I’m deeply sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “Our friends Chloe and Miles say you may be able to help us.”
Beau’s demeanor brightened. “Yes, I spoke with them. Lovely couple. You must be the friends they mentioned.”
