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PROLOGUE
Fionna splashed in the puddle by her house. Mama had told her to stay inside while she ran errands, but the sunshine beckoned, as did the hollow in the yard, full of water from the rain.
Splash.
The stomp of her foot shot up water that soaked her tunic, but she didn’t shiver in the warm fall sunshine. Her little feet stamped, and she wondered why Mama had forbidden her to be outdoors. She’d tucked Fionna away ever since those men on big horses had ridden past their home the day before.
Speaking of which, one trotted into view. A large male with a full beard riding a brown horse with white spots.
“Hello there,” he said with a smile that showed yellow teeth.
“Hi.” Mama had told her to not talk to strangers, but she’d also taught her to not be rude.
“Are your parent’s home?” he asked, glancing at the hut where she lived with Mama. Papa had been put in the earth in the spring, taken by a fever that also claimed her younger brother.
She shook her head.
“Well then, I should keep you company,” he stated, sliding off his horse.
At his wide grin, a frisson of unease went through Fionna, and she took a step back. “I don’t need company. Mama will be back soon.”
“Then we best be quick.” He lunged and she shrieked, darting out of his reach, racing for the hut. Her fast little legs got her inside and she slammed the door shut but couldn’t get the bar across in the hooks. The door was kicked open and the big man stood in the doorway, his smile no longer friendly.
Fionna retreated, but there was nowhere to flee in the small space.
“Be a good girl now. Don’t make me hurt you,” he cajoled.
“Get out of my house!” Mama’s shriek from outside relieved Fionna who didn’t understand what the man wanted.
The big fellow whirled. “Mind your business.”
“Excuse me? This is my home, and you have no right to enter it.”
“And who’s going to stop me?” The man stepped out of the doorway and Fionna crept forward to watch.
Mama stood a few paces from the man, her market basket hanging from her arm, looking fierce, but also frightened. “The Duke won’t?—”
“Won’t know a damned thing because you’ll keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.”
“Leave and I won’t have to say anything.” Mama’s chin tilted.
“I’ll leave when I’ve done my business.”
“You have no business here,” Mama insisted.
“Will you shut up for a coin?” The man held out his hand and Mama recoiled.
“What kind of demon are you? Trying to buy a child?” Mama screeched. “Wait until the Duke hears.”
“Oh no he won’t,” growled the man. “Nattering nag.” The man lunged for Mama, who swung her basket. It connected with the man but didn’t stop him from grabbing her by the neck and lifting her.
Mama’s eyes bulged. Fear filled them and she gasped, “Run, Fionna.”
Fear froze Fionna in place.
Crack.
Mama went limp and the man dropped her and then turned to face Fionna. “Where were we?” The expression on his face terrified.
