Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) by Jessie Eaker (best novels in english TXT) 📕

Docila looked at the knife, seemingly puzzled why she even held it. She set it carefully down on the table and then turned to tend the fire with her back to us.

Mother pursed her lips. “Forgive her. She’s had it rough.”

I gave her a questioning look.

But Mother shook her head, her eyes pleading. I guess the soldiers had done their worst to Docila. And the wounds were still raw—especially the emotional ones.

Damn Wynn. Not only had he bankrupt the kingdom, he had also stolen its soul.

I looked to Zofie, standing silently beside me. What would Zofie do? Her heart was ten times bigger than mine and always knew just the right things to say. I considered her a moment. Then perhaps she should say it.

I turned to everyone else. “Mother, would you show my friends the goats. I bet they would love to see them. Since I’ve seen them before, I’ll take a moment to talk with Docila.”

Fumiko shot a puzzled glance my way. Spraggel, on the other hand, gave me a brief nod of approval and dropped a hand on Cabrina’s shoulder. “I bet you’d like to see the goats, wouldn’t you?”

The youth grinned. I thought she was going to jump up and down.

Mother froze for just the barest second, then she caught on. “All right, everyone. Like my son says, we have the finest goats this side of the mountains.” And she began to lead them out.

Fumiko reached to take Zofie’s arm, but I shook my head. Fumiko gave me a puzzled look but went out with the others. A moment later, the door closed, leaving just the three of us alone.

I tugged on Zofie’s arm and she followed. I guided her to a bench beside the table and seated her there. She sat with back straight and blank eyes staring straight ahead.

“Docila,” I said. “I have someone I want you to meet.”

My stepsister looked up from bruising herself with the fire. Her eyes were damp, and they flicked from me to Zofie. While Docila watched, I took off my companion’s mittens and cloak, leaving her in just her regular travel clothes of shirt and pants. I placed her lifeless hands into her lap and sat beside her.

Docila took in the whole scene. She rose, and frowning in disapproval, limped around the table to stand over us. She studied Zofie a moment before waving a hand in front of her face. Zofie didn’t even blink.

“What’s wrong with her?” Docila asked.

I reached for Zofie’s hand and held it up to show her the bracelet encircling her wrist. “This charm is robbing her of her will. Those behind it are trying to stop her from saving the kingdom. I’m doing my best to get the charm off without it killing her.”

Docila frowned. “Would serve her right. All the royals, playing with us like we’re insects.”

I shook my head. “Not Zofie. She was trying to figure out a way to feed everybody. She’s been begging the neighboring rulers and lords to please share. But they’ve all turned their backs on her. She fears that they are merely waiting for us to grow even weaker so they can attack us.” I kissed her hand before returning it to her lap. “She spent every last piece of gold in the treasury buying food, not to mention selling what was left of her jewelry. She thought it might help a few extra days.”

Docila looked troubled. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because she needs your help. The price for getting the curse off her is something called the Griffin’s Key. And when I used a myst device to search for it, it pointed me to you. Do you know anything about it? I think I can safely say, the fate of the kingdom depends on us finding it.”

Docila sat down beside me. “I have no interest in helping her kind. The lot of them can burn in the Creator’s darkest hell for all I care.”

I shut my eyes in frustration. What could I say to get her to help me? I glanced at Zofie. Even with no expression, she was beautiful. But what I really loved was the wonderful person inside. How could I make her see that?

“Did you know,” I said abruptly. “She keeps a small stuffed dog on her bed.” I chuckled. “It’s completely worn out. She says her mother gave it to her the year before she died as a Day of the New gift. And...” I could feel my heartache swelling. “She loves picnics. She and I tried to have one just a few days ago in the family crypt no less. She did it to remember her parents, trying to stay connected to them. And...” I could feel dampness coming to my eyes. “Did you know she can complete my quotes? She’s the only person I know of that can do that. I’ll say the first part, and then she’ll complete it. And I can do the same for her. It’s unnerving and wonderful at the same time. And... and...” I looked up at my sister with tears in my eyes. “I love her, Docila. I know you and I have had our squabbles, but please... help her. Every time I see her like this, my heart breaks just a little more. She means everything to me.”

Docila considered me for several heartbeats. Her eyes flicked to Zofie and then finally back to me. She placed her hand on mine. “I won’t help her,” she said softly. “But I will help you... if I can.”

I grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you.”

She stood up abruptly. “But it comes at a cost.” She cocked her jaw and limped back toward the fire. “Mother talks about you all the time. How you’re a knight now and doing so well.