Page 19 of Witchcraft and Fury (Chronicles of the Divided Isle #1)

‘That there is Gib Ralston,’ he said to them in a whisper.

‘There ain’t a finer young man you could wish to meet.

Owns the local silver mine, a little way out of town.

Keeps a lot of the young men from these parts employed and out of mischief.

We all owe a lot to him, we do.’ The landlord raised his voice to address the mine owner: ‘Gib! Won’t you have a drink of ale to set you up for the day, on the house? ’

‘Not this morning, Scree,’ replied the man. ‘I’m here to mingle, nothing more.’

For the first time since the students had arrived the night before, the landlord’s smile faltered. An ugly expression of resentment flickered across his face, but it was so fleeting that Solar couldn’t be sure that the others had noticed it too.

‘Whatever pleases you, Gib,’ replied the landlord, collecting himself and resuming his amiable tone .

As the landlord cleared their plates, Solar cleared her throat. ‘Mr Landlord, umm … Scree?’

The landlord looked at her, his wide smile fixed back in place. ‘Speak, young madam. I’m at your disposal, as ever. Whatever it is you need, don’t be shy in asking.’

‘Well, I was hoping you could tell us about the recent deaths in Ravenbridge.’

Cal cast her an angry, warning glance, and behind her she heard Oswald and Wyman muttering disapprovingly under their breath.

Solar felt her cheeks flush, but she continued anyway. ‘Everyone here seems so happy, like they don’t have a care in the world. But reportedly there are dead bodies discovered in the streets every morning. Do you have any idea what might be behind this?’

Scree gave a croaky chuckle. ‘Don’t you concern yourself over such affairs, madam. Ravenbridge is as carefree a town as there is, but accidents will happen. I wouldn’t dream that there is foul play involved.’

‘Well, could you at least tell us where the bodies are put?’ Solar pressed. ‘I don’t doubt you’re all carefree, but someone’s got the unpleasant job of cleaning up after each night’s revelry.’

Scree gave Solar a confused look.

‘Like he said, girl: don’t concern yourself over such affairs,’ said his wife, entering the room from a corridor by the foot of the stairs and addressing them as if she had been part of the conversation all along.

The couple turned deliberately to attend to their other customers, who were beginning to awaken from the previous night’s debauch. Solar looked at her companions excitedly and bent her head closer to them so as not to be overheard .

‘Creepy or what? I don’t trust those two at all!’ she said.

‘Do you think the landlady is the Devoratrix?’ asked Bear. ‘I mean, just look at the size of her! She could probably eat some of the scrawnier locals in one sitting.’

‘I dunno, but it’s a hunch,’ murmured Solar. ‘We first have to make sure that we really are dealing with a Devoratrix and not some other kind of monster. And for that we need to inspect the bodies – now.’

‘But we don’t know where they are,’ Wyman protested.

‘I know, but I have a pretty good idea of where to start. The town’s graveyard!’

‘Oh, a graveyard,’ drawled Oswald. ‘Yes, let’s just go and dig up half the town’s dead bodies. If the town’s magistrates don’t arrest you for it, maybe they’ll hand you a spade and retain your services to bury each new batch of victims.’

‘Well, what ideas do you have?’ Solar retorted.

But Oswald appeared not to have heard her.

‘You know, I can picture you as a gravedigger. It would be a real rise in the world for a carpenter’s daughter.

Other than in regard to your career prospects, I think a trip to the graveyard would be a complete waste of time.

I’m quite comfortable here, thank you very much.

’ He stretched out languorously in his seat.

‘Shut it, Oswald!’ snarled Bear. ‘If we want to solve this mystery then Solar is right. We have to find the graveyard. It’s our duty as wizards to help those in need.’

‘Not. A. Chance,’ Cal cut in. ‘I am not going to be responsible for all of your deaths. We wait for Loveday and Binns to wake. Then we hunt down the beast, and you trainees stand aside whilst the instructors and I go about slaying her.’

‘And who said that you are responsible for us?’ asked Solar hotly.

‘I’m with Cal,’ interjected Wyman, nodding vigorously. ‘ People are dropping dead left, right and centre. We’re out of our depth here.’

‘But look at those two!’ protested Solar, gesturing towards the limp bodies of their tutors.

‘They probably aren’t going to wake till way past noon judging by the way they’re snoring, and by then the freshest corpses will be buried out of sight and the Devoratrix, if that truly is the creature we’re dealing with, will be singling out her next victims!

We have to act fast, with or without ’em! ’

Pingot walked over to Loveday and Binns and gave them each a tentative poke, then gently shook them and patted their faces. Neither of them stirred, although Binns slurred, ‘Another drink for the wizard!’

‘She’s right,’ Pingot said. ‘These two are out cold. Must be really good ale they serve in this place.’

‘Hardly the gallant pair we know from the songs,’ said Bear musingly.

‘Oswald, Wyman – you stay here with Cal if you must,’ Solar said. ‘In fact, maybe it’s a good idea if you do. Loveday and Binns need someone to watch over ’em – the landlady is starting to look hungry.’

The six of them looked over to the landlady. She was licking her lips, staring at Gib Ralston as he chatted to her customers.

Cal glowered at Solar. ‘Fine, but I want you back here before midday.’

‘Yes, my lord,’ Solar said mockingly, standing and giving a flowery bow. ‘Bear, Pingot, are you coming with me?’ She held her breath, suddenly nervous. She did not want to do this alone.

She needn’t have worried. Bear grinned in anticipation, eager for action, whilst Pingot gave a nod of grim assent.