A Question of Magic Read Free Page B

rusty nail. The coachman opened the door and reached in to help Serafina, but Viktor pushed her back and climbed out first, saying to the man, “Collect our bags while I arrange for our supper.”
    Serafina glanced down the street, waiting for the coachman to retrieve their two overnight bags from the carriage. Taking a deep breath, she filled her lungs with the scent of the fir trees of the forest and the honeysuckle that grew in yellow and white profusion beside the inn.
    â€œStop staring like a simpleton and bring those bags inside, Serafina,” Viktor said from the door of the inn. “I’ve told the innkeeper that we’ll be having supper here. I turned him down when he asked if we wanted rooms. I think it’s odd that your great-aunt wants us to come to her house so late at night, but then, wealthy people are often eccentric.”
    The innkeeper, a smiling, friendly-seeming man, nodded from where he waited behind Viktor. “That’svery true,” he said, although Serafina had the feeling that he would have agreed with anything Viktor said.
    They ate their supper in silence. Viktor devoured all his portion of the pork pie, crusty herb bread, and soft cheese as if he were starving, then scraped the rest of Serafina’s onto his own plate. She was about to protest but decided that it wasn’t worth an argument.
    Serafina jumped when Viktor slapped his tankard on the table. “Where is that serving girl?” he demanded, looking around. Spotting her in the far corner talking to another patron, he waved to catch her eye. When she didn’t acknowledge him, he stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. The girl gave him a horrified look and started across the room.
    â€œIf Widow Zloto were here, she’d tell you that it’s bad luck to whistle inside,” said Serafina.
    â€œOh, really?” said Viktor. “This is how much I care about Widow Zloto and her superstitions!” He snapped his fingers inches from Serafina’s face and smirked when she jerked away from him. Sticking his fingers in his mouth again, he whistled even louder.
    â€œPlease don’t do that, sir,” the serving girl said, bobbing a curtsy. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to whistle inside a building?”
    Viktor smiled at the girl and shook his head. “No, I didn’t know that. In that case, I won’t do it again!”
    The innkeeper appeared behind the girl. Seeing Viktor’s empty tankard, he gestured to it, saying, “Fill this for our guest, Mila.” As the girl hurried off to fetch a pitcher, the innkeeper pulled another chair to the table and sat down. “So,” the man said to Serafina, “your brother-in-law tells me that you’ve come to see your great-aunt.”
    Serafina glanced at Viktor, annoyed that he’d told the man her personal business.
    â€œYou may know the woman,” said Viktor. “Her name is Sylanna.”
    The man looked puzzled. “I can’t say that I’m familiar with the name, and I thought I knew everyone. Maybe she goes by another name here.”
    Serafina glanced out the window. It was already dark and she could see the first star in the sky. “Shouldn’t we go soon?”
    â€œNot yet,” Viktor said as he watched the serving girl approach with a pitcher. “We have plenty of time.”
    â€œHow far are we from a tavern called the Bialy Jelen?” Serafina asked the innkeeper.
    â€œNot far,” he said as the girl refilled Viktor’s tankard. “Just turn left, then left again at the corner. The BialyJelen is at the edge of the forest. If you’re worried about the time, listen for the church bells. The last one rang at 8:30.”
    â€œWe need to go, Viktor,” Serafina said, reaching for her bag.
    â€œHe said it wasn’t far. I’m going to finish this first,” Viktor said, and took a long, noisy gulp of mead.
    â€œFine, then