To Kill a Wizard: Rose's Story (The Protectors of Tarak Book 1) Read Free

“Don’t look at me like that! There might not be another Protector in my family for the next ten generations. So the way I see it, we both have just as good a shot at getting picked.”
    That was something. I guess.
    “Do you think it’s a good or bad sign The Protectors waited fifteen years to come back to our town?”
    Sirena grinned. “Now that’s the topic on everyone’s minds.” She paced about, eyes flashing with excitement. “What kept them away for so long? And will there be less girls Chosen, or more?”
    I laughed nervously. “It’s quite the mystery.”
    She whirled around dramatically. “One we’ll find the answer to tonight.” Glancing up, she squinted at the orange sun blazing its way towards the horizon. “We should go home and get ready.”
    We set off down the road. People waved at Sirena, wishing her good luck, but avoided my gaze. It didn’t bother me. I’d long ago gotten used to the prejudice my looks had brought me. No one liked to see a daily reminder of their dangerous enemies.
    “My mother had a special dress ordered. It’s bright yellow and trimmed with lace.”
    “Sounds lovely.”
    “And did you see my hair clip?” She reached up and touched where it lay nestled in the back of her golden hair.
    The face of the Goddess of the Harvest, Demeia, stared back. Unlike her statues, the tiny barrette’s beautiful face bore an unexpected smile. The carving had been crafted exquisitely, for even though the combination of dark brows and sharp cheekbones could’ve been stunning beyond words, just the sight of her face sent a familiar nervousness crawling along my skin. It was as if each item, designed in her likeness, allowed her to stare out at us.
    “It’s… lovely.”
    Sirena dropped her hand. “I thought it might bring me a little good luck.”
    I wasn’t as superstitious as most of the villagers. They seemed to think the goddesses took an active interest in all of us. I was pretty sure they cared as much about us as we did ants. But in this case, Sirena might be right. The Goddess of the Harvest had been kind to us the past few years. Had our crops not grown so well, our whole tiny farming-town would’ve long ago stopped being able to pay the queen’s taxes. What would Queen Gaudias have done then? Hang us all?
    Probably. The heartless creature.
    Unexpectedly, Sirena’s hand shot out and stopped me in my tracks. “Rose, what are you planning on wearing tonight?”
    My heart raced as I glanced down at my dress. It was the better of the two I owned, but still, it was made of a scratchy, cheap wool. Time had faded the brown to an even duller shade, and numerous patches gave it the sad look of an old man who’d seen better days.
    “You can’t wear that.” Sirena’s tone left no room for argument. “Come to my house. Wear one of my dresses.”
    I stiffened. “Your dresses would be unseemly short on me. That’d be much worse than this old dress.”
    Sirena frowned. “Still…”
    “I’ll figure something out,” I promised.
    She nodded, looking unconvinced.
    We stopped in front of her parent’s bakery. The large doors were spread wide, releasing the scent of baking breads and pastries, no doubt in preparation for the celebration.
    “Do you want me to walk you home?” Sirena asked, already taking a step towards the bakery.
    I smiled. “No, I can make the trek alone.”
    She surprised me by flinging herself into my arms. “Just think, this time tomorrow we could be far from this town. Exploring new places and living like royalty.”
    I hugged her back. “I hope so.”
    Releasing me, she grinned, then raced towards her house.
    Watching her go, dread settled in my stomach. If The Protectors didn’t choose me tonight, what would I do?
    I walked without knowing where I was going. But somehow, my feet took me to the village shrine. The Goddess of the Harvest’s shrine was by no means large or extravagant, not like in the big cities, but we were proud of it.
    Climbing