Brimstone Witch Mysteries - Box Set 1 Page 23

  There was a high-pitched scream ahead of us, and then silence.

  In a voice barely above a whisper, Stanley said, “Cassia, what have you done?”

  Chapter 15

  I put my hands over my face in shame. I muttered, “What have I done?”

  “That’s what I want to know,” Stanley said. “What spell did you cast on him?”

  I lowered my hands and looked down at Stanley. “The immobilising one.”

  Stanley stared at me in horror. “The one you used on Steve, the troll?”

  I nodded.

  “The one that turned him to stone and caused his arms to fall off?”

  Another small nod. I couldn’t speak. My words were too mortified to come out.

  Stanley looked over to the trees where Treto had galloped through. He said nervously, “I’ll go and see what’s happened to him.”

  I forced my voice to work. “No, Stanley. I’ll do it. Whatever’s happened to Treto is my fault.”

  Kitty ran over to my side and said, “Where did that shouting man go?”

  I picked her up and held her next to my chest. “Kitty, I’d like you to close your eyes for a while.”

  “Are we playing hide and seek?” she asked eagerly.

  “Sort of. Close your eyes. Don’t open them until I tell you to. Okay?”

  “Okay.” She giggled before closing her eyes.

  Stanley and I shared a worried look before walking forwards. We didn’t say a word as we headed through the trees.

  We came to a stop in front of Treto. He was suspended in mid-gallop inches from the ground. His eyes were round with terror, and his mouth was open in a silent scream.

  “Well,” Stanley began, “at least he’s in one piece. And he’s still got all his limbs.”

  I walked closer to Treto and said, “I’m so dreadfully sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you harm.” I hesitated. “That’s not true. In the heat of the moment, I did mean to cause you harm.”

  “It’s your own fault,” Stanley told the frozen centaur. “You shouldn’t have run away after Cassia healed you. It was extremely rude. You didn’t even say thank you.”

  “I don’t think he can hear us.” I used the hand that wasn’t holding Kitty and moved it back and forth in front of Treto’s face. It felt like I was cleaning a white board.

  Treto’s mouth snapped shut and his eyes returned to their normal size. He focused his hate on me and growled, “What have you done to me now? Just you wait until your witch boss hears about this. What’s she called? Blanche or something?”

  “It’s Blythe,” I replied. “And I’ll be telling her what I’ve done. I shouldn’t have done this to you. I apologise.”

  “I don’t accept your apology. Uncast your evil spell immediately!”

  “Are you in pain?” I asked.

  “No. What’s that got to do with anything?”

  I gave him a satisfied nod. “Then it won’t do you any harm to stay like that while I question you.”

  Treto spluttered with anger, “Set me free! Now! I demand it.”

  I raised my hand in warning. “No. I’m not setting you free. You’re a flight risk. You are going to stay right where you are until I’ve finished questioning you. Okay?”

  Treto looked as if he might argue with me. Then he sighed heavily and said, “Okay. Make it quick. I’m already behind with my training schedule.”

  “Training for what?” I asked.

  “The yearly centaur race, of course.” He smirked. “I’m going to win it this year for sure.”

  “Won’t the race be cancelled out of respect for Selo?”

  “Not if I get my way. Why should we cancel? It’s not my fault he got himself killed. It was going to happen sooner or later the way he was carrying on. He made enemies wherever he went. I came close to hurting him on many occasions.” He abruptly stopped speaking and averted his gaze.

  I said, “Carry on talking. I want you to explain yourself. Let me ask the obvious question first. Did you kill Selo Cezerus?”

  “No. Why would I? I wanted to see the smugness leave his face when I won the race this year. It’s all I’ve been thinking about for months. I’ve been training extra hard, and I knew I was going to beat him.” His face twisted with bitterness. “The fool went and got himself killed before I could wipe that irritating smile from his face.”

  Stanley said to me, “Do you believe him?”

  “I’m not sure. I know I don’t trust him.”

  Treto snapped, “Hey! I can hear you.”

  “Yes, we know,” I said. “We’ve been told that you and Selo went on night-time races together recently. If you hated him so much, why would you do that?”

  “He started going running on his own at first. I saw him one night and asked why he was doing that. He said it was good training, and helped him get used to different terrains. He then said I didn’t have what it takes to keep up with him on his night-time runs. Well, I soon showed him. I kept up with him wherever he went.”

  “Where did you go exactly?” I enquired.

  “All over. In Brimstone and out to the other lands. Nowhere was off limits for us.” A gleeful look came into his eyes. “We might have caused a bit of damage on the way, but that was part of the fun.”

  I asked, “Did you ever run through Dingy Skipper?”

  “Yeah, a few times. It’s a miserable-looking town, and there’s too much mud in my opinion. But Selo liked it and said it was a challenge.”

  I took in that information and then said, “What do you know about Breath-Takers?”

  “Breath-Takers? Aren’t they assassins or something?” He grimaced. “Can’t you set me free? I’m getting cramp.”

  “You’re not going anywhere. Answer my question. What do you know about Breath-Takers? Have you ever met any?”

  “No. What have assassins got to do with Selo?” Comprehension dawned on his face. “Was Selo killed by a Breath-Taker? Really? A Breath-Taker in Brimstone? Wow.” His glance darted to the left. “Where’s the Breath-Taker now? Is it after me?”

  “No, he’s dead.” I stared at Treto for a while. I suspected he was telling me the truth - mostly. I had another question for him. “If the race goes ahead, will Lifin run on Selo’s behalf?”

  Treto let out a loud guffaw. “Lifin? That poor excuse of a centaur? He couldn’t run to save his life. He’s useless. Selo hated him. He said Lifin was an embarrassment to the family with his ridiculous meditation business.”

  “Oh? I spoke to Lifin’s dad, Nilah yesterday. He seems more than happy with Lifin.”

  “It’s all an act for Lifin’s sake. Nilah’s favourite son was Selo. Everyone knew that. Nilah tried to make out he was furious about Selo’s wild ways, but he was secretly proud of him. Selo was more like Nilah than Lifin could ever be. And Lifin knew that. No matter how hard he worked on that business of his, he would never make his dad as proud as Selo did.” Treto shook his head. “Centaurs should be out roaming the land not stuck indoors. It’s not natural for us to be inside.”

  Stanley said to Treto, “Do you think Lifin had anything to do with Selo’s death?”

  “It’s possible. I wouldn’t know how to contact one of those Breath-Taker creatures, but Selo told me Lifin has visitors to his ranch from all over; some from distant lands. Lifin could have asked one of them how to hire an assassin. Can you let me go now? I’ve got nothing else to tell you.”

  We heard footsteps behind us and looked that way. Treto’s dad came through the trees.

  He looked at Treto and smiled. “Perfect. Just perfect. Cassia, I don’t know what you’ve done to him, but can I take advantage of this situation and give my son a good talking to?”

  I nodded. “Certainly. I haven’t got any more questions for him at the moment. I’m not sure how long my magic will last.”

  Stanley raised his paw in the direction of Treto’s rear leg. “That leg moved an inch just then. The magic must be wearing off.”

  Treto raged, “Set me free n
ow! I have to get back to my running!”

  His dad stepped forward. “You can stop giving orders right now, my son. You’re going nowhere until I’ve spoken my mind. And, there will be no more running in competitions for you. Not until you’ve learnt some manners.” He looked back at me and winked. “This is wonderful. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” I said quietly. This didn’t seem the time to tell him I’d cast the spell in anger, and it was sheer good luck that Treto was still in one piece.

  I heard a snoring noise and looked down at Kitty. She was fast asleep.

  Stanley said, “Shall we go back to Brimstone? We could ask Blythe about Kitty’s mum.”

  “That’s a good idea,” I said.

  We said a cheerful goodbye to Treto’s dad before flying away. I kept Kitty close to me and she slept all the way.

  As we headed over Brimstone town square, I spotted someone near the gazebo who filled my heart with love. I aimed the broomstick towards them.

  Chapter 16

  I landed swiftly, helped Stanley off the broomstick, and ran over to the person who was smiling at me: Gran. Kitty was still sleeping against my chest, so I gave Gran a one-armed hug.

  Gran held onto me for a few seconds and then moved me in front of her and studied me. “As much as I like your hugs, why are you acting as if you haven’t seen me for months? Is everything okay?”

  I felt my chin wobbling and my eyes filling with tears - yet again. “Oh, Gran, it’s been an awful few days. Terrible things are happening in Brimstone.”

  Gran pushed a lock of hair away from my face and gave me a loving look. “I know. I’ve been speaking to Blythe.” She tutted. “A Breath-Taker here in Brimstone! I never thought I’d see the day.” She linked her arm through mine and steered me towards a picnic table. There was a wicker basket on top of it.

  Gran said, “I’ve brought you a picnic. I thought you could do with one.” She smiled fondly at Stanley. “I’ve brought some food for you too. Sit yourselves down and I’ll get everything ready.”

  I wasn’t sure I had much of an appetite, but as soon as Gran started unloading the basket and the aroma of her homemade quiche wafted up my nose, my appetite came back with a vengeance. My stomach rumbled to confirm the fact.

  I settled myself at the table with Kitty still snoring against my chest. Stanley sat at my side and waited for his treats.

  As Gran unpacked the basket, she said, “I’ve been over to Blythe’s this morning and was there when Pam came to collect Alan’s body. I’ve met Pam before, and she’s a tough character. She wasn’t so tough today; she was in tears over Alan. To be honest, I think it was more the loss of income from a good assassin that she was upset about, rather than Alan dying. Each to his own.” She placed covered plates on the table and then brought out a flask of tea from the basket.

  “Did Pam say anything about Alan’s murder? Does she want to investigate it herself?”

  “No, she’s happy to let you do that. She told me she’d only met you briefly, but she has confidence in your ability. We all do. You’re becoming a better justice witch by the day.” She stopped talking when she saw the tears rolling down my cheeks. “Hey, there, whatever is the matter?”

  “Gran, I’ve done something terrible.” I told her about the angry spell I’d thrown at Treto.

  Gran said, “Is that all? We’ve all cast spells in anger. I still do sometimes. I know Treto, and he’s a pain in the behind. Fancy running away from you like that! It sounds to me as if you did the right thing with that immobilising spell. Let’s hope it teaches him a lesson or two.”

  “Will Blythe be mad at me?”

  “Mad? She’ll have a good chuckle about it. There were no permanent physical injuries, so stop worrying about it.” She placed a sponge cake on the table. “I’ve put some extra cream in this.” She looked at the sleeping kitten and said, “You can tell me who your new friend is in a minute.”

  I looked down at the peaceful Kitty. “I will do. You might be able to help me with her.”

  Gran was looking at something behind me. Her face broke into a picture of delight. “Talking of friends, here’s one of yours now. And he’s one of my favourite people.”

  I had an inkling that I knew who she was talking about. Sure enough, Luca walked over to our table.

  Gran pulled him into a hug. He had to lean down to be held in her arms. When she released him, Gran said, “It’s good to see you again. How are you?” She pursed her lips as she looked him over. “You’ve been working too hard. Why?”

  Luca gave me and Stanley a quick smile of hello before replying, “Oh, you know how it is around here. It’s quiet for months, and then suddenly, you’re inundated with work. It’s nothing to worry about.”

  I looked Luca’s way. “Are you still dealing with those complaints?”

  “I am. I’ve dealt with most of them, but it’s those garden gnomes who are pestering me. I told them you’ll speak to them when you get the chance, but they are not the most patient of residents.”

  Gran tutted. “Those garden gnomes might be small, but their egos are huge! They think they’re better than anyone else around here and should be treated differently. I’ll deal with them. Who’s complaining the loudest?”

  “Gran, don’t get yourself involved,” I said. “It’s my job to handle them. And I will as soon as I’ve dealt with Selo’s murder.”

  Luca said to me, “I heard you went to see Treto. How did you get on with him?”

  Gran pulled him towards the table and said, “If you’re going to be here for a while, you may as well share our picnic with us. Sit down.”

  Luca didn’t have a say in the matter and sat opposite me. He smiled and shrugged in a helpless manner.

  Gran made sure we all had a plate of food in front of us before I told Luca about Treto. My cheeks warmed up as I got to the part about the angry spell. Luca merely grinned and said Treto deserved it. Despite still feeling guilty, I managed to eat a good portion of quiche as Luca told me some of the things Treto had got up to in the past.

  Kitty woke up, raised her head and blinked at me. “Where are we? Where’s Mummy?”

  I turned Kitty around so she could see where we were. Luca gave her a friendly wave. Gran lowered the sandwich she was eating and stared at Kitty.

  Kitty waved her little paw in the air. “Hello. I can fly. I’m going to fly soon. Mummy’s going to teach me. Where is Mummy?”

  Gran put her sandwich down and pointed at Kitty. “Cassia, where did this creature come from?”

  I didn’t like the serious expression on Gran’s face. An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach on top of the quiche I’d eaten. I told Gran how Kitty had come into our lives, and how we’d been looking for her mother.

  Gran couldn’t take her eyes off Kitty as she said, “This shouldn’t have happened.”

  “Gran, what’s wrong?”

  Gran looked at Luca and said, “Have you worked out what Kitty is?”

  Luca put his cup of tea down and his brow wrinkled in confusion. “I thought she was just a cat.”

  Gran tapped her hand on the table. “A flying cat. Cassia brought her home without realising it.”

  Luca’s hands went to the side of his face. There was shock in his voice as he said, “Of course. Why didn’t I realise that immediately? This is bad news. Very bad news.”

  Stanley called out, “Can someone tell us exactly what’s going on here?”

  Gran gave him a slow nod. “Kitty is an Aitvaras. She’s come into your lives on purpose, and for a reason.”

  Chapter 17

  I looked at Gran, and then at Luca. “What’s an Aitvaras? And why do you both look so worried?”

  Gran said, “I’ll explain everything in a minute, but you need to put the kitten down - carefully.”

  “She’s got a name. She’s called Kitty.” I pulled Kitty closer to me.

  “Cassia, listen to me,” Gran said. “This is for your own safety. Trust me. Put Kitty down on the
table.”

  “You’re acting as if she’s an unexploded bomb,” I said. Kitty purred as she rubbed her little head against me.

  Luca said, “That’s a good way of putting it.” He held his hands out. “Let Kitty come to me. I’ll look after her while Esther tells you about her.”

  I hesitated. Luca moved his hands closer. I looked into his eyes and knew I could trust him. I carefully placed Kitty into his hands.

  Luca pulled Kitty close and said, “Hello there, little one. It sounds like you’ve been on some exciting adventures with Cassia and Stanley.”

  Kitty nodded. “I have. I’m going to fly soon. You can watch me.”

  Stanley moved over to me and gave me a worried look. I shared my own anguished look with him.

  Gran began, “An Aitvaras is a shapeshifting dragon.”

  “A dragon?” I looked at the little kitten.

  “Hear me out, and stop interrupting,” Gran said. “Yes, they’re dragons who can change into a bird or cat, usually black in colour. When they are in their cat or bird form, they can place themselves in the home of their chosen victim.”

  “Victim?” It was Stanley who interrupted Gran this time.

  “Yes, victim.” Gran wagged a finger at us. “If you two don’t stop butting in, I’m going to put a silencer spell on you.”

  Stanley and I pressed our lips tightly together and waited for Gran to continue.

  “As I was saying, the creature makes its way into the victim’s home without the victim being aware of it. In your case, Kitty came home in the end of your broomstick. Once the creature latches onto their victim, they will start to bring them good luck. But the good luck has to be balanced with bad luck. Not bad luck for the victim, but bad luck for those around them. Cassia, have you been having bouts of good luck recently?”

  I thought about that for a moment and then nodded. “I managed to find Lifin and Treto straight away when I went looking for them. I even found Treto when he was hiding beneath the trees.” I glanced at Kitty. “Well, it was Kitty who found him. And when I used that spell in anger, it worked perfectly.”