Page 17 - Mad Shadows II

She nodded. “Older half-brother. The product of a youthful
indiscretion committed by Jaroo Mogg, the late baron of
Widow’s Fell. Kozar is the rightful heir to the barony.”

“So this Balambo fellow is a real bastard, although he
carries the family surname,” I said, laughing softly. “But that
doesn’t mean he can’t claim title to the barony, does it?”

“Not while Kozar lives.”
“So what was that all about? I mean, did Mogg follow me
here? Or did he follow you?”
“Oh, I must confess that he’s had his eye on me since I
moved here a few years ago.”
“Can’t say that I blame him. I’d follow you anywhere.”
“I heard you were a flirt. I think I like that about you.”
“When will you know for sure?”
She laughed, her eyes sparkled, and I was wholly smitten.
“You’re not interested in him, are you?”
“Oh, he’s nice enough, I suppose,” she said. “He keeps
asking me to attend the Hallowmas Ball with him. He’s
certainly handsome, but not my type.”
“What type is your type?”
“The type of man who doesn’t think he’s my type of man.”
I had no clever retort at the tip of my tongue, so I just sat
there, grinning like a fool.
“Now, let’s get down to business.” Valuta put her elbows
on the table and leaned forward. “I’ve heard quite a lot about
you and that famous dowsing rod of yours. That’s why I sent
for you. And as I said, Lisera suggested I contact you.”
“Go on. I’m all ears.”
“First, I must tell you that I belong to the Khadara-Tanae.”
“The Daughters of the Earth. That’s one of the sects of the
Wikku.” The Khadara-Tanae is a group of women who use
earth magic to care for all the living things of the natural world.
Though many unenlightened folks call them witches, they are
not involved in anything infernal or demonic, and do not
practice the Dark Arts. “So how can I help you?”

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