Warden's Daughter Pt.19

@Bats/Elspeth the ✨Sleep Deprived✨ FF Doctor (BLC, EDS) @ArthamFanGirl

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A Secret Map

I unfold the paper-the map-and notice the careful lettering, Oskar’s handwriting. Glancing over it, I see something else that marks it as something he made, a few spelling errors and the fact that Books and Crannies was labeled “My Bookstore”.

Tink starts to point to a message scribbled across the top, but I slide the paper out from under his hands and fold it up, tucking it in my sleeve and standing, dragging Tink along.

I grab a book as Oskar becomes visible around the corner, barely glancing at the cover.

“Oh! Hello there Maddie, Tink, what is it you’ve found?”

Tink shows a book first, and I double check my title when I catch a glimpse of his.

“The Art of Itching,” Oskar reads aloud, raising an eyebrow, “Is something wrong? You’re hiding something.”

Tink pales beside me, and I almost step back, separating him from the paper in my sleeve.

“I understand, boy. It’s a very private thing. And as a matter of fact, it’s none of my business, is it? But if you’ve got an itchy rash of some sort, there are much more extensive books on the subject than The Art of Itching. Believe me, I’ve read them all, if you know what I mean.”

Tink relaxes, and before Oskar can make him feel any weirder, I ask him about a book I remembered seeing, “Mr. Oskar, didn’t you get a book called . . . what was it, Pembrik’s Creaturepedia?”

“Yes, I do believe I remember suggesting that one. Come now, young Tink, let me go see if I can find it.”

I nudge Kalmar to follow Oskar and a creek behind me announces Janner’s arrival.

We find each other back at Oskar’s desk and he says all the books are fine.

Shoot, the map! I realize as we walk back outside. I slip it out of my sleeve and into one of my books.

I almost mention the map, but hear the sound of hooves on stone.

Janner pulls Tink around the corner of Nooks and Crannies, and I follow behind, looking around for the sound source.

Tink appears beside me, trying to see around the corner, and I nudge him back. 

“Look,” he hisses to Janner, “It stopped in front of the jail.”

“What’s happening? Is it the Black Carriage?”

“I can’t tell, Gnorm’s talking to the driver. Now be quiet before they look over here,” I whisper.

We stand there until the carriage leaves. When I take a step back, I bump into something solid.

“And how is your lame little sister and that mutt of hers?” I hear, and a claw grabs my shoulder, turning me to face Slarb.

I pull back and adjust my grip on the books, Oskar would fuss if we returned them messed up.

“It’s time to finish what I started yesterday, Igibys,” he cocks his head and looks past me to Janner for a moment.

“Slarb! Are those the Igiby woman’s kids? Gnorm will stew you alive, if you come between him and his maggotloaf!”

Thank you for distractions, I think sending a silent thank you to whatever Fang uses more brain power than Slarb.

He spits venom at me and some lands on my hand.

Once Slarb heads back into the jail, I shake the venom off best I can and all three of us run back home.