The Curse of the Blessed

Chapter Forty-Eight

The Head Man's eyes grew wide the moment he saw us. "You made it back."

"Indeed they did," Mam agreed. "You've been preparing a celebration, just in case, haven't you?"

"Yes," said the Head Man, opening a drawer in his desk and pulling out a piece of paper. "I've got the plans all figured out. There's only a little tweaking that needs to be done before we'll be ready to go."

We sat in chairs in front of him, while he sat behind a shiny, official-looking desk, stealing curious glances at us every few moments. He hadn't yet asked how we'd beat the Magician. I had a feeling he wasn't going to at all. Perhaps he didn't want to know how we'd done it, other than that we had. Perhaps he had some nervous suspicions about our methods. Or perhaps he didn't care at all. Either way, I was glad not to have to go through the story again.

After writing a long sentence on the piece of paper he held, the Head Man looked up at us and smiled. It didn't look genuine.

"So," he said, "I'm glad that you've made it back safe and sound. You're the first to do so, you know."

"We know," Reed said.

There was a touch of annoyance in his voice. It brimmed on disrespect. Lark subtly reached out and brushed his hand; their eyes met, and a conversation was exchanged in the glance that followed.

"Of course," the Head Man continued, "you'll be considered heroes of the town from now on. You'll be respected. Children will idolize you. Maybe someday we'll teach the next generation about you in school." He gave us a warning look. "Use your new fame wisely. I know you're all just children, and it may be tempting to try to abuse this newfound power—but if you do, there will be consequences. Don't start thinking rules don't apply to you."

"Of course not," said Lark with a smile. "We'll be model citizens."

He smiled at her and nodded. "I appreciate it. Any questions?"

"When can we see our family?" Bran asked. "I know some of us are excited to get back home again, since there are so many people we haven't seen."

"As soon as you wish. You can go now, if you like."

Immediately, as though we'd all had the same thought at once, we stood up to leave.

"We'll be celebrating your return at dinner tonight." The Head Man stood and crossed the room to open the door for us. "It'll last long into the night, and the party will revolve around you, so if you need to rest for a bit, go ahead. After what you've done, I'm sure no one will begrudge you a nap."

We began filing out the door.

"Reed?"

Reed turned around slowly, and we watched as the Head Man gave him a sickly sweet fatherly smile. "I'd like to talk with you. It's been a while since I've been able to have a good conversation with you."

Reed raised his eyebrows, and for a moment, I wondered if he was going to turn on his heel and walk away. Instead, with derision, he said, "Right. Because you sent me off on a quest."

"Yes. I'm glad you're back."

The Head Man moved forward as it to embrace Reed, but Reed slipped past him and into the study. "I'd love to talk."

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Bran asked Lark as we emerged from the town hall.

She shrugged. "Probably."

"Just probably?" I frowned. "Why wouldn't he be okay? That's his father."

"I dunno," Bran admitted. "He just... I felt like there was some tension back there."