Cloak, Torn: Book 2 [ON HOLD]

Chapter 20

Night was creeping up on us as we came to the edge of the woods. The sun had already vanished behind the mountains and the pinks and pastels that painted the sky were beginning to fade.

From there it was a short walk to my grandmother's cottage. More than once Mother had offered to send someone to help with the housework or renovate the old place, but Grandmother could be a stubborn woman. I think she just wanted to keep it the same as when Grandfather was alive. Grandmother insisted on doing the housework herself anyway. She claimed it kept her skills with magic sharp.

It was just the same as when my mother had lived in it, or so she said. The roof was thatched and it managed a small second story, there was a pair of small windows, one on either side of the sturdy door, and to my relief, there didn't seem to be any damage to the place. There was also a pen for chickens on one side of the house and a few blackberry bushes, and I knew that around back there would be a small stream and some rose bushes surrounding two headstones.

I should have been here days ago.

I was sure we all looked ridiculous with the goose still making a fuss, Warren's tail dragging in the dust, me with my new weapons and Jack with his roguish look, braid, and feather. I hesitated to knock. She was family, even if she was technically step family. She wouldn't judge. But maybe I shouldn't spring all this company on her. Especially so...strange of company.

"Why don't you guys stay outside for now?" I said. "It might be better if I told her about you guys before you come in."

Warren flopped down in the dirt without protest with a dull look in his eyes.

Jack nodded.

"Okay. But don't take too long."

I rapped on the door.

"Come in," said a door muffled voice. "It's unlocked."

I turned the knob and with a quiet click the door swung inward.

The house was quiet but light filled. Dust danced in the sunset streaming through the windows and a few candles had been lit already. The hearth was cold and an old rocking chair sat in front of it. The floorboards creaked beneath my feet, old house that it was, but the place seemed calm.

"Grandmother? Are you here?"

"Is that you, Scarlet?" said a voice. There were footsteps and down the hall a door creaked open.

A woman in a nightgown with platinum hair tucked into a wispy bun emerged into the hallway, a candle in one hand and a short blade in the other. Her skin was stretched tight across her hands and wrinkled across her face but the weapon in her hand and the hard glint in her eyes would have made anyone think twice before crossing her.

"Grandmother! You're alright!" I said. I ran up and threw my arms around her waist.

"Now why wouldn't I be, Scarlet? You don't think this old bag of enchanted bones can take care of itself?" But she asked it with a good natured chuckle and patted my back with the fist that held the knife.

"It's really good to see you," I said. "Um, is it alright if my friends come in?"

"Sure sweetie. The boys can come in, but please leave the goose outside."

At my shocked expression she smirked a little, something I didn't know grandmothers did.

"Don't leave them standing out in the cold. Go on."

I was a little stunned as I asked Jack to put the goose in with the chickens and invited him and Warren inside.

Grandmother scratched Warren behind the ears and sat down in her rocking chair as the daylight died.