Shadows of the Redwood - By Gillian Summers Page 0,28
loves to annoy. He’s like a leech—once he latches on, he won’t let go.”
Keelie felt cold thread its way down her spine. Peascod sounded more dangerous than annoying.
Scott’s face was serious. “Funny name, Peascod, but that jester is scary-assed.” Scott pointed to his temple.
Grandmother lifted her head as if she was sensing a change in the wind, or possibly picking up a message from the trees. She tilted her face, and suddenly her gaze became riveted on something.
The man in the snug-fitting harlequin outfit and jingly hat was sauntering toward them. The red and green diamonds of his costume seemed to expand and contract with each movement. He looked over at them, and then froze as he and Grandmother locked gazes in an intense stare. Chills coursed through Keelie. The man blinked, and his attention turned to her. She felt as if she was being scanned by an X-Ray machine. Then the jester grinned, revealing small teeth in an oversized mouth. He removed the hat from his head, and bowed gracefully.
He was not attractive. His skin was so pale, it looked as if he had never been out in the sun. His lank hair was pulled back in a ponytail, his nose was hawklike, and for a second, when he blinked, Keelie caught a glimpse of predatory silver in his eyes, as if she had been marked as his prey. He smacked his hat back on his head, setting off another jarring jingle to rip through the air, and jabbed a finger in her direction. Then he whirled around and walked away.
Scott stood behind Keelie. He was so close she could feel the warmth from his body. She felt protected being so near to him.
The next morning, the din of bagpipes that signaled the opening of the Shakespeare Festival was both thrilling and nauseating. It was the only bright sound in the strange, muffled atmosphere of the fog. At least it was much better than the noise the jester had made the day before, Keelie thought as she hurried up the misty path toward the Heartwood shop.
She’d had a good night’s sleep despite the fact that it had been cold and Risa was a real blanket hog. The morning was still chilly, and she was grateful for her Rennie boots with the big bone buttons up the sides. They’d cost her dearly, but she would be comfy and warm all day. She’d heard that lots of people took Fridays off to attend the faire, and she was ready for a crowd this weekend.
Her usual Ren Faire garb, of flowy, medieval gowns, was not period for this festival, so Keelie just wore her boots with black pants tucked into them, and a billowy poet’s shirt over a bright red tank top. If the Admin guy didn’t like it, he was welcome to buy her all-new garb. She was only here for three weeks.
Knot weaved in and out of her legs as if trying to trip her up. She stepped sideways, leaving him in the middle of the path. He meowed, looking sad.
“Faker. At least you have a fur coat.” She walked on and soon he was bounding ahead of her, disappearing into the ferns that bordered the paths.
Tree trunks like cathedral columns rose out of the fog all around. She wondered if one of these trees knew where Viran was and wasn’t telling. The occasional hurrying figure made her feel as if she was on the set of a spooky film. She strode on, unafraid. Few movies could conjure up some of the real-life creepy sights she’d seen in the past year, and Wednesday night had been one of the scariest.
Grandmother had not been in her bed when Keelie had left the tree house, so Keelie harbored a dim hope that there would be oatmeal and a mug of hot tea waiting for her at Heartwood. They needed to make sure everything was in order before the festival gates opened in an hour.
The thud of hooves sounded behind her, and Keelie stepped off the path to allow the rider to pass. A loud “Good morning Lady Keliel” drifted over the knight’s shoulder as he cantered past. One of Sean’s men.
It would be nice to meet Sean in the foggy trees. Maybe he’d kiss her again. She paused to lean against the rough bark of the tree and imagined the feel of his lips on hers, his arm around her waist,