13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison Read Free Book Online

Tanya recognized it as a shabby, nameless little place with blanked-out windows and peeling paintwork that had stood empty for the past year. Now, however, it was evidently under new management, for not only had it been given a fresh coat of paint but it also had a name: Pandora’s Box. Instantly intrigued, Tanya called to Fabian, who was kneeling down and sketching something in his notebook.
    “I’m just going in here.”
    Fabian stopped sketching and looked up. “We don’t really have time—we should start making our way to the bus stop.”
    “You go on ahead,” said Tanya. “I’ll meet you there.”
    Fabian rolled his eyes. “I’ll wait here. Just be quick.”
    A bell jangled above her head as Tanya pushed the door open. Inside, the shop smelled of incense. A plump woman with rosy cheeks and a kindly face was sitting behind the counter flicking through a magazine. Tanya maneuvered herself carefully around shelves crammed full of all manner of curiosities.
    There were a number of jars and bottles containing dried herbs, plants, and powders. She found herself staring at one labeled DRAGON’S BLOOD, before moving onward past figurines of witches, wizards, and goblin-type creatures, crystal balls and trays of semiprecious stones. Then she spied a bookshelf at the rear and began to make her way toward it. Once there, she scanned the contents—a vast range of tarot, astrology, and the like—hoping to find further information on fairies. Much to her disappointment there appeared to be nothing that would be of much use to her.
    Just then, the bell on the door rang as someone else entered the shop. Tanya craned her neck to see who it was, annoyed in case Fabian had come to drag her away. But it was not Fabian. Out of the corner of her eye Tanya noticed an old woman, laden with heavy shopping bags, shuffling about slowly.
    Through the window she saw that Fabian had finished sketching and was now looking impatient, and decided to leave. However, as she turned to go around a display of highly stacked boxes she collided with the old woman, who was coming the opposite way. Her shopping bags crashed to the floor, sending peaches and apples rolling in every direction.
    “Sorry,” Tanya mumbled, embarrassed. She knelt to help the woman. “Are you all right?”
    The old woman stared back at her but did not reply. Tanya saw that her hands were trembling very slightly. Her skin was paper thin, lined deeply, her hair worn long and braided. The clothes she wore were old-fashioned. In several places there were holes that had been sewn up time and again. An odd expression flickered over the old lady’s face. Tanya swallowed nervously, her mouth suddenly dry. Something about the woman’s face was haunting, and she did not like the way she was staring at her.
    “I really am sorry,” she said again, averting her eyes as she handed back a bag of the bruised fruit.
    The woman rose slowly, and stretched a closed hand toward Tanya.
    “I think this is for you.”
    Not wanting to seem rude, Tanya held out her hand. She felt a sharp tingle as the gnarled fingers brushed against her own, like a mild electric shock. The woman placed something cold, smooth, and heavy in her palm. Tanya looked down.
    It was a tarnished brass compass, circular in shape with a long neck chain. Most of the letters were absent, probably worn away over the years. She stared at it in confusion. Did the old lady think she had dropped it in the collision?
    “This isn’t mine.”
    The old woman did not answer. Instead, she reached for Tanya’s new scarf, the silky red fabric slipping easily through her fingers.
    “A pretty color for a pretty girl. A wise choice too.”
    Tanya felt a shiver shoot up her spine.
    “What do you mean?” Her voice emerged thin and scared. “Who are you?”
    The woman ignored her questions and nodded at the compass.
    “Guard it well… and use it wisely.” Then she turned and shuffled from the shop, leaving an unnerved Tanya