Blood Bride (Aarabassa World) by Catherine L Vickers Read Free Book Online

corner of their curtain and entered her temporary home.
    ‘Rikka?’ Heather was surprised to see that Rikka was not in one of her grieving trances.  The cave shimmered with a warm yellow glow from a small fire that burned to cook a meal.
    ‘You’re awake and cooking, by the smell of that pot? It smells much tastier than the banquet that the abapes are stewing. Is there enough for two?’
    ‘My dear,’ Rikka stirred the food and laid out two tin dishes, ‘I’ve cooked a special soup for your departure. I hear talk that you leave for the Wall after this moonsleep and we still have much to talk about?’
    Heather welcomed Rikka’s invitation. There was not enough time left to learn much about Rikka’s past but she could at least attempt to welcome her into their family.
    ‘You will also be leaving on the new moonwake Rikka,’
    Heather studied the old woman for a response but her features were unreadable.
    ‘I have arranged for your passage through to Beldroth where your family awaits to greet you.’
    The old woman still did not smile at this news. She ladled the thick soup into one of the dishes and offered it to Heather.
    ‘Rikka, are you not pleased to be meeting your family after all this time?’ Heather accepted the hot tin bowl. ‘Ow, ouch. Let me get a cloth. I can’t hold the bowl.’
    Rikka passed her a small cheesecloth towel.
    ‘This smells delicious. Is cooking one of your talents Rikka?’ Heather sipped lightly at the steaming broth.
    ‘Mother was very shocked at the news of your blood ties but she is looking forward to meeting with you. It is my father you will have to be wary of. Being the Head Mage, he’s suspicious of everything and everybody. Do you think you will cope with all the fussing?’
    Heather ate her hearty soup watching Rikka closely for an answer.
    ‘My child, I only wish you could be with me. I have a feeling that you and I are going to get to know each other.’
    ‘Oh do you think so Rikka, that will be wonderful,’ pleased at these encouraging comments. Heather believed that the old woman was finally accepting her newfound family.
    ‘I imagine my relationship with your mother, that is, my sister will take a little longer.  There will be many questions I may not be able to answer, it all happened so many suncircles ago. I will go to Beldroth though, if that is what you wish Heather, but I would prefer to wait for your return here, if I could.’
    ‘I think it’s just nerves Rikka. Perhaps I should call you Aunt Rikka. No, no that doesn’t sound right does it?’
    Heather stood up from her cushioned seat and approached her Aunt, to sit down on the rug next to her. She took Rikka’s bony translucent-skinned hand into hers and spoke to her gently.
    ‘Rikka, you can’t wait in these rough conditions. I don’t know how long I will be. I don’t even really know what is going to happen when I pass through the Wall. Please, go home where you have family to care for you. The dragons are not the best of hosts and the abapes eat very basic food that is not at all nice. I don’t think I will be happy knowing you are waiting here.’
    Rikka felt gratified at the girls fussing, her Master would be so pleased at the trust she was gaining from the High Families of Beldroth. 
    Heather let go of Rikka’s hand. She stood up, still looking down at Rikka, awaiting a response.
    ‘Yes, my dear. I will travel to your Royal City and meet these long lost relations. It will help with the grieving of my son.’
    ‘What do you think made Fedros behave that way Rikka?’ Heather had been curious about his behaviour, not realising it was her father who had bewitched the cruel man’s final fate.  
    ‘I told the dragons when they rescued us, an evil one possessed him.’ Rikka made to pretend fear in her eyes. She grabbed the bottom of Heather’s blue cotton robe and tugged on it.  ‘He may come after me you know. Perhaps this evil one watches as we talk.’
    ‘No Rikka, don’t