Curse of the Forbidden Book by Amy Lynn Green Read Free Book Online Page A

walking stick tighter. It was the only possession he had left to remind him of home.
    â€œWhere are we going?” Rae asked. She looked uncomfortable too, her hand clutching the bag that concealed her weapon.
    â€œOne-Eyed Roddy’s place is a few streets down,” Silas said. “Follow me.”
    We won’t have to worry about anyone recognizing us , Jesse realized as he dodged a baker selling his wares and a woman carrying a screaming baby. It would be hard to spot us, even if someone were actually looking. He struggled to keep up, limping through the street and trying to avoid gutters full of garbage.
    Once they stepped into the alleyway, the press of people stopped, and Jesse began to breathe easier. “I’ve decided that I don’t like the city,” Jesse declared to anyone who was listening.
    Silas glanced for landmarks on the narrow side street. “Just stay close.”
    The alley seemed dark, even though it was early afternoon, with long shadows from the buildings that lined either side. Jesse was sure he heard a squeak in front of him, and he shivered. Rats .
    â€œIf this is such a dangerous part of town, shouldn’t we be traveling on the main roads?” Jesse pointed out.
    â€œYou’re the one who wanted to avoid attention,” Silas said, shrugging. “Besides, this is my home. I know these streets as well as you know the woods outside your uncle’s inn.”
    No sooner had he said this than a loud cry pierced the silence. It came from the street next to this one.
    Jesse stopped immediately, glancing at the others. “Someone’s in trouble!” he declared.
    â€œThat is not our concern.” Silas kept walking.
    The voice cried out again, and this time Jesse listened to figure out the exact location.
    â€œWe have to help,” Parvel said, drawing his sword. “It’s our duty.”
    â€œNo,” Rae countered. “Our duty is to get to One-Eyed Roddy’s, then find the Forbidden Book. Robberies happen every day in the city.”
    Jesse felt frustration build inside of him. “We’re wasting time!” Before Silas or Rae could protest again, he ran toward the voice as quickly as he could with his limp. They can follow if they like.
    It was comforting to hear Parvel’s footsteps behind him. “Have you forgotten, Jesse,” he said, overtaking him, “that we escaped from Riddler’s Pass with only three weapons, and you do not have any of them?”
    â€œOh.” Jesse shrugged. “I could have attacked with my staff.”
    â€œYou thought with your heart before thinking with your head,” Parvel said, ducking down the side street toward the voice. “That can lead to trouble, Jesse.”
    Parvel’s lecture was cut short as they stopped in the middle of the alley. There the dirtiest character Jesse had ever seen was holding a jagged homemade knife, which he waved at his victim.
    A quick glance told Jesse that the victim was not from District Two, perhaps not even from Amarias. His skin was darker even than the desert dwellers’, and his colorful clothes were loose and of a strange style.
    â€œYou there,” Parvel said, sword at the ready. “What are you doing?”
    As if that isn’t obvious . The foreigner appeared to be untying a richly embroidered pouch at his side. Jesse noticed that his hands were shaking.
    Although Parvel, with his large frame and powerful muscles, should have been intimidating, the thief just sneered. “Stay out of this, boy. I have no quarrel with you.”
    Parvel kept his voice level as he stepped forward. “Perhaps not. But I see no reason for you to have a quarrel with this stranger either.”
    The thief narrowed his already squinty eyes. “Don’t take another step, boy. I’m warning you….”
    Out of the corner of his eye, Jesse saw some movement on the ground next to the thief. Then, while the thief was