Dragon's Breath by E. D. Baker Read Free Book Online Page B

sky? Did you see Grandmother or any of the other witches?"
    Grassina shook her head. "We didn't see much of anything, but I don't think there's a swamp. The island isn't very big."
    "The picture on the parchment—" Eadric began.
    "Was a trick to get the witches here, if I'm not mistaken," said my aunt. "Knowing that group, a snake-infested swamp would be more of an attraction than a tropical beach."
    "Do you suppose the witches might be on the beach? Eadric and I saw people and huts."
    "Then that's where we should start looking. Come along, sugarplum," Grassina said, ruffling Haywood's fur. "Let's go see if we can find my mother."
    I wasn't happy about walking beneath the trees since I didn't want to encounter the crabs again, but there wasn't any way to avoid it. I didn't have to worry, however. The moment Haywood saw the crabs, he licked his lips and galumphed across the sand in pursuit of a large fat one, sending the rest into hiding. While Grassina waited for him to return, Eadric and I kept walking.
    We were alone among the trees when Eadric said, "So how about a kiss? I haven't had one yet today." He took a step closer, backing me against one of the frond-topped trees, and leaned toward me with his hand braced against the trunk.
    "A kiss? With all the things we have to do, is that all you can think about?"
    Eadric grinned. "Sometimes. Other times I think about horses or improving my swordplay or what I'm going to have for dinner, but none of those things seem important when we're alone on this beautiful island."
    "You mean I'm more important than horses right now?"
    "And dinner. My stomach hasn't settled down yet, so I'm still not hungry. Do I get that kiss?"
    I rolled my eyes. "After that romantic explanation it would be almost impossible to refuse, but I'll manage," I said, ducking under his arm.
    "Hey!" said Eadric. "What's wrong? You kissed me the other day."
    "You're right, I did. I must not have had anything more important to think about then."
    With Eadric trailing behind, I hurried between the last of the trees and stepped onto the beach. There were people there, scattered across the sand like brightly colored flowers. All elderly women, they were dressed in loose-fitting gowns made from vibrant fabrics. The sleeves were short, leaving the women's arms exposed. Although my mother would have been shocked, I thought it was practical for such a hot climate. I was already perspiring in my long-sleeved gown.
    Small groups of women strolled along the water's edge, giggling when the waves wet their feet and legs. They'd stop now and then to pick up objects that the storm had washed ashore, exclaiming over their finds like children on a treasure hunt.
    Other women were working on their own projects. The closest of these was an old woman in a yellow and orange gown kneeling beside a castle she was constructing out of sand. Since the castle was within the water's reach, she was constantly repairing walls and towers, scooping the sand with a large seashell.
    "Hello!" she said, looking up as we drew near. "Come to see my castle? It's a beauty, isn't it? Watch what happens when the water fills the moat. See, it looks just like the real thing!" Water from one of the larger waves had run hissing up the sand, filling the moat and lapping at the castle walls. Clapping her hands, the old woman sat back on her heels and watched the wave retreat.
    "You've done a beautiful job," said Grassina, coming through the copse of trees. "Did you build it all by yourself?"
    "Of course. No one else can handle the sand so well. I'm the only one who can fashion a bridge or mold towers like these," she said, patting one tenderly.
    "So you know everyone on the island?"
    The old woman nodded. "There aren't that many of us. We all live right there," she said, pointing toward a nearby group of huts.
    "I know that woman," Grassina muttered once we'd continued on our way. "But I'd swear she didn't recognize me. Her name is Hennah, and she isn't