Eldritch Manor by Kim Thompson Read Free Book Online

table, the claws idly tapping holes in the tablecloth.
    Willa sat primly, quietly, trying not to stare. Right beside her sparkling little Mab was skipping about her plate as if it was a fairy ring, the china sounding ting-ting-ting with every step. And Baz kept creeping up silently behind Willa, making her jump every time she placed a new empty plate in front of her.
    The only thing that kept Willa from getting jittery was Fadi in her cage, just visible over Belle’s shoulder. The bird watched her steadily but kindly and even winked at her once. All she could do was pretend to eat. After all, that’s what everyone else was doing.

    Willa dabbed her mouth with her napkin and placed it on her plate. The so-called meal was finally over. Now she had to pretend she was full, even though her stomach was groaning. Suddenly something brushed against her ankle. She stiffened. What new weird creature could this be? Was it dangerous? It was circling her feet, she could feel it moving. It must be the cat, the mysterious cat she had never seen. She picked up her handkerchief and let it slip from her hand onto the floor. Nobody even looked up as she leaned down to retrieve it and peered into the darkness under the table. Two green eyes peered back, and a scaly lizard face flicked out a scarlet tongue at her.
    She managed not to scream but jerked up suddenly, banging her head on the table. Sitting up as nonchalantly as possible, she quietly drew up her legs until she was sitting cross-legged on her chair. She realized she was holding her breath and let it out slowly and silently. This was too much all at once; she felt an urge to shout, or run or scream or SOMETHING, but she kept rigidly still.
    Everything had become strangely quiet. Everyone at the table was watching her, smiling.
    â€œHow did you like your dinner?” Miss Trang was regarding her with transparent eyes.
    â€œIt was delicious, thank you very much.” All she could think about was getting out of there and going home to make herself a peanut butter sandwich.
    â€œThis was all Horace’s idea.” said Miss Trang, gesturing toward the empty plates.
    Horace nodded, grinning. “It’s known as a Barmecide Feast — a test of poise and humour. You did very well indeed, my dear.”
    Willa blinked, unsure of what to say. Her stomach spoke for her, gurgling loudly, and she blushed with embarrassment. Miss Trang turned to Baz.
    â€œGo and make Willa a sandwich. Peanut butter, yes?”
    Willa started in surprise and nodded. Baz scurried into the kitchen and in a flash returned with the sandwich. As Willa munched happily, Miss Trang spoke once more.
    â€œSince you have done so well tonight, we’d like to keep you on as our housekeeper. You’ll have additional duties, so we’ll need you here full time. And there are two rules. The first rule you know already: do not tell anyone about anything that goes on here. The second concerns the asking of questions. I’m sure you have a few queries about our humble household, yes?”
    Willa could only nod, as her mouth was full.
    â€œWell, it would take many days and nights to explain everything you are wondering about, believe me. For this reason you are only allowed one question per day.”
    Willa swallowed. “May I ask one now?” Miss Trang nodded but Tengu was already pointing at Willa and cackling.
    â€œThat was a question! You used up your question!”
    Miss Trang gave him a stern look and he sat back, one hand over his mouth as he continued to snicker. “Go ahead.” She nodded to Willa.
    Willa’s mind raced. What did she most want to know about? The fairy? The bird Fadiyah? Horace the lion? Robert the centaur?
    Hearing the sudden tick-tick-tick of nails on the wood floor, Willa peered back over her shoulder to see the long, skinny lizard dash across the room, jumping, writhing, and wriggling. She thought it was biting at its own tail, but soon saw