Forest of Demons by Debbie Cassidy Read Free Book Online Page B

good?”
    Guru smiled across at him, and Priya was struck by the tenderness in that look.
    Turning away, confused, she continued down the trail.
     
    The trip was very successful. Not a single trace of the rakshasa. They collected every item on the list, some in copious quantities. It’d been a productive morning’s work.
    Guru and Pratip mainly kept watch, carrying the bag and helping with the particularly difficult roots. Pratip asked a lot of questions. Priya got the impression that he was genuinely interested in villee work.
    “You know, Papa is looking for an apprentice,” she said.
    “Really?” Pratip’s face lit up.
    “No.” Guru shook his head. “Much too dangerous.”
    Pratip frowned up at him. “You didn’t have any problem coming today.”
    “Like I would leave Priya to do this alone. Besides, there are three of us,” Guru pointed out.
    “And if I take the apprenticeship, there will be two of us.”
    “But you’ll eventually have to work alone. No. I won’t allow it.” It was said in such an impervious tone that Priya sat back on her heels, staring at Guru in bewilderment.
    Pratip stood, hands on hips. “It’s my decision.”
    “For goodness sake Pratip, be reasonable.”
    Priya watched the exchange with interest. Something was off; she was missing something.
    She realized both men had stopped arguing and were staring at her sheepishly.
    Pratip cleared his throat. “Such an overbearing friend, isn’t he? I’m surprised he didn’t pick a fight with Ravi when he discovered the proposal.”
    “What?” Priya asked.
    Guru’s expression darkened. “I’m glad you refused him. He’s not a decent man. There are terrible rumors circulating about him.”
    Despite her own reservations, a strange protective urge rose up in her. “Ravi is a hard-working man. He saved my life!”
    “Yes, he did, which is the only reason I didn’t have strong words with him.”
    Priya studied his face, set in harsh lines to depict his displeasure. She imagined Guru facing off against Ravi and could only see one outcome, and it wouldn’t have been in Guru’s favor. A giggle rose in her throat.
    Guru’s frown deepened. “You think this is funny?”
    Pratip stepped in to diffuse the situation. “I’m sure Priya is perfectly capable of making her own judgements, and to be honest, the image of you challenging Ravi is kind of funny.”
    Guru bristled. “Just because I’m slender doesn’t make me weak.”
    Pratip smiled indulgently. “Of course not, but you don’t spend all day, every day, shaping metal with a hammer that’s equal to your body weight.”
    Guru glared at him. Pratip pulled a funny face. Then they were both laughing. The sound was infectious, and Priya couldn’t help but join in.
    As they made their way back down the trail toward the village, Priya ran the conversation through her mind. He knew about the proposal and was unhappy about it. Could it be that he cared more than he was willing to admit? Maybe he was bound by his family’s expectations so was unable to declare himself. She knew he cared for her; maybe in time, he’d find the strength to act on those feelings.
    But he cares for Pratip too. Look how upset he became when the apprenticeship was considered.
    It was all much too confusing. In the end, Priya filed away the thoughts for later examination.
     
    Guru and Pratip walked her home saying their good-byes outside the hut. Priya knew better than to invite them in. Ma was busy making pots for the market, and Papa would probably be resting. Before they left, Pratip leaned in on the pretext of a hug and whispered in her ear.
    “Tell your papa I’ll take the apprenticeship.”
    So she entered the hut armed with some positive news.
    She could hear the potter’s wheel whirring. Ma was ensconced in her own world in her workroom at the back of the house. Pottery was her pleasure, her escape. She loved making the pots, which was why her creations sold. Each pot, vase, and plate was a