Frost Arch by Kate Bloomfield Read Free Book Online Page B

lucky for us, it doesn’t.” Lester seemed to be growing tired of my stupidity on this particular subject.
    “So I’m a level five …” I said, rather beat about it. I thought that I might at least be a little above average. I thought I was rather dangerous.
    “Yes. Level Five. Fire Mage. Average Power.” He stamped something onto the documents he was scrawling on.
    “So what do I do with these papers?” I questioned.
    Lester folded the documents in his wrinkled hands and slid them across the desk to me. “You show these when looking for work … when entering the city … or … when questioned at random by Guards of Frost Arch. Make sure you keep them with you at all times.”
    I nodded subconsciously as I took the papers from the desk. Work. I hadn’t even thought about what I was going to do with myself.
    As if Lester had read my mind, he asked, “Do you have any idea how you are going to make a living here Miss Avalon?”
    I gulped loudly, “Well … I thought I would have a look around and maybe …” I trailed off, not exactly sure what I was going to say.
    “I quite possibly have an idea, if you don’t mind me prying.”
    My mouth twitched, “I don’t mind. Any help is good, right?”
    “Of course. I’d heard by word of mouth that the Forsythe manner was looking for a maid. I think you might be perfect for the job, Avalon. I’m old friends with Master Sebastian Forsythe, the man who owns the manor. I hear he is looking for someone with particular talents when it comes to keeping baths hot, fires lit, stoves cooking and bedrooms clean. Sounds perfect to me.”
    He was right of course. I could do all of those jobs. Well, almost. I wasn’t exactly a clean-freak, seeing as most things would sizzle under my touch, but of course I would try.
    “That sounds wonderful Lester, thank you.”
    “I’d say trot on over to the manor now. You really can’t miss it. There are three manors in Frost Arch. All you have to do is follow the main road downhill, past the marketplace. Just follow that road.”
    “Thank you, sir.” I said tucking the documents into my travelling cloak.
    “Off you pop then Miss Avalon.” Lester Elwood waved me from the room.
    I gave a quick bow, feeling rather silly about it afterwards of course, and hurried from the room. Once I was in the long, beautiful hall again, I saw Edmund waiting by the door.
    “Good luck with your visit to the Forsythe Manor, Miss Redding.” Edmund bowed to me as I approached him.
    “Um. Thank you.” I stammered. His talent really did make me uneasy. What other things could he hear inside my head, that even I wasn’t aware I was thinking? I figured he must have a very deep understanding of the mind, not to mention being able to read thoughts would make first impressions quite easy for him.
    I gave a weak smile as Edmund opened the door for me, and I stepped out into the chilly street. The wind had picked up, and was blowing snowflakes into my face. They melted on contact, and I barely felt the cold.
    “Just follow this road past the marketplace.” Edmund pointed to the main street again.
    I vaguely thought about Jefferson, and I knew he would be there, probably just realising that his furry little friend in the crate had mysteriously disappeared.
    Edmund chuckled and I bit my lip, worried.
    “Of course, there are some side streets to avoid the marketplace.” He continued pointing down the alley we were in, “But there really isn’t any point. The marketplace is so crowded that no one will even notice you. I promise.” He gave a friendly smile. I liked Edmund, I decided.
    “Thank you.” I bowed my head and hurried from the Power Seer Headquarters.

Chapter three
     

A Good Impression
    I was one hundred percent sure that I wanted to take the alleyways that would lead me around the marketplace, though I was certain I would get lost. I sighed and felt another twitch from my bag. My stomach gave an uneasy lurch. I really didn’t want to be