The Bravest Princess by E. D. Baker Read Free Book Online Page A

Granny Bentbone back to the carriage while the rest led the horses to the stream to drink. Annie noticed that the witch’s spell had already worn off and the old woman was once again able to use her hands. She was still befuddled, however, and looked around the carriage as if she’d never seen it before. The look she gave Annie also seemed to be one she’d give a stranger, but she took the food the guards offered her without question and began to eat as if she really was starving.
    It wasn’t long before they were on their way again. Annie nibbled her food as she watched the scenery pass by, but Granny Bentbone gobbled hers, eating every last crumb and licking her fingers afterward. Wiping her hands on her gown, she turned and peered at Annie.
    â€œWhat happened to your hair?” she asked. “It looks like a rabid squirrel made its nest in it.”
    â€œNothing,” snapped Annie, not wanting to have the same conversation all over again.
    Granny Bentbone shrugged and turned to thewindow. When Annie finished eating, she shoved her apple core between the bars of the window beside her. She thought she heard a crow caw, and jerked her hand back when a shadow blocked the sunlight. The old woman laughed, and Annie could feel her face turn red. Maybe she was afraid of the crows a little.
    As the miles rolled by, Annie struggled to stay awake so she could keep an eye on the witch. Granny Bentbone dozed, waking up now and then to look around, switch positions, and fall back to sleep again. The sun was low in the sky when they finally stopped for the night at the edge of a forest. Horace opened the door to let Annie out, and Liam was waiting to help her step down.
    â€œIf we kept going, we’d be spending the night in the Dark Forest, and that’s something I’d rather avoid,” said Liam. “We’ll set up camp here and reach the tower by midday tomorrow.”
    â€œWe’ve slept under the stars before, but what are we going to do about Granny Bentbone?”
    â€œMake sure she’s well chained and lock the carriage door,” said Liam. “There aren’t any homes around, so she won’t be able to call any children to her.”
    Annie glanced back at the carriage. “She has other kinds of magic, but she needs to use her hands to do it.”
    â€œThat’s good to know,” Liam told her. “We’ll tie her hands together so she can’t use them.”
    â€œIs anyone going to feed me?” Granny Bentbonecalled from inside the carriage. “I haven’t had a thing to eat all day, and I’m starving.”
    Liam raised one eyebrow. “I thought she ate when we did.”
    â€œShe did. She was very coherent this morning but has gotten forgetful again.”
    â€œI’m not forgetful!” cried Granny Bentbone. “My mind is sharp as a … a …”
    â€œI see,” said Liam. “I was just going to say that I know it’s early, but if we go to bed soon, we can get a good night’s sleep and an early start in the morning.”
    Annie glanced at the crows, which had already settled on an overhead branch. “I don’t know how well I’m going to be able to sleep, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
    After a simple supper of cold meat and fruit from the basket, Captain Sterling had the guards erect tents, tie and chain Granny Bentbone, and lock her in the carriage before setting up a watch rotation. The last time Annie and Liam had traveled together, they hadn’t had guards, horses, or tents, so having any one of these felt like a real luxury. Annie thought about this as she lay in her tent, wondering why, even though she was so much more comfortable, she wasn’t enjoying their trip. Of course, part of it was because she was riding in a carriage with Granny Bentbone, who didn’t have anything nice to say. Mostly, Annie thought it was because she wasn’t alone with Liam.