The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox Read Free Book Online Page A

way, but she wasn’t about to admit that, either.
    She stirred herself to be logical. “Think about it. A short-wave here would serve what purpose?” Kat asked. “We’re supposed to be on the lookout for spies in our midst. Mr. Churchill said so.”
    Peter’s expression moved from amusement to surprise, and he stopped in his tracks so they were facing each other at a turn in the passage. “You think there’s a spy here?”
    Kat set her lips. She knew something about spying. “It’s possible.”
    â€œWell, it couldn’t be the Lady,” he said.
    She lifted her eyebrows. “And why ever not?”
    â€œMaybe she has a wireless out of sheer practicality.” He paused. “She’s living up here nearly alone, and with her husband ill and all.”
    Kat wasn’t keen on the Lady, what with the small girl left out in the cold garden, the Lady’s chilly personality, and now Peter obviously thinking the Lady very fine indeed. Kat folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not at all sure about her.”
    â€œI like her well enough,” Peter said in a tone that suggested he liked her quite a lot.
    â€œWhy would she have a wireless behind a hidden door if it’s just practical?”
    Peter shrugged. “You’re too suspicious.”
    Kat chewed her lip. “Maybe she’s in league with someone else.”
    â€œMaybe. Or maybe she doesn’t know the wireless is in there. Maybe someone discovered this hidden room and is using it for his or her purpose.”
    â€œI guess that’s possible,” Kat said grudgingly.
    â€œAt least it’s not a ghost.”
    â€œRight,” Kat said. No such thing—was there? As if in answer, a grumbling groan drifted up from below. Kat glanced down the dusky hallway, suppressing the urge to run.
The furnace,
or maybe the wind around the outer walls. Right?
    Peter’s voice startled Kat. “What do you want to tell Rob and Ame?”
    â€œI guess we should—”
    â€œHere!” Marie’s voice, sharp, came from behind her. Kat almost leapt out of her skin. “Just what do you think you’re playing at?”
    Peter said, “We were trying to find the, um, you know, where—”
    â€œIf the Lady discovered you wandering about the hallways, you’d regret it,” scolded Marie. “Back to your rooms at once. And stay there until I fetch you.”
    Peter and Kat hurried down the hall.
    â€œWhere did she come from?” Peter whispered.
    â€œI don’t know.” They’d reached Kat’s room. “I thought the hall was empty.”
    â€œThis place is definitely spooky,” Peter said.
    Kat couldn’t agree more. Her heart was thumping. She opened her door. “Rob? Ame?”
    But Kat’s room was stone cold, silent and empty.

10
    Flesh and Bone
    I T IS 1746. The magister makes Leonore a gift.
    He says, “Here is a finger to replace your own, the one you have given up for the charmed child Rose.”
    Flesh
and bone.
    Leonore asks, “How could you make a finger that can replace the one heaven gave me?”
    â€œAh,” says the magister as he turns to stoke his fire. “This is so finely wrought that none shall see it for what it is in the broad daylight. Only in the dark shall sight and sound betray; only the light of the full moon shall reveal.” He does not add that heaven could never be party to this making. He does not add that his skill of invention is bought with old magic. He does not tell her what he does with her payment of flesh and bone.
    â€œTo keep this gift,” he says, “you cannot leave the castle or the town or the fells that surround them.”
    Payment made.
    When the charmed fish-girl Rose does not bring Leonore’s lord back from the brink of death, Leonore wants to try again.
    She should have taken a boy first, and now she will. Her lord would want a boy