The Fuller's Apprentice (The Chronicles of Tevenar Book 1) by Angela Holder Read Free Book Online Page A

to another screened space on the far side. People milled about, one group leaving the area, another coming in and taking seats.
    A young man with a hawk on his shoulder approached them. “Elkan, am I glad to see you. Windsong and I have got to take a break; that last case wore us out. We must have opened fifty windows from a dozen different angles before everyone could agree on the truth. Would you mind terribly taking the next case or two, until we’ve recovered some energy?”
    “I’d be happy to, Kaniel. What’s next?”
    “Should be simple enough. The watchers just brought a shoplifter in. He’s only a boy.”
    Elkan nodded. “I’ll take care of things until you’re ready.” Gesturing for Josiah to take a seat in the first row of benches, he seated himself in the central chair in the semi-circle at the front. “I don’t think I’ll need your help, Josiah, but stay and watch. If I need anything I’ll call on you.”
    He beckoned a small group of people to come forward. “Everyone, take your seats; let’s begin.”
    Once they were settled, he turned to the man at his left. “You’re making the complaint? Please introduce yourself and tell us what happened.”
    The man wore the cap and apron of a baker, dusted white with flour. “I’m Master Nur Bakerkin Baker. I was in my shop, waiting on my customers. It was just before noon, so we were busy. There was a commotion by the door. People started shouting. I ran out to see what was going on and noticed some honey rolls missing from the display in the window. This little thief was running away!” The baker’s rough voice was sharp with outrage. “Of course I cried for the Watch to catch him. He denied everything, but I insisted on bringing him before the court. When you show us what happened we’ll all witness the boy’s guilt, and I’ll be compensated for my loss.” He glared at the boy in the chair across from him.
    The boy squirmed, looking around for support. A woman wearing the red cloak of a watcher stood behind his chair, alert lest he make any move to flee. A man and woman sat on either side of him, looking ashamed and uncomfortable.
    Elkan leaned toward the boy. “What’s your name?”
    “Roni Cobblerkin, sir.”
    “How old are you, Roni?”
    “Nine, sir.”
    “And these are your parents?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Elkan turned to the man. “Would you introduce yourself, please?”
    “Yes, sir. I’m Master Raizel Cooperkin Cobbler, and this is my wife Master Jobina Tailorkin Tailor. I’m sure there must be some mistake. Our Roni’s a good boy. He knows better than to go stealing.”
    “If there’s been a mistake, we’ll find out. Roni, were you in Master Nur’s shop?”
    “Yes, sir. I was going to buy a honey roll. I had money!” He dug a grubby hand into his pocket and displayed a small copper coin. “But I didn’t get a chance. All of a sudden people were yelling at me and trying to grab me, so I ran. I was scared! But I didn’t do anything wrong.” He glared at Elkan.
    “I understand, Roni.” Elkan sat back in his chair. He put out his hand, and Sardonyx moved under it. He glanced at the baker. “This happened just before noon, you said?”
    “That’s right.”
    “And where is your shop?”
    The baker gave Elkan a detailed description of the shop’s location. When he was satisfied, Elkan nodded. “Observe, everyone.”
    He put one hand on Sar’s back and held the other out, palm up. A pinprick of light sparked to life and expanded until it was a glowing golden globe several feet in diameter. The center of the globe cleared, and they looked through a round window framed with golden light into another place and time.
    Josiah and the other spectators leaned forward to see clearly. The window showed a busy baker’s shop. People milled about, choosing the loaves or pastries they wanted and waiting in line to pay. Josiah could hear their voices, soft and hollow as if from far away, but clear.
    Elkan studied the scene