The Monster Hunter's Manual by Jessica Penot Read Free Book Online Page A

“Alex!” She vanished out of the room; I was left listening to the CD and writing simple French phrases in my workbook. After a few minutes, Aunt Perrine returned dragging Alex behind her. He had a scowl on his face and seemed deeply unhappy. Aunt Perrine pressed a button and the CD began again. “Bonjour,” thevoice said. I answered it, but Alex scowled and sank deeper in his chair.
    â€œI have to go out now,” Aunt Perrine said. “If you do your work, I will ’ave a special treat for you when I return. Work ’ard.”
    She waved and I heard the front door close behind her. As soon as the door shut, Alex turned the CD player off.
    â€œLet’s go,” he said.
    â€œBut our lessons…we need to learn French.”
    â€œYou’re such a killjoy.”
    â€œAunt Perrine is our guardian now and we have to respect her. We can’t go off and do whatever we want. She told us to study.”
    â€œBlah, blah, blah,” Alex said. “That’s all I hear you saying and I’m going to see Eleanor with or without you. Have fun with the French.”
    It only took me a few seconds to decide to follow him. I wanted to study, but there was no way I was going to let my little brother explore all the magic in the castle while I was stuck inside saying bonjour to a CD player.

Chapter 5
The Old Ones
    It didn’t take me long to catch up with Alex. He was running across the courtyard to the keep. Uno was already there, wearing a ridiculous looking cape that covered his entire body, only leaving a small slit for his eyes. He looked like a cartoon picture of death from an old comic book. He could have been scary, if he hadn’t of tripped on his own robes on the way up the spiral stairs. It was like watching a toddler in clothes that were too big. He fell at least four times.
    Roger caught up with us on the way up. He got there just in time to watch Uno fall flat on his face.
    â€œGood one!” Roger yelled.
    Somehow, we made it to the top of the stairs and went into Eleanor’s room. The sun was shining brightly in the window. I pulled the curtains closed so we could see her. She came from nowhere and materialized out of dust and shadow. There was a small smile on her lips. “Good morning,” she said softly. She curtsied.
    I bowed to her out of instinct. “I trust you are well this morning.”
    â€œVery well,” I answered honestly. “And you?”
    â€œI’m better now that you are here to keep me company.” She looked around and saw Roger and Uno in the corner and her face twisted in snobbish contempt. “What’re you two doing here?”
    â€œSorry, Your Highness,” Roger said. “Didn’t mean to soil your filthy room with our feet.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with them?” Alex asked defensively.
    â€œThey know why I’m mad,” Eleanor said.
    â€œSay you’re sorry, Roger.”
    â€œNo,” Roger said.
    Eleanor colored up. “If you can’t apologize you can leave.”
    Roger’s bony lips twisted into something that resembled a frown. “This isn’t your castle.”
    â€œBut it’s my room and I want you to leave,” Eleanor insisted.
    Roger threw up his hands. “Fine. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Are you happy?”
    Eleanor smiled. “Yes.”
    An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Eleanor kept smiling like a Cheshire cat, and Roger scowled and pouted like Alex when he didn’t get his way. I really wasn’t sure what was going on or why Roger was sorry. I was completely confused. “Why is he sorry, Uno?”
    â€œLast time we saw Eleanor she said she was a princess. He told her she was a liar. He said everything she said was a lie.”
    â€œWas she really lying?” I asked.
    â€œWho knows?” Uno answered. “She’s been here forever. She could make up any stories she wanted,