Read Online Depravity: A Beauty and the Beast Novel (A Beastly Tale Book 1) by M.J. Haag - Free Book Online

dense oak door swung open, and a thick-armed man greeted me with an impassive look.
    “Good day.  I have a message for the Head from Mr. Benard Hovtel of Konrall.”
    The man stepped aside and bid me to enter.  I willingly stepped into the spacious entry and admired the smooth sanded plank floor covered with a pretty, woven rug.  Spring flowers adorned the side table, scenting the air sweetly.
    “This way,” the man murmured, leading me toward a small room near the back of the house.
    A smaller man sat behind a desk there.  Sitting in a chair in the corner near the door through which we walked was another thick-armed man.  I understood the business of the Head and knew men strong enough to help keep the peace were needed.
    “She has a message for the Head,” the man announced behind me once I entered the room.  Without waiting for a response from the man behind the desk, my escort left.
    The short, thin man at the desk looked up from his papers, and with a pleasant smile, he stood when he saw me.
    “Good day, dear lady,” he greeted me.  “Mr. Pactel is currently occupied elsewhere in the Water. May I be of assistance?”
    “I’m not certain,” I said hesitantly.  “My father sent me here to deliver this message to Mr. Pactel.”  I reached into my bag, heard the man in the corner shift behind me, and quickly withdrew the sealed letter.  When I glanced over my shoulder, the man was just settling back into his chair, eyeing me critically.
    “And you are?”
    “Sorry,” I said, remembering myself.  “Benella.”
    “I am Tibit.  Would you mind if I read the letter?”  He didn’t reach for the letter I held out, letting me decide first.  Since I had no idea what it contained, I didn’t know what to say.  Though my father trusted me, at least I thought he did, he knew to what extent I could protect his letter and surely wouldn’t write anything of significant importance.
    “I think that would be fine, Mr. Tibit.”
    “Just Tibit will do,” he said politely, reaching for the letter.  He broke the seal and scanned the contents.  “Ah, yes.  The school master.”
    “My father,” I clarified.
    Tibit looked up at me with a half-smile.
    “Tell your father the offer still stands, and we are pleased to hear he is finally considering it.”
    With that, he moved back to his desk, effectively dismissing me with not one offer of refreshment or further explanation.  I kept my disappointment from my face and thanked him for his time before taking my leave.  A hint about the offer after which my father had inquired would have been nice, but a drink much more welcomed.
    *    *    *    *
    After some time on the road, the rattle and clink of a wagon sounded ahead.  Cautiously, I moved aside.  Traffic from Konrall was rare, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Perhaps the baker was heading toward the mill for his flour.  I quickly fled the road.  The mist welcomed me as I slipped through the trees in the direction of the wall.  The rattle of the wagon grew louder as it neared.
    Peeking through the trees, I sighed in relief when I spotted the traveling merchant’s wagon but didn’t step out to greet him.  I didn’t want to startle the horses.  Exhausted, I trudged the rest of the way home to arrive before dinner and Father’s return.
    “Where did Father send you?” Bryn asked, opening the cottage door before I could knock.
    “Please, sister,” I said.  “I’m tired, thirsty, and hungry.  Let me in so I can sit.”
    She scowled at me but moved aside so I could shuffle into the dim cottage.  The sky had grown increasingly dark during my journey home, and now a thick, light grey blanket of clouds covered the sun.  With no candles to spare, Bryn had lit a fire in the hearth to try to brighten the kitchen.  I sat in a chair and sighed when she sat across from me.
    “Well?”
    It wasn’t that I expected my sister to wait on me.  I’d just thought she would have the courtesy