Read Online Firebrand by R.M. Prioleau - Free Book Online

shadows moving about. He knocked carefully on the glass, hoping someone—anyone—was still inside.
    To his relief, Kaijin heard the front door creak open and saw a red-haired woman poke her head out. She glanced left and right until finally resting her eyes on him.
    “What is all that racket you’re making, boy?” She scowled.
    Kaijin approached her and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I need parchment.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “I just closed up shop. Come back tomorrow.”
    “Please! It’s important! Master Jarial will be upset if I don’t come back with some parchment!”
    Her other eyebrow rose. “Jarial? Jarial Glace?” She smirked. “He never told me he had a student. What kind of master is he to send a small boy out alone this late?”
    “You know my master?” Kaijin blinked.
    “Know him? He’s a regular customer. If it’s not parchment or ink he’s buying, then it’s mundane spell components.”
    He showed her the money pouch. “Master Jarial gave me this for the parchment. May I please buy some?”
    The woman stared at the pouch. She sighed, disappeared in her shop, and returned with a secured sheaf of about 40 sheets. “Tell him to send you out earlier next time.” She took the money and handed it to him.
    Kaijin grinned. He clutched the sheaf close to him and regarded the woman graciously. “Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!”
    The woman winked. “Jarial’s rather moody. I can only imagine what kind of teacher he is.” She flicked her hand at him. “Off with you, now.”
     
    *  *  *
     
    Kaijin sped past the Ruddy Flask, avoiding people. The alleys seemed less daunting the more people he passed, and he considered taking an alternate route home. Maybe I will get back faster this way, he thought. I’m running out of time. He stopped in front of an alley and peered into its shadowy curtain. He listened for sounds, but none came. His heart pounded. It wasn’t the dark he was afraid of—it was the fear of getting lost. He had hoped there was more than one way back to the cottage, and he had hoped this route was faster. He took a deep breath and walked through the unknown. The air here was foul, reeking of urine and garbage. Covering his nose, Kaijin kept his eyes ahead. He couldn’t see the end of the alley and wondered just how far it went. He stopped and stared up at the narrow strip of starry night sky. A shiver ran down his spine. He had a feeling he wasn’t alone.
    The strange noise he’d heard earlier returned. Kaijin listened to what sounded like flapping wings. He felt a small lump in his throat. “Birds, just birds,” he muttered. “Nothing scary about birds.” He regained his composure and resumed his fast walk.
    Something suddenly flew past his face emitting small, eerie shrieks.
    Kaijin gasped and jumped. He gazed frantically into the darkness but saw nothing, not even his own hand. This is getting too scary. He changed direction and headed back where he came.
    The shrieking sounds returned from above, and Kaijin ran faster, his feet splashing in unseen puddles.
    Kaijin flew out of the alley and was back on the main street. He sprinted as fast as he could away from the concealed threat. His heart pounded so furiously, he thought it was going to rip out of his chest. Another screech resounded, and an unknown creature swooped past his ear. Kaijin yelped, dropping the parchment bundle. He shivered as he felt something furry brush his cheek. He dropped to the ground and huddled into a ball.
    “Go away! Go away!” Kaijin shut his eyes and cupped his hands over his ears. He waited a few moments before opening his eyes and uncovering his ears. His eyes darted about the dark, empty streets, and he heard only the silence of night.
    “Oy! Little brat!” a man’s voice bellowed nearby. “Be quiet! Ya wanna get eaten, too?”
    Kaijin’s gaze shot sidelong to the source of the voice. An old, drunken man in rusted, bloody chainmail covered by a torn tunic