Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes, #0)(81)

* * *



The city, the clapboard buildings skirting it, and the dunes piled around them all appeared serene. Only the sound of the bells bespoke anything amiss.

Viv pounded over the crest of the last hill, sand spitting behind every footfall, sweat already darkening her shirt. Gallina’s breath was hot against her neck, and the gnome grunted when her body slapped hard against the flat of the greatsword.

Viv had expected flames, screams, an army of the undead—but there was nothing she could see.

After a few weeks of desultory workouts and physical recovery, her lungs burned after a run that she would have easily managed a few months past. She didn’t let her pace slacken, though, as she charged down the last stretch of road before it branched off toward The Perch.

“Don’t see nothin’,” said Gallina.

“You ever hear those bells before, though?” panted Viv.

The gnome’s arms tightened a little, and Viv could tell she was shaking her head.

“Must be inside the walls.” Distantly, she thought she heard shouts. She spied lantern-glow winking in the window of Thistleburr.

Viv paused in front of the building, heaving huge breaths. Gallina released her grip and landed nimbly behind her. “Like ridin’ a horse made out of rocks,” she grumbled.

Fern, or Maylee? Viv was paralyzed by a sudden indecision. Thinking about it though, only one option made sense: she had to get into the city, had to find Iridia. “Check on Fern,” she said, stabbing a finger at the red door. “Lock up behind you.”

“What’re you doin’? I’m not sittin’ with a bunch of books while somethin’ good is goin’ on.”

“I’m making sure Maylee is fine. You don’t have to stay. Just check that Fern is all right and that she’s keeping safe.”

Without waiting for Gallina to object again, Viv got moving.



* * *



Sea-Song was locked—which was good—but Viv felt every second creep by as she hammered on the door. She wanted nothing more than to take a few steps back and bash the thing off its hinges, and if she hadn’t needed it locked again after she left, she might have done so.

The bells were louder here, and she couldn’t imagine Maylee had slept through them. Bakers turned in early, and she was probably tossing and turning upstairs.

In practical terms, it wasn’t long before she spied the glow of Maylee’s lantern gleaming through the window, but it felt like forever. When she appeared in the doorway, Viv was surprised by the magnitude of her relief.

“You’re back,” yawned the dwarf. “Can’t decide what’s louder, you or the bells.” She raised her lantern to spill the light across Viv’s face.

Viv seized her by the shoulders, leaned in, and kissed her square on the mouth.

“Well, hello to you too, hon,” breathed Maylee.

“What do the bells mean?” asked Viv, and her grim tone startled any remaining drowsiness from Maylee’s expression.

“Fire, maybe? Couldn’t see from here. Nothin’ we can do anythin’ about.” She suddenly seemed to register that Viv was wearing two blades. “Hang on—”

Viv glanced over her shoulder, half expecting some shambling skeletal assailant to stumble up the boardwalk.

“I don’t think it’s a fire. You still have that mace upstairs?”

“Yeah.”

“Get it. Stay awake. Lock the door again after I leave. Don’t let anybody in.”

Maylee narrowed her eyes. “If this is about her, then I should come with you. I can still—”

“No. When was the last time you swung that thing? I just want you safe.”

“Well, I want the same.” Maylee jabbed Viv in the belly with a finger. “Where the hells are you off to anyway?”

“To get a book.”



* * *



Shouts grew more distinct as Viv sprinted toward the fortress entrance. Light bloomed above the walls in a haze of gold, but not from an uncontrolled blaze. Lanterns gleamed on the ramparts, and the bells continued their deafening peals.

At her side, the satchel jerked, and Viv did, too, as skeletal fingers reached from beneath the flap and clutched at her side.

She skidded to a stop and unslung the pack. The homunculus opened the flap himself, his skull and one arm emerging, eyes blazing blue.

“What the hells? The dust—”

“Plenty remained for this,” he said. “Quickly! You must let me out.”

“I’m heading in there, after the book.” She stabbed a finger at the walls. “You want somebody to see you and bash you to bits? You haven’t met Iridia yet. I don’t have time to explain you, and she still doesn’t like me a whole lot. I don’t think you’re going to fare much better.”

“She will not harm me. She cannot. Nor can any mortal inside those walls.” His voice was coldly certain.

The image of a spineback riddled with shards of bone sprang to mind and quelled her flourishing doubts.

“Your Lady might already be in there,” warned Viv.

“If she is, I’d much prefer to meet her on my feet.”

She paused, then dropped to a knee, quickly dusting his bones again for good measure. As he clattered into being beside her, she snatched up the satchel once more. “Let’s go.”