Free The Mirror's Tale (Further Tales Adventures) by P. W. Catanese Page A

was taking now. It was more like the relaxed inhalations and exhalations of someone in a deep, deep sleep. The sound was soothing. He kept his ear to the glass for a long time, closed his eyes, and just listened.
    This was not merely a priceless object. There was something extraordinary about it, a wondrous enchantment. And nobody knew but him. The secret knowledge made him smile.
    Early the next morning, as Parley prepared to depart, Bert ran downstairs with his letter tucked in the sleeve of his shirt. He waited around the corner of the keep until Parley was on his horse and his uncle had stepped back inside The Crags. Then he ran up to say good-bye.
    Parley’s eyebrows went up as he saw Bert coming. “Well, at least somebody looks like they slept well. You look ready to take on a host of Dwergh all by yourself!”
    “Good morning, trusted courier,” Bert said with a broad smile. He slipped the letter into Parley’s bag, shielding it as best he could with his body. “Remember, this goes straight to Will. Not to my father or mother. And don’t you read it, either. I sealed it, you know!”
    Parley put his hand over his heart and grinned impishly. “I will deliver it only unto your brother’s hands, my liege. And woe to anyone who stands in my way.”
    “You’re such a fool, Parley. That’s what we like about you”
    “Stay out of trouble, now—if that’s possible for you!” That was the last thing Parley said to him. Bert watched the courier ride off, and when he turned around he was not terribly surprised to see his uncle in the doorway.
    Bert crafted his most angelic expression: mouth pursedin a tiny smile, bright eyes blinking. “Good morning, Uncle!”
    Hugh Charmaigne stepped out to block his path. “I told you to give your letters to me and that I would give them to the courier.”
    “I didn’t want to trouble you, Uncle.”
    “That is a lie. You disobeyed me, because you do not trust me. I suppose you thought that I would read them first.”
    “It’s not that—”
    “Don’t contradict me, whelp,” Uncle Hugh snapped. “Your father doesn’t rule here. I do. That means you don’t question my orders, you just follow them. And when you disobey, I will punish you. You can depend on that. Now get to your room and stay there. I forbid you to come out until tomorrow.”
    “Yes, Uncle” Bert lowered his head and frowned. But what he really wanted to do was smile.

CHAPTER 14
    P arley allowed his horse to slow its pace, because he was near a spot he’d always liked, just before the Cliff Road, when the valley began to fall away. A brook came down from the forest slope on the right, disappeared under heavy wooden planks on the road, and then spilled over a ledge and vanished into a mist. The watery sound was better than music to his ears. He wondered how anyone could just trot by a scene like this without pausing to appreciate it. Too many people spent their lives rushing about, worrying about things that didn’t matter. That was their problem.
    It was funny how people who saw Parley’s missing eye, withered arm, and awkward gait always pitied him. If only you’d had better luck in battle, they’d say, you might even be a knight by now. No, Parley would say, don’t feel sorry for me. What could be better than traveling around the barony, bringing news to lords and ladies, and making friends in every village? And who was to scold him if he took a little extra time along the way? If a lame arm, a limp, and a useless hole in his head were the price to pay for such a life, he consideredit a bargain. Why, he was the baron’s messenger, and everyone was glad to see him coming.
    Among those glad to see Parley was a certain widow in a town that he’d pass through tomorrow. She had a face like a stale dumpling, but good heavens, the woman could cook. He was thinking of her and enjoying the fine mist that settled on his upturned face when a movement by the side of the road caught his eye. It was a