Page 43 of Fiendish Delights
‘Agreed.’
Hester released her grip on my finger. ‘Agreed!’
Otis nodded. ‘Agreed.’
‘Daisy?’
I sighed. I didn’t like it but it was the best move for now. ‘Agreed.’
‘Christmas isn’t far off,’ Hugo said. ‘We’ll see what the research team come up with then re-group after New Year. We all know that treasure hunting can be dangerous but any risks have to be calculated.’
There was another honk of a car horn. ‘Hugo! Babe! Marry me!’
That fungus rumour clearly wasn’t doing him any harm. I smiled slightly, suddenly feeling less guilty. Then I got to my feet. It was time to pack up and get out of there.
I tossed my bag into the boot of the car. ‘If you could drop me at the nearest train station, that’d be great.’
Hugo’s forehead creased. ‘You’re not coming to Edinburgh?’
‘It’s almost Christmas,’ I reminded him. ‘I’m going to spend a few days with my folks then head up north. I’ll be back by New Year. You’re not continuing this treasure hunt without me, have no fear on that score.’
‘I wouldn’t dare,’ he murmured. ‘But there’s no need for you to catch the train. I can drop you off at your parents’ house.’
‘It’s out of your way. And I like the train.’
‘I don’t mind. Without a reservation, you’ll probably have to stand all the way to Yorkshire. We’ve got two vehicles, Daisy. Everyone else can pile into the first car and I’ll take you in my Jeep.’ He smiled, indicating it was a fait accompli, and turned away to shift around the bags.
I twitched, discomfited. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t want Hugo to play chauffeur but somehow the idea unsettled me. I told myself to stop being so silly. Hester and Otis would be thrilled. They enjoyed travelling in comfort.
Feeling prickly and unwilling to watch Hugo sort out the luggage while I stood idly by, I turned and glanced at the abbey ruins and the graveyard beyond. Only the topmost branches of the old yew tree were visible from here.
I gazed at them for a moment before telling Hugo I’d be back shortly, then jogged to the tree. We’d smoothed over the evidence of our efforts the previous day and only a discerning eye would spot that the ground had been disturbed. It was just as well: more and more of Hugo’s fans were appearing, and the last thing we needed was a posse digging around the tree in a vainglorious bid to find their own treasure.
I sucked on my bottom lip and thought about what I’d seen on Mud McAlpine’s scroll before looking around to check that nobody was watching. When I was sure, I pushed myself onto tiptoe and broke off a small twig. I fiddled with it for a moment or two then shrugged and used a tiny burst of fire magic to set italight.
The twig smouldered for a few seconds before burning. Nothing else happened beyond it singeing the skin on my fingers. I wasn’t surprised – but I took another few seconds to break off a second, larger twig and stuff it into my bag. You never knew.
Less than fifteen minutes later, Hugo and I had said our farewells to the rest of the group. Miriam pointed me towards several online links that contained exercises to continue my sword work, and added the stern admonishment that she’d know if I didn’t practise. Everyone else gave me hugs and warm wishes. It was a far cry from the cold reception I’d received when I’d first met the Primes a few months ago.
We sped away in Hugo’s Jeep with Hester sticking her tongue out at the graveyard as it disappeared from view. ‘I wouldn’t get too complacent,’ I told her. ‘There’s a good chance we’ll be back if we can pinpoint the exact location of the treasure.’
‘I make a point of never worrying about tomorrow,’ Hester said. She waved her little arms in the air. ‘I’m all about the here and now.’
Otis tutted. ‘Planning and preparation aid success.’
Before they descended into another round of sibling bickering, I turned to Hugo to change the subject. ‘What are your plans for Christmas?’
‘Quite a few of the Primes stay at Pemberville Castle. There will be lots of wine, I’ll make an attempt at cooking, and there will probably be a cheesy Christmas movie and some silly hats involved.’
I tried – and failed – to imagine Hugo in a party hat. ‘What about your parents?’
‘They’re abroad – I think they’re in France right now. They don’t spend a lot of time in this country any more.’ There was something in his tone that suggested it wasn’t a subject he wanted to get into.
‘New Year will be spent at the Royal Elvish Institute,’ he said. ‘They host a grand gala every year.’ He glanced at me, momentarily taking his eyes away from the twisting road. ‘You should join us.’
I pulled a face. ‘I’m a low elf. My kind is not usually welcome there. It’s a bit too posh for the likes of me.’
‘You know,’ Hugo said wryly, ‘you possess a large dose of inverted snobbery, Daisy.’
