Page 9 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

She furrowed her brows and pursed her lips. “A magical barrier would be easier—and faster. And probably more effective in the long run.”

He blinked at her in evident surprise. “A magical barrier?” For a long moment, he studied her. “Do you know anything about magic, Zorina?”

The question froze her heart for a beat before her pulse thrummed even harder. Answering truthfully would be unwise, but she also didn’t want to outright lie. Instead, she asked a question in return. “Why in the Realms would you think I know about magic?”

Herrick frowned. “Because you suggested a magical barrier.”

With a shrug, Zorina replied, “It seemed like the most logical solution.”

Quirking an eyebrow, he said, “And yet no one mentioned it in the meeting.”

“Then they’re all idiots.”

A laugh escaped him. “Probably. Some of the so-called solutions were horrible.”

“So I heard.”

“But a magical barrier sounds feasible—if we can find a mage to do it,” he said.

Zorina turned her attention to looking over the shop. “There I cannot help you.”

Herrick was silent for a moment. To her surprise, when she peered up at him, his gaze was steadily on her. “Cannot or will not?”

Pointedly ignoring the question, she grabbed the broom again and began to sweep—even though the shop didn’t need it.

The stubborn man invaded her thoughts by asking again, “Cannot or will not, Zorina?”

Jaw clenched, she glared at him. “I don’t do magic.”

Not anymore…

Herrick

She’s lying, Herrick thought as he watched her sweep a perfectly clean floor. Or at the very least, she’s keeping something from me—something about magic.

Whatever it was—whether she knew magic herself or knew a mage who did—he was determined to find out. If someone could magically keep the red pandas out of the city without harming them, it would be the perfect solution to their problem.

Did Zorina have that capability?

And if so, why was she hiding it?

Or did she know someone else who could use magic and didn’t want to say anything?

If that was the case, why not?

The uncertainties gnawed at him. How could he get her to open up and tell him the truth?

A shudder ran through him when he realized he would have to be friendly.

Herrick didn’t even know where to start. Striking up friendly conversation was not one of his skills. Sword fighting? Strength? Observation? Generally being intimidating? Yes. Talking to people? No.

Plastering on a smile he didn’t feel, he asked, “What do you know about magic? Do you bewitch men to fall for your charms?”

Zorina visibly stiffened and froze mid-swing. She glared up at him, anger simmering in her blue eyes.

He arched an eyebrow to hide his internal wince. Apparently, it had been the wrong thing to say.

After taking a deep breath—likely to calm herself—she said with clenched teeth, “I do not bewitch men, nor do I want any fool to fall for whatever charms I may possess. Any man who doesn’t see my worth on his own isn’t worthy of my time.”