About Bait

by Kara Larson
30 pages / 6700 words
Ebook zipped file contains - html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub

Playing "bait" isn't a new task for Edric; he's used to doing whatever Father Osmer asks in their hunt for those subverting the will of the church. If he isn't being seduced by fey or testing the old legend about falling asleep under an apple tree, Edric's forced to investigate the most dangerous of church enemies: little old ladies living in the countryside. This one particular village reminds Edric of everything he tried to escape from: poverty, mud and livestock. What he doesn't expect to find is the most magical creature of all -- someone he loves, and someone willing to help him break free of Father Osmer.

Sample

After a quick tumble, Father Osmer had bid him goodbye, looking down his long nose at Edric and making him promise not to fall asleep in plain sight of the road, allow himself to be kidnapped by bandits or make camp under an apple tree. Edric could understand the first two, since the raiders from the north still headed to the southern lands as soon as the snows melted every year. And Father Osmer said time and time again that Edric was one of the finest-looking acolytes he'd ever known. The priest should know, as he was said to be the comeliest priest of any in England.

It was the last part that confused Edric. What would an apple tree be doing in an English forest? Everyone knew that apple trees grew in orchards. Father Osmer had reminded Edric of Sir Lancelot's misadventure the one time he napped under an apple tree, but Edric didn't think any woman was a good enough shot to get him in the arse with an arrow. And if Edric remembered correctly, the knight had still fought at tourney the next day. Not that he was as grand a man as Lancelot du Lac. He would be happy enough to find a scrivener's position someday in London, or an apprenticeship with an apothecary. Even the promises of his phantom lover seemed out of reach.

But dreams wouldn't keep him warm and dry during a rainstorm. His woolen robe was pretty well soaked through, but at least his blankets were more dry than damp. With thoughts of freedom still running through his head, Edric was surprised enough when he finally fell asleep.