Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
She loved her life. Loved Fenja and Tora as well as all the children in the village. She just always felt a little apart, as if she didn’t quite belong with anyone. She was a demon slayer. It wasn’t as if she ran into a hundred other women in that profession.
She glanced at her watch. If she was going to visit the Bootsma family, she needed to get moving. She didn’t want to wait on the matter. If there was something medically wrong with Raik, she would need time to persuade him to be checked out. If it was something else…
* * *
—
The Bootsma estate was midsized but gorgeous. Imka loved to garden, and the grounds were worthy of photos in magazines. Under places of interest, the Bootsma estate figured prominently. Tourists often came to see the extensive gardens, admiring the variety of snowdrops and daffodils and the many crocuses. The house was beautifully designed and handcrafted by several of the best carpenters in the village. It was a newer home, one Raik was proud to provide for his family. He made a good living off the sea, along with Finn Van Wieren.
Silke didn’t want to just show up for no apparent reason. Raik might become suspicious, especially if something was wrong. She’d hurried home and baked his favorite dessert, orange-cranberry scones. She also had Fenja write him a card, thanking him for stopping by to fix their little fountain. Fenja loved the water treatment, but it was old and often stopped working. Only Raik seemed to have the magic touch to bring it back to life. He always refused to take money for it, so she would often bake treats for him. It was known throughout the village that Raik had a sweet tooth.
Imka answered the door. She looked casually elegant as only Imka could look. She also wore foundation makeup, something she rarely did. Imka had gorgeous skin, just like her daughter, Julia. That makeup was barely covering the bruises on her face. Silke’s heart dropped. Evi had told her about the assault, and she should have been more prepared, but she hadn’t thought Raik would really hurt his wife. Had those blows landed on his daughter, Julia would have really been harmed. She wanted to rush Imka and Julia to a place of safety.
She smiled at Imka and indicated the package in her hand. “I brought Raik’s favorite scones. Fenja also sent a card for him. She would have come in person to thank him, but her legs were troubling her this evening.”
Imka blocked the entrance, clearly afraid to allow her entry. Behind her, an annoyed voice bellowed out in anger. “Who’s so rude to disturb us at this hour, Imka?”
At once, Silke stepped back with a rueful smile. “I’m sorry, Raik,” she called out. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I just stopped by to thank you for your excellent work and drop off the scones for you.” She kept her tone light and engaging. “I must have lost track of time when I was baking.”
Raik loomed up behind Imka and impatiently caught her by her shoulders to move her out of the way. “Why are you being rude to our guest, Imka?” The inquiry came out like a snarl. “You don’t leave important people standing on the doorstep.” He waved his hand toward Silke. “Come inside.”
Behind him, Imka gave a small shake of her head, silently trying to convey to Silke that something was wrong and not to enter. Silke pretended not to see the warning. It was imperative that she examine Raik. Just looking at him, hearing the way he spoke to his wife, and seeing the evidence of his foul behavior was alarming to her. It was all so out of character.
Silke stepped through the door. She had to pass close to Raik, as he didn’t move that far from her. Instantly she scented…demon. The energy the invader gave off was low, but it was there. As she smiled sweetly up at Raik, she held out the box of scones and Fenja’s card, keeping them close so he would have to step toward her. At the same time, she ran her gaze over the man, seeing with more than normal vision.
Silke was a healer, trained by Fenja. Fenja was considered a witte wieven and held great status in their community. The historical title meant she was believed to be a wise medicinal healer, steeped in the knowledge of herbs and plants. She was also a seer, one who could see into the future. Some believed that a witte wieven remained as a spirit after death. They became elven or living spirits. They were always honored and held in such high regard they were consulted about anything important, and when they passed, ceremonies were held at gravesites to honor them.