“Do you know about the paper I carry with me?”
She nodded. “You are trying to find the one who cursed you, so that you may become human again. Vadoma will help.”
“Why?” When a silence fell, Davien wondered if he had offended her, so he added, “I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, because I am immensely grateful that you are willing to assist me. Rest assured, I will gladly pay you handsomely for your time. I just wanted to know why.”
“Does there need to be a reason,englez? What are people on this earth for but to help one another?”
If that didn’t firmly put him in his place. “Of course, you’re right.”
“Vadoma knows,” she repeated, causing Davien to smile. He hadn’t been around many gypsies in his life, but if they were all as delightful as this one, he might have to change that.
“Vadoma likes you too.”
This time, he laughed.
After a brief time, Vadoma finally turned to him. She held several materials in her hands, which she gave to him. “This is what you will need to make the wax tablet. You have the instructions. Complete this task and then bring it back to me. I will tell you what you wish to see. But do not lose these items,englez,for they have special power to see into the past.”
He looked at the items she had given him, a combination of wood and wax, along with a pair of ivory plates and string to make a diptych to tie it all together. “Thank you, Vadoma. I am indebted to you.”
“You owe Vadoma nothing. Use the good I gift you with to offer to someone in need.”
He bowed, and even though she couldn’t see the action, he gave it in reverence, and he had a good idea that she could sense that. “I will return this evening.”
With that, he opened the flap and descended the steps of her wagon. Vano was waiting for him. “Did you get everything you wanted from my grandmother?” he asked sourly.
Davien shot him a grin meant to provoke. “Not yet, but I will.” He dared to clap the man on the shoulder. “I’ll see you soon.”
He didn’t even try to hide his shifting abilities, as he transformed back into the crow right before the man’s eyes. With a caw that rent the night air, Davien disappeared above the trees.
~ ~ ~
By the time Davien returned home, it was well past dawn. After more than twenty long years, he felt as though the tide was starting to turn in his favor. Vadoma had given him the optimism he needed to withstand this time apart from Cosette. For the first time since he’d been cursed, he felt the shining presence of faith smiling down upon him.
However, the moment he walked inside the foyer, he was met with the sound of opposition. “Whot kind o’ house is this?”
He glanced at Charlotte where she stood at the top of the stairs, although he headed toward the library. “Efficient.”
“Dinna ye want t’ know aboot yer coachman?”
The mention of Quinn caused him to hesitate. He looked up at her expectantly.
“He’s alive and I dinna see no evidence o’ a fever.”
“That is welcome news.” He moved on. He didn’t care if he had been rude, he wasn’t in the mood to chat.
He had a wax tablet to make and a couple of curses to break.
