Enchanted Cottage (Avador Book 3, Books We Love Fantasy Romance) Read Online Free PDF

those days, magic was forbidden. For too long, evil sorcerers had used magic to do their bidding, causing tragedy and strife throughout the land. Nowadays, Queen Keriam permits magic, as long as it is used for good. But those who practice dark magic must be defeated and punished.”
    She sighed. “You don’t need to tell me, but how can I overcome evil?”
    Radegunda smiled. “It will come to you. Good magic can drive away bad sorcery.”
    Alana shook her head. “I know nothing about magic.”
    “You don’t need ta know it. One day, sooner or later, you will find a way to surmount wickedness. You will wake up and wonder why you never thought of it before. Just remember, goodness can defeat evil.”
    A sense of optimism burst inside Alana as she headed for the door. She turned back, a sheepish expression on her face. “Oh, I almost forgot. I need a comb and a cake of soap.”
    “Very good. I have several different fragrances of soap—lavender, lilac, chamomile, rose—“
    She reached in her pocket for the necessary coins. “Lilac, my favorite fragrance. Radegunda, I can’t thank you enough for your encouraging words.”
    “Just remember, child, you have it within you to overcome evil.”
    “Thank you again, Radegunda.” She paid for the soap and an ivory comb, dropping the change in her pocket. She left the store, trying to convince herself that she could face any challenges that came her way. Time and patience were all she needed.
    Looking westward, she spotted the Treasury of Knowledge in the distance. Bright sunlight reflected on its sandstone. Ah, books; she missed reading. She strode in that direction, the air much warmer now, and reached the library shortly after. After scanning their large assortment of adventure novels, she left with several books the librarian had placed in a cloth bag for her. Concerned now about the passing time, she worried about Colin, wondering how he managed by himself.
    Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she’d missed her noontime meal. Back at Talmora Square, she bought two meat pies, carefully wrapped, and a dozen oatmeal and raisin cookies from the vendors. Time to return home now. She bit into the spicy meat pie, savoring the thick chunks of beef and potatoes. She’d save the other pie for Colin, and they’d share a few of the cookies after the evening meal.
    First making use of the public facilities, she gathered her things together. She made the
    long trip home, satisfied with what she’d accomplished but still sorry about the loss of her bracelet. Radegunda’s kind words helped erase her regret and gave her a sense of optimistic purpose.
    The sun was sinking in the east, firing the sky with a golden glow. Warmth still hung in the air as she trekked the Royal Road. Her legs and feet ached, her sandals about to fall apart. She dreaded the return trip in a nine-day to fetch her dresses and shoes. After finding the path through the forest, she headed back to her cottage, her arms tired from carrying the bag of books and cookies. She sighed as she spotted the cottage, so happy to be home.
    But when she opened the door, she found the cottage empty. Colin was gone.
     

 
    Chapter Five
     
     
    Brendan packed his tools in his cart, prepared to leave Sligo. Richer by three gold coins, he sighed with a job well done and thoughts of a promising future. The rich merchant whose house he’d helped construct had recommended him to several friends. He would ask Alana to marry him, now that he was able to support her. He would build her a fine stone house, a home worthy of her. Thoughts of spending the rest of his life with her, and children to give them joy, put a spring to his step.
    But did she love him? Surely she did. Pushing the cart ahead of him, he set out on the Royal East-West Road, home to Cairn—and Alana.
     
    * * *
     
    Inside her hut, Morag sat at her table and whisked the cloth cover from her crystal ball. Sneezing in a cloud of dust, she shoved jars and books of