The open cacao pod had resealed itself and now glittered with flecks of gold. I stuffed the pod into the bag, too, relieved to know that Queen Patchouli had been right and that our family talisman was intact. Imishi and I climbed up on Kir’s back again. Using the sun to get my bearings, I guided ...
A self-taught chef, Aunt Tuula was equipped for gourmet cooking, and she was always trying out new recipes from the countries she had visited. Crystal and china were stored in cabinets with glass-pane doors. Above a butcher-block island, a suspended rack held gleaming pots and pans, dried herbs t...
It was one of the river maidens. She smiled at me and nodded. I shook my head frantically, trying to get away. The river maiden looked frustrated. Then she let go of one of my ankles, touched her nose, and made a sound almost like breathing. I was so surprised that I didn’t try to get away again;...