why. Niamh would usually step forward next, Ivy House having placed her in the number three spot before I was even chosen as heir. But she didn’t move. I frowned as Ulric walked toward the little flag, his face screwed up in confusion. He nodded to me as he passed, then took a seat in the number six spot. Jasper came next, in the number seven chair, and Mr. Tom claimed the number nine spot, which only proved that the order was based on fighting prowess and not the council members’ relative importance to my life and wellbeing.
Edgar came last, offering me a smile before sitting on the chair on the other side of the flag, number twelve.
“There has been a change,” Ivy House said to me in our magical language.
Cyra stepped forward with a big smile and her lensless glasses. Fire dripped from her fingers, and I was starting to wonder if she leaked when she couldn’t totally control her emotions. The dolls thudded after her, water sloshing out, little streams of smoke rising from the snuffed-out flames. I’d need to constantly replace the rugs in this place until I had a handle on the elemental magic.
She passed by Austin, smiling down at him as she did so. She stopped in front of me and offered me a bow.
“I pledge to you my allegiance, and in so doing, place with you the honor of the phoenix. You are a friend to my kind. When in great need, call to us and we will answer.”
I widened my eyes as she about-faced. She hadn’t mentioned that part of it.
“She is strong for her species, power incarnate,” Ivy House said. “She does your circle proud.”
“The house is controlling me, Hollace. This is neat.” Cyra laughed as she started forward, aiming for the number two spot. She lowered next to Austin and then beamed at him.
The basajaun’s hair puffed out and he tensed.
“Don’t try to force him,” I told Ivy House quickly. “This is not the time for a battle of wills. Remember when Austin pushed back? You’ll probably get the same thing from the basajaun, only a lot more violent.”
She was quiet for a long moment. The basajaun tensed further, proving she hadn’t backed down.
“Fine…” she finally said, but I could sense her annoyance. She was playing along, for now, but she’d probably try to mess with the basajaun in the future like she had with Austin. I wondered how that would go. Austin wasn’t the epitome of patience when someone was messing with him, but he was ten times more civil than that hairy beast.
“What’s the story with Niamh?” I asked as the basajaun finally started forward.
“Niamh is very valuable, but when I appointed her all those years ago, I could’ve never imagined the power you would amass. You have already collected more power than any of my other heirs did, with a larger variety. You were a good choice, and your circle shows your merit. I must change the positions as befit the players. None of these places are ever set in stone.”
That was news to me. I wondered if she changed the rules as the game continued. I wouldn’t put it past her.
Not like it really mattered. I didn’t treat anyone differently based on where they sat.
The basajaun stopped in front of me, towering over me. “May the stars guide our feet,” he said, his beard starting to come loose from its braid. The hair on his neck nearly covered the bow tie.
“Thank you for joining,” I said lamely. “Welcome.” It would’ve been cooler if I’d had some snappy answer. I needed to work on that.
He turned and took the third seat, his size making Cyra look like a child.
Hollace stepped forward next, grinning as he reached the flag. “What a trip.”
“Right?” Cyra said.
At least they’d fit in. No one seemed to regard this as the solemn occasion Ivy House probably wanted it to be. Which was kind of nice, but I should’ve lit some incense or something to pacify her.
“Thank you for asking me,” Hollace said as he stopped in front of me, also bowing. “It’s an honor. I look forward to serving on the most powerful magical team in the world.” His smile was infectious as he took the fourth seat.
Finally Niamh stepped forward, nonchalant as she took the fifth chair next to Ulric. Nathanial was next, and I had to wonder why Ivy House hadn’t replaced Ulric or even pushed Niamh farther back. He was an