moment to recognize the hulking shape of Odile’s tamed wyvern in the tiny image of the mirror. Shaking her head a little, Angelique smiled. “Thank you for your help. I should go.”
“Oh—and just so you know, we’re in the process of journeying to Mullberg as well,” Sybilla said. “Poppet here is testing her pet’s passenger-carrying skills and stamina. I don’t think he’ll be as speedy as Pegasus, but he may surprise me. Regardless, Poppet and her pet are going to drop me off at the Veneno Conclave for a bit,” Sybilla said. “Though I don’t expect to see you there.”
“I won’t be staying at the Conclave with Sybilla,” Odile piped in. “So perhaps, once you free Lord Enchanter Evariste, I could fly out to meet you?” Her eyes were bright and hopeful with the possibility.
Odile would likely be gossiped about in the Conclave due to her parentage, even if they have officially recognized her apprenticeship with Sybilla. I can fully understand why she wouldn’t want to stay there.
“In that case, I would enjoy seeing you again, Odile,” Angelique said.
Odile beamed.
“Yes, yes, I’m sure you’ll have a chummy time. Good luck, Angelique. Be safe.” Sybilla called before the spell sputtered out, transforming the mirror’s surface into a reflection of Angelique’s face.
Angelique stuffed the mirror in her satchel, disassembled the tiny dampener spell, then started picking her way down the roof, trying to be as discreet as possible.
I feel as prepared for this battle as a newly found mage student. But I’m going to free Evariste. No matter what, I’m not going to let the Chosen whisk him off. We’ll save the Queen and rescue Evariste. Or else.
Less than an hour later, Snow White led Angelique and the Seven Warriors down the hallway.
I’m impressed so far we haven’t run into too many problems.
Angelique thoughtfully studied Snow White’s back—covered by her red cloak and bright red hood.
Upon arriving at the palace, Snow White had instructed the palace guards—who had bowed instantly to her position and leadership—to send word to the rest of their compatriots so they would be aware of the secret invasion. She’d also taken Angelique and the warriors to the royal study and spoken to the castle housekeeper. Snow White asked her to move the servants out of the palace so they wouldn’t get caught up in the fighting.
Unfortunately, a messenger from the four lords following Snow White delivered the bad news that there were constructs roaming the castle, but Snow White had been prepared for such an occasion and had given the lords and their soldiers detailed instructions on how to fight the monsters. And, as an added bonus, the palace guards joined forces with the lords and were actively fighting the constructs while Snow White, Angelique, and the Seven Warriors tore through the palace, heading to Queen Faina’s quarters where—according to the housekeeper—Faina had last been seen.
They’d met up with one of the Lords who’d sworn to aid Snow White with about twenty of his troops before entering the royal wing.
Now all we have to do is corner Faina in her quarters.
Angelique glanced back at the soldiers following behind them—in a formation Snow White had ordered. (The princess had selected four warriors to secure Faina and instructed the rest to fight with the constructs that would undoubtedly be guarding the queen.)
Angelique waved a finger at a soldier that had a well-balanced sword her magic seemed to particularly like. “How bad is it out there?” she gestured back to the main wing of the palace where they’d come from. He smelled faintly of the weird smoke the constructs left behind; he’d obviously seen the battle.
The soldier, who wore chainmail that was scuffed and was sweating slightly from the fights he’d been in, glanced at the lord he served, who was occupied chatting with Rupert and Oswald. “I’ve never fought a creature of magic. It’s unnerving and curdles your blood.”
Angelique grimaced. That doesn’t bode well.
“However,” the soldier continued. “Her Highness’s instructions were right on, and we’ve been able to fight back right well. It’s a hair-raising fight, but it’s more even than I ever would have imagined—didn’t think regular folk like us could ever face down magic!”
Angelique blinked in surprise.
He has a point. It never occurred to me that anyone besides a mage could easily take down a spell. Goblins? Certainly. But spellwork…not so much. Have I been viewing this conflict with the Chosen all wrong?
Angelique glanced at Snow White. She’s facing down magic—and she’s going to win, or die trying.
Snow