Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,105

my generals freed, it took some time to round up the rest of my warriors. They convened in what was once Trieux, and since we were so close to Prince Severin’s fight against the goblins in Erlauf, we rode east to help them for a few weeks. However, I’m afraid I couldn’t be parted from Quinn any longer,” Emerys said. “My desire to finally be wed was too great.”

“What you mean is Alastryn has driven you to the brink of madness in her passion for our wedding celebration,” Quinn said.

“Correct.” Emerys smiled at Quinn and leaned close so his forehead rested against hers. “I have so missed your brilliance.”

“Given that you are only running from Alastryn, could we remain a week or so longer here in Mullberg?” Quinn asked. “Angelique and I were about to infiltrate Juwel and hopefully confirm Evariste’s location.”

“Oh, I love infiltrating!” Elle eagerly clapped, sounding for all the world like a young lady squealing over a new dress.

Emerys, however, straightened, and his sappiness faded away. “Really? You’ve found him then?” The timbre of his voice seemed more musical than usual, and he unexpectedly reached out and grabbed Angelique’s arm, squeezing it.

Staring at his eyes—which swirled with desperate hope—something in Angelique eased.

He’s a selfish brat at times, but Emerys really does care for Evariste.

“We haven’t for certain found him,” Angelique said. “But we think he’s in Juwel—we just don’t know where in Juwel. Or why.”

Emerys’ shoulders visibly tightened, but he seemed taller and more like the imposing Elf King he was. “Then of course we’ll stay. We’ll remain here and offer every aid we can.”

Angelique’s throat tightened with emotion. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Emerys said.

“Obviously, I’ll help, too,” Elle said. “It will be delightful to come up with new disguises for us! I’ve gone into Juwel in disguise before. Glitzern palace has quite lax security, all things considered. They more carefully observe trade than they do security in the whole city. This will be easy! Particularly with elf magic available to use.”

Angelique frowned. “I don’t know that using any magic—particularly elf magic, as it is so unique—is a good idea given the two Chosen encampments in the area. If Evariste is here, and they think Emerys has come for him, it’s guaranteed they’ll move him.”

“You are probably correct, but I’m afraid it doesn’t matter terribly much,” Emerys said. “We’re still recovering our magic. I’m only at about half my power. We can perform some magic, but I’m afraid bringing the city down to find Evariste is beyond my grasp, so stealth is the better idea.”

Quinn frowned. “Your magic is still low? It’s been months since you were freed. I would have thought your power—if not your warriors’—would have regenerated by now.”

Emerys grimaced. “I’m afraid my recovery rate—the recovery rate of all elves—is far slower outside of Alabaster Forest.”

Angelique frowned. “But Alabaster Forest isn’t the source of your magic.”

“No, but we elves have spent centuries shaping it to fit our needs and desires,” Emerys explained. “It’s designed to suit us and our magic; hence, it can help us recover at a much faster rate.”

“I see. Did you send all the warriors on to the forest, then?” Angelique asked.

“About half of them,” Emerys said. “The other half are camped in Loire, waiting for our return. But I can easily send word to them of the change in our plans.”

“Have the goblin and troll attacks subsided in Farset?” Quinn asked.

“They’ve gotten much better,” Emerys confirmed. “However, when this is over, the elves will be greatly indebted to your sister, Bridget the Red Rider. She and her horses have almost single-handedly held Alabaster Forest’s border against wraiths, trolls, and other monsters. Hopefully now that a number of the warriors have returned, their magic will rapidly replenish, and we’ll be able to reinforce our magical barriers.”

Quinn nodded, but there was a wrinkle on her forehead, and Angelique noticed Elle was being careful not to meet her gaze.

They’re making dear sacrifices to be here.

Angelique sighed and scratched her head, then peered up at the sky. “Let’s be realistic about this. You’re elves. You can’t do magic while here in Mullberg. You’re more eye-catching than an enchanter, and your home is still being attacked.”

She lowered her gaze so she could look Emerys in the eyes. “I appreciate your offer of help more than you know, but the best choice would be for you to return to Alabaster Woods and get your magic back.”

Emerys shook his head. “You’ve been forced to search alone for too long,

readonlinefreenovel.com Copyright 2016 - 2024