“What you are saying is disturbing, Elizabeth, but it is the very reason you cannot afford to let your thoughts drift. You need to keep your wits about you. I mean it. It is too dangerous for you to be caught unaware. What if it had been an Elemental mage attacking you instead of me splashing water in your face?”
“But – being with you, I assumed I was safe.”
“You cannot assume anything until we know who the culprit is.”
He was right. If they had attacked then, she would not have stood a chance.
She made a supreme effort to push away all distractions. If they came for her again, they would not take her by surprise. She would be ready.
***
THE IDENTITY OF HERassailant was not the only thing Elizabeth worried about. There was de Riquer as well. She had taken precautions by covering and Warding the mirror in her bedchamber, just in case he could use her journey to track her here. But she was also sorely tempted to try out this new way of magic he had revealed to her. Her curiosity egged her on to explore it. Now that she knew it existed, she was gripped by the urge to try it out. But both Darcy and Jane were adamant in asking her to resist that urge.
“I wish you had never been exposed to this magic, Elizabeth. I cannot help feeling it has given de Riquer power over you.”
“He helped me get out, Darcy. And he warned me the Council was coming. Heshowedme the Council meeting in the mirror.”
“Which is hardly reassuring. If all the Wards we set up were not enough to hinder his magic, and we are two of the most powerful Warders in the Kingdom, I am at my wit’s end trying to devise ways to stop him.”
“He showed it to me for a reason.”
“Yes, and the reason is that he wants to let us know we cannot control him.”
“What if that is not his reason? Think of it, Darcy. Imagine how easy it would be to communicate with other mages if we can use mirror magic, if he could teach me how to do it.”
“Enough, Elizabeth. You are painting castles in the air based on one encounter with an enemy mage. I admit your experience sheds a positive light on him. He could have killed you, but he did not.Thatis a big point in his favor, and one for which I will be eternally grateful. But it does not mean he is not following his own devious plans. Are you completely confident that he means well? If so, I will trust your judgement.”
It was sobering to hear Darcy express that much faith in her. She felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Could she believe Ramon de Riquer? She could not be sure of anything. She had doubted him even when she was with him. He was charming and persuasive, but that had no bearing on how honest he was.
“I cannot be certain that he is not weaving a complex web that I do not understand.”
“I agree. And who knows, perhaps the people who threw you into the cell were acting at his instigation.”
She was dismayed. “Do you think that possible?”
“There may be a traitor in Netherfield Hall. It is possible that de Riquer has assistance. He has cleverly revealed enough for you to trust him, but there may be something else afoot.”
Elizabeth sighed.
“Have you told your uncle? What is his opinion on this?”
“I have.” Darcy frowned, deep in thought. “It is Matlock’s role to be skeptical, after all.”
That told her everything she needed to know.
***
IN THE MEANTIME, JANEhad her own doubts about Elizabeth’s encounter with the Imperial prisoner.
“I would like to examine you, Elizabeth. I do not wish to think ill of someone who assisted you, but I would like to make certain that he has not bespelled you in some way.”
Yet another possibility she had overlooked, and one that struck home more than the others. After all, she had been under the influence of laudanum. Who knows what kind of magic Riquer had performed on her when she was unconscious? Elizabeth was beginning to wonder if she was even capable of assessing what happened. She may be a rational creature, but there were too many unknown aspects to the situation.
“Do you think it very likely?” Her voice was tight with apprehension.
Jane looked unruffled. “It is better to be safe than sorry, Lizzy. I will look for any signs of bindings placed on you. But you must promise me something. If I have any doubts at all, you will go to the Healers.”
It was not something Elizabeth would submit to willingly, but it would be folly for her pride to intervene under such circumstances. Though there was more than just pride at stake. She would have to admit to the Healers that she was in the cellar after all, and that would be letting the cat among the pigeons.
