Zev shifted back into his naked form. He eyed the tent as he quickly yanked on the trousers she handed him. “If I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t know it was there.”
“What does that mean?” Cassiel asked as he landed.
“It’s as if the tent isn’t there, but it is. I only found it because there is a slight disturbance of the vegetation in this area, but I didn’t pick up a scent.”
“That has the makings of a spell,” Rawn said.
Zev listened for any movement within the tent, but there were none, and no footprints marked the undisturbed ground around it. The tent stood crooked, ragged and overtaken by the forest.
“It may not be currently inhabited,” he said. “Or made to appear that way.”
He would guess the latter. The footprints began right at the edge of the forest. He bet there were more hidden here.
Cassiel grunted. “It will have to do for now.”
“The girls should take it,” Zev said.
Rawn unsheathed his sword. “First, a precautionary measure.”
He swept the blade through the air, and the atmosphere rippled with an iridescent sheen. Glamor, Zev realized. It peeled away like a veil, revealing a sturdy tent standing erect with footprints marking the ground.
“As I thought,” Rawn said. “This place has been ensorcelled. I will scout first. Be ready.”
Cassiel armed himself, and Zev extended his claws, both moving to flank Dyna. He cocked his head, listening again for movement.
“Your pardon,” Rawn called. “Is anyone there?”
No one responded.
Lord Norrlen warily reached out with his sword and parted the tent flaps, and he froze. He stared at something inside, his mouth falling slack. Zev stalked behind him and peered over his shoulder. The small tent didn’t reflect the vast space inside. It was as large as a cottage, with a four-poster bed made of pale ash wood and elegant posts in one corner, draped in disheveled mauve bedding. An open chest with strewn clothing and dresses rested at its base.
Stacks of books scattered around the perimeter in small towers, and scrolls and more books littered a sturdy desk. Among the mess was a clear glass orb resting on a brass metal stand. A black folding screen concealed a wash area, and another corner held a makeshift kitchen with a hutch and a small dining table with two chairs. Candles throughout the space flickered with purple flames.
The same color that matched the sorceress’s Essence.
Zev gawped. “What manner of magic is this?”
“God of Urn…” Dyna said next to him. Her wide eyes took in the space and they lit with wonder. “Stardust!”
Chapter 6
Von
The whizzing blade came for Von’s head. He ducked and rapidly parried the blow, his knife clashing loudly against Elon’s sword. They jumped back and slowly circled each other. There were no tells in the elf’s blank expression, but Von wouldn’t underestimate this opponent. The Raiders who had gathered on the hill to watch the sparring match cheered and hollered.
“Get him, Commander!” Geon bellowed.
Von nearly snorted. As if he could defeat the elf, but he wouldn’t lose face. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he was already feeling the strain from the ache in his back. He was ready to end the fight. Elon dropped his guard, leaving an opening. Von shot forward, but a rapid thought reminded him the elf never left openings. Instinct seized, and he pivoted, scarcely dodging the blow of Elon’s hilt that would have taken his jaw. Von slashed, his knife passing through the space the elf had occupied a second before. Elon spun and Von twisted. The sword caught the sun as it stopped inches from his neck.
Von grinned, the tip of his blade right at Elon’s throat.
“Draw!” Geon announced. The Raiders erupted with boos and jeers. Money passed through hands to settle bets. Seeing the afternoon entertainment had ended, they returned to their daily duties.
Von chuckled. “You couldn’t let me win?”
The stoic elf sheathed his weapon. “That would be an insult to your position, Commander.”
“You humor me.” He rolled his shoulders and carefully stretched the muscles of his stiff back. “Aye, your tonic worked wonders. I’m nearly healed. Thank you.”
