The Council Members paused, tilting their heads as Angelique sprinted into the light, almost flattening one of the mages on the investigation team. “That’s all you’re going to do?” sheasked.
Felicienne’s gaze hardened, but Primrose shook her head at the other Enchantress, then smiled sadly at Angelique. “This is a massive undertaking, Angelique. While I am confident we will be able to free Evariste, we must use all due diligence and stamp out the black mages responsible forthis.”
“But Evariste and I encountered black mages in Filliayearsago—and those mages aredead! Going there won’t improve any understanding of thesituation!”
“Quite the contrary, Apprentice,” Enchanter Tristisim rumbled. “The attack on you and your Master was the first act of violence from a black mage on an enchanter in decades. The matter must be thoroughly investigated, as it might reveal a wealth of information about the black mages and theirgoal.”
But it won’t, because both of those mages are DEAD and wouldn’t have been able to help kidnap Evariste! And if it was so important, why didn’t you do it YEARSago!?
Enchantress Felicienne must have sensed some of Angelique’s rage, for she frowned and narrowed her eyes. “I understand you are disappointed that you will not be able to take your examination and evaluation to be made into an Enchantress until Evariste isrecovered—”
WHAT?Angelique gaped at the enchantress, horrified and shocked.That’s what they think I’m upset about? Just how terrible is her opinion ofme?
“But,” the enchantress continued, “we must prioritize catching and containing the black magesfirst.”
“I don’t care about my test!” Angelique shouted. “I’m more concerned about what will happen to Evariste while the committee deliberates which lead should get the greatest amount of manpower! Can’t you send a team to search for and free him while another focuses on the blackmages?”
“Angelique,” Enchantress Primrose said, her voice soft and sad. “I understand your feelings, but I’m sorry. We must also consider the safety ofallmagicusers.”
Angelique shook her head.I can’t believe this—he’s a Lord Enchanter!“But—”
“Enough,” Enchanter Tristisim said. “If you have any complaints, take them to thecommittee.”
Angelique looked from Enchanter Tristisim to Enchanter Crest, Enchantress Primrose, Enchantress Galendra, Enchantress Felicienne, and ended with EnchanterLazare.
The ancient enchanter tapped his cane on the floor and saidnothing.
Angelique glared and lifted her chin, but before she could open her mouth, Enchanter Clovicus was at herside.
“Steady, Apprentice,” he murmured. “Lest you say something that gets you introuble.”
“I assume that is all,” Enchanter Tristisim said. “Good day,Apprentice.”
Angelique shivered with fury as the Council Members left Hallowed Hall, leaving the murmurs of the observers behindthem.
“How?” Angelique asked. “How can they dothis?”
Sybilla joined her with a sigh. “It’s a tricky path all leaders walk. And attempting to get any plan moving swiftly with an organization as large as the Veneno Conclave is difficult.However, I agree with you. That they are sinking all efforts into stamping out the black mages and plan to do nothing for Evariste is a poorchoice.”
“His portal magic would be a help in sniffing down mages,” Clovicus agreed. He scratched his jaw as he watched Enchantress Lovelana pick her way through the investigativeteam.
“Lord Enchanter Clovicus, Fairy Godmother Sybilla, Apprentice Angelique,” Lovelanasaid.
Angelique—being of lower rank—forced herself to curtsey. “Lady Enchantress,” shemuttered.
“I will do my best to look for Evariste,” Lovelana said. Though she addressed Clovicus and Sybilla, she glanced briefly at Angelique, including her in the vow. “He is my dear friend. I will not rest until I findhim.”
“What will you do?” Sybillaasked.
“My role will primarily keep me here in the Conclave, so I can receive reports and continue the research on the spells we believe the black mages may have used.” Lovelana slightly pursed her lips. “In fact, I plan to ransack the Conclave librarynext.”
That’s great. But none of this is going to find Evariste!Angelique wanted toscream.
“You cannot be more…proactive?” Clovicusasked.
Lovelana blushed slightly and demurely looked down. “Unfortunately, my core magic is not conducive to fieldwork that may include combat. But if we find any black mages, I can be a biggerhelp.”
Only if they’re brought inalive.
