It was indisputably Wybert calling—Angelique recognized his reedyvoice.
Her skirt snagged on a stick, and it took a moment to pull it free. Evariste passed her in that time, though he skidded to a stop not far ahead of her—just where the trees started to thinout.
Angelique jogged the short distance and scowled when she saw the meadow through thetrees.
The villagers were pouring out of the tiny town, shaking pitchforks, carrying bows, andshouting.
Wybert was laughing so hard he bent over, almost kneeling on the ground, the sheep eating placidly around him, and not a wolf insight.
“You should see your faces!” the little brat laughed. “All red-faced and splotchy—a bunch of carvers coming to chase off a wolf…” he trailed off, unable to speak over the belly gusts oflaughter.
The villagers growled to each other in anger as they made their way back to their buildings with their makeshiftweapons.
Angelique had barely enough time to make her ugly glare a slight frown of disappointment as Evariste turned to faceher.
“It would seem the young boy did not heed your warning,” hesaid.
“So it would seem,” Angelique echoed. She flattened her lips as she watched Wybert fall on his rump due to hislaughter.
What a thoughtless little troll—doesn’t he see what his “fun” isdoing?
Angelique took a step into the meadow, intending to go deliver a few more words to the boy, but Enchanter Evariste placed a hand on hershoulder.
“Wait,” he said. “You can try again tomorrow.” His fingers brushed her arm as he released her, then turned to plunge back into theforest.
Angelique glared at the unrepentant boy for a moment.He doesn’t regret his actions at all. I might have even spurred him on with my lecture.She reluctantly followed after her master. “Do you think I might have done more harm than good, MasterEvariste?”
“No.” Enchanter Evariste glanced over his shoulder at Angelique, then paused, waiting for her to catch up. “I think Wybert would have reacted so no matter who told him tostop.”
Angelique gazed up at the trees and watched a fluffy tailed squirrel run from branch to branch. “Do you think it’s merely because he’s spoiled, or is it a cry forattention?”
Enchanter Evariste tilted his head as he thought. “Either is possible. Though I find it commendable you would consider it might be the result of a deeper conflict.” He held back a branch, allowing Angelique to pass in front of him. “It is something you might want to consider speaking to him abouttomorrow.”
Angelique scratched her chin. “As you say, Master Evariste,” she finally concluded.Hopefully I can get through to the little beast. I’m not sure if there is any other approach totake.
Chapter 8
The following day,Angelique wasprepared. She had spent the late hours of the evening in her beautiful room in the elven palace planning out the words she would say to Wybert that would convince him to leave his lifestyle of a lying little shepherd behind and pursue a life of righteousness. (She could even say that, now, without snorting in laughter or wanting to swat hisear.)
“Are you ready for your second try, Apprentice?” Enchanter Evaristeasked.
Angelique nodded. “Yes, Master Evariste. This time I’m much more prepared. Hopefully Wybert will find me morepersuasive.”
“I wish you all luck.” Enchanter Evariste’s smile was just atinybit cynical as he scratched his neck. “It seems you will needit.”
Angelique nodded, then grabbed fistfuls of her skirt and again did her best to “float” across the meadow like an elf, when all she wanted to do was charge at the disreputable boy—snarling like an angry badger—and pounce onhim.
Wybert saw her coming andsmirked.
Angelique ignored him and wiped a fake tear from her eye. “Wybert, you bring sorrow to my mage soul with your lies. Why did you call for the villagers yesterday when there was nowolf?”
“Because it’s funny!” Wybert thumped his staff on the ground for extra emphasis, upsetting the closestsheep.
Angelique sighed. “Are you certain? Because it seems to me that it is a cry for attention—a desire for love and companionship,perhaps?”
Wybert frowned at her. “What?”
“Perhaps you miss your father, or you resent the responsibilities that have been put upon you in your father’s absence,” Angeliquesuggested.
