King Solon grinned and tugged lightly on the little girl’s braid before he tied it off with a ribbon. “Lord Enchanter Evariste, Apprentice Angelique, this impertinent child is my sun and moon—my daughter, Princess Astra. Astra—make yourgreetings.”
The little girl pushed herself to her feet and gave them a slightly wobbly curtsy. “Welcome to Fillia, esteemed guests,” shesaid.
The young princess couldn’t have been more than seven or eight, but her words and expression were serious as she looked from Evariste toAngelique.
Evariste squeezed Angelique’s shoulder, propelling her intomotion.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Princess Astra,” Angelique said. “It is our honor to behere.”
Angelique—being in a lower position—curtsied to the princess and king, but Evariste merely bowed hishead.
King Solon kissed the top of his daughter’s head. “Off to your lessons,Astra.”
“Yes, Papa!” The little girl picked up a dagger that was easily as big as her forearm, then dutifully trotted off, carefully holding the weapon by itsscabbard.
“Baris royals are strongly encouraged to learn basic defense, so they might fight for themselves and their people should the need arise,” King Solon said as he stared at the path his daughter had disappeared down. “Including all royaldaughters.”
Evariste grinned slyly. “I think women who have a way with weapons are to beadmired.”
Never before had Angelique more wanted to grind her heel on Evariste’sfoot.
King Solon’s dark eyebrows crawled up his forehead. “Is thatso?”
Evariste laughed. “My apprentice has war magic that deals specifically withweapons.”
The King’s look of confusion cleared, and he stood, brushing wrinkles out of his robe. “Ahh, yes. I had heard something of her abilities. I am glad to hear the rumors are true. I am greatly relieved to know that a Lady Enchantress with war magic as her core will be roaming the continent when my children takeover.”
Since that was generally theoppositeof what she was often told, it was now Angelique’s turn to be confused. “If you don’t mind my asking, Your Majesty…why?”
King Solon shrugged. “As an enchantress, you are practically a paragon of virtue—one capable of stopping anyunpleasantriesthat mightoccur.”
“Is that why you called us here?” Enchanter Evariste asked. “Unpleasantries?”
The King of Baris grimaced. “I’m afraid so.” He strode across the small clearing and selected a scroll placed by a silver lantern. “Two months ago, I heard rumors of dark magic—inmycountry. Supposedly, if one had enough money, one could purchase the service of a black mage. My men tracked the rumors here toFillia.”
“And?” Evaristeasked.
King Solon gestured with the scroll. “It was true. It was a small operation—only two black mages were a part of it—and apparently it was doing quite poorly before my soldiers broke itup.”
“Then the mages got away?” Angeliqueasked.
“I’m afraid so,” the Kingsaid.
Evariste frowned until his forehead puckered. “What would drive them to offer such services here in Baris—where one can buy magical charms next to a fruitstand?”
“I do not know, but I intend to make it clear that black magic isnotwelcome here,” King Solon growled. He shook his head, then offered Evariste the scroll. “Here is the information my mengathered.”
“Thank you,” Evariste said. “With your permission, Angel and I will look into the matter a little more, then send word to the VenenoConclave.”
The king nodded. “Of course. I’d be grateful if you share any additional information you uncover. Two black mages working together is not necessarily unusual but…” He paused, and his gaze hardened as he once more glanced at the path his daughter had taken. “I don’t like it,” hefinished.
To not like it is a mild reaction. I don’t get on well with Madam Quarrellous, but I couldn’t agree more with her lectures of ethics and the evils of black magic!Angelique suppressed a shiver and kept her expressionbland.
Evariste nodded as he briefly unrolled a bit of the scroll and glanced it over. “Was there anything else, YourMajesty?”
“No.” King Solon swung his gaze back to Angelique and Evariste. “Though I would like to express my early congratulations to you, Apprentice Angelique, in becoming the first Enchantress with war magic. I look forward to seeing what kind of Enchantress you willbecome.”
Angelique forced a smile and curtsied. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” shemurmured.
