“It would be craft magic, wouldn’t it?” Angeliqueasked.
Evariste smiled warmly. “Yes. He must have pretty strong magic to be able to cast enchantments on such basematerials.”
“And strong craftmages are rare,” Angelique added for the woodcarver’ssake.
“Indeed. You were right to contact us, Master Dimi,” Evariste smiled. “We will talk to the boy and see him settled in Luxi-Domus.”
When Master Dimi and his wife looked from Evariste to her, Angelique nodded in affirmation. “It is our duty,” she said with realhappiness.
This will benice—especially after tangling with the black mages. Even if I didn’t have the best experience in school, I am certain this boy will do far better than Idid.
Chapter 21
“I’m sorry, Angel,”Evariste said as they reached the edge of the market. “I promised you a relaxing day after the trial we went through this morning, and instead we continue towork.”
“I don’t mind, Master Evariste,” Angelique truthfully said. “I’d rather find this boy than sit around the inn.”Better to keep my mind off this morning.And in all honesty, Angelique was looking forward to approaching the youngcraftmage.
For once it’s a mission for a child that doesnotinvolve me trying to teach him/her a moral lesson! No illusionary animals or shouting will benecessary!
“Hopefully we’ll be able to find him. Master Dimi said he doesn’t necessary show up every day,” Evariste explained. “He should be around here…” He trailed off as he looked from stand to stand, obviously sensingmagic.
Angelique obediently followed Evariste through the market, feeling a little useless.I can’t discern between the different magics, so I won’t be able to help him find this “Pest.”
Angelique brushed some of her hair from hereyes.
Maybe I should ask Roland to help me improve my magicsensitivity.
Evariste stopped at the edge of a thin blanket, scattered with an assortment of items. A young boy crouched at the edge of the blanket, barefoot with ratty trousers and an ill-fittingshirt.
Is this him?She glanced at Evariste, but he seemed more interested in the boy’s goods than the child himself. “Master Evariste?” she said, wondering if she should say anything to theboy.
The boy immediately stiffened with suspicion, a wary look settling into his remarkable eyes that were rings of sky blue and royal blue. A thatch of his black hair hung over hisface.
Ah, yes, no saying anything it is,then.
Evariste smiled charmingly—though Angelique could have told him to save it; the boy was obviously too sly to fall for such a trick. “How much for the flower?” the Lord Enchanterasked.
“Two copper coins.” The boy raised his shoulders nearly up to his ears as he eyedthem.
Evariste picked up the paper rose and tossed a silver coin toPest.
“I don’t have change for this,” the boy saidloudly.
“Keep it,” Evaristeinstructed.
The boy rolled his eyes and tucked the coin into his dirty shirt as Evariste turned toAngelique.
“For the best of all women.” He handed the paper rose toAngelique.
Angelique stared at the flower for a moment.This is more of his strangeness—I can feel it in my bones. I wish he would stop this unnecessary bribing. How does he expect me to react? Shy? Thankful?Angelique settled on meek, so as she took the paper flower, she smiled. “I will keep it for Lady Enchantress Lovelana,then?”
Evariste chuckled and patted her shoulder. “No, Angel. It is foryou.”
Yep. More strangeness. Must come with being a child prodigy and a legend.Angelique tried to force a blush and uttered a quiet, “Oh.”
The performance was unnecessary. Evariste was already turning back to the boy—who was most assuredly the street child they were looking for. “A shell for luck? That must have been tricky to—” Before he could say more, the boy rolled up his blanket with a practiced snap, scrambled to his feet, and took off running down thealleyway.
“Well,” Evariste said as he watched him run. “It seems we found our magically-inclinedchild.”
