“You can feel his magic?” Angeliqueasked.
“Yes, he’s a craftmage for certain.” Evariste tapped the top of the paper flower. “Can you feel the slight enchantment onthis?”
Angelique miserably shook her head. “I feel magic, but it’s indecipherable. It’s like all the different strains have been stirred into asoup.”
Evariste gently patted her back. “Fret not. Baris, and Fillia in particular, is difficult to sift through if you are not especially sensitive to magic. There’s so much of it here—and so many different kinds—it is understandable you would find it difficult toseparate.”
Angelique nodded but stubbornly glanced around the marketplace, trying to pinpoint the various magic essences she coulddetect.
“I don’t think we’ll see that boy again today.” Evariste studied her long enough to make Angelique shift under his gaze. “So I think we ought to return to the inn for some food. And thatbath.”
Angelique nodded. “I could finish up some more spell work,too.”
His eyebrows slanted slightly. “You need to rest. Do you want to talkabout—”
“No,” Angelique replied before he could even ask the question.No, I don’t want to talk about killing the rogue mage.She took a breath and settled her shoulders. “At least not rightnow.”
Evariste gave her an indecipherable look and briefly threaded his fingers through hers, rubbing his thumb on the top of her hand. “You need to talk about it…but it can wait for another day. Speaking of which, as long as we are in Fillia seeking out this boy, we ought to tour the royal aviary or menagerie. I’m certain King Solon won’tmind.”
Angelique blinked at the conversation shift but was grateful for it all the same. “That sounds like it would be fun.”And it would keep him occupied so he wouldn’t drag me off to waste more money clothesshopping.
As if he could hear her thoughts, Evariste gave her a sly smile as they turned in the direction of their inn. “Of course, we could always visit atailor.”
“I would very much enjoy seeing the menagerie or aviary,” Angelique saidfirmly.
“Very well. We’ll plan for the aviary tomorrow, in that case.” Hewinked.
Angelique relaxed slightly at the declaration.I’ll have to tell Roland all about the birds. Maybe he’ll be sad he missedit!
* * *
Three days passedbefore Evariste was able to successfully track down the craftmageboy.
Once again, the child was in the market with a blanket of goods. This time he was stretched out next to it, looking a bit like an allycat.
As they drew closer, Angelique could see he only had a few items left to sell—a paper fan, a string of stone beads, and what looked like a dog collar made of whiteleather.
Evariste stopped Angelique by squeezing her hand, then held a finger to hislips.
Angelique nodded, and together they crept up on the boy as he napped in the afternoonsunshine.
When they reached his blanket, he lazily opened one eye, then practically jumped out of hisskin.
“The fan is for cool air, yes?” Evariste asked, his voice warm andsoothing.
It had no effect on the boy, for he rolled away and sprinted down an alley, even faster than he had the firsttime.
Evariste watched him run with a puzzledlook.
“I think he’s just going to keep running, Master,” Angeliquevolunteered.
“Yes, but I’m afraid I don’t quite understand why.” Evaristesaid.
“I don’t imagine he has stayed alive this long by trusting easily and smiling at strangers,” Angeliquesaid.
Evariste tapped his chin. “You know…you are right. But perhaps we can use that wariness to ouradvantage.”
Angelique cocked her head. “How?”
