“I used my magic the day Gabrielle defeated the ogre,” Angelique said, unable to keep silent. “As the Royal Family was not yet aware of Gabrielle’s new position, the future of Carabas was still uncertain, so tospeak.”
Enchanter Lazare scratched his chest. “And you did all of thisunsupervised?”
“Yes,” Angelique said. “Because Lord Enchanter Evariste is stillmissing.”
“Why did you leave your home to begin with?” Enchanter Crestasked.
It was only through great self-control that Angelique managed to hold in a grimace.Darn. I hoped they wouldn’t ask me that—because they aren’t going to be pleased with my answer, even if they cannot fault me forit.
“I was searching for Enchanter Evariste,” shesaid.
Enchanter Crest smiled sadly. “While it’s valiant of you to look, Angelique, the Conclave already has an official investigationanda committee searching for your dearmaster.”
Yes, and how many months have passed with the committee lacking anything to show forit?
Angelique bowed her head. “I am aware of this, EnchanterCrest.”
“We have yet to resolve if she willfully performed magic in Arcainia by using it in Carabas,” Tristisim saidcoldly.
“I suppose that is the greater issue,” Enchantress Primrose agreed. “We can interpret her tracking around the country and using magic at will despite her being a student as loyalty to hermaster.”
Angelique winced.Primrose. Please. Stop.TALKING!
Enchanter Tristisim looked thoughtful at Enchantress’ Primrose’s words. Enchanter Lazare, however, yawned widely and smacked hislips.
“Why are we fretting about semantics?” he complained. “Tell the girl’s master to punish her, and be done withit.”
“Lord Enchanter Evariste is missing, Lazare,” Enchantress Felicienne reminded the olderenchanter.
“Eh?” He said, leaning forward, which underlined the stooped shape of his agedback.
“Lord Enchanter Evariste cannot punish her, as he is missing,” Enchantress Felicienne spokeloudly.
“Then what are we sitting here for?” Enchanter Lazare complained. “Until he gets back, we can’t discipline the girl—unless she does something worthy of being sealed. Has she?” He eagerly planted his elbows on his desk and looked up and down the line of CouncilMembers.
“Not yet,” Enchantress Felicienne slowlysaid.
“Agreed. The charges are serious, not endangering,” Enchantress Galendrasaid.
Serious? Which of my actions are at all serious? They are dubious atworst!
Unfortunately, Galendra’s words stirred up Enchanter Tristisim again. “Consider this your warning, Apprentice Angelique. Continue with self-studies at your home, and cease using magic without the supervision of yourmaster.”
And how am I supposed to practice magic without casting any?The sarcastic comment was on the tip of Angelique’s tongue, but she forced herself to swallowit.
“If you continue to willfully ignore the regulations placed upon you, the Council will have no choice but to act,” Enchanter Tristisim continued, “which could lead to sealing your magic if you prove yourself nottrustworthy.”
Angelique didn’t have to falsify her dismay. “W-what?” shestammered.
“You heard correctly,” Enchanter Tristisimsaid.
“Surely we could let an exception or two pass,” Enchanter Crest intervened. “Although we are supposed to treat all mages equally, it is a special circumstance. Lord Enchanter Evariste is missing, afterall.”
This made Enchantress Felicienne frown. “We are the ruling body of the Veneno Conclave. Wecannotmake exceptions or special pardons. It would mean unequal treatment.” She fixed her gaze on Angelique and narrowed her eyes. “Which means, Apprentice, you had best trod carefully.” She looked back at her fellow Council Members. “We are finished, are wenot?”
Enchantress Primrose sighed. “I supposeso.”
Crest smiled kindly. “Apprentice Angelique, you aredismissed.”
