Chapter 26
The rideto Ciane was slowed drastically due to Firra’s and Donaigh’s horses being, emphatically,notconstellations.
The pace didn’t exactly chafe Angelique, but while it gave them plenty of time to discuss the library, it also gave her too much time to wonder just how much damage Carabosso wasinflicting.
Since the smugglers knew Sole and could fly faster than the mages’ horses, they offered to fly to nearby villages and warn them of Carabosso, which allayed some of Angelique’sguilt.
They also confirmed Carabosso’s boast that he had destroyed a total of six villages—though, thankfully, many of the townspeople had fled to surroundingcities.
However, this did serve to remind Angelique that if Carabosso was to be stopped, either mages (multiplemages) or Magic Knights would berequired.
Keeping that in mind, she sent word to Clovicus and made an official report to the Veneno Conclave requesting help to capture Carabosso. She didn’t have much hope reinforcements would arrive in time, but if King Giuseppe was as mulish as Firra seemed to think, she may need help from Conclave mages afterall.
This knowledge only served to make her increasingly conflicted by the time they reachedCiane.
I need to speak to King Giuseppe about Carabosso. As little as I like it, he is partially my responsibility. Perhaps doubly so since all mages take vows to confront rogue mages,andbecause of my part in countering Rosalinda’scurse.
“My offer stillstands.”
The comment shocked Angelique so badly she actually jumped a little in the saddle. This made Pegasus stop in the middle of the street, and every muscle in his ethereal body turned taut withtension.
A laundry woman carrying a basket overflowing with dirtied linens eyed the constellation nervously as she scurried past, and a young man carrying a baaing lamb gave them a wideberth.
In fact, though the streets of Ciane were quite crowded, it hadn’t escaped Angelique’s notice that the citizens packed together to afford her and her mystical mount a large bubble ofspace.
Angelique stroked Pegasus’ neck in an attempt to be soothing. “It’s fine, Pegasus.” She breathed again when he rocked into a walk, trailing behind Firra’shorse.
She glanced down at Odette—who was the only one who dared to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with Pegasus and was on foot. “What offer are you referring to?” Angeliqueasked.
“Me and Misha and Nadia can research and copy any information on Foedus,” Odette said, “so you are free to go with whatever reinforcements King Giuseppe sends againstCarabosso.”
Angelique quizzicallyfrowned.
Odette shrugged. “It’s obvious you’re mulling on it. And based on our acquaintance, I can’t imagine you sitting still while Carabosso runsloose.”
“I’m not entirely selfless,” Angelique admitted. “I want him—or Suzu, preferably both, even—captured alive andquestioned.”
“You could wait until we finish our research to speak to King Giuseppe—though I don’t know how long it will take, and I don’t imagine your entrance to Ciane will be a secret for long,” Odettesaid.
“I need to warn the king about Carabosso,” Angelique said. “Even with the extra time it took us to travel, we likely have the freshest news about him.” She hesitated. “I’d like to keepyouractivities and presence from him,though.”
Odette nodded. “In case he gets angry and refuses us entrance to the library? I wouldn’t worry overly much. Even if he kicks us from the city, we’ll just fly backin.”
Angelique slowlynodded.
“It’s tough,” Odette abruptly said. “Knowing what to prioritize and what to act on. It’s one of the things I hate most about being aleader.”
Angelique laughed. “I’m no leader. But even as an Enchantress-in-Training, the magnitude of the decisions I have tomake…”
“I understand,” Odette said. “Just know that the Black Swan Smugglers and I will do our best to offer you backup inthis.”
Angelique’s throat tightened at the kind and unexpected declaration. “Thankyou.”
“Ofcourse.”
Their conversation abruptly ended when Pegasus saw a stand of beautifully ripe pumpkins and—between flattening his ears and snorting sparks—frightened the entirestreet.
* * *
