“Was there anything else you wished toknow?”
Angelique pressed her lips together, considering her words. “I was wondering if you notified the Veneno Conclave of themeeting.”
“I imagine they are aware of it, but I did not send them a specific invitation,” Severin bluntly said. “I saw no point, given they have made it clear the Conclave is not in a position tohelp.”
“It sounds like you’ve exchanged messages with them,” Angelique observed.Perhaps they would listen tohim!
“I have,” the sour tone of Severin’s voice was not at all encouraging. “It seems they are at least aware something is stirring, but I suspect they are afraid. Based on reports I’ve received from other countries, it seems like the Veneno Conclave is consolidating its forces at its base. Some high-level mages are still being sent out on assignments, but for the most part, it seems help will not be forthcoming,” Severinsaid.
Angelique wanted to groan. She had thought if the Conclave heard how serious things were from a source other than her, they would maybe take the observations more seriously.How can they just stand by? Perhaps Severin is wrong, and they are really that unobservant? But no…surely they must know between all the reports of curses and with master mages like Blanche and Rein going off. I would have thought they would have donesomething! Particularly after hearing how Stil was hunted down—though perhaps that only added to theirfright?
She stifled a groan.If Evariste was here…Angelique almost snorted at the thought.If Evariste was here, my life would be drastically different right now. But he’s not. Which means I need to talk to either Clovicus or Sybilla. A mere letter won’t do thistime.
“Their reaction is why I have concluded that it is better not to include any other mages in our plans,” Severincontinued.
The announcement shocked Angelique from her thoughts. “I apologize—what did yousay?”
“You and the few craftmages that have taken up residence in Loire as a result of Rumpelstiltskin’s arrival will be the only mages present at the Summit,” Severin said. “And I will not plan for mages in ourstrategizing.”
Oh, no. No, no, no. We need to save the continent, which means I cannot be the only active magic user at their beck and call. I’ll die of exhaustion! The continent is huge—even with Pegasus carrying me from one end to the other and the craftmages supplying charms, I cannot possibly help as much as he seems to think Ican!
“I must beg you to reconsider,” Angelique blurtedout.
Severin glanced at her. “Oh?”
“Even if the Conclave seems unwilling to help, individual mages—particularly those who are more powerful or older and thus are more able to make their own schedules—might lend their aid,” Angeliquesaid.
Severin raised an eyebrow. “They would go against theConclave?”
“Given that you are attempting a multi-country conversation, I doubt the Conclave would forbid it,” Angeliquesaid.
The edges of Severin’s mouth angled down. “I do not want to build a plan and raise hopes that will be dashed.” That announcement alone created a sour feeling in Angelique’s stomach, but his next declaration turned her blood cold. “Combined with the Conclave’s fear and the general lack of aid from mages, I fear our world is on the cusp ofchange.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. It seems to me that the reign of magic isover.”
Chapter 11
Angelique struggledto keep her expression placid as shelistened.
Severin continued, “Previously mages were relied upon to provide support and peace, but that is nomore.”
His words were eerily similar to King Torgen’s prediction. What was worse, Severin was a renowned tactician and was the commanding general of Loire’s forces. He would not say such a thinglightly.
“Magic is not in danger of disappearing,” Angelique said. “And the enemy we face—whoever it is—has magic at theirdisposal.”
“I am not arguing the survival of magic, but rather the era it has ignited,” Severin said. “Previously, the Veneno Conclave and all mages worked to fight any magical threat the continent faced. That is no longer the case. They are still respected, but as they are able to help us less and less, their political power naturallywanes.”
“Perhaps it is true the Conclave has weakened in its resolve, but that is by no means a permanent thing,” Angeliquesaid.
Severin said nothing in reply, but Angelique saw something flicker in hiseyes.
“You disagree?” sheasked.
“The only way I see a reversal taking place is if the Conclave makes an abrupt adjustment, which would need to be almost volatile in its strength in order to stop its current trajectory. Even if Lord Enchanter Evariste returns, I do not know that he would be able to turn the Conclave from its path. I apologize, Angelique, but I fear that our hope must rest onyou.”
His words were a weight on her shoulders, threatening to crush her under expectations andduty.
