Angelique licked her lips.Finnr has always disdained me—and it seems like his distaste would only grow since I no longer toe Conclave rules at all times. His presence will make the Summit just…wonderful.
“I see.” Angelique was proud she was able to keep her voice even, but Sybilla narrowed her eyes ather.
“Don’t you worry, dearie,” she said. “I’ll see to it that he keeps his mouth shut—no promises about his disapproving glares, though I suppose he looks at mosteverybodythat way. But Finnr and I go far back. If we wish to strategize against this enemy of ours, we’ll need him. I swear it,” she grimlyfinished.
Angelique numbly nodded and resumed walking. “I see…then…whom else are you thinkingof?”
“There’s a mage with healing magic who might prove a proper ally—if Clovicus can’t make a break for it, he’ll be a good second. And then of course we should try to get a weather mage or two…are those two mages who report to you from Sole—Firra and Donaigh—are theycoming?”
“Yes, I should extend an official invitation to them, though I have mentioned it in thepast.”
“Good, that will cover the war magesthen…”
* * *
Evariste’s mouth was dry—asif he had been sleeping with wads of cotton clenched between histeeth.
He was stiff, and his limbs seemed excessively heavy. Even rolling over onto his side took a great deal of effort. When he peeled his eyes open, his vision was so blurry, he couldn’t make anything out besides dim light—though he did hear the crackles and pops offlames.
Where am I? The last thing I remember was running for the bigger hallway, and then…pain.
“You shouldn’t have tried to escape,” Lilianesaid.
Evariste blindly peered through the gloom, trying to make out any blob that could be her. “Pardon?”
“Or rather, it was a good thing we found out you are more capable than we believed, but your living conditions are about to get far worse as aresult.”
Evariste’s eyes finally focused, allowing him to see Liliane standing in the shadows just outside his mirror. “What?” he said in a voice as dry assawdust.
“We can’t keep you here.” Liliane perched on a chair, her skirts puffed around her. The scarlet light of the torches made her pink gown glitter red like blood. “We willnotleave you here. While your magic has had its uses, it’s become apparent to me that it—and you—are too much of arisk.”
Evariste pushed off the ground so he sat up, his arms shaking from fatigue as he set his palms on the cool floor.Just how long have I been out ofit?
“If we keep you in a magically induced sleep, you become useless to us; we cannot harvest your magic if your powers are dormant with you,” Lilianesaid.
“So what?” Evariste said. “You’re going to kill me, then?” He unflinchingly stared Liliane down, holding hergaze.
I knew this was more than a possibility.The longer they hold me captive, the grimmer the chances of survivalbecome.
Liliane smiled, and Evaristeexhaled.
I see. Death it is, then.The thought didn’t frighten him—he had been through too much for that, and as a Lord Enchanter, he was always prepared to put his life on the line. But he was disappointed.I would have liked to see Angel one lasttime…
“Death would be an escape,” Liliane said. “One I don’t intend to allow you. Besides, if you’re dead, you’re just as useless to our cause as if you were sleeping. No, we shall use you in otherways.”
Evariste scratched his chin. “And how do you intend to do that? Slowly dismemberme?”
“Not at all.” Liliane happily clapped her hands. “You’ll be used to power our greatest weapon. It’s practically an honor—though I expect it will be painful. You’ll probably long for the familiar walls of thiscave.”
Evariste tried not to perk up, but he couldn’t keep the surprise out of his voice. “You’re taking me from thisplace?”
“Yes,” Liliane confirmed. “But you won’t be conscious for the trip. Instead, you will be punished for youractions.”
He coughed. “Punished? After what you’ve put me through, do youreallythink you can do much more?” hescoffed.
Liliane’s smile grew, but instead of brightening her complexion, it turned sinister. “Yes, in fact. Because this time it’s not pain we’ll be using—at least, not pain of the physicalsort.”
Evariste narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Oh?”
