Her stomach sloshed with anxiety, and Angeliquehatedit.
They dislike me. I already know they dislike me. So why does it even matter who is coming and what they think ofme?
Angelique’s thoughts briefly returned to one of the many times she had reported in to the Council, and Lazare—the oldest Council Member who seemed half mad and frequently slept through meetings—had blurted out that the Council fearedher.
The ruling body of magic users fear me—it can’t get worse thanthat.
A gentle tap on the door signaled the maid’sreturn.
“Come in,” Angeliquesaid.
The maid swung the door open. “LadyEnchantress—”
“Thank you, dearie!” Sybilla patted the maid on the shoulder as she edged past her and stepped into Angelique’s room before the maid could announce her presence. “Angelique! I’m surprised you’re housed here in the family wing—or maybe I’m not! How areyou?”
Finnr lurked behind Sybilla, his stony expression clearly indicating his disapproval. With him was a portly man with thinning hair whom Angelique recognized as a healing mage, and a lean and leggy middle-aged woman Angeliquethoughtwas a craftmage. (The scent of leather and clay that followed her was something of agiveaway.)
“Hello, Sybilla.” Angelique stooped slightly so she could embrace the older woman. “I hope you had safetravels?”
“Yes. I caught a ride with a few other mages.” Sybilla patted her hair. “A frail, old thing like me can’t be too careful, youknow.”
Finnr scoffedopenly.
“Nonsense, Sybilla,” the portly man chortled. “If you’re frail, then I’m on my deathbed!” He smiled warmly at Angelique. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Apprentice Angelique. I’ve heard a great deal about you—but no one mentioned how lovely youare!”
Angelique had the rather rare feeling of being caught off-guard. “Thankyou?”
“Where are my manners? Introductions should be made.” Sybilla slapped her blue robes for emphasis. “This is, of course, Apprentice Angelique—the dear student of Lord Enchanter Evariste. She’d be an enchantress by now if not for those stodgy rules that say she can’t take the examinations withouthim.”
“She’d bea lotof things if not for those so-called stodgy rules,” Finnrrumbled.
Sybilla ignored him and patted the rotund man on the arm. “This man—an example of decorum and charm particularly when compared to other males in the room—is Sano, a GrandMasterHealer.”
His eyes crinkled merrily as he bowed. “Again, mypleasure.”
“You might have heard of Craftmage Glaze from Stil.” Sybilla gestured to the woman, who gave Angelique a short and snappynod.
“And, of course, you’ve met Finnr.” Sybilla whacked the mage in the ribs with enough force to make him crumple. “He’s a GrandMaster Snow and Ice Mage. He could be a fairy godfather if he wanted, but he’s so stony, children are afraid of him, which would put a real dampener on hiscareer.”
“Children do notfearme,” Finnrgrowled.
“Oh, sorry.” Sybilla turned back to Angelique and gave her an exaggerated wink. “It’s because he hateskids.”
Finnr narrowed his eyes and sneered a little, but he ignored the fairy godmother in favor of turning his stony gaze on Angelique. “It wasyouwho suggested Severin invite individualmages?”
“Craftmages were already gathering here—particularly since Stil arrived,” Angeliquesaid.
“Yes, but craftmages have the freedom to peddle their wares where they wish as long as they follow payment guidelines,” Finnr said. “Most of the mages Sybilla decided to invite are not usually allowed that freedom. And yet, you ask us to take a role in something the Veneno Conclave hasn’tsanctioned.”
“They haven’t forbidden it.” Sano rested his hands on his round belly. “And listening to the countries discuss the troubles that have befallen them does not go against the Conclave’s code ofethics.”
“Perhaps on its own, it wouldn’t be troubling,” the female craftmage, Glaze, said. “But given that it was Apprentice Angelique who suggested such a thing when she has already shown a general disregard for Conclave rules and regulations…” Sheshrugged.
Angelique started to lower her gaze and give in to the sensation of shame, then paused.Wait, I don’t care what she thinks, she realized, half-shocked.The Veneno Conclave has done so little, and they still haven’t found Evariste. I really don’t give a hoot if my so-called “disregard” upsetsthem.
In her surprise, Angelique stared at Glaze, who seemed to misunderstand the look and shifteduneasily.
“Does it really matter what method was used to get you here?” Sybilla asked. “No one can deny that difficult times have befallen the continent. Similarly, it can’t be argued that the Veneno Conclave is contributing in major ways—our proud organization is acting like a scared puppy with its tail between its legs. But just because our leaders are too frightened to face the darkness with raised fists doesn’t mean we should follow suit. Or do you think it would not be a detriment if dark magic spilled on these lands?” Sybilla raised a silver eyebrow and looked at each mage inturn.
