Rakel blinked. “Phile.”
The Robber Maiden bowed. “At your service!”
“How did you get in here? Knut said he would announce anyone who entered.”
“Yes, but Knut is posted outside the door. I came in through a window.”
“Of course. Did you need something?”
Phile plopped down in an armchair. “Not really, I just dropped by to collect you for an airing out. You need some sunshine.” Phile’s crimson-red jacket and white linen pants clashed horribly with the green velvet of the armchair.
“I thought that since arriving in Ostfold, your greatest undertaking has been to avoid the frigid outdoors,” Rakel said.
“That was before I knew we were going to be aimlessly kicking up our heels for so long. It’s been a week and a half, and Colonel Dimwit and his regiment haven’t budged an inch.” Phile scowled and played with her glossy, dark hair that was collected in its usual ponytail.
“General Halvor says it is a boon to us.” Rakel put the book aside. “He is using this time to reorganize our troops, and it gives the Verglas magic users time to practice—an opportunity they have previously not had.”
“Yeah, but you can bet the Chosen are up to something sneaky,” Phile argued. “Farrin Graydim is brilliant. He wouldn’t pout in his camp for this long just because we kicked him out of Ostfold. He’s waiting for something.”
“Or someone,” Rakel said, meeting her friend’s gaze. “Tenebris Malus.”
Phile grimaced. “Probably.” She tapped her fingers on the armrest of her chair. “Why don’t we confirm it?”
“I beg your pardon?”
Phile leaned forward, an eager smile spreading across her lips. “We could go scout with Snorri—like we did for Glowma—and find out for ourselves what the wait is for.”
“We scouted in Glowma because it was necessary for me to see the city. I have no such need to see the Chosen camp.”
“I don’t believe it,” Phile declared. “This inactivity is bothering you as much as it bothers me. You can’t fool me, Little Wolf. I know the mirror troubles you. Wouldn’t you like to see if we can find more information?”
Rakel pressed her lips together, aware that Phile was manipulating her.But she has a point. If we could unveil more information about the mirror…if we could find it, we could destroy it!
“For the Glowma scouting trip, we went with Oskar and General Halvor. Neither have the time to spare to journey with us, as Farrin’s camp is more than a day’s ride away,” Rakel said.
Phile’s grin turned sly. “I think Glowma proved that you, Snorri, and I are all that are needed.”
“General Halvor would never agree to it.”
“What if Oskar agreed to it?” Phile wheedled.
“And what of the General?”
“We could forget to tell him.”
“You don’t have to.” Oskar strolled out from behind a bookshelf. “He’s out on practice maneuvers with the troops and won’t be expected to return until this evening.”
Knut hovered at the attendant’s shoulder. “Oskar is here to speak to you, Princess.”
Rakel smiled wryly. “Thank you, Knut.”
The soldier saluted and returned to his post.
“You can’t scoutinthe camp. It’s too dangerous and unnecessarily risky,” Oskar said. “But I see no reason why you couldn’t view the camp—provided Snorri agrees to accompany youandyou refrain from using your magic, Princess. If you use any of your powers, you will alert Chosen magic users to your presence.”
Phile sprang out of her chair. “Wonderful! I’ll get some provisions and packs for us!” She was out of the library before anyone could stop her.
Rakel, however, didn’t trust Oskar’s quick approval. “Why do you so easily agree?”
