“She wishes to see dawn,” Snorri said.
“Exactly so. Now, who wants to guess where they are?”
Farrin Graydim haltedmid-step and turned around. He was making his usual evening rounds and checking in with the patrol leaders—which was little more than a thin excuse to get a breath of fresh air—but something felt…different.
He listened, but besides the howl of the wind and the murmurs of his men, he heard nothing.
“Everything alright, sir?”
“Yes.” Farrin turned north and narrowed his eyes. “You said your patrols were undisturbed?”
“Yes, sir. We didn’t have any trouble.”
“Good.” Farrin started to resume his walk when he felt it again. It was barely more than a flash, like a fish diving into deeper waters, but Farrin was able to identify it: magic.
It was generally believed that wielders of magic could tell when another was using their powers. This held true for roughly half the magic-using population, but the skill and level at which they could decipher the use of magic varied.
Farrin was not gifted at detection. He could tell when magic was in use in the surrounding area, but he couldn’t usually guess who it was, and if they were out of eyesight, they were generally out of his range.
As such, the cool, minty flavor of the faraway magic came as a surprise, and even more shocking was the realization that he knew who it was. “Rakel,” Farrin said. Her name rolled off his tongue and almost made him laugh.
“Did you say something, sir?”
Farrin inhaled as he tried to pinpoint the magic’s location. “There is an intruder in the city—Princess Rakel. She is in the northern part of town. Signal to all gatekeepers to bar their doors, and whistle for backup.”
“Yes, sir!”
“If she is found, capture her—alive,” Farrin said. He pointed to two of the soldiers. “You two, with me.” He altered his path and headed for the nearest stables. Was she trying to catch them unaware? She had no idea what she was up against. Something in him hoped that—with her abilities—she would flee and blast her way out of the city. Farrin glanced north, his eyes obeying the alluring pull of Rakel’s powers.Whatever game you are playing, Princess, I will win.
He allowed himself the personal luxury of letting one corner of his mouth curl up in a barely noticeable smile. “Ready the horses. It is likely this will end in a pursuit.”
“Where are allthese soldiers coming from?” Phile demanded. She stiffly pumped her arms like a doll as she ran, thanks to all her clothes.
“Perhaps Captain Halvor and Oskar were spotted?” Rakel asked.
“Not the captain,” Snorri said.
Phile glanced over her shoulder. Though a patrol hadn’t found them yet, it was just a matter of time. Soldiers swarmed the streets, searching alleyways and lanes steps behind them.
Phile hissed under her breath. “Get ready to use your powers, Little Wolf. They’ll catch up with us on the next street.”
The trio darted around a corner, and hands reached out and yanked Rakel back.
Rakel summoned a razor-sharp icicle, and was about to jab it behind her, when Oskar whispered in her ear, “Easy, Princess. It’s just me.”
Her heart slowed as she realized Captain Halvor had grabbed Phile, and Snorri was crouched next to him. Oskar released her, and they backed into a darkened building, swinging the door shut just as a squad of soldiers started jogging around the corner.
“That was close,” Oskar said when they had left. “I think we have just about worn out our welcome. What do you think, Princess?”
“How are we going to leave? The gates will be barricaded,” Rakel said.
“Good question. Any ideas?” Oskar asked.
Captain Halvor rubbed his chin.
“How about a distraction?” Phile asked.
“Explain,” Captain Halvor ordered.
