‘They are full of pride,’ Agnes says, throwing back her hair. ‘They cannot bear to be slighted. And after Mira’s escape from the final Trial, in front of everyone …’
‘Then it seems likely they’ll return here first,’ Kai says. ‘And finish what they started.’
Eli nods in agreement. ‘We need to be ready.’
‘My concern is the rival coven assisting them,’ says Brielle. ‘Those witches, the magic in their weaponry. It’s enough to bring us to our knees. If they came to Ennor, we’d have no hope.’
Eli leans back in his chair, thoughtful. ‘Then what do we need? What kind of allies should we seek?’
‘Witches. Magic wielders,’ Lowri says. ‘Brielle, our fledgling coven, it’s too small, not yet established.’
‘And we cannot trust Coven Septern,’ Brielle adds. ‘The Malefant and high witches could be debating this issue for weeks. They may decide to sit it out completely, not choosing to support either side, despite their hunters assisting us.’
‘Cowards if they do,’ Caden says.
‘What we need are witches from outside Arnhem. Allies that would not want to see the ruling council win here, then turn their gaze on other territories.’
I bite my lip, considering Brielle’s words. And Fey floats to the front of my mind. ‘The Spines,’ I say, and Brielle’s eyes meet mine. ‘Go to the Spines and seek a woman called Fey. She’s a drake rider. We can seek witches, find allies there.’
‘This feels like a good moment to chime in,’ a voice says from the doorway. We all turn to see a young woman leaning against the door, a glint of silver in one hand: a large, rather ornate key. As I watch, it reforms,changing into a coin, which she pockets. I grin as Sember Lockswift winks at me. ‘I’m afraid I let myself in. Hope you don’t mind. What an interesting gathering. Did you really think I’d miss out on all the fun?’
lowri opens her bedroom doorthat night to see Brielle hovering on the threshold.
‘You’re wearing your travel leathers and your sash of blades.’
Brielle shrugs. ‘Can’t waste even an hour, Lor. We need allies. I’ve spoken to Eli and Mira and they agree with me. I can’t stay here and wait, not with that threat hanging over us. We need more witches. We need allies outside Arnhem, who would want the ruling council taken down too.’
‘Where are you thinking of going?’ Lowri asks, twisting her hair round her finger. ‘Skylan? Sember seems very genuine, but she made it clear the king will not send aid until the ruling council actually makes a move against them. Which may well be too late for us.’
‘The Spines,’ Brielle says, tapping a finger on her sash. ‘Mira told me that the two contenders at the Trials spoke of overthrowing their own rulers. They said that if Mira ever needed help, the Spines would answer. Iintend to find out if the covens there would make good on that promise, if I can find Mira’s friend, Fey.’
‘It’s risky,’ Lowri says. ‘If the ruling council hear of what you’re doing, if they realise we are building our side against them—’
‘Let them hear,’ Brielle says. ‘They mean to break us either way. Let them know we won’t be so easily broken. It’s just a question of when at this point, notif. And Lor, I want to take Dreska and Inesh with me. To see what it is to be a hunter and go on assignment, just as I was taught at their age.’
‘You think they’re both hunters?’
‘Inesh, certainly,’ Brielle says with a nod. ‘Not sure about Dreska just yet. She certainly has the fire for it, but she may be more inclined to spellwork. They haven’t been exposed to the ways of a coven as we were. It hasn’t moulded them in the same way. It might be that they are both hunters, but that they still practise spellwork with you. We can tailor their learning, so they are adept at both.’ She tilts her head. ‘Our coven might be the first of its kind in more ways than one.’
‘An interesting proposal.’ Lowri’s smile grows. ‘Take them and train them in your way. And when you return, I will see if they take to spellwork.’
Brielle’s returning smile is a whisper in the dark. ‘Thank you.’ Then she reaches out, hugging Lowri fiercely. ‘I’ll be home again soon.’
Brielle leaves her sister, striding down the corridor,but as she reaches the staircase she’s aware of a presence at her side. ‘Spying are we, little monster?’
Always, Nova says, licking a paw.You know, I could come with you. There may be more wraiths in the Spines.
‘And ample opportunities to feast?’
You wound me, Nova says with a flick of her tail.Perhaps I’ve grown fond of you and do not want to see you harmed.
Brielle bends low, eyeing the familiar. ‘Stay with Lowri. Your place is here, and I need you to watch over her. She’ll be working on the wards, no doubt. I need you to ensure she doesn’t burn out again.’
As you say, Hunter. I will look after my witch. And, Brielle?
‘Yes?’
Watch over our fledglings. I believe I’ve become rather fond of them too.
