“I thought you were dead. This whole time. I’m so sorry, old friend.” Robin let go of his hand and leaned her backside against the table behind her.
“I knew the risk,” Peter responded. “Now stop looking at me like I’m that decrepit old donkey of yours and turn your attention to my wonderful companion. Robin—meet Aizel.”
Robin reached down, holding out her hand like a man. Aizel reached out and grasped it firmly.
The woman said nothing. She merely observed Aizel closely before releasing her hand. Aizel didn’t feel uncomfortable under her gaze. Rather, she felt as if she were reuniting with a long-lost friend. Everything about the other woman, from the way she dressed to the firm grip of her handshake made Aizel feel more powerful. This woman was a hero, and she didn’t care what other people thought of her.
“It looks like you two have a story to tell,” Robin said.
Aizel nodded. “That’s an understatement. But first...” As much as Aizel wanted to sit and rest—and get to know Robin—she was running out of time. She looked over to Peter.
He nodded encouragingly. “You have a voice.”
Aizel smirked. She appreciated his words, but this was less about her voice and more about her pride. She turned back to Robin. “First, I need to ask for your help.”
Robin said nothing, but her face and posture indicated she was listening.
“King Gareth has my younger sister, and he is going to take her life because I failed to take the life of Prince Erich of Iseldis.” Aizel stopped to inhale. Nervousness flooded through her.
“A life for a life?” Robin crossed her arms and readjusted her weight against the table behind her. “That sounds like his twisted sense of justice. When is he planning to carry this out?”
“I don’t know.” Aizel’s throat closed up. “It could have happened already. But we have to do something. I can use a bit of magic, but I don’t know enough to storm the castle by myself and I hate asking for help, but she is my best friend and she doesn’t deserve this and I need to be there for her because it’s mostly my fault.” She stood up, realizing she sounded exactly as desperate as she was.
Robin’s arms were still crossed. “The River’s Talon has never stolen someone from under Gareth’s nose directly, but I should think we are quite interested in giving it a try. It would be incredibly satisfying to accomplish.” She smiled.
Aizel breathed again. “What can we do?”
“First, we need to find out where she is in the castle, and what Gareth plans to do with her.”
The back door crashed open and a young man dashed into the room, closing the door behind him. “Gareth has scheduled an execution for tomorrow morning,” he said, hunching over to catch his breath. He seemed completely unbothered by the group of people having a late-night discussion. “And, get this. It’s for a Majis woman, or ‘sorceress,’ as he claims. What is he even thinking? I thought his whole goal was to inspire fear. But executing a Majis will make everyone feel less scared of them, won’t it?”
“Well,” Robin said, ignoring the man’s monologue. “There’s our answer.” Her face had gone from compassionate to capable. “This doesn’t leave us much time.”
Aizel shook her head. “We don’t have any time. Thanks for listening, but I’ll just go straight back to Gareth and offer myself in Celesta’s place. Keep Peter safe.” Aizel slipped toward the door.
Robin grabbed her arm. “Wait. That is too risky and doesn’t guarantee your sister’s safety. You should at least consider a few other options.”
“Such as?” Aizel felt tears building up behind her eyes.
“You have the ability to use magic,” Robin said, “and I have a team of at least twelve, maybe fifteen people, who are close enough to help. Let’s see what we can do together.”
Chapter 41
“That key, I have found,” King Gareth said, “is to truly listen to your subjects. When they feel heard...”
Erich didn’t care what the king was talking about. He was too busy planning his escape from the castle so he could find Aizel.
“Wouldn’t you agree?” Gareth asked.
Erich nodded enthusiastically.
The door opened and a young girl walked through.
For a moment, Erich stopped breathing. Had they already found her?
No. This girl was several years younger, and her hair and eyes were brown. She was wearing a white ribbon around her neck, which meant she was a Majis.
Erich relaxed. Aizel was still safe.
