They made camp quickly. Henry dropped Sebastian from the valmare beneath a tree with needless force. She made to say something, but knew there was little point. Instead, she covered Sebastian gently with a blanket, earning her another disapproving look from Henry.
“We don’t need to be cruel,” she said hotly.
Henry just shook his head and busied himself with the valmares. Kara lingered where she was at Sebastian’s side, unable to tear her gaze away. The way he’d looked at her as he’d fallen under her power would haunt her until her dying day. She’d thought of nothing else the whole ride. She had to know.
Why he’d done it. Why they were here.
There was only one way. She would wait until Henry drifted to sleep – or left to gather firewood – and then she would try again.
Caldris magic. It had to be easier when he was asleep, when his defences were down. She could go all the way in and find out what she needed. It was delicate magic. Henry had warned her how dangerous it was. It wasn’t meant to be used on someone unconscious. And certainly not by someone with as little training as her. It was a terrible plan. She’d already tried once. But she was going to do it anyway. And her opportunity came sooner than she expected.
“There’s a village nearby,” Henry said as he stood up. “I’m going to see if I can get some proper food for us.”
Kara looked up from where she sat beside Sebastian, careful to keep her face neutral. “Alright.”
Henry paused, gaze flicking between her and Sebastian’s still form. “Will it hold?”
Kara hesitated. “I’m... not sure. I’ve never held it like this before. I’ve recast once, and was going to every hour. Just in case.”
Henry frowned. “We should tie him up as well. To be safe.”
Her heart lurched. “No. I’ve got this–”
But Henry wasn’t listening. He reached into his pack and pulled out a length of dark, silk rope. Kara recognised it immediately.
Nightshade.
She had to look away as he bound Sebastian, she couldn’t bear to watch.
Coward. You put him there.
When Kara turned back, he’d lashed Sebastian’s wrists to the tree, the knots digging into his skin, merciless and unyielding.
They’ll do worse to him back in the City.
Her hands trembled violently at the thought.
“He wasn’t going anywhere, Henry.”
Henry stood, shaking the numbing feeling of nightshade from his own hands. “He’s a traitor, and a murderer. I won’t risk him waking up and killing us where we stand.”
He didn’t say it cruelly – just plainly. Like it was an undeniable truth. She gave a small nod, trying to ignore the revulsion crawling over her skin.
“I won’t be long,” he said. “Stay alert.”
He turned towards the path and Kara stayed still until his footsteps faded and the only sound left was Sebastian’s steady breathing.
This was her chance.
CHAPTER 16
MIND MAGIC
Mind magic is not to be used for interrogation. No magic shall enter the unconscious mind uninvited.
–The Order of Magical Conduct, Clause XXII
She didn’t know exactly how to do it. Henry had only shown her how to read a fleeting thought. This was different. This was trespassing into the mind of someone unknowing. Hunting for specific memories whilst he was unconscious.
