Chapter Seven #2
Dagan had all but forgotten about the fairy standing just a short distance from them, examining the ground below. He nodded toward the woman in question. “Is that who I think she is?”
“Yes. That’s Rhea, the fairy I rescued years ago—who as it turns out—is also a fairy princess.”
“How did that go? The fairies didn’t burn you alive, I see.”
“It was… interesting. How was the summit?”
“Also interesting.”
As much as Sidonie wanted to sit around and exchange stories of their travels, she was intrigued by what the fairy said when she arrived. “Did I hear you right?” Sidonie asked, stepping closer to Rhea. “You said you’ve seen this before? This fire?”
Rhea straightened up and turned toward them. “I haven’t seen it myself. I’m too young. My mother and a few of my older sisters have. This isn’t just fire,” Rhea said, nearly growling. “This is the vilest form of magic that any wizard could conjure. A magic that is forbidden.”
“Oh, hell.” Dagan stiffened. “It can’t be. Who would risk losing their powers, just to burn down a few huts in the middle of the forest? When regular fire magic would have worked just as easily?”
“Could someone explain just what you’re referring to?” Sidonie asked.
Dagan bowed his head. “Wildfire.”
He didn’t need to elaborate. Sidonie knew that wildfire had been used by wizards during the Shadow War. The same wildfire had killed Dagan’s grandmother, just days after she’d given birth to Dagan’s father, Edmund. It was an extremely dangerous magic that was nearly impossible to control.
“I thought your grandfather forbid the use of wildfire,” Sidonie asked.
“He did,” Dagan replied, “but obviously someone has decided to take advantage of the fact that the Elder Mage is gone.”
“Gone?” Rhea shouted. “How could he be gone? Who will protect the land? The animals?” She stomped her feet, outraged by the idea that another war could be possible without an Elder Mage to oversee the wizards of the realm.
It had taken many years and a tremendous amount of fairy power to heal the land and its inhabitants after the last war had ended.
“The summit,” Rowan interjected. “Wasn’t the summit supposed to name a new Elder Mage? Who is it?”
“We left before he was named.” Dagan glanced at Sidonie, unsure if he should share what actually happened that night in front of the fairy. He knew Rowan could be trusted, but he didn’t know how the fairies would feel about Sidonie being a sorceress. Especially if they knew who her mother was.
Just then, the sound of hooves caught their attention. They turned to see Sir Nicholas and Sir Luthias approaching, followed by the royal carriage.
“There’s Bree,” Rowan said, turning and whistling to Dragon. “Princess Rhea, if we leave now, we should be able to reach Anestas before nightfall.”
“No,” Rhea said, immediately. “I will remain with you and the wizard.”
Rowan shook his head. “I don’t think that would be wise. You’ve already been gone for several days. If your mother suspects that you’ve been taken again—”
“If there is a lunatic wizard spreading wildfire around the realm, you will need my assistance. I have made my decision.” To avoid any further conversation, Rhea turned to walk toward Dragon, leaving the others gaping after her.
“I wouldn’t argue with a fairy,” Dagan said. “They already let you live once. I wouldn’t push your luck.”
“I believe I will follow that advice,” Rowan murmured, frowning.
~*~
Finn had never been one to pace when he was anxious. But somehow, he found himself constantly walking by the hall doors, glancing across the courtyard, looking for any sign of the queen. According to the message sent from Vale, she should arrive today. She couldn’t get here fast enough for him.
The past several days had been utter chaos in the castle.
Planning and executing a royal ball for hundreds of guests was nothing compared to caring for fourteen Sabras.
He’d almost volunteered to leave today and rebuild their homes himself, if there was a chance that he could fix the disorder that had fallen on the castle.
He had expected there to be a few snags along the way, especially seeing as how the Sabras were so abruptly forced to leave their homes and settle in a foreign place, completely opposite of how they were used to living in the wilderness.
Inside a castle, there was order and structure to the daily lives of the people, as well as certain expectations of behavior. It was blatantly obvious that the Sabras did not meet or understand this level of expectation. Nor did they desire to.
The first major hurdle had come within hours of their stay when Dahlia took the women to the wardrobe to change into something more suitable to wear in the castle. The women absolutely refused every piece of clothing that was offered.
Even though Adelphie attempted to persuade them, it was no use. And so supper that night had been a disaster. Every man in the hall couldn’t help but stare at the mostly bare women, drawing evil glares from the ladies in attendance. Every meal since had been this way.
Then there was the food itself, of which comments were made that the meat was overcooked, there were too many herbs used for seasoning, among other things.
Trying to please the Sabras when it came to their chambers was difficult also.
The women balked at the beds, stating that the mattresses were stuffed with too many feathers.
Something that Finn couldn’t fathom. How can a bed be too comfortable?
But the worst of their behavior arose when the Sabras became bored.
They’d decided to practice shooting their bows and throwing knives at their pillows.
Then there was the time that one woman challenged another to scale the side of the castle wall, drawing all sorts of gasps from the servants and guards below.
It seemed that there would be no end to his guests’ unruliness.
“Please, Finn. Please send me back to the stables!” Dahlia ran up to him, pleading at this point.
She would rather shovel manure any day than answer another question about whether her bodice was cutting off circulation to her head.
She thought she’d seen it all, growing up in Sire, but the number of rude remarks that came out of the mouths of these women was astonishing.
“Absolutely not! If I have to endure, so do you.” He huffed and set his jaw. Tending horses was beginning to look like an ideal occupation to Finn as well.
Suddenly they heard it—the trumpet, announcing the return of the queen.
“Finally!” Dahlia shouted. She gathered the bottom of her dress and sprinted out of the hall. Finn couldn’t help but laugh as he followed her into the courtyard.