by Lucia Ashta
I had eyes only for Walt, and so I didn’t notice how the others got down from Humbert, or when everyone (including Elwin, Sylvia, and Mathieu, but not the other firedrakes) had joined me.
Marie slid into place across from me, on the other side of Walt, and took his other hand.
I forced my gaze to hers. “How is he?” I whispered, half afraid to hear her answer, but needing to know.
She looked sad at first, and I feared my heart would shatter, but then she offered me a tired, wobbly smile. “I think he’s going to be all right.”
“Really?” My heart soared, but I told it to wait, not to celebrate until we were certain.
“Even though we were delayed, and the blasted SMS almost took us down, I think Mordecai’s healing finally took hold.”
Mordecai knelt at Walt’s legs then, examining him with a clinical eye. “He stopped resisting the healing. I believe he accepted a different result for himself than the one he’d feared at the start.”
All sorts of thoughts and emotions competed for my attention. I pushed away the news of the SMS attack, maintaining my focus on what was most important. “Will…” I steeled myself for the response to my question. “Will Walt keep his leg?”
It was clear he was alive, and it sounded like he’d recover well enough. But neither Marie nor Mordecai, and certainly not Elwin, had mentioned anything about his leg. A boy like Walt, so alive and intent on enjoying life, would struggle with such a loss. Heck, who wouldn’t?
I stared at Mordecai and Marie, willing them to give me the news I needed to hear.
Mordecai said, “I see that Walt’s injury has affected you greatly. But you can’t blame yourself. It was Maurisse’s doing, not yours. All of it was.”
“And you haven’t answered my question.” Why hadn’t he?
The wizard smiled then. His face appeared more wrinkled than I usually noticed it, the moon casting deep shadows that accentuated every year he’d lived. But his eyes, though tired, were kind. And even better, they expressed relief.
I knew his answer before he said, “Walt’s convalescence may be prolonged, but I’m certain he’ll eventually make a full recovery.”
Relief slammed into my body like someone twice my size had slapped me. I looked to Marie for confirmation that I’d heard the news correctly. Tears of joy swam in her eyes, and I knew Walt would be just fine.
“Mordecai is the best there is when it comes to healing,” Marie said, her words, a reverent whisper. “We were lucky to have him with us.”
I sat back onto my haunches and breathed. My brain couldn’t process anything beyond the great swell of relief spreading through me.
I half listened to Clara and Gertrude as they spoke with Arianne and Gustave while I continued to clutch Walt’s hand.
“What happened to you?” Gertrude asked. “Why did you take so long? You should have arrived ages ago.”
“Oui, we should have.” Arianne’s voice was fierce.
“The SMS attacked us,” Gustave said. “Not long after we left the castle, dozens of sorcerers on the backs of firedrakes ambushed us.”
“Those poor firedrakes,” his sister lamented. “Forced to do the bidding of those wicked men and women, who weigh far too much for the creatures.”
“Is everyone all right?” Clara asked. “Are all the firedrakes fine?”
“Yes, darling,” Arianne said, “they all are. They fought hard, and the fight was a close one, but we were determined to win.”
“Besides,” Gustave said, “it helped that Arianne and I were able to influence their firedrakes. They let us in easily, and we eventually managed to convince them to simply fly away.”
Arianne laughed coarsely, a strange sound for the graceful lady. “A few of them dropped their riders. We didn’t tell them to, but it’s what they did. I can’t entirely blame them, really. Those sorcerers they dumped almost surely died. None of them can fly like you, Clara.”
“By the time Elwin joined us,” Gustave said, “there were few left, and he scared the rest of them off. The fight was long and difficult, but once Arianne and I managed to connect to the firedrakes, we were in control. We’d win eventually.”
Elwin waddled up behind me then and placed a wingtip against my shoulder. I leaned back into him, unsure of what would come of our connection, but thankful for it. Now maybe we’d have the chance to explore it more, and to discover what a witch and a firedrake might have in common.
I didn’t say anything to him, and it didn’t seem as if he needed me to. We were companions, and we were starting to understand each other.
Arianne drew my attention when she said, “Just as soon as we recover, we’ll track down that terrible sorcerer Maurisse, and put an end to him. This can’t continue any longer. I won’t allow him to wage his war on the world.”
“We won’t allow him to,” Gustave said.
“That’s right. We’ll take him down.”
“Isa already did,” Clara said as Sir Lancelot flew above the roof line.
“No one left the door to the roof open for me,” he muttered, before remembering his urgency. “Everyone, hurry, a portal has opened in the parlor.”
With that, he dove downward, aiming to re-enter whichever window he’d exited, no doubt.
“A portal?” Arianne asked, clearly confused.
“Come on,” Gertrude said.
“We’ll explain as we go,” Clara said, and the redheads ran toward the stairwell, Mathieu and Sylvia right behind them. Angelica and Simon brought up the rear, slamming through the open doorway.
I remained behind, conflicted. I needed to see Nando safe, but I didn’t want to leave Walt.
Marie seemed to read my mind, even though she’d have no way to know who might be arriving through the portal, or that Nando was in danger. “Go,” she said. “We’ll be there as soon as Mordecai can move Walt.”
I hesitated.
“Is Nando coming through the portal?” she asked.
“I hope so.” My fear for his well-being must have reflected in my expression.
Suddenly, Marie’s doe eyes narrowed with ferocity. “Go. Make sure he’s safe. I’ll be right behind you.”
It was then that I received my confirmation that her feelings for my brother were as strong as mine for hers. I nodded and laid Walt’s hand on the ground with reluctance.
I gave his sleeping face a final hard stare, then stood. “Let’s go, Elwin. Nando’s coming.” I wouldn’t entertain another option.
Elwin was behind me when I reached the open door, and as I flung myself at full speed down the stairs, he flew immediately at my back.
He always had my back, no matter what. I promised myself then that I’d always have his too.
Then I felt for Nando, reaching my awareness ahead toward the parlor as my feet moved as fast as they would go.
Chapter 10
I skidded to a halt at the entrance to the parlor and bumped into Wizard Meedles, whose bulky form blocked most of the entryway. “Umph.” The air rushed from my lungs. I quickly drew in a nervous breath and mumbled, “Excuse me, Wizard Meedles,” as Elwin landed nimbly at my back.
“Oh, Isa, there you are,” the gruff wizard said, joy inexplicably twinkling in his eyes.
It seemed as if he wanted to say more, but I didn’t have a second to spare, so I nudged my way past him before he could add anything else. As if Elwin were my dutiful shadow, he waddled into the parlor behind me.
A portal, strong and bright, spun firmly in place in the center of the room, where it was in the process of spitting out Grand Witch Tillsdale, who walked through it with as much ease as if she were strolling through the park. So that’s what supreme confidence in one’s magic looked like.... She dusted her clothes with her hands, and although everywhere on her body there was evidence of the long and difficult day we’d been forced to endure, her eyes were steady.
For a moment I felt as if I could breathe a little better. Surely the grand witch wouldn’t look calm if any of ou
r own had lost the battle with the goblins. Then again, Priscilla had died today, so maybe Giselle’s look wasn’t reassuring at all....
With renewed desperation, I scanned the room, ignoring the distracting loud sounds of a popping portal and vigorous conversation. I spotted Sir Lancelot back at his post at the windowsill, Trevor and Delilah wrapped in embraces with Simon and Angelica, Madame Pimlish sidling toward Wizard Meedles, who was surrounded by all his hellhounds except for Holly and her pups. I also noticed Count Vabu standing on Wizard Meedles’ other side, looking especially somber—poor guy, who could blame him. I swallowed hard at the thought of the sister he’d lost.
I noticed Sylvia and Mathieu crowding around a huddle that consisted of Mordecai, Arianne, and Gustave. Clara and Marcelo stood together, holding each other, but their eyes were glued to the portal, as were Gertrude’s, who stood by her sister.
By my quick count that meant that Brave and Nando were still on the other side of the portal, where all I could do was hope that no goblins were left behind to attack them.
Nicholas, along with Albacus and Malachai, were supposed to be arriving below with the horses, including Trixie, which meant that if Nando and Brave were all right—no, when Nando and Brave walked through that portal unscathed, all our numbers would be accounted for.
I skirted around the scattered magicians, never taking my eyes from the portal. I don’t see Nando, do you? I asked Elwin. I couldn’t imagine my brother would be here and not looking for me, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. I had to find Nando. My skin was crawling with the desperation to ensure that this magical war hadn’t cost me the ultimate price.
Your brother is somewhere else, came Elwin’s response, and I forced my rising panic to stay. It didn’t help when I drew to Gertrude’s free side. The waves of concern rolling off of her were so thick that it made it even more difficult to breathe.
“They’ll come through,” I said as much to myself as I did to her.
“I know they will,” she said, but she didn’t take her attention from the portal.
“They have to,” I whispered.
“They must.”
When the portal crackled loudly, she and I leaned forward, still out of the way, but so near that we’d be able to dive into their arms the moment they passed.
The light shot brighter. Like firecrackers, the spinning wheel of light flared... but still there was no Nando or Brave.
Wildly, I turned. My focus landed on Grand Witch Tillsdale first. “Grand Witch, what’s happening? Where are my brother and Brave? Are they in danger? Are the goblins still attacking?” I asked in rapid fire. I could tell I was coming off as unhinged, but I couldn’t begin to care.
Grand Witch Giselle faced me, squaring her shoulders toward me, and moved closer, partially blocking my and Gertrude’s view of the portal. When she placed a hand on my shoulder, I stopped breathing entirely.
“Isa,” she said, and by the way she said it, I wasn’t sure I’d survive this day. Not if she had bad news to tell me. Not if... Isa, remember what Arianne taught you. Nando is fine. But I was having trouble holding onto my belief when the portal spun uselessly at my side.
“Look at me, Isa,” Giselle said, and I struggled to meet her request. “Take deep breaths.”
I shook my head, my wild hair scattering all about my face. I didn’t want her to tell me to breathe, I wanted her to answer my question!
“Where are Nando and Brave?” Of course I wanted Brave to be well also, but I mostly asked about him because I didn’t want to be callous and reveal that my thoughts centered almost entirely on the brother who protected me always, and whom I loved more than anything.
Giselle was shorter than I, but she brought two firm hands up to either side of my face and forced me to look at her. “Your brother and Brave are fine.”
My heart thumped painfully in my chest before relief swooped in.
“The goblins are all dead. Marcus’ hellhounds dispatched the ones we hadn’t gotten yet.”
I flicked my gaze over to Wizard Meedles. Even with Giselle holding my head in place, I noticed a green substance coating the hair around the hellhounds’ mouths and paws. Did goblins have green blood?
“Focus, Isa,” Giselle said, drawing my attention back. “They’re fine. You need to calm down before you pass out or something.”
Given how everything swirled and spun and pressed in on me, that was a real possibility.
“Breathe,” she said again, and this time I resisted the impulse to scowl at her when she said it. “They’ll be through in a minute.”
Gertrude leaned over and asked, “Why haven’t they come through yet?”
Giselle’s eyes flashed. It only lasted a fraction of a second, but it was enough to tell me that Giselle didn’t know. So I resumed my panicking.
Giselle noticed. She dropped her hands from my face and threw them into the air, resigned, then moved to my side to watch and wait.
The portal crackled especially loudly and a dusty boot stepped through.
Gertrude gripped my hand painfully tight.
The boot materialized into Brave, who was clutching at one of his arms, it and his sword dangling at his side.
Gertrude gasped, drawing Brave’s focus right to her. She was frozen for a moment before she ran to him. “You’re hurt!” she accused.
“It’s not too bad,” he said, although he seemed to be in pain. Blood dripped down his arm and hand to land on the ornate rug of the parlor. Not a single person or creature cared about the mess.
Everyone crowded in on him, inching forward to check on the well-being of one of our own.
But what of Nando? I wanted to scream. They were blocking the space in front of the portal. “Make room for Nando!” I yelled, and magicians shuffled obediently out of the way, the mass migrating along with Brave.
I flicked my attention between Brave, with Gertrude running her hands across him to check his injuries, and the portal.
“Come on, come on, come on!” I whisper shouted.
Trust, came Elwin’s sage voice. I felt his comforting presence at my back and forced myself to stop freaking out. I wasn’t helping things, and I seriously might pass out if I wasn’t careful. I was worn to the bone. I’d mostly lost my mind under Maurisse’s spell, then used more magic than I ever had before, and killed a man. Add to that the fact that the day had held more terror than it had right to, if a gust of stiff wind blew through here, it might knock me down.
Elwin placed a wing on my back, and I allowed his presence to calm me. I was failing Arianne’s dictates splendidly.
When Wizard Meedles whistled, Marcelo cheered, and Clara laughed, I whipped my head around.
Gertrude was on tip toes, her lips pressed to Brave’s. Blood continued to drip down his arm, but the drip was gradual, and from the way his face was all lit up, I’d say he didn’t care.
He released his hold on his injured arm, sheathed his sword without looking, and wrapped both arms around Gertrude’s waist, pulling her flush against his body.
In any other parlor, this kind of behavior between two unmarried people would be frowned upon, but here it was celebrated. Wizard Meedles whistled again, the sound piercing, and Marcelo started clapping.
I wondered who’d kissed whom first for a second, wishing I could celebrate that they’d finally recognized their feelings for each other. But I couldn’t celebrate a thing yet, though I desperately wanted to.
Come on, Nando, I prayed, even as the hoots and hollers continued. It seemed that Brave and Gertrude were making up for lost time.
And then my heart was finally rewarded.
Nando walked through the portal, its sizzling hisses and popping sounds dimmed by the din. He was dirty, and shadows lined his face. He was weary and tired. His hair stood on end in places, and his sword, which he continued to grip, dripped green goop onto the rug.
But he looked to be whole and well. I didn’t notice a splotch of crimson anywhere on him.
His attention went
straight to me. My brother would find me anywhere.
“See,” Giselle said from my side. “I told you he’d be fine.” But I barely heard her over the tears I was furiously blinking away.
I ran and launched myself into his arms. He dropped his sword, the one precious to him, on the floor so he could wrap his arms around me.
Giselle closed the portal behind him right away, to prevent anything unwelcome from passing through I presumed, but I didn’t watch the fascinating process of a portal narrowing and shrinking before entirely disappearing from sight.
Nando was all I wanted right then. “Hermana,” he whispered into the crown of my head.
“Hermano,” I said back. Sister and brother. Our relationship was the foundation of everything I was, and everything I was now certain I’d become. My future involved lots and lots of magic. But I only wanted to move forward with the love and support of my brother. And finally I had something to give back. I had big plans for my magic, even if I wasn’t at all sure what they looked like yet.
I pressed my face into his chest, ignoring the grime and possible goblin bits stuck to his clothes. I was washable. I smiled. “I’m so relieved you’re all right. Te amo, Nando.”
“Te amo, Isa. And I’ll always love you.”
I took in the deepest breath of my life and allowed myself to calm to the tune of Nando’s heartbeat.
Chapter 11
“Have the others arrived?” Nando asked before I was ready for our shared moment to end.
I pulled back in his arms enough so that I could look at him. “Yes, everyone is here or almost here. Sir Lancelot spotted Nicholas arriving with the horses. Albacus and Malachai should be with him, and Sir Lancelot confirmed that Trixie was among the horses.”
“Good. And the others?” He scanned the parlor with the efficiency of someone trained for battle. “I don’t see Mordecai, Marie, or Walt. Or Holly, actually.”