Page 52 of Chaos Tempted

“Do you know which Mage Weaver linked Wynstelle and Twyla?” Eldrin’s voice is heavy with the insinuation that Nevenisthe Weaver.

Neven doesn’t react to his barely restrained ire. “Your father didn’t divulge that information to me.”

“That wasn’t an answer,” Eldrin growls.

“Don’t,” Oakes warns Eldrin. Disrespecting a mage is never a smart move.

Eldrin closes his eyes for a moment to center himself. “Is there someone you suspect as the Weaver who performed their changeling-bond?”

“I believe it was Mage Idril, but she hasn’t been seen or felt in twenty years.” Neven gazes out as if trying to locate her again right then.

“Do you believe she’s dead?” I ask.

“I haven’t felt her presence. However, she was skilled, even beyond most of us here. It’s more likely she’s in hiding.”

“Is she one of the few practitioners who could have performed the spell over the ghouls?” I ask, since it’s sounding as if Idril is our perpetrator.

“She very well may be. Idril has the skill and the power to perform both the ghoul spell and a changeling bond.”

“We must go to the mortal realm,” Eldrin says as we carefully usher Wyn out of the mage temple. “We must stop Twyla from hurting Wyn any more than she has.”

Mage Neven didn’t advise us against going to Twyla, only that we not kill her. It might be hard for any of us not to cut her down if she’s harming Wyn and refuses to stop.

“We should warn King Nathaniel of the traitor in his midst,” I add, my voice tight with angst.

“We don’t know if Twyla is aware of her abilities. She might not be instigating this at all, and could be a victim as well,” Oakes reminds us while he holds onto Wyn’s waist, ensuring she doesn’t trip or fall during her spell-walking.

“Wyn’s visions and her last dream would suggest otherwise.” I glare at Oakes. “The changeling had a horrible decision to make. This must be it.”

“DoesTwyla know?” Oakes shakes his head dismissively. “Perhaps this is a subconscious action. She might be under a spell herself.”

“Mage Idril.” Eldrin clenches his fists.

I help guide Wyn to the road where the guards and horses wait. “I doubt the mage is dead. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence that the Weaver disappeared at the same time she created the changeling-bond.”

“My father could have killed her to keep her quiet,” Eldrin suggests.

“Maybe,” Oakes says, unconvinced. “However, a mage of her power would have likely predicted his betrayal and escaped before he could end her.”

The three of us are quiet when we rejoin the guards. I lift Wyn into the saddle to ride with Oakes.

“Your Highness?” Corwin mounts his ride, asking for his orders.

“We will pack our things and leave immediately for the mortal realm.” Eldrin snaps the reins and heads toward the castle.

“Of course. How many others should I gather to accompany you?”

“You and three others,” Eldrin says.

“We willonlyinform Commander Ratha of our departure and to where,” I add.

“Yes. I’m sure my father’s spies know too much already.” Eldrin looks to Baelen, who rides next to him. “Will you join us?”

“I would be honored. I have no issue with humans.”

“Good.” Eldrin nods. “Hopefully, they won’t have a problem with us.”

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