Page 194 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“It’s in my nana’s recipe b-book.” The girl accepted the cloth and blew her nose. Her face was a blotchy dark green from crying. “She told me to make what I could and leave a bag at the drop-off spot when I had ten bottles. I c-can only make molten ash vane when I have the ingredients, b-but they are rare. I have some now, from the d-dungeon. If you give me a d-day, I’ll make you one?”
Rufus sighed. “Did you know”—the little girl looked up at him through her big glasses, eager to help—“that molten ash vane is an illegal poison that was banned from production and sale by all guilds across the continent?”
Mia’s face blanched. “What?”
“And you’re the lead felon in an international criminal investigation, with an arrest warrant from the Continental Council itself?”
“N-No—” The girl was crying again and having difficulty breathing. She looked down because Slake was winding his way around her legs. He bound over to sit in front of Rufus, facing the girl.
Brownie frowned. Poor Rufus was quest bound to retrieve the poisoner.
“There is a way,” the grimalcat said. “Pick me up.”
Lady Amy let Mia go so the elf girl could do as she was told, holding the large grimalcat in her small arms. She calmed a bit as she started to pet him gently. The grimalcat purred contentedly.
“You know the council is expecting the poisoner brought before them before the end of the month,” Rufus stated, balling his paw into a fist before relaxing it at his side. “And Nilheim could lose our place on the council for refusing to turn her in.”
“Is that true?” Henrietta whispered to Brownie.
“Mm-hmm.” Brownie nodded, taking another bite of her fruit leather. A maid appeared at the top of the stairs, saw them, and hurried off.
“It’s not the end of the world,” Lady Amy argued. “When we explain what happened, I’m sure—”
Slake looked at Mia. “Child. What is your name?”
“Mia Underbush,” she replied.
“You may call me Slake. I can take Lady Amy to represent you at the Continental Council.” Slake nodded. “But you must promise me that you will never make molten ash vane again.”
The grimalcat’s eyes glowed a strange green, and Brownie glanced at her own grimalcat whom she’d also made a promise to. Momo was staring at a painting of the duke and duchess of the Hollow that was over the doorway behind her. They were sitting on a familiar bench, with baby Lady Amy in their arms. And a white butterfly fluttering beside some flowers.
“A-Alright.” Mia nodded her head, pressing her tearstained face into Slake’s furry back. The grimalcat let her.
“And you will familiarize yourself with the law so you know what you are andare notallowed to make,” Slake continued, his eyes getting dimmer and almost back to normal.
The elf girl continued nodding, pausing only a few seconds later to blow her nose very loudly into Rufus’s handkerchief.
Brownie exchanged looks with Rufus, sending a reassuring smile and subtle thumbs-up.
“Then we have an agreement.” The grimalcat smiled. He looked at Rufus. “I’ll take responsibility for the child. Lady Amy and I can meet you at the Summer Masquerade Council Meeting. Unless you have any complaints?”
“I have a complaint!” Duke Briarthorn stood at the top of the stairs.
CHAPTER 119
I Have Dungeon Plants
Rufus
“Duke Briarthorn.” I nodded at Lady Amy’s father as he descended the stairs.
“Don’t you speak to me!” The duke’s stern voice barely held back his anger. “What is this about Amy going to the Summer Masquerade? Absolutely not.”
“Father, I’m of an age to attend—”
“No.” The duke swept his hand in anger. “I’ve followed the law and given you leave from your responsibilities enough. You will stay here and do your duty.”
“My duty is to my people,” Lady Amy said, frowning.
