Page 14 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“It doesn’t say she is working with Servalt, my love,” Keith argued. “It simply says that she’s been present every time a molten ash vane poisoning has happened.”
Against my better judgment, I agreed, adding, “She doesn’t need to be working for Servalt to be a poisoner or assassin … and she knew about all of those assassins who were launching a surprise attack on us just before your birthday.”
“She was locked up in a carriage with me, battling slave traders, when the molten ash vane was being collected and delivered to your prison,” Henrietta reminded us. “And that still begs the question why Marquess Chadwick kidnapped her if heknewshe was an assassin in his employ. He was clearly getting the poison from someone else.”
“You make a compelling argument,” Keith surmised, “but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t involved in other ways. There’s also the fact that Marquess Dorset might not have known itwasher. She’s a performer; she could have a disguise.”
“As queen of the Dark Enchanted Forest, am I allowed to order Rufus to do things?” Henrietta asked, suddenly changing the direction of the conversation.
I raised an eyebrow at my king and waited to hear the answer to that myself. I’d sworn an oath of fealty when Henrietta was elevated, but it had been multiple generations since there were two rulers of the Dark Enchanted Forest.
“Yes,” King Keith monotoned, then he caught my eye, coughed, and amended, “Within reason.”
“Rufus!” Queen Henrietta thrust the page back into my arms. “My first official order as queen of the Dark Enchanted Forest is for you to follow Minstrel Brownie Lyriel to Servalt and find proof that she is or is not, in fact, an undercover assassin.”
“Yes, Your Viciousness.” It was already what Keith had ordered. I took back the scroll, looked it over once more, then did as I desired and ripped it up into tiny pieces. “But I won’t go with the evidence on me.”
I dropped the remains into a bin beside Keith’s filing cabinet before turning back to the pair. They’d been sharing alook, but then returned my gaze steadily.
“You should probably have thatconversationwith the Assassin’s Guild while you’re visiting, too,” Keith instructed.
“Of course. If that’s all?” I bowed, then left to pack my bags.
This wasn’t the first time I’d stalked my favorite bard across two kingdoms … and I’d felt equally guilty both times. Thiswouldbe the first time she’d recognize me as I did so, though.
I sighed. If only I could forgo the secrecy and just—
Actually.
We knew each other now. Maybe going the obvious route wouldn’t be that hard, and it cost me nothing to try.
I finished packing my things, watered my plants, left instructions with the castle staff, and wandered off to Scowls.
CHAPTER 4
Your Wagon or Mine?
Brownie
Hello, everyone, this is Madame Potts with your last update this spring!
Valaria can welcome their newest queen today after King Keith Monfort of Nilheim married Princess Henrietta, formerly of Drendil. The celebration was in fine form, and nobody died. The tea and cake were especially delicious, if I do say so myself.
Anyone traveling to Sumbria this week will not be able to take the high road. The Sumbrian royals did not heed the words of this humble madame, and poachers successfully caused a stampede of capybara throughout the kingdom. Adventuring parties looking for an easy quest can make their way to the kingdom and help round up the friendly creatures.
The Green Oak Dungeon will have an increase in miner’s lettuce encounters. The grass monsters are known to emit Confusion spores from the small white flower on their head, but a rare pink flower miner’s lettuce might appear that uses Paralysis spores. Please pack the appropriate antidotes. And note, the monster’s cap is edible, and the rare pink one is a highly sought-after delicacy.
Next week, there will be flooding on the eastern road to the Empire of Sands. A storm giant fell into one of the ice lakes on the peak of Mount Arai, sending an overflow to Lake Vayasa. It won’t disturb any villages, but travel will be affected.
I am happy to say that Valaria’s other newest ruler is making waves. Regent Havork of Drendil swept through the kingdom last weekarresting many and subjecting others to fines. New laws are being passed daily, and citizens are advised to go to any of the free herald posts set up by the regent to explain and answer questions.
The Summer Masquerade invites just went out; did you get one yet?
That’s all for today, everyone. Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts.
Madame Potts signing out.
Brownie listened as everyone at Scowls was talking about the wedding and the announcement from the Crystal Cast two hours after the wedding had ended.
