Page 103 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
“What did you offer him?” he asked, curious.
“The Eye of Effeldor.”
Julian kept a straight face. “Why?”
It was an impressive treasure his rogue had won during their last dungeon raid, and expensive.
“I have to admit, I’m curious too.” Gerda leaned in. “That’s the pin with the [Flight] perk, right?”
“It is.” John’s face didn’t budge when he said, “The staff were prepared, but it would be best if no fire took place at all. I thought Jeffry was the best half elf for the job, and I have no need for [Flight].”
“Is that so?” Julian accepted it, but he knew better.
Jeffry hated these kinds of events with a passion—more so than Julian, even—and John wanted to see their good friend suffer because Jeffry was an insufferable know-it-all.
“Yes,” John continued. “And I’ve confirmed that Lady Amaryllis Elm is not in attendance yet. I have issued a silent search for the saintess, and will inform you when she is found.”
Gerda frowned. “Thank you, John. Could you also let Henrietta know?”
As much as the Hollow elves claimed independence, they were still a part of the Dark Enchanted Forest. Julian could only imagine the nightmareHer Viciousness would face if something happened to Lady Amy during this event.
His rogue looked to Julian for approval, and he nodded.
“I shall. Then, if there is nothing more, I will continue guarding the event.” John offered a shallow bow, but Gerda stopped him before he could leave.
“Actually, could you leave a shadow in that area of the hall to warn us of any impending homicidal archers?” Gerda pointed to a spot by the window.
“Send us,” Erik offered. “We can deal with any assassins.”
Gerda started to shake her head but stopped, eyeing the group of young debutants. A few held their breath, and one looked like the stars themselves were lighting up their eyes.
“Alright,” she agreed. There was an exhilarated, subdued cheer. “But don’t crowd the area. We want the assassin to set up andthenget caught, not change their mind and pick a different area.”
“You can trust us, Miss Gerda,” Shiro replied, bowing slightly.
Gerda released Julian’s arm. The bridge troll put her glass into her storage unit, and in its place, she summoned forth a potion bottle. “Here. Take a Revive and give it to anyone who might need it tonight. And keep an eye open for Lady Amy.”
Shiro reached out, taking it with care. They left, just in time to join for the celebratory clap as Julia and Chloe completed their shared first dance. Julian gave John a signal, and the rogue disappeared back into his shadow.
“You just did that to give them a task, didn’t you?” Julian chuckled softly; they were trying to casually walk over to the window and failing miserably.
She smiled up at him. “Yes. Though it is a perfect line of sight to where we are standing.”
“What now?” He asked, “Just wait for it to happen?”
“Now, we dance,” she replied, holding out her hand.
Julian took it readily, drawing her out to the dance floor. Other couples took up spots beside them.
“I’ll admit, I didn’t think we would actually get to dance,” he said as his arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand carefully cupped her palm in a prepared stance. “What with an assassin to foil and a saintess to find.”
“It’s hard to use my powers here, so we might as well.” Gerda’s eyes met his, a light glimmer in their depths. “And youdidsign your name for this song.”
“True.”
“Besides,” she added, “I’m under the impression that this is the norm at North Sumbrian balls. What’s a little kidnapping and murder between neighbors?”
“Also true.”
