Page 4 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
I know it’s only been a few days since my last Cast, but I couldn’t help myself.
I hope you enjoyed the fireworks in Peldeep last week because we’re about to see them again in North Sumbria! Hopefully, nothing lights on fire this time.
Visha, darling, don’t drink anything except your own waterskin until after the wedding. I’m sorry I can’t say more but just trust me on this one.
Anyone who wants to swing by the Depths of Despair Dungeon next week will be pleased to know the boss monster on level three isn’t spawning properly. Half of its abilities won’t come back from cooldown, and it’s easy experience points.
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. Anyone who offers a prayer to the goddess of Light at her altar will be granted a month-long +1 Fire Resistance buff. Highly recommend.
Congratulations are in order for Prince Lucial, who is now engaged to Prince Basil of Peldeep, the third son of Their Royal Highness Rowen of Peldeep.
Everyone will be happy to note that the molten ash vane poisoner has been caught. Some bottles are still floating around, and the Continental Council asks for any and all toturn in their illegal potions. Thank you.
See you all at the Summer Solstice Celebration,
Madame Potts.
Julian turned with the rest of his party to stare at General Visha Hemsworth, who looked shocked at having been personally addressed bytheMadame Potts. The elf was usually the color of a redwood, but at this moment, she was pale as a birch tree.
“Visha.” Julian didn’t think twice and pulled a midgrade antidote from his storage ring, throwing it at her. His general already had one, but better safe than sorry.
Visha caught the potion and stuffed it into the satchel storage bag she used. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Stay cautious, even of your own waterskin,” he warned, “John, send a shadow with her.”
Lord Johnathon Thomas nodded and did as instructed. Unlike the other human in their party, John rarely spoke.
“You hear that, General?” Sir Tully Grey teased. “No celebratory wine means none of Colwood’s famous gladevine for you.”
Visha muttered a curse under her breath and turned on the paladin. “Is that you volunteering to train the knights every afternoon for a month, Sir Tully? I’ll adjust the schedule.”
“Wait—” The human blanched.
Julian pitied the man. Even in the North, the afternoon summer sun was unbearable. As soon as the solstice passed, it was three months of sweltering heat.
“But isn’t Pram a better fit? If we switch, who’s going to go out hunting?” Sir Tully pointed at the mage in their party, a pale-blue selkie with a braid of aquamarine hair hanging down to his left ear, the right side of his head clean-shaven.
“I can hunt just fine.” Sir Pram smiled, pointy teeth flashing. “Just make sure you have plenty of water on hand to stave off the heatstroke and it won’t be too bad.”
“Says theice mage!” Tully dragged a hand through his short black hair, ruffling the inch-long, top-heavy frizz.
Jeffry smirked at the crestfallen human. “You did this to yourself.”
“I know.” Tully resumed his usual good-natured smile. He cupped a hand and leaned toward the half-elf Jeffry, knowing that everyone could hear him even as he whispered, “But it was worth it.”
CHAPTER 3
A Troll in Valaria
Gerda
I was three stalls down in the market when Brownie ran up to me, Henrietta on her heels.
“Gerda!” The queen of the Dark Enchanted Forest gave me a quick hug. Henrietta was wearing a soft-pink apron dress over her white underdress. The pink only came down to just below her knees and showed off starhart-skin boots. The starhart were a magical breed of deer whose pelt gave the wearer a speed bonus.
Henrietta, who could run faster than a sports car, really didn’t need the boost, but they were very cute.
“It’s lovely to see you again, Your Majesty.” I smiled down at the human with affection and resisted the urge to ruffle the queen’s poofy brown hair, but only because Henrietta had styled it into two braids woven with pink flowers.
