Page 43 of The Demon's Discovery
“The more recent the injury,the better the chance it can be put to rights. My daughter Lovette is a very talented healer. She’s mended wounds I believed beyond all help. I’m sure she would be honored to help.” Magnus had joined us in my apartment for a drink after supper and examined Greta’s shoulder with concern.
“It’s probably been too long,” she lamented, rubbing at the offending muscle out of reflex.
“Perhaps, but you never know. Worth a look in any case, little niece. It would be good for everyone to meet you, as well. And I’d be willing to bet Imogen has a special tool to rid you of that ring once and for all, as well.” His eyes slid to mine, and I shook my head. The pinch of his mouth indicated he’d had no luck finding Feiser either. “Are you up for a trip to the conclave?”
“Conclave?”
“It’s what we call our little settlement in the forest just outside of Revalia. Neither the labor camp nor the military outpost are part of it, though neither are very far. We have a miniature town there pretty much, disguised and hidden among the forest. Our kind doesn’t always feel comfortable integrating with the human population of a city. We’re here a lot, but it’s also nice to have somewhere to go to be among ourselves. Besides, there are things we fabricate and do that are best kept away from prying eyes. Humans get overwhelmed seeing creatures with wings, besides.”
“Are your children there?”
Magnus beamed. “Some of them, yes. Lovette and Imogen have been there on and off since the fall. Coltor hasn’t arrived yet, but word is he’s on his way. My eldest, Tormund, is the one we see least of, but he’ll likely join us eventually. Lovette’s twin, Lionel, is finishing a long journey, but we should see him by winter. I’m hopeful we’ll all be together soon.” He grinned like he was keeping a secret, but I had a strong suspicion he was trying to get them all in one place so he could introduce them to Grace.
“Do you think she would have time to see me?” Greta asked. “Are there many injuries to be tended?”
“Of course she would.” Magnus laughed heartily, his tone just this side of offended. “There’s always flesh to be mended, but she’ll make time for you. When would you like to go? Soon, yes?”
“We can’t leave the school unattended.” I pondered how best to arrange things, but Magnus was one step ahead of me.
“You wouldn’t be gone more than a few days, I don’t think. But surely one of us with wings could travel between if need be.”
“I appreciate that very much, Magnus.” Greta gave him one of her soft smiles and he beamed.
“It is my pleasure, niece. Now, I have a much less fun place I think you should also visit, so keep in mind that you like me when you get there.”
“What is the less fun place?” she asked, nerves making her voice rise.
Magnus shook his head. “One of the eldest of our kind, Ophelia. I think you would benefit from a visit to her, but she’s unpredictable. Calla visited with her and learned a great deal. But she’s not keen on company, and if she’s in a mood…” He shivered.
The mountainous man being scared of an old woman seemed preposterous, but I knew as well as he did the oldest of us often only got scarier, more unpredictable. More powerful.
“If you think it will help, I’m more than happy to go.” Greta nodded.
“Then you’ll need salted licorice. The more the better.”
I tilted my head at the suggestion but believed him. Even with demon-kind, when the most ancient got to a certain point, it was dangerous to approach them. Many had felt the wrath of a deteriorating elder, and most of those were lucky to have survived.
“I owe Greta a trip to the markets anyhow. We can get supplies.”
“I’ll inform them you’re coming to the conclave as soon as possible. And I’ll speak to Ophelia as well.” Magnus finished off his drink and got to his feet, bowing out on a promise from Greta that she didn’t mind if he retrieved a few more things from the apartment while he was here.
“I should go with you,” she said, covering a yawn with her hand. “I could use a good soak before I get in bed. Good night, Vassago.”
“Good night, Dragonfly.” I watched her go with regret, but immediately set to making plans.
Chapter 19
Greta
Going to the market was an event I realized I wasn’t prepared for once we got there. Several days after creating the elixir, we’d finally ventured out, and to my dismay, the noise alone had me on edge. People shouted numbers and orders and wore angry expressions as they bickered over products. Aggressive, loud voices seemed to surround me in all directions.
There was a raven hovering above us, making a knocking noise as it circled, and I was certain it was my bird. He’d been making a point to check on me at least once every day since I’d moved in, tapping impatiently with his beak if I forgot to open my window before breakfast. I’d started leaving little treats for him, scraps from my meals, mostly. In return he’d brought me several gifts. Each and every time I went outside, I was sure to find him nearby. He liked to follow me from one end of the grounds to the other. I wasn’t sure why he’d adopted me, but his friendship was appreciated.
“I’ve got you, Dragonfly,” Vassago whispered close to my ear, his arm protectively around my shoulders as he steered me through narrow alleys and around the busiest stalls.
Grace contributed to the noise, well-practiced at her routine and one of the loudest voices when she needed to be heard. “It was seven last week, and six the two before that!” She scoffed at one of the vendor tables, her finger waving in the merchant’s face as she demanded a better price. “I’ll pay no more than seven, or I’ll find a new vendor,” she threatened. “There are a dozen others who will gladly take d’Arcan’s business.”
“Of course, of course. Seven, a special price only for you. As long as you’re taking the same number of crates?” the merchant responded, clearly disappointed that his price increase was not quietly accepted by her.
