Page 90 of Path of the Dark
“What’s for supper?” The High Enchanter asked.
“There’s only salted pork and bread left,” Isla replied with an apologetic smile.
“That will have to do then.” Mysandra paused. “Make sure to take some for yourself.”
The woman nodded and left to do her bidding.
“Isla’s the only servant still residing here,” Mysandra said when they were alone once more. She poured them two large goblets of red wine. “The rest left when the enchanters did.”
Ryana raised her goblet to her lips and took a sip. It was delicious, if slightly sweeter than what she was used to. “Aren’t the enchanters of the Order loyal to you?” she asked.
Mysandra snorted. “They were,” she replied after a pause. “When Gael first arrived, they distrusted him … but once he began training them, he managed to win them over.”
“How exactly?”
Mysandra’s mouth twisted. “He promised them things I couldn’t: respect and standing in the eyes of the community … and power. They were tired of being mistreated by the folk of this city … and I can hardly blame them for that. I’d hoped one or two of them might have seen through him … but none did.”
Isla brought out a platter of food before leaving them alone once more. The two women ate in silence for a while and sipped at their wine. Around them dusk settled, although the brazier illuminated the garden in a soft light.
Ryana released a sigh, stretching her long legs out before her and crossing them at the ankle. It felt wrong to eat and drink while Gael still breathed, while war hurtled toward them like a loosed volley of arrows—and yet there was solace in the respite this garden and supper provided.
Despite everything, Ryana needed it.
“How did you get to Veldoras so soon?” Mysandra asked finally, breaking the companionable silence between them. “You must have galloped here from The Royal City.”
Ryana huffed a laugh. “It’s a complicated tale,” she replied.
Mysandra reached for the jug and refilled both their goblets. “Excellent. I like a good story.”
Ryana pulled a face. “I don’t think you want to hear this one.”
The High Enchanter smiled. “Now you’ve got me really curious. Come on … tell it to me.”
Ryana hesitated. She didn’t know this woman, but she liked Mysandra. The wine had relaxed her, and she felt the sudden need to unburden herself.
And so she told her it all. She started from the very beginning, revealing her link to Gael and her involvement in ridding the world of the threat of Valgarth. She then went on to Elias. This part was harder to tell, for it was still raw. However, she forced the words out, explaining how they’d met, how they’d become lovers, and then what had happened the night of the Fire Festival. She concluded the story with details of their arrival here and what Elias had planned to do.
Mysandra had shown little reaction during the story, although her gaze widened when Ryana told her about Elias. Once Ryana finished speaking, they sat in silence for a while.
“I told you it was complicated,” Ryana said with a grimace. “I feel like I’ve made a colossal mess of things.”
The High Enchanter didn’t contradict her. However, her first comment, when it came, surprised Ryana. “You have interesting taste in men.”
Ryana snorted. “Aye, perhaps it’s time I took a vow of celibacy.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Mysandra replied with a shrug. “We all make mistakes. My past is littered with them.”
Ryana watched the High Enchanter, taking her in with fresh eyes. Mysandra was indeed an enigma. A highly intelligent woman who’d been left in charge of a decaying House. She was wasted here, and yet Ryana sensed that this path had been Mysandra’s choice.
“It seems as if my life has developed a pattern,” Ryana replied eventually. “I mess up, and then I have to try and fix things. I managed last time … but I’m not sure I will now.”
“Don’t take responsibility for things you can’t control,” Mysandra said with an airy wave. “Most of it has nothing to do with you … Reoul … Gael … Elias … they’ve all made their choices. But like I told you earlier, all isn’t lost. Gael will be vulnerable tomorrow. You just have to choose your moment to strike.”
Ryana met her eye. “And what of you? What will you do when the siege begins tomorrow?”
“That’s easy,” the High Enchanter huffed. “As soon as I get the opportunity, I’m joining the ranks of the Rithmar enchanters. Her green eyes shadowed then. “I’m from The Royal City. It’s time I went home.”
“I wish I was.”
