‘Now you are all re-acquainted.’ Jacques said from behind his desk. The four were all gathered in his office. Julietta had been summoned to join them. The room was barely big enough to hold them and Jacques giant desk, and Julietta’s shoulder brushed against Asmara’s.

  ‘Not all- you still haven’t told us where Bo is. We’ve been answering your questions all afternoon, Jacques, now you answer ours.’ Dorian said.

  ‘Not really, you would not leave Asmara alone with me.’

  ‘I told you I completed the mission.’ Asmara replied. ‘Where’s Bo?’

  ‘That is not my only concern, Asmara, as I told you. Dorian may be the source of the leak-’

  ‘He isn’t.’ Asmara said flatly. ‘Where’s Bo?’

  ‘How can you be so sure?’

  ‘Because. And if he is it doesn’t matter. The same goes for Bo.’

  ‘That’s not a position I can share, Asmara.’ Jacques said, his smile fading.

  Julietta could not hide her surprise at Asmara’s reaction. How could that not matter?

  ‘Bo is in the dungeons.’ Jacques said. ‘He has been-’

  ‘Get him out.’ Asmara said firmly, her eyes narrowing.

  Jacques sighed in frustration. ‘We are at war, I don’t think you under-’

  ‘I understand perfectly. I’m damn sure it wasn’t any of us who revealed the mission. Bo and Dorian didn’t know anything, and Bo didn’t have any opportunity to tell anyone while we were in Lakasha, he isn’t a mage. All I know is that I was forced to use shadow magic, but not before I completed your little mission. Emerré told me you would try and force me to use my shadow magic, so I think it’s much more likely you’re the source, Jacques. You set me up.’

  Jacques fell silent.

  Julietta stared, open mouthed, frozen in shock.

  ‘Now for your sake I hope you haven’t done anything to Bo, otherwise I’m going to get angry.’

  ‘Why aren’t you angry now?’ Dorian said, turning to her.

  ‘Because I’m in no state to hack him into little bits with my sword. A five-year old could kick my ass right now.’ and finally, there was some emotion in her voice, grief and despair, but when she spoke again it was gone, ‘and I’m trying really hard not use my shadow magic, Dorian. Really hard. So go get Bo, right now, or we’re going to find out just how effective your candle is, Jacques.’

  Jacques stood and nodded. ‘If you would excuse me,’ he said, sliding past first his desk and then Julietta, Dorian and Asmara and into the hallway. They heard him speak to someone outside before re-entering the office and taking his seat behind his desk.

  ‘Bo has not been harmed, Julietta can vouch for that.’

  ‘He was ok last I saw him.’ she said, her eyes on Asmara, trying to figure out her odd behaviour, ‘I haven’t seen him in two weeks though.’

  The group waited in heavy silence for what seemed a long time. Jacque’s office was close and stuffy. It smelt of old paper and ink. There were no pictures on the walls, or personal items on his desk. Just papers and a mug used as a paperweight.

  Finally, they heard footsteps outside. They all turned as the door opened and Bo entered. He was thinner and tired, but he looked unharmed.

  ‘Bo, can you attest that you were not harmed during your time in the dungeon?’ Jacques asked.

  Bo nodded slowly. He seemed somehow fragile as he looked around the room at his three friends.

  ‘Asmara, your suspicions are unfounded. No one in the palace betrayed you to the Lakashans.’ Jacques said. ‘It was most likely one from your group.’

  ‘You’re a liar.’ she said cheerfully, after visually inspecting Bo.

  ‘I cannot take the position you do that betraying Mance-Jolune to Lakasha in a time of war is irrelevant. However as your cooperation is important to us I will see what I can do... your friends are still under suspicion, but perhaps they can be put to use somewhere they can cause no harm.’

  Asmara shrugged, indifferent now that Bo was out of the dungeons.

  ‘I will inform Quince Abelard of your return, I’m sure he wishes to discuss the mission with you. In the meantime, you should think about how you are going to help your kingdom in the war. That goes for all of you. Julietta, I’m sure you would be more useful in Dartham, if you would take a position with the Royal Mages.’

  ‘Oh, yes, I-’

  ‘Think about it, now if you would all please get out of my office?’

  After they left Dorian asked Bo, ‘are you sure you’re ok?’

  ‘Yes, I’m fine. Though I- it was unpleasant.’

  ‘They won’t put you back there.’ Julietta said firmly, pretending that she knew. ‘They must know you didn’t do it.’

  ‘Asmara, do you really think Jacques set us up?’ Dorian said with heat.

  Asmara shrugged. ‘Maybe, I don’t know. Does it matter?’

  ‘Yes! How could that not matter? We could have been killed, you had to use your shadow magic, and they locked Bo up!’

  Asmara flashed him a smile and said confidently, ‘well, it’s done now. It’s not like we can do anything about it, and we’re all fine!’

  Dorian stared at her, speechless.

  ‘Now that we’re back in civilization we should go do something fun. I’m going to check out the city, are you coming?’

  ‘I can’t very well leave you alone.’ he muttered.

  She laughed, ‘that’s what I like to hear! I’ll go bathe, since Jacques didn’t give us a chance. Julietta, Bo, you come too. You both look too serious.’ and she walked off, waving.

  Julietta stared after her, speechless for a good couple of seconds. Then she said, ‘what’s wrong with her?!’

  Dorian shrugged. ‘It’s frustrating, that’s for sure. She’s been like this for several days... she’s just... pretending everything’s fine. Julietta, do you think Jacques betrayed us?’

  It was a disturbing thought, that her kingdom had set her up to fail or die when she had been working for them. But the alternative was, she decided, worse. ‘I-I don’t know. I don’t know.’

  ‘It sounds like Jacques is going to try and split us up.’ He said grimly. ‘Bo, you haven’t said anything.’ Dorian said worriedly. ‘I don’t know what you’ve been through, what do you want to do tonight? Do you want to stay somewhere else, outside of the palace?’

  Bo shook his head slowly. ‘No, no I don’t want to give them any more reason to doubt me...’ and he forced a smile. ‘A bath, some proper food and a good sleep are all I need. I’ll be fine.’

  CHAPTER 33

  27 Avril, 1353

  Julietta had no more chance to enjoy the company of her friends. The very next morning Jacques interrupted her breakfast to inform her of her travel plans.

  ‘A-already?’ she replied, ‘I thought-’

  ‘Julietta, there is a war on.’

  ‘I-I know.’ she said, her mind racing. She thought of Asmara and Dorian, she’d barely had any time with them. And then there was Bo, only yesterday released from the dungeon. It felt too soon to be leaving them all. I’ll be alone, she realised, I’ve been with them all for over a year, and this will be the first time...

  ‘If you are having second thoughts, you, at least, are always free to return to Leman.’

  ‘No, of course not!’

  ‘Good. Pack your things. A carriage is waiting for you outside. No need to look so glum, Amjerbo will be travelling with you at least as far as the Western Dartham Fortress. He is to join the infantry. I said I would see what I could do about getting him released, and since it is apparently a requirement if Asmara is to help us, the higher ups agreed. Amjerbo will go where he can be useful and do no harm. You’ll both go to the Western Dartham Fortress, after that, I don’t know where you’ll go.’

  ‘I-I see.’

  ‘Now, pack quickly. You are to leave at once. You will arrive at the fortress within three days.’

  ‘This is all a little strange.’ Dorian muttered quietly.

  The quartet stood outside the palace by the roundabout Julietta had spent hours observing weeks ago. As before, it was busy and people bustled all around them.

  ‘If they really thought you had betrayed them, I doubt they’d let you go so easy, Asmara or no Asmara.’

  Amjerbo shrugged. ‘I am in no position to argue with them, at least I’m out of the dungeon.’

  Julietta watched Bo worriedly. His humour had yet to return, and he still seemed a pale shadow of his former self. She hoped he would feel better once they were out of the city.

  Asmara shifted impatiently from one foot to the other, her eyes darting around, never pausing for more than a moment.

  ‘Are you alright?’ Julietta said, a touch of annoyance in her voice. This was no way for her to behave!

  Asmara flashed her a bright smile. ‘Sure! How are you?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Julietta.’ Dorian shook his head at her. ‘You two better get going. Take care of yourselves.’

  ‘Same to you.’ Bo replied. ‘Asmara, I had no chance to write to your parents. I will try in Dartham, but you should write them yourself.’

  ‘I don’t have anything to tell them!’ she replied cheerfully.

  ‘I see I will have to write them.’ Bo murmured. ‘Come, Julietta, let’s go.’

  ‘Goodbye.’ Julietta said to Dorian morosely. This was not how she had wanted her departure to go.

  ‘Try not to lecture too many people, Julietta.’ Dorian replied, with a smile.

  She smiled back, and then Bo was directing her into the waiting carriage.

  She looked out the window as the door was closed and saw that Asmara and Dorian did not wait long. The carriage had barely rolled into motion before the two had departed the busy thoroughfare back into the relatively quieter palace yard.

  ‘Asmara, could you calm down?’ Dorian insisted.

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘If you’re going to walk next to me, just walk normally.’

  Asmara was pacing alongside him, walking ahead and then back, ahead and then back.

  ‘You’re so picky. What are we going to do today, hmm?’

  ‘I don’t know-’

  ‘I think I’ll go into the city.’

  ‘Asmara-’

  And before he could finish his thought she strode off back towards the palace entrance. With a sigh, Dorian turned on his heel and ran after her. She barely noticed. Dorian tried not to find her manner infuriating, but he didn’t know what to do with her. He thought her manic energy had something to do with her recovering from using her shadow magic, but it was almost as difficult to bear as her depression. He decided as he raced after her that he needed to talk to someone about it. Following her around and putting up with her animated disinterest in everyone and everything was exhausting.

  There was a knock at the door. Dorian opened his eyes. He didn’t have to move from his chair however as Asmara sprung to her feet and declared, ‘I’ll get it!’

  He glanced down at the table, where the cards she’d been playing with where splayed out. He’d only convinced her to return to the palace after nightfall. Even after running around the city all day, she didn’t want to rest, though he could tell she was tired. He, on the other hand, was completely drained, and had collapsed in a chair in her room while she entertained herself. He wondered what time it was, and vaguely remembered a bell striking 11 o’clock some time earlier.

  ‘Who are you?’ He heard her greet the person at the door.

  ‘Quince Abelard. You must be Asmara Sinan.’

  Dorian perked up at that name and turned to look over his shoulder. A small, greasy, dark haired man stood in the doorway, Asmara blocking his way.

  ‘You’re the shadow mage researcher.’ Asmara stated. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘I understand you delivered the package.’

  ‘Yes, Jacques has all the details.’

  ‘And I understand you are opposed to using your shadow magic.’

  ‘Yes.’ she replied flatly. ‘Completely.’

  ‘I have a proposition for you. You understand what you delivered, yes? Well, you can supply the... package.’

  Dorian heaved himself from the comfy chair and walked over, a frown on his face. ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘Nothing I can share with you. This is strictly confidential, and you have no candle.’ Quince stood back from the doorway. ‘It would be best if you left.’

  ‘No.’ Dorian replied. ‘No way. Asmara, remember what Julietta said?’

  ‘I remember.’ she said quietly, and Dorian was surprised to see a quiet, thoughtful, and sad look on her face. ‘I don’t know enough details about the...thing... to decide.’

  ‘I could tell you. In private.’ Quince said, his eyes fixed on Dorian.

  ‘Asmara, no.’

  ‘It could help you manage your shadow magic.’ Quince added. ‘It might even prevent you from using it all together.’

  Asmara looked at Dorian, and he already knew what she was going to say. He didn’t even try to argue, all he said was, ‘remember what he said about Blaise, Asmara.’ and he walked past Quince out into the hallway. He glanced over his shoulder to see Quince enter Asmara’s room, as she closed the door behind him.

  About an hour later Quince exited the room. Asmara appeared in the doorway, an angry look on her face. ‘Is Blaise still in Allonce?’ she said.

  ‘Of course, the boy won’t move. It’s very inconvenient.’

  ‘I need to see him.’

  ‘That will take days. Guy is here, Linette has gone to Dartham with the army.’

  ‘Why would she need to-’

  ‘To pass her information to the generals more quickly, obviously! Speak to Guy, if you must, he’s here.’

  ‘I’ll speak to whoever I feel like. Now, go away!’

  Quince turned and left, muttering about unreasonable women under his breath.

  ‘Asmara, what happened?’ Dorian said, walking over from where he’d been waiting on a cushioned chair a few doors down from her room.

  ‘Blaise lied-no, he didn’t lie, he just left something out, and he doesn’t- well, he would never mean me any harm so he probably just didn’t think it important... I need to speak to him.’

  ‘What did Quince say?’

  ‘I can’t tell you. Top secret, and all that. I need to go speak to Jacques.’

  ‘Let’s go then.’

  Asmara nodded and they headed off in the direction of Jacques’ poky little office. She was silent the entire way and walked normally. Dorian wasn’t sure whether to be happy about this or not.

  When they arrived at Jacques’ office he wasn’t there, which, considering the hour, wasn’t exactly surprising. They notified a servant of their wish to see him and he arrived quickly.

  ‘To what do I owe the pleasure?’ he greeted them when he arrived outside his office about ten minutes later. He didn’t look the least bit tired. Perhaps he’d already been awake. ‘Shall we go inside?’

  ‘I need to speak to Blaise. I’m going to Allonce.’ Asmara said.

  ‘Asmara, we’re in the middle of a war, time is precious. Why do you need to see him?’

  ‘Quince Abelard suggested I... you know what that package was, right? Fill in the gaps yourself.’

  A flash of annoyance crossed Jacques’ face and Dorian suddenly wondered if Jacques had been left in the dark about Quince’s plans.

  ‘Alright, you need to speak to Blaise, fine. I’ll have the sorcerers stationed here set up a meeting. It won’t be for long though; they’re busy sending messages for the war effort, and we’ll have to find a moment when Blaise is free.’

  ‘A meeting? Not just a message?’

  ‘I imagine a letter won’t quite cut it. Go back to your rooms. I’ll come get you when the sorcerers are ready. Excuse me.’

  Dorian and Asmara shared a surprised look. Seeing and talking to another person across a distance was powerful magic, and generally required a sorcerer at both ends of the spell. Magical messages, like Julietta’s birds, were far more common.

  ‘I guess now I just wait...’ Asmara murmured.

  The next morning, a few hours before dawn, Dorian was awoken by the sound of knocking. Dorian lay in bed, sleepily wondering what was going on. He heard a door open, and Asmara’s voice. Immediately, he stumbled out of bed. By the time he made his way through the dark room to the door Asmara was disappearing down the hallway.

  ‘Asmara!’ he called.

  She turned, and he noticed she was fully dressed, her hair brushed. Had she already been awake? Was she getting any sleep at all?

  ‘Dorian, Blaise is waiting. I have to go. You should go back to sleep.’

  ‘I’ll come with you.’

  ‘You’re not allowed, it’s secret, remember?’

  Dorian was too tired to argue, so he just walked down the hallway towards her.

  Asmara sighed. ‘They won’t let you listen, Dore, it’s not up to me.’

  But she didn’t argue any further and the two followed the servant who had come to fetch them.

  ‘Please, be quiet. The rest of the palace sleeps, there is no reason to wake the other guests.’ the immaculately groomed young man said to them. ‘Now, follow me.’

  Dorian grumbled under his breath but didn’t say anything. They followed the servant along the halls to a staircase, which wound up and up and up. They reached a heavy, enchanted door. It was unlocked, and the servant waited while they went inside. They found themselves in a hexagonal tower top room that looked out over the entire city. The walls were glass, and Dorian could see the dark curve of the Risel River as it wound through the dark and sleepy city of Manus. Two sorcerers were waiting for them expectantly. It was too dark in the room to make out their features.

  ‘Asmara Sinan?’ one of them asked. ‘Are you ready to contact Blaise Autin in Allonce?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Good, Allonce is waiting. You, who are you? Are you allowed here?’

  ‘I’m her friend.’ Dorian replied, as hope flared. Maybe they didn’t know this was meant to be secret. Maybe they’d let him stay.