“No one knows who I am,” the former queen pointed out. “They don’t remember me. They think I’m dead. Only some of the dragons might recognize my scent, but if they’re under the Revinir’s control, I doubt they’d do something to an old woman, whether they recognize my scent or not. They’re supposed to be looking for young people. I’ll glide right under their noses.”

“But who will train us while you’re gone?”

“I was hoping you’d teach everyone some magic at some point to see if anyone in our group has untapped natural abilities we can nurture. After all, you had something in you—though you might have gotten that from your father’s side of the family. But Rohan said you taught him your seek spell, so that may mean there is hope for the others.”

Thisbe considered that. It would definitely make her feel better about leaving them if she could teach them a few basics. Things that didn’t require components, like invisible hooks and the glass spell, could possibly come in handy. “That’s a great idea,” said Thisbe. “And worth a try, at least.”

“I’ll leave after dark, then, unless you tell me otherwise.”

•  •  •

They practiced hard all day. Maiven would teach them a move, then, while the future rulers practiced it, she’d go to her ancient books to try to uncover anything that would help them figure out how to take down the Revinir. Then she’d teach another move and go back to her books. Thisbe was glad for the refresher course, as she’d been so focused on magical-warrior training when she’d been home the last time that she hadn’t practiced sword fighting at all. She was feeling it too—sore muscles everywhere.

Seeing Maiven puzzle over the books without gleaning any answers was the deciding factor for Thisbe. Perhaps Aaron and Fifer and Florence and the others had made more progress in Artimé. At the very least, Thisbe knew Florence had been working on the obliterate spell, and hopefully this trip home would at least afford her the chance to pick up one of those before coming back.

Because she was definitely coming back. Part of her couldn’t imagine Artimé’s civil war lasting more than a few days before one side or the other sheepishly surrendered or everyone came to their senses. While the people of Artimé knew how to fight and had done it often, they’d never turned on each other before. And they’d always gone reluctantly into battle, only as a last resort. What in the world had happened there to make things go this far off track? Maybe it wasn’t as bad as Thisbe had first imagined it to be. After all, Florence only said they could use some help. She didn’t beg or demand. Though that wasn’t Florence’s way of doing things either.