“How are we supposed to, like, do this?” asked Seth. “Do we just sit around on the lawn waiting to be attacked?” He’d never fought a battle at home before. There was so much more to think about. They had an actual mansion to protect, and so many people here, some of whom were defenseless.

“I’ll have details on your blackboards before dawn,” said Florence. “Simber, how long before she gets here?”

“I rrreally have no idea,” said Simber. “The Stubb has been keeping me busy with otherrr things.”

It was the second scariest thing Seth had heard so far. How could Simber not know?

“Will you please go look?” asked Florence. “For me?”

Simber growled. “If I leave this hallway, she might find me.”

“Go out through the head mage’s quarters, then,” said Florence. “Out the balcony. You can fit through those doors, right?”

Simber grunted and got up.

Once he left the room, Lani leaned toward Florence. “He’s in a bad way,” she whispered.

“I can hearrr you,” Simber called from the hallway.

Several of the older contingent shook their heads and had a brief laugh, despite the serious problems that plagued them.

“Yes,” said Florence in her normal voice. “He’s not taking this well at all.”

“Well, he might not have to for much longer if we all die,” said Seth.

“We’re not— Stop that talk,” said Carina. “We’re going to be okay. Right, Florence?”

“That’s the plan. I can’t count on anyone but this group, so please turn your blackboards on full volume so I can get ahold of you even if you’re sleeping.”

“Wait,” said Sean. “You’re counting on our little group . . . to do what?”

“To stand at the shore and launch obliterate spells at the Revinir.”

“What about the dragons with her?” asked Sean.

“Not at them. If we succeed in destroying the Revinir,” said Florence, “with any luck the spell will be broken, and the dragons won’t follow through on her orders.”

Lani stared. “With any luck?”

Florence sighed impatiently and got up off her special sofa that Mr. Today had made for her many years before. “If you have a better plan . . . ,” she began.

“I know,” Lani muttered. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that—”

“It’s just that everything has gone completely bonkers, and we don’t have any other way to do this!” Florence said, her voiced raised and scaring everybody. “We aren’t equipped to fight enemies like this!”

The room was quiet. They could hear Simber’s footsteps in the hall, and seconds later he appeared.

“I estimate the Rrrevinirrr will be herrre at dawn,” he said.

Nobody said anything for a long moment. “That’s very soon,” said Lani softly.

Then Florence spoke again, quieter this time. “Go to bed, all of you. Get a little rest. I’ll have more news in a couple of hours.”

They Meet Again