After applying whatever first aid she could to the young warriors, Florence glanced over at where the dragons lay. The one she’d just helped slay was stuck with several sharp objects, like its face was a pincushion. But the other’s head was blown clean away, and the ground near it was marked by a huge hole. Fifer must have used the obliterate spell there. But what had possessed Thisbe to give it to her? Florence was glad Fifer had had it, but she’d told Thisbe under no uncertain terms that the magic was for Thisbe’s use only—no one else had been trained on such a dangerous spell. It could have been a disastrous situation.

Not that it wasn’t, under the current circumstances. As Florence continued to treat Fifer and Dev, she worried over the letter from Thisbe explaining the obliterate spell. If Thisbe had gone to join the Revinir’s cause, why would she leave one of these monstrously dangerous components with Fifer? It was like giving the enemy ammunition to come after her. And it looked like Thisbe hadn’t given the component to Fifer directly because of the detailed note. It seemed more likely that she’d left it for her right before she’d decided to sneak off. That didn’t seem like something a person would do if they were turning their back on their people—giving them such a powerful spell that could be used against her. It didn’t make sense. Maybe Seth had been right—that the twins had been in on something much bigger than anybody had figured out yet.

“Come on, Fifer,” Florence muttered under her breath as she gave her another dose of a magical healing concoction she’d found. She was trying hard not to break down. The warrior trainer wiped a tear from her eyes and kept up her commanding exterior because it made it easier to cope. But here they were again. Another leader was down. Near death. How often would this happen? It was horrifying. And if there was anything Florence could do to save Fifer, she’d do it. “Wake up, Fifer. Listen… you did everything right. Please don’t leave us. We need you desperately to stay alive. Please… Simber needs you. I need you. All of Artimé needs you.” She sat back and stared at the spot where her leg should be.

Florence turned to Dev for a follow-up dose of medicine. Fifer had said his name earlier, or the warrior trainer might not have realized who he was. She hadn’t known there was anyone else here—Fifer hadn’t mentioned Dev in her send communications. In fact, she’d plainly said once that she was alone. Had he just arrived? Why was his back covered with healing burns? They weren’t from today’s battle. Everything was a puzzle for now.