She sent it off, noting it went to the north as she expected, which meant Maiven was still in the direction of the cavelands. Then she picked up Thisbe’s note and send spell again and studied them, looking for clues to what was truly going on here. Fifer was somehow in on this, that much was clear—she was aiding Thisbe in this horrible takeover. But was it possible that they’d both turned away from Artimé? Or had Seth’s hunch actually been accurate, that they were somehow plotting together against the Revinir? Either way, it was reckless, and it undermined the safety and future of Artimé. And Florence was beginning to get very worried.

Pulling It Together

Partway to their palace destination, Maiven read the send message from Florence. She commanded Gorgrun, Quince, and Astrid to land so she could address Aaron, Ishibashi, Simber, Seth, and Sky and their dragons. “I have mixed news for you,” she announced once everyone was in hearing distance. “The good news: Florence is back up and working. They defeated the remaining two red dragons. But the bad news is that Fifer is hurt quite badly.”

Aaron’s face paled. “Any details?”

“No.” The queen waited a moment while that news sank in. “Florence doesn’t seem to know we’re already coming. But she also mentions that Thisbe and the Revinir are announcing their partnership in Dragonsmarche and suggests we send a spy out that way.” She twisted her swagger stick, thinking. “Since we no longer have the red dragons to fight, I agree with her. But I don’t like the idea of someone going alone. Let’s send two.”

“I will go,” said Ishibashi, stepping forward.

“Thank you, Ishibashi-san,” said Maiven. “I like having you there with your long-range weapons. Now someone else with strong magical skills.” Her eyes wavered between Seth and Aaron.

Seth looked torn. Fifer was hurt, and he cared about her. But Thisbe was being awful, and he wanted to look her in the eye and see what looked back.

Before he could decide, Aaron stepped up. “I’m sick about Fifer, but I doubt there’s anything I can do for her,” he said. “I’d like to go with Ishibashi.”

Seth nodded. “I’ll do what I can to help Fifer,” he said. “But tell Thisbe I’m really mad.”

“Thanks. I will.” Aaron glanced at Simber. “I assume you will stay with Maiven and go to Fifer?”

“Corrrect,” said Simber.

Aaron gathered his possessions and turned to Ishibashi. “Shall we take Quince and head out? No time to waste.”

Ishibashi nodded and collected his weapons.

“Don’t engage unless you see an opportunity to catch Thisbe alone,” said Maiven. “We don’t need any more casualties. Quince, you must do better at staying in your fog mode. Riders, don’t hesitate to remind Quince of that regularly.”