“It was—there were lights and—and she made this dragon, only, it didn’t work right so she got mad, and one time the music stopped and she said she was practicing—”

“It’s a spell, Mother, Father.”

Sasi interrupted, too impatient with Culin’s meandering story. She bounced on her heels, too excited to be the correct young [Lady].

“A spell? So she’s a [Mage]?”

“No! She says she got a spell for free.”

“A bound spell. That’s rare. She must have gotten lucky or have a rare class.”

Risel murmured. Lantal nodded.

“What’s the spell?”

“It makes illusions!”

Culin burst out. Bemused, the [Lord] listened. Apparently, this Cara O’Sullivan had gotten her new spell yesterday and promptly put on a show for her two loyal fans and some of the town’s children.

“Sometimes the music stops when she forgets to concentrate. And her illusions look silly. But they’re so bright.”

Wide-eyed, the boy described smiling faces, fireworks, even Cara’s attempts to conjure mythical beasts—she hadn’t managed that last bit. She could do weak illusions at best.

But it was the kind of thing that awed the children, especially because they had never seen the fantastical things Cara had conjured up to go along with her singing. Laughing, round faces. ‘Fireworks’, which sounded like magical lights. Risel and Lantal exchanged amused glances.

“Well, it sounds like you’ve found someone special. If she performs tomorrow, you may go into town.

But only with Meltain.”

“Thank you!”

Culin and Sasi threw themselves on their father and mother. It moved Lantal so much he turned to Meltain.

“Meltain, is this Miss Cara performing for free?”

“Yes, she is. But some of the older parents gave her some money for the entertainment. I tossed in a few copper myself.”

“In that case—give her this tomorrow if she performs.”

Risel went to her coin pouch and produced a few silver and some copper. She gave it to Meltain, and he nodded. Lantal listened to Culin trying to describe the show and repeat the lyrics ad nauseam until Sasi got tired of it and demanded some parchment and a quill so she could write down the song properly.

That was a good moment. It made Lantal want to talk to Risel about hiring this ‘Cara’ to stay for as long as they could afford it. Culin and Sasi needed this. Of course—they might have to ask Grishen for monetary help. Again.

Speaking of which—she was arriving tomorrow. He groaned at the thought.

——

Over dinner that night, Princess Seraphel looked to be in a marginally better mood than before, despite the lack of news regarding the last spellcaster who had escaped.

“Finding a [Necromancer] is doubtless difficult. And Ailendamus would not be…cooperative. I am sure you are doing your utmost, Lord Lantal. Furthermore, I would be delighted to meet Duchess Grishen.”