“I want one,” she said. When he gave her an odd look, she smiled. “For the Queen of the Mystic Vale.”
“You can speak on her behalf?” he asked.
“As I said, I do. Now, when will the blade be ready?”
“It will take several weeks—”
“The queen needs it as soon as possible.”
“I have other work here—” He waved to the forge behind him.
“Five thousand gold crowns if you deliver it yourself in a week.”
Astonishment flickered over his face. He appeared to be rendered speechless.
“Deliver it myself?” His voice quivered with disbelief.
“Yes, to the castle in the north of the Mystic Vale.” She reached into her pocket and, though it was devoid of contents, she quickly conjured a purse full of gold. She pulled it out and handed it to him. “One thousand gold crowns as a deposit. Does that suit?”
His jaw dropped open, unable to form any coherent response. Finally, he said, “And five thousand upon delivery?”
A flicker of amusement went through her as she nodded slowly. “Indeed. If you deliver it in person to the queen, yes.” She gave him a sweet smile.
He took the purse from her hands, the coins jingling inside. “I will see you in a week then.”
Chapter 12
Anothernightoffestival.Snow managed to avoid Ardan and his adoring looks. The night held more dancing and more singing for the young couples.
Faint morning light filtered through her window. She sat up in bed, her knees drawn to her chest, watching as the night gave way to dawn. Her stomach fluttered, her mouth was bone dry, and her heart pounded a wicked tattoo. She took a deep breath, held it, then blew it out to calm herself.
She shoved off the blankets, both excitement and fear pounding through her. Now was her chance to sneak out of the house and begin her long trek through the forest to the dark wizard’s cabin on the western side.
Part of her told her not to do it. To remain in the village as she promised Yirrie. To not leave the protective magic of the village. The other part of her drove her to seek the answers she needed to put the questions to rest. To find out the truth about the dark wizard and the missing mirrors.
Pausing a moment, she pressed a hand against her roiling stomach and took a deep breath to calm her jittery nerves. It helped a little.
Instead of her normal gown, she pulled on pants, boots, a tunic and padded vest. She pulled her hair back and tied it with a leather thong at the nape of her neck. With stealth-like grace, she cracked open the door to her bedroom and peeked out. No one was about.
Scurrying to the kitchen, she filled a flask with water and slung the long strap over her shoulder. Then she grabbed a half-eaten loaf of yesterday’s bread and a couple of apples. She stuffed them in a small duffel, shouldering it along with the flask. A quick glance at Yirrie and Elator’s bedroom. Their door was still closed and she hoped they were still sleeping. It was still too early for her to be up.
Snow slipped out of the house, hurrying to the familiar path that would lead her through the forest. She passed Faradill, who stood tall and silent with morning dew on his leaves. She gave him a quick bow of acknowledgement before continuing on her way. Deeper and deeper she went as the sun climbed higher in the sky. As she passed Faradill, Annilen joined her.
“Are you ready for our morning walk, Snow?”
“Not today, Annilen,” she said, increasing her pace.
“Why not?” The sprite fluttered around her head in a frenzy.
“There’s something I need to do.”
“I’ll come with you,” she offered.
“No.” Snow halted and turned her, holding her hand out. Annilen landed on her palm. “You can’t. It’s something I have to do alone.”
She tilted her head to one side in question. “What is it?”
Snow looked out at the forest, sensing the restless nature around her. Almost as though it sensed her direction and her unease. But she couldn’t allow the little sprite to come with her in case it was dangerous.
