“I don’t,” Master Harwin said as he approached. “We witnessed history here today.”
She almost smiled. “No doubt you’ll record it in your archives.”
“Indeed,” he said. “Ardan’s name will be forever linked to the dark magic attack on the village. He defended us and you. He gave his life to save yours.”
Snow didn’t see it that way but she appreciated the thought. She merely nodded.
Movement caught her eye. Tasnia was speaking in low tones with the other Elders, glancing over her shoulder at Snow. She was conversing with the others to convince them of her decision.
“They will vote to remove me from the village,” Snow said. “And I will go. Willingly.”
“But—” Elator began.
“Imust,” she said. “If Seraphina found me here once, she will find me here again. Roderick is right. She’ll return. And next time, she may kill more.”
Tasnia returned to her with the others trailing behind her. Her features were hard, unforgiving, as she looked at Snow.
“We have decided,” she said. “The Elders vote was unanimous. Snow White, you are hereby banished from our village forever.”
Despite already knowing the outcome, her heart dropped into her churning gut. “Allow me to gather my things and bid farewell to Yirrie?”
Elator turned pleading eyes on the Elder. “Yirrie will be devastated if she leaves without saying goodbye.”
“Very well. You have but a few moments. Then, you must go.” She turned her lethal gaze on Roderick. “Both of you.”
With a nod, Snow returned to her home for the last time. Elator was right. Yirrie would be devastated in so many ways. But Snow could no longer stay here.
She didn’t know where she would go. She certainly didn’t want to go with Roderick. Perhaps she could flee into the forest and live the rest of her days there near Faradill.
Her heart heavy, she opened the door and stepped inside. Yirrie was busy pacing the length of the kitchen as she wrung her hands. Worry lines were between her eyes. She halted as they entered. Her relief was short-lived.
“What is it? What happened? I heard a commotion but I was too afraid to open the door and look out.”
Elator went to her, took her by the elbow and led her to the dining chair. “I think you should sit down.”
“Why?” she demanded.
Snow remained where she was, just inside the door of the small house. Roderick didn’t enter at all. That was wise of him. He decided to wait outside and closed the door behind her. They were sealed in silence.
“What’s happening?” Yirrie said, glancing from Elator to Snow and back again.
“Queen Seraphina arrived,” Snow said. “She attacked. Ardan tried to defend me. He stabbed her.”
A bright smile showed on her face. “He did?”
“Seraphina retaliated. He’s dead,” Snow said, her voice flat.
Elator reached for Yirrie when she let out a sharp cry of despair. He wrapped his hand around hers, holding it tight.
“There’s more,” he said.
“Tasnia blames me for the attack on the village. She’s right. It is my fault. I’m banished.”
“No!” Yirrie practically shrieked. “That can’t be. Elator, talk to her.”
“Tasnia’s decision, along with the other Elders, is final. I cannot change her mind,” he said. Sorrow tinged his voice.
“I’m going to pack.”
