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“This ismyhome. I think yours is a little further south. The black shit hole you created.”

“It’s not very brotherly of you to kick me out. I don’t feel like I’m wanted.”

“You’re not.”

Hel let out a dark chuckle. “It’s amazing what one pair of tits can do to break a friendship bond like ours. I mean to think of how many times I had your back and you betrayed me over and over. Nonetheless, I’m not leaving until I get what I want. If you play nice, I’ll play nice. I won’t even expose you for allowingthe Black Mageinto your castle if you keep it under wraps. I’ll just be a guest of the king. Your far more attractive and charming cousin.”

“Hel, you’re an asshole. You know the ladies always preferred my charm over yours.”

“Except for one.”

Thane let out a low growl. He was growing impatient, but far more patient than Layala would be. But he was trying to get answers, and Thane was tactical. “I’m assuming you want to be an immortal again.”

He flicked his civar into the air and it vanished into nothing. “And they say you’re the smart one.”

“Not sure how we can help you there. Not a magic immortal potion in sight.”

“That’s for me to know and you to figure out,” Hel said. “Do you remember how we were exiled?”

“No. And what does Layala have to do with this?”

“Layala doesn’t.Valeendoes. Does she know anything? She looked clueless to me.”

“She remembers nothing.”

“Interesting, well it looks like I’ll be here awhile.”

Her cheeks warmed and sweat dampened the back of her top. He was going to stay until she remembered her entire past? A past she wanted nothing to do with. Nausea churned in her gut, and she rocked back on her heels. Chair legs scraped against the stone floor, and he stood up.Damn it.Layala lightly pushed Piper toward the exit.Staying low, they quietly moved down the aisle toward the exit.

“I think you have company to deal with,” the Black Mage said. “If my senses are correct, and they always are, your guests from Calladira have just arrived. Better go do your kingly duties. I’ll wait here for you, catch up on a bit of light reading, smoke a few civars. I’ll be a good boy all by myself, promise.”

Layala and Piper dashed out of the library before either of them could find them eavesdropping.

When they got far enough away, Piper shoved Layala into a broom closet leaving the door cracked for light. “What the hell is going on? Holy Maker above, that was…him. And Thane was just talking to him? I’m beyond confused.”

“Piper, we need katagas serum. I’ll explain on the way.”

* * *

Layala pattedthe leather pouch hooked on her weapons belt and felt the three barbs laced with katagas serum bounce around in there. There was a small stash in the storeroom left over from when Tenebris had his lackey use the serum on her every day for a month during her captivity.

“Thane said he’ll be out here in a few minutes,” Layala said more to herself than Piper. With her thumb, she rubbed the smooth steel on the hilt of her sword. Both of them were nervous to be out here with their arch nemesis on castle grounds.

“I heard, and he is going to drop a hint about where you are with the Black Mage in earshot,” she said, reiterating the plan, and glanced over her shoulder. “It’s too bad he has to tell Calladira the meeting is canceled.”

“I know.” Layala wanted to insist he take the meeting, but she knew he wouldn’t now. Negotiations could be hours. He’d have to wine and dine them as was proper. “He’s worked for months to arrange these meetings too. It’s horrible timing.”

Their boots tapped lightly over the cobblestone path leading to the stone circle where the scheduled training was to take place. The old elf Vesstan stared into a pond with green lily pads, toads croaking, and colorful fish swimming beneath the cool clear water. Forest green robes with off-white trim made the old mage look like part of the woods. His long white beard reached the top of his thighs and the staff in his hand matched its color. His shoulders were slightly hunched and the wrinkles and age spots on his skin were such a contrast to his elven ears.

Piper took a seat on the stone bench near the water with a good view of the castle and path. While Layala took up the spot next to Mage Vesstan. “I hope I’m not late.”

With his eyes closed, he stayed silent.

After ten minutes of standing quietly with the old mage, she looked at Piper for answers. Her friend shrugged and went back to keeping a watchful eye.

He hadn’t so much as acknowledged her presence. The sun warmed her skin, but it wouldn’t be long before it dipped behind the distant horizon. They had maybe an hour of daylight left, and they wasted it by standing here doing nothing. She could be inside planning while Thane dealt with the woodland elves, rather than wasting time.

“Should we get started?” she finally asked, glancing back at the castle. Vesstan made no acknowledgment but stood as still as the statue of an ancient elf queen at the center of the pond.