Chapter 4“Yes,” said a voice, spine-crawlingly calm and pleasant, “indeed there is. I’m rather disappointed in you; I thought you’d notice sooner.”
Aric turned. Couldn’t see anyone, anything. Lake-mist and reeds. Bogs. Overgrown trees and moss.
Emrys narrowed her eyes at an apparently empty patch of grass and water. And took a step: placing herself between Aric and the spot.
The voice said, “Noble, but futile, my dear, given how little you use your power,” and the air shimmered briefly and took shape: a tall man, unassuming, dressed in simple grey clothing. He was neither young nor old, unexceptional in build; but he carried himself far too casually for someone facing two armed fighters.
He added, quite factually, “I’d been wondering what the village idiots were planning. I’d let their
