Chapter 10: Taybur Sibigat

I had to pull Nawat away from the darkings. According to Daine, the Wildmage, and Aly's adopted aunt, he would hear what they were saying (if they were saying anything at all), but it would hurt. His hearing was better. I guess being a crow helped in that department.

I grabbed Nawat gently by the arm. His arm lashed out and got me in the face. My lip split. Nawat's skin ripples, like water.

He screamed.

I was hit suddenly how awful it must be for the darkings – for Trick especially – to hear Aly scream and be able to do nothing. Able to do nothing but let her keep screaming.

I like Aly. She's a sweet girl. Smart, too. I enjoy talking with her, even if she hides things from me.

Everyone was fraying at the seams. I thought Ysul might be able to hold himself together, but then I listened to some of the other mages' conversations. He was crumbling. I had to make sure that someone of the leaders at least seemed put together. It would invite rebellion if I didn't force myself to remain calm.

I was trained to defend the crown. I take great pride in what I do. Knowing that Aly slipped out under my nose like that… it bothered me. If she could do it, who else could? Were we really as safe as I thought we were?

But what really bothered me, was what she had left to do.

What informant could be so important that they had to report directly to Aly and couldn't come to the palace?

Ysul put a soundproof bubble around the darkings. Nawat was still rippling, black feathers breaking out and disappearing. He was trying to control his form.

I needed to know, and I needed to know now.

"Yoyox, Vitorcine. How did Aly get out in the first place?"

Again, sorry this is so short. I'm having trouble figuring out the approximate length for these. I think I'm getting it about right. If you don't understand or want me to elaborate on someone, leave me a comment. I'll fulfill your wish.

And somehow, I got the chapter numbers screwed up. I'll fix them if I get a request to. Otherwise, I think you're smart enough to count to nine. I trust you.