CH16

When she got back Bran was waiting for her. She sighed happily. She wouldn't have to wait to get everything off her chest. Before he could even say hi she said "the ambassador is the wizard that caught you."

"He is the ambassador, He didn't recognize you?"

"He used imprinting spells."

"He used it in front of a bunch of people?"

"Yes but they don't know anything about magic."

"But you do, what was it like?"

"Terrifying, he took out a griffin alone in a matter of minutes."

"Is that powerful?"

"Why do you think they are going to such lengths for such power?"

"Wait, did you say griffin? What was that doing as such a fancy party"

"I think he must have made it come, He wasn't surprised when it showed up."

"So he was probably responsible for the one we killed too?"

"I think so, but why would he want it to come?"

"You were frightened by the power, he must have a reason if not to intimidate the nobles and remind them how powerful a wizard is."

"What are they planning?"

"But enough with all this seriousness. How was the party? How was the food? I trust you tried all the deserts."

"It was amazing; more food than I had seen in my life. I didn't even get to try all the desserts there were so many."

"You think Reah will take me to the next party? I could pass for a lord couldn't I."

"It wasn't all stuffing my face. I had to dance for like probably six hours."

"You weren't gone for six hours."

"Well it felt like it."

"You must be pretty good by now, have you got any new moves?" He swept her up into a waltz.

"I never want to dance again, but for you I will make an exception." She let him lead her across the floor.

"You are better, I am a little disappointed. It was funny thinking about you stepping on everyone's feet."

"Oh, there were plenty of feet stepped on."

"Good."

"Are you really that happy that I embarrassed myself?"

"No, I'm happy I'm still special." he pulled her closer "I couldn't have you find a better dance partner."

"You definitely are special," she laughed.

"Am I?" he leaned over her till she had to crane her neck to look at him. He had a soft smile as he stopped dancing.

She looked down at the ground, "Anyway, I had to dance with Tiernan." She silvered thinking about him kissing her hand.

"He had no suspicions about you?"

"I don't know?"

"What do you mean?"

"He invited me to a party at his house."

"Are you going to go?"

"I don't know, I'm a little scared. What if the blue sash man shows up and recognizes me? But I could learn a lot just by going to his house, it is hard to pass up the chance. I don't think he knows I am a mage and even if he does, it is not uncommon for nobles in Sudeland to learn a small amount of magic. But I am wondering why he would invite me? It didn't strike me as something he did often even for foreigners."

"Maybe he was hitting on you."

"Be serious."

"I am, he didn't look that old, you're pretty. He might think your southern accent is cute."

"I think it is more likely he wants to boost his reputation though me. Do you think I should go?"

"Sure why not?"

"You do?"

"No, absolutely not."

"But we could find out so much, like any others helping in the plan, or even why they are amassing power in the imprints."

"It's not worth it," he sighed "Lugh, I'm going to sound like Tam but. It's a party and odds are all you will learn is what color his wallpaper is. And if he finds out you are a true caster let alone are onto him you might never get to leave."

"Obviously, if he finds out he is much more powerful than me But even if he gets suspicions will they be with enough confidence to to act on them?"

"I think chances are higher than you think, You have quite a few weird quirks to you."

"Well I am a foreigner after all."

"Do you really think an ambassador wizard isn't going to know the difference between foreigness and that of a caster? Look now," He pointed to her hands. "When you're nervous you twitter your fingers. I'm no wizard but I have been around you enough to know those are spell patterns. Is Tiernan not going to notice that?"

"But,"

"Don't tell me, you can stop, do you even notice when you do it?" he sighed "Please, we already have a way into his house you don't need to risk it."

"Fine I know you want to stop him as badly as I do."

Progress on the heist continued. More than ever she wanted to get into that house. But after everyone found out Tiernan was the Ambassador she reluctantly agreed to stay away from his house till the actual night. He knew her face now after all. He would immediately know something was up if he saw her dressed in her normal, very unnoble like clothes.

There were other avenues to get information anyways she began meeting with Sibahn more often. Several times a week. It was nice for many just to hear about the regular events within the tower. She could hear earlier if anything suspicious started and Sibahn had no objections to the extra lessons. She had been improving steadily under May's tutelage.

We started to meet regularly at the park. It was a nice halfway point between them, though Sibahn didn't know that. The forested areas allowed for most of the magic the practice not to be seen. It was not disastrous if anyone saw them though it was not uncommon for magic initiates to go off on free days to practice privately, for they most part all she did was teach her. She didn't want to put Sibahn in direct danger so all she had to do was keep an eye on Cian and who was close to Tiernan.

"I don't see why I can't do more." Sibahn complained.

"What if you are caught?"

"What if you're caught?"

"That's not going to happen, I am careful."

"And I wouldn't be, You can't use the you're too young argument anymore. We are practically the same age. Do you not trust me? I may not be as good at magic as you, but …"

"It's not that I don't trust you. Even I don't go near Tiernan, he is much more powerful than I am even without using dark magic. I have no idea what his capabilities are."

"I can find out."

"Didn't I just say we should stay away from him?"

"I don't need to be near him to find out. I can ask Cian."

"Would he tell you?"

"Yeah, he is nicer than I thought. He will tell me if I ask."

"Won't he be suspicious?"

"Are you kidding? He is an elder. Everyone wants to learn about the powers an elder has. They all try to hide their true power. There would be nothing strange about my curiosity."

"If you say so."

"I do say so, Your student is very savvy."

"I guess I am lucky."

"Very lucky, you could have picked Cian. I think you are better than Tiernan for your choice of student alone. Now you have to teach me something good today, right?"

We met Harrod's men late at night. Most of the plans were in place for the break in already. They could probably complete the job without anyone else. The less people the better for something like this but they had to work with them. To Geoffrey this was a goodwill mission. They entered a small tavern a few blocks before the bend in the river. It was a large drinking hall with twenty or thirty plus tables, but it was nearly empty. Tam led us to an already occupied table and sat down. May assessed the new associates as everyone took a seat. There were three, at least the number was small. One with very close Shaven hair had a distinctive scar running from his temple past the collar of his shirt. The next was around Tam's age with blond hair and a very short beard. The last was near her age with black hair and blue eyes that darted about the room.

"You're late," said the first.

"You just said tonight," said Tam.

"It's past midnight," he snapped back.

"Then be more specific next time," said Tam.

May made eye contact with Ruth and she laughed as the old woman rolled her eyes.

"And you are supposed to help us?" said the first.

"You need it don't you?" said Tam.

"I'm supposed to believe the likes of you can help us?" said the youngest.

"I know embarrassing isn't it getting help from a man who can't tell time," Bran laughed, "But that's more of a reflection on you than us anyways."

"Hey," shouted the youngest

Tam silenced him, "You don't have to worry too much about this, Your part in this is just to keep watch."

"No," said the first one who looked to be the leader. "We aren't leaving you alone in that house. We are getting our fair cut."

"Your cut is Geoffry's forgiveness," said Tam.

"This is a big score. They have to have all kinds of valuables in a house like that. We are going to get them."

"You wouldn't get a single thing without us."

"And why is that?"

"Do you think a wizard's house is like any other?"

"You need magic to beat magic."

"You have magic?"

"Yes," she said.

"Still, we are going inside."

"Fine, you lot would be suspicious waiting outside anyway, but don't get in our way."

"Deal," the leader held out his hand to shake Tam. "The name is Berwyn by the way."

"Nice to meet you. If you have any questions, ask me."

"How are we getting in, I know the butler is more than a butler."

"Don't worry about that," said Ruth "We have plans to get in already."

"How are we going to split the loot?"

"You can have everything but what, May points out," said Tam.

"What, does she have some sixth sense for money?"

"You could say something like that," chuckled Ruth.

"You can't touch what she points out because she will be the one finding traps," said Tam "In fact, you need to promise to listen to every thing she says."

The three laughed, "The little girl is taking point?"

"You should be glad she is,"

"What's so great about you that you've got the rest whipped."

"I don't think a fool like you could see if it was right in front of your face," said Bran.

"You think you're so good but you have nothing on me."

"Realy, nothing? Then whose purse is this," Bran said.

"You rat!" He jumped at Bran putting a knife to his throat.

Bran wasn't too bothered. May was. She stood from her seat staring them down. "Enough," she used fey sight vision fading black. "Put the knife down or I will make you."

She heard the knife clatter to the floor and she took back her normal vision. She didn't say anything but continued to stare at him down as she sat. His face blanched white beneath his fringe as he stood motionless.

"Here you go," laughed Bran "That face is worth way more than anything in here."

He put the purse in his hand clapping him on the back. The other two were nearly as shocked. They watched her with suspicion. She could see the leader drop his hand to his side to a hidden weapon. Though, his face said he was too scared to do anything. In general she wished people weren't so afraid when about her using magic, but there were times it was useful. Who would have thought a spell that blinded her would be so effective at frightening them.

"You see now why she is here."

"What are you?"

"A mage. You couldn't get into his house without some magic. There are plenty of wards protecting the house," said May.

"And you can break them?"

"I can get us in," She might be able to break the wards on the house but it would exhaust her. Fortunately, Tam had come up with a better way that used far less magic.

"We will follow your lead." said Berwyn "But there is something you should know. One of the reasons we can't keep watch is the guard presence is too high at night. We will need to be extra careful."

"How often are patrolls?" asked Tam.

"Every half hour, but there are also regular posts not far from the house."

"We will have to be quiet then," said Ruth.

"Do you have a path we can take to avoid them?" said Tam.

"Yes, if we meet not far from here we can get to the back door without ever being on the main streets," said Berwyn.

"Alright," Tam stood and the rest of us followed. "We kept you late. I will keep in touch if there are any changes before the night."

"Farewell," They left while they were still jittery from seeing May's magic.

"That was a neat way to use your eyes glowing," said Bran.

"I wouldn't have had too if you weren't making trouble," she frowned.

"I was just returning the favor," he smiled. "Besides, things went much smoother after your performance."

"Yeah, the way they trembled in their boots. I bet they would have agreed to anything with you staring them down like that." said Ruth.

"Bran," said Tam. "Do you still have that city guard medallion?"

"No, it found its way back to its owner."

Tam sighed "I don't want to count on silence."

"I think I can help," said May.

"You have a spell for that?" asked Bran.

"No, but remember the detective I told you about. Well he is part of the guard. He is trying to take down Tiernan. I could ask him to keep everyone away."

"Would he do that?" Asked Tam.

"I think so?"

"Good, now we just need to wait for Reah to find a party they both can be at and we are all set."