The binding is a traumatic experience, from what the foolish woman told me long ago. Moreover, the Spell worming its way where it doesn't belong often causes horrific scarring.

❂❂❂

Angella sat with her back straight and her expression placid as Princess Talyn, the last ruler to show up for the Alliance meeting, walked in and took her seat. With this, King Gian of the Snows sighed roughly. "Regina and I are not pleased with this development."

King Rei of Plumeria frowned. "Peace, Gian. King Micah is alive, and something happened to Shadow Weaver's mind in that tunnel."

"Do you seriously believe their superstitions?" Talyn said. "Shadow Weaver was going mad already, given that she's the same nut who performed the Spell of Obtainment a decade ago. So we've accomplished nothing."

Perhaps that's because you refused to trust us, Angella almost said, but bit her tongue. They had to keep their chins up. Shadow Weaver wasn't completely lost – not by Micah's metric or anyone else's.

But what would happen if she crossed a line she could never return from?

"Insanity produces foolishness in combat," Queen Morgause of Salineas pointed out. "It is possible she will be easier to stop."

"Or she may get both herself and her combatants killed," Gian muttered.

Angella watched them argue. How could she offer consolation? None were Seraphites – Morgause was the closest analog, but she believed in a strange offshoot that Angella regarded as heretical.

With a sigh, Angella lowered her eyes. "We will catch her someday. The important thing is that she doesn't have that form of power from the Seraphite tunnels."

"And who does?" Talyn asked.

"No one," Angella lied – she didn't trust any of these people anymore. "We were unable to bring the relic to the palace. Tomorrow, my party will leave for Mystacor to request access to the Archives in order to learn Shadow Weaver's weaknesses."

"And do you think you will find a way to end her?" Morgause asked. "To purge this threat from Etheria, once and for all?"

"I pray so," Angella said in a small voice. She could see no way out; if Shadow Weaver stayed alive, the Spell would consume her, and moons knew what damage she would cause to others. But Micah...oh, Micah...the thought of him killing his teacher caused her to ache.

How can we solve this dilemma? To stop her and spare her?

Angella didn't know. And she feared there was no way for any mortal to accomplish both.

✧✧✧

The next day, Micah traveled with Nell and Angella to Mystacor, watching Arvina descend the steps of the Great Hall. She wore a white, flowing gown, and her starry crown glowed in the morning twilight. Usually, Micah would have avoided the satyr. Still, he was so glad to be around good people again that he couldn't resist a smile as she approached.

The Head Sorceress grabbed him in a hug. "I was so worried," she said. "Please, tell me Sir Nellith has been treating your leg."

"He's making a good recovery," Nell said from behind Micah. "We have been caring for him, Madame."

Arvina nodded, eyes on Micah's bag. "Yes. Please come to my office – we have much to discuss since Her Majesty of Bright Moon neglected to explain fully." She cast a suspicious glance in Angella's direction, but the queen gave no response.

They walked into her office in the Great Hall; Arvina bolted the door. "The spare chair is for Micah," she said; he took it happily. "Now, what do you have?"

Micah swallowed, then took the golden rod out of the bag, setting it in front of Arvina. The satyr blanched. "Impossible," she whispered.

"You know what this is?" Angella asked. "I had to read my parents' diaries before I found out."

Arvina touched the rod. "Yes, I have read many writings about this scepter. Then, when the right time comes, it is said to point one to the Shrine of Levity."

"When will the time be right?" Nell broke in. "If we had the power on our side –"

"No," Angella said sharply. "The power of Levity is not to be used for petty wars. It is meant for Hope."

"With respect, Your Majesty, I don't see how those two things are different."

Micah turned his attention back toward Arvina, who held the scepter with a frown. "You brought this so I could hide it from Shadow Weaver, correct?"

Angella nodded. "She cannot be allowed to find it."

"I will happily hide it," Arvina said. "But I would know why you find it so imperative."

Micah sighed, remembering. "Arvina, Shadow Weaver reacted to it when she picked it up. She...screamed. I'm afraid that if she gets to it again, it will cause more damage to her mind. And the moons only know what will happen if she finds the shrine first."

"If she finds the shrine and takes power, she will burn to ashes," Arvina said. "We will have won the war – the Horde cannot afford to lose its second. So why not use a honey trap instead?"

Micah's fists tightened; fortunately, Angella stepped in. "There is still a risk," she said. "If Shadow Weaver gets to the shrine, the world will know its location. So many more lives could be lost in the process, not to mention we might lose the rod and be locked out of the shrine ourselves."

"So follow her, then," Arvina suggested. "Then you would find the power and dispose of her."

Micah looked down, breath caught in his throat. Nell silently put a hand on his shoulder as if to remind him that he wasn't alone in disliking Arvina's cruel logic. Angella gave a firm stare. "It is prudent to hide the power, find a way to deal with Shadow Weaver, and then search for Levity. The time is not right, at any rate – and Shadow Weaver would not be able to carry it without intense pain."

Arvina nodded, sighing. "Very well, Your Majesty. I will do as you ask." She took the rod in her hands carefully, heading toward the door.

As she reached the handle, the Head Sorceress hesitated.

"Madame, are you alright?" Angella asked.

Arvina shook her head. "Shadow Weaver – she's here. We must act with haste. Might someone lure her away from the door?"

Micah opened his mouth to reply, but to his surprise, Nell stepped forward. "I'll do it."

"Nell, you can't fight!" Angella exclaimed.

Nell regarded the queen, his blue eyes glistening with resolve. "I don't need to."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you later," Nell said. "You three are our last line of defense. So get the rod there, and trust me."

Micah inhaled. Let him help. "He's right," he said. "Nell, get somewhere where you know she'll come. We'll let you know when we're on our way."

His friend nodded, then left the room. And as Micah hobbled on his crutches toward the Lunarium, he prayed that his old teacher had some measure of sanity left not to hurt Nell.

❂❂❂

Did you know...

- The struggle between helping the victim and saving the villain resonates strongly with me. Hurt people hurt people, and Shadow Weaver is no exception.

Tell me what you think...

- What might Nell be planning to do?