Allies

Sevir found a relatively quiet corner of the library. Except for someone’s breathing and turning pages at the far end of his hearing, there was no other presence. He still looked around to check as far as his eyes could see.

Then he put the books in an unmarked section. He retrieved the crystal and fed some fire into it. Ruing popped up instantly. He must have been waiting anxiously for any news.

Sevir asked, “what is a spirit agreement? Headmaster Wama bound that princess in a spirit agreement so that she couldn’t tell me anything more than giving me the journal.”

Sevir tried not to look exasperated.

RuIng opened his mouth and closed it again. It happened twice more before RuIng sighed, “even I can’t give enough excuses for him this time. I don’t know why he would do that. Anything we find about mother benefits him too.”

Sevir’s brows pulled together. “How?”