Chapter 3: Reporting to Congress

LYDIA

“Is it Wizard Hunters?” Lydia asked as she and Redmond joined ranks with Dorian.

“I don’t know,” Dorian replied. “But it sounds like more than one. Whatever it may be…”

Redmond’s arms turned into wood in preparation for a battle. It was good they found themselves in the forest, as he would be able to use their surroundings to his advantage.

Dorian was prepared to unleash his own powers. His hands glowed a dark violet, and a mass of energy swirled before him. He was known throughout Ellesmere to conjure celestial beasts that could overpower any mortal and many strong wizards.

Lydia had only seen his magic one other time, when he conjured a large bird to fly high overhead to survey the area. It was impressive, to say the least.

The rustling grew louder, and she prepared for the worst. Her hands were warm with anticipation as orbs of fire formed on the surface of her palms.

“Here they come!” Redmond warned as several shadowy figures broke through the dense foliage.

Lydia suddenly dropped her hands to her sides, chuckling in relief.

Dorian and Redmond joined her laughter as the two Slifers ahead stepped into the last rays of the dying light.

Elise and Ayana looked as if they’d been walking for days. Dirt smeared their arms, and their dresses were ripped in several places.

“Gods, it’s good to see friendly faces!” Lydia called out.

“Nothing in this forest is good,” Elise retorted. “Majestic, my ass.”

Lydia and Redmond both ran up and hugged them as Dorian stood back.

“Never thought we’d see you guys here,” Ayana said as she filled a small pouch with water from her palms. She took several gulps and offered it to Elise, who scrunched up her nose at the gesture.

“Palm water? No, thanks.”

Redmond took the pouch and drank from it greedily.

“Have you been searching in this part of the forest the entire time?” Dorian asked, finally joining the group. Lydia realized it must be harder for him to feel one with the others. He was, after all, the only one among them who wasn’t a Slifer.

“Where else would we search?” Ayana asked. “This is where we were told to look.”

“We were given orders to meet here,” Elise said dourly. “Looks like we’ve all wasted our time. Just about right considering all we’ve been through.”

Elise walked off, following the ridge of the cliff. The others quickly caught up, and Lydia placed an arm around Elise.

“At least we’re together.”

“I agree,” added Redmond. “You’re a much better surprise than a group of Wizard Hunters.”

“Speaking of surprises, why don’t you surprise us with some good news,” Elise huffed in annoyance. “We’re in the Majestic Forest. Can’t you ask your tree buddies to help find our mates? Maybe they’ve seen them stomping around in the bushes.”

Redmond tried not to let the remark get under his skin, but it was too late. The other Slifers were tired, annoyed, and looking for a fight.

“Of course. Let me talk to the oaks and find out what they’ve seen,” Redmond retorted drily. “Or maybe you could listen to the whispers of the wind. I’m sure that would be just as successful.”

“That actually sounds like a good idea!” Ayana said gleefully. Clearly, she was the only Slifer who couldn’t speak sarcasm this evening.

“I’ve got a few ideas for you too, water girl,” Elise grumbled.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Lydia barked. “We’re all tired, but that’s no reason to fight with one another.”

“Lydia’s right,” added Dorian. “We’re doing the best we can.”

Elise rolled her eyes so hard the forest floor trembled under her feet. “Says the boy who makes pretty little animals appear out of thin air.”

Dorian laughed at the rude comment, taking Lydia by surprise.

“No one’s ever called them ‘pretty,’ but thank you!” Dorian said with a dazzling smile.

Why was this young wizard always in such a good mood? Lydia couldn’t deny it made her feel better just being in his presence. If only the Slifers could take a page from his book.

“I think it’s time we make our way back,” Lydia said. The others gathered closer, forming a small circle to be transported back to Ellesmere.

***

“You sent us all to search in the same place! Without us even knowing!” Elise shouted. Her anger was beginning to build, and each release sent a fresh gust of wind through the small room.

Upon returning to Ellesmere, Dorian and the four Slifers were summoned to Marsie Maroo’s quarters. Marsie was the head of the search parties and Chancellor Alastair’s right-hand woman.

Though Lydia only experienced her cheer and positivity, Marsie still cut an imposing figure. The many scars on her arms and face spoke of a woman who could handle her own and wasn’t afraid of a fight.

“We’re doing the best we can,” Marsie replied. “Given the lack of resources, I’d say you’ve done a good job scouring most of Ellesmere.”

“What’s next? Do you want us to check the dungeon for any clues to their whereabouts?” Elise retorted.

Marsie smiled as politely as possible given the circumstances. “If you think it’ll help.”

“Let’s just calm down,” Lydia said. She looked around the room at the tired faces. “Things are hard enough without us fighting amongst ourselves.”

“She’s right,” said Redmond. “I miss Adria every moment of every day. And so does General Malla. But we’re all missing someone important. We’ve got to work together if there’s any chance of righting what’s wrong.”

The group was silent for several moments as they contemplated what to do next. Marsie cleared her throat and gathered her brown leather jacket.

“Chancellor Alastair is waiting for us in the Congress of Magic,” she said, heading for the door. “It’d be wise not to keep her waiting.”

The group followed Marsie outside and down the still-busy streets of the capital. Businesses were beginning to close, merchants going home to their families.

The sun had long since sunk below the horizon. A cool breeze replaced its gentle warmth, chilling the group and leaving goose pimples on their flesh.

Turning onto the main street leading to the Congress of Magic, the group could feel something colder than the evening breeze. People watched them as they passed.

Some sneered in annoyance at the presence of the Slifers. Their loud whispers were carried by the cobblestone streets. It was almost as if they wanted the Slifers to hear…

~They’ve done nothing for the missing Royals.~

~Some search group they are. All those powers and they’ve only hurt the kingdom.~

~Pathetic. I wish the Gods would take back their failed offspring.~

Lydia could hear the harsh words. They filled her with anger, but she knew it would be childish to respond.

Her party continued after Marsie without missing a beat. Soon they would hear from Chancellor Alastair. That was the only opinion worth hearing.

***

The chancellor stood at a large podium surrounded by several members of Congress. She looked out at the gathering of senators, representatives, and diplomats, but most notably at the group of Slifers standing with Marsie Maroo.

“What news do you have?” Chancellor Alastair’s smooth but stern voice filled the room.

“Nothing yet, your excellency,” Marsie responded. She shot a look at Elise, hoping she wouldn’t pipe up.

“In that case, this has been a complete failure,” Alastair replied.

Murmurs echoed throughout the room. The Slifers looked at one another uncomfortably. Not only had they lost their Royals, but now the Congress of Magic was accusing them of not doing enough.

Lydia wanted to step forward and speak, but Marsie held out a hand to stop her. Their leader felt anxiety building in the Slifers and would do whatever she could to keep it from boiling over.

“Our people are doing the absolute best they can,” Marsie said valiantly.

“The ~absolute best~ would have given us a clue by now,” Alastair retorted.

Another wave of murmurs.

“Why don’t you get off your ass and try to do something,” whispered Elise. She was always ready with a smart reply. Her desire to find her mate was surpassed only by her desire to fight.

“What was that, Wind Slifer?” Alastair said with simmering eyes.

“Nothing, your excellency,” Elise said, embarrassed.

“That’s what I thought,” replied Alastair. “Nothing. Just like what these search parties have accomplished.”

Marsie stepped forward to defuse the situation.

“We still have one more group that has yet to report. They should be back soon with news,” Marsie said, hopeful.

“That would be beneficial to us all. But I doubt that we will learn anything new,” Alastair said. “In the meantime, I’m prepared to strip you of official designations.”

Yet another rumble of whispers, this time coupled with gasps from the Slifers.

Lydia shook her head in disbelief. Searching for Gabriel had given her a reason to be hopeful during these times of uncertainty. He was her mate, and Lydia felt it was her duty to keep searching—no matter how long it would take.

“Your excellency,” Marsie cried. “We’re trying our best.”

“Right now, your best isn’t helping our kingdom,” Alastair said with narrowing eyes.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, and a small group pushed their way down the aisle to the front of the room. It was led by a man with wide shoulders and a confident gait—Gerard Vastia, the Head Officer of Defense.

He stood tall and proud, his forehead glimmering with perspiration.

“What’s the meaning of this?!” the chancellor bellowed.

“Forgive us, your excellency,” Gerard said, catching his breath. “But we rushed back as quickly as possible.”

“You’d better have some good news to tell us,” the chancellor said, leaning forward.

The room went quiet. Benches and chairs groaned with the weight of audience members moving to the edge of their seats, anxious with anticipation.

“As a matter of fact, I do,” Gerard said with a smirk. “My men and I found traces of the Royals. We think we’ve picked up their trail.”