Witch Hunt

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Enya knew she had to explain to Greg the danger of his niece attending the queen ceremony, but she didn't know how to follow up that conversation with why she should go instead. She paced outside the library door knowing Greg was in there making more Armageddon signs. Why someone like him intimidated her at this moment, she wasn't sure. A mirror outside the room served as a practicing opportunity.

Enya looked herself in her golden eyes and mouthed the words she would say to Greg. Her scarlet hair was pulled back in a beautiful braid that Greg's wife had done for her. Covering her womanly body, she wore an azure dress with a russet leather corset, also a thanks to Greg and his wife. They had been so hospitable to her during her stay and she couldn't imagine how to repay them for all their assistance in this dark time. With a sigh, Enya shook the nerves from her hands and pushed the door open. With grace, she made her way to the old man.

A wooden sign laid on the desk and, with shaky hands, he painted words of fear and warning. Enya cleared her throat and Greg looked over his shoulder at her, a quick smile coming to his face. A squawk broke the silence as the raven flew into the room. The dark wings disrupted the still air and dust fluttered around Enya causing her to sneeze.

"Ya all right?" Greg questioned, raising an eyebrow her way.

"Tomorrow Laufey is supposed to be going to the queen ceremony." Enya began.

"No, no, no." Greg slammed his brush down and black paint smeared along the wood. "I knew she had stuff to do, but that..." he trailed off as he tried fixing his paint mess.

"I already told her she couldn't go because it was too dangerous." Enya swallowed hard, "I would like to go in her place." Greg scoffed and turned to give Enya his undivided attention.

"Are you trying to get yerself killed? Walkin' on into a stinkin' ceremony with all the guards and the king, you are bound to be discovered." Greg rolled his bloodshot eyes.

"No, hear me out," Enya sighed, "There may be evidence or clues as to what happened to Thorne. This may be my only chance to get even close to where they might be keeping Thorne. I did a tarot reading and-"

"Oh my, you sound exactly like Thorne. You guys and that damn tarot deck." Greg returned his attention to his work, "And if you are anything like him I will not be able to tell you yay nor nay."

"So, is that permission?" Enya fiddled with her thumbs and Greg remained silent. She took his lack of response as an opportunity to carry out her own will.

The raven landed on Enya's shoulder as she made her way out of the library room. Greg's comment about her being like Thorne flattered and frustrated her. She didn't want to be just like him. He got himself captured. She was determined to be sneakier and more powerful than him. Regardless, Enya was grateful Greg wasn't trying to intervene with her plan. The queen's ceremony would be tomorrow and Enya needed to know as many details as possible before taking the place of Fey. She would also need to ensure Fey stay behind and give her the invitation. Enya had to achieve this while making it seem like she wasn't trying to rob Fey of the "fun" event.

Enya knocked on Fey's door. No answer. She knocked again, this time harder. The thick wood hurt her delicate knuckles. No answer. Scratching her head, Enya wandered away from the door and made her way down the stairs. The mansion was unusually quiet and the stillness unnerved her. The raven ruffled its feathers on her shoulder and Enya had an interesting idea.

"Do you remember what Fey looks like?" Enya asked the bird while lifting it from her shoulder onto her forearm. The bird twittered at her. "All right I am going to take that as a yes. I need you to find her for me and when you do, call to me."