Pulchra Arcanum

Part II (Bad Guys Close In)

Leopold and Adina sat outside the council house. They had been dismissed by the council after they had each delivered their statements in turn. Now they were waiting to hear the verdict. What do you think will happen? Leopold asked Adina.

I dont know, she sighed. Im hoping theyll believe us.

If they decide shes a danger after all, what would they do?

I dont know that either. I hope they would only seclude her until they could teach her. But I really have no idea what they could do. They sent us on a long, pointless journey if they decide to kill her.

Kill her? Leopold felt his heart race. They couldnt do that, could they? Something like that would have to come from the king, wouldnt it?

They waited until the sun was setting, then heard the door open. They both stood and faced it as each of the members of the council left the house one at a time. Most of them smiled as they passed. A few of them glared angrily. Once Leopold counted twelve people he held his breath. Would Megara follow?

He saw her walk out, her blond hair bowed. Leopolds heart rested in his mouth as he waited. Meggy? he asked softly. She raised her head, her face split in a broad grin.

Theyve decreed Im not an imminent danger to Domum! she exclaimed. Leopold fought his impulse to hug her and just grinned back.

Thats wonderful news, Megara, Adina smiled, relieved. What else have they said?

Theyre going to take turns training me as a child would be in Domum, since it seems I have some of each of their magic. They want to see my skills in each area. I start tomorrow.

Leopold thought about the few who left the meeting with such negative feelings. He doubted they would enjoy teaching her. Where are you to sleep before then? Adina asked, heading toward the horses.

Megara looked nervous. They they didnt mention anything specifically but one of them did ask if I was going to be able to find my mother She looked to Leopold. I told them you could help me, if thats okay?

Of course, Leopold smiled.

Hell also escort you to your lessons, Adina said with a simple smile.

Leopold looked at her sharply. Im supposed to be with you every morning, Adina, unless-

Unless I give you another task, Adina nodded. She smiled. And Im giving you another task. Youre to spend your days with Megara until shes used to Domum and finds her place.

Leopold nodded and bowed his head. Yes, princess. She nodded at him then mounted her horse and took the reigns on the one Leopold had been borrowing. Leopold lifted his bag onto his shoulder and waved Megara forward. Alright, lets go find Margaret, shall we?

They walked down the center street. Leopold did his best to point sights out to her, attempting to distract her from the stares of the people around her. He remembered how just a couple of weeks before hed been cursing the bore of the Domum people. Now, he could tell they were cursing the strange. He wasnt going to let them scare her off though, not the first interesting woman to enter the village.

As they walked through the village Megara had eyes for everything. It was as if shed never seen a city before. She spent her life in a cellar, Leopold reminded himself. The only city shes seen was Camelot the night it burned. He grinned at her then took her hand, surprising her and making her look frightened until she saw his smile. Follow me, he said, leading her toward a stand which was closing for the night. Youll like this.

Leopold rushed forward and laid a hand on the shopkeepers shoulder. The joyful woman turned and smiled at him. Leo! she laughed. What can I do for you, son?