Serpent's Tears (Snakesblood Saga Book 2) by Beth Alvarez

Author:Beth Alvarez [Alvarez, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952145049
Publisher: Sacred Tree Press
Published: 2020-05-29T22:00:00+00:00

16

Known

“So with half our mages gone, and the rest of us trying to hide their absence from Relythes, what's your plan now?” Melora folded her arms over her chest as she leaned back in her chair.

None of the Masters left in Alwhen were happy with Envesi's decision to let the traitors go, though few were courageous enough to voice their objections. Melora, on the other hand, had no qualms with letting the Archmage know exactly how she felt. Alira sat beside her and nodded.

“Please,” Envesi sighed. “Our numbers are reduced, but things are not out of hand.”

“If you've already decided how to handle this, you should have told us sooner.” Alira tried to look calm and neutral, but anger and fear still flashed in her eyes. Melora couldn't stand the girl, but the two of them were the highest-ranking Masters who remained, second only to the Archmage. It wouldn't do to show dissent in front of the lesser mages.

Envesi eyed the empty chairs at the table's sides, seats previously reserved for Edagan, Nondar, and Anaide. Despite the obvious fact they would not return, the lower-ranking Masters present refused to fill their seats.

“There are bigger things to worry about than their defection,” the Archmage said at last.

Melora raised a brow. Little escaped her notice, and she was irritated enough at having failed to see the festering divide among the mages until it came to fruition. If she had missed something else, she was going to be angry. “What, for example?”

Envesi rested her elbows on the arms of her chair and laced her fingers together. “The other day, one the mages attending our new king mentioned an unusual visitor. A young man who introduced himself as 'General' Daemon, and entered negotiations to purchase land near the ruins.”

“Well, he's certainly grown bold, hasn't he?” Melora rubbed her mouth as if to wipe away the look of displeasure that twisted her lips.

“Naturally, Relythes made the mistake of indulging him. Even after he demanded the so-called general remove his mask.” The Archmage shook her head in disgust. “That little problem will need to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible.”

Alira's brow knit as she looked between the two of them. “One of the Underling pests? I don't see why that would be a problem for us.”

Melora shot her an incredulous stare and then glanced to Envesi. “Doesn't she know?”

“She is a bit younger than the rest of the Masters who were on my council,” Envesi said, though a wry smile twisted her mouth.

“She doesn't know!” Melora almost crowed with laughter when the younger Master's face crumpled into a scowl. “How long have you been Master of your House? You poor, ignorant child!”

Alira's face grew red. “What haven't I been told?”

Melora cackled. “This general, the leader of the Underling army, is the Eldani king's son!”

Alira’s mouth hung open a moment before she produced words. “But I thought his son—I mean, wasn't he—”

“A student at the temple, yes.” The Archmage shrugged. “He's played at being

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