Mine to Fear (Mine #3)(18)
Chapter Twelve
The council meeting should have started by now. I pace the short length of my room, wishing there was more space to really stretch my legs. What if they somehow figured out how to catch my spell before it activated? They are council members after all. They're supposed to be some of the best warlocks in Chardonia, even if the Grand Chancellors, throughout the ages, have taken away their power. Though I'm not sure if the “best” means the ones with the most power or the ones with the most influence. Either way, it's daunting to think about.
What's more, it's not just the councilmen I need to worry about. There's Chancellor Ryan and Zade who are a bigger threat. Zade would be even more livid than Chancellor Ryan at my scheme. Though Chancellor Ryan would probably torture or kill me, while Zade would just yell. Brothers.
And then there's the Grand Chancellor. He's not a warlock I want discovering I'm trying to spy on him. What if he decides to make me his next sacrifice?
I shake my head. Stupid, useless thoughts. I'm not a tarnished, the council won't sacrifice me. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't find some other form of punishment. Or that they won't tarnish me and then sacrifice me. It won't matter. I'm still an Envadi while I'm in their lands; that much has been made very clear.
Gah. All this time in Chardonia is wearing on me. Making me worry over things I shouldn't. Next thing I know, I'll be lowering my head to Jack.
My pacing grows more frantic. I need more useful thoughts. Something that isn't driven by fear. What is useful to think about? The spell hasn't been activated, so it's like it's not even there. And how could they discover it if it's not working? Would they even know it's from me? Or would they think it's from Councilman Daniel? Maybe he's getting in trouble for it right now. I can't bring that on him. Not before, but especially not after, chatting with him last night. He and his wife are much too good to deserve something like that to befall them.
I direct my pacing toward the door to break the rule of going out there to see what's happened when my fingers finally tingle. The spell is working. They didn't find it after all.
I sag with relief onto the chair. Unless of course they found the spell and purposefully made Zade activate it to try and discover who cast it. I sit ramrod straight.
No sense waiting to see if they come after me. I cast the second half of the spell that allows me to hear what's being said by thinking of the first half of the spell and Zade's voice. Zade must have spoken already because my finger is now tingling. I hold my colored finger up to my ear.
“…has been brought to my attention.” The Grand Chancellor is speaking, I think. “More Envadi have entered our country. Without clearance.”
Though this discussion does sound like it's my fault, at least it's not related to the spell.
“This is a serious problem, indeed,” someone replies but I don't know who. Not having sight is more frustrating than I suspected.
“Indeed.” The Grand Chancellor again. “Not only have they entered, but they have received aid from at least two members of this council.”
Zade and Councilman Daniel! Oh lands, what have I done? They're the ones who helped Tawny and I. Now they're going to get in trouble because of my insistence on coming back here, even when Zade said it was unsafe. I just never thought he meant unsafe for them.
“New measures have to be taken. I will no longer try to appease the community as a whole, or other countries. It's time to do what's best for Chardonia no matter the consequences that befall because of it.” The Grand Chancellor makes it sound as if he's a martyr in all this. Jerk. “Hence forth, the following will apply, and I will not hear anyone utter a word until it's settled.”
I begin pacing again, all the while holding my spelled finger up to my ear. My gut churns.
“First, no woman shall be allowed the status of a warlock, no matter what. No law shall impede this one. Nothing shall allow them this status unfitting of simple property.”
My heart clenches as someone tries to speak, but I can't make out the muffled words.
“Silence!” The Grand Chancellor's yell is so firm, it makes my ear ache. “There is not room for arguments, Chancellor, as I previously stated. Furthermore, your arguments will be moot shortly.”
That does not sound good. Not at all. A chill runs through me as I grab my pack, throwing things into it the best I can with one hand while he continues.
“In accordance with this first rule, no woman will be allowed to practice magic. Ever. Anyone caught aiding them with this in any way will immediately be put to death. There will be no more erasing memories spell. Punishment shall be swift, harsh, and unfailingly public.”
My stomach churns as I grab a pack for Tawny as well. Whatever happens, whether or not they catch my spell, we need to leave. We pushed the Grand Chancellor too far to not have further repercussions, and he knows we're here. All the work we've done working with the people, will it be enough to counter this new law or will it scare those already frightened souls? What will happen to everyone who supports us now? Who was thinking of supporting us?
“Not only that, but because of the nature of these crimes taking place and the unprecedented amount of trouble and change happening recently, all Council members will be held to these laws as well. Any of you who break them in the future will suffer the same punishment.”