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"Why are you still here?" This time he finally looked her in the eye. He didn't shrink back from her as she held his stare.
"Unless you can find me another warlock or can write me a grimoire, you're stuck with me."
"Is that all I have to do to get you to leave?"
"Yes."
"Fine then." He nodded, leaving Ace to wonder which option he'd go with. "We are heading…somewhere safe."
"How specific." They were almost back into few trees that Ace thought would spit them out somewhere downtown Maipeg. They'd have to walk a few blocks through the city to get to the road that led out of town, assuming Shelby wanted to leave town.
The rest of the walk through the remaining woods was quiet except for the steps underneath them, and the ruggedness of their breathing from the exertion. Even the wind didn’t rustle the leaves in the trees.
Ace made sure to stay near Shelby. She tried not to worry so much about where they were going; she had a warlock that could help her. Just the small bit of help made her think that everything was going to be okay going forward. If he found her another willing warlock to work with her in his place that would be fine. That might actually be better. The two of them couldn't quit arguing. She couldn't help but be entertained by him and the way she got on his last nerve.
The other option was that Shelby would create a grimoire for her. She knew she'd have to talk them into including all the spells that were forbidden to the public but that's what she needed. She needed more spells like the one they used today to get into the event.
The closer they got to the edge of Maipeg the more the sounds of wildlife faded away behind them. All of it was replaced with the chatter of people here and there, horse hooves and wagon wheels against the pavement. They paused at the edge of the tree line, hiding behind the largest trunks available to them. Shelby's wide frame stuck out oddly, only hidden partially by the trees. People out walking the streets didn't seem at all concerned about the unsanctioned magic that had been used at the queen's event. They didn't know yet. No, this last corner of Maipeg seemed normal.
A bakery stood amongst rows of houses. Cookies were displayed in the front windows and pedestrians stopped to marvel at the intricate designs of the icing. This wasn't a busy part of town, mostly residential, however, Maipeg was an overcrowded city to begin with. Most people who came to this side of town were either citizens who lived nearby or they were tourists who came to take part in seeing all the bakeries. It was pretty common for people outside of the city to strictly visit the bakeries and buy something from each and every one. They each had their own specialties of course.
"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's looking too hard for us." She walked around the tree and stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"You can't just walk out like that!" Shelby chased after her.
"And why not?"
"Do you think if they were looking for us they would make it obvious they were looking for us?" She settled her hands in her pockets and began leisurely strolling down the paved sidewalk. She stepped around the people peering into the bakery windows and continued looking toward where the path eventually turned to dirt a few buildings away. "The least they would do is have the guard out. Do you see any guards? I don't. They're all closer to the castle right now."
Shelby's head was on a constant swivel. He looked this way and that way, searching for anyone who was watching them back.
"Stop it, you’re causing a scene," she said under her breath. Shelby quit looking around, pointing his attention straight ahead. "That's better."
Behind them, the rattle of carriages became more urgent as a wagon packed with guards came to a stop down the street. Ace took Shelby's hand and yanked him behind the side of the building.
"Check the forest! They were headed this way not long ago. I'll check the businesses."
The two of them flattened themselves against the building where they were sandwiched between two homes. They weren’t far from the road that led out of town.
"What were you saying again?" Shelby asked.
"Shut up! I can get us out of this." Unless Shelby was going to use his magic to get them out of the situation, she knew she would have to be the one to do it. There was no way he was going to be leaving his signature and the direction we were choosing to leave town.Ace leaned into him. "Care to tell me where exactly we are going? To do this, we're going to need to split up.” Maybe that was Shelby’s plan all along.
"What'syourplan?" He didn't pull away but he watched her from narrowed slits.
She pulled off her hood, the rain had died down so just a sprinkle began to collect on her eyelashes. "I'm going to lead them away. Unless you suddenly learned how to scale buildings or keep your balance on loose shingles?"
"What makes you think I can't do that!"
Was he really getting offended right now? "Can you?"
Shelby froze. "No."
"Exactly. Now, where should I meet you?"
There were voices in the distance, guards who were clearing buildings nearby. Even though the voices were getting closer Shelby took his time to think.There wasn't time to ponder on this!
"If you follow along the road for two miles, then go west into the woods for three miles, you'll run into the river. Follow the river until you get to the waterfall. Under the waterfall is a cave. Meet me there."
