Page 94 of Adversary to the Villain
“Hello, Blade. We’ve brought cookies for them,” Edwin said. The rain still came down, but it was only a drizzle now.
The blue ogre turned at his voice, and Edwin fumbled with his tray. Would’ve dropped it if Ms. Erring didn’t hurry over from the corner to help him steady his hands. “Are you well, Edwin?” Ms. Erring asked with concern.
“Hello, Edwin.” The other ogre’s indigo-colored hair was long and tied back at his neck, and he was dressed formally. The polish of his large boots reflected off his freshly pressed cloak, which he wore over a finely made shirt and trousers.
Lyssa peeked up at Edwin, who was frozen speechless. “Edwin,” Lyssa whispered. “Say hello.”
“Hello,” Edwin blurted suddenly, and Lyssa giggled into her hand. “That is…hello, Joseph.”
The other ogre, Joseph, slowly lowered his hands, but the light covering the creatures didn’t cease, instead remaining over them like a shield, like armor against the world. “I was surprised when I received word your villain was searching for me. But I admit I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see you.”
Blade’s lips parted as he nodded to himself. “I’m so happy I’m here for this.”
Ms. Erring shushed him.
“They’re resting now,” Joseph said by way of explanation. “I was merely offering them some protection for their innocent souls.”
Tatianna came in with Clare, both holding large buckets of water and ramming into each other when they saw Joseph, spilling half of it on the ground.
“Mr. Joseph?” Tatianna gaped.
Clare’s hands went to her mouth. And then both were screeching, running toward the ogre and throwing their arms around him. “Look at you two!” Joseph laughed. “How you’ve grown!”
“You all know one another?” Lyssa asked, feeling a bit like a tea lid spinning off the top of the pot.
Tatianna linked arms with Joseph, escorting him to one of her cushioned chairs. “Joseph used to live in our village, studying some ruins down by the ocean. He was a wonder. I can’t believe you came. Trystan was so sure no messages would get to you. Has he seen you?”
“He escorted me in but departed shortly after. He seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.” Joseph’s violet eyes flashed back toward the door. “Alexander?”
Kingsley had wandered in with a grin so wide, Lyssa couldn’t help but join him. “Hello,” he murmured.
“I’m happy to know the rumors I’ve been hearing of you living as an amphibian were false.” Joseph pulled Kingsley into a back-slapping hug.
“Give it a few hours,” Kingsley suggested with a half grin, half wince.
“I’m surprised.” Edwin found his voice. “I’m surprised Trystan left in such a hurry if he was in need of your services.”
Joseph shrugged. “I was able to tell him everything he needed to know rather quickly. I’ve been a magical scholar longer than all of you humans have been alive.” He chuckled.
Kingsley frowned. “What did you tell him?” His voice was lowered but still sounded grave.
Joseph locked eyes on Edwin. “You know…don’t you? I always suspected it.”
Edwin stiffened, shaking his head.
“Know what?” Lyssa asked.
Joseph’s expression turned serious.
“That Trystan is a Core Healer.”
Chapter 46
Evie
Evie was certain there were many people in the world who would’ve loved a choice in how they left it.
As flames rose around her, she was certain.
