Cain wandered the bustling streets of Alryn, keeping to himself as he studied each citizen he passed. He didn't quite know what this witch looked like, but he was sure he'd find her in close proximity to the king. His attention turned to a young woman dressed all in black. Her dark hair framed her elegant figure. She turned to the man beside her and smiled. Cain had recognized them; he had seen them just the other day, far outside the city as he had made his journey over the kingdom's borders. He recalled seeing them coming out of an old, rotting house.

His suspicions drew him back towards that house. He found his horse just where he tied him at the gate to the city. He mounted quickly and galloped across the kingdom until they arrived at their destination. He made his way inside, stopping short at the sight of the tree that grew in the middle of the room. He scanned the dark house, kicking at the old pages scattered on the floor. He approached the rotted table and let his eyes scan the documents, confirming his suspicions. That woman was the witch he sought after, right here in King Sloan's kingdom, just as King Rowan had suspected. Cain flipped through the pages, tossing the ones that gave him nothing, and shoved the rest inside his cloak. He was eager to see what other secrets were hidden, but his duties called him back to Asmar to report to his king as soon as possible. He left the house quickly and mounted his horse. He scanned the area and pulled his cloak tight around him before urging his horse forward towards Asmar.

*****

“They're really gone?” Calliope asked. She walked beside Mido through the city square.

Mido nodded. “They're really gone.”

Calliope felt relieved. Finally, she had nothing to worry about. She felt at ease walking through the city, and no one seemed bothered by the trial the day before. Maybe Mido was right. Maybe she did belong here.

“Does that mean I can use my magic again?”

“We'll have to talk to King Sloan about that.”

Calliope studied the bustling city. She watched the merchants guarding their goods and bartering with the people of Librona. She watched as the children ran through the streets, shouting and laughing as they always did, not a care in the world. Music drifted through the city and gold coins were thrown into hats lying open on the cobblestone road. She felt at home. These people trusted her. They were her friends. They greeted and waved to her as she passed.

A group of giggling women caught her attention, their eyes on Mido as they passed. They called and waved. She turned to Mido, catching him mid-wink. Mido met her gaze and Calliope raised an eyebrow at him.

“What?” he said with a shrug. “They're cute.”

Calliope looked the giggling women over.

“Are you jealous?” Mido asked with a smile.

“Jealous?” She scoffed. “Jealous of what?”

“They're flirting with me,” Mido explained.

“Oh.” Calliope shrugged and continued her stroll through the streets.

“I'm cute,” Mido said casually. “Can't help it.”

Calliope rolled her eyes. “I'm starting to think life was a lot simpler when I didn't have to live with humans.”

When Mido said nothing, she turned and noticed he was gone. She scanned the crowd, but he was nowhere to be seen She looked back, checking to see if he was with the group of women, but he wasn't there, either. She turned around again and jumped when he was suddenly there. He held a pink flower in front of him.

“M'lady,” he said. She smiled and took the flower from him, holding it carefully between her fingers.

“For me?” She examined the flower. “I could have easily created this from nothing.”

“You witches spoil everything,” Mido said with a pout.

Calliope smiled. “It's beautiful. Thank you.” She tucked the flower behind her ear and let her hair drape over it.

“I got you something else, too,” Mido said. He handed Calliope a leather bound book.

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“What's this for?”

“It's a story. I thought it might give you something to do. You might learn something.”

Calliope flipped through the pages and let her eyes scan through the text. She smiled.

“That should keep you busy today.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have to get to the barracks and talk to King Sloan. I'll see you tonight, though.”

He gave her one of his winks and headed towards the castle. Calliope held the book close to her chest and watched him leave. She examined the book once more before heading to the castle's courtyard. She sat beneath a tree and leaned against the trunk, opening the book on her lap and began to read.

Mido found King Sloan outside the barracks amongst his shoulders. He greeted Mido when he approached.

“I trust last night went well?” King Sloan asked.

Mido nodded. “They're gone.”

“Good. They won't be bothering this kingdom anymore.”

“Calliope wants to know about her magic. She asked me if she could use it.”

King Sloan thought about this and sighed. “I can't stop her from being who she is. Just make sure she's careful. Barric and Carsen are gone, but that doesn't mean it won't upset someone else. I'm trying to be fair to her, but I have to consider everyone else, too.”

“I understand, and she understands.”

King Sloan nodded. “Good.”

Mido bowed as King Sloan made his way back into the castle. Mido watched the soldiers train amongst each other. He caught William and Jon in the midst of their mock battle, laughing and joking with each other. He pinched his lips together as he watched the young men train with enthusiasm.

“Move your feet more,” he said, approaching them. They let their arms fall and smiled as their friend approached.

“I was just telling Jon about my new lady friend,” William explained. “She has a thing for soldiers.”

Mido rolled his eyes. “You told her you're a soldier?”

“Well, it was better than saying I'm only in training.”

Mido crossed his arms. “Don't get too ahead of yourselves. You won't be fighting in any wars any time soon.”

William frowned in disappointment. “C'mon, Mido, don't crush my dreams.”

Mido narrowed his eyes at the young men. “Be careful with those swords,” he scolded as Ian approached Mido's side.

“You're not their father,” Ian said.

“No, but I am their trainer.”

Ian smiled at William and Jon, giving them as a wink as he and Mido turned away.

“A book?” he asked his friend. “You got her a book?”

“She's bored. What's wrong with a book?”

Ian drew his sword and raised it before him. “Let's go.”

Mido sighed and drew his own sword.

“I think it's sweet,” Ian said, thrusting his sword towards Mido.

“Sweet?” Mido blocked Ian's blow.

“Yeah.” Ian swung again.

“What do you care?” Mido blocked the strike and swung his sword low.

“I don't. But you do.” Ian jumped back, dodging the swing, and leapt forward immediately.

“What do you want, Ian?” Mido dodge Ian's swing and thrust his sword towards his opponent. Ian blocked the attack and held firm. He watched his friend for a moment before dropping his stance.

“Nothing. I just don't know what to make of you.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I've known you for a long time, Mido. You're a blacksmith. You're a ladies man. You did your own thing and never cared about anything else.”

“So?”

Ian shook his head and smiled. “So, I think she's got you wrapped around her finger.”

“I'm not wrapped around anyone's finger.”

“You care about her.”

“She saved my life.”

“Don't try to justify yourself.”

Mido sighed. “We're done here.”

“I'm just glad. You're different with her.”

“If I wanted this, I'd talk to women. Not you.”

Ian raised his hands in defense. “All right. I'm done.” Ian watched Mido walk away towards the courtyard and smirked to himself.

Mido found Calliope with the book across her lap, her eyes scrolling across the pages. She flipped the page, not looking up when he sat beside her. He peered over her shoulder at the old pages.

“You like it?”

Calliope nodded slowly as her eyes scanned the words. She bit her lower lip as she read, immersed in the story. Mido leaned against the tree and closed his eyes. After a few minutes, Calliope closed the book.

“How is it?” Mido asked.

“It's interesting.”

“Yeah?”

She folded her hands on top of the book and leaned back with Mido. She hadn't realized how much time passed; the blue sky had faded to oranges and purples. She turned and watched Mido as he looked up at the sky. He was so different than the man she first met with his dagger pressed against her neck. He was kind and generous, courageous and strong and – what was the term he had used? Cute? She smiled. She supposed he was cute.

Mido met her gaze and smiled.

“Thanks for the book,” she said, returning his smile.