“What happened?” Rick asked. “What does he want with them?”

“Seymour came to visit a fortnight ago. While he was here, Elsie had an accident,” Henry explained.

Rick raised an eyebrow. “And what, he decided he would house train her elsewhere?”

Henry hit his fist on the table. “A Sibyl kind of accident,” he hissed.

A “Sibyl kind of accident” meant magic. This was exceedingly rare and generally frowned upon.

“God,” said Rick. “What did she do?”

“One night, one of Seymour’s men got rough with Mary, and Elsie found them struggling. She knocked him out and nearly pushed poor Mary into the fire.”

“And he imprisoned her for that?” Rick couldn’t really fault Elsie for intervening. Mary looked to be doing fine, at least.

“She’s dangerous, he says. He assures me that he can help her.” Henry didn’t sound convinced on either point.

“Do you think… did he just want Sibyl?” The count was always weirdly interested in her. Rick grimaced at the thought.

Henry stood and gripped the back of his empty seat. He shook his head. “It’s not about Sibyl, it’s about her magic. The man’s been monitoring her family for years.”

“Even so, it could have been an accident. Why would he target Elsie now, when he’s been sniffing around Sibyl for this long?”

“You don’t understand. She’s not like Sibyl. She can usually control her powers. But when she doesn’t, it’s bad.” Henry shook his head again. “That bastard provoked her. I’m sure of it.”

Rick left Selby Hall early the next morning. He asked around the morning market for anyone who could get him to Dunhall. He was pointed toward two traders who were nearly finished packing up their cart. They gladly accepted his offer of money and protection in exchange for a ride.

They arrived in Dunhall town before noon. Rick offered to help the traders unpack, but they waved him off. They wouldn’t want to keep him from work, they said. Rick had, after all, emphasized how urgently he needed to report to the keep, and they didn't question it.

After saying his goodbyes, he took his time on his way out of the market. After buying lunch from one stall, he stared longingly at each food vendor he passed. Everything smelled so good. Hopefully he would have more chances to wander before returning to the capital.

When he finally made his way up to the castle, he found that Captain Edmond was closed up in a meeting with Count Seymour. Edmond turned up at dinner, but the count was nowhere to be seen.

Rick’s fellow guards were bored, and he was a late arrival who was behind in information. They were happy to gossip.

“He never comes out of his office,” said Ethan.

Harry added, “I saw this one university-looking fellow coming out and asked what they were doing in there. Didn’t answer, of course.” He rolled his eyes and pitched his voice up. “Lord Seymour’s research is very important.”

“And it’s not just researchers going in and out,” Matthew said lowly. Ethan grimaced.

“Who else?” Rick asked.

“Bunch of different people. Women and children mostly, but a few men too,” said Harry.

“They’re all test subjects. Most of them don’t stick around long. He’s too busy with his new favorite,” Ethan explained.

Harry nodded. “Yeah, some little girl. I heard she got here about a week before we did.”

Rick’s pulse sped up until he could hear it in his ears. He didn’t finish his dinner.

Edmond nodded his head in acknowledgement when Rick passed him in the halls, but otherwise ignored him. This was annoying, as Edmond had apparently known what Rick was walking into but kept it to himself. Henry sought him out the next morning to demand an explanation.

“Edmond, I’m glad to see you made it safely,” Edmond said cheerfully.

Rick rolled his eyes. Edmond wasn’t the best actor.

“Please, close the door and have a seat.”

As soon as Rick did so, Edmond was back to his usual weary self. “Did you speak to Henry?” he asked.

“What does Seymour want with my family?”

“Oh good, you’re caught up,” Edmond said drily.

“Caught up? I hope not. I was counting on you to explain why my niece is being held hostage.”

Held hostage by one of the most influential lords in the kingdom. Count Seymour was powerful, and Rick didn’t want to think about what opposing him could mean. Rick also remembered him as a close friend of his father’s, and this connection had always been a boon to his family. The implications of losing the count’s favor were alarming enough even without gaining him as an enemy.

Edmond took his time answering. “Elsie is a very special child. Your brother and his wife must be very proud.”

“Very funny. I know what happened at Selby Hall, but magical outbursts aren’t a criminal offense. And she’s just a child. Why is she here?”

Edmond put his elbows on his desk and knit his fingers together.

“The count is interested in magical phenomena. She offers an exceptional opportunity for study,” he said.

“And that excuses taking her from her home? Holding her hostage?” Rick asked incredulously. “Surely they must be free to go.”

Edmond shook his head. “The king is convinced that Count Seymour’s research is useful. Expect them to stay until he is satisfied.”

“This is absurd. There are others like her—I’ve seen the other subjects. Someone new is in and out every day,” Rick said.

Edmond spread his hands helplessly. “None as promising as her, I hear.”

Rick grit his teeth. Without Edmond, he couldn’t push the count on this. “What did my brother’s letter really say?” Rick asked. “I understand there was no mention of me.”

“Your brother asked that I intervene on his behalf.”

“And you rejected his request.”

“Yes. My hands are tied,” Edmond said. “It seemed unwise to answer your brother, let alone go see him.”

Sweat prickled down Rick’s back. Edmond had more or less confirmed that he was afraid to be seen conspiring with Henry. What had Elsie gotten them into?

“I sent you to hear Henry’s side of the story, but there may not have been a need. Count Seymour is more candid about his research than I expected.”

There was a knock on the door. Edmond’s eyes flicked over Rick’s shoulder and then back again.

His next words were hushed. “In the time I have been here, his experiments have yet to harm any subject,” he said. “I believe your family is safe for now.” Then he called out permission for the person outside to enter.

A servant walked in carrying a tray of food. Rick took his leave. A short way down the hallway, another member of the staff spotted him and rushed over.

“Sir, pardon me, sir!” she said as she approached. She was a little out of breath. “Asking your help, sir. Please come with me.”

Rick went with her. As they walked, she explained, “Been looking for an escort, sir. Couldn’t find any one of you. If you hadn’t been wandering around, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

She led him to the wing that contained the sleeping quarters of the count’s family and guests. She knocked on a door and waited.

Sibyl opened the door. Rick took a step back, but forced his face to remain neutral.

She looked a little haggard, but Rick had seen far worse when they were younger. While he hadn’t really expected to find her in a cell, the quality of her accommodations was a small relief. He told himself it could be worse.

Sibyl’s face lost all color the moment she saw Rick. She gathered herself quickly, greeted the maid, then turned and reached out a hand behind her.

Elsie walked into view. She looked much like a miniature version of her mother, but Rick couldn’t say that was a compliment. She was thin and pale, and her dark hair fell freely, ending just past her shoulders.

The maid smiled at Elsie and said, “It’s time to go, miss.”

They left Sibyl at the door. Rick didn’t hear the door shut behind them, but he didn’t look back. The maid led them back to where she had first flagged Rick down. Instead of continuing on toward Edmond’s office, she took a turn that brought them to Count Seymour’s study.

The maid thanked Rick for his help and ushered Elsie inside.