"..Then why did you ask me to repeat it?"

She didn't say anything and started the gnome.

Mab stood slowly. "And how can I trust you?"


The city of tents was much larger and sprawling up close. Thankfully, they only had to walk through the Seelie camp to get to the large tent in the middle, though Puck and Ash stayed very close. Elegant Summer knights, clad in armor stylized to look like thousands of overlapping leaves, watched them stonily, their eyes never leaving the Winter prince at their side. A pair of sylphs, razor dragonfly wings scraping together, scurried out of their way. A tethered griffin raised its head and hissed, flaring a colorful mane of feathers. One of its wings had been damaged, and it dragged along the ground as the griffin limped back and forth.

She ignored the soldiers, although she did stare at the griffin for a few seconds before looking away.

She shrugs. "It's not really me you have to trust. Or even Marina. I think she's just tired of having to feed him."

"This place smells like blood," Ash murmured, his eyes darting about the camp. A swamp-green troll hobbled by, one arm burned black and oozing fluid. "Looks like the war isnt going well for us."

"Thats what I like about you, prince. Youre always so cheerful." Puck shook his head, gazing around the camp, and wrinkled his nose. "Although I will say, this place has seen better days. Does anyone feel like theyre about to hurl, or is it just me?"

"It is the iron." Grimalkin picked his way over a puddle, then leaped atop a fallen tree, shaking out his paws. "This close to the false kings realm, his influence is stronger than ever. It will be worse once you are actually within its borders."

Puck snorted. "Doesnt seem like its affecting you much, cat."

"That is because I am smarter than you and prepare for these things."

"Really? How would you prepare for me tossing you into a lake?"




"And what would that be?"

She just shrugs. "I don't know the details- I'm just the messenger."

" Please do not toss him in a lake. At least, when im not there to see it. "

She looked to Dealkeeper


Two Summer knights approached them, their faces haughty and arrogant even as they bowed. "Lady Liseolette," one said stiffly, after a venomous glare in Ashs direction. "Lord Oberon's representative will see you now."

"You go ahead," Grimalkin purred, sitting down on the log. "I have no business with Lord Pointy Ears today. I will not be joining you."

"She's being honest." Dealkeeper shrugs.