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Once again, Rubida would not be able to tell how much time it takes for her and Soralisa to reach the top of the hill. It’s a round garden, surrounded by orchards and cypresses, glistening under the night glow of the ring.
When Rosandra sets foot on it, she raises her arm, as if to call a messenger bird to perch on her wrist.
“Carnaval,” she calls.
Rubida and Soralisa share a look; this might be the easiest of the three planned encounters, at least if the Angel of Ansàrra keeps the helpful mood she showed Argia.
But now Candente is not here. All of them are here <span class="mu-i">because</span> of her, though.
From behind the orchard’s shadow comes a tinkling sound, a crinkling echo—crimson light bathes the night as something tall and naked and surrounded by huge crystal wings jumps over the cover of trees.
If Rubida expects her to actually set her toes on Rosandra’s arm and stand there, Carnaval does not comply. She touches the grass, her wide wings give one, two flaps, the bout of wind rushing over them and making her mane of hair swing about, but then she looks at them with a sad look in her golden eyes.
“You two are Argia’s friends,” she says. Her voice is smooth, reminds her of deep brazen bells, echoing from afar. Rubida’s heart picks up pace as she clenches her fist.
May the Sun-Birther conserve them. This is Her angel.
Standing right there.
“What are you doing here?” She tilts her head. “Argia told me you two ought to stay safe.”
<span class="mu-r">“We are trying to deal with Astoria and the Amaranthines’ machinations. We need your help to show Ansàrra how wicked they are.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">Rubida opens her mouth only for Soralisa to be quicker: “The Worm is back! A-And we can’t leave Argia alone! Please bring us to her!”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“We know,” Rubida sighs, “but we would never stay put while our leader is in grave danger. We need your help to contact Ibardo Delebasse.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">Let Rosandra speak for you two. She will probably not be impressed with Rubida and Soralisa’s lack of ideas, but she does know Carnaval better than anyone here.</span>
