“It’s not first come, first served,” Hollace drawled as he followed her. A doll ran across his path, and he kicked in its direction. It swerved just before his foot could connect. They were getting smart to his antics. Too bad.
They followed me down the hall, the others behind them. At the door to the council room, I stopped for a second and took a deep breath.
“Here we go,” I said quietly.
I’d already explained what kind of magic they’d get: a sort of fountain of youth in every way but one. They’d feel younger, with more energy, stamina, and ease of movement, but they’d retain their current appearance. They’d become immortal unless killed, if they weren’t already. I’d also explained the link that would develop between us, and between them and Ivy House. I’d laid all this out before asking if they’d like to join the team.
They hadn’t hesitated then, and they didn’t hesitate now, filing into the room behind me and spreading out, sipping their champagne. Their sparkling eyes and smiles indicated that Mr. Tom hadn’t been feeding me a line. They were definitely eager to become part of the Ivy House crew, as weird as we were.
I walked around the large, ornate chairs, positioned in a circle, and entered near the little flag marking the first chair. Once in the middle, I felt the pull of Ivy House magic, directing those in the room to their rightful seats, one at a time. I chose my crew; she chose where they sat in the circle based on their importance to the group as a whole.
Austin walked forward, taking his seat in the first chair, my most important asset. No one needed an explanation as to why. Niamh would usually step forward next, Ivy House having placed her in the number three spot before I was even chosen as heir. But she didn’t move. I frowned as Ulric walked toward the little flag, his face screwed up in confusion. He nodded to me as he passed, then took a seat in the number six spot. Jasper came next, in the number seven chair, and Mr. Tom claimed the number nine spot, which only proved that the order was based on fighting prowess and not the council members’ relative importance to my life and wellbeing.
Edgar came last, offering me a smile before sitting on the chair on the other side of the flag, number twelve.
“There has been a change,” Ivy House said to me in our magical language.
Cyra stepped forward with a big smile and her lensless glasses. Fire dripped from her fingers, and I was starting to wonder if she leaked when she couldn’t totally control her emotions. The dolls thudded after her, water sloshing out, little streams of smoke rising from the snuffed-out flames. I’d need to constantly replace the rugs in this place until I had a handle on the elemental magic.
She passed by Austin, smiling down at him as she did so. She stopped in front of me and offered me a bow.
“I pledge to you my allegiance, and in so doing, place with you the honor of the phoenix. You are a friend to my kind. When in great need, call to us and we will answer.”
I widened my eyes as she about-faced. She hadn’t mentioned that part of it.
“She is strong for her species, power incarnate,” Ivy House said. “She does your circle proud.”
“The house is controlling me, Hollace. This is neat.” Cyra laughed as she started forward, aiming for the number two spot. She lowered next to Austin and then beamed at him.
The basajaun’s hair puffed out and he tensed.
“Don’t try to force him,” I told Ivy House quickly. “This is not the time for a battle of wills. Remember when Austin pushed back? You’ll probably get the same thing from the basajaun, only a lot more violent.”
She was quiet for a long moment. The basajaun tensed further, proving she hadn’t backed down.
“Fine…” she finally said, but I could sense her annoyance. She was playing along, for now, but she’d probably try to mess with the basajaun in the future like she had with Austin. I wondered how that would go. Austin wasn’t the epitome of patience when someone was messing with him, but he was ten times more civil than that hairy beast.
“What’s the story with Niamh?” I asked as the basajaun finally started forward.
“Niamh is very valuable, but when I appointed her all those years ago, I could’ve never imagined the power you would amass. You have already collected more power than any of my other heirs did, with a larger variety. You were a good choice, and your circle shows your merit. I must change the positions as befit the players. None of these places are ever set in stone.”
That was news to me. I wondered if she changed the rules as the game continued. I wouldn’t put it past her.