Mia glanced around the group, intentionally trying not to search for anything for a moment. Just because she'd had an initial bit of success channeling her magic more precisely–and less overwhelmingly–didn't mean she should push it.
Anaisa chewed her lip, looking at Martin.
"I can only think of three reasons, with my experience as a Countess and as the wife of a short-term royal guard," Her lips twitched slightly as she mentioned the position with a hint of irony. "I don't like any of them."
"What are they?" Martin asked hesitantly.
"Firstly, that there is something so dangerous outside that they've withdrawn inside to defend the fortress from within, but given that we haven't encountered anything ourselves, that seems unlikely."
"What's the second guess?" Grandpa asked gravely, and Anaisa frowned towards the obsidian edifice.
