Aragon’s meeting of the magic marshal who helps handle the black witch. Told from Master Marshal Thurston’s point of view.

After receiving an unexpected note from Lord Islaye the Minister of Magic, Sam strode into the count’s packed study for his early afternoon meeting.

Lord Islaye glanced up from his papers and waved for Sam to sit. “Thanks for arriving so swiftly, Thurston.”

His senses alert, Sam eyed the studious count. Lord Islaye only called on his services for thorny cases. “Of course, my lord. What’s this about?”

Lord Islaye grimaced. “Lord Treyvan has discovered a black witch and requested aid to handle him.”

Sam’s pulse quickened. He’d not hunted a black witch in over a year. Capturing black witches and their ilk was the best part of his job as a magic marshal. He kept his skills sharp and protected those without magic.

Yet Sam usually heard about black witches through less reputable sources than King Devon’s close friend. What foolish black witch would approach a member of the Hawke family? They were one of the most upright families in Calatini and cousins to the king. “How did Lord Treyvan discover him?”

Lord Islaye shook his head. “He didn’t say, but—”

The butler interrupted them to announce Lord Treyvan.

As Sam turned to face the young lord, Lord Islaye beckoned to the other gentleman. “Lord Treyvan, this is Master Marshal Thurston. He’s one of my most powerful magic marshals, so I summoned him to handle your black witch.”

Sam rose with a bow as he studied Lord Treyvan. He appeared sober for such a young and wealthy lord. “My marshals and I shall apprehend him as soon as we find him.”

His dark eyes steady, Lord Treyvan returned Sam’s stare. “Perhaps I could approach the black witch as a client, and you could capture him at our meeting.”

Sam arched his brows. The young lord meant to help? Intriguing. “Excellent idea, my lord. But where could you meet him where my magic marshals and I shan’t be suspicious?”

Lord Treyvan shrugged. “How about The Gold Griffin? I’m well-known there.”

Sam slanted Lord Treyvan a narrow glance. Why was the eldest son of a wealthy duke known there? Definitely intriguing. But he merely replied, “A tavern near the docks would work.”

Lord Treyvan studied Sam, his expression intent. “What must I know to help apprehend the black witch?”

Sam couldn’t resist a faint smile. The young lord was level-headed and would be a worthy ally. “Act spoiled and ruthless enough to stoop to hiring a black witch. But remain calm to not spook him. And don’t watch me or my marshals.”

When Lord Treyvan nodded, Sam continued, “Get the black witch to admit his crimes. Once I hear enough for marshals to search his quarters for additional evidence, I’ll say the word tripe, then my marshals and I shall bind the black witch and haul him in for interrogation.”

Lord Treyvan smiled at Sam. “‘Tis clear you’ll have no trouble capturing the black witch. Thank you, Master Marshal. I’ll contact you once the meeting is set.” He turned to Lord Islaye. “Thanks for your assistance arranging this.”

The count inclined a nod. “Of course.”

Once Lord Treyvan swept from the study, Sam nodded at Lord Islaye. “I must be off as well to gather my marshals.”

Lord Islaye waved him from the study.

His blood racing, Sam strode back to the main station for magic marshals in Ormas. Not knowing the strength of Lord Treyvan’s black witch, he should gather at least three, experienced magic marshals to help at the tavern and more to search the black witch’s quarters. They’d also need to prepare binding spells to seal the black witch’s power as well as physical restraints.

Sam grinned. As Lord Treyvan had said, he and his marshals would have no trouble capturing the black witch. Especially if they were prepared, and they would be.