Wind Over Bone: The Estralony Cycle #2 (Young Adult Fantasy Romance) by E. D. Ebeling

else. Madness has its benefits, you know.”
    She leaned back in her chair, rubbing at her temples. “How do I go mad, then?”
    “Well, I suppose the easiest method is––” He knocked his knuckles against his teeth. “Physical aggression. Good way to forget you’re uncertain.”
    Sarid put her elbows on the table. “A fight?”
    “I’ve a hankering to come watch.”
    “ Will it work?”
    “ Should.”
    “ What I don’t understand is how just last week I had it––” Sarid thought of Gryka, who she’d almost killed with a finger. Courtesy of Savvel.
    “ You don’t necessarily have to drive yourself mad, do you?” she said slowly. “There’re people who’ll do it for you.” Of course, punching Yelse in the face might help, too…
    She looked about her and saw that stars had settled on the dark lake, bursts of them. “It’s late.” She got up. “I have to go.”
    Her father tutted. “Oh, stay the night––”
    “ No.” She got to her feet. “Come back with me,” she said suddenly. “You’d know how to get her to leave.”
    He ran a finger over his chin. “They’d kill me as soon as look at me.”
    She sighed. “Goodbye, then, Father.”
     
     
     

Seven
     
     
    By the time Sarid caught the smell of her herbs a feather of morning green had tinted the sky. She was set in her mind about what she was going to do, and set on doing it right now, while everyone was sleeping.
    She eased open her door and slipped into her chamber. Gryka barked, uncurling from Rischa’s legs. They’d been sleeping in the corner.
    “ Bones?” said Rischa.
    “ It’s me,” she said.
    “ You were gone all day. I waited––”
    “ I went to talk to my father.”
    He got up, yawning. “I’m glad you’re back.” He walked over and pulled her into a hug. She realized she’d been clenching her body tight like a fist. She allowed herself to relax. Rischa tucked her head under his chin and said, “I thought you’d run away.” She wondered if he would ever hug her again when tonight was through.
    She pulled away. “Where’s the key to Savvel’s room?”
    “ Bones, I––”
    “ You have it somewhere, don’t you?”
    “ Here.” It was small, bronze and dangling from his finger.
    “ Can I give him a look over?”
    “ Right now?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ Can I come with you?”
    “ No,” she said. “Stay here.”
     
    ***
     
    She unlocked Savvel’s door and gave it a light rap. She eased it open and slipped through, and Yoffin was first to rise. “Go back to bed, Yoffin.” She put strong words in his head. He hit the mattress and lay still.
    “ What are you doing?” whispered Savvel.
    “ I’m going to try telling you something.”
    “ Alright,” he said, sitting up in his bed. “Try me.”
    “ Not yet. I’m under enchantment.” She walked across to him. “I need you to make me mad, so I can undo it.”
    “ You’re a riddle, Ida. How do I make you mad?”
    She sighed. “That’s the trouble. You’ll have to go mad yourself.”
    He laughed. “On command?”
    “ With me in your head. Angry-mad, like the other day. And when I’m as mad as you, I’ll start a fight and become powerful enough to break the enchantment.”
    “ I’m confused––”
    “ Come on.” She leaned over him, and plucked the sheet off his legs. “We’re paying the Reglime princess a visit.”
    “ You know what I think––” He heaved himself out of bed. “You don’t need my help. You’re mad enough.”
    All she could see was the white of his nightshirt. “Will you come?”
    “If they catch me up there they’ll put me away for good.”
    “ You won’t be doing the choking.”
    “ You’re being a bad girl,” he said, and followed her into the corridor, and Sarid, feeling a bit guilty, turned around.
    “ You’re right. I’m putting you in danger. You don’t have to come with.”
    “ Too late,” he said. “Madmen are supposed to seek danger out.”
    “ I feel wretched, drawing you into