Kari took a deep breath "That is an iffy leg you are trying to stand on. It is wobbly and could be knocked out from under you."
"The suggestion came up during the dinner we recently had with the Bellerose and Géroux families, and I think it is the best chance we have."
"How badly do you need them?"
"I needed them here yesterday."
"Right. Let us see what happens." Kari reached for the phone and dialed the number that would connect her to the training academy the witches ran at Storm Keep. A bright voice answered. "Thank you for calling the Storm Keep training academy, this is Angelica, how can I help you?"
"Hello Angelica, my name is Kari Delaney. I am the personal assistant to Prince Magnus of Noctem Falls." Kari deliberately paused, waiting for a reaction; it would determine her course of action.
"Oh my goodness! How can I help you?" Angelica replied tittering nervously.
"I am hoping you can do something for me. You see, Prince Magnus has brought it to my attention that the two newest recruits from Storm Keep, their names are--one moment..." Kari ruffled papers as if she were looking for the names.
"Do you mean Nigel and Neil Morninglory?" Angelica asked.
"Yes, those two. They were not quite... How can I put this delicately? Ready to leave Storm Keep. Now, I am not saying that your trainers knew this, but it really did not leave a very good impression with Prince Magnus."
"Oh no! Did something happen?" Angelica stuttered.
Kari eyed Magnus and raised an eyebrow. He nodded, quickly jotted something down, and handed her the legal pad.
Kari read what he wrote and had a hard time not laughing out loud. "Yes." She cleared her throat. "As it so happens, those two pulled down the pants of the second in command to the Eta Unit, in the middle of a team meeting."
"Oh my! Oh dear, why would they do such a thing?" Angelica asked, panicking. "Ms. Delaney you have our most profound apologies. Is there anything that we can do to rectify this for Prince Magnus?"
Kari fought to keep her voice even. The image of the two redheaded imps de-pantsing Declan kept replaying in her mind. "Prince Magnus, as you know, is very busy right now dealing with refugees. He is taking in not only local shifters but also fae and witches to keep them safe. Despite being buried in new responsibilities, he is offering to continue Nigel and Neil's training here in Noctem Falls, so that, when they leave here, they will not only be more advanced in their magic, but they will also have a better understanding of how politics work."
"He is willing to do that?" Angelica asked, sounding amazed.
"Yes, but unfortunately every warrior here is busy with the refugees. I think it would be in Storm Keep's best interest to send Leif Grassfield and Travis Hickory back to Noctem Falls where they can resume their positions here as warriors and act as mentors to both Nigel and Neil." When Angelica didn't respond, Kari decided to go in for the kill. "Let us be honest with each other, Angelica. We can keep those two troublemakers very busy here helping with the refugees, and they will get the training and the discipline they need in the process." Angelica was quiet for a moment before speaking.
"If you could just give me a few minutes, I'm sure I can get this approved, considering all Prince Magnus is offering. Are you able to hold?"
"Yes, of course." Kari muted the phone when hold music started.
"They did what?" she asked, laughing out loud.
Magnus chuckled. "Adriel had a very hard time reporting that one with a straight face. They were right in the middle of introductions when those two pulled down Declan's pants, evidently to see if he had wet himself."
"Why would he do that?"
"Evidently from laughing so hard."
It wasn't a minute later and Angelica came on the line "Ms. Delaney, I'm so sorry, we would love to help, but..."
Kari un-muted the phone. "But what exactly?" she asked.
"We don't know where Leif and Travis are. They never reported in for testing."
Kari looked over at Magnus who shrugged. "If we find them, can we let them know that their assignment has been changed and that they are to report to Noctem Falls?"
"Yes, of course! We are changing their orders now and will send you an updated copy via fax. But how are you going to find them?" Angelica asked.
"I have no idea. Thank you for all you have done. I will take it from here."
"No, thank you, Ms. Delaney. This takes a lot off our plate. If you ever need anything in the future, please let me know."