PraiseforMELISSADELACRUZ

forFROZEN:“LikeLordoftheRingsinreverse...anoriginalandthrillingescapethatwillbreakyourheartandmakeitsoaratthesametime.”

—AlysonNoël,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthoroftheImmortalsandSoulSeekersseries

“EverythingIloveinabook...Humor,suspense,twists,andaboveall,originality.Highlyrecommended.”

—JamesDashner,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorofMazeRunner

“It’sathought-provokingnovel,partepic-fantasy,andpartsocialcommentary...you’llclamorforbook2.”

—EntertainmentWeekly

“Anexcitingandimaginativestorythatistwopartsvisionquestandonepartadventure...Thewell-pacedactionistaut,thecharactersdiverseandfinelydrawn.”

—NewYorkJournalofBooks

“Romance,magic,andexcitementdrivethepaceofthisgenre-defyingadventure.”

—PublishersWeekly

“FansofTheHungerGameswillnodoubtenjoysinkingtheirteethintothisexcitingbook.”

—SchoolLibraryJournal

forBLUEBLOODS:“DelaCruz’sBlueBloodsintroducesaconceptionofvampiresfar

differentfromtraditionalstake-fleeingdemons,couplingslyhumor...withthegauziertrappingsofbeingfangedandfabulous...teenswillsavorthethrillingsenseofbeinginitiatedintoanexclusivesecretsociety.”

—Booklist,starredreview

“DelaCruzcombinesAmericanhistory,vampiresandacrewofrichNewYorkCitykids,deliveringapage-turningdebutinBlueBloods.”

—PublishersWeekly

“SchuylerVanAlenis#9ontheTop25Vampiresofalltime.”

—EntertainmentWeekly

forWITCHESOFEASTEND:

“Centuriesafterthepracticeofmagicwasforbidden,Freya,Ingrid,andtheirmomstruggletorestraintheirwitchywaysaschaosbuildsintheirLongIslandtown.Abubblingcauldronofmysteryandromance,thenovelsharesthefancifulplottingofBlueBloods,theauthor’steenvampireseries...[B]reezyfun.”

—People

“Amagicalandromanticpage-turner...WitchesofEastEndiscertaintoattractnewadultreaders...Thepacingismasterful,andwhilethewitchcraftisentertaining,it’sultimatelyalovetrianglethatmakesthestorycompelling.DelaCruzhascreatedafamilyofempatheticwomenwhoarebothmagicallygiftedandhumanlyflawed.”

—WashingtonPost

“ForanyonewhowasfrustratedwatchingSamanthasuppresshermagiconBewitched,Ms.delaCruzbringssomesatisfaction.Inherfirstnovelforadults,theauthor...letsherrepressedsorceressesrip.”

—NewYorkTimes

“WhathappenswhenafamilyofLongIslandwitchesisforbiddentopracticemagic?Thistaleofpowerfulwomen,fromtheauthoroftheaddictiveBlueBloodsseries,mixesmystery,abattleofgoodversusevilandadashofNorsemythologyintoapage-turningparableofinnerstrength.”

—Self

“WitchesofEastEndhasalltheingredientsyou’dexpectfromoneofMelissa’sbestsellingYAnovels—intrigue,mysteryandplentyofromance.Butwiththenovelfallingunderthe‘adult’categorization,Melissa’sabletomakeherlovescenesevenmore...magical.”

—MTV.com

“DelaCruzhas,withWitches,onceagainmanagedtoenlivenandembellish

uponhistoryandmythologywithacleverinterweavingofpastandpresent,bothrealandimagined...[It]castsaspell.”

—LosAngelesTimes

“DelaCruzisaformidablestorytellerwithanarrativevoicestrongenoughtohandlethefruitsofherimagination.Evenreaderswhogenerallyavoidwitchesandwhatnotstandtobewonoverbythetimethecliffhanger-with-a-twist-endinghits.”

—PublishersWeekly

“Fantasyforwell-readadults.”

—KirkusReviews

“Asexy,magicalromp,suretobringdelaCruzalegionofnewfans.”

—KelleyArmstrong,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthoroftheOtherworldseries

G.P.PUTNAM’SSONS

PublishedbythePenguinGroup

PenguinGroup(USA)LLC

375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NY10014

USA|Canada|UK|Ireland|Australia

NewZealand|India|SouthAfrica|China

penguin.com

APenguinRandomHouseCompany

Copyright©2014byMelissadelaCruzandMichaelJohnston.

Penguinsupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.YouaresupportingwritersandallowingPenguintocontinuetopublishbooksfor

everyreader.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.

ISBN978-0-698-17170-1

Thepublisherdoesnothaveanycontroloveranddoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityforthird-partywebsitesortheircontent.

Version_1

ForMattie,whowilllighttheworldonfireoneday

and

forJosey,whoseimaginationsoarsashighasadrakon

Contents

PraiseforMelissaDeLaCruz

TitlePage

Copyright

Dedication

Epigraph

THEFIREANDTHETHIEF

THEARCHIMEDESPALIMPSEST

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

RYDDERANDSYLPH

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Chapter24

REAPINGDAY

Chapter25

Chapter26

Chapter27

Chapter28

Chapter29

Chapter30

Chapter31

Chapter32

Chapter33

Chapter34

Chapter35

CHILDOFVALLONIS

Chapter36

TheWeaverAndTheQueen

Chapter37

TheScrollAndTheKey

Chapter38

Chapter39

Chapter40

Chapter41

Chapter42

Acknowledgments

AbouttheAuthors

Mensaytheyknowmanythings;Butlo!theyhavetakenwings,—

Theartsandsciences,Andathousandappliances;

ThewindthatblowsIsallthatanybodyknows.—HENRYDAVIDTHOREAU

Comehell—THEDECEMBERISTS,“THISISWHYWEFIGHT”

THEFIREANDTHETHIEF

THROUGHTHEFIRE,THROUGHTHESMOKEandflame,shesawtheboyandthegirlhuddledinthecorner.Twins.Shehadn’tknowntherewouldbetwochildren.Whichone?Theboylookedafraid,buthissisterstaredbackboldly.Thegirlhadsapphireeyesandaswirlonhershoulder.Aweaver.

Itwasthegirl.

Adecisionwasmade.

Shewastheone.

Theonetheyhadcometosteal.

ParttheFirst:

THEARCHIMEDESPALIMPSESTYoudropacoinintothesea,andshoutout,“Pleasecomebacktome”

—STARS,“THENIGHTSTARTSHERE”

Chapter1FIREINHERTHROAT.FIREINHERLUNGSandchest.Natbreathedandthedrakonbreathed.Sheexhaledandthedrakonexhaled.Thedrakonroareditsfuryandtheflamewaseverywhere,ablazeasbrightasthenoondaysun.

NatashaKestalwasadrakonrydder.ShewasAnastasiaDekesthalias,theResurrectionoftheFlame.Butneitherwordsnornamescouldcapturetheincrediblefloating,flying,gut-twisting,hair-raisingsensationthatfilledherentirebeing.Beingadrakonrydderwasonlypartofit.Natwasthedrakon.Shewasapieceofthecreature’ssoul,alimbthathadbeentornfromitsbodyassurelyasawingoraclaw,butnow,reunited,theywereoneastheyglidedthroughtheclouds,skimmingacrossthewater,thewindinherfaceandhair,itsfireburninginherthroat.Thedrakon’sfury,itsrage,washerrage,andshebreathedthatrageuponthedroneshipsthatflewtheflagoftheRemainingStatesofAmerica,settingtheentireoceanaflame.

Noteverythingwassosimple.ThebattleinthePacifichadbeenonlythefirstvictory,astheenemy’smightwasfarmoreformidableandvastthansheortheCouncilofVallonishadanticipated.Sincethefirstbattle,armadashiddenaroundpointsoftheglobehadtrackedandassaultedeverypossiblegatewaytotheBlue.They’dcomewiththeirgunsandtheirrockets,followingherwithradarandsatellite,sendingdroneaircraftstotrackherpositionandbattlecruiserstofiretheirmissilesintothedrakon’shide.Likewaspsstingingahound’scoat,Natthought.Butifstungenough,thehoundwillfall.

Itwasherjobtokeepthatfromhappening.Butherdrakonhadsufferedmanyinjuriesalreadyandithadbeenawhilesincetheyhadbeenabletotrulyrest.

Alltheoceanswerethesame—thefrothywaterstoxicandblack—withtheTasmanSeaasblightedastherest.ThegateofAremhadclosed,butnavyspiesdiscoveredthenewdoorwaylocatednorthofNewCretethatthepeopleofValloniswereusingtorescuetheirsickbrothersandsistersfromthedyingworld.Nathadbeenpatrollingtheskiesatdawnwhenshespottedthehulkingsupercarrierssteamingtheirwaytotheisland.

Sheurgedherdrakondownwardandtheydovethroughwallsofsmokeandash,burstingthroughflame;aValkyrieandhermount.Thewindfromitswingscreatedwhite-crestedwavesthatsentthefleet’ssmallervesselstumblinginthetide,capsizingthedroneshipsandfillingtheirhullswithblackwaterthatpulledthemdownintothemurkydepths,allwhileNatandherdrakonroseupwardonaplumeofhotair,disappearingintothedarkskiesandpreparingforanothervolley.

Higher,sheurged.Faster.Flyaheadoftheirbullets.

DrakonMainasflappeditsleatherywings,theairgustinglikeahurricane,eachmightywingbeatscatteringthecloudsandcreatingavortex,aholethroughwhichshecouldglimpsetheremnantsofthelatestfleet,thegleamingcruisersanddestroyersoftheRSA,flounderingandnearlyobliteratedinonebreathofthedrakon’sflame.

Onemoreandtheyaredone.

Natinhaled.Shefeltthehotairchurninginherlungs,thefirebuilding,heatswirling,rising.Makethisblastthegreatestyet—aheatsointense,itwillroasttheirshipsintodust.Thefirepulsedinherveins;itclimbedupherthroat.Shelettheflamegrowuntilshecouldn’tcontrolitanymore.Thedrakon’sblackandashyscalesglowedhot,redandorange.Natscreamedandaviolentbluefireballeruptedfromitsmouth,intenseandwhite-hotinthecenter,ontotheremainingdrones.

Nowalltheshipswereburning,theirhullsblackened,andtheyweresinkingintotheocean,steamrisingandhissingastheyslippedintothedarkwaters.Scorched.Defeated.

Natfeltafierceswellofjoyandtriumph,butshehadsurvivedenoughofthesecampaignstoknowitwasn’toverquiteyet.

Up,shesaidtoherdrakon.Intothesky,ourhuntcontinues.

Higherandhighertheyclimbed,risingupuntiltheywereabovetheclouds,abovethegraymist.Nathovered,listeningfortheenginesoftheremainingaircraft—thegraydronesthatswarmedtheairabovethecoastof

NewPangaea.

Likethehummingsnoreofagreat,sleepingbeast,shethought.Or...

Aflockofsleekwarbirdsrippedthroughtheclouds,theirenginesscreaming,targetingmechanismswhirling,headingstraightforthem.Onlysecondsaway,afewdrakon-lengthsatthemost.

Dive!Now!

Thedrakontuckeditsmightywingstoitsbackandfellstraightoutofthesky,towardtherockycliffsalongtheshore.Theysaileddownintoawedge-shapedvalley,passingsoclosetothestonethatNatthoughtshesawanimalsscurryingacrosstherocks,runningawayfromthegreatrushofwindthatprecededthedrakon.Butthebuzzingdronesstillfollowedclosebehind,andshecouldseetheirblack-tippednosesfromthecornerofhereye.Faster,sheurgedherdrakon.Downanddowntheyfell,breakingstonesandbranches,sendingrocksandleavesspiralingintotheair,comingtoahaltahairsbreadthabovetheriveratthevalley’sbase.

Thedrakonbeatitswingsrightbeforetheystruckthewater,andtheyroseoncemore,flyinginawidearcbeforeanglinguptowardthelipofthegorge.

Theunexpectedmovesentafewoftheirpursuerscrashingintothewaterortherocks,butothersmaneuveredfasterandcontinuedtotrailbehindthem,spittingoutgunfire,andNathadtododgethebulletsthatstreakedtowardher.Shebrandishedhersword,holdingitalofttodirectthedrakon’sflame,whilethebulletsbouncedharmlesslyagainsthershield.

Getusoutofhere.Findcover.

There!Natspiedagranitepillar,atowerofrockwheretheycouldhide.Soonthedrakonwasalreadyturningtowardit,divingagaintoanopenchasm.Thedrakonlandedonthefarsideoftherock,talonsgrippingthestone,breakingchunksfromthegranite.Theyhungthere,hiding,blendingintothedark,listeningcloselyastheroarofthedrones’enginesfilledthecanyon.

Shriekinglikebanshees,wailinglikelostsouls,theunpiloteddronesdoveintothevalley.Now.Let’sfillthiscanyonwithflame.

Natinhaleddeeplyandthedrakonstretcheditsneck,reachingaroundthestonetounleashanepicroar,breathingfireintothegorgeandturningtherockycreviceintoaninferno.Onebyonethedronesflewintothecanyon,theirengineswhizzing,buzzinglikeenormousinsects,searchingforNat,onlytofindthemselvestrappedinaheatintenseenoughtowarptheirwingsand

melttheirengines.Threecrashedintothewallsofthecliffwhilethelastonemerelysputteredandfelltothevalleyfloor.

It’sover.Wedidit.Thecanyonwasengulfedindrakonfire,andNatmarveledatitsbeauty,howitswirledaroundher,dancing.Thefirefelllikewarmrainonhershoulders,assoothingasacocoon.

Shelettheflamesdim.Thebattlewasfinished,orsoshebelieved;she’dbeenthroughenoughofthesetoknowwhenitwasover.

Butjustassheexhaledinrelief,alonegraydronesoaredabovethecavern,itsdarkwingswideasthevalley,noseaslongasthehighesttreewastall,droppingbombsfromitsbelly.Itwasagrayhawk,thedeadliestaircraftintheRSA’sarsenal,aslargeandfearsomeasthedrakonitself—stealthyandsilent,adeathmachineinthesky.

Shecouldfeelthedrakon’sfear.Likeher,itwasafraidofiron,ofthesteelintheirbulletsandshells.Likeher,itwasafraidofthegrayhawk.

Climb!

Theyrosefromthecanyon,wingsbeating.Nat’sheelsdiggingintothedrakon’sside,urgingitupward,explosionsandsmokechasingthemfromthegorgeastheyburstoutintothesky,flamesnippingattheirtail.

Comeandgetus.Natwaitedforthegrayhawktofindtheminthecloudsandsmoke,meaningtomeetithead-on,totorchitlikeshehadtheothers.

ComeandIwillshowyouwhatitmeanstoburn.

Shewaited,buttherewasnothingbutdarksmokethathurthereyes.

Natblinkedandsuddenlyshewasstaringintoablackexpansethatwasn’toceanorsky,butasphalt—aroadwithcarsracingacrossitssurface.Shewipedthetearsfromhereyes,thinkingshewashallucinating,butthevisionoftheracetrackpersisted.

Andthere,insideoneofthecars,wasWes,hisfacetightwithtension,hismouthsetinafrown,darkcirclesunderhiseyes.

RyanWesson.

Howlonghaditbeensincetheyhadseeneachother?

Toolong.

Hewasdrivinganddidn’tseeherashemaneuveredhiscaracrossthetrack,nearlycollidingwithanotherdriverbutswervinggracefullyjustintime.Thenhelookedup,andhisbrowneyeswidenedinacknowledgmentas

theymethergreenones.

Nat?

Shecouldhearhisvoiceinherhead,andherheartachedandthefireburnedwhite-hotinsideher.

Wes!shecried.Whatwasshelookingat?Wherewashe?

Butjustasquicklyashe’dappeared,hewasgone.Thetrackanditscarsvanishedintothemist.

Therewasonlythefatbellyofthegrayhawkhoveringabove,itsrocketspointedstraightather,andsoNatflewuptomeetit,herthroatfillingwithflame,readytoexhale.

Chapter2WESSLAMMEDHISHEADONTHECEILINGoftheMustang,andwhenheopenedhiseyes,theracetrackwasgone.

Murkydarkwaterlitteredwithzigguratsoftrashthesizeoficebergsfilledhisvision.Aburntbattlecruiserslowlysankintothewaveswhileagrayhawkdronehoveredinthesky.Whenheblinkedagain,theroarofacarenginepoundedinhisears,closinginfastfrombehind.AwhiteLamborghinislidpasthissidemirror,sendingadriftofsnowoverhiswindshield,blockinghissight.

Heturnedthewheelsharplytoclearhiswindshield,andwhenheblinked,thereitwasagain:thechurningwavesandsinkingships.Butnowhesawsomethingelseaswell—agreatblacksilhouettewithwingsandatail,soaringthroughthegraysky,breathingfire.

Anotherbump,andWeswasbackintherace,pastthebendandintothestraightaway.Ifoneoftheotherdriverswasgoingtopasshim,nowwasthetime.Theywouldapproachfromtheinsideandtrytoforcehimtowardoneoftheouterlanes.Fine.Letthem.Hewasn’ttryingtowintherace,afterall.Winningwasthelastthinghewantedtodo.Mostly,hejustwantedtostayalive.

Screamingaroundtheturnwiththetrackopeningupbeforehim,Wesdidn’thavetoblinkthistimetoseethebowofthedroneshipagain,andthecreatureintheair.Andthistimehesawher.

Natonherdrakon,wieldingasword,lookinglikesomekindofgod,likeastoryfromafairytale,likeaherofromthebookoflegends,herlongdarkhairstreaminglikearibboninthesky.

Nat!

Wes?

Shewaslookingrightbackathim,hergreentigereyesflashinginshockandjoy.

Nat!

Butjustasquicklyassheappeared,shewasgone.

Itwasn’treal.Itcouldn’tbereal.Wasitamemory?ButNatlookeddifferent—herhairwaslonger,andshewaswearingdifferentclothes.Armor?Hecouldhaveswornshewaswearingasuitofleatherandblackchainmail,similartotheblackscalesofherdrakon.Ithadtobeadream.

Butitfeltsoreal.

Andhisfeelingsforherwereasrealasthedaythey’dsaidgood-bye.

He’ddonewhathepromised.He’dtakenheroutofNewVegas,acrosstheruinedPacifictotheBlue,herhome.Togethertheysurvivedslaversandtraitors,chaosanddeath.WeshadtakenherrighttothegateofArem,wheresheandherdrakonhadturnedtheentirePacificfleetintoashinordertodefendtheirhomeland.

AnAstonMartincrashedagainsthimwithathunderouscrack,sendinghiscarspinning,andWesquicklyrefocusedonthetrack.HeflewaheadofapairofblackFerraris,thewhiteLamborghiniclosebehind.Good.Hewouldleadthemforafewlaps,beforelettingthemovertakehim.Theguysintheexoticcarsweretheoneswhoweresupposedtowin,payingtopdollarfortheprivilege.ExecsfromasfarasXianandNewKongcametotheNewVegastrackforachancetoraceinthelastinternationalno-rulesspeedway.DriverslikeWeswerepartoftheentertainment,tolendauthenticitytotheexperience;hegavethemsomeonetopass,tobeat,tooutrun,someonetosplashwithacloudofsnow,someonetosendspiralingintothesnowbanks.Ifhemadethemistakeofactuallywinningtherace,hewouldn’tgetpaid.Itwasariskybusiness,drivingcars,causingaccidents,butitwastheonlyworkhecouldfind.Hewasalreadyblacklistedbyafewofthecasinobossesforrefusingtotorcharivalhotel,andthenbythemilitaryforrefusingtopatroltheblackwaters.

HisthoughtsdriftedbacktoNat.Shehadlookedathim.Shehadseenhim.Herpresencemadehimfeelwarmforamoment,thewayithadontheslavers’ship,whenshehadkeptthembothalive.Hehadn’tthoughttoquestionitbefore,buttherewasnowaytheywouldhavesurvivedthe

subzeroweatherifoneofthemhadn’tbeenmadeofdrakonflame.

Butshewasn’thereanymore.Hewasaloneandthecarwascold.Theheateronthe’77Mustangdidn’twork.They’dlethimborrowanoldheatsuitfortherace,butthejacketwasn’tworking,andhewassocold,hecouldhardlykeephishandsonthewheel.

Maybeitwasthecoldthatmadehimthinkabouther.He’dleftNatatthedoortotheBlue,leftherbehind,lefthertofightherbattlesalone.He’dlefthertofindhissister,Eliza.ThegirltheRSAhadstolenasachild.Elizawasfamily;Elizawasblood.Ithadbeenmonthssincehe’dsaidgood-byetoNat,andduringthattimehehadsearchedforEliza.Therehadbeenleadshereandthere,butnoneofthemhadledtohissister.

Heshivered.

WespushedNatfromhisthoughts.

Theroadaheadwasopen,thetrackclear.Blackpavementstretchedinfrontofhim.Wesopenedupthegasandflooredit,exhilaratedfromthespeedandadrenaline.Asheroundedtheturn,hesawamechanicinanorangeheatsuitwavingthecheckeredflagtosignaltheendoftherace.Thefinishlinewasnear.

Buttherewasnocarinfrontofhim.

Ice.Ihadn’tmeanttodothat.

Hewasabouttowintherace.He’dlethismemoryofNatdistracthim,andnowhewasstillaheadoftheotherdrivers.Hisopponents—theheatelite,theglobalexecsandtheRSAstooges,thecasinolordsandgangsters,therichboysfromtheheateddomecities—weresoineptatdrivingthathehadwonwithouteventrying.

Godfreezeit!hecursed,andWesdidn’tlikecursing.Hismotherhadtaughthimbetter.Heneededtolose,andheneededtolosenow.Ifhewontherace,hewouldn’tgetpaid—notonefreezingwatt.Thoseweretherules.

ThewhiteLamborghiniflewpasthim,sendingashowerofsnowagainsthiswindshieldonceagain.Cretin.Wesletoffthegasalittle—hecouldn’tbetooobvious—butheneededtogetoutoftheraceandheneededtodoitsoon.Heslammedthebrakeandhiscarspun,sideswipingtheLamborghini.Twomorecarscameflyingaroundthebend,thepairofblackFerraristurningsharplytoavoidWesandtheLamborghiniastheycareenedwildlyacrossthetrack.Buttheireffortscametonoavail,asthepairrolledovereachotherandcrashedintotheembankment.AbluePorscheranpast,gunningtowin,butit

wastoolate,andit,too,collidedwiththeMustanginaflashofblueandaburstofsnow.AsWesfinallyspuntoahalt,ablackCorvetteshriekedacrossthefinishline.

Theracewasover.

Wes’scarskiddedintotheoff-roadportionofthetrack,crashingintoaflimsybarrierwithanawkwardbang.Hepushedhimselfoutthroughthedriver’swindowandfellontothefreshpowder,laughingalittle,relishingthelookoftheotherdrivers,especiallythaticeholeintheLamborghini.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehehadlaughed.RuiningtheraceforsomeheatbagwastheclosestthingWeshadtoenjoyment,buthislaughterfadedquickly.ThedriverofthewhiteLamborghiniwasalreadyrunningtowardthecontrolbox,complainingtothetrackmanageraboutWes’slast-minutemaneuver.

Wesshookthesnowfromhishair.Itdidn’tmatter.Hehaddonewhatwasrequiredofhim.Hewouldgetpaid.Hewouldeattonight.

Hisbackwassorefromtheimpact;theinjurieshurtmorethanheleton.Latelytheicehadbeengettingtohim.Hefeltitinhisjointseverymorningandwhenhelayawakeatnight,dreamingoftheocean,hiseverymuscleaching,hismindunabletorest.

Natwasouttheresomewhere.ThenetswerefullofstoriesofoceanattacksandimagesofthecreaturethatwassystematicallydestroyingtheRSA’sarmada.FirsttheentirePacificfleet,thentheAtlanticcruisers;nowanewlyformedbattalionofgrayhawksandsupercarrierswasrumoredtobeheadedtoNewPangaeatomeetthemonsterhead-on.Wasthatwhathe’dseen?Wasthatwhereshewas?

He’dleftNatbecausehehadto,butnowhewasn’tsocertain.Shewasallalone,onedrakonrydderagainstmanydrones.Hehadn’tseenanybackup,nosylvanarchers,nowarriorsonhorseback.JustNatandherdrakonagainstthemightoftheRSA.

Wespushedhiswaythroughthesnow,avoidingtheotherdrivers,thevictoraswellasthelosers.Hewasdoneforthenight.Hisaccountwouldregisterthewattsinafewminutes.Whenthemoneyarrived,he’dhaveenoughheatforameal,adrink,maybetwo;maybehe’devenbeabletosharethatmeal.Thewindroseup,theicybreezerattlinghisbones,makinghimshiver.Hewasonlysixteenbutwasshakinglikeafrailoldman.Hewasshiveringsohard,hehardlynoticedthebuzzinginhispocket.

Whenhefinallyheardthelowrumble,hereachedintohisjacketand

pulledoutastolensatellitephone.Atextflickeredonthescreen,greenlettersglowingontheblackdisplay.Wesreadthemessagetwice,notquitebelievingwhathewasreading.

ItwasfromShakes.Hisbestfriend.Hisright-handman.Itsaid:

FOUNDELIZAWesstuffedthephonebackintohispocket,hurryingfromthetrack,

feelinghopesparkinhisheartagain,aswarmandbrightasdrakonfire.

Chapter3THEGRAYHAWKDISAPPEAREDBACKintothecloudsbeforethedrakonflamecouldreachit,andNatshookWes’swarmbrowneyesfromherthoughts.

Ridinghighabovetheocean,shelookeddownattheislandsbelow,astonyarchipelagocoveredinblanketsofsnowanddottedwithburstsofbrightgreenfoliage.Sheflewclosertothewater,lookingforthegrayhawkthathadchasedherfromthegorge,butitwasnowheretobefound.Thedroneremainedhiddeninthemistyfog.

Assheandherdrakonflewclosertoland,Natcouldseethetreesmoreclearly,hardybrowntrunkssproutingfromthefrost-coveredearth,theirleafybranchesreachingheavenward.Liannan,thesylphwho’dguidedthemtotheBlue,toldthemthatonedayitsmagicwouldcovertheworld.Here,atthebottomofNewPangaea,alongthecoastsoftheRooIslands,atthegateofAfal,thedeepgreenforestsoftheearthwerereturning,andlifewasspreadingacrosstheblackwatersoncemore.

ThisiswhatIfightfor,Natthought,seeingtheforestinallitsbeauty.ThelandIlove.Thewordsmadeherflyfaster,asifonlythespeeditselfcouldkeepherfromthethoughtsheknewwouldbenext.Isthatallyoulove?Theland?Nattightenedhergrip,forcingherselftofocusonlyonwhatlayaheadofher—justasshealwayshad.

Andbesides,whatlayaheadofherwasatrulystaggeringsight.Closerandclosertheycame,divingnearthetreetops,thesmellofthesappungentandheady,thescentofflowerswaftingintheair.Nattriednottolettheforestdistracther.Thedronewasstilloutthere,hidinginthefog,waiting.Shecouldn’tletherguarddown,evenforamoment,eventoseethisforest,

growingwherenothinghadlivedforacentury.

Whentheiceandthefloodscame,whentheworldendedandalmosteveryoneandeverythingdied,shehadthoughtthesethingswerelostforever,thatvastswathsoftheworldweretooirradiated,thesoiltoopoisonedforanygreenerytogrowagain.Butsomehow,theBluewaschangingeverything.Theearthwascomingbacktolife.Howpreciousitwas:wildflowersandtheirmany-coloredblossomsrichwithbuzzinginsects,butterfliesflittingwhileladybugscrawled.Natwantedtostop,tosmellandtoucheverything,almostworriedtheforestwouldvanishifshedidn’t.Shefeareditwasnothingbutamirage,liketheimageofWesshehadjustseen,thathermindwassoothingherwiththingsshewantedtosee.That,likeWes,itwoulddisappearifsheblinkedorturnedaway.Butitdidn’t,andastheyflewfartherandfarther,aboverichandverdantacresofforest,Natstoppedworrying.

Orsoshetoldherself.

Lettingthedrakonflyevenlower,Natmarveledatthewidetrunksandheavybranchesofthetrees,attheleafycanopiesthatsoaredaboveher.Thetreeswereovereightyfeettallandwouldnormallyhavetakenacenturytogrowtothisheight.OnlythepoweroftheBluecouldhaveaccomplishedthisfeatinsuchashorttime.Vallonisanditsmagicwastransformingthelandscape,renewingwhatwasdestroyed.

Natherselffeltrenewedinitspresence.

Duringthesepastmonths,thedayshadpassedlikeminutes.Therageandpain,thehurtthathadoncefilledherheartwasgone.Shehadbelievedshecouldn’tlove,couldn’tfeel,thatshewasbroken.Butshenolongersufferedfromthathollowfeelingofemptiness.Initsplaceshefeltawarm,deepsenseoffulfillment.Shewascomplete.Shehadlivedhalfawake,onlyhalfaliveuntilshefoundherdrakon.Butnowshewaswhole.Readytolive,tofight,tofacewhatevercamenext.

ShewasthelastremainingGuardianoftheBlue,thefirstandlastdrakonrydderofthethirdageofVallonis.

Natinhaleddeeply,feelingatinglefromthelifeallaroundher.Whenthewarisover,whentheBlueissafe,Iwillcomebackhere.Deepinherheart,sheknewthatherdearesthopewasthatshewouldnotreturnalone.

Buttherewasnomoretimetodream.

Asquicklyasithaddisappeared,itreturned.Thegrayhawkhadfoundher.

Andnowthereweretwoofthem.

Letthemcome.Asthegray-wingedplanesstreakedabovetheforest,theirenginesassilentasbird’swings,greatgrayharbingersofdoomanddeath,herdrakonfilledtheskywithfire,turningthecloudsintovaporandtheairintoflame.

Adronecrashedtotheearth,burning,dying.Onemore,thoughtNat,onemoredronetodefeatandthenwecanrest.

ButDrakonMainaswasslowtomovethistime,themonthsofbattlefinallytakingtheirtollonthegreatbeast.Somanywasps,shethought.Toomany.Soonitwouldrest;soontheywouldrest,shesoothed.Justonelastpush.Onemoreattack.

Breathe,shetoldherdrakon.Breatheandlet’sburnthisthingandgohome.

Nofirecame.Thelastgrayhawksetitssightsonthem,sentitsrocketsarcingintotheair,andshefeltadozenbulletstearthroughthedrakon’shide.Natscreamed,feelingasifherwholebodyweretearingopenastheironpiercedthedrakon’sscales.Eachshardstabbedatherchest,stealingthebreathfromherlungs,thepainnearlyknockingherfromhermount.

Breathe,shetoldherself.Breathe.

Strugglingagainstthepainthatconsumedthemboth,Natinhaledasdeeplyasshecould,feltthefireburninginsideandout,andbeforethedronecouldcirclebacktofireatthemagain,sheunleashedthedrakonfire,bathingthegreatgraywarbirdinapillarofflamethatturnedtheentirebodyofthedroneintoared,glowingcylinder.Shewatchedasthecylinderbentandcollapsed,hurtlingtowardthegranitecliffs,shatteringintoathousandpiecesasitstrucktherocks.

Theydidit.Theydestroyedthelatestbattalionascompletelyastheonesbeforeit.TheRSAwouldhaveotherresources,ofcourse—whoknewhowmanymoreinitsgreatarmadawerehiddeninthefrozenoceansoftheworld.

Butfornow,theyhadwon.

Nat’sheartwasracingassheandherdrakonroseoncemoreintotheclouds.Thesoundofthecrashreverberatedacrosstheislandvalley.ShewouldbringthenewstotheCouncil’sMessenger,totelltheQueenthatthelandwassafeoncemore.

Homenow,sheurged.Homeandsleep.

Wewillhavetimeenoughtocelebrate.

Asuddenstrangerumblingshooktheairaroundthem.Thatwasnowarbird.Thatwasnograyhawk.Whatisthat?Natgrippedthereinstightly,waiting,uncertain,andthedrakonhovered,flappingitsgiantwings,remaininginplace.

Let’sgetoutofhere,Nattoldherdrakon,butbeforetheycouldmove,ablackcloudengulfedthem,piercingthedrakonwithshardsofhotiron.They’dbeenhitwithanewweapon,Natrealized.Theyweren’tbulletsormissiles,andtheywereeverywhere,painful,hot,andstingingwithdangeroussilverpoison.ThedrakonmoveditsbodytoshieldNat,toprotectherfromtheironrain,astheirondaggerstoreatitshide,searingthroughscaleandarmorintothesoftfleshofthegreatbeast,drawingriversofblood.

Thepainwastoomuchtobearandtheyfell,crashingintotheearth,thedrakonbeatingitswingstocushionthelandingastheysmackedintothetreesandtherocks,hittingthegroundinaclatterofpebblesandacloudofsmoke.

Natfellfromherseat,andwhensheopenedhereyes,shesawthatherdrakonwasweeping,itburnedwithsuchpain,andherownfacewaswetwithtears.Shefeltitspaininherownbody,inherownsoul,anditwasintolerable.

Herdrakonwasdying.Shecouldfeelitspain,itsterror,astheironworkeditswayintoitsflesh,intoitsveryspirit,corruptinganddestroyingwithitssilverpoison.

ShescreamedandDrakonMainasrumbled,itsvoicecuttingthroughthepain.

Stop.Stop.Stop.

Whatishappening?

Youmustcalmyourself.

Nattookadeepbreathandslowedherheart.

Better.

Youarehurt.Makeitstop.

Icannot.Wemustseparate.

No.

Itistheonlywaytosurvive.Listen.Iwillgodeepintotheearth,deepintotheBlue.IwillbesafethereandthepainwillabateforbothofusuntilIamhealed.

Alreadyitwasdiggingintothesand,itstalonsscrapingtheground,creatingadeepanddarkhole.

Atomb.Natshuddered.Aburialsite.

Donotletcowardlythoughtsovercomeyou,herdrakonthundered.YoumustreturntoValloniswholeandwarnthemofthismagicthatisinourenemy’shands.GO!

Thenthegroundopenedup,andherdrakondisappearedintoitsdepths.

Natsatstillforamoment,exhaustedandshakingfromthebattle,andnowfromthesuddenseparation.Shewasincompleteagain,morealonethanever,especiallyafterhavingknownandlivedotherwise.

ShetriedcallingtoMainas,butthedrakondidnotanswer.

Whereonceitwasburiedintheocean,nowitwasunderneaththegrounditself.

Therewasnothingtobedone.

Natpickedherselfup,dustedherselfoff,andwalkedtowardthegatewayhiddendeepintheforest.

Homeandsleep.Justnotthewayshe’dplanned.

Chapter4WESENJOYEDTHEELEVATOR’SWARMTH,thequietmusicthattinkledsoothinglyinthebackground.Shakes’stextmessagewasburninginhispocket.FOUNDELIZA.Wasittrue?Hewasimpatienttofindoutmore,butevenifhewishedtomovefaster,hewasthankfulfortheshortrespitefromthecold.Whentheracewasover,hehadreturnedthehalf-inoperativeheatsuit.Theorganizerslentthemtothedrivers—itwastoocoldtodrivewithoutone—buttheytookthembackaftertheracewasfinished.Cheapbastards.Hemissediteventhoughitbarelyworked,butwasgladtobestandinginthewideandwell-heatedglasselevator.Sincehewasalonehestoodrightbeneaththevent,savoringthehotairdriftingthoughhishair,ticklinghisears.Heat.Hecouldstandthereforever.Throughtheglasswindowshesawsoldierspatrollingthestreetsbelowandpostedateveryhotellobby.Hewassurprisedtherewasn’tanarmedguardinthecarwithhim.

EversincetheRSAhadlostthebattleinthePacific,themilitaryhaddoubledtheirgroundtroops,makingtheirpresencefeltineverycornerofNewVegas.Thebrasswasonedge,jittery,anddangerous,lookingforenemiesineveryshadow,ineverymovement.Theraidsonthemarkedweremoreprevalent,andtherewasnolongeranypretenseabouthospitalsoracure.Thewhitepriestswereevenmorevisiblethanbefore,ledbytheirHighPriestess,amadwomanwhocalledherselfLadyAlgeanaPenthos,goddessofpainandsuffering.Therewasnosafeharborforanyonemarkedbymagic.Theywereconsidereddangerous,enemiesofthestate,andanyonecaughtharboringonewouldsufferthesamefate—thereweremurmursthateventhemilitarywasincollusionwiththeLadytogetridofthemall.AllthemorereasontogetoutoftheRSA,outofthecrossfire,Westhought.Butwherewouldhego?Wherewouldhelive?Whatkindoflifecouldhedreamabout

forhimandhisfriendsonthisfrozenwastelandofaplanet?Thetimefordreamswaslongpast.

Theelevatorshotuptowardtheskyway,tothecasinosthatfloatedhighabovethesidewalks,anditwaseasytoseethatthelightsofNewVegasglitteredlessbrightlythesedays.Twocasinoshadgonedarkthismonth,onethemonthbefore.Thebigthreeremained—theLoss,theApple,andMarkAntony’sForum—alongwithafewothers,butifthedownslidecontinued,theStripwouldbedarkinayear.AnunexpectedwaveofnostalgiahitWes.Thecity’sdescenthadbeenquick.ThediamondintheicedesertwastheRSA’slastplayground,butlatelythatplaygroundhadlostitsluster,thebubblewascracking,thesnowglobewasabouttocollapse.NewVegas,thecitythathadshruggeditssequinedshoulderattheapocalypse,wasabouttoturnoffthelights.Helookeddownatthelonelyblackslabs,theabandonedcasinosloominglikedeadtreesoverthestrip.Theworldwasending,andVegashadstavedofftheinevitableforaslongasitcould,buttheEndhadcometocashinitschips.

Wesonlywishedhecoulddothesame.

Downbelow,agroupofpeoplewereassemblinginthemiddleoftheicysidewalk.Wesheldhisbreathashisphoneconfirmedwhathealreadysuspected.Thetextread:LSVGSBLVD+LFLMNGO.ZEROHR.Aprotestmob.He’dneverheardofanyoneprotestinganythingintheRSAbefore.Noonewouldhavedared.

Butthatwasbefore12/12,beforethedrakon,beforeNat.Weshatedthenicknamethenetshadgiventhebattle,asifitwereatragedy,whenonlydroneshadbeendestroyed.RumorsofwhathappenedontheoceanhadspreadthroughtheRSAlikeaswiftandwildwinterbreeze.Thesoldierswho’dlivedtotellthetalewerenewrecruitswhomthetalkingheadsonthenetshadtriedtocastasagroupofdeludedchildrenspinningstories,perhapsevenaXianconspiracy.Evenso,therelentlessloreofthemightyfire-breathingcreaturewasbecomingpopulararoundtheglobe.Intheoutlawterritories,theyfearedthehydra,inNewPangaea,thetarakona,anditsriderwasnamedademon,adevil,awitch,ablackdrau.OldVegashandshaddubbedthecreaturetheBlackAce,anditsimagewaseverywhereinthecity,itsserpentinesilhouetteappearingonT-shirtsandgraffitiedonwalls,alongwiththewordsTHEBLUEISREAL!THEMONSTERISREAL!DOWNWITHTHERSA!

PeoplewerestartingtobelievetherumorsthatthethrillerswhohauntedGarbageCountryweren’tsufferingfromfailedgovernmentexperimentsbutweredyingfromamagicaldisease.WhichmeantmagicwasrealandtheBlue

wasreal.

OfcoursetheBluewasreal.SowastheMonster,ifyouwantedtocallitthat,thoughhavingseenit,Weswasn’tcertainhewould.Hejustwishedhecouldbeascertainofeverythingelsehehadwitnessed,andhewonderedagainaboutthevisionhehadexperiencedthatafternoon,ifNathadtrulyseenhimashehadseenher.Heclungtothatmemoryandtothehopethatonedayhewouldmakegoodonhisotherpromise.

I’llcomebackforyou.Thisisn’ttheendforus.

Wesflinchedeverytimeheplayedthewordsbackinhismind.Theywerealmosttoopainfultothinkabout,evenforhim.Hetoldhimselftheyweretrue.Heneededtobelievetheywere.AsrealasthedrakonandthestoriesandtheBlueitself.

TheBlueandthegirlwhobelongstoit.

He’dleftNattofindhissister,toansweraquestionthathadoccupiedhimfornearlyadecade:WherewasEliza?Whathappenedonthenightshedisappeared?

DidShakeshavetheanswertothatquestionatlast?

Theelevatorchimed,themusicfaded,andthedoorsopenedtoablastofcoldair.He’dreachedhisdestination.Thethirty-secondfloor.Agirlinaslim-fitting,whole-bodyheatsuitstoodatthedoor.Shewaswearingoneofthenewones,withthefancyhoods,thebootstraps,andthematchingbalaclavathatleftonlyhereyesvisible.Hereyebrowsweretattooedpinkandhereyelidswerecoveredwithgoldglitterandswoopingwavesofblueeyeliner.“WelcometoIce.Areyouonthelist?”shesaidautomatically,checkingthetabletsheheld.

Hecoughedandshelookedupathim.“Oh,hey,Wes.”

“Nela,”hesaid,lettingherpresshercheeksagainsthis.“Howareyou,gorgeous?”Hewinked.

“HowamIgorgeous?HowamInotgorgeous?”HisfriendNelasmirked.ShewasthehostessatIce,andhe’dsharedmanyacanofNutriwithherandhergirlfriend,theequallystunningVixen,whilewaitingforShakestofinishhisshift.

“He’soverthere,”shesaid,pointingtotheemptyportionofthebarwhereafamiliarsolitaryfigurewasclearingsnowfromtheglassfloor.“Seemsmorecheerfulthanusual,andthat’ssayingalot.”

Wesnodded.“Anycrazystoriestonight?”Likehim,NelawasaNewVegasnativeandhadjuicyanecdotesaboutgrowingupamongthegamblersandthegangsters.Lastweekshetoldhimhowshe’dheardaboutapairofkidswho’djumpedofftheicebridgewithparachutesstrappedtotheirbacks.Oneofthepackshadn’tdeployed,buttheboyhadbeenluckyenoughtolandonhisfriend’schuteandhadmadeittothegroundunharmed.Thatfriendhadlandedbeneathhimandlostamouthfulofteeth.Thatwasthepriceoffriendshipinacityliketheirs.

“Notyetbutthenightisyoung.”Nelasmiled,showinghergoldgrill.

“Isn’titever?”Wespinchedtheedgeofherheatsuitplayfully.

Shebattedhimaway.

Wessmiledandpushedthroughthecrowdinthedirectionshe’dindicated.Guyslikehimcouldn’tgetintoaplacelikeIceunlesstheyknewsomeoneimportantor,betteryet,werefriendlywiththeiceprincessesatthedoor.LikealldecentVegashotspots,itwasguardedbybeauteousyoungthingswhokneweverymoverandshakerinthefrozencity—alongwithwhateveritwasthathappenedtobemovingandshaking.Iftheywantedto,theycouldtellyouthesecretsoftheuniverse.Butingeneral,theywereascoldastheirsuitswerewarm.OnlyNelahadevershownhimanythinglikeaffection,andWeswascarefulnottoabuseit.

Theall-glassbridgebarwasthehottestplacearound.IcestretchedacrosstheSkyStrip,joiningapairofcasinosthataffordedthebestviewsintown.Patronstoastedwithcocktailsastheyfloatedthreehundredfeetintheair,withnothingbeneaththeirfeetbutaninchofglass.Heatsuitsandheatlampskepttheclientswarm,buttheycouldn’tkeepthesnowfromcollectingonthebridge,sothebarhadhalfadozenfull-timeemployeestaskedwithshovelingsnowfromthefloor.Theirofficialjobtitlewas“snowmanager,”amonikerthatneverfailedtomakeWeschuckle,andoneheconstantlyteasedShakesabout.

Shakesspottedhimandnoddedingreeting,butcontinuedtowork,clearingthesnowfromaglassrailandtossingittothesidewalksbelow.

Weswantedtobarragehimwithquestionsbutdecidedtoplayitascoolashisfriendwasacting.“Hey,man,how’sthesnow?”heasked,slidingupnexttohisfriend.

“Cold,”Shakessaid,shiveringinhischeapdownjacket.Flakycrystalsdottedhisbeardandeyelashes.Thetwoofthemweretheonlyonesonthebridgenotwearingheatsuitsorheatvests.

“Butyou’remanaging?”Westriedtowinkathisfriend,buthiseyelashesstucktogether.

Shakessighed.Helookedfarfromtheyoung,scrappyrecruitWeshadmetinTexaswhentheywerebothnewrecruits.Hewasthinnernow,hisneatgoateescruffy,andhisclothesthreadbare.Theheavylinesonhisfacemadeitlooklikehehadn’tsmiledinamonth.Wesknewthesourceofhisfriend’sunhappiness,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit.Nothingeitherofthemcoulddo.

“Pickupashovelandhelpout,willya?”Shakesgroused.“Ifyoucanmanagethat.”

“YouknowI’mnotmanagementmaterial.”Allthesame,Wespickedupatrowelandchippedattheice.“So,aboutyourtext...”

“Givemeaminute,can’tbeseentalkingtocustomers,orlowlifeslikeyou,”saidShakeswithawansmile.“Myshiftendsinfifteen.”

Wesnoddedandhackedatthesnowthathadclumpedonthesideofthebar,sendingitflying.Fourmonthsandnowhehadtowaitanotherfifteenminutes.

He’dbeenworkingsidebysidewithShakesforawhilewhenthesoundofsirensfilledtheair.Ahelicopterhoveredbetweenthetwotowers,sprayingsnowandiceineverydirection.Ablinkingcasinosignfailedasthesoundofacarcrashechoedinthedistance.AportionoftheStripsuddenlywentdark,justasalargecrowdappearedinthemiddleofthestreet.Theycouldbeanybody—casinoworkers,military,vets,tourists.

Wescheckedhiswatch.Itwasmidnight.

Theprotestwason.

Thecrowddidn’tsayaword,didn’tscreamslogans,didn’tholdsigns;theywereasilent,moving,amorphousshape.Oncue,theystopped,andwhentheydid,thepeopleclusteredonthesidewalksandupontheskybridgesallgasped.Wespushedclosertothebridgetosee.

Themobhadformedtheshapeofsomesortofbeast,onlywithshortarmsandlegsthatbentdownthestreet,andalongershapetrailingdowntheStripafterit.

Nowhecouldmakeoutshadowylargerprotrusionsoneitherside,nearthevacantbuildings,almostasiftheywere...

Wings.

Adrakon.

Itwasunmistakable,nowthathesawitallatonce,withitslongbodyandheavytail.Thepeoplewhoformeditsmouthreleasedacloudofreddyethatcoveredthesnowinscarlet.Withoutmakingasound,theymadetheirmessageheard:

DownwiththeRSA!

WebelieveintheBlue!

Themonsterisreal!

Wessnappedapictureandhurriedlyputawayhisphoneastheslick,smugpatronsofIcegatheredbytherailstowatchthecommotion.Buttheprotestersdispersedjustasquicklyasthey’dappeared,blendingbackintothecrowds,sheddingcoatsandhatsandswappingjacketsandwigstoevadethesecuritycameras.Theentireprotestlastedforjustaheartbeat,thenitwasgone,swallowedbymassesandthesnow,andwhenthemilitarypolicearrived,therewasnothingtoseebutaplumeofredinthesnow,noonetoarrest,asifnothinghadhappenedatall.

Except,ofcourse,thatithad.Tomorrow,imagesfromtheprotestwouldgoviralonthenets,andsimilarprotestmobswouldspontaneouslygatherinstreetsallovertheworld.

Somethinghadhappenedbecausesomethingwashappening.Somethingishappening,Westhought.TheideaoccupiedhimashecontinuedshovelinghispartofthebridgeuntilShakestappedhimontheshouldertoindicatetheyweredone.TheypickedupglassesofNutrifromthebarandfoundanemptytable.Underneaththeirfeet,throughtheglass,anddownthirty-twostories,theycouldseemorepatrolcarsarrive.Meanwhile,thebar’sheatlampsmeltedtheiciclesonthetopoftherails,sendingpelletsofwarmrainfallingontotheirfaces.

ShakestookabiggulpfromhisdrinkandavoidedWes’seyes.

Agroupofkidsjostledtheirtable,spillinghisdrink.Wesranhisfingersthroughhisthickbrownhairinannoyance.

“Icebags,”Shakesmutteredasthekidsshuffledpast.

“Allright,stopmessingaround,”Wessaid.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Shakeslookedanxious.

“YousaidyoufoundEliza.Sowhereisshe?”Wesasked,thelightcatchinghisface,illuminatingastubbledchinandchestnutbangs.“Comeon,

man.”

“Mightnotbeanything.”Shakesscratchedhisgoatee.“Can’tbesure.”Heshrugged.

“Tryme,”Wessaid,takingthedrinkoutofShakes’shand.

Hesighed.“Imean,theguywhogavemetheintelmakesyoulooklikearocketscientistandmelooklikea,a—youknow...”Shakescouldn’teventhinkoftherightword.

“Anhonestperson?”

Finally,andprobablyonlytogetbackhisdrink,Shakesgaveitup:Oneofhiscontacts,afriendwhoknewWesandShakesweresearchingforEliza,hadfoundhernameonalistofprisonersbeingheldinafacilityinElDorado,adomedcityfloatingonwhatwasoncetheGreatSaltLake.

“ElKiss-My-GoldenDorado.”Shakesfinallyspatitout.“That’sallIgot.”

Wesexhaled.Thankgod.Hissisterwasalive,andtheyfinallyknewwhereshewas.ElDoradowasahaul,buthecouldgetthereinaday;hejusthadtofindsomewheels.

“Youboyswantanything?”awaitressasked,stoppingbytheirtable,cockinganeyebrowandpursingherlips.Sheworelonggoldenblondextensions,alooktheywerecalling“sylph-style.”

ShakeswasabouttodemurwhenWesnoddedtohisfriend.“Yeah.Butnothere.”

Thewaitressrolledhereyes,movingon.

Wesstoodup.“Comeon,let’sgetsomethingtoeat.Igotpaidtoday.”He’dwastehisentirepaycheckiftheyhadmoreroundsofNutriatIce,andevenNelacouldn’tfrontthemthatmuch.“Wegottacelebrate.”

ButShakesdidn’tmoveandhisfrowndeepened.

Wesslappedhisfriendontheshoulder.Inhappiertimesthetwooftensparred,tradingpunchesaseasilyastheyexchangedquips,butwhenhesluggedShakes,theboydidn’tmove,hedidn’tevenrespond.“Whatisit?”heasked.

“AboutEliza,”Shakessaid,notquitemeetingWes’seyesagain.

“What’swithallthedrama?”Wessaid.“ElDorado,Igotit.Wecoveredthisalready.”

Shakesbowedhishead.“Thelistshewasonthatmyfriendgot.Itwaspartofajob.”WhenhesawthedarklookonWes’sface,hecontinuedhurriedly.“Youknowthetype—highpaying,offthebooks,likethestuffweusedtoget.Hedidn’ttakethegig,butsomeoneelsewill...”Hetrailedoff.

“Ajob?”Wesstaredathimindisbelief.

Shakesshrugged.

“Ajobjob?Like,oneofouroldones?”Wescouldfeeltheadrenalineracethroughhisbody.Theyhadbeenmercenariesonce,buttheynevertookthosegigsanymore.ItwaswhyShakeswasworkingasasnowjanitorandWeswasracingcarstolose.Whichbasicallymadehimaprofessionalloser,athoughtthatwasn’tlostonhim.Still,itwasworthit,togetoutoftheworktheyusedtodo.

“You’resure?”

“Looksthatway.”

“Goon,”Wessaid,hisvoiceflatandtoneless.

“Eliza’sonatransferlist.They’removingherouttotheRedCity.Whichcanonlymeanthey’redonewithherandhernextstop’sthefleshmarketswhereshe’llmostlikelybesoldtothetempleofthewhitepriests.Andyouknowwhattheydothere:thebonecharms,theunguentsmadefromtheessenceofthemarked,thewigswovenfromsylphhair.Wedon’thavemuchtime.Thebrassareeagertokeeptheirhandscleanonthisone,sothey’relookingforanoutsidecontractor.Prettysuretheywould’vefoundsomeonetotakeitbynow.Imean,withthatkindofpayout.”

ShakessoundedasmiserableasWesfelt,buthekeptgoing.“Noteveryone’sahero.”

Chapter5HERHEARTHEAVYANDHERARMORstillsmokingfromthebattle,Natleftherburieddrakonandstompedthroughthemudtowardthearchwayoftreesthatmarkedthegate.PilgrimscalledittheBlue,butitstruenamewasVallonis.AsNatslippedthroughthegateofAfal,sheenteredaworldwherethebreezewassweetashoney,theairripewiththescentofblossoms.Justlikethefirsttime,shewasoverwhelmedbythebrightnessofeverythingaroundher.Thesunwassostrongthatshehadtoshieldhereyesfromtheglare.Here,theskywasaneternal,endlesscerulean,nothingliketheperpetualgrayandfogofNewVegas.Vallonisglowedwithcolorineverysoftandvelvetyleaf,everygloriousflower,everymossyrockandpebble.Itlookedlikepicturesfromthenetarchives,ofthetimesbeforetheBigFreeze.

Itwasparadise,andtoday,fortheveryfirsttime,itmeantnothing.Howcouldit?Paradiseboughtwiththebloodofmyown.Herdrakonwasgone;itcouldbedying.AndIamalone.

Thewordsrepeatedthemselvesonanendlessloopasshewalked.Shehadn’tgonefarwhenashadowfellacrosstheforestfloor.

Faix.

Youarealone,hesent.Sylphsrarelybotheredtocommunicatewithspokenword.WhereisMainas?

“Intheground,”shereplied.Unlikethedrakon’s,Faix’svoiceinherheadwasverymuchanother,andsheresistedhisabilitytospeakdirectlyintoherconsciousness.

Thesylphraisedapaleeyebrow.Faixwasthefirstpersonshehadmetin

Vallonisandwasamemberofitsrulingcouncil.HehadwelcomedherinthenameofQueenNineveh,theimmortalmotherofallthemarked.FaixoftheGreenIslandwastheQueen’strustedadviser,anagelesssylph,themostbeautifulboyshehadeverseen.LikeLiannan,hewasunnaturallytallandthin,withiridescenteyesandhairthecolorofstarlightthatfelltohisshoulders.Faixwastheonewhohadgiftedherwitharmor,whosentheronpatrols,whotoldherwhichgatewasunderattack.Hewasalsotheoneteachingherhowtousehernewfoundpower.Sheshouldreallybeusedtohimbynow,buteachtimeshemethimwaslikethefirst—shewastakenabackbyhisbeauty,bythesoundofhissilkysoftvoiceinhermind.Usually.

Justnottoday.

Todaythesylph’sbeautymeantnothing.Allbeautywasnothing.Todaywasadayofblood.

“Yourblade,”hesaidaloud,aconcession,sinceshehadrepliedtohimbyconversinginsteadofthroughtelepathy.Duringtheirinitialmeeting,Faixhadexplainedthattherewasnoneedtospeak,sinceheknewwhatshewasgoingtosaybeforeshesaidit,butNatinsisted.Hisvoicehadadifferenttimbrewhenspoken—deeperandlessuncomfortablyintimate.

Sheremovedherswordfromitssheathandhandedittohim.Henarrowedhisalmondeyesatherbeforetakinginthesightofthesword.

Heweighedit,examiningtheblackcorrodedmarkingsonitssurfacewheretheironcloudhadhitit.

“Canyoufixit?”sheasked.

“Yes.”

Butcanyoufixwhathaswoundedyou?Thesylphsentthewordsalmostasquietlyassheignoredhim.

“Mainaswashurtbadlyandtoldmetocomebackhere.”Alreadyshefeltweaker,lesser,withoutherdrakon.Shewasnotcomplete,notwithoutit,andwhenshethoughtofhergreatmagnificentbeastbleedinganddyingintheground,shefeltthetearsstarttocome,asiffromtheverycenterofherchest.Asifherheartitselfwasweeping.

ShesaidnoneofthistoFaix,buthenodded,asimpassiveandimplacableasever.“Awisechoice,toreturn.Donotweep.Valloniswillkeepyourdrakonsafe.”

“Itwasn’tjustthat.Itwasdifferentthistime.Theyattackeduswithan

ironbomb,anewweapon,amagicalweapon,”Natsaid.

“Thatisillnewsindeed,”saidFaix,hislipsbarelymoving,hiseyestrainedonsomedistanthorizon.

Shenoddedandawaveofexhaustionovertookher.Itwastoomuch,allofit.Shewishedshewerealreadyhomesoshecouldremoveherarmor.Maybethatwouldhelpwiththisimmenseweight.Itwaslighterthanitlookedbutstillheavierthantheclothesshepreferredtowear—herblackjeansandbootsfromNewVegas,thehomespunshirtsshe’dbeengivenwhenshefirstcametotheisland.Faixhadsetherupinalittlecottagenearariver,whereshehadabedandatable,asmallkitchen,andafewbooks.“WhatiftheenemyreturnswithmoreshipswhileMainasisintheground?”sheasked.

SheknewFaixhadheardtherealquestion:WhatifIalonecan’tprotectus?WhatifIamtooweakwithoutmydrakonhalf?Whathappensthen?

Hehelduphishand.“Thethreatfromthegraylandsiscontainedfornow.Itwilltakesometimeforthemtoreturnwithanewbattalion.”Itwashiswayofacknowledginghervictoryontheseastoday.Faixwasnotgiventopraise,onlydirectstatement,andshetriednottoletitbotherher.

Whenshefirstmetthesylphandwasremandedtohiscare,Faixhadcautionedherthatthewarwasfarfromover,andthattheyshouldprepareforthenextattack.Astheysatbythefirethatfirstnight,FaixtoldherthatthekingdomofVallonishadmanyenemiesthroughouthistory,andtheRSAwasonlyitslatestopponent.“Beingadrakonryddermeansthatyourlifewillbeoneofwar,andyourheartwillforeverbeconsumedwithfireandrage.”

“Iunderstand,”shehadsaid,thoughshehadn’tthen,andwasn’tsureshebelieveditnow—evennowthatshehadfeltthatragedeepwithinherownsoul.

Faixhadmadeherlisten.Hehadsaiditagainandagain,untilshecouldpracticallyrecitethewordsbacktohim:“TheplaceofthedrakonrydderisnotinsideVallonisbutoutsideitspeacefulhaven,guardingthedoor,partofitbutapartfromitatthesametime.”

Whenshehadonlynodded,hehadsighed.

“Itisaterriblehonor,andnowitisyours.”

Insomanyways,Faixhadbeenright.Itwasasolitarylife.Natdidn’tneedmuch,butshehadhopedformorefromtheBlue,hadhopedtofindacommunityofthemarkedwhereshebelonged.LiannanhadspokenoftheWhiteMountaintribes,andthevillagesfilledwithsmallfolk.Abasketof

foodwasleftatNat’sdooreverymorning,butsheneverevencaughtaglimpseofherbenefactors.Sheunderstoodshehadtoliveontheoutskirts,sinceshewastheland’sfirstandbestdefense,butshehopedthatonedayshewouldbeabletoexploreandenjoyhernewworld.Oflate,shehadbeguntothinkFaixwasright.Perhapswarriorslikehercouldneverrest.

NowshethoughtofWes,hunchedoveronthesteeringwheelofthatcar.Hedidn’tlooklikehegotmuchrest,either.ShestruggledtokeephermindfocusedonFaix.

“IwilltakeyoutoApissowecanreportthisnewdevelopmenttotheQueen.Thedrakonslayerweaponisnotourtruthtoconceal.”Hespokewithoutexpression,hisvoiceflat,andhisfeaturesunreadable.Faix’sperfection—hiscalmdemeanor,hisrigidposture—oftenunnervedher.Natfeltasifshewerefacingastatue,notaman.

“No,”Natsaidmiserably.“It’snot,”shemurmured,thehowlofthewindnearlyswallowingherwords.Theforestwascold;shelongedforthesky,forherdrakon.Shefelttrappedwithoutherloyalsteed.

“Besides,itishightimeyouwereintroducedtoNinevehandsawmoreoftheplaceyouaresworntoprotect,”Faixsaidslyly.“Aswellasthebenefactorsofyoursolitarylife.”

Ofcourse.

Itwashiswayofremindingherthathermindwasopentohim,thattheyhadnosecretsbetweenthem.Ifso,didheseeherthinkofWes?Faixneveraskedaboutheroldlife,andneveraskedifshewashappyinthisnewone.Hewasherguidetohernewlifeasadrakonrydder,buthewasfarfromafriend.

“Youarewrong,Anastasia.Iamyourfriend,”hesaid.IamyourfriendandIfeeltheweightyoucarrywithyounow,hesent.

Shecolored.“Doyou?”Itwasonethingtobeatelepath,butquiteanothertoberudeaboutit.

Faix’seyesflickeredinhisimpassiveface.“Iapologize,”hesaid.“ItisdifficulttoshutoutthethoughtsthatIhear.Iwillmakemoreofaneffortnottoeavesdropinthefuture.”

“Thankyou,Faix,”shesaid.“AndlikeIsaidbefore,pleasecallmeNat.Everyonedoes.”

“Iknowwhatyouarecalledbyyourintimates,butIfinditisnotenoughforyou.Itisratherlikethenameofasmallinsect.”

Shesmiledinwardly,rememberingwhatWeshadsaidtoherwhentheyfirstmet.Nat,liketheinsect?

Faixcontinued.“Namescarrypower,AnastasiaDekesthalias,”hesaid.

ButIhavenopower.Mypowerisbleedingoutbeneaththeearth.Shethoughtthewordsbeforeshecouldtakethemback.MainashadbeencertainthatValloniswouldcurewhatailedit,butwhatifitwaswrong?Whatifitsuccumbedtoitswounds?

Faixonlyshookhishead.Ifhewaslistening,hedidn’tleton.“YoumustlearnthatinVallonis,youhavenoneedtodisguiseyourstrength.Namescarryone’shistoryandidentity.”

“Thenwhatofyours?”Natasked,waryofanymoretalkaboutherselforherdrakon.

AhintofasmileappearedonFaix’shandsomeface.“IamFaixLazaved,MessengertotheQueen.Faixwasmyfather’snameandhisfather’snameandhisfather’snamebeforehimandsoonuntilthebeginningoftime.Weshareacommonnamebutweearnoursurnames;theyaretitlesthataredeterminedbyourtalents,bytheskillswehavehoned,thepositionswehaveachieved.”

“IsthatprideIhearinyourvoice,Faix?”Itwasararethingforasylphtoventureanysortofpersonalinformationabouthimself.

“Ournamesareasourceofgreatpride.MyfatherwasFaixLumeras,weaveroflight,andlongago,hisfatherbeforehimwasFaixPaean,healerofwounds,andourdirectancestorwasFaixDrakaras,herderofdrakons.”

“Hewasarydder?”

“No.”Faixtouchedthenecklacehewore,aslimchainholdingasmallruby-coloredcharm.“Hewasashepherd.DuringthefirstageofVallonis,whenthemightyclansofdrakonbornkeptthelandandwaterssafe.”

Clansofdrakonborn.Shecouldseethemforamoment,throughhiseyes.Ablazeofdrakonsandtheirrydders,mightyandproud.Peoplelikeher.Buttheyweregonenow,andsheunderstoodwhyhissmilewassad.Shewasthelastandtheonly,andrightnowherdrakon,thelastdrakon,wasburiedintheground,weakenedbyanunseenanddangerousenemy.Shewasallalone,andsowasherdrakonself.

Natleanedagainstthetrunkofamightyoak,runningahandoveritsgnarledandknobbybark.Birdschirpedinthedistance,theircallsechoing

throughthetrees.Thesunwasrising,itsfirstredrayscastinglongandelegantlydappledshadowsontheforestfloor,andtheacheinherchestthrobbed.

Wearepowerlessnow.Alone.

Youdidn’thavetobeasylphtoknowthat.

“Notalone,Nat,”saidFaixwithahintofanapologeticsmile.

“You’redoingitagain.”Natsighed.

“Andyoumayaswellbeshouting.”Faixraisedaneyebrow.“Butevenso,youmustunderstand,youarenotalone.Notevenwhenyourdrakonisapartfromyou.”

“BecauseIhaveyou?”Natsaidskeptically.

Faixstaredatherwithunblinkingeyes.“BecauseyoucarrythehopeofallValloniswithyou.”

Withthat,heturnedandwalkeddeeperintotheforest,andNatfollowed.

YourealizeyoujustcalledmeNat,right?

Ifthesylphwaslistening,hedidn’tsayaword.

Chapter6WESDIDN’TWASTEANYTIMEMOVINGonShakes’sintel,andbymorninghehadarrangedtheirtransporttothegoldencityofElDorado,whichwasaday’sdrivefromVegas.WhenShakesinsistedoncoming,Weshadtriedtotalkhimoutofitatfirst.

“SomaybeIgotadeathwish,”hisfriendsaid,shrugging.DarkcirclesringedShakes’sonce-brighteyes.Hismessyhairfellacrosshisforehead.WesknewhewasthinkingaboutLiannan.

“AndmaybeIhaveastupidfriend,”Wesanswered,clappinghishandonhisfriend’sback.Afterthat,Weshadgivenup.

Theywereleavingthatnight.Sittinginarestaurant,waitingfortheirpickup,hehopedthemealwouldimprovehisfriend’sdarkmood.ButnoteventhefactthattheywereeatingsomethingotherthanglopcouldputasmileonShakes’sface.Asluckwouldhaveit,Weshadbeenpaidtwicetheusualfeeforracingthespeedwayandthereweremorewattsthanhe’dexpectedinhisaccount.Itappearedhisbosseshadenjoyedthelittletrickhe’dpulled,thewayhe’dswervedandcrashedintothatLamborghini,causingthefive-carpileup.Crashesmadeforgoodentertainmentaslongasnoonegothurt,andWeshadbeenluckyinthatrespect.

ThecrashbonuscameinhandyforbribinghiswaytoEliza.Inamatterofhours,Shakes’scontacthadbeenabletopassonafewmoredetails—thenameandexactlocationofthefacility,andEliza’sidentificationnumber.Wessentherinformationtoahacker,whowasabletogleanherroomnumberandschedule.Bythetimedinnerwasover,Weshadgottenwordthatthehackerhadalsoconfirmedhertransferorder.ThetransporttotheRedCitywasscheduledforlaterthatweek.

Ithadbeennineyearssincehe’dseenEliza.Theywerebothchildrenwhenshedisappeared.Shewouldbesixteennow;wouldshestillrememberhim?Itdidn’tmatter.Shewashisonlyremainingfamily,hissister,histwin.Hewonderedwhatkindoflifeshehadled,whatkindofgirlshehadgrownuptobecome.Herchildhoodhadn’tbeeneasy,she’dfoundherpoweratayoungage,ithadmadelifehardforher.Wesshruggedoffhisworry.Itdidn’tmatterwhoshehadbecome,shewasstillhissister,hiskin—heneededtohelpher.

Shakeshadanall-tofuplasti-burgershovedsofarintohismouth,itlookedlikehemightchoke.You’dthinktheguyneversawaburgerbefore,Westhought,althoughhehimselfcouldn’trememberthelasttimethey’dspentthewattsonone.

“Slowdown,man,”Wesreachedforhisownsandwich,“oryou’llyakthatmessontothefloorandthey’llchargeusextratoscruboutthevinyl.”Hegrinned.“I’msorry,Imeantmanagethevinyl.”

Inanswer,Shakestookanevenbiggerbite,hischeeksbulgingchipmunklike.WhenhesawthelookonWes’sface,helaughedthroughhisfoodandspitachunkonhisplate.

Wesshookhisheadashebitintohisownplasti-burger.Buthewasgladhe’dsplurgedontheburgers.ItwasgoodtoseeShakeslaughing.Therehadn’tbeenalotofoccasionstolaughlately.They’dbeenevictedtwiceinthelastfourmonthsandwerecurrentlylivinginaramshackletraileroutsidetheStrip,stealingpowerfromthegridtoheatandlighttheirhome,butitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethey’dgetbustedandkickedoutagain.Withthesuddenandunexpectedrecessioncripplingthelocaleconomy,thecreditsNathadpaidthemforthetriptotheBluehadn’tlastedaslongashe’dhoped.WhileWeswasscrapingtogetherafewwattsracing,touristseasonwouldbeoversoonandthetrackwouldclose.

MoredarknessontheStrip.

Shakesputhisburgerdown.WescouldtellhewantedtotalkaboutLiannanandtheBlue,andWesjustdidn’twanttogothere.ThinkingabouttheBluemadehimthinkofNatandthinkingofNatmadehisstomachtwist.Hecouldn’tkeeptheimageofherfromhismind.Natastrideherdrakon,hergreeneyesflashing,lookingdangerousandbeautiful,andhemissedhersomuch.Sohekepthisfeelingsburieddeepinsideandhedidn’twanttohearhisfriendtalkabouthisown.Tobesilentandmiserabletogetherwasenough.

“They’redead,youknow,”Shakessaidsuddenly.“Theyhavetobe.Ican’t

believeLiannanwouldjust...”

Weswasalarmedatthelevelofhisdespair.“No—no.We’llfindthem.Wewill.Especiallynowthatwe’vegotthewatts.AfterwegetEliza,we’ll—”

“Nah.I’mdonehoping.Youknowwhattheysay...gonelongerthanamonthandgodknowswhat’sbeendonetothem.Iftheyweretaken,they’redead,andwefailedthem.”

“Youdon’tknowthat.”Westriedtoconsolehim,buttherewasnouse.Heneededcomforthimself.Hetookasecondbiteofplasti-burgerandlookedaway.ThedinerwasafarcryfromthefancybarwhereShakesworked.Therewerenoclearglasswallsorglassfloor,nosnowconciergestomakesureadustingofpowderdidn’tfallintoyourcocktail.Theplacehadaroofthatleakedandwallspatchedwithcrookedsheetmetal.Itwasthekindofnondescriptplacefrequentedbyrunnerslikethem;therestauranthadnoidentifyingmarkers,nosignsoutfront,nolightsthatyoucouldseefromtheoutside.Itlookedlikeanabandonedbuilding,adisguisethatworkedwellforitspatrons.

WesandShakesweren’texactlywantedmen,buttheyweren’talwayslegitimatehardworkingcitizens,either,sotheykeptalowprofile.Asfarashecouldtell,nooneknewthathisteamhadbeenonNat’ssidewhenthePacificfleetsunkbeneaththeblackwaters.Makethatalmostnoone.TherewereslaversouttherewhoworkedfortheRSAandknewwhatreallyhappened.WesguessedhewassafeinNewVegasfornow,buthewasn’ttakinganychances,notwhenhewasplanninganothergrab-and-gojob,thistimefromamilitaryhospitalprison.Hefinishedhisburger,fumblingforhisnapkin.

“We’llfindthem,”hesaid,tryingtosoundconfident.

Shakesnoddedbutdidn’tanswer.

Wescheckedhiswatch.“Ourrideshouldbeherebynow.Waittillyouseeit.”Hehopedafamiliarfacemightcheerthembothup.

Theypickeduptheirtraysandstumbledthroughthedarknessofthediner,Shakesknockingintoatableontheirwayout.Didtheyreallyneedtokeeptheplacesodark?Paranoiadrovethehuntedtoextremes—therewasnolimittowhatrunnerswoulddotostayundercover.Weshadseensomeprettybadplasticsurgeryanddyejobsonacoupleoftheircolleagues.

Shakesopenedthedoorandthetwoofthemhuddledinthecoldforawhile.“Hesaidhe’dbeherebynow,”Wesmuttered.

“Who?PrinceCharming?”Shakesstampedhisfeetinthesnow.

“Moreorless,”Wessighed.

Afewminuteslateravintagewhitestretchlimousinepulleduptothecurb.Itwasabehemoth,aboat,likeoneofthoseoldoceancruisers,fromwhenpeoplestilltookvacationsonthesea.Thecarwasarelic,mostlikelyrebuilthalfadozentimes,thebodymadefromflimsywhiteplastic,butthroughthefrontwindowhecouldseeithadblackleatherseats,andtheenginepurred.

Shakessnickeredwhenthelimostoppedinfrontofthem.“Letmeguess.ThismonstrosityisourridetoElDorado?”

“You’rewelcome,”repliedWes,feigninghurt.

ThefrontwindowrolleddowntorevealthesmilingmugofoneFaroukJones,amemberoftheirformercrewandfellowsurvivorofthebattleoftheblackwater.Thekidheldascreeninonehandandthesteeringwheelintheother.Theloudbeatsofareggaemash-upthumpedfromhisheadphones.Hewaslisteningtomusic,playingavideogame,anddrivingallatthesametime.TypicalFarouk.

Farouk’slong,thinfacebrokeintoahugegrin.“Youguyscallacab?”heasked,gettingouttoopenthebackdoorforhisfriends.Whenthey’dreturnedtoNewVegasafterferryingNattotheBlue,ithadbeendifficultforWestogetworkforhiscrew,andsoafterafewweekskickingaroundwaiting,Faroukleft,takingajobasacasinodriver.Atthirteen,hehadthebattle-hardenedfaceofathirty-year-oldandthetemperamentofakidnotolderthannine.Hebrushedbackafacefullofdreadsasheopenedthedoor.

Wespushedintothebackseat,Shakesnudginghimasideasheshovedinbehindhim.Thedoorslammedandthelimopulledout,musicblaring,Faroukspinningthewheeltoavoidalmostcollidingwithapedestrian.Heturnedaroundandhissmilefaded.“What’swiththelongfaces?Justyoutwo?Where’stheprettyladyandmybros?”heasked.Thelasttimethey’dseenhimwasamonthago,whentheteamwasstillintactandLiannan,Brendon,andRoarkwerestillpartofit.

Shakesremainedsilentashesprawledonthebackseatwithhishatonhisface,andWesalsoignoredFarouk’squestion.Heranahandacrosstheleatherseat.Luxuriesofthissortwererarethesedays;evenhisMustangfromtheracetrackdidn’thavethissortofjuice.“Whoownsthiswhiteelephant?”heasked.“Mustbeabigshotifhecanpayforthegas.”

“Nope,thisthingrunsonelectric,man,andthecasinobossespayforeverything,”Farouksaid.“LikeItoldyouonthephone,Irundailyroutes

betweentheElDoradodomesandtheStrip,sometimesHoHoCityifwehaveanarmedescort.Everyone’sleavingNewVeg,whatwiththecasinowarsandnowwiththeprotests,theplaceisamess.Waittillwegettothedomes.Goodstuff.Hotinthereforsure.Chicksinbikiniseven.”Hewinked.“Talkaboutdomes.”

“Whichnobodywas,”Shakesgroused,rattlingemptybottlesintheminibar.

“Soundslikeparadise,”Wesjoked,kickinghislegsuptotheseatwhileShakespokedaround,rootingfortreats.“Thisridehaveanyheat,vids,tunes?”

Faroukbobbedinhisseat,hisfingersrunningacrossthestreamonthescreen,playingsomevideogameWescouldn’tsee.HewastheyoungestofWes’sformerteammembersandaknow-it-all.Hecouldflyordriveanythingandwasbetteronthenetsthananyotherkidthey’dworkedwith.“Yeah,thisbaby’sfullyloaded,butyouneedakeycardtoturnonthegoodies.That’swhyIcarryportables.Gottarideinthecoldandcan’tusethetoys.Idon’tevengettochauffeurthebigwigs.MyjobistodrivethecarsbacktoElDoradoafterIdropoffthetourists.”FaroukadjustedtherearviewmirrorastheenormousNewVegasperimetercameintoview.“Fenceiscomingup,youguysknowwhattodo.”

WesandShakesmadeforthetrunk,pullingdowntheseatandclamberingintothedarkspace,thenpushingtheseatsbackintoplace.Thecasinobossespaidtherightbribes,sothehotellogoonthesidedoormeanttheywerewavedthroughthecheckpointwithoutaword.

“Mightaswellbeinvisible.”Faroukbeamed.“LikeI’mnotevenhere.”

“Yeah?Thatpickuplineworkforyou?”Wesaskedasheedgedhiswayoutofthetrunkandclimbedbackintohisseat.

“Man,thiswholerideismypickupline,”Farouksaid,snappinghisfingers.

“Thisrideisyourpickuptruck,”Shakessaid.“Onlynotasnice.”

Buttheywererelievedtoscramblebackintotheirseatsasthecarpulledaway.

Sofar,sogood.Butgettingoutofthecitywasonlythefirststep.WesstillhadtofigureoutawaytogetintoElDorado.Theholesinhisplanwerebigenoughtoflyadrakonthrough,buttherewasnouseworryingtheboysrightnow.Hewouldfigurethingsoutashewent;healwaysdid.Healwayshad.

I’mnotgoingtoletElizadownnow.

TheroadsheadingnorthtowardSaltLakewerewhitewithsnow,starkandgleamingagainsttheblacklinesmadebythecarsahead.Trafficwasinfrequent,theskygray,theairwhiteandalivewithsnowyflakes.ButinthedistanceWesglimpsedpatchesofgreen—asightthatmighthavebeenunthinkableafewyearsback.Theworldwaschanging,littlebylittle.WhethertheearthwascomingaliveagainbecausetheBluewasspreadingasLiannansaid,hedidn’tknow,buthehopedshewasright.MaybeonceallthelightswentoutineverycasinoinNewVegasandeverycityintheRSA,theywouldbeabletoseethestarsagain.Anewworldcouldbegin.Hesmiled.Onetripontheblackoceanhadturnedhimintoapilgrim,butunlikemany,hehadactuallyseenNat’sdrakon,hadseentheBluewithhisowneyes.Theworldwaschanging,whateverthatmeant.Hejusthopedtolivelongenoughtoseeithappen.

Astheydrove,theonlynoisecamefromFarouk’sheadphones,asmalltinnysound.Weswasusedtotherowdycamaraderieofsoldiers,ofblastingmusic,screechingpunk-metal-rapmash-ups,theblaringofvideogames,Shakeslaughing;hefoundthequietdownrightdepressing.

Apparentlyhewasn’ttheonlyonewhothoughtso.

Thelimosuddenlybrakedhard,makingbothWesandShakeslurchforward.Faroukswunghisarmovertheseatandturnedtothem,annoyancewrittenalloverhisface.“Youtwogoingtotellmewhat’swrongoramIgoingtohavetodumpyouonthesideoftheroad?Comeon,spill.”

“Youtryingtokillus?”Shakesrubbedhisheadwherehe’dhitthewindow.

“Yes.Killyou,andthentalktoyou.”Farouklookedatthemexpectantly.

“It’sLiannanandtheboys,”Wessaidfinally.Becauseinaway,itwas.ItwasNat,ofcourse,andEliza.ButasfarasFaroukneededtoknow,itwasalsotheissueoftheircomrades,therestoftheircrew—thebeautifulsylphwhowasShakes’sgirlfriendandthepairofsmallmen,BrendonRimmelandRoarkGoderson.Everyonewasgonenow.

“Iknewit.”Faroukslappedthesteeringwheel.“Wheretheicearethey?”

“That’sthething.Wedon’tknow.Theyjustdisappearedoneday.Wedon’tevenknowifthey’redeadoralive.That’swhat’swrong.”

Ashesaidit,Wesjustwisheditwastheonlything.

Chapter7NATHADTORUNTOCATCHUPTOFaix.Hisfootfallsmadeonlythesoftestsounds—notbecausehewasweightless,butbecausehiseverystepwascarefullyconsidered.Hesteppedovertwigsandleaves,nevercrackingafallenbranchorcrunchingleavesunderhisfeet.Shefeltlikealarge,lumberingfoolnexttohim.Itwasasiftimepassedmoreslowlyforhim,allowinghimtochoreographhiseverymovementwithgracefulanddelicatebalance,topondereverywordbeforehespoke.NatrememberedhowLiannanhadbeenabletowalkacrossthewater.Thesylphsweregifted:quick,light,livinginharmonywiththeworldaroundthem.

Incomparison,Natmightaswellbemadeofmud.

Butshefollowedinhisshadow,tryingtostayclose.Hewasmovingquickly,leapingoverrocksandlogslikeagazelle.ItremindedherofWes.Fast-moving,quick-thinkingWes,whoonlyhadhiswitsandgoodhumortohelphimsurvivethecold.Shemissedthemall—Shakeswithhisjollydemeanor,Liannan’swarmth,Brendon’sandRoark’sstaunchloyalty,Faroukwithhiswide-eyedenthusiasmfortheworld.

Weshadpromisedtoreturntoher,butitwasdifficult,somehow,topicturehim,inhiswornfatigues,gunbeltslunglowonhiships,withthatsardonicsmileonhishandsomeface,acceptingthesomewhatmysticalnatureofVallonis.WhatwouldhethinkofFaix,shewondered,andhisabilitytoreadminds?

Nat...

Afaintvoiceechoedthroughtheforest.

Nat...

“Didyouhearthat?”sheasked.

Faixturnedaroundandshookhishead.

PerhapsitwasWes?Butitwasn’t.Sheknewthesoundofhisvoice.Shewishedsheknewhowtheyhadbeenabletoseeeachotherearlier,soshecoulddoitagain.Natdecidedtoignorethevoicefornow.Maybeithadjustbeenanecho.

TheycametotheedgeoftheforestandFaixpointedtothedistance,whereatallwhitecityfloatedhighintheair,castingadeepshadowovertheland,hoveringabovesandstonecliffsthatseemedtoreachtowarditbutjuststoppedshortofmeetingitsfoundation.“WhenthecitywascalledAtlantis,itfloatedabovetheocean.Duringthesecondage,itwascalledAvalonanditswallswerehiddeninthemist.InAvalon’sMirror,arelicfromthatage,wecanseethepastandsometimesahintofthefuture.ThisisApis,ourcityinthesky,anditismoresplendidthananyincarnationbeforeit.Itisthehomeofourqueenandhercourt.”

Natmarveledatthecityofstonehighupabovetheclouds,defyinggravity,defyingreality.Buthow?shethought,knowingFaixwouldanswer.

Hegesturedatthegreatemptyexpanseofnothingnessbelowandaroundthecity.“Thoseinthegrayworldonlyseeemptiness,buthereintheBlue,thereisnosuchthingasavoid.Yourscientistscallitthedarkmatteroftheuniverse,thatwhichdoesnotreflectlightandcannotbetouchedorsensed,butisneverthelessreal.Yourworldalsocallsit‘magic,’butIassureyoutheetherisassolidasthegroundwestandupon.Ourpowercomesfrombeingabletouseandcontrolthatinvisiblematter.Weharnessthepoweroftheether,oftheverywindthatbendsthetree,theforcethattossesleavesintotheair.You’veusedthispoweryourwholelife.Youuseditwhenyouwerethreeyearsoldandyoupushedthatlittleboyacrossthelivingroom.”

Itdidn’tsurpriseherthatheknewaboutherpast,butitwasstilldisconcertingtohearitspokenaboutsocasually.

Yes,I’veknownaboutthispower,butnothowtocontrolit,shethought.

“Thisiswhyyouareherenow,whyImustteachyou,”hereplied.“ThepeopleofVallonisareabletochannelthispowertotheirwill.Wecallit‘sculptingthevoid.’Weaversusetheethertomakeillusions,tomanipulatereality,whileothersuseittomoveobjectsortorenderthemselvesinvisible.Alongwiththeabilitytocreatefire,drakonryddersareusuallygiftedwithwhatyourworldcallstelekinesis,henceyourabilitytomovethingswithouttouchingthem.Youhavetheabilitytolearnotherskillsaswellashoningthe

onesyoualreadypossess.”

Otherskills...whatotherskills?

ThistimeFaix’ssmilewaswideandfull.“Withthepoweroftheetheratyourcommand,youcandoanythingyoucanimagine.Weareartistsoftheunseen.Likeanyart,youmustpossessrawtalent,butyoumustalsopractice.Ourmediumistheether;ourtoolsareourminds.Wesculptwithourimagination,ourthoughts.Thistaskrequiresastrongwillandaclearmind.InVallonis,tobemarkedmeansweareblessedbytheether.Weuseittobuild,tocreate,toimagineadifferentworldfromtheoneweknow.Ifwedonotexerciseourpower,ifwedonotuseitcorrectly,wesuffer,likeyousuffered.”Painflashedonhisfaceforthebriefestmoment.

AsIknowyousuffernow,Faixsent.

Thedoctorshadmadeherbelievethemarkwasacurse,andtheflameonherchestwasasymbolthatnearlycostherlifemanytimes.Nathadbeenfrightenedandashamedofherpower;ithadwarpedher,ithadfilledherthoughtswithhelplessnessanddestruction,butnowsheunderstoodthesourceofthatrage.Itwasthepassionofanartistunabletopaint,apoetunabletowrite.Deniedatrueunderstandingofthegiftshe’dbeenbornwith,shewasunabletoexpressherpower,andsoshehadturneditinward,andlivedwithangerinhersoul.

Shehadbeengropinginthedark,butnow,lookingatthattallwhitecitysuspendedinthesky,Natfeltasifshehadsteppedintothelightatlast.

Chapter8IFFAROUKWANTEDASTORY,HEWASgoingtogetone.Wesstartedtalkinganddidn’tstop—almostasifhecouldn’t.HebeganwiththepartthatFaroukalreadyknew,abouthowwhentheteamhadreturnedtoNewVegasfromtheBlue,theyfoundthecitytakenoverbythemilitary.

IthadbeendangerousforanyonewholookedlikeLiannan,Brendon,orRoarktomovearoundindaylight.ThebeautifulLiannanhaddisguisedhergoldenhairwithdyeandhervioleteyeswithcontacts,butitwasharderforthesmallmentoconcealtheirnature.Sincetheycouldn’tstayanywherelegally,Wesdecideditwassaferforthemtosquatinoneoftheoldburned-outcasinos,wheretheycouldblendinwiththejunkies,homelessvets,andburnouts.Noonewassupposedtoliveintheabandonedtowers,buthundredsoccupieditanyway.Theplaceusedtobeoneofthecasino’sfabulouspenthouses,andalthoughitwasdirtyandabandoned,itstillhadworkinglightspoweredbystolenelectricity,akitchenwitharealstove,andenoughinsulationtokeepouttheworstofthecold.Itwasn’tthebestwaytolivebutitwasfarfromtheworst;therewasaroomforeachcouple,andWesdidn’tmindsleepingontherattycouchnexttothekitchen.IfWesandShakeshadtoworkoutsidethecityforacoupleofdays,theyhiredrunnerstosendsuppliestothesuite.

Itwasn’texactlyahome,butitwassomethinglikeit.Giventhecircumstances,itwastheirownimperfectparadise.Somedayswereharderthanothers;RoarkandBrendonstartedtocatchalittlecabinfever,andonceinawhileWeswouldfindthemupontheroof.Hetoldthemtoknockitoff,someonewouldseethemandreportthem,buttheykeptdoingit.Onedaytheyfinallyshowedhimwhytheywereupthere.Wescouldn’tbelieveitat

first.Thesmallmenhadriggedatenttomakeasortofgreenhouse,andintheboxedgardentheyhadplantedturnips,squash,cabbage,andcarrotsfromseedsLiannankeptfromtheBlue.

Smallmagicindeed,Wesmarveled.ThatanythingcouldthriveinVegaswasnothingshortofamiracle.Thetoxicfloodshadpoisonedtheentireplanet,andtherewerecompoundsinthewaterthatnofiltercouldclean.ItwaswhyeveryonedrankNutri—the“nutrition”processcounteredtheworsteffectsofthetoxinswithchemicalvitamins.Butuphere,onanabandonedrooftop,agardenwasgrowing.

Morethanjustagardenbegantoflourish.WesmissedNat,buthehadhisfriends,andthatwassomething.Liannanwouldsing,Shakescooked,andBrendonandRoarkwouldalwaysfindsomethingduringtheirscavengerhuntsaroundtheabandonedhotel—littletreasureslikeabarofchocolateorabottleofwinefromaforgottenminifridge.Everysooftenaflockofbrightlycoloredbirdswouldarriveattheirwindowsillatdawn,withofferingsoffruitforLiannan.Animalsofallkindsweredevotedtothesylph.Wesstillrememberedthetasteofthefruittheybrought—tartandfreshandunlikeanythinghe’devereatenbefore—realfruit,notgrowninthedomesorunderaheatlamp.Liannansaidthebirdsandthefruitmeantthatlifewasreturningtothegraylands.Wesknewmorethananythinghowbadlyshewantedtobelievethat.

Thenonedayitwasover,assuddenlyasithadallbegun.WesandShakeshadbeenrunningaweekendjoboverinLittleTijuana,andwhentheyreturnedtothesuite,theirfriendsweregone.Therewasnoevidenceofascuffle—noblood,nofootprintsorbulletcasings.Nothing.Thesuitewasjustastheyhadleftit.Neat.Tidy.Thegardenwasthesame.Nosmashedtents,noplantersturnedover,nosproutsorseedlingsuprooted.Westhoughttheymighthavegoneoutforawalk,butShakeswasworried.

Theywaitedforthemtocomeback.Maybetheothershadgoneonascavengerhuntinthehotel;theydidthatsometimes.Butnightcame,andstilltheydidn’treturn.Itwaseerieandquiet,andWesbegantogetareallybadfeelingthatShakeswasright,thattheirfriendshadbeenstolen.

Whentheydidn’treturnthenextdayorthenext,Shakeswentonarampage,upanddownthetower,kickingdowneverydoor,pummelingneighborswithquestions.Hesuspectedthatoneoftheirrunnershadturnedonthem,thattheMPscaughtoneofthemmakingasupplyruntotheirsquat.Therewasnowaytobecertain.

Theysearchedeveryporttheycould,calledupeveryfavor,everyshadyconnectioninGarbageCountryandbeyond,butitwasasiftheirfriendshaddisappearedintothinair.Noonehadseenthemanywhere,onanyshiporanylistofprisonersorrefugees.Notevenatthemorgue.

Maybethey’dleft,maybethey’dhadenoughofthecrew,ofNewVegas,ofthetwoofthem.Whoknew?ButWescouldn’tbelievetheywouldjustabandonthemwithoutawordoranote.Evenso,hedidn’tknowwhattothink.

Itwashardtomakesenseof—andevenhardertospeakof,usually—buttoday,whenFaroukhadasked,Wescouldn’tshuthimselfup.Asifhehaddonesomethingtodrivethemaway,asifthesewerehissinstoconfess.

WestoldFaroukeverythinginaquietmonotone,whileShakeskepthishatonhisfaceandremainedsilent.Theymissedthelittleguys,andlosingLiannanhadhitShakesthehardest,ofcourse—seeingasthesylphwastheclosestthinghehadeverknowntolove—butinhisownway,Weswasjustasbereft.LiannanwastheirlastlinktotheBlue,andtoNat.SometimesWesthoughtthejourneyovertheoceanwasjustadream,thathehadmadeitallup,butLiannanwaslivingproofthatNatwasreal.HavingthesylphonhiscrewgavehimhopethathewouldfindhiswaybacktotheBlueandseeNatagain.Butthathopevanishedwhenhelosthisfriends.

“That’smessedup,man,”Farouksaid,sighingheavily.Hedidn’taskanymorequestions.Wescouldonlyimaginehowhisfriendwasnowregrettinghavingforcedthestoryoutofhim.

“Yeah,well,”Wesgrunted.Becausereally,whatelsewastheretosay?

Atleasthehadachance,howeverslim,tosaveEliza.Ifhecouldn’tbewithNat,ifhecouldn’tfindhiscreworhisfriends,atleasthecoulddowhathecouldtosavehisonlysister.Theinformationhehadwassolid,buttheoddsofsuccesswerestilllong.Whenhewasarunnerforthecasinobosses,there’dbeenunlimitedresourcesathisfingertips,moneyforbribes,insidecontacts.Onhisown,Weshadafewwattsandtwosoldiers.Hewascountingonhisluckandwitstocomethrough.

SoshewasbeingheldinaRSAhospital.Wherehadshebeenalltheseyears?He’dalwaysassumedshe’dbeentakenbecauseshewasmarked,buthewasn’tsure.Hismemoryofthenightshewaskidnappedwasfuzzyatbest.Weswasn’tsureheevenwantedtoknow.

Hejustwantedherback,likeeveryoneandeverythingelsethathadbeentakenfromhim.

Fromallofus.

Hetriedtoputtheimageofthecrowdsurgingintotheformofthedrakonoutofhismind.Hewasn’tNat.Hewasn’theretosavetheworld,orevenNewVegas.Hewasn’tahero.Hewasjustsomekidwhogrewupinthecasinos,someonewholivedonthescrapsandtheleftovers.

Justgetthejobdone.Inandout.Liketheolddays.Asifanythingwasthesameasitwasthen.

Wesclosedhiseyesandtriednottothinkatall.

They’dbeendrivingforafewhourswhenFaroukstoppedthecaragain.“Flood,”hesaid,annoyed.“Comeon,helpmegetthechainson.”Thesnowhadmeltedintoagiantpuddleinthemiddleoftheroad.

WesandShakesgotoutofthecarandhelpedFaroukrigthewheelswithacoupleofrustychains.Asthecarchurnedslowlyacrosstheslush,WesaskedShakesifheeverwonderedwheretheicecamefrom.

“Myass.”Shakessnorted.

“I’mbeingserious.Youneverthoughtaboutit?”

“Hethinksabouthisassallthetime,man.ThisisShakesyou’retalkin’about.”Faroukwasenjoyingtheconversation.

“Whatdoyoumean?”askedShakes,inasurlytone.“Itgothot,thenitgotcold.SecondIceAge.Duh.”

Wesrolledhiseyes.HeknewthefactslikeanykidintheRSA.Itwas111C.D.,onehundredandelevenyearsaftertheCatastrophicDisasterdestroyedtheearthandwipedout99percentofhumanity.Globalwarmingsupposedlymeltedthepolaricecapsandcausedoceantemperaturestodropdramatically,andthemassiveearthquakesandtremendousblizzardsthatfollowedweresimilartotheseverecoldspellthatoccurredinthelastIceAge,almosttenthousandyearsago.TheBigFreezeturnedoceansintosheetsofglassandburiedcitiesunderimpenetrablelayersofice.

Andnowheretheywere.

Wesshookhishead.“Yeah,that’swhattheysay,butithappenedsofast,youknow?Andit’sjustatheory.Theworldendedandthat’swhateveryoneknows;noonecaresaboutthereasonsanymore,noonecareshowtheendoftheworldbegan.”

“So?”

Wesguessedhisfriendwasn’tinthemoodtopondertheuniverse,buthekeptpressing.“Don’tyouwonder?Don’tyouwanttoknow?”

“No.Stayingaliveandstayingwarmsortofgetsinthewayofalotof‘wonder.’”

WeslookedfromShakestoFarouk,whoonlyshrugged.“Don’tlookatme,Ijustdrivethecar.”

Wesdidn’trespond,knowingShakeswasimpossibletotalktowhenhismoodwasthisbleak,andFaroukcouldn’tcarelessabouttheworldbeyondNewVegas.

“RememberwhatLiannantoldus,”Shakessaidfinally.“Shesaiditwashappeninginherworld,too,everythingbreakingdown.Magicwassupposedtoreturntothisworld,butsomethingis,Idon’tknow,blockingit.”

“Andsheunblockeditforyou?”Faroukwinkedintotherearviewmirror.Wesglaredathim.

“Herpeoplesentheroutsoshecouldfindthesourceofthecorruption.”Shakesshrugged.“Maybethat’swheresheisnow.”

“Soshejustupandleft?”Farouklookedskeptical.

Westhoughtaboutit.Anythingwaspossible.MaybeShakeswasright.MaybeLiannanhaddecideditwastimetopursueherquestagainandhadtakenoffbeforeShakescouldtalkherintostayingwithhim.

Buttherewasnomoretimetowonderaboutitanymore,becauseFaroukwhistledfromthefrontseat.“Headsup,kids,we’rehere.”Overtherise,acollectionofdomeslookinglikebubblesoverwaterglintedinthefailingsunlight.SaltLakewasthelastliquidlakeinNorthAmerica,asthetoxicsaltinitsdepthsnaturallyloweredthefreezingtemperatureofthewater,andElDorado’sdevelopersalsokeptthelakepumpedfullofantifreezetokeepitliquid.

Whyfillapoisonedlakewithmorepoison?Wesdidn’tgetit,butthedeveloperswerequiteproudoftheirachievement.Brochurestouteditsrarity.Liveabovethewater,awayfromthesnow!Livetheoldlife,pretendtheicenevercame!ThedeveloperschristeneditElDorado,afterthemythiclostcityofgold,andhadgiventheirdomesagoldentint,buttotheconsternationofitswealthyinhabitants,mostpeoplecalleditSodaPopCity,afterthelakewatersthatbubbledandfizzedsoftlyunderneaththedomes.

Astheyapproachedthebridgethatledtothefirstdome,Faroukshiftedin

hisseat.“We’reonthemanifest,right?Youguyscan’thideinthetrunkthistime.They’llcombthislimowithalaser.Doradosecuritydon’tmessaround;they’llfireifwedon’thavethecreds.Thisplaceislockeduptighterthanyourmama’sass.”

“Leavemymotheroutofit,”saidWes,bemused.“Yourride’slegit,whatareyouworriedabout,man?It’snoproblem,wehaveithandled—right,Shakes?”Henudgedhisfriend.

Shakesshrugged.“Don’tknow,boss,youtookcareofthebribesandlogs,right?”

Wesnodded.“Smoothasthislimo’scheapplasticdoors.Igotoursuitsinmybag.We’llbeonthemanifest.Itcostus,butweshouldhavenoproblematthecheckpoint.”Itsoundedgood,andforaminute,Wesalmostbelievedithimself.

Faroukseemedsatisfiedwiththeansweranddidn’taskfurtherquestions;nordidShakes.Theytrustedhim,whichmadeWesfeelevenworse.Hehatedlyingtohisguys.Itwastheonethinghehadswornnevertodo,butintruth,hehadn’thadthewattstopaytherequiredbribes.Hewascountingonthelimoprovidingenoughcovertogetthemthroughthedoor,wherehecouldsweet-talkhiswayinlikehealwaysdid.HewashopingtheguardswouldcutFarouksomeslacksinceheranthisroutenearlyeveryday.

Thosewereawholelotofifs.

Itwasalongshot,butElizawouldbegoneifhe’dspentanothermonthworkingtheraces,tryingtoearnenoughforthebribes.Ifhe’dwaited,mostlikelyshe’dalreadyhavebeensoldtothetemple,totheHighPriestesswho,itwasrumored,fedonbloodofthemarked,suckingallthelifeforceoutofthemforherownimmortality.AndifElizawasdeadontopofallofthis—leavingNat,losingRoark,Brendon,andLiannan—therewouldbenothingleftforhim.

Weshadtotrusthisfatetochance,andhopehisluckwouldn’tfailhim.Andthenthathewouldn’tfaileveryoneelse.

Chapter9LEAVINGTHEFORESTBEHIND,NATsteppedtowardthecliffsthatledintothecloudswherethewhitecitybegan.Therewerestairscarvedintotherockleadingupward.Whereiseverybody?shewondered.Therewasnobodyonthestairs.ThiswasthecapitalofVallonisandyetsheandFaixweretheonlytwopeopleatitsentrance.

Thereareotherwaysintothecity,buteveryonemustcomethroughthisentrancethefirsttimeheorsheapproachesApis,Faixsent,asifheweremerelyapieceofhermindthatcontainedknowledgeshedidnotyethaveaccessto.Youwilltravelthisrouteonlyonce.

Theystartedtoclimb.Asoftbreezeblew.Birdsflutteredinthegreatvoidbeneaththecity.Theblue-andred-wingedcreatureslookedfamiliar,likethebirdsthatcametoherontheblackoceanwhenshewasalonewithWesinacargocontainerontheslaveship.

Sheclimbed,eyesdowncast,focusingonthesteps,carefulnottotriporloseherbalance.Shehadnothoughtbutnottofall,andevenhertelepathicconversationwithFaixceased.Afterwhatfeltlikealongandarduoushike,shefelttheairgettingcolder,andwhenshelookedup,shesawthattheywerenearingthetopandthatthecitywascomingintoview.Thestairsterminatedinagreatpromontory,astoneoutcroppingthatextendedoutwardfromtheclifftothegatesofthecity.

Natwalkedrightuptotheedgeandstopped.Therewasagapofabouttenfeetbetweenthecliffandthedoorwaytothecity.Itwastoofartoleapacross.

SheturnedtolookatFaix,whohadbeenwalkingbehindher,buthewasn’tthere—andwhenshelookedacross,hewasstandingatthedoorway,underneaththestonearchway,hisbrighthairalmostaswhiteasthecitystone.

“Howdidyoudothat?”Natfrowned.Shewasfairlycertainshedidn’twanttoknowtheanswer,whateveritwas.

“Simple.Justwalkacross.”

“Yeah,right.”Shelookedatthegreatchasmbelow.Shehadonceleaptfromahospitalwindow,fallingmanystorieswithoutinjury.Shehadflownonthedrakon’sback,hadsoaredatgreaterheightsthanthese.Shewasnotafraidofheights,butsomethingaboutthegapmadeherhesitate.

“Walkacrossthebridge,Nat,”saidFaix.“Everypupilofminehassucceededindoingso.”

“ButI’llfall.There’snothingthere.”

“Itonlylookslikethereisnothing,”hesaid.“Youmustwalkontheether,mustcommandittoholdyouupright.Onecannotsimplyenterthecity;thecitymustadmityou.ToproveyouareworthyofApis,youmuststepupontheetherandcrossthevoid.”

“Aleapoffaith.”

Faixnodded.“Soitappears.”

“ButifIfall,I’lldie.”

“Youwillnotfallifyoubelieveyoucancross.”Hestaredatherforamomentandtappedhischin.“Thereisastoryfromyourworld,ataleofakingwhoconqueredalandandwishedtoknowitspeople.Hewantedtounderstandtheircustoms,whattheywouldandwouldnotdo.Heaskedabouttheirburialpractices.Heaskedwhatsumhemustpaytoinducehisnewsubjectstoeatthebodiesoftheirdead.Nosum,thepeoplesaid.Theirdeadwereburned.Theycouldnotimagineconsumingthefleshoftheirmothersandfathers.Thissamekingaskedtheoppositequestionofthebarbariantribesmenthatlivedoutsidethekingdom.HowmuchmustIpayyoutoburnyourdead?Nosum,thebarbarianssaid.Intheirculture,theyconsumedthefleshoftheirdead.Toburnthefleshoftheirlovedoneswasinconceivable.”

NatsawtheimagesFaixwassendingher,oftwoancientpeoplesandtheirrevulsionforeachother’sdeathrites.Thedeadthatwereburnedandthedeadthatwereeaten.

“Doyouunderstand?Thetwocultures,the‘civilized’peopleandtheso-called‘barbarians,’understoodtheirworldincompletelydifferentways.YouandIsufferasimilarmisunderstanding.Inthegraylands,yourpeopleseethematerialworld,thethingsyoutouch,thepossessionsyoucollect.Butin

Vallonis,weseetheether,thevoid.Wedonotbuildcarsandships,gunsandplanes.Webuildmusicandtheory,ideasandvisions,allcraftedfromtheether.ToenterVallonis,youmustbelievethattheether,thevoid,thenothingness,thatwhichyoucannotsee,isasrealasatableorachair.Trustinyourpower,Nat,andenterVallonis.”Heheldouthishand.“TakeyourplaceasamemberoftheQueen’sCouncil,acitizenoftheWhiteCity.”

Butinsteadofsteppingforward,Nattookastepback,fearanddoubtonherface.“Ican’t.I’mnotoneofyou.WhereIcomefrom,nothingisnothing.I’llfall.”

“Youwillnot.Youmustshapetheetherintoawalkway.Imagineitintobeinganditwillbeassturdyasthestonestepsthatyoustandon.Trustme.LearntoliveinVallonis.”

“Doyoueatyourdeadhere?”sheasked.“Whoisthecivilizedmanandwhoisthebarbarian—theonewhotakestheleaportheonewhodoesnot?”

Faixstaredather,unblinking.Noonehaseveraskedmethat,youngNat.Youhavethemindofadrakonrydder.Withinandwithout.

“That’snotananswer,”Natsaid,crossingherarms.

Faixsighed.“Fromourperspective,yoursisthecrudersensibility.Aworldthatonlytrustsinwhatcanbeseenfeelsveryvulgartous.”

“WhyamInotsurprised?”Natraisedaneyebrow.

“Iunderstandthatfromyourpointofview,aworldthatprizeswhatisunseenmightseemprimitiveandbackward,likethepeopleinyourworldwhobelieveinnonsensesuchasastrology.Ihopetoshowyouthatourworldisrichinintellectandhistory,thatthereisreasonandlogicinour‘magic.’”

Natlookeddownatthegapagain.Windwhistledacrossherface.Atthisparticularmoment,shewishedtobeanywhereelseintheworld.Evenundertheworld,shethought,withmydrakon.

Thatwouldbesaferformethanthis.

Buthereshewas.

ShelookedupatFaix.“IfIweretotry—andI’mnotsayingIam—howwouldIstart?Alittlehelp,here?”

“Picturethewaterthatfillstheglass,insteadoftheglassthatholdsthewater.Seetheshapeofnothingness,feelthepresenceofthevoid.”

Natshookherhead.Shedidn’tunderstand.Shedidn’tknowhow.Her

powerwasunpredictable,uncontrollable.ShelookedacrosstotheopendoorwaywhereFaixstood.Therewaslightbeyond,andpeople,thesoundsofamarket,thechatterofacrowd,laughter.ShehadcomesofarfromthatlivingroominAshes,fromherfirsttripintoGarbageCountryandherstayatMacArthur.

Shehadflownuponthebackofthedrakon,butthissimplestep,thisleapoffaith,wasanevengreaterhurdle.Faixhadtaughtcountlesspupilslikeher,andeachonehadbeenabletoaccomplishthisstep.

SowhatamIsoafraidof?

Theair?Thegap?Falling?Oblivion?

Shestaredacrossthevoid,tryingtosortoutthechaosinhermind.

No.Shedidnotfeartheairorthegap.Theriskoffallingfromthesky,ofsuddendeath,thosepossibilitieswerewithheralways.Thosewerefamiliarfears,almostcomfortingones.Atleast,consistent.

Whatisit,then?

Shestaredacrossthevoiduntilsheknewtheanswer.

ShefearedVallonisitself,fearedthatshewasnotworthytojoinaworldshehadspentherwholelifesearchingfor.ShewasanxiousaboutfinallymeetingthegreatQueenNineveh.Shewasafraidofdisappointingher.

Whatifthecitydidnotallowheradmittance?Whatifshewasleftoutsideforever?

Whatifhersearchhadbeenmeaningless,afterall?

Natlookedatthevoid,triedtowilltheetherintosomeshape—abridge,orawoodenplank—butnothinghappened.Shetriedagain.Andagain.Andagain.Sweatglistenedonherbrow.Herlegsfeltheavy,herfingerstingled,thenbecamenumb,hereyestwitched.Shetriedagain.Nothinghappened.Longminutespassed.Faixreachedouttohermindbutshepushedhimaway,silencedhim.Shehadtodothisonherown.

Shehadtoclearherthoughts,totakecontrol,butherheadthrobbedwithresentmentandconfusion.Withdarkmemoriesofherpast,andanachingsadnessatpartingfromWes.Withendlessanxiety,evenguilt,aboutherdrakon.

Iammadeofshadowandunsettleddarkness.

Thereisnothingsosteadyasabridgeinsideofme.

Natlookedacrossthegapatthewarmlight,thepeople,thecitybeyond,everythingsocloseandyetsoveryfaraway.Thebeautifulqueenshehadnevermet,butonlyglimpsedinFaix’smemoriesandthoughts.ShebelongedinApis,sheonlyhadtobelieveittomakeittrue,butshecouldn’t.

Thefearwastoogreat.

Chapter10INTHEBACKSEATOFTHEWHITElimousine,Weshadchangedintoacheapblacksuitwithfakeheatbuttons;Shakesworeasimilargetup.HetossedShakesapairofmirroredsunglasseslikehisownandpeeredanxiouslyatthenarrowone-lanedbridgesasthegolddomesloomedinthewindshield.Thepairofbridgesextendedfromthemainlandtothedomesandback,likeapairoftendrilsfloatingabovethewater.TheyweretheonlywayintoandoutofthefloatingcityofElDorado.

Shakesturnedtohim.“Youallright,boss?You’repale.”

Wesgrunted.“It’scold.Whatdoyouwant?”

Shakesstudiedhim.“Screwyou‘it’scold.’LikeIdon’tseeyourfaceeverydayyoufreezeyourassoffbackhome.Youpaidthedatahacks,right?Manifestsaregood?What,youthinkwemight’vebeenrippedoff?”

WescouldneverkeepanythingfromShakes.Hisfriendknewsomethingwasup.“Maybe,”hefinallyadmitted.Maybewe’llgetoutofthisalive,ormaybewewon’t,becausemaybewe’renotonanymanifestandmaybeIhaven’tpaidanyoneoff.

“Maybe,huh.”Shakessighed,knowingthatWes’s“maybe”meanthehadn’tbeenabletobribeanyoneandtheywereheadedtowarddisaster.“Andmaybeyou’reabiggeridiotthanIthought.”

“Ifindthathardtobelieve,afterallthistime.”Wesraisedafingertohislips.Hedidn’twanttohavethisconversationwithFarouk,notyet.Heglancedupfront.“Slowitdown,Farouk.Let’snotlooktooeager.”

Faroukhitthebrakesandthelimoskiddedtoastop.

Wesgrabbedthesideofthecar.“Easy,man,trynottolookscared,either.

Takeitslow.Cool.You’vedonethisahundredtimes,right?”

“Yeah,yeah,nosweat,”Farouksaid,pickingupthespeed,tryingtodriveasnormallyaspossible.“AhundredtimesbeforeIwasdumbenoughtobringyoutwoiceholes.”Heshookhisdreadlocksatthem.

Snowblewinwavesacrossthelake,sendingripplesdriftingtowardthecauseway’sconcretepillars.Redbubblesrosetothelake’ssurface,gatheringandpopping.Westhoughtthegurglingwaterlookedlikehisstomachfelt:anxiousandboiling.

“LikeIsaid,alittleslower,”hesaid,tryingtopostponetheinevitableasmuchashecould,butthelimowasalreadyatthedome’sentryway,rightatthegoldenarch.

“LikeIsaid,makeupyourmindalready,”Faroukgroused.

Theshinyhalfloopofgold-platedsteelglistened,itssurfacenewlypolished.Guardsflankedthearchinfrontofthecheckpoint,weaponsraised,robo-houndsheldbackbyleashes.ElDoradowasaparadiseforthosewhocouldpaytogetinside—Vallonisforthewealthy.ThepeopleofElDoradodidn’tsufferfrommilitaryraidsoreatprocessedglop;hereinthedomedcities,theycouldpretendtheapocalypsehadneverhappened.Whowouldn’twantthat?

“Boss,”Shakessaid,nudginghim.“Boss.”

“Aminute,”Wessaid,tryingtofigureoutwhathewouldsayoncetheguardsaskedforhisIDandtoldFarouktheyweren’tonthemanifest.

“Youneedtolookatthis,”Shakessaid,pointingtothetipofthedome.

Aplumeofblacksmokedriftedfromthefarsideofthegoldenhemisphere.Cracksappearedacrossthefaceofitsglassshield.

“Damn.Whatisthat?”Wesfumbledforhisfieldbinoculars.“Lookslikethey’reventingsmoke.”Enclosuresneededanexhaustsystem;otherwiseasimplefirecouldclogthedomewithsmokeandthreatenthelivesofeveryoneinside.

Wesloweredthebinoculars.

Theywerenextattheguardhouse.Oneofthesoldiersraisedhisweapon;therobo-dogshowled.Thelimoslowedtoastop.Asecurityofficerwearingacrispwhiteshirt,redtie,andblueblazerwithagolddomeembroideredonthepocketsteppedoutofthebooth,radioinhandanddarkglassesonhisfaceasheapproachedthefrontwindow.

“Hey,man,where’sRolf?”Faroukasked,handingoverhisID.

Thesecurityguardtippedhishat,gesturedbacktowardthebooth.Hisradiobuzzedandheputthereceiverinhisear,noddingashelistened.

“Passengers?”heasked.

“CasinobossesfromtheLoss.Theyshouldbeonthemanifest,”Farouksaid,offeringthefakeIDsWeshadgivenhimearlier.

TheguardnoddedandstudiedtheIDs,radioingintheirnames.

WeslookedfromtheguardtothedomeandbacktoFarouk.Smokecontinuedtopouroutofthevent,creatingblackcloudsaroundthedome.Moreguardsappeared,surroundingthelimo,listeningtoheadsets,handspressedtotheirearpieces.

Somethingwashappening.Someonescreamed,andtheguardswhippedaround,watchingsmokebillowoutoftheentryway.

“Repeat,IneedclearanceforaDr.JekyllandaMr.Hyde,”theguardsaidintohisradio,waiting.

Shakesrolledhiseyes.Westriednottosmile.Theyweretwoofhisfavoritealiases.Noonereadbooksanymore,sonoonewouldgetthejoke.

Theguard’sradiobuzzed.

“Turnaround,”hesaid.“Turnaround,thedomesareclosedfortoday.”Hemadeaspinningmotionwithhisindexfinger,indicatingtheactofturningthelimoinacircle.

“Areyouserious?Ican’tturnthisbeastaround.”Faroukgesturedtothelimo.

“Turnaroundnow.”Theguardsteppedback,ahandrestingonthegripofhissidearm.

Inthedistance,sirensboomed,andredandbluestrobelightsreflectedoffthedome.Westurnedaroundtoseeasemergencyvehiclesapproachedfrombehind,blockingthecauseway.EvenifFaroukcouldturnaround,thefiretrucksandambulanceswereblockingthebridge.Therewasnogoingback.Aconvoyofhigh-techHumveescarryingarmedsoldiersrolledbehindthemaswell.

Whywouldafiredrawmilitaryvehicles?Somethingelsewashappening,somethingbiggerthanacrackinthedomeandaplumeofsmoke.

MaybesomethingasbigasadrakononthestreetsofNewVegas,Wes

thought.Somethingunstoppable.

“Comeon,man,I’llgetintroubleifIdon’tdeliver,”Farouksaid,pleadingwiththeguard.

Theguardshookhishead.“Pulltotheside,please.”

Farouksighed,shiftedthecarintodrive,andangledthelimototheright.“Badluck,boss,”hesaid.“Lookslikenoone’sgettingintoDoradotoday.”

“We’llwaititout,”Wessaid.“Tryagainwhentheyopenbackup.”

“There’sawaystationnottoofar—Iguesswecanstaythere.Godfreezeit,Iwaslookingforwardtothedomes,”Faroukreplied.

Theywatchedastheconclaveofemergencyandmilitaryvehiclesmadetheirwayinside,whenagroupofguardssuddenlysurroundedthelimousine,andtheyoungsecurityofficerledthepack,holdinghisgun.“Outofthecar,”heyelledoverthesirens.“Outofthecarnow!”

“Whattheice?”FaroukcursedandshotanaccusatoryglanceatWes.

“Outofthecar!”theguardordered.

“Stayinthelimo,”Wesgrowled,pickinguphisownweapon.

Faroukrolleddownthewindow.“What’sthisabout?”

“Yourpassengersaren’tonanymanifest.Noone’sexpectingthem.Outofthecarnow.”

“Noway,man.It’samistake.Askyourpeopletochecktherosteragain.CanyougetRolfouthere?Themanknowsme.Helpmeout—youknowI’mgoingtolosemyjobifIdon’tdropofftheseiceholes.Comeon,man.”

“Holdon,”thesecurityofficersaid,lookingannoyedandconfused.

Whentheguardleft,FaroukturnedtoWes.“What’sgoingon,boss?Lookslikewe’regettingscrewedbyyourguys—theybunglethejoborsomething?Whyaren’tyouonthemanifest?”Thenrealizationhit.“You’renotonthefreezingmanifest,areyou?”Hecursed.“Youcouldhavetoldme.”

“Ididn’thavethewatts,”Wesmumbled.“Sorry.Ithoughtwe’dbeabletotalkourwayin.Thoughtyouwouldn’ttakeushereifyouknew.”

“Iwouldn’ttakeyouhere?OfcourseIwouldn’ttakeyouhere—”Faroukbegantoargue,buttherestofhiswordsweremuffledbythesoundofmoreambulancesrushingpast.

Weswatchedastheyspedthroughthegate,pullingthesmokebehindit,

leavingthegateclearforaninstant.Agirlstoodinthearchway,dressedinabluehospitalgown,shiveringinthestreet,herhairamess,hereyesflashingscarlet.Shardsofgoldlitteredthestreet,andgunfiremixedwiththesoundsofshatteringglass.Smokebillowedthroughtheair.

“Wasthatagirl?”Shakesstaredatthesurrealscene.

“Whatthe...?”Farouksaidasashinynewcarshotthroughthefaceofthedome,arcingthroughthesky,andcrashingintotheguardbooth,explodinginagiantburstofglassandsteelandflame.

Theguardsleftthelimoandrantowardthebooth,yellingandcursing.

“Hitit!”Wesyelled.“Go!Now,Farouk.”

Faroukdidn’thesitate;hejammedtheaccelerator,spinningthewheels,careeningpastthestunnedguardswhowerestillstaringattheburningbooth,andblastingintotheentranceofthesmoke-filledcity.

Theywereinside.

Faroukslidintoatangleofalleyways,turningdeeperanddeeperoffthemainroadandintotheheartofthecity.Asfarawayfromanythinglikelawenforcementaspossible.Onlythendidheslowdownandchokeafewwordsout.“Youbothcangotohell.”

“Thinkwejustdid,brother.”Wesclappedhimontheshoulder.

Shakeslookedlikehewasgoingtopuke,whichwasjustanotherwayWescouldrationalizethepositivesideofhavingnowattsforbreakfasttoday.

“See,”Wessaid,nudgingShakes.“Toldyouwe’dmakeit.”

“Whathesaid,”Shakesmutteredback.

Wessmiled.

Butgettinginsidewasonething,andgettingElizaoutwassomethingelseentirely.

Chapter11HERPARALYSISMADEEVERYTHINGharder—andFaixmoreexasperated.

SoNatstoodattheedgeofthecliff,tryingtoshapetheether,tosculptsomethingfromnothing,touseherpowertocontrolthevoid.Sheclosedhereyesandtriedtofindthevoiceofherdrakon.Itsvoiceinherheadhadguidedherallherlife,andsheneededtohearitnow.Whereareyou?Inhermind’seyeshesawtheforestsoftheBlue,sheexploredthecloudsandtrees,themountainsandthegorges,andfromthereshetraveledtotheruinedPacific,toGarbageCountry,NewVegas,Ashes,andeverywhereinbetween.Shesearchedandshelistened,hearingthebuzzofahoneybee,therushofriverbelow,butshecouldnothearherdrakon.Itsvoicehadgonesilent,restingsomewhereunderneaththeearth,somewhereshewouldnotbeabletofeelitspain.

Imagineabridge,Faixhadtoldher.Buildawoodenplank.Thenothingnessisasrealasthestoneyoustandon.InVallonisweseewhatcannotbeseen.

Ineedyou,shecalledtoherdrakon.Canyouhearme?

Hearme,hearme,cameanecho.Natstartled.Thatwasn’thervoicebutsomeoneelse’ssheheard.

Natopenedhereyeswithastart.ShehadheardthevoiceearlierwhenshehadcrossedthegateofAfal.

“Donotbedistracted,”Faixscolded.“Thereisnovoice.Ihearnothing.”Stopstalling,hesent.

Natfrowned.“Ican’tdothis.Idon’tseeanything.”

Faixsighed.“Ihadhopedthatsinceyouwereabletorideyourdrakonyouwouldknowalittlemorethanyoudo.”

“Howaboutyoutrytoridemydrakonandthenwe’lltalk?”

Enough,hesent.Thelookhegaveherwasparticularlypiercing.Thenhetriedagain.“ThechildrenofVallonisbeginwhenweareyoung.Fromthetimewearethreeorfouryearsofage,whenwefirstsenseourpower,ourlessonsbegin.Welearnthroughgamesandplay,wediscoverourpowerasnaturallyasayoungchildwholearnstoimitatethevoicesofherparents.”

“Isthereapointhere?”

“Whenweareolder,welearnfocusandconcentration.Controldoesn’tcomefromemotion,myfatheroncetoldme.Wehavenoticedthattheuninitiated—peopleyourworldcallmarked—havediscoveredthatstrongemotionscanaccesstheirpowers,butitisnotthecorrectwaytodoso.Emotionsareacrudeandunpredictablewaytoaccessone’spower.Emotioncanbeoverwhelming,andultimatelydestructive,”saidFaix.

Natnodded.SheknewfromexperiencethatFaixwasright.Sherecalledtheslaveships,howshehadtornthemastandtoppledtheslavecrates.Shehadlostcontrol;she’dnearlysunktheboatandkilledallofthem.Butherewasthething—shehadenjoyedit.Therewasathrilltogivingintotherageandfuryinsideher.

“Onceyouloseyoursenseofself,youallowthecorruptiontotakeover.Ithappenstoeveryone.”

ShelookedsharplyatFaix,whosoundedasifhewasspeakingfromexperience.

Yes,Iam,hesent.Buthedidnotelaborate.Sheonlysensedabriefflashofgrief,andthenitwasgone.

Youcannotletthedarknessovercomethelight.

Faixcontinued,“Inart,thereisalwaysemotion,butwecannotsculptfromemotionalone.Ifwedid,ourworkwouldbechaotic;itwouldlackfocus.”

“I’mnotanartist,”shesaid.Andforgoodreason.Chaoswasallsheknew.WhenshewasaprisoneratMacArthurMed,thedoctorsandhersuperiorofficershadtoldhertouseheremotions,toletherhatredbuild.They’dturnedherintoaweapon—theirweapon.Shehuntedherownpeople,usedherpowertobringinthosewhowerejustlikeher,markedbymagic,markedfordeath.Hermentorshadbredthatfear,thatpain,andlikeabombthey’d

primedhertoexplode.

ButnowFaixwastellingherthatsheneededtoforgetwhatshehadlearned.“Theyliedtoyou.Theytorturedyou.Theywantedyourpower,buttheydidnotknowhowtoteachyoutocontrolit.Theyonlyknewhowtomakeafire,butnothowtokeepitburningsteadily.Itwilltaketimetomovepastwhatyouhavelearned.”

Nattriedagain.Nothing.“Ican’t...Ican’tdoitwithout...,”shesaid.

Faixraisedhisvoiceandbellowedintotheair,somethingsheneverthoughtshe’dhear,especiallynotspokenaloud.“Youthinkyouaretheonlyonetohavelostadrakon?”

Shestaredathim.Hecamefromalineofdrakonherders,themightyclansofdrakonborn.Sheshouldhaveremembered.

“Yes,Iwasbornarydder.Ihavefeltthesamepainyouhave,thegriefthatcomesfromseparation,”hetoldher,hisvoicenowonceagainascalmasever.

“Whereisyourdrakon?”sheasked,hervoicetrembling,afraidoftheanswer.

“Gonefromthisworld,”hesaid,touchinghisnecklaceagain.“Duringthefirstbreaking,whenVallonisfellthefirsttime.”

Gone?Butthen...howisitthatyoulive?Herdrakonhadgoneintotheground;thecreaturewaswounded,butalive.Itstemporaryabsencepainedher,buttheywouldberejoinedoneday,whereasFaixhadlostthatbondforever.Thepossibilityoflosingherdrakonseemedsuddenlyveryreal.Shehadthoughtshewasinvincibleasshesoaredthroughthesky,asshebattledthedronearmyastridehergreatdrakon.Now,shefeltfoolish.Perhapsshehadbeeninfargreaterdangerthanshesuspected.

IlivebecauseIhaveto.Youwillhurt,youwillbleed,youwillbebetrayedasIhavebeenbetrayed.Youwillsurvive.Andyoumustlearntocontrolyourpower.

“Teachme,”shesaid.NowthatsheknewFaixunderstoodherpain,hadexperiencedithimself,shefeltclosertohim.

Shebelievedhim.

Henodded.“Wewillstartwithmyfather’sexercise.ApracticeIlearnedasachild.Pickanobject.”

“Anyobject?”sheasked.Whatdoeshewantmetosay?

Sayanything.Thisisnotatest.

“Aviolin?”shesaid.Itsoundedlikesomethingasylphwouldpicture.

“Goodenough.Picturetheinstrument.Thestrings,theneck,thescrollatoneend,thechinrestattheother.”

“Okay,”shesaid.

“Nowtakeapieceoftheobject,thescrollatthetipoftheneck.Picturethespiral,thegrainofthewood,thefiberswithinthatwood.”

Shewastrying,butshecouldn’tseethepointofhisfather’sexercise.

“Godeeper.Withinthosewoodenfibers,trytoseethecellsthatmakeupthestrands,andthemoleculesthatcomposethenextlayer.Imagineeachstep,smallerandsmalleruntilthereisnothing,justthevoidleftwithinallthings,theatomswhizzingthroughspace.Imaginethethinguntilyou’veexhausteditsessence,untilyou’vereducedittonothing,tothevoid,theether.Onlythencanyoushapeitintoanythingyouwant—youcanturnaviolinintoacello,orabridge.”

“I’mtrying,”Natsaid.

“It’snotabouttrying.It’saboutrepetition.Don’texpectresults.Expecttofailandfailandfail.Onceyouareaccustomedtofailing,onceyou’vemadeahabitofit,thenyoucanshape.”

Natpicturedtheviolin,thewood,thefibers,themolecules,electronsswirlinginthevoid.Nothinghappened.Sheunderstoodtheidea:Allthingsaremadefromthevoid,soreduceeachobjecttothevoidandshecouldshapethatvoid.“Idon’tknow,Ican’tdoit,Ican’tmakesomethingoutofnothing.”

“Itisnotnothing;thatiswhatyoudon’tunderstand,”saidFaixsadly.

Asifalighthadturnedoninsideherhead,Natgasped.Sheunderstood.Thevoidwasnotavoidatall,notnothing—andallatonce,there,rightinfrontofher,wasawoodenbridgethatstretchedfromtheclifftothecityentry.

She’ddoneit!

She’dwilleditintobeing.

Nattookasteponthewoodenplank,andasFaixhadpromised,itwasasrealasthestonebehindher.Shetookanotherstep,herconfidencegrowing—shecoulddothis,shecouldharnesstheether,controlherpower—shetookathirdstep—

Andfell,screaming,intothevoid.

Chapter12ELDORADOWASBURNINGANDTHEwholecitywasinchaos.Fromthemarginalsafetyofthecar,Wesstaredatwhatshouldhavebeenabeautifulmetropolis.He’dneverseenacitythatwasintactlikethis,withsidewalksandtrees,manicuredstorefronts,eveniftodayitwasonfire.Ifnotforthebillowingblacksmoke,thewholeplacewouldlooklikeaphotosnappedinthetimebefore—thedaysbeforetheiceandthesnowcame,beforetheworldfroze.Shinycondominiumsstretchedten,twelvestoriesabovethestreet,sproutingupwardbetweencinemasandrestaurants,sidewalkcafésandfancyclothingstores.Therewereevenflowershopsandsupermarkets—twothingsWeshadn’tseeninyears,atleastnotwithactualflowersorfoodtosell.Itwasasnapshotstolenfromparadise.

Orithadbeen,beforethefireandtheshatteredglass.Andthepeople—somanypeople—runningaroundinapanic,butWeshardlynoticedtheirstrickenexpressions;hewasstaringatthembecausetheywererunningaroundbare-legged,dressedinwhatthetypicalNewVegasresidentworeasunderclothes.Itwassohothereinthedome,hewassweatingalready.

Faroukpulledoutofthealleywayandzigzaggeddownthemainthoroughfare.“Whichway?”heyelled.

“Takeyourtime.Apparentlywe’rejustheretoseethesights,”Shakessaid,elbowingWesashardashecould.

“Ow.”Wessnappedoutofhisreverie.Hescrolledthroughhisphoneandfoundwhathehadpaidforwiththelastofhiswatts:amaptothefacilitywhereElizawasbeingheld.

“Left,”hesaid,andthelimosquealedleft.“Nowstraight,”hesaid,lookingoutthewindowtothestreet,tryingtoorienthimself.“Upahead,turn

atthenextlight.”

“Left?”Faroukasked.

“Right!”

“Whichone?”yelledFarouk,confused.

“Left!”

Thelimoturnedjustasashowerofglasshitthestreet,tinklinglikebells,likebrokenmusic.Thescenewasevenmoreconfusing,morepeoplerunningoutoftheirhouses,outofofficebuildings,awayfromthesmokeandtheflames.

Butnoteveryonewasrunning.

“Look!”Faroukpointed.Scatteredthroughoutthecrowdswerekidsinhospitalgowns,inwhiterobesororangejumpsuits.Theywalkedslowly,deliberately,andtheirfaceswereset,concentrating,focused.Theyweremarked,allofthem.

Aboyinahalf-zipperedjumpsuitpushedpastthecar.Hiseyeswereflashingyellow.Hestaredintothewindowofthelimo.

“Whatareyoulookingat?”Faroukgrowled,pressingthegaspedal.

Weswatchedouttherearwindowastheboyturnedtothecarimmediatelybehindthem.

Theboypickeditupinhisarmsandhurleditintotheair,aseffortlesslyasifheweretossingatoy.

“MaybeI’ddrivealittlefaster,”Shakessaid,hiseyesfixedonagirlacrossthestreetwhowasblowingfiredownthestreetwiththewaveoftwobarehands.

Weswatchedasachildwithglowingpurpleeyesinatornroberaisedtwohandsupwardtothedome,forcingthepanelstoshatter,onebyone.Sheseemedindifferenttotherainofglassallaroundher.

Eveninthechaos,onethingseemedincreasinglyclear.Themarkedprisonershadescaped,andnowtheywerehavingtheirrevenge.

Butwhere’sEliza?Hassheescaped,too?Wassheoneofthesesilent,angrychildren?Hewouldneverfindherinthiscrowd.Hehadtocheckthehospitalfirst.

“Turnright,turnright,”Wesordered,andFaroukswervedhardtoavoid

theburningcarsintheintersection,andthelimousineskiddedonitsside;iftheyhadbeengoinganyfaster,itwouldhaveflippedover.

“There!”Wessaid.Afewblocksaheadstoodawhitebuildingwithrowsofblackwindows.Itwasnearlyastallasthedome’sgoldenceiling,withasigninfrontthatproclaimedittheEisenhowerMedicalFacility.Typical.TheRSAlikedtohideinplainsight,tocalltheirprisons“hospitals,”theirmilitarybases“peacecenters.”Thehospital’sstreet-levelwindowswerecrackedandsmokepouredoutofitsopenglassdoors.

Steelbarricadesblockedthestreetentrancetothehospital,soWestoldFarouktopullintothealleyandpark.Thelimousinecrashedintoapileoftrashcansbeforestopping.Wesgrabbedthepackthatheldhisequipment.Hemightneeditiftheylostthelimo.Hekickedasidethecansandwasoutonthestreet,theboysrightbehindhim.Wesdidn’tevenbothertolookoverhisshoulderwhenheheardtwosetsoffootsteps.“Youcanstayinthecar,’Rouk.Youdidn’tsignupforthis.”

“Screwyou,icehole,”Faroukpanted.Shakesshovedhimasheranbesidehim.

Theyrantowardthehospital,thesmokedarkerandthickerastheynearedit.Lookingup,Wessawenormousfansbuiltintothedome’sstructure,themassivebladesdrawingwavesofsmoketowardthevents.Itwasacleversystem,butitwasn’tenoughtocleartheairentirely,andsoon,everyoneinthissectionofthecitywouldperishfromsmokeinhalation.

Apublicannouncementsystemblared:ALLRESIDENTSTOTHEEASTERNEXIT.ALLOTHEREXITSCLOSEDDUETOSMOKECONTAINMENT.

Shakescoughedintohishand.“We’vegottogetoutofherebeforetheyshutthedoors.”

Wesnodded,asthepanicaroundhimgrewandthescreaminggrewlouder.

EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSTENMINUTES.

ElDoradowasgoingtocutoffthisdometosavetheotherslestthesmokeandfirejumptothenextenclosure,consigningeveryonewhodidn’tmakeitouttotheirdeaths.Meanwhile,themarkedprisonerswereeverywhere,bendingstreetlamps,causingexplosions,creatinghavoc.Weswantedtohelpthem—hell,hewantedtojointhem—butheneededtofindElizafirst.

Weswantedtofeelsympathyforthefrightenedpeoplerunningthroughthestreets,towelsheldtotheirmouths,fearintheireyes.Hewantedtopity

them,theirhomesaflame,buthecouldnotignoretheirrichlytailoredclothes,thefabricshinyandgaudy,theirrestoredvintagecarsnowblackenedbysmoke.TheresidentsofElDoradoweretheluckyones.TheyhadliterallywalledthemselvesofffromtheEnd,livingalifethathadn’texistedforoverahundredyears.Itwaswarminside,andflowersgrewinboxesandgrass.Theairwasmoist.Thedomesweretrappedinatimecapsule,andtheircitizenslivedinafantasy.MaybeitwasgoodforthecitizensofElDoradotosmellthesmoke,toshiverfromthecoldwindthatwasstartingtoblowthroughthebrokenglass,tofeelfearforachange.

Weshadknownfearhisentirelife.Hehadlivedwithfear,withcold,andwithhunger,somaybeitwastimethepeopleofElDoradolearnedhowtheotherhalflived.

You’refullofice.Youhadthewatts,you’dlivehere,too.Wouldn’tyou?Agirlabouthisageranpasthim,blooddrippingfromherhead;shewascrying,holdingayoungboyclosetoherside.Noonedeservesthis,nomatterhowtheylive.

“Boss?”ShakesandFaroukwereupaheadandconfusedtofindtheirleaderbehindthem.“Youdreaming,man?”

Hehadbeendreaming,justashehadbeenwhenhewasracingattheNewVegasspeedway.Hefoundhimselfdoingitmoreandmoresincehe’dleftNat,sincetheblackoceanandallthathappenedonthosedarkwaters.Whenhedreamt,itwasasifhecouldseeintoanotherworld.

“Sorry.”Wesrantojointhemandtookthepointposition,leadingthempastrowsofpolishedsportscarstowardthehospitaldoors.Gunfirethunderedinthedome,thesoundamplifiedbythehardsurfaceofthegoldhemisphere.Soldiersroamedthestreets,takingupdefensivepositions,helpingpeopleoutoftheirbuildings,guidingthemtowardthelastremainingexit.

EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSNINEMINUTES.

“Look.Theyfoundthelimo.”Faroukpointedtothealleywaywheretheyhadparked.Shotsrangoutandpepperedthelimo’splasticdoorsanditstiresdeflated.

Freezeit,thatwasouronlywayoutofhere.

Thesecurityofficerappeared,theonefromtheguardpost;hewastheonewhohadshotatthecar.Heliftedapairofhigh-techbinocularsandspottedWesandhisteam.

“HALT!”heordered,droppingthelensesandpickinguphisautomatic.

“RUN!”Wesyelled,andtheboysran.

“We’lldrawhimoff,”Shakessaid.“Headforthehospital.We’vegotyourback.FindEliza,we’llmeetyoubackatthealleyinfive—ifnot,we’llseeyouatthewaystationtonight.Weknowthedrill.”

Wesnoddedhisthanksandwavedashepartedwayswithhisfriends.Hewatchedthemscramblebetweenalineofparkedcars,shootingovertheguard’shead,drawinghisfireawayfromWesandforcinghimtofindhisowncover.

Thegunfirestopped;thewaywasclear.Wesboltedforthehospitalentry,dashingbetweentheopendoors,throughthesmokeandfire,andintothehospital,callinghissister’sname.

Chapter13WHENNATOPENEDHEREYES,SHEWASstandingattheedgeoftheforestagain,andFaixwaswithher.Thegleamingwhitecityinthecloudswasgone.“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Imadethebridge—Isawit,Ifeltit—andthen...”

“Youfell,”Faixsaid,lookingdeeplytroubled.“Thatwasnotsupposedtohappen.It’swhyIbroughtyouhereafterIcaughtyou.”

Shelookedaroundandsawfieldsofflowersgrowingaroundtheskeletalremainsofbrokencars,andbroken,burnttreesstandingnexttohealthyones.Theywereattheborder,whereBluelandturnedintogray.

“Doyouseeit?”askedFaix.“Twoworlds,overlappingeachother,onedeadandonealive?”

Oronedying,andtheothercomingintobeing,Natthought.

“Exactly,”hesaid,nodding.

“WhatdoesithavetodowithfallingfromthebridgetoApis?”sheasked.

ButFaixsmiledinscrutablyagain,andinsteadofanswering,hewalkedovertostandbetweentwograyoaktrees,onewithered,theotherlushwithlife.Here.

Shestoodnexttohim.

Theairwasdeadinonespotandaliveintheother,electric.Onepartitwasnumbanddestroyed,andtheotherwasalive,vibrant,exultant.Natstoodinthemiddle,excitedandalarmed.

Canyoufeelit?

Yes.

“Whenyoufell,Ibelievedatfirstthatyouhadlostyourholdontheether,butthenIrealizedthatIsawthebridgeaswell,anditistheetherthatfailedyou.Ithashappenedbefore,butnotatthisintensity.”

“Theetherfailed?ButIdon’tunderstand...”

Henoddedsolemnly.“Yourworldisdying,”hesaid,“andtheBlueisreturning,orsowehadthought.”Hegesturedfromthemuddyforestfloortoawalloflight,glimmeringandmagnificent.Faixwhisperedanincantationunderneathhisbreathandavisionappearedinthelight,thatofadarkandinfinitesky.“Tounderstanditsfailure,youmustunderstandthehistoryofVallonis.”

Inthebeginningwastheword.

Andthewordwasmadeflesh.

Aworldwasbornfromabrightlight.Mountainsrosefromtheoceans,riverssnakedthroughbarrenvalleys,adarklandwascoveredwithgreenvegetation.Brilliantwhitecastlesappearedonthehorizon,villagesfullofeverykindofcreature,fromsmallmentosylphs,centaurs,andflyinghorses.

ThisisAtlantis.Thefirstiterationofthebindingspell,theonethatwouldcovertheworldwithmagic.InAtlantis,theworldsofscienceandmagicexistedpeacefullytogether.

Natwatchedastheshiningwhitecitywasswallowedbytheocean.

Butthespellwasweak,andthemagicfailed.

Next,agreenislandglitteredinthemiddleofalake.

ThisisAvalon.Theseconditeration.Thesecondattempttounitetheworldofmagicwiththegraylands.

AyounggirlwithfieryredhairstoodontheshoreandstaredoutatNatbeforetheislanddisappearedintothemist.

ThentheimageshowedherandFaix’sreflectionastheystoodintheforest.ThisisthethirdageofVallonis,ortheBlue,asitisknowninyourworld.Thethirditeration,thethirdattempttobringmagicbackintotheworld.

Faixclearedhisthroatandthevisionfaded.HeturnedtoNat.“Thespellhasbeencastseveraltimesnow,andeverytimeitdoesnothold.Atlantisdisappearedintothedepths.Avalonsurvives,butisclosedtotheworld

aroundit.AndasfortheBlue...”Faixshookhishead.“Whenthethirdspellwascast,theicecamewithit.Thecoldwasbornonthesameday.Thespellthatwassupposedtotransformthisworldisalsodestroyingit.Themagicturnedagainstitself.”

“It’sbroken,”shesaidquietly,thinkingofthecorruption,ofthesicknessthathadturnedthemarkedpeopleintothrillers,livingcorpses,theirmagicrottingthemfromtheinside.

Aspellthatwasmeanttohealtheworld,tobringmagicandwonderbackintoexistence,hadbroughtdeathanddestructioninstead.

“Theverynothingnessfromwhicheverythingismadehasbeentainted,”saidFaix.“Somebelievethatwhenthespellwascast,itwasbrokenbecausetheearthwastoofullofpoison,thattheoceansweretoopolluted,thattheveryfoundationoflifehadalreadybeguntocrumble.”

Shestaredatthelushgreentreesoftheforestandpastthat,intothecountryside,coveredingrayice,attheworldwherethestarscouldn’tpenetratetheveil,wherethesunwasjustamemory.

“Sothere’snohopethen?”shesaid,gazingintoiridescenteyes.“Norefugeforthemarked?”

“Areyouaskingifthereisawaytoescapetherotandtheice?SinceVallonisitselfiscorrupted?”

“Yeah.”NathadfoughtforVallonis,shehadbledandherdrakonwasbroken,forthedreamofaplacethatdidnotevenexist.

“Thespellcanberecast,thedamageundone,”Faixsaid.“Valloniscanriseagain.”

“How?”

“Inthebeginningwastheword,”Faixremindedher.“Thereisacodex,ascrollorabookcalledtheArchimedesPalimpsestwhichcontainstheinstructionsforthebindingspell.Ihavestudieditshistory.Thespellcaster,theonewhoreadsfromitspages,mustholdthepowerofVallonisintheirverysoul.Thespellrequiresasacrificeinitscasting,butitalsocarriesareward.”

“Areward?”

“Thecasterbecomesking—orthequeen—ofVallonis.”

“What’stheprice?”

“Thespelldemandsthegreatestsacrificeofitscaster.Whenthespellwascastthreetimesbefore,eachtimethemagicfalteredbecausethecasterfailedtoprovideasufficientsacrifice.QueenVallona,firstrulerofAtlantis,cutoffherhandtobindthespell,butitwasnotenough.Atlantissank.Arthurgaveuphisloveandhiswife,butthepowerofAvalonfaded.Ourqueengaveherownson’slifetocastthespell,butstillitwasnotenough.Thespelldidnotholdandsoourqueenhassoughttocastthespelloncemore.”

“Anddidshe?”

Faixshookhisheadsadly.“No.ThecorruptionfrozethebookinsidetheGrayTower,andthekeytounlockingitwasstolenfromusbyonewethoughtwasafriend.Withoutthekey,thebindingspellcannotbeunmadenorrecast.”

“Whathappenedtothisfriend?”sheasked,rememberinghiswords.YouwillbebetrayedasIhavebeenbetrayed.

“Wedon’tknow.Onlythatthetowerstillstands,andtheworldisstillbroken.”

“Sofindthiskey,getthebook,andfixthisbrokenworld?Isthatit?”Shesmiledatherconfidence,butshewasadrakonrydder;thiswaswhatshewasmeanttodo.

“Yes,butitisnotassimpleasitsounds.Evenifwefindthekeyanditsthief,andareabletorescuethebookfromthetower,thereisstillnoguaranteewecanfindthesourceofthecorruptiontosetthespelltorights.”Thecharmonhisnecklaceglowed.

“Whatisthat?”sheasked.

Hesmiled.“ItisapendantthatcontainsaportionofthefirsttreeofAtlantis,preservedfromthetimebeforethefirstBreaking.Thisnecklacehasbeeninmyfamilyforthousandsofyears.Thereweretenpendantsatthestart,butnowonlyafewremain.Thependantsareusedintherecastingofthebindingspell.WhenthelastpieceofVallonisisgone,wewillnolongerhavetheabilitytoremakethisworld.”

“CanIseeit?”

Faixliftedthependantfromhisneckandithungintheair,aredsphereheldbywhatlookedlikeatinygolddrakonclaw,andinsidethesphereNatcouldseeasilhouetteofatree.Awholeuniverseinsideacharm.

Theyweresilent.

Nat,Nat,Nat.

Faixcockedhishead.Thistime,he’dheardit,too.

Itwasthesamevoiceshehadheardwhenshefirstenteredtheforest,thesamevoiceshe’dheardwhenshestoodonthecliff.

Thevoicewasstrongernow,louder,andithitherlikeapunchtothehead.Someonewantedherattention.Someonewasinpain.Someoneneededhelp,someonesheknew.Thevoicewasfamiliar.Overandoversheheardituntilshehadtoputherhandsoverherears.

Nat!thevoicecalled,screamingandfullofterror.Nat!

Nat!Don’tletthem—!Ineedyou!

Chapter14THEHOSPITALLOBBYWASEMPTY.Therewasnooneatthesecuritydesk,nooneatadmittance,nooneatthenurses’station.Thefloorwasblackwithash,theairwasfilledwithsmoke,andstrobelightsflashedasthefirealarmsrang.Wesremovedhisphoneagaintocheckhisnotes.Elizawasinroom712.Heneededamap,somekindofdirectory,butthecomputeronthenurses’deskwasdead.

Heburstthroughsteeldoorsthatseparatedthelobbyfromtherestofthehospitalandimmediatelyplungedintodarkness.Abrightstrobeflashed,lightingthecorridortothestairway,blindinghimforamomentbeforevanishingagain.Weshadseenenoughtoorienthimself,andhemadeforthestairs,gropinginthedarkness,andthelightflashedagain,buttoolatethistimeasheslammedintoacartfilledwithsharpinstruments.Steelandglassclatteredtothefloor.

Thehospitalwasnearlyempty,andoutside,hecouldhearthecountdown.EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSSEVENMINUTES.

Whenthestrobeflashed,hesawthedoortothestairwayandopenedit,justasaboywithastarmarkonhischeekandblackhairstumbledpasthim.Adoctorinawhitecoatappearedinthehallway,andwhenhesawthemarkedboy,heranintheoppositedirection.Weskeptclimbingup,waitingforthelighttoflashagain,andwhenitdid,itrevealedthewallswerepockedwithbulletholes.Hepassedmoredoctors,runningaway,runningdown.

“ElizaWesson!DoyouknowwhereElizaWessonis?”

Butthedoctorsonlyshooktheirheadsandran,fearfulandmute.Wesunderstoodtheirfear;hewasafraid,too.Thebuildingfeltasifitmightcollapseatanymoment.Hewasrunninginthedarkness;theonlylightcame

fromtheemergencystrobesandtheoccasionalrippleofflame.Thestructure—thewallsandfloors—wasstartingtocreak.Thehigherhewentinthebuilding,thehotteritgot.Thefloorsbeneathhisfeetbegantobuckle.

EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSSIXMINUTES.

Wesranupthedarkstairwayuntilhemadeittowhathethoughtwastheseventhfloor.Elizawasinroom712.Hestumbledoverabody,thenanother.Ashaftoflightilluminatedthefloorfromaholeblownoutthesideofthebuilding.Abrightgoldenshaft—Wessupposeditwasbeautiful,butgiventhecircumstances,hedidn’tpausetoadmireit.Eliza’sfloorwaslitteredwiththebodiesofdeadprisonersanddeadsoldiers.Hecheckedeveryfacebutdidn’tseehissister’s.Outside,thescreamsofthecrowdwerefading.Thedomewasemptying.

EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSFIVEMINUTES.

“Eliza!”Wescalled,thinkingshemighthearhimifshewasstillinthehospital.“Eliza!”hecalledagain,buttherewasnoreply.

Heheardfootstepsechoinginthestairway,headingup,notdown.Soldiers.Crap.He’dgivenhimselfawaybyshouting.

Atthefarendofthecorridor,Wessawthesamesecurityofficerfromtheguardboothwhohadchasedhisteamfromtheentrancetothealleyandnowthehospital.

“YOU!STOP!”

Wesopenedthenearestdoorandcrashedintoanoffice,plungingintodesksandNutricoolersandcomputerscreens.WherewereShakesandFarouk?Hadtheymadeitout?Theyknewthedrill.They’dgiveWesfiveminutesandthatwasit.Therewasnowaiting.Theyshould’vegottenout,hopefullymadeittothewaystationsomehow.ToomanypeoplehadbeenhurtorlostwhiletryingtohelphimfindEliza:Liannan,Roark,Brendon,andnowShakesandFarouk.Histeam.Hisfamily.

Thefootstepsfaded.Wespushedthroughadoorontheothersideandfoundhimselfinadifferentcorridor,alongwhitepassage,linedwithdoorsonbothsides.He’dfoundtheprisoncells.

Thestrobeflashed.Wescheckedtheroomnumbers.702.Hewasclose.Moreflashes.708.710.Finally712.

Eliza’sroom.Weskickedthedooropen.

Thestrobeflashedinthehallway,illuminatingtheroom.Itwastidy,but

empty.Hehadexpectednothingless.Alltheroomswereempty;everyonewasgone.Buthehadwantedtogoinsidethehospitalonthefleetingchancethatshemightstillbethere.Thestrobeflashed,freezinganimageinhismind’seye.Whitelinens.Whiterobe.Adeskcoveredinpaper.

Heavyfootstepsoutside,comingcloser.

Wesliftedoneofthemanilafoldersonthedesk.Thestrobeflashed.Hesawhernametypedonthefront.Apinkrabbitsatonthedesk,thefabricfaded,thefurworn.Hehadnomemoryofthetoy.Butithadtobefromherchildhood.Hetooktherabbit;itwassomething.Ifheneverfoundhissister,hewouldhavethisonetoken,hethoughtashestuffedtherabbitintohiscoatpocket.Hadshebeentransportedoutalready?Orwassheoneofthosemarkedprisonerstearingapartthedomedcity?

Hewasabouttoleavewhenthedoorclickedopenandhefeltthebarrelofagunpressedagainsthisback.Wesraisedhishands,placinghispalmsonthebackofhisheadandweavinghisfingerstogether.Heknewthedrill,heknewhowtosurrender—hehadbeenasoldieronce.

“Turnaround,slowly.”

Wesdidashewastold.Thelightflashed,andhesawthesecurityguard’sgunaimedathischest.

“RyanWesson?”theguardbarked.

Howdidtheyknowhisname?

“AREYOURYANWESSON?”

“Yes!Yes!Isurrender.Youcanputthatdown.”

Thelightflashedagain.

EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSTWOMINUTES.

Theguardnodded,reachedintohispack,andproducedapairofplasti-cuffs.

“What’sthepoint,we’rebothdead,”Wessaidastheofficersnappedthecuffsonhiswrists.

“Don’tworry,icehole,they’llgetusout,”theguardsaid,pullingouthisradio.“Igothim.Yeah,heconfirmed.Meetusatthefront.”HepushedWesoutoftheroom,tothecorridor,towardtheholeinthebuildingwhereablackbirdheliwaswaiting,hovering.

ThesecurityofficerpushedWesouttheopeningandontothefloorofthe

chopper,andthatwasthelastthingWesrememberedbeforethebuildingexploded,crumblingtotheground,andeverythingwentblack.

Chapter15THEVOICEWASAFORCETHATPUSHEDherintotheground.Itsterrorwasoverpowering,anditwashedoverherentirebeing,cominginwavesandthreateningtodrownher.Itwaslikebeingattackedbythatironbombagain.Natputahandonherforehead.Shewasshaking.Herheadthrobbedandthereweretearsinhereyes.“Someone’scallingme.Someoneneedsmyhelp.Idon’tknowwhattodo.Ithurts.”

“Letmehelp,”Faixsaidquietly.“Openyourmindtome.IbelieveIcanamplifythemessageandtakeawaythepain.Trustme,Nat.Letmehelpyou.”

Natconsideredhisoffer,relievedtodiscovertherewerelimitstohisabilitytotapintoherconsciousness.Ifheneededpermissiontoenterdeepintohermind,itmeantshecouldalsokeephimoutandmusthavebeensuccessfulinclosingherselfoffbefore.Butthatdidn’tmatternow.Onlythepainmattered.Sheneededrelief.Now.IfFaixcouldhelpher,shewouldlethim.

Sensingheracquiescence,hecamecloser,hiswhitehairbrushingherfaceashewhisperedinherear,“Relax.Clearyourmind.Don’tresist.Iwilldotherest.”

Shesighed.“Okay.”

Heputahandonherforehead.

Nattriednottothink,nottodoanything.Itwaseasyenough;thethrobbinginherheadwasoverpowering.Shetookabreathandtoldhimtostart,todowhateverhecould.

Hisforeheadtouchedhers.Shefelthispresenceinhermind,likeaghost,likeashadowonanovercastday.Thepainfadedandanimageappeared.

Wallsofpristinewhitemarble.Steeldoors.Criesechoedthroughthedarkness.Achorusofpain.Cellaftercellaftercell.Prisoners,pilgrims,huddledtogether,coldandafraid.Inonecell,heavyironchainshungfromthewall,sapphirebloodpooledonthefloor,andagirlinawhiterobecoweredinthecorner.

Agirlshewouldknowanywhere.

Liannan!Natscreamed.Whereareyou?

Nat!Listen!Don’tletthem—

Withajolt,Natsnappedawakefromthedream,pushingFaixbackward,severingtheirlink,sendinghimtumbling.Helookedsurprised,shaken.

“Didyousee?”sheasked.“Didyouseeher?”

Henodded,hisfaceaghast.

“Whatwaswrongwithher—”Natshuddered.Liannan’srobewascoveredwithherbrightsapphireblood.Whathappenedtoher?Wherewasshebeingheld?Wherewaseveryoneelse?Brendon?Roark?Wes?Shakes?Farouk?Weretheyprisoners,too?

Natkneeledinthedirt,shaking.ShehadtohelpLiannan,buthow?Withoutherdrakon,withoutherpower,shewasuseless.

“Youmustlearntobelieve,Nat,”saidFaix,readinghermindasalways.“Wefoundyouoncebefore,whenyouwereaprisonerontheocean.Doyourememberthebirdswhovisitedyouwhenyouwereonthedeckoftheslaveship?”

Natnoddedslowly.

“ThosebirdstraveledfromVallonis,andsoshallwe.Wewillfindthem.Letmeseewhatyousaw,onemoretime.”

Shelethimtouchherforeheadwithhishandagain,felthispowersoothingheranxiety.

Theimagereturned,thestarkwhiterooms,longcorridorsfullofsoldiersandprisoners.Itwasallafast-movingblur.

Concentrate,sentFaix.

Natfocusedonanymarkersshecouldsee,anythingthatwouldgiveawaythelocation.Butallshesawwerealabasterwalls,concretefloors.Nosigns,nothingthatwouldindicateaspecificlocation.

There’snothing,shesentFaix.

Youarestillattachedtothematerialworld.Concentrateonwhatyoucannotsee.

Thensheunderstood.Shefocusedonthesourceofthecall;ifshecouldhearitclearly,Faixcouldtakethemthere,whereverthatwas.Shefocusedherenergies.Nat!Nat!Listen!Don’tletthem—Save—

Don’tletthemkillus!Saveus!That’swhatLiannanwastellingherbeforetheconnectionwassevered.Shewouldn’t.Natopenedhereyes.Sheknewwheretogonow.“Showmetheway.”

“Inthegraylands,thedoorstoVallonisarefewaswemustprotectourcountry,butadoorfromVallonistoyourworldcantakeusanywhere.However,oncewepassthroughthedoor,wecannotuseittotravelbackhere.Wecanreachyourfriend,butthereturnjourneywillbelonganddifficult.”

“Iunderstand.”Itwouldn’tbeherfirsttripacrosstheblackwaters;shehadsurvivedtheoceanbeforeandshecoulddoitagain,evenifshehadtodoitwithoutherdrakon.Liannanneededher.

AndIneedLiannan.Thetwohadsurvivedtheblackwaters,shehadhelpedbringNattotheBlue,andshehadtaughtNattounderstandherpowerandcommunewithherdrakon.LiannanwasoneofthefewfriendsNathadintheworld.

Faixwavedhishandinacircle,andthegroundshook,andtheentireforestbeforethemwhirledasifitwereagreatstewandhewasstirringthepot,weavingthegrassandrocksandtheveryskyintoaholeintheair.Hewasshapingthevoid,sculptingtheether,creatingadoorwaywherenonehadstoodbefore.Theholewasnolargerthanapinprickatfirst,butitgraduallywidened,largerandlarger.SoonthecirclewasaswideasNatwastall.Faixputhishandstogetheranddrewthemupclosetohischest,thenpushedhisfingersforwardandturnedtheringintoatunnel,apassagemadefromtheearthandskyofVallonis.

Thisbattlewouldbedifferentfromtheothersshehadwon.Withnodrakonathercommand,shehadonlyherself,herswordandshield,andthesylphbyherside.ItwouldhavetobeenoughtosaveLiannan.NatfollowedFaixintothepassage.Therewasnotimetowaste.

Chapter16HISHANDSWERESHAKINGUNCONTROLLABLY.Weswedgedhisfingersbetweenhisarmandchest,tryingtostopthemfromtrembling,butthetremorswouldnotabate.Theroomhewasinwasn’tcoldordamp.Somethingwaswrongwithhim.Atfirsthe’dthoughtitwastheice,sincethesnowgottoeveryoneeventually.Thecoldgotintoyourbones.Theycallediticedisease,eventhoughitwasn’tarealdisease,likecancerorevenricketsorscurvy,whichthevitamin-deficientpopulacesufferedfromduetothelackofsunlightandcitrusfruits,nomatterhowmuchNutritheydrank.Icediseasewasjustanamegiventoacommonsetofsymptoms,anailmenteveryonegoteventually,liketheflu.Onlyitwasworsethaninfluenza.Therewasnocure,novaccine,anditneverwentaway.

Whenhestartedlosinghisvisionafewyearsago,andhishandsstartedtrembling,Wesjustassumedhehadthesamethingeveryoneelsedid.Butlately,hewondered.Usuallywhenhisvisionwentwhite,hewouldbeblindforafewmoments.Butonthespeedwayhehadn’tgoneblind.He’dseenNat.Therewassomethingwrongwithhim,allright,butmaybeitwasn’ttheice.

Hecouldn’tworryaboutitnow.Hehadother,morepressingconcerns.Hehadwokenupstrappedtoabedinthebackofanambulance.Theexplosionhadtakenoutthehospital,andhesufferedsomeburnstohisfaceandsmokeinhalation.Hislungshadbeenatminimumcapacityforkeepinghimalive.Everybreathhe’ddrawnfeltshallowanddesperate.

Hehadnoideawherehewas,andonlyvaguelyrememberedbeingflowntoanairbase,thenbundledupandtakensomewhereelse.Hecouldbeanywhereintheworld,inanyoneoftheRSA’ssecretmilitarydetention

centers.Wesrecognizedthelime-greenwallsthatdenotedamilitaryprison.Someonehadoncetoldhimthepalecolorwaschosenforitscalmingeffects,butthegreenjustmadehimnauseous.Greenfloor.Greenwalls.Greenceiling.Greenlights.

Hehadfailed.Howbadly,hehadnowayofknowing.Notyet.

Elizawasdeadorshewasnot.Shehadescapedorshehadnot.Eitherway,ithadnothingtodowithhim.

Hehadbeentoolate.

Wesdidn’tknowwhathappenedtohisboys;hehopedShakesandFaroukhadgottenaway,butthelimohadbeenunderfirewhentheylastsawit.ForallWesknewtheyweredead,orlockedinanothercell.Hehadn’tbeenallowedoutofhiscellsincehearrived,andhadn’tspokentoanyonebuthimself.

Ifitwasmeanttodrivehimcrazy,itwasworking.Thenagain,hecouldhavetoldthemtheywerewastingtheirtime.He’dbeencrazyawholelotlongerthanthis.

Wescountedthedaysbythelightsinhiscell.Theroomwentblackforeightorninehourseachday.Theroomhadgonedarkseventimes,soheguessedsevendayshadpassed.Hecouldn’tbecertain.Forallheknewamonthhadgoneby.Hismindwasfoggy,disoriented,andnowhewastremblingallover.

Whatdotheywantfromme?

Whentheguardscameoneday,heoverheardthemtalkingaboutthelockdown.Noonewasallowedoutoftheircells.Therehadbeensomekindofriottheotherweek,andeveryonewasonedge.

Foodarrived,withsomeregularity,throughaslotinthedoor.Heatdriftedthroughagrilleinthewall.Thelightinhiscellwasgreenish,butconstant.Thesewerethegoodthings.Sohiscaptorswantedhimalive;therewasthat,atleast.Wesdidn’ttrytothinkaboutwhy—thereweretoomanypossiblereasons,andnoneofthemwerecomforting.

Yourcomfortisnotthepoint,heremindedhimself.

Yoursisteris.Yourfriends.

Oratleasttheywere.

Theslotopened.Atraypassedthroughthehole.Hewonderediftheprisondesignershadmodeledhiscellonoldvidsdownloadedfromthenets,orif

prisonsalwayslookedlikethis—greenandempty,withaslotinthedoorforfood.

Westookthetray,whichcontainedabowlofagrayviscouspudding—vitamin-infusedsoycake,ifyouusedthepropername,orVISC,asitwascalleddownattheFo-Prolines.Hesatdownandtooktheplasticspoonandnapkinfromthetray,layingthenapkinonhislapandthetrayonthenapkin.Nosensemakingamess.

Inoldvids,prisonersthrewtheirmealsacrosstherooms,butthatmadenosensetoWes.Hewashungry,andifhethrewthetrayacrosstheroom,whowouldcleanupthemess?Noone.He’djustbeeatingoffthefloorinsteadoffromabowl.

Hehadtoclosehiseyes,hadtopretendthefoodlookedlikesomethingotherthangrayslime,togethimselftoswallow.Hewashalfwaythroughthebowlwhenthedoorsquealedonitshinges.Soldiersstoodinthedoorway.

“Timetogo,”saidone,asquare-jawed,square-headedgruntwithashavedhead.

“Idon’tgettofinishmygourmetdinner?”heasked.

“C’mon,”saidtheother,hiseyesflashingwithanger,blackflamestattooedonhisneck.

Wesputthetrayasidewithasigh.He’dactuallyenjoyedthetasteofgrayslime.HeshouldtellShakes,ifheeversawhimagain,thatitwasn’ttoobadifyouclosedyoureyesanddidn’tsmellit.

Thesoldiersescortedhimoutoftheroomandintoasmallmetalroom,withatableandachaironeithersideofit,andeverythingboltedtothefloor.Weshadbeeninaroomlikethisbefore,exceptthenhe’dbeenontheothersideofthetable.

Hesatonachair,themetalcoldagainsthislegs,sendingachilluphisback.

Theguardsuncuffedhimandlefthimalone.

Itwasalongtimebeforethedooropenedagain.

Wescaughtafamiliarscentandheardlowwhistlingthataccompaniedfootstepsontheconcrete.Heknewthatwhistling,thatcheapcologne.Howlonghaditbeensincehe’dsatdownwithBradleyattherestaurant?Herememberedthecoldbeer,theWagyusteakswithhotbutter,themealheturneddownwhenhelastspoketohisoldcommander.Hewishedhe’dhad

evenonepieceofthatsteak,justataste,buthe’djustleftitthere,gettingcold.

“Wesson.”BradleyslidsmoothlyintothechairacrossfromWes.“Wemeetagain.Anothertable,adifferentlocation.Ihearthefood’snotasgoodhere.How’stheslime?”

“Notbad,”Wesliedasheshiftedinhischair.Theprocessedglopwasstartingtocurdleinhisstomach.“How’dyouknowitwasme?”heasked,rememberingthattheguardknewhisname.“Atthehospital?”

“Wouldyoubelievewewerewaitingforyouallalong?”Bradleyasked,hiseyescrinklingwithamusement,asifheknewasecret.Thecommanderhadgrownamustache,hisuniformlookedstarched,andtherewereafewnewmedalspinnedtohispocket,apairofgrayflagsWesdidn’trecognize.

Wesgrunted.HeknewwhatBradleywantedfromhimbeforeheevenasked:thesamethinghe’dalwayswanted.ForWestoworktheblackwaters.Roundupthepilgrimstoselltothetradersandtheslavers,thepriestsandthemasters.ItwaslikelytheonlyreasonWeswasstillalive,becausehewasstilluseful.Wesgrittedhisteeth;hewouldrotinprisonbeforehetookthejob.

“Youlikeithere?Youliketheview?”Bradleyaskedwithasoftsmile,knowingWes’scellhadonlyfourwallsandnowindow.

“Let’sskiptothejob,Bradley.TellmewhatyouwantsoIcansaynoandyoucansendmebacktothecell.”

“Now,don’tgettooexcited,boy.Anddon’tthinkyou’resosmart,either.I’lltellyouwhat,Wesson.Let’smakeabet.”

“Abet?You’regoingtobetthatI’lltakethejob?Okay.I’llplay,”Wessaid,rubbinghishandstogether.

Bradleysmiled.“Good.Tellme.HowamIgoingtogetyoubackintotheservice?”Heopenedthefileinfrontofhim.“IcouldpinallthedamageinElDoradoonyou,youknow.Youwereseenatthehospital;Icouldhavewitnessessayingtheysawyousetthefire.Arson.Butwhat’sanothermarkonyourcriminalrecord?”

Wesshrugged.“DoIlooklikeaguywhocares?”

Bradleysmirked.“No.Andthatwasn’ttheway.”

Wesfrowned.HeguessedBradleywasintimatingtheyhadahostage,someoneclosetohimthathecouldhurt.MaybeShakes,maybeFarouk,too.BradleyknewheandShakesworkedtogether.Orifnottheboys,thenwho?

Liannan?Thesmallmen?ButWeswasn’tsureBradleyknewaboutthemarkedonhisteam.Eliza?Buthadn’tshebeentransferredalready?Thenotionwastoopainful,sohepusheditfromhisthoughts.

“Youdon’twanttoguess?”Bradleyaskedwithatwinkleinhiseye,sosmugthatWeswantedtoshoveaniciclethroughhisbrain.“I’lltellyouwhat.Let’sjustcuttoitlikeyou’veasked.I’lltellyouhowwe’llmotivateyou.We’vegother.”

Her.

DoeshemeanNat?TheyhaveNat?

“She’sbeenwithusforaverylongtime,”Bradleysaidlazily,andWesrealizedhemeantEliza.Ofcourse,theystillhadEliza.Wesfeltasifhehadbeenpunchedinthegut.“Ididn’trealizeshewasyoursister,orIwouldhaveusedherasleverageearlier.”

Wesglaredathim.

“WeflewherouttotheRedCitythismorning.Tookherhome,shallwesay.”Hewasclearlyenjoyinghimself.“We’vegotabaseoutthere,agreatplacetogetridofthosewenolongerneed.You’veheardofthefleshmarkets,haven’tyou?TheTempleoftheHighPriestessoftheWhite?LadyAlgeanahasasoftspotforherkind.Unless...”

“UnlessIworkforyou,”Wesgrowled.“Itjustgetsbetterandbetter.”

“Bingo.”Bradleysmiled.“DoIwinthebet?”

Wesdidn’treply.

“IthinkIdo,becauseyou’renotgoingtoletthathappen,areyou?YouknowwhatIthink?IthinkyouwereinElDoradotobreakherout.”Hesmirked.“Sopredictable.Soridiculouslyhonorable,comingfromsomeonelikeyou.”

Weslookedathim.“Foreignconcept,eh?”

“Notreally.Justaluxuriousone.Andluxuryissomethingyoudon’thave.”

Wessaidnothing.

Bradleysmirked.“Butdon’tworry.She’saliveandsafe.Andyou’regoingtokeepherthatway—aren’tyou?I’mprettysureIwinourlittlebet.Becausefromnowon,youworkformeandyoudoeverythingIsay.Deal?”

Wesflexedhisfistsashecontemplatedhislackofoptions.Hehadnever

feltsopowerless.

Bradleysatbackinhischair.“Youknow,youreallyshouldhavetakenmeuponthatsteak.”

ParttheSecond:

RYDDERANDSYLPHToasurroundedenemy,youmustleaveawayofescape.

—SUNTZU

Chapter17HISUNIFORMWASWARMBUTITCHY.Weswasn’tauniformperson.Hescratchedhisneckunderneathhiscollar,stillabitshockedtofindhimselfbackingraywoolsynthetic,RSAbadges,andstripesonhisshoulders.Hewasn’tcoldanymore,butthatwaslittleconsolationforthetaskthey’dsenthimtodo.

Themilitaryhadbeenthroughafewchangessincehistimeintheservice.They’dsufferedmajorlossesduringarecentconflictintheTasmanSea,andtheirresourceswerestretchedbeyondlimit.Nowtheyneededsailorswhocouldnavigatethetrash-filledoceanswithoutgettinglostorsinkingtheirships,sotheywererecruitingex-runners,formercoyoteswhoknewtheoceansandthepilgrimroutes.WeswasthebestrunnerinVegas,theonewhohadthemostluckevadingthenavalscouts,helpingpilgrimscrossthewaters.Nowtheywantedhimtousehisskillsagainstthesamedesperatesoulsheusedtohelp.

Afteracceptingthecommission,WeswasflowntoanavaloutpostinNewJavaforaperfunctorytrainingsession,wherehewasschooledintheroutesandproceduresofpatrol.Wescommandedashipthatwaspartofateamoftwosearchvessels,lightcruisersworkingintandemaroundtheseassurroundingtheSouthAsianislands.Wes’severymovewouldbetrackedbysatellitefromthebase,andtherewerequotastofill,expectationstobemet.

“Don’tthinkyoucangooutthereonsurveillanceandcomebackempty-handed,Lieutenant,”BradleythreatenedthatmorningbeforeWeslefttotakecommandofhiscrew,afewdaysafterhehadbeenreleasedfromhiscell.“Wefishouttwodozenpilgrimsamonth,sodon’tthinkyoucanbullshitme.Withyourrecord,Iexpectdouble,tripleourusualintake.Happyhunting,”Bradleysaidwithhisskull-headsmile.

•••

WesstoodaloneatthehelmoftheGoliath,watchingthewavesroll,lappingaroundrust-coloredtowersoftrash.Theyhadbeenatseaforafewdaysnow,andhadreachedtheirdesignatedpatrolarea,theheavilytraffickedstraitswherepilgrimboatswereusuallyfoundonthewaytoNewKandy,wheresupposedlytherewasanothergatewaytotheBlue.BackinNewVegas,LiannanhadmentionedthattheoriginalgatewaytoValloniswasclosed,andlatelyhe’dheardnooneheadedforNewCreteanymore;theyallwantedtogotoKandyLand.Wesdidn’tthinkthatwassuchagreatidea,aseveryoneknewtheRedCitywasoverrunbythewhitepriests,andtheyevenhadtheirtemplethere.Butpilgrimswerestubborn,unabletogiveuphope,andifso,hewasmorelikethemthanever.Overtheradio,thecaptainoftheothercruiserhadreportedsightingsofboatsonthenorthperimeterandwenttocheckitout.

YesterdayWeshadnoticedpocketsoflightwinkingthroughthetrash,probablyapilgrimboatortwo,sohesteeredclear,orasclearashecouldwithoutdeviatingfromhissearchpath.Topassthetime,hemadethecrewpracticedrillsandreviewthenewproceduresonhowtoapproachandtakecontrolofpilgrimvehicles,howtoshackleprisonerssafely.Therecruitsmanningtheboatwereabunchofhardenedkidswhowereonlytoohappytocollecttheextrawattspaidforeachpilgrimtheyfound,andWesworriedforanyoneunfortunateenoughtorunintothem.Maybeifhewasluckyhecouldkeephisshipfromrunningintorefugeeboats,oratleastpostponetheencounterstillhecouldfigureouthowtogetoutofthismess.

AfewminuteslaterthecaptainoftheColossusreportedpickinguptwopilgrimships.Onewasinparticularlybadshape,andhadalreadylosthalfitspassengers.They’dbeenfloatingontheirownformiles,lostontheblackocean,abandonedbycaptainandcrew.Conmenpromisedpassageacrosstheblackwaters,butdidn’tknowhowtofindthedoorstoVallonis.Oncetheycollectedtheirfees,theylefttheships—floatingwrecks—inthedarkofnight.Otherswerejustinovertheirheads,inexperiencedsailorswhoshouldneverhavesetoutfromshoreinthefirstplace.

“We’reheavyandreturningtoporttodropoffourcargo,”theothercaptainsaidsmugly,andWescouldtelltheiceholewasalreadycountingthewattsinhiskillfee.“Holdon,lookslikewe’vefoundanotherfloater,we’llgocheckitout.”

Wesacknowledgedandendedthecall.

Itwasquietontheocean,andhewasrememberingthatthelasttimehehadbeenonthewaterNatwaswithhim,whenShakesenteredthebridgewithaportablescreeninhandandadarklookonhisface.“Hey,boss,yougottatakealookatthis.”

“What’sup?”Wesasked.HisdealwithBradleyhadbroughtoneperk,atleast—ShakesandFarouk.Weshadbeenabletoconvincethegeneralhewouldn’tbeabletodohisjobcorrectlyifhedidn’thavehisteamwithhim;Bradleydidn’tseemtoosurprised,asallrunnersfeltthesamewayabouttheircrews.Theboyshadbeencapturedfleeingthedome—really,itwasamiracletheshot-uplimocouldevenmove—andhadbeenthrownintothesameprisonwhereWeshadbeenheld.Likehim,themosttheyhadsufferedweremealsofgrayslime,buttheyweren’ttoobadoffotherwise.Faroukwasdownintheengineroom,andShakeswasfirstmate.

Youcouldn’treallycallitluck,butthedayshadgonebywithoutincidentsofar.ButthelookonShakes’sfacegaveWesthefeelingthateverythingwasabouttochange.“Youfoundsomething.”

“Yeah.”Shakesgrimacedashiseyesdartedtotheblackwaters.

“Weknewthiswasgoingtohappensoonerorlater,”Wessaid,takingthescreenandcheckingitout.

“Iknow,”Shakessaid,“buthowcomewithyouit’salwayssooner?”Hecursedunderhisbreath.

Wesdidn’treallyhaveananswerforthatone.

HehadpromisedShakesthatnomatterwhathappened,whenthetimecame,theywoulddotherightthing,somehow.Noonewasgoingtogethurtunderhiswatch.NotEliza,andnotthepilgrimstheycapturedontheblackwaters.Shakeshadtotrusthim,andusuallyhedid,butitwasobvioushisfriendwasfeelingskeptical.Wesdidn’tblamehim,sincehewasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtogetthemoutofthis,either,butalittlefaithwouldhavebeennice.

Agreenmarkblinkedonthemonitor.“Thinkitmightjustbejunk?”Wesasked,hoping,squintingatthemonitor.

“Notthewayit’smoving.Lookhowfastitis;it’sgotamotorforsure.Theymighthavespottedus,too;look,itjustchangedcourse.”Shakesleanedagainsttherail,glancingbetweenthemonitorandthetrash-strewnocean,searchingfortheship,butseeingonlythegraysky,themurkywaterspackedwithfloatingdebris.

TheradioblaredandWespickedupthecomm.“Wessonhere.”

“Youonthis?”ItwasCallahan,thefleetcommanderinchargeofthepatrolteams.

“Yeah,wegotit.”Westhoughthesawtheshipinthedistance,butcouldn’tbecertain.

“Bradleysaidyouwerehotshit,solet’sseewhatyoucandointheblackwater.Reel’emin.”

“Rogerthat,”Wessaid,anddroppedthecomm.HeturnedtoShakes.“Youheardtheman;guesswecan’tignorethisone.Hitthesirensandtelltheguystogetouttheinflatableslikewetaughtthem.We’lltakethepilgrimsinthesmallboats,it’llbelessintimidating.Turnonthelights,thebigfloods,toletthemseeuscomingsotheydon’tpanic.TellFarouktotakethehelm,bringusinniceandslow.”Wessearchedoncemoreforthepilgrimvessel,caughtsightofadistantship,juttingbetweenzigguratsoftrash,tryingtoavoiddetection.

“Thenwhat?”Shakesasked,soundingirritable.

“Thenwe’llfigureitout.Wealwaysdo,don’twe?”hesnappedback.

Weswatchedasthecrewdroppedtheblackinflatablesintothewaterastheynearedthepilgrimvessel.Thepilgrimcraftwasagood-sizedship,biggerthanmost,anditspassengersstoodondeck,theirarmsraisedinsurrender.Theydidn’tfireanyweapons;therewouldbenoscuffle.Weswatchedfromthebridge,tryingtokeephisfaceimpassiveashewatchedthembeingherdedintotheraftsthatwouldtakethemtohiscruiser.Thepilgrimsknewtheirjourneywasover,theywerecaught,theywouldnevercrosstheocean,theywouldneverfindtheBlue.

Wesknewhowthatfelt.

Heremainedondeckastheinflatablesreturnedfromthepilgrimboatloadedwithpassengers.Shakessalutedhim,standingguardoveragroupofsmallmen,whohuddledtogether,lookingsicklyandpale.Theraftspulledupalongsidethecruiser,andWesandhismenhelpedthemonboard.Noguns,he’dwarnedhisguys.YoufireandI’llfireonyou.Buttheirsullenhostagesacceptedtheirfatequietly,andtherewasnoneedforweapons.Therewasnorebellion,onlygrimstaresandred-rimmedeyes.

Wesfollowedthecaptivesdowntothehold.He’dwarnedhismennottoabuseorharasstheirhostages,andhewentfromcelltocell,bandagingwounds,handingoutNutriandMealsReadytoSqueeze.Ifhismenfoundhis

behaviorodd,theydidn’tcommentfornow.Morecaptivesarrived,andheheardacryfromthenextcell.

“Leavemealone!Iknowyourcaptain,Itellyou!Letmego!”

Wesboltedfromthecell,lockingthedoorbehindhimandrunningintoShakes.Thatvoicesoundedfamiliar.HeraisedhiseyebrowsandShakesshrugged.Theyburstopenthecelldoorwherethescreamswerecomingfrom.

Inside,oneoftheyoungsoldiershadasmallmanpushedupagainstthewall.Thesmallman’sfacewasswollenandbloody,anditlookedlikehehadtakentheworstofthefightasthesoldierbatteredhimwithhisfists.

“Shuttheiceup!Lyingbastard!Shutup!”yelledthesoldierashepunchedhiminthejaw.

“Hey,hey,what’sgoingonhere?”Shakesdemanded.

Thesoldierwhippedaround.“Lieutenant!”hecriedwhenhesawWes.

Wesclearedhisthroatandhisvoicewasmurderous.“Igaveeveryoneexplicitinstructionsthatnoneofthehostagesweretobeharmed.”

“But,sir!”

“Lethimgo.”

Thesoldierdidastold,andthesmallmanslumpedtothefloor.“Hesaysheknowsyou,”thesoldiersaidbitterly.“He’saliar.Youdon’tknowhim,doyou,sir?”

Wesstaredatthesmallman.Hehadn’trecognizedhimearlier,buthedidnow.

Ofcoursehedid.ItwasRoark.

Thelasttimehe’dseenhim,Roarkwastendinghisgardenandhummingasong.WiseandsweetRoark,whocouldmakeadeliciousmealoutofrandomscraps,andajokeoutofthedirestofsituations.Maybeonedaytheywouldlaughatthis,too.

Roark,hisdearfriend.Alive.

IfRoarkwasalive,thenmaybeBrendonwas,too,andLiannan...

WessawtheelationstartingtoshowonShakes’sface,butiftheymadethewrongmovenow,allofthemweretrapped.Elizawouldbesenttothepriests,andtherestofthem,includingRoark,wouldbedumpedintotheoceanlike

justanotherpieceoftrash.

“Wes,”Roarkwhispered.“ThankVallonis,itreallyisyou.Isawyoufromthedeck,Wes...tellhimI’mright.Tellhimyouknowme.”

ThesoldierglaredatWes.“Sir?”

WesstaredatRoark,noddedtoShakes,andturnedtohissoldier.“Neversawhiminmylife.Carryon.”

Chapter18THEPASSAGEOPENEDUPTOADESERTEDbeachandthevortexclosedbehindthem.Natlookedbackatit,wonderingifshewouldeverreturntoVallonis,ifshewouldeverseeherdrakonagain.Therewasashipfaroffinthedistance.Liannan’scallwasevenstrongerherethaninVallonis.

Nat!Nat!Canyouhearme?

I’mcoming.I’mhere.Holdon!Natsentback,buttherewasnoreply.ShewonderedifLiannanheardher,ifthesylphwasactuallycommunicatingwithherormerelysendingoutadistresscall.Eitherway,shehadneverheardLiannansoundthatterrifiedbefore,anditmadeherfeelpanickedandhelpless.

“She’sinthere,”Natsaidurgently,pointingtothenavycruiser.“Buthowdowegettherewithoutadrakon?Swim?”ShebitherwordswhenFaixliftedhishandsandwhisperedaquietincantation.

Thistime,thevortexwhirledandinsteadofopeningupablackhole,itcreatedsomething—somethingoutofnothing—hehadsculptedtheether,andinfrontofthemwasasmallmotorboat,floatingonthewaves.FaixwadedovertoclaimitandhelpedNatclimbinside.

“It’snodrakon,”Natsaid.“ButIguessitbeatsswimming.”

“It’smadetolooklikeapilgrim’svessel.Wewillletthemthinkwearedefenseless.”

Faixsteeredtheboat,hiseverymovementfullofgrace.SomeonelikeFaixdidn’tbelonghere,Natthought,inaplacewheretheairstankofgarbageandthelong-deadcarcassesofanimals.Wasshelikehim?Shewasa

drakonrydder,too,butshehadbeenborninthegraylands.Wheredidshebelong?Itwasashocktobebackinthemiddleoftheblackwaters,backinthegrayworld,whereeverythingwasdying.

Wewillrecoverthepalimpsest,Faixsent.WewillsearchforthesourceofthecorruptionandwewillfixwhatisbrokenandreturnVallonistoitsglory.

Natnoddedtolethimknowshe’dheard,eventhoughheprobablyknewanyway.Shelookedoutanxiouslyattheshiptheywereheadingtoward.Itwasasmallcruiser,flyingRSAflags,COLOSSUSengravedonitsside.Thiswasn’taslavership;theseweresoldiers,andsoldierswereorganized.Iftheylostthisfight,she’dbebackinshacklesandkeptinanironcageor,worse,sentbacktoBradleyandforcedtoworkforthemagain,stealingchildren,settingfires,killingtheirenemies.

Donotfearthem,Faixsoothed.Wewillfindyourfriends.Wewillnotletthemtakeus.

Buthiswordswerelittlecomfort.Faixdidn’tknow,didn’ttrulyunderstand.Hehadneverfoughtagainstthem.Oncetheymadecontact,shewouldneedtoactquickly.Shewouldneedtotapintoherpoweranduseherangeroncemore.Ifonlyshewerepastsuchthings.ShehadstoodatthedoortoApis.Shelongedtouseherpowertobuild,tocreate,tomakethings—notdestroythem.Butshewasheadedtowardbattleoncemore.Wouldshedieouthere,fightingontheocean?WouldshedieasFaix’sdrakonhaddied,asMainashadalmostdied?Whatwouldhappentoherdrakonifshedidnotsurvive?

Headwindsblewontotheirsmallboat,andNatshivered.Shewascoldwithoutherdrakon,butFaixneithershiverednorcomplainedaboutthecoldandthewindandtheice.Shewonderedifhemisseditswarmth,thesenseofdrakonfireinhislungs.

Heglancedatherandsheknewhehadreadherthoughts.

“Imissiteveryday.Likeamissinglimb.”Hetouchedhisnecklace,asifforluck.

“You’reveryattachedtothatcharm,”shesaid.

“AmI?Itisjustahabit,”hesaiddismissively,andthecornerofhismouthquiveredslightly.

Natwouldn’thavethoughtanythingofitexceptthatitwassostrangetoseehimperturbed,andsherealized,allofasudden,thathewaslying.Faixwaskeepingsomethingfromheraboutthecharm,soshetriedtothinkabout

somethingelsesohewouldn’tknowsheknew.Sheimaginedherselfburrowingintotheearthwithherdrakon,erectingawallbetweenherthoughtsandhis.

Thenshepicturedtheirboat,itshullmadeoffiberglass,thestrandsofwhiteglass,theresinbetweenthefibers,thefilamentsinthewhitestrands,andthetinymoleculesthatmadeupthosefibers.Shepicturedsmallerandsmallerstructuresuntilatlasttheywereonlyparticlesspinninginthevoid.

“STOP,”Faixsaid,astheboatflickeredinandoutofreality.

Natgasped.“I’msorry—Iwasjust—practicing.”

Hesmiled.“Goodwork,butperhapsyoucankeeptheboatrealuntilwereachtheship?Idonotwishtodrown.”

Theyreachedthecruiserandfloatedcloseby.“Wewillallowthemtotakeus,”Faixsaid.“Onceweareinside,wewilllookforyourfriends.”

Theydidn’thavetowaitlong.Natheardthefamiliarsoundsofdronesintheair,cuttingthroughtheclouds,hoveringoutofsight,alertingtheshiptotheirlocation.Faixshutdownthemotor.Theystoodbacktoback,Natholdingherswordandshield,waiting.Theplanwastosurrender,butshewantedtobepreparedtofightanyway.Shemissedherdrakon.Missedthefeelingofthecreature’sfireinherlungs,ofthepowerathercommandastheyraineddeathfromabove.Shecouldhavevaporizedthedrones,takentheshipinseconds,andfreedherfriends,ifonlyshewerewhole.

Thesleeknavycruisercutacrossthemist,itsgunstrainedontheirposition.Soldiersstoodonthebow,pointingtheirautomaticriflesstraightatthem.Moresoldiersweredroppingsmallerraftsinthewatertotakethemprisoner.

Asthesmallboatscametheirway,Natbracedherselftobecaptured.Thecruiserfollowedclosebehind,itsshadowdriftingacrosshervessel.

“Wesurrender,”Faixdeclaredwhentheboatsfloatedbytheirstarboardside.“Wecomepeacefully.”

Inanswer,abulletcamewhizzingthroughthenight,strikingFaixinthearm.Thencameanother,andanother.Natduckedunderhershieldandusedherswordtofendoffthebullets.“Areyouhurt?”sheasked.

“No,”Faixsaid,hiseyesflashingdangerously.Theyhadofferedpeaceandhadbeenattackedinstead.Hiswoundflared,thenhealed;Natsawtheskinregenerateandbecomesmoothagain.“ButIwillshowthemwhatit

meanstohurt.”

“Faix!”

Thesylphseemedtogrowtotwicehissize,hiswhitehairshonebrightly,andhisentirebeingwascoveredinabrilliantwhitelight.Faixclappedhisarmstogetherandinaninstant,thesmallblackboatsweregoneandthebulletsclatteredharmlesslyonthewater.

ThesoldiersonthedeckoftheColossusyelled,scanningthewaters,astonished.Theboatshadvanishedsoquickly,itwasasiftheoceanhadswallowedthemup.Theyansweredwithabarrageofartillery.Natcrashedtoherknees,coveringherheadwithhershield.Shecouldn’tseeherattackers,butsheknewtheycouldseeher.Theyhadinfraredlenses,scopesthatpeeredeffortlesslythroughmistandclouds,throughdarknessandsmoke.Therewasnowheretohide.Somethinghotscrapedhershoulder,tearingaholeinherarmor,burningherskin.Abullethadrippedaholeinherjacket,exposingherarmtothebittercold.Sheflinched,coveringthewoundasasecondprojectilescreamedpastherear,deafeninghermomentarily.

Useyourfire,Faixsent.Burnthem.

ButIdon’thaveanyfire,Natreplied.

Heshookhisheadandturnedbacktothecruiser,facingthebullets,standingandunafraid,andbroughthishandstogetheroncemore.Afieryprojectileexplodedfromhispalmsandrippedtowardthecruiser,settingitonfireandsendingfrothyblackwaterbubblingthroughthenewlyformedholeintheside.

Thefireiswithinyou.

Theshipwasburning,evenwithoutadrakon.Thesoldiershadscattered,thesnipersabandoningtheirpositions.

WhenshefirstmetFaix,hehadremindedherofLiannan,withhisbeautyandhissoftvoice,buthewasnothinglikeLiannanatall,andwhatshesawscaredher—themightypowerathiscommand,hisindifferencetopain,toemotion,tohumanity.ButFaixwasn’thuman,hewasasylph.Whoareyou?shesent.Whoareyoureally?

IamFaixLazaved.MessengertotheQueen.DrakonrydderofVallonis.ProtectoroftheRealm.GuardianoftheBlue.Iamlikeyou,Anastasia.Iammadeoffire.

Thenheturnedawayandsteeredtheirquicklysinkingboattowardthe

sideoftheship.Hemotionedtotheknottedropesthatstretchedfromthewatertothedeckofthecruiseratregularintervals.“Whenourboathitstheside,reachfortheropes,”hesaid,preparingtojump.

Theburningshipbobbledinthewater,sendingwavesripplingacrosstheocean,itswakethreateningtocapsizetheiralready-waterloggedcraft.

Natnodded,eyeingtheapproachingvessel.Thefirewasconcentratedonthestarboardsideandafewsoldierswererushingtoputitoutwithfireextinguishers.Buttheportsidewasempty,andshenoddedtoFaixtotakethemthere.

Faixrushedtowardtheedgeoftheboat,hisfootpoisedontherail.Heleaptacrossthewater,grabbedholdofarope,andpulledhimselfup.Natfollowed,almostfallingintothewaterasshecaughtholdoftherope.Faixwasnearlyatthetopoftheropewhenheleaneddownandpulledherupbyherwrists,strongandfast.

Leapingovertherail,heturnedtofaceher,offeringherhishandtohelphercrosstherailing.

“I’mgood,”shesaid,notwantinghishelpasecondtime.Itwasstrangetobesoclosetoherenemies,tostandonboardanavycruisernotunliketheonesshehaddestroyedinthepast.Shecouldn’thelpbutthinkthatthesefrightenedchildreninuniformwhowererunningfromthemnowwerenomoreresponsiblefortheiractionsthanshehadbeenwhenshewasstilloneofthem.Whenshe,too,answeredtoanunforgivingcommander.

Nat!Nat!criedLiannan’svoiceinherhead.

“It’scomingfromoverthere,”shesaid,pointingacrosstheburningdeck.“Let’sgo.”

Togethertheyranacrossthedecktoanswerthecall.

Chapter19THESOLDIERSMILEDANDRAISEDhisfisttopunchRoarkinthefaceagain,buthefelltothegroundbeforehecouldlandtheblow.Shakesstoodbehindhimwithagrimsmile,holdingthebluntedgeofhisgun.“Nexttime,pickonsomeoneyourownsize,icehole.”

“Youjammedhisradio?”askedWes,makingsure.

“Easyasstealingwattsfromatouristatroulette,”Shakessaidwithagrin,showingWesthebrokencommhe’dfilchedfromthesoldier’spocket.“Noonecanhearus.”

Weskneltdown,dabbedhishandkerchiefinNutri,andpassedittoRoark.“Sorryaboutthat,man.Itoldtheguystoleaveyouallalone,butsomeofthemaren’tsoobedient.”

“Tookyoutwolongenough,”Roarksaid,puttingthehankytohiseye.“Thanksalot—I’msureI’mquiteasight.”

Wesgavehimafewofthefriedchickenwafershecarriedinhispocket,andthesmallmancalmeddown.

“Whathappened?Wherehaveyoubeen?How’dyougethere?”Wesasked.

“Itwasthegarden,”Roarksaidsadly,hisdarkhairfallinginhiseyes.“Youwereright,Wes.Weshouldn’thavedoneit,butweweretiredofhidinginourrooms—wewantedair.Eveniftheskywasgray,itwassomething.Iwantedtofeeltheopenspace,tostandinaplacewithoutwalls.”

“Forafewdamnvegetables?”Shakesshookhishead.

Roarkjustshrugged.

“Ilovedthatgarden,too.Igetit,”saidWes.

“How’dtheyfindyou?”Shakesasked.

“Drones.Weheardbuzzingthedaybeforetheycame.Thedronesmusthavespiedusontheroof.Weshouldhavefledthatnight,butwedecidedtowaittillyougotback.Besides,wedidn’tknowwheretogo,andLiannandidn’twanttoleavewithoutfindingawaytotellShakeswhathadhappened.”

“Really?”Shakesasked.Hisfacewasturningred.“Shedidn’twantto...toleaveme?”

Roarkrolledhiseyes.“Whichturnedouttobethewrongdecision,asthesoldierscameforusthenextday.BrendonandIweredownstairs,inthekitchen,andsuddenlytheywereeverywhere;wedidn’tevenhearthedooropen,welookedupandtheyhadsurroundedus.Theyhadsomesortofweaponthatblockedourhearing.”Hewincedatthememory.

“Wetoldthemtherewereonlytwoofus,buttheyknewtherewasathird.TheyfoundLiannanontheroof.TheytookustothedetentioncenterinK-Townfirst,thenNewJava.”

“Wewerejustthere!”Shakesyelped.

“How’dyougetonapilgrimboat,then?”askedWes.

“Therewasariot,andweescaped.”

Wesnodded.Herememberedtheguardstalkingaboutabreakout,whichwaswhytheyhadkepthiminsolitary.Thewholeplacewasstillunderlockdownwhentheyarrived.

“WefoundarunnertakingpilgrimstotheBlueandtookachanceonitagain—whereelsecouldwego?WewantedtogetamessagetoNewVegasbutdidn’tthinkwecouldtrustanyoneafterwhathappened.AndbybadluckBrendonandIgotseparated.Heshouldbeontheotherboatthatgotpickeduphoursago;weheardtheirdistresssignal.Ithoughtourboatwouldbeabletoescapeuntilyoucaughtusjustnow.”

“TheColossusmusthavepickedthemup,”Wessaid,thinkingaboutthepilgrimboattheothercaptainhadbraggedaboutfinding.

“WhataboutLiannan?”Shakesasked.“Sheonthatboat,too?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Youdon’tknow?”

Shakeslookedreadytopoundthesmallmanevensmaller.

“Theytookherawaythemomenttheyfoundherontheroof.WeaskedaroundattheDC,askedtheprisonnetwork,andwhenwegotout,weaskedagain,butnoone’sseenher.Wehaven’tseenherforweeks,maybelonger...,”Roarksaid,rubbingathiseyeswithonefist.“ButIcan’tbelieveshe’sdead...andIwon’t.”

Shakesnodded,turningaway.Heslumpedagainstthecellwall.

WesreachedouttoputahandonhisshoulderbutShakespulledfromhisgrasp.“It’sokay,”Shakessaid,hisvoicehoarse.“Whenwelosther,thatfirstday,Iknewitwasover.IknewIwouldnevergetherback.Butwhenwesawyou,Roark,Ihoped...”Thewordstrailedoff.

RoarklookedasmiserableasShakessounded.

“ShemightbeontheColossus.Theremightstillbetime,man,”saidWes.

“Wesisright,thereisstillhope,”saidRoark.“IhadlostmineuntilIsawWesonthedeckandyouontheotherlifeboat.”Helookedatthemasifhehadonlynowrealizedthesignificanceofthesituation.“Areyougoingtotellmewhyyou’resuddenlyworkingfortheenemy?”

TheyhadonlyjustfinishedfillinghiminonElDoradoandElizawhenWes’sradiocrackledtolife.“Holdon,”hesaid,andpickedupthecomm.Itwastheothercarrier.“Wessonhere.”

“ThisisMcCleodfromtheColossus.Hostilesarefiringonus,requestbackup,convergeonourlocation.Repeat,weareunderattack!”

Wesconfirmedtheorder,putdownhisradio.“Allright,listenup,looksliketheycaughtsomeheat.YousaidDonnie’sontheothercruiser,right?”

Roarknodded.

“Okay,we’llgethimout,andmaybewecansneakawaywhilethey’refiringateachother.Takeoneoftheinflatableboats.”

“WhataboutEliza?”askedShakes.

“BradleymentionedabaseintheRedCity.That’sinNewKandy,right?We’llgothere,”Wesdecided.“Trytospringherout.”

“Whatiftheykillherbeforewegetthere?WhentheyfindoutyouwentAWOL?”

Wesbithislip.“I’mcountingonusworkingfasterthantheirbureaucracy.Wecan’tstayhere.Ifthisiceholewakesup,knockhimoutagain,”hetoldhissmallfriend.

“Gladly,”repliedRoarkwithabloodysmile.

•••

WesleftShakestodealwiththerestoftheprisonersandrantothebridge,whereheorderedFarouktoplotacoursetowardtheothercruiser.Theytraveledasfastastheirvesselwouldallow,ridingtowardacloudofsmokethatgraduallyexpandedonthehorizon.Wesradioedtheship’scaptainagainbutdidn’treceiveareply.Hehadnootherwaytocommunicatewiththesinkingship,andthesmokegrewdarkeranddenserastheydrewnearer.

Hepickeduphisbinocularsandsawthevesselaflame,smokerisingfromthedeck,soldiersscramblinginthedark,someescapinginlifeboats,othersstayingtofight.Theshipwasnotmoving;thehullwaspiercedandtakingonwater.

WesorderedFarouktorunparalleltotheothership,tocomeupslowly.“Goliath,thisisyourcaptain,LieutenantWesson.Standready.Donotfireuntilordered.Repeat.Donotfireuntilordered.”

HetoldFarouktoslowdownandkilltheengines,sotheycoulddrifttowardtheflamingvessel.Thecruiserwasonfire,butWescouldn’tspotthehostileshipthathadattackedthem.

“Boss,”Farouksaid.“We’vegotaproblem.”

“What?”Wessnapped,watchingwithhorrorasoneofthesoldiersontheburningdeckoftheGoliathjustburstintoflamewhenhisfireextinguisherhittheblaze.Thiswasmagic,allright;whoeverhadattackedtheshipwasmarked,powerful,anddangerous.

“Oneoftheboysbelowjustarmedourrockets.”

Thekidsmusthavepanicked.They’dseenwhathehadjustseen—andprobablythoughtitbesttosinktheentireship,sincethat’swhatthebrassalwaysdid.Cutlosses.Closeexits.Killeveryoneinside.

Wesscrambledfortheoverrideandhitthebutton,butitwastoolate.

Arocketsailedthroughtheair,abrilliantorangearc.Itwouldtearaholethroughthedeckandtheshipwouldsink,takingeveryonedownwithit.Godfreezeit,WessurehopedBrendonandLiannanweren’tonthatship.Helookedthroughhisbinocularsagain.

Apairoffiguresonthedeckwererunningfromthemissileaimedtheirway—atallmalefigurewithshockingwhitehair,andtheother—female,slim,raven-haired,andsofamiliar.

Wesalmostdroppedthebinoculars.

ItwasNat.

Chapter20NATWASRUNNINGBEHINDFAIXWHENsheheardit—alowhumthatechoedallaround,thesoundofengines,thedullchurnofthewaves.Overhershouldershesawasecondcruiserburstoutofthemistandaflameshootupwardfromitsdeck.They’dfiredarocket,andthegleamingmissilewasheadingrightforthem.

Withouthesitating,almostwithoutthinking,sheturnedtowarditandraisedherhandsasshehadseenFaixdo,andthemissileexplodedintotheairallaroundher.Sheaccepteditsflames,accepteditsdestruction,tooktheheatintoherbodytojointhefireinsideher,andshattereditintoamillionmolecules,sothatitfellharmlesslyaroundthemlikearainofwhitelight.Nathadn’tyetlearnedhowtoshapetheether,butturningsomethingintonothing—thatshecoulddo.

“You’relearning.”Faixsmiled.

“Babysteps.”Natacknowledgeditwithsatisfaction,buttheirworkwasn’tdone.“Comeon,Liannan’svoiceiscomingfromdownhere,”shesaid,runningtoadoorinthebulkhead.Itwassecuredwithalargewheelandshespunit,unwindingthehiddenmechanism,thelocksclickingopen.Butwhenshepulledonit,thedoorremainedstuck,andshebracedherselfagainstthewallandpulledagain.

Thedoorrippedfreefromthebulkhead,hurtlingthroughtheair,crashingintothedarkwaters,splashingblackfilthinalldirections.

Natfeltacertaingrimsatisfactionathercapacityfordestruction.Shehadobliteratedthemissileandtornopenthedoor.Whatevershewas,shewasgoodatbreakingthings,andshewasproudofit.

Faixpeeredintothehole.Stairsspiraleddownintothedarkness.

Nat,Nat,Nat.

Natsliddownthestairs,Faixrightbehind.Thereweredozensofcellsandprisonersclamoringforrelease;theyhadheardthesoundsofgunshots,ofbattle,andworriedtheywouldbelefttodrowninthebottomoftheship.

Faixgesturedwithhishandandallthedoorsopenedatonce.

Thepilgrimsswarmedout,haggardanddirty,runningupthestairstowardthelifeboats.“Liannan!Whereareyou?Liannan!”Natcalled.Shecouldn’thearthevoiceinherheadanymore.“Liannan!”

“Nat!”Ahandwaspullingonhershirt.

Shelookeddown.

“Brendon!”

“Nat!”heexclaimedjoyfully.“You’rehere!You’vecometorescueus!”

Shegrinned.Itwasgoodtoseeherfriend.Brendonwasthinner,andhisbeardwasraggedandfilthy,buthiseyeswereshiningbrightly.Shehandedhimadaggerfromherbootandheaccepteditgratefully.“Oh,youlooklovely,”hesaid.“Isthatleather?Thecraftsmanshipisspectacular.”ShethoughtonlyBrendonwouldnoticewhatshewaswearingatatimelikethis.Thensherealizedhewastalkingabouttheknife.

Shehadtosmile.“Where’sLiannan?Isn’tshewithyou?Roark?Shakes?Wes?”

Brendonshookhishead.“No,it’sjustme.Idon’tknowwhereanyoneis.RoarkandIgotseparatedafewdaysago,andIhaven’tseenLiannaninweeks.”HiseyesgrewwidewhenhesawFaix.

Thesylphapproached,lurked,halfinshadow,hisfaceslowlyemergingfromthedark,hispaleskinandbrighteyesglowinginthedimlight.“Sheisnothere.Idon’tunderstandit.Butwemustgetaway.Theothershipwillbeuponus.”

Natnodded.Brendonfollowedspeechlessly.

Theyranbackuptothedecktofindchaos,assoldiersscatteredandfled,shovingpilgrimsoffthelifeboatsorjumpingintothewater.

Theyfearmypeopleastheyfearedthedrakon.AllthoseyearsIlivedinfear,andnowIamfeared.

Natlookedacrossthewater,atthegrayhullofthesecondcruiserapproachingfast.Wouldtheyfireanotherrocket?Theshipwascomingalongsidetheirvesseltoboardit.

Iwillsinktheirship.Iwilltearholesinitshull.Iwillcrushitintonothingness.Iwillburnittoashes.Destroythembeforetheydestroyyou.

Wasitthedrakon’svoicesheheardorherown?

Shestaredattheship,feelingthefirebegintobuildinsideher,swirlingandbeautiful,andshesmiled.

Ifeelalmostwholeagain.Whenitburns.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Brendonasked,watchinginhorror.Theblackarmorsheworeturnedhotascoals,andshewascoveredinorangeflame.“Roarkcouldbeonthatship!”

Roark.Liannan.Shewasstilllookingforherfriends.Whatwasshethinking?Therewerepeopleonthatship.Shehadbeenabouttokilleveryoneonboard.Herflamediedasquicklyasitappeared.

NAT!

ShelookedupandsawFaixatthecornerofhereye,slippingintotheshadows.Butwhy?Thenshesaw—asecretboat—aninflatablefromtheothercruiser—anditssoldiershadsnuckupontothedecktosecureitwhilesheandFaixweredownbelow.

Natwasabouttomovetowardthemwhentherewasaclickbyherear.Shefeltthebarrelofagunpointedrightatthebackofherhead.

“Brendon’sright,Roarkisonthatship,”saidavoicebehindher.

Astrongvoice.

Brave.Unwavering.

Andvery,veryfamiliar.

Sheturnedandsawthefaceofhercaptorforthefirsttime.

Itwasreallyhim,unlesshermindwasplayingtricksonher.Andgivenallofthetricksshehadbeentryingtogetittoplaylately,thatwasarealpossibility.

MaybeI’veformedhimoutoftheether.

Somethingfromnot-nothing.

Butthelongershestared,themoresheknewhewasreal.

Wesstoodinfrontofher,hisfacegrimandhismouthsetinahardline.Hewaswearingauniform,withofficerstripesonhisshoulders,andhisshaggyhairhadbeencutshort,closetothescalp,makinghisfaceevenmorestriking.Likeawarrior,shethought.Somethingancient.Somethingrough.ThereareotherkindsofpowerbesidesmineandFaix’s.

Whileherheartleaptatthesightofhim,shewasafraidaswell.Slowly,shetriedtopiecetogethertherealityofthesituation.

Hewasasoldieragain?Wes?

Weswastheenemy?Hewasonboardtheothership?Hehadfiredthatmissile?Whywashepointingagunather?

Shestaredathim,herheartbeatingsofastinherchest,shefeltdizzy.Wes...

Hermindwasmuddledwiththoughts,memories,feelings,butshedidn’twanttothinktoomuchwhileFaixwasaroundtoreadherthoughts.Shedidn’twanthimtoknowwhatshefeltforWes.Thatpartofherwassacred,private,somethingonlysheandtheboystandinginfrontofherinthegrayuniformcouldknow.

Ifit’sstillthere.Ifhestillfeelsit,too.

Whenshehadseenhimontheracetrack,hewasarunner,butwhathadhappenedbetweenthenandnow?Whywasheinuniform?Thelasttimethey’dbeentogetherhehadkissedher,andthememoryofhiskisswasstillaliveinhermind,inherheart,inthatpromisehehadmade.Thisisn’ttheendforus.Shewantedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,wantedhimtoholdheragain,wantedtofeelhisbodynexttohers.

Butheonlystoodthere,watchingherwithhoodedeyes,distant,astranger.

“Comeon,”Wessaid,hisgunstillaimedatherhead.HenoddedtoBrendon.“Let’sgo.You’rebothwithme.”

Chapter21WESKEPTHISFACEIMPASSIVEASheherdedNatandBrendonacrossthedeck.Hismindwasracingfromatorrentofemotions.

Hehadseenherdie,hadseenthemissile’srainbowoffirearctowardher.

Sheshouldhavedied.

Therehadbeennothinghecoulddo,nowaytorecallthedronemissile,nowaytostoptheinevitablefromhappening.

Watchingthatrocketfallwaslikewatchingtheworldend.Hehadbracedhimselfagainstthehelm,saidaprayer,andclosedhiseyes.

Whenheopenedthem,hesawabrilliantflashlightuptheoceanandturntheskywhite,brightasasunnyday,adayWeshadneverexperiencedbefore,adayfromthetimebefore,abrightbrilliantday.

Whichshouldhavebeenimpossible,becausetherecouldbenolightinaworldwithouther.

AndyetNatwasstillstandingthere,surroundedbytheflashofwhite,blindinglight.

Itwasher.

Shewasthelight.

Somehow,she’dtornthemissileintoathousandshards.She’dsavedherselfandeveryoneleftonthatship.

LovelyNatashaKestal.

Wessawherashe’dseenherthefirsttimeatthecasino,whenshe’dstolenhischipsandtakenfirmownershipofhisheart,andherememberedherface

whenhehadkissedher,andthewordsshehadsaidtohimthathadburnedintohissoul.

Iloveyou,Iloveyousomuch,butIcan’t.

Herdarkhairfellbelowhershoulders,andshewaswearingsomesortofblackslim-fittingleather,withashieldstrappedtoherbackandaswordholsteredonherside.Shewasasbeautifulanddangerousasshehadalwaysbeen,nowevenmoreso.

Ican’t.

Thenherealizedshewasstandinginthemiddleofaburningship,andhehadtogethertheiceoutofthere.TheColossuswasslowlysinking,itsdeckcoveredindebris,andtherewereholesinitshull.

“SHAKES!GETMEANINFLATABLE!”Wesordered,planningtoheadovertothecruiserasquicklyaspossible.HeradioedtheColossus.“THISISLIEUTENANTWESSON!STOWYOURWEAPONS,IREPEAT,STOWYOURWEAPONS!”Hecouldn’ttakethechancethatoneofthegruntswouldfireonNat,eventhoughitlookedasifshecouldtakecareofherself.Henearlyfelldownthestairs,stumblingovertherisersashehurriedfromthecommandtowertothedeck.

Shakesandagroupofsoldierswerealreadyloweringaboatintothewater,andWessqueezedbetweenapairoftheyoungerrecruits.“TellFarouktosetacourseandfollowus,”heorderedShakes.“Andgetready,”hesaidmeaningfully.Thismightjustbetheopportunitytheywerelookingfor,awayoutofthebind.Inchaoswasopportunity,awisemanoncesaid.

Wessteeredthesmallmotorboatovertotheburningship.“Keepyourweaponsholstered.Thesmallmenareunarmedand,well,small.There’snoneedtoshootanyone,”heordered.

“Whataboutthatgirl?”oneofthemasked.“Andthatwhite-hairwithher?”

Wessquinted.“I’lltakecareofthem.”

Theysnuckonboardfromtheafttofindthecrewhadabandonedship,andthedeckwascoveredinsmokeandfire,litteredwithspentcartridges,shatteredguns,andshrapnel,pilgrimsscramblingintolifeboats.Itwasthenthatherealizedhe’dbeensofocusedonNatthathehadn’tevenseenherdrakon.Wherewasthemightybeasthiding,anddiditmatter?Hewasn’tafraidofherdrakon.Hewasn’tafraidofher.

WeshadjustmadeitondeckwhenhesawNat,coveredinthatorangefire,Brendonnexttoher.Brendonsaidhername,andthefiredied.

Justlikethat.

Shedidn’tseehim.ShewasfacingtheGoliath,whichwassteamingtheirway.He’dseenherbreakironchains,tossslaversintothesea,turnthatmissileintodust.Ifhedidn’tgettoherquickly,shewouldtearbothshipsapart.

Hewantedtocalltoherbuthehadsoldiersbyhisside,andanyoneofthemcouldkillherwithabullet.Hehadtodothishimself.

SoWesputaguntoherheadandtoldhertofollowhim.

•••

NowNatwaswalkingrightinfrontofhim,soclosethathecouldreachoutandtouchher,butinsteadhehadtocontenthimselfwithadmiringhergracefulsilhouette,thewayherbelthuggedhersmallwaist,howprettyherdarkhairlookedtuckedbehindherears,exposingherlong,whiteneck.

Shehadnobusinessbeingonthisship.

Maybeeveninthisworld.

“Lieutenant?”oneofhissoldiersasked.

Wessnappedtoattention.Hehadalmostforgottenthathehadacrewtocommand.“Youtwo,findthecaptain,seeifhe’sstillalive,andifheis,gethimdownhere.Bark,Stuffin,andtherestofyou,gobelowdecks,securetheholds,findfiresuppressionequipment,putouttheflames,andgetthisvesselinorder.”

Thecrewscattered,andWesmadeafewcalculationsandpunchedoutinstructionstoShakesonhishandheld,usingthesecretcodethey’dsharedduringcountlesscovertmissions.Withinmoments,theywereJekyllandHydeoncemore.

“Wes,whereareyoutakingus?”Brendonaskedmeekly.“IsRoarkwithyou?Shakes?”

Hedidn’tanswer.Hehadtopretendnottoknowthem,nottocareaboutthemfornow.HesawNatlookoverhershoulderathimquestioningly,buthehadtokeephisdistanceforhersafety.Hewasincommand,andshewastheenemy.Hetriedtoappearindifferent,stolid,buthecaughthergazeandforamomentitwaslikenothingatallhadhappenedtotearthemapart.Theywerebackonthatislandshore,andshewasinhisarms,andhe’djustkissedher.It

wasallhecoulddonottokissherrightthere.

Nat—

Buttheclankingofbootsfromthestairwayabovebroughthimbacktothepresent.WeslookedupandfoundthecaptainoftheColossusstaringdownathim,severalsoldiersrightbehindhimholdingtheirguns.“Abouttimeyouarrived,Wesson,”hesnarled.Wesrememberedhimfromtrainingatthebase;hisnamewasMcCleodandhehadanastywayabouthim,oneofthosesickoswhotooksadisticgleeinthepainofothers.

Wessalutedthecaptain,sinceheoutrankedhimbyafewstripesandtheywerestillonthesameteam,oratleasthehadtopretendtobe.“Takingthesetwotomyship;we’vegotroominourhold.Itoldyourboystoworryaboutgettingthisfireundercontrol.”

“No,thisshipisdone,we’llrideoverwithyou,”McCleodsaid.

Weshadafeelingitwouldn’tbeeasytogethisfriendsbackonhisship.“Thereisn’tanyspaceontheinflatable,sir.I’llsendanotherforyouandyourmen.”

“Nonsense,leavetheprisonersbehind.Weweretakingtheminpeacefullywhentheybeganfiringatus,andnowlookatthismess.Betteryet,shootthembothandbedonewithit.”Heturnedtohismen.“Shootthesetwoandrounduptherest.Comeon,Wesson.”

Wesmovedtoshieldhisfriendswhen,outofnowhere,thecaptainbegantochokeandthegunsflewoutofthesoldiers’hands,shatteringagainstthebulkhead.

Thesamewhite-hairedsylphthatWeshadseenfromadistanceappearedfromtheshadowsasonebyoneMcCleodandhismenfelltothefloor,clutchingtheirthroats,clawingattheirownskin.

“No!”Natcriedinhorror.“Faix—no!”

Butitwastoolate.Thecaptainandhissoldiersweredead,theyweresprawledonthedeck,theirfacespurple,suffocatedandbleedingfromthecutsontheirthroatsmadebydiggingtheirnailsintotheirownskin.

Wessteppedovertheirbodiesandpointedhisgunatthewhite-hairedstranger.“Idon’tknowwhoorwhatyouare,butdon’tyoumakeamoveuntilIsayso.”

Thesylphonlysmiled,staringfixedlyatWes.HeraisedhishandandWescockedhisgun,thetwoofthematastandoffuntilNatcamebetweenthem.

“Stopit!”

Thesylphturnedtoherandloweredhishand.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,andwhisperedsomethinginhisear.

SheturnedtoWes.“Areyouallright?”

“Yeah,yourboyfrienddidn’tdoanydamagetome,sweetheart,”hesaid,annoyedathowintimateNatseemedtobewiththiscreature.

Shereeledasifslapped.“He’snotmy—”

“HEY,ICEHOLES,SOMEONECALLACAB?”ItwasShakes,fromthedeckoftheGoliath,asthecruiserpowerednexttotheburningColossus.Faroukwavedfromthebridge,Roarknexttohim.Brendonyelped.“Iknewit!”

“GETOVERHERE!”Wesyelledback.ThereweretoomanypilgrimsontheColossustofitintheremaininglifeboats.Hehadanewideaandheneededhisboystohelp,andtosecureanysoldiersthatremainedontheship.

“You—”hesaid,turningbacktothewhite-hairedsylph.“Youdidn’thavetokillthem.Wewouldhavebeenabletosubduethem.”

“Perhaps.ButIcouldnottakethechance.NowthereisenoughtimeforthepilgrimstomaketheirwaytothegateofAfal.Isavedtheirlives,”Faixsaid,hislonghairripplinginthewind,hiseyescoldanddistant.

“Youcan’tsavelivesbytakingothers,”Wessaid,hisknucklesturningwhiteasheheldhisgun.Itdidn’tmatterwhichsidetheyfoughtfor;thosesoldiersdidn’thavetodiethatway.“Whoeveryouare,you’reasadexcuseforasylph,”hesaid,thinkingofLiannanandhowshewouldnurtureeventhesmallestwoundedanimalbacktolife.

“That’snosylph,”saidBrendon,pipingupfrombehindthem.“He’sadrau.”

Chapter22THEREWASASTUNNEDSILENCEONthedeckaseveryonestaredatFaix.Drauwerealegendaryandviciousrace.Theycaredfornothingandnoone,andtheirpowerknewnoboundsnorrestraint.Thewhite-hairedmanstaredbackateveryonewithhisbeautifulbutfearsomesilvereyes,andhiswordsprojectedintoeveryone’sconsciousness.

Thesmallmaniscorrect.Iamdrau.Iwasherewhentheworldwasyoung,whendrakonsandtheirryddersfilledthesky.Iwillremainhereuntiltheend,untiltheverystarsexpireandthisworldisjustamemory.

Iamdrau.

IamFaixLazaved,MessengertotheQueenofVallonis.Wearethefirstandthelast,andyouarerighttofearme,forallthestoriesaboutmypeoplearetrue.

Icankillwithmymind.

Myheartismadeofice.

“Faix!Stopit!”Natyelled.“Stopscaringeverybody!Thesearemyfriends.”

Sheturnedtotheirashenfaces.Weswasstaringatherlikeshewasastranger,andithurttoseethatbetrayed,shockedlookonhisface.

“You’rewithhim?”Wesasked.

“Yes,but—”

Henodded,cuttingheroff,unwillingtohearmore.

Shedidn’twanttoexplaineverythinginfrontofeveryone,andespecially

notinfrontofFaix.Couldn’tWesseewhatajoyitwasforhertoseehim,tohearhisvoice,toknowhewasaliveandsafe?

WesraisedhisgunandpointeditatFaixagain.“You’llleavetherestofthesesoldiersaloneoranswertome,”hesaid,astheremainingcrewoftheColossuscameoutoftheshadows,theirhandsraisedinsurrender.

“Yourweaponwillnothurtme,”Faixsaid.

“Can’thurttotry,”Wessaidwithhissignaturecockysmile.

“Wes,please.Don’t.Hewashelpingme.WewerelookingforLiannan.Shewascallingforhelp.Ithoughtshewashere.Iheardher.”

“She’snothere,Nat,”saidBrendon.“Wehaven’tseenLiannaninweeks,nearlyamonth.”

“Butthatcan’tbe,”shesaid.“Thecallcamefromhere.”Still,asconfusedasshewasaboutLiannan,NatsawthatWesandFaixwerestilleyeingeachotherwarily,andsheknewshehadtoactquicklytodefusethesituation.Faixhadshockedherwithhisspeed,hisruthlessness.He’dsnuffedoutlivesaseasilyasblowingoutcandles,butFaixwasherguide,herteacher—andherfriend.

Drauornot,shethoughtofhimasafriend.

Shehadlethimintohermind,lethimintoherconsciousness,formingabondthatwasnotunliketheoneshesharedwithherdrakon.

“Youshouldhavetoldme,”shesaidtoFaix.“Youshouldhavetoldmewhatyoureallyare.”Thedrauwerecreaturesofmyth,themostpowerfulandterrifyingraceonearth,orsothelegendswent,buthewasalsoherfriendandhehadliedtoheraboutwhathewas.

“Ididnotmeantodeceiveyou.Ihavealwaysbeenmyself.Drauisyourwordforus,youdivideusintosylphanddrau,butweareoneandthesame.Drauismerelyanolderwordforourkind,”hesaid.“Yourpeoplefearusforgoodreason.ButyoumustknowIwouldneverharmyouoryourfriends.”

“Right,”Wessaidsarcastically.

“Youfearme,RyanWesson.Youseemeasaromanticrival,Itakeit?Aninterestingproposition,Iwillagree.Sheisawondrousgirl.”

Natcolored,butsheknewFaixwellenoughtoknowhewasnomoreattractedtoherthanhewastoherdrakon.Whiletherewasfriendshipbetweenthem,therewasnochanceofromancefromeitherside.No.FaixjustwantedtotauntWes,topissonhisterritory,sotospeak.Boys.Drauor

mortal,theywereallthesame.Thetwoofthemlockedeyestoseewhowouldblinkfirst.

Wesslowlydroppedhisgun.“Fine.”

“Awisechoice,”Faixsaid,returninghisstare.Thenheblanchedandputahandtohistemple.

“What’swithhim?”Wesasked.

“Idon’tknow—Faix?What’swrong?”

“It’snothing,”Faixsaid,recoveringhiscomposure.Hisfeatureswereatoncemoreserene,impassive.Sheknewhewaslying,justlikehehadaboutthecharmaroundhisneck.She’dneverseenFaixreactinsuchamanner.Evenwhentheywerealoneinthesmallboat,gunfireintheair,theirshipsinking,Faixhadn’tseemedtheleastbitworried.

ShecaughtWesstaringather,butwhenshemethiseyes,helookedawayagain.Shewishedtheywerealone,wishedshecouldtalktohimwithoutFaixpeeringintoherhead.Butsincethatwasn’tpossiblerightnow,sheturnedtoFaixinstead.“Itrustedyou.”

“Andyoucancontinuetodoso,”hesaid,smokehangingintheair,wavescrashingagainstthecruiser.Therewassootinhishairandonhisface,andforthefirsttimeFaixnolongerresembledthebrightandperfectsylph,thewiseandagelessmentorshehadknown.“YouandIarethelastoftherydders.ManyinVallonisbelievetheryddersareborntofight,thatwearecreaturesofviolence,warriorswhoarebestkeptoutsideApis.ButIdisagree.Wecanbemorethanwarriors,morethanavehicleforflameanddestruction.Youcancontrolthefireanddreadthatliveswithinyou.Youhaveseenit.”Hiseyesblazedwhenhespokeoftheflame.Hewasawarrior,amanwhowouldkillifneeded.Herteacherandmentorwasgone.

“Youkilledthemwithoutwarning,”shesaid.“Isthatsomethingryddersdo?”

“Whenitisnecessary.”

“Andwasit?”Wessaid.

Roarkhadclimbedonboardfromtheropeladderonthefarsideofthedeck,andBrendonhadruntohim.Thesmallmenwereembracing,theireyesteary,grinswide.Dirtclungtotheirfacesandclothes,theirhairwasplasteredwithsweat,buttheirhappinesswasapparenttoall.

NatwishedherrelationshipwithWeswasaseasy.Howdiditgetso

complicatedsoquickly?Hewasstandingonlyafewfeetawayfromher,butshecouldn’ttalktohim,couldn’tevenmoveclosertohim,andhewasunwillingtolookather.Thiswasnotwhatshedreamedofwhenshe’dpicturedseeingWesagain—thetwoofthemsurroundedbysmokeandflame,withthebodiesofthedeadonthefloor,theremainingsoldierscowering,thepilgrims’moans,awhite-haireddraubetweenthem.

Ilovehim.

Ilovehim,andthisisallIcanhaveofhim.

Ofcourseitwas.Thiswasherlife.Thiswasalwaysherlife.Shedidn’tknowwhysheeverexpectedittobeanydifferent.Nomatterhowmanypromisestheymadetoeachother,shebelongedtotheBlueandhetothegraylands.Theycouldneverbetogether,andthefastertheyacceptedthat,theeasieritwouldbe.

Frombelowcametheechoofgunshots,breakingtheawkwardsilence,andNat,forone,wasalmostgladfortheinterruption.

Weswinced.“ThelastoftheColossuscrew,probably,”hesaid.“I’llhandlethismyway.Wetakeeveryonealive.You,stayhere,”heorderedFaix.Hewhistledtohiscrew.“Useirononhimifhemoves.”

“Whataboutme?”askedNatquietly.“AmIyourhostage,too?”

Chapter23BEFOREWESCOULDANSWERHER,ONEofhisboysranup,sweatyandscared.“Lieutenant!There’sasoldierwho’sbarricadedhimselfinoneofthecellsandwon’tcomeout.ToldhimwewerefromtheGoliath,buthewon’tlisten.”

“That’swhatIthought,”hesaid,stillkeepingacloseeyeonthedrauwhohoveredtoocloselytoNat.Thedrauwhohadcalledhimselfaromanticrival.WasNatseriouslywiththatwhite-hairedicehole?Hadthewholeworldgonecompletelymad?“Okay,I’lldealwithit.”

“No—hesaid—hewantsher,”theboysaid,pointingtoNat.“Hewantstotalktothegirl.Hewon’tsurrenderotherwise.We’vetriedbuthewon’tlistentous.Hewantstoseeher.”

WescaughtNat’seyebrieflyandraisedhiseyebrow.Hehadmisgivingsaboutit,butitseemedeasiertoagreethanresisttherequestfornow.

“Youdon’thavetogowithhim,Nat,”thewhite-hairedman—thefreezingdrau—saidtoherinwhatwaswaytooproprietaryatoneforWes’sliking.

“I’llgo,”shesaid.

Wesnoddedasifhecouldn’tcareless.HemotionedtothestairwayandNatheadeddown.Belowdecks,thelightswereoff,andthecorridorwasbeginningtoflood.

“Soifhe’snotyourboyfriend,whoishethen?”Wesasked,hisvoicelow.Heknewheshouldn’tsayanything—thathehadnorighttosayanything—buthecouldn’thelphimself.

Natturnedaroundtolookhimintheeye.“He’sjustafriend.”

“You’refriendswithdraunow,isthatit?”Heraisedhiseyebrowandhiseyessparkledtoshowhewasteasingher,tryingtoeasethetension.“Idon’tseeyouformonths,andthisiswhatyoudowithyourtime?”Hewasunabletostophimselffromteasingher,justalittle.

“LikeIsaid,Ididn’tknow,”shesaid.“It’scomplicated...andwhataboutyou?Whathaveyoubeenupto...Lieutenant?”

Butgunfirelitthecorridorandhedidn’thavetimetoanswer.Thesoundwasdeafening.Sparksflewasbulletspepperedthehallway.WesduckedandcoveredNatwithhisbody,pressingbothofthemagainstthewall,gladtohavetheexcusetotouchherforamoment,evenifsomeonewasshootingatthem.

Imissedyou.

Theyweresoclosehecouldhavekissedhercheek,andhecouldfeelherbodytenseunderneathhis.

Imissedthis.

Thecorridorshookwiththesoundofbulletsricocheting.Wesyelled,hisvoiceechoingdownthelengthoftheship,“THISISLIEUTENANTWESSON,CAPTAINOFTHEGOLIATH!IORDERYOUTODROPYOURWEAPONANDSURRENDER!”

Therewasadeafeningsilence.Followedbymoregunfire.

“Wes,”Natsaid.She’dsaidhisnameforthefirsttime,anditsethiseverynerveendingonfire.“Becareful,”shewhispered.

Heheldhergaze.“Aren’tIalways?”Buthisheartbeatpainfully.Whoeverthaticeholewasupthere,shestillcaresaboutme.Thethoughtmadehisfaceflush,andheforcedhimselftolookaway.

One.Two—

“IREPEAT,DROPYOURWEAPON!”hecalled,asheburstintothehallway,firinghisown.

“YOUHAVETHEGIRL?”avoicecalledfromtheopendoorway.

OnceagainWeslookedatNat,whoshrugged.“She’srightherewithme,buddy,”hecalled.

“Okay,”saidthevoice,withpalpablerelief.

“Isitonlyyouinthere?”askedWes.

“It’sjustme,”saidthevoice.

Thiswasgoingtobeeasierthanhethought.“Allright,tossoutyourgun.”

Thecloudofsmokeclearedandarifleflewout,skiddingonthefloor.Astoutsoldierfollowed,walkingoutwithhishandsupandhisheaddown.

“Whatthehellisthisallabout?”Wesasked.

Theboylookedup,fromWestoNat,wide-eyed.“Isitreallyher?Thegirl?Theonewhodestroyedthemissile?Theoneeveryone’sbeentalkingabout?Therider?”

“Drakonrydder,”Natcorrected,steppingforward.“Howdoyouknowaboutme?”

Wessmileddrily.“Yeah,that’sher,”hesaidtothesoldier.ToNat,hesaid,“Seemsyou’requitetheherothesedays.Thegruntsalltellstoriesaboutyourblack-wingedfriendandthegirlwhoridesonhisback.”

“Theydo?”Natsoundedamused.

“Itisher.”ThesoldierstoodinchesfromNat,hisgazefilledwithadmiration,withawe.Helookedhopefulbutintimidated,likealittleboystandingbeforehishero.Thesoldier’shandwaveredasheofferedherahandshake.“Iwanttojoinyou,”hesaid,hisvoicetrembling.“Iwanttofollowthedrakonrydder.”

“HernameisNat.Andshe’swithme,”Wessaidsmoothly.“SoIguessyouare,too,now.What’syourname,soldier?”

Thekidlookedaroundfifteenyearsoldandtwentypoundsoverweight.Weshadn’tseenmanyoverweightkidsintheRSA.Foodwasaluxury;onlythewealthycouldaffordtoeattoomuchofit.

“IceCreamCone,Imean,Chip.Chip’smyrealname.ChipsWin.Iknowit’sadumbname,whatcanIdo,myparentsworkedinthecasinos.TheguyscallmeIceCreamCone,Coneforshort.”Hesplutteredoutthewords,nervousorembarrassed.Probablyboth.

“How’dyougetthathandle?Youeatallthehotfudgesqueezersonyourboat?”

Coneblushed,whichprobablymeanthehad.Weswasamusedbuttriednottoshowit.

•••

Backondeck,ShakeshadroundeduptherestoftheColossuscrewandwas

workingwithBrendonandRoarktoferrythelastofthepilgrimsintothelifeboatsheadingtowardtheGoliath.Withouthavingtotellthem,hisboysalreadyknewwhattheyhadtodo.WeshadpromisedShakestheywouldgetoutassoonastheysawanopportunity,andthiswasit.Theyweregivingthepilgrimstheircruiser—withthelargerboat,theywouldbeabletosurvivetheperilsoftheblackoceans,andtheiroddsofreachingtheBlueimprovedmarkedly.

“Hey,Nat,”Shakessaidwithaghostofasmile.“Welcomeback.”

“Shakes!”shesaid,andgavehimanaffectionatehug.WeswasirritatedtofindthatnowhewasevenjealousofShakes,ifonlybecauseNatseemedtohavenoproblemshowingheraffectionforhim.

Getagrip,man.

HisfriendwinkedathimandletNatgo.Shakesalwaysknewexactlywhathewasthinking.He’dbetter,sincetheywererunningoutoftime.

“Headbacktobase,don’tfollowus,”WessaidtotheremainingsoldiersoftheColossusandtheGoliath,whomtheyhaddumpedintothelastinflatable.“Youonlyhaveenoughfueltogetbackthere,sodon’twasteyourtime.Ifyouwant,youcanjoinuslikeConehere.We’regoingAWOL,andyou’llbefugitives,butweneedgoodmen.I’lltakeyouon.”

Therewerenotakers.

“Fine.”Wesnodded.

Nexttohim,Natturnedpaleandgrippedhisarm.“Liannan!”shesaid,hereyesclosed.“She’scallingme.Weneedtofindher.”

“Liannan?”Shakessaidurgently.“Youknowwheresheis?She’salive?”

“Yes.”Natopenedhereyes.“They’rekeepingheralivefornow...butshedoesn’thavemuchtime.”

Chapter24NATOPENEDHEREYESANDSTAREDatthegroupoffriendswhosurroundedher—Wes,handsomeandsevereinhisgraylieutenant’suniform;Shakes,nowaskeletonofhisformerself,sallow-skinnedunderhisscragglybeard;BrendonandRoark,hopefulbutwary;Farouk,keepinghisdistanceabit;andFaix,standingapartfromthegroup,hissilvereyesglitteringlikeicicles.Shemightaswellbelookingatapatchworkquiltmadeupofclashing,tattered,mismatchedrags.

Halfofthemhatetheotherhalf.

Still,theywerefamiliar,andtheywereheretohelp.Andhelpwaswhatsheneededmorethananythingelserightnow.

“Liannanneedsus,”Natsaid,raisinghervoice.“She’ssoscared.”

“Whereisshe?”Shakesasked,red-faced.“Yousaidshedidn’thavelongtolive...”Hechokedonhiswords.Thepossibilitywastoodifficulttotalkabout.Natunderstood,becauseshefeltthesameway.

“She’saprisonersomewhere,buthercallfadedbeforeIcouldfocus.Ithoughtshewashere.”Natsighed.“Ineedyourhelpagain,”shesaidtoFaix.

“Wemustnotactrashly,”saidFaix.“Weansweredthecallanditbroughtushere,wheresheisnolonger.Itcouldbeanecho,orsomesortofdeception.”

“Iheardher,”Natargued.“Therehastobeareasonthecallbroughtushere.”MaybeLiannanwantedmetofindWes,shethought.Maybeshesentmeherefirst.Thethoughtmadeherblush.Butwhywouldshedothatifherlifewasindanger?

Shetriedagain.“Iknowwecanfindherthistime.Faix,please.”

“Who’sblondie?”Shakesgrowled,casuallyholdinghisgunasheturnedtothesilver-hairedFaix.

“Nat’snewfriend,”Wessaid.“FaketheDrau.Orsomething.”

“Faix,”saidFaix,withawitheringlook.“Sonof—”

“Saveit,FakeBlondie,”saidShakes.

Faixdidnotsmile.Nattriednotto.“Hecameheretohelp,”shesaid.“Andhecouldbasicallykillyouwithonebreath,soI’dwatchthejokes.”

“Mustbesomebreath,”mutteredShakes.Still,hebackedaway.

Natshookherhead.“Youdon’tgetit.Liannan’scallbroughtushere,andIwasonlyabletofocusonitwithhishelp.”Shehadtomakethemunderstandthateveniftheycouldn’ttrustFaix,theyneededhim,especiallyiftheywantedtofindthemissingsylph.

Andsheknewthat,morethananyone,Shakesdid.Nowhelookedalmostcontrite.Messagereceived.

Natclosedhereyesagain,strainingtohearLiannan’ssoftvoice.Itwasthere,afaintecho,muffled,mostlikelybyanironcellthatdampenedhermagic.

“Faix,”shesaid.“Canyouhelpmefindhervoiceagain?”

Faixshookhishead,andShakeslookedlikehewasabouttomurderhim.

“SoFakeBlondiewon’thelp,”Wessaid.“Maybewecanconvincehimotherwise.”Hecockedhisgun.

Thedraulookedannoyed.“Youmisunderstand.Thereisnoneedforviolence.Iwillaidyouinyourquesttofindyourfriend.”

“Thankyou,Faix.”Natsmiled.

“Iwasmerelyexpressingmyconcernthatperhapsthiscallthatyouhearisnotwhatyouthinkitis.”

“Andwhatareyou,theexpertonfakecalls?Thatseemsprettyconvenient,doesn’tit,Fake?”Westurnedhisgunoverinhishand,polishingitwiththeedgeofoneuniformsleeve.

FaixignoredWes.“Ifyouinsist,Nat,youmustdoasbefore,openyourmindtomine,andtogetherwewillfindher.”

Natnodded,andshenoticedWeslookinguncomfortableattheidea.Shecouldonlyimaginewhathethoughtabouthermergingconsciousnesseswith

adrau,especiallyFaix.Buttherewasnothingelsetobedone;thiswastheonlyway.

Faixheldhishandoutandshetookit,closinghereyesbeforeshecouldseethelookonWes’sface.

Witheverysecond,shecouldfeelFaix’spoweramplifyingthecall.

Nat,canyouhearme?Don’tletthem—

Thewordsdiedbuttheimageremained.Natcouldseeitclearlynow—Liannan,standingwithherbacktoher,wearingawhiterobeandlookingoutasmallwindowwithironbars.

Natopenedhereyes.“She’sinaholdingcell.Inaprisonthatoverlookssomesortofatemplewithastatueofawhiteelephantinfrontofit.”

“That’stheGrandTempleoftheHighPriestessoftheWhite,”saidRoark.“TheoneinNewKandy’sRedCity.”ThecountryusedtobecalledSriLanka,atropicalislandnationinthecontinentthatwasoncecalledAsia,butnothingofthecountryremainedaftertheBigFreeze,otherthanafewiconsfromitspastthatthewhitepriesthoodhadadoptedforitsown.

“Areyousure?”

“There’sonlyone,”saidRoark.“Weknowitwell.It’swheretheytakethemarked,andafterward...”Heshrugged,butNatknewwhateveryoneknew.Afterward,thepeoplewhowerebroughttherewereneverseenagain.

Weslookedgrim.“Eliza’sintheRedCitybaseaswell.Lookslikethat’sournextstop.”

Shakesnodded,hopereturningtohiseyesagain.Thehappy-go-luckyguywasstillinthere,hiddenbeneathallthatpain,andshewasgladtoseeit.

“We’recomingwithyou.WecametohelpLiannan,”saidNat.

“We?”Wessaid.“Idon’tthinktheboat’sbigenoughforthatso-calledfriendofyours.”

“They’reallset,boss,”Farouksaid,meaningtherestofthepilgrimshadbeentransferredtotheGoliath.

Wesnodded.“Goodwork.”Heyelledovertotheformerhostageshuddledonboardthedeckoftheship.“Youguysknowhowtodrivethatthing?”

Oneofthesmallmennodded.

“Tenminutes,”Shakessaid.

Tenminutestowhat?Natwondered.

Wesnodded.“Okay,youguys,getoutofhere!”

“Wait!”avoicecalledfromtheGoliath,thenanotherandanother.“Whereisshe?Whereistherider?”

Westurnedtoher.“Theywantyou.Lookslikeeveryonedoesthesedays.”Hesoundedbitter,andNatdidn’tlikeit.

Sheignoredhisremarkandpushedherwaytotherailing.Acrossthewater,thepilgrimsstoodinagroup,theirarmsraisedinfarewell.“Thankyou.”Onebyone,theymurmuredtheirthanks,blessingherandwishingherluckonherjourney.“Blessthedrakon.Blessitsrydder.”Itwasthesamesongthatthebirdshadsungtoheronherfirsttripacrosstheocean.

Theyhonoryou,Faixsent.

Shenodded,alumpinherthroat.Shewasadrakonrydder,aprotectorofVallonis.She’dwagedwarontheirenemies,foughtontheblackwaters,takenriskswithoutseekingthanksorpraise.Whenshewenttobattle,sheonlyknewrageandfury.Butnowsheunderstood.Whenshefoughtthedrones,shefoughtforthesepeople,thefacesshe’dneverseen.Evenifshedidnotknowthem,theyknewher,andtheythankedher.

Slowly,she,too,raisedherhandinfarewell.

TherestofWes’steamwerehelpingstackthebodies,sayingafewwordsofblessingbeforeputtingthemintothewater.ShejoinedWes,whowasstandingbytherailingandsupervisingthetask.

“Whathappenedtothatdrakonofyours,bytheway?”heasked.“Youtradeditforthedrau?BecauseIhavetosay,Ithinkyougottheshortendofthestickhere.”

Sheinhaledsharplyandtearssprungtohereyes.

Whenhesawthehurtlookonherface,hisfrownsoftened.“I’msorry.Isit...isitokay?”

“Wewerehitbyanironbombanditwashurtbadly,”shesaid.“It’sinVallonis—intheBlue—healing.”

Wes’sfacesoftened,lettingherknowhecared.“Willitlive?”

“Ihopeso,”shesaidmeetinghisgaze,lettinghimseeherpain,theworryinhereyes.Hervoicetrembled.“Faixsaysitwill.Thatonceit’swholeagain,itwilljoinme.”

Henodded,buthiseyesdarkenedagainatthementionofthedrau.“Look,Ican’thavehimonmyteam.They’rekillers,drau.I’vemettheirkind.They’lldowhateverittakestogetwhattheywant.Iwon’tdothat.That’swhyIleftthemilitaryinthefirstplace.Ithrewawaymycareer,ahalf-decentlife.Ididn’twantit,Ididn’twanttobelikeyourfriend.”

Nattookadeepbreathtorespond,butWeswasn’tdone.

“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,thathe’shelpingyousomehow,butbelieveme,he’susingyou,Idon’tknowwhatfor,buttrustme,that’swhattheydo.Itookajobonce,ferryingadrauoutofAshes.Hepaidupfront,actedpolite,thankful,humbleeven.Isnuckhimoutofahospital,keptitsecret,keptitquiet.Istowedhiminthetrunk,buthepanickedaswereachedthehospitalcheckpoint.Hepoppedthetrunk,killedtheguards,andkilledoneofmymen.Saidhedidn’tneedmyhelpanymore,thentookhiswattsandheleftmetodie.Igotout,butIlearnedmylesson.”

“Youdon’tknowhim.Weallsuffer,andweallhaveourreasonsforwhatwedo,”shesaid.

“Nat,hisreasonsarethewrongreasons.He’llgetyoukilled,he’llgetuskilled.”

“Buthe’swithme.”

“Yeah,youmadethatabundantlyclear,”hesaidbitterly.

“Whatdoesthatmean?”sheaskedsharply.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”

“‘Itdoesn’tmatter’?”sheasked,forcinghimtolookherintheeye.“Allthosethingsyousaidtomebeforeyouleft?Allthosepromises?”Herheartbrokejustalittleeverytimehelookedawayfromher.“Ifthatdoesn’tmatter,thenwhatdoes?”

ShesawaflashofpainonWes’sface,andthenheshrugged.“Peoplesaystuffallthetime.It’snotasiftheymeanit.Igotcaughtupinthemoment.”

“Iguessso,”shesaidcoolly.“IguessIdid,too.ButI’mgoingtohelpfindLiannan.Shereachedouttome.Ican’tletherdown.AndFaixisn’tgoinganywhere.”

Wesfrownedanddidn’trespond.

Natsighed.Shewishedhewouldn’tactlikethis,pretendinghedidn’tcareforher.Butmaybeitwasforthebest.Whatkindoffuturecouldtheyhaveanyway?ShebelongedtoVallonis.WeswasaboyfromNewVegas.They

hadbothwalkedawayfromeachotheronce,andmaybehewasright:Whatdiditmatter?

Whatcouldit?Sowhywasherchestaching?Butifhecouldstandit,thensocouldshe.Shecouldstandtonottouchhim,tobeapartfromhim.Shecould,shereally,reallycould,shetoldherself,evenifallshewantedtodowasputherhandinhisandleanonhim,feelhisheartbeatingagainsthersagain.

FaixsidleduptoNat.Weslookedsourlyatthetwoofthem.Natwonderedifhewouldreallyleavethembehind,ifWescouldsaygood-byetohersocasuallyaftereverythingtheyhadbeenthrough,withoutevengivingherachancetoexplain.

Finally,afterthesilencebetweenthemhadturnedfromawkwardtouncomfortable,Wesmadehisdecision.“Look,ifthetwoofyouaregoingtojoinus,therearesomegroundrules.Thisismycrewandmycommand.Youobeyorders.Wedon’tkillandwedon’thurtanyoneunlessit’strulynecessary.Theworld’sfallenapart,butwehaven’t,”hesaid.“I’mnotinthebusinessofkillingkids.”

Faixregardedhimgravely.“Ouropinionsdiffer,Wesson,butIwillabidebyyourrules.AnastasiaisimportanttoVallonis.IamherebytheorderoftheQueentoprotectourlastdrakonrydder.”

“Ohyeah?You’reherbodyguard?Isthatit?”Wesasked,annoyanceandjealousywrittenalloverhisface.

NatshookherheadatFaix.Don’tspoilit.Stoptauntinghim.

Thedraulookedamused.Whynottellhimwhatyoureallyfeel,asheisdyingtoknow.Lookathowangryheisbecauseyouareactingindifferent.

ShepushedFaixoutofherhead,unwillingandtoostubborntolisten.

Wesclearedhisthroat.

“Thankyou.Weaccept.Wewilljoinyourcrew,”saidNat.“HowfaristheRedCity?”

Wessighed.“Twoweeks,dependingontheoceans,thetrash,andthewaves.It’shardtopredictthesethings.”

“Twoweeksinoneofthose?”sheaskedWes,motioningtothelifeboats.

Wesbarkedalaugh.“Wewouldn’tlasttwodaysinoneofthose.”Helookedupatthesky,searchingforsomething,andNatdidthesame,wonderingwhathewaslookingfor.Theyhearditfirst,aloudwhirringsound

ofbladescuttingthroughtheair,andafewminuteslaterablackhelicopterappeared,hoveringabovetheboat.

“That’sourride,”Wessaidwithagrimsmile.Hehithiscomm.“Shakes,youready?”

“Rogerthat,”Shakesreplied.“Rightbehindyou,boss.Almostfinishedpacking.”

“Withanyluckwe’llbeintheRedbytomorrowmorning,”hetoldNat.“Listen,makesureyourfrienddoeseverythingItellhim,otherwiseIwillleaveyoubothbehind.I’vegotabirdtocatch.”

ParttheThird:

REAPINGDAYOften,forundauntedcourage,fatesparesthemanithasnotalreadymarked.

—BEOWULF

Chapter25THEHELICOPTERLANDEDONTHEDECK,likeaflyonhoney.Wesstraightenedhisuniformandranahandthroughhishair,stillunusedtohowshortitwas.Timetowork.Hecountedtwelvemenonthechopper,gunsinhand,visors,fullbodyarmor.Hadsomeonesnitched?Weretheyontohim?

Relax.It’sjustprotocol.

Probablythey’djustassumedtheywerelandinginahostilesituation.Whichtheywere,evenifitwasn’tthekindtheyexpected.

Afullstriketeamhadarrived,andallWeshadwashiswitanduniform,twoloyalsoldierswhoweretiredandhungry,acoupleofsmallmen,andofcourseNatandthatwhite-hairedfriendofhers.Thetwoofthemcouldprobablywastetheentirecrewwithoutblinkinganeye,butthatwasn’tthewaythiswasgoingdown.

Wesplannedtotakecontrolofthathelicopteraseasilyasslippingawalletoutofsomeone’spocketortrickingamarkduringashellgame—twothingshehadnoproblemdoing.Whichcupheldtheball?Whicheveroneyoudidn’tpick.He’dhadtostealeverysinglethingheneededinhislife,sohehadlotsofpractice.FromalimousinetotakehimtoElDoradotoachoppertotakethemtotheRedCity,andintheendhe’dprobablyhavetostealNatawayfromthatprettyboy,nomatterwhatshesaidaboutthembeingonly“friends.”

Thatdrauisnobody’sfriend.

Hewasn’tsureitwastherightideatotakethemalong;hedidn’ttrustthedrau.ButtherewasnowayhewasleavingNatbehind,andmorethanthat,hecouldn’tleaveherwithhim.TheprotectorofVallonishadherownprotector.

Butafterthosehorridthingshe’dsaidtoher,itwasn’tasifNatwasgoingtofallintohisarmsanytimesoon.

Peoplesaystuffallthetime.It’snotasiftheymeanit.

Weswishedhecoulderasethememoryofevenimaginingthosewords,letalonesayingthem.

Hecouldbesuchaniceholesometimes.Buthedidn’tknowwhatshewasdoingwiththedrauandhedidn’twanttothinkaboutit.Hecouldn’thelpbutnoticehowaliketheywere,amatchedpair,bothoftheminleatherarmorandcarryingswords.He’sjustafriend,she’dsworn.Andyetshecouldn’tleaveFaix.Worse,shehaddefendedhimafterhekilledallthosesoldiers—boysandgirlstheirage,someyounger.Andnowshewaslookingatthewhite-hairedmotherfreezerlikehewasthesecondcoming.HerFakeBlondieprotector.

Wessnorted.

ExcusemewhileIfakevomit.

WeslookedanxiouslyattheGoliath,whichwasspeedingaway.Good.ThepilgrimswouldmakeittotheBlue.Nowallhehadtodowasgethiscrewsafelyandpeacefullyontothischopperwithouthurtingtoomanypeople.

Soldiersbegantojumpfromthechopper,landingonthedeckandfanningout,assessingthesituation.“Wegotadistresssignal,”theirsergeantsaid.

“Yeah,fromme.”

“You’reWesson?”

“Yeah.”

“Whattheicehappenedhere?”

“Pilgrimsshotatusaswetriedtotakethem.TheytookoutmostofthecrewandMcCleod.”

“Wherearethey?”thesoldierasked,lookingaroundattheemptydeck.

“Wegavethemtothesea.Listen,I’dlovetochat,butIneedtogetmyteambacktobaseandreporttoBradley.Ihavesomewoundedsoldiershere.”HegesturedtowardShakesandFarouk,whoattemptedtolookcritical.Cone,thefatkidthey’dtakenon,lookedpaleandfrightened.Whichwasn’tastretchforhim.

“Theseyourhostages?”thesoldierasked,motioningtothesmallmen,Nat,

andFaix.

“Yeah,”hesaid.“Igotorderstotakethemback,too.”

“Right,it’sreapingdayatthemarket,Iremember,”thesoldiersaid.“Daveywilltakeyoubacktobase.”

“No—I’vegotourownpilot.Commandsaidyouguysneedtostayheretomakesuretheydon’tcomeback...securethearea.”

ThesergeantnoddedandWesusheredhiscrewintothechopper.Shakeswentfirst,gotinthepilotseat,putontheheadphones,andstartedfiddlingwiththeinstruments.ThenFaroukandCone.BrendonandRoarkshuffledon,followedbyNatandFaix.

Thesoldiersstaredatthetall,white-hairedboyintheblackarmor.

Faixstaredback,hissilvereyesglittering.

“Youadrauorsomething?”thesoldierasked.“Hey,man,lookathiseyes!Theyjustturnedsilver!”

“Naw,that’snodrau,that’sjustafreak,”theothersoldiersaid,laughingashepokedFaixonthearmwiththebuttofhisrifle.

“Leavehimalone,”Natsaid.

“Whatareyou,somekindofdraugroupie?”

“Hey,it’sthe—it’sthewitch—theone—youknow—theonewhoridesthatthing!”theothersoldiersaidexcitedly.TheyleeredatNat,jockeyingtogetnexttoher.Oneofthemtookhishandheldoutandstartedtakingpictures.Natwincedattheflash,andfrownedastheboyscrowdedaroundher.

“She’sprettyhot,”onesaid.“Hey,Wesson,maybeleavethisonebehindforus,huh?”

“Knockitoff,”Wesgrowled,annoyed.“Don’teventhinkaboutit.”HeknewNatcouldtakecareofherself,butitdidn’tstophimfromfeelingprotective.Besides,thesekidsdidn’tknowwhattheyweregettinginto.Nat’seyeswereflashingangrily,andhe’dseenwhatshecoulddowhenshelookedlikethat.

Don’t.Nothere.Notlikethis.

OneoftheguysslunghisarmaroundNat’sshoulders,andanothergropedherback,andthatwasallittook.“Don’ttouchme!”sheyelled,pushingthesoldiersaway,andthescenedissolvedintochaos.

WesdivedintothecrowdaroundNat,pullingthesoldiersawayfromher,andoneoftheboyspunchedhimrightinthechin.ShakesandFaroukranoutofthechopper,alongwiththesmallmen,tojointhefray.Faixremainedstill,watching.Forabodyguard,hedidn’tseemtoohandy.

“DON’TSHOOT!DON’TSHOOT!”Wesorderedthegroup.Hewasstillhopingtogetoutofthiswithhishandsclean.“NAT!”heyelled,justasasnarlingfemalesoldierhitherfrombehindwithhergun.Westhrewthesoldierwhowaspunchinghimtothegroundandrantoher.

Natwasrollingonthefloor,holdinghershieldtoblockanothersoldier’skicks.Wesjumpedontheboyandbegantopummelhim.Buttheywerelosing,thechoppercrewhadfullgearon,andinquicksuccessionthesmallmenwerestunned,ShakesandFaroukwerebadlybeatup,andhecouldn’tfighteveryoneofthemhimself.

“Round’emup,round’emup!”thesergeantbarked.

Thesoldiersmovedtorestrainthem,holdingouttheshackles,butbeforetheycouldtouchanyofthem,eachandeverymemberofthestriketeamslumpedtotheground,unconscious.

Weslookeddownatthem,andwhenhelookedup,hemetFaix’seyes.

Thedrauwasserene.“Ididn’tkillthem,”hesaidmildly.“Theyareonlyasleep.”Thesoldierswerelyingonthedeck,theirmouthsopen,theireyesclosedorrolledtothebackoftheirheads.

“Well,youcould’vedonethatbeforeweallgotbeatup,huh?”WesaskedashehelpedNatup.Hecheckedthebruiseonhercheek,whichwasalreadyfading.“Thaticehole,”hesaid,andhewasn’tsureifhemeanttheguywhohadgropedNatorthedrau.Maybeboth.

“It’sokay,Icantakecareofmyself,”shesaidstiffly,movingawayfromhimtostandnexttoFaix.

Great.

Thethreestoodforamomentinuneasysilence,massagingtheirbruises,stretchingtheirnecks.WeshelpedShakestohisfeet.AlineofblooddribbledfromShakes’sbeard.Farouklayonthedeck,stunned,withBrendonandRoarkattendingtohim.“Heneedsahealer,”Roarksaid.“Ithinkhehasaconcussion.”

Faixkneltbythefallensoldier,murmuredafewwords,andgentlyplacedhishandsonhisforehead.Faroukwokeupandblinkedhiseyes.

Conestuckhisheadoutofthechopper.Hehadremainedinside,scaredtofight.“Isitover?”

Nooneansweredhim.

“Helpmecarrythesesoldierstothehold,”Wessaid,gesturingtotheonenearesttheopendoorway.

“Letme,”saidFaix.HefollowedWes,takingthenearestsoldiersanddraggingthemintothecelltwoatatime.NatandShakescarriedthefourth.Therestoftheteammadequickworkofthetask,andtheylaidthesoldiersnexttoeachotherinneatrows.

“They’llwakeupsoon;Iusedarathergentlespell,”saidFaix.

Shakeslookedskeptical.

Faixshrugged.“Atleastinmyopinionitwasgentle.”

WestossedacaseofMRSsintotheroomwiththemalongwithhissatellitephone.“Theycancallforpickupwhentheydowakeup.”

Behindhim,ShakesandFaroukwereloadingthechopperwithsuppliesfromtheship’skitchen.BrendonandRoarkhadalreadydugintothewafers.“Look!Newflavors.Roastbeef!”

WescaughtNat’seyeandforabriefmomenttheysmiledateachotherbeforelookingawayagain.Heknewwhatshewasthinking.Itwasjustlikebefore.NowalltheyneededwasLiannan.

Chapter26NATWATCHEDASWESWIPEDMISTfromthechopperwindow.Outside,snowcoveredthesofthillsoftheNewGanrajayancoastline.They’dbeenflyingforhours.Tomasktheirescape,Weshadremovedthechopper’sradioandsatellitetracker,andsmashedtheblackboxrecorderandthebackupGPS.Shakeswasflyingblind,keepingthehelicoptersoaringlow,belowradar,andfast.WeshaddoneeverythinghecouldimaginetocloaktheirescapefromtheRSA,andNathopeditwasenough.

WeswassittingnexttoShakesinthecopilot’schair,theonethatFaroukusuallyoccupied,andNatunderstooditwasbecausehewasavoidingher.Wesdidn’ttrustFaix,andbyextension,hedidn’ttrusther,either.Hehadn’tsaidawordtohersincetheyleftthedeckoftheColossus.Boys.

NatknewhewasjealousofFaix,buttherewasnoreasontobe.Ifonlyshecouldmakehimunderstandthatsheheldnosecretromanticattractiontowardtheunmaskeddrau.Faixwasbeautiful,buthewasalsoforeign,ancient,strange.Hewasaguardian,ateacher,amentor,alinktoVallonis’spastandherheritage,andthatwasall.ButtherewasnowaytoexplainthattoWesifherefusedtotalktoher.Hedidn’tevenseemtowantthemonhiscrew,andhadonlytakenthemongrudgingly.

Nexttoher,Faixhadretreatedintoablanksilence,hiseyesopenbutglazed.Helookedasifhewasmeditating.Perhapsheneededtorest.Magicwaslikeanyotherkindofenergy;magichadatithe,whenusedithadtobereplenished.Ithadlimits.Eventhedrakonflagged,eventhedrakonneededtimetoheal.Shereachedout,triedtotouchFaix’sthoughts,butfoundonlysilence.Hismindwasclosedtoherfornow.

Fine.

Shelefthimalone.Shewantedtolearnmoreaboutherpower,aboutApis,butsheunderstoodhisneedforprivacy.Liannan’scallhadinterruptedhertraining,andshewaseagertotryagain.Astheyflewthroughtheclouds,Natconcentratedonheremptypalms,tryingtoimagineaflamearisingfromdeepinsideherself.Thefireiswithinyou.Faixhadmadefirewithoutadrakon,andsaidshecoulddothesame,buthow?Natfixedhergazeonheremptyhands,tryingtoconjurethefeelingoffireandheat,tocreatesomethingfromnothing,tosparkaflamewithoutflintormatch.

Nothing.Sheballedherfistsinfrustration,thenunclenched,exhaling.Faixhadsaidshecouldnotletheremotionsgetthebestofher.Shewouldhavetolearncontrol,touseherpowerandexerciseitatwill,notasanunpredictable,violent,ragingimpulse.

Natclosedhereyes,searchingforthedrakon,acrossthemanymilesbetweenthemandthedeepearthinwhichitwasburied.Whereareyou?Shefeltsoemptyandalonewithoutit.

Shewaitedpatientlyforananswer,sendingthesamecallagainandagain.Finally,afamiliarjoltofpowercamerushingthroughherbody,electric,theconnectionbetweenthemsparkingoncemore.Herdrakonwashealing.Valloniswasnursingitbacktolife.

Iamhere.Ihaveneverleftyou.

Apuffofsmokeappeared,dancingonthepalmofherhand.

Thefireiswithinyou.

“Whatareyoudoing?”avoiceinterruptedher.

Shelookeduptoseethenewkid,Cone,watchingherwithwidenedeyes.“Didyoudothat?That’scool.”

Natclosedherhand,feelingalittleself-conscioustohavebeencaughtplayingwithfire,andthepuffofsmokedisappeared.“Justpracticing.”

Conenoddedasifshehadjustconfirmedsomething.

“CanIaskyousomething?”shesaid.

“Sure,”hesaid,weavinghisfingersintoasteeple,thenquicklypullingthemapart.

“Whydidyouwanttofollowme?”

Theyoungboychewedhislipandlookedoutthewindow,downattheinkywavesthatswirledbetweencontinentsofice.Hesquirmed

uncomfortablyinhisseat.“There’snothingtolivefor,theworld’sdone.Toast.We’redraftedintothemilitary,thenspitoutwhenthey’veusedusup.Allthereistoeatisglop,allthereistodrinkisNutri.Therehastobesomethingelseoutthere.Theyliedtous.TheBlueisreal.There’s...magicoutthere.Magicthatwillchangetheworld.You’repartofit,andIwanttobepartofit,too.Betterherethanstuckonthatcruiser,that’sforsure.”

Shesmiled.“Soyou’vegoneAWOL.Wesisabadinfluence.”

“No,”hesaid.“NotAWOL.I’vedonesomethingbetter:I’vedied.Foralltheyknow,Iwassuckedintotheblackwaterswiththerest.I’mfree.Icanstartagain.Icanfight,butthistimeIgettopickmyside.”

“I’msorryaboutyourfriends,”shesaidsoftly,thinkingofthecrewoftheColossuswhohadchokedtodeathonthedeck,felledbyFaix’spower.

“Thoseweren’tmyfriends.Iwasnewtothisunit,andexcusemylanguage,buttheywereabunchofmotherfreezers.Theywouldhavekilledyouwithoutblinkingifthey’dhadachance.Idon’twanttobelikethem.Iwanttobebrave.Iwanttobelikeyou.”

“I’mjustasscaredaseveryoneelse,”saidNat,leaningagainstthecockpitwall.“Ijustdon’tdwellonitthatmuch.Butthankyouforbelievinginme,”shesaid,thecabinfeelingsmall.Natsmackedherheadonapanellatchwhenshetriedtobackawayfromthekid.

Conesmiled.“Ihavetobelieveinsomething.”Thenheclosedhiseyes,tootiredformoreconversation.Heslunkbackintothetinychair,tryingtofindacomfortablepositioninaseatthatwasn’tdesignedforcomfort.

Natnoticedthatbehindher,thesmallmenweresleepingoneachother’sshoulders,theirheadstouching,Roarksnoringsoftly.Theywereallexhausted.Sheleanedbackinherseatandwasasleepbeforehereyeshadclosed.

•••

Whenshewokeupafewhourslater,WeswasconferringwithConeandFaroukaboutthemap.ThefrozenspiresofNewKandyloomedinthedistance;theyhadarrivedattheirdestination.“Areyousure?”WesaskedCone.

“Yeah,themarketsareoverhere,onthisislandoffthemainland:TheycallittheRedCitybecausesunsetturnsitred.It’stheonlyplaceintheworldthatstillgetsabitofnaturalsunlight,rightbeforedark.That’swheretheguyssaidthebaseis.”Conesaid,pointingtoaspotonthemapthatwasunfoldedonhis

lap.

“Sowe’lllandoverhere,”saidFarouk.

“No,it’stooriskyandtoonearthebase.Iwanttokeepthischopperhiddensowecanuseittogetoutofhere,”saidWes.

“What’soverthere?”askedFarouk,pointingtoanunmarkedareaonthemainland.

Coneshrugged.“AsfarasIknow,nothing.Thatcouldbegood.”

“No,that’stoofartotheferry,”saidWes.Aboatmadedailyrunsfromthemainlandtotheislandwherethetemplecomplexwaslocated.Theywouldneedtomakethetripfromthelandingsitetotheferryonfoot,butoncetheygotoff,itwasonlyashorthiketothemarkets.

“Howaboutoverhere?”Wespointedtotheotherside.“What’sthat?”

“Ruinsoftheoldcity.TheybuiltKandyTwoontheotherside,”saidFarouk.

“Okay,we’lllandthere.Therewillberoomtohidethisthing,andit’snotfarfromtheport.”

Shakeslandedthechopperbehindafewburned-outbuildingscoveredinsnowandice.Theboyspulledtheiridentifyingstarsandranksfromtheircollarsandcutthenametagsoutoftheirpockets.Runnersoftenworemilitarysurplus,andoncetheyweredone,they’dlooklikejustanotherragtagteamsenttocollecttrinketsfromthemarketsfortheirrichclients.

“Here,letme,”NatsaidwhenWesstruggledtopullthelieutenant’sstripesfromhisshoulder.

Sheputahandonhisarmandpulleddelicately,herbreathcatchinginherthroatathowclosetheywere.

“Thanks,”hemurmured,stillunabletolookherintheeye.

“You’rewelcome.”

“Ithinkyoushouldstaybehind,allofyou,”hesaidabruptly,meaningNat,thesmallmen,andFaix.“It’stoodangerous.Youknowwhattheydointhemarkets,soclosetothetemple.Wecan’ttakethatchance.”

Nat’scheeksburned.“We’reheretohelp.”ShebrushedlintfromWes’suniform.

“Andyou’llbehelpingbystayingsafe,”Wessaid,adjustingthebuttons

onhisjacket.“Ifwedon’tmakeit,youguysneedtofindLiannanandgetoutofhere.”Hewasusinghiscommander’svoicenow,theonethatsentmentobattle.Inspiteofherirritation,shelikedtheringofit,theauthorityitheld.Hehadaday’sworthofstubbleonhisjawandthelookofamanwhohadn’tsleptindays,butwastryingtokeeptheexhaustionoffofhisface,tryingtoappearbrave.

“Cone,canyouflythisthing?”heasked.

Thebigkidstood,lookedatthepilot’sseatandnodded.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Iflewoneoftheseinbasic.”

“Good.Youstickwiththechopper,too,”Wessaid.Hereachedforthelatch;hewasgoing,leaving.Thedoorinchedopen,coldairsweptthroughthecockpit.

“Howwillweknowyou’reallright?Youthrewoutalltheradios,”shesaid,thefreezingairturningherbreathtowhitemist.

“Yeah,toodangerous,astheymonitoralltheopenchannels,”Wessaid,stillfingeringthelatch.“ButIgotanidea.Yourfriendcanreadminds,right?”askedWes,gesturingtoFaix.

Natnodded.

“Thenhe’llknowifwerunintotrouble,”hesaid,withaslightcheekygrin.

“Iwill,”saidFaix,whohadawokenfromhisdreamlikestate.

“Istilldon’tlikeit,”shemuttered.Sheknewhewasonlylookingoutforthem,butshewantedtostayclosetohim.

Wesyankedthelatch,slidingthechopper’ssidedoorfullyopen,motioningfortheotherstogo.ShakesandFaroukloadedtheirpackswithprovisions.Theyputuptheirhoodsagainstthewindandleftthechopper.Weswasnext.Hewasleavingheragain,andtheacheinthehollowofherchestintensified.

Hesmiledashefixedthestrapsonhisglovesandloweredthehoodoverhisface.“Don’tworryaboutme,Nat.Likeyou,Icantakecareofmyself,”hesaid,echoingthewordssheoftensaidtohim.

“Don’t,”shesaidsoftly.“It’snotfunny.”

“Ididn’tthinkitwas,”hesaidmildly.

Theystaredateachother.Maybeitwasjusttoooverwhelmingtosee

one’sbelovedaftermonthsofwishingandhopinganddreaming.Theyweretooshy,unsureiftheotherstillfeltthesameasbefore.Andsotheyhadrevertedtotheirsharptongues,totheircoolfaçades.Whenunderneath,herheartwasburning.Andthewayhewaslookingatherrightnow...likehecouldn’tbelieveshewasthere,likehewantedtoeatherup,kneelatherfeetandravishher,allatthesamemoment—ifonlyhewould—

God,shelovedhim.Futureornofuture.Evenwithallthebrokenpromises.Whatwasapromiseanyway?Shewantedhim.Iwantyou,RyanWesson.Alwaysandforever.

Nowshejusthadtoswallowherprideandadmitit.Wes,comebacktome,shewantedtosay,butthewordswouldn’tcomeout.

Soheshrugged,brokehergaze,andsoonhewasgonewiththerest,losttothesnow.

Chapter27ITWASHARDTOLEAVENATAGAIN,almostworsethanbefore,becauseatleastthefirsttimetheyhadpartedwithakissandapromise.Thistimeitwasasifshedidn’tevencarewhathappenedtohim;shebarelyevensaidgood-bye.Wesgrittedhisteeth,hischeeksburningfromthecoldwind,andsworethathewouldn’tletthathappenagain.Whatkindofgameweretheyplaying?Thiswasnothowheimaginedtheirreunion,butthenhehadn’taccountedforherdraubodyguard,either.Hehadbeenkiddingabouthavingthatguyreadtheirminds;hedidn’twantthatcreepyconsciousnessanywherenearhis.Andwhileithurttoleaveherbehind,heknewshewassaferthere,awayfromthegreedofthecrazedHighPriestessandthefleshmarketsthatsoldeverykindofmeat—toeat,useorabuse,frombedslavestopowderedbones.

Heledhisteamonward,passingtheruineddebrisofyetanothergloriouscityfromthepast.Offshore,acruiseshiprestedonitsside,itshullwrappedinice,wavespoundingthewarpedmetal.Thishadbeenaresorttownonce,inthetimebefore.Acenturyago,familiesvacationedhere.TheyrodeJetSkisandmadesandcastles.Wesandhisboyspickedtheirwaythroughthesnow,passingancientsouvenirstandsfilledwithwarpedpostcardswithpicturesofblueskiesandcheerfulumbrellasdottingthenow-frozenshore.

Achildofthepostapocalypse,Wescouldnevershakethefeelingthathehadarrivedtoolatetosomegrandparty,thatbythetimehe’dbeenbornthelightswereoffandthedancefloorwasscuffedandlitteredwithstubbed-outcigarettesandemptychampagnebottles—theremaindersofapartythelikesofwhichtheworldwouldneverseeagain.Notthathe’deverbeentothatkindofparty,buthe’dbeentoenoughStudio54nightsatIcetomaketheconnection.Althoughatthebar,patronsonlysmokedelectronicciggiesand

drankchampagne-flavoredNutri.NutriBubble,itwascalled,andittastedgross.

Faroukeyedtheancientcruiseship.“Betthere’ssomegreatswagonboard.Whenthatcruisersank,peopleranoff,lefteverythingbehind.”Faroukwasalwayslookingforsouvenirs,forstuffhecouldsellinK-Townorontheblackmarkets.SilverwareoroldcomputerpartscouldbuyhimaweekendinHoHoCity.Thekidwastooeasilydistracted.

“We’llswimforsouvenirsafterwe’vefoundLiannanandEliza.Fornow,let’sfocus,”Wessaid.Hedidn’tknowhowlongElizahadorifshewasevenalive.Butmovingquicklygavethemabetterchanceforapositiveoutcome.Commandwasn’tknownforitsefficiency,andWeswascountingonafewdaysbeforetheyfreedthehelicopterteamandBradleydiscoveredthathehadgoneAWOL.Ofcourse,Weshadalwaysplannedtobreaktheagreement,buthehadwantedtodoitattherighttime,whenheheldallthecards,whenheknewElizawassafe.Buthewasplayingalosinggame,andhewasdowntohislaststack.

Wesandhisteamsloshedthroughthemuck,pastashoppingmallsubmergedinaglacierofblackice.Beyondthemallstoodtheskeletalremainsofafewhotelsandofficebuildings.Stormshadrippedthewindowsfromtheirframes,soonlythecolumnsremained,thesteelredwithrust.

Theroadtheyweretakingcrestedahill,andacrossthewatertheysawanislandwithamountaininthecenter,itssnowypeakslosttothegrayclouds.Atthebaseofitwasashinywhitetemplewithastatueofanelephantinthefrontcourtyard.

“TheGrandTemple;it’sbuiltrightagainstthemountain,”saidFarouk.“Infrontofthetempleisthemarketwhereyoucan,uh,buythings.”

Things.

Talismanscreatedfromthebonesofthemarked.Theirasheswereturnedinto“magicpowder,”theirbonesusedasgood-luckcharms.WesfeltachillfromtheverythoughtwhilenexttohimShakeslookedfurious.

“Yourclientsriskedtheblackwaterstovisitthisplace?”askedWes.

“Notreally.Mostjustsendrunnerstobuygoodsfromthemarketthattheybringbacktothedomes.Wifeneedsafertilitytreatmentorsomeothermiraclecureorpotionthepriestssell.Butthebigwigstalkedaboutitallthetime,howvisitingtheRedCitywashighupontheirbucketlist.Shoppingatthemarkets,andtakingaturnattheabattoir.”

“Abattoir?”Wesasked.

“Yeah,somekindofactivitythepriestsrun.Notsurewhatitis,supposedtobesomekindofmazeorsomething,ortargetpracticemaybe;theykepttalkingaboutthe‘whitehunt,’”saidFarouk.

“Huh.”Wesdidn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Iguesswe’llfindoutsoonenough.”

“Iguessso.Youknow,boss,thatlittlemovewemadeinElDoradomeansI’mbannedfromNewVeg.They’llhavemyheadforbustingupthatlimo.”Farouklaughed,once,becausenoneofitwasreallyveryfunny.“Icehole.”

Wescouldn’tevenmanageasmile.“Idon’tthinkanyofusaregoingbackwhenthisisover.”HeturnedtoFarouk.“Iappreciateit,man.”

“Youshould;thisjobdoesn’tevenpay,”Farouksaidwithagrin.

Shakeslaughed.“CharitybeginswithRyanWesson,haven’tyoulearnedthatbynow,’Rouk?”

“Youkidding?I’m,like,thepresidentofthatcharity.”Faroukheldouthishands.“Whatelsedoyouwantfromme?”

“You’lllearn.”Shakesclappedhimontheback.

“Yeah,I’lllearnitthewayIlearneverything.”

“Thehardway?”Shakeshelduphisfist.

“Nodoubt.”Faroukpoundedit.

“Youtwoiceholesdone?”Wesrolledhiseyes,buthefeltgratifiedtohavehisfriendswithhim,andwishedhecouldofferthemsomethingmorethanjustalifeonthelamiftheywereluckyenoughtosurvivethisrescue.“Allright,anyoneasks,we’rerunnersworkingforDiamondJim,”hesaid.“Heneedssomelucktoputinhisluckydice.”

“DJ?Didn’thiscasinoburndownlastmonth?”askedShakes.

“Inaballofflame.Butnooneouthereknowswhat’sgoingonbackhome.Thenamemightbuyussomecredibility,”Wessaid.

Farouktappedthegunonhisshoulderandnodded.“Shouldbeacakewalk.”

“Liketherestofthis?”Shakesquirkedaneyebrow.

“Yeah,I’mafreezingbaker,”Wessaid,withasigh.HelookedatShakes.“Practicallymanagementmaterial.”

•••

Theylefttheruinsandcameuponthenewcity.NewKandywassimilartoNewVegas,ametropolisthatbloomedintheicearoundadesirablecommodity.ButifVegaswasinthebusinessofmarketinghope,luck,desire—achancetowinagainsttheodds—NewKandytraffickedindarkerstuff.Itfloweredbeneaththemountain,atthefootofthewhitetemple,andthehotelsandinnsthatringedthecityservedtheneedsofthetouristsandtherunnerswhocametobuythegoodsgleanedfromthemagicaldead.

Itwasaracket,tobesure,justlikeNewVegas.

Onlythestakeswerehigher.

Wescouldn’thelpbutfeelachilluphisspineastheyenteredthecityproper,followingaroadthatledtotheport.Thestreetswerefilledwithwhite-garbedpriestsandtheiracolytes,runnersintheirusualhodgepodgegarb,slaverswiththeirtattooedfaces,swarmsofsoldiersgivingeveryoneacautiouseye.Thewholeplaceweirdedhimout.BetweenDoradoandNVandhere,hethought,I’dpicktheoceanfullofgarbage.

Thepierattheendoftheroadwasnewandshiny,castinstainlesssteeltoresistthetoxicwaters.Thepriestshadclearedthedebrisandicefromtheareaaroundthepier.Withthesnowabsent,thetrashgone,theplacelookedhalfcivilized.

Theyjoinedagroupwaitingfortheferrytoarrive,madeupmostlyofrunnerslikethem,scragglyteamsofex-militarytypes,whodidn’tblinkaneyeattheirpresence.Weswasgladforthecompany.Runnerskepttheirmouthsshutanddidn’taskstupidquestions.HesippedonagreenNutriVeggieandpoppedopenaburgersqueezer,tryingnottowinceatthepuddingliketexture.Nottoolongaftertheyarrived,aferryboatappearedonthehorizon,emblazonedwiththewordsTEMPLETRANSPORTonitsside.

Easyenough.

Astheboatdriftedintothedock,sailorswearingwhitejacketsleaptfromtheferry,tossingropes,mooringthewhiteship.Planksweredrawnandconnected,andsoontouristswereexitingtheferry.Mostwerecivilians,andtheirsnug-fittingwhiteheatsuitsandoxygenhelmetssaidtheywerewealthy.Theseweretheoneswholiterallycouldnotbreathethesameairastherabble,airthatwastootoxic,toocommon.TheywereprobablyfromthedomecitieslikeElDorado.Thiswasanadventureforthem,atasteofhowtheotherhalflived.Wescouldn’thelpbuthatethem,andstifledanimpulsetobreaktheirsillyhelmets.Heoverheardafewofthetouriststalkingabouta“goodhunt”

andboastedaboutgettingone“rightbetweentheeyes,”andthequeasyfeelinginhisstomachreturned.Ithadtobesomekindofillegalsafari,althoughitwasunclearwhatkindofgamepreservecouldexisthere.Therewasonlythatmountainandthetemple.

Oncethetouristswereofftheboat,thepriestsinthewhitejacketsdrewasecondplank,openingalowerhold.Steeragepassengersdisembarked,runnersingrayflackjacketsandwinter-whitecamouflageliketheirs.

Finallyitwastimetoboard.“Howmuch?”Wesaskedwhenitwastheirturn.

“Everyoneiswelcometovisitthetemple,”saidthetemplerepresentativeonthedock,afat,smilingyoungpriestwithafacefullofwhitepowderandchalkonhishands.“Butitwillcostextratositonthemainlevel.”

“Fine,we’lltakelastclass,”saidWes,takingthreeticketsthatgavethemaccesstothelowerberth.

Astheysettledintothebowelsoftheboat,Wes,whodidn’tbelieveinanythingbutthecold,saidalittleprayertokeephissisterandhisfriendssafe.Hedidn’tknowtowhomhewaspraying,asreligionhadn’tbeenpartofhisupbringing.HethoughthemighthavebeenprayingtoNat’sdrakon.Attheveryleast,thedrakonhadsavedthemonce,andWescouldseenoreasonwhyitcouldn’tagain.

Cakewalk,hethought,droppinghisheadintohishands.

Chapter28SOWESWASGONE,AGAIN.NATTRIEDtotellherselfitwasn’tabigdeal.Caringwashard,apathyeasy.WhenshewasaprisoneratMacArthurMed,hersuperiorshadmadeherbelieveshewasincapableofemotion,ofanycompassionorattachment.Asshestoodoutsidethechopper,watchinghimdisappearintothemist,behindthetallsnowbanks,leadingShakesandFarouktowardtheferryport,shewishedshewereincapableofanyfeeling.Patientunabletolove,thedoctorshadwritteninherchart.Shewishedtheyhadbeenright,becausethenshewouldn’tbefeelingthehurtshewasfeelingnow.

Natfeltacomfortinghandonhershoulder.Faixwasstandingnexttoher.

Youshouldhavetoldhimhowyoufelt,hesent.

Iknow,butIwastooproudtoadmitmyfeelings,shereplied.

Ioncethoughtasyoudo,andsufferedforit.Oneday,hewillbegone,andonlyyourregretwillremain.

Sheblinkedawayhertears.Faixwasright.Lifewastooshortandtimetooprecioustowaste.ThenexttimeshesawWes,shewouldtellhim,evenifitmeantshewouldbevulnerable,evenifitmeantacknowledgingthatshewastheweakerone.

Lovedoesnotmakeyouweak;itistheabsenceofitthatdoes,sentFaix.“Butalas,Imustleaveyoufornow,”hesaid,inhisspeakingvoice.Itwasthenthatshenoticedhewaswearingnewarmor,gleamingwhitelikehishair,andhadalongswordstrappedtohisback.Shapingtheethermustcomeinhandywhenyouneededachangeofwardrobe,shethoughtwithasmile,eventhoughshewasdisconcertedbyhisannouncement.

“Leave?Why?Whereareyougoing?BacktoVallonis?”

Heshookhishead.“SomeonewhomIhavebeenlookingforcalledtomewhileIwasresting.”

“Who?Don’ttellmeI’mnotyouronlystudent?”Nattriedtosmile,butthethoughtofFaixleavinganyofthistoheralonewasalreadymakingherheartpound.

“RememberthespellbookItoldyouabout,theonethatwasusedinthebindingofmagictotheworld?TheonethatislockedintheGrayTower?”

Sheremembered.“TheArchimedesPalimpsest.”

Henodded.“Isawsomethinginadreamwhilewewereflying.IthinkIknowwherethethiefishiding,”hesaid,lookinglikeaghostinthesnow,hishairblendingwiththeswirlingflakes,hispaleskinicy.

“Where?”

“Somewherebeneaththatmountain”—henodded,motioningtotheislandacrosstheway—“verycloseby.”

“Andyoucan’twait?WhataboutWes?Howwillweknowiftheyrunintosomethingtheycan’thandle?Youweresupposedtomonitortheirthoughts.”

Faix’seyesglitteredwithamusement.“Youcandothesame.”

“Ican’t.”

“Yes,youcan;you’veshutthemoutdeliberatelybecauseyoucanhearthem.Butnowyoumustlistenforthem.”

Natfeltalittleabashedthatheknewshewaspretendingshewasn’tgiftedwiththesamepower.Shehadmeanttotuneitout,notwantingtopry,butnowthatshefeltshehadpermission,shecouldhearthemclearly.Shakes,thinkingofLiannan,hopingtofindhersoon,worried,anxious,yetexcitedtobereunitedwithhisbeloved;Farouk,bitchingtohimselfaboutthecold,butshoulderingon,wonderingwhentheywouldbeabletoeat.Wes...thatwasstrange...shecouldn’thearWes...whywasthat?Maybebecauseshewantedtohearhimsobadly,ormaybeshewasprotectingherselffromknowinghowhefeltabouther,asitwouldbetoomuchlikesnooping.ShecouldtuneintoShakesandFarouk,andthatwasenough.

“Neverunderestimateyourpower,”Faixwassaying.“Ihaveseenthefatesintheglass.YouremainthehopeofVallonis.Beforeitdisappeared,Iwasabletoreadafewwordsfromthepalimpsest.‘TheResurrectionoftheFlamewilllighttheworld,’”hesaid,tappinghercollarbone.“Takecare,Nat.You

arenothinglikethesmallinsectforwhichyouarenamed.”Hismouthtwistedintosomethingclosetoasmile.

“Faix—”Shefeltbereftsuddenly,tothinkoflosinghim,too,sosoonafterWes.

“Takeheart:IfIamrightaboutthis,itwillchangeeverythingforthebetter,andwewillsurelyseeeachotheragain.Thisisnotgood-bye,onlyfarewell.”Thenhewasgone,disappearingintotheetherassimplyaswinkingoutalight.

Roarkstumbledoutofthechopper,blinkinghiseyes.“DidIjustsee...?”

“Yeah.Heleft,”shesaid,feelingterriblyalone.

“Goodriddance.”

Sheshookherhead.“Youstilldon’tgetit.He’sfightingforthesamethingweare.”

“Whatisthat?Iforget.”Roarksmiled.

“Forus.Everyone.ForthesurvivaloftheBlue.Tofixthisbrokenworld,”shesaidsoftly.WhatdidFaixmeanbythat?ThatshewasthehopeofVallonis?Thatherfirewouldlighttheworld?Buttherewasnotimetoponder,fortherewasmovementonthehorizon.Shesquinted.“Doyouseethat?”

“Aye,”Roarksaid,fingeringhisdagger.

Awhitemilitarytruckmovedinthedistance—theblizzard,actingasacamouflage,madeithardtoseeuntilnow.“Howmany?”Natwhispered.

“Toomanyforustohandle,”Roarkrepliedgrimly.

“Let’sgetbackinthechopper,”shewhispered.“Maybetheywon’tseeus.”Henodded,andtheycreptbackintothehelicopterandclosedthedoor.

“What?”Brendonasked,whenhesawtheirfaces.

ConewasabouttospeakwhenNatputafingertohermouthandgesturedoutthewindow.Thestoutboy’sfaceturnedcrimsonwithfearwhenhesawthetruck.Theyallheldtheirbreathasitmovedpastthemslowly.

RoarkandBrendonhuddledtogetherinthefirstrowofseats.Thesmallmenhadspentweeksinadetentioncenter,wherethey’denduredlonghoursofisolation,littlefood,nosunlight.Shewantedtoconsolethem,butshedidn’tknowhow.She’dneverhadamother,afamily.Helpthemstay

alive—that’sallIcando.Natfeltclaustrophobic,andherlegsachedfromcrouching.Shehopedthetruckwouldpasssoon,andafterwhatfeltlikeaneternity,shestuckherheadabovetheseatstotrytoseeoutside.

“Lookslikewe’reokay,”shesaid,justasaglovedfingertappedthewindowpane.

“Openup,”ahoarsevoicecalled.

Natlookeddown,nowunderstandingthatshehadn’tseenthetruckanywherebecausethesoldiershadcomeonfootandsurroundedthechopper.Freezeit.Rookiemistake.Sheandherfriendswouldbecapturedunlesssheactedquickly,justasFaixhaddonewhenhe’ddisarmedthesoldiersonthenavycruiser.

Usetheether.Useyourpower.

Sheimaginedtheirgunstornfromtheirhands,flyingthroughtheair,thesoldiersknockedoutcoldinthesnow.Butwhensheopenedhereyes,theywerestillstandingthere,moreirritatedthanbefore.

Don’thurtus.Goaway.Leaveusalone.

Shetriedagain,butthesoldiersremainedwheretheywere,stoic,immobile,theirgunscockedandreadytofire.

Freezingice!

“Openup,Iwon’taskagain,”thesoldierwarned.

Faixwaswrong.Shewaspowerlessandweakonherown;shecouldn’tevenkeephercrewsafeforhalfaday.Sheopenedthechopperdoorbeforetheyblastedtheirwayinside.

Sometimessurrenderwastheonlyoption.

Chapter29THEBOATDOCKEDANDDISCHARGEDitspassengers,andWesandhisteamshuffledoutwiththerest.Faroukhaduncharacteristicallycomplainedofseasicknessduringthetrip,andtheminutetheysetfootonland,heretchedalloverthesnow,thesicklyglopsmellingofquesadillafoamandCaffie-Nutri(thesuper-caffeinatedflavorpopularwiththeyoungerkids:Caffie-Nutri!Twicethefun!Twicetheexcitement!).

“Yum,”saidShakes.

“Iceyou,”mutteredFarouk,wipinghismouthwiththebackofhishand.

“Stopsquabbling,”Wesordered,tenseastheyjoinedthecrowdheadedtowardthelineofwhiteplastictentsinfrontofthetemplegateway.Thefamousfleshmarkets.WasthiswhereElizaandLiannanhadbeenbrought?Itwasn’tashehadpictureditatall.Hehadassumeditwouldbedirtyanddisgusting,filledwithcannibaloutlawsandwhimperingslaves,meatofquestionableoriginhangingonhooks.

Thiswasnothingofthesort.Thebrightlyorderedstreetswerefilledwithpristinewhitetents,theirwaresdisplayedbehindglasscasessetongleamingwhitetables.TheproductsthemselveswerepackagedmostlyinwhiteStyrofoamboxes.DiscreetsignsreadCHARMS,POWDERS,orVICTUALS.ToweringabovethemarketwasasurprisinglytastefulandtallstructurebuiltfromthepurestwhiteCarraramarble.Thewhitetemplewassleekandangular,itsbasecarvedfromthesideofthemountain,itspeakstretchingastallasthefirstlowcliffs.

“Where’stheRSAbase?”askedWes.“Conesaiditwouldberighthere.Farouk,gocheckitout.”

“Let’skeepgoing,”saidShakes,narrowinghiseyesatthepeoplecrowdedaroundtheoutdoormarket.Thewhitetentswhippedinthewind,andtheheatelitepawedthroughtheproductsonthetables,fingeringtrinkets,holdingthemuptothelight.Nomatterhowwhiteandcleanandpureeverythinglooked,theplacehadanairofsterilityanddeath.Thewhitemarbleandpolishedsteeltableswerereminiscentofamorgueorabutcher’sshop.

ThewholeplacemadeWes’sstomachchurn.Hecouldn’twatchtouristspickingthroughcharmsandtalismansasiftheywerecandy,when,infact,theywerehandlingthebonesofthedead.Thepriestsworewhitepowderontheirskin,coveringtheirhandsandfaces.Itlookedliketalcumpowder,butWescouldn’tbecertain.Couldbebonedust,hethoughtwithashudder.

Butwhosebones?Themarked?Peoplelikemysister?

“Sylphpowder!Sylphpowderhere!”hawkedanearbyseller.Thispriestworesilveryhairextensionswovenintohisgraystrands.Wesdidn’twanttothinkaboutwheretheycamefrom.

“Whatthehellissylphpowder?”growledShakes.

“Askintreatment,”thepriestsaidwithagleaminhiseye.“Makeyourskinshineliketheirs,eh?Orforyourladybackhome?”

Shakeslungedfortheman,puttinghishandsaroundhisneckandthrottlinghim.“I’llgiveyoufreezingsylphpowder!”FaroukandWeshadtorestrainhimasthepriestshriekedforthesoldiers’protection.

“It’snother,”Weswhisperedfiercely,hustlinghisfriendaway.“It’snotLiannan.Natsaidshewasalive,thatthey’rekeepingheralive.We’llfindher,okay?It’snother.Calmdown,orthey’llgetusbeforewegettoher.”

Shakestookadeepbreathandstoppedfighting.“Okay.”

Wesnudgedoneoftherunnerscrowdedaroundadisplayofglasscharms,ayoungkidnoolderthanfourteenwithzitsonhischin,anuglyscaronhischeek.

“What’sthat?”heasked.

“Eyecharms.Lookatthecoloredirisinside,itgiveslucktothewearer,”thekidsaid.“They’repopularwhereI’mfrom.”

Wesmadeaface.“Yeah?Well,whereI’mfrom,thosemakeyoulooklikeanidiot.”Whichwasn’texactlytruthful,asNewVegaswasfullofeyecharms.Betterthanarabbit’sfoot.

Thekidshrugged.“Yougettingone?No?Okay.Moreforme,”hesaidas

hescoopedupthecharmsandpaidwithhiswatts.

“What’shappeningoverthere?”Wesasked,motioningtothesideentranceofthemarbletower,whereagroupoftouristswasliningup,manyofthemcarryingweaponsofsomesort,automaticrifles,deadly-lookingknives,evencrossbows.

“Linefortheabattoir.Isn’tthatwhyyou’rehere?”heasked,sizinguptheirguns.“It’sreapingday.Thewhitehunt.”

“Right.Sowejustlineup,then?”Wesasked.“Ittakesyourightinsidethetemple?”

“Yeah,prettymuch,butyougothroughsecuritybeforetheyletyouin,”theboysaid.“Ifyoucheckout,yougettoplay;ifnot...”

“Ifnot?”Shakesasked.

“Ifyoudon’tpassthetest,youdon’tgettoleave.”Theboychuckled.“It’snobigdeal.Theydon’twantsomelockheadruiningtheparty.I’msureyouloserswillbefine,youguysdon’tlooklikeanythingbutabunchofVegasdonkeys.”Heranoffthen,catchinguptoanothergroup.

“Heatbag,”Shakesmuttered.“How’dheknow?”

Faroukreturned.“IaskedaroundabouttheRSAbase,andeveryonejustlaughedatmeorlookedatmefunny.Idon’tgetit.It’sgottobearoundhere;thereareenoughsoldiersheretofieldanarmy.Whataboutyouguys?”

“We’regettinginthatline,”saidWes.“Whateveritis,ittakesusinsidethetemplewhereElizaandLiannanare.”

Adozenorsounarmedwhite-cloakedpriestsflankedtheentrance.Camerasdottedtheceilingtoletthevisitorsknowtheywerebeingwatched.Therealsecuritywasprobablynearby,scanningthevideofeed,waitingtopounceifsomethingwentwrong.

Awhite-robedpriestwithathirdeyetattooedonhisforeheadwelcomedthem.“Weareblessedtohavesomanyofyoupartakeinthewhitehunttoday.”Hesmiledbroadly.“Asareminder,onceyouhavemadeyourshot,pleasefollowthesignstotheexitandallowthenextpersontohavetheirchance.Ifthisisnotyourfirsttime,pleasefollowme;otherwise,remainhereforthemandatoryinspection.”

Thegroupsseparatedaccordingly,andWesandhisboyswereamongthefewwhoremained.

“Areyoualltogether?”thepriestasked.“Whatisthepurposeofyour

visit?”

“We’rehereforDiamondJim;heneedsafewmoreofhisluckydice,”saidWes.

“Ah,theDiamondCasino,ofcourse.”Thepriestnodded.“Welcome.YourfirsttimeinNewKandy?”

Wesnodded,andthethreeofthemweresenttoasmallroomtothesidewhereayounggirlwithyelloweyesandafearfulexpressionstoodaloneinthemiddleoftheroom.Shegreetedthethreeboyswithanod.

“Armsup,”shesaid.

Wesraisedhishands.ShakesandFaroukdidthesame.

Sheclosedhereyes.

Weswonderedwhatwasgoingon.Whatkindofinspectionwasthisanyway?Thenhefeltapainfuljoltinhishead,asifstungbyalaseroraforceofsomekind,andhebatteditawayangrilyuntilitsubsided.

Getoutofmyhead.

Thegirlopenedhereyes.“Whodidthat?”

FaroukshookhisheadandShakesshruggedhisshoulders.“Dowhat?”

“Wedon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Wessaidcoolly.“Canwegonow?”Hewasn’tevensurewhatshemeant—thatthing?Thatthingwherehebattedthedarkaway?Wasthatwhatshemeant?

Hewasn’tevensurehecouldsaywhathadhappened.

Hehadactedoutofinstinctandhadn’tevenrealizedhe’ddoneituntilitwasgone.Butwhathadhedoneexactly?Hishandstrembledandhisheadhurtasawaveofsicknessoverwhelmedhim.

Thepriestesslookedupatthecameraintheceilingandshookherhead.Inamoment,theentrancetotheroomwasbarricadedwithpriestsholdingweaponsandironshackles.

“Whatisit,beloved?”anolderpriestessasked,hervoicefeverishwithexcitement.“Whathaveyoufound?”

Thegirlpointedtotheboys.“Oneofthesethreeismarked.”

Chapter30“GOODHUNTING,”THESOLDIERSSAIDtoeachotherastheysurveyedtheirhostages.

“Reapingday,too.Priestswillbehappytoseeyou,tigereyes,”oneofthemsaid,chuckingNat’schinbeforecuffingherwristswithheavyironshackles.“You’llmakeanicelittleeyecharm,won’tyou?”

Natgrimacedasanimagecametomindsuddenly,andshesawherselflyingonamarbleslabwhileawhitepriestpluckedhereyesfromtheirsocketsandplacedeachoneinahollowglasscharmforawealthywomantowearwhenshehittheslotsinNewVegas.Bloodrunningdownthewhitestone.Nathadseenthoseeyecharmsallherlife,butshethoughttheywerefake,madeinafactoryinXian.Shewantedtothrowup.

“What’vewegothere?”anoldersoldierasked.

“Twopint-sizedandamarkedgirl,”theboyreplied.

“Whataboutyou,fatty?”heasked.“Youmarked,too?”

“No,sir,”Conereplied.

“Deserter,huh?”thecaptainsaid,noticingCone’suniform.

“No—I...”

Beforetheboycouldfinishprotesting,andwithoutamoment’shesitation,thecaptainshothimintheface.

Deadassnow.

Conefelltothegroundwithathud,hisbloodredandthick,coveringthewhitebeneathhim.

Cone!

Natwastooshockedtoscream.Foramoment,theironbondsonherwriststretchedtobreaking,thensnappedbacktogether.Shefelltoherknees.Hewasjustakid.Hehadn’tevenhadachancetofightyet.Andtheykilledhimbecausehewasn’tmarked,wasn’tmagiclikeus.Ifthey’llkillordinaryfolklikeflies,whatwilltheydotous?

BrendonandRoarkwerespeechless.TheylookedupatNat,theireyeswidewithfearandbewilderment.Sheshookherhead.Hewasjustaboywho’dwantedtofollowthedrakonrydder,who’dbelievedinher,andshe’dfailedhim.

“Comeon.Getinthetruck,”oneofthesoldierssaid,leadingthemtotheirvehicle,amodifiedHummerliketheoneWeshadusedtotransportheroutofNewVegas.

“Whereareyoutakingus?”sheaskedthesoldiersastheywereledinsidethecargoholdandmadetositonthefloorofthetruck.ShewasstillshakingfromseeingConemurderedrightinfrontofthem.

“You’llseesoonenough.”Theboysmirked.

“Let’shopetheycanrunfast,”anothersnickered.“Touristslikeabitofexcitement.”

Thenthedoorsslammed,thetrucklurched,andtheywereoff.Theroadwasbumpy;theconstantjostlingmadeherfeelnauseated.Fromthewindow,shecouldseethattheywereheadingoutoftheruinsandintothecitylimits.

“Helpus!Helpus!”shecried.

RoarkandBrendonbangedontheironbarsaswell.“Help!”

Thestreetswerecrowdedwithtourists,runners,hawkers,andpriestsintheirwhitecloaksandpowderedfaces.Shespottedtherunnersfirst—shaggyyoungguyswithaweary,grizzledair,gunsslungovertheirshoulders.WasWesoneofthem?Wherewashe?

Afewpeopleinthecrowdedstreetslookedupwithcuriosity,butnoonehelped.ItwasasifscreamingcaptiveswereacommonsightinNewKandy,andknowingtherumorsaboutthecity,maybetheywere.

Thetruckenteredatunnelandeverythingwentblack.Therewerenolightsinsidethecargohold,andironmadeNatfeelphysicallysick,likeshecouldn’tevenproperlythinkorspeak.Shewasunaccustomedtocompletedarkness.Shehadlivedformonthswiththedrakonatherside,itsfire

lightingthesky,itsflameskeepingthecoldanddarknessatbay.

Shestruggledagainsthershackles,tryingtoimaginethemdestroyed,breakingthemdowntotheirmolecules,toseetheiratomsspinningsoshecouldturnthemintosomethingelse.Shecoulddothis.Shehadbrokenironshacklesbefore.ButitwasasifCone’sdeathhadnumbedher,weakenedher,andallshecouldaccomplishwasalittlerattlingofherchains.Maybethatwastheidea.ThecaptainhadkilledConeasawarning,tomakesuretherestofthemremainedcoweringandsubmissive.

Ifthatwasthecase,ithadworked.

Finallythetruckstopped,andthesoundofthelockturningechoedinthesmallchamberasthelatchreleasedandthebackdoorsswungopen.Asoldiermotionedthemforward.

Natsteppedoutofthetruck,clenchingandunclenchingherfists,lookingaroundwearily.Roarkcamenext,blinkinghiseyesagainstthedarkness,thenBrendon,whowascoughing.

Theywereinsomekindofbuilding,andthesoldiersherdedthemtowardaflickeringlightinafarcorner.Natwassurprisedtofindthewallslookedfamiliar.ThesewerethewhitestonewallsandtheconcretefloorsthatshehadseeninhervisionofLiannan.Theendlesscorridorsfilledwithprisoncells,thecriesandscreamsofthepilgrims.Onthefarendwasanotherhallway,andaboveitsarchwereengravedthewordsSACRIFICEISFREEDOM.

Apriestwalkedovertothethreeofthem.“Weareblessedtohaveyou.Youhonoruswithyourpresence.Wehopetobeworthyofyoursacrifice.”

Mysacrifice?

MineandCone’sandLiannan’s?

Thewholegrayworld?

Wouldanyofiteverbeenough?

Natspatinhisface.

Thepriestsmiledandlickedtheliquidfromhislips.“Atasteofthedivine.”

Thesoldierherdedthemintooneofthecellsandlockedthedoor.“Putyourhandsuptothebars,”heordered,holdingupakey.

Natdid,andhetookoffthehandcuffs.Hedidthesametothesmallmen.Thenthesoldierleftthemaloneinthecell.

Shesliddownthelengthofthewallandputherheadinherhands.Wherewastherestoftheirteam?DidtheyfindLiannan?WasWesnearby?Theyhadcometorescuetheirfriendandnowneededrescuethemselves.Somemission,shethought,andanawkwardchucklebubbledupfromherchest.

“What’ssofunny?”Brendonasked.

Shetoldthem.

Hegaveafaintgrin.“Yeah,wesuck.”Hisredcurlscoveredhisface,andNathadtoremindherselfthatthesmallmanwasolderthanher,eventhoughhelookedsoyoung.Roark’sgreaterbulkmadehimappearlesschildlike,butshesometimesmistookhimforsomeonehalfherageaswell.

“It’sallright,wealwaysgetoutsomehow,”Roarksaid.“Theyhaven’tgottenthebestofusyet.”HeputanarmaroundBrendonandkissedhisforehead.

Natwasgladtheyhadeachother.ShewishedshehadWesbyherside,too.Todiewithoutseeinghimagainwastooawfultocontemplate.

Ifonlyshe’dbeenbraveenoughtotellhimwhatshewasreallyfeeling.Ifonly...Whatifsheneversawhimagain?Whatifhediedwithoutknowing?Whatifshedid?

AndwherewasFaix?Hesaidtheywouldseeeachotheragain,sothathadtomeantheywouldsurvivethis,whateveritwas.ShetriedtosenseMainas,butthedrakondidnotrespond,whichwasn’tsurprisingsinceNatwassurroundedbyasuffocatingamountofiron.

Theyweregoingtodiehereifshecouldn’tfigureoutwhattodo.

Sacrificeisfreedom.Shedidn’twanttostaylongenoughtolearnwhatthatmeant,butshehadafeelingshealreadyknew.

Eyecharms.

Reapingday.

Touristslikeabitofexcitement.

Thiswashowthepriestskilledthemarked.Itwasabittertruth.Theyhadothersdoitforthem—forsport—asentertainment.Endingherlifewouldbesomeoneelse’sgreatadventure.Ihopetheyenjoythesacrifice.

Chapter31WESANDHISTEAMHADBECOMEprisonersjustasquicklyasthey’dbeenwelcomedwithopenarms.Ifyoudon’tpassthetest,youdon’tgettoleave,thatyoung,obnoxiousrunnerhadtoldhim.Oneofthesethreeismarked.Butwho?Him?Shakes?Farouk?Hisfriendswerejustasdark-eyedandpowerlessashe.No,thisonlymeantthepriestswereontothem;they’dseenthemarriveinthechopper,andsomehowtheyknewWesandhisboysweren’twhotheysaidtheywere.

“You’remakingahugemistake,”Wessaid,astheguardsdisarmedandquicklyusheredthemdownintothebowelsofthetemple.“Lookatoureyes!We’renotmarked!”

“TheBelovedisneverwrong,”thepriestsaid.“Donotfear,yoursacrificeisanhonor,andinsacrificeyouwillfindfreedom.”

Astheywerehustledintotheircells,hesawsoldierseverywhere:guardingdoors,keepinganeyeontouristswhowerebeingledtoanotherroom.Somanysoldiers—thisplacewascrawlingwithmilitary.

ThenherealizedwhyFaroukhadonlyencounteredlaughterwhenheaskedaboutthelocationofthebase.Thebasewasn’tnearthetemple.Thebasewasthetemple,orthetemplewastheRSAbase.Hedidn’tknowwhyhedidn’trealizeitsooner.

Itwasallsosimple.

We’vegotabaseoutthere,aplacetogetridofthosewenolongerneed.

Themilitaryusedthewhitepriestsasacovertodisposeofthemarkedcaptivesoncetheywerenolongerofuse,andprofitedfromtheirdeaths.

Wesfeltill.AtleastheknewwhereElizawasnow.

•••

“Welcometotheabattoir.Youblessuswithyoursacrifice,”saidadisembodiedvoice.Wesandhisteamwerestandingshouldertoshoulderwiththemarkedvictims,whosebrightlycoloredeyeswereglowinginthedark.Theylookedthin,pale,undernourished.Theywereallinsomekindofholdingpenbeforethelabyrinth.Acrossfromthecorridor,dimly,hesawasecondpenwithevenmoreprisoners.

Hecouldn’tseemuch;themazewasbuiltintothecavernsbeneaththemountain,andtheirfootstepsechoedonthehardsurface.Theechoessuggestedalargerspace,avastnothingness,butlookingup,hesawanotherpathcarvedabovetheirs,wheresilhouetteslingeredinshadow,menandwomenholdingrifles,perchedoncatwalks,danglingabovethepath,justwaitingforthepoorsapswhowouldrunbelow.

Thiswasn’tahunt,thiswasaslaughter.Itwasthenthatheremembered“abattoir”wasanotherwordfor“slaughterhouse.”

Thereweredozensofvictimswiththeminthepen,andWesgatheredhisteamaroundhim.“Okay,listenup,oncethosegatesopenandtheyleteveryoneout,don’trun.Thebestwaytostayaliveistofindaplacetohide.Whenthetrackclears,weneedtogetuponthatledgesomehow,takeoneoftheirweapons,thenfindtheexit.”

“Idon’twanttodie,”Farouksaid.

“Iknow,”Wesconsoled,butFaroukcouldn’tshutup.

“I’mnotfreezingjokingwhenIsaythat.Like,Ireally,reallydon’twanttodie,”theyoungerboysaid.

Wesgrabbedhimbytheshoulder.“Youwon’t,icehole,Ipromise.Hide,andwhenIgivethesignal,comeout.”

“LADIESANDGENTLEMEN!”intonedavoicefromabove.“THEWHITEHUNTISON!REAPINGDAYISUPONUS!GODSPEEDANDGOODLUCKTOALL!”

Theironbarscreakedopen,releasingtheprisoners.Asthemarkedfledthepen,Wesnoticedthatthebarstothesecondcagehadn’topened.Heguessedtheorganizerswerestagingtheprisoners’releasetimes,savinghalfofthemarked,sotheycouldreleasetheremainingcaptiveslater.Perhapstheydidn’twanttochokethemazewithkids,ormaybetheyjustwantedreapingdaytolastalittlelonger.

Redlightsflickeredabovethemaze.Thecavernsbeyondwerecarvedwithswirlingniches,deephollows,andwindingpassages:placeswherethemarkedcouldhide,foratime,fromthesnipers.Itlookedasifthepassagesweredesignedtoprolongthehunt,tomakethesnipersworkforeachkill,toincreasethehunters’pleasure.

Theprisonersscrambledintoamazeofcaverns,dashingasfastastheycould,thehuntersaboverunningandwhoopingafterthem.Justasplanned,Wesandhisteamheldback,andsoonfoundashallowcrevicetohidein.

Allaroundthem,themarkedvictimsscreamedashunterspickedthemoffonebyone.Thefloorsranslickwithbloodandthetunnelsechoedwithcriesofdeathandvictory.Itwasastampedethatquicklyturnedintoamassacre.

“Weneedtoseparate,”Wessaid,panting.“I’llgoright,youguysgoleft.Givethesignaloncewefindtheexit.Gotit?”

ShakesandFarouknodded.

Someoneshotattheirfeet.Weslookeduptoseeahuntersmile.Themanwasgray-hairedanddeeplytanned,likethemenhe’dglimpsedintheDorado.Wesgavehimthefingerandkeptrunning.Hedidn’tlookbacktoseeifhisfriendshadmadeit;hehadtoassumetheyhad.Theyweretoofastandtoosmarttobeshotbysomethrill-seekingtourist.

Ithadbeenagoodcalltohideatthebeginning.Oncehestartedrunning,hecouldn’tstop.Thetunnelswerelongandtwisty,andonceinawhiletheyopenedtoahugespace.Ifhecouldjustkeepoutofthosepocketsandhideinthesmallertunnelswherenoonewantedtogo,hewouldbesafe.

Luckyforhim,thetouristswereawfulshots.Therewasanotheronenow,sightinghimwithhisscope,fumblingwiththelens.Whiletheguywastryingtofigureouthowtotarget,Wesclimbedtherocksandrippedtherifleoutofthetourist’shands,thenpulledoffhisoxygenhelmet,too.Theguyscreamed,asifbreathingthemoldyairunderthecavernwasgoingtokillhim.

Wesknockedhimonthejaw.

“Ishouldshootyourightnow,”Wessaid,puttingtherifleintheguy’sface,pressingitagainsthisnose.

“Don’t.Pleasedon’t.”

“Whichwayout?”heasked.“WHICHWAY?”

“Thatway,”thetouristsaid,pointingtoapaththatleddeeperintothecavern.

“WhatdoyouthinkIam,asucker?”

“No—no—there’sadoorthere,astaircase,itwilltakeyoutothesurface,Iswear.It’stheonlywayoutofhere.Pleasedon’tkillme.Pleasedon’tkillme.”

Wespushedhimawayandran.Hehadtogethisfriendsfirst.Hewhistledthesignalandwaited.Shakeswhistledback,thenFarouk.Twomorewhistlestoletthemknowtheexitwasontheright.He’dmeetthemthere.

Thenafewmorebulletsgrazedhisshoulder.Anotherhunter,abettershot,andthisonedidn’tstopfiring.Wesraisedhisstolenrifleandpulledthetrigger.Hesqueezedonce,twice,butnothinghappened.Theriflewasjammed.Abulletfromthetourist’sriflepiercedhisleg.Westossedasidethejammedrifleashecollapsedtothefloorinshock,andthenthepainsetin.Thehunterclosedinforthekill.Thiswasit.Thiswashowhewasgoingtodie,inthisdarkcavern,aloneandbleeding.

“WES!”

Helookedup.

ItwasNat.Shewascrouchinginanearbycrevice.“Here!Hurry!Hurry!”

Withthelastounceofenergyhehadleft,hecrawled,dragginghimselftowardher,andshepulledhimintothesafetyofthehiddencaveasthehunterkeptfiring,bulletsricochetingagainstthestone,preventingthemfromescapingthecavernorapproachingthecave’snarrowmouth.

Shetookhiminherarmsandhecouldsmellherhair,theheadyscentofsmokeminglingwiththesweeterscentjustbelow,whichalwaysremindedhimofhome.Shewashere.Itwasasifhehaddreamedherup,theonepersonhewantedtoseesobadly,rightinfrontofhim.Ifitwasadream,hedidn’twanttowakeup,andifitwasn’t,hewasgladhewouldn’tdiealone.

Chapter32NATHELDWESINHERARMS.“YOU’REnotdeadyet,comeon,don’tbeadramaqueen,”sheteasedgentlyasshehelpedhimsitontherockyfloor.Hewasbleedingandcoldtothetouch,probablyfromshock.“Donnie,weneedtomakeatourniquetforhisleg,”shesaid.Shekneltdownandpeeledbackthefabricofhispantswherethebullethadhithim.Itwasanuglygash,butclean.

Nat,Brendon,andRoarkhadbeenhidingsincethehuntstarted,decidingtowaititoutbeforetryingtofindawayoffthekillingfloor.Shethoughtthey’dbeentargeteduntilsherealizeditwasWeswhohadbeenshotrightinfrontofher.

Brendonhandedoverhiskerchiefand,togetherwithRoark,fashionedabandageonWes’sleg.Outsidetheirhiddencavern,thehunterhadstoppedfiringandmovedontoeasierprey.

“WhereareShakesandFarouk?They’renot—”sheasked,fearingtheworst.

“They’remeetingusattheexit.Ifoundoutwhereitwasbeforethatheatbagshotme.”Hesmiledatthesmallmenandthankedthemfordressinghiswound,thenlookedaround.“Where’sCone?”

Sheshookherhead.Shecouldn’tsayit.

Hisfacechanged,andhiseyeslookedpained.

“Iknow.I’msorry.Icouldn’tkeepthemsafe...theysurroundedus,andtheykilledhimbecausehewasadeserterandwasn’tmarked.Rightinfrontofus.”

“It’snotyourfault,”hesaidsoftly.

Hearingthosewordsbrokesomethinginsideher,andthistimeitwasNatwhofellintohisarms.Wesseemedsurprisedatfirst,butheheldher,lettinghergriefwashoverhim.Hewasabulwark,arock,someoneshecouldleanonwhowouldn’tbreakunderneathhersorrow.“Nat,”hesaidhuskily,wipingawayhertearswithhisfingers.

“Yeah?”

Hesmiled.“Peoplesaystuffallthetime.Theydon’tmeanit.I’msorry...”

“Shutup,”shesaid,andthenshedidn’twaitanymore.Shepulledhimclose,tuggingonthecordsofhishoodsothathehadnochoicebuttoleantowardher.Shebreathedintohim,happytofindahaveninthismadness.Heputhishandsagainstherfaceandkissedher,slowlyatfirst,asifsavoringeverymoment,andwhensheopenedhermouthtohis,theirkissesturnedurgent,breathlessanddizzying.

Whentheyfinallystopped,hewassmiling.“Ishouldhavedonethatearlier.”

“Ican’targuewiththat.”

“Imissedyou,”hesaid.

“Metoo.Morethanyouknow.”

“Really?”Hewasgrinningbroadlynow.

“Really.”

“Good.”Hepickedupherhandandkissedit,hislipssoftagainstherskin.

“Areyouguysdone?We’rekindoftiredoftryingtopretendwedidn’tjustseethat.”Roarksnorted.“Althoughthenauseawillremindus.”

“Idon’tknow,Iratherenjoyedit,”Brendonsaidwickedly.

“Youandmeboth,man.”Weswinked.“Now,whatdoyousaywebustthisjoint?”hesaid,ashetriedtostandandwinced.

Natslunghisarmoverhershoulders.“Canyouputanyweightonit?”

“I’llhaveto,”hesaid.

“That’sokay,Ihaveyou,”shetoldhim.“DidyoufindEliza?”sheasked.

Heshookhishead.“WhataboutLiannnan?”

Shesighed.“We’llfindthem.Iknowwewill.”

Onebyonetheyleftthesafetyofthenicheandheadeddownthenarrow,windingcavern,Weshobblingalong,leaningonNatastheyinchedtheirwayout.Wesgavethesignalagain,andwasrelievedtohearbothShakes’sandFarouk’sresponses.Natwasstartingtothinktheycouldactuallygetoutwhenavoiceboomedfromabove,alongwiththefamiliarclickofagun.

“Notsofast.”

Theyfroze.Natlookedup.Therewasahunterrightabovethem.Butthisonewasn’tatourist—sherecognizedthatvoiceandwantedtoflee.ItwasBradley,thecommander.AsiftheyneededanymoreconfirmationthattheRSAwasbehindthiswholeenterprise.

Hewassavoringthemoment—thatmuchwasclear.

“Lookwhatwehavehere.Atwo-for-onespecial.Thegirlwhocanflyandtheboywhoalwayssaysno.Oh,wait,andtwolittlestoaddtomycollection.MaybeI’llweartheirtinylittlebonesonmymedals.Ihearthey’reparticularlyluckyforfindingfood.”HeaimedhisgunrightatWes.“Ihavenoideahowyougothere,Wesson,butyouareexactlywhereyouneedtobe.”

“Saygood-bye,icetrash.”Hesqueezedthetrigger.

Itwaslikeeverythinghappenedinslowmotion.NatstaredatthebulletthatwaswhizzingitswaytowardWes’sheart.She’dbeenherebefore;shehadsavedhimfromdeathoncealready.Thatfirsttime,ontheblackwater,shehadnoideawhatshehaddone.Shehadnoideahowherlovehadsavedhimfromdeath.

Butthistimeshedid.

ShelookedupatBradley.Therewasnoemotiononherfaceandshefeltnoneinherheart.Notfear.Notanger.Controlwasthekeytoherpower,Faixhadtoldher.Controlwastheessenceofherpower.

Thefireiswithinyou.

Shesawthemanwhohadtorturedandusedher,thecommanderwhohadforcedhertostealchildrenfromtheirmother’sarms,whowasgoingtocutdownherfriendsonebyone,startingwiththeoneshelovedmost.

Butshefeltnorage,noanger,nofear,onlyasupremesenseofherself,ofcalmandlogic.

Control,Faixhadtoldher.

Weswasstillleaningonhershoulder,stillsmilingather.

Maybe,totapintoyourpower,allyouneedtodoisthinkofme.Thosewerehiswordsontheblackocean,whenshehadsavedthemthefirsttime.

Faixwasright,butnotcompletely.Havingcontrolwasnotenough.Emotionwasalsopartofherpower,andlovewasstrongerthanfury,strongerthanrage,anditwasherlovethatsheusednow.HerfierceandabidingloveforWes,forBrendonandRoark,forCone,whohaddiedtooyoung,forShakesandFarouk,stillhiddeninthemaze,andherloveforherdrakon,buriedundergroundbutaliveinsideher.

Thefireiswithinyou.

Thefireburneddeepinhersoul,white-hot,asbrightasdaylight,andshescreamedassheunleasheditontothecommander,meltingthebullethehadsenttowardWesandsettinghimablaze.Settingthecavernafire.Burndownthistemple.Burndownthishouseofhorrors.

Whitefirethatcouldburnrockandmeltstone.

Drakonfire.

“RUN!”Wesyelled,pullingherandthesmallmentowardtheexit,whereShakesandFaroukwerealreadywaiting.Whentheygotthere,theyfoundthattheforceofherblasthadopenedthedoors,andtheyallran.

Insidethemaze,thekillingfloorwasburningasthemarkedvictimsranout,asthescreamsofthehuntersechoedthroughthetunnels.

Chapter33WESLEDTHETEAMOUTOFTHEMAZEandintothetemple,rushingpasttheterrifiedpriestswhoranfromthem.Afewsoldierstriedtostopthem,buteventheyranwhentheycaughtsightofNat.BeautifulAnastasiaDekesthalias.TheResurrectionoftheFlame.

“Whyaretheyscreaming?”sheasked.

“Becauseyou’recoveredinfire,”Westoldher,awed.Shewasstandinginthemiddleofabonfire,coveredinthehotwhitelight,justasshehadbeenonthedeckoftheColossus.Herfaceandherskinandhereyeswereglowing.

“Iam?”

Sheheldupherhands,amazedatthesightoftheflamesthatdancedonherskin.Shelookedafraid,andso,withoutthinking,hetookherhandandheldit.“Letitburn,”hesaidsoftly.“It’sbeautiful.You’rebeautiful.”Hetouchedhercheek,herhair,andbenttokissherthroughtheflames.

Thefiredidnotburnhim,onlytickledandcaressedhisskinlikewarmfeathersalloverhisbody.Shelookedintohiseyesandsmiled,andheknewtheyunderstoodeachother.

Themarkedvictimswerecomingoutofthesecondpen,thecagethathadn’topenedatthestartofreapingday,andwhentheysawNatcoveredinfire,theyblessedthemselves.Blessthedrakon.Blessitsrydder.Blessthefirethatwilllighttheworld.

“Liannan,”Shakessaidhoarsely,interruptingthetwoofthem.“WhereisLiannan?Didyoufindher?”Shakes’sdesperationremindedWeshewasthereforsomeone,too.Eliza.

Natshookherhead,andtheflamedisappeared.ShewasjustNatagain—

thearmorwasgone,andshewasdressedsimplyinblackjeans,wornboots,andtheflannelshirtsheworeonthefirstnightoutofNewVegas.

Wesraisedhiseyebrow.“Whatothercostumechangeshaveyougotunderthere?”heasked.“BecauseIhaveafewideas,”hesaidwithagrin.“Andthey’reallhot.”

“Shush,”shesaidastheyrandownthehallwayafterShakes.“Butwhatdidyouhaveinmind?”sheteased.

“Liannan!”Shakesyelled,pushingintothecrowd,scanningfaces,lookingforasylph,findingone,thenanother.“LIANNAN!”

Wesskiddedtoahalt.“Listen,I’vegottocheckthecellsforEliza...she’sheresomewhere.”

Natnodded.“Iunderstand.Go.I’llstaywithShakes.”

“TakeBrendonandRoark,I’llgowithFarouk,”hesaid.“We’llmeetyouguysattheentranceinfive.”

“Right,”shesaid,motioningforthesmallmentofollowher.FaroukrantoWes’sside.

Sheturnedawaywhenhecaughtherhandsagain.

“Idon’twanttoleaveyou,”hesaid.Hedidn’twanttoletgo.

“Youwon’t.Notever.I’llalwaysbewithyou,”shesaid,squeezinghishands.Shestoodonhertiptoesandkissedhimagain,thenunlacedherhandsfromhis.“ButLiannanandElizaneedus.”

Henodded.Ofcoursetheydid,itwaswhytheywerehereinthefirstplace.“Liannanneedsourhelp,buttheonlypersonElizaeverneededsavingfromwasherself,”Wesmuttered.

ThenNatturnedawayfromhim.“Shakes—IthinkIknowwhereLiannanis.Hurry!”

Weswatchedthemdisappeardownoneofthemarblehallways,hisheartbeatingpainfullyinhischest.

“Whereto,boss?”Faroukasked.

Records.Therewouldhavetoberecordsonfilesomewhere.Prisonerrecords.Lists.Hecouldn’tgosearchingthewholeplaceforhercell;itwouldtakeforever,andhewouldbetoolateagain.“Theoffice—comeon.Therehavetobesomemanifests.Shejustgothere.”

Theyfoundtheofficeinthefrontrooms.Itwasabandoned,thepriestshavingfled,andthewholetemplewasbeginningtofillwithsmoke.Wesflungopenfilecabinets,hurlingfilesandfolderseverywhichwayashesearchedforhissister’snameonthedocuments.Wherewasshe?WherewasEliza?Hadtheykilledheralready?Washetoolate?

Faroukbootedupthecomputer.Hebangedonthekeyboardandscrolledthroughthescreens.

“What’veyougot?”askedWes,lookingoverhisshoulder.

“PrisonertransportfromElDorado.Coupleweeksago.Thisisit.Shemustbeonthislist.”Faroukranhisfingerdownthescreen,lookingthroughthenames.Buttherewasnothing.NoEliza.

“She’snothere,”Farouksaid,fingersflyingonthekeyboardagainashetriedacouplemoresearches.“That’sweird.Yourhackersaidshewasintheprogram,right?”

Wesnodded.

“Butthere’snorecordofElizabethWessonanywhere.Notevenintheirmainfile.She’sneverbeenaprisoneroftheRSA.Idon’tgetit.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“She’snotinanyofthedetentioncenters.See?Thoseareblackedout,butIwasabletogetthroughthefirewalltofigureoutthenamesofthepeoplethey’reholding—”

“Yeah,yeah,gettothepoint.”

“There’snorecordofheranywhereinthesystem.”

Whatdidthatmean?She’dbeenonthetransferlistinElDorado.AndBradleyhadthreatenedhimwithhissister’sdeathtogethimtoaccepthiscommission.

“Checktheblacklists,”heinsisted.

Faroukshookhishead.“Ialreadydid.Iwenttherefirst.”

“Doitagain!”

Farouktypedafewlettersonthekeyboard.ThescreenflashedwithFILENOTFOUND.ERROR.

Wesshookhishead.“Maybetheypurgedtherecords.”

“Maybe.ButIdoubtit,there’salwaysatrail.”

Wesfeltasicksensation,andherememberedwhathe’dsaidtoNat.TheonlypersonElizaeverneededsavingfromwasherself.Therewassomethingwronghere...somethingdidn’taddup,andhehadadark,terriblesuspicionthatheknewwhatitwas.

Chapter34“WE’LLFINDHER,”NATTOLDSHAKES,whohadrunahead,openingcelldoorsoneafteranother,callingLiannan’sname.“She’shere.She’sreallyhere.”

SheheardLiannan’svoiceinherheadsoclearly,itwasasifthesylphwererightinfrontofher.Nat,hurry!Hurry!Nat!Thepriestsandsoldiershadabandonedtheirposts,andtouristsraninalldirectionswhilethemarkedvictims,unshackledandunrestrained,trainedtheirpowerontheirformercaptors,helpingthefiregrow,lettingitburn.

“Theymusthavekeptthesylphsinaspecialplace,”Roarksaid,“sincenoneofthemwereinthemazewithus.”

“Goodidea,”Brendonsaid,huffingnexttohim.

“Shakes!Weneedtogothisway,”Roarksaid,motioningtostairsthatledawayfromtheprisoncells.“Thesepensopenuptothemaze,andtherewerenosylphsonthekillingfloor.”

Shakesnodded,hisfacepaleandanxious.Thefirewascontainedinthelowerlevelsfornow,butwasbeginningtolickatthewallsandthestairway.“Weneedtohurry!”

Roarkhadguessedcorrectly.Thefourofthemarrivedonthenextlanding,findinganotherhallwayfullofcells.WhenNatusedherpowerandforcedthedoorsopen,sylphsbegantowalkoutoftheirprisons.Somewereblind;otherswerefingerless,somelimped.Theywereallbald,theirbeautifulhairshorntothescalp,andNatrememberedthesilverextensionsthepriestsworeintheirhair.

Shakesgagged.“Motherfreezeit,”hewhispered.

“LiannanoftheWhiteMountain?”Brendonasked.“DoyouknowwhereLiannanis?”

Onesylphshookherhead,rubbinganeyethatwasnolongerthere,anotherscratchedattheplacewhereanearhadbeencutfromherhead.WhennoonerecognizedLiannan’sname,Natfeltherheartdrop.Thenshehearditagain.

Liannan’smelodiousvoice.Clearasglass.

Nat,cometome.

Nat.

Herfriendsmadetheirwaythroughthemobofsylphs,lookingforLiannan,butNatturnedtheotherway.

SheheardherfriendsscreamLiannan’sname.Sheheardthembargethroughacelldoor,heardShakes’ssob.SheheardLiannancry,“Vincent!”LiannanalwayscalledShakesbyhisrealname;shewastheonlyonewhodid.

No.

Thatwaswrong.Sheheardnoneofthis.

Liannanwasstillcallingher.Drawinghertotheotherhallway,theoneatthefarsideofthetemple.

“Nat,whereareyougoing?Nat!”Shakesyelledfromtheothersideoftheroom.“She’sinhere!Wefoundher!Nat!”

ButShakeswaswrong.

Liannanwasnotinthatcell;shewasdownthishallway.

Natdidn’tlookback.Sheknewwhereshewasgoing,whereshewouldfindherfriend.

Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedunderneaththearchway.SACRIFICEISFREEDOM.

Chapter35“KEEPCHECKING!”WESSCREAMEDATFarouk,unabletoacceptthattherewasnorecordofElizaanywhereinthesystem,anywhereinthemarkedprogram.

Itcouldn’tbe.ElizaWessonwasanRSAprisoner.Shehadbeenstolenfromherfamilyasachild,takeninafire.Thatwaswhathehadbelieved,thatwaswhathewantedtobelieve,evenifheknewthetruth.AshehadtoldNatthatnightontheslaveship,thetruthwas,hehadnoideawhathadhappenedtoEliza.

Elizacouldbescarysometimes.

Shewasn’tverynice.

Elizawasaweaver.Shemadeyoubelievethingsthatweren’ttrue.

Nineyearshadpassedsincehe’dseenhissister.Thegirlhe’dknownthenwasachild,angry,confused,andoftenmischievous.Hehadmadehisshareofmistakes,donestupidthings,butElizahadalwaysbeendifferent.Evenatseven,therewassomethingwrongwithher.

Fornineyearshe’dtriedtoforgetthatsideofher.Hewantedtorememberthesisterwithawkwardsmileswhoworebrightcolors.Thosememorieswerehazy—perhapshehadidealizedEliza.Hisonlysouveniroftheirchildhoodwasaphoto,apictureofalittlegirlinapuffysnowsuitstandingnexttoasnowman.Hewasinthepicture,too,hischubbyarmslungaroundhissister’sshoulders.Shewashappy,smiling.

Thatwasthesisterhehadcometosave,hislastremainingfamilyintheworld.Hismotherwouldneverforgivehimifhegaveuponher.ItwasthereasonhehadleftNatattheBlueseveralmonthsago,thereasonhehad

broughthisentireteamtofollowhimintodangerandruin.

Becausehehadtofindoutwhathappenedtoher.Theyweretwins,butElizahadalwaysbeenhislittlesister.

“I’mtellingyou,boss,she’snothere,”saidFarouk.“I’msorry.”

Wesbangedhisfistonthedesk,makingahugedentinthemiddle.“LOOKAGAIN!”heroared.WhenhesawthefearinFarouk’sface,heapologized.“I’msorry—butshehastobehere.Thesystemiswrong.”

Wesshookhishead.Hishandswereshaking,andhiseyeswerewatering.Hisheadhurt.Hedidn’tknowwhattodo.

Therewasascreamfromacrossthehallway.WesexchangedaglancewithFaroukandtheyboltedoutoftheroom.

Shakesemergedfromoneofthecells,carryingLiannaninhisarms.Shewasweakandpale,andhergoldenhairwasknottedandtangled.Thesix-pointedstaronhercheekwasthrobbing.

Wesfeltaflashofjoytofindheralive,butShakes—thatscruffybeanpoleofaboywithacrookedbeard,whoshouldhavehadasmileonhisfaceaswideastheocean—wasvisiblydistraughtwhenhesawWes.

“What’swrong?”heasked,eventhoughheknewthateverythingwasabouttofallapart.

ThatShakeswasabouttoconfirmthedark,awfulsuspicionhehadshovedtothebackofhismind.

“Wes,”Liannansaid,hervoiceawhisper.Shewastheonewhohadscreamed,herealized,andshehadn’tscreamedinfearbut,likehim,hadletoutaroaroffrustration.“Wes...youhavetohelpNat.”

“Nat.Nat...whatdoyoumean...why?What’shappened?”heasked,hisheartthunderingwithfear.

“Nat’sindanger—”

“Whereisshe?”Wesasked,crazed.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Wes,listen—sheusedmetocallherhere.Itriedtodeflectit,Isentthecallsomewhereelse,IsentNattoyou,tofindRoarkandBrendon,hopingitwoulddelayherwhileItriedtofighther.Butitwasnouse.She’ssostrong.Shebledme,usedmybloodtomasktheironinamagicbombthatbroughtdownNat’sdrakon.Becauseit’sNatshewants.It’sNatshe’swantedallalong.”

“Whowantsher?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”askedWes,evenifhealreadyknewexactlywhatLiannanwouldsaybeforeshesaidit.

“LadyAlgeanaPenthos,HighPriestessoftheWhite.She’syoursister,ElizaWesson.”

ParttheFourth:

CHILDOFVALLONISThecaveyoufeartoenterholdsthetreasureyouseek.

—JOSEPHCAMPBELL

Chapter36FORAMOMENTNATWONDEREDWHYSHEwaswalkingaloneinanemptyhallway.ShehadbeenfollowingShakes,Roark,andBrendon,andinherdistantmemory,sherecalledthemcallinghername.Tellinghertoturnaround,thatshewasmakingamistake.Butshedidnothearthem,orifshedid,theirwordsdidnotmakesense.

Allaroundher,thetemplewasburning,thefirefromthekillingfloormakingitswayupward,consumingeverythinginitspath.Sheclimbeduponesetofstairs,thenanother.Sheheardthescreamsandtheterror,butunderneaththescreamssheheardsomethingelse.

Avoicecallingforher.

Liannan’svoice.

Likeakeyfittingintoalockandopeningsomethinginsideher,drawinghertothisplace.Sheforgotaboutherfriends,sheforgoteverything.Therewasonlythisplace,andthevoice,andthecallshemustanswer.Natrealizedshehadbeenherebefore.Shehadbeeninthisplace,hadwalkedthroughitswhitemarbledwalls.

Shefollowedthevoicetothetopofthemountain.

Shefoundthedoorwiththegoldenletteringandopenedit.

Faixstoodintheroom,hismouthopeninasilentscream.ButNatcouldhearneitherhisvoicenorhisthoughtsinherhead.Allsheheardwasthevoice,soothingher,sayinghernameagainandagain,blockingherfromhearingorunderstandinganythingelse.

“Why,Faix,”shesaid,“whatareyoudoinghere?”Herownvoicewassleepyandslowashermindstruggledtomakesenseofhersurroundings.

Whywasshealone?

WhywasFaixlookingatherthatway?Whydidn’thespeak?

Asifshewereawakeningfromsleep,suddenlyshesawthatsomethingwasterriblywronghere.Hiswhitearmorwasdirtyandtorn,andhisnailswereblackwithdirt.Hissilvereyesweregrayandthenecklaceheworearoundhisneckwasgone.Helookedstrangelybarewithoutit,almostexposed.Natshookherhead,buttheimageremained.

It’snotright.It’slikethebrokenbridgealloveragain.

Faixshouldn’tlooklikethat.Thisshouldn’tbehappening.

Nattriedtocomposeherself.“Faix,whathappened?Faix?”

Butinsteadofansweringher,Faixfelltotheground,hisownlongswordburstingthroughhischestashewasimpaledfrombehind,andhissapphirebloodspillingonthefloor.

Natsawbutshecouldnotsee,notreally.

Sapphireblood.

Shewatchedtheswordpushthroughherlostfriend’sheartasachildwatchesastormfromthewindow.

Bluerthantears,Natthought.BluerthantheBlue.

Faixfelltohisknees,thenpitchedforwardatherfeet.Thesapphirestainranacrossthestone.

Faixisdead.

Faix.

MyFaix.

Shefeltasiftheairwereleavingtheroom.

Shefeltasifherownheartwerepushingandpoundingoutofherchest.

Shefeltasifshe’dseenthisallbefore.

BecauseIhave.

ItwasthenthatNatrealizedtheroomshewasstandinginwasthesameoneshe’dseeninhervisionallthistime.Thechainsonthewall,thebloodpoolingonthefloor,awhite-robedgirlinthecorner.

Shehadseenthis.ShehadthoughtthegirlwasLiannan,thatLiannanwascallingforhelp.

ButthegirlwasnotLiannan,andLiannanhadnotbeencryingforhelp,notatall,buthadbeensendingherawarning,garbledandsuppressedbyhercaptor,whohadusedhertodrawintheirprey.

Nat!Don’tletthemfoolyou!Ineedyoutolistentome!Saveyourself!

Thewhite-robedgirltossedawayFaix’sswordandsteppedoverhisbody.Liketherestofthepriests,shehadwhitepowderonherfaceandhands,andathirdeyedrawnonherforehead.Shehadthickbrownhairandhereyeswereasceruleanblueasthebloodthatshehadspilled.Shewasbeautifulandterrible,andshenowworeFaix’snecklacearoundherpaleneck.

Natwantedtoripitfromherthroatasshewatched.Thisthing—thisheartlessbeast—hadstolenFaix’sheart,anditwasallNatcoulddonottorepeatthetrick.

Butitwasn’tjustthat.

Somethingaboutherwasfamiliar,theshapeofhernose,herlong,thinhands.

“Doyouknowme,Anastasia?”thegirlasked.ShelookedatNatstrangely,withinterest,asifshe’donlyjustnoticedherintheroom.

“Eliza!”Natgasped.“You’reElizaWesson.”

“Thatwasmynameonce,”shesaid,staringatNatwithcontempt.“Before.WhenIwasweak.”

Natsaidnothing.

Before,shethought.Whenyoudidnotneedtostealheartsbecauseyoustillhadyourown.

Thegirl’sbluegazewassteady.Unnerving.

“Butnotanymore.IamLadyAlgeanaPenthos,HighPriestessofthistemple.”

LadyAlgeanaoftheDark.EaterofSouls.DestroyerofWorlds.

Elizabowedherheadwithasmile.

“Butthatwouldmean...that...”

“Yes,”shesaid,amused.“PoorBradleythoughthewasrecruitingmeintotheprogramwhenhefoundme.Thoughthecouldmakemeintooneofhislittlefire-eyedpuppets.Sillyman.Imightaswellhavetiedstringstohisarmsandmadehimdance.”Hersmilebroadenedassherelishedthethought.“Did

youenjoykillinghim?ThatwasmygifttoyouwhenIhadnomoreuseofhim.Itoldhimtogointothemaze,thathewouldsurelyfindsomeonetherehewaslookingfor.”

Natbackedupagainstthewall.TherewassomethingdreadfulaboutEliza,agraydarkness,adank,seepingpoisonthatswelledupfromwhatshouldhavebeenhersoul.“You’reamurderer.Youkillyourownkind.Idon’tunderstand.Why?Whathappenedtoyou?”

Elizaliftedherchin.“Theyhavetodie.Itistheirhonor,tofeedmypower,whentheydieasinnocentsinthemazeIcapturetheessenceoftheirsouls,”shesaid.“Mypriestsselltheseworthlesstokenstotherestofthepopulation,butwhattheydon’tknowisthateachtimeamarkedpersondies,theirpoweraddstomyown.Iclaimitformyself,asonlyIcando.”Hereyeswereblazingnow.“IammorepowerfulnowthanIhaveeverbeen.TheworldsIweave,myillusions,arenolongerephemeral;theyhavesubstance.Icanweavefirethatburns—icethatfreezes.Agoodtrick,yes?Turningnothingintosomething.AlessonIlearnedasachild.”

Natwasparalyzed.Shecouldn’tmoveasElizatooktheroughchainsandlockedherhandsinthem.ThechainsthathadneveroncebeenforLiannan,butwerealwaysforher.

I’msuchafool.

Elizaraisedaneyebrow.“Isawyouintheglass.ThelastdrakonrydderofVallonis.AnastasiaDekesthalias.TheResurrectionoftheFlamethatwilllighttheworld,”shesaid.Shetuggedthechainstight,drawingbloodfromNat’swrists.“IfonlyIhadknownyouwerealreadyintheprogram.IorderedBradleytobringyoutomethatnightyouleftMacArthur,butyouslippedaway.SohowwasItofindyounow?AndhowwouldIgetyoutocometome?Butthenwecapturedthesylph...”

“Liannan.HernameisLiannan.”Natcouldn’thelpherself.HernameisLiannan,sheisnotoneofyourtoys,sheismyfriend.

Elizashrugged.”Andsuddenly,itallfellintoplace.Iwoulduseherbloodtomaskthebomb,andhervoicetocallyouhere.Shewassoveryhandy.ButIhadnoideauntilwecaughtherthatyouknewsomeone...someoneclosetome.”

“Wes,”Natsaidmiserably.

“Yes,mysaintedbrother,Ryan,whorefusedacommissionwhenBradleyfirstofferedit.Bringingallthosepilgrimstoourtemplecouldhaveatleast

provedhisusefulness.Butno.Hewastoogoodforthat,hewouldneverdosuchathing.”

Ofcoursehewouldn’t,Natthought.

“Wesalwaysneededtobelieveinhimselfasthehero.”

Becauseheisone.

Elizasighed.“IheardhewasbackinNewVegas,soIputmynameonablacklist,madesurehesawit.Itseemedtobetheonlywaytogethimcloser.Iwonderifhelikedallthoselittletouches.My‘room.’Thebunny.Ineverhadsuchatoy,buthewouldn’tremember,he’smuchtoosentimental.”

“Kind.”Thewordis“kind.”

“HehadtobelieveIwastheirprisoner,eventhoughheknewbetter.HehadtothinkIwasindanger.Itwastheonlywaytodrawhimout.He’salwaysbeenagullibleboy.”

“Loyal.”Thewordis“loyal.”

Elizadismissedherbrotherwithaflickofherpalewrist.“Thenthosesillychildrensetfiretothedome.ButwegotWesanyway,”shesaid,herlipsparting,whiteteethglistening.ShemotionedtoFaix.“Ithoughthewouldbringyoutome,too,ifhehad,maybeIwouldhavelethimlive.”

“Youusedthemalltogettome.Allmyfriends...,”Natsaid.Elizahadhuntedthemdown,eachone,hadbroughtthemallheretodie.

“Whatarefriendsfor?”Elizaasked.ShepickedupFaix’sswordfromthefloor.“Hewasmyteacher,too.Didheevertellyouabouthisfavoritepupil?Didhestartyourlessonswiththeviolin?Youthoughtitwasyouridea,butitwasalwayshis.Faix.GivetheQueenmyregards,tellherIgothermessage.”Shelaughed,kickingFaix’sbodysoitrolledintotheblueblood.

“Icalledhimtome,felthispresencethemomentyoulandedontheisland.ToldhimIwasreadytochange.Andofcoursehecame.‘Thereisstilltimetorepent,’hesaid.‘TheQueenstilllovesyou.Istillloveyou.’IcalledthemMotherandFather,didhetellyou?Howcanonebemorethanathousandyearsoldandsostupid?”

THEWEAVERANDTHEQUEENTHROUGHTHEFIRE,THROUGHTHESMOKEandflame,shesawtheboyandthegirlhuddledinthecorner.Twins.Shehadn’tknowntherewouldbetwochildren,asshehadseenonlyoneinhermirror.Whichone?Theboylookedafraid,buthissisterstaredbackboldly.Thegirlhadsapphireeyesandaswirlonhershoulder.Aweaver.

Itwasthegirl.

Adecisionwasmade.

Shewastheone.

Theonetheyhadcometosteal.

•••

Inthecenturysincetheicecameupontheworld,thepeopleofVallonissentscoutsintothegraylandstosearchforthesourceofthecorruption,withnosuccess.

Then,sixteenyearsago,theQueenbeheldavision.Avisionoftheonewhowouldsavethem.AchildofVallonisborninthegraylandswhowouldbeabletounlockthetowerthatheldtheArchimedesPalimpsest.ThechildoftheQueen,imbuedwithherspiritandpowerforanewage.Themirrorshowedthemthechildintheflames,andtheystoleherfromherfamilywhenshewassevenyearsofage.

TheQueenandherloyalconsort,FaixLazaved,broughtthechildtoApistolivewiththem.Shebecamelikeadaughter,achildtoreplacetheoneshehadsacrificedforVallonis.

TheybelievedElizawouldbetheonetorecastthespell,tofixthefrostandthedarknessthathadseepedintoitsmakingandsettheworldaright.

Faixdeclaredhehadneverhadamoreaptpupil.Hewassoproudofher.Elizawasafastlearner,andtookeasilytoherdailylessonsofmagic.Shelearnedtoshapewondrouscreationsoutoftheether.Thisstolenchildwaseverythingthey’dhopedfor.Theycalledhertheirstarchild,delightinginhercleverness,hertalent,hersorcery.

Threeyearsago,theysentElizabacktothegraylandswiththekeytounlocktheArchimedesPalimpsestandbringitbacktoApis.

ButElizaneverreturnedtothem.

Instead,therewasnewsofmoreviolenceanddarkness,ofashiningwhitetemplegovernedbyacruelmistress.Newsthattheirpeoplewerebeingtorturedandkilled,herdedtotheirdeathsbyarmiesingray,andturnedintodustbyholymenandwomeninwhite.

ElizaWessonwasnotthechildtheythoughtshewas.

Heartbrokenanddefeated,theycametotheconclusionthattherecouldbeonlyoneexplanation.

Theyhadstolenthewrongtwin.

Chapter37WESCOULDN’TUNDERSTANDWHATLiannanwastellinghim;ithurttoomucheventotry.Thewholeworldwasburningaroundhim,andsomehowthestoryburnedhimmore.HissisterwastheHighPriestess?Elizawasbehindthistemple?Theonewhoorderedthewhitehunt?Whogatheredmarkedpilgrimstothisplaceonlytoslaughterthem?ThepriestesswhoworkedwiththeRSA?Howcouldthatbe?

Elizawasmischievousanddelusional,cruelandthoughtless,butshewasn’takiller,shewasn’tacannibal.

Wasshe?

“It’sbeennineyears,Wes,”Liannansaid,standingnowandleaningonShakes’sshoulder.“Peoplechange.Sometimesfortheworse.”Thesoundsoffireandfurywereonlygrowingstronger.Theyneededtogo.

Westightenedhisfist,buttherewasnothingtostrike.Nothere.

“Whereisshe?”Hisvoicewasstrangelycold,asifitbelongedtosomeoneelse.Someonewhosesisterdidnotthreatenallhelovedalongwiththeworldtheylivedin.“Where’sNat?WhatdoesEliza—mysister—wantwithher?”

“Shewentupthestairs,”Brendonsaid.“Wecouldn’tstopher.Shewaslikesomeonepossessed.”

Wesmovedtothedoor.

RoarkputahandonWes’sarm.“Thisplaceisburningdown.Wehavetorun.Youcan’tgoafterher—wecan’tloseyou,too.”

ButWesshookhimoff,pausinglongenoughtogripRoarkbytheshoulder.“Trytogetoneoftheferryboats.Waitformeatthedock.I’llcome

backwithNat.AndIcanhandlemysister.Ipromise.”

“Wes,”Liannansaidgravely.“Eliza’snotyoursisteranymore.Youhavetorememberthat.She’lluseeverythingandanythingtofightyou,togetwhatshewants.”

Henoddedandranupintotheburningbuilding,upintothesmokeandflame,tofindhisloveandhisshame,hisfutureandhispast—atleast,theonewhoheldithostage.

Enough.

•••

Thestairswereblackwithflame,butWeskeptclimbing;hewouldn’tleaveNatbehind,andiftheyweregoingtodiehere,theywoulddietogether.Hefoundthedoorwayandburstintotheroom.Thechamberwashewnfromthestone,aroundroomringedbyarchedwindowsandencircledbyawideterrace.

Natwaschaineduptothewall,herarmsspreadoutlikewings,wristsandanklesshackled.

Powerlessasapinnedbeetle.Abrokenbird.

Agirlstoodinfrontofher.

Eliza.Mysister.

Herecognizedherbrightblueeyesalongwithherthinnose,hersharpchin,thefeaturesthattheyshared—andyetherfacehadsomehowgonewrong,slightlytwisted,thenosetoolong,thechintoopointed.Evenasachild,shehadalwaysbeenannoyedwhentheirmothercooedoverhisgoodlooks.

“Eliza.”

Hernameseemedtorankleher.“YoumaycallmeLadyAlgeana.Andyoumaykneel.”

Wesdidn’tmove.

Brotherandsisterstaredateachother.Hedidn’trecognizethisstrangerinfrontofhim.Hewantedtofindhislittlesister,butshewasgoneforgood:Thesnowhadhardenedintoice.

Wessmiled.

Iftherewasonethingheknew,itwashowtohandleice.He’dspenthis

wholelifeworkingit.Hard,heknew.Soft,thatwasmoredifficulttounderstand.

Tryagain.

“You’vegrownup,LadyAlgeana.”HeclenchedhisjawandtriednottoglanceacrosstheroomatNat,hangingfromchains,uncertainifshewasaliveordead,awakeorunconscious.

“Surprised?”Elizasaidwithashrug.Shebrandishedagleamingblade.

Careful.

Elizawasbeyondsaving,andhecouldseethatasclearlyastheswordsheheldunderNat’sthroat.

THESCROLLANDTHEKEYSHEHADBEENBORNELIZABETHAlexandraWesson,sistertoRyanAndrewWesson,inafrozencityglitteringwithcasinolights.ButthenametheyhadgivenherinApiswasAlgeanaPenthos,thegirlwhowouldtakeawaytheirsorrow.TheChildoftheStars.DaughteroftheEarth.LightoftheMoon.DearestSavior.Angel.

Onthedaythatshewastofulfillherdestiny,shesaidgood-byetothetwopeoplewholovedherthemost.BythepeopleofVallonis,theywerecalledQueenandTeacher.Buttoher,theywereMotherandFather.Shewouldnotfailthem.ShewouldaccomplishwhatnooneinVallonishadbeenabletodosinceitsreturn.ShewouldfindandunlocktheGrayTowerandrecoverthemissingscroll,themissingspellbook,theArchimedesPalimpsest.

Thejourneywasroughandhard,shewashungryandtired,butshemadeitupthetower.Sheplacedthekeyintothelockandopenedit.

Butthescrolllaybehindawallofimpenetrablemist.

Shescreamedinfrustrationandunleashedthefullforceofherrageuponthewall,butitdidnotdissipate.Themistsheld.

Thescroll,thespellbook,theAchimedesPalimpsest,wasoutofherreach.

Herfailurewasdevastatingandimmense.Itcouldonlymeanonething.ShewasnottheQueen’schild.ShewasnotFaix’shopeforthenewworld.Shewasnoone.Shehadfailedthem.Theywouldnotloveherwhentheyfoundout.Theywouldblameherforbeingthewrongone.

ShecouldnotreturntoApiswithoutthescroll.

Andinherfailure,herangergrew.

Shehadnoideawhoshewasnow.ShewasnottheBrightStar.ShewasnottheEarth’sDaughter.Shewasnothing,justanothermarkedvictimofthegraylands.Justanotherpieceoficetrash.

Shehatedwhoshewasandhatedeveryonewhowaslikeher.

Herbirthparentshadbeenafraidofher,andheradoptiveparentsinVallonishadonlylovedherforwhattheythoughtshecoulddo.

ButwhatifNinevehandFaixfoundoutshecoulddonothing?

Thatshewasnoone?

Thattheyhadbeenwrongabouther?

Wouldtheystillloveherthen?

Impossible.Noonehadeverlovedher.Oriftheydid,theydidnotloveherenough.Nothermother,whodiedtooyoung,orherfather,whowastootiredtomakeaneffort.Notherbrother—shewouldnotthinkaboutherbrother—no.Nothim.Shewouldforgetsheevenhadabrother.

ShehatedthisworldandthehopethattheWhiteCityhadinstilledinher,thehopethathaddiedinherheartthatday.

Thisworldwasnothing,andoneday,shewoulddestroyeventhehopetheyheldforanewone.

•••

ForElizahadseenavisioninAvalon’sMirror,arelicfromthesecondage.

TheResurrectionoftheFlamethatwilllighttheworld.Avisionofdrakonfirecoveringtheearth.Abaptismofremaking,goldenandbright.

Elizavowedtomakethatfireherown.

ShewouldburndowntheGrayTowerthatheldthescrollsothatallhopewaslostforever.

Chapter38NAT’SHEARTSOAREDATTHESIGHTofWes,hisuniformburnedattheedges,hisfaceflushedwithheatandfear.Itwasunnervingtoseehimpickinghiswayaroundhissister.Andstrangetoseetheirtwofaces,soalikeandyetsocompletelyopposed.

Twomirrors,shethought.Notmirrorimages.Mirroropposites.

HiseyesflickeredfromEliza’stoherown.Nattriedtoliftherhead,tosmile,butshefoundshewasshakingandherbodywouldnotobey.

“Whatdoyouwantwithher?”Wesasked.“Leaveheralone,Eliza.Leavemyfriendsalone.”

“Mydearbrother,justlikewhenIwaslittle,Iwanteverythingyouhaveandmore,”shesaidassheplacedthedrau’sbladerightbelowNat’schin.

“Ihavenothing.Youhaveeverything.”Heedgednearertothem.Elizapressedthebladeforward,andhefroze.

“True.Ihaveeverything.Now.”Shesmiled.“Nowthatyouhavefoolishlybroughtmethedrakonrydder,andforthatyouhavemygratitude,brother.”Eliza’smouthtwitched.“Andherfireisminetocommand.”

Thatwasit.ThatwaswhatElizawantedallalong.

Mydrakon.

WithWesintheroom,Natfeltherangergrow.Herbloodbegantoburnuntilherchestcaughtfire.

YoutookFaix.

Youstolehisheart.

YouspilledthebloodofLiannan.

Youwillnothavemydrakon.

Natclosedhereyesanddrewfromthefire.Shefeltherpowerreturn,floodingbacktoher,makingheralmostsickwithjoy.“Yourdrakon?Yourfire?”

TheLadyAlgeanatookastepbackasthemetalonNat’swristsbegantobubbleandsmoke.

“Thinkagain,bitch,”Natsaid,andburstfromhershackles,hurlingElizaacrosstheroomwithasinglegreatroarofflame.“ThatwasforFaix,”shesaid.“Andthisoneisforme.”

DRAKONMAINAS.

ICALLYOUFROMTHEEARTH.

RETURNTOYOURRYDDERANDVANQUISHOURFOES!

Thefireiswithinme.

IamthedrakonandIamtheflame.

Shecouldcallherdrakonfromanywhereonearthanditwouldanswer.Thatmuchsheunderstoodnow.Itwasonlyamatteroftime.

Andfire.

Orange,incandescentflameappearedoutsidethetemplewindow.Thecloudschurned,formingavortexinthesky,andinthecenteroftheswirlingclouds,shesawahintofblack,adarkshapegrowinglarger.Natrecognizedthechurningmaelstrom.Itwasadoor,aportal.ShehadusedsuchaportalwhensheandFaixtraveledfromVallonistotheblackocean.Sherecalledhiswords:Inthegraylands,thedoorstoVallonisarefewaswemustprotectourcountry,butadoorfromVallonistoyourworldcantakeusanywhere.

Nowherdrakonwascomingthroughonesuchdoor,heedinghercall,traversingtheportaltoreachthemountainbase.Theblackspotatthecenterofthevortexgrewandgrew,adarkcenterthatquicklyobscuredthegrayclouds.

Ithadhealedcompletely;itwasbacktoitsfullstrengthnowandabletotravelthroughtimeandspacetogettoherandnotasecondtoosoon.

Thedrakonsprangfromthevortex;flameissuingfromitsmaw.Thecreature’swhite-hotfireshatteredthewindowsofEliza’schamber;itvaporizedthedoor.FlamesdancedacrossthewallsandNatfled,Wesather

back,throughtheplacewherethedoorhadstood,outontoaterrace,onthetopofthemountain,wherethedrakonhoveredintheair,itsdarkwingsunfolding,itsgreenandgoldeyesflashing.Thedrakonroaredanditsfurymadethemountaintremble.

Thecreatureraiseditswings,descendingonaplumeofair,itstalonsgrippingtheterracestonesasitlanded.

Thecreaturehowled,tuckeditswingstoitssidesandcraneditslongblackneck.

Mydrakonself.

“Thereyouare,”croonedNat,strokingitshide,marvelingatitsscales,theirsurfacemottledlikecoal,rockyandsharp.Black,translucentwingsunfurledfromthecreature’sback,blockingthesky,castingeerieshadowsontheground.Rentsandjaggedscarslitteredthebeast’swings.Thiswasacreatureofwar,itsbodyscarredfromcombat,everyinchofitshidearmoredandgnarled,butithadhealed.Itsclawsrakedribbonsinthestones.Thecreaturehuffedandbreathed,itseverymovementatremor.Sulfurandashswirledintheair.Natfelttheflame’sheatengulfher,anditwasgood.Itfeltlikethesun,likeathousandsunsrisingatonce,warmingher.

Elizawasoutontheterraceandshehadbackedawayagainstthefarwall.Butinsteadofcoweringbeforethegreatbeast,sheonlylaughedlouder.“Youthinkyoucanburnme,rydder?Let’sseehowyoufareagainstyourownkind.”Thenshetookthenecklacefromherneck,acharmheldbyagoldenclaw,andsmashedittothestones.

Awhiteflashshotthroughtheair.

Smokeandashformedaswirlingwhitecloud,aconeoflightandfrostgatheringaroundthebrokenpendant.

Afigureemergedfromthecloud,ascaly,glisteningcreature.

Intheplacewheretheredpendanthadsmashedagainsttheterracefloor,awhitedrakonunfurleditstranslucentwings.

Thecreature’sneckunwoundfromitstorso,revealingjaggedscalesandathornymane.

Pinkeyesglaredthroughnictitatingmembranes.

Thewhitedrakonbaredrowsofsilveryteeth.

Abeardofhornsdisentangledfromthecreature’sjaws,thespikesswayingasthecreature’sneckextended.

Itgrewlargerandlarger,risingagainstthegrayclouds,castingshadowsoverNatandherdrakon.Whatwasthis?Adrakoninabottle?

ButFaixhadsaidhisdrakonwasdead...

Therewasnotimetoargue,forthewhitedrakonwasverymuchalive,andhissing.

Elizalaughedandswungintoitssaddle,brandishingthedrau’ssword.“Callyourdrakon,rydder.Let’sseehowyoufareagainstGria.”Thensheflewupthroughthesmokeandintothesky.Thewhitedrakonroaredathisnewfreedom,beatinghiswingsfasterandfaster.

NatandWeswatcheditgo.

“Wes,”shesaid,pullinghimclose.“You’vegottogetoutofhere.”

“Didyoumissthepartabouttheotherdrakon?”

“Thisisnotyourfight,”shesaidgently.

“She’smysister.”HelookeddownatNat.“Orsheusedtobemysister.”

“Thatthingisnoone’ssister.”Sheshivered.

“Ican’tleavewithoutyou,”hesaid.Natknewitwastrue.Sheknewshehadtomakehimgo.

“Eliza...,”Natbegan.

Westouchedherlip.Heunderstood,inhissoldier’sheart.

Shedidnotneedtoexplainit,nottohim.

“Gogether,”hesaid,andhekneltsoshecouldusehiskneeasastirrupassheleaptuponherdrakon’sback,grippingitsblackhide,pullingherselftothenapeofthedrakon’sneck.“Comebacktome.”

Shesmiled.“Iwill.”Thescalesshiftedbeneathher.Thedrakontenseditslegmuscles;ithunchedclosetothegroundbeforespringingupward,boundingintothesky.

Fireswirledinherchest,inherthroat.Shewaswholeagainandastrideherdrakonastheyflewhighabovethetemplemountain,abovethecityoftoweringhotels.Natgloriedinbeingpartofeverythingonceagain,thecoolair,thewindrushingagainsthercheeksastheysoaredoverthecity.Awhiteflashcutthroughthesky.Theairdarkened;shesawscales.Thewhitedrakonshimmeredintheclouds,thenvanished.Natpursued,DrakonMainaspoundingitswings.

Sheheardacrash,thesoundofglassfracturing.Natjerkedherheadupward.Beyondthelipofthenearesttower,thewhitedrakonsoaredintoview.Itsclawsbrokethewhitestoneandshardsshotthroughtheair,tumblingoutofthesky.

Whathadjusthappened?Faixhadadrakonhiddeninhischarm?Awhitedrakon?

AndhowdidElizaknowtobreakit?

Natblinked,andherdrakonpitchedright,turning,craningitsneck,foldingitswingstoavoidthedebris.Thewhitedrakonwhippeditstail,scatteringrubblefromthebuildinginalldirections.Mainasturnedawayjustintime,dodgingashowerofsteelandglassthedrakonhadtornfromthebuildingandtossedtowardNat.Theskywasablurofwhitescalesandfranticmotion.

AsuddenroarnearlyshookNatfromherseat.

Dive,Natcried.Wemustflee.

Natfledandthewhitedrakonpursued.Sheflewlowoverthestreetsofthemarket,thenrose,pivoting,divingthroughthecityofglisteningtowers,hopingtofindcover,aplacetohide.Natheardacrunch,thewhiningofsteelbendingbeneaththewhitedrakon’sclaws.

Lookingback,shesawDrakonGrialiftacoupleofarmoredtrucksandtossthemintotheairtowardthem.Thedrakonhadpickeduptheheavytruckswithnoeffortorexertion,throwingthemintotheairlikesnowballs.

Thefirstcrashedintothestreetbelowthem,amiss.Thesecondsailedsoclose,Natfeltitswindagainstherface.

Faster.Faster.

Herdrakonrolledanddove,soaringbetweenthetowers,strugglingtoevadethepursuingwhitebeast.Shelookedfornarrowstreets,placesthelargerdrakoncouldnotpass,butitwasnouse,thecreaturewasclosingin.

Stoprunning,shethought.Fight.Youtwicebestedadronearmy,armadasfellbeneathourflames;wecanbeatthiscreature.

Natandherdrakonchangedcourseandmetthewhitedrakonhead-on,breathingfire,turningoneofthetowersintoablackruin.ThebuildingcollapsedandNatrolledawayfromitspath.Thewhitedrakon,closebehind,turnedtoolate.Thecreaturecrashedthroughthetower’scrumblingframe,itswingstuckedaboveitsbacktoprotectitsrider.

Thewhitedrakonscreamed,itsragedoublingassteelandglasspelteditsscales.DrakonGriapiercedthecloudofdebris,risingabovethefallentower,stripsoffleshtornfromitswings,boilingmetaldrippingfromgleamingscales.Thecreatureshookoffthewreckage,clearingmoltenmetalfromitsskin.DrakonGriaspreaditswings,revealingEliza,aliveandunharmed.DrakonMainasmovedtopursue,butNatheldbackhermount.

Shespiedsomethinginthedistance.Notadrakon,somethingsmaller.Shesawalonefiguredashingthroughthestreets—aboy,dodgingthewreckage,seekingcover.Wes.

Whatishedoing?He’sgoingtogethimselfkilled.

Whileherattentionwasdistracted,thewhitedrakonrecovered;itswingssentfuriouswindsripplingtowardher.NatforgotaboutWes;sheforgotabouteverythingexcepthermount.Natsentherdrakonspiralingtowardthesafetyofnarrowstreets,hopingagaintoevadethedrakon’spursuit,butwhensheflewintoanalley,abuildingbegantocollapserightaheadofher.Itwastoolatetoturnback.Thecrunchingofsteelandglassranginherear.Notimetodive,toevade.

Flyintoit,shetoldhermount.Doit.

DrakonMainasdidnothesitate,therydderanditsmounttrustedeachother,theywereoneandsame,andsotheysoaredthroughthetower,unharmed,theirbodiespassingthroughglassandsteel,thedrakon’sflamemeltingtheobstacles,clearingapathforNatandhermount.

Theysoaredupward,emergingintothelightandthesnow.

Natgasped.Onthefarsideofthewreckage,thewhitedrakonhovered,waiting.

Thecreaturescreamedandahurricaneofbrilliant,scintillatingwhiteshotfromthecreature’smouth.

Andburnedherwithcold.

Chapter39WESRANOUTOFTHETEMPLEANDINTOthesurroundingcity,followingthebattleandfollowingNat.Heflattenedhisbodyagainstthewallofatower,protectinghisheadasanavalancheofdebrisclatteredtothestreet.Agleamingtowercollapsed,glassandsteelbillowinginalldirections.Dustfilledtheairandheclosedhiseyes,feelingthesmokeinhislungs.Hecoughed,wipinghiseyescleanbeforerushingintothealley.

Hefoundcoverbeneaththeeyebrowofashadedentry.

Whereisshe?Where’sNat?

Aroarshotthroughthestreets,thesoundofboltsripping,concreteexploding.Thedrakonswereabovehim,inadogfightabovethecity.Debriscrashedtothestreet,explodingasithitthepavement,destroyingthesidewalksandbenches,fallingonthescreamingtourists,themarket.Soldiershadabandonedtheirpositions,jumpingintoboats,tryingtogetasfarawayfromthefightingmonstersaspossible.

Wesspiedthewhitedrakon.Thecreatureswoopedlow,closetothestreet,pickinguptrucksandtossingthemintotheair.Hefollowedthearcofthetruckandsawitstrikeabuilding,justbarelymissingtheblackdrakon.HesawNatforasecond,butshedisappearedwhentheblackdrakonrolled,turningsharplytoavoidthebarrageofvehiclesthewhitedrakonhadthrownatit.

Itwasunlikeanythinghe’deverseen.

WeshopedShakesandtheothersweresafebythedock.Iftheyweren’tatthedockalready,hedidn’tseehowtheycouldgetthere.ThedrakonsweretearingNewKandyapart,turningthestreetsintocanyonsofmoltenmetaland

glass.

Somethingheavystruckthewindowsabovehim,andglassdustshowereddown.Heclampedahandtohismouthandnose,kickedopenabuckledmetaldoor,andfoundshelterinanabandonedlobby.Pulverizedglassandaluminumfilledthesmoke-saturatedair.Hewipeddustfromhisface,andhislegwasthrobbingwithpain.Whenhebenttotiethetourniquet,hishandcameupredwithblood.

Freezinghunters.

Wespickeduphissniper’srifleandlookedthroughthescope,trackingthewhitedrakon.Butitwashardtoseethroughthehaze,andhewasworriedabouthittingNatandherdrakoninstead.

Thedustcleared,andheshovedopenthedooranddartedintothestreet.Hescannedthesky,hearddistantroars.Hedashedthroughanalley,throughsmokeandsnow.Hecaughtsightofthewhitedrakonhovering.

Whereareyounow,Nat?

Weshidbeneathanoverhang,shieldinghimselffromthewhitedrakon’sgaze.Elizawassittingonthewhitedrakon,herblueeyesblazing;shetuggedatthereins,andthewhitedrakonclimbedintotheclouds.Helosttrackofthecreature.Heheardthebeatingofitswings,thetorturedsoundsofsteelrippingandstonebreaking,buthecouldnotseethedrakon,sohefollowedthecreature’sroar,thebreakingofglassandstone,hisheartpounding,hisbodysweatingbeneaththeheatsuit.Heunzippedhisjacket;hewasburningup.

Hedashedthroughemptystreets,pasttheoverturnedtablesandbrokentents,strugglingbutmostoftenfailingtofollowthewhitedrakon.Wheneverheapproached,whenhenearedthedrakon,thecreaturewouldturnsuddenlyorarcupwardanddisappear.Weswouldscramble,tryingtofollow,dashingdownalleys,peeringthrougharchways,butfoundnothing.

Therewasatremendousroar,andthroughthecloudshesawthetwodrakons.Whiteandblack,engagedinadueltothedeath.

Thewhitedrakonopeneditsjaws,envelopingNatandhermountinastormofwhite.Downbelow,Wesfeltthewhitedrakon’sbreath,icycold,asformidableastheblackdrakon’sflame.

Wesfeltthecoldallaround.Hehadfeltthissamecoldbefore.Heknewwhereitcamefrom,whohadcausedit,andthefeelingwasfamiliar,thesensationthatnothingwasquitewhatitseemed.

Afteralltheseyears,thememoryhadnotyetfaded.Hewouldneverforgetthatmoment.ThenighthehadlostEliza.

Therehadbeenafire,justlikethis.Acoldfire,onethatchilledtothebone,thatturnedbreathintoice.Andthat’swhenheknew.

Itwasn’treal.

Thewhitedrakonwasn’treal.

Noneofitwasreal.

ItwasjustanotherofEliza’sillusions.Shehadwovenagreatstory,craftedadrakonoutoftheairtofightNat’s.Herpowerhadchanged.Ithadgrown.Hedidn’tknowhowshehadaccomplishedthisfeat,buthesensedanevolution.Eliza’stricks,herillusions,werenolongerephemera.Thedrakonwasn’trealbutevensoithadsubstance.Herillusionshadthepowertokillandtodestroy—thedamagedcitywasreal,andthedestructionwasreal.

Hissister,theweaver.

Telleroftales.

Weaveroflies.

Shehadalwayswantedtodomorewithherpower,toexceedhergivenabilities,toweavedeadlierandmorepotentworlds.

Whentheywerelittle,Elizawouldmakepuddlesappearoutofnowhereandhewouldtrip,orshewouldmakeghostsdanceinthedarknessoftheirbedroom.Morethanonceshehadsetkidsonfire,justtowatchtheirreaction,toseethemsquirmastheytriedinvaintodampentheillusoryflames.She’dtrickedhimafewtimes,whenhewasn’tpayingattention,butshe’dneverhurthim.Notmuch,atleast.Noteveryonewassolucky.She’doncemadeaglassdoorlookopenwhenitwasclosed.Agirl,maybeeight,nineyearsold,hittheglass,shatteringthepane,bloodonherhandsandface.

ThenightElizadisappeared,thenightofthefire,shehadtoldhimshewasgoingtodoit.Someoneiscomingforyou,she’dsaid.ButIwon’tletthemtakeyouaway.Iwillburndownthehousebeforetheydo.

Hedidn’tbelieveher.Elizaalwayssaidstufflikethat.Butfrightenedandcurious,hehadstayedupthatnight,waiting.Aftermidnight,heheardnoise,confusion,yelling.Awildflamelittheirroom,ablazesobright,ithurthiseyes.

Buttherewasnoheat.Onlycold,andhe’dknownitwasn’treal.

Nothingshedidwasreal;itonlyfeltreal,onlysmelledandtastedreal,butitwasn’treal—oratleastithadnotbeenrealwhentheywerechildren.Weshadnotseenhissisterinnineyears;shewassevenwhentheylastspoke.Thoseyears,thetimetheyhadspentapart,hadchangedher;Eliza’spowerhadgrown.Hetriedtorecallthenightshedisappeared,theiridescentlight,hisbedroom,hisbed,aflame.Andnow,forthefirsttime,asifhehadrepressedthememoryonhisown—ormaybeElizahadblockedit—herememberedthefigureswhohadcomethatnight,whohadcometotakeheraway.

Thetallwomaninwhitewiththesadeyeswhostaredatthetwoofthem.

Twins?she’dsaid.Ididnotseetwoinmymirror.

It’sme,Elizahadsaid.It’smethatyouwant!

ThentheyweregoneandElizawiththem.

Thisisn’treal.Stopit.Stopher.

Hecoulddoit.

Whateverthiswas,whetheritwasrealornot,hecouldstopthis.

HecouldstopEliza’spower.

Hecoulddoitwhenhewasachildandhecoulddoitnow.

Hefeltareleaseofpressure,aringinginhisears,andaredtrickleofbloodbegantoflowfromhisrightnostril.Painwashedoverhim,buthedidnotrelent,hehadtokeepfighting,fightingbackagainstthecoldthatthreatenedtotakethemall.

Chapter40THEREHADBEENNOTIMETOACT,nomomenttocounterthewhitedrakon’sstrike.Iwillnotdie—notlikethis,Natthought,butitwastoolate.Thewhitedrakonwasuponher.Ithadunleashedablastofice,coldenoughtofreezeherbonesintoglass,butjustbeforethecoldcouldhit,ithaltedinmidairandmovedaroundandawayfromherasifshewereprotectedbyabubble.

Natwassafeinsideashieldthatblockedthewhiteflame,sittinginsideanimpenetrablebarrier.Thewhitefrostfellharmlesslyagainsttheswirlingorbanddidnottouchher.Shewasunaffectedeventhoughshewasattheheartofthecoldfire.

Natsat,transfixedbytheflames,herdrakon’swingsflapping,thecreaturesuspendedabovethecity.Thewhitedrakonpoureditsflameintotheair,throwingitshatredanditsmadnessintothewhitecloud,itscoldflamebillowinglikeanicyhurricane.Natdidnotflinchormove.Shesat,motionless,likeastonefixedinababblingriver,thefrostflowinglikewateraroundher.

Thenshesawhim.

Wes,standinginthemiddleofthestreet,lookingupather,hisfacepaleandhiseyesred-rimmed,bloodpouringoutofhisnose,drippingontohisshirt.

Hewasdoingthissomehow.Hewasshieldingherfromthecold,holdingbackthedeadlyfrost.

Thecoldfirebegantocloseinonitself,andnowitwasElizawhowasscreaminginterror.Thecoldconsumedher,andinaninstant,asquicklyasit

hadappearedoutofthecharm,thewhitedrakondisappeared.

AndElizaplummetedtothestreet.

Chapter41WESSAWELIZAFALLING.HESAWHERdisappearintoahazeofdustandsmoke.Whenhereachedtheplacewhereshehadfallen,hesawapileofwreckage,brokenpiecesofmarble,dust,snow,andashleftoverfromthebattle.Wesscrambledthroughthepile,shoutinghissister’sname.“ELIZA!”Heneededtofindher.Hehadn’tknownshewouldfalltothestreetwhenheshatteredherillusion.Hehadn’thadtimetothink.HisonlythoughthadbeentosaveNat.Hedidn’tmeantohurthissister.Hewasangryandfuriousandhorrifiedtofindwhoshehadbecome,butshewasstillfamily.Hecouldn’tleaveherhere,lyingbeneaththewreckage,goneandforgotten.Inspiteofwhatshe’ddone,hestillthoughthecouldhelpher.

Rightbeforeherdrakonhaddisappeared,rightbeforeitwasclearthathewouldwin,thathispower—whateveritwas—wouldbeabletopushbackthecoldthatshehadcreated,shehadcalledtohim.

“Ryan,”Elizahadwhimpered.“Ryan,don’t,you’rehurtingme.Ryan!”Anditwasthevoiceofthesisterheremembered.

Eliza,ninemonthsold,whentheystillsharedacrib.

Theysaidtwinshadasecretlanguage,andhehadalwaysfeltspecialbecausehewasone.Hehadasister.Hisparentsweren’trich,theycouldn’thaveaffordedasecondchildlicense,andjustbyluck,theyhadrolledthediceandcomeupsnakeeyes.Twochildren.

Eliza,atthree,withherchubbyfingersandsecretgiggle.

“Don’tdoit,Ryan,please.Don’thurtmeeeee.”

Weshadalmostgivenin,hadalmoststoppedfightingher,whenhe

rememberedLiannan’swords.Shewilluseanythingandeverythingagainstyou.Evenhisloveforher.Hehadbroughthiscrew,hisfamily,tothefarsideoftheworldtofindher.

Hehadsaidgood-byetothegirlhelovedsohecouldfixwhatwasbrokeninsideofhissister.

“Nooneeverlovedme,becauseIwasdifferent,becauseIwasmarked,”shetoldhimwhiletheyfought,coldagainstshield.

“Thatisn’ttrue,Eliza.Wealllovedyou,Mom,Dad,me.Youwereloved.Youjustdidn’tseeit.Youneverunderstoodthatwedidn’tloveyouinspiteofyourpower;welovedyoubecauseofit.Wewereproudofyou.Welovedyou.”

Andhepressedtheshieldforwarduntilthecoldcracked,untilhehadusedeverythinginhispowertodestroyher.Shewasgone.Elizawasnomore.

Nowhestoodinthemiddleofthepilewherehissisterhadbeenandweptbittertearsatherpassing.Hewasaloneintheworld;therewasnooneleftofhisfamily.

Thenhefeltasoft,warmbreezeonhisback.Heturnedaround.

Nathadarrivedonherdrakon.“Wes!”shecalled,slidingoffthesaddleandalmostfalling.

Herantoherandshejumpedintohisarms.Heheldhersofiercely,hedidn’tthinkhewouldeverletgo.Shebentdowntokisshimandslowlysliddownthelengthofhisbody.

“You’recoveredinblood,”Natsaid.

Weslookeddown.Therewasbloodalloverhisshirt,onhisface,hishands.“It’sokay.”

“Youdidit,”shewhispered.“Yousavedus.”

Henodded,tootiredtospeak.Thewindhadstilled,butnowsnowwasfalling,buryingtheminsoftwhiteflakes.

“I’msosorryaboutEliza,”shesaid.

Henodded.Therewasnothingmoretosay.Shewashissisterandhelovedherandnowshewasgone.

Nattookhishandandhelpedhimupsohecouldsitbehindheronthedrakon’sback.“Youallright?”sheasked,turningaround.

Hegrunted.

“I’lltakethatasayes,”shesaid,digginginherheelssothatthedrakonsoaredintothesky.

“Whoa!Takeiteasy,”hesaid.Weshadneverflownonthebackofadrakonbefore,hadneverbeenthishighofftheground.TheworldisnottheworldIknew,hethought.

Beneaththem,thewholegrayearthseemedtopitchandrollbackandforth.Theseaandthegridofthecityslidabout,milesbelow,asifheandNatandthedrakonweretheonefixedpointinalltheuniverse.

Maybeweare,hethoughtashisheadachedandhisownblooddrippeddownhisthroat.

Hedidnotknowanything,notanymore.

Hissisterwasnothissister,buthisenemywasnotonlyhisenemy,either.

Thestoryofhislifehadslidapartandbrokenintopieces.Hetriedtocatchthem,buthisheadhurtandtherewassomuchblood.

Hecouldalmosthearhissister’svoiceinhishead—nottheLadyAlgeana’s,buthissister’s.Eliza’s.

Try.Look.

Whatdoyousee?

Whatisreallythere?

Heopenedhiseyesandsaw.

Everythingissmallerfromuphere,butsomehowmorevast.

Wecrawllikeantsonaleaf,buttheleafstretchesallthewaytothehorizon.

Wesdroppedhisheadandlettheairandtheseablowpasthim.

Hewasacreatureoftheearth,andhepreferredtheground,itssolidity,orthesea,asheknewhowtokeepbalanceevenasthewavesmovedunderneathhim.Butthis—thiswasnottheearththatheknew.Thiswassomethingelse,somethingnewanddifferentandwonderful.

Weswastired,sotired,andheleanedagainstNat’sbackandclosedhiseyes.

Hehaddoneit.HehaddefeatedtheLadyAlgeana,hadusedhispower

againsthers.

Mypower,hethought.Ihavepower.

Why,andwhynow?

Wherediditcomefrom?

Hadhealwaysknown,orwasitsomethinghehidevenfromhimself,likethememoryofthenighthissisterwastaken?Wasitsomethinghehadpushedaway,ifonlybecauseheneverwantedtobelikeher?

Hecouldn’tacceptthatElizawastrulydeadorthathehadkilledher.Hehadn’twantedthatforhissister,hehadnotmeantherharm,hehadonlymeanttokeepherfromdestroyingNat.

Hewassoverytired.

Butitwasokay.HewaswithNat,andtheywouldbetogethernow.Whateverhappened,nothingwouldseparatethem.

Wesheldontightlyandvowednevertoletgo.

Theearthcankeeprolling.Ihavetheonepiecethatmatters.It’snotgoinganywhere.

Nat’snotgoinganywhereandneitheramI.Notanymore.

Wearefixed.

Togethertheyflewtotheonlyferryboatleftonthedock,wheretheirfriendswerewaiting.

Chapter42LIANNANHADWRAPPEDFAIXINWHITE.ThedrauwasasbeautifulasthedayNathadmethim,andwhensheknelttosaygood-bye,shefelthispresenceinhermind.

Faix?Shesenthimtheword,becauseshecouldnotletgoofhim,either,notyet.NotFaix.

Istoredmyenergyforthis,hesent,andanimagecametoherthen.Acityhiddenbehindsmokeandfog,itswallsovergrownwithvines,monsterscreepinginitsshadows.

ThisistheGrayTowerhiddenintheDarkCity.

YoumustdowhatAlgeanacouldnot.YoumusttravelthereandrecovertheArchimedesPalimpsest.ThechildofVallonisshouldbeabletopenetratethemistinordertorecoverthebookoftruth.

Bewell,AnastasiaDekesthalias.Thetimeoficeandfrostisover.TheResurrectionoftheFlamewilllighttheworld,andIwishIhadlivedlongenoughtoseeit.

“Faix,”shesaid.“I’msorrywedoubtedyou.”ThatIdoubtedyou,shesent.

Thereisnoneedforsorrow.Onlyhopemustguideyounow.Whenyourecastthespell,youwillneedthese.NatglanceddownatherhandandfoundasmallgraykeyandthesamesmallgoldencharmthatFaixworearoundhisneck.Whole.

Sothathadbeenanillusion,too.

Itreturnedtoitsrightfulowner.Itcarriesthetreeoflife.Oneofthelast

remnantsofAtlantis.GototheGrayTower.FindtheArchimedesPalimpsest.Recastthebindingspell.Takeawaytheiceandthefrostandthecorruption.Lighttheflame.Maketheworldanew.

Promisemethat.

Sheshookherhead,overwhelmedbythethoughtofdoinganyofthosethingswithoutthedraubyherside.

Iwillmissyouaswell,hesentback,asiffromveryfaraway.

Don’tgo.Faix.Notyet.Hereyesblurred.WhatifIcan’t?

Youcanandyouwill,Natwhoisnothinglikeagnat.Icanpromiseyouthat.

Withthoselastwords,hisvoicefadedfromherheadonelasttime.

Natfelttearsrunningdownhercheeks.

Good-bye,Faix.

“I’msorry,”saidWes.“Iknowhewasyourfriend.”

Shenodded.Somanyfriendshadbeenlosttoday.Shewouldrememberthemall,writetheirnamesinherheart,eachoneamemoryofatruesacrifice.

•••

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedastheferrybegantomovebeneathher.

“Whereveryouneedtogo,”repliedWes,stillholdingherclose.Theystoodbytherailingtogetherandwatchedthetemplecityburninthedistance.

NattoldhimwhatFaixhadtoldher.“HethinkstheQueenstolethewrongchild,”shesaidtoWes.“ThatyouarethechildofVallonis.Yourmagicistheabilitytodispelmagic—youhaveanimmunitytoitsworkings.”

“AsIamtheoppositeofmysister?”Heshookhishead.

Thiswastheirstrangerealitynow.

Nattouchedhischeekwithherfingers.“Youwillbetheonewhocanrecoverthepalimpsest.”

Hecockedaneyebrow.“Well,Iamextraordinarilytalented.”

“Youknowwhatthismeans?”sheasked,pushingherlipsuptohisear.

Heshookhishead.

“ThatyouandIbelongtogether,”shewhispered.Shepulledbackher

head,smiling.ThegirlfromtheBlueandtheboyfromNewVegas.“See,Wes?Youkeptyourpromise.Youcamebacktome.”

“Youjustwantmetokissyouagain,”heteasedwithalaugh.

“SowhatifIdo?”

“Happytooblige,”hesaid,andsohedid.

Hewasstillkissingherwhenithappened.

Hisfacechanged,turninggray,andhisbodybegantoconvulseuncontrollably,bloodseepingoutofhiseyes,hisnose,hismouth,andhecollapsedinherarms.

“Ryan!”shescreamed.“Ryan,what’shappening?”sheasked.Herfriendscrowdedclosetoher.Shakeswasyelling,Liannanwaswavingherarms,BrendonandRoarkwerebyherside,catchingher,breakingherfallasshestruggledunderneaththedeadweight.

“Gethimwater!”Roarkyelled,whileBrendonwantedhottowelsandLiannanchantedhealingincantations.

ButNatremainedfrozeninfear.

Forsheknewwhatthiswas.

Thiswastheprice.

WeshadsavedherfromEliza’sspell,butatwhatcost?

Magichasatithe.Faixhadtaughtherthatmuch.

Magicwaslikeanyotherkindofenergy:Whenused,ithadtobereplenished,oritcouldbestrainedtoitsbreakingpoint.Ithadlimits,andWeshadmethis.

ShecouldalmosthearFaixsendingthewords.Everyonemustpay.Noneareexempt.Thesunrisesandthemoonsets.Theoakbreathesoutwhatthewrenbreathesin.

Natbegantosob,hertearsfallingonhisface,asheshudderedandtwitchedandfinallyhisbodystoppedshaking,hisskinwasgrayandshecouldnotseeifhewasbreathing.

Itwasasifeverythingthatwashappeningallaroundherwashappeningsoslowly.Weswaslyingonthedeckoftheferryboat,andShakeswaspoundingonhischest,tryingtojump-starthisheart,whileLiannanbreathedintohismouth.

Ishouldbedoingthat,Natthoughtdully.Ishouldbebreathinglifeintohim.

Butsomehowsheknewthatitwouldn’tmatter.

Thatnomatterwhatshedid,Weswouldstillbecoldandgray.

Thiscouldn’tbehappening.NottoWes.Notwhentheyhadfinallyfoundeachotheragain.Shecouldsavehim.Shehadsavedhimbefore.Herlovewasstrongerthanthis.“You’renotdead.Youcan’tdie.Wes.No.Thisisn’thowthisends.Thisisn’ttheendforus,”shesaidfiercely,holdinghislimpbodyinherarms.

Buttherewasnotimetomourn.

“NAT!”Roarkscreamed,pointingtothesky.

Sheglancedup.

DrakonMainaswassoaringabovethem,andhadunleashedaroarofflamedirectedattheirboat.Itlitthebowonfire,andShakesandFaroukmovedquicklytoputitout.

MAINAS!WHATAREYOUDOING?STOPTHIS!

Thenshesaw.Awhite-robedfiguresatastridethedrakon.

Eliza.ShehadsomehowusedherpowertosurvivethefallandtohidefromWes.

Thereareotherwaystostealdrakonfire.Elizasmiled.Givemybrothermyregardsinhell.

Itwasanotherillusion.Ithadtobe.Elizawasplayingwiththeirmindsagain,makingthembelievesomethingthatwasn’ttrue.

ShecalledtoMainas.

Buttherewasnoanswer,andtheblackdrakoncontinuedtodiveandroar,lightingfiresasquicklyasherfriendscouldputthemout.

MAINAS!TOME!Butitwasnouse,andallsheheardinherheadwaswhitenoise,ablanket,muffled,justlikethegarbledcallfromLiannan.Herbondwithherdrakonhadbeencompromised.Theconnectionbetweenherandthegreatbeastwasweakened.Whathappened?

“Theironbomb,”Liannansaid.“Itpoisonedyourdrakon,frayingthebondsbetweenyou.Itallowedhertobeabletocommandit.Itthinkssheisyou.”

“Andit’snottheleastofourproblems,”saidShakes,lookingupatthesky.

Natfollowedhisgaze.Dronesstreakedthroughtheair,howlingthroughthegrayclouds.Thenanotherrumble,notadronebutsomethingelse.

Ashellexplodedintheairabovethemandatankrolledintoview,intotheblastedstreetsofNewKandy.Thetreadsslowed,themotoridled.Ahatchopenedandafigureemerged.

Aboywearingarmygraypeeredatthemthroughthickgoggles.Hetoreoffhishelmetandpulleddownhisgoggles,andtheywereconfrontedbyafamiliarfacewithshortplatinumhairtheycalled“draustyle”backinNewVegas.

AvoHubik.TheSlob.Theonetimeslaverhadreturnedtothearmy.Behindhim,moresoldiersapproached,alongwithtwomorefamiliarfaces.DaranandZedricSlaine,withsneersupontheirfaces.Backfromthedeadandreadytotakerevengeonthecrewwhohadwrongedthem.Morearmoredvehiclesrolledintothestreetsofthecityasafleetofdronesdartedthroughtheair.

Herdrakonwasstolen.Weslaydyinginherarms.Andthemilitaryhadarrivedtorecoveritsbase.

NowitwasalluptoNat,tostealbackthevictorytheyhadworkedsohardtowin.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe’dliketothankallthewonderfulpeoplewhomadethisbookpossible,startingwithourlovelyandwiseeditor,JenniferBesser,andpublisher,DonWeisberg,alongwitheveryoneatawesomeTEAMPENGUIN,especiallythecrackeditorialteamwhohelpedusmakeourdeadline:ArianneLewin,KatherinePerkins,KateMeltzerandAnneHeausler—wearetrulygratefulforyourdiligenceanddedicationtotheseries.Thanksforsavingthesetwofreezingiceholesfromplummetingintothevoid.BigkissestoElyseMarshall,AnnaJarzab,ShaunaRossano,EmilyRomero,ErinBerger,CourtneyWood,ErinToller,ScottieBowditch,andFeliciaFrazierandheramazingteamofsalesreps.Wearesoluckytohaveyouguysonourside!

Thankyoutoouragents,RichardAbateandMelissaKahnat3Arts,whomakesurethelightsarealwaysonatourhouse(s).

ThankyoutoSteveStonefortheamazingnewcovers.

ThankyoutoourdearfriendMargieStohlforallthesupportivewordsandforjustbeingbrilliantineveryway.ThankyoutoallourfabulousfriendsinNewYorkandLosAngeles—wewouldnameyouall,butonlyMargiehelpedwiththebook.Thankyoutoourfamilies.

ThankyoutoourreaderswhohavethrilledtoNatandWes’sstory,thankyouforyourtweets,GIFs,Tumblrs,e-mails,Facebooklikes,Goodreadsreviews,andcrazyenthusiasmfortheseries.Seeyouatthegrandfinale!

©DeniseBovee

MelissadelaCruzistheNewYorkTimes,USAToday,WallStreetJournal,LosAngelesTimesandPublishersWeeklyinternationallybestselling

authorofmanycriticallyacclaimednovels.HerBlueBloodsserieshassoldoverthreemillioncopiesandherWitchesofEastEndseriesisnowanhour-longtelevisiondramaontheLifetimenetwork.

©Lennon

MichaelJohnstonisMelissa’shusbandandco-creatoroftheBlueBloodsandWitchesofEastEndseries.MelissaandMichaellivewiththeirdaughterinLosAngelesandPalmSprings,California.

www.melissa-delacruz.comheartofdreadseries.tumblr.com

http://links.penguin.com/type/eBookLanding/isbn/9780698171701