LegendsofWindemere:

Sleeperofthe

WildwoodFugue

Copyright2015©byCharlesE.YallowitzKindleEditionAllRightsReserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyany

informationstorageandretrievalsystemwithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptwherepermittedbylaw.Reviewersmayquotebriefexcerptsinconnectionwithareview.Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseither

areproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

CoverDesign&IllustrationbyJasonPedersen

LegendsofWindemereBeginningofaHero

ProdigyofRainbowTowerAllureoftheGypsiesFamilyoftheTri-RuneTheCompassKey

CurseoftheDarkWind

Dedication

ToeveryonewhohasenteredWindemere

Andlefttheirmarkuponitssoul

TableofContents

PrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7

Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17

Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21

Prologue

BaronKernaghanrubshiseyesashesitsonhisthrone,theebonywoodappearingtosquirmashismoodplungesintodarkness.Therestofhisfurnitureissplinteredanddashedacrossthestonefloor,aminorannoyancesincetheancient

warlordcanrepairthemwithinminutes.Headjuststhehighcollarofhiscrimsonshirtandflicksapieceoflintoffhispants,butneitheractionsilencestheincessantrantingbeforehim.Athunderousstormeruptsoutsidewithseveralboltsoflightninglancingthroughthe

openwindows,buttheshowofpowerhasnoeffectonhiscomplainingagent.GlancingatTrinity,theBaronflashesanapologeticsmileatherandgesturestowardthearm-flailingdisplaytheyarebeingforcedtowitness.TheQueenoftheChaosElvesrollshervioleteyesandgoesbackto

rubbingasoothinglotionintoherdry,cobaltskin.Theimmortalnoblemanscowlswhenheseesthebruisesandcutsonherbody,theinjuriesdisappearingswiftlyassheappliesthesilverhealingointment.

Shiftinginhisseat,theBaronlooksacrosstheroom

towherehispetisplayingwithitsfavoritetoy.Rakshapurrsasshecirclesagirlmadeentirelyofmetal,thebeast’sbladedtailsharmlesslysmackingthechild’sskin.Thelarge,stripedcatleapsontoMelanie’shead,whichcausesthegirltogiggleandreachup

toticklepowerfulpaws.Rakshajumpstothefloorandstretcheswithayawn,itstailsbeckoningforthegirltocontinueplaying.Intheirownworld,thepairchaseeachotheraroundthelongcurtainsofthedecimatedthroneroominagigglinggameoftag.Witheveryboomingstepof

themetallicgirl,thecrazedspeechgrowslouderandmorehigh-pitched.

“ThatCallindorisgoingtopaywhenIgetmyhandsonhim,”Stephenrants,hisblackhairamessfrompullingonit.Acrazedglintisinhisblueeyesandhescratchesatthepinkscar

acrosshisneck.“MonthsandIstillcan’thealthiswound.I’llmakehimsuffereverytorturethatIcanconceiveof.Physical,emotional,mental,andwhateverelsecomestominduntilhe’sdead.ThenI’llbringhimbackanddoitalloveragainwhileNyxwatchesandIbreakher

spirit.”“HementionedNyx,soI

guesswehitanothertenminutemark,”Trinityinterruptswithatauntingsmile.Shestretchesherarmsoverherheadandwigglesherfingers,thepurplegemsinherpalmstwinklinginthecandlelight.“Thirtymore

minutesandyou’llhitapersonalrecordforwastingtime,littlewarlord.”

StephenappearswithhishandaroundTrinity’sthroat,buthisfingersareimmediatelypriedopenbyaninvisibleforce.HelooksattheBaron,whoiscasuallystaringathimwitheyesof

swirlingash.Withasmallchuckle,Stephenletsgoofthechaoselfandadjustshisdarkgreentunic.Thefuriousnoblecrackshisknucklesandsearchesforanothertargetforhisunrelentingfury.HeturnshisattentiontoRakshaandMelanie,buthebarelytakesabreathbeforeaburstofwind

yankshimoffhisfeet.Ascreamslipsbetweenhisclenchedteethwhenhislimbsaretwistedinunnaturalways,thesoundofboneechoingthroughoutthechamber.WithaquickflickoftheBaron’swrist,Stephenisslammedintothefloorwithenoughforcetocracktheblackened

stone.Beforehecangettohisfeet,thetipofanelegantrapierpressesagainsthisthroatandkeepshimonhisback.

“Ibelieveyourtantrumisatanend,youngman,”theBaroncalmlystates,hisbladegentlytracingtheuglyscaronhisson’sneck.Hetakesa

handkerchiefoutofhisshirtpocketanddabsatthebeadsonhisforehead,revealingthathistemperiscomingtothesurface.“Youhavedestroyedmyproperty,brokenmyfloor,andinjuredmydearestTrinity.Idrawthelineatyouattackingmypets,especiallysinceRakshawasa

gift.”“Iapologize,father,”

Stephengroansashislimbsrepairinaninstant.Hestillcringesinpainfromthephantomsensationofbrokenbones.“Ipromisetoholdmytongueandtemperwheninyourpresence.”

TheBaronsheathshis

bladeandliftstheyoungmanupbytheembroideredcollar.Hebrushesthedustoffhisson’sshoulderswhilestaringhimintheeyes.“YouknowIdonotlikeitwhenyoulietomyface.Iknowyourtemperisgrowingandyouarefrustratedaboutreceivinganinjurythatyoucannotheal.I

alsoknowthatyouhavetakensomeofthisaggressionoutonTrinity.Thatwillend.”

“Asifyou’reonetotalk,”theyoungmansnaps.Thestrikeacrosshisfacemakeshimstaggerandspitblood,atoothbouncingonthefloor.“YouhavetreatedwomenthesameasI.That’s

partofthereasoncertaingoddessesdespiseyou.”

“Mypoorfoolofason.Youspeakofsomethingthatonlytwopeopleknowthetruthofandneitherofusaretalking,”theancientwarlordexplainsinasoftvoice.HewaveshishandandTrinityisgentlywhiskedtohisside,

thechaoselfunabletohideherstartledyelp.“Womenarebeautifulcreaturesandshouldbetreatedassuch.IunderstandthatitisexcitingtofindafieryonelikeourdearTrinityandthisNyx.Thecaptureofsuchawoman’sheartisexhilarating,buttheyarestill

delicateoffleshandheart.Ifyouplanonoverthrowingmeandrulingthenthisissomethingyoumustunderstand.Crueltyhasitsplacetokeeppeopleinline,butyoumustneverrelyonitastheonlywaytogetwhatyouwant.”

“WhatifIenjoycausing

painandbeingcruel?”“ThenIwillmakesureto

killyouonceInolongerhaveneedofyourservices.”

Stephenshiversandtakesahalf-stepawayfromhisfather,whobrieflygivesoffawaveofbloodlust.TheBaron’sfaceisstoic,exceptforatinytwitchatthecorner

ofhismouththatappearseveryfewseconds.Theyoungerimmortalfeelsanicyhandenvelopehisheart,whichstopsforaterrifyingmoment.Filledwithfearandanger,Stephenhelplesslyshakeswherehestandsuntilheuseshisownpowerstocalmdown.Withhislocked

eyesontheBaron,hetakesTrinity’shandandkissesit,alookofdisgustonhisface.

“Iapologizeformypasttransgressionsandwillstrivetotreatyoubetter,”Stephenwhisperswhilelettinggoofherhand.Outofhabit,hetakesabigsniffofherintriguingscentandlickshis

lips.“Isthattoyourliking,oldman?”

“YesandIhopeyoustandbyyourwords,”theBaroncasuallyanswers,turningawayfromhissonandreturningtohisthrone.Hesettlesontotheemeraldcushionandtakesadrinkfromasilvergoblet,the

sweetwinewashinghisremainingangeraway.“NowItrustyourplaninBor’darukisgoingsmoothly.IwouldhatetolearnthatyourgrudgeisplacingyouonthesamepathasTyler.Thoughyoudonothaveanyonepushingyoualongthatroadlikehedid.”

“Mydisguiseisperfect,

sothechampionswillnevernoticeme,”Stephenhappilyreportsasheapproachesthethrone.Hereachesintotheremainsofabrokentabletogrababronzecup,whichfillswithabitterale.“I’vefoundaninterestingtoolthatmaytakesometimetoputintoaction.Thechampionsmay

arrivefirst,butIcansendsomethingtodelaythem.EvenafewhourswouldgivemethetimeIneed.DoyouremembertheBeastofPalquafromjustaftertheGreatCataclysm?”

TheBaronstaresathissonasiftheanswershouldbeobvious,butdecidestohumor

him.“Iknowverylittleabouttheoutsideworld,soyouwillhavetoenlightenme.”

“YoushouldrememberthisbecauseItoldyouaboutitseveralcenturiesago.Iguessevenimmortalsforgetthingsastimegoeson,”Stephensayswithavictoriousgrin.Heclearshis

throatatthesightofhisfather’sfurrowedbrowandmovestoputTrinitybetweenthem.“SoonaftertheGreatCataclysm,oneofthechampionsattemptedtocreateamonstertodefeatyou.Theothersthathademergedatthetimewentalongwiththeplaneven

thoughGabrielsentvisionsthatitwouldfail.TheBeastofPalquawentwildanddestroyedthetownthatisitsnamesakebeforebeingsealedbyabandofnomadicshamans.I’vetrackeditscagedownandamworkingonfreeingthecreaturetouseagainstourenemies.”

“Andthiswon’trevealyou?”Trinitycuriouslyasks,steppingaroundhercompaniontoclaimapearfromatoppledbowl.

“I’veusedascapegoatwithnoconnectiontomyself,”hewhispersinherear,enjoyingthesmellofherskin.Ashudderrunsthrough

herbody,whichbringsafiretohiseyesandhestrugglestoavoidrunningahandthroughherebonyhair.“Imayhavestartedasmallwarthough,butit’snotbetweenanyoneimportanttoyou.”

“Trytouseitinyourplanasadistraction,”thechaoselfsuggests,cuttingoff

theBaron.Shenodsherheadtothewarlord,whoreturnsthegesture.“Speakingoftheplan,Ishouldbegettingbacktomyrole.It’salmostmorninginBor’darukandIdon’twanttorisksuspicion.ThoughitwouldbeeasierifIknewthedetailsofyourplaninsteadofactingasabasic

spy.”Stephenkisseshersoft

cheekandvanishes,leavingTrinitytofindherownwaybacktoBor’daruk.SheisheadingforthelargedoubledoorswhentheBaronsnapshisfingers,thesoundwavemakinghermusclesfeelweakforasecond.Witha

painedexpression,thechaoselfturnstofacehermasterandobedientlystandsatattention.SheturnsintoapuffofpurplesmokewhenRakshaandMelanie’sgameoftagcomestooclose,thebeast’stailsslashingthroughherincorporealform.Driftingonastalebreeze,she

solidifiesnexttotheBaronandcasuallyleansagainsthisthrone.

“Ihateitwhenyoubeckonmelikethat,”Trinitymentions,curlingastrandofherblackhairaroundherfinger.“I’mgoingtobenicesinceyouhelpedmewithyourson.Ihopethatwill

forcehimtobehaveforafewweeks.”

“Iwishhewouldstopthesechildishgamesandactlikeagentleman.Iblamethathalf-elfwhohascausedhismindtogettwistedbyhisownlibido,”BaronKernaghansays,takingtheyoungwomanbythehand.

Hemoveshertostandbeforehim,butrefusestoreleasehisgentlegrip.“Ihavesensedsomethingfromyousinceyouarrivedwithmyson.NowIseethereisaquestionburninginyoureyes.AskitbeforeIgiveyouanewassignment.Stephenalreadyknowsaboutthischangeand

hassetupadefenseforyourabsence.”

Cautiousabouttheancientwarlord’srequest,Trinitymovesawayandrubstheenhancergemsinherpalms.Herblackclothesmadeofpolishedleatherseemtolosetheirlusterandheranxietyrises.Sheaccepts

thecupofwinethattheBaronoffersandsipsatit,enjoyingthetastethatshesorarelygetstosavor.Searchingforthesafestwordstouse,shemovestothewindowandstaresatherhard-workingpeoplebelow.Theyaretoilinginasmallrubymine,afreshseamthat

hasappearedfromthebowelsofthedesolatecontinent.Allofthechaoselvesarecoveredindirtandtheirraggedclothesaretorn,whichpullsatTrinity’sheart.Thesightofademonictaskmasterliftingitsbarbedwhiptostrikeastumblingyoungmanbringsacruelsmiletoherface.With

aflickofherwrist,ajavelinofacidstreaksthroughtheairandstrikesthedemoninthehead.Thebodytopplesoutofviewandshewavestothestartledworkers,whocheerandgobacktotheirtaskswithrenewedenergy.

“Youconfuseme,master,”Trinityadmitswith

somevenominherfinalword.Shesitsonthewindowsill,forcingtheBarontoloudlyturnhisthronearound.“Mypersonalissuewithyouisthatyoukeepmypeopleasslaveslivinginsqualor.Weretainsomeofouroldculture,butthereisnowealthtocallourown.Shaydis

filledwithdepositsofgoldandgems,butwekeepnoneofit.Itisacruellifethatyoukeepusineventhoughitiswithinyourpowertochangethingsforthebetter.Allitwouldtakeisalittlecompassionandmypeoplewouldhappilysupportyou.Whykeepusinsucha

horriblestateofbeing?”“Ibelievethatisa

problemforourdearAmbrosine.Afterall,youstillpraytoherforsalvation,”theBaronbitterlyreplies.Hisvoicesoftenswhenheseesthefurygrowinginhisservant’seyes.“Myapologies,butyouknowwhat

Imean.IdowhatIcanwithoutlettingyourpeoplegaineverythingtheywant.Thinkofmyposition,dearTrinity,andrealizethatIcannotrisklosingthechaoselves.IgivethemtheirfreedombeforeIearnmyownthenIhavenoguaranteeyouwillremainonShayd.

ThesqualorandpromiseofabetterlifeistheonlyleverageIhaveoveryourpeople.TheirplightistheonlythingIhaveoveryou,soyoucanseewhereIamcomingfrom.”

“Andthatiswhatconfusesme,”Trinitypointsout,approachingthethroneandputtingherhandsonthe

arms.SheleansascloseasshedarestotheBaron,herbodyquiveringwithnervousfearandsomethingthatshebarelyrecognizesasprimalexcitement.“I’veseenyoudisplaycompassionaswellascruelty.You’renotamonsterliketheworldbelieves,sowhydoyoupersistinacting

thepart?Don’tletGabrielandhisprophecyforceyouintothispositionanylonger.Freeusand-”

TheBaronpresseshisfingeragainstTrinity’slips,ajoltofrawpowerlockingherbody.“IamkindandbenevolenttothoseIhaveauseforsuchasyourself.Ifit

makesyoufeelbetter,Iwillcreateanorchardforyourpeopleandgivenewclothestothechildren.Idothistokeepyouhappy,butmakenomistakeaboutme.Iamamonster,dearTrinity.Gabrieldoesnotforcemeintoanythingandhehasreasontofearme.Theentireworld

doesbecausethemomentIamfree,yourpeoplewillbetheonlyoneswhoarerelativelysafefrommywrath.SoIrequestthatyounolongermistakemykindnesstowardsyouasasignthatIamanythingotherthantheancientdarknessthathistoryhasforgotten.Doyou

understand?”“Yes,master.Whatisthe

newassignment?”Theancientwarlord

moveshishandtocaresshistrustedagent’schinandstandswhilepushingherbackafewsteps.Hemuttersafewwordsinademonictongue,whichcausesoneofhis

ebonyhairstoturngrayanddrifttothefloor.Acracklingportalthatresemblesastainedglasswindowappearsbeforehim,theangularimageshowingtheedgeofamistyforest.Rakshachargesforwardtoinvestigate,butthelankycatissentscurryingawaywhentheBaronblasts

thefloorbeforeitwithafistoffire.Melaniehurriestocatchuptothebeast,herboomingfootstepsechoingdownthered-carpetedhallway.

“ThespellsthatStephenandyoucreatedinthewoodshavebeguntoweaken,”theBaroncalmlyexplainswhile

swirlingthedrinkinhisgoblet.Hereachesouttoextendtheportal,showingpartofariverthatiscloakedinmist.“Itwasonlyamatteroftime,butIdonotbelievesheisreadytoenterthegameagain.Pleasereinforcethespellsandreporttomeifsuchactionsareimpossible.There

isthechancethatGabrielsentIsaiahtogetinvolved,butitcouldalsobeher.Ialwaysunderestimateherabilities,sothiscouldbeduetoherstruggles.Thelastcontactshemadewasunexpectedandtroublesome.”

“ItisnearlytheDayofDarkness,soI’llhavetotake

shelteruponarrival.Iwon’tgetveryfarifI’mbusyfightingundead.ItgetsreallymessyaroundRodillenbecauseofallthebodiesthatthethieveshidearoundthearea,”Trinitysays,conjuringabagofsuppliesinherhand.Hershirtbloatsuntilittakestheformofathick,brown

jacketandrollsdowntoencaseherlegsindownywarmth.“IsthereanythingelseIshouldknow?”

“Onlythatthechampionsareinthearea.”

“SoI’llbepunishedifIfail.”

TheBaronchucklesandplacesafirmhandonher

shoulder,castingasoothingwaveofwarmththroughtheyoungwoman’sbody.“Onthecontrary,Idonotcareifyousucceedorfail.Ifsheisabouttoenterthegamethensobeit.Iamsendingyouinthehopesofbeatingdestiny.Afterall,shemadesuchamesslasttime.”

“Thatwasbeforemytime.”

“Notreally,”thewarlordstates,staringforlornlyattheportal.Hereachesouttotouchthefaceofthespellandpullsbackthehandwhenhisfingertipsdissolve.“Youwereonlyachildandstillbeingtrainedwhenthelast

setofchampionswasdestroyed.IamsureStephenorNyderwouldbewillingtofillyouinonthatevent,butitisunimportant.”

“ThenIdon’tbelieveI’llwastemytimeasking.DoyouhaveanythingelsetotellmeoramIfreetogo?”

“OnlythatIsayhelloand

wishherluck.”Trinitytakesadeep

breathbeforesteppingintotheprismaticportal,whichripplesandcreaksathertouch.Shefreezeswhenherlegmergesintothestainedglasspicture,apanickyjerkofthelimbshowingthatshecannotbackout.Withher

eyesclosed,thecasterleansintotheportalandgivesintothesensationofherbodybeingcrystallized.Thefeelingnearlyrobsofherofbreath,butsheforceshermouthtoopenwithacracktotakeinagulpofsharpair.Fightingtheurgetopassoutfromthepressureonheraura,

Trinityfinishespassingthroughtheportalandherbodyswiftlyrevertsbacktoflesh.TheBaronwatchesherwalktowardthemistyforestbeforeveeringtotheleftandoutofsight.

“Iguessthispartofthegamewasinevitable,”themansighsashereachesout

toclosetheportal.“Youtrulyareabastard,Gabriel.”

*****Thestrongmuskwafting

offTankitheGoblinGodcausesGabrielandZariatowrinkletheirnoses.Standingwithintheevening-cloakedforest,theelegantgodswaitpatientlyfortheirmore

primalbrethrentoarrive.Tankiscratchesathisredskin,whichjinglesthebellsthathehasbraidedintohisglossy,bronzehair.Thethreeivoryhornsonhisheadglowandhum,causinghimtotenseandclingtohiscrudespear.Withthehissofacorneredcreature,the

crouchedgoblinbacksawayfromthearrivingdeities,hisblackeyesfocusedonaleather-armoredmanwhosebodyispiercedwithaglisteninglongsword.

“Whyareyouhere,Anceron?”Zariaasksoftheblonde-hairedman.Shesmilesatthewolfgirl,who

wagshertailandleapsontoanearbyrock.“Thiswassupposedtobebetweenusandthenaturegods.Didyouinvitehim,Silvestris?”

“Nope,”theNatureGoddessrepliesinahigh-pitchedvoice.Shescratchesherwild,brownhair,freeingseveraldryleavesfromthe

eternalknots.“Hesaidhecurious.Itoldhimnothingwillbedestroyed,butitnotstophim.”

“Ididn’trealizethiswasaprivategathering,”theDestructionGodsays,hisvoicefullofagony.Headjuststheswordinhischestandatrickleofbloodruns

downhisback.“Although,isthereanythingmorenaturalthandestruction?”

“Mushrooms,water,wind,trees-”Silvestrisrattlesoff,hervoicecutoffbyasterncoughfromGabriel.Sheboundsovertotheblack-hairedgodandbowstohim,hertailtuckedbetweenher

legsoutofrespect.“IgotyourmessagefromUli,butInotknowwhatyouwantdowithme.MyhandstiedbytheLawofInfluenceevenifyougivemewiggleroom.Afterall,spellsinquestionmadebymortal.”

“Thatmanisnotmortal,”theDestinyGoddeclaresas

hefacesTanki.ThegoblinjabshisspearatAnceron,causingthehandsomemantograbthehiltofhisblade.“Leaveyourweaponsheathed,destroyer.Youknowyoumakethesmallergodsnervous.Nooffense,Tanki,butyouareshortofstature.Mycommentwasnot

inregardstoyourpower.”“Visionshavealready

beensentaboutawaitingchampions,buttheseonesarenoteasilycontrolled,”Tankireports,surprisingGabriel.Thegoblingrins,revealingfilthyteethandabluetongue.“Ispokewithyourcoreenergytodiscernyour

request.That’spartofmyareaandyourprimalaurascreamswheneveryou’reupset.”

“Nowonderyoustayawayfromhim,dearTanki,”Zariamentionswithanawkwardsmile.

Thegodsstopwhenagroupofstaggeringfigures

stumbleoutfrombehindthenearbytrees,theireeriesighsrattlingthroughtheforest.Anceronhashishandonhissword,buteaseshisgripwhenheseestheunarmedfarmers.Thegroupwandersaround,afewpassingthroughthegods,whoretaintheirphantasmalforms.Blank

expressionsareonthemortals’faces,makingthemresemblezombieswithoutthedecayingfleshandrottingstench.Minutesaftertheyarrive,thefarmerswalkbackintotheforestwherethethickmistenvelopesthem.

“Interesting,”Anceronwhispers,thesmellof

destructiononthebitterwind.“Somethinghasplungedthemintoazombietrance.Whyisthisimportanttoyou?”

“Theservantsofouroldenemyhavecursedthisforest.Anymortalwholeavesthepathwillhearagentlesongandbeplungedintoawanderingamnesia,”Gabriel

answers,fightingtheurgetowhistlethetune.Forabriefmoment,hewondersifhecreatedthiscurseinhisyouth,butdecidesthatsuchafactisunimportant.“Thisisalltokeepthechampionsawayfromthegirl,whichmeanswecansendvisionstohelp.Itisalsowithinmy

powertograntothergodssomeflexibilitywiththeLawofInfluenceaslongastheyhelpwithmyagenda.”

“Perhapsyoushouldhavedonesomethingtodestroythisgirl,”Anceronsays,ignoringtheburstofenergyfromZaria.“Shehasalwaysbeenasourceof

trouble.Ifyouwish,Icansendafollowertotakecareofthis.I’mwellwithinmyrightsaslongasmostoftheforestiswipedout.”

ThePurityGoddessdashesforwardtograbtheswordinAnceron’schestandviolentlyyanksitout,sendingaspurtofbloodontoher

whitedress.Thestainvanishesasthegodfallstohiskneesandgaspsforair,hisbodywrackedwithmind-shatteringagony.Zariawalksawaywiththeweapononhershoulder,acoldexpressiononheralabasterfacewhilethegrassisbathedintheDestructionGod’sblood.The

redheadeddeitywaitsforhimtobelaidoutonthegroundbeforehurlinghisbladewithinhisreach.Hegrabstheswordandjamsitbackintothegapingchestwound,theweaponactinglikeaplugtostopthetorrentofblood.

“Mychosenwillnotbeharmed,”Zariagrowls,

causingSilvestrisandTankitomoveawayfromher.ShemeetsGabriel’schallenginggazewithawitheringlook.“Nobodyaskedthisonetocomehere,sohebroughttheattackonhimself.”

“Sopure,”theDestinyGodteases.

“Angercanbeaspureas

love.”“Sowhywehere?”

Silvestrisasks,herearsnervouslytwitching.“Igoworkrightawaywhentold.”

“Thegoblinsofthisforestareimmunetothecursebecauseourenemieshaveoverlookedthem,”Gabrielexplains,keepinghis

eyesonZaria.ThegoddesswavesherhandoverAnceron,revivingtheweakenedgodandcleaninghissoakedclothes.“Iwillneedyoutosendanothervisiontoyourpeople,Tanki.UnlessyouwereabletopredictwhatSilvestriswillbeaskedtodohere.Ineedour

dearNatureGoddesstoconvincethetreestobuildasafepathfromtheroadtothesleeper.TheymustonlyabsorbthecursedbreezeandoneofTanki’sgoblinscanbechosentoactasaguide.Youtwocangoovertheparticulars,butthechampionsmustreachthegirl.Itistime

forhertogetbackintothisgamewhetherwelikeitornot.”

Ivoryhornsshimmering,Tankigrumblestohimselfashepoundsthebuttofhisspearagainstthemoistground.Hehunkersdownandburrowsintotheearth,thegapingholeclosingbehind

him.Insteadoffollowingtheoldergod’sexample,Silvestrisscratchesherhindquarterswithherclawedfootandmakesherselfcomfortableonarock.ShewatchesGabrielandZaria,child-likecuriosityetchedintoherfeatures.

“Whysendchampionsto

girlthistime?Whathappenothertimesthishappen?”

“Theonlywaytodispelthecurseistowakethesleeper.Inthepast,ourenemiesurgedthechampionsintotheforest,butwecantaketheinitiativenowthattheCompassKeyisonthefield,”thePurityGoddess

answers,hervoicesoundingtiredandworried.“Don’tmakethepathtooeasytofindbecausetherearegreaterdangersaroundher.Anyonewhowandersintoherrangecanbekilledorworse.Ihopethegoblinsstayawayuntiltheyhavethechampionsonhand.”

“I’mintrigued,butthisisnolongermyconcern,”Anceroninterrupts,earningascowlfromtheotherdeities.“There’ssomethingbrewinginthesouth.Itappearstobeawar,butthere’sanundercurrentthathasmyattention.Isenseyourchampionswillbeinvolved,

soI’llbewatchingtoseewhathappens.Don’tworry,HellLord,Ipromisenottogetinvolvedinyourplans.I’mmerelyanobserver...fornow.”

AtearappearsintheairbehindtheDestructionGodandhestepsthrough,thegapingholeswallowinghim

whole.SilvestrisisgonebythetimeZariaandGabrielturntowhereshewassitting,theonlysignofherdepartureatuftofsofthairontheground.Theremnantsinksintothemottledstoneandcreatesacoatingoffurrymoss.

“Iassumeyouwishto

stayhere,”Gabrielsaystotheredheadedgoddess.Hesquintsintothedarknesswhereheseesmorewanderersmovingthroughthetrees,thesemovingmorestifflythanthefarmers.“Itwillbeatleastadaybeforetheymeether.NottosoundlikeIcare,butyoushouldget

somerest.Youarenotyourself.”

“BecauseIputAnceroninhisplace?”

“Thatandyourglowisdim,myoldrivalandally.”

“IwillseeyoubackatAmbervalewhenthisisover,Gabriel.”

“Iwouldtellyounotto

getinvolved,butyouneverlistentomewhenitcomestoher.”

SeveralsilentminutesafterGabrieldisappears,Zarialetsoutamusicalsighandmergeswiththemist.Sheweavesamongthetreesandcursedmortals,noneofthemnoticingherpresence.The

goddessisneartheedgeofaclearingwhenapurplebarrierappearsanddeflectsherrapidapproach.Shereturnstohersolidformandgetsasclosetothepowerfulshieldasshecan.Sparksofmagicburstfromtheglisteningdome,leavingburnmarksonherdressthatsheignores.Allof

Zaria’sattentionisonthecanopybedinthemiddleoftheclearingwhereacloakedformissleeping.

“Onlyamatterofdaysnow,Dariana,”thegoddesswhispers,wipingapristinetearfromhercheek.“Onlyamatterofdays.”

1

“Itoldyouitwouldn’twork,Cunningham,”Nyxwhispers,gentlysmackingherfriendontheshoulder.Theslenderhalf-elfglancesatthedarkeningskyandshiversatthefeelofsinistermagiconthegrowingbreeze.“We’vewastedtoomuch

timewiththesestunts.”“Itwasworthashot,”

Delvinhalf-heartedlycontends.Thearmoredwarriorscratcheshishead,cringingwhenhecatchesaknotinhismessy,brownhair.“Itlookslikeit’stimetogetbacktoRodillen.We’lltryagainaftertheDayof

Darkness.”“Atleastourfriend

didn’ttrytoflyawaythistime,”Saripointsoutwhileshesitsonthebridge’smetalrailing.Theblue-hairedgypsyyawns,stretchingherarmsuntilherbluetoprevealsherslenderbelly.“Comeon,Timoran!Hecan’t

bethatmuchofaproblem.Itisn’tlikehe’sagriffinthistime.”

Thethreeadventurerswatchastheirredheadedfriendhaulsinadazednobleshepherd,theblackandbrowndogviolentlyshakingitsheadasitleavesthemistyforest.Timoranputsthe

animalonthebridgeandremainspoisedtopounceifitmakesarunforthetrees.Instead,thedogrollsontoitsbellyandwhimpers,itsdarkeyesstaringforlornlyatitswaggingtail.Fizzledartsaroundthebeasttocoveritinarainbowmist,clearingitsheadofthemagicalfugue.

Whenthepurpledrite’sbreathisblownawaybyhistranslucentdragonflywings,ablondehalf-elfhasreplacedthedog.LukeCallindorstaysonhisbackandclutcheshisgriffintalonnecklace,alookofutterconfusiononhisdirt-markedface.HeacceptsthehandthatTimoranoffersand

slowlygetstohisfeet,lettinghismuscularfriendguidehimtotheothers.FizzlelandsonNyx’shead,takingcomfortinthefeelofherpowerfulauraastheevilenergythickensintheair.

“Ibelievewehaverunoutofideas,”Timoranstates,helpingLukeleanonthe

railingnexttoSari.Hetoucheshistiger-stripedgreataxeforcomfort,hiskeenearspickingupthestirringsofundeadintheforest.“Wehaveadaytogatherinformationandcomeupwithanewplan.UnlesstheCompassKeyisnolongerdirectingushere.Coulditbe

actingstrangebecauseoftheDayofDarkness?”

“Idoubtit,”Delvincalmlyreplies.Hisicyblueeyesstareintothetreesandheswearsheseesshamblingformsinthedistance.“TheCompassKeyhasbeenpointinghereeversincewereturnedtotheIslandof

Pallice.Thatwasaweekandahalfago.Didyoucatchanyscentsintheforest,Luke?”

“Nothingoutoftheordinary,butthecursecouldhavebeencastfromanywhere,”theforesttrackeranswers,restingahandonSari’sexposedknee.Shepullsitawayandhopsoffthe

railingtolethimtouchhershoulder.“Timoran’srightaboutgatheringinformation.ItookseveraldiamondspheresfromthetreasurevaultIfoundintheGardenofUli.Wecanbribeabunchoflocalstoseeifthey’veheardanything.”

“Becausethievesnever

lie,”Nyxscoffsasshepullsherblackcloakaroundhershiveringform.Hershort,blackhairigniteswithalowflametokeepherwarmeventhoughsheknowsitisnotthewinterchillthathasherfeelingcold.

“Hey!”Sarisnapsbeforeshecanstopherself.She

blushesandsmirksattheothers,heremeraldeyestwinklinginthedyingsunlight.“Sorryaboutthat.Iknowyoudidn’tmeanme,Nyxie.You’vejustbeenalittlesnappyateveryonelately.”

“Canwenotgetintothisuntilwegetinside?”Timoran

requests,leadingthewaytothecitysideoftheL’dandrinRiver.Therailingglowsbrightredandthestonebridgesplitsdownthecentertofoldintoitself,pullingtheadventurerstoshore.“Whatishappening?”

Thesmallgroupwatchesasasmallshipemergesfrom

aroundanearbybendandsteadilydriftsbythem.Afewsecondsafterthevesselpasses,thebridgestretchesacrosstheriverandlocksbackintoplace.Lukeinchesforwardtosteponthefirstslatandputsallofhisweightonit,expectingtofallthrough.Thebrownstoneis

surprisinglysolid,buthecanheartheoddclickofsomethingmetallicintheground.

“Gnomesandtheirinventions,”hewhisperswithawarmsmile.LuketurnsaroundintimetocatchaglimmerofsadnessonNyx’sface.Hestandsandarcheshis

back,feelinghisstiffspinepop.“IjustrememberedthatNyxandImadeacontactduringourlastvisittoRodillen.WecangoseehernowandmeeteveryoneattheTrueRiggingInn.Ipromisewewon’tbelongerthananhourortwo.”

“Whodidwemeethere

thatdidn’ttrytokillus?”Nyxasks,rubbingheramethystnecklace.Thehalf-elf’sfacelightensupandhermouthgrowsintoawidesmile.“Oh,thatwoman!Shemightknowwhat’sgoingonifweasktherightquestionsandshe’sinagoodmood.Though,wecanalwayswait

adayortwo.”“No,Ithinkyoutwo

shouldvisitthispersonrightaway,”Delvinchimesin,takingFizzleoffthecaster’shead.Hestrokeshisfriend’shorns,whichcausesthedritetoflutterhisreddragonflywings.“It’sbestthatwegetthistakencareof

immediately.WeallknowStephenandtheotherswillhavesomethingwaitingforusinBor’daruk.TheyalreadyhadtwomonthsandIdon’twanttogivethemanymore.”

Nyxnervouslybitesherlowerlip.“But-”

“Delvinisright,”Timorandeclaresasheturns

towardtheshadowyRodillen.Hedrawshisweaponandheftsitontohisshouldertomakesureitisvisiblewhenheentersthefamedcityofthieves.“Wewillhavetobepushingforwardtomorrowatdawn.”

Sarisqueezesherbestfriend’sshoulderbefore

movingtoLukeandwhisperinginhispointyear.“Nicetrylyingtousaboutafakecontact.ItwouldhaveworkedifNyxdidn’tstumblewiththefollowup.You’reagoodfriendandIwishyouluck.MaybeI’llhavetimetosetupsomethingspecialattheinn.”

“Arewebackon?”“No...forNyx.I’m

goingtogo,Luke,”thegypsysays,gingerlytouchingthehalf-elfonthecheek.SheturnsonherheelsandcatchesDelvinbythearmasshewalksbyhim.“Ineedyourhelp,dearleader.Averyimportantmissionthatyou’ll

enjoy.”Nyxiswatchingthe

othersdisappearintothegloomthatisgrowingthickerbytheminutewhenLukeputsanarmaroundhershoulders.SheforcesasmileasheleadshertoRodillen,theirfriendsnothingmorethanshadowsfaraheadof

them.Whentheypassthroughthecityentrance,heguidesherintheoppositedirectionoftheinn.Doorsandwindowsareclosingandthesoundofrooftrapsbeingsetfillstheair.Lukenoticessomeofthecurvedtilesontopofthebuildingsshiftingtorevealtheglintofhidden

arrowsandspears.ThenormaltensionofanightinRodillen,acityruledbythethieves’guild,isenhancedbythelightlessskyoftheDayofDarkness.Withinminutes,theonlyilluminationisfromtheenchantedstreetlamps,buthalfofthemhavebeenbrokenbythosewhoprefer

thedarkness.Lukeisabouttospeak

whenhefeelsthetipofadaggeragainsthisback,causinghimtogroanindismay.Beforethesimplethiefcanutterademand,theforesttrackerflipsoverhimandpressesadrawnsaberagainsttheman’sthroat.Nyx

joinsinthefraybyputtingherfingersagainstthethief’sforehead,firecoatingherhandsuptothecuticleofherunkemptnails.Theheatfromhermagiccausestheterrifiedmantosweat,buttheweavingflamesnevertouchhisskin.

“MynameisNyxand

thatisLukeCallindor.I’msureyou’veheardofus,”thecastergrowls,hervioleteyessparkingwithtinyboltsoflightning.Abreezeopenshercloak,revealingaredshirtthatchurnslikelava.“Neitherofusareinthemoodtodealwithyourkindtonight.Runawayandwarnyourfriends

thatweshouldbeleftalone.Ifthievescontinuetoannoymeandmyfriends,IwillpersonallylaywastetotheguildwitheveryspellIcanimagine.”

“Theguildmasterwon’tlikethis,”themanargues.HetensesatthefeelofLuke’ssaberpressingagainsthis

throatandNyx’sflameslickingthetipofhispointynose.“ButI’msurehe’llbeokaywithitforanight.It’stheDayofDarknessafterall,sonobodyreallywantstobeoutside.”

Thethiefsprintsawayassoonasthehalf-elveslethimgo,thepairwaitinguntilhis

footstepsdisappear.Nyxtakesaseatonacrateneartheentrancetoanalley,whichshecoverswithasmallbarrier.Lukeleansagainstthewallnexttoherandstaresatthedisturbinglyemptysky.Noneofthefourmoonscanbeseenandallofthestarshavebeenblottedoutbythe

globaldarkness.Hisattentionreturnstothecityandhefocusesonhissoundsighttotrackthehiddenthievesthataregoingabouttheirnightlybusiness.

“Sowhat’sbeenupsettingyou,bigsis?”Lukequietlyasks.

“Howareyouhandling

thingswithSari?”Nyxswiftlycounters,refusingtolookherbestfriendintheeye.

“Ishouldhaveseenthatcoming,”thewarriorsays,reachingovertoflickthecaster’snose.Hisheadgentlymovestothesideasaninvisiblefingerpokeshimin

thetemple.“SariandIaresurviving.It’sawkwardandweoccasionallyslipupwhenwetalk.Wehaven’tkissed,sharedabed,ordoneanythingasacouplesincewedecidedtocoolthingsdownuntilwemeetwithKira.I’lladmitI’monedgealittlebecauseofthisandIwantto

getthewholethingoverwith.That’sreallyit,soanswermyquestion.”

“Ihopeyourealizethatitwon’tbesolvedsoeasily.”

“Whyareyouhavingmoodswings?”

“Infact,meetingwithKiracouldmakethewholethingworse.”

“Stopavoidingthesubject,Nyx.”

“Allthreeofyouaregoingtogethurt,littlebrother.”

Lukemovesawayfromthewallandrunsahandthroughhisblondehair,pullingoutthesimpletieandlettingithangloose.He

watchesNyxshiftuncomfortablyonthecrateandfiddlewiththethickbraceletonherwrist.Hisattentioniscaughtbymovementinthealleybehindher,buttheapproachingthiefishurledawaybythebarrier.Thecrashcausespeopleinthenearbybuildingstoyell

andcursethroughtheirlockedshutters.Lukeignoresthenoiseandputshishandsonthecratetoleanforward,hisfaceinchesfromthecaster.

“We’veallheardyoucryingorseenyouloseyourtemperwithoutprovocation,”theforesttrackerwhispers,

searchinghisfriend’sfaceforanyhintofwhatsheisthinking.“Iknowyoutoldmetostayoutofit,butIcan’tdothatanymore.PleasetellmewhatthisisaboutNyx,soIcanhelp.Weneedyouatyourbestandyou’renotevenclose.”

“Idon’tknowhowto

explaineverything,”sheadmitswhilekeepingherheaddown.ShenoticesapinkshimmeronLuke’swoodenringandgreenbudsgrowoutofthetop.“LooksliketheRingofUliischangingwiththeseason.Iguesswinterwillbeoversoon,whichmeansourtrip

southshouldbepleasant.”“Areyouterrifiedthat

Stephenwillgetyou?”Nyxtensesandher

breathingbecomesstaggeredassheremembersthetouchofthemanwhowantstobreakher.“Wouldn’tyoubescaredofsomeonelikehim?He’sanunstoppablemonster

andtheonlyreasonwe’restillstandingisbecausehewantstoplaywithus.Itfeelslikeit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeStephenclaimsme.IknowyouandFizzlecanfighthim,butthatisn’tenough.Ineedtobeabletodefendmyselftofeelsafe.WithStephen,I’mhelpless

andIhatefeelingthisway.”“We’reallhelplessat

somepointinourlives,”Lukereplies,leaningintogiveNyxatighthug.Hesighswhenhefeelshertense,calmingherdownwithagentlepatontheback.“TheDarkWinddidthesametomeandIwasstupid.Youcan

onlydosomuchinthissituationbeforeyouhavetotrustthosearoundyou.”

“TheDarkWindwasmyfault,”thecasterwhispers,wrappingherarmsaroundthewarrior’sneck.Shestrugglestoholdbackhertearsandpraysherfrienddoesnotnoticethemoistspotonhis

shoulderfromherrunningnose.“Stephendidittogettome.Allofyouaregoingtobeusedaspawnstocontrolmeandthere’snothingIcandotopreventit.”

“IcuthimandFizzleheldhisown,”Lukeremindsher.HeholdsNyxawayandgetshertolookintohis

chocolatebrowneyes,agoldringbarelyvisibleinthelamplight.“Gabrielwouldn’tputsomeonelikeStepheninourwayunlesstherewasawaytowin.Iknowhesaidourvictoryisn’tguaranteed,butheneversaidwe’redestinedtofail.Don’tletyourfearmakeyouweak

becauseyou’rethestrongestpersonIknow.ImeanwillpoweranddefiancebecauseTimoranisphysicallystrongerthanallofus.”

“Ifiguredthatoutonmyown,littlebrother.”

Nyxturnsintomisttoescapethehugandreforms

behindLuke,theforesttrackerputtinghishandsinhispockets.Hecansenseheranxietyandthetelltaleheatofherrunningfirethroughherebonyhair.Adistantscreammakeshimjumpduetohissoundsightcreatingabriefpictureofsomeonegettingattackedamongthetreesbya

skeletalfigure.Forabriefmoment,hisbackiscoveredinamberfurthatdisappearswhenherealizesthathewouldhavetoleaveNyxaloneonthethief-infestedstreets.

“Whatelse,Nyx?”hebluntlyasks,walkingaroundtofaceher.“There’s

somethingelsethatyou’reholdingin.”

“I...yousee...”theyoungwomanawkwardlymumbles.Takingadeepbreath,shegrabsLukebythehandsandfixeshimwithathreateningglare.“Swearthatyouwon’ttellanyonewhatI’mabouttosay.NotFizzle.

NotSari.NotKira.NoteventhegriffinandStilettospirits.”

“ThosetwoandIkindofshareamind.”

“YouknowwhatImean.”

“Isweartokeepyoursecretfromeveryone.”

Thecasterletsgoof

Luke’shandsandisabouttospeakwhensherememberstheyareinRodillen.Fearingthatathiefmightoverheartheirconversation,sheraisesadomeofsilencewithsubtlewiggleofherfingers.Theshimmeringenergybathesthestreetinavioletglowandseveralformscanbeseen

escapingthesuddenillumination.Anothercrashisheardfromthenearbyalleyasayoungthiefbouncesoffthebarrierandlandsinapileofgarbage.

“Youmustbereallyseriousifyou’reusingthiskindofmagic,”Lukewhispersmoretohimself

thanhiscompanion.“Whatisit?”

“I’mnotreallysureaboutthis,butthere’salotofevidenceaboutwhatI’vebeenthinkingabout,”Nyxexplains,wringingherhands.Shestompsherfootandstraightensherbackwhensherealizeshowfoolishshemust

look.“IthinkI’minlovewithDelvin.Hemakesmemadandhappyatthesametimewithhisadvances.It’ssweetandhe’saveryniceguy.Completelydifferentfromanyoneelsewhohaspursuedme.SoI’vebeenthinkingalotaboutthisandI’mnotsurewhattodo.Iwasgoingto

talktoSari,butshe’dforcetheissueandIfeelawkwardtalkingtoTimoranaboutthis.Don’tevengetmestartedonwhatIdidwhenItriedtocontactmyparents.Let’sjustsaymydadthinksI’minterestedinbrewingwhiskeyandmymomthinksIhaveanembarrassingrash.Anyway,

I’vebeenonedgebecauseIdon’tknowwhattodoandit’sanoddrelieftofinallyadmitallofthis.”

Lukeopenshismouthtospeakandsnapsitshut,repeatingthemovementafewtimes.Heshrugsandpreparesfortheworstwhenhesays,“Youshouldtell

him.”“What?NoIshouldn’t.”“Whynot?”“Imaginethemessit

wouldmakewithus,”Nyxdefiantlyargues,jabbingafingerintothewarrior’schest.“LookathowmuchstressiscausedbyyouandSari.”

“That’sadifferentsituationthanyouandDelvin,”herespondswithanangryfrown.Herubshispalmsontherubiesembeddedinhissabers’pommels.“Ihaveanopenrelationshipwithanabsentex-fiancéewhileIfindmyselfemotionallydriftingtowarda

gypsywhostilltalksaboutgivingmeupintheend.Whatyou’redealingwithisnothinglikethisandIthinkyoushouldlethimknowyourfeelings.He’sbeenhonest,soyoushouldbetoo.”

“WekissedintheGardenofUliandItastedhisaura,”Nyxblurtsout,unableto

thinkstraight.Sherubshereyesandlicksherlips,afainttinglingonhertongue.“Itwas...amazinganditmadethingscomplicated.Notinthewayyouthink.WhatifIreallylovehimonlyforthetasteofhisaura?Also,StephencalledmeachannelerandsaidthatI’ma

rarebreedthatgivesoffascenttoattractmates.WhatifDelvinonlylovesmebecauseofmyscent?That’snothowweshouldstartarelationship.”

LuketakesNyxbytheshouldersandgivesherakissontheforehead.Withoutwarning,hetakesabigsniff

ofherfaceandcrinkleshisnose.Shakinghisheadandswattingattheairinfrontofhim,theforesttrackerputsonashowabouthatingthesmell.HestopswhenNyxcreatesatinyfireballinherpalmandhitshimintherear.Sheputsthefireoutquickly,blushingwhenshenotices

thatthedamagerevealshisunderwear.

“There’saninterestingscentthatIcanpickupwithStiletto’ssenseofsmell,butitdoesn’tdoanythingforme,”Lukesays,touchingtheburnmarkonhispants.Hegesturestotheholeandwaitsforhisfriendtorepairthe

damagewithawaveofherhand.“Idon’tthinkit’sallaboutyourscentsinceTimorancaughtit,buthasnointerestinyou.Ifanything,itcatchessomeone’sattentionandtherestisuptotheheart.Besides,I’veneverseenDelvinsniffatyoulikeadogandhetooktoyouonsightin

abuilding.Irememberhisreactionandyouweretoofarawayforhimtogetawhiff.”

“Goodpoint,”Nyxreplies,dispellingthesilencedomeandwalkingaway.SheletsLukecatchupassheleadsthemtowardtheinn.“Bytheway,howisitgoingwithmasteringwhatever

powersyougotattheGardenofUli?”

“I’mfine,butIdon’tthinkwe’redone,”theyoungwarriorclaims,ignoringhergroanofdefeat.Heispreparedtochaseher,butthecastersimplytrudgesalongsidehiminaccepteddefeat.“What’sthereal

reasonyouwon’ttellDelvin?I’mprettysureIknowtheanswer,butIwantyoutosayit.”

“No,yousayit.”“Fine,youbigbaby,”

Lukecasuallystates,movinginfrontofhertowalkbackwards.“Iknowyou’rescaredthatyou’lldieagainst

theBaron.You’rethinkingthatthere’snoreasontoadmityourfeelingsandstartarelationshipifyouhavenofuture.Whyadmitthatyou’reinlovewithDelvinandgivehimmoreofabrokenheartthanifhethinkshisfeelingsareunreciprocated?IdareyoutotellmeI’mwrong.”

Nyxtakesaswingatthewarrior’sshoulder,butmisseswhenhegracefullydriftsoutofreach.“Ihateyouandthatwindmovementtrickyoukeepdoing.Canyoureallyblamemeforthinkingthisway?”

“OfcourseIcanbecauseyou’rebeinganidiot.”

“AtitleI’llproudlyholdthistime.”

“Don’tholdbackfortoolong,bigsister.”

“Iwon’t,butyoupromisedtokeepyourmouthshut.”

“Youhavenothingtoworryabout.Yoursecretissafewithme.”

Thepairreachtheshutteredinn,whichisdisturbinglyquietforatimewhereeveryonestaysinside.Lightscanbeseenthroughthecracksintheshutters,buttherearenosoundsofmovementorrevelry.Nyxreachesforthepolisheddoorhandlewithafireballready

whileLukedrawshissabersandnods.Shethrowsthedooropenandisabouttohurlherspellwhenasmallblastofwaterdowsestheflame.

“Happybirthday,Nyxie!”screamallofthepatrons,mostofthemalreadydrunk.

Sarigrinsfromwhere

sheisstandingonthebarandwigglesherfingersattheblushingcaster.SheputsherhandonTimoran’sshouldertohelpclimbdown,thegypsyshowingsignsthatsheiswellintoherdrinking.Withabighug,shepullsthestunnedhalf-elffurtherintothebuildingwithLuke

followingclosebehind.“Didyouknowanything

aboutthis?”Nyxasks,whirlingontheforesttracker.

“I’massurprisedasyouare.”

“Damnit.I’vebeentryingtocutbackonmydrinking.”

“Thisisaspecialevent,

butwe’llmakesureyoubehave,”Saripromisesassheputsamugofaleinherbestfriend’shand.ShegentlymovesNyxclosertoDelvin,whoissharingabowlofapplesliceswithFizzle.“Hereisyourprotectorofbody,mind,anddignity.Treatherwell,Mr.

Cunningham,oryou’llanswertomeinthemorning.”

Delvinchucklesandgesturestowardtheemptybarstoolnexttohim.“Ipromisetobeonmybestbehaviorandkeepaneyeonourbelovedcaster.You’relookingbeautifulasalways,

birthdaygirl.”“KeepthatupandI’ll

drinktheinndrywithinthehour,”theviolet-eyedhalf-elfmutters,smilingasshesipsatherale.Thegenuinesmileonthewarrior’sgrizzledfacecauseshertoturninherchairandfaceSari.“Thankyou,littlesister.Iappreciateit.”

“BestpartisthatsinceyouwerebornontheDayofDarkness,wegettomakethepartylasttheentireday,”thegypsyhappilydeclarestotheapplauseofthepatrons.ThebartenderjoinsinthecelebrationbyclinkingtwofullmugsandhandingthemtoTimoran.

LukewaitsforNyxtolookawaybeforehepullsSaritoaquietcorner.“I’mallforthisparty,butwheredidyougetthemoney?”

“Fromyourmoneypouch,”sheanswers,amischievousglintinheremeraldeyes.“Thisiswhyyoushouldneverspeakabout

yourwealthwheninRodillen.Youneverknowifathiefislistening.”

“Ididn’tthinkyoucounted.”

Withanimpishgrin,Sarileadshimtothebarwherehesoonforgetsthatheislosingthemostamountofmoneyhehaseverhadatonetime.

*****Nyx’sstomachroarsas

sheeyesthelargecakeinthemiddleofthetable.AloneinTimoranandDelvin’sroom,thechampionssettleintotheirchairswhileFizzleperchesonthebirthdaygirl’sshoulder.Thepurpledragon’stonguestretchestowardthe

chocolatecake,butiscaughtbyadrunkSari,whonearlyputsherfreehandintheexquisitedessert.Toastedmarshmallowsfringetheedgesofthecake,thetastydecorationsembeddedinthethickchocolatefrosting.Theoncesmoothtopiscoveredintinycandlesofvariouscolors,

preventinganymessagefrombeingwritten.Buttonsofwhippedcreamsurroundthesides,thegoosothickthatevenastiffbreezeisunabletobudgethem.NyxwaitspatientlyforLuketopassouttheplatesandforks,hertonguelickingherlipsingrowinganticipation.

“Whynoapples?”Fizzleasksashesniffsatthedessert.

“BecauseNyxlikeschocolateandmarshmallows,”Lukecalmlyanswers.Heseesthelookofdisappointmentonthedrite’sfaceandtickleshisfriendonthehead.“Yousee,we

celebrateaperson’sdayofbirtheveryyearwithapartythatinvolvesacake.It’stheguestofhonorwhogetstopicktheflavorandsnacks.Ipromisewe’llmakeyouachocolateapplepieforyourbirthdaywhenitcomesaround.”

Fizzlescratcheshishead

withhistailandfluttersontothetabletogetacloserlookatthechocolatecreation.“ThenFizzlebepatient.Happybirthday,Nyx.”

“Thankyou,Fizzle,”thecasterreplies,givinghimakissonhisscalyhead.

“Theyhaveagreatkitchenhereandthecheflet

memakethecake,”Sariannounceswithaproudsmile.Sheemptiesherlastmugofalebeforesittingdown,herbodystillquiveringwithanticipation.“Ididn’tlightthecandlessinceyoulikesettingthingsonfire.So,blowthemonandmakeawish.”

“Whyarethereforty-eightcandles?”Nyxaskswithanaccusatorysmirk.Shecountsthemagaintomakesuresheisright,eachoneaboveherrealagemakingherfeellikethecakeispartofaprank.“I’monlytwenty-oneandthisistoomuchforajoke.I’msurprisedyou

managedtogetsomanycandlesonthecake.”

“I’mmoreconcernedwithSari’sinstructionsonblowing,”Lukemutters,gruntingwhenthegypsy’sfootstrikeshisshin.“Sorry.Thatwasuncalledfor.”

“Ioverheardsomeoneatthistablementionthattheir

birthdayhappenedwhilewewereintheGardenofUli,”Delvinsayswithayawn.HejerkshisthumbatTimoran,whogroansandgoesbacktohistankardofrum.“We’reafamily,bigman,sowe’regoingtocelebrate.Timoranistwenty-sixandyou’retwenty-one.Weaddedyouragesand

addedoneforCessia,whichisacustomofmypeople.Figureditcouldn’thurt.”

“Thankyou,butbarbariansdonotcelebratebirthdayslikethis,”thescarredwarriorclaims,wipinghismouthonhisleatherbracer.“Thefamilyhasacelebratorymealand,if

oneisofage,ahunt.Thisisentirelyunnecessary.”

“PleaseblowoutthecandlesafterIlightthem,bigbrother?”Nyxbegs,flashingapoutingfacethatmakesLukeandSarilaugh.Shewavesherhandandherfriendsfeelasharpflicktotheirforeheads.“Don’tmake

funofthebirthdaygirl.”“Onlybecauseitisyour

birthdayandyouaskednicely,”Timoransayswithabowofhishead.“AlsoIamcurioustoseehowthiscaketastesandIassumeyouwilldenymeasliceifIrefuseyou.”

Nyxpullsthecakecloser

andtakesadeepbreath,theshimmerofaspellappearingonherlips.Withagentleexhalefromthecaster,allofthecandlesigniteandtheflamesdanceasshesingsanElvenbirthdaysong.HerfinalwordisstillintheairwhenTimorancarefullyblowsouttheenchantedfire,

hisfearofmagicstillstrongenoughtomakehimtense.BeforeLukecancutthecake,Nyxsnatchesamarshmallowoffthetopandpopsitinhermouth.Sheleansbackwithherarmscrossedandhereyesclosed,happilysavoringthetastysnack.

“Iheardsome-”Delvin

beginstosaybeforeSaricovershismouth.

“Presents!”thegypsyyells,pullingtwosmallpackagesoutfrombehindher.Shemovesherhandandgivesthewarrioranapologetichug.“ThankyouforlettingmethrowthispartyforNyxandTimoran.You’re

suchagoodfriend,Delvin.”“Don’tmentionit,”he

sayswhilerollinguphissleeves.

“First,I’msorryIdidn’thavetimetofigureoutagoodpresentforTimoran.IdidthebestIcouldwhileweontheroad,”Sariexplains,watchingherfriendsopentheir

presents.Shereachesouttostealamarshmallow,pullingherhandbackwhentwoofthesmokingcandlesswatatherfingers.“AsforNyxie,thisisadelayedapology.Whenwewerekids,youhadafavoritetoyandIbrokeitwhenwehadafight.Inevergotyouareplacement,butI

usedsomecontacts,yourteachers,tofindonewhilewerestedinGaialastweek.”

Timoranholdsupasetofbracersandturnstheminhishands,abroadsmilegrowingonhisface.Thegiftmakeshimrealizethatithasbeenyearssincehehasboughtnewgearordoneany

definitivemaintenanceonanythingotherthanhisgreataxe.Hetakeshisold,beatenpairoffandslipsthenewonesontohisforearms,tighteningtheleatherstrapsandtuckingthemintonarrowslits.Theflexible,metal-studdedplateisfinelypolishedandhenoticesa

hiddensheatheinhislefthandbracer,completewithasimpleknife.

“Mr.Hissy!”Nyxexclaims,huggingastuffedhydradolltoherchest.Redtonguesoffeltemergefromthedarkgreentoy’ssevenheads,disappearingwhenthehalf-elfbreaksthetight

embrace.“Thankyou,Sari.IknowItoldyouitwasokaywhenwewerekids,butIwasreallyangrywithyou.Ifiguredyouwouldmakeupforitbeforeyouleft.ItakebackeverythingbadIsaidaboutyouduringthatfirstweekofmisery.”

“Mr.Hissy?”Lukeasks

withachuckle.“Italkedtoyourmother

whenwewereinHaven.Youcarriedablue,woolblanketarounduntilyouweresixandcalleditLadyMommy,”thecasterdefensivelysnaps.Sheholdsuphernewtoyandmakesitstickitstonguesoutatherfriend.“Canyoucut

thecake?”Lukecutsabigslicethat

hepassestoTimoranandasliverthathehandstoNyx.Beforethehalf-elvescanfight,thebarbarianswitchesplatesandholdshisoutforextra.Theforesttrackergiveshisfriendanotherslabandserveseveryoneelse,aware

thatDelvinispatientlywaitingtosharehisnews.Withaflipoftheknife,hefinishesslicingthecakeandgesturesforthewarriortospeak.LukeisoutofhisseatwhenDelvintriestotalkwithamouthfulofcakeandnearlychokesonthemoistdessert.Thehalf-elfgiveshimasolid

smacktotheback,whichhelpshimdislodgethefoodfromhisthroat.

“I’lltakethatasacompliment,Mr.Cunningham”Sariteases,handingthegaspingwarrioraglassofwater.“Takeyourtimeandsharethebignewswhenyou’reready.We’re

coopeduphereforatleasttwentymorehours.Norush.”

“Fizzlecansharehisnewsfirst,”theformermercenarysaysinastrainedvoice.

Thedritelickschocolatefrostingoffhislipsandsitsonthetable,histailcurledaroundhiswaist.“Fizzle

invisiblewhenstealingapples,whichallowedhear.Peopletalkaboutmistmakingheadfunny,butnotscared.Thishappenmanytimesinpast.Italwaysgoaway,soweneedwaititout.”

“Moreorless,”Delvinmentions,rubbinghisscruffychin.“CanIhavethe

CompassKey,Timoran?Iwanttotestatheory.”

“Ofcourse,butitisonlyreactingtoNyxsincewearegoingtohertemple,”thebare-chestedbarbariansays,removingtherelicfromitschainaroundhisneck.“Doyoubelievesomeonehastamperedwithittosendus

intothistrap?”“No,butIthinkwe’re

lookingforsomethingelse,”thewarriorstatesashefocusesontheCompassKey.Thesixgemstoneorbsarecoldtothetouchwhilethecentralpearlisstrangelywarm.“Inoticedwhenitsentusherethatthediamondwas

reactingalongwithNyx’sruby.SoI’mgoingtoconcentrateonitandseewhatitdoes.Getreadytosavemefrommyowncuriosity.”

TheCompassKeyhumsandthediamondspinsinthesilversetting,grindingagainstthehardenedmetal.Aflickeringillusionofthe

mistyforestappearsabovethetableandeveryonebrieflyseesaghostlyformstandinginthemiddle.DelvindropstheCompassKeywhenablood-curdlingscreechbuildsinintensity,thenoisestoppingbeforeitcanbehearddownstairs.HeshovesitbacktoTimoran,who

movesawayandstrugglestocatchhisbreath.Theartifactfallstothefloorwhereitcontinueshummingtoitselfforafewmoreseconds.

“Whatjusthappened?”Lukeasks,bravelypickinguptherelic.Hefocusesonthediamond,butstopswhenasuddenwaveofdespair

washesoverhim.“Thatwasscaryand...Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit.Almostlikesomeonewascallingouttome.”

“It’sthesixthchampion,”Delvinsaysashechewsonanotherbiteofcake.Hecovershismouthtoyawnandlooksathisstunned

friends,realizingthatthethoughtneveroccurredtothem.“There’ssomethingaboutthesixthchampionthatmakesitdifferentthanus.Idon’tknowwhatthatis,butthereareplentyoffactstoprovesomethingisoff.Thisisapersonwhosteppedontothepathbeforetherestofus,

butwe’venevermethimorher.It’sbizarreandalittleunsettling.”

“Maybethispersonhassimplybeeninadifferentlocation,”Sarisuggests,sippingatheraleandeyeingtheCompassKey.“ItcouldevenbepossiblethattheBaroncapturedthischampion

andisexperimentingonherlikeStephendidtome.Istillbelieveit’sthatwomanLukeandIsawinourvisions.”

“You’reprobablyright,Sari,sinceshedidn’tstartappearinguntilweretrievedtheCompassKey.I’msureshe’susingitasaconduittointeractwithus,”thebrown-

hairedwarriorexplainsashegetstohisfeet.Heletsoutalongbreathandthinkshardaboutwhatheisabouttosay.“Ifoundsomeotherinformation.Thebartenderconfirmedthatthestrangemisthasappearedmanytimesoverthecenturies.Eachtimeitwentaway,agroupof

adventurershadgoneintotheforestinsearchofagoblinguide.Apparently,thegoblinsareimmunetotheinfluenceofthemistandtheycanleadpeopledownasafepath.Themistdoesn’taffectanyonewhoremainsontheroad,sowecangetthroughinrelativesafety.”

“Soweneedtogetagoblin,”Lukesayswithashrug.HetakeshisfirstbiteofthecakeandpatsSariontheshoulderbeforeswallowing.“Thatshouldbeeasy.We’vehandledthembeforeandknowhowtobehavearoundthem.”

“Ithinkyouaremissing

therealpoint,”Timoraninterjects.HishandsshakeashetakestheCompassKeyandputsitbackonitschain.“Othergroupsofchampionshavegoneintotheforesttohandlethis.Theyeitherdiedthereorfreedthesixthchampiontoendthecurse.Eitherway,thispersonkeeps

endingupbackhere,sotheyaretheonlypreviouschampiontocontinuallysurvive.OnehastowonderhowoldthiswomanisandwhatinformationshehasabouttheBaronandourpath.”

“Waytokillmybirthdayparty,”Nyxmutters,drawing

everyone’sattentiontoher.Theynoticehermouthisfilledwithmarshmallowsandhervoiceiscomingfromthinair.“Sorrytobetheselfishonehere,butthere’snothingwecando.Weneedthesixthchampion,soweneedtogointotheforestandgetagoblinguide.Besides,we’re

inthedarkunlessIsaiahshowsuptogetquestioned.Solet’sstopdwellingonthisandenjoyourselves.Ifthat’snotenoughthenlookonthebrightside.We’regoingtomeetanewfriendsoon.”

Saricutsherselfanothersliceofcake,holdingituphightoproposeatoast.

“HappybirthdaytoNyx.HappybelatedbirthdaytoTimoran.Hopefullyournewfriendisaniceperson.Cheers!”

ItisanawkwardclinkingofplateswithLukedroppingtherestofhissliceonthetablewhereFizzlequicklydevoursit.Thedritegroggily

crawlsoffthetableandcurlsupontheopenfloor,swiftlyfallingasleep.TheforesttrackerisabouttopickFizzleupwhenafingertapshimontheshoulder.

“Iwanttotalktoyouinprivate,”Delvinwhisperswhilepointingattheceiling.

*****

Theroofoftheinniscoveredinhiddentraps,sothetwowarriorscarefullywalkalongthenarroweave.ThepuredarknessmakesitimpossibleforDelvintoseeanything,whichforceshimdependonLuketoguidehim.Hecanhearthehalf-elfmovingaheadofhim,butthe

stepsarescatteredandinconsistent.Therandomfootfallsaresurprisinglyfaint,causinghimtoforgettheinitialreasonfortheirprivatemeeting.Thequestionisonhistonguebythetimetheyreachaspotthattheforesttrackerissureissafetostandon.

“Whyareyourfootstepssostrange?”Delvinasks,leaningagainstthechimney.

“I’musingthewindtohelpwithmybalanceandkeepmeahairofftheground,”Lukeadmitsashetriestokeephisbreathingsteady.“Pullinganabilityoutofaspiritwithout

transformingisstilldifficult,butI’venearlymasteredStiletto’ssenses.He’seasierthanthegriffin,butthat’snotwhyyoucalledmeuphere.”

Delvingazesintothedarknesswhenaseriesoflightseruptacrossthestreet.Hehearsyellingandcursingasapairofthieveshurryout

ofthealley,theirdepartureilluminatedbythecontinuingexplosions.Oneofthemenhassmokewaftingfromhislegs,whichstillhaveafewflamesaroundthecuffs.Theotherisawomanwhoisnursingabadlyburnedarm,apparentlyignorantofthefireattheendofherlonghair.

“I’llbebriefbecauseIwantoffthisroof,”Delvinsays,hiseyesfollowingthethievesuntiltheydisappearbehindabuilding.“WhatdidyoutalktoNyxabout?Iunderstandifyoucan’ttellme,butI’mworried.Shehasn’tbeenherselfinalongtimeandIwanttoknowif

she’sgoingtoneedprotection.”

“It’stheStephenissuelikeyouandSarihavebeensaying,”Lukecalmlystates.Hegetsclosertohisfriendtoavoidyelling,awarethatpryingearsareeverywhere.“Shefeelshelplessandfearsthathe’lluseallofusto

controlher.Ihatetosayshe’sgivenupfighting,butNyxtalkslikehimwinningisinevitable.”

“That’snotgood,”thebrown-hairedwarriormutters.Outofhabit,heisabouttostartpacingwhenhisfriendstopshimwithafirmgriponhisarm.“WhetherStephen

canblockhermagicorshrugoffanydamageshecauses,weneedNyxtobestrong.Otherwise,we’llspendtheentirefightprotectingher,whichgiveshimtheadvantage.”

“That’sprobablywhathewants.”

“Idon’tfollow.”

LukeflipsoverDelvinandlandsontheedgeofthechimney,leaningcloseenoughforhisfacetobeseen.“Thisideajustcametome.It’spossibleStephenisscaredofNyxbecauseshehasthepowertokillhim.Imaginewhatshewoulddoifshecutlooseonhimandhis

powerswereunabletoputuparealdefense.Keepingherscaredandhelplesswouldpreventthis.”

Withatiredsigh,DelvinrubshiseyesandthinksaboutwhatwouldhappenifNyxunleashedherfullpoweronStephen.Anamusedsmirkappearsonhisface,butit

swiftlyvanisheswhenherememberseveryonewillbestandingnearby.Theamountofdestructionisdifficultforhimtoimagine,sohedecidesthatitwouldbenothingshortofalocalizedobliterationofeverything.DelvinshiversatthethoughtofNyxkillingStephen,herfriends,and

anythingelsethathappenstobeinthearea.

“Evenifshewasn’tscared,itwouldn’thappen.Shewouldn’twanttohurtanyinnocentbystanders,includinganimals,”heclaims,holdinguphishandtostopLuke’sargument.“Thisisapointlessconversation.I

washopingyoumadesomeprogresswithherorfoundanotherreasonshewasupset.Afterall,shewon’ttalktotherestofusaboutwhat’sonhermind.Notforanylengthoftime.”

“Youshouldconsidersittingdownandhavingaserioustalkwithher.”

“ItriedthatandallIgotwasdeflections,avoidances,andsheknockedmeintoalakewhenIpushedtoohard,”thewarriorsays,hisvoiceedgedwithfrustration.“Nyxhastofindthestrengthtocarryonanddependonusjustlikewedependonher.Iwon’tletherfallinto

Stephen’shandswithoutafight.”

“FortheloveofUli,ifStephenisgivingusthismuchtroublethenI’mreallyscaredabouttheBaron,”thehalf-elfclaimswithacrookedsmile.Thedourexpressionontheotherwarrior’sfacecauseshimtoclearhisthroat

andstopsmiling.“He’sstrongenoughtokeepStephenunderhiscontrol,whichmeanshe’sworse.Goingalongwiththeideathatwe’rebeinggroomedtofacetheBaron,I’dbewillingtobetthatStephenissupposedtoforceustothelevelofpowerandteamwork

we’llneedfortherealbattle.”DelvinslapsLukeonthe

back,hishandsweatingeventhoughtheairholdsachill.“IneverthoughtofthatandIthinkweshouldshareitwithNyx.YourtheorymeansStephendoesn’thavetobefoughtalone,whichcangivehercourage.”

Theshrieksoftheundeadcanbeheardfromtheforestanditquicklymixeswiththescreamsoftheirhaplessvictims.BothwarriorsrealizethatthepeoplewhoaretrappedinthemistyforestareeasypreyforthecreaturesthatruletheDayofDarkness.Lukegrowlsand

thesensationoffeathersrufflingaroundhisneckmakeshimshiverinanticipation.Hecansmelldecayandbloodonthefoulwind,whichmakeshisstomachtwist.

“Weshouldhavedonesomething,”theforesttrackerwhispers,hisvoiceedged

withbitternessandanger.“Thosepeoplecouldhavebeensavedifweworkedquickerandventuredintotheforest.”

“Ihatetobeacynichere,butwecouldn’thavedoneanything.AllofusareforcedtoreacttowhatevertheBaronandhisagentsdoinsteadof

takingtheinitiative,”DelvinsaysashemovesaroundLuke.Withhiseyesadjustedtothedarkness,hecanseetheladderthatwillleadhimintothealleynexttotheinn.“IguessNyxisn’ttheonlyhelplessonehere.Getsomesleepandwe’llheadoutassoonastheDayofDarkness

isover.”Lukenodsandwavesto

hisfriend,butrefusestoleavetheroof.Stretchinghislegsandcrossingthembeneathhisbody,thehalf-elfmakeshimselfascomfortableashecanonthechimney.Hespendsseveralhourslisteningtothedistantsoundsofthe

undeadhuntinginthedarkness.

2

Trinitycracksherknucklesasthepackofghoulsmeltsatherfeet,theirdecayingbodiesgettingsteadilydevouredbypotentacid.Hereyesglowadeepredtohelpherseethroughthepuredarknessandobservethecursedforestthat

surroundsher.Shecanbarelymakeouttheseparatetreesevenwithhernightvisionspell,butshecanseethethickmistdriftingthroughtheair.Reachingouttotheforest,Trinityyanksherhandbackwhenachillrunsupherarmandalongherspine.Hersightbecomeshazyand

distortedforafewseconds,recoveringonlywhenshedropsherspellandrubshereyes.

Theenhancergemsinherpalmsandforeheadbursttolifewhenthechaoselffocusesherauraonthespacesbetweenthetendrilsofmist.Ittakeshersometimeto

locatethecurse,whichridesthequickandgentlebreezethatweavesthroughthetrees.Extendingheraura,Trinitysnaresthepowerfulspell,intendingtoinjectitwithenoughmagictodoubleitspotency.Sheissurprisedwhenitbucksandbecomesviolent,thestrugglemaking

herlurchforward.Theinvisibletetherappearsasarainbowropeandshecoilsitaroundherarmstogainsomecontrol,butitonlymakesherhelplesswhenthecursepullsharder.Withanechoingcrack,Trinitystrikesatreeandthesnaresnaps,allowingthepanickedspelltoescape

intothethickeningmist.“Myfathernever

remembershowtrickythiscurseis,”Stephensays,appearingnexttothecasterasshestands.Hesnapshisfingersandthebleedinggashonherforeheadvanishes.“Ifinditdishearteningthathebarksordersandneverpays

attentiontohowthingshavechangedoverthecenturies.Theoldmanisshowinghisagethroughignoranceandanachronism.”

“Areyouheretohelpormakemylifemoredifficult?”Trinityaskswhileshesearchesforthecurseagain.Thistimesheisunableto

pinpointitslocation,drivingherselfintofrustrationandapoundingheadache.“Damnsentientcursesareapaintoalter.Oneneedsthemagicalreflexesofagodtocatchthisone.”

“OrbeaChronos,”hercompanionpointsout,clappinghands.Thesentient

curseappearsonhisarm,takingtheformofaserpentmadeofmist.“Thenagain,there’snopointindoingwhatmyfatherasked.Thechampionswillentertheforestinthemorning.Thegodshavealreadypreparedthesametrickstheyalwaysdoatthisstage,buttheydon’t

thinkwe’llgetinvolvedthistime.Letthislittleoneenjoywhatlittletimeshehasleft.”

Heflicksthecursebackintothemistyforestandwatchesitdartaway.Forthefirsttime,Stephennoticesthepuddlesofmeltedghoulsaroundhim.Oneofthebubblingpoolshasflowedto

theheelofhisblackboot,leavinganuglymarkontheexpensiveleather.Withadisgustedscowl,hewipesthedamageawayandthefoul-smellingichorsinksintothegroundwhenhelowershisfoot.Thesmellofrottingplantsfillstheairasthegrassdiesandthenearesttreeturns

black.“Yourealizethisisnow

asignthatwe’vebeenhere,”Trinityangrilysays,settingthetreeonfireandblowingtheashesawaywithawindspell.“Whydoyoualwaysmakethingsharderthantheyhavetobe?GobacktoBor’darukandleavethisto

me.”“I’msorry,butthisis

whereIneedtobe,yourhighness,”theblack-hairedmanreplieswithalickofhislips.Somethingaboutthecommongestureisdifferent,makingTrinitywonderwhatisonhercompanion’ssadisticmind.“It’satradition

thatIbeherewhenthesixthchampionwakesup.Ialwaysenjoythelookonherfacewhensherealizesshehastogothroughthesamehoopsagainonlytoendupbackhere.Itgetsmoredeliciouseverytime.”

“Whynotkillherliketheothers?”

Stephenflashesanevilgrinthatchillsthechaoselftothebone.“Thatwouldn’tbefun.ThischampionisspecialandhasbeenprizedbyGabrielandmyfatherforcenturies.Bothofthemwenttoofarwithhercreation.”

“Istilldon’tfollow.”Afaintvoiceemerges

fromtheforestandthenearbytreestwist,theirbarksnappingfromtheunnaturalmotion.Trinitycannotmakeoutthewords,butawaveofsorrowandlonelinesswashesoverher.Alldesiretocastadefensespellisdrainedfromhermindandshefallstoherknees.Herbodyshaking,the

chaoselfisunabletofightthetearsthatstreamdownherface,alongherneck,andslipunderhershirt.

“StopitorI’mcomingintheretopunishyou!”Stephencalmlyshouts.Thevoiceabruptlystops,releasingTrinityfromitsclutches.“Besttobecareful.Shegets

desperateduringhermomentsofpartiallucidity.Thosearebecomingmorecommonwitheverslumber.ThistimeshemanagedtocontactSariandLuke.She’lleventuallybeabletobreakthecurseandwakeupofherownpower.ProbablyhavetolockedherintheChaosVoidthenext

time,butI’mnottheonewhomakesthatdecision.”

Trinitystaresathercompanionassherecovershersenses.“You’retellingmethatthechampionwhomademefeelmiserableisstillasleep?”

“Herpowersarestrongerwhenshe’sasleeporina

trance.Itmakesherincrediblydangerous,”Stephenanswerswithatwingeofprideinhisvoice.Hecaressesthechaoself'scheek,wipingaremainingtearawaywithhisthumb.“Iknowyou’rewonderingwhywedon’tkillher,butallIcansayisthatshe’sspecial.Not

likeyouandNyx,sosheisn’tcompetitionformypleasurableaffections.Thethoughtofthattrulysickensme,whichisnotasensationI’musedto.”

“Canyoutellmewhatsheis?”

“It’sbetterforyoutoseeforyourself.”

Trinityfrownsandconsiderslettingthematterdrop,buthercuriositygetsthebestofherwithoutmuchofastruggle.Castingmagicsightandreachingoutwithhersenses,shesearchestheforest.Weavingaroundthevoidsthatsignifyundeadanddodgingthecrazedcurse,the

youngwomanhuntsforanythingoutoftheordinary.Withinminutes,shetastesagreatpowerthatwasoriginallymaskedbythesentientcurseandlayersofdefensivebarriers.Theinstantsheslipsthroughthefinalshield,herworlderuptsinablindinglightandher

sensesarerocketedbackintoherbody.Trinityisbarelyabletobreatheassherealizesthatshecannolongersee,onlycalmingdownwhenStephentouchesherfaceandrestoreshersight.

“That...She...It...Bythegods,shecan’tbewhatIthinksheis,”thechaos

elfwhispersinshock,herheartbeatstilldrumminginherears.“WhywouldGabrielcreatesomethinglikethat?Howdidheevenfindabeinglikethat?”

“Aninterestingstory,whichIwillhappilytellyouoveranearlybreakfast,”Stephenstateswitha

gentlemanlybow.HefeignsapainedexpressionwhenTrinitytensesandleansawayfromhim.“Ipromisetobehaveandtreatyoulikealady.I’llevenpayforthemealandallowyoutohavedessert.Itisyourbirthdayafterall.Though,Ithinkyou’veindulgedabittoo

muchinthedelicaciesoftheouterworld.”

“Beingentirelyniceisbeyondyou.”

“Yes,sogivemecreditforonlymakingverbalbarbs.”

“ThiscouldbemorefunthanIrealized.”

“Rememberthatthere

willbeadaywhenmyfatherisnolongeraroundtoprotectyoufrommyadvances,”theancientnoblemanthreatensinamenacingvoice.Hegrowlsandtakesadeepbreathbeforemeetinghiscompanion’svioleteyes.“IamtryingtobehaveandwhileIexpectyoutotake

advantageofthesituation,Iwouldhopethatyoushowmesomerespect.Ifnotrespectthenwhateveristheequivalentforsomeoneyoudislike.”

“I’llgiveyousomemildapathyandsmugenjoymentofnothavingtofearyourwrathforafewdays,”Trinity

offers,extendingherhand.Sheissurprisedwhenshefindsherselfbentoverbackwards,Stephen’slipspressedagainsthers.“LetgoorIhurtyou.”

Hereleasesherwithaplayfulspin,hishandgrazinghershoulders.“Promises,promises.Now,I’minthe

moodforagoodmeal.Thechampionsareattheportsideinn,sowe’llstayawayfromthere.Noreasontostartthefunwithoutourguestofhonor.”

Withasnapofhisfingers,StephenandTrinitydisappearfromtheforestroad.Apowerfulwindlicks

atthespotthatthepaironcestood,leavingshallowgougesinthesoil.Asifaninvisiblebeastisrampaging,thegaleripsaholeintheearthandanenragedscreamburstsfromthetrees.Thenightgoesstillastheanguish-filledvoiceechoesintothedistance,bringinganewsenseofterror

totheDayofDarkness.*****

Walkinginasinglefile,thechampionsquietlyfollowthefocuseddogthatissniffingthepathbeforethem.Thedawnisstillfreshwithpartoftheendlessdarknessstillvisibleinthedistance.Signsofthenighttimeattacks

canbeseenonthepathwithsplotchesofbloodandscrapsofpeopleleftbehindbytheundead.Afewofthecreaturescanstillbeheardwanderingamongthetrees,theirhungersatedenoughthattheyarenowinacalmingtrance.Nearabendintheroadtheyfindafarmer

inatree,themanhavingdiedfromlosinghisrightlegandtoomuchblood.Luke,intheformofStiletto,growlsandbarksatthecorpseuntilhefeelsthathehasmadehispoint.

“Thisplaceisamess,”Nyxmutters,pullinghercloaktighteraroundherbody.

“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick.”“I’veseenworse,”Sari

claims,hervoicenumbandquivering.ShewalksquickertoputherselfbetweenNyxandDelvin,thepairkeepinganeyeonthesidesoftheroad.“ThisremindsmeofwhenmyclanwaskilledandmytimeinKalam’slair.

Therewassomuchbloodduringthemassacreandbodieswereeverywhere.Duringmytimeasaservant,Ihadtocleanupalotofbloodandbodyparts.Somewerefailedzombiesandotherswere...enjoyyourbirthdayparty,Nyxie?”

“Thankyouagain.

Everybodyknowstheplan,right?”

“LetyoutalktothegoblinswhileItrynottolookmenacing,”Timorananswersfromthebackofthegroup.HeshiverswhenFizzlecovershisheadindragon’sbreath,whichdrivesthewispsofcursedmistaway.

“Thankyouforhelping.Ididnotrealizemyheightwouldposeaproblem.”

“Timoranwelcome,”thedritehappilysaysbeforegoingbacktoflyingafewinchesofftheground.“FizzlenotleaveTimoran.Staysafeincasegoblinsmean.”

“Nostealinganything

shinyforme,”Sarideclares,wigglingherfingersintheair.

DelvinadjustshiswoodenshieldandslowsdowntowalkalongsideNyx.“Ithinkyou’rebeingtoocasualaboutthis.You’refriendswithonegoblintribeandthey’remilesawayfrom

hereontheothersideoftheL’dandrin.Whatifthistribeturnsouttobemorehostilethantheothers?”

“IfthathappensthenI’llhandleitwithself-control,”Nyxassureshim,rollingaballofflamealongherknuckles.“Besides,they’reonlygoblinsandIdoubt

they’regoingtoswarmifweonlywanttotalk.Maybewecansubduethembyusingmildspellsandtheflatsidesofourweapons.Ifthegoblinsareveryprimalthenmaybewecanscarethemwhenoneattacksandisstunnedbymybracelet.”

“You’respoutingalotof

maybes,Nyx.”“AllIaskisthatyou

trustme.”“Idotrustyou,butI

wantmoreofaplan.”“Well,Idon’tfeellike

youtrustme,Delvin.”Sariclearsherthroatand

interruptsbysaying,“Canmomanddadnotfightinthe

middleofacursedforest?”Thegypsyrollshereyesattheblushingpairbeforeadding,“Ithinkthepuppyfoundsomething.”

TheadventurerswatchasLukeexcitedlyturnsinacirclewithhiswetnosetouchingtheground.TheNobleShepherdbarksata

spotwhereanarrowthicketistouchingthepath,mistcurlingaroundtheedges.Beforeanyonecanstophim,thedogpusheshisheadintothedensegrowthandhappilywagshistail.Hewigglesthroughthethicketwiththeothersafewcautiousstepsbehind,noneofthemdaring

tomakeanoise.Itfeelslikethetightthicketgoesonforamileuntilitopensontoacrudedirtpath.Thecursedmistisattheedgeofthesimpletrailandhangsinthelowbranches,forcingTimorantostoop.

Remainingintheformofhisoldfriend,Lukemoves

slowlyasheisbombardedbyscentsthataredifficulttosortout.Hecansmelltherottingfleshofundeadandthesweetscentofwildflowers,whichthrowshimintoemotionalturmoil.Rabbits,squirrels,anddeerarehidingnearby,thethoughtoftheirmeatmakingthehungrydogdrool.

ThespiritofStilettourgeshimtoinvestigate,ignoringthepresenceofthedangerousmistalongtheroad.Unabletofightthepowerfulinstincts,Lukedecidestoreverttohistrueform.Fursinksintohisskintorevealhisclothingandhisfacetransformsintothatofahandsomehalf-elf.Not

waitingforthechangetofinish,henearlytopplesintotheforestwhenhestandsonunsteadycaninelegs,butDelvinswiftlysteadieshim.

“I’msorry,”Lukewhispers,feelinghisvocalcordsshiftbacktonormal.“ThereweretoomanyscentstokeeptrackofandStiletto

wentwild.KindofpatheticthatIcancontrolagriffin,butI’matthewhimofadog.”

“Allyouneedismorepracticeandalongtalkwithhim,”Nyxtellsherfriend,usingaminorwindspelltoshovethemistbackaninch.Thesentientcursepushesbackandtakestheformofa

serpenttohissather.“We’resafeaslongaswestayonthepath.Didyoupickupanygoblinscents?”

“Itwasinthere,butIcouldn’tfocusonitintime,”theforesttrackeradmitsashedrawshissabers.Heuseshissoundsighttoscantheareaandturnsitoffoncehe

noticesthathecannolongerseethenarrow,windingpath.“MaybeIcouldhavedonesomethingifIfullybondedwiththegriffin.Icanmanipulateaircurrentstosomeextent,butIcouldbedoingsomuchmore.IthinkImessedup.”

“FizzlethinkLukedo

right,”thedriteannounces,floatingoverthegroupandshieldingthemwitharainbowfog.“IfnotfeelrightthenLukeshouldnotdo.Allfriendsunderstand.Nomoremoping.”

“Thatsumsitupprettynicely,”Delvinclaimswithachuckle.HeslapsLukeonthe

backandprodshimtocontinuewalking.“Stayalertandtakepoint.Thisisn’tcombat,soyoudon’thavetoworrytoomuch.Goblinswouldn’tattackagroupwithoursizeandvariety.NotwithoutscoutingusfirstandbetweenyouandTimoran,we’llnoticethem.”

“Orwecanlookup,”Sarimentions,pointingatthethickcanopy.

Yelloweyespeerdownattheadventurersfromthebranchesthatspanoverthepath.Theivoryhornsanddarkredskinofthegoblinscanbeseeninthefewbeamsofsunlightthatpiercethe

thicktreetops.Thecreaturespointtheirspearsandstoneaxesattheintruders,alowmurmurrunningthroughthelargehuntingparty.Theirwidefeetgripthebranchesandtheirmottledclawsleavesthinscratchesinthewood.Withaseriesofhissesandsnarls,manyofthebeasts

droptothegroundandsurroundthepath,theirbodiescloakedinthethickmist.Averylarge,malegoblinlandsinfrontofLukeandputsthetipofacrudespearagainsthisthroat.Thehuntingpartyleaderremovestheweapononlywhenthehalf-elfsheathshissabers.

“Wedon’twantanytrouble,”Nyxannounces,holdingupherhands.Sheturnstogetageneralideaofwherethegoblinsare,buttheyaretoowellconcealed.“Weweretoldthatyouknowhowtoremovethecurseonthisforest.Pleaseshowushowandwe’llgetoutofyour

territory.Ipromisethatwemeanyounoharm.”

“Cursenotharmus.Whatyougive?”asksthelargegoblinwhilescratchingthewartonhislongnose.ThecreaturepusheshiswaytoNyx,nearlyknockingDelvinoffthepath.“Whywetrustyou?”

“MyfriendsandIarethechampionsofGabrielanditisourdestinytocleansetheforest,”thecasterexplains,kneelingtolookthegoblinwarriorintheeyes.Thestenchthatwaftsofftheleaderisverypowerful,soshecreatesaninvisiblebarriertoplughernose.“I’m

sureyoudon’tlikepeopleaimlesslywanderingaroundyourforest.Thelongerthecursegoeson,themorecrowdedyourterritorywillbecome.There’sthechancethatitcanreachapointwherecity-folkfindyourwombtree.Letuspreventthatfromhappening.”

Thegoblinleansforwardwithanangrysnarl.“Howyouknowofwombtree?”

“IprotectedthewombtreeofthegoblinsnearHero’sGate.IguessyoucansayI’magoblinfriend,”Nyxproudlyanswers.Sheleapstoherfeetwhenthecreatureseruptinasymphonyof

screechesandshrieks.Thegoblinleaderrushesoutfromamongtheadventurerstoleapbackintotrees.“Wedon’twantanytrouble!”

“Youfriendswithenemy!Intruders!Elderwilljudge!”

“Itnevercrossedyourmindthatgoblintribeshave

feuds,didit?”SariwhisperstoNyx.

Thegypsymovestodrawherdaggerswhenagoblindropsfromthebranchesandknocksheroffthepath.Sari’smindisplungedintoathickfog,makingherhelplessasthecreaturestieherup.Thelarge

goblinrushesoutofthetreestotackleLukeintothemistandpinshimagainstanoak,forcingthewarrior’smouthopentoinhalethecurse.AropefliesoutofthebranchestowraparoundDelvin’sneck,thechatteringcreaturesleapingfromtheirperchesandyankinghimintothe

forest.Nyxisabouttocastaspellwhenthepackrushesforwardanddragsthecastertoherboundfriends,allofthemsuccumbingtothementalfog.

“MyfriendandIasktogopeacefully,”Timorandeclareswhileraisinghishands.Agoblintriestorush

himoffthepath,butisdrivenawaywhenFizzlewhipsitwithhistail.“Ifweareallowedtoretainoursensesthenwecanargueourcasetoyourelder.Thiswouldpreventunnecessarybloodshed,whichIpreferbecauseIdonotwanttohurtanyofyou.”

“Wecankillothers,”thelargegoblinsaysashestepsbackonthepath.

“DosoandIwillendyourentiretribe,”thebarbarianreplieswithafiercestarethatsendsachillthroughthesurroundingcreatures.

“Follow,butkeep

weapononback.”*****

TimoranandFizzlestandverystillinthemiddleofthegoblinvillageastheywatchthecreaturesgatheraroundthem.LiketheonenearHero’sGate,thehutsaremadeoutofmudandtwigswithadeeprecesshollowed

outbeneaththem.Eachwithacautiousguard,crudescaffoldsarescatteredaboutwiththickvinesrunningbetweenthem.Thegreenplantshavewide,aromaticflowersthatbloominthedarknessandattractfist-sizedfirefliesthatilluminatethevillage.Tuningoutthedinof

high-pitchedvoicesandbuzzinginsects,TimoranandFizzlestareattheenormouswillowtreewherecloudsofcolorfulpixiesdartthroughthebranches.Frog-likecreaturescalledtrimmelsleaparoundtherootsandnipatanythingthatgetsclosetotheirrazorsharpteeth.Oneof

theamphibiansmovestooclosetoabatchofmewlinggoblininfantsandisspearedbythelongnailofonethenannies,thesquealingpestswiftlydevouredbythespikey-hairedguardian.ShegrinsatFizzleandlicksherlips,makingthedriteflutterhiswingsandbarehispointy

teeth.Theotheradventurers

havebeenlockedinasimplecagewheretheymindlesslywanderinadaze,occasionallybumpingintothewoodenbars.Theirweaponshavebeenleftontheprisonerssincetheclosestanyofthemhavecometo

usingtheirgearhasbeenDelvinstaringattheedgeofhisshield.Nyxmumblesaroundthegagsinhermouth,asimpleattempttostopherfromcastingspellsduringhertrance.Flamesstillracealongherarmsandthroughherhairwheneveralookofanguishbreaksthroughtheblank

expressioncausedbythemist.Asifunderorderstostopher,oneoftheothersalwaysbumpsintothecasterandbreaksherconcentrationlongenoughforthecursetoregainitshold.

Gentlerustlinginthebranchescausesthegoblinstostopandbowtheirheads,

onlytheyoungestofthemdaringtolookattheapproachingfigure.Amusculargobliniscarefullyclimbingfromthetopofthewillow,hislimbsdecoratedwithbonesthathavebeensharpenedintospikes.Hishornsarelongerthantheothersandendinforksthat

theirownerhascarefullycutintotheivory.Thebatteredhiltofashortswordcanbeseenoverhisshoulderandpatchesofleatherarmorhavebeensewnintohischest.Withawildscream,thegoblinleapsatTimoranandlaughswhenthebarbarianmovesoutoftheway.The

elderramblesinhisnativetongue,butitisclearheismockingthelargewarriorforavoidingtheattack.

“Theynotnice,”Fizzlewhispers.

“Itwouldappearthereisgreatvarietyinbehavioramonggoblins,”Timoranreplies,watchingtheelder

puffouthischestinanimitationofthebarbarian.“ThosenearHero’sGatearepoliteandcivilizedwithadesiretobeleftalone.Thistribeisobviouslymoreprimal.IwonderiftheyareresponsibleforourperceptionofgoblinssinceIseesignsthattheyhaveahabitof

attackingtravelers.”“Whatsigns?”Timoransubtlynodshis

headtoanearbyhutwheretheglintofarmorcanbeseenthroughtheopendoorway.Fizzlestretcheshisneckandsquints,hiseyesturningadullpinkashewhispersaspell.Lookingthroughthe

wall,heseesalargecollectionofweapons,armors,andbackpacksfulloftravelinggear.Thedragoncanevenseeasmallpileofabandonedtoystuckedintothecornerofthehut.AterrifyingthoughtcrossesFizzle’smindandhesteadieshisnerveswhilewatchingthe

rambunctiouselder.Takingadeepbreath,thedritedartsthroughtheair,circlesaroundthechucklinggoblin,andsoarsbacktoTimoran’sshoulder.

“Bonesingoblinarehuman,halfling,andelf,”Fizzledeclares,earningachorusoflaughterfromthe

creatures.“Theygoingtoeatus.”

“Thatchangesthings.”“Cowardnotallowedto

speak!”snapstheelder,drawinghisshortswordandpointingitatthebarbarian.“Youandfriendsareours.Wedecideyourfate.StandthereandbequietwhileDaga

think.”“Ifindmyselfunwilling

toobeynowthatIknowyouplantoeatus,”Timoranreplies,crossinghisarmsandstaringdowntheburlygoblin.“Allwewantisaguidetothesourceofthecurseandwewillbeonourway.Theredoesnothavetobe

bloodshed.”“Youwanttoremovethe

fugue?”Dagaaskswithacruelcackle.Heboundsaroundtheareatogethispeoplewhoopingandshrieking.“Goblinswanttokeepmist.Itmakehuntingeasier.Ifitgrowthenwetakeriverandcity.Thisbeour

landandwefeasteverynight!”

“Goblinnotmakesense,”Fizzlesays,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.“Bonesinbodymakemindhurt?Fizzlenotunderstand.”

“Dragonisafool.”“Goblinisugly.”“Dragonbeeatenfirst.”

“GoblintoostupidtocatchFizzle.”

“Dragoncaughtnow.”“IsFizzle?”Thedritetakestotheair

andzipsaroundthevillage,hisbodynothingmorethanapurpleblur.Hereleasesastreamofrainbowsmokeoverpartofthecrowdand

theycollapseintoatwitchingslumber.Asthegoblinspanic,spearsandrockshurtlethroughtheairatFizzleinanattempttobringhimdown.ThenoiserisesintoadinofmadscreechesuntilTimoranroarsloudenoughtoscareeverylivingthingintosilence.EvenFizzlecatches

hisbreathanddartsbacktothebarbarian’sshoulderwherehefeelssafe.

“Idonotwanttowastemytimewithyou,”themuscularwarriorstatesinavoicethatisedgedwithanger.“MyfriendsandIrequireyourhelp.IwilltakeitbyforceifIhaveto

becauseitappearsyouarenotgivingmemuchchoice.”

“Daganotscaredofcoward,”theelderdeclares,jumpingupanddownwithhisswordheldhigh.Thegoblinslashesattheair,pretendingtoguthistoweringopponent.“Friendswillbeeatenfirst.Startwithdragon

tomakesurenotroublemade.Wetaketimewithcoward.Enoughmeatforeveryonetogetbite.Howacowardgetsobigandstrongwhenonlyrunaway?”

Thebarbarianscratchesthescarsonhisshoulderandgrowlslikeafrustratedbeast.“Whydoyouinsiston

thinkingIamnotathreat?”“Yousurrenderonpath

andavoidmyattack,”Dagaanswersmatter-of-factly.HebravelyapproachesTimoranandgrins,revealingseveralmissingteeth.“Dagaknowyourefusetohurtgoblins.Youweaksoallpowerwithme.Nothingcowardcando.”

Usingafractionofhisstrength,TimorankicksDagaandsendstheeldercrashingthroughoneofthemudhuts.TheothergoblinsswarmtowardthewarriorasFizzletakestotheairandracestothecage,coveringitinrainbowbreaththatsolidifiesintoaprotectiveshell.Witha

fluidmotion,Timorandrawshisgreataxeandholdsitsotheflatsideknocksdownseveralofhisattackerswitheveryswing.HesendsgoblinsflyingandrollingineverydirectionashepatientlymakeshiswaytowhereDagaisgroggilygettingtohisfeet.Thebarbarianchargesthelast

fewyards,sendingthecreaturesinfrontofhimscamperingforcover.

“Daganocoward!”Timoranhurdlesthe

elder’schargeandspinsaroundtobatahandfulofscreaminggoblinsoutofhisway.Hisgreataxeleavesdeepgougesinthegroundas

heswingsandmisseshisnimbleopponent.Daga’sshortswordclumsilyjabsforward,butthebarbarianeffortlesslyblocksitwithhisbracers.Theothergoblinsmoveawayfromthefast-pacedfight,draggingtheirinjuredtothewillowtreeforhealing.EverytimeTimoran

deflectsoneofhisenemy’sattacks,anechoingringdancesaroundthevillage.Thenoisecausesthetrimmelstobeginwhistling,theanimalsmistakingthesoundfortheirownmatingcall.

“WillyoubeourguideifIdefeatyou?”Timoranasks,kickingtheelderaway.He

scowlsatthesmallcutonhisboot,thedamagecausedbyoneoftheelder’sbonespikes.

Thegoblinrollsandjumpsuptohisfeet,chargingbackintothefray.“Daganotlosetocoward.”

“Dowehaveadeal?”“YesbecauseDaganot

lose.”“Excellent.”Timoranstepsoutof

Daga’sway,watchingthegrinningelderharmlesslydivepasthim.Thegoblinisspinningaroundwhentheflatsideofthebarbarian’sgreataxestrikeshimontheheadwithresoundingforce.The

elder’shornssplinter,hiseyesrollback,andhisshortswordslipsfromhishands.Withasprayofspitandamutteredcurse,DagacollapsesintothemudwhereheisflippedontohisbackbyTimoran’sfoot.

“Isthereawaytohelpmyfriends?”thelarge

warriorasksthenearestgoblin.Thecreaturejumpsandfallstoitsknees,preparingtobegforitslife.“Iwillnothurtyouifyouanswermyquestion.”

“Trimmeljuiceorreturntobigpathwillclearheads,”theterrifiedgoblinclaimsinastutteringvoice.“Igetjuice

foryourfriends.Yougetwhenyouleave.”

“Thankyou,”Timoranpolitelysayswhilesheathinghisweapon.HepicksDagaupbythelegsandslingstheunconsciouswarrioroverhisshoulder.“Ineedtoborrowyourelderforalittlewhile.Youdonotmind,doyou?”

Allofthegoblinsshaketheirheadsandbackawayfromthesmilingbarbarian.“Ithoughtnot.”

3

Lukehacksandcoughsatthenauseatingtasteinhismouth,thehalf-elfbarelyawareofthesimilarnoisesaroundhim.Hegrabsanearbywoodenpoletosteadyhimselfwhilehisheadclears,thementalfogdissipatingwithahissthatonlyhecan

hear.Thesensationofhismemoryreturningmakesthewarriorfeelgiddyandsadatthesametime.Itisasifthereissomethingimportantthatpartofhimwantstoexperienceagainandheiskeenlyawarethatitcanneverbeso.Achorusofstifledweepingcatcheshisattention

andheglancesatSaritoseethatthegypsyiscrying.NyxisalreadyhuggingtheshudderinggirlwhileDelvinleansinacornerofthecage,rubbingafewtearsoutofhiseyes.

“Areyouguysokay?”Lukeasksbeforeaharshmemoryreturnstohismind.

Hefallstohiskneesgaspingforairandpunchestheground.“Bythegods,thatwasbad.JustawaveofanguishandsorrowasifIwasrelivingFritz’sdeathandNimby’sbetrayal.Isthatwhathappenedtoallofyou?”

“Isawmyclangettingwipedoutagain,”Sari

whispers,clingingtoNyx.Herbodyisalreadyshowingpatchesoffrostinanattempttodefendagainsttheattack.“ThenIrememberedmytimeinKalam’sdungeonandgettingMirakilledandbeingtorturedand...mylifehasbeenterriblethislastyear.Whatdidyousee,Delvin?”

“RememberedthatIcanneverseemyfamilyagain,”thewarriorstates,takingadeep,cleansingbreath.HeseesaflickerofconfusiononLukeandSari’sfacesandrunsahandthroughhishair.“IthoughtNyxwouldhavetoldeveryonemystory,butIguessnot.I’mfromthe

YagervanPlainsand...aneventinmychildhoodcausedmetoleavehome.Icanneverreturnwithoutmakingtroubleformyparentsandtribe.They’veprobablyforgottenmebynow.Youseemfine,Nyx.”

“Irememberedlosingmyparents,butIfoundthem.

Everythingelse...Ijustcouldn’tfeelthesamelevelofgriefthatIdidintheactualmoment,”thecasterexplainswhileshestrokesthegypsy’shair.Sherunsaredhothandalongthecagebars,turningthewoodintoashesthatarestrewnacrossthepathbythewind.“MaybeI’mmore

brokenthanIthought.IalwaysbelieveddeathsurroundedmesinceIwasachild.Uh,whatareTimoranandFizzledoing?”

Hisbacktothebrokencage,thebarbarianisstandinginthemiddleoftheroadandglaringatDaga.Fizzleishoveringwithhis

tailwrappedaroundthegoblin’slegs,danglinghiminfrontofthetoweringwarrior.WhenDagaspitsatTimoran,heishauledhighabovetheforestwherehescreamsinterror.Thedriteslowlylowershim,occasionallypullinghimbackuptomakesurethegoblinremains

scared.Thisrepeatsitselfafewtimesbeforetheelderisreducedtoacrying,squealingmessofoilytears.

“Fizzlehavingfun,”thedritedeclaresastheothersapproach.HewavestohisfriendsandhappilyspinsDagaoverTimoran’shead.“Badgoblinabouttotellus

wherego.”“Whathappenedwiththe

goblins?”Nyxasks,herarmstilltightaroundSari’sshoulders.

“Unlikeyourfriends,thistribeeatstravelers.Theybelievethecursemakeshuntingeasier,sotheywereunwillingtocooperate,”

TimorananswersashegrabsDagabytheneck.Thegoblingrowlsandhisses,baringhisyellowteethinafeebleattempttothreatenthebarbarian.“Isuggestyourtribefindanothermeansofsustenance.IfIreturntothesewoodsandlearnyouarestilleatingpeople,Iwillcallthe

warriorsofmytribetodriveyouintotheL’dandrinRiver.Nowtelluswheretogotoendthiscurse.”

“Daganothelpwhenthreatened.Tankipromisedrewardforshowingpath.”

“TherewardisthatIdonotcrushyourheadlikeanegg,”thebarbariangrowls,

hispatiencecomingtoanend.“Idefeatedyouandearnedyourhelp.Byyourownhonor,youmustassistuslikeyoupromised.”

“Daganeversaidhehadhonor.”

SariplacesagentlehandonTimoran’sbackandsmilesatthefumingwarrior.“Do

youmindifIhurrythisalong?I’msureIcangethimtotalk.”

“Daganotinterestedinbloatedcow,”thegoblinsnaps,gurglingwhenthehandaroundhisthroattightens.Hegaspsforairwhenheisplacedonthegroundinfrontofthegypsy.

“Dagaknowyourkind.NotworkbecauseDagafindyouugly.Toomuchmeatinwrongplacesandsmelltoosweet.Cowshouldsticktocowardordogman.”

Sarirubsherhandstogetherandbreathsonherpalms,manipulatingthedropletsofspitintofrost.

Withawhisperedspell,shesmacksDagainthechestandcovershiminicefromtheneckdown.Thegoblin’steethchatterandhescreechesinpainfromthecoldthatpiercestheskinthatisnotconnectedtoleatherpatches.Makingsurethefightissuckedoutofhim,Saritakes

hertimecleaningherhandsonaragandadjustinghercolorfulskirts.

“NowI’mgoingtoletyououtwhetheryouhelpusornot.Theonlyquestioniswhatmethodyouprefer,”thegypsycalmlyexplains,strokingthegoblin’scheek.ShefrownswhenDagacries

andwhimpers,pityreplacingthefiercenessinhereyes.“Don’tmakethisanyharderthanithastobe.Idon’tenjoydoingthis,littleelder.TelluswhatweneedtoknowandI’llmaketheicedisappear.Ifyoukeeprefusingthenmyangry-lookingfriendovertherewilluseherfiremagic

toreleaseyou.Onlyhermethodwillbemorepainfulandprobablykillyou.Consideringyourtribeeatspeoplelikemeandyou’vebeenreallymeantous,I’mnotthatconcernedwithwhathappenstoyou.We’llsimplygobacktoyourhomeandgrabanothergoblin.Probably

afewifthey’reasstubbornasyou.”

“Saricanbereallyscary,”DelvinwhisperstoLuke.“ScarierthanNyx.”

“I’msurprisedit’stakenyouthislongtorealizethat.”

Theelderscreamsinpainandfrustrationbeforelettinghisheadhangindefeat.

“Daganotguide,buttoldway.Pathisinairandcanbeheardbyspecialears.Mustavoidbreathingmistorbelost.Followsongtosleeper.Wakehertoendcurse.”

“Wehavetofindawaytoavoidinhalingthemistwhilefollowingasongheardbyspecialear,”Sarisays,

earningarapidnodfromherprisoner.Sherapsherknucklesontheice,whichmeltsintowarmwater.“There’snothingelseweneedfromyou?”

“ThatallDagaknow.”“Thenapologizefor

makingTimoranmadandgohome.”

Withascowlonhisface,thegoblinbowstothebarbarianwhomerelygruntshisacceptance.Cautiouslylookingaroundthegroup,Dagainchestowardtheforest.Whennobodytriestostophim,hefallstoallfoursandracesintoathicket.Theycanheartheelder’spanicky

movementsforseveralminutes,theonlyothersoundanearbyfrogthateventuallyplopsintoanunseenpond.

“WellI’mgoingtoguessthatthespecialearspartisLuke’ssoundsight,”Delvinstates,puttingahandonthehalf-elf’sshoulder.“Youreallygetyouruseoutofthat

power.I’mstartingtowonderifwehaven’tevenscratchedthesurfaceofit.”

“Actually,I’vebeenkeepingitonatalowlevelformonths,”Lukeadmitswithanawkwardsmile.Herubsthepointedtipsofhissensitiveearsandshuddersatthesensation.“Still,myown

hearingwouldn’tbestrongenoughtohearthesong.ThebestIcandoishearheartbeatswhenIfocusonacreature.IwouldneedearslikeTimorancombinedwithmysoundsight.”

“Otherproblemiswalkinginmist,”Fizzlepointsout.

“YourmagicbreathhelpedTimoran,”Sarimentions.

Thebarbarianclearshisthroatandraiseshishand.“Ishouldpointoutthatitalsomademelightheaded.”

“IfwewereconstantlysubjectedtoFizzle’sbreaththenwe’dstart

hallucinating,”Nyxsays,bitingherlowerlipandrubbinghernecklace.Thecastermovesherhandsoverherhair,returningtheebonytressestotheirrollingappearance.“Thatmakesushelplessifwe’reattackedandanyofuswhowanderawaywillbelost.Fizzlewouldn’t

beabletokeepusgoingifwespreadout.That’sifthemistdoesn’tgetmorepotentaswenearthissleeper.”

“Pleasegivemeaminutetofigurethingsout!”Delvinrequestsashepacesfromonesideofthepathtotheother.Hecomesdangerouslyclosetotouchingthemist,buteach

timeheturnsonhisheelsandheadsintheoppositedirection.“Strangehowthebeastsoftheforestareimmunetothemist,butthegriffinandStilettoaresusceptible.Aretheyreallythatdifferentfromotherbeasts?”

“They’repartofLuke

andheremainsincontrol,soit’shismind,”Nyxanswers,aflickerofunderstandinginhervioleteyes.“Thecursemightbefocusedoncertainmentalabilitiesthatdifferentiateusfromwildbeasts.It’spossiblethatthegriffinisimmuneifshe’sinfullcontrolofthebody.Can

yougiveherinstructionsandopenyoursoundsighttoherwhileshebecomestheprimary,littlebrother?Hersensesarealotmoreacutethananyofours.”

Lukerelaxesandcloseshiseyes,lettinghisminddrifttothegriffin’sconsciousness.Theelegantbeastyawnsand

giveshimthesensethatshehasbeenwaitingforhimtopayhersomeattention.Hestandswithhismouthmoving,butnowordscomeout.Theinternalconversationgetsheated,causingthehalf-elftostomphisfootandshakehisfingerintheair.Whenheturnshishead

towardthegroundandgrowls,theycanonlyassumethatStilettohasjoinedinthediscussion.

“Thatmighttakesometime,”Delvinsays,turningawayfromthebizarredisplay.Hereachesouttotouchtheforesttracker,butpullsbackwhenthehalf-elf

triestobitehimwithamouthfullofsharpteeth.“IfLukecangivethegriffincontrolthenwecanputallofourropetogetherfortheotherpartofmyplan.WebindourselvestogetherandtrustthegriffinandFizzletoguideus.Thehallucinationswillcausetrouble,butwewon’t

beabletowanderoff.”“Thatisveryrisky,”

Timoranpointsoutwhilecheckingtheedgeofhisgreataxe.“IsitpossiblethatthereisamagiciteminRodillenthatwecanuse?”

“Areyouactuallypushingfortheuseofmagic?”Nyxasksinsurprise.

“Magicwillbeinvolvednomatterwhat,soImerelywantamoresolidplan.”

Delvinshakeshisheadandputshishandsonthebarbarian’sshoulders.Heletsgoassoonasherealizeshowfoolishhelooksinfrontofthelargerman.“Idon’tthinkwehavethetimetohuntfor

somethingthatmightnotexist.Besides,we’dhavetodealwiththethieves’guildandthat’smoretroublethanit’sworth.”

“Iunderstand,but-”thepowerfulwarriorargues.HestopstalkingandeveryonefollowshisgazetoLuke.“Thatdoesnotlookgood.”

Wherethehalf-elfoncestoodisagrotesquecombinationoffur,feathers,scales,metal,andlimbs.TheycanonlywatchinhorrorasLukestrugglestosortalloftheparts,hisbodybecomingmoredeformedeverysecond.Spurtsofvenomflyfromhismouthwherelongfangsgrow

andpiercehislowerlip.Apointedtaileruptsfromthemiddleofhisbackandsplitsintoagoldenfanthatflapslikeauselesswing.Unleashinganungodlynoisefromhisthroat,theforesttrackerpullshimselfbackintohistrueform.

“WhatinZaria’sname

areyoudoing?”Nyxasks,carefullyapproachingherfriend.

“IfIcombinemultiplespiritualaurasintoonebeingthenI’llbeimmunetothecurse,”Lukegasps,wipingsomeremainingvenomfromhishealedlips.“Shesaidit’scalledachimera.It’srisky,

butshethinkswecanpullitoffandconfusethecurse.Ifitgoesforthemind,it’llbecastoutbytheotherpsychesbeforeitcanenthrallevenone.Theonlyproblemisthattwoofthespiritsarebeingdifficult.ThegriffinandStilettoaren’tgettingalongwiththemeither.That’s

sayingalotsincethosetwoarealwaysarguing.”

“YouonlyhaveStilettoandthegriffin,”Sarisays,pullingNyxawayincaseLuketriesagain.“Whoorwhataretheothertwo?”

“AsnakefiendwhosetailspikeIhaveasatrophyandtheSwordDragonI

bondedwithonce,”thehalf-elfcasuallyreplies.Heavoidstheworriedstaresaimedathim,focusingonthespiritschurningwithinhisbody.“IpromisethatIhavethisundercontrol.I’mnotgivingtheSwordDragonmuchofafootholdandthesnakefiendisn’tsmartenoughtotake

over.They’rejustbeingdifficult.Trustmeonthis.”

Delvinsighsandturnsaway,unwillingtowatchthetransformation.“You’regoingtodothisnomatterwhat,soItrustyou.IwillsaythatIdon’tlikeit.”

“I’mnotenjoyingthiseither.Standback,everyone.”

Takingadeepbreath,Lukefocusesonthespiritsandslowlyentwinesalloftheiraurasaroundhisown.HetakestheformofStiletto,whogrowstothesizeofanadultlionandsproutswingsofbrownfeathers.Ashisheadturnsintothatofaneagle,ascalytailgrowsout

ofhishindquartersandcurvesoverhisbody.Withaviolentspasm,Luke’swingsshedtheirfeatherstorevealapristinegoldthatfoldsagainsthisheavingsides.Arubytriestosproutfromhisforehead,butherearsbackandscreechesinrage,forcingtheSwordDragonfurther

intothebackofhismindandaura.Thebizarrecreaturesettlesdownandeyestheawestruckadventurerswiththebrownandgoldeyesoftheirfriend.

“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”thechimerasaysintheyoungwarrior’svoice.

*****

ThesongthatLukefollowsisunnervingandresemblessomeonewhisperingadepressinglullaby.Therearenowordswithinthetune,butitdoessoundlikeitisbeingmadebyahumanvoice.Visually,themysterioussongappearsasawhitetunnelwhereskeletal

facesoccasionallyloomoutofthesides.Manytimesthepathbringsthemtopeopletrappedwithinthecursedforest.Thevictims’facesaremaskedbydistortedvisagesthathissandscreamatLuke,someevenappearingtospintheirowners’headsaround.Infuriatedbythenoisy

distractions,thewarriorroarsbackatoneofthefigures.Withfadingshrieks,theuglyfacesplitsandtheelfithadbeenattachedtodropsdead.Fortherestofthejourney,LukerefusestoacknowledgethevictimseventhoughtheSwordDragongleefullyurgeshimtoputthemoutoftheir

misery.“Lukedoingokay?”

Fizzleasks,bathingtheothersindragon’sbreath.HewatchesNyxmumbletoherfingers,thehalf-elfgettingangryatherleftthumb.“Fizzlekeepingbreathlow.Ithelpwithcurse,butnotcausepanic.”

“That’sgoodbecauseIdon’tthinkIcanhandlethemthrashing,”Lukegrowlsinagutturalvoice.Histailswaysintheair,comingdangerouslyclosetojabbingTimoranwhokeepstryingtograbthevenomousspike.“Stilettoandthegriffinarebehaving,buttheSword

Dragonisreallypushingmylimits.Thesnakefiendkeepsswitchingsides.I’mscaredaboutwhatwillhappenifIstayinthisformfortoolong.”

“Whathappen?”Thechimerashudders

andaripplingofmetalscalesrunsdownhisbody.Patches

ofsnake-likeskinappearbeforethebrownfurenvelopesthemandshedsthesteelyplates.Forafewseconds,histailbecomesthatofadog,whichwagshappilyinTimoran’sface.Withanurgentroar,Lukeyankstheextremityawayfromthebarbarianandkeepsitoutof

reachwhileitturnsbackintothedeadlyspikeofasnakefiend.

“ThelongerI’minthisform,theharderit’llbetoreturntonormal.IcouldgetstucklikethisorbetrappedastheSwordDragon.Thegriffinsaidtherewouldbeabigrisk,butIdidn’twantto

worryanyone,”Lukeexplains,hisvoicestrainedandgrowingdeeperwitheveryword.Hebreaksintoaloppingrunaspanicsetsin,buttheunsteadywalkingoftheothersslowshimdown.“Whydoyouhavetokeepdosingthemwithyourbreathweapon?They’retiedup,so

itisn’tliketheycanwanderawayifthecursetakesahold.”

“Fizzlebreathcanbedispelledwhensleeperfound,”thedritecalmlyreplies,givinganotherblasttoDelvin.Thewarriorgrinsandholdsouthisshieldarmtopetacreaturethatonlyhe

cansee.“Cursemakefriendsuselesswhenwereachsleeper.IfLuketrappedthenweneedothershelp.”

“You’reright.Icanbarelykeepmymindclearwithallthearguing.It’shurting.”

EveryonejumpswhenNyxbreaksintoaloudsong

andSarijoinsinbyrhythmicallyclappingherhands.Asthesurpriseperformancegrowslouder,DelvinwhistlesandTimoranhumstomatchthebeat.Luketakesadvantageofthejauntytuneandmovesatafasterpace,ignoringtheSwordDragondaringhimtoturnits

flamingoreattackonhisgiddyfriends.Thesongcontinuesforseveralminutesuntilaroareruptsfromtheirleftandablackbearcrashesthroughtheunderbrush.Theenragedpredatorchargesdirectlyattheforesttracker,thescentoftheunnaturalchimeradrivingitssenses

crazy.“No!”Lukeyellsasone

ofhismetalwingsstretchesout.Hefailstostophisbackmusclesfromflexing,whichflicksthewingenoughtobeheadthebear.“I’mnotgoingtoeatit,youevilbastard.Iswear,I’mnevercallingonyouagain.IfIcan

findawaytodestroyyourspirit,I’lldoit.Eventhesnakefiendisupsetwithyouanditdoesn’tunderstandwhytherestofusaresoangry.”

“Lukeokay?”Fizzleaskswhilecautiouslyflyingaroundtofacethechimera.Heisscaredatthesightofsharpteethinthecreature’s

beakandapairoffiery,redeyes.“Weneedfindwaytoreachsleeper.Lukelosingfight.”

“Thatfoollostthesongandhissensesarescattering,”growlsafeminineversionofLuke’svoice.Witharoaringscreech,theteethfalloutandtheeyesturngoldenbrown.

“OurfriendandthestubborndogisbattlingtheSwordDragon,soIhavetakencontrolofthebody.Drasticmeasuresareneededtoendthisjourney.”

“Fizzledowhatgriffinask.”

“Keepupandmakesuretheropeholds.”

Thegriffin’sbodyspasmsanditswingsshatter,themetalfallingawaytorevealsoftfeathers.Withaviolentrushofwind,thebeastsmashesthroughthethickcanopyandsoarsintotheafternoonsky.Thehallucinatingadventurersarepulledbehindthegriffin,all

ofthempretendingtoflyandmakingvariousbirdsounds.Aroaringscreechripsthroughtheairinanattempttosilencethem,butinsteadtheyimitatethenoblebeast.

“Makethembequiet,”thegriffinsternlyrequests.Fizzlepassesoverhisfriendsanduseshisrainbowbreath

totemporarilysilencethem.“Thankyou.ThisshouldonlytakeamomentandIwilltrytobegentlewiththem.Iwouldhavedonethisearlier,butIdidnotthinkLukewouldhavesuchaproblemwiththeotherspirits.Yourfriendsmaybebumped,bruised,andshakenbythe

endofthis.”Stretchinghersenseof

hearingandcombiningitwithLuke’spowers,thegriffinfocusesonlocatingthesongthatwillleadhertothemysterioussleeper.Onceshefindsit,shedivesbackintothewoods,draggingacheeringtrainofadventurers

behindher.Theirwhoopsturnsintoloudcurseswhenthegriffinsmashesthroughthetreesanditspassengersarebatteredbybranches.OnlyFizzlenoticestheamusedsmileonthepowerfulbeast’sfacebeforesheheadsbacktowardtheclouds.

*****

Thecracklingofenergyripsacrosstheskyasthechimerapiercestheglisteningbarrier,whichrecoversassoonasthelastoftheadventurersissafelythrough.Fizzleisquickenoughtocushionhisfriendswithapillowofsoftwind,buttheirscreechingguidecrashesinto

thesolidground.Wingscrackandtwistasshehelplesslythrashes,herbodycontortedbythebattleofthefivespirits.Blackfursloughsofftobereplacedbyscales,whichpoptorevealafreshpelt.Thebeast’stailgrowsandturnsintothemetaltailofaSwordDragon,poundingat

thegrassuntilitfallsoffattherump.Withanagonizingscream,theentirebodyshrinksandLuketakeshistrueform,butwitharubyembeddedinhisforehead.

“Fizzlewakeothers!”thedriteannounces,castingaspellonhistail.Herapidlysmackstheothersintheback

ofthehead,joltingthemoutoftheirhallucinations.“Lukeintrouble!Fakedragontakeover!Lukenotwarnusofdanger!”

“I’mgoingtokillhimafterIsavehim,”Nyxgrowls,racingovertotheforesttracker.Sheisknockedbackwhenhespitsafieryorb

atthegroundinfrontofher.“Atleasthe’sfightingthething.ThoughImighthavetodosomethingdisgustingtosavehim.”

“What’sthat?”Delvinasksashecutstheropeoffeveryone.

“Icanshutdownhisaura.”

“Icannotletyoudothat,”Timoransnapswithagutturalsnarl.“Thatisatrueviolationofhisenergy.Onlythemostevilofcreatureswoulddothat.”

Nyxdeflectsanotherfieryorb,thedeadlyprojectilehurtlingintothesky.“Ididn’tsayIwantedto

doitorthatIwouldenjoyit.Iagreethatit’saterrible,horrificthingtodotoaperson,butI’mwillingtodoittosavehim.I’dratherhavehimaliveandhatingmethanushavingtokillhimbecausehisbodyistakenoverbyamonster.”

“HowLukestoplast

time?”Fizzleasks,landingonDelvin’sshoulder.

SaridashesbyNyxandspinsoutofthewayofanotherattack,thegypsyswiftlymakingherwaytothehalf-elf.Withashimmeringenchantmentonherlips,shekisseshimdeeplyandfeelshisbodyrelax.Tastingafew

bittertearsrollingdownhischeeks,SarimaintainscontactinthehopesofherlovespellgivingLukethestrengthtowinthefight.ShebreaksawaywhenaloudcrashstartlesherandseveralhandsofforceyankhertoNyx’sside.Touchingherlips,Saristaresatthesightof

Timoranpushingagainsttheforesttracker’shands,whichhavebecomemetallicdragonclaws.Thestrugglingbarbarianroarsinthehalf-elf’sfaceanddeliversasolidkicktothegroin,sendinghisfriendcrumplingtothemattedgrass.

“Hetriedtokillme,”the

gypsywhispersasNyxhelpsherstand.“Didyouhavetohithimthere?”

“Iwasnotinthepositiontobekindandhisgutwasprotectedbymetalscales,”Timoranreplies,cautiouslywatchingtheinjuredwarrior.Hechucklesatathoughtthathedecidestoshare.“Itisnot

asifyouwereusingthatpartofhimlately.Wewillgethimtoahealerbeforeyouhaveneedofhisservices.”

“Youknowit’sbadifTimoranisnervousenoughtomakeajoke,”Delvinmutterswithawrysmile.Hedrawshislongswordandrollshisshoulder,causingFizzleto

takeflight.“Wherearewe?”Thewarriorkeepsaneye

onLukewhileturninghisattentiontoacanopybedsittinginthemiddleofthesereneclearing.Thewhitecurtainsareboundbygoldencordsandthewoodenframeisuntouchedbytheelements.Ebonysheetsaretightaround

thethickmattress,thefabric’sephemeralshineshiftingbeneaththegentlysleepingformontopofthem.Tuckedunderacrimsonblanket,theonlymovementfromthefigureisthesteadyrisingandfallingofherchest.Theonlyvisiblepartofthewomanisherhead,silverhairsplayed

acrosstheivorypillows.Witheverybreathofthesleeper,thesoothingscentofcherries,vanilla,andchocolatefillstheclearing.Wheneverthemysteriouswomanbreathesin,thesmellchangestothatofastagnantpond.

“We’rewiththesleeper,”Nyxsays,smackingDelvin

ontheshoulder.“Sheisn’tgoinganywhere.WeneedtogetLukeundercontrolbeforehetransformsintoaSwordDragonandkillsus.”

“Heseemsincapacitated,”thewarriorrepliesashegesturesatthegroaninghalf-elf.ThesightofLukecurledupandholding

hisstomach,makesDelvincringeinsympathy.“Youreallyhithimhard,Timoran.”

“Tobehonest,Iusedverylittleofmystrength,”thebarbarianadmits,scratchinghisheadinconfusion.

FizzletakesaquicklookatLuke,dartinginandoutof

hisfacewithinafewseconds.“Lukesweatyandgrowly.Notsoundlikerightpain.”

“He’salsoholdinghisstomachinsteadofhisgroin,”Saripointsout,drawingtwocurveddaggers.“Thisisn’tgoingtogowell,isit?”

Nyxcracksherknuckles,herrighthandcoatingitselfin

blackauraandherlefthandshimmeringwithwhite.“I’msorry,Timoran,butIhavetodosomething.Thereisamoredifficultandprecisemethodtosavehim.IfIrememberthespellsinvolved,thisshouldworklikeanaurascalpel.I’llsimplyextracttheSwordDragonfromhis

body.”“Niceandgentle,right?”

Delvinnervouslyasks.“Ofcourse...he’ll

live.”Theopposingenergies

cracklebetweenherfingersasshewalkstowardsLuke.Theforesttrackerjumpstohisfeetandroarsatthe

approachingcaster,metalwingspainfullyburstingfromhisback.TherubyinhisforeheadglistensashishandsbecomerazorsharptalonsandhechargesatNyx.Withascreamofrage,sheducksundertheclawsanddivesforwardtoslamheraura-coatedfistsintoherbest

friend’schest.HerswirlingspellspulsethroughLuke’sbody,whichviolentlyshuddersanddistortsasitresiststheburrowingmagic.Anear-piercingscreameruptsfromthewarrior’smouthbeforetheSwordDragon’sspiritisejectedfromhim.Acorneroftheclearingis

bathedincrimsonandgoldfogthatsettlesonthegrass.

“ThatwasharderthanIthought,”Nyxgasps,collapsinginaheap.ShegruntswhenLukefallsontopofher,butneitherofthemhavetheenergytomove.“Problemsolved.Let’swakeupournewfriend.”

“Notjustyet,Nyxie,”Sariwhispersassheinchestowardthecaster.

Theadventurersmovetodefendthefallenhalf-elvesfromthespectralSwordDragonthatrisesfromthecolorfulfogandshakestheforestwithaheavyfootstep.Thesolidifyingbeastspitsa

swarmofghostlyorbsthatTimoranbatsoutoftheair.Fizzlecastsaquickspelltosendthemintothesky,thedritescaredofbeingcaughtinthemiddleofaforestfire.Everyoneduckstoavoidaslashofthemonster’stail,whichsheersoffthetopofthecanopybed.Withasurge

ofpower,thenarrow-bodiedSwordDragongrowstoitsfullheightandshattersthebarrieraroundtheclearing.Itspreadsitsgoldenwingsandshredsthesurroundingtreesasitsaurafinishestakingacorporealform.Whenaredgememergesfromitssteelyforehead,thebeastunleashes

arainofflamingorbs.“Youarenotwanted

here,creature,”awoman’scalmvoiceannounces.“Therestofyouarecordiallyinvitedintomyworld.”

Withoutwarning,blindingcracksoflightripplealongtheSwordDragonanditscreechesinagonizingpain.

Partsofthebeastdisintegrate,leavingthetoweringcreaturewithgapingholesinitscrumblingform.Nolongerinterestedinbattling,themonsterattemptstoescape,butoneflapofitswingssendsthemcrashingtotheground.Alloftheadventurerscanfeelatremorinthepitof

theirstomachsasifsomethingispullingattheircore.

“What’sgoingon?”Delvinasks,kneelingnexttoNyx.Heglancesoverhisshoulderatthesleeperwhoremainsmotionless.“Whatisshe?”

“Ihavenoidea!”the

casterrespondsastheSwordDragon’sspiritcollapsesintoitselfandexplodes.

4

Themarblewallsarewhitewithpulsingveinsofcrimsonandapurelightflowsthroughtheopenwindows.Silkcurtainshavebeenleftuntiedtowaveinthesoothingbreezeandcaressanyonewhowalksalongthehallway.Withevery

gentlegustofwind,thesmelloflavenderandsandalwoodentersthepristinebuilding.Beautifulstatuessitinevenlyspacedalcoves,eachoneofalong-hairedwomanholdingeitheraswordoragoblet.Herclothesdifferfromstatuetostatue,someevenportrayingthefigurenaked.

Bannersofwhitewithasolitaryglowingstaremblazonedoneachonehangfromtheceilingbeamsandremainmotionlessevenwhenthewindtouchesthem.Onlyafewroomsrunoffthehallway,buttheirwoodendoorsareclosedandlocked.Thevoicesofthoseinsideare

lowandmuffledtothepointwhereonebarelynoticestheyarethereafterafewminutes.

“He’sstartingtowakeup,”Sariwhispers,dabbingamoisthandkerchiefonDelvin’sforehead.“How’sTimorandoing?”

“Iamawake,”thebarbarianrespondsashe

standsandgroans.Heslumpsagainstthewall,enjoyingthefeelingofcoolstoneonhisskin.“ThisappearstobeaZariantemple,butitseemsdifferentthantheonesIhavevisited.Unlessweareinasectionthatdoesnothavethecolumnsandstainedglasswindowsonetypicallysees.”

“It’stheZarianMonasterythatwaslostintheGreatCataclysm,”Nyxanswerswhilestaringoutthewindow.ShetakesaseatonthesillandgesturesforTimorantojoinher.“Takealookoutthereandyou’llsee.”

Outsideisabeautiful

gardenthatsurroundsastar-shapedpondwhereducksswimaroundinsearchoffood.AyellowstonestatueofZariastandsinthemiddleofthewater,herdressgivingofftheillusionofswayinginthewind.Thecourtyardissurroundedbythree-storybuildingsofflawlessmarble

andclayrooftiles,eachoneidenticalexceptforadifferentcoloredleafembeddedinthedoor.NyxandTimorancanseeacollectionofwoodenhutsalongthenearbyhillwherecows,sheep,andgoatsgrazeundertheeyesofatrioofyoungshepherds.Asolitarycavesitsatthetopof

thehill,butitistoofarawayforthemtoseeanydetails.Everyflickerofmovementwithinthegapingentrancecanbemistakenforatrickofthelight,butNyxissurethereissomethingalivewithintheshadows.

Themiddaysunmakesitdifficultfortheobserversto

keepstaringintothedistance,sotheyturntheirattentionbacktothecourtyard.White-robedfigureswearingcrimsoncrownsofleavesgoabouttheirchores,cleaningthegroundsandtendingtotheflowers.Anelderlywomansitsonawoodenbench,herpalmsfacingupas

shepraystoZaria.Twoyoungerpriestsrunthroughthecourtyardwithsteamingcauldrons,thepairgettingyelledatwhenevertheliquidinsidesloshesontothealabastercobblestones.Othersarebeatingthedustfromcarpetsandusingtheirspellstocastthebillowing

cloudsintothesky.Itisnothingmorethanthedailyactivitiesofthemonastery,butsomethingfeelsstrangeaboutwhattheyareviewing.

“HowdoyouknowthisisbeforetheGreatCataclysm?”Timoranasksashelooksdownthehallway.Apriestesswalksoutofa

nearbydoor,goingaboutherbusinessasiftheadventurersarenotthere.“Strangethatwewerenotseen.”

“Zaria’sorderstoppedusingisolatedplaceslikethisafterWindemerechanged.Shefeltitwasmoreimportantforherfollowerstobeamongthepeople,”Nyx

explains,reachingdowntotakeDelvinbythearmandhelphimstand.Sheeaseshimagainstthewindowandtriestocoaxthewindtocoolhimdown.“Idon’thaveanymagichere.Howaboutyou,Sari?”

“Notathing,whichhasmeworried,”thegypsy

replies.Hereyesgrowwideandshegrabsthehalf-elfbytheshirt,nearlytearingitdownthemiddle.“Luke!Idon’tknowwhyIforgotabouthim,buthe’snothere.”

“MaybehewasmissedbytheblastsincehewasunderNyx,”Delvingroans,hisvoiceraspyandharsh.

Thewarriorpullsoutawaterskinfromhispouchandtakesalongdrinktoeasethepaininhisthroat.Hestaresatthebagwhenhenoticesthatitdoesnotgetanylighter.“IremembersomeonesayingwewereinvitedandthentheSwordDragonspiritexploded.Therewaslightand

...that’snotimportantrightnow.Itseemswe’vebeensentintothepast.Stephenmusthaveputatraponthesixthchampion.He’saChronosafterall.”

“Idon’t-”NyxbeginsbeforesheisinterruptedbySari.

“ThatmeansLukeis

alonewithhimortrappedsomewhere.We’remissingFizzletoo!”

“He’sright-”thehalf-elftriesagain.

Delvin’scoughingfitcutsheroff,givingthewarriortimetovoicehisopinion.“Thatmakessense.FizzleandLukearethetwo

thatcanhurthim.So,Stephenputthemsomewhereelseifhesentthemintothepastatall.I’mwillingtobetFizzlestillhashismagicandthat’showwecangethome.”

“Whatisthepointofsendingusintothepastwhenwewouldonlyappearatthepointwhereweleft?”

Timoranasks.Histemplesthrobashetriestowraphismindaroundtheconceptoftimetravel.“Unlesswereturnattheapproximatepointwherethetimewespendhereisaddedtothetimeweleft.Doesthatmakeanysense?Imustadmitthatthisentireideadoesnotmakeanysense

tome.”“Shutup!”Nyxscreams

infrustration.Thehallwayshimmersandquakesatthecaster’srage,themotionwrenchingeveryone’sstomach.“We’renotinthepast.Nosuchmagicexistsunlessthegodshaveit,butthere’snoevidenceforthat.

Thesearememoriesofsomeonewhowasaliveduringthistime.Haven’tyounoticedthatpeoplehavecomewithinsightofusandnotreactedtoourpresence?That’sbecauseeverythingislockedinplaceandnothingwedocanchangethings.”

“ThenLukeandFizzle

musthavewokenupfirstandwanderedoff,”Sariguesses,feelingfoolishforjumpingtoconclusions.“Thatdoesn’texplainwhyIcouldn’tremembereitherofthem.Whodowelookforfirst?”

“Fizzle’soutside,”Nyxstateswithatiredgroan.

Theadventurersgather

aroundthewindowandscanthecourtyardforthedrite.IttakesthemafewsecondstonoticeFizzledartingaroundalargeappletreeonthefarsideofthegarden.Hedesperatelysnapsatthecrimsonfruit,hishungrywhimpersignoredbythosearoundhim.Everyattackis

metwithanemptymouthandthetantalizingfruitremainsdanglingamongtheemeraldleaves.Withapout,Fizzlelandsonabranchandstickshistongueouttolickamoistapple.Hecrieswhenallhecantasteistheairandhestompshisfoot,whichcauseshimtopassthroughthetree.

Thedritefallsintothebushesbelowandcrawlsoutlookingdejected,histaillimplydraggingbehindhim.

“Sowecaninteractwiththesceneryaslongaswedonottrytoharmit,”Timorancasuallysays,holdinghisgreataxeintothesunlighttogetFizzle’sattention.Heputs

theweaponawayintimetocatchtheexciteddrite.“NowweneedonlyfindLuke.ThoughIwonderwhyheleftusundefended.”

“Lukenotleave,”Fizzledeclares,hoveringabovehisfriends.Hecoughsandyawns,hiseyelidsfeelingheavy.“Handsreachfrom

floorandtake.Lukenotlookgood.Furandfeathersandscalesandpain.FizzlenotsurewhereLukego.”

“Maleorfemalehands?”Delvinasks,strokinghischin.

“LikeNyxhands,butnotrough.”

“Hey!”thecastersnaps.

Thewarriorpolitelyholdsuphishandtosilenceherandturnsbacktothewindow,hiseyesnarrowingashepeersatthedistance.Heseesapairofstarsstreakacrossthesky,buthelosesthemintheblindingsun.Blinkingthecolorfulspotsaway,helooksdownintime

toseeavaguelyfamiliarfigurestepoutofabuildingandmovethroughoutthecourtyard.Theyounggirlisnotastallaswhenhesawherintheclearing,butthesilverhairmakesherstandoutamongthefollowersofZaria.Thebeautifultressesrolldowntoherankles,never

touchingthegroundevenwhenshecrouches.Unlikethepriestsandpriestesses,sheiswearingapurewhitedresswithlongsleevesandnoshoes.Amobofchildrenrunaroundthegirlasshebalancesapileofbooksinherarmsandgracefullywalkstoalargeelm.

“ShebroughtLukesomewhere.Maybetohealhim,butIcan’tbesure,”Delvinwhispers,pointingthesilver-hairedgirlouttotheothers.“ThesixthchampionhasbeenaroundsincebeforetheGreatCataclysm.Herpowermustbeincredibleifshe’sbeenaliveforsolong

andnotagedmorethanadecadeortwo.AtleastI’mguessingfromthebrieflookIgotofherfacewhenshewassleeping.We’vealreadyguessedthatotherchampionshavebeencalledupon,butthisisonewhohassteppedontothepath,failed,andisalivetotellthetale.Tobe

honest,I’mmoreconcernedwiththewhythanthehow.StephenandtheBaronmustwanttokeepherinvolvedforsomereason.”

“Perhapstheyfearamorepowerfulchampionbeingcalledupontoreplaceher,”Timoransuggestswhilehestretcheshisarms.“Thisis

amysterytobesolvedlater.Weareinthiswoman’smemoriesforareason,whichIbelieveistowakeher.Sheisawareofourpresenceandprotectiveofherthoughts.Lukemusthavebeenarisktohermindduetotheconflictingspiritswithinhisbody.Sheremovedhimto

avoidmentaldamage.Nowwemustdiscoverhowweproceed.”

“Hey,silverhairedladywiththekids!”Sariscreamsasshejumpsontothewindowsill.Thegypsywavesanddancesforeveryonetosee,stoppingwhensherealizesthatnobodyhastaken

notice.“Thesearenothingmorethanmemories,sowehavenocontroloverthepaththatwetake.Theforestcursewasdesignedtokeepeveryone,butus,awayfromthisgirl.Thatmakesmethinkthisismoreofanintroduction.Herstorymustbetoodifficultandimportant

totellinatraditionalway.Allwecandoiswanderaroundandfindawaytomoveforward.”

Afemalevoicecauseseveryonetojumpanddrawtheirweapons.“Watchwhatbefallsandtragedywouldleadyoutome.”

Theskyisengulfedin

flamesandlightningstrikesalloverWindemere,oneboltshatteringthenearbyhill.Thelivestockissenttumblingintothegapingholealongwithtwooftheshepherds,thethirdsentcareeningoverthehorizon.Thunderrumblesfromeverydirectionandthegroundshakeswithenough

forcetoknockseveralstatuesover.Everyoneisscreamingandrunningforcoverwhenaterrifyingcrackdrownsouttherestofthechaos.Themonasteryslumpsandslidestowardagrowingchasmthatisdevouringthecoastallandscape.Thosewhodidnotgetinsidequicklyareunable

tokeeptheirfootingandtumbleintotheabyss,theirscreamingprayerstoZariaabruptlysilenced.Withashriekingcrunch,oneofthebuildingsbreaksfromitsfoundationandfallsintotheravenouswhirlpoolwithallofitsoccupants.ThecentralstatueofthePurityGoddess

soonfollows,smashingseveraltreesasitrollsalongthecobblestones.

Theadventurerswatchinhorrorastheyounggirlwithsilverhairandseveralofthechildrenfalloutofthefirstfloorwindowsofabuilding.Scramblingtostayonherfeet,shetriestosavethe

wailingkidsastheentirebuildingcrumblesintorubble.ThegirlscreamsforZariaandcursesthegoddess’snamewhilethestoneandbodiesareconsumedbythechasm.Onesurvivingboyiswithinherreachandshedivestocatchhishand,butafamiliarblack-

hairedfigureappearstograbherbytheneck.Stephensneersashekicksthechildintotheabyssandvanisheswiththescreechinggirl.

“ThatwastheGreatCataclysm,”thevoicestoicallytellstheadventurers.“LikeWindemere,Ilostalmosteverythingthatday.I

couldfeeltheiraurasfadeawayandIwasunabletosavethem.Thesadpartisthatthiswasonlythebeginningofmysuffering.Iapologizeforwhatyouareabouttosee,butitmustbedone.”

Asearingpainripsthroughtheirmindsandthe

screamofstaticfillstheirsenses.Thechampionscollapseamongtheslidingwreckage,whichpassesthroughthemandintoWindemere’sopenwounds.

*****Sarigroansassherolls

ontoherbackandapointyrockjabsherintheshoulder.

Shesitsupandfeelsthecold,wetgroundagainstherpalms.Theskyisfilledwithstormcloudsthatmoveliketheyarealive,theglimmerofgoldenlightningplayingalongtheiredges.Gettingtoherfeet,thegypsycanseethatNyxandDelvinarestillunconscious,butTimoranandFizzleare

sittingonaflatboulder.Sariwrinkleshernoseatthestenchofdecayasshetakesaseatnexttoherfriends.

Herbreathiscaughtinherthroatwhenshelooksoutuponthedesolatelandscapeofswampsandrockyoutcroppings.Shadowyformsmoveinthedistanceand

flashesoflightningrevealtheiremaciated,cobaltbodies.Adancingfiguremovesamongthem,hergreenhairwrithingaroundhernaked,blackandwhitebody.Everyfewminutes,thestrangewomantouchesoneofthechaoselvesandunleashesaspell.Sometimes

theworkerdropsdeadandothertimestheyarerejuvenated,butthereisnopatterntowhattheeeriefigureisdoing.SariinchesclosertoTimoranwhenYolaBiggsleapsacrossthecontinentandlandsinfrontofthem.TheGoddessofChaoscocksherheadtothesideand

reachesoutforthegypsy,stoppingwithinaninchofhernose.Withachildishgiggle,shevanishesinapuffofblacksmokethatfallstothegroundandcreatesapatchofburpingmushrooms.

“Whowasthat?”Sariasks,hervoiceshaking.

“Idonotknow,butI

sensesheisanotherpowerfulforcethatwewillhavetofacebeforewefighttheBaron,”Timorananswers,glancingoverhisshoulderattheirsleepingfriends.“IhopeNyxandDelvinwakesoon.Iworrythattheyhavesufferedpermanentdamage.”

“Yourfriendsweremore

wornthantherestofyou,soIdecidedtoletthemrest.Don’tworrybecausetheywillstillknowwhatyouseehere,”asmallvoicesaysasasilver-hairedgirlappearsbetweenthepair.SheleansonTimoran’sshoulderandreachesoutwithabarefoottotouchSari’sbluetresses.“I

didn’tnoticeitthefirsttimewemet,butyou’resobeautiful.Iseenaiadbloodandgypsyclothes.Suchagorgeouscreature.”

“Thankyou,”Saricautiouslyreplies.“Iloveyourhair.”

Fizzleyawnsandhoversinfrontofthegirl’sfaceashe

guesses,“Silverchildissleepingchampion.Thisyourmind.Whatweshouldsee?”

“Mypast,mytorment,andmyduality,”shewhispersasglisteningtearsstreamdownherface.

“Whatareyou?”Timoranasks.

“Thechildwhowas

nevermeanttobe.Aweaponbuiltbytwomentouseagainsteachother,”thegirlreplies,hervoicefilledwithsorrowandpride.ShegetscomfortablebetweenTimoranandSaribeforepullingFizzleontoherlap.“Intruth,Idon’tknowwhatIam.MuchliketheBaronand

...him,Iamsomethingunique.YoursleepingfriendsrealizedthatbeforeIpulledyouintomyessence.”

“Youmeanyourmind,”Sarinervouslymentions,thehaironthebackofherneckstandingup.“Thisisyourmind,right?”

Thegirl’seyesturnpure

whiteandherhairappearsmetallicassheraisesherhands.Shewigglesherfingerstopartthestormclouds,revealingachurningseaofenergy.Thelandscapeshineswithanetherealglowasthedarkstonesandgnarledtreestransformintorawmagic.Thechaoselvesand

YolaBiggsaregone,leavingbehindpillarsofaurathatpatientlywaittobeusedagain.Onlythegroundbeneaththefouradventurersremainssolid,buttheycanfeelittwistinaconstantattempttochange.Withtwosnapsofherfingers,thegirlreturnsthelandscapetoits

formerstateandgoesbacktoscratchingFizzle’sneck.

“Mymindandmyauraarethesamething,”shedeclareswithasmirk.Shepicksadeadscaleoffthedriteandflicksitintoapoolofputridwater.“Ipromisethatyourquestionswillbeansweredwhenwemeetin

theflesh.PleaseletmecontinueshowingyouwhatIwishforyoutoknow.Myenergyislimitlesshere,butmypatienceisnot.I’msorry.Thatsoundedveryrudeandthreatening.”

“Weapologizeforwastingyourtime,”Timoranclaims,cuttingoffSarifrom

arguing.Hecanseeworryinthegypsy’semeraldeyesandcomfortinglypatsheronthehead.“Canyoutelluswhathasbecomeofourotherfriend?Thehalf-Elvenwarriorwhocantransformintothespiritsofbeasts.”

“Icouldn’tlethimsuffer,soIbroketherulesofthe

game,”thegirlexplains,placingFizzleonSari’slap.Shecurlsintoatightballasifterrifiedofbeingstruck.“I’monlysupposedtomeetwithyoulikethisandnotgiveaide.LukeCallindorhadtwistedhisauratoapointwherehecouldnotrepairitonhisown.Hewouldnot

havedied,buthewouldhavebeentrappedasachimera.Afterall,thatiswheresuchcreaturescomefrom.Theyarespiritchannelerswhowenttoofarandcanneverfindtheirwaybacktotheirtrueform.I...IrefusedtoletthathappenwhenIfelttheloyaltyandlovethatallof

youholdforhim.ItwasapowerfulcombinationofemotionsthatIhaven’tfeltincenturies.SoIbroketherulesandtookhimtomycorewherehisauraisbeinghealed.Iwillnotbepunishedifyoubreakthecurse.”

Sarihugsthegirlwithallherstrength,usingher

immovabilitytopreventthestartledchildfromescaping.“Thankyousomuch.Ipromisewe’llwakeyouupandyou’llneverbepunishedagain.Pleaseshowuswhatyouwantustosee.Idon’twanttowasteanymoretimegettingtotherealyouandLuke.”

Hereyeswidewithpanic,thegirlvanishesinSari’sarmsandtherumblingstormgrowsquiet.AtrioofvoicesgraduallygrowsuntiloneofthemiseasilyrecognizedasStephen.Asiftheireyesighthasbeenenhanced,TimoranandSariclearlyseetheimmortal

sittingatawoodentablesetontopofacrumblinghill.AcrossfromStephenisthesilver-hairedchampion,whoappearstonowbeinherlatetwenties.Theyoungwoman’swhiteclothesarecoveredindirtanddriedblood,whichisalsoonheralabasterfaceandexposedarms.Theshineof

herhairisgoneandreplacedwithadullnessthatseemsunnatural.Withafeeblecoughandashiver,sheraisesherheadtostareattheelegantnoblemansittingbetweenherandStephen.Theman’sblackhairshimmersinthelightandhiseyesholdacrueltythatchillsthe

adventurerstotheircore.Hisruffledshirtremindsthemofportraitsfromtheancientdayswherepracticalitywasexchangedforeye-catchinggaudiness.

“Arewedonewithheryet,oldman?”Stephenasks,lazilyswinginghislegoverthechairarm.“Thismustbe

thetenthtimeyou’vehadmebringhertoyou.That’stensetsofdeadchampionsandyoustillwantthisonealive.Sheisn’tanyfun,oldman,sowhydoyouinsistonstringingheralong?”

“BecausetheBaronenjoysmysuffering,”thewomanwhispers,glaringat

thegrinningman.“Mytortureentertainshim.”

“Now,Dariana,Idonotwishtoseeyouinpain,”theancientwarlordsayswithatendervoicethatcatchesTimoranandSarioff-guard.Hereachesoverwithaglovedhandtotouchthechampion,healingher

wounds.“Youareaveryspecialplayerinthisgame.Iholdyoudearlyinmyheartbecauseofyourrole.Ifanyoneenjoysyoursuffering,itisGabriel.Sowhydoyoustillrefusetojoinmyside?”

“Thatisn’thowthisworksandyouknowit,”Darianaangrilysnaps.Atthe

soundofStephenchuckling,shepushesthetableandknockshimoffhischair.“I’machampionandthatisthesideIhavetostayon.Youhadyourchancetorecruitandcorruptmelongago,soyouonlyhaveyourselftoblameforthesidethatI’mon.”

“Sohighandmighty.Asifachampionisbeyondcorruption,”Stephensaysashegetstohisfeet.HeappearsnexttoDarianaandslamsherheadagainstthetablewithenoughforcetoputherthroughthesolidwood.“Youshouldstoptalkinglikeyou’resuperior.Itmakesme

angryandforcesmetohurtyou.”

Withnosignofangeronhisface,theBaronhissesaspellthatsendshissoncrashingthroughanearbytree.Severalfallenbranchestwistandwraparoundtheyoungernobleman’sbody,theirendsburrowingintothe

ground.Cursingatthetopofhislungs,Stephenstrugglesagainstthebondsandisstruckbylightningifhetriestousehistimepowersforanythingmorethanhealing.Withawaveofhishand,theBaronhealsDariana’sfaceandplacesthedamageonherattacker.

“WhathaveItoldyouaboutstrikingher?”theimmortalwarlordcalmlyinquires.HestandsandmovesbehindDariana,placinghishandsonhershoulders.“Treatthischampionwithrespectbecausesheisnotentirelylosttous.Iwillalwayshold

outhopethatshewillrealizehertrueroleintheseevents.”

“Shehitmefirst,”Stephenchildishlygrowls.

“Youbrokemyarmyesterday,”Darianaretorts.

“Onlybecauseyouturnedmyeyesightofflastweek.”

“Youlockedmeina

roomwithmydeadfriends.”Stephenlaughs,cringing

atthepaininhisshatterednose.“Theyweren’tyourfriends.Isawhowtheyhatedyoubecauseofwhatyouare.Don’tstarttellingusthatyoucaredaboutthemanymorethanyoucareaboutawaitresswhobringsyouyourmeal.

Eventhatisbeingkindsinceshewouldserveapurposeinyourlife.”

“Stopthisnonsense!”theBaronshouts,shakingtheentirecontinent.HeclencheshisfistandthebranchesaroundStephendissolve,allowingthenoblemantoreturntohisseat.“Thisisone

ofthefeweventsofthegamethatIgettoenjoy.Iwillnothavesomechildishfightruinthismoment.Ifyouinsistonkillingeachotherthendoitonthebattlefield.”

“Justkillmeandletanotherrisetotakemyplace,”Darianabegs,tremblingundertheBaron’s

piercinggaze.Shewipesherfacewiththebackofherhand,amixtureoftearsandmucusonherflawlessskin.“Iwantthistobeover.AllIcandoiswaitinsolitudefornewchampionsandjointhemwhenGabrielcallsforme.Hisnewhanddoesn’tevenlikeme,sohemakesmewait

somuchlongerthanthelastone.”

“Iunderstandyourpain,child,butIcannotkeepyouhere.Itisagainsttherules,”theBaronwhispersintoherear.Hegivesheragentlekissontheheadbeforemovingbacktohisseatandclaimingapomegranatefroma

porcelainbowl.“Iamnotblindtoyoursuffering.Ifanything,IshareyourpainandanguishbecauseIamtrappedtoo.TheGreatCataclysmgavemeShaydtoruleover,butitisnothingmorethanabiggerprison.ManydaysIwishIcouldsleepandlivewithinmy

dreamsinsteadofeternallywaitingforGabriel’spawnstoproveworthyofthefinalbattle.”

“Ifyoucaresomuchthenyoushouldputhertosleepandmakeustheonestobringherintothegame,”Stephensuggestswhilerepairinghisface.Seeingthe

sparkofcuriosityinhisfather’sebonyeyes,heleanshiselbowsonthetableandletshisguarddown.“Letherdreaminaforestwhereshecanonlybedisturbedbythechampions.Ofcourse,weshouldn’tmakethiseasyandGabrielwillhavetofigureoutawaytogetthemthrough

ourbarriers.IwouldrecommendtheMistyFuguethatyouusedtoprotectyournortherntreasurehordebackintheolddays.Notalethalspell,butthepredatorscanmakeeasymealsoftheamnesia-strickenvictims.Ifourenemiesdecidetoavoidherthenwecanwakeher

ourselvesanddeliverhertohernew...friends.”

“Excellentidea,Stephen.Itrustyoucanhandleit,”theBaronsayswithasmile.Hetakesabiteoutofthefruit,revelingintherarechancetotastesomethingsweet.“Doyouagreetothis,dear?Thealternativeiswanderingthe

worldaloneandwaitingtobecalledonforanotherfailure.”

Darianastandsforthefirsttime,herlegsnearlygivingoutasshebracesherselfagainstthetable.Gainingstrengthwitheverystep,sheslowlymakesherwaytoStephenandlookshimintheeye.Shesmirksatthe

sweatbeadingonhisforehead,butherconfidencedropswhenhepatronizinglypetsheronthecheek.ThegirlmovesawaytoglancearoundShayd,herattentiondrawntoabandofchaoselvescoweringunderarockyoverhang.Pityandsorrowfillherheart,mixingwiththe

fearandlonelinessthathavebeenhercompanionsfordecades.Thethoughtofbeinglostinherownmindwhereshecanblockthepainofherpastbecomestootemptingforhertorefuse.

“Iagreetothis,buttherewillbenointrusionsonyourpart,”Darianastates,

extendingherhandStephen.“Iwillbelefttomydreamsandcreatethemonmyterms.Idon’twantyouplayinggamesinsidemyhead.”

“Inthatcase,youareforbiddenfromhelpingtheotherchampionswhileslumbering,”theBaroncountersbeforehissoncan

agree.Thewarlordtossesapeartotheyoungwoman,thefruitfallingperfectlyintoheropenhand.“Ifwearenottogetinvolvedinyouraffairsthenyouaretostayoutofthegameuntilcalledupon.Breakingthisrulewillgiveuspermissiontopunishyouinyourdreams.Dowehavea

deal?”“PleasesayyesbecauseI

wantyoutoslipup,”Stephenwhisperswithagrin.

“Deal.”StephenandDariana

disappearassoonastheirhandstouch,leavingtheBarontoenjoytherestofthefeastthatseemstomaterialize

asanafterthought.ThenoblemanstaresatTimoranandSari,histhumbstrokinghischinasifheistryingtomakeuphismindaboutthem.Risingfromthechair,theBaronappearsinfrontofthechampionsanddrawsanelegantlongsword.Thedeadlypointrepeatedlyleaps

fromthethroatofthebarbariantothechestofthegypsy.Itissuchaquickmotionthatneitherofthemknowwherethebladereallyis.

“You’reeventerrifiedbyaharmlessmemoryofhim,”theBaronsaysinDariana’svoice.Heshrinksand

changesintothesilver-hairedwoman,whoiswearingasatingown.“Thatdoesnotbodewellforyou.Still,allofyouappeartobeyoungandonlytwoofyouhavereachedfullmaturity.Interestingthatit’sonlythewomenandoneofthemisn’tevenusingallthepoweratherdisposal.”

“Areweallowedtomoveon?”Timoranasks,hismouthstilldryfromfear.

Withoutaword,Darianarisesintotheskyandpullsthestormcloudsapart.Thechurningaurathatisinplaceofthestarssinkstowardtheground,absorbingeverythingthatcomesincontactwithit.

SarigrabsFizzleasTimoranrushestopickupNyxandDelvin,bothofthemfearingthattheywillgetseparated.Hemakesitbacktothegypsytotakeherhandamomentbeforethehotenergyenvelopestheentireworld.

*****“Abouttimeyoushowed

up,”Lukesayswithamouthfuloffood.

Thechampionsfindthemselvesinanendlessspanofwhitewithnowaytotellwherethehorizonsits.Nyxisthefirsttotakeaseatatthelargetablewheresheseesmorefoodanddrinkthanshebelievescanexistonasingle

surface.Everytimeshelooksatthetable,sheswearsanewdishhasappearedwithoutpushinganyofthepreviousitemsoffthecirculartable.TheothersjoinherwithSaritakingaseatnexttoLukeandstealingalegofwhatshethinksischickenfromhishands.Onebitemakesher

moaninecstasyeventhoughthefoodtastesnothinglikethemeatsheexpected.Notwantingtowastetimegrabbingherownfood,thegypsyclaimsthehalf-elf’splateandhandshimheremptyone.Heisabouttoarguewhenhenoticeshisfriendsarepatientlywaiting

foranexplanation.“Ifitmakesyoufeelany

better,Ionlywokeupfiveminutesbeforeyouappeared.Iknowaboutwhatyousaw,butit’shazy,”theforesttrackersayswhilepilingfoodonhisplate.Hereachesforaplatterofsmallsteaks,whichmovesclosertohishand.

“So,whatarewesupposedtodonow?”

“Youeatandregainyourenergy,”Darianastatesasanimageofherappearsnexttoeachofherguests.SheseesFizzleflittingaroundthetableinsearchofapplesandasmallerversionofherappearsonhisback.“Imadeaspecial

tableforyou,littledragon.Ireadhowmuchyouloveapples,soIhavetypesfromalloverWindemereandhistory.”

Arecessedtablerisesoutofthefloorandatoweringpileofapplesgrowsfromitssmoothsurface.Therearekindsofeverycolorandsize,

includingoneatthetopthatisshapedlikeacrimsoncrescentmoon.FizzledroolsonTimoran,whoisunfortunateenoughtobesittingbeneaththehoveringdrite.WithasmallnodfromthetinyDariana,thedragondivesintothedeliciousstackandsendsafewbouncing

ontothefloor.Thefallenfruitreappearinthebowl,whichgrowstoaccommodatethedrite’ssloppyeatinghabits.Fizzle’sfirstbiteisfromapurpleapplethathashoneyatitscore,whichcauseshimtogolimpandblissfullynestleamongthefood.

“Thisfeelsawkward,”

Delvinclaimswhiletakingasipofdeliciouscoffee.HereachesouttotouchhisDariana’sarm,buthishandpassesthroughher.“Ithoughtso.You’renothingmorethanaphantominhere.AmIwronginguessingthattheonlysolidversionsofyouarethoseinyourmemory?”

“Thatdoesnotmakesense,”Timoranmentionsfromacrossthetable.“ThechildversionthatappearedinShaydwasabletotouchus.”

“Ihuggedher,”Saripointsoutwhiletastingasweetwine.“Shewasn’tpartofthememory,butshewasn’tdefinitelysolid.”

“Allofyouarecorrect,”theDarianassayinunison.TheybowtoeachotherandpointattheonestandingnexttoNyx,whocontinuestalking.“Mypastisdoneandunchangeable,sotheyaremore...solid.Ifyouattemptedtointeractwithmymemoriesthenyouwouldbe

theonetobecomeaghostandpassthrough.YetIcantouchyouandletyoutouchmeifitisafocusedimagelikethechild.ThisissomethingIcanonlydowhenIhavevisitorsoraminthemindofsomeoneelse.”

“LikewithmeandSari,”Lukeinterjects,leaningback

inhiswide-backedchair.“Sariwasanaccident

whentheCompassKeywasreactivated,”theyoungwomanexplainswithakindsmiletothegypsy.“IsoughtLukeoutintentionallybecauseIfelthimcallingforhelp.Ishouldnothavehelpedyou,youngCallindor,butit

didnotfeelrighttoleaveyousuffering.Oh,I’msorryifmywordsgiveyouthewrongimpression,Sari.Ihavenoromanticintentionsonyourlover.Iknowhowjealousyou’vebeengettingrecentlysinceyouandLukehavetriedtostopyourrelationship.Itmusthurtsomuch.”

Theblue-hairedgirlblushesandstaresatherplate,takingafewdeepbreathstoremaincalm.“Areyoureadingmymind?”

“Allofyourhearts,minds,andpastshavebeenlaidbareforme.”

Apieexplodesandapotofsoupbubblesoverasa

circleofflamesurroundsthesmallgroup.Theflamesturnfromredtoblue,theircrestsreachingforaceilingthattheywillneverfind.Fizzleburrowsintotheapples,hiseyespeeringoutatNyxwhosefaceisredwithanintenserage.Sweatrunsdowneveryone’sbodyand

theygladlydrinkicewaterthatappearsinfrontofthem.Withaloudsnap,thefireturnstoaromaticsmokeanddriftsintothedistance.NyxglaresatthenearestDariana,butissurprisedtoseethatsheiscrying.

“I’mreallysorry,”thesilver-hairedwomansays,her

bodyturningtransparent.Shekneelsnexttothehalf-elfanddesperatelyclaspsherhands.“I’msolonelyinhereandeachofyourmindswascallingtome.Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,mymindandhearthasbeenleftopentoyou.AllthatIamisinyourmindifyouseekforit.”

“Thatdoesmakeitalittlemorepalpable,”Delvinadmitsasheusesaforktoscoopsomepieoffatrayofyams.Withashrug,helicksthegoldengooofftheutensilandissurprisedatthetangyandtarttaste.“That’sanewflavor.Sohowmuchdoyouknowaboutus,Dariana?Do

youknowallofoursecrets?”“Youholdnosecrets,

DelvinCunninghamtheMercenaryPrince,”shereplieswithafriendlysmile.Foraninstant,Dariana’ssmileturnsintoalookofapprehensionandsheglancesaroundthetable.Herwhiteeyesgrowblueirises,the

colorreminiscentofcloudlessskies.“Idon’tknowofanywaytoprovewhatIknowwithoutsayingthingsthatIshouldkeephidden.There’sthelovebetweenLukeandSari,whichI’msureeveryoneknowsabout.Timoran...IwillmakeaspecialcaseforyouandpurgewhatIknow

frommymindonceIamawake.”

“Thankyou,”thebarbarianstateswithasighofrelief.“Whynotdoitforallofus?”

“It’sadangerousprocedureanditwillincluderemovingthispartoftheconversationfromeveryone

else.Iwouldonlydoitincertainsituations.Willyouwakemeupnow?”

“IwanttoknowwhatNyxie’ssecretis,”Sarimischievouslyreplies,grinningatherchildhoodfriend.“Consideritatestofournewfriend’sdeclaration.It’sallbeenvaguestatements

andsayingwhatanymindreadercouldgetwithasurfacescan.”

TheDariananearSariscowlsatthegypsywhiletheonenearNyxrubsherknucklesagainsthertemples.TheonlysoundsareofFizzledevouringapplesandLukeservinghimselfaslabof

cake,bothnoisestravelingthroughoutthewhitevoid.Floatingintothemiddleofthetable,alloftheDarianasmeettowhisperandargueoverwhattodo.Theirwordsarehiddenfromtheothers,butthegesturesshowthatallofthemareannoyed.Oneofthemjabsafingerinto

another’sface,resultinginanechoingsmackinthehead.Beforeafightcanbreakout,thequietestofthemopenshermouthtoreleaseascreamthatonlytheotherscanhear.Withanodofherhead,thevictorreturnstoNyx’ssideandbowsherhead.

“Iwillnottellyour

secretslikeyourfriendwants.Iknowwhatsheisafterandshecangetthatinformationonherown.Itwillbemorefunforherthatway,”Darianaannounces,turningherheadtoSari.Thegypsyholdsupherhandsindefeatandgoesbacktoherwine,frowningwhensheseesthatithasbeen

replacedbywater.“Wouldyoubesokindastowakemeup?WemustbeofftoBor’darukandI’mcurioustoseewhatitislikethesedays.Ihavenotbeentothesoutherndesertsinnearlytwohundredyears.”

“Howdowewakeyouup?”Lukeasks,wolfing

downhisfoodinfearofitbeingtakenawayanysecond.“Eatquicker,Fizzle,becausewemightbebackintheforestsoon.”

“Lukehavegoodidea,”thedritemumblesfrominsidetheapplestack.

TheDarianasglancefromthewarriortothe

dragonandtheonenearTimorancuriouslyasks,“Aretheynormallylikethat?”

“Theyhavetheirmoments,butLukegetsfamishedifhechangesformtoomuch,”thebarbarianreplies,pouringhimselfanothercupofwhiskey.“Thenagain,youprobably

knewthatalready.Iworrythatweareatadisadvantagewithyou.Atleastwheninsideyourmind,soIwouldliketoleave.”

“Iapologizefornotmentioningthisearlier,”Dariananervouslysays.Shecringesatthegroansfromherguestsandnervouslywrings

herhands.“I’mnotpermittedtotellyouhowtoundomycurse.”

“Thenhow-”Delvinbegins.

ThewarriorstopswhenNyxgetstoherfeetandcreatesaballofaurainherpalm,happytohaveaccesstohermagicagain.Aknowing

smileappearsonherDariana’sfaceandshepolitelyacceptstheorb.Thewomanshimmersasherbodyisabsorbedintotheenergy,makingNyx’sfieryauraappearwithafringeofsilverlight.

“Shesaidwecanlookatherpastandmindtoo,”the

half-elfstateswhileshesitsdownandcatchesherbreath.Herheadisswimmingandshecanbarelykeephereyesopen,thesleepinesstellinghershemadetherightdecision.“Thatmeanswe’reconnectedatthedeepestlevels.Theonlythingwedon’tsharewithheristhe

curse,whichiscomingfromheraura.Ifwegivehersomeofourenergythenshecanpurgeherselfofthecontaminationandwakeup.It’sacommonmethodofsleepingcurseremoval.Hurryupandwe’llbeoutofheresoon.”

Delvinisthefirstto

followNyx’sexamplewithayelloworbthatisnearlythesizeofhishead.Likethecaster,hispowerfulauraappearsaroundhisbodywithasilveredgingthatisbarelynoticeableagainstthepurewhite.OnebyonetheothersgivesomeoftheiressencetoapatientlywaitingDariana

untilonlyTimoranremains.Hestrugglestocreateanorbfromhisminimallevelofmagic,hisfearofcastingspellsmakingitdifficult.Growlinginfrustration,thebarbariangetstohisfeetandholdsbothofhishandsout,butonlymanagestocreateaflickeroforangeenergy.

Withnootherideas,hedrawshisgreataxeandfocusesontheweapontogathertheneededaura.Adense,coin-sizedballoforangeauraappearsalongtheedgeandhehandsittothepatientDariana.HefrownsatthelaughterandapplausefromLukeandSari,butthecorners

ofhismouththreatentoturntheexpressionintoaproudsmile.

“Thankyou,mynewfriends,”thefinalDarianawhispersbeforevanishing.“Iapologizeforthediscomfortthatthenextstepwillcause.”

Thewhiteareadissolvesandtheadventurersfindtheir

sensesareswirlingaroundaterrifyingvoid.Forasecond,Delvinseestheforestthroughsomeoneelse’seyesandnoticesthathisbodyhasbeenbound.Sarifeelsthesoftnessofamattressbeforethetouchofgrassstrikesherbarelegs.Nyxcanbarelyfocusontheareaaswhatevershehas

mergedwithzipsaroundtheclearing,themotionmakingherthinksheisafly.Beforetheirmindssnapfromthepressureofbeingtossedaroundmultiplebodies,alowmumblingrollsthroughthetreesandpusheseachofthechampionsintotheirproperform.Theireyesopentofind

themisthasvanishedandtheyhavebeenwrappedinenchantedropes.

“Goodafternoon,dearchampions,”StephensayswhileheholdsNyxbythethroat.Heliftsthegroggyhalf-elfoffherfeet,loweringherwhenTrinitysmackshisside.“Asyoucansee,we

decidedtorestrainyouandItookthelibertyofclaimingatrophy.Howwasyourmeetingwithintheheadofourmutualfriend?”

“WhatdidyoudotoNyx?”Sariasksassheslipsoutofherbonds.Thegypsyimmediatelyfreezes,herhandgentlypressingadagger

againstherownthroat.“Youcowardlybastard.Letmego!”

“Hedidn’tdoanything.Theropesandyourcurrentsituationisallme,”Trinityanswerswithawaveofherhand.Theamberropesaroundherrivalbegintodisappear,butsuddenlygrow

tighterwhenherfingerstwistinunnaturaldirections.“Thathurt,Stephen!Fixmyhandandletmedropthespell.Youdon’tlikeitwhenyourwomenandyourenemiesareunabletofightback.”

“True,butshe’sawakenow,”hereplies,hungrilylickinghislips.“I’msureshe

hasafewgoodscreamsinher.Thelookonherfriends’faceswillbepricelesstoo.”

StephenreleasesNyxatthesametimehesmacksTrinityintheface,sendingthechaoselfintoatree.Thesoundofherimpactismuffledbyacushionofairthatshecreatesagainsther

back,butsheisstilldazedfromtheinitialblow.Impressedbyhiscompanion’sreflexes,StephencasuallyturnsbacktoNyxandreceivesasolidpunchtohismouth.TheunexpectedattackholdsenoughforcetomakehimleanawayfromDariana,who

picksoneofhisteethoutofherknuckles.Sheswingsherlegathisheadandheputshisarmsuptoblock,buthisopponent’slimbdisappearslikeahazymirage.Unabletodefendhimself,thestrongkneetohisstomachcausesStephentodoubleoverandgaspforair.Notwantingto

fightanymore,hedrawshisbastardswordandaimsitatNyx,whichforcesDarianatostepinfrontofthecaster.Theblack-hairedmanmakesaplayfuljabandissurprisedwhenthechampionkickstheweaponfromhisgrasp,herbarefootunharmedbytheedgeoftheblade.

“You’restillanannoyingweakling,”Stephenstates,hisweaponreturningtoitsleatherscabbard.HerubshisstomachashechecksonTrinityandhealsherminorinjuries.“Iguessyou’rebackinthegame.Ican’tsayI’mhappytoseeyousincewe’vebeendoingthisdancefor

centuries.”“LeavemyfriendsandI

alone,”Darianademandsinaquiveringvoice.

“Yourfriends?”“Yes.”“Doyoureallywantto

makeitthateasy?”“Pleasedon’tsayit.”Withacruelsmile,

Stephenclapshishandsandthebondsaroundtheadventurerssputteroutofexistence.HestaresatDarianawhoremainsbetweenhimandNyx,thecasterbathedinfirethatripplesaroundherbody.Turningonhisheel,theimmortalnoblemangrabs

Trinitybythearmandtheyvanishfromtheclearing.Theadventurersrelaxandreleasetheirheldbreaths,butdrawtheirweaponswhenStephenreappears.

“Ialmostforgothowbadyouareatintroductions,”hesays,grinninglikeademon.Hebowstothesilver-haired

championashisbodyfadesaway.“MayIintroduceallofyoutoDariana...Kernaghan.Enjoyyournewfriends,littlesister.FatherandIwillbewatchingyouasusual.”

5

Darianasitsontheedgeofherbed,herwhiteeyesnervouslydartingfromonepersontoanother.Hermusclesachefrombeingpushedsosoonafterwakingup,herrightcalffeelinglikeitisstrained.Thepainisawelcomedsignthatsheisno

longerasleepeventhoughthetensionintheairnearlychokesher.Thewomanistemptedtoreadtheirsurfacethoughts,butknowsitwouldonlymakehersituationworse.Itisdifficultenoughtoignorethesensationssheisfeelingfromtheotherchampions’mixofemotions,

whichcallouttoDarianalikesirens.NyxandDelvinareespeciallyhardtoputoutofhermind,soshefocusesonhummingtheharpsectionofherfavoritesong.Shestopswheneveryoneglancesather,theireyesholdingmorecautionthanwarmth.

“I’llsaytheobvious,”

Delvinannounces,leaningagainstatreewithhisarmscrossed.“Ifearthisisatrap,butitmakesnosenseifitis.DarianaisobviouslythesixthchampionandStephendoesn’tlikeher.”

“Thatcouldbetoingratiatehertous,”Timoranpointsoutfromwhereheis

sittingontheground.“Iamsorry,Dariana,butweneedtobecautious.ItmakesnosensetomewhyGabrielwouldputthedaughterofourgreatestenemyonourside.”

“That’stheonlypartI’vefiguredout,”thebrown-hairedwarriorinterjectsbeforetheirnewcompanion

canspeak.“It’stotakeapowerfulweaponoutoftheBaron’shands.HealreadyhasStephen,soDarianawouldbetoomuch.Thesidesneedtobesomewhateven.”

“Icanexplainifpeoplewishformetospeak,”thenervouswomanoffers,meeklystaringatherfeet.

Sarieyesherwhilejugglingthreedaggersandhermoneypouch.“Youdon’thavetoaskpermission.Beingtimidisn’tgoingtoendearyoutous.Ifanything,itmakesyoumoresuspicious.Sodroptheactandbeyourtrueselflikewhenwewereinyourhead.”

“But...thisistherealme,”Darianareplies,hersilverhairshimmeringwhensunlighthitsit.Shestepsawayfromthebeam,fearingthatsomeonemightthinksheisusingherpowerstodistractthem.“Everyoneisstrongerand...betterintheirownmind.Mypowerisgreatest

whenI’masleep,sothatiswhereI’mmoreconfident.Intherealworld,I’mafreakofmagicandthedaughterofanevilman.Ihaveverylittlereasontobebraveherebecauseitwouldgiveoffthewrongimpression.”

Fizzlelandsonhershoulderandissurprisedat

thewayshetenses.Hestretcheshisbodytostareintohereyes,whichhenoticesaredisguisedbyathickcoatingofsolidaura.UnderneaththelayeredillusionsareblueirisesidenticaltoStephen’sandadepththatmesmerizesthecuriousdragon.Fizzlesnaps

outofhistrancewhenhefeelsacoolhandticklehischin.HelicksDariana’sfingers,causinghertopullthemawayandattempttogetawayfromthedrite.Shefallsoffthebedandstayssittingontheground,refusingtoseeiftheothersarestillpayingattentiontoher.

“Youknow,shedidhelpLukewiththeDarkWindcurse,”Sarisays,tuckingherdaggersintoherskirts.“Thoughshedidtakethathelpback,butthatwasbecauseshehadbeenpunished,right?Soshe’salreadyhelpedsaveyourlife,Luke.”

“Nimbydidthattooandlookwhathappenedthere,”hebitterlyresponds,feelingguiltyaboutthewordsassoonashehearsthem.“I’msorry,Dariana,butI’vebeentrickedbyanagentofyourfatherbefore.YousavedmetwiceandIthankyouforthat.It’sjustthat...I’mscaredto

trustyouandleavemyselfopentoanotherbetrayal.”

“Wewouldbefoolsifwewerenotcautious,”Timorancalmlyadds,narrowinghisgazeatthewoman.HeisquietlyamazedathowfrailandtimidsheisconsideringthatshewasbeatingonStephenlessthananhour

ago.“Thisisalotmore

complicatedthananyofuseverexpected,”Delvingroanswhilerubbinghiseyes.ThewarriorapproachesDarianaandoffersherhelpinstanding,hereyesstilllockedonherdirt-cakedfeet.“Howaboutexplainingwhythe

daughterofourenemywasmadeachampion?Thatmightshedsomelightonwhatwe’redealingwith.”

“Allofyoushouldknowifyousearchyourminds.Mypastispartofyounow.”

“Idon’tlikethatyouplantedmemoriesinmyhead!”Sariangrilysnaps,

stormingovertoDariana.Shehastostandonhertoestogetclosetothetallerwoman’sface,butthegypsyisstilltooshorttobeintimidating.“Irefusetosearchforthesethoughts.Infact,takethemoutofmyheadbecauseIdon’ttrustthem.Doittoallofusbecausethatisn’thow

yougetpeopletounderstandyou.”

DarianaflicksSari’sforehead,creatingasparkofmagicthatdriftsintotheairanddisappearsinthesunlight.Fromadistance,shemakesthesamemotiontowardtheotherchampionswhowinceatthesensationof

beingflickedbyaninvisiblehand.OnebyoneasparkrisesfromtheirheadsandvanishesuntilonlyNyxremains,thequietcasterstaringatthecloudswhilelyingonherback.NothinghappenswhenDarianatriestoremovehermemoriesfromtheyoungwomanwhobegins

whistlinganElvenlullaby.Shetriesagainandfeelsahandofwarmthpushheragainstthebed,thehazyformtouchinghercheekbeforedispersing.Theurgetotryagainrisesinherchest,butsheistooscaredtogothroughwithanotherattempt.Ittakesherafewsecondsto

realizethatshecannotremovehermemoriesbecausethehalf-elfiscurrentlylookingthroughthem.

“Doyouwantmetoshareorletthemlearnontheirown?”Nyxasks,sittingupwithtwigsinthebackofherhair.Sheturnsthetiny

sticksintoashesandwatchesthemdriftonthebreeze,afewneedingtobewipedfromhershoulders.“I’vebeenexaminingyourmemoriessinceStephenleft,soIknowyourstory,Dariana.Ialsoknowyouleftsomethingsout,butIdon’tblameyou.Afteralltheprevious

championstreatedyouterribly,soIcanseewhyyouwantedtoopenyourselfuptous.ThoughI’msurprisedyoutriedthisagainconsideringwhathappenedthelasttime.TrustmewhenIsaynoneofuswilldothattoyou.”

“Keephersecrets,Nyx,”Delvinrequests,holdingup

hishandtosilenceDariana.Hesmilesatherforthefirsttime,whichbecomesafrownwhenshelooksaway.“Iprefertolearnaboutyoutheold-fashionedway.Thatshouldmakethiseasiertohandleandmakeitfeelmorelikeafriendshipifitcangetthatfar.Doeseveryone

agree?”“Ijustwanttoknowwhy

Gabrielchoseher,”Lukestatesashehearsdistantvoicesintheforest.“I’dappreciateitifyoucouldexplainitquickly.Thevictimsofthecursearewanderingaroundoutthereandtheyseemscared.”

“It’ssimplerthanwhatDelvinsaid,”Darianasoftlyanswers,hermindsearchingfortheconfusedpeople.Shegingerlycoaxesalloftheminthedirectionoftheroadwheretheywillgatherandwaitfortheadventurers.“TheBaronandGabrielareancientenemiesfromwhentheywere

mortal.MebeingturnedintoachampionisoneofthefewwaystheTripleGodcanstrikeatmyfather.It’spettyandcausesmepain,butI’mnothingmorethanaweaponinthisgame.Ithurtsmymothertoo,butI’mnotstrongenoughtospeakofhernow.”

“Perhapsweshouldhavethisconversationinatavern,”Timoransuggests.ThebarbarianfingerstheCompassKeydanglingfromhisneckandlooksattheirnewally.“Areyouabletoseethis?”

“YesandIknowithasbeenhiddenfrommyfather’s

agents.”“Inthatcaseitappears

youtrulyareonourside”Nyxpullsasparecloak

outofherbagandbringsittohernewfriend,stretchingtoputitonthetallerwoman’sshoulders.“IagreewithTimoranaboutthetavern.Itdoesn’thelpustobeparanoid

aboutDariana.She’soneofusandthere’snoquestionaboutthat.Bythetimewegettoatown,we’llhavemorequestionsandwecantalkoverrealfoodandale.”

“Idon’tdrink,”thesilver-hairedchampionannounces.

“ThenyouandIhave

evenlessincommon,”Sariquicklyclaims,turningonhertoesandwalkingaway.“I’llbehave,butI’mstayingonguard.”

Thegypsyleadsthewayintotheforestandtheothersfollow,butDarianahangsbackwithFizzleonhershoulder.Shefindsithardto

movewhensheseesLuketaketheleadandstartplayfullyarguingwithSari.Awaveofhappinesswashesoverthetelepath,butsheknowsitisnothingmorethantheemotionsofothers.Herownheartisstillgrippedwithfearandsadness,thememoriesofherpast

threateningtorisetothesurface.Darianaputsherhandsinherpockets,nearlypushingthelooseclothingdowntoherknees.Hermuscletoneisgraduallyreturning,butthebaggyclotheshidehowemaciatedshereallyis.

“Whywereyouquiet?”

Darianaasksthedrite.“Fizzlesenseyousad.

Notmakeworse.Fizzlestayneutralwhilelisten.TrustNyxtoo.”

“Iwonderwhyshetrustsme.”

AsterncoughmakesthewomanjumpandherheadjerksuptoseeNyxwaitinga

fewstepsaway.Withawarmsmilethecasterstates,“Welcometothefamily,bigsister.”

*****LukeandNyxleadthe

mobofconfusedwanderersdownthesouthwesternpath,knowingthatitwilltakeaweektoreachthenearest

town.Afterafewsubtleconversationswiththecollectionoffarmersandtravelers,thechampionslearnthattwodayshavepassedsincetheyweredrawnintoDariana’smind.Mostofthepeopleonlyrememberenteringtheforestatthefirstsignofsunlight,butthereare

ahandfulwhoadmittohavingwaitedadayortwobeforebravingthemist.TheonlysurvivorsfromtheDayofDarknessisaquartetofbarbarianwarriors,whoagreetospreadoutaroundtheedgeofthemobincasetheyareattackedbypredatorsorbandits.Ahandfuloflost

childrenhaveclaimedSariastheirprotector,neverstrayingmorethanafewstepsawayfromthestory-tellinggypsy.Onegirl,whocouldnotbeanyolderthantwo,hasatighthugaroundFizzle,thedritewrappinghistailaroundherwaist.TimoranandDelvinmovethroughthecrowdto

answerquestionsandcheckontheelderlyandinjuredthattheyhaveplacedinthemiddle.Eventually,thegroupoffortyfallsintoasteadypaceandtheiranxietyshrinksintoafainttremorintheirwhisperedvoices.

“She’sstillhidingintheback,”Nyxmentionsasshe

looksoverhershoulder.ShecanbarelyseethetopofDariana’sheadbeyondtherestofthegroup.“Wemadeareallybadfirstimpressionwithher.Wellareallybadrealworldimpression.I’mnotreallysurehowthisworkswith...whateversheis.”

“Don’tyouknowwhat

sheis?”Lukeaskswithawideyawn.“Afterall,youhaveallofhermemoriesinyourhead.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeanIunderstandherandI’mnotgoingthroughallofthem,”thecasteradmits,frowningatoneofthebarbarianswhoisharassingacalicowoman.

Shecatchesthelargewarrior’sattention,causinghimtostophisunwantedadvances.“Asfarasherbirth,childhood,andpowersgo,I’minthedark.IsoughtoutherlifeasachampionandI’mgoingtoaskhertoremovethememorieswhenwereachavillage.Theonly

reasonIkeptthemwasbecauseIthoughtshewouldbehurtbyallofusgivinghergiftback.”

“Itwasastrangegift,Nyx.”

“Iagree,butIdon’tthinkshe’sverygoodatdealingwithpeople.”

Luketurnsandwalks

backwardstoseeDariana,whoishangingevenfurtherbackfromtheothertravelers.Henoticesoneofthebarbariansglaringather,butheabruptlyturnshisattentiontohelpinganelderlyhalflinggetoverapuddle.AshewatchesDariana,Lukebecomesawarethatanyone

wholooksherwayisimmediatelydistractedbysomethingelse.Theonlypeopleabletofocusonthesilver-hairedwomanaretheotherchampions.

“Ithinkshe’susingherpowerstoavoidpeople,”theforesttrackersaysashefacesNyxagain.Heexamineshis

yellowfeastring,theimagesofagobletandcookedchickenclearlyetcheduponthemetal.“I’llusemyringtogiveussomefoodinadayortwo.Fornow,wecanhuntandfindfreshwaterintheforest.I’mstillafraidpeoplemightgetworriedandpaniconcethesungoesdown,

especiallythekids.MaybeyoushouldtalktoDarianaaboutfindingawaytokeeppeoplecalm.”

“Hergoingintopeople’smindswouldcausetrouble,”Nyxwhispers,hervoicetingedwithannoyance.Shemovesclosertoherfriend,fearingthatsomeonemight

overhearthem.“She’salivingbeing.Notsometoolwecanusewheneverweneedher.Darianahasbeenthroughalot,soweneedtobegentlewithher.”

“Ishouldpointoutthatshe’salreadyusingherpowersonpeople,”Lukereplies,staringdownthe

otherhalf-elf.Heletsoutalong,slowbreathandgoesbacktolisteningfortrouble.“Ineversaidsheshoulduseherpowers.Imeantthatweshouldgetherinvolvedinthings.Wehaveaweekofbeingontheroad,sowecan’twaitforatavernbeforeweinteractwithournew

companion.”“Goodidea.I’msorryI

snappedatyou,littlebrother.It’sjustthatweweresocoldandmeantoher.”

Lukewatchesforthesourceofarapidheartbeattohisright.Herelaxeswhenayellowhummingbirdflitsoutofthebushes,curiouslydarts

aroundthegigglingchildren,andreturnstotheforest.Theanimalvanishesquickerthanheexpects,makinghimwonderifitwasrealtobeginwith.HeisabouttomakeeyecontactwithSari,buthiskeeneyescatchtheflickerofasmileonDariana’sface.

“IknowandIfeelbad

aboutit,Nyx.I’msuretheothersdotoo.Stillyoucan’tblameusforbeingcautiousanddistant.Weallhavealotofquestions.WhyhastheBaronkeptheraliveandshownaninterestinher?Doessheknowwhytheotherchampionsfailed?WhyisDarianaimmortalandwhois

hermother?”“IthinkI’mgoingtotalk

toherbeforeIgettemptedtoreadmoreofhermemories,”thecasterquietlysays,wrinklinghernosewhenLuketusslesherhair.“ThoughIthinktheBaronisinterestedinherbecauseshe’shisdaughter.Inher

memories,there’salwaysasensethathegenuinelycaresaboutherwellbeingandisupsetthatshe’sbeenpittedagainsthim.I’llfindoutmoreafterIchatwithher.NotlikeI’manygoodasaforwardscout,soImightaswellmakemyselfuseful.”

Nyxmovestothesideof

thepathandrestsagainstatreewhileeveryonewalksbyher,Sariandthechildrenstoppingtosayhello.Theymoveonaftershecreatesatinydeeroflightinherpalmandhasitjumparoundthekids.Withabeamingsmile,shewatchesthemcontinuewalking,theirexcitedtalkof

themagicwomanechoingthroughthetrees.AminutepassesbeforeNyxfallsinalongsideDariana,whoisseveralyardsbehindthecrowd.Shetakestheotherwomanbythearmandtriestodragherclosertotheothers,buttheyneverappeartomakeanyprogress.

“Whyareyouhidingbackhere?”Nyxasksinfrustration.“Itakeityou’renotusedtocrowds,sothismakesyounervous.”

“WhenIwasachild,Ihadverylittlecontrolovermypowers.CrowdswereasourceofanguishbecauseIcouldn’tblocktheirthoughts

andenergy.Accidentshappened,soIwascloisteredintheZarianMonastery,”Darianaexplainswithoutlookingdirectlyatthecaster.Sheshiverswhenafewstrongemotionsslipthroughherdefenses.“Ilearnedtomaintainshieldswithinmymind,butthey’restill

regeneratingfrommylongslumber.Theydon’talwaysworkwhenIsleep,soIapologizeinadvanceifIwanderintoyourdreams.Imightsleepwalktoo,soI’msorryifthatcausestrouble.”

“Stopwiththeapologizing,”Nyxhisses,puttinganinvisiblehandof

forceoverDariana’smouth.“FortheloveofeverygodonWindemere,wouldyouwaituntilyoumakeamistakebeforeyousayyou’resorry?Don’teventhinkofsayingwhatIknowyou’retemptedtosay.I’llcastaspellonyouthatmakesyoulaughforanhour.”

Darianastaresatthehalf-elf,unsureifsheshouldspeakormoveaway.Thehandoverhermouthdisappearsandsheisabouttoapologize,butclampsherjawsshut.Acuriouscalicolooksbackatthewomen,turningawaywhenNyxpolitelyshooshim.They

continuewalkinginsilenceandletthemixofvoiceswashoverthem.AviolentshudderrunsthroughDariana’sbody,whichstopswhenhercompanionstrokesherarm.

“Ithinkyou’rebettersuitedtobetheoldersisterhere,LadyNyx.”

“You’vebeenaroundforafewcenturies,soyou’restuckwiththetitle,”thehalf-elfwhispers,gentlyreleasingDariana’sarm.“SoLukeandIweretalkingaboutthisjourney.Hethoughtthetwoofusshoulddiscussawaytopreventpeoplefrompanicking.Foodandrest

mightbeanissueaswellasfiguringoutwherethechildrenwillgo.Ihaven’tseenanyonestepupclaimingtobetheirparents.”

“Onemanwasgoingto,buthe’saslavetrader,”Darianatimidlystates,noddingherheadtowardatallelfwithebonyhair.He

hasadazedlookonhisfaceashescanstheforest,hisglassyeyessearchingforbutterflies.“I...changedhismindandremindedhimofhisloveofinsectsasachild.Asforthechildren,Itookthelibertyofscanningtheirmindsforimagesandnamesoftheirparents.Noneofthem

appeartobeorphans,soIplanonaskingSaritohelpmewithdrawings.Icangivethosetosomeoneofauthorityinthedistantvillageandthechildrenwillbereunitedwiththeirfamilies.”

“Sarican’tdraw.”“No,butIcanguideher

hands,whicharemorenimble

thanmyown.AtleastthatiswhatIwilltellher.”

“WhataboutLuke?”“Ithoughtthiswouldbe

abondingeventformyselfandSari,”Darianaanswers,fearingthatshehasmadeamistake.Sheglancedatthegypsy,whoistryingtoconvinceDelvintocarryone

ofthelittleboysonhisshoulders.“Isensedthemostamountofhatefromher,butitstemmedfrombeingprotectiveofeveryoneelse.Mylineagemakesmeapotentialthreatinhermind,whichisunderstandableafterherdealingswithmybrotherandwhathappenedwith

Kayn.Idon’tbelievetheotherswillbeaseasilyacceptingofmeasyouare,Nyxie.Whyareyoutrustingmesoquickly?”

“First,onlySaricallsmeNyxie,”thecasterexplainswithafriendlysmile.Shesnapsherfingerstohidetherestoftheirconversation

fromtheearsofthecuriouscrowd.“Ireadathoughtwithinyourmemoriesthatcarriedovertheyears.Itwasalwaysthere.Youfearthatyouwereborntobeaweapon,sothisprophecyistheonlyreasonyouexist.Nodreamsforthefuturebecauseyoudon’tfeel...human

enoughtogetthechancetoliveasimplelife.Everyuseofyourpowersandeveryeventthatdealswithyourdestinymakesyouquestionwhoorwhatyoutrulyare.Ifeelthesameway.”

“Isensedthataboutyou,butIdon’tseewhyyoufeelthatway.”

Nyxsighsandrubsheramethystnecklace,thesmoothfacadesanoddcomfort.“I’vebeentoldofmydestinysinceIwasaverysmallchild.NomatterwhatIdid,Ithoughtabouthowmypathwouldbeaffected.IfocusedoncombatmagicandbeingtoughbecauseIknewI

wouldgrowuptofight.Everyfriendwaskeptatadistancebecausenoneofthemcouldfollowme.AtleastuntilImetLukeanddrunkenlymadehimpromisetohelpme.Look,Dariana,wemightnotbeidenticalinbackground,butbothofushavematuredintothesame

mentality.Ifyoucanevencallitmaturing.Anyway,it’sonlyrecentlythatIstartedbelievingIcoulddreambeyondthefinalbattlewiththeBaron.Youcandothesame.”

DarianaflicksNyx’snose,whichremoveshermemoriesfromthehalf-elf’s

mind.Withaswiftwaveofherhand,shecatchestherisingsparkandrollsitinherpalm.Theenergyspreadsintoasmallpoolandflowsupthewoman’sarm,slippingbeneathhertatteredsleeveandreappearingonherneck.Theliquidmemoriesgointoherearandshemumblesasif

havingaprivateconversationwiththem.

“Itappearsyoutookverylittleadvantageofmymemories.Areyouliketheothersandscaredtolearnaboutme?Didyoureallyonlykeepthemforthislongbecauseyoudidn’twanttoupsetme?”

“Itfeltwronglookingthroughyourlifeinsteadofhearingaboutit,”Nyxanswers,nervouslyrunningherhandsthroughherhair.Sheletsafewtrailsoffirerollthroughhershortlocks,thedisplayearningherafewcuriousstares.“Iknowthatpreviouschampionsrefused

tolearnmoreaboutyouonceStephenrevealedyourlineage.Thatwasverycruelofthem.Yettheanswerisn’ttomakeyourselfanopenbooksinceyoudidnothingwrong.Itwasourpredecessorswhowereinthewrong.You’realivingcreaturewhoneedsfriends,

soshareyourstorywithusaswetravel.”

“Iwilltrymybest,”Darianapromisesasshescansthecrowd.Afewpowerfulemotionsstrikehermindandhermouthgoesdry,thetasteofironappearingonhertongue.“Somethingiswrong.Thebarbariansare

gone.Allfiveofthem.I’llcatchup.”

“Goodluck,”Nyxsayswhileshewatchesthesilver-hairedwomansprintintotheforest.

*****Timorancatchesthe

stonemaulbythehandleandcasuallytossestheblonde

barbariantotheside.Hisgreataxeisstillstrappedtohisbackandherefusestodrawitwhilehisarmedenemiescirclehim.Theheavilyscarredmanwithanotchedbroadswordfakesanattacktodrawtheadventurer’sattention,buttheolderwarriordoesnottake

thebait.Theswordsman’scompaniondoesnotrealizetheirplanhasfailedandcontinueshissneakattack.Timoranstepsasideandpushesthechargingspearmanahead,usingtheyouth’smomentumtoknockhimoffhisfeet.Ablack-hairedbarbarianinchainmail

anxiouslywatchesandwaitsforanopportunitytostrikewithhissapphireaxe.Everytimehethinkstheveteranisdistracted,heinchesforwardandstopswhenTimoranwhirlsaroundtofacehim.

“Idonotwishtohurtyou,”theredheadedchampionsaysasheturnsto

watchallofhisenemies.“Thatmakesourjob

easier,”theaxe-wieldingbarbarianstateswithagrin.“Weweren’tsureitwasyouuntilweheardthatwarriorsayyourname.Nowthatweknow,wecanclaimthebountyonyourhead.”

“Andweonlyneedthe

headtoo,”thespearmanjokes,chucklingathisownjoke.Hefrownsathisarmoredleaderandholdsouthishands.“Whyaren’tyoulaughing,Alanik?”

“Shutup,Ralgin.”“RalginandAlanik.That

meanstheothertwomustbeSentrentandBanton,”

Timoransays,hishandfallingtothehandleofhisgreataxe.Heseestheswordsmanandmaulfighternervouslyglanceattheirleader.“Whatrewardcouldfourdesertersclaim?Youwouldbearresteduponyourreturntothetribe.”

“He’sright,Alanik,”

Sentrentsays,lettingthetipofhissworddroptowardtheground.“Ithinkweshouldforgetaboutthis.Besides,wewereneverabletobeatTimoraninthesparringsessions.He’slegendary.”

“Atleasthewasbeforehisexile,”Bantonpointsout,hisvoicegravellyanddeep.

Heswingshismauloverhisheadandslamsitintoasmalltree,knockingitover.“Isaywestopbeingniceandtakehishead.Therewarddidn’tsayweneedtobringhiminalive.”

Ralginchucklesandspinshisspearinanticipation.“That’swhatIsaid.”

“Willallofyoushutup?”Alanikangrilygrowls.“Timoranhasapoint.We’reaswantedasheis,butbringinghimbackalivewouldhelpusgainsomeforgiveness.Killinghimmakesusmindlessmercenaries.Aliveshowswe’reinterestedinjustice,

whichwouldappealtoKingEdric’shonor.Aimforthelimbsortrytoknockhimout.”

Thebarbariansstarttoclosein,buttheyareparalyzedafterafewsteps.Theirattemptstospeakarethwartedbylockjawandtheirmusclesquiverwithimpotent

rage.WhenAlaniktriestobackawayfromTimoran,hisbodyisfreedandhesignalsfortheotherstodothesame.ThesnappingofatwigdrawstheirattentiontoDariana,whotossesthebrokenbranchtothegroundatRalgin’sfeet.Thesilver-hairedwomanlooksuncertainastowhatshe

shoulddonext,sosherubshertempleswithherknuckles.

Beingtheclosesttoher,BantondropshismaulandrushesforwardwithhisburlyarmouttograbDariana.Heissurprisedwhensheleanstothesideanddeliversaquickjabtohisarmpit.Theforceof

theblownumbshislimb,whichhestubbornlyswingslikeafleshyclub.Darianaeffortlesslydodgesthehaphazardattacks,backingtowardRalginwhoreadieshisspear.Hestabsatthewoman,buthismusclespainfullylockafewinchesshortofhittingher.Banton

freezesinmid-flailandgrowlsasthechampionstepsoutfrombetweenthetwobarbarians.

“I’msorry,butIneedtoaskaquestionbeforecontinuing,”shesayswithasmallbowtoTimoran.Decidingtomakeashowofherpowers,shesnapsher

fingerstofreeBantonandRalginfromtheirparalysis.“I’mnotsurewhatthisisaboutorwhyyourefusetotrulyfightback.Iwillfightinyourplacetorelieveyouofthethreatofkillingyourkinsmen.Doyouwishforthemtodie,beinjured,orsimplyknocked

unconscious?”“You’renotgoingto

hidebehindthiswoman,areyou?”Alanikmockinglyasks,tossinghisaxefromhandtohand.Beingsmartenoughtoknowthestrangerissomekindofcaster,theman’sdilatedeyesrevealhisfear.“Doyouknowyou’re

helpingacriminal?”Darianameetsthe

deserters’leaderwithaconfidentgazethatsendsachillthroughallofherenemies.“He’smyallyandIknowhimtobeagoodman.Idon’tknowthedetails,butIsensethisisacomplicatedsituation.StillIwillsidewith

mycompanion.”“She’snotnormal,”

Sentrentwhisperstohisleader.“Let’srunaway.”

“Shutup,Sentrent!”Alanikshouts,throwingarockatthecowardlywarrior’shead.“Weoutnumberthemandshe’ssoscrawny.Evenifshefrozeus,

weknowwherethey’regoingandwillcatchupeasily.Afterall,wewon’thaveaherdoffarmersslowingusdown.”

“MagicalparalysiswouldbeablessingafterI’mdonewithallofyou.”

Timoranlaughsattheprimalfearonthebarbarians’facesandtakesaseatinthe

middleofthecircle.“MyhandsaretiedbecauseIsworetonevershedthebloodofmytribe.Eventhesedesertersareprotectedbymyoath.AllIaskisthatyoukeepthemaliveandinaconditionwheretheycantraveltothevillage.”

DarianasprintsatRalgin

andlandsaflyingkicktohischest,sendingthelargerfightercrashingthroughafullgrowntree.BantonandSentrentrushforwardwiththeirweaponsheldhigh,slammingthemintothegroundwheretheiropponentoncestood.Thenimblewomanswingsoutofthe

branchesandgracefullylandsbehindtheswordsman.ShedeliversapowerfulkicktothebackofBanton’slegs,flippinghimoffhisfeet.Beforehelands,shedrivesherelbowintohisstomachandknocksthewindoutofhislungs.SentrentcautiouslymovesawayfromDarianaas

Ralgineruptsfromtheforestwithanotherroaringcharge.Leapingattheenragedbarbarian,thechampiongrabsthespearandhoistshimofftheground.Spinningonhertoes,shehurlshimatSentrent,whodivestothesideandletsRalginslamintoaboulder.Withalightning

quickkick,shesendstheswordsmanrollingthroughsomethornbushesandintoastumpwhereheremainswhimperingandholdinghisjaw.

ThesoundofablademovingthroughtheaircausesDarianatospinaround,catchingthethrowingaxean

inchfromherface.ShedropstheweaponandmovestostepoutofAlanik’sway,frowningwhentheblack-hairedbarbarianstopsshort.Histightswingsaremetwithprecisebare-handedblocksthathittheaxeheadwiththesameamountofforceasitsowner.Afewstiffkicks

strikethearmoredwarrior,butDarianaisunabletouseherfullstrengthasshemaintainsaprotectivecoatingonherhands.Droppingherdefenses,sheletsoneslashcomenarrowlyclosetoherchest,theedgenickinghershirt.Withafluidmotion,shegrabsAlanik’swristand

yankshimoff-balance.Thesilver-hairedwoman’slegshootsuptoramherbarefootintohisjawandfilltheareawithapainfulcrunch.Thecursingwarriorcrumplestohiskneesandspitsoutseveralteeth,hisdominantarmhanginguselessathisside.

“Weshouldreturntothe

others,”shetellsTimoran,asenseofurgencyinhervoice.

“Letusmakesuretheyareout.”

Darianastompsherfoot,sendingawaveofenergythatshocksthefallenwarriorsintounconsciousness.“Itwillbetwelvehoursbeforetheyawakenandregainmuscle

control.Thepredatorsoftheforestwillstayawaythankstomyresidualaura.Nowwereallymustreturntothegroup.”

Timoranfollowshiscompanionintotheforest,pushinghimselftokeepupwiththefasterrunner.Heclambersoverafallentree

thatDarianaleapsoverlikeafrighteneddeer,thewomanlandingwithoutasound.Thebarbariangraduallyclosesthedistancewithhisally,buthesoonrealizesitisbecausesheisslowingdown.Hermovementsarelaboredandherlimbsspasm,whichmakesherstumbleandstart

tofall.Timorancatchesherbytheshouldersandissurprisedathowherbodycollapsesbeneathhistouch.HecradlesDarianainhisarmsandcontinuesrunningtowardtheroad.

“Mybodyisnotasstrongorasfastasyouthink,”shewhispersina

dreamyvoice.Shereachesoutforoneoftheshiningbutterfliesthatflittersontheedgeofhervision.“Mypowersareofthemindandaura,soIusethemtoenhancemyphysicaltraits.ItwearsmedownifIkeepitonformorethantenminutes.ThisiswhyI’mmoreformidable

inthementalrealm.Areyouokay,Timoran?”

“Iwasnevertouched.Howlongdoyouneedtorecover?”

ThegentlesnoringandabruptslacknessofDariana’sbodyworriesTimoranuntilhehearshervoicesinginginhishead.Holdinghertight

againsthischest,thebarbarianrunsasswiftlyandsoftlyashecan.

6

“Whyarewewithher?”Sariasksassheexaminesthewallofdresses.SheisamazedthatasmallvillagelikeLumbhasaclothingstorewithsuchaselection.“NyxandTimoranaretheonesthatlikeher.”

“We’retheonlyones

whoarefree,”Lukereplies,keepinghisvoicelow.Hegrimacesatalargehatwithtwopuffyfeatherscomingofftheleft-handside.“NyxisbringingthelostkidstotheguardswhileDelvinfindsusaboatthatwilltakeustoBor’daruk.HewantsTimorantostaynearhimincasethose

assassinsreturn.I’msurprisedGeneralVilehadabountyonthebigguyandthisisthefirstwe’veheardaboutit.”

“You’resoadorablewhenyou’regullible,”thegypsycoosasshespinsovertothehalf-elf.Shestopsherselffromgivinghimakiss

andslipsaroundhimtocheckarackofsleevelesstunics.“AsIwasgoingtosay,there’smoretowhathappened.TimoranhasasecretandDarianaknowsit.Ifhetrustshertokeepitandgoalongwithanobviousliethenthey’refreetodoso.Ijustdon’tseewhywe

couldn’tletherbuysupplieswithoutanescort.”

“Shehasnomoney.”“Likewedo?”“Youhaveasmall

fortuneinyourskirts.”SaristaresatLuke,

fightingthesmilethatpullsatthecornersofhermouth.“Somanywaystotakethat

comment.”“Howisthis?”Dariana

callsfromtheothersideofablackcurtain.

Withanervoussmileandastumble,thetallwomanstepsoutofthechangingroomwearingalowcutdressthatbarelyreachesherknees.Theskirtistightaroundher

legs,whichlookverypaleagainstthebrightredfabricoftheclothing.Bluesilkglovesrunuptoherelbows,bothofthemalreadyshowingsignsthattheyaregoingtorolldowntoherwrist.AwhitecapewithafurtrimtrailsbehindDariana,thegoldenclasppressingagainst

herthroat.Shehastroublewalkinginthehighheelsthatsqueezeherfeetandcrushhertoes.

“Iguessthisanswersyourfirstquestion,Sari”Lukewhispers.Hegruntswhenhiscompanionelbowshimintheside.“Thatwasunnecessary.”

“Golookatbeltsorsomething,hero,”thegypsyhisses,shovinghimaway.ShecirclesDariana,alookofintensethoughtonherface.“Thisis...allthoseyearsandnobodytaughtyouhowtoshopforclothes?Redisnotyourcoloruntilyougetsomesun,thoseheelsare

beyondyourability,theglovesareridiculous,anddon’tevengetmestartedonthecape.Whathaveyoubeenwearingalltheseyears?”

“Theclothesyoufoundmein,”Darianatimidlyanswers.Shestaresatherfeet,whicharealreadyswollenandaching.“I

thoughtmycombattrainingwouldhelpwiththeheels.Itrainedusingstiltstohelpwithbalance,buttheseshoesaretooawkwardandpainful.”

“Whataboutthecapeandthetightdress?”Sariasks,afraidtoheartheanswer.Shewavesthe

shopkeeperaway,flashingathreateningglaretostoptheyoungmanfromlaughing.“Ican’tevenfigureoutwhattodescribeyouasbecausethisisallovertheplace.Ithinkthecapeiswhatreallyconfusesme.Withoutthat,I’dgowithexpensivebrothelgirlandescort.Howisthis

evenbattleeffective?”“Youhavetheskirts.”“Theflowingcolorsand

layersworkasadistraction,”thegypsyswiftlyresponds.Standingonhertoes,sheputsherhandsonDariana’sshouldersandturnsherbacktowardthechangingroom.“Gobackinthereandtakeall

ofthatoff.StaybehindthecurtainwhileIpickoutanewoutfit.Whatweapondoyouuseandwhat’syourfavoritecolor?”

“WhiteandIamtheweapon,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies,herhandsalreadyundoingtheclaspofthecape.“Thankyoufor

helping.”“ThankmeifIcan

salvagethis.”Sariwandersaroundthe

store,occasionallycheckingtomakesureDarianaisstayingbehindthecurtain.Theblondeshopkeeperwavesforthegypsytomovetowardabackcorner,theyoungman

busywithanothercustomer.Followinghisdirections,shefindsacollectionofclosed-toeflatsandtakesablackpairwithgoldembroideryalongthesides.Returningtothemiddleofthestore,whitepantswithstringstotightenthecuffaroundtheanklecatchesherattention.She

frownsatthelargewaistuntilshefindsthehiddenclaspstoadjustthesize.Spinningonhertoestotakeintheentirestore,SarisearchesforashirtthatwillworkforDariana.SheknocksLukeoutofthewaytogetatawhiteshirtthatcrossesoverthebodyandtiesontheside.Aredmermaidis

onthefront,helpingthegypsyknowwhichflapgoesontop.

“Thatlooksstrangeforashirt,”Lukementions,startlingSariwithhissilentapproach.“Itremindsmeofafencingjacket,butsofterandmoreformfitting.Thecollarseemsflexibleenoughto

allowheadmovement.”“Ithinkthestyleisfrom

oneoftheCerascentIslands.It’llmakeherstandout,buteverythingelselookstoolooseorrestrictive,”Sariexplains,holdingtheshirtinfrontofherforabetterlook.Sherunsherthumbsalongthesmoothfabricthatfeels

likesilk,buthasastrangeresiliencewhensheappliespressure.“It’slikeclotharmorinaway.BringthesetoDarianaandI’llseeiftheyhaveanymore.We’llgetenoughforthetriptoBor’daruk.”

Luketakestheclotheswithoutquestionandhurries

tothechangingroom.Heslipstheclothingbehindthecurtain,avertinghisgazeincaseDarianaisstandinginview.Herhandsarewarmastheytaketheshirt,pants,andshoesfromhim.Lettingoutalongheldbreath,thehalf-elfwaitsbythecurtainincasesheneedsanythingelse.He

watchesSarifollowtheshopkeepertotheback,thepairnegotiatingpricesastheygo.

“IthinkIneedsomeunderweartogowiththis,”Darianasaysasshestepsoutinhernewclothes.Sheadjuststhetiesonherside,shiveringatthecoolfabricon

herskin.“Asidefromthat,thisshirtisverycomfortableandIcanmovefreelyinthepantsandshoes.Maybeblackwouldbebettersincemyhairissobright,butmybrotherisfondofthatcolor.ThatiswhyIwassurprisedtoseehimwearingdarkgreen.I’mconcernedthatIwillruinthe

shoesinmyfirstfight.”“Nyxcanenchantthem

tomakethemtougher,”Lukesuggestsashestepsbacktogetabetterlookatthesilver-hairedwoman.“Youlookgood,Dariana.”

Sheblushesandtakesalookatherselfinthemirror,silentlyrealizingthatshe

shouldbuysomethingtocleanherhair.ThesoundofsomethingbeingdroppedbehindhermakesDarianawhirlaround.ThepileofclothesbetweenherandSariisnearlyuptoherknees,thegypsyhandingafewdiamondspherestotheshopkeeper.Simpleundershirtsandpants

aremixedwithinthetopsthataresimilartotheonesheiswearing.Eachofthetopsisadifferentcolorandhasauniquechestpatternrangingfromwind-likeswirlstoaroaringdragon.Threepairsofshoesareburiedunderthenewwardrobe,oneofthemasetofheelsthatDarianalooks

atwithdoubtandfear.“We’regoingto

practice,”Sarisaysasshepicksuptheintimidatingshoes.“We’llputallofthisinLuke’smagicbag.NyxcanmakeyouoneofyourownduringthetriptoBor’daruk.Allweneednowarebasicsuppliesforyou.”

“Thankyoufortakingthetimetohelpmebuythings,”Darianasays,takingSari’shandandgrippingittightly.Herfaceisflushedandherbreathingisheavy,makingthegypsyfearthatsheisabouttopassout.“Neitherofyoutwohadtohelpme,especiallytogether.I

knowhowuncomfortableyouarewitheachother.Itmustbesopainfultobeclosetotheoneyouloveandnotbeabletoshowthatemotion.Thenagain,bothofyouareconflictedandfeelguiltyaboutwhatyouhavealreadydone.”

SarigrabsDarianabythe

armanddragsherintothechangingroom.Shepushesthewomanagainstthesolidwallandwatcheshersinkontoasmallbench.Theforesttrackerisabouttoenterwhenthegypsydrawsadaggeronhim,pointingattheclotheswithherotherhand.Hegingerlybacksawayand

tapshisear,signalingthathewillbepayingattentionwithhissoundsight.Theblue-hairedgirlshakesherheadandcastsasilencespellaroundthechangingroom,whichgivesthecurtainasoft,yellowshimmer.

“Nevergointomymindagain!”Sarishoutsat

Dariana,loomingoverthecoweringwoman.Alayeroficebeginscreepingupthewallsasthegypsyrants.“Ifyouwantustobefriendsthenrespectmyprivacy.Sothenexttimeyoupokearoundinmythoughts,I’llhaveyourunningnakedthroughthemarketplace.”

“YouactlikeIhaveachoice,”Darianasnaps,jumpingtoherfeet.SheleansdowntobenosetonosewithSari,afireinhereyesthatputsthegypsyonedge.“Mypowersarealwayson.Theycannotbesheathedlikeaweaponorrestrainedlikemagic.ThebestIcandois

keeptheambientthoughtsoutofmyhead,butanythingstronggetsthroughmydefenses.IfI’maroundsuchemotionsfortoolong,IfeelthemandIgetconfused.Iprydeepertofindthecauseandtoconvincemyselfthatthesearenotmythoughts.”

“Thatdoesn’texplain-”

SaribeginsbeforeDarianagrowls.Itisanoisethatshecantellismoreofpassionthananger.“Oh...itcan’tbethatbad.LukeandIagreedtokeepthingsfriendlyuntilwetalktoKira.”

ThestrongerwomanpinsSariagainstthewall,hereyesrollingbackintoherhead.

“Atleasttwiceaday,youtwocomeclosetokissing.Wheneveryoupullback,there’sasurgeofdesirethatfloodsmymindwithwhatyou’vedone.Igethitbylove,passion,guilt,andamessofsomanyemotionsthatIcanbarelycontrolmyself.It’smaddeningandhasme

wantingtogettoBor’darukmorethanyoutwo.”

Sarisitsonthebenchandstaresatherselfinthemirrorasthefrostevaporatesfromthepristinesurface.SheglancesatDariana,whocloseshereyesandtriestopushtheoverpoweringthoughtsfromhermind.

Withoutasound,thegypsystandsandgentlytakesthesilver-hairedwomanbytheface,deliveringastrongkiss.ThemuffledresistancefromDarianastopsasaspelldriftsintohermouthandcalmsherdown.

“I’msorryaboutthesituation,”Sariwhispers

whilegingerlyadjustingtheotherwoman’sshirtcollar.“Myemotionpurgingspellwillworkforabit.I’lltalktoNyxaboutapermanentsolution.”

“Ioncehadaringthatblockedthesethoughtsandfeelings,butStephenstoleitduringourlastencounter,”

Darianaanswersinadreamyvoice.Shetouchesherlips,whichtinglefromthesensationofSari’skiss.“HeplacediteitherintheGardenofUliorHelgardbecausethosetempleshadtheweakerdefenses.Weareheadingtowardthesecondlocation,whichisadesertvolcano.

OncewepurifyHelgard,wecansearchforthering.Ifwedon’tfindittherethenwecantraveltotheGardenofUliusingthedoorways.Beforeyouask,thememoryoftheroutetoHelgardhasbeenpurgedfrommymind.MyfatherandbrothermakesureIrememberverylittleabout

thetemplestomakethingsmoreofachallenge.”

“Yourfamilyreallymessedyouup.Let’sgetoutofhereandfinishourshopping.”

Whentheystepoutofthechangingroom,SariandDarianafindLuketryingtoconvinceayoungwomanto

wait.Shepusheshimoutofthewayandmarchesbehindthecurtain,makingarudegestureattheflusteredwarrior.HeisabouttosaysomethingwhenSarigrabshimbytheearsandkisseshim,herfingersticklingthesensitivetips.Lukecollapses,butheisheldupbythe

gypsy’simmovability.“We’llsharearoomon

theboatandtalk,”shesays,movingawayfromtheforesttracker.ShetakesDarianabythehandandpullshertowardtheexit.“Onekissperdaytotaketheedgeoffandwestayclothedwhensleeping.Cuddlingispermittedtokeep

mynightmaresaway.Dowehaveadeal,Mr.Callindor?”

“Yeah,”Lukenumblyanswersashefollowshisfriends.Heseestheshopkeeperstaringathimwithaconfusedlookonhisface.“Don’task.I’vegivenuptryingtofigureoutwhatI’vegottenmyselfinto.”

*****Thesailorswatchthe

bare-chestedfigureinthebluemoonlightashepracticeshisstrikesonacrudesparringdummy.Delvin’swoodenlongswordhitsthepaddedfigurewithdullthudsthatechoalongthedeck.Severaltimeshe

pretendstoblockwithhisshieldandquicklycounterswithwhateverwouldworkagainsthisimaginaryfoe.Hishairstickstohissweatyforeheadandafewdropsgetinhiseyes,forcinghimtostopandgropeforanearbytowel.Agentleroundofapplausecomesfromthe

friendlycrew,sohetakesasmallbowandimmediatelywhirlsaroundtopointhisswordatapproachingfootsteps.HerelaxeswhenheseesDarianastandingwithherhandsup,herflannelpajamastooshorttocoverhermidriffandcalves.

“Iguessit’smyturn,”he

sayswithasigh.Hedabsatthesweatonhisbody,shiveringatastiffbreeze.“Youmightwanttobuynewpajamaswhenwedock.BorrowingfromNyxwasabadidea.You’reatleastsixinchestallerthanheranditshows.”

“IfeltIhadtakenenough

ofSari’smoney,soIdidn’tremindheraboutthis.IhavemyoldclothestouseafterIcleanthem,”Darianareplies,remainingoutofthewarrior’sreach.Sherubshercoolbelly,thegrowingtensionmakingherconsidergoingbacktoherroom.“Whatdoyoumeanbyyourturn?”

“Foryoutotalktoandfindawaytobefriend,”Delvinreplieswithabroadsmile.Hescratcheshisbackwiththewoodenblade,wincingwhenasplinterpierceshisshoulder.“YouwonFizzleandNyxoverimmediatelysomehow.ThenyousavedTimoranfrom

thoseassassins,whichI’mstillconfusedabout.MostlybecauseIalwaysassumedourenemieskepttheirbusinessinternal,soapublicbountymakesnosense.AsforLukeandSari,youusedguilttosoftenthemup.Tobefair,Lukewasonthefencewithyoufromthebeginning.I’m

impressedatyourprogressinsuchashorttime.”

“YoubelieveI’mmanipulatingeveryonewithmypowers.”

“Itcrossedmymind.”“HowcanIprove

otherwise?”“Idon’tknow.”Darianarubsher

knucklesagainsthertempleswhileDelvintakesadrinkofwaterfromanearbybarrel.ShebrieflyconsiderstellinghimhowNyxreallyfeelsabouthisadvances,butrejectstheideabecauseofthelineitwouldcross.Hereyesfallonawoodenpolethathasbeenleftonthedeck.She

flipsthemakeshiftweaponintoherhandsandspinsittogetafeelforitsbalance.Ittakesafewminutesforhertorememberthebasicsofstaff-fightingthatshelearnedcenturiesagointheZarianMonastery.

“Icansparwithyouwhilewetalk,”sheoffers,

lettingthepoleslidethroughherhand.Itthudsagainstthedeck,nearlymissinghertoes.“I’mnotveryskilled,butIcangiveyoumoreofaworkoutthanyourshadow.”

“Whyareyousodesperatetomakefriends?”Delvinasksasheapproaches.Hemakesaquickfeinttoher

side,causinghertojumpaway.“Icantellthatyoudon’twanttodothis.So,putthestickdownandgobacktobed.”

ThewarriorturnshisbackonDarianatogetmorewater,butswiftlygetshisshieldupwhenhehearsherswing.Aloudcrackfillsthe

airasthestaffstrikesandskittersoffthewoodenbuckler.TheformermercenaryflipsitoverhisheadandflickshispracticeswordatDariana’shands,smackingherknuckles.Shedropsthestafftosuckonherbruisedfingers,earningafewboosfromthesailors.

“Iwon’tgetachallengefromsomeoneusinganunfamiliarweapon,”thebrown-hairedwarriorstatesashetakesasteptowardhiscompanion.Heleapsbacktoavoidablurrykicktohishead,feelinghertoesgrazehisnose.“Impressive,butIdon’twanttofightyou.

There’snoreasontodothis.”“You’reexactlylikethe

previouschampions,”Darianaangrilysays,throwingapunchatDelvin.Herfisthitshisshieldandcracksthewood,earningherastiffkicktoherexposedstomach.“Theywantedmetofighttoprovemypower.IfI

coulddefeatthemthenIwasausefultool.Youhavenodesiretobefriends,soIwon’tbothertrying.IbeatyouandthatprovesIhaveareasontostayachampion.”

“Iguessyou’renotreadingmymind,”Delvinmuttersashejumpsoverasweepkick.Thewarrior

dropshisweaponsandputsuphishands,staringatthefistafewinchesfromhisface.“Idon’tcareifyoubeatmeincombatornot.Itwon’tchangeanythingbecauseI’mnotthetypeofpersonyouthinkIam.Strengthandusefulnessisnothingwithouttrust,whichiswhatyouhave

toearn.”“HowdoIdothat?”“Youdoitovertime,”he

sternlyreplies,returningtothedamptowelandwaterbarrel.“Sofar,you’refailingwithme.Gobacktobedandbehaveyourselffortherestofthetrip.Ihaveafeelingthingswillgetbadin

Bor’daruk.”Darianaputsherhandsin

herpocketsandstaresatherfeetasshegoesbelowdeck,feelingDelvin’seyesboreintoherback.Hewaitsseveralminutestomakesureshedoesnotreturnandtakesaseatagainsttheforemast.Thefaintclickofclawson

thedeckcatcheshisattentionandheblindlyreachesouttopatFizzleonthehead.Withachirp,thedriteappearsandnuzzleshispalm,pushinghisarmaway.

“WhyDelvinmean?”Fizzleasks,hoppingontohisfriend’sknee.

“Becauseoneofushasto

be,”thewarriorexplainswithacrookedsmirk.Heslidesoffthemastandletshissorebodyslumptothefloor.“Idon’tlikebeingthebadguyhere,butwecan’ttrustDarianarightaway.Notwithherlineageandthefactthatshe’sbeenkeptalivebytheBaronforsolong.Iwas

hopingSariwouldbestubborn,butthatdidn’thappen.IpromiseIwon’tgotoofar.”

“Fizzlewillhelp.Beinmiddle,”thedriteoffers,pettingDelvinonthehead.“Fizzlekeepchampionstogether.”

“That’swhyyou’reour

secretweapon.”Feelingdrowsy,Delvin

staresatTavonthebluemoonasitnearstheendofitsdominanceofthesky.HecanalreadyseeasliverofCanstthegreenmoononthehorizon,showingthatspringisonlyafewdaysaway.Thetiredwarriorblinkstogetthe

sleepoutofhiseyes,buthefallsintoagentleslumberinstead.Fizzlecurlsuponhisfriend’sstomachandgivesoffanauraofwarmthtokeepDelvinwarmthroughthebrisknight.

*****Thebalmywindisajolt

totheadventurers’system

afterhavingbeenonthewindyseaforaweek.Longpiersrunoffthefloatingdocktowheretheshipssitinthedeeperwaters,safelyanchoredawayfromthesandbars.ThedistancegivestravelersaclearviewofBor’darukwithitsdome-roofedbuildingsmadeof

darkyellowstone,afewofthempaintedaroundtheeavesandcorners.Everystructureistoppedbyamajesticvanethatspinsinthepowerfulwindthatwhipsofftheocean.Spikeytreescanbeseenamongthesmallerhousesandthequickformsofcolorfulbirdsdartamong

thin-leafedfoliage.Animpressivewallofdarkredgraniteprotectsthecityfromsandstorms,thethickstructuretoweringaboveeverythingelse.Anoccasionalspoutofsanderuptsfromthedesertsideofthedefensivebarrier,aventopeningtoreleaseoneofthe

pilesthathasaccumulatedonthetop.Thearch-shapedwallstopsattheshorelinewhereseveralmetalringsholdthetautropesthatkeepthedocktetheredtothecity.Thetopofasmallwallcanbeseeninthebeachbehindthecratesandtentsoftheshipyard,allofwhicharesealedtoprotect

theinsidesfromthewhirlingsand.

Bellsringasthesmallvesselmovesclosetoanopenpier,thesailorsrushingtothrowmooringlinestothebronze-skinneddockhands.Asuddenswellmakesdockingmoredifficultthantheyexpected,sooneofthebare-

chestedBor’darukianscallsoutforalldockedshipstoraisetheiranchors.Theylettheadventurers’craftdriftfurtherawayasthewallropesslackenandtwomastsareerectedtopowerthemovablenetworkofpiers.Amanandawomancanbeseensteeringthedockyard,their

movementsinperfectunisonastheymaneuverclosertothebobbingvessel.Thedockhandsquicklylashthemooringlinesandsignalforthedocktobebroughtbacktoshore.Withinminutes,everythingissteadiedandalloftheshipshavedroppedanchoragain.

“Strangeplace,”Nyxsayswithayawn.SheleansonDarianaandSariastheyhelphergetontotheundulatingpier.“I’mokay.Justworndownfrommakingthatbag.I’llfeelmuchbetterwhenIgetonsolidland.”

“Watchyourstep,ladies,”ayoungmansays

withacharmingsmile.“Welcometotheheat.Youmightwanttogetlighterclothesifyou’restayinglong.”

“Thanks,butwecameprepared,”Sariresponds,pattingherpouch.Shewipesthesweatfromherbrowbeforeremovinghersleeves

androllinguphershirttoexposehermidriff.“Still,IdoplanondoingsomeshoppingandDariananeedspajamas.Arethereanystoresthatyouwouldrecommend?”

“Ifyouwantcheapthentherearethestallsattheendofthedock,”themananswersashetightensthe

mooringline.Hetakesaquickdrinkfromacanteenthathekeepsonhiship,makingsurenoneofthepreciouswateriswasted.“There’salsothemarketplaceifyouwantvariety.Ifallelsefails,youcanpayextraattheGrasdonstores.Theyusuallyhavesalesgoingon,but

thingsarechaoticaftertheincidents.”

“Incidents?”Darianaasksasthedockhandwalkswiththem.

“It’snotmyplacetotell,buttherehavebeenseveralattacksonthefamily,”hereplies,turningtofacethethreewomen.Henoticesthe

threewarriorsandFizzlejoiningthem,hiseyeslingeringonLukeforanextrasecond.“I’msureyou’llfindoutsoonenough.Afterall,youhavethatpoorbastardwithyou.WaylandGrasdonisnotgoingtobehappytoseeyou,LukeCallindor.Youcausedalotofgriefinhis

world.”Theforesttrackergroans

andrubsthesandfromhiseyes,theactionmakingthemmoreirritated.“IforgotaboutmeetingKira’sfather.Youwouldn’tbewillingtogivemeahintaboutwhatI’mwalkinginto.”

“Noclue,sir.Downin

thestreets,wedon’thavetodealwithforeignersmixingwithourtraditions.”

“Sowe’renotgoingtogetpropositionedeverytimewegoout?”Sariasks,wincingwhenNyxsmacksherupsidethehead.Withawaveofherhand,shesendsaburstofwaterintothehalf-

elf’sface.“Don’tmesswithmewhenwe’reneartheocean.”

Nyxsputtersandgagsonthehorribletasteinhermouth.“That’ssaltwater!”

“Yourpoint?”“Ihopeyougethitonso

badlythatyounevergetamoment’speace.”

“Ladies!”Delvinshoutsfrombehindthem,jerkinghisthumbtotheinsulteddockhandstandingnexttothem.“Iapologizeformyfriends.WeknowverylittleofyourculturebeyondtherelationshipLukehaswithKiraGrasdonandrumorsthatI’msureareincorrect.It

appearsweinsultedyouandforthatwe’reverysorry.”

“Thankyou,”theblack-hairedmansayswithasmallbow.Hewrinkleshisnoseatthesuddensmellofsulfuronthebreezecomingoutofthedesert.“Contrarytowhatforeignersbelieve,wedon’twalkupandproposition

people.Westrikeupconversationswiththosethatarenotofourculture,butmanywillnotgofurtherthananicedinnerorromanticwalk.Intruth,it’sseenasdisrespectfulforaBor’darukiantoperformthetestingtraditionsoutsideofthecity.Ofcourse,the

exceptionisifthey’rebetrothedisaforeigner,buteventhenitistobedonewithrespectanddignity.Theonlyreasonanyofyouthinkit’saboutsexisbecausethat’stheeasiestwaytoexplainittooutsiders.”

“Kiradidsayitwasmorecomplicatedthanshemadeit

outtobe,”Lukesheepishlyadmitsfromthebackofthegroup.Henearlychokesonthefoultasteintheairbeforeherecognizesaputridscent.“Ithinkwegetarematch,Nyx.NotthesameonefromVorgabog,butdefinitelythesamekind.”

“Vorgabog?”thecaster

saysinconfusion.Hereyesgowideandsherushesaheadoftheothers,Lukerightonherheels.“Clearthedocks!ASpurgeiscoming!Stopwhatyou’redoingandrunforcover!”

Asmallfigureapproachingfromthenorthernhorizonswiftly

growsintotheclearformofthepowerfuldemon.Stonewingswithveinsoflavasendsgustsofsand-filledwindatthecitywall,thewavesharmlesslyexplodingagainstthebarrier.Fourpowerfularmsarespreadout,eachoneholdingaweaponofpoison-drippingmetal.People

screamandrunforshelterwhenaroareruptsfromthewild-hairedmonster’smouth,whichisfilledwithdeadlyteeth.Originallyheadingforthecity,thedemonchangescoursewhenNyxfiresaplumeofcracklingflameintothesky.

Thedockshakesandthe

piersrisefromthewaterwhentheenormousSpurgelandsamongthecrates.Itsmashestheboxeswithitsswordsandclubs,afuriousragehavingconsumeditsmind.Anyonetoocloseiscutdownbyaweaponoralargechunkoftheirbodyisremovedbythedemon’s

teeth.TheSpurgeflapsitswingstotaketothesky,butitisknockeddownbyafistofforcethatrepeatedlypoundsitintothesplinteringdock.IthurlsthespellawayandgetstoitsclawedfeetintimetomeetthechargeofLuke,Timoran,andDelvin.Thedemonhastroublefiguring

outwhoisthebiggestthreatandisconfusedevenmorewhenoneofSari’sdaggersstrikesitinthenose.

Delvinisthefirsttogetknockedawaybyapowerfulswingthatheblocks,theforcesendinghimflyingthroughapileofcratesandintothewater.TheSpurge

usesitswingtoshoveTimoranoffthedockandturnsitsattentiontoLuke.Withahungrygrin,thedemonracesafterthehalf-elfwhoeffortlesslydodgesitsattacks.HismidairdirectionchangeskeephimoutofdangerasheleadstheSpurgedownanemptypierandaway

fromthecity.AblastoflightningfromFizzleslamsintothemonster’sbackanditstumblesforward,swingingatLukeashejumpsontoapylon.Themonster’sswordslicesthroughtheweatheredwoodandtheforesttrackermakesadesperateleaptothepier.Helandsonhissideand

rollsawayfromtheSpurge,ignoringthesplintersthatstickintohisbody.ThedemonisnearlyontopofhimwhenDarianalandsbetweenthemandknockstheSpurgebackwithapowerfulkicktothechest.

“Irememberthisthingbeingtougher,”Lukegaspsas

heishelpedtohisfeet.“It’spossiblethatyou’re

stronger,”Darianareplies,rushingforwardtokneethedemonintheface.Shefrownsathoweasilyitsteethsnapagainstherleg,noneofthemabletopierceherflesh.“Thenagain,youneverattackedit,soyou’reonly

fasterthanbefore.Somethingisn’trighthere.”

Thedocklurchesandthepierdipsfromthedemonshakingitsarms,causingawavetosloshontoitslegs.SteamrisesintotheairasthewaterevaporatesandtheSpurgescreechesinpain.Asifwakingupfromatrance,

thecreaturelooksaroundattheoceansurroundingitandroarsatthechurningwaves.Hairrisesfromitsbackandthelavaveinsinitswingsbloat,leakingthedemon’sacidicbloodontothewood.TheSpurgewrapsitsarmsarounditsstomach,whichisbecomingdistendedand

glowingasicklyorange.“Someoneturneditintoa

bomb,”Darianasays,draggingLuketowardtheshore.“Idon’tknowifit’sfarenoughawayfromthecity.Ifit’stooclosethentheexplosionwilldestroythefirstfewstreetsandtheairaroundBor’darukwillbe

madetoxic.”Thelongpieristurned

intosplinterswhentheSpurgeflapsitswingsandstrugglestogetofftheground.Ittriestoflyintothecity,butthepainwrackingitsbodyforcesitintoanawkward,jerkypath.Aburstofsoundandheatdraws

everyone’sattentiontowhereNyxhaslaunchedoffthedock.Thehalf-elfispropelledtowardthedemonbyapowerfulupdraft,herhandsholdingcrackingorbsoflightning.UnawarethattheSpurgehasbeenenchantedtoexplode,sheliftsithigherintotheairwithaforceblast

andcontinuesonherwaytoslamherspellsintoitspulsatingbelly.ThecasteristoofarawaytohearthevoicesofherfriendsandhermindistoofocusedonthedemontosenseDariana’stelepathicwarning.

“I’msorry,Luke,”theyoungwomanwhispersas

sheflicksherfingersattheforesttracker.

Takingcontrolofhisbody,sheuseshiswindpowerstogiveherselfanextraboostwhenshejumpstowardNyx.Thefewpeoplewhostayedonthedockswatchasthesilver-hairedchampionrocketstowardthe

caster.Darianagrabsherfriendbytheankle,butisunabletostopthehalf-elffromdeliveringherattacks.FlippingtowrapherarmsaroundNyx’schest,shemakesthecastercreateathick,defensivespellaroundthem.Theforcefromtheexplodingdemonshakesall

ofBor’darukandtheweakerstructuresofthecitycollapse.BeingsoclosetotheSpurge,DarianaandNyxaresenthurtlingintothedesert,theshieldspellshimmeringuntilitvanishesoverthehorizon.

“Grabsomewaterskinsandlet’sgo,”Delvinorderswhileheturnstohelp

Timorangetontothedock.“Thequickerwemove,theeasieritwillbetofindourfriends.Oncetheystartwalking,theymightgointhewrongdirectionandwe’lllosethem.”

“Atthatspeed,theycouldhavelandedinthesouthernjungles,”Sari

casuallymentionswhilegrabbingseveralbagsofwater.Sheleansawayfromthewarriorwhenhegetsinherface,butsherefusestobequiet.“I’mworriedtoo,butI’monlysayingit’sapossibility.Thatwasabigexplosionandtheywererightthere.Idon’tevenknowhow

NyxgotsuchapowerfuldefensespellupintimetokeepherselfandDarianaalive.Let’sthinkandplanbecausewedon’twanttogetlostouttheretoo.”

“I’msorry,butallfourofyoumuststaywithinthecity,”aguardannouncesasheapproachesthechampions.

Heisdressedinblackclothingwithonlyhiseyesvisiblethroughaslitinhisfacialwrappings.Theadventurersnoticethebladesstickingoutofhisleathergloves,eachonesharpenedtoakeenedge.“Bor’darukislockeddownduetoaggressionbytheHelgardian

Nomads.Theyhavealreadytakenthelivesofseveralesteemedmembersofoursociety.WeaskthatyouletusescortyoutoGrasdonManorwhereyouhavebeengrantedfoodandlodging.”

“I’mnotgoingtosithereandleaveNyxoutthere!”Delvinsnapsattheguard.

“Samehere,”Lukechimesin.

Saristandsbetweenthewarriorsandhappilysays,“Metoo.”

WithFizzleperchedonhishead,Timorangivesasilentnodandputshishandontheheadofhisgreataxe.Thebarbarianonlyhas

enoughtimetoarchhiseyebrowwhenhehearsthesuddenburstofairfromseveralblowguns.Foursmalldartshithimintheneckwhilehisfriendsareeachhitbyone,butitstilltakesaminutelongerforTimorantocollapsefromthepotentsleepingdrugs.Heisaboutto

tumbleintotheoceanwhenFizzlecatcheshimbythearmandlowershimtotheground.

“Fizzlegoquietly!”thedriteannounces,holdinguphishandsandtail.

7

Sariisthefirsttowakeupandsheissurprisedtofindherselfsittingatalong,finelycraftedtable.Herrecliningchairisverycomfortableandshehasnostiffnessinherbodyfromhavingbeenlefttosleepagainsttheplushcushions.Hervisionclearing,

shecanseeLukeandDelvinwakingupinsimilarchairsontheothersideofthetable.Timoranisnexttoher,thebigwarriorsprawledonawidesofaandcoveredinlacey,embroideredpillows.Thelargechamberhasthreecrystalchandeliershangingfromthedomedceiling,

whichhasbeenpaintedtodepictthebusymarketplaceofBor’daruk.PaintingsoftheGrasdonfamilyadornthelightyellowwalls,oneofKiraasachildhangingacrossfromSari.Thesmelloftropicalflowersisonthebreeze,emanatingfromthehangingplantsthatareinthe

openwindows.Bronzepitchersofwaterarespreadalongthetablewithagobletofpolishedwoodplacedbeforeeachguest.Theachebehindhereyesforcesthegypsytotakeasmalldrink,thepowerfulherbsinthewaterclearingherheadinseconds.Smackinglipsbring

herattentionbacktothetablewhereFizzleiseatinganappleamongtheplattersoffreshfruit.

“WelcometoGrasdonManor,”avoicesaysfromtheheadofthetable.Abaldmanwithalong,blackbeardgoingdowntohispotbellysitsattheheadofthetable.

Heiswearingapurplerobeandaredsashmadeoutofthefinestsilksandcottons.Hisdarkskinshowssomewrinklesaroundthecornerofhisemeraldeyes,thefurrowscreatedbyyearsofsquintingatreportsinflickeringcandlelight.“MynameisWaylandGrasdon.Allowme

tointroduceAsher,myoldestson,Tambre,myyoungestson,andQuill,mynephew.”

Allthreeyoungmenstandandbowtheirheadstotheadventurers.Asheristhetallestandmoremuscularofthetrio,hisleatherarmorshowingsignsofrecentuse.Hischestnuthairistiedintoa

ponytailthatisdrapedoverhisshoulder.Thescimitarleaningagainsthischairshinesinthecandlelightandeveryonenoticesthathishandisreadytodrawtheweaponattheslightestprovocation.Tambrelookslikehisfather,butwithatuftofblackhaironhisheadand

anarrowerbeard.Unlikehisblue-eyedbrother,hehasthegreeneyesofWaylandandismorerelaxedinthepresenceofthestrangers.Feigningdisinterest,hefixesthecuffsofhisredandgoldshirt,thebackreachinghisankles.Provingtobethemostanxiousoftheirhosts,Quill

keepshiseyesonthestirringbarbarianandhisthinfingersmakeoddmotionsintheair.Thebrown-eyedyouthwearswhiterobesthatarestainedwithink,sotheadventurersguessthatheiseitheranartistorascribe.

“It’sapleasuretofinallymeetyou,LukeCallindor,”

Ashersaysinabaritonevoice.Hesitsdownandsignalsforhisbrotherandcousintofollowsuit.“Iapologizeforthewayyouandyourfriendswerebroughthere.Ourpersonalguarddidn’twanttowasteanytime.”

“Theydruggedand

kidnappedus,”Timorangrowls,rubbinghissoreneck.Hegrabsahandfulofdatesandstuffstheminhismouth,waitingasecondtorevelintheirsweetness.“BethankfulIdidnotusemyragetoreduceyourforces.Nowpleaseletusrescueourfriends.”

“I’mafraidthat’snotpossible,”Waylandcalmlystatesasheeatsasliceofmelon.Hebeckonsthenearbyguardswithhisring-coveredfingerswhenDelvinjumpstohisfeet.“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butIcantellyou’retheleader.SoIhopeyoucanunderstand

whatI’mabouttosay.Bor’darukisatwarwiththeHelgardianNomadsafteranunprovokedattack.Onlyshipsareallowedinandoutofthecity.”

“Whataboutourfriends?”Saripolitelyasks.Alumpgrowsinherthroatwhenallfouroftheirhosts

lookatherwithmilddistaste.“WhatifIgoalone?I’veafeelingyouwon’tmindifIdieoutinthedesert.”

“Don’tmistakeour...issueswithyouashatred.Wearemerelyonmycousin’ssideinyoursituation,”Quillreplies,cuttingofftheotherswithasoft,musicalvoice.He

bowshisheadinresponsetotheirritatedscowlofhisuncle,themotiondefusingsomeoftheolderman’sbitterness.“Itwouldbewrongtosendanyoneintothedesertconsideringwhatweareupagainst.Evenifweweren’tatwar,thisareaisfullofdangersthatasolitary

gypsywouldbeunfittohandle.Thespadixalonekillnearlyonehundredtravelersayear.”

Delvinshoveshischairawayfromthetableandheadsforthenearestdoor,grabbingtheframewhenhisvisionsblurs.HeiswrackedwithdryheavesandanElven

butlertakesthewarriorbythearmtoguidehimbacktohisseat.Withmuffledcoughs,hechokesdownaglassofwaterthatclearshisheadandhealshisthroat.WatchingDelvingroanandplacehisheadonthetable,theothersdraintheirowncupstoavoidthesamefate.

“TakecomfortinthefactthatitisNyxofRainbowTowerthatisoutthere,”Waylandstateswithaforcedsmile.“Herreputationisoneofadefiantsurvivorandadangerousbeingofrawmagic.MyonlyfearisthatshewillnotfindherwaybacktoBor’darukintimeto

aideusinthewar.”“Youkeepmentioning

beingatwar,butIsawnosignsofanopposingarmy,”Timoransays,wipinghismouthonabluenapkin.“ArethenomadsusingdemonslikethatSpurgetogetoverthewall?IfsothenIbelieveyouhaveabiggerproblem.I

havehaddealingswiththesouthernnomadsoncebeforeandtheydespisecreaturesofdarkness.”

Withoutsittingup,Delvinturnshisheadandinterjects,“EverygroupisdifferentandI’veheardtherearesomethatutilizeevilbeingstodotheirfightingand

hunting.ABor’darukianmerchanthiredmeasabodyguardandwecomparedtribesystemsofourbirthplaces.ThoughIwastoldthattheHelgardiansarenotoneofthem.”

“Wethoughtsotooanditcouldstillbetrue.TheSpurgeisthefirstdemon

we’veseenintheattacks,”Timbreexplainswhileunrollingascroll.Heskimsthroughthenotesandpictures,mouthingwordstohimself.“Strangebeastshavebeensentintothecityandtheyalwaysbypassthewall.Thenomadshavestayeddeepinthedesertwhilethese

monstersdothefightingforthem.Wecapturedascoutonthenearestduneslastweek.ShetoldusthatthesearetheguardiansoftheHelgardians,butshediedofherinjuriesbeforewecouldgetanythingelseoutofher.”

“WhyyoukeepFizzleandfriendshere?”thedrite

asksasherollsontohisbackandstrokeshisbloatedbelly.“Wenotinvolved,butyouwantus.Whycitykingnottalk?”

“Fizzlehasapoint,”SaristateswhenshenoticesabriefflickerofnervousnessonWayland’sface.“Idon’tknowhowthepoliticsof

Bor’darukwork,butit’sstrangethatwe’retalkingtoyouandnotthemayororwhateveryoucallyourleader.Thedockhandthatgreetedusdidn’tactlikesomethingthisbigwasgoingoneither.Tellusthetruth,LordGrasdon,orweleavetofindNyx.”

“Byforceifneedbe,”Delvinadds.

Withafrown,WaylandnodstoAsherandthewarriorstandstomakesurehehaseveryone’sattention.“TheHelgardianshavetargetedtheGrasdonfamily.Wedon’tknowwhytheyareattackinguswiththesecreatures,but

thecityhasdecidedtousetheirforcesonlytodefend.Thismeanstheygoabouttheirbusinessuntilabeastappears.Bythattime,ourfamilyhasalreadysufferedlosses.Theyclaimthatthisistomakesurethesituationdoesnotescalateandtheylosetheirremainingtrade

pactswiththeHelgardians.WhatyouseehereisallthatremainsoftheGrasdonlineage.Everyattackhastakenatleastoneofourkin.”

“Youfourareallthatremain?”Lukeasks,talkingforthefirsttime.Feathersruffleunderhiscollarandhiseyesshimmergoldashis

panicrises.“WhathappenedtoKira?”

“Afraidthatyou’llbestuckwithasimplegypsy?”WaylandGrasdonretorts,polishingarubyringonhislefthand.Hegrinsattheanguishontheyoungwarrior’sface.“Maybeyou’rescaredthatmyonly

daughterisstillalive,butcrippled.Ifyourejectherinsuchastateitwouldmakeyoulooklikeamonster.Thenagain,youprobablyhopeshe’soneofthedead,soyoudon’thavetomakeadecision.”

“TellmewhereKirais,sir.”

Asherleansovertohisfathertospeak,butaquickhandisplacedagainsthislips.Theyoungermansettlesbackdownandsighs,settlingforenjoyingapear.HerefusestolookathisfatherorLuke,hisattentionfindinganunimportantspotontheceilingtoponderon.Timbre

andQuillexchangenervousglancesandfollowtheirelderkinsman’sexample.

“Idon’tknowwhatsheseesinyou,”thepatriarchadmits,poppingagrapeintohismouthandsquishingitbetweenhiswhiteteeth.“ItoldhertotestyourrelationshiporIwould

publiclystandagainstit.Whatdoesmydaughterdo?Picksaclaimedmanwhohasleftourcitybehindanduseshimaspublicproofthatsheisupholdingthetraditions.Meanwhile,Iknowhewasn’tachallengetowhatyoutwohave.I’dbefinewiththatifIdidn’tstarthearingaboutyou

andthisgypsy.”“Kiratoldmetouphold

thetraditionsofyourpeople,”theforesttrackerargues,lettingthegriffinspiritsinkbackintohissubconscious.HecanstillfeelStilettoatthefringeofhismind,thedog’sinfluenceenoughtosharpenhisteeth.“Iwashonoringher

requestandIthoughtshewasdoingthesame.SariandItoneditdownmonthsagobecausewewanttositdownandtalktoyourdaughter.Now,whereisshe?”

“Youdon’tunderstandourtraditions.”

“Thenpunishmeandteachme.”

“Itisn’tmyplacetodoso.”

“Thenstayoutofit!”“Onmybelovedwife’s

spirit,Iwillnotletmydaughterdestroyherlifeforsomeonelikeyou,”Waylandcoldlysays.Aspearmanbreaksrankstowhisperintheman’searandswiftlymoves

backintoposition.“Itappearsthismeetingisdone.Mybutlersandmaidswillshowyoualltoyourrooms.Ifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavesomewheretobe.”

GruntsandshoutsareheardcomingdownthehallwayasWaylandgetstohisfeetandfreezes.The

soundofabodyhittingthedoorechoesthroughouttheroom,thesoundrepeatingafewmoretimesasifsomeoneistryingtobashtheirwayin.AsherandTimbreareontheirfeetwithweaponsdrawn,theyoungerbrotherrevealingapairoflong-handledsicklesthathekeepshiddenbeneath

thetailofhisshirt.Alightlyarmoredguardishurledthroughthedoors,themanlandingonhisbackandrollingoutoftheway.KiraGrasdonstormsintotheroomwithherchainandsickleweapondrawnandacalicomaidnervouslyfollowingbehindher.Theblack-haired

womaniswearingleatherarmorandafuriousglintisinheremeraldeyes.Shemarchesovertothetableandslamsthebladeofherweaponintothepolishedsurface,missingherfather’shandbyaninch.

“Thisiswhyyousentmetocheckonthedefenses,”she

hissesinavoicethatthreatenstoeruptintoascream.Herslenderframequiversfromherangermixingwiththegriefofrecentlylosingsomanylovedones.“Youbroughtmyfiancéeandhisfriendsherewithouttellingme.Iassumeyouwerelessthancordialin

askingfortheirhelp.”“Irefusetoargueinfront

ofourwelcomedguests,”Waylandstates,gesturingforhissonstostanddown.ThemerchantrollshiseyeswhenKiramakesawordlessyellinrageinhischubbyface.“Thisisn’tthetimeforyoutogetinvolvedinthismess.We

bothknowthisrelationshipisnothingmorethanaflingandyourmotherwillneverapprove.Imaginethepainyou’recausingherbycontinuingwithanoutsiderwhodoesn’tunderstandourways.”

“Momhasbeendeadforyears,dad!”Kirashouts,her

armsshakingwithanger.Shetossesherweapontotheuncomfortablemaidwhoripsthesleeveofherblackandsilverdressonthesickle.“LukeandIloveeachotherandwe’reinauniquesituation.TheruleshavetobebentandI’vejumpedthrougheveryhoopyouputinmy

way.Caspar,negotiatingwhatyouthoughtwereimpossibletradeagreements,trainingwiththelocalguards,andcleaningsomeofthemoredisgustingareasofthemanor.Whatelsedoyouwant?”

“Ijust-”“Idon’tcarewhatyou

wantanymore!Ican’tbelieveyou’recontinuingthisfeudwhileourfamilyisbeingmurdered.Getyourprioritiesstraight,dad,oryouwon’thaveanempiretoruleover.”

Quillbravelyslipsbetweenhisuncleandcousin,placinghishandsonKira’sstomachtomoveherback.

“Pleasecalmdown,Kiki.Weneedtoworktogetherandputthesepersonalissuesaside.Iagreethatyourfatherwentaboutthingsthewrongway,butyoucan’tchangethepast.Let’sforgiveeachotherandsurviveasafamily.”

“Onlybecauseyouasked,Quill,butI’ve

businesswithtwoofourguests,”Kirasays,hereyesneverleavingherfather’sfurrowedface.Shetakesadeep,shudderingbreathtoregainhercomposureandputonasmile.“Eileen,pleasetakeTimoran,Delvin,andFizzletotheirsuites.LukeandSariwillbecomingwith

metothepeacockroom.Ialreadyhavethecooksendingcoffeeandaplatterthere.”

“Yes,milady,”thebrown-hairedcalicosayswhilehandingthekusari-gamabacktohermistress.Sheturnstotheadventuresandflashesthemapleading

look,hertailrandomlyflickingbehindher.“Pleasefollowmetoyourchambers.Iwillhavebathsdrawnforyouandfreshpajamaslaidoutonyourbeds.”

TimoranandDelvingettotheirfeet,thesmallerwarriorbegrudginglywalkingaroundthetable.Heletsthe

barbariannudgehimtowardthedoor,buteveryonecanseethetiredexpressionofdefeatonhisface.Fizzlegrabstwoapplesbeforefollowinghisfriends,histailsnaggingafakeoneoutofadecorativebowlnearthedoorway.Theyquicklyhearaslewofdraconiccursesand

thewaxfruitishurledbackintotheroom.

“Nochancewegettorestbeforethis,huh?”Lukeasksashewalksaroundthetable.

“Iwanttogetthisoverwith,”Saristates,grinningattheheiress.“Besides,it’snicetofinallymeetmyrival.”

“Thepleasureisgoingto

beallmine,”Kirasayswithawidersmilethatsendsashiverdownherfiancé’sspine.“I’vebeendreamingaboutthismeetingforalongtime.Downtothelastdetail.Followme,loverandhisgypsy.”

LukeglancesatWayland,whoisbackto

polishinghisringsandtalkingtohissonsaboutthemanordefenses.Lettingoutatiredsigh,thehalf-elfputshishandsinhispocketsandtrudgesafterKira.ThesparkleinSari’seyesmakeshimevenmorenervousaboutwhatheiswalkinginto.Hestopshimselffromchuckling

atthebriefthoughtthatDarianawouldbeabletoputhimtosleepandsavehimfromthismeeting.ThoughhequicklyrealizesshecouldalsobeconvincedtoputSariandKirainhisheadtocontinuethefight.

“Ican’twinhere,”hemuttersunderhisbreath.

*****Theroomiscomfortably

warmduetothesunlightpassingthroughtheglassdomethatactsasaceiling.Tropicalplantscovertheedgeoftheroom,whichhassoftgrassgrowingoutofthespongyfloor.Agentlerainfallsoutoftheceilingand

ontothefoliage,givingtheairacrispfreshnessthatinvigoratesthewildlife.Peacocksandpeahensstrutaroundtheroom,themalesbrandishingtheircolorfulplumagewhenKiraarriveswithherguests.Analbinopeacockstandsbyalowtableandhopsintotheheiress’slap

whenshesitsonthelushgrass.AgraciouswaveofherhandisallshedoestogetSariandLuketojoinheronthefloor.Withacordialcough,sheredirectsherfiancéetositattheheadofthetable,placinghimbetweenthetwowomen.

“Ididn’trealizethe

peacockroomwouldhaveactualpeacocks,”Sariadmits,reachingouttoanearbybird.Theanimalpecksatherfingersanddisappearsintothesurroundingplants.“Thisplaceseemskindofrestrictiveforthem.Poorthingsmustmissflyinginthefreshair.”

“Therearehatchesinthewallsthattheyusetogetintotheoutsidegarden.Ourpeacocksaretrainedtostaywithinthemanorgrounds.Youwouldhaveseenthemalreadyifyouwereawakewhenmyfather’smenbroughtyouhere,”Kirarepliesasshestrokesthe

ivoryfeathersofthebeautifulbirdinherlap.Shereachesouttopouracupofcoffeeforthegypsyandslidesitacrossthetable.“Sowefinallymeet,Sari.IcansaythatI’mnotdisappointedinyourbeauty.I’vealsoheardstoriesofyourvictoriesandpublicdisplayswithLuke.”

“Thankyou.You’remoregorgeousandelegantthanIexpected,”thegypsyreplieswithagenuinesmile.Shetakesasipofthestrongdrink,whichmakeshershudder.“LukeandIhavebeentryingtokeepthingsplatoniclately.Knowingthatwewerecomingto

Bor’daruk,wethoughtitbesttotoneitdownuntilwespeakwithyou.”

“AmIsupposedtosaysomethingduringthismeeting?”Lukeasksasheunstrapshissabersandplacesthemonthegrass.

“Youcansaywhateveryouwant,lover,”Kira

replies,emphasizingthelastword.Shetakesasipofcoffeeandpassesthedrinktothehalf-elf,makingsurehenoticesthelipstickmarksontheedge.“Thisisgoingtobeawkward.Traditionally,wediscussthispriortotheinterestedpartiesdoingwhateveritistheywishtodo.

I’massumingyou’vedoneeverythingwithLukethatI’vedone,sothisisgoingtobemoreofa...review.”

Alarge,stonetrayisplacedinthemiddleofthetableandthesmelloffreshfoodpermeatestheair.Bowlsofinsectsandseedsaresetaroundtheroomwhilea

Dwarvenmaidreleasesseveralsnakesintotheplants.Lukekeepshissoundsightontheserpents,oneofwhichispouncedonbyapairofpeacocks.Heturnshisattentionbacktothemeal,whichconsistsofhollowedoutbreadpocketsandawidevarietyoffillings.Kirais

alreadyfinishingupacombinationofbeans,spicedlamb,anddicedtomatoes.GlancingatSari,thehalf-elffillsabreadpocketwithatanpasteandwhatheguessesisshreddedchicken.Thegypsysettlesforchoppednutsinhoneycombinedwithadark,juicymeat.

“Whatisthis?”Lukeasks,swallowingtheflavorfulandthickfood.“IthinkImadeabadcombination.”

“WhateverIdidtastesprettygood,”Sarigloatswhilelickinghoneyoffherfingers.“It’ssweetwithastrangenumbingsensation.”

“Youmixedhoney,

walnuts,andlargescorpionmeat,”Kiratellsthegypsy,dippingsomebreadintothetanpaste.Shesavorsthebite,herstomachstillrumblingafteramorningofpracticingandcheckingthemanordefenses.“Luketookthechickpeadipandmixeditwithspicedchicken.I

probablyshouldhavetoldyouthatthisstuffisfordipping.Finishthatandtrycombiningthecinnamonrice,sweetpickles,andscorpionmeat.Ifindthatmixtureissweet,spicy,andticklesyourtongue.”

“Scorpion,”Sarirepeatsasifthewordfinallyregisters

inhermind.Theheiressmakesa

sandwichofthedarkmeatandacrunchy,greenvegetable.“It’sacommondishinBor’daruk.Ifyouwish,youcanleaveinsearchofsomethingelse.ThatwouldforfeityourclaimonLukesinceourreviewhas

begun.”“You’replayingdirty,

Grasdon.”“Thisisn’tevencloseto

dirty.”“Icanbemeantoo.”“Whywouldyoudothat

ifyoualreadyexpecttolose?”Kiraasks,flashingasmileofvictory.Placingthe

albinopeacocknexttoher,thebrown-skinnedwomanleansoverthetabletogetabetterlookatthefireinherrival’seyes.“Forawhile,IwasundertheimpressionthatyouwereusingLuketomakeyourselffeellikeyouweren’talone.IthelpedLukebecausehewantedtoabidebymy

traditionsandyouenteredhislifewithnostringsattached.Nowitappearsthesituationhaschangedandyoudon’twanttolose.”

“ThisiswhatIwasafraidof,”Lukegroans,grimacingatthestrongcoffee.

“Let’sfocusonyouabithere,”Kirastatesinanangry

voice.Herpethurriestoabowloffood,thebirdkeepinganeyeonitsmaster.“HowmuchdoyouloveSari?Ican’tsayI’msurprisedthatshefellforyou,butI’dbelyingifIsaidIhaven’tbeenworriedsinceourtimeinGaia.Ididn’tthinkmuchofitatthetimesinceshewas

inamagicalslumber.Nowthatshe’sawake,areyoumoreinlovewithherthanyouarewithme?”

“No!”Lukequicklysnaps,seeingthehurtonSari’sface.“I...Ican’tsayIloveoneofyoumorethantheother.You’rebothspecialtomeandIcanseemyself

spendingtherestofmylifewitheitheroneofyou.”

“Wellwecan’tshareyou,”Saripointsoutwithanedgetohervoice.Shetakesabigbiteofherfoodandexaggeratesherchewinginanattempttotakethewindoutofherrival’spompoussails.“Kiraisright.Iletthis

gotoofar,butI’mnotgoingtobetheonetobackout.HowdiditgettobethisbigofamesswhenIthoughtwewerebeingcareful?”

“BecauseKirawasn’taround.”

TheheiressjumpstoherfeetandsmacksLukeacrosstheface,whichcausesSarito

standandslaptheblack-hairedwoman.Thepeacocksshriekatthepalpabletensionintheairandtheraingushesoutoftheceiling.SarihasthewatercoilaroundKira,whonervouslywaitsfortheangrygypsytochangetheliquidintosomethingdangerous.SheissurprisedwhenLuke

pusheshiswayintothewaterytrapandfacestheblue-hairedchampion.Withagruntofannoyance,theblue-hairedgirlturnsthewaterintovaporandpushesittothesidesoftheroom.

“I’msorry,”LuketellsKirawithoutturningaround.Afewtearsescapehiseyes,

whichhefeelsSarimagicallyerasefromhischeeks.“Ididn’tmeantopointafingeratyou,butyounotbeingaroundispartoftheproblem.SariandIhavehadtimetomatureourrelationshipwhileyouandIhaven’thadthatluxury.Thisisthefirsttimeinmonthswe’vebeen

togetherwhereIwasn’tdepressedorinjured.Ourtimeapartputsusatadisadvantage.”

“Iknow,”Kiraadmits,returningtoherseat.Shesmirkswhenthehalf-elfsitsnexttoher,butsherefusestotouchhim.“Ithoughtyourtimeawaywouldbeeasierif

youfollowedBor’darukiantraditions.Instead,it’smadeamessofwhatshouldhavebeenabeautifullong-distanceromance.Ishouldhavetrustedyoutorejectalladvanceswhileyouwereaway.Bythegods,Ishouldhavedonesomethingtoremainincontactwithyou,

butIwassobusydefendingustomyfatherthatIdidn’tevenworkonholdingontoyou.”

“Whatdoesyourtraditionsayaboutthis?”Sariaskswhilemakinganothersandwichofscorpionmeat.Sheaddssomerelishandwhatshethinksisshredded

cheese,buthasastrangetexture.“Iwouldsaywepickawinnernow,butthatcouldstillcauseissues.AfterourbusinessisdoneinBor’daruk,LukeandIcontinuetravelingaschampionswhileyoustayhere.Theonlywaythatwouldn’tcauseamajormess

isifI’mtheonehechooses.”“Wouldyouwanttowin

outofconvenience?”Kiracounterswithawrysmile.Sheseestheanswerinthegypsy’seyes,aflickerofself-loathingthatshehadbeenhopingfor.“There’snotraditiontosettlewhatwe’vecreatedhere.Thedatingand

marriagelawsweremadewhenBor’darukwasmoreisolated,soforeignersdon’teasilyfitintothem.Lukebeingontheroadandmebeingunabletofollowmakesitinfinitelyworse.Allwecandoismakeanagreementbeforeyouleave.Still,it’sunfairthatyou’vehadmore

timewithhim,soIaskthatLukebewithmewhileyouarehere.”

Sariscowlsattherequestandtakesabiteofherfood,slowlychewingthescorpionmeatuntilhermouthhaslostallsenseoffeeling.Unabletositstill,thegypsygetstoherfeetandwalksalongtheedge

oftheleafyplants.Shepetsafewpeacocksthatcomewithinreachandhopsoverasnakethatismakingabreakforthedoor.Adaggerfliesfromherhand,butitiscaughtwithinthechainofKira’skusari-gama.Thesickleendoftheweaponimpalestheserpentandtheheiressflicks

thetwitchingmealtothealbinopeacock.

“Iconcedeyourpoint,”Sarisayswhilegentlyfingeringablueflower.“Itwouldn’tberighttocallawinnerwhenwe’refinallyinapositiontofightonequalfooting.TheoddshavebeeninmyfavorsinceImetLuke,

butonlybecauseofourshareddestiny.Aslongasheisokaywithit,yougethimalltoyourselfduringourtimehere.ThoughIwillnotdenyanyadvancethathemakestowardsme.”

“Iunderstand,”theheiresssaysasshestandsandtakesthegypsy’shands.

“Thankyouforgivingmethistime,Sari.IreallymeanitandI’lltrynottobemeanaboutit.”

“Withanyluckwe’llbetoobusytoworryaboutallofthis.”

“Itdoesseemthatway.”Lukesipsathiscoffee

andmutters,“Ifeellikethe

grandprizeofatournamenthere.”

“Youare,”bothwomenreply,sharingahalf-heartedgrin.

“Canwestillfinishthismealtogether?”

Sarieyesthedoor,butthethoughtofbeingdistantfromLukepusheshertotake

aseatatthetable.“Onlyuntilwe’vehadourfill.I’llkeepmymouthshutifyouwanttotouchhisleg,butIdoaskthatyouavoidrealintimacywhileI’maround.I’ddothesameforyou.”

Kiranodsandgoesaboutmakingasandwichofpicklesandostrichmeat.Sheshifts

closertoLukeandletsherkneetouchhis,enjoyingthecontactthatshehasdreamedofforsolong.Saritakesadeepbreathandfocusesonpouringanothercupofcoffee.Theliquidviolentlyswirlsinhercup,calmingdownwhenLukeuseshisbootedfoottopathercalf.

Shelooksuptoseetheapologyonhislipsandwatergatheringinthecornersofhiseyes.Whisperingaspell,shewhiskshistearsawaybeforeKiracangetacloselookathisface.

“Youreyesaredifferent,”theheiressstates,takenabackbythebrownand

goldthathavereplacedthegreensheisusedto.“Ilikeit,buthowdidithappen?”

“Ihaveafewstoriestotellyou.”

“AllowmesinceI’mamuchmoreentertainingstoryteller,”Sariinterrupts.Shecreatesillusionsofherandtheotherchampionson

thetable.“ItallstartedwhenweleftfortheGardenofUli.”

*****“HowlongDelvin

pace?”Fizzleasksasheloungesontheedgeofabathbasin.Thearomaticwatermakeshimdrowsy,soheletshisheaddangleonthefloor

side.“Fizzleverysleepy.”“Istoppedpaying

attentionanhourago.Atleasthetookhisarmoroff,soheisnotmakingaracket,”Timoranadmits,relaxingonaplushcouch.Hestaresoutthewindow,whichoverlooksacolorfulgardenmaze.“Iamhopinghecalmsdowntotake

abath.Weshouldtakeadvantageofsuchlavishquartersbeforewearepulledintoanotherbattle.ThepillowsandcouchesareverycomfortableandIenjoythelookofthesilkcurtainsthatarearoundthepillars.Itisalsoverynicethatweeachhaveabedroomconnectedto

thismainarea.AlthoughIwouldhavepreferredthatthebathbeprivate.”

“Darkcloaksonroundtowers,”Fizzlesays,pointinghistailatthemarblepillarscirclingthebasin.“Timoranforgot.Delvintoodistractedtonotice.Fizzlenotcare.”

“Myapologies,my

friend.Isthatabalconyoutsidethatwindow?”

“You’reattemptingtogetareactionfromme,”Delvinclaimsashecontinueswalkingacrossthebeautifullyfurnishedroom.Heflickstheleafofasmallpalmtreeandturnsonhisheeltoreturntoaporcelainvaseoforchids.

“YouwantmetocalmdownandtrustthatNyxisgoingtobesafeinthedesert.You’repointingouteverythingthatIcantakeadvantageofinanattempttorelax,soI’llbereadyforaction.YouthinkIshouldstopwastingenergyandtimebydwellingonthefactthatNyxisoutthere

alone.”“OneofthethingsIlike

aboutyou,Delvin,isthatIcanbesubtle.Asabarbarian,itisaskillIrarelygettoutilize,”Timoransayswithafriendlysmile.Whenhisfriendturnstomakeanotherpass,hesitsupandswingshislegstothefloor.“Yetyou

arebeginningtopokeatmypatience.”

“Thewomanyouloveisn’taloneandoutofyourreach!”thesmallerwarriorexclaims,whirlingontheredheadedbarbarian.Delvinfreezeswithhismouthopenwhenawaveoffuryflowsoffhisfriend.“I’msorry.

Thatwas...unnecessary.IknowyoucareaboutNyxtooandwishtohelpher.Ioverreactedandletmyworrygetthebestofme.Asyoucansee,I’mnotmyselfrightnow.”

Timoranletsoutalongbreathandheadsforthebalcony,hisfriendtrailinga

fewstepsbehind.Theylookdownatthegardenwherepeacockswanderamongflowersofeverysizeandcolor.Apairofmonkeysleapamongthepalmtrees,screechingandhootingatthecrimsonparrotsthattheyupset.Itisabrightcontrasttothesimplercolorsofthecity

thatsitsbeyondthemanorwalls,whichisbarelyvisiblefromthebalcony.Alloftherooftopsarebrownandgray,unlikethewhitemarbleandglassofthemanor.Thereisacurioussenseoftensioninthewindthatdrawsthewarriors’attentiontotheirright.Oneofthenearbybuildingshasaten

footlonghornofcrimsonbonepuncturingtheroof,areminderofthecreaturesthathavebeenplaguingtheGrasdons.

“Iunderstandyourplightmorethanyoucanimagine,”Timoransays,breakingthegentlesilence.HeclapsDelvinontheshoulderand

returnstotheroom,hishandgrazingthesilkcurtainsaroundthedoorway.“Itisastoryforanothertime,butIcanassureyouthatNyx’ssituationisnotasdireasyouimagine.Whatyoufeelisnothingmorethanhelplessnessandworry,whichisadmirable.Ifitwas

anyotherwoman,Iwouldsayitisunderstandabletoo.”

“DidyoueverthinkwegiveNyx’smagicandwillpowertoomuchcredit?”thebrown-hairedwarriorpolitelyasks.Hemovestoaloveseatandputsapillowbehindhisheadasheslidesontohisback.“She’svery

powerful,butsheisn’tunstoppable.Stephencouldbeoutthereorsomethingevenworse.Whataboutsomethingthat’simmunetomagic?I’mnottalkingaboutabsorberslikethekrypters,butacreaturethatherpowerssimplycan’taffect.Thesouthernregionhastalesof

suchbeasts.She’llbealoneanddefenseless.”

“Nyxalwaysholdback.Scaredtohurtothers.Notproblemindesert,”Fizzlesaysashelazilyrollsintothebasin.Hepokeshisheadoutofthewaterandfloatsonhisback,directinghismovementswithhiswings.

“WhyDelvinsayNyxalone?Darianawithher.”

“Westilldon’tknowherwellenoughtotrusther,”Delvinclaims,battingatacurtaintasselthatishangingwithinreach.“Shemaybeachampion,butIstilldon’tunderstandwhyshe’sbeenallowedtosurviveforso

long.We’vebeentoldthatallthepreviouschampionswerekilled,yetDarianaisstillaround.Somethingfeelswrong.”

“Itisbecausesheisnotbyyourside,”Timoranpointsout,returningtothecouch.

Delvinturnstofacethebarbarianwhilehe

absentmindedlytakeshisbootsoff.“I’mworriedthatwhatwesawbetweenDarianaandStephenwasashow.Shecanmanipulatememories,sohowdoweknowsheisn’tplayingusforfools.TheBaroncouldbeahorriblecreaturewithasoftspotforhisdaughter,butshe

couldalsobeoneofhisagents.Wesimplydon’tknowandNyxisouttherealonewithher.”

“DarianatrysaveNyx.ThatwhyNyxnotdead,”Fizzlestateswhilereleasingafewbubblesfromhisnostrils.“Delvinneedbequiet.Fizzlegiveupbath.”

ThedoortotheguestsuitescreaksupandEileenwalksin,thecalico’sorangetailswishingalongtheground.Sariisbehindherandthegypsylookslikesheisabouttoeithercryorscream.Shemuttersathankyoutothemaid,whobowsandhurriesbacktothecomfortof

thehallway.Theblue-hairedgirlbendsdowntoslipoffhervelvetandleatherboots,wigglinghertoesonthewarmstonefloor.Glancingattheadjoiningbedrooms,shetossestheenchantedfootwearintooneofthemandjoinsherfriends.

“IhopeIdidn’tmiss

anything,boys.”“Delvinisstillworried

aboutNyxbeingaloneinthedesertwithDariana,”Timorancasuallyreplies,gesturingtoanearbychair.“IsLukejoiningus?”

“Kira’sturnandwe’llleaveitatthat,”Sarianswerswithapout.“Cheerup,

Delvin.Nyxiewillbebackwithusbeforeyouknow.”

“AndwhatdoIdountilthen?”thewarriorforlornlyasks.

Grindingherteethtogether,SarigrabsDelvinbytheshirtanddragshimoffthecouch.Sheletshimstandupbeforeclutchinghiswrists

andactivatingherimmovabilitypower.Thewarriormakesafewfeebletugseventhoughheknowsherholdisunbreakable.NotwantingtomakeiteasyforSari,hedeadweightshimselfandletshisbodyslumptowardthefloor.Rollingheremeraldeyes,thegypsyturns

herpoweroff,sitsonDelvin’schest,andagainmakesherselfafleshyboulderthatcannotbebudged.Theweightoftheimmovablegirlonhisribsmakesitdifficultforthewarriortobreathe.

“Hereisexactlywhatyou’regoingtodo,”Sarisays

inaslow,sternvoice.Unabletoholdbackheremotions,sheletsafewtearsrolldownhercheeksandfallonDelvin’schest.“You’regoingtohelpusdefendtheGrasdonsandthinkaboutNyxieeveryday.WhenshecomeswalkingbackintoBor’daruk,youwillhugher

andtellherthatyouloveher.Itdoesn’tmatterifshesaysittooornot.Webothknowshe’llgetthereeventually,soit’smoreimportantthatyoumakesureshedoesn’tforgethowyoufeel.Also,allofusaregoingtothankDarianaforprotectingNyxieoutthere.DoyouunderstandwhatI’m

saying,Mr.Cunningham?”“Yes,ma’am,”he

answers,gaspingforairwhenshestands.“WantTimoran,Fizzle,andItoleave,soyoucantakeabath?”

“I’mgoingtobed.Wakemeintimefordinner,”thegypsysaysasshehelpsDelvintohisfeet.Shewalks

tothebasinandleansonthecurvedrimnexttoFizzle,herfingerticklinghisbelly.“Doyoumindkeepingmecompany,Fizzle?Idon’twanttobealoneandaskingoneoftheboysisjust...wrong.Youcansleepbythewindow,butIreallydon’twanttobealonerightnow.”

Thedritecrawlsoutofthebasinandclimbsdowntheside,hisclawstappingagainstthestonefloorashefollowsSari.Sheclosesthedoorbehindthem,leavingherfriendstositinawkwardsilence.Afterafewminutes,Timoranheadsforthebalconytogetawayfromthe

faintsoundofthegypsyweepingintoherpillow.

*****Lukerubsthebudding

leavesonhiswoodenringashelooksoutoverthemanor.Heshiversatthecoolbreezeonhisbarechest,butrefusestostepbackintothewell-furnishedroomevenwhen

thesunvanishesbehindthedunes.Glancingoverhisshoulder,hecanseeKira’sformshiftingunderthesheetsofthecanopybed.Herarmisdrapedoverwherehewaslyingafewminutesearlier,whichcausesaneedleofguiltandpaintopiercehischest.

“Icanletyousleepif

youwish,”thegriffinoffersfrominsidehismind.“Though,Isenseyouaretroubledbysomethingelse.Isitbecauseyourefusedheradvances?”

“Ididn’treallyrejecther,”Lukereplies,leaningonthebalconyrailing.Hewatchesanelephantcasually

walkthroughthegarden,itstrunkwavingintheair.“WekissedandItoldherthatIcouldn’tgofurthertonight.Itdidn’tfeelrightsosoonafterwhathappenedwithSari.Sheunderstood,sothat’sgood.”

“Youarestilltroubled,”thebeastsayswithatiredsigh.Herconsciousnessrises

closertothesurface,butstopswhenanotherrushesaheadofher.“Pleasetellyourdogthatthereisnocompetitionforyourattention.Hedoesnothavetoshoveme.”

Thehalf-elfpatshisownheadandfeelsthespiritofhisbelovedcompanionrelax.

“Behave,Stiletto.Letourfriendspeak.”

“Yourhearthasbeeninturmoilsinceyouarrivedatthismanor.Icantellthatyoulovebothofthesewomen.YouareafraidthatyouaremoreinlovewithSari,butareunsureifitissimplybecauseKirahasbeenabsent

forsolong.YouarealsoharboringguiltoverSariandresentmenttowardKira.Thereasonyouareawakenowisbecauseyouwonderifyoudeserveeitherofthem.”

“It’samessthatIlethappen,”Lukemutters,turningbacktowatchtheheiress.Hetakesastaggered

breathandsitsontherailing,unafraidofbeingsohighofftheground.“IthoughtabouttransformingintoyouandgoingafterNyx,butIwasafraidofwhatwouldhappen.Theycouldbeanywhereoutthere,soIwouldbegoneforalongtime.KiracouldwakeupandthinkIsnuckoffwith

Sari,whichwouldcauseafight.”

“Youfeelthatthissituationisdangeroustoallofyourrelationships.”

“Isn’tit?”“Griffinsmateforlife

afterthemaleattractsafemale,”thebeastcalmlyexplains.SheeasesbyStiletto

andpausestogrowlatthecurioussnakefiend,sendingthereptilebackintothedepthsofLuke’smind.“Themalesmakecomplexaerialdisplays.Manyattemptdangerousfeatsandgetinjuredintheprocess.Itshowsalackofmaturitythatwefindunappealing.”

“SoyouthinkIshouldcontinuegoingalongandchoosetheonethatfitsmebestwhenallthreeofushavematured?”theyoungwarriorasks,scratchinghisheadinconfusion.“It’spossiblethatwe’retooimmaturetomakearealdecision.I’mstillmoreinterestedinwanderingand

havethebattlewiththeBaronhangingovermyhead.KiraishavingissueswithherfatherandtheirtraditionsaswellasreallywantingtobanSarifromme.She’sfakinghercomposureverywell,butIcantellshe’sunhappy.Thenthere’sSariwhostillslipsintosayingthatshedoesn’t

carewhenit’sobviousthatshewantstowin.Noneofusareinthebestpositiontomakesuchabigdecision,somaturityshouldbefactoredin.”

“Actually,Imerelywantedtopointoutthatgriffinmatingritualsaremoresimplisticthanyours,”

thespiritbeastsayswithalaughthatslipsfromLuke’smouth.“Idonotunderstandthesituationyouarein.Iknowyourheartisbeingtornandthelongeryouwait,theworseitwillbe.”

“Iknow.”“Iwillletyougetsome

sleepinsteadofthe

meditation.”TheexhaustionhitsLuke

withinsecondsandhestumblestothebed,yawningaswideashecanwithoutdislocatinghisjaw.HeslipsintothebedandputsKira’sarmoverhimbeforeswiftlyfallingasleep.Withhisbacktotheheiress,henever

noticesthathereyesareopenorpicksuptheweakstutteringofhercrumblingheart.

8

“Ihavetoadmitsomething,Nyx,”Darianasaysasshetrudgesupthedune.Sandisstickingtohersweatyfaceevenwiththeprotectionofherhoodedcloak.“ThisistheworstbeginningadventureI’veeverhadsincebecominga

champion.Evenbeingdraggedintoaswampfullofacidicleecheswasmoretolerablethanthis.”

“Itisn’tthatbad,”thecastersaysfromthetopofthedune.Shereachesdowntohelpherexhaustedfriend,sendingacoolingspellthroughDariana’sbody.“We

madeitthroughthenightandwe’llbebackinBor’darukbeforethesunisatitspeak.Imean,wecouldn’thavebeenthrownthatfar.”

Withatiredgroan,thesilver-hairedwomanfallstoherkneesandgaspsforair.Darianacannolongerignoreherstrainingmusclesthat

desperatelywantwater.Fumblingwithhermagicpouch,shepullsawaterskinoutandtakesafewsipsoftheliquidthattasteslikeleather.ShestrugglestostandandoffersittoNyx,whotakesaquickdrink.Dariananoticesthatthehalf-elf’slipsarecrackedandherskinis

showingsignsofbeingsunburnt.Shecanonlyimaginehowterribleshelooksconsideringithasbeenyearssinceshewasinsuchbrutalconditions.Still,thetiredwomanknowsshehassurvivedworseandtakesthecloakofftohandittothesufferingcaster.

“Takethisback,Nyx.Icanusesomethingfrommybagasanumbrellaorahat.”

“You’refairerskinnedthanme,soyouneeditmore,”thecasterstates,pushingthecloakaway.“I’monlytiredfromkeepingusinvisibleallnight.Thatkindofmagicisstillachallenge

forme,especiallywhenmaintainingawakingsleeponmyself.”

“Idon’tseehowyourskinreddeningandyourlowerlipstartingtobleediscausedbyyourmagic,”Darianacalmlyargues.Sheholdsthecloakoutandmentallycoaxesherfriendto

putiton,maskingthegarment’spresencefromher.“I’msorry,butithastobedone.”

Nyxwondersatthemysteriousapologyforafewminutesbeforesherealizeswhathashappened.Unabletoseeorfeelthecloak,shestormsdowntheduneand

swatsatwhereshethinksthehoodwouldbe.Irrationalfromherthirstandtheheat,thecastercoatsherbodyinfireandaltersthespelltoburnthecloak.AshorttrailofflamesfansoutbehindherasshevictoriouslygrinsatDariana,butshepanicswhenhersweat-stainedshirt

ignites.Bythetimethefireisout,Nyxhaslostmostofthebackofherfavoritetopandthefrontiscoveredinsmokingholes.

“Yourrageisaproblemwhenyou’reunderduress,”Darianastateswhilesheapproachesthemutteringhalf-elf.“Weshouldfinda

placetorestandwaitoutthesun.Lukeboughtmeatent,whichwillshieldusfromexposure.I’mnotsurewhatitwilldoabouttheheat.”

“Myheadfeelsfunny,”Nyxsays,rubbingherbloodshoteyes.Asurgeoffrustrationrollsthroughhermindandshehurlsafireball

atadistantdune,turningittoglass.“It’slikethere’saneedleinmybrainthat’smakingmyminditch.Drivingmenutsandmakingmewanttolashoutateverythingthatangersme.IttookalotofwillpowertoavoidattackingyouwhenIrealizedwhatyoudidwith

thecloak.”“Doesyourtempercause

youtooveruseyourmagic?”“Imightoverreactwhen

angry,butI’veimprovedsinceImetLukeandtheothers.”

“Butit’sstillyourmainemotionaltrigger.”

“I’dliketothink

defianceistherootofmypower.”

“Soit’syournegativeemotionaltrigger.”

“Sortof.”Darianarollshereyes

andgentlytouchesthesidesofNyx’shead,herthumbsrubbingtheotherwoman’stemples.Whenshetriesto

stepintothehalf-elf’smind,sheisshovedawaybyapanickyforce.ThefaintsoundofgnashingteethandhissingmakesNyxjumpeventhoughitismoreofasensationthanactualnoise.Darianacalmsherbytakingavividchildhoodmemoryandusingittogiveherfrienda

burstofhappiness.Again,thetelepathcirclesthecaster’sthoughtsandpokesatthestrangebarrierthatiskeepingherout.Sheseesaflickerofmovementontheedgeofhervisionandfollowsthehazy,wigglingformuntilitdisappearsintotheastralshadows.Confidentthatshe

knowswhattheproblemis,DarianabreakscontactandtenderlyholdsNyxbytheshoulders.

“ThegoodnewsisthatIfoundawaytogetusoutofthesunandheat,”sheannounceswithacrookedsmile.Lickingherlips,sheshiftshergazetothedistant

dunesthatseemtogoonforever.“Thebadnewsisthatyouhaveaworm.”

“Aworm!”Nyxyells,herhairblastinglightningintothesky.“Whereisit?Canyougetitoutwithoutopeningmeup?Wherediditcomefrom?”

“Calmdown.It’sanaura

wormanditprobablygotintoyouwhileyouwereconstantlycastinglastnight,”Darianasaysinasoftvoice.Shetakesanotherdrinkofwaterandwaitsforthehalf-elftostophurlingspellsatthesky.“Theyinfectanyonewithmagicandcausethehosttooverreacttotheirmost

sensitivetrigger.Forexample,makingyouralreadyshorttempertobecomeevenshorter.Whenyoucastaspell,theaurawormabsorbssomeoftheenergyyourelease.You’llnoticethatyourspellsaren’tasshinyastheynormallyare.I’lladmitthathavingone

insideachannelerisverydangerous.Ifyouenteracitylikethis,you’llprobablydestroyitbeforeanyonecanstopyou.”

Nyxbacksawayandsendsforceboltsineverydirection,narrowlymissingDarianawiththreeofthem.“Getitout!”

“Notjustyet.Wecanuseittofindanoasisoracity,Nyx,”shewhispers,reachinghermindoutandthinningitouttoslipthroughthebarrier.“Ifwemaketheenvironmenthostile,itwilljumptomeandIcancontainit.Mymindandpowerswon’tgiveitasgoodamealanditcan’tgetout

withoutmypermission.Icanmakeitguideusinreturnforitsfreedom.”

“Won’titdosomethingtoyournegativetrigger?”

“Yes,soyouwillhavetocarryme.TheonetimeIgotanauraworm,itmademeverydepressedandIateanentirebakery.Thegoods,not

theactualstoreandowners,”Darianaanswers,steelinghernervesforwhatshehastodo.“NowIneedtounlockdepressingmemoriesinyourmind.Thiswillmakeyourpsychesourandgloomy,whichtheaurawormwillfindsuffocating.Iapologizeforthis.”

Nyxcrossesherarmsbehindherbackashermindfillswithdarkmemories.Visionsoffellowapprenticesattemptingdangerousspellsandexplodingappearwithvividclarity.Thesensationofdyinggoblinsstrikesherheartlikeaspearanditisquicklyfollowedbythe

memoryofbeingorphaned.Untiltoday,sheneverknewhermindrememberedtheheatfromherburningvillageorthesightofhermotherchargingattheshadowydemons.Nyxcollapsestoherkneesandleansforwarduntilherforeheadispressedtothehotsand.Tearsstreamdown

herface,thedropssparkingwithlightningwhentheyhittheground.Withaloudsnap,hermindisclearedofdespairandtheitchingdiscomfortfromtheaurawormisgone.

“Igotyou,”Nyxgasps,leapingtoherfeetandcatchingDariana.“Whichwaydowego?”

Thesilver-hairedwomanweepsandwails,emphaticallypointingtotheeast.ThecasterpullsablanketoutofhersatchelanddrapesitoverDariana.Gettingunderthemakeshiftcloak,shegetshertallfriendontoherbackandmagicallyincreasesherstrength.She

trudgesthroughthesand,dependingentirelyonDarianaandtheauraworm’sdirections.Theheatofthesunseepsthroughthelightweightblanket,whichmakesitalongandtorturousjourney.Bytheendofthethirdhour,Nyxisthinkingonlyofhowmuchshemisses

Sarirandomlydousingherwithicewater.

*****Themiddaysunandheat

isunbearable,drivingthepairtotheirkneeswhentheycrestanotherdune.Darianatwitchesandgroansastheaurawormthrashesinsideherhead,excitedthatitwillsoon

befree.Withstiffmuscles,Nyxshakestheblanketoffandstaresatthesightbeforethem.Arockyoutcroppingjutsoutofthebottomoftheduneandhangsoverabeautifullake,thewateramesmerizingshadeofblue.Severalsmalltreessitattheedgeofthewater,theirroots

archingoutoftheshallows.Thewomencanhearagurglingstream,butitishiddenfromviewbythenearbyrocks.Aherdofred-hornedantelopedrinkatthefarendofthelake,butonlythelargestonewatchesastheadventurersstaggerintotheoasis.Theycollapseonthe

thickgrassthatgrowsaroundthelakeandNyxreachesouttotakeDariana’shand.

“Wemadeit,”thecasterwhispers,enjoyingthetouchofsoftbladesonherskin.Theticklingonherbellyremindsherofthebadlydamagedshirtsheiswearing.“Howareyoufeeling?”

Darianacurlsontohersideandwretches,startlingtheantelopeenoughthattheyboundintothedesert.Aglowingwormthelengthofherpinkyfingersquirmsoutofhermouth,draggingbehindalineofprismaticoozethatevaporatesintheheat.Theorangeparasite

burrowsintothegroundasDarianarelaxesandclearsherheadofthedespairshehasbeentrappedinformostoftheday.Feelingherstrengthreturn,sherollsontoherbackandtakeshershoesoff.Asighofblissrisesfromherdrythroatasherfeetarecaressedbythegrass.

“Ifeelweakanddirty,”Darianasaysinahoarsevoice.“I’mhungrytoo.”

Nyxsitsupandpeelsherbatteredbootsoff,grimacingatthelookofhersand-cakedtoesandheels.Withherstomachrumbling,shepullsoutafewhardbiscuitsandahandfulofdriedfruitfrom

herbag.ShegiveshalfofthefoodtoDarianawhodevoursthemealandwashesitdownwithadeepdrinkfromherwaterskin.Achingmusclespopandsorejointscreakasthepairturnaroundtowatchsunlightdanceonthewater.Gentlebreezessendripplesalongthesurface,makingit

appearasifthelakeiscallingtotheexhaustedpair.

“Howcleandoyouthinkthatwateris?”Darianaaskswithamouthfulofbiscuit.Shestrugglestoswallowtheblandmeal,needingadrinktohelpwashitdown.“I’dhateforustogetotherparasites.Thatisifyouwant

abathasbadlyasIdo.”“I’vebeenthinkingofit

sinceIsawthewater,”Nyxadmitswithanimpishsmirk.“Icantrytocleansethewaterwithapurityspell.That’smoreholymagic,butcastershavevariationsthatinvolvelowlevelheatspells.”

“AllIsenseareanimals

inthearea,sowehaveprivacy.”

“Arewegettingentirelynaked?”

“Iassumedwewouldbecauseweneedtogetclean.”

“Together?”“Areyouuncomfortable

aroundanothernaked

woman?”Nyxwavesherhandto

castherpurificationspellwhileshethinksofhowtoexplainhersituation.“No...IhaveafeatureI’membarrassedabout.It’susuallyhiddenbyanillusion,butIletitdroplastnightandneverputitbackup.Only

SariknowsaboutitandI’mnotsureIwantotherpeopletoknow.”

DarianatouchesNyx’sbellythroughoneoftheholesinhershirt.Thewoman’sfingerstouchtheexposedscarandshesmileswarmlyatthehalf-elf.Shepullshershirtcollardowntoreveala

scarinthecenterofherchest.Theoldinjuryisashockofpinkagainstherfairskinthatrunsforseveralinches.Desperatelywantingthatbath,Darianastripsherclothesoffandwadesintothelake.Herlegsbumpintosmallfishashertoessinkintothesoftsandthatsucksat

hersoles.Shedivesunderthewatertogetherfaceandhairwet,allowingthecoolnesstoenergizeher.Floatingtothesurface,shehearsNyxswimmingnearbyandturnstofacethecaster.

“IgotmyscarfromStephen,”Darianacasuallymentions,pouringmorewater

overherdullhair.Shescrubsathertresses,usingherreflectiontocheckforhernaturalshinetoreturn.“Itwasourfirstmeetingandhedidn’tknowwewererelated.HeslashedmefrombellybuttontothroatandIrevealedmyidentityoutofdesperation.I’malive

becauseheusedhismagictoreversemyinjury,butheleftthisscarasareminderthathecouldhavekilledme.”

“Ihaveamatchingoneonmybackfromathroughandthrough,”Nyxsayswhilewashingthesandoffherfacewithacloth.Sheuseshermagictokeepherheadabove

waterafterhavingfollowedthetallerwomanintothedeeperpartofthelake.“AHellfireElfwasafterLukeandusedmeasamessage.Thearrowendedupbeingatransformedvampirethatwehadtokill.Thatwasmyfirstadventureandeverythingwentdownhillaroundthe

timeIgotthis.”“Mostfirstadventures

aredisasters,”thesilver-hairedwomanpointsout.Shenoticesherfriendblushingandfloatscloser,turningonherstomachasshenears.“I’msorryifImakeyouuncomfortable.Ithoughtyouwereokaywithbathing

together.Saritoldmethatyouhavesharedbasinswithherinthepast.”

“Whenwewerekids!FortheloveofGartheLoreKing,thatgirlseemstoforgetwe’readults,”thehalf-elfgroans.Shebrieflydipsunderthewatertoscruboffthelayerofsandonherlegs,

gaspingforairwhenshesurfaces.“I’mnotaprude,butI’malittleself-consciousattimes.Sariissobeautifulthatit’shardformetoavoidcomparingmyselftoher.You’reprettytoowithyourperfectskin,uniquehair,and...biggerparts.”

Darianapausesto

comparetheirbodies,unsurewhatthehalf-elfisreferringtoorwhysheisupset.“AndyetDelvinissmittenbyyouinsteadofSariormyself.Youareachanneler,whichmeansthere’ssomethingaboutyouthatwillbeseenasenchanting.There’sthescentthatattractspotentialmates,

butit’salsothepedigree.Apresencethat’simpossibletoignorewhenyou’rewithinyourelement,whichismagic.Wheneveryoucastaspell,youareoneofthemostbeautifulcreaturesinWindemere.”

“I’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitthatIfeelbeautiful

whenI’musingmymagic.HowmuchdoyouknowaboutDelvin’sfeelings?Iknowyoutwoaren’tveryclose.”

Darianagoesbacktofloatingonherbackandcloseshereyes,thesloshingwatermufflingeverysound.Sheletsherminddriftin

searchofthetracesofDelvin’semotions,hopingtofindtheperfectwordstoanswerNyx’squestion.IttakesafewminutestobattlethroughtheresidualpassionleftbyLukeandSari.Shepromptlypurgestheuncomfortablesensationsbyinjectingthemintoanearby

lizard,whichscurriesoffinsearchofamate.

“Iknowenoughtotellyouthatyoursuitor’scalmfaçadewillnotbeinplacewhileyouareaway,”shecarefullyexplains.Openinghereyes,shefindsNyxisswimmingnexttoher,theirheadsbumping.“Thisisa

situationthatIshouldn’tgetinvolvedin.Delvindoesn’ttrustmeandwillbeangryifIoverstepmybounds.Besides,hehasneverhiddenhisintentionsandfeelingsfromyou.Ibelieveit’stimeforyoutofocusonyourownemotionsandmakeadecision.”

“Iknow,but-”Nyxstartstosay,stoppingwhenshehearsaloudshuffling.Thecasterstopsfloatingtogetalookattheshore,herheartleapingintoherthroatwhensheseesthecreaturessurroundingthelake.“Wheredidallofthosespadixcomefrom?Ithoughtyouwere

keepinganeyeorthoughtoutformonsters.”

“I’msorry.”Theshorelineteemswith

screechingspadix,thescorpionmenwavingtheirrustyweaponsandpincers.Belowtheirwaists,theyhaveeight-leggedcarapaceswithnaturalarmorthatisonpar

withplatemail.Deadlytailsarchoverthemuscularcreaturesandbobinthebreeze,afewoftheprojectionsbeinglongenoughtotaptheirownersontheirhairlessheads.Abarb-coveredspadixpicksupDariana’sclothesandsniffsatthefilthygarments.

Turningitsheadtowardthefiguresbobbinginthewater,thebeastbaresitsteethandhisses.Severalofitsbrethrentrytoenterthewater,butscramblebackinfearwhiletheystabatthelake.

“Theycan’tswim,”Darianawhispers,gettingclosertoherally.“Youcan

pickthemofffromhereuntiltheyrunaway.”

“Can’tyouuseyourpowerstoforcethemaway?”Nyxasks,hereyesneverleavingthespadix.Shefiresanacidicarrowfromherpalm,butshemissesduetohavingtokeepherselfafloat.“IthinkI’mtooexhausted

fromtheheatandaurawormtofightatfullstrength.I’mnotgoingtohavealotofluckunlessItakemytimeaiming.Firespellswillheatthewaterandboilyou.Lightningwoulddothesame.Icewoulddotheopposite.Ifthereareanyarchersoutthere,we’resittingducks.”

“They’retooprimalformetodoanything.TheyknowwhattheyseeandIcan’tconvincethemotherwise,”Darianasays,herheadpoundingfromtheattempt.“You’dbesurprisedhowstubbornabeastcanbe.Acreaturethatthinksabouttheirworldiseasierto

manipulate.Icouldkillallofthembyturningtheirmindsoff,butthat’srather...Ireallydon’tlikedoingthingslikethat.”

“Inotherwords,you’redefenseless.”

“Icouldleapoutofthelakeandfightthemwithmyfists.”

“Toodangerous.”Aspadixscreechesfrom

behindthewomenandraisesalongbowthatitclumsilyfires.Thearrowplunksintothewaterseveralfeetawayfromitstargets,butothersattempttoshootavarietyofprojectiles.NyxhugsDarianaandputsupabarrierthat

deflectsthreewell-aimedcrossbowbolts.Thebarragestopswhenthespadixrunoutofammunitionandcrouchattheshoreline.Theystretchtheirtailsbackasfarastheycanandswingovertheirheadstosendjetsofvenomintothelake.

“Spadixcanthrowtheir

venom!?”Nyxexclaims,strengtheningthebarrier.Putridliquidsplashesagainsttheshieldasthewaterturnsblack.“Ican’tdropmyspelltofightback!It’stheonlythingpreventingusfromgettingpoisoned.”

“Theydothisiftheyaresurroundingadifficulttarget.

Theattackwillrupturetheirstingers,whichiswhytheydon’tdoitoften,”Darianaanswers,kickingherlegstokeepthemafloat.“Ifyoupropelusintotheair,youcanthrowspellsatthemfromabove.Justforgetthatwe’renakedandgo.”

Withherheartracing,the

castershiftsherfriendtoherbackandlaunchesthemintotheskywithastartlingboom.Thesuddenchangeoffocusweakenshershieldenoughthataboltofvenomsplattersagainstthesideandasquirtpassesthrough.ThedeadlyliquidhitsNyxintheeyes,causingherscreaminagony.

Unabletoseeanything,shecannolongerkeepthemintheairandareflexiveburstofforcehurlsthemintoanearbydune.Thecasterfightstheurgetorubhereyes,whichburnasshewrithesontheroughsand.

“Stopstruggling,”Darianawhispers,straddling

herfriendandplungingintohermind.ShecanhearthespadixchargingassheusesNyx’sauratorepairthedamage.“Itwilltaketimeandrealmedicinetofullyheal.Isavedyoureyesightbyturningitoff,butyoushouldbeabletofireblindlyatthenoise.”

Ahigh-pitchedwarcryeruptsfrombehindtheduneandcharginghorsescanbeheardbarrelingtowardthem.Thesmallforceofscimitar-wieldingwarriorschargeoverthesandandcrashintotheswarmingspadix.Arrowsflyfromoutofview,causingDarianatostanduptosee

black-clothedfiguressittingoncamelsandfiringintothemonsters.Spadixarekilledbyeverybarragefromthearcherswhoshootwithsuchprecisionthattheirmountedallieshavenofearofbeinghit.Withinminutes,thesurvivingcreaturesareretreatingintothedesertand

thewarriorsarecirclingbacktowardthewomen.

“Donotgiveusanytrouble,”theleaderoftheirrescuerssays,hisvoicecleareventhroughhisprotectiveheadwrappings.HepointsalargescimitaratNyxwhileheleansdowntolookatDariana.“Youarenow

prisonersoftheHelgardiantribe.Getdressed,gatheryourthings,andcomewithus.Comequietlyandyourfriendwillgetthemedicinethatsheneeds,spyofBor’daruk.”

*****Nyxtouchesthe

medicinalwraponhereyes

whenshecanseethewhitefabricinsteadofunnervingdarkness.Rememberingthewordsofthewarrior,sheissurprisedthatherhandsarenotbound.Blindlygropingalongherbody,shefindsacuffaroundheranklewithaslackenedchain.Gentlypullingonthetethercausesa

familiarvoicetogrumbleandabarefootshovesNyx’sthigh.Takingoffthewrap,herfuzzyvisionadjuststothetorchlightandsheseesDarianasleepingamongapileofpillows.Theadventurershavebeenchainedtogether,buttheirbondsarelooseenoughto

allowthemtoroamaroundthesmall,auburntent.Apitcherofwaterandabowlofdriedfruitareonatable,whichNyx’srumblingstomachurgeshertocrawltowards.Thefoodisalreadyinhermouthwhentheideaofitbeinglacedwithpoisonortruthserumcrosseshermind.

Shelooksforaplacetospitthemealout,butallthecasterseesarepillowsandrugsthatsheknowsshewillbesleepingonforatleastanight.

“Youmightbewonderingwhywerefusetobindandgagacaster,”adeepvoicesaysfromthecornerof

thetent.Thestatementisfollowedbyadeepchuckle,thenoiseremindingthehalf-elfofTimoran.“Feelfreetoeatanddrink.Wedon’tdrugourcaptivesandpoisoningyouwouldbepointless.Ifwewantedyoudeadthenwe’dhaveletthespadixdothejob.Afterall,doyouknowhow

difficultitistodisposeofabodyinthedesert?Wellrathersimple,butit’snotourway.”

Nyxswallowsherfoodasshelockseyeswiththebare-chested,smilingman.Hisebonyskinglistensintheflickeringtorchlight,whichilluminateseveryscaronhis

muscularframe.Awhitetattooofahoodedserpentisonhisbaldhead,theglintofrubystudscomingfromthecenterofthecrimsoneyes.Hisemeraldpantsarealittlebaggyandareheldinplacebyablackbeltthatismadefrominterwovenleatherstrips.Themancasuallyruns

hisfingersalongthesheathedscimitarthatlaysonthethree-leggedtablenexttohim,buthemakesnomovetodrawtheweapon.Heswirlsawoodencupofherbalwaterbeforetakingadeepdrink,givingoffanairofcalmcasualness.

“MynameisNyx.DoI

havetoasktheusualquestions?”thehalf-elfinquiresasshesnapsherfingers.Ablueflameappearsonherthumbandshewaitsforareactionfromeitherthetentorhercaptor.“Noanti-magicdefensesoranyonejumpingin.You’reobviouslynotscaredofcasters,Mr.

Nomad.”“IamMisraeandIlead

thistribe,”thewarriorrepliesthrowingtherestofhisdrinkonNyx’shand.Anamusedchuckleescapeshislipswhenheseesthattheflamestillexists.“ThePalquasensedyourpowerassoonasyouarrived.Shetoldusthat

bindingyouwouldonlymakeyouangry,sowesettledforchainingyoutoyourfriend.You’llnoticethatyourleftanklesareboundtoeachotherinsteadofrighttoleft.Ifyoutrytorun,oneofyouwillbetrippingoverthechain.”

Nyxflexesherfingers

andstaresintothegrayeyesofhercaptor.“Icoulddestroythebondswithmymagic.”

“Thatwouldtaketimeandwe’dbeuponyouquickly,”Misraepointsoutashegetstohisfeetandcrouchesinfrontofhisprisoner.“Thisisthetest.Aspylikeyouwouldlaywaste

tothetribeandmakeherescape.ThePalquasaysyouaresomethingelse,butIforbidherfromvisitingyouuntilIamsureyou’reharmless.IfyouandyourfriendremainourcaptiveswithoutusingyourpowertodestroyusthenIwillgiveyoumorefreedom.”

“Youmeangivememyfreedom,right?”

Thetribeleaderflashesanothergrinthatmakeshisteethshineintheflickeringlight.Hestrokesthehalf-elf’shairandcautiouslymovestoDarianawhoisstillasleep.Thenomadtriestogentlyshakeherawake,jumping

backwhenshelashesoutwithakicktohisstomach.Herubsatthescratchleftbyhertoenail,amazedthatshecamesoclosetostrikinghim.Theslumberingprisonerrollsfurtherintothepillows,mutteringincoherentlyaboutsand.Returningtohissimplechair,Misraegrabsaslabof

warmmeatfromaplateandtakesabigbitefromit.SeeingthehungerinNyx’seyes,hetossesherapiecethatisgreedilydevoured.

“Howdidyouendupinthedesert?”heasks,leaningbackuntilhisheadtouchesthesideofthetent.“It’sstrangetofindtwowomenso

farinthewildernesswithnosteedsandverylittlesupplies.Yoursignsofexposureareminimal,soyoudidn’twalkoutofBor’daruk.Perhapsyoutraveledwithacaravanandpartedways?”

“WearrivedwithourfriendsinBor’darukaboutadayago,”Nyxanswerswhile

pouringherselfanotherdrink.SheconsidersthrowingitatDariana,butsomethingaboutthemumblingwomantellshertoleaveherfriendalone.“ASpurgeflewinfromthedesertandattackedthedocks.Someoneturneditintoamagicalbomb,soDarianaandIcarrieditintotheair

beforeitblew.Theexplosionsentusintothedesertandwe’retryingtofindourwaybacktoourfriends.Hopefullythey’restayinginthecityandnotrushingintothedesertlikeidiots.Itrustoneofthemtokeeptheothersinline.”

“Bor’darukhaslockeditsdoorsanddeclaredwaronus.

Yourfriendsaretrappedwithinitswalls,”Misraesays,breakinghissmileforthefirsttime.Hepullsablackenedfangoutofhisbeltandholdsittothetorchlight.“WefoundtheremainsofaSpurge.ItwasdestroyedinawaythatitdiedinsteadofreturningtotheChaosVoid.

Thisdoesn’tmeanIbelieveyouwereinvolvedwithit,buttheevidencehelpsyourstory.What’syourbusinessinthesouth?”

“It’sdifficulttoexplain,”sheawkwardlyreplies.SomethinginhermindstopsherfrommentioningtheBaronorbeingachampion.

Rubbingheramethystnecklace,shewishesshecouldcontactherparentsforadvice.“Oneofmyfriendshadadream,whichledushere.It’saboutfindingalosttemplethatcanbedangerousinthewronghands.Webelieveitwasunearthedsomewhereinthisdesert.”

“You’relying.”“Notreally.I’mtelling

youthebasics,whichwillprovewe’renotspies.Neitherofusarefromaroundhere.Soyoucan’tgetanyinformationfromusbecausewehavenothingtotell.”

MisraestrokeshischinandeyesNyx,whogoesback

tohersmallmealofdriedfruit.HewatchesDarianatossandturnamongthepillows,hermouthstuckinaproudsmirk.Drawinghisscimitar,hecrossesthetentintwolongstridesandstandsabovethesleepingwoman.ThebladeofhisswordemanatesapurpleglowwhenMisrae

pointsitatthesilver-hairedprisoner.Herbodytensesandlocks,theonlyremainingmovementbeingtherisingandfallingofherchest.

“Yourfriendisparalyzed,butcanbreathe.Stillmuscleatrophyhappensquicklyunderthisspell,”thenomadexplainsinacold,

steelyvoice.Thewarmthinhiseyeshasvanishedandallthatremainsaretheorbsofahardenedleader.“Ihavebeenpoliteandpatient,butIdonotacceptlying.Evenpartialstoriesareliesinmyworldbecauseitmeansyouarehidingsomething.Tellmeyourconnectionto

Bor’daruk,NyxofRainbowTower.Yes,Iamawareofyouroriginandstatus.”

“Thenwhythegame?”sheasks,flamesappearingalongherarms.

“Attackmeandmypeoplecometomydefense,”Misraestates,movinghisbladeclosertoDariana.A

flutterofthewoman’seyescatcheshisattentionandhegrowlsashebreaksthespellandreturnstothetable.“ThePalquahasdecidedtodoherowninvestigation.Itappearsyourfriendisbusyandnottobeinterrupted.ThatmeansIhavenoleveragetogetthetruthoutofyou.”

“Youhaveamindcasterinyourtribe?”Nyxasks,shrinkingawaywhenMisraeflashesheranangryglare.“I’msorry.IfI’mnottellingyoumysecretsthenIshouldn’texpectyoutobeopenwithme.Look,Ireallydon’twanttodragyourtribeintomyadventures.Soitisn’t

thatI’mlyingtohideanything.”

Thedark-skinnedmanlaughsloudenoughtostartletheguardsoutside.HewavesthetwomenawaywhentheyenterwiththeirspearsaimedatNyx.Leavinghisscimitaronthetable,Misraesitscross-leggedinfrontofthe

half-elfandtakesherhand.Hissmilehasreturnedalongwithhisjovialdemeanor.

“Youhaveagoodheart,youngcaster,”hestates,puttingtheslightestpressureonthecenterofherpalm.Heletsgowhenherealizesthathisactioncanbemistakenforathreat.“There’sarumorthat

Ihavebeenhopingyouwouldeitherconfirmordeny.AsIsaid,Ihaveheardofyouthroughvarioussources.IknowyoutravelwithaforesttrackerwhoissupposedlybetrothedtoKiraGrasdon.Areyouandherfriends?”

“I’venoproblemwithher.Ihaven’treallyinteracted

withKiraenoughtoconsiderusfriends.Wewerenicetoeachotherthelastfewtimeswemet.Iguesswecouldbecomefriendsovertime.”

“That’sunfortunate,NyxofRainbowTower,”Misraesighs,gettingtohisfeetandgrabbinghissword.Hestandsinfrontofthetent’sentrance,

hishandontheflap.“TheGrasdonfamilyhasbecomeourenemy.Wearemarchingtoeithernegotiatethereturnofourpropertyordeclarewarbeforetheycauseirreparabledamagetotheregion.IfyouareafriendofaGrasdonthenIcannottrustyou.”

“Thenwhathappensto

us?”Misraeshakeshishead

andleavesthetent,whisperingorderstotheguards.Thehumofaspellfillsthetentandthebrownfabrictakesonadarkerhue.Nyxsnapsherfingerstocreateaflameonherthumb,holdingherbreathin

anticipation.Aninvisiblehandsmacksherinthebackoftheheadwithenoughforcetostunher.Shewavesthefireawayandlaysdownamongthesoftpillows,quietlyhurlingeverycursewordsheknowsathercaptors.

*****Darianastopsrunning

backwardsandcatchesthespearswingingforherhead.Shehasseveralcutsonherbody,butnosignofbloodonherpristine,whiteclothes.Withatwistofherarm,sheyankstheweaponoutofherdark-skinnedopponent’shands.Thespearvanishesandreappearsontheother

woman’sback,shrinkinguntilitisnothingmorethanfootlongrodofpolishedwood.Theirwoundsarealreadyhealingasthepairlooksaroundtheemptyvoidthattheyhavebeensparringinforwhatfeelslikeanentireday.

“Thankyou,Dariana,”

thetonedwomansaysassheattachesagoldenlizardcliptohershortbrownhair.Herrighteyesparkleslikeasapphire,butherleftisswollenshut.“Youareapowerfulwarrioronthementalplane.Inevergettosparinheresincenobodywishestodamagetheir

preciousPalqua.”“Ithoughtyourname

wasSharne,”thechampionreplieswhilefocusingonerasingherinjuries.“Iapologizeformyfriend’stardiness.Ithoughtshewouldhavefallenasleepbynow.”

“Yourfriendisslumberingnow,soyoucan

gether,”Sharnementionswhileshemendshertornclothes.Thered,flowingskirtgoesdowntoherfeetfromabeltofgoldenscales.Hermatchingtophaslong,widesleevesandanintricatepatternofpolishedstoneandivoryrunningfromtheshoulderstoherbelly.“You

andyourfriendmaycallmeSharne.ThePalquaismytitlewithinthetribe.Itisanameofhonorhandeddowntothechildbornineverygenerationwiththesight.”

Darianaconcentratesandreachesherhandsintotheground,circularripplesrollingintothehorizon.She

slowlydrawsouttheslumberingformofNyx,alayerofwhiteenergyonthecaster’snakedbody.Afieryshirtandpureblackpantsappearonthehalf-elfashereyesopen,theirvioletlightsendingbeamsintotheendlesssky.DarianaandSharnestaybehindNyxwhen

shetriestofacethem,neitherofthemwillingtostandintheprojectionsofrawaura.Withafewhardblinks,thebeamsdisappearandhereyeslosetheirvividshine.

“IfeelasleepandnowI’minavoid,”Nyxstatesinadullvoice.Sheexperimentallywavesher

handandcreatesathroneoflivingflames.“IfI’mgoingtobeinthismentalrealmthenI’mgoingtobecomfortable.ThoughI’mnotsurewhyImadesomethingthisflashy.Who’sthis?”

“I’msorryfornotspeakingsooner.ThisisSharnethePalquaandwe’ve

beentalkingsincewebumpedintoeachotherinourdreams.Wellwe’vebeensparring,”Darianareplieswhileaggressivelyrubbingtheleftsideofherface.Sharneturnsinacircle,herswolleneyehealedbythetimeshefinishes.“Sheistheholywomanofthe

Helgardians.I’veexplainedoursituationandshebelieveswearenotspies.”

“IfyoutwoweretalkingthenmymeetingwithMisraewaspointless,”thecasterangrilygrowls,herthroneflaringandfillingthevoidwithheat.“IshouldprobablygetridofthisthingbeforeI

hurtsomebody.”“Ihavearequest,Lady

oftheFlame,”Sharnesayswithalowbow.Theholywomancreatesafakeversionofherselfthattakesseveralstepsawayfromtheoriginal.“Pleasedestroythisillusionwithanyspellofyourchoice.IpromisethatIwillbefine.I

simplywanttogetatasteofyourtruepower.”

NyxlooksatDarianaandgentlybitesherlowerlip,unsureofwhatisgoingon.“I’mnotsureaboutthis.Mymagicisverydangerous.I’machanneler,whichmeansI’llbemorethanwhatyouexpect.”

“She’llbefine,”thesilver-hairedwomanassuresherfriend.

Withatiredsigh,Nyxgetsoffthefierythroneandwhipsitoverherheaduntilitturnsintoacracklingfireball.TherealSharnemovesclosertoDarianaastheholywomanstaresintothechurningspell.

Unleashingasmallshout,thecasterhurlsherattackattheillusionandanarrowexplosionengulfstheentirevoid.Abubbleofsolidwindprotectsthethreewomenfromthespell,buttheystillfeelenoughoftheheattosweat.Theinfernodiesdown,leavingscatteredpillarsof

smokethatdottheblanklandscape.

“Thatwasimpressive,”Darianawhispersinamazement.“I’mrealizingthatI’venoclearideaofyourabilities,Nyx.Nowondermybrotherwantstoclaimyou.”

“That’snotreallycomforting,”thehalf-elf

hissesbetweenherteeth.“Idon’tbelievethere’s

anywaytocomfortyouabouthim.”

SharnetakesNyx’shandsandpressesherforeheadtotheotherwoman’sknuckles.“Irecognizeyourpower.Youarethechampionwhowill

bravethechallengesofHelgard.Mytribeisnamedafteryourtemplebecauseourancestorsoncecalledithome.WeweretheloyalservantsofGabrielandwetendedtotheguardianbeasts.Adangerousmonsterforcedusoutandwebecamenomadswhilewaitingforthetimeweare

calledhome.”“I’mconfusedonwhat’s

goingonhere,”Nyxadmits,gentlyfreeingherhandsfromthefriendlynomad.“AllIwanttodoisreturntoBor’darukandmyfriends.Idon’twanttoworryaboutHelgarduntilthen.”

“IbelieveSharneis

sayingthatthetribewillhelpuswhenthetimecomes,”Darianapolitelyinterjects.Shesensesherfriend’smentalanguishandpushespositivethoughtsather.“Wewillbeokayaslongaswestaywiththetribe.They’regoingtoBor’darukandwillreachthecityinafewdays.”

“They’remarchingtoawar.”

“SharneandMisraedon’twantittocometothat.”

“Thenwhat’sgoingonwiththeGrasdons?”

“We’llfindoutwhenwegetthere.”

“I’mallforhelpingthesepeople,butIwanttoknow

what’sgoingon.”NyxandDarianaare

pushedapartbyagoldenlightthattransformsintoathreefoottallscepter.Thesmoothobjecthasamultifacetedrubythatrisesoutofabluelotus.Ancientrunesspiralfromthebottomofthejewelflowertotheroundedbase.Strange

figuresdartwithinthecoreoftheruby,movingtooquicklytobeseenwithanyclarity.Nyxismesmerizedbythescepterandreachesouttograbit,buttheobjectabruptlyspinsintoSharne’shands.

“ThisistheScepterofPalqua.Itisthesymbolofmy

station,theholiestrelicofmytribe,andtheonlytreasuremyancestorsfreedfromHelgard,”theholywomanexplainswhilepolishingthebeautifulruby.Shegentlytwirlsitoverherhead,releasingashowerofcrimsonsparks.“Itwasstolenafewweeksagowhenwewere

attacked.ThebanditwecapturedforinterrogationtoldusthathimandhisallieswerehiredbytheGrasdons.Misraeisangryatthem,butIthinksomethingelseisgoingon.Foronething,onlythePalquaandtheTribeKingknowthetruthbehindthescepter.”

“Whatisthetruth?”Nyxasks,hereyesstilllockedontheenchantingobject.

Sharne’seyesturnblackandtheairbecomesshockinglycold.“Therearemonsterswithinthisscepter.Onebyonetheywillescapeuntiltheworstofthemissetfree.Thenthedesertwill

burnforeternity.”

9

Stephentakesabiteoutofthelargeturkeyleg,hiseyesscanningthefacesofhisthreecompanions.Trinityistheonlyonetomeethisgazeasshedrinksfromadeepgobletofwineandrelaxesonasoftcouch.Shetriesherbesttoignorethewhiteand

black-skinnedhandthatisplayingwithherebonyhaireventhoughsheswearsthereareatleasteightfingerstouchingherscalp.Withatiredsigh,thechaoselfglancesattheGoddessofChaoswhoisstandingonthedomedceiling.YolaBiggssmileswideenoughthatthe

topofherheadnearlyfallsoff,whichcausesTrinitytoshudderandturntothebroodinggnomenexttoStephen.Thegreasyinventorquietlypicksatthesandwichplatterinfrontofhim,makingsurenottogetanyonhisbrightyellowshirt.Healreadyhasafewstainson

hisgreenpants,theyarefromaspinachdipthathappenstoblendintothehideouscolor.Nyderslideshisthickgogglesfromhisforeheadtohisdarkredeyes,buthetakesthemoffaminutelater.

“Remindmewhoisrunningthisoperation,”Stephensaysthroughgritted

teeth.Heflexeshishand,whichmergeswiththetableandsproutsdandelions.“Iwasn’tgoingtodoanything,Yola.Releasemeandbehaveyourself.”

“Nydertoldmetonegateyourvile,putridtemper,”thegoddessstates,wavingtothegnomewithherfoot.She

stretchesalockofgreenhairtograbsomebreadandswallowsthechunkwhole.“Thismealissoboring.Irememberlavishmealswherethefoodranintoyourmouthandworkedyourteethforyou.Adifferenttastewitheverybite.”

“That’showyouate

breakfastandit’sbecauseyouonlychewyourfoodoncebeforeswallowing,”Nydermentionsashesipsathiswater.Withatiredsigh,herubshiswaxybeardandpetsapeacockthatisrestingnearhim.“IhavetoagreewithStephentosomeextent.Wecan’tplayfavoriteshere.

KillingthedaughterwoulddealamajorblowtoLukeCallindor.Ifwewaittoolongthenshemaybecomesuspicious.”

“ThegirlisdistractedbySariandtheactionsofherfather,”Trinitypointsoutwithasmallyawn.Hereyelidsdroopandsheshakes

herheadclear,chuggingasmallcupofbittercoffeetostayawake.“Shewasgettingsuspiciousuntilwesenthertohandlethosefakenomadsfivedaysago.IttookawhiletosetthatupsinceourdearlydepartedGeneralVilecontrolledourcriminalcontactsdownhere.Now

she’scaughtupinherlovelifeandwon’trealizethatwe’resavingherfortheend.”

Stephenchucklesandreachesforanalbinopeacock,pullinghishandawaywhenTrinitylanceshiswristwithalong,piercingnail.Thebirdhurriesintothetropicalplantsastheman

snapsthetalonoff,enjoyingtheflashofpainonthechaoself’sface.Witharollofhishand,thewoundvanishesandhegrabsanotherchunkofturkeytodevour.Thelackoftablemannersrevealshowdifficultithasbeenforthemantomaintainhisdisguise,ataskthathaslefthimvery

littletimetoeat.“Isaywekillthegirland

enjoyLukeCallindor’sanguish,”Stephendeclareswithacruelsmirk.NoticingthatTrinityisholdingoutherhandtocheckherbrokennail,hesnapshisfingerstorepairtheminorinjury.“She’sfightingwithher

father,soit’stheperfecttimetokillher.ThefingerswillpointattheoldmanandLukeCallindorwillattack.Imaginethechaosthatwouldensueifachampionkilledtheheadofamerchanthouse.”

“WhatifhekillshimselforgoesinsaneorswimstoCerascentormurdersalitter

ofkittensorstormsShaydtodestroytheBaron?”Yolaasksatarapidpace.“Ohmyme,whatifhecomestokillme?”

“There’sthechancethatLukeCallindorwilldosomethingunpredictable,”Nyderagreeswhilehemakessomenotesonascroll.He

flipsdownhisgogglestogetaclearerlookatthepageandtapsthefeatheredquillagainsthisfatnose.“It’soneoftheproblemshere.Theboyhasconsistentlydonewhatnobodyexpects.Eventhegodshavebeenwhisperingabouthowherejectedhisfullpowertokeepthatgriffin

spiritaround.Yethewasstillabletoinjureyou,Stephen.PerhapsweshouldwaittokillKiraGrasdon.”

“Thetimingisperfect!”theancientwarriorshouts,slamminghisfistonthetable.Hischairtransformsintoagelatinousblobthatengulfshim.“Yola!”

“Insidevoice,”thegoddesscoosasalongstrawappearsinherhand.Shesucksuptheooze,herbellybloatinguntilshereleasesadaintyburp.“Wedon’twanttheservantstodiscoverushere.”

“MayIsuggestanotherscenariothatwouldappealto

yoursadism?”Trinitypolitelyrequestswithafriendlysmile.Shelicksherlipsastheplanswiftlyunfoldsinhermind.“YouwanttocauseLukeCallindorpain.Whatbetterwaytodothatthantomakehisfiancéesuffer?He’llfeelhelplesssincethesedeathswillhappenunderhisnose.

Thinkaboutit,Stephen.ThegreatherooftheCallindorlinefailingtoprotectthefamilyofthewomanheloves.”

“IthinkIseewhereyou’regoingwiththis,yourmajesty,”Nyderinterrupts,tuckingthescrollintoanoilcoveredsatchel.“AndIlike

whatI’mhearing.”Thechaoselfleansover

thetable,hervioleteyessparkingwithexcitedenergy.“BythetimeyoustrikeKiraGrasdondown,Lukewillalreadybenearhisbreakingpoint.Thatfinalblowwoulddestroyhim.EvenNyxandthatdritewon’tbeableto

healhimifyouattackhisheart.Ifhegoesberserkandtriestokillwhohebelievesisresponsiblethenthatwillforcetheotherstofightagainsthim.StillIwouldbetmoreonhimbecomingnothingmorethanabrokenhuskthatisn’tevenworthdestroying.Wouldn’tthatbe

moreentertainingtowatch?”Withaheavysigh,

Stephenwalksovertotheplantsandreachesintopullahoodedsnakeoutoftheleaves.Theterrifiedcreaturehissesandbaresitsfangs,butitrefusestobitehim.Hecoilsthesnakearoundhishandandwrist,calmlyobservingthe

beastashethinksabouthiscompanion’sidea.Thetemptationtokilltheanimalismaddeningwhilehetouchesthevilescaronhisthroat.Beforehelosescontrol,heputsthesnakebackintotheplantsandreturnstohisallies.

“IwishtodestroyLuke

Callindorforwhathedidtome.MyhatredofhimrivalsmydesiretoclaimNyx,”Stephenexplainsinaslow,steadyvoice.Hisbreathingbecomesheavyandhegripshisforearmstocalmdown.Gentlecrackingcanbeheardashecontinuouslybreaksandhealshisbones.“Yourplan

makessenseandIthankyouforkeepingmyangerincheck,dearTrinity.I’mnotmyselflatelyandit’sbeginningtoshowintheformI’vetakenhere.Iwillfocusoncontrollingmyself,soasnotruinmychancesofgettingrevengeonthatirritating,foolish,pathetic

whelpofahero.Withinafewdays,I’llbreakhim,feedhisbodytothedemons,andtoywithhisshatteredsoulforcenturies.Nobodyscarsme!”

YolaclapsherhandsandStephencollapsesonthecouchnexttoNyder.Thegnomepropsthesleepingman’sheadupandmovesa

pillowunderneath,shakingwarmdrooloffhisgreasyfingers.Helooksatthegoddesswithasternexpressionbeforegoingbacktotryingdifferentbreadandfillingcombinations.

“Youtoldmetostophistemper,”Yolamentionswhileonthevergeoftears.

“Idid,butIfearhe’llbeworsewhenhewakesup,”Nydersays,gaggingonthescorpionmeat.“Whatmasochistwouldenjoythishorriblesensation?”

“It’sadelicacy,”Trinitywhispersassheswirlshergobletofwine.Shestaresattheunconsciousmanacross

thetablefromherandsmirks.“Thankyou,Yola.It’snicetohaveapeacefuldinnerforonceduringthisouting.YoumayhavesavedhislifebecauseI’msickofhisranting.”

Thegoddesssquealswithdelightandlandsonthecouchnexttothechaoself.

“See,Nyder,Icandoagoodjob.HethoughtIwasgoingtomakeamistakeandcauseabigmessthatyouwouldhavetofix.”

“Flowersaresproutingoutofhisnostrils,youloopydeity,”thegnomegrumblesoverthelipofhiswaterglass.

“Oh,that’sjusttomake

himlookprettier.”“Howfarindotheygo?”“Tohisbrain,sopulling

themoutwouldbebad.”“Howdowegetridof

them?”“They’llfalloutwhenhe

wakesup.”“Tellmehowtowake

himup.”

“Heneedsthekissofadangerousbeauty.”

Trinityfreezeswithacherrystickingoutofhermouthasherfriendsturntoher.“I’llgofindthatsnake.”

*****Saristretchesherlegs

underthetableandrubsherbootedfeetagainstthecalfof

hercompanion.Quillclearshisthroatandreachesdowntopushheraway,butfindsherlimbsimpossibletomove.Shestopsteasingtheyoungmanandgoesbacktostaringatthemenueventhoughshedoesnotknowwhatmostofthedishesare.Thelocalcuisineislikeadifferent

languagetoherandshealreadymadeamistaketryingtoorderadrinkthatendedupbeingnothingmorethanherbalicewater.Theotherdinerscontinuetakingquicklooksatthegypsy,herwhiteskinandbluehairmakingheracuriosity.Enjoyingtheattention,shemovesher

handsoverherwaterglassanddrawstheliquidintotheair,formingangularshapesabovethetable.Withaclapofherhands,theliquidexplodesintoamistthatshimmerslikearainbowinthecandlelight.

“Thatwasanicetrick,”Quillsoftlysays,wavingto

theirwaiter.HepointsatafewdishesandtakesthemenufromSari,handingittotheyoungman.“Thankyouforcomingoutwithme.Inormallywouldn’tinvolveaforeignerinmyaffairs,especiallyonewhoisinvolvedwithmycousin.”

“Butthesituationhas

takenawayyourchoices,youfindmeenchanting,andyou’venoticedthatI’vegrownrestlessinyourhome,”Sariaddswithanimpishgrin.Sheleansonthetableandlicksherlips,makingtherobedmannervous.“Youcanalsolearnmoreaboutmethroughourdate.Thiswill

onlybelunchandaromanticwalk.I’mnotgoingtomakemylifeanymorecomplicated.”

“Iagreeandhavenointerestingoingbeyondamealandconversation,”heresponds,reachingforanappleonapassingcart.Thepieceoffruitdartsfromhis

handsanddisappearsintotherafters,startlinghimandseveralnearbypatrons.“Whatkindofspellwasthat?Youdidn’tevendoanythingtocastit.”

ThegypsygrabsanotherapplefromthecartandtossesittoQuill,pointingherfingerattheceilingasiftogivea

warning.“Thatwasn’taspell.Ibroughtafriendalongforsomeaddedprotectionandtokeepmecompanyincaseyouleftmealone.He’ssupposedtobeasecret,butthelittleguyloveshisapples.Now,howdoesthiswork?Ionlyknowaboutthephysicalsideofyourtraditions.”

“It’sverysimpleandnotunlikethecourtshiptraditionsofthenorth.Wetalkandgettoknoweachother.Attheendofthenight,wedecideifweshallgofurtherornot.Though,we’vealreadyagreedtoendthisatlunch,sowe’llsimplyenjoyourselves.”

Sarinodsherheadandliftsherwaterglassforadrink,forgettingthatitisempty.Withafrown,shelooksaroundforawaiter,butallofthemarebusy.Spottingasweatingpitcheratthedistantbar,thegypsyfocusesonitandhastheicewatersnaketowardthetable.Sari

fillsherglassandstaresattheremainingliquidintheair.Nothingflashycomestohermind,soshesendsthewaterbackintothepitcher.Agentlechorusofdisappointedgrumblesrollsthroughtherestaurant,whichmakeshergiggle.

“Howareyouabletodo

thatsoeasily?”Quillasks,crackingasmileforthefirsttimesincetheyleftthemanor.

“I’mpartnaiad,”Sarianswers,enjoyingthecrispdrinkagainstherlips.Hertongueslipsouttopullanicecubeintohermouth,thecoldrunningthroughherparched

body.“I’mnotenjoyingtheheat,sothisicewaterisperfect.So,whatissuedoesyourfamilyhavewithme?Ididn’tthinktherewouldbeanyhardfeelingsifLukepickedmeoveryourcousin.”

“Therewouldn’tbe,butthingsarecomplicatedwiththecurrentsituation.Ithas

createdalotoftensionbetweenUncleWaylandandKirathelastfewweeks,”thenoblemansaysasthewaiterputsthreeplatesoffoodonthetable.Hewaitsfortheyoungmantofinishandleavebeforeleaningoverhiscookedpheasant.“Myfamilyhasareputation,whichis

crucialtobusiness.KirabecomingengagedtoaCallindorwasn’ttheinitialproblemuntilmyunclediscoveredLukewastravelingwithnosignofstopping.Also,mycousinwasrefusingtotestherrelationship.Thishappensmoreofteninmygeneration,

butUncleWaylandisold-fashioned.Ibelieveyou’reawareofhertimewithCaspar.”

“Ihadthepleasureofmeetinghim,”thegypsyadmitswhilechewingapieceofsteakthatmeltsinhermouth.“Iwasn’tveryimpressedwithhim.Fromthe

soundofthings,he’snotagoodexampleofyourpeople.”

“He’sanegotisticallout,”Quillsnaps,unabletohidehisdistasteoftheman.“YouhavetounderstandthatUncleWaylandwasthreateningtopubliclydenouncetherelationship.

Thatwouldhaveembarrassedmycousin.It’slikeifsomeoneaskedaparentforpermissiontomarryandwasrejectedinfrontofapackedarena.Personally,IthinkKirapickedCaspartoangerherfather.Though,she’dneveradmittoittothefamily.”

“Theyfightalot?”

“EversinceAuntBreapassedawayduringanoutbreakoftheserpent’skiss,UncleWaylandandKirahavearguedoverherfuture,”theyoungmanreplies,pickingathisfood.HesmileswhenSarireachesoverandwipesatearfromhischeek.“ThissituationwithLukeand

yourselfhasbecomeaheadacheforthefamily.TheideathataGrasdonmightlosetoacommongypsydoesn’tsitwellwiththeoldergeneration.WeyoungstersaremerelyconcernedforKirabecausewedon’twanttoseehergethurt.So,itisn’tapersonalissuetowardsyou,

Sari,butonemustsupportfamily.”

“Iunderstandandadmirethatinpeople.Itwasthesamewithinmyclan,butweweremorephysicalinourdefenses,”theblue-hairedgirlstates,hervoicechokingupfromtherisingmemoriesofhermurderedfamily.She

putsafewscoopsofyogurtsauceonherfood,watchingitmixwiththemeat’sjuices.“Sowhat’sdifferent?YoutalkasiftheirfightingandthesituationwithLukehaschanged.”

QuillrefusestolookSariinthefaceandcutsuphispheasant,jumpingwhenhe

seesanotherappledisappearfromanearbycart.Heslowlychewseverybitewhilehedecidesonhowopenheshouldbewiththegypsy.Ontheonehand,sheisapowerfulallyagainsttheHelgardiansandhasdonenothingwrongtowardshim.Theproblemisthatsheisthe

rivalofhisbelovedcousin.Afterlosingmostofthefamilyinashortamountoftime,thenoblemanisreluctanttocausefrictionamongthesurvivors.HewatchesSarieathermealandtryeverythingthathasbeenordered.Therelaxedcasualnessofhiscompanion

helpsputhimateaseandforabriefmomentQuillbelievestheyareonarealdate.

“Myunclehasbeenveryshort-temperedandaggressivetheselastfewweeks,”hesays,formingasteeplewithhisthinfingers.Heleansforwardinordertoconverseinawhisperthat

onlySaricanhear.“Kirahastakenthebruntofitbecausesheopenlyquestionshimanddoesn’talwaysobey.Theyreallygotintoitwhensheventuredoutofthecityandwasnearlykilledbyanomadscoutingparty.Pricelessvaseswerethrown,butwe’renotsurewhichoneofthem

losttheirtemperfirst.Thisandotherthingshavemyself,Timbre,andAsherworriedaboutthefamily’sfuture.”

“Whatotherthings?”“UncleWaylandisreally

obsessedwiththiswarandkeepsbringingupAuntBrea.”

“Itisn’tstrangeforaman

totalkabouthisdeadwife.”“Shediedtenyearsago

andnowhetalksaboutthelifetheywillhave.”

“Youthinkyourunclewantstodie?”

Quillrubshiseyesandsitsbackinhischair,takingadeepdrinkofwater.“It’scrossedourminds,buthe

seemsverydeterminedtowinthewar.Ifamanwishestodiethenhewouldn’ttrysohardtolivethroughthis.IwishIcouldexplainitbetter,butyouwouldhavetohaveknownUncleWaylandbeforehechanged.”

SariisabouttospeakwhenFizzledartsoutofthe

raftersandtheclangofteethonmetalrings.Thedritelandsonthefloorandscampersovertothegypsywithanarrowdaggerinhismouth.Patronsscreamandrushforthedoorwhentheslenderbartenderleapsoverthebarwithashortspear.HechargesatQuill,butSari

jumpsinthewaywhileFizzlelandsonthenoble’sshouldertoturnhiminvisible.Herdaggerspushtheweapontothesideandshestepsclosertokicktheassassininthestomach,knockinghimintoacart.

“TakeQuillhome,Fizzle,andstayinvisible,”

thegypsyorders,forcingthemanbackbyquicklyslashingathim.Sheistoocloseforherenemytousethespear,soherisksgettingcutbypunchingather.“Let’sfindoutwhoyouare.”

Saridartsinandisafewinchesfromusingakisstodeliveratruthspellwhenthe

manstopsfightingback.Sensingthatsomethingiswrong,shestopsandducksaroundhim,deliveringakicktothebackofhisknee.Theassassinspinsashefallsandslamsthesideofhisspearagainstherthigh,knockingherintoatable.Foamisdrippingfromthesidesofhis

mouthandheleapsatSariwithasuddenburstofspeed.Shebackflipsoverthetabletoescape,thepointofthespeargrazingherarm.Witharoar,theassassinsmashesthefurnitureinhispathandchasesthegypsyintothestreetwhereshehasmoreroomtododgetheclumsy

attacks.“Theguardsarereally

slowaroundhere,”shemutterswheneveryoneclearsoffthestreetstoavoidthefight.“Whyareyoustillafterme?Gotoahealer.”

“Returnthesceptertothem,”theassassindronesinanumbvoice.“Theywillkill

allwhokeepthescepterfromthem.”

Sarihurlsadaggertostartletheman,butheletsitflybyhisear.Shedeflectsajabofthespearandslamsherheadintotheassassin’sjaw,thedrippingfoamburningherscalp.Wavingherhandswhilemovingaway,shepulls

wateroutofseveralbarrelsleftonthestreetforpublicdrinking.Thegushertakestheassassin’slegsoutasitapproachesSariandtransformsintosmallplatformsthatleadtothenearestrooftop.Shejumpsonthelowestoneandislaunchedtothenext,

ricochetingoffherwateryledgesuntilshegracefullylandsnexttoacamel-shapedweathervane.Saritakesasteptowardtheedge,buttheassassinslamsdowninfrontofher,themanhavingjumpedfromthestreet.

“Someonedruggedyou,”shewhispers,backingaway

withherdaggersdrawn.Shethrowsoneoftheweaponsatherattacker’sthigh,thebladetearingachunkoffhim.“Noblood.I’mguessingyoudon’thavemuchlonger.”

“Returnthescepter.”“Whatscepter?”“Thescepterofthe

Helgardiantribemustbe

returned.”Sariputsthebronze

weathervanebetweenherselfandtheassassin,hopingtothinkofanideatocuretheman.“Ithinkyoumean‘us’insteadof‘them’.Unlessyou’renothingmorethanahired,andobviouslybetrayed,assassin.ThoughI

didn’tthinkthenomadswouldhireanoutsider.Wherewouldtheyevenfindoneifthey’reoutinthedesert?”

Theassassinhisseslikeacorneredbeastandchargesupthedomedroof.Sariwaitsforhimtogetcloseandputsallofherstrengthintoshoving

theweathervane.Themetaldecorationspinsandhitsthemaninthenose,sendinghimstumblingaway.Hetripsoverhisfootandflailswildly,hittinghimselfintheheadwiththespear.Forasecond,hiseyeslosetheirinsaneglintandSariseesalookofconfusedterroronhisface.

Beforeshecanreachtheassassin,hefallsofftheroofandlandswithasickeningcrunch.

“Somethingisn’trighthere,”Sariwhispersasshestarsatthecrumpledformbelow.Sheturnstothedistantdunes,hopinginvaintoseeafamiliarformonthe

horizon.“Iwishyouwerehere,Nyxie.Wecouldreallyuseyourhelp.”

*****“Thisisn’tvery

hospitable,”Delvinmentionswhileheexaminesthehandcuffskeepinghimtothewoodenchair.“Isthishowyoutreatyourguests?”

AsherglancesupfromthemapofBor’darukandthesurroundingdesert,meetingtheotherwarrior’sgrinwithanamusedchuckle.HegruntsandscowlswhenWaylandgrabshimbytheearandforceshimtoreturnhisattentiontheirplans.Figurinesarescatteredabout

themapwithmostofthemoutsideofthewall.Whisperingtohisfather,Ashermovesseveralpiecesbackintotheareadenotingthemanor,whichisnotveryfarfromthecity’stoweringdefense.TheolderGrasdonrollshiseyesandputsthepiecesback,slammingthem

downwithmoreforcethannecessary.

“I’mnotfeelingverywelcomedhere,”Delvininterruptswhilehetriestomovehistinglingarms.

“Youwerewelcomedintoourhome,MercenaryPrince,butyou’repushingyourluckwithme,”Wayland

angrilysnaps,smackingthreeofthepiecesover.Heleaveshissontofixthesmallmessandstormsovertothewarrior.“Icanhandleaguestarguingwithmeandbeingdefiantinthefaceofmypoliterequests.MywifeandIdrawthelineatonewhoknocksoutfiveofourguards

andtriestorideoneoftheelephantsthroughtheouterwall.Doyourealizehowstressedthatbeastisbecauseofyou?Theyaren’tlikehorsesandcamels.”

“Iapologizetoyou,yourwife,andyourelephant.I’veonlyseenthemonceandtheywereaggressivemountsused

byorcs,”Delvinsays,bowinghishead.Exhaustionsetsintohisbodyandhetriestoleanforward,hisarmswrenchedbythehandcuffs.“PleaseunderstandthatI’minlovewithoneofthewomenwhoisoutinthatdesert.I’dgiveanythingtosaveherandyouhavemecontainedhere.You

woulddothesameifyourwifewaslostoutthere.”

Waylandappearstakenabackbythewarrior’swordsandcoughsuncomfortably.Hecoilshisbeardaroundhishandwhilehisminddriftsaway.ThesoundofAsher’sswordclunkingagainstthetablejoltsthemerchantoutof

histhoughts.Grumblingincoherently,hetosseshissonthekeytoDelvin’scuffsandheadsfortheexit.BothoftheyoungmennoticeWayland’sslumpedshouldersasheleavesthemandsoftlyclosesthedoor.

“WhatdidIsay?”Delvinasks.

“Myfatherunderstandshowyoufeel,butit’shardforhimtofacesuchemotions,”Asherreplieswhileunlockinghisguest’scuffs.Returningtothemaptable,heoffersthewarrioracupofcoffee,whichheleavesonthedesertsection.“Youheardhimmentionhiswife,butmom

diedtenyearsago.Hegetsconfusedwhenunderstressandactslikeshe’sstillalive.Whenhe’sremindedthatshedied,hewandersofflikethat.It’sbeenverybadsincethismesswiththenomadsstartedandmylittlesisterhastakenthebruntofit.I’veheardhimcallhermymom’sname

insteadofKiratwiceinthelastmonth.That’sreallyroughonhersinceshestillslipsandoccasionallysaysparentsinsteadoffatherwhentalkingaboutthefamily.”

Delvintakesasipofthewarmdrink,enjoyingthearomaticscent.“I’msorrytohearaboutit.Iknowit’sten

yearstoolate,butyouhavemycondolences.”

“You’reaverykindmanforsomeonewhohasrepeatedlytriedtobreakout,”thenoblemanmentions.Thewide-eyedlookofcautiononhisguest’sfacecauseshimtosmile.“Iknowofallyourattempts.Scalingthewall

yesterdayandbeingsentbackdownbytheguards.Myfavoriteistryingtobribethenightwatchwithanapplepie,whichyourlittlefriendatebeforeyoucouldfinishyournegotiations.I’vekeptallofthemsecretfrommyfathersinceKiratoldmethereasonforyouragitation.Icouldn’t

doanythingabouttheelephantsinceyouknockedoverafewtreesandscaredthepeacocks.”

“Atleastnobodygothurt.”

“I’vebeentoldthatyou’reatalentedtactician.Caretolookatthisandgivemeyouropinion?”Asher

politelyrequestswhilehepourshimselfaglassofwine.Thearmorednoblemanrunshishandalongthemap,hiseyesconstantlyexaminingtheterrain.“IcanonlyplacemyownforcesonthemapsinceIdon’tknowexactlywhattheHelgardianswilldo.Myfather’sagentshavegathered

someinformation,butitisnothingthatIdidn’tseecoming.Theyapproachfromthenortheastandwehavewordthatmostoftheothertribeshavemadecampfaraway.NobodywantstorisktheirtradeagreementswithmyfamilyorthewrathoftheHelgardians.Onlyafew

smallertribeshavejoinedourenemiesinthehopesofearningmorereputationfromthebattle.”

“TheHelgardiansdon’ttradewithyou?”

“Theydo,whichiswhythiswarisverydelicateandtroubling.”

Delvinnodsashethinks

aboutwhatAsherhastoldhim,hiseyesfallingonthedetailedmap.Strokinghisstubbledchin,heremembersthetimeshewashiredtodefendawalledcityorattackafortifiedarea.ThelayoutofBor’darukisrefreshinglysimplecomparedtosomeofhispastjobsasamercenary.

SymbolsontheoceansideofthecitytellsDelvinthatawallcanriseupandthedocksbecomeeitheracombatvesselforsoldiersoralargeescaperaftforthecitizens.Hefrownswhenhenoticesthatonlyafewtinyfigurinesarescatteredaboutthecityproper.MostoftheGrasdon’s

forcesareoutsidethewallandliningthetop,whichheassumesmeansarchers.Stiflinghislaughter,hegetsacloserlookatfourknightsstandingalongsideadragonandaprincesswithinthemanor.

“I’mgoingtoguessthatthesearemyfriendsandI

protectingKira,”Delvinstates,tappingoneoftheknightsover.“Yourfatherwantstouseusasafinallineofdefenseincaseyourforcescan’tholdthewall.I’dratherbeinthecitysincetheonlywaysintoBor’darukarethefrontdoorandtheocean.Ourobjectshouldbetoprevent

theHelgardiansfromgettingintothemanorbecauseonceyourouterwallisbreeched,wehavetoworryaboutnoncombatants.Atleastinthecity,peoplecanhideintheirhomesandthenomadswillleavethemalone.”

“Iagree,butmyfatherswearsthecitywillhandle

thestreets,”Asherexplains,drawinghiscurvedswordtoshiftfigurinesaround.Aftermovingtheknightstothestreet,hepushesafewarchersanddesertforcesintothemanor.“ThisiswhatIkeepproposing.Themanorguardswouldbedefensiveonlytogivenoncombatants

timetoescapeintotunnelsthatleadtoasafehouseinthedesert.Wealsosetuparcherstoslowdowntheenemyadvance.Ihavenoideawhymyfatheronlywantsarchersonthecitywall.Infact,Idon’tunderstandanyofthesetactics.”

“Isheamilitaryman?”

“Myfatherisamerchant,buthe’sstudiedtheoldwars.”

“Thatisn’tthesamething.”

“Irespectmyfather,butI’mforcedtoagreewithyou.”

Crouchingtostretchhislegs,Delvinfindsabasketof

figurinesunderthetableandaredcastercatcheshisattention.Hetakesthewoodenstatueandturnsitoverinhishands,theshorthairandpointyearsremindinghimofNyx.Thewarrior’sconcentrationisbrokenbyAshercoughingandhelooksuptoseeifhis

companionischoking.Whenheturnshisattentionbacktothepiece,herealizesthatthefigurineisreallyofalong-hairedhuman.Withaheavysigh,Delvinplacesthecasterinthedesertandinchesittowardthecity.

“Myrecommendationistoletyourdadthinkhe’sin

chargeandmakesureyou’retheonetogiveassignmentsinthefield,”hetellsAsher,raisinghishandtostopanargument.Hetapsthenearestwarriorfigurinewhileimaginingthebattle.“Therearetoomanymenouthere,somovemostofthemtojustwithinthedoors.Utilizeyour

archerstoweakentheapproachingforcesandeliminateasmanyenemiesaspossiblebeforemeleecombatbegins.Ifyoucanuseseveraloftheswordsmanforcesintocrossbowmenthendothat,butmakesuretheyknowtodrawtheirbladeswhenthenomadsreachthisspot

outsidethewall.Onceourenemiesgetthisfar,itwillturnintoameleewithintheconfinesoftheentranceandthestreets,whichshouldgiveyouanadvantageoverwarriorswhoareusedtofightinginopendesert.MyfriendsandIwillhandlethingsourway,butitwill

dependonifthiscasterishereornot.”

Thenoblemanpicksupthefigurineandturnsitoverinhishand.“Whatdifferencewouldthiswomanmake?Iguessshecouldhandleanymoremonstersthattheysendourway.We’restillafraidthattherearemorecreatures

ontheway.”“Iftherearebeaststhen

we’llhandlethem,”Delvinstates,rubbingtheexhaustionfromhiseyes.“Myhopeisthatshecanshowadisplayofpowertoscarethenomadsintoagreeingtoapeacefulnegotiation.I’duseFizzle,butadragonmightbetoo

much.Thenagain,Nyxisn’tknownforrestraintandmightscaresomepeopletodeath.Bytheway,haveyoufiguredoutwhytheHelgardiansareattackingyou?”

“Nothingconfirmed,”Asherstateswithatiredsigh.Hesitsinanearbychairandsignalsforabutlertobring

himawarmclothtowashhisface.“Forafewweeks,therehavebeenrumorsthatmyfamilystolesomerelicfromtheHelgardians.Somepeoplesayit’sascepterwhileotherssayastaff.Itholdsareligioussignificancetoallofthenomadtribes,butitiscarriedbytheHelgardians.Suchan

itemwouldexplainwhytheyaretreatedlikeroyaltyoutthere.”

Delvindragshischairacrossthefloorandsitsinfrontofthenoble.Hetakesthetowelofferedtohimandpressesittohisface,massaginghisforeheadthroughthesoftfabric.The

soothingwarmthnearlyputshimtosleep,butheshakeshisheadclearandrubshisneckuntiltheclothhascooledoff.Leaningbackinthesimplechair,hewatchesAsherforanysignofanxiety,butallheseesisfatigueonthenobleman’sface.

“Didyourfamilytake

thisrelic?”thewarriorasks,leapingtohisfeetwhentheothermanstands.Heputshishandontheotherman’ssword,stoppinghimfromdrawingit.“YouknowIhadtoask.Idon’tknowyouoryourfamily,soIcan’tjumptoconclusions.Itcouldevenbesomeoneinyour

organizationthatdidit.Sopleasetellmeifit’spossible.”

“Anythingispossible,butIdoubtit,”Asherstates,removingDelvin’shandfromhisscimitar.“Wedon’ttradeinstolenmerchandise.TimbreandQuillarerulingmembersofanorganization

thatmyfatherfoundedtopunishthosewhostealculturalrelics.Ifsomeoneinourhouseholdhasdoneitthentheywouldnothavestayedonthegrounds.We’vehadnodisappearancesorfiringsamongourstaffinyears.”

“Soyouwereframedby

anoutsideparty?”Thedark-haired

noblemantakeshisseatandstaresatthemaptable,thecleandepictionofwarturninghisstomach.“Itwouldbethemostlikelyscenario,butmyfatherhasproofthattherelicwasneverstolen.Apparently,hehadoneofourclerks

travelingwiththeHelgardiansandcontactedthismantoseeifthestoriesweretrue.Therelicwassaidtostillbewiththenomads,butouremployeewasfounddeadatthefrontgatetwodayslater.”

Delvingroansanddrapesthecooltoweloverhisface.

Bothwarriorsarefallingasleepwhenastrangescufflingfromoutsidecatchestheirattention.Theyarealreadyheadingforthedoorwhenagurglingscreameruptsfromthecourtyard.

*****Timoran’ssapphireeyes

sparkleatthesightofthe

exquisitedecantersonthetable,eachonefilledwithadifferentalcohol.HecansmellrichDwarvenalesandexpensiveCalicanliquors,theiraromasseepingthroughthecorks.Eileengingerlyhandshimalargeglassandclapsherhandsforoneofthehalflingbutlerstobringa

basketofwarmbread.Shebowstothebarbarianandgoestopolitelysitnexthermistress,whoisrelaxingonalowcouch.Kiralazilyrunsherfingeralongthemarblerailingofthebalcony,hereyesonthesinkingsunandthepinksofthesky.Shecanhearthepeacockscallingout

toeachother,butherthoughtsaresofarawaythatshewouldbelievesheisimaginingthem.

“Iamunclearastowhatwearedoing,”Timoranadmitsashepourshimselfacupofdarkgreenliquor.Thedrinkistartandhasthefainttasteofblackberriesandmint.

“ThisisahalflingmeadfromCanst’sFields.Ihavetriedsomeoncebefore,butIneverthoughtIwouldgettotasteitagain.Thankyouforthetreat.”

“Mypleasure,”Kirasayswithacasualwaveofherhand.ShelooksovertherailingtowhereLukeis

practicinginthecourtyard.“YouandIarestrangers,SirWrath.Weknoweachother’sreputation,butnothingpersonal.OurcommongroundisLukeandIwishtospeakwithyouabouthim.Asperyourpeople’straditions,I’vesuppliedalcoholforourdiscussion.ThoughI’mnotin

themoodtoindulge.”“Hashebeendistant?”

thebarbarianasks.HetakesaquietsipofhisdrinkwhenKirashootshimawitheringlook.“Iwilltakethatasayes.ThisiswhathedidwhenhewasconfusedaboutstartingarelationshipwithSari.Lukeisrather...

terribleathandlinghisconflictedfeelings.Youwillhavetotaketheinitiativewithhim.”

Theheiressmovestothetableanddipsapieceofsoftbreadintoadishofoliveoil.Shelistenstothedistantsoundofmovement,imaginingherfiancée’severy

motion.Herheartbeatsfasterwhensherememberssparringwithhimattheacademy.Itfeelslikealifetimeagothattheyweretogetherandinblissfulignoranceoftheloomingdisaster.KiraknowsthatSarihasfoughtalongsideLukemoretimesthanherandthechampionswould

continuetodosoaftertheyleaveBor’daruk.Shechewsonthebreadandcringeswhenshebitesherinnercheek.

“I’vemadethefirstfewmovesandhe’sbeenattentivethelastfewdays,”Kiraexplains,sittingonapillowandcurlingherkneestoher

chest.“Ican’tevensayhe’sbeenverydistantsincewetalkandarefallingintooldhabits.It’swhenhethinksI’masleepornotpayingattentionthatthingsgowrong.Iseethepainineyesasheturnsbacktome.Hespendsthenightsittinginthewindowinsteadofinbed.I

knowhedoesn’treallysleepanymore,buthegoessofaraway.”

“Itisadifficultdecisionthathewillhavetomake.”

“Youdon’tthinkI’mawareofthat?”

Thebarbariansighsandclaimssomebreadtosopuphalftheoil.“Icantellyou

wanttohearspecificanswers,butIdonothavethem.ThetruthisthatLukelovesyouandSari,whichistearinghimapart.”

“Ishouldn’thaveletitgetthisfar,”Kirawhispers,shakingherhead.Partofherregretsthewordsandsheclenchesheremptyhandinto

afist.“ButdeclaringSariasbadforLukewouldn’tberight.She’sgoodforhimandI’dbetraythetraditionsbydenyingher.It’sonlysupposedtobedoneifthepersonisobviouslyapoorchoiceordangerous.DoyouunderstandwhatImean?”

“Yourculturehasalaw

thatsaysaprimarypartnercanturnawayarivalonthegroundsofdangerorproofofpoorcompatibility,”Timoranreplies,pouringhimselfacupoffrothyDwarvenale.“Thedangeristhatifyouusethislawincorrectly,youcoulddamageyourrelationship.Perhapsitcouldevenleadto

youbeingreplacedbyyourrival,whowouldinevitablyusethelawtoremoveyoucompletely.”

“Youcatchonveryquickly.Doyouhaveanyadviceforme,SirWrath?”

Timorangrabsthebottleofaleandgoestotherailing,thesunnearlyhiddenbythe

distantdunes.Henoticesseveralformsmovingintheshadowsbelow,butLukeisnowheretobeseenamongthepalmsandflowers.Alargecreaturelumbersoutfrombehindabuilding,thefullygrownelephantgrabbingleaveswithitstrunkasitmakesitswaytothe

drinkingpoolinthefarcorner.Thenightisveryquiet,whichmakeshimwonderifthisserenityisbeingsharedbyhismissingfriends.

“DonotpushLukeforadecisionoryouwillcausehimtomakeamistake,”Timoransaysasheturns

around.Hetakesalongswigofhisdrinkandsmackshislipsinadmirationofthecrisptaste.“Thebestthingforyoutodoismakehimrealizehowmuchyoulovehim.IdonotmeantoproveyoulovehimmorethanSaribecausethatwillmakeyouappearastheweakerchoice.Something

thatIhavecometonoticeincitiesisthatpeoplefightromanticrivalsinamethodthatisratherself-destructive.AvoidthatbyfocusingonbeingthebestKirathatLukehaseverknown.”

“Andifherejectsme?”“Thenitwasnotmeant

tobeandthegodsarecruel,”

thebarbarianbluntlystates.ArumbleofthundercauseshimtomutteraquickprayertoGabrielandKerr.“Iapologize,butyouwantedthetruth.AsonewhohasseenLukeandSarigrowasacouple,Icannotguaranteethatyouwillbechosen.Yethehasnotgivenuponyou,

whichisagoodsign.Takehisconflictedheartasanopportunitytorekindlewhatyouhadlongago.”

“SoIprobablyshouldn’tconfrontSari,”Kirasoftlymentionsasshefinishesanotherpieceofoilybread.ShegesturesforEileentobringheradamptowelto

cleanherhandsandface.“Idon’tevenknowwhatIwouldsaytoher.TherearetimesIfeelbadaboutignoringherandkeepingLuketomyself.She’sneverintentionallydonemeharm,butI’mtreatingherlikeanenemy.”

Timoranputsdownhis

drinkandleansforwardtolookKiraintheeye,holdinghishandouttostophermaidfromdrawingadagger.“Inthisarena,Sariisyourenemy.Rememberthatapersoncantreatanenemywithkindnessandcompassion,whichiswhatmakesthemarival.Bydoing

this,youincreasethechanceofretainingafriendshipandnotcreatingillwillwhenthefinaldecisionismade.Intheend,youaretheonewhodecideshowtodealwithherandourmutualfriend.Iwouldoffertohelp,butIdonotwishtogetinvolvedanymorethanIalreadyhave.”

“Thankyoufortalkingtome,SirWrath,”theheiresssays,givinghimasmallkissonthecheek.

Timoranstandsupstraightatthesoundofsuspiciousshuffling,hiskeenvisionnoticingastrangeshadowdartingaroundadistantcorner.Hereaches

downtogethisgreataxeoffthefloorandisimpressedwhenheseesKirahasdrawnherweaponoutfromunderthetable.Whenthenightisshatteredbyagurglingscream,thebronze-skinnedwomanisthefirsttoreact.Sheisalreadyovertherailingandslidingdownherkusari-

gama’schainasthefleet-footedbarbarianrushesdownthemarblestairs.

10

Kira’sscreamofhorrordrivesTimorantorunfaster,thebarbarianchargingaroundthecornerofthebuildingwithhisgreataxeheldhigh.Seeingthesplatteredgoreahead,heswiftlyturnsaroundandblockstheyoungwoman’sviewasbesthecan.

HelooksoverhisshoulderatapproachingfootstepsandwavestoDelvin,Asher,andagatheringofarmedguards.Themenstareatthebloodyscenewhereabodyhasbeenevisceratedanddismembered.Evenwiththefacebittenoff,everyonerecognizeswhatisleftofTimbre.Chokingdown

hisgrief,AsherkneelsnexttotheremainsandwhispersaprayerthatInyotheInnocenceGodtakeshisbrotherintoThePasture.FrustratedwithTimoran’sinterference,Kiraelbowshiminthesideandtriestoruntowardherbrother’scorpse,butfallstoherkneesweeping

afterafewsteps.Afewminutespass

beforeanyonerealizesthatLukehasbeenwiththemtheentiretime.Heisleaningagainstthebuildingwithhisdrawnsabershanginglimpathissides.Thehalf-elfiscoveredinblood,buthissteadybreathingassuresthe

othersthatheisnotseverelyinjured.BruisesareformingonhisfaceandDelvinseesachipofbonestickingoutofasmallcutwhenhegetscloser.Lukepickstheforeignshardoutanddropsittotheground,lettinghisnumbarmdangleagain.NeitherofthewarriorsarereadyforWayland

Grasdon,whobarrelsintothehalf-elfandslamshimintothewallbyhissweat-stainedshirt.

“Whatdidyoudotomyson?”themerchantgrowlsinachokedvoice.HeknocksLukeagainstthesolidmarble,theblankexpressionontheforesttracker’sfaceangering

himevenmore.“Iwanttoknowwhathappened.TellmeorI’llthrowyoutothecityguardsasamurdererandhaveyouexecutedatdawn.”

“Leavehimalone,dad!”Kirashouts,strugglingtoherfeet.“Lukedidn’tkillTimbreandyouknowit.Lookathisfaceifyoudon’tbelieveme.

That’sshock.”Achokedcryfrom

behindTimoranstopsWaylandfromarguingwithhisdaughter.ThelargewarriormovestorevealQuill,whohasfaintedintoSari’sarms.Thegypsystrugglestostophimfromfallingontothebloodyground,theslender

manheavierthansheexpected.FizzleappearsabovethemandwrapshistailaroundQuill’sarmtodraghimtoanearbybench.Withtheunconsciousnoblesettled,theblue-hairedgirlwalksovertotheothersandgentlyremovesWayland’shandsfromLuke.Shespinsonher

toesandbowstoherrivalbeforerelaxingthehalf-elf’smuscleswithakiss-deliveredspell.DelvinhelpslowertheforesttrackertothegroundwhileKiraandSariprythesabersoutoftheirbeloved’shands.Theheiressrefusestolookthegypsyintheeyeastheystepaway,eachholding

asurprisinglycleansword.“Itdroppedfromthe

roof,”Lukesays,hiseyeslockedonTimbre’sbodyastheguardsputasheetoverit.Featherssproutaroundhisneck,buttheyretractwhenDelvinputsacomfortinghandonhisshoulder.“ThethingwentrightforTimbre

andIgotinitsway.Istabbeditinthechest,butthewoundwasgonebythetimeIwithdrewmysword.Thecreatureislikealargemonkeywithscalesandfangs.Itsimplycouldn’tbeinjuredevenwhenTimbregougedoutitseyeswithhissickles.Thatdidn’tevenslow

itdownandthat’swhenitgothim.”Heleansclosertohisfriend.“Idon’tthinkIshouldbesayingthisinfrontofKira.”

“I’llseewhatIcando,”Delvinpromises,risingtofacetheheiress.Thefierceglaresheaimsathimmakesthewarriorstepawayfrom

thehalf-elf.“Ithinkyou’regoingtohavetokeepgoing,Luke.She’sdetermined.”

“Itmightbebestif-”Waylandbeginstosay,stoppingwhenhisdaughterpointsthesaberathim.“Verywell.Sufferfoolishlyifyouwish.”

Groaninginpain,the

foresttrackerusesDelvintohelphimstandandgathershisweaponsfromthetwowomen.Heslipsthemintotheirsheaths,rubbingtherubiesinthehiltsashethinks.Waylandmovestoyell,butissilencedbyAshercoveringhismouth.

“Givehimtime,father,”

theyoungmanstates.“Youdon’tknowwhatit’sliketofightthesemonsters.Letmetellyouthathisshockismorethanappropriate.”

“AsIsaid,wecouldn’thurtthecreatureandeverythingwedidtoitwasignored.Inarealfight,itwouldhavebeenkilledat

leastseventimes,”Lukeexplains,regainingmoreofhissensesandcomposure.Hecloseshiseyestorememberthefightindetail,shiveringatthesightofthestrangebeast.“Ineedtogivethisthinganame,soit’seasiertotalkabout.The...Felcriknockedmeawaywithitstailwhen

Timbrethoughtheblindedit.Sohedidn’texpectitto...riphisarmsoff.Itriedtogettohim,butthatthinghitmewiththeseveredlimbs.YouseewhyIdidn’twanttotalkaboutthis?”

WaylandwalkstowhereQuillisrestingandsitsnexttohisnephew,drawinga

glassorboutofhisrobes.Themerchantfocusesonthecommunicationsphere,whichturnsadullyellowandrotatesinhisshakinghand.Hedoesnotreacttoanythingaroundhim,leavingAsherandKiratoordertheguardstotakethebodyinside.Eileenissteppingaroundthecorner

whenhermistressgesturesforhertogobacktotheroom,themaidhurryingtoletthegroundskeeperknowthatapriestshouldbecontacted.

“Wheredidthiscreaturego?”TimoranasksLukeinalowvoice.HecursesunderhisbreathwhenKirajoinsthem.“Ialreadyknowyou

willargueaboutgoingonthishunt.Icanseethedesireforafightinyoureyes.Howdidanheiressbecomesoquicktoenterabattle?”

“BlameLukeandSelenia,”shereplieswithaforcedsmile.Shewrapsherkusari-gamaaroundherbody,lettingthesickledanglein

frontofher.“There’salsothefactthatthesemonstershavekilledmostofmyfamily.I’vealreadybeenonseveralhuntsforthesethingsandkilledaflyingoneovertheoceanlastweek.Myexperienceandknowledgeoftheareawillbeuseful,soI’mgoingwithyou.”

“BythedrippingfangsofUrgas,youaren’tgoingonthishunt!”Ashershoutsasheapproaches.Withaboredyawn,heslapshissister’sfingeroutofhisface.“Don’targuewithmeonthis,Kiki.I’mgoingandtakingyourfriendswithme,butyou’restayinginthemanorwhere

it’ssafe.We’llhavethedritestayheretoguardeveryone.”

“Thesearemyfriendsandyoucan’tstopme,Ash!”

“Thereareplentyofwaystostopyou.”

“Youwouldn’tdare.”“Wehavehealersfora

reason,dearsister.”Asherdrawshissword

andKiraexpertlyunravelsherweapon,knockinghisbladeasideasshebacksup.Theystareateachother,neitherwantingtomakethefirstmove.Thedark-hairedwomanflickstheclubendofherkusari-gamaatherbrother,smackingthebloodygroundathisfeet.Whenhe

stepsforward,shedartstothesideandswingsthebluntendathisback.TheclangofmetalonwoodechoesthroughoutthecourtyardwhenDelvingetshisshieldintheway.Asherisabouttotakeadvantageofthedistraction,butLukedisarmshimwithaquickflickofhis

sabers.Withagrin,Kiratriestocopyherbrother’stacticandattack,onlyforTimorantocatchthesickleandyanktheweaponoutofherhands.

“Thisisn’tthetimeforafightthatbothofyouwillregret,”Sariannounces,steppingbetweentheangrysiblings.ShegivesAshera

calmingkissanddoesthesametoKira,whostillmanagestoslapthegypsyintheface.“I’vegottolearnabetterwaytodeliverthatspell.Thankmefornothittingyouback,princess.”

“Ihaveaquestionifwe’redonewiththismess,”Delvinstateswhilethe

Grasdonsputtheirweaponsaway.“Howhaveyoukilledthesecreaturesifyoucan’thurtthem?ThisFelcriwalkedawaywithoutsevereinjuries.Cometothinkofit,whydidn’tittrytofinishLukeoff?”

“ItranawayinapanicwhenTimbrescreamed,

whichwasfromthegutting.YourbrotherwasreallytoughsincehekeptkickingattheFelcriafterhelosthisarms,”theforesttrackersays,puttinganarmaroundKira.HeseesaflashofpaininSari’seyesandletshisarmdropbacktohisside.“It’spossiblethattheloudnoisescaredit.Some

animalsgetterrifiedwhenapersonraisestheirvoice.Almostliketheythinkwe’recallingforothersandtheyhavetoescapebeforemoreofusarrive.”

“Sothesecreatureshaveabestialmentality,”Timoranclaimswhilesheathinghisgreataxe.Hebendsdownto

examinetheground,gesturingforLuketodothesame.“Thereissomethingstrangeaboutthetrackstoo.DidtheFelcrieverfaceyouofitsownaccordoronlywhenyouattackedit?”

Thehalf-elfsniffsatthegroundtopickuptheFelcri’sscent,asmallgrowlrollingin

histhroat.“ItwasfocusedonTimbre.Thisisstrange.Icanonlysmellmyself,Timbre,andthemanor’sanimals.Thisthingdoesn’thaveanidentifiablesmell.DoyouthinktheFelcriismorelikeaspiritthatthenomadsaredirectingafterspecifictargets?”

“Itdoesn’tmatterbecausewedon’thaveawaytokillit,”Delvininterruptsashecrouchesnexttohisfriends.“We’llworryabouttheotherstuffwhenwehaveaplanonhowtostopit.I’mguessingtheFelcriiswaitingforanotherchancetoattack.”

“Thesebeastscanbe

destroyedbyregularweapons,butwe’renotsurehow,”AshersaysbeforeclearinghisthroatandblinkingawaythelastofSari’sspell.“Forexample,theonethatKirakilledwasstruckbymanyarrowsandspearsbeforeshefinisheditoff.Wedon’tknowhowshe

diditandthecorpsealwaysdissolvesimmediatelyafterdeath.Ourbestguessisthatdamageisincurred,butnotshownonthebody.MaybethisFelcricouldhaveitsheartinadifferentplacethanitschestanditcouldhaveabackupsenseifblinded.”

“I’mstillgoing,”Kira

demands,shovingSariawayandgettinginherbrother’sface.“I’llfollowyouifIhaveto.”

“Let’snotstartthisagain,”thegypsyhisses,grabbingtheheiressbythearmandpullingheraway.“Thisisn’tthetimeforactinglikeachild.”

TheshatteringoftheglassorbagainstthebuildingstartleseveryoneandtheyturntofaceWayland.Hehasaproudsmileonthisfaceandhurriestothewall,drawinganoldkeyfromaninnerpocket.Withadullhum,therustyobjectsinksintothestoneandturnswiththeclick

ofanopeninglock.Adoorswingsopentothestreetandasmallgroupofwarriorsenterthemanorgrounds,fourofthemalltoofamiliartoTimoran.HegripshisgreataxewhenhiseyesmeetthecruelsmileofAlanikandtheotherbarbarians.

“Iaskedthecityguardif

therewereanymercenariesintownandthesemenwerestayingnearby,”Waylandhappilysays,pattingSentrentonthearm.HemovesawaywhenRalgingrowlsathimandBantonlazilyswingshismaulathisside.“TheLuckGoddessmustbesmilingonusbecausetheyhadsuch

goodfortunegettingtoBor’darukfromthenorth.I’msuretheirgoodluckwillhelpinhuntingthismonsterdown.Thankyou,Cessia.”

“Ihaveanoddfeelingthatanothergodisbehindthis,”Lukewhispers,hisvoicelowenoughsoonlyTimorancanhearhim.“Life

onAmbervalemustbereallyboringforhimtokeepdoingthistous.”

“Allofyouwillgo!”themerchantannounces,pointingathisremainingchildren.“Bothofyouarecapablewarriorsandmustavengeyourbrother.QuillwillstayhereandIwillkeepthedrite

asabodyguarduntilyoureturn.Thisisanexcellentplan.”

“ItappearsIamnottheonlyonethatGabrielistoyingwith,”TimoranmutterstoLuke,thetwoexchangingalookofdread.“Iassumeheisboredandwantssomeentertainmentout

ofus.Canyouhandlebothofyourwomenbeingonthishunt?”

“Wheredidthebeastgo?”Waylandasksasheclapshishands.

LukesighsandpointsatwhereQuillisstillresting,thenoblerollingoverandwhimperinginhissleep.

AsherhurriestohiscousinandFizzleisintheairreadytocastaspell,buttheystopwhenthehalf-elfwhistles.Joggingovertothearea,hepicksupastoneandrollsitunderthebench.Insteadofhittingthewall,therockfallsintoaholeandbouncesforafewsecondsuntillanding

withawaterysplash.“Ithinkitcameinthis

wayandwaswaitingontheroofforanopportunitytostrike.Byattackinghere,itcouldmakeaneasyescapeintoaplacemostpeoplewouldthinktwiceaboutentering,”Lukeexplains,removinghisblood-soaked

shirt.Thefourbarbarianmercenariesareconfusedandgestureforhimtoexplainfurther,causinghimtorollhiseyes.“TheFelcriisinthesewers.”

*****Everyoneinthehunting

partyblinksinthedimlightofthesewers,the

illuminationcomingfromgemsspreadalongthemoistwalls.Arollingriverrushesafewfeetbelowthewidewalkwaysthatrunalongtheedgesofeverytunnel.Thesmallgroupisabletowalkinpairs,exceptforthebarbarianswhoaretoobigtocomfortablywalknextto

anyone.AlanikandhismentakeuptherearwhileTimoranplodsalongbehindLukeandSari,thestenchturningallofthelargemen’sstomachs.Muck-coveredladdershelpthemmovebetweenthelevels,causingthehuntingpartytogetlostwithinthetunnels.Itdoesnot

helpthateverytunnelismadefromthesamegraystoneandnoneofthemunderstandtheglyphsthattheyfindateveryintersection.Afteranhour,theironlyhopeoffindingtheirwayaroundthesewersistodependonLuke’strackingskills.

“Haveyoufoundany

signoftheFelcri?”Sariaskswhentheystoptoletthehalf-elfexamineanotherladder.“Wecangotothesurfaceandseeifitwentupthere.Thatwaywecangetsomefreshairtoo.”

“Isthewaterprincessfeelingsick?”KiramuttersfrombehindTimoran.She

scowlsatthelargewarriorwhenhefacesherandopenshismouthtoscoldher.“Naiadsarefairyroyaltyandtheydon’tdowellaroundpollutedwater.Therearepurifyingbarriersthroughoutthesewers,butmostofthemarenearthedocks.Thiswaterisfilthy,somyquestion

standsevenifitwassaidwithdisdain.”

Sarimakesanotherattempttocleansomeofthenearbywater,butthesmallpatchisswiftlydevouredbythedirtyriver.“Ihaveabadheadache.Thankyouforyourconcern,Kira.IguessI’lllooktoyouforprotectionif

wegetintrouble.Afterall,I’msureyou’reashiningexampleofwarriortrainingandhavehonedyourskillssincegraduating.Especiallywithalltheadventuresandbattlesyou’vebeenon.”

“StopitorIwilldragbothofyoutothesurfaceandleaveyouthere,”Timoran

snapsbeforecoveringhismouthandfightingtheurgetoretch.“Iamsorryforthat,butIamnotinthemoodforinfighting.Letusgetthisdonequickly.”

“Thisway,”Lukeannounces,beckoningforeveryonetofollowhim.

“Howdoyouknow?”

Asherasks,earningamumbleofagreementfromthemercenaries.

Alanikblowshisnoseandspitsintothewater,grinningatTimoran’sfrown.“Thelittleguyislost.There’snowaytocatchascentinhereandhedoesn’thaveabarbarian’sears.Ihaven’t

seenanytrackseither.”“Well,you’renothim,”

Delvinstatesfrombehindthearmoredbarbarian.

Alaniktriestowhirlaroundatthesoundoflaughter,butslipsonapatchofslimeandnearlyfallsintotheragingsewage.HisarmsarecaughtbyDelvinand

AsherwhileKirawrapsherchainaroundhiswaist.Theyhaulthebarbarianbackandhepresseshisbodyagainsttheslimywall.Hetakesabiggaspofairandvomitsintotheriverduetothehorrifictastethatconsumeshistongue.

“Hemeansthankyou,”

Sentrentnervouslysays,scratchinghishead.

“Canwestopwastingtime?”Lukeimpatientlyaskswhileidlyspinninghissabers.“IcanheartheFelcri,butitisn’teasy.Thefurtherawayitgets,theharderitistotrack.Ifweloseitthenwe’llhavetowaitforittoattack

again.”“Howareyoureally

trackingit?”Sariwhispersastheyleadthepartyaroundasharpturn.Sheglancesdownintoadarkabyss,sensingtheroilingwaterbelow.“Youhadtoputanewshirtonandtherestofushadtogetourgear.TheFelcriwouldhave

beentoofarawayforyoursoundsight.What’sthesecret?”

“There’snosecret,”Lukesayshelpingthegypsyoveracoldstreamofbrownishgreenwater.“Ican’tpinpointthecreature,butIhearitaheadofus.Ithasn’tmovedsincewegot

intothesewers.That’swhyItookmytimejustnow.Istoppedbeforetogiveussometimetorestourlegs.TheFelcriisfast,vicious,andIthinkit’swaitingtoambushus.”

Thegroupentersalargechamberwheremanyofthesewertunnelsmeetand

emptyintoanenormousshaft.Theycanseeaswirlingpoolfarbelowthem,thecrashingcurrentsmixingandflowingintovariousopeningsintheslickwalls.Alargegratecanbeseeninthedistantceilinganditletsinseveralnarrowbeamsofbluelightfromthewintermoon.

Thewalkwaysarenarrowerthanthetunneledges,sotheyareforcedtowalksinglefilebehindLuke.Itisachallengeforhimtousehissoundsightduetotheloudwater,soheisforcedtodependmoreonhiseyesight.Hescanseveryshadow,stoppingwhenhethinksheseesaformmoving

nearthetopofthechamber.“Thisistheperfectplace

foranambush,”Kirasaysovertheroarofthefilthywaterfallsaroundthem.“Ihopedadlistenedandhassomehealersreadytopurifyuswhenwegethome.Idon’twanttothinkaboutthediseaseswecouldgetdown

here.Doyouthinkthere’sanythingincurableinhere,Ash?”

“Goodchanceofthat,”herbrotherreplies,peeringdownatthepollutedpool.“Thisiswhyyoushouldhavestayedhome.”

“Nowisn’tthetimetohavethisfight.”

“It’sonlyafightifyouargue.”

“Watchoutfortheslime.”

Asherstopshisfootafewinchesaboveaglobofoozethathasalreadybeentreadonbysomeone.Hestepsovertheslipperygrowthandsignalsdownthelineto

becareful.HefrownswhenAlanikcontinuesonhisway,thebarbarianrefusingtowarnthosebehindhim.Mostofthepartyhaspassedthedangerousspotwhenoneoftheothermercenariesslips.Thearmoredwomantriestobalanceherself,butthesuddenmovementmakesher

situationworse.Withascream,sheplummetsintothechurningwaterandthelastthinganyoneseesofherisaflailinghandthatisdraggedintoatunnel.AsherisabouttoyellatAlanikwhenahissingscreechechoesthroughoutthelargechamber.

“Ifyoufallintothewater,keepyourmouthclosed,”Delvinsaysashedrawshislongswordandwatchestheshadows.“Youcanprobablysurvivethefallandavoiddrowningifyoukeepyourheadaboutyou.”

Ascalyhandsnakesoutfromunderthewalkway,

grabbinganElvenmercenary’slegsandyankinghimoffhisfeet.Theswordsmancanonlyyelpbeforeheissilencedbythesoundofsomethingdevouringhim.Everyonewatchesthegroundinfearofbeingthenextonetaken,soRalginandanothermercenary

arenotreadyfortheFelcri’sattackfromabove.Theyoungbarbarianstumblesawaywithadeepcutonhisshoulder,buttheothertarget’sheadisrippedcleanoffhisneck.Beforeanyonecanreact,themonsterpouncesonAlanikandgetsitsclawsstuckinthewarrior’schainmail.The

green-scaledmonkeyisastallasanogre,butleanlikeanelfwithabonyridgedownitsback.ItspowerfultailswingsasAlanikturnsaroundandthethickextremityknocksKiraoffthewalkway.

“Igother,”Sarisays,takingcontrolofanearbywaterfall.Shecatchesthe

heiresswithawateryhand,butthestrainofcontrollingthesewagecausesthegypsytogrowfaintandtumbleovertheedge.Kirasnagsherwithherkusari-gamaandbothwomendisappearintothechurningpool.

“We’rehelplesshere!”Alanikshoutsashegrabsthe

Felcriandhurlsitatthewall.Thecreatureflipsinmidairandlandswithaslap,itsbodyadheringtothestonelikeaspider.“Gettothetunnels,boys!”

Thebarbarianstrytopushtheirwaybacktothewiderpath,notcaringiftheyhavetoknocktheiralliesinto

thepool.OneofthemercenariesthatRalginthrowsoutofhiswayisimpaledthroughthechestbyalancingtongue.WhiletheFelcrisavorsitsnewestmeal,AlanikpanicsandaccidentallyshovesDelvinoffthewalkway.LukeandAshersheaththeirweapons

anddiveafterthearmoredwarrior,grabbinghishandsbeforetheyplungeintothewater.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Timoranasks,lungingtograbtheblack-hairedbarbarianbythearmandspinhimaround.SeeingAlanik’sclenchedfist,hepunchesthemaninthe

faceanddrawstheattentionoftheothers.“Allofyouareputtingouralliesindanger.Helpmetokillthatcreatureandsavemyfriends.”

“Thatmonsterisbutcheringus,”Alanikargues,gesturingforhisfriendstokeepmoving.“Weneedtoregroupandlurethat

thingintoatightspace.Afterthat,we’llhandleourissueswithyou.”

“Nowisnotthetime.”“It’stheperfecttime

sinceyoudon’thavethatwomanguardingyou.”

TheFelcrilandsonAlanikagainandopensitsmouthtosinkitsfangsinto

hisneck,butTimoranpunchesthebeastinthenose.BantongrabsthethrashingtailwhileSentrenttriestofindawaytostrikewithhisbroadsword.Withawildhoot,RalginmakesarunningjumpovereveryoneandgetsbehindTimoran.Heshoulderrushesthered-headed

warrior,sendinghimcrashingintothewaterbelow.ThefourbarbarianscontinuewrestlingwiththeFelcri,thebeastshriekingatthemandbaringitspoisonousfangs.Withaviolenttwistofitsflexiblebody,thecreatureforceseveryoneoffthewalkwayandintothe

whirlpool.*****

Kiragaspsforairandviolentlyspitsoutthefoulwaterthatdripsfromherhairintohermouth.Shepullsherselfontothelowwalkway,draggingtheunconsciousgypsybehindher.Theflooriscoveredinfilththatsmears

onherleatherarmorasshecrawlstothewall.SheuncoilsherweaponfromherglovedhandandthebarearmofSari,whichiscoveredinbruises.Sittingagainstthecoldstone,Kirastaresdownthetunnelinthehopethatoneoftheirfriendsorherbrotherwillbreakthesurface

oftherunningwater.“Whathappened?”Sari

asksasshewakesup.Shetriestostand,butfallsbackdownwhenawaveofnauseagripsherstomach.“IthinkIswallowedsomeofthesewerwater.ThoughI’mnotsurehowIfellin.”

“Youtriedtouseyour

powerstosaveme,”Kirareplies,runningahandthroughherebonyhair.Sheshuddersatthetouchofslimygarbageinhermattedtresses.“NextthingIknew,youwerefalling,soItriedtosaveyouandwebothfell.AllIcouldthinkofistoholdon,sowedidn’tgetseparated.”

“Goodidea,”thegypsyagrees,focusingherpowersonthefilthinherstomach.Hereyesbulgeandshelurchestothesidetovomit.“Thankyouforsavingme.I’msorryforwhatyou’reseeinghere.”

“Honestly,afterseeingalotofbodiesthelastfew

weeksandbeinginthissewer,I’mnotreallyphasedbyyoupuking,”theheiressadmitswithahalf-heartedsmile.Shepullsacordfromherpocketandtiesherhairback,shudderingatthesensationofthickliquiddrippingdownherneck.“Let’sgetmovingincasethe

Felcrishowsup.I’drathergiveitamovingtarget.”

Kira’sbackaudiblypopsasshestandsandstretches,apatheticwhimperescapingfromhermouth.ShehelpsSaritoherfeet,butthegypsygentlypushesherawayandtriestowalkonherown.Withasighofresignation,

theheiressletshercompanionusethewalltomovedownthetunnel.Itisaslow,frustratingpacethatgratesonKira’snervesastheywanderthesewersinsearchofaladder.Whentheydofindawayup,Saritakessolongtoclimbitthattheotherwomanistemptedto

leaveherbehind.TheonlyreasonsherefusestoabandonthegirlisbecauseeveryshadowisaplacefortheFelcritolurk.

Thepairgroanandcursewhentheyreachaplacewherethewalkwayhasfallenintothelowerlevelsofthesewers.Sarikicksarockinto

thepitandwaitsforittohitwater,butonlytheechoofstonebeingstruckcomesback.Kiraisalreadycoilingherchainaroundherarmandpreparingtobindherselftothegypsywhensheseeshercompanionhurryontothenarrowremnantoftheledge.Grumblingcursesand

focusingonthefarwall,shefollowsSariandholdsherbreathassheinchesalong.Hertoesstickoutovertheedgeandshepressesagainsttheslimywall,thetemptationtolookdownmorepowerfulthansheexpected.Sheglowersatthegypsymovingswiftlyaheadofher,the

womanhavingabettersenseofbalanceandmoreexperiencewithperilousledges.

Turningacorner,KiraishappytoseealadderthatSariisalreadyscaling.Shegetsexcitedandattemptstojumpthelastthreefeet,herarmstretchingforarung.Theone

shecatchessnapsinherhandandherfootslipsonanotherthatiscoveredinmuck.Herchinstrikestheladderbeforeshecanhookitwiththesickleendofherweapon.Withathrobbingpaininherhead,sheclimbstowardadarksquareintheceilingandstopswhenadirtyhand

comeswithinview.ShebatsSari’sofferawayandfinishesonherown,massagingherachingjaw.

“What’swrongwithyou?”thegypsyasks,reachingoutwithiceonherfingertips.Again,herhandissmackedtotheside.“Ionlywanttohelp.”

“Ifyou’regoingtorejectmyoffersthenI’mgoingtodothesame,”Kirasays,cringingfromthepainoftalking.Shecantastebloodinhermouthandhertonguefindsacutonherinnercheek.“I’mnotgoingtobetreatedlikeadelicateheiress.Lukemightnotbehere,butIhave

myprideandIplanonbeingyourequal.”

“Iapologizeforbeingstubbornearlier.IthoughtyouhelpingmewouldmakeyouaneasiertargetfortheFelcri,”Sariadmits,walkingtotheedgeofthewalkway.Thewaterappearscleanerthanwhatshehasseensofar,

butitstillreeksofsewage.“Let’sgetoutofhereandwecantalkaboutthis.It’sobviouswehavewordstosaytoeachotherandwekeptthemhiddenwhenLukewasaround.Soforthesakeofourfriendship-”

Kiracutsoffthegirl’swordsbygettinginherface,

comingdangerouslyclosetotacklingherintothewater.“We’renotfriends!We’rerivals,Sari!”

“Butyourtraditions.”“Forgetmydamn

traditions!”theheiressscreams,spittingbloodoutofhermouth.Shestepsawayandstrikesthefloorwiththe

clubendofherweapon.“IletyouhappentoLukeandnowyougettospendmoretimewithhim.There’snowayIcancompetewiththatandhe’snotgoingtoletmetravelwithhim.TheonlytimeIhavewithhimisnowandwe’retraipsingaboutasewerafteramonsterthatatemy

brother.Let’salsomentionthatyou’rehangingaroundmyhomemopinglikeawoundedpuppy.Heseesyouwallowinganditkeepshimupatnight.Soeventhoughhe’swithmeandpromisedthatthisismytime,he’sstillthinkingaboutyou.”

“I’lltalktohimafterwe

killtheFelcriandbreakthingsoff,”Saristates,turningawaytohidethepainandangerinhervoice.“ThatwayyougetwhatyouwantandonlyIgethurt.I’mfinewiththat.”

KirasmacksSariacrossthebackoftheheadwithenoughforcetosendthe

gypsystumblingaway.Shedropsherweaponanddartsintodeliveranotherstrike,catchingherrival’sear.Withalowgrowl,Sarikickstheheiressintheshinandthrowsapunch.Beingmoreexperiencedathand-to-handcombat,Kiradeflectstheattackandslamsherfistin

theblue-hairedgirl’sstomach.SheholdsontoSari’sshoulders,preventingherfromfallingtothefloor.Athrillrunsthroughherbodywhensheseestheangerinherrival’semeraldeyes.

“Neversaythatagain,”Kiragrowls,shovingSaritowardthewall.“WhenIwin

Luke,Idon’twantittobebecauseyoutookpityonme.Besides,he’llneverbehappywithmeunlesshemakesthechoiceonhisown.WouldyoubehappyifIquit,soyougettobewithhimbydefault?You’dalwayswonderaboutthetruth.”

Sarigrimacesatthe

tightnessinhergutandtakesinacoughingbreath.“Iliveinthemoment,soitwouldn’tbotherme.Sowheredowestandwitheachother?Istilldon’thateyou,butI’mgettingthere.”

“We’rerivalswhohavetobecivilwheninpublic,”Kirareplies,pickingher

weaponupandshakingthefilthfromthesickle.“Asforthehate,Idon’tknow.YoufrustratemeandI’mtryingreallyhardnottodespiseyou.LukeandIweregoingtohaveadifficultrelationshipfromthebeginning.It’smademequestionalotaboutmyselfandit’sbeenhardto

findanswerswithouthimbymyside.Nowthatyou’remoreofathreatthanIexpected,I’mnotsurewhattosayordoaroundhim.Icanonlyhopethathe’sasuncomfortablewithyouasheiswithmeafterheleavesBor’daruk.”

“Oh,thatisn’tpetty.”

“I’mnotdenyingthatitis.”

“Likeyousaid,youbroughtthisonyourself.”

“Tobeperfectlybluntandhonest,Ithoughtyouwereonlygoingtousehimforsexandtosshimaside,”Kiramentionswithashrug.Shenoticesthetwitchof

Sari’seyeandcannotstopherselffrompushingalittlemore.“Afterall,gypsiesaren’tknownforrelationshipsoutsideoftheclan.Loyaltytofamilyandalloutsidersaretoystobeplayedwith.SoIwassurprisedyoubecamesoattachedtomyfiancée.”

“Lukeismyfamily,”the

gypsystatesinavoicetingedwithrage.SheissurprisedwhenKirasmilesandgentlytouchesheronthecheek.“What’ssoamusing?”

“AndthatiswhyIneverbelievedyou’dgivehimupsoeasily.Maythebestwomanwin.”

Thetunnelrumblesanda

rushofputridwindrushesfromupstream,makingthepaircovertheirmouths.Adullroarrollsfromtheshadowsandthedistantsightofsomethingmovingtowardthemcatchestheirattention.ItisanundulatinglineofwhiteagainstthedarknessthatKiraquicklyrealizesis

anincomingfloodofsewerwater.SheglancesatSari,whoisbackingawayandblushing.Notwaitingforanexplanation,theheiresssprintsdownstreamwithhercompanionafewstepsbehind.

“Whatdidyoudo,gypsy?”

“Thisiswhyyoushouldn’thavemadememad,heiress.”

Glancingoverhershoulder,Kiraseesthatthefloodisgainingandwilltakethemiftheycannotfindaladder.“You’vebeenhavingtroublewithyourpowersthiswholetime.HowwasI

supposedtoknowyou’dmakeaflood?”

“Ididn’tknoweither.Itjustkindofhappened...sothat’swherethatfloodcamefrombackthen,”Sarireplieswithasmirk.Shedartsforwardtograbhercompanion’shandandlocksherfingers.“Holdontome

andyou’llbefine.Ithink.I’mreallynotsurewhat’sgoingtohappenhere.”

Kiraopenshermouthtoargue,butseeshowclosethefloodisandtakesadeepbreathinstead.Thesewerwaterengulfsthetwowomenandtheyholdeachothertightastheyarecarriedthrough

thetunnels.Sariisabletostopthemfromgettingdashedagainstthewallsbyusingquickburstsofcontroloverthecurrentaroundthem.Thisdoesnothelpwhentheyhitawaterfallandburstoutofthesewage.Spinningwildlytowardanoverhang,Kiratakesthebruntofthe

impactandisbarelyawareoffallingbackintotheracingflood.Shemanagestogetanothergulpofairbeforetheyareswirledinaneddyandsuckeddownadrain.

Fearingthattheheiresswilldrown,Sarikicksherlegstostrengthenthecurrent,whichlaunchesthemoutofa

smalltunneltowheretheirfloodmeetsanotherblastofwater.Thegypsyissurprisedtoseeoneofthemercenariesfranticallytryingtoescapetheriverofsewageaheadofthem.Henolongerhashischainmaillikesheremembers,soheisabletobreakthesurfacetogaspfor

airandgraspatladders.Shetriestocallouttothemanwhensheseeshimbreakthesurfacedangerouslyclosetoaholeintheceiling.Thefilthywaterchokesherthroat,soshecanonlywatchashisfaceissmashedintothesolidstone.Hisheadflopsaroundonhisbrokenneckasthe

currentcarrieshimalong,hisbodymovinginaneerie,unnaturalway.

AhumcanbeheardwithintheroarofthewaterandSaricraneshernecktoseeabarrierofwhiteenergyaheadofthem.Sparksflyoffthewaterthatstrikesthepurificationwall,which

disintegratesallofthepollutants.Thecorpseofthemercenaryevaporatesasithitsthebarrier,makingSaridesperatelytrytocontroltheflood.Shemanagestoslowtheiradvance,butitisnotenoughtoavoidthespellandshecloseshereyesasshefeelstherawenergypullat

herhair.AhorriblepainburnsthroughherveinsandsheseesKira’seyesflyopenasthepurificationwallattacksalloftheimpuritiesintheirbodies.Beingstillalive,thepairarenotmistakenforrefuseanddestroyedlikethedeadwarrior.Unconscious,butstillbreathing,thetwo

womenpassthroughthebarrierandarelaunchedoutofthetunnel.Theylandnexttothenorthernmostpierwithaloudsplash,startlingatrioofdrowsysailorswhoaresuddenlywideawake.

*****Timoran’sknucklesare

whitefromclingingtohis

greataxe,theweaponlodgedwithinanarrowtunnelentrance.Hislegsandbackachefrombeingbracedagainstthewalltopreventhimfromgettingsuckedawaybytheunexpectedflood.Thewatersubsidesandisleftasaweakrivuletinsteadofthestrongriverit

wasbefore.Wringingthefilthyliquidfromhishair,thebarbariancatcheshisbreathandfreeshisaxe.Thestenchofexposedmuckisanightmaretohissenses,sohefumbleswithapouchofaromaticherbs.Hestickshisnoseinsidetoinhaledeeplyandrelaxesforthefirsttime

allnight.“Iguessyourstomach

getsweakerasyougetolder,”Alaniktauntsashewalksintothetunnel.Hisfriendsareafewstepsbehindhim,allofthemdrenchedandcoveredinmuck.“Itmustbefatethatwefoundeachotherinthisplace.Alonetodiscussourbusiness.

Kerrmustbeonmyside.”“MorethatGabrielis

bored,”Timoranmutters,puttinghisbacktothewall.“Ihavenobusinesswithyou.Itwouldbebestifwegoourseparateways.Besidesmydisappearancewillbringmyfriendsonyourhead.”

“Youroathmeanswe

havetheadvantage,soyoushouldlisten,”Bantonsaysfromthebackofthegroup.HewaitsforAlaniktonodhissupportandmoveswithinafewfeetoftheredheadedchampion.“Wediscussedouroptionsifwefoundyouagain.Well,weactuallyagreedtohuntyoudown,but

disagreedonwhattodoafter.”

“Iwantedtokillyoursilver-hairedfriendandchopoffyourarms,”Ralginclaimswithaproudgrin.“I’mstillmissingteethfromthatfight.”

“Ivotedforcapturingyouandyourfriendsthansellingthemtopirates,”

Sentrentadmitswithhishandraised.Theheavilyscarredwarriordropshisarmwhenhiscompanionsgrowlathim.“ThatwasactuallyAlanik’sidea.Iwantedtogointheoppositedirectionandneverseeyouagain.”

TimorankeepshiseyeonBanton,whoiswipingfilth

offtheheadofhismaul.“Thatwouldhavebeenthebestidea.Sowhatisthedecisionthatyoufourcameto?Iassumeitissomethingthattakesadvantageofmenotbeingabletotrulyfightback.Iamnotinthemoodforaguessinggame.”

Bantondrawsascroll

fromunderhisbracer,thecrushedparchmentstainedwithsweatandsewage.HeputshismaulonthegroundandhandsittoTimoran,whowrinkleshisnoseattheotherbarbarian’sstench.Ralgingrinsandchuckles,earninghimasmacktothefacefromAlanik.Theexchangemakes

thechampionmorenervousandheeyesBantonwithsuspicion.Theblondemancasuallyrecovershisweaponandreturnstohisfriends,patientlystandingbehindhisleader.

“Thisisimpossible,”Timoranstateswhilehetriestoreadthescroll.Hehears

thegrowlsfromtheothersandflickstheparchmentintothestream.“Imeantthatsweatandfilthhavemadethescrollineligible.AllIcoulddiscernfromtheremainingwordsisthatyouwantmetosignacontractofalliance.”

“Thatisthebasicidea,”Alaniksays,approachinghis

fellowkinsmanandputtingameatyarmaroundhisshoulder.“Allfiveofushavebeenbannedfromeverreturninghomeduetoarchaiclaws.MyfriendsandIdidn’tleavethefieldofbattleduetocowardice.Weleftbecausewedidn’tbelieveinthefight.Killingogresbecausethey

tookanextrapieceoflandandourkinggotnervousaboutanattack?Werefusedtodieforhisparanoia.”

“Theogrestookthelandfromourhalflingallies.Itwasabouthonoringourtreaties.Ifyoudidnotabandonyourpostoutofcowardicethenyoudiditout

ofdisrespectforourpeople.Abarbariannevergoesbackonhisorherword.”

“Howmanypromiseshaveyoubrokensinceleavingthetribe?”

Timoranremovestheotherwarrior’sarmfromhisshoulderandshoveshimbacktotheothers.Hechokes

downtheurgetoattack,hisprimalragemakinghisheartbeatloudenoughtofillhisears.Repeatinghisoathinhisheaddoesnothingtoquellhisangerashewatchesthefourmengrinandchuckle.Withashakyhand,hetakesanothersniffoftheherbstocleansehisnoseandcalmhisnerves.

“Wedon’tneedthispatheticloser,Alanik,”Ralginargues,pushingtothefrontofthesmallgroup.HetriestotaphisspearonTimoran’shead,buthisweaponiseasilybattedaway.“Iguesshe’sfastandstrong,buthewon’tbeanyhelp.Remember,hecan’tshedthe

bloodofhistribesmen,sohe’dbedeadweightinourplan.”

“Whatareyouplanning?”thechampionasksasheshiftshisfeet.Hismusclestenseforapounce,whichcausestheyoungerbarbariantobackaway.

“TheSnowTigerTribe

needsfreshleadershipandnewlaws,”Alanikdeclaresasherunshisthumbalongtheedgeofhisaxe.“Thelawsareallabouthonorandcourage,butthatisn’thowtheworldworksanymore.Menlikeusarecastoutbecausewerefusetolaydownourlivesforabattlewedidn’tbelievein.

Howisthatfair?”“Yousworeonyour

honorandancestorstofightforthetribe,”theredheadedwarriorangrilygrowls.Heflexeshisfingersinpreparationofhavingtodrawhisweapon,thetensioninthetunnelgrowingpalpable.“Ifyoudidnotwanttodoso

thenyoucouldhavebecomesomethingelse.Itisnotmandatoryforustoremainwarriorsafterourtwoyearsoftraining.Youhavenobodytoblame,butyourselves.”

“Thetribehasnorespectforthosewhorefusetofight,”Bantonmentions,spittingonthefloorindisgust.“Evenif

webecamefarmersorblacksmiths,we’dstillhavetofightwhenthekingdeclaredafull-scalewar.Itwasbettertogetalloftheperksofbeingawarriorthanbeseenaspretenders.”

“Youplanonoverthrowingtheking.IassumeAlanikwouldbethe

newruler.”“Well,itwouldn’tbe

you,”Ralginsnaps,chucklingathisowncomment.

“Shutup,Ralgin,”thearmoredwarriorsaysinacold,threateningvoice.HestandsbeforeTimoranandlookshimintheeye,refusingtobackdownfromthe

brewingrage.“Afterthishunt,we’regoingtotraveltoArxandnegotiateapriceforasmallforceofwarriors.Maybegetafewassassinstoo.Thenwe’llconquerStonehelmandputtheSnowTigerTribeonanewpath.Ifyou’rewillingtobreakyouroaththenwe’llletyoujoin

us.”Releasingatiredsigh,

TimoranturnsawayfromAlanikandwalkstotheedgeofthewalkway.Hestaresintotherisingriverofsewageasheconsidershisoptions,drawinghisgreataxeforcomfort.Apangofhomesicknessisinhisheart,

butitisdwarfedbytherageandhatredhefeelstowardthefourmenbeforehim.Hiseyesfallonthetiger-stripepatternedheadofhisweapon,theobjectsignifyinghispassageintoadulthoodandhismostpreciousbelonging.Heremembershisearlierdaysofexilewherehewould

talktothegreataxeandpraythatKerrwouldanswerhisquestionsthroughitspolishedsurface.Thishabitstoppedwhenhesworetolivebyhistribe’stenantsandbringhonortoiteventhoughhecanneverreturnhome.Hesteelshisspiritandacceptsthattheseselfishmenwill

havebroughtthisfateonthemselves.

“Onecannotgotowaragainstthetribeifheorsheisstillamember,”Timoranwhispers,wipingatearfromhischeek.Hetakesashudderingbreaththattheothersseeinhisbackandshoulders.“Doyouforsake

thetribe?”“Let’snot-”Sentrent

startstosaybeforeBantonsmackshim.

“Ifthat’swhatittakes,”Alanikproudlystates,takingaconfidentsteptowardtheotherbarbarian.“Let’snotpretendanyonehereisstillamemberofthetribe.We’re

allexiles,sowhyshouldanyofusremainloyal?”

TimoranwhirlsaroundtotakeAlanik’sheadoffinonesavageswing,thebodystandingforafewsecondsbeforetumblingintothesewage.RalginandBantonrushatthechampionwhileSentrentholdshisground,his

legslockedinplace.Thepairfindsithardtoattackduetotheirmuscularbodiesandthewidthofthewalkway.Bantoncomesclosetohittinghisfriendwitheveryswingwhilethespearmanfranticallyjabsattheirenemy.Ralginloseshispatienceandrushesforward,buthisclumsy

attackiseasilydeflected.Theredheadedbarbarianthrustshisgreataxeatthecrazedwarrior,thetoppointspiercingtheyoungerman’schest.Witharoar,TimoranmovesRalgininthewayofthemaul’snextswingandtheforcedrivesthegreataxeintothespearman’sheart.

“Youcowardlybastard!”BantonshoutsatSentrent,whosebroadswordislimplyhangingathisside.“Iknewweshouldhaveabandonedyouyearsago.”

TimoranswingsatBantonandtheirweaponsclash,theechoringingdownthetunnel.Aquickjump

backbythechampionmakesthemaul-fighterstumble,leavinghimopentoacrushingblowtothebackoftheneck.ThesnapofhisspinesendsashiverthroughSentrent’sbody,theswordsmanlettinghisweaponslipfromhisgrasp.Timorankeepshiseyeonthe

shudderingsurvivorashecrushesBanton’swindpipewithasolidstompofhisheel.

“Willyouletmelive?”Sentrentasks,fallingtohiskneesandholdingouthishands.“Ididn’tforsakethetribeorattackyou.I’mnotmuchofawarrioranyway.I...didn’tknowwhatelseto

dosoIwentalongwiththem.Ididn’tevenwanttodesertthetribeinthefirstplace,butAlanikthreatenedme.”

“TakeyourswordincaseyourunintotheFelcri,”Timoranstatesinacoldvoice.Hepullsaragoutofhispocketandcleansthebloodoffhisgreataxe.“IfI

everrunintoyouagain,Sentrent,itwillbebyaccidentandyouwillhavefoundareallife.Iamsurethereisaplaceforyou,butIcantellyouthatitisnotwithinthetribethatIholddearoronthebattlefieldthatIhonor.”

“Thankyou,SirWrath,”

themansays,scramblingtohisfeetandgrabbinghisweapon.Hurryingintothetunnelbehindhim,Sentrentstopsandturnstofacetheotherbarbarian.“Ifitmeansanythingtoyou,Ihopeyoufindpeacesomeday.WiththeblessingofKerr,I’msureitwillbewithintheSnowTiger

Tribe.”Timoranwatches

Sentrentdisappearintotheshadowsandsighswhenherealizesthathehasbodiestodisposeof.Sheathinghisweapon,hegoesaboutthrowingtheremainsintothesewageandwatchingthemdriftintothedistance.The

soundofarustlingcapemakeshimpausewhilehestillhastheheadofAlanikinhishands.Heturnstoseeablack-hairedmaninebonyplatemail,anauraofpowerfillingthetunnel.

“Iwaswonderingwhatyouwoulddohere,”Gabrieladmitsasheapproaches

Timoran.Alowwhistleslipsfromthegod’smouthandAlanik’sheadturnsintoapileofsand.“Iwashighlyentertained.Didyoulearnalessonfromthis?”

“MypastisoutthereandwillforeverhauntmeuntilIfaceit.”

“Thatsoundsgood

enough.Itisyoursharpmindandpurewisdomthatmakesyouoneofmygreatestcreations,”thegodsayswithawidesmilethatsendsachilldownthemortal’sspine.“KeepthatinmindwhenyoureturntoStonehelm.Youwillbegoinghomebeforeyourtrialsaredone,Timoran

Wrath.Iguaranteeitandlookforwardtoyourtrials.”

Gabrielvanishesinapuffofblacksmoke,leavingthebarbariantothinkabouttheominouspromise.Lookingatthesplattersofbloodandafewscrapsboneleftontheground,Timoranpraysthathisreturnhome

willnotbeforaverylongtime.

*****Lukeinchesalongthe

wall,keepinganearoutforsoundsofmovement.Thesquishofrottenfilthbeneathhisbootshasbecomepartofthebackgroundashecautiouslymakeshisway

throughthemazeoflowertunnels.Hesensessomethinglargerthanarat,theformcreatedbyhissoundsightofamanwithacurvedsword.ThisisthefourthtimeinthelasthourhehasfoundAsher,whichgiveshimsomereliefandfrustration.Lukeishappythatthenoblemanisstill

alive,buthewisheshissenseswouldstopfocusingonhim.Asitstands,heisnolongersurewhereDelvinortheFelcriaresincetheirlastencounter.Ithasbeenachallenginghuntwithrepeatedambushesthatthethreewarriorshavebarelymanagedtosurvive.Every

timeoneofthemhasbeenattacked,theothersrushtotherescueanddrivetheFelcriaway.

Turningacorner,Lukeseestheglintofchainmailinanarrowbeamoflightthatcomesfromapulsingorbinthewall.HethinksitisAsheragainuntilheseestheround

buckleronthefigure’sarm.QuietlymovingthroughthemucktoDelvin,heclearshisthroattogethisfriend’sattention.Witharollofhiseyes,hebatsthedirt-coveredlongswordoutofhisface.Thedimlightmakesbothwarriorsappearfilthierandmoreexhaustedthanthey

actuallyare.Lukenoticesthewoundabovehisfriend’seyeisstillseeping,whichbringshisattentiontotheburningcutalonghisownribs.Hesticksafingerthroughthegashinhisleatherarmorpatch,feelingtoseeiftheinjuryisstillbleeding.

“Howareyoudoing?”

Delvinwhispers,wipingthebloodoutofhiseye.

“Stillbleeding,butitwon’tslowmedowntoomuch,”Lukereplies,gesturingfortheotherwarriortofollowhim.HepinpointsAsher’slocationandguessesastothequickestwaytothenoble.“Asheris

movingaroundsomewhere,butIhavenoideawheretheFelcriwent.Maybeit’sfullfromeatingallthosemercenaries.”

“Idon’tthinkithadtimetoeatanyofthem,”Delvinsays,checkingaroundacornerwhileLukecasuallystepsintotheopen.“There

wassomethingstrangeaboutthelastfight.TheFelcricameinfierce,butitranawayonceoneofushurtit.It’spossiblethatit’snolongerinvulnerable,sonowit’sscared.”

Lukenodsandgoesovertheencounterinhismind,everydetailcrispandclear.

“Itdefinitelycameinwithoutacarewhenittookthatfirstmercenaryout.It’sashamethatshesurvivedfallingintothewateronlytogetkilledinthenextencounter.ThoughIthinkshemanagedtohurtittoobecausetheFelcrihadabriefmomentofconfusionbeforewegatheredourwits.

It’spossiblethatthemonstersbeingsentaftertheGrasdonsareimperfectandtheirinvulnerabilityisunstable.Theyneverknowwhenthey’llbesusceptibletodamageagain,butitdoeshappen.MaybewecancaptureitaliveandFizzlecangetalookatit.”

“HemightevenbeabletotalktotheFelcri.”

“Yeah,butI’msureWaylandwouldhaveitkilledonsight.”

“Themandoesseemprettystressedandirrational,”Delvinreplieswithawrysmile.HegentlypunchesLukeintheshoulderand

stifleshislaughter.“That’syourfuturefather-in-law.Yousureyouknowwhatyou’regettinginto?”

“Canwenotgetintothisconversationrightnow?”thehalf-elfrequeststhroughclenchedteeth.“We’rehuntingadeadlybeasthere.”

“Iwasonlyteasingand

tryingtolightenthemood,”theotherswordsmanreplieswithatiredsigh.“Iguessthere’salwaysthechancethatyou’llmarrySariinstead.You’reright.Thisisn’tsomethingIwanttotalkabout.It’llonlymakemeworrymoreaboutNyxandcontinuehatingyoufor

havingbothofyourlovesaround.”

“Hateme?”“Maybetoostronga

term,butI’vedefinitelyhadmomentsofwantingtopunchyouthelastfewdays.”

Luketurnstostarehisfriendintheeye,noticingthatthemanisnotentirelyjoking.

“I’mmiserablebecauseI’mgoingtohavetohurtsomeoneIlove.You’remiserablebecausethewomanyouloveismissing.I’dtradepositionswithyouonlybecauseIknowyou’reproblemwillhaveahappyending.”

“Howcanyoubeso

sure?”Delvinasks,walkingaroundthehalf-elf.Heslashesatanearbyshadowwhenitcomes,terrifyingagroupofratsthatrushintoanearbyhole.“Wedon’tknowwhereNyxisorwhat’shappenedtoher.ShecouldbekidnappedbythenomadsorinStephen’shands.”

“She’swithDariana,soIdoubtStephenwillhaveher.Evenifshe’snotreallyonourside,sheobviouslydoesn’tlikeherbrother,”theforesttrackerexplains,hurryingtotaketheleadagain.HerisksusingStiletto’ssenseofsmell,stoppingimmediatelywhen

hisstomachlurchesfromthestench.“Asforthenomads,Ihopetheydon’thaveNyx.I’mhavingtroublethinkingofanyonewhohasbenefitedfromcapturingher.Ittendstoendwithherunleashingdevastationonthearea.Sostopworryingaboutyourextremelypowerful,

unrequitedloveandfigureouthowtogetintothatdesert.Preferablywithoutanelephanteventhoughthatwashilarious.”

“It’snotlikeIcangooutthefrontdoor,”thebrown-hairedwarriorscoffs,scratchinghisheadwithhisknuckles.Hegroansatthe

feelofsewagedrippingfromthetipofhisswordontohishair.“Thisistrulydisgusting.I’vebeeninsewersandswampsbefore,butthisplaceisamazeofladders,tunnels,andfilth.”

Thewarriorscometoaroomthatresemblesagiantbowl,thesidesslickwith

slimeandthebottomcoveredinafootofstagnantwater.Agrateintheceilinghasrustedoutandtheremainingmeshisdanglingintheshaftofsunlight.SquirmingformsmoveinthewaterasLukeandDelvinstruggletomaketheirwaytotheothersidewithoutfallingintothepool.

Theysheaththeirweapons,freeingtheirhandstocrawlalongtheslicksurface.Witheverymove,thewarriorsslideclosertothebottomandthemysteriouscreaturesgetmoreagitated.AfangedeeleruptsfromthewaterwhenDelvinslipswithinreachofthecreature.Hefeelsits

sharpteethpiercehisbootandfoot,butcannotdrawhisswordtofightback.Theothereelshungrilygatherinanticipationofhimfallingin,theslimybeastsroilingintoafrenzy.Anechoing,roaringscreechscaresthepredatorsintoretreatingtothebottomofthepool,thesurface

becomingcalmandserene.“Pleasetellmethatwas

you,”DelvinwhisperstoLukeasheclimbstowardhisfriend.

“Nope,”thehalf-elfsays,noddinghisheadtothewallontheothersideofthepool.“TheFelcriseemstobeabletomovewithoutmakinga

sound,includingaheartbeat.Ithinkit’sbeeninheretheentiretime.”

Thewarriorsturnaround,grindingtheirfeetintotheslimeuntiltheyfeelsolidgroundandcanawkwardlystand.Theydrawtheirbladesastheywatchthegreen-scaledbeast,itsbodyashade

lighterthanthedarkwalls.TheFelcrislowlyclimbsdowntotheslopedfloorandcrouchesamongthefilth.ItswhiteeyesdartfromDelvin’slongswordtoLuke’ssabers,thedeadlybladesmakingthevulnerablecreaturenervous.Withathreateninghiss,theFelcrifiresitslongtongueat

thearmoredchampionandyanksitbackbeforeitcanbechoppedoff.

“Idon’tthinkitknowswe’reatadisadvantage,”Lukewhispers,pointinghissabersatthemonster.Hestopswhenitwhimpersandbacksagainstthewall.“Thisthingisterrifiednowthatit

knowswecanhurtit.Whatuseisasummonedcreaturethatgetsscared?Seemslikeawasteoftrainingormagicorwhateveritisthatmadeit.”

“We’reobviouslymissingsomething,”Delvinstatesashetakesasteptohisright.TheFelcriwatcheshimandbeatsthegroundinan

attempttowardhimoff.“Itdoesn’twanttofightus.Allthataggressionisgone.IfIhadn’tseenthisthingfightbefore,I’dneverbelieveitcouldbesovicious.Maybewecantakeitaliveandlearnmoreaboutthenomad’smonsters.WaylandcanchokeonhisfavoriteringforallI

care.Uh,don’ttellKiraandAsherIsaidthat.”

“Deal.Circlethatwayandwe’llseewhatitdoes.”

Withasnarl,theFelcriturnsitsscalyheadtowardoneofthenearbytunnelsandpreparestopounce.Itsniffstheairandhungrilylicksitsfaceasifadeliciousmealhas

beenlaidout,thearomarevivingitscourage.ThecreatureglancesatLukeandDelvin,abriefexpressionofconfusiononitsface.PrimalaggressionreturnstoitseyeswhenithearsechoingfootstepsandAsherwandersintothechamber.

“Youhaveitcornered,”

thenoblemansayswhiletakingastepintothebowl.

“Notgood,”Delvinmutters,shufflinghisfeetthroughtheslime.Hefallstohishandsandknees,slidingnearthepoolwheretheeelsareroilingthewaterinanticipation.Rollingontohisback,thewarriorbeheadsthe

firstbeastthateruptsfromthepool,buttheothersrefusetocalmdown.

EverythingisablurofmotionwhenAsherslipsandfallsonhisface,hisscimitarskiddingoutofhisreach.TheFelcripouncesonlytobeslammedinthesidebyLukewhoissproutingfeathers

fromhisbody.Surprisedbytheattack,themonstershoveshimawayandscreecheswhenitsarmisslicedoffbythehalf-elf’ssaber.Enragedandstartledbythepain,theFelcriroarsatitsattackerandcharges.Itiswithinreachwhentheyoungwarriorfinishestransformingintothe

griffinandbatsthecreatureawaywithherwings.ThebeastscircleeachotherwhileDelvinmakeshiswaytoAsherandhelpshimcrawlbackintothetunnel.

“Idon’tunderstandwhat’shappening,”thenoblemansays,hiseyeslockedonthewingedbeast.

Hewatchesherstruggletomaneuverinthetightquarters,herwingsrepeatedlycomingclosetohittingthewalls.“IsthatLuke?”

“We’llexplainonthewalkback,”Delvinwhispersashegoesbackforthescimitar.HedropstothegroundwhentheFelcriissent

flyingtowardhim,thebeast’sthrashingtailgrazinghisback.“Watchwhereyou’rethrowinghim,Lucy.We’renotinanopenspacelikeyou’reusedtointhatform.”

Withaburstofwindthatshakestheroom,thegriffindartsattheFelcrisoquicklythatittakesasecondforthe

warriorstorealizewhathashappened.Herbeakpiercesthescalyhideoftheothercreatureandshecracksitssternuminhalfbeforesheiskickedaway.Agashonherfrontlegmakesherhobblethroughthemuck,butshegracelesslyleapsacrosstheroomtomaultheFelcri’s

face.Rearingbackonherhindlegs,thegriffinsnapsforwardtodriveherbeakintoitsenemy’sskull.Sheopenshermouthtosplintertheboneanddeliversafewsolidstrikestotheexposedbrain.TheFelcridropsdeadatherfeetandsheliftsitbytheneck,callouslytossingitinto

thepoolwherethefangedeelsdevourthecorpse.

11

Darianafallstoherkneeswhilecoveringherears,butthedeafeningscreamcontinuesatfullvolume.Thenomadswatchasshecollapsesonthecoolingsandandspasmsforaminute,mostofthemfearingthattheforeignerispossessedor

diseased.Onlyasmallboyiswillingtogetnearherandofferoneofhisfigs,whichshetakeswithashakyhand.ThechildliesonhissidenexttoDarianaandmakesfacesatherinthehopesofmakingherfeelbetter.Shedoesherbesttolaughandreturnthesillyexpressions,butthepain

istoomuchforhertoconcentrate.Tohersurprise,theblack-hairedboycrawlsclosertoliftherhandoffherheadandwhispergibberishinherear,anincomprehensiblejokethatmakeshimlaugh.Thementalscreamcutsoffandisreplacedbyfaintwhimpering,thevoicenow

clearlythatofSharne.“Thankyou,”Dariana

saystotheboyasshestands.“What’syourname?”

“I’mthree!”“Okay...Three.”Theconfusedwoman

gentlyrubsherachingears,feelingafewdribblesofbloodseepontohercheek.

Thenomadsarebusypreparingfoodfortomorrow’sjourneyandrepairinganytentsthatweredamagedbyabriefsandstorm.Herheadisstillfuzzyasshewalkstothelargecentraltentofbeautiful,ivorycloththatshimmersinTavon’sbluemoonlight.

ArmedguardsstandatattentionattheentranceandtheypointtheirspearsatDariana.Asifsomeonehasorderedthemtostanddown,theyshiftbacktotheiroriginalpositionandobedientlystareahead.Keepinghereyesonthewarriors,shestepsintothe

tentandquicklysealstheflapwhensheseesthecarnagearoundher.

AlowtablehasbeenoverturnedandthehammockthatSharnesleepsinisstillwildlyswinginginabreezethatdoesnotexist.Pillowsappeartohavebeenburrowedintobyanimalsandtheir

stuffingisstrewnacrosstherugs.Splotchesofdarkgreenoozeareonthewallsandtheydriptothefloorintheformoflongfeathers.IttakesDarianaafewminutestofindSharnecurledbeneathapileofquilts,onlyherbarefootvisiblefromthecorrectangle.Thewomanisbarely

consciousassheiscarriedtothemiddleofthetentandgentlylaidonalongpillowthathassurvivedthedestruction.

“Whathappenedhere?”Darianaasks,snappingherfingersatthehammock.Thehangingbedstopsanddangleslimplyfromthe

supportingbeams.“Itlookslikesomeonetriedtoattackyou,buttheguardsdidnothing.Although,Iseeauraresidueonthewalls,whichmeansyourattackerwasnotnormal.”

“Therewasnoattackersotospeak,”Sharnewhispers,pushingherselfinto

asittingposition.Shiningaurastreaksherface,whichshewipesawaywithanearbycloth.“AsthePalqua,Iamconnectedtothescepterandthebeastsinside.Weshareanessence,whichiswhyIknowtheyareinBor’daruk.”

“Didsomethinghappentothem?”Darianaasksasshe

poursacupofwaterfortheholywoman.“Icanshareyourpainifneedbe.”

“You’rekind,buttooquicktoofferhelp,”theotherwomanrespondswhilesippingatthecooldrink.Herfaceiscoveredinscratches,especiallyhercheeksandneck.“Anotherofthebeasts

hasbeenkilled,whichmeansthegreatmonsterwithinisclosertobeingfree.Duetomyconnection,thedeathmakesmefeellikemyverycoreisbeingtornapart.ItissomethingIneverexpectedbecausenootherPalquahashadtosufferinsuchafashion.Sothankyoufor

offeringhelp,butthisismyburden.”

“Iheardyouscreaminginmyhead.Pleasedonothesitatetoseekmeoutforsupportifithappensagain.”

Darianaflipstoherfeetandwandersaroundthetenttocleantheauraresidueoffthewallswithsteadywaves

ofherhand.Shecollectstheglowingslimeinherarmsandtriestoturnitintoaball,butittakestheformofagriffinsittingonitshaunches.AflashofLukepassesthroughhermindandshedropstheaura,lettingitsplatteracrossthefloorandontoherfeet.Herthroatdry,

thestartledwomangrabsanotherglassandgreedilydrinksseveralcupsofwaterfromabarrelinthecorner.

“Isee,”Sharnesaysasshefindsthestrengthtostand.Thepuddleofauraflowstowardheranddisappearswithinhershadow,givingherdarkskin

ahealthiershine.“Thegriffinthatkilledtheguardianwasoneofyourfriends.Isensedsomethingdifferentaboutherwhensheattackedandtouchedmymind.Itwouldappearsheisbeingmanipulatedintofreeingthehorrorofthescepter.Wecanassumeyourotherfriendsare

involvedtoo.FromthestoriesyouandNyxhavetoldme,I’msurethey’reunawareofthedanger.”

“Thenexplainittome,”Darianasays,bowingtotheholywoman.Shefallstoonekneeandputsherhandsoutwithherpalmsfacingtheceiling.“NyxandIhavenot

pushedforinformationonthescepter.Shehastakentousingyourlibrarytodoresearch,butIknowtherearesomethingsthatonlyyouwouldknow.PleasetellmesothatImaywarnmyfriendsassoonasthey’rewithintherangeofmypowers.”

Withaflourishofher

greenskirt,SharneturnsherbackonDarianaandstaresatapaperlantern.Thecandleflickersbehindthewhitecoveringandsparksfloatoutofthebottom.Theycircletheholywoman,steadilybecomingaswarmoflightsthatblocksherfromview.Whispersfilltheairand

Darianasensesthatsheisbeingobservedbyunseeneyes.Thetouchofinvisiblehandslingersontheedgeofherawareness,disappearingwheneversheattemptstofocusonthesensation.Herheartstutterswhenaskeletalfigurestepsoutofthesparksandextendsaboneyhandto

her.Trustingtheholywoman,shegripsthecreature’sfingersandisdrawnintotheshimmeringcyclone.

Nolongerinthetent,DarianafindsherselfnexttoSharneandsurroundedbyacouncilofaura-coatedskeletons.Theghostlybeings

standinacirclearoundthem,nothingelsebutpristinedunesextendingineverydirection.AllbutoneoftheeeriefiguresareclothedinbeautifulrobesthataresimilartothebillowingonesoftheHelgardians.Theshortestskeletonstandsuponasmalldune,wearingthe

crimsonandsapphirerobesofaCelvarynpriest.Sparksandtinypiecesofhailsputterfromthewandemblemetchedintothecreature’swideforehead.Wispsofhairareonitshead,afewofthemcatchingfireandburningdowntotheskull.Theodddisplaygetsmorechaoticas

thefigurehopsofftheduneandmarchestowardthetwowomen.

“Don’tbescared,Dariana,”Sharnewhisperswithapleasantsmile.“ThesearetheformerPalquaofmytribe.Idon’tknowtheirlivingnames,buttheyhaveallheldmyposition.They

willshowyouwhatyouwishtoknow.”

“Thisisnottheonewewishedtosee!”theskeletondeclaresinahigh-pitched,femininevoice.TheWildMagicGoddess’ssymbolexplodesinashoweroffireandice,threateningtoharmthelivingwomen.“Ithought

youwerebringingtheotherchampion.Wecanalreadysenseherpresenceanddemandshebebroughttous.”

“AndItoldyouthatNyxisnotinterestedinmeetingyou,”theproudnomadarguestoDariana’ssurprise.“Imadetheofferandsherefused.

ThisisanotherchampionwhowishestoknowabouttheBeastofPalqua.”

Theshortskeletonstompsherfootinthesandandturnstofacetheothers.Chatteringteethcommunicatewithchaoticchangesinthespeedandvolumeoftheirnoise.Itisclearthatthe

councilisdebating,butDarianacannotdecipherthediscussion.Sheattemptstoscanthemindoftheshortskeleton,butisimmediatelyfedtheimagesofanogredevouringherface.Thevividvisionsnapsherbacktoherownmindandshefindsthecouncilstaringatherwitha

renewedsenseofcuriosity.“You’retheonewe

neversaved,”theskeletalpriestesswhispers,gettingclosertothesilver-hairedchampion.Shetouchesthewoman’sbellyandshiesaway,spittingattheshiftinggroundandbowing.“Youarethecrossingofpurityand

evil.AnabominationofnecessitythatmyalliesandIchosetoignoreinexchangeformyboldidea.”

“Youwereachampion,”Darianawhispersindisbelief.

“Iwasthemostpowerfulandthegreatestfailureofourkind.”

“Thenpleasetellme

aboutthescepter.”“Itisnotyourplaceto

know.”“I’machampion,soitis

myknowledgetohave!”“Nottherightone.”Sharneclearsherthroat

forattentionandbowstotherobedskeleton,herhairtouchingthesand.“I

apologizeforthisandwilltrytoconvinceNyxtomeetwithyou.I’msurewecanfiguresomethingout.Darianawillhelpus.”

“Gobacktoyourmindsandletmehandlethechannelerwhenthetimeisright,”theskeletonsays,turningitsbackonthe

women.Ittucksitshandsintoitssleevesandfloatsbackontothesmalldune.“Itisinevitablethatthescepterwillfallintothischampion’shandsafteralltheguardianshavebeendispatched.Oncethathappens,bringhertoHelgardbeforemycreationawakens.Onlythencanthe

totaldestructionofthedesert,andpossiblyallofRalian,beavoided.”

“SotheBeastofPalquacanonlybecontainedwithinthetemple?”Darianapolitelyasks.Alloftheskeletonslaughandtheshortoneappearsinfrontofherface.“Iwasundertheimpressionthat

thisbeastwouldburnthedesertifsetfree.Whydoyoufindmyquestionlaughable?”

“Oh,mycreationwillcausegreatdamage,butitisnotthetruethreat,”theundeadpriestesswhispers,grinningaliplesssmile.“ThechannelermayposeevenmoredangertoWindemere.

Imaginewhatwouldhappenifshelearnedthetruthbehindthebeast.Herpeoplearepronetofitsofgod-likeragewhentheirownkindhasbeenharmed.Wewillhavetocontendwithtwobeastsofmagicsopowerfulthatthegodsthemselvesmightbeforcedtogetinvolved.”

“Iwilltalkto-”thesilver-hairedwomanstartsbeforeshefreezes.HermindisblankandshecollapsesintoSharne’sarms,theholywomannoddingattheskeleton.

“Iamgladtoseeshedoesnotrememberherfirstencounterwithme,”the

boneyphantomsayswitharelaxedsigh.“Sheisnottoknowthetruthbehindmycreation.Ishallremoveyourpowerifyoubetraymytrust,Palqua.”

“Iswear,milady,thatthiswillbeoursecret.”

Thesandsswirlaroundthetwowomenandthe

skeletonsdisappearintothestorm,replacedbythewallsofthetent.Sharnedragstheunconsciouschampiontothehammockandstrugglestoputherinside.Shefrownsatthesightofdirtybootsinherfavoritebed,butshecanonlyimaginetheamountofsandthatwouldfalloutifshe

removedthem.Withatiredsigh,shegoesaboutcleaninghertent,alwayskeepingawatchfuleyeonDariana’sthoughts.

*****“I’msorryIwokeyouup

withsomethingyoucan’thelpmewith.Ididn’tknowyouhadaroughday,mom,or

thatyouweredoingpaperwork,dad.ThoughI’mprettysurethatmeansyouweredrinkingornapping,”Nyxsayswithherheadpressedagainstthetabletop.Sherubsheramethystnecklace,thegemglowinginherhand.“I’mnotbeingasmartassorwhateveritisyou

calledmeinDraconic.Don’tyellathim,mom,becauseyoucalledmeanidiottentimesyesterdaywhenIcheckedinwithyou.Yes,chargingaSpurgeshouldonlybedoneifmybrainhasbeenreplacedwithabowlofcoldoatmeal.I’mnottakingatonewithher!Youfightwith

herallthetime,dad.Technically,youtwostillaren’tmarried,sothatexcusedoesn’twork.Okay,okay,okay!I’msorryItookthatshotandI’llneversayitagain.Whatdoyoumeanyou’vebeendiscussingarealdate?Haveyoutwobeentalkingwithoutme?Yes,I

knowyou’readultsandImadethesenecklacestoletanycombinationofustalk.IjustthoughtIshouldbeincludedinsomethingthatbig.Atleastbeforeyougetthatfaralong.Youtwoaren’tanyeasiertogetintouchwiththanme!NotmyfaultIhavetosavetheworld.No,I’mnot

tryingtoexaggeratemypurposetoguilttripyou,mom.Ihearyoulaughing,dad!Luke’sstillalive,Sari’snotinjail,TimoranisstillTimoran,andDelvin...No...Idon’t...Itisn’tlikethat...I’dnever...I’vegottogoandfinishmyresearch.Loveyouboth.Night.”

Nyxsoftlybangsherheadonthetable,sendingglitteringsparksintotheairwitheveryimpact.Shestopswhenadeliciousscentstrikeshernoseandherstomachrumbles.Therealizationthatshehasnoteatensincelunchmakesherhungerevenworse,soshehappilyturns

herheadtofaceMisraeasheentersthesmalltent.ThesmilingTribeKingplacesalargeplateofskeweredmuttoninfrontofthecasterwhosnatchesapiecebeforeheremoveshishand.Themugofcoldwaterheoffersherissloppilydrainedandshewipeshermouthonthe

sleeveofheryellowshirt,earningagrimaceofdisappointmentfromherhost.

“You’renotmuchonmanners,LadyNyx,”Misraepolitelysaysashetakesaseatatthecirculartable.Helooksatthesixneatlyorganizedbookshelvesthatsitwithinthetent.“Itappears

youcleanedupourlibraryandsortedeverything.Iseecategorylabelstoo.Thankyoufortakingthetime.”

“Themesswasdrivingmecrazy,”thehalf-elfmumbleswithamouthfulofjuicyfood.Asternglancefromthedark-skinnedmanmakesherswallowthe

muttonandbowherhead.“I’msorryfortherudeness.Iwasstarvingandfrustrated.Thankyouforbringingmesomedinneragain.IpromiseI’llpayattentiontothetimeandmystomachtomorrow.Afterall,youdon’thavetowatchoverme,Misrae.”

“Istillfeelsorryforhow

Itreatedyouduringourfirstencounter,”hestates,cautiouslytakingapieceofmeatfromtheplate.“Itwasdisrespectfultothewomanwhomaybeabletobringmytribetoourancestralhome.ThatiswhyIhaveacceptedtheresponsibilityofmakingsureyouarecomfortable.At

theveryleast,fed,bathed,andrested.”

“I’dappreciateitifyoudon’ttrytotakethatseconditemintoyourownhands.ThoughIguessIdoneedtowashupsincewe’renearapond.I’lltakeDarianawithme.”

“Sheisbusywiththe

Palquaforthenight,soIwillhavesomeguardswatchoveryouwhenyouwishtogo,”Misraedeclareswhilehelicksthetangysaucefromhisfingers.Heseesaglintofanxietyinhereyesandsmilesather.“Ipromisetheywillallbefemale.Mypeoplearenotveryconcernedwithbeing

nakedinfrontofeachotherduetobathingbeingaluxury.Ishouldn’texpectyoutofeelthesameway.”

“ThankyouandI’lltrynottotakelong.”

Nyxburnsthesauceoffoneofherhandsandreachestoashelfforoneofthefewbooksshehasnotmemorized.

Layingitoutonthetable,shegoesbacktoherdinnerwhileflippingpageswithacasualwindspell.Misraewatchesherlipsmoveasherefillshermugandclaimsanotherpieceofmutton.Thelanterndimsslightly,snappingthecasteroutofhertranceandcausinghertoflickthreefloating

flamesintoexistence.“Whatisityou’re

lookingfor?”theTribeKinginterruptswhileheoffersahandfulofdriedfruittothehalf-elf.Sheblindlygrabsafewraisins,soheplacestherestonthetable.“Youtoldmeyesterdaythatyoufoundverylittleaboutthescepter,

soI’mconfusedonwhyyou’restillinourlibrary.Istheresomethingelsethathascaughtyourattention?”

“Thescepterresearchisadeadend,”Nyxadmits,rubbinghereyeswithheronlycleanknuckle.Shestaresblanklyatoneofthefloatinglightsaboveherheaduntil

Misraeknocksonthetable.“IfoundafewmentionsofHelgard,soI’vebeengatheringasmuchasIcanaboutmytemple.Mostofitisuselesslikealistofnames,afewmentionsoftreasure,andwhatIthinkisacrudepictureofadragonnamedCudgel.”

“Thedragonsounds

importantbecauseyou’renowawareofthedanger,”thenomadpointsoutinanattempttobehelpful.Atthesightofherannoyedglare,heleansbackandholdsouthishands.“Iapologize.I’msureyouhaveverylittletoworryaboutwhenitcomestonaturaldragonsandmostare

benevolentcreatures.Whatwastheusefulinformation?”

“WhyisittakingsolongtogettoBor’daruk?”

Misraenearlychokesonhiswaterandcovershismouthtoavoidsprayingitonanyofthebooks.Hecoughsandhackstogettheliquidoutofhisthroat,poundingonhis

chestfornootherreasonthanitseemsliketherightthingtodo.Afewtearsrundownhisfaceandhewipesthemawaywithanapkin.Withadeepbreath,theTribeKingregainshiscomposureandlooksNyxintheeyetoconfidentlydefendhisactions.Instead,heseesarollingflameinthe

middleofhervioletorbsanddecidesasimpleexplanationwouldbesafer.

“We’vehadtotakeawindingroutetothecitybecauseofthepoliticalsituationamongthenomadtribes,”Misraeexplainsashegoestopullalongscrolloffashelf.Heunrollsittorevela

mapofthedesertwithoddlyshapedpatchesofcolorcoveringtheregion.“TheotherlargetribeshavebeeninthedesertlongerthantheHelgardians.Webecamenomadswhenwewereexiledfromyourtempleandweweremadenobilityforsomereason.Thishascausedsome

badbloodbetweenusandtheothertribes,butthescepterkeptthepeacebecauseofthelegendssurroundingit.Withoutourholyrelic,weareopentoattacks,sowehavebeenusingscouts,birds,andthePalquatokeepaneyeonourenemies.Ithascausedustobacktrackandprogressata

cautiouspace.Pleaseunderstandthatwehavechildrenandelderlywhoneedtobedefendedincaseofanattack.”

Nyxplacesagentlehandontheman’stattooedheadasshehasseenothernomadsdowhenbeingrespectful.“Itwouldn’tberightformeto

demandthatyouputmyfamilyaheadofyourtribe.Itrustthatwe’llgettheresoon.Lookslikeanotherdayortwoifwegostraightthroughthatgreenpatch.Withmearound,youwon’thavetoworryaboutbeingattacked.Icanbesurprisinglyintimidating.”

“Youhavemypeople’s

thanksandloyalty.Doyouwishtoshareyourfindings?”

“YourtribewasforcedtoleaveHelgardbecauseofoneofthechampions,”Nyxanswersasshegrabsthelastpieceofmutton.Sheheatsthemeatwithaquickburstofflameandtakesabiteoutofit,thefirestillcracklingon

hertongue.“Ican’tpronouncetheperson’sbirthname,buthecalledhimselfTheCrafter.Hisspecialtywasmodifyingcreaturesandmakinggolems,sohetriedtomakealivingweapontokillourenemy.Itbackfiredandeveryoneinvolvedwaskilledwhentheysealedthecreature

intothescepter.TheothermonstersofthetemplewereusedaslayeredguardianstocontaintheBeastofPalqua.Anyofthissoundfamiliar?”

“It’sremotelysimilartoachildren’sstoryaboutthenoblebeastsofthemanytribesjoiningforcestodefeatthefiredemon,”Misrae

admitswithanamusedsmile.“Itwouldappearyourdestinyistiedtothefateofmytribe.IhopewecanfinishourbusinesswiththeGrasdonswithoutbloodshedandswiftlyescortyoutoHelgard.Doyouwantanyhelpwithpiecingtogetheryourfindings?”

Nyxyawnsandpopsthelastofherdinnerintohermouthbeforeitcloses.Usingabookshelfforleverage,shegetstoherfeetandmassageshertinglylegsuntiltheycanmovewithouttwingesofpain.Stretchingherarmsoverherhead,thehalf-elfwhimpersatthepoppingof

herstiffjoints.Withaweaksmirk,the

casterlooksatherhostandsays,“Ireallyneedthatbath.”

*****Guardspatrolthetents

beneaththecloudlesssky,theirkeensenseshonedbyyearsoftrainingandpractice.Theirswiftreactiontoevery

suspiciousmovementmakesitachallengeforthedarkfiguretomovethroughoutthecamp.Slippingfromoneshadowtoanother,shesoonfindsherselfcorneredbehindawaterbarrel.Armedwarriorsinalldirections,itisonlyamatteroftimebeforetheintruderisseen.She

knowsthatputtingafewpeopletosleepwouldriskbeingdetected,sothecloakedwomancastsaspellwithnowordsorgestures.Theentiretribefallsasleep,includingthefemaleguardsatthetopofanearbydune.Anoccasionalsplashofwatercanbeheardfromtheother

sideofthehill,guidingthestrangertohertarget.

Sneakingaroundthedune,sheseesNyxfloatingonherbackinthepond.Thehalf-elfhashereyesclosedandisgentlysinginganElventuneasshedriftsonthesurface,seeminglyunawareoftheapproachingfigure.

Thewomanstripsoffherclothes,thebluemoonlightmakinghercobaltskinevenmorebeautiful.SheslipsintothepondandsilentlyswimstowardsNyx,hereyesglowingwithrawpower.Pushinghertarget’slongblackhairoutofherway,thestrangerreachesoutwitha

handbathedinwhitefire.Movingasifsheison

land,thewomandartsawayfromafistofelectrifiedwaterthateruptsfromtheplacidsurface.TheillusionofNyxshiftsandwarpsastherealoneremainshiddeninthepond.Sensingthelocationofthehalf-elf,theothercaster

dispersesintothewaterandreappearsbehindherenemy.Withaglintinhereyes,sheboilsthewaterandissurprisedthatNyxisunaffectedbythechange.Aspearofforceiscasuallybattedawaybythelong-hairedwoman,whosefeaturesnevercomeinto

focus.Pushingdownherinstincttokill,sheinstantlyturnsthepondtoiceandelectrocutesthehalf-elfenoughtoknockherout.Whenthewaterthaws,Nyxfloatstothetopandgaspsforairwhileherheartstutters.Unabletofightback,sheiseasilypushedtotheshallows

bythestrangerdirectingthecurrents.

“Iwashopingformore,”thewomansaysasthespellmaskingheridentityfades.TrinityfloatsnexttoNyx,usinghermagictocontrolhermovements.“You’reluckyIdon’tknowyoubecauseIcanseethatyouexaggeratedparts

ofyourillusion.Thehairiseasilyoverlooked,butyourchestismuchsmallerthanwhatyoumade.Suchabeautifulchannelerandyou’reself-consciousofyourbody?Suchashame.”

“WhenIcanmovemylimbsagain,I’mgoingtokillyou,”thehelplesshalf-elf

growls.SheissurprisedwhenTrinityflipstoherfeetandsitscross-leggedonthewater.“You’remuchstrongerthanbefore.Whyaren’tyourgemsglowingwhenyoucastmagic?”

“Soyoucan’tcastspellswithoutgestures?”thechaoselfasksindisappointment.

SherunsafingeralongNyx’sbody,revivingtheyoungwoman’smuscles.“Isensedyouwerethestrongerone,butthisonewascloser.Mypowerisstilltooweaktoreachyoufromsofaraway.Thoughitmightbemoreofaproblemonyourend.Apatheticspecimenofa

channelerandachampion?Youmakemewanttocry.”

“Whoareyou?”TrinityhelpsNyxtoher

feet,frowningwhenthehalf-elfnearlyplungesintothewater.Awarmwindwhipsattheirbodiesanddriesthemastheywalkbacktotheshore.Ittakesthehalf-elfafew

minutestogetdressedwhilehermysteriouscompanionisclothedintheblinkofaneye.Thetasteofimpatienceanddisappointmentisthickintheair,butthefakeTrinityrelaxeswhensherisesintotheskyandNyxrocketsbyher.Thechaoselffloatsinawidecircle,hereyesa

shimmeringwhiteassheexaminestheothercaster’smindandaura.

“IthinkIunderstand.Youweren’ttrainedasachanneler.Yourmindisstilllockedingestures,spells,andwords.Evenworse,youhaveaspecialty,sotheoppositeareaisachallengeforyou.”

“Whoareyou?”Nyxrepeatswhileflamesdancethroughherhair.Shepanicswhenthefireturnsintoapillarwithoutherinfluence.“Neveraltermyspellsunlessyouwantafight.”

“Youwouldlose,butit’snicetoseeyou’reprotectiveofyouraura,”Trinitystates

withafriendlylaugh.Sheglancesoverhershoulderandpicksoutadistantdune,whicheruptsintoatreeofshimmeringcrystal.“Canyoudoanythinglikethat?Whataboutdestroyingacityorsingle-handedlylayingwastetoanarmy?Withouttheuseofyourhandsorwords,of

course.”“I...Inevertried

anythinglikethat,butIcastaforbiddenspellonce,”Nyxreplies,staringatthebeautifulcreation.Choosingherowndune,sheattemptstowillthesandtochangeandonlyfeelsapaingrowinginherskull.Shecursesunder

herbreathandthesandburstsintoahungryflamethatsheswiftlyputsoutwithasnapofherfingers.“Ididn’tmeantodothat.I’mnotalivingweaponoranythinglikethat.”

“Allchannelersarelivingweapons.It’swhatwewereborntobe,”thecobalt-

skinnedwomansayswithawaveofherhand.NoticingthedisheartenedlookonNyx’sface,shepullsthehalf-elfintoatighthug.“Mypoorchild,youaresoclosetounderstanding.Don’tfocusontheweaponpart,butontheliving.WeareGola’sgreatestcreationsandthe

MagicQueenmadeustobepowerful.Destructionisatourfingertips,butwecanalsolove,create,anddowhatalllivingthingsdo.Bytheway,IhopeyouandthisoneplanonbreedingbecauseIdon’twantmylineagetoend.Iworkedtoohardtocreatemultiplechannelerlinesand

therestaredormantorsickeninglyweak.”

“Yousoundlikemymother.”

Trinityreleasesthehugandfloatsawaywithwhiteenergytwistingaroundheroutstretchedarms.Fireballs,lightningbolts,andenchantmentsthatNyxhas

neverevendreamedofleapintothesky,highenoughthatthepeopleofBor’darukcanseeitfrommilesaway.Someofthespellsdisappearamongthestarsorgoracingintothedistance,onlyTrinityknowingwheretheywillland.

Awarmthspreadsover

Nyx’sbodyasifsheisbeingenvelopedinathickblanketonawinterday.Closinghereyes,shetriestojoininthedisplaywithoutmovingherarmsorwhisperingwords.Mostofherspellsheaddirectlyfortheground,whichshecutsoffbeforetheycanhurtanyone.Onlyafew

fireballsgowhereshedirectsthemandthelastoneracesforTrinity,whoputsoutherfoottostopthespell.

“Youusedagesture,”Nyxstates,hereyesflyingopen.Hercouragegrowswhensheseesthearrogantsmirkonherrival’sface.“Iwanttoknowwhoyouare.

WhatdoyoumeanIwasn’ttrainedasachannelerandwhyishavingaspecialtybad?Stoptalkingwithoutgivingmeanswersorexplainingyourself.”

“Underpressure,achannelermightuseagesturetofocushisorherspell.It’snothingtobeashamedoflike

havingtouseone’shandsforeveryspell,”Trinityexplains,cuttingoffthedisplay.Shedriftsclosertotaketheotherwoman’sfaceinherhands.“I’veseenyoucastspellsbywillalonewhentheyaresmallandpersonal,sothepowerisinsideyou.Thatabilityiswhatyoushould

havebeentaughtsincebirth.Thenagain,Isensethattheknowledgeofwhatyouarewaslostafewcenturiesago.ThosedamnfoolsandtheirGreatCataclysmmadeamessofeverything.Asforthespecialty,itweakensyouinsomefashion.Youareamasteroffire,butwaterand

icehavebecomeunnecessarychallenges.Achannelercanhaveafavoriteareaofmagic,butoneshouldneverallowtheconnectiontobecomeasweakasyouandyourdislikedelement.”

“Ialwaysthoughtillusionsweremyworstsubject.”

Trinityavertshergazeandscanstheareatoseeifanyoneisconscious,puttingapersistentvoicefromthecampintoadeepersleep.“OurpeopleareveryclosetotheauraofWindemereandeverylivingthinguponher.Wearebondedtoitalland,unlikenecrocasters,wedo

notviolatetheaurasofthosewemanipulate.Channelersrespectandembracethisenergybecauseweareitsnaturalconduit.Thisdoesmeanthatdiscerninganillusionfromsomethingrealcanbeabit...problematicforus.”

“Sowhywon’tyoutell

mewhoyouare?”Nyxasks,gentlytouchingTrinity’shands.Ajoltofenergycoursesthroughherbody,makingherlickherlips.“MaybeIshouldbewonderingwhatyouareinsteadofwho.”

“I’myourmother,”thechaoselfreplieswithatired

sigh.“Notofthebody,butofyouraura.Thelastofouroriginalclanandtheprogenitorofthechannelerbloodlines.Allofyourmagiccomesbacktome.Atleastthatwhichcanescapefromyourpatheticstyle.Perhapstheweaknessofmychildrenisonmyhead,butitis

beyondmycontrol.”Nyxfloatsbacktothe

ground,feelinglikesheneedsanotherbathtorelax.“I’vehadenoughriddlesandmysteriestolastmeawhile.Ifyou’renotgoingtogivemeastraightanswerthenletmewashupandgotobed.”

“Wewilltalkmorewhen

ouraurastrulymeet,”Trinitypromises,landingonthepondandexaminingherElvenfeaturesinthereflection.“Imustreturnthisonetohermischief.CometoBor’daruksoontobeginourpeople’srebirthordeath.Itreallydependsonhowyouanswermyfinalquestion.”

“Whichis?”“Thisisn’tthetimefor

it,”thechaoselfwhispersasshesinksintothepond.“WhenIsayfinalquestion,ImeanitmaybethelastthingIeveraskyoubeforeyoudie.”

NyxwaitsforTrinitytoreturnandtriestosensethe

otherwoman’saura,butthechaoselfhascompletelyvanished.Theideaofasecondbathnolongerappealstothehalf-elf,soshewalksaroundthedunetofindthenomadsarestillasleep.HalfwaybetweenthetentsandtheduneblockingthepondisDariana,thesilver-

hairedwomanapparentlyhavingfallenasleeponherwaytothepond.

“Thanksforthework,oldwoman,”Nyxmuttersasshepreparestowakeeveryone.Aninvisibleforcecatchesherwristsbeforeshecanfinishclapping.“I’mnottestingmyabilitiesonthese

people.Icouldhurtthem,youcrazyfossil.”

Trinitymaterializesinfrontofherandreleasesherhandsasiftossingawayafoul-smellingpackage.“MynameisCasandra.Respectyourelders,infant.”

Thewomandisappearsagainwithaloudcrackof

soundandanexplosionoflightthatsendsNyxtumblingbackafewfeet.Everyonewakesupandgoesabouttheirbusinessasifnothinghappened,mostfallingbackintoanaturalsleep.OnlyDarianaisconfusedandshestaresatherfriendinthehopesofgettingananswer.

Instead,Nyxshakesherheadandsilentlyheadsofftosleepwithinthelibrarytent.

12

Delvinwatchesthelargegatheringofpeoplesurroundingthetinygroupofmournersinthecourtyard.Afewyoungchildrenrunafterthepeacocks,buttheadultsallhavethesameexpressionontheirfaces.EventheGrasdonslookemotionally

exhausted,asignthatthiseventhasbecomefartoocommonintheirlives.Theformermercenaryknowsthefeelingfartoowellafterburyingsomanybattlefieldbrothers.Heissurethatmostofthemhaverunoutoftearsandaremorefocusedonwhentheirnextlovedone

willfall.Fromthehighbalcony,hecanseethatonlyKiraiscryingassheclingstoLuke’sarm.Theforesttrackersitsquietlyandholdsher,buthisattentionisobviouslymoreonWaylandwhooccasionallyscowlsathisdaughter’sheartbreakingdisplay.

“Somethingaboutthatmanisworryingme,”Sarisays,snappingDelvinoutofhisthoughts.Shebacksawayfromtherailingafteraquickglance.“HeisreallyangryaboutLukebeinghere.DidyouhearhimyellingaboutnotwantingafreakofnatureinthefamilyafterAshertold

himaboutthetransformation?”

“Itwasoverthetop,butIcan’tsayI’msurprised.ThemanneedsatargetforhisrageandLukeistechnicallytakinghisdaughteraway,”thewarriorstates.HebowswithhisfisttohischestwhenAsherlooksinhisdirection,

thenoblenoddingathankyou.“Therestofthefamilyarenice,butIstillhavetoleave.AtleastAsherunderstandsandwon’tstopme.QuillandWaylandmightbeanissueiftheycatchme.Whyareyouuphere,Sari?”

Thegypsywalksovertotherailingandfrownsatthe

peoplebelow.“IfNyxwasstandingwithanotherguyandhisfamily,wouldyouwanttobedownthere?Besides,Idon’twanttomaketheGrasdonsuncomfortablewithmypresence.It’snotthetimetocompetewithKiraeventhoughshekeepsdemandingit.Shereally

wantsmetofightforLuke,butI’mafraidI’dcrushherandruineverything.”

“I’msorrythingshavebecomestrainedandcomplicated.Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,I’mreallyhappytohaveafriendseemeoff.”

“Sheisnottheonlyonehere,”Timoranstatesfrom

thedoorway.Fizzledartsoffthebarbarian’sshoulderandlandsonDelvin’shead.“IcanunderstandnothearingSarientertheroom,butIamnotasilentwalker.CanIrequestthatyouremainhereortakesomeonewithyou?”

“Ican’tdothatbecauseKira’sfamilyneedsushere,”

Delvinanswers,walkingintotheroomtostartpacking.Hetosseshisclothesintohisbottomlessbag,notbotheringtofoldthemorseeiftheyareclean.“Allofyouareveryimportanttothedefenseofthemanor.WithAsherhere,I’mnotreallyneeded.Heknowstheterrainandisan

excellenttactician.ThatmeansIcangolookingforNyxandDarianawithoutcausingtrouble.”

“FizzlegowithDelvin,”thedritedeclares,leaningforwardtolookthewarriorintheeye.“Helpfriendnotgetlostoreaten.”

“Theyneedyourmagic

here,Fizzle.”“Sarihavespells.”“Iwon’tletyoufollow

meintodanger.”“Fizzlenoletyougo

alone.”“Iforbidit.”Thedragonhopsoff

Delvin’sheadandhoversupsidedown.“Howyoustop

me?”Mutteringcomplaints

underhisbreath,thewarriorjamsthelastofhisclothesintothebrownbag.Heignorestheexpectantstaresofhisfriendsashecarefullyfillstwowaterskinsandpacksthemaway.Rubbinghischin,DelvineyesFizzleandopens

hismouthtoargue.Thedritevanishesfromsightanddartsaroundtheroomtorepeatedlytaphisfriendonthenose.Itisimpossibleforthewarriortocatchorblockthetinydragon,provingthathecandonothingtostophisfriendfromfollowingunseen.Asanactofacceptance,hedumpsa

bowlofapplesintohispouchandputsuphishands.

“I’lltakeFizzle,butyoutwostay,”Delvinorders,fixingtheotherswithasternglare.“IknowTimorandoesn’thaveaproblemwiththis,butIknowyouhateithere,Sari.Pleaseholdoutalittlebitlongerbecausethings

willgetbetteronceIbringNyxback.She’llgiveyousomeonetoventtoormaybeshe’llsmackLukearoundtosettlethings.”

“Whatkindofmotivationaltalkwasthat?”thegypsyasks,stormingovertothewarrior.Shejabsafingerintohischest,pushing

himbackuntilhefallsontoacouch.“I’mmiserableandstressed.I’veentertainedmyselfbysecretlychillingKira’sbathwater,butIseemtoalwaysgetLukeorhermaid.Thatwomankeepsunknowinglydodgingmypranks.Waylandhasbeendrinkingwatereddownwine

forthelasttwodays,whichiswhyhe’sdrinkingtwiceasmuchasbefore.WherewasIgoingwiththis?”

“Ihavenoidea,”Timoranadmitswhiletakingaseat.

“I’mguessingyouhaveareasontostayinaplacethatmakesyouupset,”Delvin

suggestsashedrawshissword.Hecheckstheedge,frowningatafewnicksleftoverfromthefightwiththeFelcri.“Ishouldfixthis,butIdon’twanttolosemychancetoescape.MaybeIshouldlookintoanenhancedlongswordoradurableone.Bothofthosemagicweapons

areexpensive,buteasytofind.”

“I’msureKiraorherdadwouldbehappytobuyyouone,”Saribitterlystates.Shesinkstothefloor,herskirtspoolingaroundher.“GivemesometimebeforeI’mmyperkyselfagain.Beingtoldthatsomeonehatesmeand

willhatemeevenmoreifIgiveherwhatshewantsisn’tsomethingI’musedto.MaybeI’llfeelbetterwhentheyunlockthewinecellarandIbeatTimorantoit.”

“LockstopSari?”Fizzleasks,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.

“I’mtryingtobehavefor

Luke’ssake.Atleastwiththestealing.”

Strappinghisbucklertohisforearm,DelvingetsoffthecouchandholdsoutanappletoattractFizzle.Thedritelandsontheedgeoftheshieldandwrapshistonguearoundthefruit,coveringitcompletely.Thewarriorturns

toleave,butstopsandhurriestoabowlofchocolates,dumpingthemintohispouch.Sariflasheshimagrinofapprovalandflipstoherfeet,walkingoutontothebalcony.DelvingesturesforTimorantocheckonherbeforeheadingforthedoorandslippingoutintotheempty

hallway.“Doyouthinkhewillbe

okay?”thebarbarianasksashejoinshisfriend.“ItrustFizzleandknowDelvinissmartenoughtostayoutoftrouble.YetIfeelweshouldhavetriedhardertotalkhimoutofthis.Nyxcouldbeanywhereoutthere.”

“Iknow,buthe’stoodeterminedtostop.Nicetoseeamanwillingtoteardownawallandconqueradesertforthewomanheloves,”Sarireplies,hervoicedevoidofemotions.Shesquintsatthecrowdbelow,mostofthemlookingboredasWaylandgivesaspeech.

“Somethingiswrongdownthere.Where’sQuillandhisfiancée?”

Timoranturnstogobackintotheroomwhenthedoorsslamshutandlock.Hegrabsthehandlesandasurgeofmagicrushesthroughthebalcony.Amagneticpulseeruptsbeneaththetwo

championsandslamsthemtothesolidfloor.Sarihitswithenoughforcetofallunconscious,thespellrollingherontoherback.Timoranisstillawake,sothepulseturnsonandofftopoundhimagainstthemarble.Afterfourstrikes,herefusestopassoutandusesthedoorknobsto

helphimstruggletohisfeet.Thedoorsflyopentoyankthedazedwarriorintotheroomwhereanaura-infusedpunchmeetshisjaw.Withastrangespin,Timorangroansandcollapsesinfrontofhisattacker.

“Takethehintandsleepnexttime,youstubborn

brute,”Trinitygrowls,massagingherachinghand.SheflicksTimoranontothebalconywithagustofwindandlocksthedoorsbehindhim.“Thatshouldkeepyoutwooutofthefun.Sweetdreams,littlechampions.”

*****Delvinpeeksoutthe

backdoortoseeifanyoneisinthenarrowalleybetweenthewallandthemainbuilding.Hehastowaitforacooktofinishthrowingtrashintoabin,thethinmantakingasmuchtimeashecan.Oncethealleyisclear,thewarriorslipsoutofthestorageroomandeasesthedoorback.He

pauseseverytimethehingescreakandwonderswhyawealthyfamilydoesnotbothertohavethemoiled.WithFizzleonhisshoulder,Delvinhurriesinthedirectionofaservantexitthathestumbleduponadayago.Heslowsdownwhenhehearsastrangenoisethatreminds

himofwoodencanestappingonstone.Pressingagainstthewarmbuilding,heinchestowardthealcovewherethesoundiscomingfrom.Eventhoughhekeepsacalmface,hisheartleapsintohisthroatwhenhelooksaroundthecorner.

Atwelvefoottallbird

withlonglegsandmassivefeetisfuriouslypeckingattwooddlyshapedpiles.Thecreaturehasfourheads,threeofwhichresemblebrightlyplumedstorks.Thefourthheadhasashorter,glossybeakandaboneycrestonthetop,whichitscrapesagainstthewalls.Rufflingitsblack

feathers,thebirdrevealsitswidewingsthatuselesslyflapatitssides.Asthecrestedheadhissesatoneoftheothers,thecreaturestompsononeofthepilesandbendsdowntotearfleshfromwithintheremainsofwhatwasonceanelegantdress.Enjoyingthesoundof

snappingbones,thebirdkicksbothpilesafewtimes,whichgivesDelvinaclearlookattheremainsofQuillandhisfiancée.

“It’soneofthemonsters,”thewarriorwhisperstoFizzle.Hecarefullydrawshisswordandadjustshisshieldasheslips

outofview.“GotellTimoranandSari.I’llkeepaneyeonthisthing.”

“Fizzlenoleave.Monstertoodangerous.Delvinneedmagic.”

Unwillingtoargueandriskbeingnoticed,thewarriornodsandpeeksaroundthecorneragain.Hewatchesone

ofthebird’slong-beakedheadsswallowQuill’sentirearmwhiletwootherscrackopenthedeadfiancée’sskull.IttakesDelvinasecondtonoticethattheonewiththecrestisnolongerinview.Abriefhazeappearsinthesun,revealingthestretchedneckofthemissingheadisgoing

overtherooftop.PredatoryhissingrollsfrombehindDelvinandhewhirlsaroundintimetotakethebird’sattackonhisshield.Thecrestedheadappearstoweavethroughtheaironaninvisibleneck,whichmakesitdifficultforthewarriortoanticipateitsstrikes.Hehears

therestofthecreaturecawingandscreechingasitlumberstowardhim.

“Firstruleofmercenarywork,neverbeafraidtorunforbetterground,”Delvinsaysashesmacksthemonster’sheadtotheside.Hedodgesandparriestheotherbeaksthatcomeathim

fromaboveandbehind.“Orwasitstandyourgroundbecauseyou’regettingpaid?Icouldnevergetthehangofthoserules.”

Spinningonhisheels,Delvinavoidsapecktohissideandslamshisshieldintooneofthecolorfullyplumedheads.Thedazedcreature

stumblestotheside,givinghimachancetosprintforthenearestexit.Withafuriousshriek,thebirdturnsaroundandchargesintothenarrowerpartofthealley.Itsfeatherybodyissqueezedenoughtoslowitdown,butitisstilldangerouslyclosetotheretreatingwarrior.He

repeatedlyturnstoslashattheheadsthatcomewithinstrikingdistance,hisbladeskitteringoffthebeaksorharmlesslyslicingofffeathers.Delvincanseetheendofthealleycoming,knowingthatthebeastwillbemoredangerouswithroomtomove.Heconsidersholding

hisgrounduntiltwooftheheadslanceforwardtoramhisshieldandsendshimskiddingaway.

“Fizzlemakeyougopoof!”thedritedeclaresashefliesbackwards.Hefiresadisintegrationspellfromhistinyhorns,butthecrestedheadswallowstheattack.

“Fizzlenolikeyou!”“Ineverheardofa

creaturethatcouldeatmagic,”Delvinadmits,knockingagarbagebinovertoslowthebirddown.“Idoubtthatwilldoanything.Ihopethemournershaveleftthecourtyardbecausewe’recomingtotheexit.”

Rushingoutofthealleyandturningtowardthegarden,Delvincursesloudlyatthesightofthegatheredcrowd.EveryonelooksattheintrusionasWaylandopenshismouthtoyellatthewarrior,noneofthemappearingtohaveheardanyofthebattle.Themerchant

snapshismouthshutwhenthebirdemergesfromthealleyandviciouslystrikesatDelvin.AlloftheattacksareblockedbyhisshieldorswordwhileFizzlesmacksatthecreaturewithhistail.Thescreamsofthemournersdrawthebeast’sattentionandthreeofitsheadsturntofacethe

freshpreythatareattemptingtoescape.Delvinlungesatoneofitsnecks,butiskickedwithenoughforcetosendhimcrashingthroughahedge.Refusingtostaydown,heleapsbacktohisfeetandchargesforwardwithhisswordheldhigh.Hisswordmissesawingand

anotherkicksendshimrollingtowardtheothers,thebird’stalonssnappingafewlinksofhischainmail.

“I’mafraidoftheanswer,buthaveyouseenQuill?”AsherasksashejoinsDelvin.Thetwowarriorsseparatetoavoidaquickstrikeanddeflectaflurryof

attacks.“Isawhimgointothealleywithhisfiancée.Thatwasnearlyanhourago.”

“I’mreallysorry,”Delvinreplieswhilefendingoffthecrestedhead.Itrearsbackandslamsagainsthisshield,crackingthewood.“YourcousinandhisfiancéeweredeadwhenIgotthere.

Maybeyoushouldrunsincethesethingsareafteryourfamily.You,Kira,andyourdadarewhoit’safter.”

OneoftheplumedheadswhipsaroundandtakesDelvin’slegsoutfromunderhim.Stillonhisback,hekicksatthehissingbird’sbellyandjamshisshieldinto

theapproachingmouth.ThemonsterpullshimintotheairandwhipshimaroundinattempttobatFizzleaway.Hecutsthestrapsoftheshieldanddropstothegroundtodrivehisswordintothebeast’sfoot.Withascreechofrage,thebirdkicksDelvinawayandthecrested

headramsAsherinthechest.Thenoblecanfeeltworibssnaponimpactandafewmorebreakwhenhelandsagainstthestonerimofafountain.Fizzletriesanotherattackspell,whichisdevouredasthemonsterchargesatthedownednoble.

Thechainwrapsaround

oneofitsnecksasKirarunsandslidesbetweenitslegs.Shepullswithallherstrengthtobringthethrashingheadtowardher,causingthebirdtotripovertheextendedneck.Lukequicklydartsintochopthetrappedheadoffandexpertlyblocksthebarrageofattacksfromtheremaining

ones.Kira’ssickleslamsintothebird’sbackandshesprintsbackbetweenthelegs,draggingtheweapondownthebird’sspine.Flickingthebladefree,shewhipsthebluntendofherweaponatthecrestedheadtodriveitawayfromherunconsciousbrother.Itswingsbackto

attacktheheiresswhopressesthechainintothemonster’smouthandturnsitasidebeforestabbingitintheeye.Luke’ssaberssendaplumedheadflyingintothefountain,forcingthebeasttobackawayandhissthreateningly.Itonlymakesitafewstepsbeforeitsbodytensesandit

collapses,thecrestedheadleavingadentinthegroundwhenitlandswithanechoingthud.

“I’mnotinthemoodtoplaywiththesebastardsanymore,”Delvinsaysashesheathshislongsword.Thewarriorpicksuptheremainsofhisshield,buttossesthem

tothegroundinfrustration.“TakecareofAsher.I’vegotsomethingtodoandmaybeI’llputanendtothisalongtheway.”

“Wait!”Lukeshoutsashisfriendheadsforthenearestdoorinthewall.

“Lethimgoandhelpmybrother,”Kirapleads,making

herwaytothealley.“I’mgoingto...gathertherestofQuillandhisfiancée.”

ShestopsshortwhenTimoranstepsoutofthealley,thebarbarianlookinglikeherecentlylostafistfight.HeblocksherfromgoinginandnodstoSari,whoisgroggilystumbling

acrossthegardenwithhealingpotionsgiventoherbyEileen.ThemaidisbusytryingtocalmWaylanddown,theportlymanlividlyrantingontheothersideofthecourtyard.Lukenoticesbruisesonhisfriends’faces,signsthattheywereattacked,whichexplainswhythey

missedthefight.AragegrowsinhischestanderuptswhenhehearsthedoorclosebehindDelvin.

“Ihavetotakecareofsomething,”hesaystoKiraashestormsbyher.

*****Cityguardsarehurrying

throughthestreetstoattend

tothescreamingcrowdstampedingoutofGrasdonManor.TheyaresobusyhandlingtheincreasingpanicthatnoneofthempayanyattentiontoDelvinslippingoutofadoorthatclangsshutbehindhim.Hecalmlywalksacrossthestreetandtakesthefirstturnhefindsthatisnota

shadowyalley.WhenhecannolongerseeGrasdonManorloomingovertheotherbuildings,thewarriorstopstorestonacrate.Fizzlelandsnexttohimandputshisheadinthebottomlesspouchtograbanapple.

“Nothing’sbroken,soIwon’tslowusdown,”Delvin

saysashetoucheshisbruisedsides.Thepainisalreadyfadingawayandherollshisshouldertotestitsmovement.“Fullrangeofmotionwithonlyadullache.I’llneedtoreplacethedamagedlinksinmyarmor,butIwon’tbewearingthisoncewegetintothedesert.Lostmyshield

again,whichwasneveraproblemuntilImetupwithallofyou.Finishyourappleandwe’llheadout,Fizzle.”

“You’reactuallygoing,”Lukestates,steppingoutofthenearbyalley.“Afterwhatjusthappened,you’reheadingintothedesert.Notonlyyou,Delvin,butFizzletoo?”

“FizzleprotectDelvin.Nyxgonetoolong.NeedNyxtostopmonster.”

“You’venoideawheresheis,”theforesttrackerargues,notlookingawayfromthestone-facedwarrior.“EvenwithFizzle’shelp,you’regoingtogetlostoutthere.We’llhavetowaste

timeandmanpowertorescueyou.IfNyxshowsupwhileyou’regonethenshe’sgoingtogobackoutsearchingforyou.Thisisamistake.”

“Ifthat’syourworrythendon’tcomelookingforme.KeepNyxhereifsheshowsupandI’llturnbackaroundintwoandahalfdaysifI

don’tfindher,”Delvincontends,hoppingoffthecrate.Sensingtheconfrontationbrewing,heunstrapshislongswordandputsitinhispouch.“Ofcourse,I’llgrabsuppliesthenheadbackouttheretosearchinanotherdirection.”

“Wehaveacrisishere,”

LukeclaimswithawavetowardGrasdonManor.“Yousawhowmuchtroublethatlastmonsterwas.TheFelcritooklongertokill,butthatbirdkilledtwopeoplebeforetheycouldmakeanoise.Wecan’taffordtolosesomeonelikeyoutoawildsearchinthedesert.”

Theformermercenary’spunchconnectswithhisfriend’sjaw,knocksthehalf-elfoffhisfeet.“Youselfishbastard!You’reonlyconcernedaboutprotectingKira,whichhasmademewanttopunchyouinthefacefordays.Nyxwascrazedwhenyouweredyingofthe

DarkWindcurse.Shewouldhavefoughtdemonsandgodstocureyou.Nowthatsheneedsyourhelp,youwon’tevenworryabouthermuchlessgointothedesert.I’mbettingthegriffincouldhavefoundherandbeenbackwithinourfirstdayhere.”

“Thisisadifferent

situation.”“Becauseyouleaving

wouldgetyouintroublewithKira?”Delvinasksinamockingtone.Hewatcheshisfriendstandonshakylegs,thehalf-elf’sfistsclenchedinanger.“Nyx’slifeisindangerandsheneedsyou.Thismessyou’reinwillbe

waitingforyouwhenyougetback.I’msureyouwouldsearchthatdesertuntilyoupassedoutifKirawastheoneoutthere.Don’teventrytosaythatsheneedsmoreprotectionthanNyx.Werescuetheoneswelovewhenthey’reintrouble.”

Lukemassageshisjaw

whilehewalkstothecratetoputhissabersnexttoFizzle.HereturnstoDelvin,whobracesforastrikethatnevercomes.Instead,thehalf-elfcirclesthewarriorandrunshishandsthroughhisblondehair.Withagrowloffrustration,Lukegrabsarockandhurlsitdowntheroad,

startlingaflockofseagulls.“I’mnottheonlyselfish

personhere,”theforesttrackerstates,crackinghisknucklesandfidgetingwithhisfingers.“Allyou’vethoughtaboutisgoingintothedesertwithoutaplan.Itisn’tforherowngoodthough.It’sbecauseyoumiss

her,youworryabouther,andyou’retooblindtorealizethatNyxisn’taloneoutthere.WhatwouldyoudoifyoufoundNyx,butDarianawasstillmissing?Wouldyougolookingforherordoesyourcompassiononlygotothewomanyou’reinlovewith?”

“Everyonekeepssaying

Nyxwillbeokay,”Delvinsayswithanervouschuckle.NotwantingtostoponceheleavesBor’daruk,heremoveshischainmailandreplacesitwithayellowcloak.“NoneofyousawhowshakenshewasagainstStephen.Sheisn’tanunstoppableweaponthatknowsnofear.Nyxisaliving

beingwithweaknessesliketherestofus.She’sintroubleandneedssomeonetoputhislifeonthelinetobringherhome.”

“Fizzlethinkfriendsstopfighting,”thedriteinterrupts,noticingthatasmallcrowdisgatheringonthestreet.“Nyxstrongandmissing.Noideaif

safe.Darianastillnew.Besttolookforher.”

“Exactly,”thebrown-hairedwarriorproudlydeclares.“Sinceherbestfriendisunwillingtoreturnthefavorheowesher,I’llgoanddoit.”

LukegetsinDelvin’sfaceanddriveshiselbowinto

thewarrior’schest.Anotherpunchmeetsthehalf-elf’sjawandhestumblesback,leapingforwardtokickhisfriendintheside.Forgettingfinesseandtheirtraining,thetworainfistsandfeetoneachother.Neitherbothertoblock,sotheyarebruisedandbloodywithinminutes.Using

thelastofhisstrength,LukerushesforwardanddeliversaswiftkicktoDelvin’sstomach.Theforesttrackerstandsoverthegaspingwarriorandwaitsforanotherstrike.Instead,hisfriendrollsontohisbackandstaresatthecloudlesssky,refusingtocontinuethefight.

“I’mdonelisteningtoyouclaimIdon’tcare,”Lukesaysinastrainedvoice.HewipesbloodoffhisupperlipanddropsacleanragonDelvin’schest.“I’vebeenworriedaboutNyxthisentiretimeandhatethatI’mstuckhere.ImaginewhatwouldhappenifIwenttofindher

andKirawaskilledbythenextmonster.Yousee,nomatterwhatIdo,IhavesomeoneIcareaboutindanger.”

“Thenwhystopme?”hisfriendwhispersashegetstohisfeet.“IcouldhavetakenthepressureoffyouandhandledtheNyxsituation.”

“You’renotatrackerandyou’regoinginwithoutaplan.”

“I’dfindaway.”“You’dgetyourself

killed.”“Soyouweresavingmy

lifebycontainingme?”“Ifyouwanttolookatit

thatwaythenyes.”

Delvinpullshisswordoutofhispouchandstrapsitonhisbelt,adjustingituntilfeelscomfortable.“Youcan’tstopmefromgoing.Nyxhasbeengonefortoolongandwehaven’tseenanysignofhertryingtocontactus.KeepingmehereispointlessbecauseI’munfocusedand

distracted.Icouldgetsomeonekilled.”

“Fine,butIwon’tbeabletosaveyouuntilthingsarefinishedhere,”Lukestateswhilegatheringhisswords.HepetsFizzleonthehead,takingsomequietcomfortinthefactthatthedritewillbegoingtoo.“Thenomadswill

behereanyday.Withanyluck,you’llbecapturedbythemandbroughtbackasaprisoner.It’llkeepyououtoftrouble.”

“Istillthinkitshouldbeyou,”thewarriorsayswhilehedabsatacutoverhiseye.“IloveNyxwithallmyheart,butIadmityou’rethebetter

tracker.Though,Iseewhatyoumeanbyyoubeingdamnednomatterwhatyoudo.Nowwouldbeaterribletimeforyoutogo.Arealmessyoumadehere.”

LukescratchesFizzleontheheadandcringesatthepaininhisarm,bruisesappearingfromthehitstohis

forearm.Hecanalreadyfeeloneofhiseyesswellinguptoalterhisvision.Withthebrieffightover,thecuriouscitizensofBor’darukwalkbywhilegivingthebatteredwarriorssidewaysglances.Mostofthemheadforthesoundoftheguardshandlingtheloomingriotcausedby

thelatestmonsterattack.TheirstaringmakesLukefeelevenworseaboutwhatheisabouttosay.

“I’mwellawarethatI’mlettingNyxdownafterwhatshedidforme,”thehalf-elfexplainsinasombertone.Herubsthehiltsofhissabers,revealinghisnervousness.

“WhendealingwiththeDarkWind,Nyxknewhowtohelpmewithoutsacrificingotherpeople.Ican’tfigureouthowtodothathere,whichmakesmethinkIshouldn’tcallmyselfherfriendmuchlessherbrother.”

“Iwouldn’tgothatfar,”Delvinsayswithacrooked

smirk.“Maybethisishowitshouldbe.Eachofusisexpectingtheothertohelpprotecthislovedones,whichiscausingfriction.Wecan’tignoreeithersituationanymore,whichmeansIhavetogointothedesertandyouhavetostayhere.It’dbeeasierifKiraandSariwere

outthereandNyxwasbeingtargetedbymonstersinthecity.”

“Guessourenemiesplannedthisbetterthanwerealized.”

Thebrown-hairedwarriorscratcheshischinandnods.“Youknow,Ineverconsideredthatthiswaspart

ofStephen’splan.AllthistimeIthoughtthesituationwithNyxwasluck,butmaybehewantedherinthedesertatatimewhereyoucouldn’tfollow.GoodthingFizzleiscomingwithmeandDarianaisoutthere.Watchoutincasethatbastardisprowlingthecitybecause

you’retheonlyoneherewhocanhurthim.”

“I’llstayalert.Becarefuloutthere,Cunningham.”

Lukeducksintothealleyandsprintsbacktowardthemanor,leavingDelvinandFizzletomaketheirwaytotheironandwoodgateofthecity.Thedritecastsaspellto

makehimselfandthewarriorinvisibleastheyapproachtheonlywayoutofBor’daruk.Theystartletheguardswithrapidknockingatalowpointonthedoor.Fizzlecreatesthehazyillusionofalostchildonthedesertsideofthewall,promptingtheguardstoswiftlyopenthegates.The

illusionfadesawaylikeamirageasDelvinslipsthroughtheopeningandtrudgesintothedesert.

13

TimorankeepsavigilatthewindowwhileEileenmovesaroundtheroomwithastackofclayplates.Sheplacesthemaroundthewell-furnishedbedroom,leapingontothefurniturewhensettingoneonahighshelf.Standinginthemiddleofthe

room,KiraspinsthechainofherweaponandrunsherfingeralongtheDwarvenrunesonthesickle’shandle.Whenthemaidputsthelastplateabovethedoor,shehurriestothebalcony.Crouchedonthestone,EileenurgentlygesturesforTimorantojoinher.Withatiredsigh,

thebarbarianstepsoutsideandleansagainsttheopendoor.Headjustabluecurtain,whichishidingaboxofvasesandpaintingsthatusedtoadorntheroom.

“Doesshedothisalot?”heasksthecalico.

“Onlywhenshe’supset,whichhasbeenrather

commonlately,”Eileenanswers,hertailtwitchingintheair.HertuftedearsstickupatthegentlewhineofKira’sweapon,thesickleshatteringtwoplatesinoneswing.“MymistressisnothappythatLukehastoldhertostayinherroomwhilehegoesonpatrolwithSari.She

knowsit’sforthebest,butshedoesn’twanttobeleftout.Itdoesn’thelpthatAsherhasbeensentwithoutanescorttothecityguardtoaskforhelp.”

“Thatisstrangeconsideringheisatarget,”Timoranadmits,admiringthegracefulmovementsofthe

heiress.ThewaysheshiftsandspinsremindshimofhowSarifights,butwithafocusonwidearmmotionsinsteadofsuddenwristmovements.“HastherebeenanymorenewsonthereasonthenomadsareaftertheGrasdons?Iheardsomerumorsaboutastolen

scepter.”“I’veheardthesame

stories,”Eileenclaimsasshestretchesherbackandyawns.“IdoknowthattheothernomadsbelievetheHelgardiansarenobilitybecauseofaholyrelic.Ifonewastostealitthenthetribeswouldgotowarwitheach

other.ThoughIdon’tseewhymyemployerswouldbeinvolved.There’snobenefittosuchawarbecausetheyhaveagreementswithallofthebigtribes.”

“Everyonecallsthisawar,butnotruebattlehasoccurred,”Timoranpointsout.Themaidnervously

watcheshermistresspracticewhilenoddinginagreement.“Therehavebeenmurders,butIwouldnotcallthemcasualtiesofwar.Atleastnotyet.”

TheshatteringofplatesbecomeslouderandmorerapidasKiraincreasesherspeed.Herweaponstretches

onitsenchantedchain,whichshesmoothlyflicksatthelastsecondforaquickerstrike.Whenshebreaksthelastplate,sheisstillangryandlashesoutatoneofherbedpostswiththekusari-gama.Thechainsmoothlywrapsaroundthepostuntilthebladeslicesdeepintothe

darkredwood.Kiratugsonherweapon,butitisstuckandsheisforcedtograbthehandleofthesickletoyankitfree.

“Caretorepeatyourstatement,SirWrath?”theheiresscoldlyasksassheapproachesthebalcony.ShenodstoEileenwhobounds

intotheroomtocleanupthemess.“I’velostmostofmyfamily,soIcallthisawar.TheHelgardiansmightnothavesentanarmyafterus,buttheydidsendmonsterswithoutprovocation.”

“Iapologizeforoffendingyouandyouhavemycondolences,butthereis

somethingwrongaboutthis,”Timoranarguesinasoftvoice.HeputshishandsonKira’sshoulderstobothcalmherandpreventherfromusingherweapon.“Atruewartomeiswhentwosideshaveaclearreasontofightanddosoonthebattlefield.Youhaveyettouncoverthe

reasonyouarebeingtargetedandthenomadshaveneverappearedtotakeadvantageofamonsterattack.Iwouldalsoliketopointoutthatyouarenotawarriorfamily.WhywipeoutsomanywhoarenotwarriorswhileleavingyouandAsheralone?”

“Becausethemonsters

attackwhoevertheyfindfirst,”Kiraswiftlyanswers.Sheslipsfromthebarbarian’sgraspandtakesaseatontherailing,danglingherlegovertheedge.“Itmightnotbeafullwaryet,butitwillbewhenthenomadsappear.Thishasallbeenaboutstrategyandmyfamilyis

losinginsomanyways.Myfatherisbarelyabletoholdarationalthought.HekeepsyellingaboutmymotherbeingupsetbythisorhowthisisbecauseI’mnotgoingthroughwiththetraditions.Earlier,heblamedAsherfornotprotectingQuill.Idon’tevenknowwhatwe’llbelike

afterthisisover.”“Itmightbebestto

worryaboutthataftervictory,”Eileensuggestsasshehandshermistressacupofwater.“Yourfatherisundergreatpressureandgrief,sopleasegivehimtimetoheal.I’msurehe’sveryworriedaboutthesafetyof

hisremainingchildren.”“Iknow,butthedamage

hasbeendonetothefamily.TheGrasdonlinecouldeasilybewipedoutbytheendofthis.Allbecausethenomadsthinkwehavetheirholyrelic.Iheardtherumorstoo.”

Timorannodswhilehisthoughtsdriftoff,thefacts

andrumorstryingtosortthemselvesinhismind.Hehastroubleputtinghisfingeronwhatiswrongabouttheentiresituation.Everybattlehehastakenpartinhashadaclearreasonandtheenemieswereintheopentosomeextent.EvenwhenhelpingtheguardsofHero’sGate,

Timoranremembersthattherewasanobviouspresencefromthevariousthreats.Theuseofthesepowerfulmonsterswouldnormallystrikehimasamethodforsofteningasuperioropponent.Yettherehasbeennocommunicationwiththenomadsorevena

requestforthereturnoftheirrelic.Infact,theonlysignthattheyarenearbyhasbeenthepoisonedassassinwhoattackedQuillandSariadmittedthattheencounterhadtoomanyanomaliestobetakenatfacevalue.

“Withatradeagreementontheline,onewouldexpect

theHelgardianstomakedemandsbeforeattacking,”thebarbariansays,grabbingEileenandKira’sattention.Hecanseetheunderstandingappearintheireyes,thecalicomaidemphaticallynodding.“IamrememberingwhatSaritoldmeabouttheassassinwhoattackedQuill.

Themanseemedconfusedandscaredduringhisfinalmoments,soitisclearhewasanoutsideagent.Wouldanynomadtribecommissionaforeignerasanassassin?Haveanyofyourkinbeenkilledbyanythingotherthanthemonsters?”

“Thetribesareself-

containedandwouldn’ttrustanoutsidertofightforthem,”Kiraexplains,slidingofftherailingandheadingintoherroom.Shegrabsahandfulofdatesfromabowlwhileshesearcheshershelves.“Asforyourotherquestion,Idon’tbelieveso.Thatdoesmaketheassassinanoddity.Even

whenanattackhappenedinthecityproper,itwasdonebyamonster.Cometothinkofit,oneoftheearlierattackswasonthedocksduringalastminutedeliverythattwoofmyuncleswereoverseeing.Mydadwaslividandfiredthefewemployeeswhoknewaboutit.”

“Idon’tfollowyourlogic,mistress,”Eileenadmits,cleaningherfacewiththebackofherhand.Shehurriestocatchabookthattheheiresstossesoverhershoulder.“Doyouneedhelpfindingsomething?”

Kirascratchesherhead,seeminglyunawareofthe

offer.Snappingherfingers,shecrawlsunderthebedandcomesouttheothersidewithathin,whitenotebook.Sheflipsthroughthepagesuntilshegetstohernotesontheattacks.Tearsrolldownhercheeksasshereadsthetimesandlocations,thevividmemoriesofthebodies

returningtohermind.TheonlycorpsesshehasnotseenisthatofQuillandhisfiancéethankstoTimoranblockingherview.Atthetime,shewasfuriouswithhim,butnowsheisthankfultonothaveanotherpainfulsightthatwillhauntherdreams.Shedropsthenotebookon

thebedandusesthebedposttostand,herlegsshakyfromthesorrowthatisurginghertocollapseandcry.

“Whatisthatbookandwhywasitunderthebed?”themaidasks,helpinghermistresswalktoachair.“Didyouuncoversomething?”

“I’vebeenkeepingnotes

ontheattacksinthehopesoffindingapatterntopredictthem,butIgaveupwhenthereweretwoatonceafewweeksago,”Kiraexplainsasshewatchesherguestpouracupofwine.Whenhecomesnear,shesnatchesthebottlefromhishandandtakesadeepdrink.“Thebookfell

undertherewhenLukeandIwerebusy.Iwasgoingtoshowittohimandseeifhecouldfindapattern.Givemeaminutetoorganizemythoughtsbecausethewholethingiscomplicated.”

“Takeyourtimeanddrinkwhatyouneed,”Timoranstates,takingaseat

inanearbychair.Heliftsthecupofwinetohislips,butKiragrabsittodrinkinonegulp.“Perhapsyoushouldtalkfirstandthendrink.Idonotbelieveyoucanhandlealcohollikeawarriorandyoudonotwanttomakeyourselfsick.”

“Thatlastonewasfor

courage,”theheiresspromises,takingadeepbreath.Sheshakesthetensionfromherarmsandlooksatthepictureofdolphinsonherceiling.“You’rerightthatthisdoesn’tmakeanysense,Timoran.Thetradeagreementisabigclue.Iguessthegriefandconstant

attackshavepreventedmyfamilyandmefromrememberingthat.We’vebeensoconcernedwithstayingaliveandavengingourlovedones.ThatassassinisanothercuriositybecausetheHelgardianshavenotbeencloseenoughtoBor’daruktomakesucha

deal.HowwouldtheyknowwhereSariandQuillweregoinganyway?That’stherealproblem.We’vebeenfightingmonstersthatarecomingfromadistantenemywhoseemstoknowwhereweareatalltimes.”

“Couldtheyhaveagentsinthecity?”thecalicoasks,

hertailcurlingaroundherwaist.“Ithoughtwealreadysaidtheydon’tbringinoutsiders.”

“Exactly.Thatmeanssomethingelseisgoingon,”Kirasaysbeforetakinganotherlongdrinkofwine.Herheadswimsabitfromtherushofalcohol,soshe

putsthebottledown.“It’spossiblethatacompetitororsomeonewithagrudgeagainstmyfamilyhasbeenbehindthisentirething.Wedon’tknowifanythinghasbeendonetothenomadssinceourcontactwaskilled,whichcouldhavebeendonebyathirdparty.Myfatheris

lookingatthebarefactsandnotbeyondthem.NowthatIthinkaboutit,thepersoncontrollingthemonstershastobeinthecity.Howelsewouldtheseattacksbesopreciseandsudden?NoneofthesecreatureshavebeencaughtsneakingthroughBor’daruktogetintothe

manor.TheflyingonethatIkilledseemedtoappearintheskyoutofnowherebeforeitateoneofmybrothers.Theyhavetobegettingsummonedwithinthecitywallsbysomeonewhoknowswhenmyfamilyisvulnerable.”

Timoranstopsherfromhavingmorewineandsmiles

atthedark-hairedwoman.“Ibelieveyouansweredmanyofourquestionsandchangedthedirectionofthissupposedwar.Ifwebringthisinformationtoyourfamilythenwecanstopthisbeforemorebloodisspilled.IsuggestwesendLukeandSaritotalkwithyourfather

becauseitisstilltoodangeroustoletyououtofhere.”

“Goodpoint.Afterall,oneofhercousinswaskilledinthehallway,”Eileensaysasshepicksupthenotebook.Shetucksitintoherapronandbowstohermistress.“Iwillbringthisandyour

theorytotheothers.I’mnotatargetandyouwillbesafebehindthedoorwardsandwithSirWrath.Yourfiancéeandthegypsywillbeabletoconvinceyourfather.Onewayortheother,I’msuretheywillmakehimseethelight.”

“Ifmydadpushestoo

muchthenSarihasmyfullpermissiontocharmhim,”Kiratellshermaid.Thecaliconodsemphaticallyandhurriesforthedoor,skiddingtoastopwhenhermistresscallsoutagain.“Warnherthatifsheenchantsherwayintothefamilywill,I’llmakearugoutofherhair.”

“Yes,mistress.”Kiraslidesoutofthe

chairandwalkstoasmallcabinet,slingingherweapondiagonallyaroundherbody.Sheexpertlycatchesthebluntendbeforeitcanhitherinthefaceandhangsthesickleinfrontofher.Pullingapairofglassesandabottleofrum

outofthecabinet,shebeckonsforTimorantojoinheronthebalcony.Herguesttakestheoffereddrinkandsitsacrossfromtheheiresswhoissittingontherailingagain.

“Tothefutureandthehopethatitdoesn’tdestroyus,”Kiraproudlyannounces,

holdingupherglass.Sheslingstherumwithoneswiftmotionanddropstothestonefloor,herheadfeelingfuzzy.“Letthegodsdotheirworsttome.I’mnotgoingdownwithoutafight.”

“Youwouldmakeanexcellentbarbarian,LadyGrasdon,”thelargewarrior

statesbeforetheslenderwomanpassesoutathisfeet.“Ormaybeanaboveaverageone.”

*****“DoyouthinkStephen,

Trinity,oranewminionisbehindthis?”SariasksasshewalksalongsideLuke.“Thesubtletymakesmethinkof

Trinity,butthedeathremindsmeofStephen.Iwouldn’tbesurprisediftheyhaveanallythatfallsinthemiddle.”

“ThatwouldhavebeentheLichandhe’sgone,”thehalf-elfrepliesinahalf-heartedvoice.

“Sorryfortryingtomakeconversation.”

“It’snotyou.I’mjusttiredanddistracted.”

“You’renottheonlyone.”

“Doyouhearthat?”Thepairslowdownand

pressagainstthewall,silentlyslidingalonguntiltheyreachWaylandGrasdon’sbedroom.Thedoubledoorsarecracked

open,whichletsalittlelightintothedimlylithallway.Saridartstotheotherside,sobothsheandLukecangetcloseenoughtohearthepeopletalk.TheyrecognizeWaylandimmediatelyeventhoughhisvoiceissofterandkinderthantheyhaveeverheardit.Awomanistalking

tohim,butshedoesnotsoundfamiliarandshespeakswithmorerefinementthanaservant.LukesignalstoSaritoremainquietandwaitforhimtomakethenextmove,thehalf-elfintentongettingasmuchinformationoutofthisopportunityashecan.

“Thenomadsarecamped

outafewmilesbeyondthedunes,”Waylandsaysashemovesachairacrossthefloor.“We’velostsomanytothemonsterstheselastfewweeks.OnlyAsherandKiraremain.Areyousuretheywilldieunlesswesendthemintothebattle?Thatseemstheoppositeofwhatnormally

happens.”“Ionlyknowvague

possibilities,mydearestWayland,”thewomanreplieswithamusicallaugh.“Thegodshavegrantedmetheabilitytoseeglimpsesofthefuture.Itmaynotbeclear,butIsawthattheywoulddieinthemanorandliveonthe

battlefield.ThelastoftheHelgardianbeastsiscoming,soitispossiblethattheywillbeprotectedbythearmies.”

“Whatofthescepterandmywish?”

“Withthedeathofthefinalbeast,theHelgardiantribewillhaveuseduptheenergythatbindsthewish

withinthescepter,”thewomananswers,hervoicesuddenlyappearingfromtheothersideoftheroom.“Wewillbetogetheragainwiththefallofthefinalbeast.I’msorryaboutallofthesacrificethefamilyhasendured,mylove.”

“Itisnotyourfault.How

werewetoknowthatthenomadshadusedallbutoneoftheflawlesswishestosummonmonsters?Atleastourmangotthesceptertousbeforeallofthemwereused.”

“Itisashamebecauseanextrawishcouldhavehelpeduswipethenomadsout.”

Waylandcoughsandtheclickoficefallingintoanemptyglasscanbeheard.“Thatisprobablyforthebest.Theothertribesmightuniteagainstusiftheybelievewehavethepowertodestroythem.Withabattle,theHelgardiansappearastheaggressorsandourremaining

tradeagreementsremainsafe.It’sashamebecauseMisraeandhispeoplewereourtopsuppliersofdunecrystalsandscorpionmeat.”

“Don’tworry,mylove,”thewomansays,followedbyagroanfromWayland.“Wecanhirespecialhuntersandminersafteryoumakeyour

wish.Itwon’tbemuchlonger.Though,IfearKiraandherfriendsmightgetintheway.”

“Shewillunderstandandherfriendshavealreadyhelpedus.”

“You’reright,buttheyarenotpartoftheGrasdonfamily.”

“IftheygetinthewaythenAsherwilltakecareofthemwithhisnewweapon.”

Thewoman’svoicefallstoawhisper,forcingLukeandSaritoputtheirearstothewarmdoors.Thegypsygivesupandsneaksbacktothehalf-elf’sotherside,dragginghimafewfeetaway

fromtheroom.Shecastsasilencecocoonaroundthem,allowinghertospeakwithoutfearofbeingheard.

“AmIwrongordoesitsoundlikeKira’sdadcausedallofthis?”Sariasks,keepinghereyesonthedoubledoors.“I’venoideawhothemysterywomanisor

whatthey’regoingtowishfor,butIdon’tlikeit.”

“Asher’snewweaponhasmeworried,”Lukeadmits,rubbinghiseyes.Heloosenshissabersintheirsheaths,hopinghewillnothavetousethem.“Canyouuseaspelltoimitatethatwoman’svoice?Kiramight

recognizeit.Maybeshe’sabusinesspartneroranothernoblethat’spromisedhimsomething.It’salongshot,butitdoesn’thurttoask.I’mgoingtohatebringingthisupwithher.”

“I’llbethereforyou,”hisfriendpromisesasshetoucheshisarm.Hersmileis

warmandloving,hidingthetwingeofpaininherchest.“Wedon’tknowexactlywhat’sgoingon,soWaylandmightbeapawn.ThatcouldhavebeenTrinityindisguiseasafakeoracle.It’sacommonploythat’ssimilartomyfortunetellerscam,whichIswearIhaven’tdonesinceI

wasfourteen...sixteen.”“Thatseemslikethe

mostlikely...damnit,”Lukemutters,puttinghishandsup.“Thatsilencespellmeantwecouldn’thearanythingoutsideoftheshell,right?”

Sariturnsaroundtofindtenarmoredguardswiththeir

weaponspointingatthepair.Shedropsherspell,whichpopswithablueshimmerthatleavesdustatherfeet.Oneofthemenwalksaroundtheadventurers,hisspearneverstrayingfurtherthanafewinchesfromthem.Heknocksonthedoubledoorsandopensoneofthemforhis

employer.Takingaquickglance,LukeseesnobodyintheroombehindWayland,whosefaceisredwithanger.Thebeardedmerchantadjustshissilkrobeandclosesthedoorbehindhim,signalingfortheguardstotakehisguests’weapons.

“Howlongwerethey

here?”heasks,examiningoneofLuke’ssabers.“Iwasinaprivatemeetingwithanimportantpartner.Thispersonwantstoremainsecretandcouldbeoursalvationagainstthenomads.”

“WefoundthemherewhenonourwaytogiveareportfromAsher,”a

swordsmanwithafeather-cappedhelmetstates.“Theywerewhisperinginasilencebubble,soit’ssafetoassumethattheywerespyingonyou.Whatdoyouwantustodowiththem?”

“Thisisgoingtobeaproblembecauseofmydaughter.Shewill

undoubtedlydefendtheyoungman,”Waylandexplainsashetapsthetipofthebladeonthewall.Testingtheweapon,hehitsthestoneandchecksfornicksinthemetal.“Probablybesttokeepthemlockedupuntilthebattleisover.MyplanisverydelicateandIdon’twant

themgettingintheway.Takeourgueststothedungeonandputtheminthecleanestcell.Sendaservantdownwithfreshfoodanddrinktomakethemcomfortable.”

“I’mnotsureweshouldarrestthem,sir,”oneoftheguardsnervouslyadmits.“Itcouldturnyourdaughter

againstyou.Thatmightbemoretroublethanthesetwo.”

“Letmeputthisrequestanotherway,”themerchantkindlyannounces.Heslamsthebladebackintoitssheathandbangsitagainstthedoor.“PutthesetwointhedungeonorIwillterminateyouremployment.Anyfuture

employerswillbetoldofyourrefusaltofolloworders.Iknowallofyouhavefamilies,sodon’tmakethemsufferbecauseofmydisobedient,rebelliousdaughter.”

TheguardssurroundLukeandSariwhiletheirbosshandsthesabersoverto

themanwiththefeatheredhelmet.TheyletWaylandthroughthetightcircle,themerchantapproachingtheemerald-eyedgypsy.Herunshishandsthroughherhairforoveraminute,runninghisfingersdownherbodyandintoherboots.Shefrownswhenheslipsthemoffand

handstheenchantedfootweartotheheadguard.ReturningtoSari,herudelychecksdownhertopanduphersleeves,removingdaggersfromtheirhidingplaces.Waylanddropstheweaponsonthefloorandfirmlygrabsherbythejaw,forcinghermouthopen.

“Nothinginthereorherhair,”themerchantsaysashereleaseSari.Heturnstotheheadguard,butkeepsatighthandonthegypsy’sshirtcollar.“Haveafemaleguardstriptheyoungwomancompletelyandputherinasimpledress.Wedon’tknowhowmanymoredaggersand

lockpicksshehasonher.”“Tooscaredtostripme

downyourself?”Sariasks,smackingLuke’shandawayfromhermouth.

“Mywifewouldn’tapprove,”Waylandrepliesashereturnstohisroom.“IwillalwaysbeloyaltomyBreaandnowhorishgypsywill

temptme.Telltheguardswhatyouwanttoeatandtheywillhaveaservantbringittoyou.Weshallspeakagainafterthebattle.”

Lukethinksheseestheflurryofawhiteskirtdartoutofviewbeforethedoorclosesandlocks.HeisabouttomentionittoSariwhena

guard’sspearpressesagainsthisback,forcinghimtowalkdownthehall.Throughhissoundsight,hecatchesaglimmerofthewoman’svoice,butitdistortsintogarbledstatic.Thehalf-elfpusheshissensesalittlefurtherandahideousscreecheruptsinhishead.Hisears

bleedandhecollapses,grabbingSaribythearmandtakingherdownwithhim.

*****Lukewakestoagentle

handonhisforeheadandroughclothagainsthischeek.Rollingover,hecantellthathisheadisinsomeone’ssoftlap,butheistoogroggyto

rememberwhohewaswithbeforehelostconsciousness.Whenhiseyesfocus,heseesSarismilingdownathimandapangofguiltkickshiminthestomach.Withagroanofpain,herollsoffthecouchandlooksaroundthebizarrecell.Therearetwochairsandasmalltable,allthreeof

whicharecoveredinscratchesanddents.ThecouchthatSariisonhastorncushionsandthesolitarybedisnothingmorethanaraisedmattresswithwhitecottonsheets.Awoodenpartitionissetuparoundacorner,whichLukeguessesissupposedtobeaprivatebathroom.

“I’masconfusedasyouareaboutthisjail,”Sariadmitsasshetugsattheuncomfortable,browndressthatbarelyreachesherknees.Sheskipstothebarsandsticksherlegoutside,smirkingatthewhistlesoftheguards.“I’mhopingtoteaseandflirtmywayintoareal

dress,whichistheoppositeofwhatonenormallyusesthosetoolsfor.Thisthingisnothingmorethanasackwiththebottomcutoffandsleevesattached.I’mgoingtohaveafullbodyrashifIdon’tgetsomerealclothes.UnlessIgonaked.”

“I’msurethatwoulddo

something,”Lukecasuallysayswhileheclimbstothebarredwindow.Allhecanseearethefeetofpatrollingguardsandanearbyelephant,sohedropstothefloorandsits.“WaylandprobablyhasTimoranandKiralockedinherroombynow.Theyhavenoideahe’suptosomething,

sothey’renotgoingtofightback.Doyouknowwheretheyputourweapons?Maybewecanescapeandfightourwayoutofthemanor.”

“Ourgear’sinalockerattheendofthehallway,”thegypsystates.Sheslipsherdresstothefloor,causingthehalf-elftofacethewall.“I

guessthingsmustbegoingwellbetweenyouandKira.We’vebarelyseeneachotherandnowyoucan’tevenlookatmybody.Ishouldn’tbesurprisedsinceyou’vebeenavoidingeyecontactfordays.Doesthismeanyou’vechosenKiraovermeandthecontestisover?”

“Itisn’tassimpleasthat,”Lukeclaims,placinghisheadagainstthewarmstone.

“ExplainittomebecauseI’mpartofthis.OrhaveyouforgottenthatI’macreaturewithabeatingheart?”Saricuttinglyaskswhileputtingherdressbackon.Not

waitingforananswer,shestormsacrossthecellandsmacksthewarrioracrosshisshoulders.“Youkeepactinglikethisistheendoftheworld.Justmakeadecisionandlivewithit.PickherandI’llrespectfullykeepmydistance.Someoneisgoingtogethurt,sostopdrawingthis

outandchoosewhoyoulovethemost.”

“Shutup,Sari.”“Nobecausesomebody

hastopushyoutofinishthis.”

“Thisisn’tthetime.”“Asifthere’saperfect

timeforsomethinglikethis.”“Stoptalking.”

“I’mthroughbeingquiet.”

“Shutup!”“Makeadamnchoice!”Lukegrabsherwristas

hespinsaroundandkissesthegirlhardenoughtobendherbackwards.Herarmscurlaroundhisneckwhileheliftsheroffthefloor.Turning

around,hepressesheragainstthewallandrunshishandthroughherdarkbluehair.Withasuddengrowl,Lukebreaksthekissandbacksawaytothecouchlikeawoundedanimal.

“Soyouchooseme?”Sariasks,touchinghertinglinglips.

“Idon’tknow,”thehalf-elfreplies,shatteringherblissfulmood.Hegathersthecouragetogetwithinreachofthegypsyagain,barelyabletohidethetearswellingupinhiseyes.“Iloveyou,Sari,butI’mnotreallyoverKiraandwestillfeelthatsparkattimes.Idon’twanttochoose

oneofyouuntilI’msurebecausethere’snogoingbackonceadecisionhasbeenmade.It’sdifficultbecauseyouandIwillcontinuetravelingtogetherafterthis,soIcan’tputyoucompletelyoutofmythoughts.”

“Isthatreallyabadthing?”

Lukeputshisforeheadagainsthers,theirlipswithinreachofeachother.“ItmeansIcan’tfocusentirelyonwhatIfeeltowardsKira.Thatmightstillbepartoftheproblem.I’mremainingdistantfromherbecauseIknowI’llendupalonewithyouontheroad.Things

won’tchangeunlessIhurtsomeone.”

“Thenwaitforthefinalhouranddowhatyourhearttellsyoutodo,”Sariwhispersasshehugshim.Shefightstheurgetokisshisneckandticklehispointyear.“I’llbehavefromnowon.Thankyouforthekissandletting

meknowthatyouhaven’tforgottenaboutme.I’llbehonestandsaythatIhopeyouchooseme.Thatwaywecanspendtherestofourliveswanderingandbeinghappy.”

“I’mnotgoingtobewanderingmyentirelife,”thewarriorsays,pullingawayfromthegypsy.Worryand

regretcreepintohisheartwhenheseesthefearinheremeraldeyes.“There’sgoingtobeadaywhereIwanttosettledowninonespot,haveafamily,anddosomethingstationary.Myfamily’swanderlustdoesn’tlastforeverlikethatofyourpeople.I’dbefinewithgoing

ontrips,butitwouldn’tbelikeitisnow.”

“Ofcoursethingswillchange,”Saristates,slippingaroundLukeandwalkingtothebars.Shehangsherarmsoutside,wavingtowardthedistantguardstoseeiftheyarestillsittingattheirdesk.“Maybethat’spartofthe

problem,Luke.Ifyouaskedmetomarryyounow,I’dsayyes.Ifyouwantedtosettledownandhavekids,I’dsayno.Thatcouldchangeinthecomingmonthsoryears.Isthiswhatyou’vebeenthinkingaboutallthistime?”

“Thatandhowoneorbothofuscouldbekilled,”he

answers,walkingupbehindher.Hesighsandsitsonabatteredstoolinsteadofholdingherlikehewants.“Kiraseemstobetheonlyonewhoknowsexactlywhatshewants.YouandIareenjoyingwhatwehave,butneitherofusarethinkingaboutthefuture.”

Unabletowraphermindaroundwhathercompanionisworriedabout,Saritakesaseatonthefloornexttohim.“Isitreallythatimportanttoyou?Can’twebehappytogetherandhandlethefuturewhenitappears?”

“Iwantto,butIcan’tbelikeyouaslongasIhave

evenasmallsparkwithKira,”thehalf-elfexplains.HetriestotakeSari’shand,butitislockedinplaceonherleg.“IknowKirahasthoughtaboutmarriage,kids,andalifeafterI’mdoneadventuring.We’vespentalotoftimetalkingaboutitlately.Notwithanycertainty,

buttoseewhereourdesiresmeet.YouandIneverreallydiscussedanythingmorethanthenow.”

“BecauseIdidn’tknowIwantedyouforeveruntilrecently.IspenttoomuchtimeactingasKira’ssurrogateanddenyingthatIwantedtobetheonewith

you.Iguesssheisn’ttheonlyonewhowasawayforsolongthatshehurtherchances.”

AsmallcoughdrawstheirattentiontothedoorwhereEileenispushingacartoffoodintothecell.Twoguardsarewaitingoutsidewiththeirweaponsdrawn,

buttheydonotappeartobeworriedaboutanescape.Adeliciousaromafillstheroomwhenthecalicoliftsthecoverofftheplatterofmeatandbread,asmallpotofsteamingstewinthemiddleofthedisplay.Sheplacesthemealonthenearbytablealongwithapitcherofwaterand

glassesbeforequietlyleavingthecell.Theguardslockthedoorandtakethecartaway,butEileengesturesfortheprisonerstocomecloser.

“Mymistresssendsherapologiesaboutthesituation,”themaidwhispersassheturnsherbacktotheguards.Shepullsasquareof

bluefabricfromherapronandslipsittoSari.“Thatisafoldeddressforyou.Itissimple,butitshouldbemorecomfortablethanwhatyouarewearingnow.”

“Thankyou,”thegypsysays,steppingawayfromthebars.

Sariopensthedress,

whichhastheimageofanelegantsharkrunningfromthebackoftherightshouldertothebelly.Thereisahighnecklinethatflairslikeacrashingwaveandtheskirtisfringedbyflufftoresembleseafoam.Shestripsofftheuncomfortableshiftandsqueezesintothedress,the

topalittletightaroundherchest.Sarifrownsatthehighslitupthemiddleoftheskirtandtheshorttraindraggingbehindher.

“Itwasfromaformalballwithanoceantheme,”Eileentellsthegypsywithacrookedsmile.“Idon’tbelievemymistressexpects

thedresstosurviveitstimewithyou.Though,sheurgesyounottoattemptanescape.”

“Issheokay?”LukeaskswithenoughconcerninhisvoicetomakeSariscowl.

“Herfatherhasputarmedguardsinfrontofherdoorandonherbalcony.

MostlytokeepTimoraninline.Mymistressisduetomeetwithherfatherwithinafewhours.Shewilltalksenseintohimandgetyoureleased.Doyouhaveamessageforher?”

“Onlythatherfather-”SaribeginstosaybeforegettingcutoffbyLuke

havingacoughingfit.“Areyouokay?”

“I’mfine.Somespitwentdownthewrongpipe,”thewarriorstateswithasmirk.Heseesaglintofunderstandinginhisfriend’seyesandturnsbacktothemaid.“TellKirathatherfatherappearstobeundera

lotofstress.Wedon’tknowwhathewasdoinginhisroom,buthe’sbecomeparanoidaboutassassins.Whatevershedoes,shehastotreadcarefullyandnotupsethim.Idon’twanthimmistakingherforaspyoradoppelganger.”

“Iwilldeliveryour

message,”Eileenwhispers,movingawayfromthebars.Shenodsherheadandwavestotheguardsthatsheisdone.“Eatyourfoodbeforeitgetscoldorbugsgettoit.Theroachesinthedesertgetprettybigcomparedtothenorth.”

Thethoughtofbugs

eatinghermealcausesSaritohurrytotheplatterandquicklymakeasandwichofscorpionmeat.ShehandsLukeaglassofwaterwhenhejoinsher,whichheputsbackdown.Hisstomachrumbling,hemakeshimselfasandwichandquietlydevoursitwhilethegypsyeyeshim

suspiciously.“Whyaren’tyoutelling

yourfiancéeaboutWaylandandthatwoman?”

“Ihaveafeelingit’stoodangerousforhertoknowaboutthat,”Lukeanswers,takingaseatatthetable.Hegrabsaspoonandtriesthestew,surprisedtofindthatit

hasbeefinsteadofamoreexoticmeat.“IfKiraargueswithhimwithoutlettingonthatsheknowshissecretthenhewon’tbecomeasdefensive.Atthispoint,hemighteventrytokillherifhesuspectsshe’sontohim.IwishDelvinwasstillheretohelpmefigurethisout.”

“NooffensetoMr.Cunningham,buthe’snottheoneIwanthere,”Sariclaims,hermouthfulloffood.Swallowingthelargebite,sheseesthequestiononLuke’slips.“IwantNyxiehere.She’dhavethisentiresituationhandledbytheendoftheday.Atleastshe’d

havetakenWaylanddownafewnotchesorsetsomethingonfire.Thosemonsterswouldn’thavebeenmuchofaproblemeitherwithherkeepinganeyeoutforthem.Iwishshewouldstopplayingaroundinthedesertandgetbacktous.Imissher.”

“Imisshertoo.I’msure

she’llbebackandhurlingspellsaroundbeforeweknowit.”

“Howdoyouknow?”“BecauseNyxwouldn’t

leaveusinasituationlikethis.Notevenifthegodswerestandingagainsther.”

*****Torchesappearonthe

topofBor’daruk’swallasthesunsets,fillingtheskywithpurplesandpinks.Theshadowsofpatrollingarcherscanbeseenbytheeagle-eyedwarriorsofthenomads.Nyxismorefocusedonthearmyslowlymarchingoutofthefrontgate,agrowingmassuponthesandthatshewishes

shecouldremovefromtheirpath.Crouchedatopthedunes,thehalf-elfimaginestossingthesoldiersoverthewallandintotheoceanwithawindspell.ShestopsthedaydreamingwhensheremembershowCasandracouldcastspellswithamerethought,apowerthatNyx

mighthaveburiedinsideher.“Youwouldneedtobe

trainedtodosuchathing.Alsothesoldiersareonlydoingtheirjobs,sothere’snoreasontotreatthemsoharshly,”Darianastatesassheclimbsupthedune.Shepullsthetancloakaroundhershoulders,thenightlychill

enhancedbyanoceanbreeze.“I’msorryforreadingyourthoughts.Sharnehasbeenhelpingmecontrolmypowers,butyou’retoopotentrightnow.Ifyouwishedtoattackthatarmy,Iwouldbeimpelledtofollow.”

“Youreallyneedthatring,”Nyxsays,barely

payingattentiontoherfriend.Sheturnsawayandheadsfortheencampment,lightingthebonfiresandtorcheswithafewwavesofherhands.“Myfriendsarewithinreachandwe’restuckherebecauseofthestupidfeud.IfIattackthenthebattlebeginsandpeoplewilldiebeforeIcan

gettotheothers.”“AtleastMisraeis

bringingusaspartofthediplomaticgroup.Evenifwe’rearrested,we’llbebroughtwithinthecity.”

“That’sabizarrepositive,butyou’reright,”thehalf-elfstateswithatiredsigh.Shesitsonacrateand

pullsherbootsoff,dumpingthesandintotinypiles.“I’msorryIdidn’tspendmuchtimewithyououthere.IgotsocaughtupinresearchingHelgard,channelers,andthescepterthatIwasaterriblefriend.”

“I’msorrytoo.”“Forwhat?”

“Thetimesweweretogether,IwaspracticingwithSharne.”

“Youmightwanttoavoidtellingpeoplestufflikethat.It’sveryrude.”

Thetwowomenduckintothetentthattheyhavebeenusingforsleepingandtheoccasionalhourof

solitude.Itisfilledwithlargepillowsandatarnishedlanternhangsinthecenterofthecrimsonstructure.Nyxsprawlsonthelowcouchandhastheorangeflamedancearoundtheceiling.Darianatakesanearbychair,unsureifsheshouldspeaktothehalf-elfornot.Thesilencelasts

forseveralminuteswiththefiremovingmoreandmorespastically.Nyx’srestlessnesshitsitspeakwhenshehearsbellsgooffandpeoplecanbeseenrunningamongthetents.Sheflickstheflamebackintothelanternandrestlesslypacesthroughthecollectionofpillows.

“Ican’tsleep,sodon’tevensuggestit,”shesnapsatDarianawhoslowlycloseshermouth.“We’resoclosetoreunitingwithourfriends.Theyprobablystilldon’tknowabouttheBeastofPalqua.LukeiswithSariandKira,whichmusthavehimreadytojumponashipto

Canst’sFields.Theothersareprobablyworriedsickanddistracted.MyfamilyneedsmeandI’mtrappedjustoutofreach.”

“Itwon’tbeformuchlonger,”theotherwomanassuresherfriend.Shecloseshereyesandscansthenomadsforanyinformation

aboutwhentheywillapproachBor’daruk.“TheplanistoleaveatdawnandnegotiateameetingwiththeGrasdons.Anyactionorflaresofpowerwillinstigatethegatheringarmy.I’msorry,butallwecandoisrestandwait.IfyouwanttocontinueventingthenI’dbehappyto

listen.”“Thankyou,butthat

wouldgetboringevenforme,”Nyxsaysasshenestleswithinapileofpillows.Shelazilyspinsoneaboveherheadwithatightmovementofherfinger,whichshegraduallystopsinasuccessfulattemptto

maintainaspellwithoutgestures.“Isthereanythingyouwanttotalkabouttodistractme?”

“Severalyoungmenhavediscussedrelations,”Darianaexplains,massaginghertempleswithherknuckles.“Ibelievetheymeansex,butIdon’tknowhowtotellthem

thatI’munabletoperformsuchacts.Thepriestessesattheorphanagetoldmethatitisforbiddenformetoindulgeinthefleshbecauseofmylineage.IfIwastohaveachildthenitmightprovetobesomethinglikemybrotherorfather.Possiblyworse.”

Nyxletsthepillowdrop

ontoherfaceandchuckles.“WellthiswasaconversationIdidn’tseecoming.AnoddchangefromwhatI’musedtodiscussingwithSariwhenitcomestothis.Idon’tthinkI’musedtobeingontheknowledgeableendofthiseither.Youdoknowthatthere’sprotectionand

medicinestohelpwiththatproblem.Stillyoushouldn’tdoanythingthatyou’reuncomfortablewith.”

“Mybodyisimmunetomostpoisonsandmedicines.”

“Sowhat’ssoimportantaboutyourmother?”

BeforeDarianacananswer,thetentflapis

pushedopenandSharnehurriesin.Sheisoutofbreathandherclothesaredisheveledfrombeinghastilythrownon.TheholywomancollapsesontothepillowsnexttoNyxandyawns,nearlyfallingasleep.Withafullbodyjerk,shewakesupandleapstoherfeet.

“I’msorry,butIwaswokenbysomenewsthatIwishtoshare,”Sharnestates,bowingtoNyx.ShepauseswhenshesensesDarianatouchinghermindandsheblockstheotherwoman,pushinganapologyacrossthesplinteringconnection.“First,I’vehadavisionthatonly

oneguardianisleftinthescepter.Afterit’sreleasedandcorrupted,thebeastwithinwillawakenandsetthedesertonfire.Second,MisraeandhismenhavecapturedaswordsmanwhowasleavingBor’daruk.Theyareinterrogatinghiminthemaintentandhementioned

yournames.Hedoesn’tappeartobeaspyorfromtheregion,butthedritehewaswithhasmademypeoplefearthatbiggerdragonswillbeused.”

Nyxisonherfeetandrushingoutofthetentwiththeothersonherheels.“Isitalargemanwithredhair,a

mouthyhalf-elfwithtwoswords,oracharmingwarriorwithalongswordandshield?”

“Itwasahumanwithalongsword,butnoshield,”Sharneanswers,gaspingforairasshetriestokeepup.

“ThatjustmeanshefoundtroubleinBor’daruk,”

thecasterstateswhileshebreaksintoasprint.“Thisguyandthedritearetwoofmyfriends.Ifthey’reinthedesertthensomethinghappenedtotheothers.”

“Wedon’tknowthatforafact,”Darianacontends,slowingdowntohelpSharne.SheletsNyxrunaheadand

easestheholywomantotheground.“I’llhelpSharne!Pleasedon’tcauseanytrouble!”

Theexcitedcasterchargesatthemaintent,whichcausesthestartledguardstodrawtheirweapons.Theygetoutofherwaywhenshegrowsfierysnakesoutof

herback.Nyxcancelsthespellasshepushesthetentflapopen,startlingMisraeandhisdisheveledprisoner.ShestaresatDelvinwhoistiedtoachairandsmilingatthesightofher.Hisskinisslightlydarkerthansheremembersandthereissandinhishair,buttheglintinhis

ice-blueeyeswarmsherheart.Nyxtacklesthewarrior,bothofthemcrashingtotherugscoveringtheground.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasks,sittingonherfriend’sstomach.“Wherearetheothers?”

“They’restillin

Bor’daruk,”hereplies,tryingtogetcomfortableonthesolidground.“Icametorescueyou.”

“Thisisaterriblerescue.”

“WellIhaveFizzlewithme.”

Misraeclearshisthroatandraisesafingerto

interrupt.“Ifyoumeanthedrite,heflewawaywhenwecapturedyou.”

“Fizzledidescape,”thetinydragonannouncesappearingabovethenomad.Misraejumpsbackanddrawshisweapon,calmingwhenthecreaturebows.“Fizzlesorry.Followyoutoprotect

friend.Fizzlepromisetostayvisible.”

“ToldyouIhadhelp,”Delvinsays,shiftingtofindevenatinybitofcomfort.Hefindsitimpossibleconsideringheistiedtoachairwithahalf-elfsittingonhisgut.“Ihadeverythingundercontrol.”

Nyxgetsoffthewarriorandburnshisbondstoasheswithatouch.“WhatifyougotlostouthereandIarrivedatBor’daruk?I’dhavetogobackintothedeserttofindyou.DarianaandLukewouldhavetohelptoo.Youshouldhavestayedinthecitywhereit’ssafe.”

“Iwasworriedaboutyou,”Delvinsays,hugginghertightly.Theyoungwomanrelaxesinhisarms,sohedecidestodrophisrestraintandbecompletelyhonest.“Iloveyouandwasgoingmadknowingyouweremissing.Besides,Iwouldhavewalkedintothenomad

campandbeenbroughtback.”

“Actuallywefoundhimwalkingsouth,”Misraeinterjectswithawidegrin.Hecanbarelyholdbackhislaughterashebackstotheexit.“Ifourkeenestguarddidn’tnoticetheglintofhiscloak’sclaspinthesetting

sun,yourfriendwouldhavegoneintotheharsherregion.Therearemanylargescorpionsandoneofthemorebrutaltribesofthedesert.Hewouldhavebeendeadbeforedawn.”

Thedark-skinnednomadleavesthetent,chucklingatthesoundofNyxscreaming

andcursingatDelvin.Hewhistlestotheguardsandpointsatthesilhouetteofhershakingthewarriorbytheshirt.Themenlaughwhenitlookslikesheispokinghimintheforeheadandallthewarriorcandoisholduphishandsinapology.Thenomadsdiveoutoftheway

whenDelvinissenthurtlingthroughtheflapandskidsacrossthesand,comingtoastopatawaterbarrel.Nyxcrackshervibratingknucklesasshestepsoutside,Fizzlecomfortablyperchedonhershoulder.DarianaandSharnearewaitingnearbyandshetakeshersilver-hairedfriend

bythearmtoleadherbacktotheirtent.

“Imissedyou,Ms.Masterson!”Delvinshouts,remainingonhisback.

“Imissedyoutoo,Mr.Cunningham!”shereplieswithasmirkthatonlyDarianaandSharnecansee.

14

TheguardskeeptheirweaponstrainedonTimoranwhoiscalmlysittingonthefloorwithhisgreataxeacrosshislap.Heisamusedthattheyaremoreconcernedwithhimwhentherealthreatisshriekingandhurlingrandomitemsatthedoor.Kira’s

voicehitsanoctavethatthebarbariandidnotthinkpossibleforahumanthroatasshethrowsaclaydoll.AfewguardsturntoEileen,theirgazeshintingthattheywanthertogettheheiressundercontrol.Instead,thecalicolazilystretchesandscratchesherears,makingnoattempt

toleavethesoftcouch.WhenaswordsmanmustersthecouragetoapproachKira,shewhirlsaroundandgrazeshisnosewithakickthatwouldhaveknockedhimoutifitstruck.

“Allofyouwillleavemyroomatonce,”shegrowls,fixingthearmedmenwitha

starethatsendschillsthroughtheirspines.“Iwillgetreadytogointobattlewithmyfather,butIwillnotdoitwithyouinhere.TimoranandEileenwillmakesureIbehave.”

“Yourfatherorderedusto-”startsaspearman.Hestopswhenapillowhitshim

intheface.“Nexttime,Ithrow

somethingsharp,”theheiresspromises,hergreeneyesturningtoacheeseknife.“YouhavetowonderwhatwillhappenifIgetviolent.Willmyfatherunderstandyouusingforceagainsthisdaughterorwillhehaveyou

arrested?Ireallydon’twanttodoitthiswaybecauseIrespectallofyouforprotectingmyfamily.Soareyougoingtogivemeprivacyorwillthisgetmessy?”

“Youareyourfather’sdaughter,”saystheswordsmanwhoshetriedtokick.Hesheathshisweapon

andgesturesfortheotherstofollowhim.“We’llberightoutsideandtherearemenpostedbelowthebalcony.Usetheknockyourfathershowedyoutoletusknowyou’rereadytobebroughttohim.”

Theswordsmanrapidlyknocksonthedoorfivetimes

andkicksthebottom,causingtheguardsoutsidetolettheirfriendsout.Allofthewarriorsfileoutoftheroom,noddingtheirheadstoKiraastheyleave.Whenthedoorclosesandlocks,theheiressgrabsherenchantedkusari-gamaandclumsilyhurlsitoffthebalcony.Shewatchesthe

weaponflythroughtheairandfallintoafountain,theguardsalreadyhurryingtoinvestigate.

“Irefusetouseaweaponmyfathergaveme,”Kirastatesbeforetheotherscanquestionheractions.Shekicksopenanearbyfootlockerandpullsanother

kusari-gamaoutfromunderafewfoldeddresses.Thechainandsickleareheavilydentedandlacktheshineofherpreviousweapon.“TimbresentmethiswhileIwasattheacademy.Wouldyoubeabletosharpenitforme,Timoran?Iwoulddoitmyself,butI’msoangrythat

myhandsareshaking.”“Iwouldbehonored,”

thebarbarianreplies,acceptingtheweapon.HegrabsawhetstoneandpointsatabowlofwaterforEileentobringhim.“Iamunclearastowhyyouareangrywithyourfather.Heistakingyoutothebattlelikeyouhad

hopedhewould.”“Youmakeitsoundlike

atriptothemarketplace,”Eileenmentions,scowlingatthelargewarrior.Shegoestothewardrobetobringhermistressasuitofleatherarmor,thedarkredmaterialshowingveryfewsignsofuse.“Itwillbedangerousout

there,sodon’tfeelpressuredintogoing.IknowyouwishtohelpAsher,butthere’snoshameinstayinginthemanorwhereit’ssafe.”

“I’vealreadybeenthroughafewbattles,soI’mnotscared,”Kiraarguesasshestartsstrippingoutofherclothes.Sheremembers

Timoranisbehindhersosheslipsbehindapartitionbeforetakingherpantsoff.“MyproblemisthatmydadsaidIwouldbepartofhisescort.Themanisn’tawarrior,sohe’llbegoingtoahighvantagepointtowatch.Thisistokeepmeoutofthebattle.That’snoteventhe

realreasonI’msoangry.”“Thenwhatisyour

reason?”Timoranasks,checkingthesicklefornicks.

“MyfatheriskeepingLukeandSarilockedupaspotentialspies,”sheanswersinanexasperatedtone.Shepeeksaroundthepartition,makingsureherbody

remainscovered.“Weallknowhowridiculousthatis.Idon’tknowwhattheyoverheardwhentheyvisitedmyfather,butweneedthemforthisbattle.Theonlyreasonhecouldhaveforlockingthemupisbecauseoftheirrelationshiptome.WithLukeinthefight,I’mmore

inclinedtoenterthebattlefield.SamethingwithSari,butitwouldbetoproveI’mabetterwarrior.”

“Noteverythingisaboutyou,mistress,”hermaidpolitelypointsout.SheblushesandstepsawayfromKira’spiercinggaze.“Thoughit’scuriousthat

thosetwoareinprisonandTimoranisbeingsenttoAsher’spositiononthewall.Thenagain,yourfatherhasnotbeenofsoundmindtheselastfewweeks.I’msorryifIoversteppedmybounds,butthat’ssomethingIthinkyoushouldtakeintoaccount.”

“Trustme,Eileen,I

have.”Kirafinishesdonningher

armorandstepsoutfrombehindthepartition,herebonyhairtiedupwithaplainclip.Shehappenstolookoutthedoortothebalconywheresheseesastrangedotinthesky.Itissteadilygrowingasitcomes

closertoBor’daruk,butitvanishesintheblinkofaneye.ByKira’sbestguess,theobjectdisappearedoverthecitywall,butshehasabadfeelingthatitisstillstealthilyapproaching.Cautiously,shewalksovertoTimoranandreachesoutforherweapon,hereyesneverleavingthe

sky.Spinningtheweightedendofthechain,shewaitsforwhatevershesawtoreappear.

“Whatdidyousee?”Timoranasks,takingapositionnearthebalconydoors.

“Idon’tknow,”Kirawhispers,notwantingtoalerttheguards.“Itwassmall,but

Iknowsomethingwasthere.Maybeit’sanothermonsterandIhappenedtolookintherightdirectionattherighttime.Afewofmyrelativessawthemcoming.”

“Fizzleprotectyou,”thedritedeclaresfromaboveherhead.Hedartsawayfromtheflailingchainanddivesunder

thebed.“FizzlesorryhescareKira.Notdoagain.Delvin,Nyx,andDarianasayhi.”

“Fortheloveofeverygod,Fizzle,don’tdothattome,”theheiressgaspsasshefallstoherknees.Sheextendsherarmtocoaxthedriteout,thetinydragon

scamperingovertolickherfingers.“SoDelvinfoundNyxandDariana?Aretheyoutsidethemanor?”

“Withnomadsoutsidecity,”Fizzlesayswhilesittingonhishaunches.Hisredwingsflutter,shakingoffathinlayerofsand.“DelvinsendFizzletotalk.Monsters

fromstolenscepter.Guardrealmonster.Onlyoneleftandthenitescape.NomadsthinkKirafamilytakescepter.Noknowwhytheyusebeastsonself.”

“Wewouldn’t,butanenemywould,”theheiressreplies.Shegetsanappleforthedriteandrollsittohim

whileshepacesfromEileentoTimoran.“Somethingisn’trighthere.Ifsomeonestolethescepterandknewhowtosummontheguardiansthentheywouldknowabouttheirpurpose.Usingsuchathingtoattackabusinessrivalwouldbefoolishbecauseofthatfinalbeast.Maybeit’sa

crushedrivalorafiredemployee.”

“Orperhapsithasnothingtodowithbusiness,”Timoransuggestsasheplacesthedriteonhisshoulder.“Doyouknowanythingelseabouttheguardians?AccordingtoLukeandKira,theFelcriand

allmonsterspriortoitappearedtobeindestructibleforatime,butthebirddidnothavethisability.”

“HolyladytellFizzleguardianspure,”heexplainswhilespittingchewedappleontothefloor.“Theynobekilleduntiltakemortallife.Oncetheykill,theycandie.

Kirafamilyusedas...notsureshouldsayword.”

“Thewordissacrifice,”theheiressbitterlystates,herfaceflushedwithanger.“Thisisn’taboutmyfamily’sbusiness.It’saboutusingallofustoawakenthismonsteranddistractthenomadsfromtherealthief.”

“WhywouldthispersonpicktheGrasdons?”Eileenasksinacrackingvoicethatbetraysheranxiety.Shecalmsdownwhenhermistressputsanarmaroundher,butherbreathingstillcomesinraggedgasps.“Yourfamilyissokind,LadyGrasdon.Eventhosewho

dislikeyoursuccesswouldn’tgothisfar.Onewouldhavetobearealmonstertodothis.Whoeveritismustbeenjoyingtheanguishit’scausingyourfather.”

KiramovesawayfromEileenandwalkstothebalcony,herfingersrapidlytappingonherlips.Shehops

ontotherailingandlooksaroundthecourtyard,theanimalswanderingaroundasusual.Theguardsmovetowatchherandsheaththeirweaponsincasetheyhavetocatchtheheiress.Awarmbreezecaressesherfaceasshecloseshereyesandstrugglestothinkofan

answertothemystery.Whilenotafool,Kirahasyettomastertheconceptsofstrategyandseeingthroughdeflectionoutsideofforgingtradeagreements.ShehastriedtostudythesubjecteversinceshereturnedtoBor’daruk,butshehasalwaysbeenbetteratraisingherown

facadesthanbreakingthoseofothers.YetsheknowstheyhavebeenchasingphantomsthisentiretimeandhermindcontinuesshiftingbacktoLuke.

“Wealreadyswitchedourfocustomyfamily’sdestructionbeingthemaingoalofwhoeverisdoingthis.

Somaybethisisn’taboutmakingmyfathersuffer,”Kiraexplainswhileshegetsofftherailing.Shehurriesintoherroomandclosesthebalconydoorsbehindher,flickingthelockshut.“Ifthesemonstershavebeenusedtodestroymyfamilythenitmakesnosenseto

leavemyself,Asher,andmyfatherfortheend.Sothethreeofusareneededforthatgreatbeasttobeunleashed.Mybrotheristhefamily’sbestwarrior,sohewouldbethemostlikelyonetokillthebeasts.I’mconnectedtoLuke,whichmeansIcouldbeusedtobringhimandtherest

ofyouintothefight.ThechampionswouldbeusedtokillthemonsterthatisusedtoeliminateAsherandmyself.ImaginewhatLukewouldbelikeifIwaseatenbyoneofthosebeasts.UnlessI’mneededforanotherpartofwhateverthisritualis.”

“Whataboutyour

father?”Timoranasks,unsureofwhereKiraisgoingwithhertrainofthought.“Whatpurposewoulditservetolethimseehisfamilydie?Thatwouldonlydrivehimintomadness.”

“Ifthatwasthecasethenhewouldlosehisbusiness,”Eileenpointsout,struggling

tocontributeeventhoughsheisveryconfused.

“That’snotit,”Kirastates,grabbingherweaponandrushingtothefrontdoor.“Myfatherhasbeengoingonaboutmymomsincethiswholethingstarted.He’ssuddenlyprotectiveofmeafterlettingmefightthe

monstersforweeks.Ithinkit’sclearwhat’sgoingon.”

Sheknocksonthewoodenportalthesamewaytheswordsmandidandshehearstheclickoftheopeninglock.Themomentthedooropens,sheleapsforwardandspinsthebluntendofherkusari-gama.Inlessthana

minute,threeofheropponentsfallunconscioustothefloorwhiletheothersbackawaytodrawtheirweapons.Theyarenotsureiftheyshouldattack,whichgivesherenoughtimetoknockoutafewmoreofthem.AnycouragetheyhaveiserasedwhenTimoran

lumbersintothehallwaywithFizzleononeshoulderandhisaxeontheother.Theguardsdroptheirweaponsandputuptheirhands,movingagainstthewall.

“Takecareofthesemen,Eileen,”Kiraorders,gesturingforthebarbariantofollowher.“I’mreallysorry

aboutattackingallofyou,butI’minarush.”

“FizzleconfusedonKiradad’splan,”thedriteadmitsashetakesflight.

“Myfatherisbehindallofthis,”shereplies,sprintingdownthehallway.Sheskidsaroundaturnandvaultsdownthestairstowardthe

dungeon.“Thatlastbeastmightbeabletoresurrectmymotherandhe’sgoingtousemybodytodoit.LukeandSarimusthaveoverheardtheplan,whichiswhythey’relockedup.Sowe’regoingtobreakthemoutandgetAshertostopthebattlewiththenomads.”

GuardsturntowardthesoundofrunningfeetanddrawtheirweaponsatthesightofKiraandTimoranchargingdownthehallway.Assumingthatthereisathreatwithinthemanor,theyswiftlyfileinbehindthepair.Nobodyquestionswhatishappeningandthearmored

warriorsyellforservantstohideinthenearestroom.Bythetimetheprocessionreachesthestairstothedungeon,thereisasmallarmybehindKira.TheguardsareveryconfusedwhentheyfollowhertofindWaylandandhiseliteguardsblockingtheentrancetothejail.

“Outoftheway,dad,”Kirademandsasshekeepshereyesonthefivewarriorsbehindherfather.SheputsupherhandtostopTimoranfromsteppingforward.“Iknowyou’rebehindthemonstersandaresacrificingustoresurrectmom.I’mwillingtoletyourunaway

fromBor’darukwhilemyfriendsandIcleanupyourmess.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Waylandaskswhileadjustingtheringsonhischubbyfingers.“IwouldneversacrificemyfamilytobringmyBreaback.Shewoulddespisemefordoing

suchathing.”“True,but...damnit!”

Kirashouts,realizingherfatherisright.Withhermomentumgone,hervoicelosessomeofitsedge.“Thenwhyhaveyoubeenactingsostrange?Whydoyouhavemyfriendslockedupwhentheycanhelpus?Youhaveto

knowthatwe’vebeensetupagainsttheHelgardians.Somebodyisplayingbothsidesforsomereason.”

“Don’tworryaboutthingsthatyouwouldn’tunderstand,”theportlymerchantsaysasheapproacheshisdaughter.Heplacesagentlehandonher

shoulderandsmiles,theexpressionremindingherofthewarmmanwhohelpedraiseher.“Justknowthateverythingwillbetakencareof.Iwon’tloseyouandAsherliketheothers.Yourmotherwon’tletthathappen.Asforyourfriends,theyareathreattoourvictory.Like

you,theybelievemetobebehindthis,butI’monlydoingwhatisrightforourfamily.”

“You’reright,dad.Idon’tunderstand.”

“Thencomewithmetothebattlefield.”

“DoyouhavetheHelgardians’scepter?”

“Idon’tunderstandwhatthathastodowithanything.”

Kirawipesafewwarmtearsfromhereyesandtakesadeepbreathbeforelookingatherfather’sface.“It’sasimplequestion.Lookmeineyesandtellmethatyoudon’thavethescepter.Rememberthatmom

wouldn’tlikeitifyouliedtoyouronlydaughterwhoremindsyouofhereveryday.Doyouhavethescepterornot?”

“Yes,”Waylandsayswithoutturningaway.“I’vehadtheirscepterthisentiretime.”

Withanenragedscream,

Kirawrapsthechainofherweaponaroundherfather’sneckandyankshimoff-balance.Shespinshimaroundandputshersharpenedsickletohisthroat,hertear-filledeyeswatchingtheeliteguards.Shecanhearthesoldiersbehindhershiftuncomfortablyasthe

whisperedtruthrunsthroughthecrowd.EvenWayland’sbodyguardsholdtheirweaponsloosely,uncertaintyetchedontheirface.

“Letmyfriendsgo,sowecanstopthiswar,”Kirademandsasherpentupangerandgriefsurgesthroughherheart.Oneofthebodyguards

stepsforward,stoppingwhenshedrawsatrickleofherfather’sblood.“IswearI’llkillhimifyoutrytofightme.Afterall,hegotmyentirefamilykilled.Whyshouldn’tIbeabletoreturnthefavor?”

“Youdon’tunderstand!”Waylandroars.Hestrugglesagainsthisdaughter,

surprisedatthestrengthofhergrip.“ThesceptergrantswishesandtheHelgardiansremovedallbutoneofthembeforemyagentstoleit.Inordertousethefinalwish,theothershavetobeusedfirstandthosesavagesareusingthemtosendmonsters.Oncethenomadsaredefeated

andtheirwishesarespent,Icanusethelastonetobringyourmotherback.Maybeevenreviveourentirefamilyandreversethedamagethosepeoplecaused.”

“You’vebeenfooled,dad.Someofmyfriendsarewiththenomadsandtheylearnedthetruth.The

monstersareguardingsomethingworsethatliveswithinthescepter.Whenthelastbeastfalls,whateverisinsidewillbefree.You’rebeingusedandourfamilyisbeingsacrificed.Idon’tknowwhysomeonewoulddothis,butyou’vebeentheirtoolthisentiretime.”

“Yourfriendshavebeenmanipulatedbythosesavages!”herfatherscreams,nearlychokinghimselfonthechain.“Ifthemonsterscamefromthescepterthensomeonewouldhavetobeusingit.I’venevercalledanythingforthfromitandonlyoneotherpersonknows

whereithasbeenhidden.”“Itrustmyfriendsmore

thanyourightnow,”theheiresssays,unabletostophertearsfromflowing.Shefightstoholdontoherrageasshefeelsherresolveweakening.“Idon’tknowwhoyourpartnerisorwhattheytoldyou,butyou’ve

beentricked.Theattackshadtohavebeenplannedfrominsideourhousebecausethemonstersknewexactlywherewewouldbe.PleaselistentomeandletmyfriendsandIstopthis.”

“IfIlistentoyouthenI’lllosetheonlychanceIhavetogetmywifeback,”

Waylandclaimswhilehegaspsforair.Droppinghissenseofdecorum,hefranticallypullsatthechainandcringeswhentwoofhismanicurednailssnapoff.“SowhatifI’mbehindthescepterandthemonsterscamefromthedamnthing?Ourfamilylivedoffmysuccessfor

decadesandtheyactedlikeournoblestandingtooknoefforttomaintain.JustlookatsomeonelikeQuillwhogavenothingtotheGrasdonname.Imightnothavebeentheonetosacrificethem,butIonlymournforyourbrothers.”

“Therewerechildrenwhowerekilled.”

“BetternowthanletthemgrowuptofeedofftheGrasdonnamelikeparasites.”

Kiraletsgoofherweaponandstepsawayfromherfather,allowinghimtouncoilthechainfromhisthroat.Hetossesherweaponintoanearbypailasshestaresatthefloor,tears

drippingonthestones.NobodyiswhisperingandtimeseemstostopwhileWaylandwatcheshisdaughter.Hefixeshisbeardandturnstogiveorderstohiseliteguards,butfreezeswhenheseesthemdroptheirscimitars.Ashufflingmakestheportlymerchantwhirl

aroundandheissentreelingbyKira’sfiststrikinghisjaw.Hestaysonhisfeet,butsherepeatedlypuncheshiminthefacewithoututteringaword.WhenWaylandfallstotheground,shecasuallystraddleshischestandcontinuestheassault.

“Ithinkyouhavemade

yourpoint,”Timoranwhispers,catchingtheheiressbythearmandliftingherofftheground.“Youaregoingtofeelterribleforwhatyouhavedone,sodonotaddpatricidetoyoursins.”

“Thankyou,Timoran,”Kiraweaklysays.Shemovestowipehereyes,but

shuddersatthesightofherfather’sbloodonherknuckles.“TakeWaylandGrasdontohisquartersandhavehisinjuriestendedto.Leaveguardsoutsidehisroom,butdon’tsendamessengertothemayoryet.Iwanttokeepthisin-houseuntiltheHelgardiansare

handled.IguessIshouldaskifeveryonewillfollowmyordersorabandonthefamilyafterwhatyou’veseen.”

“WeacceptyouasthenewleaderoftheGrasdonMerchantHouse,”oneoftheeliteannouncestotheagreementoftheothers.Theyputtheirfiststotheir

foreheadsandbowtoKira,makingtheheiressfeelalittlestronger.“Weallheardwhatyourfathersaid,sodon’tfearthatwewillbetrayyou.Doyouhaveanyotherorders?”

Theblack-hairedwomanmakesherwaytothepailandretrievesherweapon,shakingpipeashoffthechain.“Let

LukeandSarioutofthedungeonandgivethembacktheirgear.Iwanteveryoneheretodefendthemanor.MyfriendsandIwillgotoAsherandtellhimnottoattackthenomads.Ijusthopewecangetthereintime.”

“FizzlegotellKirabrother.Fizzlegettowall

fast.”Kiranodstothetiny

dragonbeforehedartsupthestairs,causingallofthewarriorstoreflexivelyduck.Takingadeepbreath,theheiresstakesthedungeonkeysfromtheeliteguardsandgesturesforthemtotakeherfatheraway.Sheisunableto

lookawayfromthebloodyfacethatsherememberskissinghergoodnightasachild.ItisnotuntilWaylandiscarriedupthestairsandoutofsightthatKirasnapsoutofhermemories,straightensherback,andmakesherfirstdecisionasheadoftheGrasdonMerchantHouse.

*****“Don’tengage!”Delvin

screamsasarrowsbounceoffthebarrieraroundtheHelgardianencampment.HecanhearMisraeyellingthesamethingfromtheothersideofthecamp,thetwowarriorsusingtheirdrawnbladestosignaleachother.“I

havenoideawhytheystartedshootingatus.IfIcouldgettothewallthenIcouldconvincethecommandertocallofftheattack,especiallyifAsheristhere.”

“There’sadarknesscomingfromBor’daruk,”Darianasays,sittingcross-leggedonthehotsand.She

sendsamentaltremorintotheenemyarchers,causingtheirshotstohitthegroundseveralyardsawayfromthenomads.“It’scomingfromthewall,butsomethingelseiscomingfromthecity.Notdarkorlight.PureisthebestwordIcanusetodescribeit.I’msorrythatIcan’tgiveyouany

moredetails.”“Thefinalguardianis

coming,”Sharnestates,shiveringinthemiddaysun.“Ifit’skilledthentheBeastofPalquawillawaken.”

“Canyoufight,Nyx?”Delvinloudlyasksashewavestothedistantcaster.Heseeshernodandthe

barrieraroundtheencampmenttakesonaredtint.“StaywiththeHelgardians,Dariana,andkeepthemoutofthebattle.I’msurethetwoofuscanscaretheguardianbackintothescepter.”

“Idon’tbelievethesecreaturesknowfear,”the

silver-hairedwomanreplieswhilesheemitsofcalmthroughoutthecamp.

“ThenNyxandIwillteachit,”thewarriorsdeclareswithagrin.Hebowstothecasterassheapproachesandgesturesforhertoleadtheway.“Ladieswithenoughmagictolevela

largecityfirst.”Thehalf-elfflicksatiny

flameatDelvin’snoseasshewalksby.“Ialmostforgothowchivalrousyouwere.Youalwaysknowwhentoletagirlgetwhatshewants.”

Thepairstopwhentheyseeasmallmoundofsandrollthroughthewidearea

betweenBor’darukandthenomads.Acreakingmoancanbeheardfromtheground,whichcausesthearcherstostopfiring.Delvinliesdowntogetaclearerlookatthesurfaceofthedesertandheissurprisedtoseethatthereareconstant,subtlemovements.Astheshiftinggrainsgrow

morepronounced,thewarriorstandsandstepsinfrontofNyx.Withaflickofherhand,thecastermovesherallytotheside.Sheholdsoutherhandstofeelthethickauraintheair,herheadswimmingfromtherawpower.

Awhirlpoolofsandappearsbetweenthetwo

forcesandthegroanbecomesabaritonebellow.Twomassivearmsofhardenedsandrisefromtheearthandshakethedesertwithapowerfulslam.Thecreaturehoistsitselfoutofthewhirlpooltorevealadune-likebodyandagapingmaw.Itseyesareapairofsolid

flamesthatgentlyrotateinshadowyeyeholesthattakeinallofthemortals.SeeingthewallofBor’daruk,thebeastgroansandabsorbsmoresandtotoweroverthecitydefenses.

“Whatisthatthing?”Delvinasks,watchingtheguardiancontinuetobloat.

“Ithinkit’sasandgolem,butit’sbeenenhanced,”Nyxanswersasshesendsplumesoffireintothesky.“StayhereandI’llhandleit.Whenyougetanopening,runforthecityandgetthosesoldierstofallback.”

“Thatmightnotbea

problem.”Nyxwatchesthesoldiers

retreatintothecitywhilethearchersfireatthecreature.Thearrowsharmlesslysinkintothesandgolem,whichstaresatthetinyattackers.Itraisesitshandtosmashtheannoyingwarriors,butitispushedbackbyaswarmof

largefireballs.Thespellsexplodealongthesandybody,fillingareawithdislodgedgrainsthataresuckedbackintothesuckingholes.ThegolemfacesNyxwhoishoveringatfaceheightanddriftingtodrawthecreature’sattentiontowardtheopendesert.Shelashes

outwithwhipsoflightningthatslicethroughtheguardian,butthewoundshealimmediately.

Nyxgetsashielduptoblockthegolem’shand,buttheforcesendshercrashingintoanearbydune.Thecreaturelungesforward,itsbodystretchingwhilethe

bottomhalfremainsconnectedtotheground.Transformingintoawaveofsand,theguardianenvelopesNyxandappearstoswallowherwhole.Itshiftsbackintoitsoriginalform,butaglowingbubbleblossomsfromthesideofitshead.Withamuffledexplosion,the

half-elfblastsoutofthecreatureandturnsitstophalfintoagentlerainofsand.ShelandsnexttoDelvinandtheywatchasthesandgolemswiftlyreforms.

“Bruteforcemightnotbeagoodideaagainstsomethingthatcan’tdie,”thewarriorpointsout.Hetackles

Nyxoutofthewaywhenaspearofglassisfiredfromthesandgolem’sforehead.“Barelysawthatthingcoming.Anyideas?”

“Stickyourlandingandholdontight,”Nyxwhisperswhenshenoticesafamiliarformnearthewall.

ShesmacksDelvinon

theback,deliveringaspellthatlauncheshimintothesky.Heflailsforaseconduntilheseestheapproachinggriffin.Withagrin,thewarriorwaveshislongsword,buthegetstheattentionofthesandgolemtoo.Itsarmbecomesageyserofskin-tearingsandthatDelvincan

tastebeforeheispluckedoutoftheway.Thegriffinflipshimontoherbackasshesoarsoverthedesertandturnsforapassatthesandgolem.

“Everthinkweshouldpracticefightinglikethis?”Delvinasksashereadieshisswordandgripsthebeast’s

fur.Thegriffinturnsherheadaround,anincredulouslookonherface.“Iguessnowisn’tthetime.I’mgoingtoassumeFizzlefoundyouguys,soyouknowwehavetokeepitfromkillinganyone.”

Thegriffinscreechesandducksunderthesandgolem’sarm,gettingcloseenoughfor

Delvintostabintoitsbody.Thesworddragsalongthesandycreatureasthewingedbeastcirclesitsenemy,butthewoundhealsasquicklyasitismade.Dippingunderaswinginglimbandswervingaroundaglassyspikethateruptsfromtheearth,thegriffinretreatstowardthecity

wall.Sheroarswhenthearchersfireandforcehertoriseoutoftheirreach.Thesandgolemstretchestowardsthepair,butitsbottomhalfissentcrashingagainstthecitywallbyadevastatingwindtunnelfromNyx.Thetophalftumblesintothewhirlpoolandvanisheswithinthe

swirlinggrains,itsmassiveformshiftingandhealingbeneaththesurface.

“DropmeoffatthegateandI’llhandlethearchers,”Delvinorders,kickingthegriffinintheside.ShedivesatBor’darukandflipsupsidedownneartheground,unceremoniouslydumping

thewarrioronhisback.“Ideservedthat.Seeyouafterthebattle.”

ThegriffinfliesbacktoNyxwhoiscautiouslywatchingthedesert.Theundulatingsurfacegoesstillandeveryoneisquiet,exceptforthesuddensoundofclashingweaponsonthecity

wall.AmassivehandburstsfromthesandbeneathNyx,grabbingherandbackhandingthesurprisedgriffin.Thebeastshakesitsheadclearandfliesatthegolem,blastingthroughitsforearm.Afewstrandsofstickysandholdontotheaerialbeast’swingsandsnap

herbackintothebody.ThegriffinismovedclosertoNyx,preventingthecasterfromblastingherwaytofreedom.

ScreamsrisefromBor’darukasatoweringformrisesfromtheocean,itsbodycomposedentirelyofwater.Thestrangegiantwalks

aroundthecitywithlongstridesandmakesagurglingroartoattracttheattentionofthesandgolem.Asthenewcreaturewalksaroundthewall,itspitsajetofwaterthatwashesawaythelimbholdingNyxandthegriffin.Catchingthecasterinhertalons,thewingedbeastsoars

outofreachofthegolemandapproachestothewatergiant.Atinyfigurecanbeseeninitschest,hermovementscontrollingthecreature.Sarichargesthesandgolemandpunchesitintheface,whichmixesthetwomonsters.Itisasavageslugfestwiththegypsyswimmingoutofthe

wayofthegolem’sattacksandherfalsemonsterbatteringitsmuddyopponent.

“Soakitandgetoutoftheway,littlesister!”Nyxshoutsassheclambersontothebackofthegriffin.“Whenshe’sdone,getmeascloseaspossible,Lucy.”

Sarishiftstothetopof

thewatergiant’sheadandhasthelargefigureembracethesandgolem.Asthetoweringfiguresstruggle,sheslidesdowntothegroundandbacksaway,focusingherattentiononkeepinghercreationtogether.Thegolem’sthrashinggraduallybecomessluggishasitssandybody

absorbsalloftheseawater.Angryandconfused,theguardiantrieshurlingglobsofmudatthecitywall.ItfailstonoticethegriffinswooptowarditandNyxleapontoitsshoulder.Shepumpsasmuchfireandheatintothesandgolemasshecan,hardeningitsbodywiththe

intentionoflockingitinplace.Witharoar,thecreatureshattersitsoutercoatingandsendsNyxtumblingtotheground.

“Thisthingisn’tgivingup,”Sarisaysasshehurriestohelpherfriend.Theyaregrabbedbythegriffinaninstantbeforeasolidfist

strikesthespottheywerestandingin.“Sohowwasyourtimeinthedesert?”

“Really?”“Imissedyou,Nyxie.”“Focusonthe

indestructiblemonster!”“What’sDarianadoing?”Thegriffindodgesa

sprayofglassdaggers,

makingitdifficultforNyxtogetaclearviewofthesilver-hairedwoman.Whenthesandgolemstopsattacking,shecanseeDarianastandingintheopen.Thechampion’seyesarelockedwiththoseofthecreature,whichraisesitsfisttosmashher.Itsarmshuddersandslumpstothe

ground,missingitstargetbyafewinches.Shemassageshertemplesandcontinuesfocusingontheguardian,bloodseepingfromhersapphireeyes.Thesandgolemroarsandleansforwardasiftoarguewithitssmallenemy.Whenitsfacecomeswithinreach,she

gentlyputsherhandonitscheekandthecreaturecollapseswiththesighofairescapingfromitsmouth.ThebodycrumplesandbecomesnothingmorethanalargedunebetweenBor’darukandtheHelgardians.

“Whatdidyoudo,Dariana?”Nyxasksasthe

griffinlands.Sherushestotheotherwomanwhoisonherhandsandknees.“Pleasetellmeyoudidn’tkillit.”

“I’mverysorry,buttheguardiandidn’tleavemeachoice,”Darianawhispersinagravellyvoice.Shetriestowipethebloodfromherface,butsmearsitaroundinstead.

“Itriedtoconvinceittogobacktosleep,butitwascompelledtofight.Therewasnotarget.Thecreaturewastoldtokillanditcouldn’tstop.Iturneditsmindoff,whichIhatedoing.It’sahorriblethingtodoandI’msosorrythatImadeamessofthings.”

“Maybethisdoesn’tcountasthecreaturebeingdead,”Lukesuggestsafterhetransformsandcrackshisback.“ItsoundslikeyouputitintoacomaandSariwasstillalivewhileinoneofthose.Besides,Fizzlesaidtheguardiansareinvulnerableaslongastheydon’tkillan

innocent,right?”“It’sstilltechnically

alive,”DarianastateswhileNyxhelpsherstand.“WeshouldtalktoSharneandbringhertothescepter.Whohasit?”

“We’llexplainonthewaytoGrasdonManor,”Sarisays,hurryingtowardthe

city.Shestopswhensheseesthattheguardsarepouringoutofthegate,weaponsdrawnforbattle.“Thefightisstillgoingon?IthoughtKiraandTimoranweregoingtotellAsherabouthisfatherandputastoptothis.”

Awoman’shigh-pitchedscreamrollsfromthetopof

thecitywall,causingthearmedmentostopandlookup.Thesoundisstillechoingwhenabodyfallsfromthefortifications,achaintrailingbehindit.

*****AsSarihurriestothe

docksandLuketransformsintoagriffin,Timoransprints

towardthecitywall.Kiraclingstohisneckasherushesthroughthebusystreets,leapingoveranythinginhispath.Peoplegetoutofhiswaysincehisgreataxeisdrawnandafiercelookisonhischiseledface.Whenhegetstothecoveredstairs,thebarbarianboundsupthemto

thetopofthewall.Kiradropsfromthelargewarrior’sbackandshakeshertinglingarmsbeforeuncoilingherweaponfromaroundherwaist.

“Asher!”theheiressshouts,drawingtheattentionofthearchers.Shecroucheswhenthesandgolememergesfromthedesertandarrows

areloosed.“Hasanybodyseenmybrother?Wehavetotalktohimandstoptheattack!TheHelgardiansaren’ttheenemyandthemonstersareactuallyguardians!Pleasestopfighting!”

“Whotoldyousuchafoolishthing?”Asherasksas

hepusheshiswaythroughsomeofhismen.GrippedinhisrighthandisanelegantbastardswordandhisleftiswrappedaroundFizzle’sneck.“Ididn’twanttobelievethiscreature.Tothinkthatmybelovedsisterwouldturnonherownfamily.Takeyourpetbackandteachhim

tobehave.”Hethrowsthedriteto

KirawhocatchesFizzleandholdshimclosetoherchest.Shebacksawayfromherbrother,noticinghisskinispalerthanthelasttimeshesawhim.Hischestnuthairisoilyandhiseyesareslightlysunkenasifhehasnotslept

indays.Adullhumemanatesfromthestrangebladethatheletshanglimpathisside,thepointskitteringonthestonewheneverhemoves.

“Youknowfathersacrificedourfamilyandyou’restillsidingwithhim,”Kirawhispers,placingtheunconsciousdriteonthe

ground.“Pleasedon’tmakemefightyou,Ash.IfyoucontinuethisbattlethenBor’darukwillbedestroyed.”

“Mynewmastertoldmethatanditdoesn’tconcernme,”herbrothercoldlyreplies.Henoticesthegriffinflyingnearbyandslicestheheadoffthenearestarcherto

thegethismen’sattention.“Fireatthatwingedbeastorsufferthesamefate!Let’sseehowourprincesshandlesseeingthedeathofherbelovedCallindor.”

HalfofthebowmendroptheirweaponswhenTimoranroarsandchargesattheircommander.Kirawatchesthe

barbarianswingwithanoverheadchop,closinghereyestoavoidseeingherbrother’sdemise.Instead,Asherraiseshisswordtoblocktheattackandacracklingexplosionsendshisattackerflyingback.Timorantumblesdownthestairs,hissteaminggreataxeskittering

aheadofhim.“ItappearsaReflector

Bladedefeatsadeflectorweapon,”Ashercasuallystates,examininghisflawlessweapon.Heblowsafewwispsofsmokeofftheedgeandrunshisglovedhandalongtheblade.“Abeautifulgiftthatmynewmaster

instructedfathertogiveme.Iwastoldthattheformerownerwastooweaktowieldit,butithastakentomequiteswiftly.Withthispower,Icancrushthosenomadsanddefendourfamily.”

“Putthecursedsworddown,Ash,”Kirabegshim,spinningtheweightedendof

herweapon.“I’llfightyouifIhaveto,butI’dratheryougiveup.Pleaseseethatyou’rebeingusedandstanddown.”

“Willyoukillme,Kiki?”“I’llbeatyou.”“Thatwasn’tthe

question.”Kirabitesherlowerlip

andrushesatherbrother,whippingherweaponathisfeettodrivehimtowardthestairs.Heeasilymovesawayfromtheattacks,leanstohisleftwhenthesickleisswungathisarm.Shecontinuestryingtohithisleather-coveredlimbsinsteadofaimingforhisunprotected

head.Asherstepstothesidetoletoneofherattacksgobyandwrapsherweaponaroundthebastardsword.HeyanksKiraoffherfeetandstabsdownather,butshecatchesthetipbetweenchainlinksandredirectstheblade.Theswordhitsthestonewithasolidclangandtheforceruns

upthewarrior’sarm,causinghismusclestotwitch.Theyoungwomanuntanglesherkusari-gamaandbacksawaywhileAsherrubshisshoulder,hiseyesclearforasecondbeforeturningglassyagain.

“That’sthedifferencebetweenus,”hedeclares

whileadvancingonhissister.Heswingshisweapon,grinningassheblockstheattackandfallstoherknees.“Yourefusetotrulyfightme,butIwillkillyouifIhaveto.We’refamily,soIwouldprefertospareyourlifeandwelcomeyoutomymaster’sfold.Ourbloodshouldbe

thickenoughtoputussidebyside.Though,I’msuretheCallindor’sinfluencehascorruptedyou.Youhavenoloyaltytoyourkinsinceyourepeatedlychoosehimoverourwishesandtraditions.Suchaweakchildwithnoconvictioninherheart.You’reaninsulttoourentire

family.”“I’mnottheonewho

sacrificedmykintomonsters!”Kirashouts,jumpingtoherfeetandcharging.Shedrivesherbrotherbackandducksunderhisswordtogetbehindhim,strikinghisswordarmwiththebluntendofherweapon.

“Youmightbewillingtokillme,butyou’reusinganunfamiliarweapon.Thatthingisn’tweightedandcurvedlikeascimitar,whichhasalwaysbeenyourfavoredblade.I’vemasteredthekusari-gama,whichmeansIhavetheadvantage.Sosurrenderanddropthe

bastardsword.”“Allwordsandnoheart.

IthinkI’llmakethisharderforyou,”hesayswhileremovingoneofhisgloves.Hegripsthehiltofhisweaponandhisfleshwrapsaroundit,retainingenoughflexibilitytoallowhimtomovetheweaponwithease.

“Takemyhandandprayitremovesthisso-calledcurse.Ifyou’rewrongthenI’llcontinuefightinguntilIbleedtodeath.”

Kiratriesherbesttoraiseherweapon,herarmsshakingasshestaresintothecoldeyesofherbrother.Memoriesofherrelatives’bodiesand

thefeelingofattackingherfatherrushintohermind.Tryingtoholdontoaflickerofrage,theheiressattacksandslamstheweightedendofherweaponintoAsher’sribs.Shenimblyavoidshisstabsandslashes,patientlywaitingforanopeninginhisdefenses.Withanunderhand

flick,shehitshiminthegroinandAshercollapsestohisknees.Hisexpressionofshockandpainmakesherstop,givinghimtheopportunitytostabatherchest.AnexpertlywieldedlongswordcatchesthebladeasDelvinstepsbetweenthebattlingsiblings.

“I’mnotsureifIshouldapologizeforgettinginvolvedhere,”thebrown-hairedwarrioradmits,keepingAsher’sweaponpressedagainsttheground.Henoticestheraggedlookofthenobleandtakesaquickglanceatthebastardsword.“Iknowthisweapon.We

gaveittothemastersofRainbowTower.Howdidyougetit?”

“Mynewmastergaveittome,”Asherangrilygrowls.HepunchesDelvinintheface,knockinghimawayandfreeinghisblade.“Let’sseewhichoneofusisthebetterwarrior.I’mguessingyou

won’tkillmeinfrontofmyownsister.”

ThecursedwarriorgrabshisbastardswordwithbothhandsandfuriouslybattersatDelvin’sdefenses.Asherisbasicandclumsy,butthestrengthofhisblowsgraduallynumbshisenemy’sarms.Whenthechampion

slipstothesideofanoverheadchop,thenoblemanspitsoneofhisteethathisenemy’sfacetostunhim.Ashergrinswhenthebrown-hairedwarriortriestoblockthenextattackwithashieldthatisnotthere,butthestrikeisstillstoppedbyasloppy,offhandparry.Theforce

causesDelvintodrophisweaponandstumbleback,thewallshakingfromthesandgolemcollapsing.Asherslashesatthechampion’schest,causinghisenemytoleapawayandlandawkwardly.Thebrown-hairedwarriortriestosmacktheincomingstabtotheside,

butthecursedbladestillslicesthroughhisarmorandcutshisside.ThenoblekicksDelvininthechestandwatcheshisgaspingenemytumbledownthestairs.

“Patheticcreatures.Ishouldmakeyousufferbeforedeath,”Ashersaysashewalkstothecitysideof

thewall.Heholdsuphisswordandclearshisthroat,glancingbackatKirawhoisstillhunchedoverindefeat.“Hearme,men!Thatmonsterwasoneofoursandthechampionshavedestroyedit!TheyareonthesideoftheHelgardians!Killthemandrazetheencampmentbefore

theycansummonanotheroftheircreatures!Takenoprisonersandbringmethechampions’heads!”

ThelargedoorscreakopenasAshermovestoothersideofthewallandwatcheshisarmytakepositioninfrontofBor’daruk.Heisabouttoordertheattackwhena

screamripsthroughtheair.Beforethenoblecanturnaround,hefeelsachainwraparoundhisneckandheisspunaround.AshercatchesaglimpseofKira’sfaceassheflipshimoffthewallandtwistsherweapon,thesoundofherbrother’snecksnappingsappingthelastof

herstrength.Sheletsgoofthekusari-gamaandturnsawaytoavoidseeingthebodyhittheground.

AsicknessfillsKira’sstomachandshehurriestothefarsideofthewalltovomit.Hersensesarenumbandshebarelynoticesthesoundofwingsasthegriffin

landsbehindher.WhenLukewrapshisarmsaroundher,theheiressbreaksdownandcriesuncontrollably.Shebeatsonthehalf-elf’schestwithlimp-wristedpunchesandsinkstoherknees,dragginghimdownwithher.Scaringeveryoneinearshot,Kirascreamsatthetopofher

lungsinanattempttoreleasetherageandgriefthatchurnsbeneathherskin.ShecontinuesuntilherthroatisrawandsheclingstoLukelikeherlifedependsonneverlettinghimgo.

“Idon’twanttobethelastone,”shewhimpersoverandoveragain.

15

“Areyousureyoushouldbecarryingthatthing?”NyxasksDelvin,watchinghimputthecursedbastardswordintohisbottomlesspouch.“Idon’twanttohaveto...Ithinkit’stoodangerousforustoholdonto.”

“Iagree,butlookwhat

happenedwhenweletitoutofoursight,”DelvinsaysasheglancesatKira.TheyoungwomanclingstoLuke’sarmwhiledraggingherweaponalongthecobblestonesofthemanorentrance.“IfholdingontothisweaponcansavepeoplefromitthenI’lltakeittomygrave.Nothappyabout

pilferingthedead,butIrefusetoletStephenhanditofftosomeoneelse.Youthinkshe’sgoingtobeokay?”

“No,”Saribluntlyanswerswhilewalkingbackwardsandeyeingtheheiress.“Assomeonewhowentthroughsomething

similar,Icantellyouthatshe’snotgoingtohealveryquickly.Notifshestaysinthiscityanyway.”

“Wecan’ttakeherwithus,”Nyxwhispers,feelingalittlequeasyastheyenterthemainbuilding.“It’stoodangerousandshe’snotgoingtobeofsoundmind.

Doesanybodyelsefeelsickallofasudden?”

Thegypsyturnsaroundandputsanarmaroundherbestfriend’sshoulders.“Ibelieveweallfeelnauseatedforonereasonoranother,Nyxie.Gladtohaveyouback,butIwishitwasabetterreunion.Ilikeyour

tan.”“Thanks,butIdon’t

thinkitwilllast,”thecasteradmitsasshelooksatthelavishdecorationsonthewalls.Sherecognizesafewofthepaintings,makingherwonderiftheyaretheoriginalsorcopies.“Wherearewegoing?”

“Totalktomyfather,”Kirarepliesinacrackingvoice.“Iwanttolethimknowwhathappenedtomybrotherandseewhathehastosay.I’dappreciateitifallofyouwouldbetheretohelpmegetthroughthis.”

“Wewillstaybyyourside,myfriend”Timoran

statesashesqueezeshershoulder.HeholdsontoletFizzlecrawlontotheheiressandnuzzleherneck.“Donothesitatetoaskusforanythingthatyouneed.”

“KnockmeoutifIattack.Witheverythinghedid...Waylandwillbestrippedofhissurnameand

exiled.That’sworsethandeathandIwanttomakesurehegetsit.”

LukeholdsKiratightlyandgivesherakissonthecheek,hopingtodissolvesomeofhersorrow.Hehasbeensilentfortheentirewalkbacktothemanor,lostinhisownthoughtsaboutwhathe

willdotoStephenwhentheymeetagain.Thepresenceofthebastardswordisalltheproofheneedstoknowtheirmostsadisticenemyisbehindeverything.HeisthankfulthattheystoppedthewarwiththeHelgardians,butallsilverliningsarewipedawaybythesensationofhisfiancée’s

stutteringheartbeat.Theringofunsheathed

steelsnapsLukeoutofhisthoughtsandheseeshisfriendsreadyingtheirweapons.EvenKiraispushingherselfawayandwanderingaheadindaze,herhandreachingouttotheunguardedentrancetoher

father’squarters.Shetakesadeepbreathandthrowsopenthedoors,ascreamcatchinginherthroatatthescenebeforeher.Theremainsoftheeliteguardshavebeenstrewnacrosstheroomandawitheredhuskissprawledonthefloor,theringsofWaylandGrasdonnearits

thinfingers.Furniturehasbeensmashedwithseveralshardsembeddedinthewallsandfloor.Puddlesofliquidmarbleareonthegroundwherepricelessstatuesoncestoodandscrapsofpaintingslitterthefloor.EventhemuraloftheGrasdonfamilythathasadornedtheback

wallsinceKirawasababyhasbeendestroyedbyapatchworkofdeepgouges.Abovethecarnagefloatsatransparentfigureinaflowinggownofgold,thewoman’sebonyhairbillowingoutliketendrils.

“Mom?”Kiraasksasshewalkstowardsthespecter.

SheisgrabbedbybothwristsandturnstoseeSariandDarianabehindher.“That’smymom.”

“I’msorry,butit’snot,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies.ShepullstheheiressbackandhandshertoSariwholocksKirainplace.“I’mguessingtheSpurgewas

meanttoremovemefromBor’daruk.IwouldhavesensedyouassoonasIsteppedfootinthemanor.GettingridofNyxwasanaccident,butitmadethingseasiertocontinueyourplan.AsforSariandherexpertisewithillusions,youknewshewouldbetoodistractedby

LukeandKiratobotherexploringthemanor.There’snoreasontohidebehindsuchaflimsydisguiseanymore,dearbrother.”

“Ialwaysforgethowmuchofakilljoyyouare,unwantedsister,”theghostsaysinavoicethatchangesfromfemininetoafamiliar

tone.Thespecterturnsblackandlandsontheground,transformingintoStephen,anexcitedgrinplasteredonhisface.“IseethatthefinalGrasdonisstillbreathing,whichisashame.Iwashopingtowipeouttheentirefamily.MaybeIshouldhavekepttheoldmanalivelong

enoughtoeliminatethefutureMrs.Callindor.Thenagain,I’veheardthingsaren’tasstableasIthoughtinthatarena.”

“Whatdidyoudotomyfather?”Kiraasks,strugglingagainstSari’spowerfulgrip.

StephenwaveshishandoverWayland’sbodyandit

crumblestodust,thebeardtheonlypiecethatremains.“First,IbutcheredhisbodyguardsandthenIstabbedyourfatherinthechestwithabutterknife.IassureyouthatitwasmoremenacingthanitsoundsbecauseImadeitlooklikeaghostwasattackingthem.I

driedthebodywhenIconsideredhidingallofthisfromwhoeverreturned,butIdecidedtoputonashowinstead.”

Kiragrowlsandfreesanarmtoawkwardlyswingtheweightedendofherkusari-gamaatSari,givingthegypsyaglancingblowtothe

head.Thejoltofpainisenoughtobreakherholdontheheiresswhoscreamsandcharges.SheknocksDarianaoutofherwayandswingsthesicklewithallherstrength.TheweaponiscaughtinmidairbyStephenandheappearsbehindKiratowrapthechainaroundherentire

head.Hethrowsherintotheairwherethesicklehooksontoachandelier,danglingtheflailingheiressaboveherfriends.Sheclawsatthechains,whichtightenaroundherskullassoonasLukeracestowardStephen.Hershriekofagonymakesthehalf-elfskidtoastop,his

headsnappedtothesidebyasmackfromthemanhereallywantstokill.

“MakeanymoveandIcrushherheadlikeanegg,”Stephenwarnstheforesttracker.HecirclesLukeandslapshimseveraltimesintheface,disappointedthatthewarriortakestheabuse

withoutfighting.“Youmightbeabletohurtme,butyoucan’tfinishmeoffbeforeIkilloneofyourloves.Thenagain,youhaveaspare,somaybekillingmeisworththeminorsacrifice.Ireallywonderwhatyouwilldecidetodo.”

“You’reacoward,”Luke

saysashismusclestwitch.“Youcan’tstoptheothersfromdefeatingyou.”

“MaybeIshouldfinishyouofftobesafe.”

Stephendrawsadaggerfromhisbeltandsighswhenhisseveredhandissentflyingacrosstheroom.HecatchesthenextswingofDelvin’s

bladeandslamshisstumpintothewarrior’stemple.Frowningandmutteringcurses,hemovestostrikeagainwithhisreattachedhandholdingthedagger.ThistimeheisflooredbyTimoran’sgreataxehittinghimintheback,acracklingofenergyeruptingfromhis

unmarredfleshwhenitisremoved.Thebarbarianholdshisgroundandtriestosevereoneofhisenemy’slegs,buttheancientnoblemanrollsoutoftheway.

“You’reobsessionwithcuttingoffmyhandannoysme,”StephenhissesatDelvinashestandsandwipesdried

bloodoffhissleeve.HesendsTimoranflyingintoSariwithabackhandthatappearstohitthebarbarianfivetimesinarow.Thetwochampionsaresentcrashingintothefarwall,whichfreezesuponcontactwithSariandcrumblestoburythepairbeneathapileoficystone.

“I’mboredwithyou,Cunningham.Youalwaysstandbetweenmeandmygreatestprize.”

“WhatdoesKiraandherfamilyhavetodowithme?”Nyxasks,steppingoutofthedoorway.Shetriestocreateafireballinherpalm,butherfearandconstantwavesof

nauseapreventherfromaccessingheraura.“I’vealwaysbeenyourtarget,butIdon’tfollowhowthisplanworks.UnlessyouhopedtoplungeLukeintodespairinanacttoweakenme.Intruththatwouldonlymakememad.”

“Saysthecasterwho

can’tcastaspellbecauseshe’stooscared,”theblack-hairedmanreplieswithanarrogantsneer.HecatchesDelvin’swristandtwiststhewarrior’sarmbehindhisback.“Tobehonest,thishasnothingtodowithyou,channeler.Ithaseverythingtodowithyourlittlebrother

leavinga...scaronmyneck!Nobodyleavessuchamarkonmybodywithoutsufferinggreatly.SoImanipulatedWaylandGrasdon’shiddengriefbytakingtheghostlyformofhisdearwifeandpromisingthattheHelgardians’sceptercouldbringherback.He

neverknewIwassummoningthemonstersthatweredestroyinghisfamily.Thoughmakinghimdespisehisownlineagewasastrokeofbrillianceonmypart.Thattookalotofconvincingand...pillowtalktoachieve.Ihopeyou’relistening,littleheiress!Theslaughterofyour

familyissolelybecauseyou’reconnectedtothisdamnhalf-elf.Iwonderhowthatconversationwillgoifanyofyougetoutofherealive.”

Inonequickmotion,StephendrivesDelvin’sswordthroughhisbackandthrowsthegaspingwarriorat

Nyx.Shehurriestopulltheweaponfromhimandfocusesherauratopreventhimfrombleedingtodeath.Lukegrowlsandshiftshisfoot,stoppingwhenKiracriesoutfromthechainstightening.Stephencontinuesmakingherbindingsrelaxandconstrict,pausingseveraltimesto

avoidFizzle’swildattacks.Ononeofthedrite’spasses,thesadisticmaniacwhirlsaroundtopunchthedragonintheface.AswiftlycastshieldistheonlythingthatsavesFizzle’slife,butheisstillsentcrashingintothewall.

“Allofyouarefartooquicktoputupdefenses,”

Stephensays,goingbacktoslowlycrushingKira’shead.Afewtricklesofbloodcanbeseengoingdownhershirt,thesightmakingthemanlickhislipsinglee.“I’venevermetchampionsthatweresodifficulttokill.MaybeI’mlosingmytouchorgoingsoft.OnceI’mdonewiththis

uselesschild,I’llfinishoffthatbarbariansinceIhavenorealinterestinhim.Myfatherwon’tfaultmeforsuchaslip.Thefoursurvivorswillneverforget...wait...Ishouldhavesaidfivesurvivors.WhodidIforget?”

Allnoiseandmovementsstopasiftimehasbeen

frozen,butStephensensesthatitissomethingelse.Theflickerofafistappearsinfrontofhisface,disappearingimmediatelyafteritstrikes.Stumblingback,hefeelsakneehithisstomachandanelbowcollidingwiththebaseofhisskull.Jumpingtohisfeet,heremembersDariana

andpushesthroughthementalfogtosenseherpresence.Heisconcernedthatittakessolongandbythetimeheseeshissister,thesilver-hairedwomanisdeliveringaviolentkicktohisface.Stephenfallstothegroundandvanishesbeforethepowerfulchampioncan

followuponherlastattack.“You’vegottenstronger

sinceourlastfight,”hesays,reappearingnearLuke.Hewipeshisbleedinglipwiththehalf-elf’sshirt,gentlysmackinghimonthecheek.“ThoughIdoubtyou’repowerfulenoughtosavethesechampions.Justsitback

andwatchlikeyou’vealwaysdone.Itisn’tlikethey’reyourfriends.”

“Theyaremyfriends,”DarianadeclaresasshereachesintoStephen’smind.Shehashisarmsriseandclap,freeingKirafromherownweapon.SheslapsLukeonthebacktolethimknow

thathecansprintaheadandcatchthefallingheiress.“I’mgoingtogiveyouonechancetorunaway,brother.We’refamily,soIdon’twanttokillyou.”

“Thesamefather,butthatdoesn’tmakeusefamily.”

“Sadly,wehaveanother

thingthatbondsus.”Stephenchucklesand

spitsbloodatDariana’ssand-encrustedshoes.“Immortality?Uniquepower?I’matalossinfiguringoutwhatyou’retalkingabout.Nowstandasidelikedaddy’slittlegirlandpreparetobeputbacktosleep.”

ThemomentheturnstowardLukeandKira,acrushingblowsnapshisrightarm.Hegrimacesinpain,whichisagonizingduetoDarianaenhancinghispainreceptors.Ashehealshisfloppinglimb,sheshattershisribswithakickandsendshimtothefloor.Witha

furiousgrowl,Stephenreappearsonhisfeetandpuncheshissisterintheface.Shestumblesbackandspitsoutatoothbeforeleapingforwardtodriveherelbowintohischest,theblowsendingheropponentskiddingacrosstheroom.Hechargesforward,disappearing

atthelastinstanttocomeatherfromthesideanddeliverashoulder-breakingstrike.Thesiblingsgohitforhit,thesoundofsnappingboneanddrippingbloodechoingthroughoutthemanor.

“Thisisallyouhave?”StephengaspsashehurlsadaggeratDariana.Herfalse

imagedisappearsuponbeinghitandtherealonekneeshiminthekidney.“Okay,thatlasttrickwasagoodone.Stillit’snothingthatcanstopmefromwinning.Youmerelyturnedoffyourpain,whichwillcatchuptoyouonceyourunoutofenergy.IonlyhavetooutlastyousinceIcanheal

allthedamageyouinflict.”“Allthephysical

damage,”Darianapointsoutwithacruelsmile.Shecracksherknuckles,whichplungestheroomintoaneeriesilence.“IhatetoadmitthatIenjoyinflictingpainonpeoplewhoangerme.Itdoesn’thappenoftenthankstoyouand

father.Theeasiestwaytoenragesomeoneisbythreateningtheirfriendsandfamily,butyoumadesureIneverhadanyofthose.Tobehonest,bigbrother,I’vealwaysdreamedaboutdefeatingyou.It’sonlynowthatIfeelthestrengthtodoso.”

“Givemeyourbestshot,littlesister.”

Darianaholdsoutherpalmandadaggerofpurewhiteenergyappears,theweaponblurredbyitsrapidspinning.“IneverusedthisbeforebecauseI’vebeensavingitforyou.Icallitamindscrambler.Notvery

catchy,butthenamegetstothepoint.”

“Andyouexpectmetostandhereandletyoustrikeme?”

“Yes.”Darianasprintsat

Stephenandhereappearsbehindher,drivinghisfistthroughthesideofherhead.

ThefalseimagefadesawayandanotherDarianarushesinfromtheside.Hedecapitatesherwithaslashingdagger,butthebodydisappearsagain.Whenanotheroneappearsinfrontofhim,hewhirlsaroundtostabatafourthbehindhim.Hegrinsatthefeelingofmetal

piercingfleshandbloodflowingontohisfingers.Itisashort-livedvictoryasthatDarianapopslikeabubbleandsearingpaineruptsfromthebackofhisskull.Droolflowingfromhismouthandpusseepingfromhiseyes,Stephenisunabletoturnaroundandcanonlyscream

whilehismindistornapartattheseams.Musteringthelastbitoffocushehas,theshriekingmadmankicksDarianathroughtheceilinganddisappearsfromGrasdonManor.

*****Delvinwakestothesight

ofablueskyandpeacocks

struttingaroundthetopofthesoftbrownwalls.Thereisnoroof,whichcauseshimalittleconfusionsinceheissureheisinsometypeofroom.Ittakesafewsecondsforhimtorecognizethesensationofwarmsheetsonhisskin.Whenhetriestositup,hecannotmovehislegsand

fearsthatheisparalyzedfromthewaistdown.Pushinguponhishands,Delvinbreathesasighofreliefandwiggleshistoestodrivehispanicaway.Nyxissleepingacrosshislegs,thegown-wearingcastergentlysnoringandmumblingincoherently.

“Shefinallyfellasleep,”

Sariwhispers.SheiscarefullyfeedingDarianasomesoup,thesilver-hairedwomanrestingonanothersimplecot.“Youtwo,Kira,andFizzletooktheworstbeatings.FizzleisbetterandhelpingTimoranandEileengetthingsundercontrol.Kirahasbeenlockedinherroom

withLuke,whichIentirelyunderstandandaccept.Nyxhasbeenwatchingoverbothofyouforthelasttwelvehours.Bytheway,Mr.Cunningham,youhaveascarontherightsideofyourstomachandanotheronthebackfromthethroughandthrough.Nyx’smagic

stoppedyourbleeding,butitrantoohotandmadeitimpossibleforthepotionstheyhaveheretodoafullheal.”

“They’reamatchingset,”Darianaclaims,chucklingtoherself.ShesmileswhenSarigiggles,butstopswhenshemeets

Delvin’sgaze.“I’msorry.It’salittleinsidejoke.Ipromisenottomakeanother.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.Ifyou’recrackingajokethenyou’redefinitelyoneofus,”thewarriorsayswhilereachingouttotouchNyx’scheek.Thehalf-elfpusheshishandawaywithathreefoot

longscepter,thebluelotusandrubyonthetopshimmeringwithmagic.“Isthatthescepterwiththebigmonsterinsideofit?Whyisshesleepingwithit?”

“Sheuseditasabackscratcherearlier,”thegypsyreplies,walkingovertothesnoozingcaster.Shepicks

upablanketanddrapesitoverherfriend’sshoulders.“WefounditbehindapaintinginWayland’sroomanditwasbuzzing.ThethingcalmeddownonceNyxtouchedit,sowe’rethinkingshehastokeepitonher.Ishouldwakeherupbecauseweneedtoletthenomads

andthecityguardknowthetruth.”

“Doyouhavetowakeher?Shelookssopeacefulandcute.”

“Youcanwatchhersleepwhenwe’reontheroad,”Sarisays,leaningoverthecaster.SheputsherlipsaninchfromNyx’searandstiflesan

impishlaugh.“IthinkDelvinneedstobewokenwithakiss.SinceNyxisasleep,I’llhavetodoit.”

Themischievousgirlyelpswhenthescepterisjabbedintoherchest,pushingherbackandtearingthecollarofherbluedress.Shegrabsacupoficewaterout

ofDariana’shandandmakesitevencolderwithafrigidbreath.Withnohesitation,SariliftsthebackofNyx’sshirtanddumpsthefreezingwaterintotheopening.Thehalf-elfisonherfeetimmediatelyandjumpingaroundtogettheicecubesoutofherclothes.

“Dammit,Sari!Noicedownmyshirt!”

“Nopokingmeintheboobswiththemonsterscepter!”

“WellyouthreatenedtokissDelvin.”

“You’renotwithhim,sowhatdoyoucare?”

“Becauseyou’realready

involvedand...itisn’tright.”

“Thenyoukisshim.”“MaybeIwill!”Delvinclearshisthroat

andwavestoNyx,whosefaceturnsred.“Icanpretendtobeasleepifyouwant.”

“We...wehavestufftotakecareof,”thecaster

sheepishlymutters.“There’sstillthechancethattheHelgardiansandthecityguardswillfight.WealsoneedtodiscussthetribebringingustoHelgard,butthatmightbebestsavedforwhenwe’reallthere.TheywouldwanttoseetheCompassKeytoo.Restup

andI’ll...we’llcomebackforyou.”

NyxgivesDelvinahugaroundhisneckandhurriesoutoftheroom,startlingapeacockasshenearlybreaksintoasprint.SarirollshereyesandtakeshertimerefillingDariana’sdrinkingglass.Shemovesasqueaky

foodcartclosertoDelvin,removingthecoverfromthepotofhotsoup.Givingeachofherfriendsakissonthecheek,thegypsygoesinsearchofNyx.Sheabruptlystopsinthedoorwayandbeginsquietlyarguingwithsomeonetoherright.Withagroanofexasperation,she

shoveswhoeverishidingfromviewandwavestotherecoveringpatients.

“You’reawarethatshe’sinlovewithyou,right?”Darianaasks,startlingDelvinasheladleshimselfsomesoup.“I’msorry,butI’mconfusedontherelationshipsinourgroup.Theyseemto

havechangedsinceIwaslastwithyou.”

“I’mnotsurprisedsinceyouweren’taroundwhenKiracamebackintothefray,”thewarriorstates,sippingatthesweetbroth.Hisstomachroarsatthedelicioustaste,butthefoodistoohottowolfdown.“Asfor

Nyx,I’vebeenawareforawhilenow.I’mgoingtobepatientandwaitforher.HappytoseethatI’vemadegreatprogresswithherinthelastfewmonths.”

“Butsheranawayinembarrassment.”

“Yes,butshedidn’thitme.”

“Shedidinthedesert.”“Notgettinghitevery

timeIembarrassherisanimprovement.”

Darianascratchesherheadandswingsherlegsoutofthebed,enjoyingthefeelofwarmstonebeneathherbarefeet.Wearingasimpleshiftandunderwear,the

achingwomangoestoherpileoffoldedclothesandcarriesthembehindacurtain.Herhissesofpaincanbeheardassheputshertoponoverthebandages,theenhancedsensationofbruisedbonesmakingherwanttovomitandcollapse.Sheknowstheagonywilldie

downwhenherbodyreturnstonormal,herpainreceptorsverysensitivefrombeingnumbedduringherfightwithStephen.

“I’mguessingyourbrotherisstillalive!”Delvincallsoutfromhisbed.“Iwasconsciousenoughtohearyoumentionamindscrambler.

Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeitwouldkillsomeonelikeStephen.”

“Sadly,heisstillaliveandmightbemoredangerous,”Darianaexplainsasshestepsoutfrombehindthecurtaininblackpantsandanemeraldtop.Returningtoherbed,sheliesdownand

reachesuptoattractapeahentoherarm,thebirdidenticaltotheoneembroideredonhershirt.“Myattackhurthismindandpossiblydestroyedsomememories.I’veneveruseditbeforesinceIwassavingitformybrother.ForallIknow,Iturnedhimintoapowerfulberserkerthatmy

fatherwilluseasamindlessweapon.ThereisthesmallpossibilitythatStephenwillbetoomuchofaliabilityandmyfatherwilldestroyhim.I’msorrythatIcan’ttellyouanythingforcertain,butit’ssafesttoassumehe’llreturn.”

Delvinnodsandgoesbacktoeatinghissoup,

lettinghisotherquestionsgounmentioneduntilheslayshishunger.HethrowsachunkofbreadtoDarianawhoblindlycatchesitandsharesthefoodwiththebirdthathasmovedtoherlap.Withanexperimentalstretchofhistinglingarms,thewarriorscanstheroomforhis

clothes.Seeingthemonadistanttable,herollsoutofbedandpadsovertograbthem.Hestopswhenhefeelssurprisinglycoolandlooksdowntorealizethat,unlikeDariana,hehasbeenstrippedcompletelynaked.

“I’mverysorry,”hedeclares,movingsothatshe

canonlyseehisbackside.Grabbinghisclothes,heawkwardlysidestepsacrosstheroomandbehindthecurtainDarianahadused.“Whostripssomebodysufferingfromastomachwound?”

“ThatwouldbeSari,”hischucklingcompanion

answersassheplacesthepeahenonthefloor.“ShethoughtitwouldbefunnytohaveyounakedunderthecoverswhenNyxcamebackfromusingthebathroom.Idon’tthinkNyxnoticedbecauseshefellasleeponyourlegsprettysoonafterarriving.Sosheneverlooked

underthesheet...Ithink.Tobehonest,therewasanhourbetweenherarrivingandmewakingup.”

“Sarisawmenakedtoo?”

“LukewasheretogetsomemedicineforKiraatthetime.”

“Sonearlyeveryonesaw

menakedexceptfortheonepersonIwouldn’tmind,”thewarriorgroans,steppingoutinawhiteshirtandblackslacks.“Thatdidn’tsoundright,soIhopeyouknowwhatImean.Canwechangethetopic?”

“Icanmakeaconfessionifyouwishtobringour

conversationtomyshortcomingsandshames,”Darianapolitelysuggests.Shebrieflycovershermouthwhensherealizeswhatshehassaid.“Notthatyouhaveanythingtobeashamedof,whichdoesn’tmeanI’mimpressedorinterested.Isimplydon’twantyouto

thinkIwasinsultingyou.”Delvinreturnstohisbed

andgoesbacktoeatinghissoupwhilewatchingtheflusteredwoman.“Ishouldapologizetoyou,Dariana.IwascoldandmeanwhenIshouldhaverealizedyou’renewtoallofthis.Notbeingachampion,buthavingfriends.

I’mguessingourpredecessorswerelikemeandhadissueswithyourlineage,soyou’vebeenaloneformostofyourlife.”

“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,thepreviouschampionswereathousandtimesworse,”shesaysasshesitsontheedgeofherbed.

Withnimbletoes,shehooksthewheeledcarttolazilypushitbackandforth.“OnetimeIwasputinacageandpulledalonglikeabeast.AnothertimeIwashandcuffedandkeptattheheadofthegroup.Afewtimesthechampionsbroughtmetothenearesttownand

abandonedme,whichwerethenicerinteractions.Therewasonegroupthattriedtokillme,soStephendestroyedthemonthespotfornotplayingthegame.I’mnotsayingallofyourpredecessorshavebeencruelpeoplesinceI’veonlymetafractionofthem.Manynever

foundmeorweredestroyedbeforeGabrielwasreadytohavemejointhem.Iguessmyluckhassimplybeenbaduntilnow.”

“Nowonderyoustoodbywhiletheywerekilled,”Delvinstateswhilehemovestositnexttoher.Hestaresupatthepeacocksthatare

watchingthem,analbinoonedroppingtothecarttostealacracker.“I’mgladyousteppedintothefight.I’msuremanyofuswouldhavebeenkilledifyoudidn’tgetangryandgoafterStephen.”

Darianahopsoffthebedandpicksupthealbinopeacocktostrokethebird

fromthecrestonitsheadtothetipofitstail.Likeachild,sheisfascinatedbythecreatureandstaresintoitscrimsoneyes.Thebirdpecksathernosewhensheattemptstospeaktoitsmind,causinghertothrowitintotheairinsurprise.Thepeacockglidesoutanopenwindowand

landsonatreebranchwhileDarianafallstoherhandsandknees.Herbodyachesfromthesuddenmovementandshewondersifshehasbrokenmorebones.

“Let’sgetyoubacktothebed,”herfriendsayswhilehehelpsherup.Helaysthesilver-hairedwoman

downandtakesaseatnearherfeet.“Youreallydidanumberonyourself.Ithinkweshoulddiscusswaystopreventyoufromgoingtoofar.Wewon’talwaysbenearahealerandIdon’twantyoutosacrificeyourself.Nomatterhowangryyouget.”

Dariana’seyesbeginto

closeasherenergydrains,thechampionreachingouttoweaklygripherwaterglass.“Ihaveaconfessiontomake.Itwasn’tmyragethatIwaschanneling.Icouldn’tblockwhattherestofyouwerefeeling,whichmademeconfusedandunsureatfirst.KiraandLukewere

exceptionallystrong,butNyxbeingupsetaboutyoudrovemeovertheedge.StephenhasalwayspushedmearoundandI’vealwaysbelievedIwastheweakersibling.That’swhyIneverusedmymindscrambleronhimbeforetoday.WhenIfeltallofyourpainandanger,I

didn’tevenconsidermyfailingsandwentforhisjugularsotospeak.I’msorrythat-”

“Howaboutyouonlyapologizewhenyou’veactuallydonesomethingwrong?”

“I’msor...I’lltrymybest.”

Delvinsqueezesherhandanddrawsthesheetuptohershoulders.Hesmilesandgoesbacktohisbedwhereherestswithhishandsbehindhishead.Hewatchesthepeacockswalkalongthewall,thealbinomalebackwithitskin.Glancingtohisside,henoticesthatDarianahas

fallenasleepcurledupinaballbeneathhersheets.

“You’redefinitelygoingtobeaninterestingally,”hewhispersasherollsontohisotherside.“ThoughIhopeyoucanbringyourselftofightyourfather.Isthereanypointinwhisperingaroundatelepath?”

“Notreally,”shesaysinhersleep.

“Thoughtso.Sorryaboutthat.”

“Noproblem.I’lljustwipemymemoryofyousayingit.”

Thewarriorcanonlystareatthesilver-hairedwoman,hercuriouswords

hangingintheair.*****

Lukeflexeshisshouldersandneck,hismusclesstifffrombeinginthesamepositionforsolong.Holdinghisbreath,hecarefullyslipsoutofKira’sembraceandeasesherheadontoacouchpillow.Herbloodshoteyes

openashepoursaglassofwateranddropsayellowpillintothecooldrink.Theliquidbubblesandturnsintoathinjellythatsmellsoftangerines.Withoutawordofcomplaint,Kiraletsherfiancéepropherupandslowlypourthesweetmedicineintoheropenmouth.Thenourishingserum

dripsoutofthecornersofherlipsandsoaksthefrontofherheavilystainedshirt.

“Youreallyneedtoeatsomething,”Lukesaysashekissesheroilyforehead.Heleansbacktoputtheglassonatable,makingsurenottoletherfloptothefloor.“Thatmedicineiskeepingyou

alive,butyouneedrealfoodtorecoveryourstrength.Doesyourheadstillhurtfromthechains?”

“No,”Kiranumblyreplies.Withavacantexpression,sheglancesathermaidwhoisdustingadollcollectiononthefarsideofthebedroom.“Canyouget

measandwich,Eileen?Justcheeseandsomebread.NothingfancybecauseI’monlyeatingtoshutLukeup.”

Thecalicobowsandbackstowardsthedoor.“Yes,mistress.I’llbebackassoonasIcan.”

RingingsilencefillstheroomafterEileenleavesand

awarmbreezedriftsthroughtheopenwindow.KiracurlsagainstLukeandclingstohim,herjaggednailscuttinghisskinthroughhisthinshirt.Theheiressbarelynoticesthedamagesheisdoinguntilthehalf-elfgruntsandshiftsbeneathhertouch,causinghertorelax.Herbodyjumps

atthesoundofatrumpetingelephant,thebeastpassingbeneaththebalcony.Shewhimpersandcries,butshehasrunoutoftearstoshed,whichmakeshersorrowandgriefevenworse.

“Ikilledallofthem,”Kirawhispersinameekvoice.Sheputsherlegs

acrossthehalf-elf’slaptopullherselfevencloser.“I...IsnappedAsher’sneckandthrewhimoffthewall.Ibrokemyfathertothepointwherehecouldn’tdefendhimself.Therestdiedbecauseofmyconnectiontoyou.I’mtheonlyGrasdonleftandit’sallmyfault.”

“Itsoundsmorelikeit’smyfault,”Luketellsher,strokinghisfiancée’sebonyhairandputtinghisotherarmaroundher.“IfIkeptignoringyouattheacademyorcalleditoffwhenIgraduatedorendedthingswhenImetSarithenthiswouldn’thavehappened.

Stephenisasadisticmonsterwhodidthistohurtmeandheaccomplishedthat.I’mnotsurewhattodoaboutus.”

“Doyouloveme?”“Yes.”“MorethanSari?”Lukehesitatesandlooks

away,cringingatthefeelofhernailsstabbinghischest

again.Hecarriestheyoungwomantotheneatlymadebed,concernedabouthowlimpshefeelsinhisarms.Whenhelaysherdown,heslipsoutofhisshirtandescapeshergrasptoexaminethecrescent-shapedmarksalloverhisskin.Kirahugstheshirttoherchest,butholdsit

outwhenshefeelsitsticktoherneck.Sheseesthebloodymarksleftbyherpiercinghisfleshandthrowsthegarmentintothecorner.

“I’msorryaboutthat,”shewhisperswhileshewatchesLukepaceinfrontofthebed.“Ishouldn’thavehurtyou.”

“AboutSari.”Withasuddensurgeof

energy,Kiraleapsoffthebedandtightlyclapsherhandaroundhismouth.“Pleasedon’tsayanything.Itwaswrongofmetobringherup.Youblameyourselfforallofthiseventhoughitisn’tyourfault.I’mfilledwithgrief

overkillingmybrother,attackingmyfather,andlosingeveryone.YetIhaveenoughofmywitstoknowthatweshouldn’ttalkaboutourfuture.Nogooddecisioncouldbemadelikethis.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Lukeasks,removingherclammyhandfromhisface.

Hekissesherpalmandpullsherintoahug,hissoundsightfocusingonherstutteringheartbeat.“I’lldowhateverIcantohelpyou.”

“IsaidIwasn’tgoingtomakeanydecisions,”theheiressmuttersinavoicethatisbothamusedandangry.Sheputsherheadonhisbare

shoulder,herfingerstrailingalonghispinkscar.“There’sreallyonlyonethingformetodo.Ineedtoburymyfamily,studymyfather’sledgers,andtakeoverthebusiness.Mostofourpartnerswillunderstandthatwe’llbequietforawhile.Thosethatdon’twillbehandledwhen

I’mbetterorbyasurrogateofmychoosingtorunthebusinessinmyplace.That’stheplanwe’vealwayshadinplaceincasesomethinghappenedtomyfatherandI’mgoingtoabidebyit.”

“Letmedoit.”“Youhavetogowith

yourfriends.”

“Icanstaywithyou.”“Don’tlietome.”“Icanstaywithyouand

returntothemwhenyou’reready.”

“Don’tlietome,Callindor!”

KirashovesLukeawayandslapshimacrossthefacewithenoughforcetosplithis

bottomlip.Immediatelyregrettingheractions,sheputsherhandsonhischeeksandkisseshimeventhoughshecantastehisbloodinhermouth.Theforcebecomesgreaterassheletsthesliverofhappinesswashoverher.Forcingthehalf-elfback,Kirapinshimagainstthewall

andgrabshiswriststostophimfrompushingheraway.Herheadswimsafterafewminutes,soshebreaksthekiss,butkeepsLukecornered.

“I’msorryforallofthat,”shegaspsasshewrapsherarmsaroundthewarrior’sneck.“IgotangryandthenI

fearedIwoulddriveyouaway.You’reallthatIhaveleft,Luke,andI’mnotallowedtoholdontoyouwhenIreallyneedyou.Ican’tbeselfishwhenyouhaveagreaterpurpose.”

“Sariwillunderstand,”Lukeemphaticallyinsists.Hestrokeshercheekandgives

heraquickkissonthelips.“Although,StephenmightcomeformeifhelearnsI’monmyown.Iwouldputyouindangeragain.”

“You’reachampionandI’mtheheadofamerchanthouse.Fornow,we’renotabletograntwhattheotherwants,”Kirasays,herknees

givingoutastheadrenalineleavesherbody.Thehalf-elfslidesdowntothefloorwithher,whichletstheyoungwomanstraddlehim.“Howlonguntilyouleavewithyourfriends?”

“OnceDelvinandDarianaareabletotravel.Icanconvincethemtogiveus

aday.”“Thankyou.”“Idoloveyou,Kira.”“Iloveyoutoo,”the

heiressreplies,holdinghimtighteratthesoundofEileenopeningthedoor.“That’swhythishurtssomuch.”

16

Sariissprawledonthefloorofthetent,herhairandlimbssplayedasshepantslikeanoverheateddog.Herclothesaresoakedwithwaterthatshepoursoverherselfeveryfifteenminutes,theorbofliquidhoveringoverherface.Sheopenshermouth

andwhimperswhileafewpreciousdropsfallonherswollentongue.Thewarmwatermakeshermoanindespair,soshereachesherhandintotheorbtocoolitwithanicespell.Turningherhead,shecanseeTimoransittingintheshadedcorner.Withaweakflickofherhand

Sarisendsaspurtofcoldwateratthesweatybarbarian.Heshakesandshiversfromthesuddenchill,butnodshisheadinthankstohisexhaustedfriend.

“She’sbeingalittledramatic,isn’tshe?”Misraeasksfromthetable.Asnowballstrikeshiminthe

sideoftheheadandheyelpsinsurprise.“Byeverygodoffireandheat,thatisahorriblesensation!Isthathowaguestthanksherhost?”

“Sariispartoceanfairy,sothedesertdoesn’tagreewithher,”Nyxsayswhileshescratchesherbackwiththescepter.Sheputstheholy

relicinherlapwhensheseesthelookofhorroronSharne’sface.“I’msorry,butI’mnotabletobreakcontactwiththisthing.Evernoticethatwhenyouhaveevenoneofyourhandsstuckwithsomething,partsofyourbodyitchthatyouneedthathandtogetto?Thenagainitcouldbethe

uncomfortablefeelingI’vehadeversinceIpickedthisthingup.”

“IthinkIseemyfamilywavingtome,”Sariblurtsoutinadreamyvoice.“ShouldIgotothem?”

“You’renotdying!”theTribeKingsnaps,tossingapillowatthegypsy.“The

momentwefindanoasis,I’mtossingherintothewater.”

“I’llholdyoutothatpromise,mybenevolentandhandsomehost.”

“CanIholdthescepter?”Sharneasks,reachingoutfortherelic.“Iwanttoseewhathappensifyoureleaseit.Ipromisetohanditbackatthe

firstsignoftrouble.”Nyxgingerlyhandsthe

sceptertotheholywoman,butrefusestoletgowhensheisstruckbyapanicattack.Strangenoiseswhisperinhermind,someofthemfaintvoicesandothersdistantshrieks.Grippinghernecklacetocalmdown,the

casterreleasesthescepterandisknockedonherbackbyaboltofhazyenergy.Sharneisdraggedalongthefloorbythethrashingobject,herbodyshakinglikealeafinahurricane.Boltsoffierylightninglanceoutineverydirection,sendingeveryonescramblingforcoverasthey

punchholesinthetent.OneblaststreaksforMisrae,whoissavedbyTimorandeflectingthespellthroughtheroofwithhisgreataxe.NyxtacklesSharneandgetsherhandontheholyitem,causingtheexplosionstostopimmediately.

“Thankyou,myfriend,”

Misraesayswhilegentlysmackingthebarbarian’sshoulder.“Ishouldleavetocalmourpeopleandgetsomeair.Pleasedon’tdothatagain,dearPalqua.”

“Ipromisenottotouchit,”thestartledwomanswears,takingaseatonapileofpillows.Sheissurprised

whenSaricrawlsoutfromunderher,thegypsyreturningtoherdramaticposeontherugs.“ItappearsthatthemonsterinsidehasbondedwithNyx.Attheveryleast,itwishesforhertoholdontothescepter.Hasitsaidanythingtoyou?Ihearavoicefromwithintheruby

wheneverIsleep,butitisneverclear.”

“NothingevenwhenIsleep,”Nyxadmits,puttingthescepterinherbottomlesspouch.Withafieryflash,itappearsbackinherhandandshegetsthesensethatthebeastwithinisglaringather.“Therewasaspecterwho

visitedmeandtalkedabouthowmybloodlineisconnectedtoHelgard.Somaybeithastodowithmebeingthechampiondestinedtocleanseandrevivethetemple.”

AnoddlyhumangrowlcomesfromthescepteranditsendcoilsaroundNyx’s

wrist.Shegetsherotherhandupintimetocatchtherelicasitswingsforherhead.Droppingtoherknees,thecasterwhackstherelicagainstalowtableafewtimesasifitisaliveandcanfeelpain.Onthelaststrike,ablockoficeappearstofreezeittothesolidwood.Nyx

looksoverhershouldertoseeSariwithherarmout,thegypsylickingherdrylips.Ajoltoflightningshatterstheiceandstunsthescepter,whichreturnstoitsnormalform.

“Thatwasdisturbing,”Nyxgasps,droppingtherelic.Itleapsbackintoherhand

andsmacksheracrossthefacewithahandofforce.“Thisthingcancastspellsonitsown?Whatkindofmonsterisinhere,Sharne?”

“Allweknowisthatitisdangerous.”

“Itbecameagitatedwhenyoumentionedbeingachampion,”Timoranpoints

outfromhiscorner.Yawningfromdrowsiness,thebarbarianwalksovertothehalf-elfandtakesacloserlookattherelic.“Weonlyhaveafewvaguestoriesandsomeconjecturetogoby,butitwouldappearthatthetrappedbeastisconnectedtothechampions.Itdoesnot

appeartobeinagoodwaytoo.PerhapsaweaponoftheBaron’sthatwasimprisonedorthecorruptedguardianofHelgard.Doyousensethatitdoesnotwanttoreturnhome?”

“Oh,itdefinitelywantstogotoHelgard,”Nyxrepliesasshestaresintothe

ruby.Forasecondshethinkssheseesavioleteyewinkingather,butdecidesitisnothingmorethanherreflection.“Isensedthatitwasmopingaswesetuptheencampment,soitmightberestless.I’mstillsurprisedtheHelgardiansdon’thaveanydetailedinformationonthis

thing.You’vehaditforcenturies.”

“Wellwewererunoutofourhomeratherquickly,”theholywomanclaimswhileshegetsadrinkofwater.Noticingthepitifullookofthepantinggypsy,shedumpstheliquidonSari’shead.Shechucklesattheblissfullook

onthegirl’sface,regaininghercomposurewhensheremembershertrainofthought.“Tobehonest,we’renotevencertainitwasbyservantsofBaronKernaghan.Wehavestoriesthattellofamadcastercausingthedisasterandunintentionallyteachingthedarkagentshow

tofurthercorruptthesourcesofyourpowers.ItwouldimplythatwewerethefirstgroupofchampionservantstobenegatedbytheBaron’speople.”

“There’sgoingtobealotofanswersinHelgard,”Nyxwhispers,runningherfingeralongtherunesonthe

scepter.“Channelers,thechampions,madcasters,greatbeasts,andwhoknowswhatelsewasinvolvedinthis.Doyouknowanythingabouttheguardianthatwe’llruninto?Theprevioustempleshadsometypeofcreaturelookingaftertheplace.”

“Nothingaboutaspecific

beasttakingtheroleofguardian,”Sharneadmitswhileshefillsapitcherfromawaterbarrel.ShehandsittoTimoranandstrokeshishand,assuringhimthathecandrinktheentirething.“Itcouldhavebeenoneofthebeastsputintothescepter,whichmeansit’snolongeralive.

Unlessit’sthesandgolem,whichcanberevivedbyyourfriend.Personally,Idon’tbelieveacreaturechosentobeaguardianwouldbesopoorlyused.Itwouldhavetobeverypowerfulfortheinitialrole.”

Thescepterglowsandhums,leapingfromNyx’s

handandspinningaroundSharne.Thedark-skinnednomadstandsverystill,fearingthattherelicwillattack.Shebreathesasighofreliefwhenitsoftlybonksherontheheadwithitsroundedend.ItmovestoTimoran,butstopswhenhedrawshisgreataxeandbacksagainstthe

warmfabric.Aburstoflighteruptsfromtheruby,temporarilyblindingeveryoneintheroom.Whentheirvisionreturns,thescepterislazilyfloatingwiththeCompassKeydanglingfromoneofitsbluelotusleaves.

“Givemethat!”Nyx

snaps,grabbingtherelicandremovingtheCompassKey.Shesmackstherubyandcurseswhenshefeelsanedgecutherpalm.“Herearesomerules,youglorifiedbackscratcher.Noattackingmyfriends,nocastingspellswithoutmypermission,andnostealing.Ifyoucauseany

moretrouble,Iwillmeltyouintoapuddleandremakeyouasachamberpot.Doyouunderstand?”

“It’slikeachild,”Sarisaysassheflipstoherfeet.Forthefirsttimesincetheyretrievedthescepter,thegypsygetsneartherelicandrunsasmoothfingeralong

theruby.“ThiswouldmakeaveryprettybeltbuckleforTimoran.Thoughhe’skindofsloppywheneatingsauce-coveredribs.”

“Areyoutwodonethreateningthemonsterpossessedartifact?”Timoranasks,takingtheCompassKeybackfromNyx.Heturnsthe

necklaceinhishandandstopswhenheseestheindentedbackside.“Thisisinteresting.IbelievetheCompassKeycanfitontopofyourscepter.TherearegrooveshereandIcanseefaintonesontheruby,whichimpliesthattheylocktogether.Weshouldkeepthis

inmindwhenhegettoHelgard.”

“Ihaveaquestion,”Sariclaims,wipingsweatfromherbrow.“Givemeaminutetoclearmyhead.Toohot.”

“Wearen’ttestingthescepterandCompassKey,littlesister.”

“Thatwasn’twhatIwas

goingtoask,”thegypsyarguesasshewalksovertothewaterbarrel.Sheputsherhandsinandcoversherbodyinathinlayerofcoolliquid.“Sharnementionedcaretakersfortheothertemples.DoesthatmeantheIslandofPalliceandtheGardenofUlihadpeopleonthematsome

point?”“Iassumeso,”Sharne

awkwardlysays.Sariexcitedlybounceson

hertoes,drippingwaterontherugs.“Thenwouldn’ttheservantsknowabouttheBaronliketheHelgardiansinsteadofhavinghimblockedfromtheirmemories

likeeveryoneelse?”“Yes,butIamnotsure

weunderstandwhatyouarealludingto,”Timoranstatesbeforeanideapopsintohishead.“Igetitnow.WehavethoughtthatonlyahandfulofpeopleknowofBaronKernaghan,butitmightbealotmore.Ifanything,we

couldhavesixsocietieswheresuchknowledgeisjustunderthesurface.”

“OrtheHelgardiansrememberbecausetheyhaveaholyrelicfromthetemple,”Nyxsuggests,wavingthescepteroverherhead.Itkeepsmovingherarm,soshestunsitwithalightningbolt.

“Mypointisthatthiscouldbeaspecialsituation.Theothergroupsmighthaveescapedempty-handedandbeenabsorbedintoGabriel’sspellovertime.Afterall,imaginewhathappenswhenapersonkeepssayingawordorphrasethatisheardassomethingelse.Theymight

havechangedtothespell-inducedversionandtheBaron’snamedisappearedalongwithallmemoryofhim.We’retalkingaboutthedynamicsofagod’sspell,soweshouldn’twastetoomuchtimetryingtounderstandit.They’refartoocomplicatedformortals.”

“Saysthewomanwhocastaforbiddenspellbyaccident,”Sarimutters.WithacoughfromNyx,thewateronthegypsy’sbodyevaporatesintosteamthatheatsherskin.Sheglaresatthehalf-elfandspeaksinadroll,steadyvoice.“Ihateyou,Nyxie.Ifanyoneneeds

me,I’llbesleepinginourtent’swaterbarrel.AtleastImasteredbreathingunderwaterwhileIwasboredinGrasdonManor.That’sprobablytheonlygoodthingtocomeoutofthisdisaster.”

Thegypsysplashesmorewateronherfacebeforeshewalksoutofthetent,

whimperingwhenthesunandheathitsherbody.Theotherswatchhersilhouettethroughthetent,makingsureshedoesnotcollapseoutside.Notwantingtoleavethesufferingnaiad-bloodedgirlalone,TimorannodstoSharneandhurriesafterhisfriend.Thelasttheyseeishishulking

formputtingSarioverhisshoulderandjoggingoutofsight.

“Yourfriendsareveryinteresting,”SharnewhisperstoNyxastheysitdown.“Icanseewhyyoumissedthem.Theymustkeeplifeinteresting.”

“That’san

understatement,”thehalf-elfsayswithasmirk.Amusicalsighescapesherlipsasshelistenstothesoundofpeopleoutside.“It’sgoodtohavemyfamilyback.Icouldn’thandlemydestinywithoutthem.”

*****Lukesipsatthe

waterskinandstaresatthemiddaysky,hisfairskinshowingsignsofsunburn.Heenjoysthesolitudeofbeingawayfromtheencampment,hismindclearingofhisstressfulthoughts.Travelingwiththenomadshasbeenuneventfulandhehasgoneoutofhiswaytoavoidhis

friendswhowouldaskhimaboutKira.Everytimetheystoptomakecamp,Lukehasslippedawayandescapedintothedesert.Heonlygoesamileortwoawaydependingontheheightofthesurroundingdunes.Givingoffthescentofthespiritnagaandthegriffinhashelped

keeppredatorsaway,buthecontinuesusinghissoundsighttostayalert.ThebriefvisionofFizzledartingaroundbehindhimcatcheshisattentionandhewavestothedritewhohasbeenquietlywatchingoverhimsincetheyleftBor’daruk.

“You’regoingtoget

burnedifyoukeepwanderingaway,”Darianasaysasshewalksupbehindtheforesttracker.Shejumpsbackwhenhewhirlsaroundwithhissabersdrawn.“I’msorrythatIstartledyou.Icloakedmyselffromyourmind,soyouwouldn’trunaway.Therearealotofbeastsout

herethatwillattackyou.”“I’malertandFizzlehas

myback,”thehalf-elfclaims,staringattheblazingsun.HiseyesglistenwitharainbowshimmerthatremindsDarianaofoilywater.“Didyouknowthatgriffinshaveafilmovertheireyes?Itletsthemlookdirectlyintothe

sun,whichiswhyyouseethemuseittoescapeenemiesorlaunchsurpriseattacks.”

“DoesthattakeyourmindoffKira?”

Lukescowlsandopenshismouthtotalk,shuttingitandturningawaywithhisarmschildishlycrossed.Hisheadispusheddownbythe

suddenweightofFizzle,thetinydragondroppinghisinvisibilityspell.Thedritehopsontothewarrior’sshoulderandcalmlypuffsshapesofrainbowsmoke.Eachoneismoredetailedandcomplexthanthelastinanattempttomakethehalf-elfsmile.Itbecomes

increasinglydifficulttoignorethedisplaywhenLukefallsintohisownthoughtsandStilettoattemptstotakecontrol.Anexcitedbarkandfurgrowingonthewarrior’spointyearsaretheonlychangesthatthedogachievesbeforebeingsubdued.

“Youtwoaredetermined

tomakemetalk,”Lukecomplainsashetakesadeepdrinkfromhiswaterskin.HeoffersittoFizzlewhowrinkleshisnoseatthesmellofleatherywater.“Didyouknowaspiritnagacanliveinextremeheatwithoutwaterforaweek?Evenlongeriftheydigundergroundand

hibernate.”“Lukestallingbecause

heartcracked,”Fizzlestatesasheclimbsdownthefrontofhisfriend’sshirt.Hestickshistongueintothebottomlesspouchandpullsoutanapple,greedilydevouringitforthetastyjuice.“Canyoureadmind?”

“Icould,butthatwouldbeabreachoftrust,”Darianareplies,uncomfortablygrindingherfootintothesand.“Ialreadymaskedmypresencetosneakuponyou,whichwaswrong,butnecessary.Everyoneisworriedaboutyoubecausetheydon’tknowwhatyou’re

feelingorthinking.It’sespeciallyhardonSariandNyxfordifferentreasons.”

“Letmeguess.Mypowerfulemotionshavebeencallingouttoyou,”Lukesaysinanannoyedvoice.HefacesDarianaandtossesthewaterskintoher.“I’veheardthatbeforeandIkeep

wonderingwhyitseemstobeaimedatmesooften.”

“Becauseyou’rethemostemotionaloutofthechampions,”sheanswersbeforetakingadrink.Shethrowsitbackandrubshertemples,focusingonblockingasmanyofLuke’semotionsasshecan.“Youwere

terrifiedwhenIfirstsensedyoubecauseyouweretrappedasachimera.ThenIkeptsensingyourdesireforSari.AfterthatwastheanguishofhavingtohurtKiraorSari.NowIfeelyou’remiserableaboutleavingKirabehindwhenyoufirmlybelievesheneedsyoubyher

side.AddinguilttowardsnottryingtorescueNyxandyou’reanuncontrolledempath’sworstnightmare.”

“Whatdoyouexpectmetodo?”

Darianawalksuptothewarriorandtouchesherfingerstohisforehead.Sheattemptstocalmhisthoughts

withoutreadingthem,buttheturmoilinhismindistoothickforhertocutthrough.ViciousimagesofwhathewantstodotoStephenflashacrosshervisionbeforeshebreakscontact.ShefallstoherkneesandputsherhandsonLuke’sbootedfeet,savingherpalmsfromthehotsand.

“DelvintoldmetostopsayingI’msorry,”shewhispers,hervoicestrainedandblooddrippingfromhernose.“YetIfeellikeIshouldapologizeforStephen.IfonlybecauseheneverwouldandIwantyoutoknowthatthebloodIsharewithmybrotherdoesn’tmeanIcondonehis

actions.HedidahorriblethingtoyouandKira.OnethatheshouldpayforandIpledgetohelpmakehimpayforhisactions.”

“Youdon’thavetoapologizeormakeanoath,”Lukeassuresherashetenderlytakeshisfriend’swrists.Hehelpsherstandand

looksherintheeyes,flinchingwhentheyturnfromivorytoblue.“AsmuchasIhateStephen,Iwouldn’ttakeitoutonyou.That’sthesameashimwipingouttheGrasdonsbecausethey’reconnectedtome.It’ssimplynotright.”

“FizzlehateStephen,”

thedritedeclareswithagrowl.“NotlethimbreakLuke.Staystrongforall.Kirastrongtoo.”

Theforesttrackerreachesouttogentlyticklethedragon’schin,aforcedsmileonhistannedface.“Kiraputupafronttomakeusthinkshewouldbeokay.

SheforgotthatIdon’thavetobeintheroomtohearandseethings.Thenagain,I’veimprovedmysoundsightsomuchsincemytimeattheacademythatshemightnothaveknown.Anyway,IpeekedinonherassoonasIclosedthedoorofherroombehindmeandsteppedtothe

side.ShebrokedownandEileenhadtohelphertothebed.Isatinthehallwayforthirtyminuteslisteningtoherheartshatter.”

“I’msorry,”Darianasays,givingLukeatensehug.Shecringesattheemotionsthatbeatonthesurfaceofhermind.“IftherewasawayI

couldletyoutalktoKira,Iwoulddoit.Wellthereisaway,butitwouldbetaxingonme.Aslongasyouandsheareasleepatthesametime,Icanenteratranceandmeldyourdreams.”

“Idon’twanttopushyousincewedon’tknowwhat’swaitinginHelgard.”

“IfIdoitonenightthenIshouldrecoverbythetimewearrive.”

Agustofsoothingwindwhipsthesandsintoasmalltempestthatemanatesapalpablepower.ItisapeacefulsensationtoFizzleandLukewhileDarianaremainstenseandanxious.

Shegrabsthewaterskinfromthehalf-elfandpourssomeofitscontentsontoafreshragfromherpocket.Thelong-livedchampiontriesherbesttocleanherfaceofdirtsmudgesandfixesherclothesasifpreparingtomeetaprestigiousnoble.Insteadofmortalroyalty,anelegant

figuredressedinagownofpristinewhitestepsoutofthetempest.Thewoman’sredhairisvibrantandbeautifulasitcascadesdownherback,endingatherwaist.

“I’mhonoredtomeetyouagain,Zaria,”Lukesayswithasmallbow.

“Itisnicetoseeyoutoo,

youngCallindor,butIcameheretotakeDarianaKernaghantoanimportantmeeting,”theGoddessofPurityreplies,touchingthehalf-elfonthehead.Shedrawsherhandbackandshedsafewtearsatthepainshesenses.“Youpoorthing.Youcannotpossiblysurvive

withsuchanguishandsorrowinyoursoul.Pleasegobacktoyourfriendsandfindonetotalkto.IpromisetobringDarianabackbeforethenightisdone.”

“Ithoughtthegodsaren’tallowedtogetinvolvedinthelivesofmortals.”

“Andwearenotallowed

tobringthemtoAmbervaleeither,”Zariamentionsasshesmileswarmlyatthehalf-elf.“Yetagoddesscanpetitionforanexemptioninspecialcases.Suchaswhenshewishesfortimewithhermortaldaughter.”

DarianablushesandmeetsLuke’squestioning

gaze.“IgiveyoupermissiontotelltheotherswhatI’mabouttotellyou.I’mthedaughterofBaronArthuruKernaghanandZariatheGoddessofPurity.ThatiswhyIhavelivedsolongandwhyI’mboundbydifferentrulesthantheotherchampions.Iwilltellallof

youthestoryofmybirthuponmyreturn.I’msorrytoputthisonyourshoulders,Luke,butknowthatIwillappreciateyoupreparingourfriends.”

ZariaputsahandonDariana’sshoulder,thesilver-hairedwomanreachinguptosqueezethegoddess’s

fingers.Anothertempestappearsaroundthemandthesandgrowsintoablindingpillar.Lukemakeshiswaybacktotheencampment,glancingoverhisshoulderatthedissipatingbeam.HestopswhenheseesDariana’sclothesareleftontheground,sohejogsbacktotuckthem

intohisbottomlesspouch.“Dariananaked?”Fizzle

asks,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.

“It’snotourplacetoquestiontheactionsofthegods.”

*****DarianaandZariaappear

amidaforestofgiantcolorful

mushrooms,thefleshycapshighabovetheirheads.Asweetwindpassesthroughthewhitestalksandflicksatthepair’smatchingdressesofshimmeringivory.Dragonfliesdartaroundthewilderness,snackingondanglinginchwormsandavoidingthewebbingof

brown-furredspiders.Withherarmsheldout,DarianacloseshereyesandrevelsinthefamiliarauraofAmbervale.EventhoughshewasonlyababyduringhertimewiththegodsandgoddessesofWindemere,shevividlyremembersthecomfortingpowerinthe

atmosphere.Shewishesthequietserenitywilllastforever,butshecanalreadysenseanapproachingpresence.

“Dari!”shoutsCessiaastheLuckGoddessjumpsoutofamushroomstalk.Thedark-skinnedwomanwithadressofcoinsgivesDarianaa

hugthatbecomesawilddancearoundtheforest.“Ihavenotseenyouinages.Notsinceyouwerewaist-heightandtryingtopraytoyourmotherinoneofmytemples.Doyourememberthat,Zaria?Thislittlethingalwaysthoughtshecouldreachyouthroughtherestof

us.”“Irememberherdoing

suchthingsoutofchildishanger,”thePurityGoddessstateswithawrysmile.“Atleastwearebeyondthatstage.”

“Whydidittakeyousolongtovisitmethistime?”DarianaaskswhenCessia

putsherdown.Sheholdsherheadandcloseshereyes,waitingforthedizzinesstostop.“Imissedyoutoo,AuntCessia.I’msorryIhaven’tvisited.”

“Stillapologizingforeverything,Isee,”statesUliastheWarriorGoddessdropsfromthemushroomcaps.Her

chestnuthairbraidsitselfasshepushesitbehindherpointyears.“ItappearsyouarenotworkingyourbodyeverydaylikeItoldyou.Ifyouplanonsurvivingasachampionthenyouneedtostrengthenyourmusclesandnotdependentirelyonyourmentalpowers.”

Thesilver-hairedwomannodsherheadandgivesthegoddessahug.“IthinkIhaveafewfriendswhowillsparwithme,AuntUli.Nowaboutthedelayinyourvisit,mom.”

“Thatwouldbemyfault,”akind,bellowingvoiceadmits.Alargewarrior

withtheheadofahorseapproachesDarianaandkneelsatherfeet.“Ifeltitwouldbewisetoletyoubondwiththeotherchampions.YourmotheragreedwhenIpointedoutthatyouwerebeingacceptedthistimeanditcouldbedamagingtorevealtherestofyourlineage

tooearly.”“Weallrememberwhat

happenedlasttimewedidthat.Infact,Ramherewouldnotshutupaboutthemistakefordays,”ashamblingcorpseexplains,coughingupacloudofdust.TheGodofNecromancyscratcheshischest,hissharpnailscutting

intohisgrayskin.“Itoldyouthesechampionsarenotthetypetohurther.Theymightbeimmature,stupid,andreckless,butblooddrinkingforpowerisnotsomethingIsenseinthem.Atleastbeyondoneofthatgriffinboy’sgifts.Whatwereyouthinkingwiththattrick,Uli?”

“YouspeakasifsuchgiftsareeasilygivenundertheLawofInfluence,Lorvis,”thearmoredgoddesssays,crossingherarmsindignantly.“Unlikeyou,mostofmyfollowersarealiveanddon’tallowforloopholes.”

“Thatremindsme.Thank

youforthatzombieelflastmonth,”theCorpseGodhisseswithagrinthatrevealsperfectteeth.“Iknowyoudidnotmeantosendhimtome,buthehasbeenaverydeterminedfollower.Hehasalreadyrescuedmymaintemplefromsomeoverzealouspaladins.”

Cessiaclapsherhandsandthrowsahandfulofcoinstowardthesky,theglitteringpiecesofmetalflippinguptothemushroomcaps.Eachonefallsandburstsintoeitherarainbow-hueddoveoranebonyserpent,dependingoniftheylandonheadsortails.Thesnakesscurryaroundthe

feetoftheothergodswhodancearoundtoavoidthesnappingfangs.Darianaisliftedoffthegroundbythedoves,whichmergewithherwhitedresstomakeitmorecolorful.Shesmilesasshegracefullyfliesabovetheheadsofthedeities,herhandreachinguptorunalongthe

furrowedundersideofthemushrooms.

“Seriously,Zaria,thatdresslookedterribleonher,”Cessiawhisperswhilecallingthesnakestoher.Theyrunupherarmsandmergewithherhair,givingthegoldentressesblackstreaks.“Withheralabasterskinandsilverhair,

youneedtogivehersomecolor.Thisdresswilllooknicewhenshereturnstothedesert.Guaranteedtogetattention.”

“WhatifIdon’twantattention?”Darianapolitelyasksasshefloatstotheground.Sheseesthehurtonthegoddess’sfaceandhurries

togiveherahug.“I’msorry.IlovethedressandI’llcherishitalways.Soisanyoneelsecoming?”

“Tobehonest,Ididnotexpectustohavecompany,”Zariastates,puttinganarmaroundherdaughter’sshoulders.“Iexpectedustowalkandtalkthroughthe

mushroompatch,butIguesswecanthrowasmallparty.WithRam’spermissionofcourse.”

“Darianafallsintoadifferentcategorythanothermortals,”theGodofWardeclares,watchingtheothersfornodsofapproval.“Thisvisithasalreadybeenagreed

upon,sowemightaswellmakeitenjoyable.Iwillseeifanyothergodsareinterestedinattending.”

“Iwillgowithyou,”Lorvisofferswithafriendlygrin.“WerecruitEporwilfirstandthepromiseofdrinkcanbemade.Iheartheolddwarfhasbeendyingtotry

outsomenewbrewsforthesummer.”

Thetwogodssinkintotheground,leavingCessiaandUlitoconjurechairsandtablesfortheparty.Withtheothersdistracted,ZariapullsDarianaawayforsomeprivacyandleadsherdeeperintothemushroomforest.

Largebeetlesstampedeacrosstheirpath,theherdofarmoredinsectsbeingchasedbyatrioofsnarlingmice.Hootingmonkeyspassoverhead,theirlongclawsallowingthemtoleapfromstalktostalk.Theirsoundsaresoondrownedoutbytheroaroftheoceanandthepair

stepoutoftheforest.Standingontheedgeofthecliff,Darianatakesadeepbreathofthesaltyairthatmixeswiththesweetnessofthemushrooms.

“Areyouhappywiththechampions?”Zariatenderlyasksasshelooksacrosstheoceanatthenomad

encampment.“ItappearsLukeCallindorisexplainingyourdisappearanceandtheyaretakingitinstride.ThoughIsensetheyarewaitingtohearaboutitfromyou.Nowtheyareafterhimabouthisemotionaldistance.Theyaresuchinterestingmortals.”

“They’regoodpeople

andthey’veacceptedme.It’sstrange,”Darianaadmitswhileshetakesaseatontherockycliff.“IinteractedwithtwoofthemwhileIwasasleep,whichhasneverhappenedbefore.Sothereiscertainlysomethingdifferentaboutthisgroup.Doyouthinkthisisthefinal

attempt?”“Gabrielhasagreedto

makethisthelastgroupofchampions,”thegoddessreplies,joiningherdaughterontheground.Shestrokestheotherwoman’shair,watchingitturnafieryredbeforereturningtosilver.“Theremustbesomething

elsewecantalkabout.”“NotthatIcanthinkof,”

Darianareplieswithahalf-heartedshrug.Shelaysback,abedofsoftmossgrowingbeneathher.“We’vebeenaliveforalongtimeandIdon’tdoanythinginteresting.Isleep,Iwakeup,Iinteractwiththechampions,theyget

killed,andIgobacktosleep.You’renotallowedtotellmeabouttheeventsofyourlife.Itisn’tlikeI’lleverdateanyoneorhaveachild.Atleastfornow,we’rebothratherboring.”

“Perhapsyouwillhavemoretotalkaboutnowthatyouhavefriends.”

“Iwasthinkingthesamething.”

“Inthatcase,Iwillwaitforabetteropportunitytospeakwithyou.”

Achilledwindwhipsatthewomenandthesoundofbootscrunchingongravelinterruptstheirconversation.Zariasighsandrisestoher

feet,turningonherbaretoestofacethedark-hairedgodbehindher.DarianascramblestoherkneestobowinfrontofGabriel,whoeyesherlikeonewouldamisbehavingpuppy.NoticingthescowlonthePurityGoddess’sface,hesmilesandgesturesforthemortalto

stand.“TowhatdoIowethis

honor?”Darianaasks,ignoringtheangrythoughtsofhermother.

“IcametoapologizethatIwouldnotbeattendingyourlittlehomecomingparty,”theGodofDestinyanswersinamelodicvoice.Hetightens

hisgloves,theircolorchangingfromblacktoadarkyellow.“Ihavebusinesstohandleandnotimeforsuchindulgences.YetIdohavesomethingtodiscusswithyou.”

“MymindhasalreadybeenwipedofallinformationonHelgardandwhateverelse

thechampionsmightface,”theyoungwomandeclareslikeanobedientsoldier.SherelaxeswhenZariaputsahandonhershoulder,soothingmagicflowingthroughintohercore.“I’msorry,mom,butI’mtryingtobepoliteandloyal.”

“Iappreciatethat,dear,

butyou’rejumpingtoconclusions,”thegoddessmentionswithasteelygazeatGabriel.“Makethisquick,sowecangettotheparty.”

“Suchirrationalpriorities.”

“I’dsayhaveachildandwitnessthechange,butyouwouldprobablyeatyour

heirs.”“Iforgothowdefensive

yougetaroundthelittleKernaghan.”

GabrielhumsatunethatturnsZariatostone,startlingDarianawhoistrappedbyhermom’spetrifiedhand.Thestatue’smouthcracklesasthePurityGoddesstriestospeak,

butshecanonlygruntandgrowl.Withasnapofhisfingers,thestoneshattersandfallsawayfromtheredheadeddeityinacascadeofpowder.HegrinsatthesightofZariahackingupthestonedustfromherlungs,hereyesfilledwithfury.Gabrielopenshismouthtospeakto

Darianawhenmushroomssproutfromhismouth,theirfleshtastingofsourmilk.Hebitesthroughtheirputridstalksandswallowswhatisinhismouth,hisfaceturninganuglyshadeofgreen.

“Nevercastmagiconmeinfrontofmydaughter,”Zariaangrilystates,putting

herselfbetweenGabrielandDariana.

“DulynotedandIrespectfullyadmireyourrevenge.ItrulythinkIamgoingtothrowupforthefirsttimeincenturies,”theblack-hairedgodadmits,hisvoicemissinghisusualarroganceandbluster.“Ihavearequest

ofyourdaughterandaftersomeofherpastactions,shehasnochoicebuttoagree.ThoughIamcertainshewouldanyway.”

“We’rebothlistening,”thegoddesssays.

Darianapushesaheadofhermomandholdsherhand.“Icanspeakformyself,

mother.Whatisyourrequest,LordGabriel?”

“ThisisourbestchancetodestroyBaronKernaghanandIhavecometorealizethatfailuremightbefinalthistime,”theGodofDestinyexplainsinaslow,steadyvoice.Thepainedexpressiononhisfacetellstheothers

howmuchithurtstomakesuchanadmission.“Iaskthatyoulookoveryournewfriends.Fortherecord,Iamgladtheyarefriends.Eachchampionisoneofmyfinestworksandtheirkindwillneverbeseenagain.FromthelastoftheCallindorstotheperfectlygrownchannelerto

thelivingaurafont,itwouldbeimpossibletocreatethemagainbeforeyourfatherfreeshimself.”

“WhatshouldIdo?”GabrielgrabsDarianaby

thechinandstaresintohereyes,searchingthemforsignsofdisloyalty.“Makesureallofthemmakeittothatfinal

battle.Notonlyalive,butempoweredenoughtogiveyourfatheragoodfight.Icannotgetinvolvedordecidewhowillwin,butyouarealoopholeinourlaw.Icanaskyoutoprotectthemformeuntiltheyareneeded.Betrayalandfailurewillbemetwithseverepunishment

atthehandsofmytopagent.DoIhaveyourwordthatyouwillbetheirdefender?”

“Ofcourse,LordGabriel.MayIaskwhatbecomesofmewhenmyfatherisdefeated?”

“Youknowwhatwillhappenthankstoyourearlyactions.Remembernottotell

themaboutthisconversation,butdonotremoveitfromyourmemory.Enjoytheparty.”

“That’sit?”Zariasnapsattheothergod.“Youputthatonhershouldersandwalkaway?”

“Yesbecausewebothknowsheisstrongerthanshe

givesherselfcreditfor,”Gabrielanswerswithagenuinesmileatthesilver-hairedchampion.“Ihavealwaysbeenimpressedbyherabilitiesanddisappointedinherlacklusteruseofthem.Shespendsmoretimemindwipingherselfthandoinganythinguseful.Trytobean

adultthistime,littleKernaghan.Otherwise,yourfinaljudgmentwillcomemuchsooner.”

Gabrielvanishesinapuffofblacksmokethatdriftsabovethemushrooms.Darianawatcheshimdisappear,mysterioustearsstreamingdownherface.A

vacantpartofhermindtriestospeakwithher,itscontentslongsincepurgedandleavingagapinhermemories.TheyoungwomanstopscryingwhenZarialeadsherbackintothemushroomforestandthesoundsofcelebratinggodscanbeheardinthedistance.

17

“She’swakingup!”Sarishoutsinagurglingvoice.

Darianagroansandrubshereyesasthelandscapeundulatesaroundher.Sheblinksthestarsaway,realizingthatherhandsarecoveredinglintingsparkles.Reachingdowntowipethem

offonherpants,shefindsonlyherbarelegsandinternallypanicsthatsheisnaked.Shebreathesasighofreliefwhenshetouchesthehemofaveryshort,colorfuldressthatshevaguelyremembersoncebeingalotlonger.Awaterskinisofferedtoherfrombelowandshe

takesitfromthehazyformwithredhair.Afteralongdrinkofcoolwater,hersensesclearenoughforhertorecognizeTimoranandisconfusedonwhysheistallerthanhim.Sheyelpswhenthesnortingcamelsheisridingturnsaroundtostareather.

“What’sgoingon?”

Darianaasksasherheadjerksaroundtomakesenseofhersurroundings.Therestofherfriendsarewalkingnexttoher,butthesightofSariwrappedinabubbleofwatermakesherthinksheisdreaming.“HowlongwasIgonefor?Wheredidthiscamelcomefrom?”

“Yousurehavealotofenergyforsomeonewhohasn’teateninaweek,”Sarireplieswithasmile.Sheoffersapieceofjerkytotheconfusedwomanwhogreedilysnatchesitoutofherhand.“Makesmewishwehadn’twastedthefeastringtwodaysago.You’dbeable

todevouritonyourown.”“We’rejustgladyou’re

awake,”DelvinsaysasheextendsahandtohelpDarianadownfromhermount.HepatsthecamelontherumpandittransformsbackintoFizzle,thedritespittingaglobofrainbowsaliva.“Wewerebreaking

downcampandyouwanderedbackinwithwhatyou’rewearingnow.Thedressseemstobemagicallyboundtoyou,sowecouldn’tchangeyouintomoresuitableclothes.Sariusedherpowerstobatheyou,soyou’renotdirty.Thoughthosestrangesparklesonyouwere

impossibletogetoff.”“Imusthavebeen

playingtagwithafewofthefaegoddesses,”sheexplains,limpingalonguntilNyxhelpsher.Thenumbnessinherlegsisnotasbadassheexpected,sosheisabletomoveonherownafterafewminutesofshakysteps.“Thegodshelda

partysinceIhadnotseentheminawhile.Noteveryonecame,butmanydidandtheywererather...insistentthatItryEporwil’snewrecipes.ItisnotanactivityItypicallyindulgein,butwhocansaynotoagoddessthatissittingonyourchest.Thoughthefoodis

probablywhatcausedmetofallintoaslumberforsolongsinceIbelieveNexustheDreamKingmadethecake.I’mgladmymothergavemeenoughenergytomakeitbacktoallofyou.Wherearewe?”

TheawkwardsilencehelpsDarianasoberup

entirely,thefacesofherfriendsintentlystaringather.ShenoticesthatonlySharneremainsfromtheHelgardiantribeandthereareforebodingcoilsofblackcloudsinthedistance.Astheycometothetopofadune,sheseesthatthecloudsarereallysmokepouringfromatowering

volcano.Cracked,ebonyearthwithveinsofredrunfromthebaseofthecrimsonmountaintotheedgesofthedunes,theremainsofwhatwasoncealakeofdeadlylava.Theoccasionalpopandhisscanbeheardasheatpocketsfindawaytothesurface,theirlocationfound

onlybyawindingtrailofhaze.Asinglepathofsandrunstothecliff-coveredvolcanoandisfringedbytheremainsofancientarchways.Thereisnosignofthemissingpiecesofwhatmusthavebeenanelegantcanopyofsandstonethatoncecoveredthewalkway.Allthat

isleftarethecurvedsidesthathavespentcenturiesgettingbatteredbythedesertwinds.Focusingonthesidesofthevolcano,Darianacanseestrangemarksinthestone,asifsomethingattemptedtomaulthemountain.

“Mytribeisstayinga

mileawayincasethingsgopoorly,”Sharnesays,pettingFizzle’sheadwhenhelandsonhershoulder.“AsthePalqua,itismydutytoseethatthescepteristakencareof.SoIwillbegoingwithyou.Fizzlehaspromisedtoprotectmefromharm.Though,Idon’tknowwhat

couldpossiblybeleftinthereafterallthistime.”

“You’dbesurprised,”LukerespondswhilehehandsDarianaherclothes.

“Givehersomeprivacy,”Nyxstates,creatingacurtainofsandaroundthesilver-hairedwoman.“AreyougoingtobeokayinHelgard?”

DarianathrowstheremainsofherdressoverthebarrierwhereLukecatchesit.“I’llbefine,butIbelieveIoweyoumystory.Ipromisetobebrief.”

“Onlyifyouwishtoshare,”Timoranpolitelyreplies.

Shepartsthebarrierand

adjustshersapphiretopuntilitistightaroundherbody,butnotchokingher.Thegoldenliondesignonherbackshimmersinthemorningsunandgivestheillusionofleaningitsheadbacktoroar.Herblackpantsaredottedwiththeglitteringsparklesfromherbody,

whichcreatesanoddstarryskypattern.Wantingtocleanherfaceandhands,shewalkstoSariandstepsintothegypsy’swaterbubble.Darianacomesouttheotherside,drenchedandcleansedofthegoddessdustthatnowswirlsaroundherfriend.TheysticktoSari’sdressand

hair,muchtohersheerdelight.

“Asyounowknow,IamthedaughterofBaronArthuruKernaghanandZariathePurityGoddess,”Darianadeclaresinasolemntonewhileshestaresoutoverthehardenedlava.“Longago,myfatherfoundawayto

becometheGodofDestiny,buthewasswiftlydethronedbyGabriel.ArthuruwasunabletocreateanydestiniesbecauseZariatemptedhimwiththepromiseofherflesh.Shewasavirgingoddessandshesacrificedherstatustostophimfromkillingtheothergodsanddisturbingthe

balanceoffate.Theresultoftheirtrystisme.”

“Soyou’reagoddess?”Lukeasks,scratchinghishead.“Ithoughtthegodscouldn’tgetinvolvedinmortalaffairs.”

“I’mamortalwithanextremelylonglifespan.Idon’tage,butonedaymy

bodywillcrumbletodustandIwillbeleftabenevolentspirit,”sheexplainswhileleadingthewaydownthedunes.Darianaprojectshervoiceintothemindsoftheothers,allowinghertofocushereyesontheloomingvolcano.“Peoplelikemearenotborntruegods,butwe

canbecomeonebytheageoffiveifwewishandarepermitted.There’saritualwherewe’regivenadomainandgrantedadeity’saura.TheothergodsdecideifthereisaneedforsuchanascensionandifthepersoninquestionwillabidebytheLawofInfluence.Ifwegrow

toooldthenwearenolongerviablecandidates.Although,truemortalsareabletobeturnedintogodsifthesituationiscorrect.Theentirethingiscomplicatedandhasn’thappenedincenturies.”

“Iamconfusedonhowyouwereraisedsincebeing

mortalwouldforbidZariafrominteractingwithyou,”Timoransays,carefullywalkingdownthesandyincline.Hestepsonapartofthedunewithnotractionandfallstothehardenedground.“Becareful,myfriends.Therearesheetsofglassbeneaththesand.Theymust

havebeenmadebytheheatofthevolcanoorthelavalake.Thankfully,allofthishashardenedandcooled.”

“ItissaidthatthevolcanowilleruptagainwhenHelgardisclaimed,”SharnementionswhileshegingerlymakesherwaytoTimoran.“Thiswillbecomea

lakeoflavaoncemoreunlessthenewmasterdoessomethingdifferent.”

“I’lldefinitelyreconsiderhavingthisplacesurroundedbyadeathtrap.Attheveryleast,I’llputupsomerailingsorbarriers,”Nyxclaims,kickingatanisolatedpieceofbasalt.Shegetsashield

aroundherwhenacrimsonveinspitslavaather,thehotliquidsplatteringagainstthespell.“Lookslikethelakeisbecomingactivenowthatthescepterisnear.Sohowwereyouraised,Dariana?IrememberthevisionofyoubeingintheZarianMonastery.”

“IlivedonAmbervaleformyfirstyeartoallowmymothertonurseme,”sheanswerswhilecautiouslymovingalongtheedgeofthedunes.Sheholdsupherhand,stoppingeveryonefromwalkingintoasuddenspurtoflava.“ThenIwassenttothemonasterytoberaisedby

herhighpriestess.Ilivedthereforaverylongtime.IrememberwhenMylrixthemagicplanemergedwiththephysicalrealm.ThatshouldtellyouhowoldIam.Anyway,yousawhowmytimeatthemonasteryended.ItwassoonaftertheGreatCataclysmthatIlearnedof

myfatherandwaschosenasachampion.”

Darianatakesastepontothesandypaththatislinedwiththejaggedremainsofatleasttensandstonearches.Fireandlightningcracklealongtheremainsoftherune-coveredcanopy,thedamagedpiecesunabletocontainthe

ancientaura.Thespellsarethickandwildastheylashatthegroundandpuncturethebasalt,releasingthechurninglavathathasbeenlockedawaysincethevolcanowenttosleep.Asifreactingtothenoise,Helgardrumblesandspewsarainofashthatcolorthesurroundingdunesadrab

gray.Sariusesherwater

bubbletocooltheflowinglavawhileLukerushesaheadtoyankDarianaawayfromanincomingspell.Beforehecangethertotheothers,aboltoflightningstrikesthesandbehindhimandturnsitintoapatchofslickglass.He

slipsandfallswithDarianalandingontopofhim,theimpactknockingthewindfromhislungs.Afieryspellrunsalongtheground,narrowlymissingthepairwhenDarianarollsthemtotheside.Someofthelavaflowsovertheedgeofthewalkway,whichLukepushes

themawayfromwithacontrolledgustofair.Theyarestrugglingtogetupwhentheyfeeltheheatofanincomingfireball.

Timoranleapsoverhisfriendsandbatsthespelloutofthewaybeforeaglisteningbarriersurroundseveryone.Nyxholdsthescepterabove

herheadassheleadsthewaythroughthepathoffireandelectricity,herspellflowingfromtheruby.Deadlymagicricochetsoffhermagicshieldandexplodesonthebasalt,creatinggeysersoflava.Bythetimetheyreachthefarendofthepath,theairaroundtheadventurersisemitting

steamandthestrainingcasteriscoveredinsweatfromexertion.Wheneveryoneissafeandnearthesimpleentrance,shestompsherfoottocreateashellofstoneandglassalongthepath.Theviolentspellsbounceofftheenchantedmaterial,creatingmoregeysersinthebasalt

field.“Thatshouldholdifwe

needtoescape,”Nyxsaysasshefallstoherknees.Sheopenshermouthtosaysomethingwhenaburstofwaterhitsherintheface.“Really,Sari?We’reinfrontofanactivevolcanowithwhoknowswhatinsideandyou

drenchme?”“Youlookedoverheated

andIwantedtohelp.Thisisn’tthetimeforpranks,Nyxie,”thegypsyrepliesasshehelpsthecasterstand.“Ihaveaquestion,Dariana.Ifyoutraveledwithpreviouschampionsthenshouldn’tyouknowaboutsomeofthese

dangers?”Thewomansighsand

looksattheslabofredstonesittingbetweentwounlittorches.“It’snotassimpleasthat.I’mboundbycertainrulesbecauseofmysituation.OneoftherulesisthatIwipemymindofanyinformationthatwouldbehelpfultothe

nextsetofchampions.IneverrememberthedangersofthetempleevenifIhaveaninklingofbeinghere.HelgardisespeciallystronginthebackofmymindbecauseitistheoneI’vebeenbroughttothemost.I’msorrythatI’mnotmuchhelp.”

“Itisn’tlikeweexpected

thistobeeasy,”Delvinsayswhileheapproachesthedoor.Heknocksontheroughstoneandjumpsbackexpectingsomethingtohappen.“That’sodd.There’snothingreallymagicalaboutthisdoorliketheprevioustemples.Cometothinkofit,Helgardhasadifferentfeelingthanthe

others.”“Theprevioustemples

weresecludedfromtherestoftheworld,butthisplacehasthesmellofonethathasbeenleftexposed,”Timoranreplies,takingtheCompassKeyoffitschainandturningitinhishands.“Iexpectedacomplicatedentrancelike

before,butthereisnothinghere.AlonetravelercouldmakeitdownthepathwayiftheirreflexeswerekeenortheyhadadefensivespelllikeNyxused.Somemayevenbeabletohurryacrossthehardenedlava.Thisisiftherewouldbeanydangerinthefirstplacesincetheareais

respondingtothescepter’sreturn.”

“It’spossiblethattheBeastofPalquadestroyedtheoriginalentrancealongwithmypeople’soriginalcity,”Sharnesaysasshetakesaseatonthebaseofafallencolumn.Shepicksupachunkofmarblethatwasoncepart

ofastatue’sface.“ThecityofPalquaoncesatuponthecliffsofthevolcano.Youcanstillseepartsofthepathwaysandstairsalongwithdeepgougesfromthebeast.Thistellsmethatthemonsterrampagedoutherebeforeitwassealedwithinthescepter.”

“Idoknowthatenteringatemplethroughanalternativeentrancemakesthingsmoredifficult.IthinkafewchampionsweredestroyedattemptingthatwithHelgard,”Darianaclaimswhilewatchingthecontinuingspellstormrevivethelavalake.“Maybethe

archwaypathwastheoriginalentrancewithapatternofspellsoritwasaracetogetthroughbeforetheyreleasethelava.Thisdoesn’thelpussinceit’sdestroyed.”

“SomeonesealedHelgard,butGabrielwouldn’tallowforittohappeninawaythat

permanentlyclosesit,”Nyxmentionsasshetapsthedoorwiththescepter.Afaintlineofenergyrunsthroughthemiddleoftheroughstone,butonlythecasterisquickenoughtonotice.“IthinkIsawsomething.CanIhavetheCompassKey,Timoran?”

Thebarbarianreluctantly

handshertherelicandcringeswhenthecasterpressesittothedoor.Linesofwhiteenergyracealongthestone,gatheringnearthebottomtoformaglowinglock.Nyxcanfeeltheentrancerumbleandshift,butaloudgroaningofrustygearsisallthatoccurs.Struggling

toreacttotheCompassKey,chipsofstoneandancientdustfallawayfromtheroughedgesofthedoorway.Withacreakingclunk,theentranceshudderstoastopandtheshininglockfadesaway.

“Thatwasratherunderwhelming,”Lukesays,throwingarockatwherethe

lockhadappeared.Heduckswhentheprojectileisrocketedbackathishead.“Thenagain,Nyxmightbeontosomething.Guessweshouldlookforcluesliketheotherplaces.”

“Noneedforthatsincethisisn’ttheoriginalentrancetest,”thecasterdeclaresas

shescrewstheCompassKeyontothetopofthescepter.ShesmilesatTimoranwhoisbackingontothepath,theechoingsoundofthespellshittingtheprotectivecanopymakinghimevenmorenervous.“I’mguessingwhoeversealedHelgardandtheBeastofPalquacreated

thislock.It’spowerfulandyouneedbothitemstorevealit.StrangesincetheCompassKeywassupposedtohavebeenlostagesago.”

“That’smyfault,”Darianastates,raisingherhandandlookingatherfeet.“TheCompassKeyisfoundbyeverygroupofchampions

anditreturnstoGaiawhenevertheyfail.Ihelprevivetheghostsinsideanddepowerit,whichiswhyIstirreduponitsrevival.Gabrielusesmypowertowipeeveryone’smemoryofiteverbeingfound,includingthatofmyfather.Afterall,I’mthebeingheusedto

maketheinitialcursethatwipedallmemoryoftheBaronfromWindemere.Inmydefense,Iwasstillinmymomatthetime.”

EveryonestaresatDarianawiththeirmouthspartiallyopen,theirmindsslowlyprocessingwhattheyhaveheard.Nyxshakesher

headandmuttersabouthavingherfilloflife-alteringrevelationsforoneday.Bracingherself,sheaimsthescepteratthedoorandfocuseshermagicontheruby.Thereisasenseofresistancefromthemonsterinside,butsheurgesittobehavelongenoughforherto

tapitspower.Akeyoffirelancesoutofthescepterandimpalesthehiddenlock,turningtoopenitandsinkingintothestone.Thewhitelinesreappeartocreatethepicturesofadragonandalargebird,bothofwhicharedepictingbreathingfire.Slidingintothesidesofthevolcano,the

doorsopentoreleaseagustofhot,stalewind.Theremainsofatleasttenskeletonsarestrewnacrosstheentrance,buttheadventurerscanseethattherearemorebodieswithinthedarkness.

“WhydoIgetthetemplefullofcorpses?”Nyxgroans,

tossingTimorantheCompassKey.

*****Thedarknessentombs

thesmallgroupandabsorbsallofthesunlightthatcomesthroughtheopenentrance.OnlytheglowingrubyofthescepterisabletoemitenoughlightforNyxtoleadtheway.

Fadedpicturesofgreatbattles,powerfulcasters,andbizarrecreaturesareetchedintothestonewalls.Theymakeforaminordistractionfromthesnappingofbonesthatcanbeheardwitheverystep.Skeletonsandmummifiedbodieslitterthelonghallway,manyofthem

clothedinrustyarmororscrapsofrobes.Thecrimsonlightoccasionallybouncesoffcoinsandgemsthatarescatteredabouttheancientcorpses.Saribendsdowntoscoopupasapphire,butimmediatelydropsitwhenshegetsasinistersensationfromtheitem.Nyxglaresat

herforthenoiseofthegemhittingthestonefloorandpushesherwaytothegypsy.

“Pleasedon’ttouchanything,”shehissesintoherfriend’sear.ThelookoffearinSari’seyesswiftlydissipatesthehalf-elf’sannoyance.“What’swrong?”

“Thewealthonthefloor

isn’tmagical,butit’scursed,”Sariwhispers,huggingNyxforcomfort.Herskinfeelslikeitistryingtocrawloffherbonesasthecorruptedaurateaseshersenses.“They’vebeenmarkedbyviolence.Idon’tknowwhothesepeopleareorhowtheygotinhere,buttheysuffered

beforedeath.”“Allofthemwereformer

champions,”Darianastatesthroughtelepathy.Shebendsdowntotouchagoldcoin,cringingatthenerve-twistingsensation.“ItwouldseemthatHelgardisthedepositoryofdeadchampions.Notallofthesepeoplediedhere.Ican

readsomeoftheirdeathsoffresidualaura.DrowningintheIslandofPallice,fallingfromGardenofUli,andthosearethehumaneones.Isensealotoffiretoo.”

“Wouldn’tbeNyx’stemplewithoutthat,”Lukenervouslyjokes,crouchingtoexamineabroadsword.The

metalisscorchedandbrittle,crumblingathistouch.“Whateverdidthiscreatedenoughheattodestroytemperedsteel.ReallyoldVerenstoneDragonscandothat,butIdon’tknowofanythingelse.”

“IdidseethesymbolofadragonwhenIresearched

Helgard,”Nyxsaysasshereturnstothefrontofthegroup.Shecreatesashelltodefendagainstfire,thebarriershimmeringbrieflybeforethedarknessdevoursthelight.“Stayinagroup,soIcankeepusprotected.Dariana,Sari,andIcanattackthedragonfrominsidetheshield

ifthere’sreallyoneupahead.Followmeandnomoretouchingstuff.”

Theycontinuethroughthedarknessuntilthehallwaysplitsintotwo,ametaldoorsittinginthecenterofthedeadend’swall.Nyxshinesthescepter’slightdownthepathontheleftandis

surprisedtofindthatitisclearofbodies.Thepolishedstoneispristineandthepicturesonthewallsareclearasiftimehasnevertouchedthem.Whenshecheckstherighthandpath,shefindstheopposite.Fleshycorpsesarepiledwaisthigh,leavinganarrowpaththroughthelow,

fly-coveredstacks.Squintingintothedarkness,Nyxthinkssheseesacurveinthehallway,butthestenchofdecayfromthebodiesmakeshereyeswater.Returningtotheotherpath,sheisabouttotakeastepontothecleanfloor,butstopswithherfootofftheground.Shesteps

backandsendsatinyfireballintothehallway,watchingitcurveoutofsightinthedistance.

“Iseverythingokay?”Sharneasks,clingingtoFizzle’stail.

Nyxputsherfingertohermouthandbacksawayfromthepath,herfreehand

coatingitselfinforcemagic.Thevioletenergygrowsandhardensintoasolidfistthatshedelicatelytapswiththesceptertomakesureitiscomplete.Usingajumpspellforaboostofpower,sheleapsattherustydoorandsmashestheentirewalldowninonestrike.Theimpactis

enoughtoshakethehallwayandcurtainsoflavafalltoblockofftheotherpaths.Thesoundofflowingliquidandthesmellofmeltingbodiesrevealsthatthebarriersareracingalongthehallways.Abalmyheatfillsthearea,butacoolbreezefromtheroomaheadgivesthemsomerelief

andclearsthedustfromtheair.

JoiningNyxamongtherubble,theadventurerslookoutatthevast,rectangularroombeforethem.Thebackwallisnothingmorethanapaneofenchantedglass,givingpeopleaviewofthebubblingmagmabelow.Gold

chandelierswithunlitcandleshangfromthepolishedceilingwherethedepictionofagreatcasterbattlecanbeseenshiftinginthestone.Basaltfurniturewithdamagedcushionsarestrewnacrosstheroom,mostofthemshatteredintobarelyrecognizablepieces.The

wallsarecoveredinsculptedmasks,eachfacewithsteamingtearsdrippingdowntheircheeks.Builtintothemiddleofthefloorisawidepitwithalargestackofwoodrisingfromitscenter.

“Youreallyshouldredecorate,Nyxie,”Sarisuggestsastheyenterthe

room.Shespinsaroundandhurlsadaggeratthesoundofshiftingstone,theweapongettingstuckinthereformingwall.“Atleastifthisplaceletsyou.”

“Anybodyseeanydoors?”Lukeaskswhiletakingacloserlookattherebuiltwall.Heleapsaway

whenoneofthemasksgrowseyes,theirlightrevealingarealskullwithinthestone.“Ijustrealizedthatnoneofthosecorpseshadheads.Somethingputtheskullsoftheformerchampionsintothewall.I’mlikingthisplaceevenlessnowthatIknowIcouldbecomeoneofthe

gaudydecorations.”“Thetestofthe

champions,”Darianawhisperstoherself,aflickeringmemorymakinghereyestwitch.“Idon’tknowwhy,butthatphrasekeepscomingtomymind.Helgardisveryimportanttothechampionprophecy.More

sothananyothertemple.”“ItappearsIhaveto

explainthingstoyouagain,”adeep,malevoicesaysfromthefarsideoftheroom.“Againweplaytherolessetoutbeforeus,neargoddess.Suchboredomand...isthattheScepterofNuerin?”

Theglasswallripplesas

anelevenfoottallfigurestepsthrough,steamdriftingoffhiscrimsonskin.Thehulkingbeingstretcheshisarmsandscratcheshiswhiteclawsdowntheglass,fillingtheroomwithanuglyscreech.Burningfootprintsareleftonthefloorasheapproachestheadventurers,hisleoninehead

peeringatthemwithyelloweyes.Withayawn,thebeastexposeshissharpteethandrevealsthelightofaninternalfirethatspitslavaontohismoisttongue.Athicklayerofebonyfurisonitsmuscularchest,themattedhairshowingsignsofhavingbeensinged.Thecreature’sblack

maneandthetuftofhaironhisthintailbristlewithexcitementashebendsdowntogetacloserlookatthescepter.Hetakesadeepwhiffofthefamiliarscent,whichstirsmemorieshehasnotrecalledinwelloveracentury.

“Itappearsthiswillbe

moreinterestingthantheprevioustimes,”thecreaturedeclaresinawhimsicalvoice.HeturnstoNyxandlickshislipsatherscent.“AchannelerreturnsthelostrelicofHelgard.Sodelicious,butnotassurprisingasIthoughtitwouldbe.Gabrieldoeshaveasenseofhumorattimes.”

“What’sanIfritdoinghere?”Nyxasks,keepingthescepterawayfromthebeast.

“I’mtheguardianofHelgard.MynameisSutterandIhavebeenensl...entrustedtoprotectthistemple,”hereplieswithabow.HisheadcomesclosetoSariandhepullsawayatthe

brieftasteofherscent.“Wholetthedeadfishinhere?Don’ttellmeoneofthenewchampionscomesfromoneofthosevapid,selfishwaterwhores.”

“No.I’mpartnaiad,youashsuckingpieceoflavavomit,”thegypsyreplies,blushingatherwords.“I’ve

noideawherethatcamefrom.AllIknowisthatIreallydon’tlikethismassofoverheateddragondung.”

“NaiadsandIfritdon’tgetalongbecauseoftheiropposingelements,”Nyxexplainswhileeasingherfriendback.Outthecornerofhereye,sheseesSutterreach

forthesceptersosheyanksitoutofreach.“Thisstayswithmebecausethere’sadangerousbeastinside.IfIletgothenitwillescapeanddestroythedesertorsetitonfireorsomethinglikethat.Nowwhat’sthistestofchampionsandhowdoIpurifythisplace?”

“Youassumeit’scorrupted,butagentsoftheBaronhaveneversteppedwithinthesehallowedwalls,”Sutterproudlydeclareswhilehegetsacloserlookattheotherchampions.HegrinsatTimoranandgingerlystrokesthebarbarian’sredhair.“Ilovethisone.Imighthave

himstuffedandputinmypersonalcollectionwhenyoufail.Thegriffintooifhediesinthatform.Thewarriorandtherancidwhalegutscanrotinthehallway.Notsurewhattodoabouttheformerservantandthetinydragon.MaybeI’llletthemgoiftheyoutlivetherestofyou.Thatisallof

youexceptforDarianahere.Mindwipedyourselfagain,huh?”

“I’msorry,butit’srequired.”

Suttersneersatthesilver-hairedwomanbeforewalkingovertothepileofwood.Hespinsoneofthechandeliersasheclimbsatop

thebeamsandmakeshimselfcomfortable,thetipsofthelogsturningblackathistouch.Hewatchestheadventurersmoveintoacircle,Sharnecrouchinginthemiddle.Itisanamusingsighttothelesserdemonandhelickshislipswithatonguethatisroughenoughtodraw

blood.“Helgardwassupposed

tobetheopeningchallengeforthechampions,”Sutterexplainsinaboomingvoice.Hefoldshislegsbeneathhim,hispowerfulbodybalancedonthetipofthewoodpile.“Theoverallsystemhasbeendestroyed

thankstotheBaronandhisson,sonowyourkindstartwhereveryouwant.Thecorpsesarestilltransportedheresinceweactasacrypt.Though,IonlyeverseevictimscomeinfromPalliceandtheGarden.RarelydoIevergetonefromtheothertemplesthatI’vebeentold

youhaveyettovisit.I’vebeenverycuriousaboutthat,butmyjobistostayhereanddec...obeytheordersofGabriel.Tobehonest,Imissthesimplerdaysofchampionsbeingsummoned,dyinginHelgard,andtherenotbeingbodiesappearingonthefloorwithoutwarning.”

“Whatdowedohere?”DelvinaskswhilehewatchestheIfrit.Achillrunsuphisspinewhenthecreaturemeetshisgaze.“Iwasonlythinkingthatthere’snopointinwastingtoomuchofyourtime.Ifwe’regoingtobekilledthenit’sbestthatwegetitoverwith,soyoucan

getbacktowhateveritisyoudo.”

“Idoabsolutelynothing,butyouhaveapoint.ThoughIquestionwhyyouwouldbringawoodenshieldintoavolcano,”Sutterstates,flickingasparkofflameatDelvin.Thewarriorstepsawayfromthetinyfire,

whichburstswithapopathisfeet.“Goodreflexes.Nowthefirsttestistolightthisbonfire-”

NyxignitesthepileofwoodbeforetheIfritcanfinishtalking,thelesserdemonengulfedbythecracklingflames.Hestepsoutofthebonfireandwipesthe

fireoffhisshoulders,anevilgrinonhisface.Theglasswallturnsasicklyshadeofgreenasasymphonyofhowlsrisefromthestretchingshadows.Onebyonethestonemaskslightuptorevealtheirskullsandblobsoforangeauraseepfromtheireyesockets.Thespecters

growintohazysilhouettesoftheirformerselves,buttheirfacesarevividandcontortedbyagony.

“Withoutwakingthespiritsofthefallen,”Sutterfinishes,takingaseatinfrontofthebonfire.Hegazesattheceilingandsighs,layingdownsohisheadisinthe

flames.“WhyisitthatwhenacasteristhechampionofHelgard,theysetfiretothewoodbeforeItellthemeverything?I’dstartwiththeangryspirits,butthatwouldonlyleadtoaboringdiscussionandquestions.Areyoudeadyet?”

Thespectersdiveatthe

adventurers,buttheyaremetbyLukewhosesabersareglowingwithpinkenergy.Severalofthemareturnedtoorangepowderbytheforesttracker’sslashes,whichforcestheresttoretreattotheceiling.Usingburstsofwindbeneathhisfeet,Lukerepeatedlyleapsintotheair

anddestroysthesquirmingmassofundead.Thehalf-elfboundsaroundtheroom,flippingoverattacksandslashingattherapidlyshrinkingswarm.Hethrowsinafewacrobaticspinstoavoidthetediumoftheeasyfight.TheirpanickedscreechescauseSuttertotake

hisheadoutofthebonfire,thelesserdemonsmirkingasthelastoftheangryspiritsexplodes.

Theglasswallhumsandshakesasthepowderedspectersareabsorbedintothemurkysurface.Sensingamalevolentpresence,NyxandSarisprintacrossthe

room.Thehalf-elfisfasterwithherspellandherhandisbathedinyellowaura,whichshepressesagainstthemurkywall.Thedarkmagiccoilsaroundherwristandstartstodragherthroughtheglass,thelaughingofhundredsofspiritsringinginherears.Feelingtheheatofthe

volcanoonherhand,Nyxunleashesaburstoflightningfromherfingersandyanksherarmfree.Withherfriendoutoftheway,SarichantsinabubblinglanguagethatmakesSutter’seyesburn.Sheblowsakissatthewallandcastsasprayofwhitesparksthatsinkintothesmooth

surface.Thechurninggreendissipates,allowingthelightofthebonfiretopassthroughtheglassandbounceoffanarrangementofmirrors.EchoingclunksandslamscanbeheardfromalloverHelgardasdoorsunlockandstaircaseseruptfromthewalls.

“Icanseeyou’regoingtobemoreinterestingthanyourpredecessors,”theIfritsays,hiseyesglintingwithaburninginterest.Thelesserdemonwatchesasastonedoorslidesopenonthefloorandastairwelldescendsfromtheopening.“Onlytwentyothergroupsmadeitbeyond

thistestandtheyalwayshadatleastonecasualty.You’rethefirsttomakeitthroughwithacasterchampion.”

“Thatwassurprisinglyeasy,”Lukeadmitsashewalkstowardthestairs.WhenhestepswithinreachofSutter,theIfritgrabshisarmandpluckstheRingofUlioff

hisfinger.“Whatareyoudoing?Webeatyourtest!”

“Ihavealoveofrings,”hereplies,tuckingtheitemintohispocket.Hesniffsatthedormantfeastringandspitsindisgustattheweakmagic.“Ishouldhavementionedthatapreviouschampionhadanintense

hatredofenchantedjewelry.SoIhaveorderstoconfiscateanythatgetusedwithinthetemple.Ipromiseyouwillgetitbackifyousurvive.Cometothinkofit,mypotentialvic...mistresshasanitemthatfallsintothiscategory.Probablybesttohanditovernow.”

NyxcoversherbodyinblueflamesassheglaresattheIfrit.“Trytotakemymother’sbraceletandyouwon’tbealivetoseeuspassthenexttest.Nowwheredowegoandwhatmustwedo?”

“Asifyourmortalfireintimidatesme,”Sutterwhispers,absorbingNyx’s

flamesthroughhispalms.Agroanofecstasyescapeshislipsandhisbodyturnslightbluetomatchthepowerfulfireheingested.“Ilikeyourfire,soyoumayretainyourkeepsake.Ihavesomeerrandstoattendto.GodownthestairsandtellCudgelIsayhello.Hopefully,we’ll

meetagain.”TheIfrit’sbodyturns

intoacloudofashesandrisesthroughtheceiling,leavingalayerofsootonthestone.Nyxisalreadyheadingdownthestairsbythetimetheothersstopstaringatthelesserdemon’sdeparture.Timoranisthelasttoenter

thenarrowstairwell,hismassiveframecrampedbetweenthewarmwalls.Oncehisheadisclearoftheentrance,aslabofbasaltslidesoutofthefloorandsealsthechampionsinside.

*****“Letmein!”Stephen

screamsatthefrontdoorof

Helgard.Eyestwitchingandfoamatthecornersofhismouth,hebeatsonthesolidstone.“Thosechampionsaremine!Iwantthem!Ideservethem!Givethemtome!”

Unleashingaferalshriek,heslamshisheadagainsttheentranceandstumblesbackwithbloodseepingfromhis

forehead.Theclunkofalockcanbeheardandthedoorwayopens,promptingStephentoproudlywalktowardtheopening.HestopswhenthetoweringformofSutterstepsoutofthedarkness.TheIfritraiseshishandsandgeysersoflavaeruptfromthebasaltfield,themoltenrockflowing

intohisbody.Withanintimidatingroar,thecreaturedoublesinsizeandgrowsapairofcurvedhornsthatendinheatedtips.

“Leavethisplaceandwaittoseeiftheysurvive,”Suttersays,cautiouslyeyeingthesmallerbeing.WhenStephenappearsinfrontof

hisface,hedrivesthemantothegroundwithquickpuffofairfromhisnostrils.“Youknowtherules,littleKernaghan.Dowhatyouwanttotheothertemples,butHelgardisnottobetouched.ThatwasthedealyourfatherandImadecenturiesago.”

“Idon’tcare,”Stephen

growls,crouchinglikeacorneredanimal.“They’vewrongedmetoomanytimes.Ineedtoremovethemandgetmy...my...Darianatooksomethingfromme.Idon’tknowwhatitis,butIwantitback.”

Sutterbendsdowntosniffatthetinyman,the

creature’sfacewrinklingindisgust.“Youreekofdarkness.Youwerealwaysabeingofevil,butitwasneverthispotent.I’mcuriousastowhatshedidtoyou.”

“Thensendherouttofaceme!”thecrazedmanroars,tearingchunksofblackhairoutofhishead.The

clumpsreappearimmediately,butthereisbloodontheirtips.“Ifeelwrong.Myconfidence,mypride,andeverythingthatIcherishedislockedaway.AllIknowisthatIwanttobefixedand...Iwantthechanneler.Ineedthechanneler.Shewillbemineandwewillbreedanew

raceofimmortals.”“Nowyoutrulyoverstep

yourbounds,”theIfritdeclares,hisskincracklingasitgrowsacoveringofsolidbasalt.“Thechannelerismine.LeaveourdoorstepofyourownpowerorIwillforceyouout.”

“Youknowwhat

happenstoyouifsheconquersHelgard.”

“Iwillseehowthingsplayout,butwithoutyourintrusion.”

“Don’tmakemekillyou,youovergrownfiresprite.”

Suttershrinkstohisnormalsize,buthisleftarmisstillmassiveandcovered

withfierystone.Heshattersthelimb’scoatingwhenhepunchesStephen,sendingthemanflyingontothepath.Withapowerfulstomp,theIfritsendsaquakethroughthegroundthatshatterstheprotectiveshellaroundthewalkway.Thebrokenarchescrackletolifeandbatter

Stephenwithabarrageofcombatspells.Heisdrivenbackbythefireballs,lightningbolts,andheatburstsasthedoorsofHelgardcloseinfrontofSutter.Fivespellsconvergeontheenragedmanandexplode,launchinghimintothedunes.Hegetstohisfeet,smoke

driftingoffhisdamagedbodythatimmediatelyheals.

“I’mnotdonewithyou,”Stephenhisseswhilewipingsandoffhisclothes.

“StopcausingtroubleandcomebacktoShayd,”Trinityrequestsassheappearsfromoverthedune.Thechaoselfnimblyslides

downtheslipperyglassandlandsnexttoherally,herblackclothesreleasingasprayofcoolingmist.“Youneedtoseeyourfatherandgethelp.SocalmdownandI’llcallYolaforaportal.She’swatchingusnow,butwewantyoutoregainsomecontrolbeforewebringyou

back.”“Leavemealone,you

worthlesswhore,”Stephensnaps,grabbingthewomanbytheneckandhurlinghertotheground.Apredatoryglintisinhiseyesashewatchesthechaoselfstandandrubherthroat.“MaybeI’vespokentoosoon.You’rea

channelerlikeNyx.Nottothesamedegreeofpower,buthavingachildwithyouwouldbeuseful.Idon’tevenhavetowaitfortheproperamountoftime.Icanimpregnateyouandspeedupyourbodytogetthebabyinamatterofhours.Notsurewhatitwoulddotoyou,but

it’sbettertotestthisideaonsomeoneexpendable.”

“Yourfathertoldyoutobenice,”Trinitystates,backingawayfromtheleeringman.Herpulseispoundingwithfearandshetransformsherclothingintoatightsuitofleatherthatlocksaroundherneck.“Idon’t

wanttodoanythingifyou’relikethis.NotthatIgetanyrealpleasurefrombeingwithyou,butyou’retoodangeroustoindulge.JustcomebacktoShaydwithmeandI’lldowhatyouwantwhenyou’rebetter.”

“You’relying.”“Onlyonewaytofind

out.”“Idon’tbelieveI’veever

seenyouthisscared.”“I’veneverbeenthis

closetoatruemonsterbefore.”

“I’mnotamonster!”“Youraurasays

differently.”Stephenpounceson

Trinityandcovershermouthwithhishand,tighteninghisgripwhenshebiteshispalm.Sherepeatedlyslapsathisface,butherblowsareignoredevenwhenherpalmgemsleavecutsonhischeeks.Kickingathisstomach,shemanagestofliphimoverherhead,butthe

holdhehasonherfaceputsherstraddlinghisstomach.Heletsgoofhermouthtoviolentlysmackherinthehead,dazingtheyoungwomanenoughforhimtoslamherontotheground.Whenhehooksthecollarofhershirtandstartstotearitdownthemiddle,Trinity’s

bodylocksupandshecloseshertear-filledeyes.

“That’smorelikeit,”Stephenwhispersintoherear.Hisvoicedripswithvenomandhegrinsdownattheshiveringchaoself.“Doyourpeopleproudandcontinuesacrificingyourdignity.I’msuretheyappreciateallthat

youdoforthem,greatQueenTrinity.”

“Ihavehadenough!”Trinitymeltsintothe

sandtoescapeStephen’sgrasp,butsherisesinthesamespot,herhandsagainsthischest.Theburstofmagicsendshimflyingontothebasaltfieldwherehehitswith

enoughforcetocrackthesurface.Anexplosionoflavahurlshimintotheairandhelandsbehindtheaura-coveredcaster.Shegetsashieldupintimetocushionthebackhandtoherside,butsheisstillsenttumblingintothedunes.Fueledbyyearsofpentupfury,thechaoselfsendsa

waveofsandtowardStephen,whichshedivesinto.Whenherefusestomove,shetransformsthesandintoawallofacidthatengulfshim.Meltednearlytothebone,themadmanstaresatthepainfuldamageindisbelief.Asthewavecomesaroundforanotherpass,hedissipatesthe

spellandthrowsapunchatwhereheexpectsTrinitytobe.Nothingisthereandheisdefenselesswhensheburstsfromthenearbydune,herfistcoveredinvioletglass.Thestrikehitshisfaceandthemakeshiftgloveshatters,sendingpainfulshardsintohisrawskin.

Stephenlaughsatthepainandpicksthebiggestpieceofglassoutofhisflesh.HewaitsforTrinitytoattackagainanddisappearswhensheisaninchaway.ThecleansnapofherlegandherscreamechooffthemountainasStephenreappearsbehindher.Aviolentpunchtoher

stomachknocksthecasterintothedunessothatonlyherfaceandhandsareleftabovethesurface.GrabbingTrinitybythethroat,heyanksheroutofthedeserttombandbreaksherjawwithflickofhisthumb.

“MaybeIunderestimatedyourpower,”hesaysashe

crushesherrighthand.Thewhimperingscreamshereleasesmakeshimlickhislips.“IalwayscaughtastrongerscentfromNyx,butperhapsI’vesimplygrownaccustomedtoyou.Thereisimmensepowerwithinyourbody,soIshouldtakesometimetoinvestigateitfurther.I

cannurtureyourbrutalityandrageuntilIhaveanotherworthyqueen.Stillyouhavethatirritatingloveofyourpeople,whichpreventsyoufromdoinggreatthings.Ithinkit’stimeIstoppedpamperingyouandremovedyourgreatestweakness.Theworldwon’tmourntheloss

ofthechaoselvesandwe’llcreateanew,betterversionofyourpeople.”

TheenhancergeminTrinity’sforeheadglowsandsinksdeeperintoherskin,causingbloodtotrickledownherface.Shescreamsatthetopofherlungs,whichisdrownedoutbyamad

cacklingfromabove.Stephentriestocrushherthroat,butfindsthathehasbeenparalyzedbywhateverspellthechaoselfiscasting.Beforehecanfreehimself,apieceofflamingrockstrikeshimfrombehind.Itburststhroughhischestandrocketsbackintotheskywhereit

explodesamongtheclouds.Stephen’sbodyisfreedfromtheparalysisandheslumpstotheground,draggingTrinitydownwithhim.

“Summoningskyrockisaforbiddenspell,”hegrowlswhilehestrugglestorepairhislungsandheart.“Forthat,I’mgoingtopopyourhead

off.”Ablackandwhitehand

grabsStephenbythebackofhisshirtwhileanotherfreesTrinityfromhisgrasp.Withacasualtoss,YolaBiggsthrowshimthroughagapingportalofgreenandblackenergy.Shedelicatelycradlestheseverelyinjuredchaoself

inherarmsandtriestorememberhowtoheal.Afewtearsdancedownherfaceassheexaminesthewoundsthatcoverherbestfriend’sbody.Openinghermouthtospeak,theChaosGoddessstopswhenaquiveringfingertouchesherlips.

“Don’teventryit,Yola,”

Trinityweaklywhispers,flashingasmirk.“Idon’twantyoutoturnmeintosomethingsilly.Takemehomeandthepriestessescantendtome.”

“Areyousureyoudon’thavetogobacktoBor’daruk?”Yolaasks,listeningtothesoundof

someonegettingbeatenontheothersideoftheportal.“Theymightnoticeyou’regonefromyourpost.”

“TherealEileenhasbeenrevivedandhasmymemoriesofwhathappened.Wellwithafewimportantchangessoshebelievesitwasher,”thechaoselfanswers,examining

hercrushedhand.Shefeelsnauseousfromstartingthatthetornmeatandsplinteredbones.“I’mreallytired.Thatskysnipespelltookalotoutofme.OnemistakeandIcouldhavedestroyedtheentiredesert.Ineedtorestandheal.Goodnight,Yola.”

Trinity’seyescloseas

sheiscarriedthroughtheportalbythewhistlinggoddess.Eveninhersleep,shesmileswhenaglovedhandtouchesherblood-soakedforehead.Thewarmthofhealingmagicrepairsherbodyandsheslipsintoablissfuldream.Ifshewasawake,shewouldnoticethe

emptyroomiscoveredindentsandsplatteredwithblood.Stephen’sgaspingformremainssprawledinacorner,hispowersstrugglingtoreplacehislimbsandorgans.

“Sleepwell,mylittlequeen,”theBaronwhispers.HegivesTrinityakissonthe

cheekandturnsbacktohiscrazedson.

18

ThevastsandpitstretchessofarthatittakesFizzleafewsecondstoflyacrossathistopspeed.Steppingoffthewindingstaircase,theadventurersseetherearenootherdoorwaysbesidestheoneleadingbacktotheupperfloor.Itis

obviousthattheshiftingsandwillsuckthemunderiftheytrytostepintothepit,anideatestedbySarisacrificingoneofherdaggers.TheyareforcedtoremainonthestonepaththatrunsalongtheedgeoftheroomwhileFizzledartsaroundinsearchofacluetothetest.Heexaminesthe

dome-likeceiling,whichiscoveredincragsandpocketsthatholdnothingmorethansand.Anoccasionalrumblemakeseveryonestop,butnothinghappensandtheycontinueinsilenceforseveralminutes.

“Roomstrange,”Fizzleannouncesinaloudvoice.

Everyonetriestomakehimlowerhisvoice,butthedritestaresattheminconfusion.“Nodangerinroom.Fizzlenotgiveusaway.Friendsneedtocalm.”

“There’ssomethinghere,”Darianasays,leaningagainsttheroughwallandtakingadeepbreath.“Ican

feelthethoughtsofsomethingancientinhere.Wasn’tCudgelthenamenexttothedragonpicture,Nyx?”

“Yes,butthiswouldbeaterribleplaceforaVerenstone,”thecasterreplies,scratchingherheadwiththescepter.Shesendsafewlightorbsintotheair,

hopingtorevealalargeopeningintheceiling.“Therewouldbenowayforittogettothevolcanoortheopenair.Cudgelwouldeitherstarveorgoinsaneandsmashitswayout.”

Lukeinchestowardtheedgeofthepathandstaresintothesand,hissenses

pickingupsomesubtlemovements.“Unlessit’sadifferenttypeofdragon.There’ssomethingbigdownthereandit’sbreathing.Themovingsandmakesithardtogetaclearview.Icangetavagueideaofitssizeandshape,whichremindsmeofadragon.Isn’tthereararetype

ofNatureDragonthatlivesinthedesert?”

“TheAquestarDragons,”Sharnestateswithasighofrelief.“Theyarepeacefulgiantsthatswimbeneaththesands.I’veneverseenonebefore,buttheyareknowntoexistinthecentralregionofthedesert.”

“Atleastthey’repeaceful,”Nyxmutters,secretlywishinghertemplehadaVerenstoneDragon.

“Thatmakesmemoreworried,”Delvininterjects,crouchingtogetabetterlookatthemovinggrains.Theirmotionlookslikethatofarestlesslysleepingcreature,

thebodyneverbreakingthesurface.“Cudgel’sconstantlychurningthesandandkeepingitloose.Spreadoutincasehewakesupandtriestoattack.Ifwe’retogetherthenwe’reeasiertargets.Atleastthisdragonwon’tspitfire,right?”

“Blindingsandtoallow

themtoescapeanenemyoreattheirprey,”Sharnereplies,takingaseatagainstthewall.“I’msorry,butI’mexhausted.WoulditbealrightifDarianaandIstayinthisspot?IprefertohavesomeonebewithmesinceI’mnotawarriororcaster.”

“IfthisisadragonthenI

offertobetheonetostaywithyou,”Timoranstateswhilepattinghisaxe.“Iamthestrongesthereandamusedtofightingwhilecarryinganotherperson.Iwouldbeabletogetyoutosafetyintheeventofanattack.”

“Thankyou,SirWrath.”

Delvingripsthebarbarianbytheshoulderandsmiles.“Sharneisingoodhands.Don’tworryabouttherestofusuntilyougetherintothestairwell.EveryonetakeyourpositionswithFizzlestickingtotheceiling.Ifyouseeanythingstrangehappeningthenshout.If

Cudgelhasn’twokenupyetthenwedon’thavetoworrytoomuch.”

TheadventurersdivideintotwogroupswithLukeandDarianaheadingtotheleftandtheremainingthreewalkingtotheright.Eachmemberstopsaftertheythinktheyhavemovedfarenough

away,keenlyawarethattherewillbealotofspacebetweenthem.ThelastpersontocontinuealongthepathisNyxwhoknocksonthescepterasifitwillgiveherahint.Eventhoughshecanseeherfriends,shefeelsaloneandexposedonthepath.Sheimaginesthedragon

appearingandfocusingonher,theotherstoofarawaytohelp.Moreterrifyingisthethoughtthatoneofherfriendsmightbeattackedandshewillbehelplesstosavethem.Nyxissolostinherthoughtsthatshedoesnotseethesmallbellhangingfromtheceilinguntilitskimsthe

topofherhair.“Thisisweirdandalittle

tooobvious,”shemutterswhileexaminingthebellfromadistance.Thesilveristarnishedandthereisnoclapperinthebody,whichmakesherwonderifitisbroken.“Ifoundabrokenbelloverhere!Idon’tknow

whatIshoulddo!”“Isayringit,”Sari

replies,hervoicesurprisinglyclearacrossthedistance.Shemakesafewexperimentalnoises,enjoyingtheclarityofsound.“Ithinktheroomwasenchantedtomakeiteasiertospeakacrossthepit.Thisisaverystrangeplace.Itdoesn’t

feellikeaverydeadlytesttome.We’resafeaslongaswestayoffthesandandavoidthedragon.”

“Thereistheproblemoftherebeingnowayout,”Timoransays,helpingSharnetoherfeet.Hemovesherbetweenhimandthewall,hisgreataxeheldtightlyinhis

hands.“Ifthisisatestthenweeitherhavetojumpintothesandorcallthedragon.Personally,Idonotlikeeitherofthoseoptions.”

Delvinputshisswordandshieldonthegroundbeforelayingnearthesideofthepit.HewavesforFizzletohovernearhim,thedrite’s

presencehelpingtoeasehisnerves.Realizingheistoofaraway,heinchescloseruntilheispeekingovertheedge.Thewarriorplaceshishandonthecoolsandandbraceshimselftogetdraggedunder.Instead,heisleftaloneandcaneasilyputhisarminandoutofthegrainydirt.

“Ifthesandisthekeythenwe’dhavetohititjustright,whichmeansweshouldfindaclueabouttheperfectspot,”Delvinannouncesasherollsawayfromtheedge.Hestrapshisshieldbackinplaceandshakesthesandoutofhissleevebeforepickinguphissword.“Eveniftherewasa

clue,we’dbesmashedbythedragon.He’sconstantlymoving,soIdon’tseeasafeplacetogodown.”

“Itcouldbeamagicportal,”Darianasuggestswhileshechecksthewall.“Wecouldhavetojumpinatacertainspot,whichtransportsustoanotherroom.

ThoughIdon’tseehowthatismuchofatestbecauseitappearstobedependentonluck.”

“MaybeweshouldhavevisitedoneofCessia’stemplesbeforecominghere,”Sarisayswithahalf-heartedsmile.Shejugglesacoinwithajestercaponbothsides,a

symbolofherfavoritegoddess.“Ipraytoherallthetime,butIdon’tknowifshe’shelpingmerightnow.SomethingtellsmeIusedupmylucksurvivingthedesert.”

“Isaysummonthedragon!”Lukeimpatientlyshouts.

Thegypsylaughsand

triestoflicksomewateratthehalf-elf,thespurtfallingintothesandpit.“Youwouldsaythat,hero.Ivotefortryingtogobackupthestairs.Wemighthavemissedacluealongthewayorinthebonfireroom.”

“Sutterwouldhavesaidsomething,”Delvinarguesto

theincredulouscoughsandmumblingofhisfriends.“I’dliketothinkhewould.Isaywekeepsearchingforacluedownhere.There’sthatareabetweenLukeandNyxthatnobodyhascheckedout.Maybethere’sahiddenswitchoratrapdoor.”

Everyonefreezeswhen

theyheartheshrillringingthatechoesthroughouttheroom.Nyxlazilybatsatthebellwiththescepterandleansagainstthewall.Thesandsinksasthedragonwakesandpreparestoemergefromthedeeppit.Itisnotuntilthebulbouseyesblinktheirmultipleeyelidsthatthe

adventurersrealizetheAquestarDragonisrising.Theshort-snoutedreptile’sscalesblendperfectwiththesand,makingitdifficulttoseewhereitslongneckendsandtheshiftingearthbegins.Afrillofsandfansoutarounditshead,showeringtheadventurerswithgrains

thatstingtheireyes.Twopowerfularmsburstoutandcrashontothepath,oneofthelong-nailedhandsmissingDelvinbyafewfeet.Whenthegroggybeastyawns,itrevealsthatitdoesnothaveanyteeth.

“Ididn’texpectguests,”Cudgeladmitsina

surprisinglyfemininevoice.Shesniffsattheairandhertonguerunsalongherscalylips.“There’sanoceanprincessinhere.Whichoneofyouisit?Ihaven’thadanyfresh,coldwaterincenturies.MeanoldSutteronlygivesmewarmrainthathegathersfromthevolcano’smouth.”

Theywatchthedragon’sheadwavearoundinsearchofSari,whoispressingherbodyagainstthewall.Notsurewhatelsetodo,sheisreadytothrowadaggerwhenCudgeltakesinadeepbreath.NobodymovesasthedragonaimsforanemptyspotbetweenLukeandNyx.A

gusherofsanderuptsfromhermouthandthecompactsandstormspreadsalongthepath.Thecasterputsupawallofwindthatdeflectstheattackbackintothepit,butLukeisknockeddownbysomethingmetalhiddenwithinthewave.Ashegetstohisfeet,Cudgelgetscloser

andpresseshimagainstthewallwithherdry,scalynose.

“Idon’tthinkit’syou,”thedragonsays,pushingLukeasideandmovingtowardNyx.ShemissesthecasterandstopsatDelvin,thewarriorraisinghisswordforastrike.“Iwouldn’tbotherwiththat...longsword.Can

thenaiadsaysomething,soIcanfindher?I’mreallythirsty.”

“Overhere,ma’am,”Sarireplies,timidlyraisingherhand.Theyellowdragonwhirlsaround,squintinguntilshefindsthegypsy.“Areyoublind?”

“No,butmyeyesightis

terrible,”Cudgelexplains,loomingovertheblue-hairedgirl.“I’dgreatlyappreciateadrinkoffreshwater.Areyoureallyanaiad?Youdon’tseemlikeonenowthatIhaveabetterlookatyou.Yourhairisright,buttherestofyouisoddlyhuman.Oh,youmustbepartialblooded.Idon’t

supposeyou’restrongenoughtomakemeadrink.”

Nyxclapsherhands,creatingaburstofthunderthatdrawsthedragon’sattention.Thetwocomefacetofacewiththehalf-elfdefiantlystaringthegiantreptileintheeye.Sheisgentlyknockedagainstthe

wallbyapuffofairfromCudgel’snostrils,whichcomeswithenoughsandtoburyNyxuptoherneck.Nolongerinterestedintheannoyingcaster,thedragonbeginstoturnbacktoSari.SheabruptlygoesintheotherdirectionandstopsatDariana,recognizingthe

silver-hairedwoman.“It’sbeenalongtime,

littleone,”Cudgelclaimswithatoothlessgrin.Sheseesthetensiononthewoman’sfaceandpouts.“Apparently,you’veforgottenaboutmeagain.Sowhatbringsyouhere?”

“Suttersentusherefor

thenexttest,”Darianareplies,sensingthedragon’scalmandcuriousthoughts.“Weexpectedyoutobethetest,butitseemsallofus,includingyourself,areconfused.”

“Oh,you’rechampions!”theAquestarDragonhappilyexclaims,herfrillshaking

sandineverydirection.SheturnsbacktoSariandopenshermouth,causingthegypsytocringe.“Youmustbekindandpowerfulifyou’reachampion.CanIhaveadrink?”

“Persistentandoddlydocile,”Timoranwhisperswhileherelaxeshismuscles.

“Youdidsaytheywerepeacefuldragons,Sharne.ItwouldappearthatCudgelismoreinterestedinwaterthanmeat.”

“Meat?Thathasbloodandthat’sjustdisgusting,”thedragondeclares,openinghermouthwider.Streamsofsanddribbleoutofhermouth

asadrybreathrollsfromherparchedthroat.“Mykindonlyneedswaterandsalt.That’swhywetakeweeklytripstotheoceanorthehiddenreserves.AtleastIwouldifIwasn’tputinherebysomebody.There’snowayoutandI’dreallylikeacolddrink,naiadgirl.”

“Giveheradrink,Sari,”Lukeurgesthegypsy.

Movingawayforsomebreathingroom,Sarispinsandmakesthefluidgesturesforageyserspell.ThewaterexplodesfromherchestandhitsCudgel’sswollentongue,whichhappilysplashesinthecoldliquid.Thedragon

hungrilygulpsdownthedrink,forcingSaritocastthespellfivemoretimes.Bythetimethebeasthashadherfill,thegypsyhasfallentoherkneesandisgasping.Shecanfeelheraurareturningandstandsintimetogetlickedfromfoottofacebythedragon.

“Idon’tlikethistest,”Sariwhimpers,shudderingfromthesensationofthickdroolonherbody.“Canyouletuspassnow?”

“Ican’tbelieveSutterisstillclaimingthatI’matest,”CudgelsaysbeforeshedriesSarioffwithaburstofhotairfromhernostrils.Withatired

sigh,sheputsherheadonthepathnearNyx,butittakesafewminutesforhertofindthecaster.“IadmitthatI’vekilledthreegroupsofchampions,minusDariana,butitwasinself-defense,milady.Theyattackedmeassoonastheyrangmydinnerbell.I’mnotoneofSutter’s

tests.Hecanstarvemeasmuchashewants,butIwon’tbetraymytruenature.Besides,theonlyreasonI’mhereisbecausesomebodythoughtadragonwouldmakeascaryguardianforthecryptbelow.ItoldSutterandNuerinthattheywantedaVerenstoneandmadeseveral

recommendations.Bytheway,youdidn’thearmementionNuerin.That’sasecret.”

“IpromisetosetyoufreewhenItakeoverHelgard,”Nyxswears,bowingtothetoweringreptile.“Mayweenterthecryptandtakethenexttest?”

“Ofcourse,”thedragonanswerswithasmallnodtothehalf-elf.Shedisappearsunderthesand,butreturnsshortlyafterwardswithasheepishexpression.“Ihaven’thadtoopenthecryptinareallylongtime,soIforgotexactlywheretheswitchisdownthere.My

eyelidsmakemypooreyesightevenworseandIseemtohavemisplacedmyglasses.Theyhavemetalframesandthicklenses.”

“IthinkIgothitbythemwhenyouusedyourbreathweapon,”Lukeadmitsashesiftsthroughpilesofsandaroundhim.Cudgelblowsall

ofthemoundsaway,knockingthehalf-elfoffhisfeetandrevealingtheglasses.“Gladtobeofhelp.Thismightnotbeatest,butit’sdefinitelymoreofaheadachethanthebonfireroom.”

Cudgelputsherglassesonandfrownsatthecracksrunningthroughherlens.The

thickpanesofglassarebadlydamagedandtheygiveherathrobbingheadache.Sinkingunderthesand,sheeventuallyfindsalargecrankinacornerandturnsit,shakingherbrokenglassesoffnowthatshenolongerneedsthem.Asquaretowerofbasaltblocksrisesoutofthecenterofthe

sandpit,stoppingwhenithitstheceiling.Theexposedpartofthepillarcreaksasitleansforwardandslowlyfallstocreateanarrowpathtothewalkway.Cudgelemergesandbreathesglitteringsandontothecentralplatform,creatingaswirlingvortextothecrypt.Thesweetsmellof

incensewaftsfromtheopening,puttingthechampionsonedge.

“Thedoorwillstayopenuntilyouleaveoronlythedeadremaininside,”thedragonsaysbeforesinkingbackintothesand.“GoodluckandIhopetoseeallofyouagain.Ifnot,tryto

remembermefornexttime,Dariana.”

*****Thecryptishugewith

pulsingorbsoflightwanderingalongthesandstoneceiling,theenchantmentsilluminatingtheentirecomplex.Coffinsofvariousmaterialsandshapes

arelinedupineverydirectionwithnosignofthewallsinthemurkydistance.Goldencensersarehungfromcrimsonchains,aneternalflameoneachone’sbottom.Incensebillowsoutofthevesselstoreplacethestenchofdecaywiththearomaofroseandlavender.Black

marblecolumnssupportthestructureandeachonehasafierycreaturesculptedintothemiddle.Mostofthefiguresaredragons,butthesmallgrouppassesoneofasalamanderandanotherofaphoenixastheymoveamongthecoffins.Astalebreezegivesthemsomecomfort

fromtheuncomfortableheatanddrawsthemtotheeast.Itisaquietwalkwithonlytheirfootfallsandanoccasionalcoughbreakingthesilence.Everyoneisscaredthatthecoffinswillopenupatanymomentandreleaseanarmyofzombies.

Delvinholdsuphishand

tohavetheadventurersstopwhentheycometoaroundedwallofglass.Afewstomachsrumble,promptingTimorantohandoutpiecesofdriedmeatandsweetbiscuits.Whileeatingtheirsimplemeal,LukeandNyxwanderofftoexaminethecuriousbarrier.Theyseethehuge,

circularconduitofthevolcanoandthelightofthemagmaisenoughforthemtoseeacrosstheopening.Thereareonlymorecoffinsontheotherside,makingthehalf-elveswonderhowmanypeoplehavediedatthehandsoftheirdestiny.Afewspurtsofmoltenrockleapintoview,

causingthemtobackupseveralsteps.

“WemustbeprettyclosetothebottomofHelgard,”Nyxmentions,glancingbackattheirfriends.ShecanseeSharnerestingonthefloorwithTimoranguardingherwhiletheotherslookoveracrudemapofthecryptthat

Delvinistryingtomakefrommemory.“Bythetimeweleavehere,I’llbeafullchampionandmydestinywillbenearlyfulfilled.TothinkthisiswhatI’vebeentrainingforalltheseyears.Youknow,IwasalittlejealousthatyouandSarigotyourpowersfirst.Canyou

believehowfarwe’vecomesinceyouchallengedmeatRainbowTower,littlebrother?”

“Ithinkyoumeanwhenyouattackedme,”Lukesomberlypointsoutwithahalf-heartedsmile.Hisexpressionchangesashedecidesitistimetobehonest

withhisbestfriend.“Ifeelbadaboutnotgoingintothedeserttorescueyou.Aftereverythingwe’vebeenthrough,Ishouldhavebeenthefirsttorushintodangeronyourbehalf.I’msorrythatIletyoudown,bigsister,andIswearI’llneverdoitagain.”

“You’reright.Idid

attackyoufirst,”thecasteragrees,takingaseatnexttoametalcoffinwithDwarvenfuneralmarkingsonthecover.Nyxputsthescepteracrossherlap,ignoringtheruby’sangryhum.“Asforyoucomingforme,Ihaveaconfession.IkindofwantedDelvintodoit.Igivehima

hardtimeaboutputtinghislifeindangerforme,butit’sreallysweet.Notsurewhyhimcomingtomyrescueeitherdrivesmeinsaneormakesmegrinlikeanidiot,butyoujumpingintotroubleonmybehalfissomewhatnormal.”

Luketakesaseatnextto

herandgentlyflickshershoulder.“BecauseI’vebeendoingitsinceourtimeinGaiaandyou’vecometoexpectmetoleapintothefire.I’mrecklessandwillalwaysrushintobetheherowithoutthinking.Delvinismorelevel-headed,sohimbarrelingintotroublehas

moreemotionalweightbehindit.Don’tlookatmelikethat,bigsister.Icanbedeepandintuitiveattimes.”

“Ineversaidyoucouldn’tbe,”Nyxplayfullyargues.Forafewseconds,sheismesmerizedbythemagmarisingabovetheleveloftheglasswall.“Ibelieve

you’rerightaboutDelvin.He’salwayscalmandcollectedunlesshethinksI’mindanger.Yethe’skindandattentivewhenwe’renotinbattle.Unlikeyou,hehasanoffswitchforhisheroism.”

“Ithelpsthatyou’resoinlovewithhimthatyouhadadreamaboutmarriage.”

“WhydidDarianatellyouthat?”

“Iwasjoking.”“Oh...Iwasjoking

too.”Lukeputshisarmaround

Nyx’sshouldersandgivesheratightsqueeze.Themomentsherelaxes,hepokesherintheribsandflicksthe

bottomofherear.Shebitesherliptoavoidmakingnoisewhilethewarriormercilesslyteasesher.Unabletotakeitanymore,thecasterbindshishandswithaspellthatmakesitimpossibletopullthemapart.WhenLuketries,theyclapbacktogetherwithenoughforcetorattlehis

knuckles.“Sowhydon’tyoutell

Delvinthetruth?”thewarriorasks,offeringhishandstobereleased.

“IswearI’vebeenoverthisbefore.I’mscared,”NyxadmitsasshefreesLukefromthespell.Shetakesapeekoverthecoffintoseethat

DelvinistalkingtoTimoran,hischainmail-coveredbacktoher.“IfItellhimthatIlovehimanditgetstothepointofmarriagethenwehavesomethingtoloseinthefightwiththeBaron.ImagineusbeingengagedandIdieinthatbattle.He’dbecrushedandI’dbethesameifthe

roleswerereversed.AssoonasItellhimthetruth,wewon’tbeabletotakeitbackandeverythingelsewillfollow.I’msimplynotreadyfortakingthatbigastep.”

“IknowI’mnotonetotalkaboutrelationshipssinceI’minamess,butIthinkyou’replayingadangerous

game,”Lukesuggests,puttingacomfortinghandonthecaster’sleg.Hesmilesatherandreachesouttopushhermouthintoasmirk.“You’dhateyourselfifhediedandyounevertoldhimthetruth.I’mnotsayingyoushouldtellhimnow,butdon’twaituntilafterwefight

theBaronbecauseitmightbetoolate.Besides,heprobablyalreadyknowssinceyou’reaboutassubtleasadrunkendwarf.”

“Yougivegoodadviceforbeinginsuchamess,”Nyxsays,reachingouttomovetheforesttracker’smouthintoagrin.Theyletgo

ofeachotherandchuckle,stoppingwhenshepuncheshiminthearmalittleharderthansheintends.“I’vebeenmeaningtoaskyouaquestionforawhile.Nowseemsasgoodatimeasany.”

“Idon’tknowwhattodoaboutKiraandSari,”theforesttrackerclaimswitha

tiredsigh.“IthoughtaboutitalotandI’minlovewithbothofthem.Eachoneappealstopartofmynature,whichdrivesmenuts.KirahasthestabilityandthedeeperunderstandingofhowIgrewupwithexpectationswhileSariisawanderingadventuresswhoisalwaysup

tosomethingexciting.IfearthatIwilleithergetboredwithKiraifmywanderluststaysorgrowoutofSariifitdisappears.WitheverythingthathappenedinBor’daruk,Idon’twanttohurtKiraanymore,butIcan’tignorewhatIfeelforSari.”

“That’sterrible,butIwas

actuallywonderingwhyyouaren’tscaredoftransformingafterbeingtrappedasachimera,”Nyxawkwardlymentions.Shegetstoherfeetandstretchesherarmsoverherhead,freezingwhensheturnstofindDelvinstandingontheothersideofthecoffin.“Iseverythingokay?”

“Iwasonlycheckingonyoutwo,”thesmilingwarriorsays,walkingaroundtojointhem.“IwalkedinwhileLukewasrambling.Dideitherofyouhappentohearastrangethudafewminutesago?”

“No,whichisstrangesinceit’sbeensoquiet,”

Lukereplies,drawinghissabersandscanningthearea.Allhecanseearetheimagesofhisfriendsandtheoccasionalcoffinwhenitistouchedbythedullbreeze.“Idon’tseeanythingoutofplace.ThoughI’vebeenworriedaboutallthesebodiescomingtolife.Bytheway,

Nyx,theanswertoyourquestionisbecauseI’mnotscaredofithappeningagain.ImadeamistakewiththeSwordDragonandIknownottomakeitagainifItrytobecomeachimera.It’sallaboutcontrolandthespiritsnotbeingmalevolentortoostrongformetohandle.”

“Itisn’tlikenearlydyingstopsLukeanyway,”Delvininterjectsbeforetheyhearasoftknockonanearbywoodencoffin.“Iwasreallyhopingtoavoidzombies.They’remoreofanannoyancethanathreat,butI’mnotinthemood.”

“Remembertotellthem

that,sothey’llgoaway,”Nyxsnidelyreplies.

Shatteringthestonefloor,abronzecoffineruptsbeneaththethreeadventurersandhurlsthemintotheair.LukelandslightlyonhisfeetwhileDelvinuseshisshieldtocushionhisfallagainstawoodencasket.Thelidofthe

hoveringcoffinopenstorevealnothing,butcrimsonlining.ThemysteriousobjectturnstoNyxandsucksherinside,closingandplungingbackintothefloor.Achorusofexplodingwoodandmetalfillsthecryptastheothercasketsviolentlyopen.Ghostsrisefromthosebodies

thatarenothingmorethandustwhilerottingzombiesemergefromfreshercoffinsthatfallapartwithease.ArmoredskeletonsandfloatingrevenantsjointheswarmasLukeandDelvinracebacktotheothers.Nothinghastobesaidastheysprintthroughthebursting

coffins,theadventurersslashinganddodgingundeadontheirwaybacktotheportal.

“Fizzlemakeallyougopoof!”thedritescreams.

Hedartsthroughtheairtoblastared-robedLichwithadisintegrationspell.Theundeadcaster’stophalfis

erased,butitstillunleashesabonedaggerspellthatcutsSharneacrosstheback.Shecriesoutinpainandstumbles,holdingthebleedingwoundthatdrivesthenearbyzombiesintoafrenzy.FizzlesoarsthroughoneofthecreatureswhileDarianabeheadstheother

threewithaflurryofpowerfulkicks.AshadowyghastleapsattheinjuredwomanwhoispluckedoutofthewaybyTimoran.Thebarbarianhacksthecreaturesinhalfwithoneswingandwhirlsaroundtodecapitateanundeadknight.

“WehavetosaveNyx!”

SarishoutsasshehelpsLukeclearthepathahead.Wieldingstuddedclubsofice,thegypsydancesandflipsthroughagroupofskeletonsthatareleftbrokeninherwake.“Isaywegobackandtrytogetherout!”

“Thatcoffindisappearedassoonasitwentbackinto

theground.We’dneverfindherbeforetheundeadoverranus,”Lukeargues,makingshortworkofthezombies.HeswingsatanElvenghost,buthisbladespassthroughitandheducksitsgraspinghands.“Focusontheghosts,Fizzle.Ican’tdoanythingaboutthemanymore.

SomethingtellsmeSutter’sruleaboutmagicjewelrywasalieandhewantedtomakethisharderforus.”

“Doesn’tmatter.Justfightbacktothevortex,”Delvinsayswhileprotectingthegroup’sflank.Heneatlydestroysallofthephysicalundeadthatcomenear,but

theghostsforcehimtofallbackandlosehismomentum.“OncewegetbacktoCudgel,we’llmakeanewplanandreturnforNyx.Maybewecansendafewbigspellsthroughtheentrancewhenthesethingsgrouptogether.”

TheskeletonofanorcknightchargesatDelvinand

swingsitsmaceintohisshield,drivinghimtohisknees.Sensinganeasytarget,theotherundeadrushforwardonlytobepushedbackbyDarianawhomovestoofastforthemtoreact.Sheturnshalfoftheskeletonstopowderandtearsaghoul’slegsoffbeforesheslows

downenoughfortheundeadknighttotakeaswingather.Delvinknocksheroutofthewayandtriestoparrythemace,buthecanalreadyseethathisangleiswrongandhisbladeisdamaged.Deflectingtheweapon,hislongswordshatterswithseveralshardspiercinghis

andDariana’sskin.Thepainisminor,butthebloodroilstheundeadtothepointwheresomeofthemattacktheirbrethrenoutofconfusion.Refusingtogiveup,thebrown-hairedwarriorswingshisshieldwithallofhisstrengthandknockstheskeletalknight’sheadoff.

“Staynearme,”Darianawhispers,grabbingherfriendbythewrist.Shestopswhensheturnsaroundtoseethattheyhavebeencutofffromtheothers.“Wewastedtoomuchtime.GetonmybackandI’lljumpustotheothers.”

“Catchuptotheothers

andgettothevortex,”Delvindemands,bashingafewzombieswithhisshield.“I’mnotgoingtodiehereorgetyoukilled.TellLukenottostayonthissideofthevortexbecauseIknowhe’lltry.”

“Butyou’reunarmed.”“Actually,I’mnot.”Delvinreachesintohis

bottomlesspouchanddrawsthecursedbastardsword,theweighttooheavyforhimtousewithonehand.HedropshisshieldandtakesouttwoskeletonsinoneswingwhileDarianahurriestotheothers.Unusedtotheweaponandfeelingitsdarkenergyrunuphisarms,thewarriorkeeps

hisswingspreciseandshort.Heisrelievedwhenthebladetearsaghosttoshredswithasingletouch,thespirit’sagonizingscreamsringinginhisears.Withhisfriendsoutofsight,Delvinstartsswingingwildlytohackhiswaythroughthehorde.Thezombies,skeletons,andsome

undeadthathedoesnotrecognizeclosein,evensteppingontheremainsofthefallen.Thecreaturesreachforthesword,itsdarkenergymesmerizingthemandmakingthemdocileenoughtokillwithoutafight.Evenwiththelackofresistance,Delvincanfeelhisarmsand

backabouttogivefromtheheavybastardsword.Hecanbarelylifttheweaponwhenseveralghastsinfrontofhimarecleavedinhalfbyagreataxe.

“Nevertrytofightlikeabarbarian,myfriend,”Timoransayswithasmile.

“Ipromisetoleavethe

swarms,mobs,andhordesforyou.”

Thepairignoretheundeadbehindthemandworktohacktheirwaytothevortex.DelvinfocusesonanyghoststhatswoopdownatthemwhileTimoransavagelyhacksthroughthescreechingcrowd.AfewtimesFizzle

passesoverheadtounleashawaveoflightningorfireonthecreaturesnearinghisfriends’flank.Whentheyseetheexit,TimoranliftsDelvinoverhisshoulderandchargeswithbrutalswingsofhisgreataxe.HeleapsthroughthevortexwithFizzlerightbehindhimandcrasheson

thestonepathinfrontofCudgel.Theopeningcloseswithaloudsuckingsound,preventingthemfromreturningtothecrypt.

“WhataboutNyx!?”Lukeasks.HeleapsoverTimoranandDelvininthehopesofthevortexreturning,butitremainsclosed.“How

arewesupposedtosaveherifwecan’tgetbackthere?”

“I’msorry,buttheportalcloseswhentherearenolivingbeingsinthecrypt,”thedragonhelplesslyreplies,sinkinguptohernose.“Ifyoufinishthetestswithoutherthenyoucanretrievethebody.”

“That’sifwecanfigureoutwhereitwent,”SarimutterswhileshepressesalargehealingpatchonSharne’sinjuries.ShemovesontohelpDarianaandDelvinremovethemetalshardsfromtheirskin,thegypsyusingscrapsofclothwhensherunsoutofbandages.“Lukesaid

thebronzecoffindisappeared.”

Withacurioussnort,Cudgelrisesoutofthesandandleansforwardtogetabetterlookattheblondewarrior.“Bronzecoffin?Ifshewasswallowedbythatthenshe’snotdead.Maybe.Atleastshe’snotinthecrypt

andallyoucandoiscontinuewiththetests.Iheardthedoortothegreetingchamberopenwhileyouweregone.Aslongasyourfriendpassesherpersonaltest,you’llseeheragain.”

“Thenlet’spushforwardandfinishwiththisdamnplace,”Delvingrowlsashe

replaceshisbrokensword’ssheathewiththatofthecursedblade.Thewarriorsheathshisnewweaponwithshakyhandsandheadsforthestairway,leavingTimoranontheground.“HurryuporI’mleavingyoubehind!”

“Thiswillnotgowell,”thebarbarianwhispersto

himself.*****

Nyxwakesuptoablindinglightaboveherandleatherstrapsholdinghertighttoametaltable.Thescepterisonherchest,tieddownwithsilvercordsasitgrowlsandhissesinfrustration.Shetriestouse

hermagic,butnothinghappensevenwhenshefocusesonherchurningaura.Wigglingherfingers,thecasterfindsthateachonehasasmoothringthatmakesherskinitchandburn.Thesoundofrunningwaterandclinkingmetaldrawsherattention.Withsomeamountofeffort,

sheslipsoutofthestrapacrossherforeheadandcraneshernecktolookaroundtheroom.Nyxgetsaglimpseatsometerrifyingmachinesthatcouldonlybeforcuttingfleshandbonebeforethebandofleatheryanksherheadbackdown.

“Welcometomylab,”a

hoarsevoicesaysfromtheothersideoftheroom.Thegentlethudofmetaltoolsbeingplacedonacartprecedesthesoundofsqueakywheels.“It’sbeenalongtimesinceIhadoneofyourkind.You’renothinglikeCasandra,butshewastrulyoneofakind.I’mstill

surprisedshelivedforsolongwithoutagingaday.Sowhatisthenameofmynewsubject?”

Agnomerisesintoviewonamechanicallift,hercrimsonandsapphirerobesmarkedwithdriedblood.Herforeheadisstrippedofskinandthewandsymbolof

CelvaryntheGoddessofWildMagicisetchedintotheexposedbone.Wispsofwhitehairstickoutofthewraparoundthetopofherhead,thegarmentnothingmorethanawhitetowel.Herlarge,darkredeyessquintinthelight,whichsheturnsdownbyspinningametalrodinthe

air.Shetakeshertimeputtingonherleatherglovesandstrapsatelescopingmonocletoherhead.Thelensmovesinandoutafewtimes,thescreechofunoiledjointsmakingthegnomecurseunderherbreath.

“NyxofRainbowTower,”thehalf-elfrepliesto

makesureshecanstilltalk.“I’malsothechampionofHelgard.Whoareyou?”

“I’vebeencalledTheCrafter,thefirstPalqua,andNuerin,”thegnomeanswerswhileoilingthelens.Shepullsoutanotebookandwritesassheexaminestherestrainedcaster.“Ipreferthe

thirdname,butwe’renotgoingtogetveryclose.I’llmakeanamazingbeastoutofyou.MaybeevenreplacethatarchaicIfrit.Ineverlikedhim,buthecamewithHelgardandIcouldonlydosomuchtomesswithdestiny.”

“Ifyou’reachampion

thenletmeoutofhere,”Nyxrequests,strugglingagainstthetightbonds.Anumbingspraydescendsonherfromtheblackstoneceiling,robbingherofstrengthandsense.“Howareyoustillaliveafteralltheseyears?Ithoughtalloftheformerchampionsdiedexceptfor

Dariana.”“Don’tevengetme

startedonthatsnivelingcreature.I’mgladwesoldhertopiratesonthewayhere,”Nuerinsayswithacruelsmile.ShemovesclosertoNyxandmeasuresherfacewithwoodenruler,blindlyjottingdowninformation.

“NobodysaidIwasstillalive.MyultimatecreationkilledtheotherchampionsandruinedPalqua,butitgavemetheopportunitytoridHelgardofthoseridiculousmonsterchallenges.Thosemadeexcellentguardiansofmyoldscepterandmyservantsfirmlybelievedmy

oldcompanionswereresponsibleformygreatcreation.Suttercertainlydidn’tmindlosingthoseheadaches.IbelieveIwaspretendingtobemaleduringthattime,butitwassolongagoandunimportant.Gettingtothepoint,IledtheHelgardiansintothedesertin

thehopestheywouldusemyscepteronthenearestcity,whichneverhappened.Iwouldhavedoneitmyself,butthebindingspellswouldn’tallowit.Aftertheyboredme,Icamebackhereandtookupresidencetocontinuemyexperiments.Iprobablydiedacouple

hundredyearsago.”Feelingthestrength

returntoherbody,Nyxflexesherfingerswhenthegnomeislookingatherfeet.“AreyouaLich?”

“Nothingsoplain.I’mspecial.”

“Aren’tallchampions?”“Yes,butIleftallofyou

behindwhenIcheateddeathandimproveduponGabriel’sprophecy,”Nuerinproudlyexplains,throwinghernotebookontoametaltable.Shepicksupalongsawwithtwobladesthatglowredwithheat.“Iamthegatekeeperwhochoosesifachampionisworthy.Theguardianofthis

templewasworthlessandSutterisnothingmorethanaglorifiedbutler.IconqueredHelgardandcreatedabeasttodestroytheBaron.Sureitkilledtheotherchampionsanddestroyedthetownofmyservants,butIsurvived.Icouldhavecontinuedmyworkifthegodshadn’t

revokedmydestiny.Still,IcontinuetomakesureonlythebestwillcontinuewithGabriel’sprophecy.MaybeonedaysomeonewillmeetmyapprovalandsurviveHelgard,butIswearitwillnotbeachanneler.”

Roaringlikeawildbeast,thesceptershakesviolentlyto

breakitsbindingsandstrikeNuerinintheface.Theblowisstrongenoughtospinthegnome’sheadandsendherreelingbackagainstacylinderfilledwithblueslime.Thefallenchampionblocksthenextstrikewithhersawandgrabsthescepter,buttherelicmeltsherhand.

Cursingunderherbreath,Nuerinretreatstoalargecrateandthrowsthetopattheenrageditem.Thewoodenlidburstsintoflameswhenithitstheruby,butitgivesthegnomeenoughtimetopullawhitesheetfromthecrate.Duckinganotherblow,shecoversthescepterwiththe

cloth,whichfreezestherelicinaspireoficethatreachestheceiling.

“It’snicetoseeyourememberme,Casandra,”Nuerinsays,tappingonthepillar.Shegrabsafewmoresheetsfromthecrateandthrowsthemovertothickentheicycage.“Youshould

thankmebecauseyouwerenothingbutalonelyexilewhenIsummonedyou.Siredallthosechannelerlinesandnoneofthemeversoughtyouout.Probablyshouldhavestuckaroundtoraiseafewofthosebastardsinsteadofbirthing,feeding,anddisappearing.Inthisform,

youhavemorepowerandabestfriendforlife.How’stheoldguardiandoingintherewithyou?”

NuerinlaughsandturnsbacktoNyxwhoisstrugglingagainsttheleatherstraps.Thegnomewhistlesamellowtuneasshehopsbackontotheliftandreadjustsher

telescopingmonocle.Shefrownsatthecutsonhergloves,whichforcehertopullonafreshpair.Pickingupalongneedleandahammer,sheliftsNyx’sshirtandaimsforherabdomen.Usingthehammertodrivethespikeintothehalf-elf’sflesh,Nuerinisconfused

whenhervictimremainsmotionless.Pullingtheneedleback,shefindsitcleanofbloodanditcrumbleswhenshetapsitontherailingofherlift.Throwinghertoolstothefloorinfrustration,shehearsthehammerhitsomethingmetalthatskittersacrossthestonefloor.

Climbingoffthelift,shecrouchesnexttothetableandfindsthemagic-blockingringsontheground.

“TimeslikethisIwishIcouldstillseethevoid,”shequietlymuttersasshepullsaleveronthebaseofthetable.Themetalslabisquicklyelevatedtotheceilingwhere

spikesarewaitingtoimpaleNyx.“Suchawasteofaperfectlygoodtestsubject.I’llhavetomakedowithherfriends.”

Athickmistflowsfromthetableasitretracts,theunoiledgearsgrinding.Nuerinisworriedwhenshedoesnotseeabody,the

surfacecoveredindentsandbrokenspikes.Sherushesforanearbywandonlytohaveherlegsyankedoutfromunderher.Thegnomefallswithametallicclangandaspurtofoileruptsfromherside.AclawedhandgrowsfromthemistthatcoatsthefloorandgrabsNuerinbythe

collar,hurlingherintothefarwall.Thetowelaroundherheadfallsoff,exposingametaldomethathasbeenweldedtoherskull.

“Sothat’showyoustayedaliveforsolong,”Nyxsaysassheformsoutofthemist.Withasnapofherfingers,ascytheoflightning

ripsdownNuerin’sbackandsendsthegnomecrashingtothefloor.“I’daskhowmuchofyouisfleshandbone,butIdon’tcare.You’readisgracetothechampions,Gabriel,Helgard,andanyoneblessedwithanimportantdestiny.IhopeyougototheChaosVoidandthedemonshave

theirwaywithyou.”Nuerinstrugglestoher

feet,herrobestornenoughforNyxtoseethemetalplatesofherback.Thegnomestepsforwardtostopthehalf-elffrommeltingtheicearoundthescepter,butherlegslockwithapatheticclank.Unabletouseher

batteredbody,shecanonlywatchasthefrozenspiredissolvesbeneaththecaster’stouch.Withasinisterlaugh,therelicspinsintoNyx’shandandaimsherarmatitshatedenemy.Nuerintriestobegforherlife,butallshecandoisemitastrangescreechandgurgle.She

closeshereyesastherubyglowsandthecasterfiresacrimsonbeamofheatthatmeltsthegnomeintoapuddle.Theonlyremainingpartsofthefallenchampionisthemetaldomeofherheadandasilverboxthatholdsherbeatingheart.Nyxsnapsherfingersandaclubofforce

appearstosmashthecontainerintothefloor,grindingthepulpyremainstomakesuretheyaredestroyed.

“I’mguessingthat’syoufeelinghappyandfree,”thecastersaystothescepter.Shegetsasensationofblissfromtherelic,whichmakeshersmile.“Let’sgetoutofhere

andreturntotheothers.”Spinningthescepter,

Nyxapproachesthemetaldoorandkicksitopen.Thecrimsonlightfromthenextchamberiswarmandinviting,butaburblingsoundgivesherpause.Asickeninglysweetscentprecedespuddlesofblood

risingfromcracksinthefloor.Darkredwarriorsemergefromtheichor,theirarmsendinginscimitarblades.Theirgelatinousbodiesholdtheformoffleshandarmor,buttheyarenomoresolidthanawaterfall.Thearmyofmonstersstareatthecasterwithhumaneyes

thatfloataroundtheirfaces.Lettingoutatiredsigh,Nyxstepsintobattlewithfireballsflyingineverydirection.

19

“Getupandkeepmoving,”Delvindemands,glaringattheothersastheytakeaseatinthecolumnedchapel.Thewarriorpunchesthewhitewallanddrawshissword,pointingitathisfriends.“Thisisn’tthetimeorplacetorest.Weneedto

finishthesetestsandfindNyxbeforeit’stoolate.”

“Idon’trememberSuttermentioningbeingtimed,”SariangrilyreplieswhilehelpingDarianatoared-cushionedbench.Sheglancesatthesandstonedaiswherethebackwalliscoveredbyathicktapestrydepictinga

phoenixrestinginherfierynest.“Darianaisexhausted,Sharneneedsherbandagechanged,andwe’reobviouslylost.Thisistheonlyroomwefoundinthelastthreehoursthatismorethanalibrary,diningroom,orcorpsecloset.We’veseennoundeadoranythingtoposeathreat.I

don’tevenrememberanystairsthatgohigherthanthispoint.”

“Yougiveuponme,gypsy,IswearI’ll-”thewarriorbegins,stoppingwhentheothersstepbetweenhimandSari.“Whatdoyoutwowant?”

“RightnowI’dliketo

knockyouout,”Lukeadmits,hishandsonhissheathedsabers.

“Putthecursedbladedownandgetaholdofyourself,myfriend,”Timoranpolitelyrequestsashemovescloser.AssoonasDelvinaimstheweaponathischest,thebarbariansmacksthe

bastardswordawaywithhisbarehand.“Iknowthatyoudrewitoutofdesperationandnowyouarefallingunderitspower.Forthatreason,Iwillnotattackyou.YetIwillstepinifyouthreatenanyofusagain.”

Delvinsneersandpointshisswordatthetallerman’s

nose.“Youwouldn’tdare.”Timoranisabouttohit

hisfriendwithaquickkicktothestomachwhentheformermercenarycollapsesontoawoodenchair.Thebastardswordrisesintotheairandslipsbackintoitsplainscabbard,whichdetachesfromDelvin’sbeltand

clatterstothefloor.Sharnecoughsandwheezesfromthepressureofforcingherwaythroughthecurse’sinfluenceandintotheinfectedchampion’smind.Hereyesalmostclosed,thenomadsitsnexttoDarianaandtouchesthesilver-hairedwoman’shand.Acrackleofenergy

leapsbetweenthemandSharneslumpsonthecouch,herfeettwitching.

“Whydidyoudothat?”Darianagroggilyaskswhilesittingup.“YouneedyourstrengthjustasmuchasIdo.”

“Delvinmaybecrazy,butheisright,”Sharneanswerswithaweaksmile.

“AllofyouneedtokeepmovingtosaveNyxandreviveHelgard.I’mnotachampion,soIdon’thavetocontinueon.Icanremainhere.”

“I’mguessingyouknockedDelvinoutforhisowngood,”Sarisays,turningthenomadaroundtocheck

herinjury.Thebleedinghasstopped,butshetenderlyreplacesthebandagetobesafe.“Anybodythinkit’sstrangethatHelgardhasstairs?PallicehadiceslidesandtheGardenofUlihadwindtunnels.Maybethere’ssomethingsimilarhere.”

“Lavaslides?”Fizzle

suggests,usinghismagictopushthebastardswordawayfromDelvin.“Won’tthatkillfriends?Roughstonenotcomfy.Transportroomwesee?”

“ThatroomisonlyformovingbetweentemplesandI’mnotsurehowstabletheyarewhenonesideis

corrupted,”Darianaanswers.ShemovestoletSharneliedownandexaminesanivoryaltarthatholdstheremainsofabook.“Goingbywhatwe’veseensofar,Iwouldsaythisisaplaceofsecretpassages.Iftherewasapopulationofservantsthenonecouldexpecttheretobe

hiddenpathwaystokeepthemsafefromthetemple’sdangers.”

“Anetworkofhallwayswithinthewallsthatrunbetweentheimportantrooms?”Timoranasks,scratchinghisheadinthought.“Thatwouldmeanentrancesinthelibrary,

bonfireroom,kitchen,anddiningroom.Atleastfromtheroomswehaveseen.”

“Andthechapel,”Lukeaddswhileexaminingthebasaltstatuesinthesmallalcoves.

Saritakestheothersideoftheroomandrunsherhandsalongthewhitewalls,

touchingeverycreviceinsearchofaswitch.ShemeetsLukeatthetapestryandbothofthemgrinattheobviousnessofthehidingplace.Theirvictoryisshort-livedastheymovebehindthehangingclothandcheckthesmoothstone.Minutespassandtheyareunabletofinda

switcheventhoughknockingonthewallcreatesafaintecho.Steppingoutfrombehindthetapestry,thepairshruginunisonandsitnearafireplacethatstillhassomeglisteningembers.Theirongateisraisedandlockedinplacebyaclipshapedlikeasoaringphoenix.Lukepokes

hisswordatthelogs,surprisedthattheycatchflamesandbuildintoacracklingfire.

TheglisteninggoldofthephoenixgivesSarianideaandshewhispersaspelltocoverherhandsinice.Reachingintothefire,shepicksupaflaminglogand

approachesthetapestry.Shetakesafewminutestoadmirethebeautyofthepiece,theweavingexpertlydoneandshowingnosignsofhavingaged.Thephoenixlookslikeshealwaysimaginedthebeast,aprettybirdofredandorangewithfieryplumage.Itsnestisdepictedasbeing

madeofthinbranchesthatsituponablackcauldron,whichshedoesnotunderstandatfirst.Gettingacloserlook,sheseesthatthecrimsonfireshethoughtwascomingfromthenestisactuallyrisingfromthemouthoftheround-rimmedvat.Therestofthepictureisofacloudysky

withonlyahintofthesunpeekingoutinthetoprightcorner.

“Iknowphoenixesarebornfromfire,butthatlookslikeanexpensiveitemtodestroyonawhim,”Dariananervouslyinterjects.“Nyxmightbeangryifitdoesn’twork.”

“Firstofall,Nyxdoesn’tknowthisexists,soIwon’tgetintrouble,”Saripointsoutwithasmirk.“Secondofall,elementaldoorsmayberare,butgypsiesandmostexperiencedthievesknowabouttheirexistence.Theysellforanamazingpriceanditdoesn’thurttohavethe

knowledgeincaseyoufindoneinanancientruin.”

“Doesthattypeofsituationhappenoften?”Timoranwrylyasks.

“Onlytous,SirWrath.”Noticingthatthe

cauldrononlyhastheoutlineofafireatitsbase,Sariputstheflaminglogagainstthat

partofthetapestry.Asizzlingprecedestheappearanceoforangeandyellowthreadthatfillsinthegap.Withthesoundofacawingbird,thedecorationburnsfromthebottomtothetopandrevealsaneatdoorwayinthestone.Tossingthelogbackintothe

fireplace,Saristicksherheadintothedustyhallway.Shecanseeonedimlylitpathrunningtoherleft,thefloorshowingsignsofagradualincline.Morecuriousisaladderthatrunssohighthattheonlythingthegypsycanseeisadistantpinprickoflight.

“Well,mypartisdone,”Sariannounces,steppingbackintothechapel.“Whowantstomakethenextdecision?”

“Sharneneedstorest,sowecanhavetwogroupsscoutthepathswhilesomebodystaystowatchher,”Darianasays,peekingintothesecret

passage.Sheisrelievedtoseethattherearenocorpsesandathicklayerofundisturbeddust.“Eachgroupfollowsapathtoseewhereitgoesthenwereturnheretochooseapermanentdirection.IvolunteertogowithonegroupbecauseIcancontactothersfromadistance.”

“Whatdowedoaboutourcrankyfriendhere?”Sariasks,gentlykickingDelvin’sfoot.Shetenseswhenheclearshisthroatandturnstofaceher.“Imeantthat...Forgetit.Youwerebeingajerk.”

“IagreeandI’mstillfeelingaggressive,”the

warriorrepliesashemoveshischairfurtherawayfromthebastardsword.“Thecurseisdyingdown,butI’mgoingtohavetopickthatweaponupagaintobeofanyusehere.It’sbestformetouseitwhenwedefinitelyknowafightiscoming.ThatwayIcanchannelthepurehatein

theblade.LeavemeherewithLukeandSharne.”

“Whyme?”thehalf-elfinquires,annoyedthathewillnotbegoingintothetunnels.

“BecauseIknowforafactthatyou’venoproblemhittingmeifithastobedone,”Delvinsayswithasmirk.Hecoughsupsome

bile,whichhespitsintothefireplace.“Also,Iknowyou’refastenoughtotakemeoutifneedbe.Idon’tknowhowlongIcanfightthecurse,butI’mtryingmybest.Thatswordrotsthebodyandcorruptsthemindwhilefuelinganobsessionforwhateveryouwant.With

KaynitwasSariandwithAsheritwasprotectinghisfamily.Ithinkit’sdistortingmydesiretorescueNyx.”

“Thenwewillbringherbackandyouwillbefine,”Timorandeclares,gesturingforFizzletoperchonhishead.Hepatsthetinydragononthetailandheadsforthe

passages.“IwillclimbtheladderwithFizzle.DarianaandSaricantakethepathbecauseitswidthisbettersuitedfortheirfightingstyles.”

Thebarbariandoesnotwaitforaresponseandclimbsthemetalladder,hismassiveframeblockingthe

smalllightatthetop.SarigivesLukeaquickhugbeforefollowingDarianaintothepassage,whichappearstoclosewhentheywalkfarenoughdownthepath.Theycanonlyseesolidstone,notrealizingthattheirfriendsareabletowatchthemdisappearintothegloom.Assoonas

theyareoutofsight,theundamagedtapestryunfurlsfromitswoodenrodandthedoorwayishiddenagain.

*****Adistantrumbleshakes

thehallwayandknocksloosepebblesontotheheadsofDarianaandSari.Theyhavetheirmouthscoveredwith

handkerchiefstoavoidinhalingthechokingdustthattheykickupwitheverystep.ThesafestwayoftalkingisthroughDariana’stelepathy,butSarirefusestoleaveaconnectionopenforlongerthanasecond.Severaltimes,oneofthemtripsoverariseintheunevenfloorand

stumblesaheadtokickupacurtainofdustthatblindsthemfornearlyaminute.Afaintbreezedrawsthemtoaventinthewallwheretheytaketurnsbreathinginthewarmairseepingfromtheoutside.Anotherboomrocksthemountain,forcingthemtokeeptheirbalance.

“Anyideawhatthatis?”Sariasks,pressingherlipstotheancientstone.

“Noclue,butIthinkit’scomingfromaroundthatbend,”Darianareplies,puttingtheclothbackoverhermouth.“Let’skeepmoving.Myeyesareburningfromallthedust.Unlessyou

needmoretimetorest.”“Honestly,IthinkI’m

themostrestedoutofallofus,”thegypsystates,tyingaveilaroundherface.Sheremovesitwhenthedustgetsunderneathandshebegrudginglyholdsthethinfabrictoherface.“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Tired,butfunctional.”“Therebetterbeabathin

thistemple.”“Ihaveafaint

recollectionofhotsprings.”“Nomorehot.”“Couldn’tyoumake

themcold?”“Yeah,butIwanttobe

lazy.”

Thetwowomenareknockedtothegroundbyamassivequake,theirbodiesgettingcoveredwithdust.Fearingthatthehallwaywillcollapseorfillwithlava,theyscrambletotheirfeetandsprintahead.Coughingandwheezing,theyleapoverfallenstoneandtripover

crackshiddenbytheshadows.Eachtimeoneofchampionsstumbles,theothercatchestheirwristandhelpstheregaintheirbalance.Bythetimetheyturnthecornerandseethebackofatapestry,theyaregaspingforairanddesperatetoescapethepassage.

Bargingintothemassiveroom,thepairskidtoahaltandtrytogetbackintothestuffyhallway.Alltheyfindisasolidwallbehindaneleganttapestrydepictingadragonrisingfromavolcano.Beforethemisanenormousarmyofhumanoidcreaturesmadecompletelyoutof

animatedblood.Dropsfallofftheedgeoftheirsword-likearms,butthecastoffisquicklyabsorbedbytheirfeet.Withfloatingeyes,themonstersstareattheintrudersasanotherexplosionshakesthevastroom.

“Thisisdisgusting,”Sariwhispers,drawingadagger

andhurlingitattheclosestbloodsolider.Theweaponsinksintothecreature’schestandissuckedintothethickliquid.“Iwouldn’trecommendhittingthemwithyourbarehands.Atleasttheyaren’tveryinterestedinattackingus.”

“Forsomereasonthey

arecreatingamassofbodiesbeforetheyswarm,”Darianareplies,sensingtheirprimitivethoughts.“Theyarescaredthatwewillbeasbadastheotherone.I’msorry,buttheyaresobasicthatIslipcompletelythroughtheirminds.It’sliketryingtograbfreshblood.”

“Youcouldn’thavesaidhugtheoceanorcarrythedesert?”thegypsynervouslysnaps,drawingherfavoritestilettoandawidedagger.“Icandefendmyself,butIdoubtIcanhurtthem.Trydiggingdeeper.”

“I’lltry,”hercompanionsays,probingthemindofthe

nearestcreature.Assoonasshepeelsawaythetoplayerofthoughts,thecreatureshrieksandmeltsintoapuddleofcoagulatingblood.“I’msorry.They’reveryfragile.”

Wildhowlseruptfromthecreaturesandtheysurgeforwardonlyforawideblade

oflightningtotakeouttherearofthemob.Thebloodsoldiersscatterandsomelaunchintotheairbytransformingintostretchingspears.Burstsofflamemeetthemandtheyarereducedtobubblingmuckonthefloor.Aplumeoffireeruptsfromthefarsideoftheroomand

growsbigger,dispellingwhenitcomeswithinafewfeetofthechampions.Alonecreaturechargesintothebillowingsmokeandanotherexplosionsendsitsremainssplatteringacrossthefloor.TheblasthasenoughforcetoclearthefoggycurtainandrevealNyxwhoiscoveredin

sweatandblood.“Nyxie!”Sarihappily

shouts,sprintingtoherfriend.Shegivesthehalf-elfatighthugthatnearlyknocksthemover.“You’realiveandsettingthingsonfire!Iwassoworriedaboutyou.Weallwere.OhandDelvinisusingthatcursedbastardsword,so

hemightbeajerkwhenyouseehimagain.Don’tkillhim,butfeelfreetoknocksomesenseintohim.”

“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo,”Nyxsaysasshehugsback.Sheunleashesalightningbolttoblastanapproachingbloodsoldier.“Wemightwanttodothis

later.Howareyoudoing,Dariana?”

“I’mfineandhappytoseeyouagain,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies,dartingbehindtheothers.Shecatchestheincomingbladeofabloodsoldierbetweenherhandsanddestroysitsmind.“TimoranandFizzleclimbed

uptothehigherlevelandtheothersarerestinginachapelthatwepromisedwewouldreturnto.SharnewasinjuredandDelvinneededabreakfromthecursedsword,buthewantedLuketowatchoverhimjustincase.Wedon’tknowhowtogetbacktothemsincethepassage

closed.”Nyxcreatesahurricane

domearoundthem,deflectingtheattacksoftwobloodsoldiersquads.“Therearedoorsandstairwellsalloverthisfloorofthetemple.I’vebeenfightingforawhile,butIdidn’twanttoleadthesethingsthroughtherestof

Helgard.AfterIescapedintoanemptylibraryandtheyfollowed,Icamebackhere.Theykeepcomingandonlymagicappearstohurtthem.I’mgladIdidn’tactivatemymom’sbraceletorIwouldhavebeenkilled.AnyideasbeforeIdropthebarrier?Don’taskmewhereIwent

becausethisisn’tthetimetoexplain.”

“Icancontacttheothersandhavethemmeetussomewhere,”Darianasuggestsassherubshertemples.“Anotherideaistoleadthesecreaturesintoanambush.Though,Idon’tknowofaroomthatwould

workforthat.”“Well,thelibrarywas

prettybigandhadtablesthatwecoulduseasblockades.Nobookstoworryabouteither,”Nyxmentionswhileshetakesasipofwaterfromherwaterskin.“ContactSharneandtellherhowshecankillthesethings.Takethe

directionstothelibraryfrommymindandgivethosetoherandLuke.OnceIdropthisshield,staybehindme.IcanhandlethefrontbetterifIdon’thavetoworryabouthittingyoutwo.”

Abloodsoldierrisesoutofthefloorbetweenthethreewomenandclumsilyslashes

atNyx,itsarmslicingthroughherwaterskin.Saricatchesthewaterononeofherdaggersandtransformsitintoabladeofice.Withaquickslash,sheshattersthecreature’sarmandfollowsupwithastabtoitschest.Thebloodsoldiersolidifiesfromtheintensecoldandcrumbles

intopowder,makingthegypsysmirkwithpride.Gatheringthelastofthewater,shemakesanothericedaggerandnodsforNyxtodropthebarrier.

*****Timorangroansand

Fizzlewhimperswhentheswelteringheatatthe

volcano’ssummithitstheirfaces.Thedritetakestotheair,risinghighenoughtocatchacoolbreeze.Hereturnstohisfriendwhohasmovedtotheedgeofthesummit,hisgreataxereadyincaseheslipsandhastoslamitintothestone.Theywatchtheswirlingmagmabelow,

imaginingwhattheheatwouldbelikeifitwascloser.Backingaway,thebarbarianlooksoutoverthemoonlitdesertandletsthetensionebbfromhismuscles.HecanseetheHelgardianencampmentinthedistance,buttheyaretoofarawayforhimtomakeoutanydetails.Furtheraway

isaherdofslendercreaturesthatrunupaduneandtaketotheair,glidingintotheskywheretheyvanishamongthestars.

“Whatthat?”Fizzleasks,staringacrossthevolcano.

ThelightfromthecraterisenoughforTimorantoseeashort,wideobjectthatisthe

coloroffreshblood.SignalingforFizzletoflyhighandunseen,thebarbariancreepsalongtheedgeofthevolcano.Hestopswhenanexplosionfrombelowshakesthegroundandmakeshisheartleapintohisthroat.Shudderingatthethoughtoffallingintothe

magma,Timorancontinuesmovingtowardthestrangeobject.Whenhecomestothealtarmadeofflowingblood,hewavesforFizzletojoinhim.Thedritelandsonhisshoulderandhissesatthesinisterstructurethatreeksofdeath.

“I’mpartdemonand

evenIfinditdisgusting,”Suttermentionsasheclimbsoutofthevolcano.Hewipesthemagmaoffhisarmsandspitsonthealtar,thefieryblobsizzlinginthecrimsonliquid.“Mymasterputthisheretocontrolherabominations.I’mforbiddenfromdestroyingit,but

perhapsyourchannelercandothejob.”

“WearelookingforNyx,”Timoransays,cautiouslywatchingtheIfrit.“Doyouknowwheresheis?Lastwesawher,shewasswallowedbyabronzecoffin.”

“ThatwouldbeNuerin

whoisaformerchampionandthemaniacbehindwhatyou’veseenhere,”thelesserdemonexplainswhilewavinghisarmoverthevolcano.Hismanebristlesandheroarsatthesky,hissharpteethdrippingfieryspit.“Shethoughtshewasbetterthaneveryone,soshebrokethe

rules.ThenshetwistedHelgardandfilleditwithdisgustingundead.Tothisday,IthinkGabrielwasuptosomethingwhenheforgedherdestiny.Therewastoomuchofachancethatshewouldturndownadarkpathanddamagehisplans.Though,I’vealways

wonderedifsomeonemeddledwithNuerin’sdestinywithouttheTri-Godknowing.Itreallydoesn’tmatternow.YourfriendkilledNuerinafewhoursago.I’vealreadyspitandstompedontheremains.”

“Whatmeanfordemon?”Fizzleasks,dartingaround

Sutter.HereturnstoTimoranwhentheIfritgrowlsandmakesahalf-heartedgrabforthedragon.“Sorry.Fizzlewonderwhatguardiandonow.”

Suttertakesadeepbreathandletsoutacracklingbelchfollowedbypuffingoutafewcloudsofsmoke.Hegently

kicksatthealtar,butasurgeofpainrunsthroughhisbodywhenhemakescontact.Withanotherroaroffrustration,thelesserdemonstompsontheground.Acrackracesacrossthesummit,forcingTimorantoleaptotheside.Anotherrumblefrombelowshakesthevolcanoandmakesthe

damageworse.Scratchingflakesofbasaltoffhismuscularchest,Sutterreachesouttoattractaballofmagma.

“Iamnotthetrueguardian,”headmitsashefillsthecrackwithmoltenrock.Withagentlebreath,Suttercoolsthemagmaand

repairsthedamagehecaused.“IamonlyaservantandIwouldhavebeenmergedwiththescepterifIhadnotassistedNuerininherplans.IbetrayedthepurposeIwassummonedforanditcostHelgardeverything.NowIonlyhopethatmytimeiscomingtoanend.AtleastI

nolongerhavetodealwiththatcreepygnomeifIkillNyx.”

“Idonotunderstandwhyyouhavetokillherifyourmasterisgone,”Timoranpolitelysays.HepullsaflaskoutofhispouchandtakesalongdrinkofIfritmead,temptedtoaskifthelesser

demonknowsofthebrewnamedinhishonor.“Thereisnoreasontofightussinceyouarefree.”

“BecauseIamthefinaltestofHelgard,”Sutterstates,flashingahungrysmile.Hisshoulderspopasheflexeshisarmsandfingers.“IfNyxcandefeatmethenIwillbefree,

butherfavoredelementisfire.ThatputsthefightinmyfavorandIwillusemyfullstrength.OnlyatruechampionshallconquerHelgard.”

“Demonnosoundhappy,”Fizzlepointsout.

TheIfritplucksthedriteoutoftheairandcatches

Timoran’sgreataxewithoutlooking.“Iamproudofmyrole,butIamtiredofthislife.InolongerremembertheChaosVoid.IfIwastobebanished,IwouldfeellikeI’vesteppedintoaforeignland.SoIconvincedatestsubjectofNuerin’stochangetherulesofmydefeat.She’s

nowbeencombinedwiththescepter,butshedidwhatIaskedbeforehand.”

Fizzle’seyesturngoldandhesquintsatSutter’saura,slippingoutofthelesserdemon’slooseninggrip.Hecanseetheexpectedenergythatresemblesaninferno,buthesensesthatsomethingis

different.Hisexperiencewithdemonsislimited,butheknowsenoughaboutfirecreaturestogetafeelforwhatshouldorshouldnotbewithinthecreature’sessence.FlyingaroundtheIfrit,heexamineseveryinchuntilhefindsabarelynoticeablevoid.Thegapisinthebackof

Sutter’sheadandresemblesacoinslot,understandingdawningonthedrite’sface.

“Demonnobanish.Demondie.Removetetherpiece.Nowantgohome,sowantdeath.”

“Thatiscorrect,”Sutterstates,lettinggoofTimoran’saxe.“IfIamdefeatedthenI

willceasetoexist.Iwon’tevengotoanafterlifebecausedemonsnolongerhavesuchathing.I’vebeenenslavedforsolongthatitistheonlyescapethatappealstome.YetIrefusetolaydownanddie.Nyxwillhavetosurvivemyfullpowerifsheistobecomethetrue

championofHelgard.Thoughtherestofyoumightbeabletofinishthejob,butthatislesslikelythanafire-lovingchannelerdefeatinganIfrit.”

“IwilldowhatIcantogiveyoupeace,”Timoranpromises,offeringhisflasktothesurpriseddemon.“Itisa

meadnamedafteryourkind.Hasafierykickforusmortals,butIwillnotmakepromisesonhowitwilltastetoyou.”

“Thankyou,”Suttersaysashetakestheflaskandthrowsitintohismouth.Hecrunchesthemetalandlickshislipsatthetasteofliquor.

“Verysweet.IcanseewhyyoudrinkitandIassumeitstastetoyouismoreformidable.Otherwise,everyIfritthathaseverlivedshouldbeoffendedatthemildness.”

Thevolcanoshakesandthebloodaltarglowswithapulsinglight.Howlingscreechesrisefromthedepths

ofHelgardasthecrimsonichorflowsintotheground.Sutter’seyesrollbackandbecomewhiteorbsbeneathrapidlyflutteringlids.Hesenseswhatishappeningwithinthetempleandgrowlsattherisingstenchofthebloodsoldiers.Chantinginavoicethatresemblesa

cracklingfire,theIfritsummonsastairwellthatgoesdowntotheragingbattle.

“YourfriendsarestillfightingtheremainsofNuerin’screaturesbelow,”Sutterexplains,reachingouttopatthebarbarianontheshoulder.“Theyarenotpartofthetest,soIhaveno

problemtellingyouwhattodo.Anyformofmagicwillworkagainstthemincludingmindpowersandthatforesttracker’sforms.Theywillcontinuecomingbecausethisaltarrevivesthem.HelpyourfriendsturnthetideandreturnherewithNyxandthosewhoareuselessagainst

thecreatures.Iwillbewaiting.”

“Thankyou.Eventhoughwewillmeetinbattle,Ihopeyoufindpeacebeforethedayisdone.”

Suttersnortsandturnsaway,listeningtothebarbarianchargedownthestairs.“Ireallyhavebecome

fartoomortaloverthecenturies.Iactuallyfelt...happythatthebigpieceofmeatcares.”

*****Thelibraryisinchaosas

thebloodsoldierarmymarchesthroughthefallenwallandoverthesmashedfurniture.Nyx’sspellsslam

intotherearranksofthecreatureswhileLukeandSaridartamongthecloserenemies.Thegypsy’sicedaggersshatterwhatevertheytouchwhiletheforesttrackerstrugglestomakeadentintheirenemies.Allhecandoishackofflimbsandheadsthatgrowbackwithin

seconds.Heiseventuallyforcedbacktothebottomofthestairsthatgrewoutoftheceiling,holdingthepositionalongsideSharneandDariana.Thetwowomenpluckatthemindsofthebloodsoldiers,makingthemsplattertotheflooronebyone.Everyoneknowsthat

theycanonlystandtheirgroundsincetheendlessarmyrefusestoretreatanddoesnotappearingtobethinningout.

Farawayfromtheothers,Delvinscreamsandroarsashebrutallyslashesthroughthebloodsoldiers.Hisattacksareonlyalittlemoreeffective

thanLuke’s,themonsterstakinglongertorecoverfromtheReflectorBlade.Theweightofthebastardswordisnolongeraproblemsincehehasfallenfurtherunderthecurse.Theweaponfeelslikeanaturalpartofhisbodyandhewieldsitwithonehandwhileusingtheseatofachair

asashield.Whenthecreaturesfallback,heglancesattherearoftheroomwhereNyxishurlingeverycombatspellshecanimagine.Thebloodsoldierseventuallybreakthroughtheothersandswarmtowardthecaster.Delvinchargesatthem,madlyslashingthosearound

himbeforecrashingintothewaveofmonsters.Theyareforcedbackbylightningboltsandthecrazedwarrior’ssavageattack.

“WouldyoupeoplestoplettingthemgettoNyx?”Delvinshoutsattheothers.HefightstheurgetothrowhisswordatLukewhoscowls

athim.“Ifyou’renotgoingtoleapintothearmyasusualthenrunawaylikeachild!Wecan’taffordtoshowanyweakness!”

“KeepyellingatourfriendsandI’lluseyouasaclub,Cunningham,”Nyxthreatens,shovingthewarriorasidetounleashawaveof

energybladesacrossthefloor.“StaybymeandfightthecursebecauseIdon’twantyououttherelikethis.You’relikelytoattackoneofourownifpushedtoofar.”

“I’mtheoneplanningthestrategy,sodon’tordermearound,”Delvinsnaps.ThestunningbackhandfromNyx

clearshisheadandheglaresattheevilblade.“Thanks.Ineededthat.DoitagainifIstartactingthatlikeagain.”

“Yougotit,strategist.”Delvinmeetsthe

approachingbloodsoldiers,makingsurenottomovetoofarfromNyx.Hecanfeelthecursecoilingaroundhismind

andavoicetryingtoconvincehimtoattackLukeforbeinguseless.Thewordlessshoutshelphimdrownoutthesinistersuggestions,butitgetsharderwitheveryswing.Openinghismouthtoroarinfrustration,heissurprisedatthedeafeningbattlecrythaterupts.Ittakesasecondto

realizethatitisnothisvoice,butsomeonegettingcloserfromabove.Spinningtobeheadfourbloodsoldiersandturnaround,hedivesoutofthewayofahugeformleapingintothefray.Timoranlandswithanechoingthudandbarrelsintothemonsters,thesuddensavagerydriving

theentirearmybackafewsteps.

“FizzleandTimoranbackwithnews!”thedriteannouncesbeforehecastsanironlancespellatthemonsters.Themetalprojectilestrikesthefloorandexplodes,sendingshrapnelintothenearbyenemies.

“Stairsgototop.Ickyaltarsourceofmonsterpower.Sutterthereasfinaltest.Saytogowithuselessones.Notsurewhatthatmean.”

“HemeanswhoeverisuselessagainstthesethingsshouldgowithNyxtothetopofthevolcano,”Delvinexplains,hisbreathingheavy

andragged.Hedropshismakeshiftshieldandpuncheshimselfintheface,garblingtheevilvoiceofthesword.“Isuggestmyself,Sharne,andLuke.Ican’tbefarawayfromNyxthankstothiscurseandtheothertwoarehavingthehardesttime.Sharneisdoingsomedamage,butyou

cantellthatherinjuriesaretakingtheirtollonherreflexes.”

“SuttersayLukeformsworkonmonsters.”

“IagreeaboutyouandSharne,butIsaywetakeTimoran,”Nyxsaysasshesendsaswarmoffireballsintothearmy.“He’salready

losinggroundwiththem.Theywereonlyscaredofthesuddenentrance.Fizzle,takeoversendingspellsintothearmyandI’llgettoLukeandSharne.”

“I’llgetTimoran,”Delvinstateswithamadgrin.

Fizzlesendsadisintegrationbeamatthe

bloodsoldiersasNyxsprintsforthestairs.Sheflingsacidboltsandfirefistsintothecrowd,strikingonemonsterthatisabouttopounceonSari.ShesignalstothegypsythatsheisgoingupthestairsandpointsatLukeandSharne.Theworriedexpressiononherfriend’s

facegivesherpause.Shesnapsoutofherworryintimetoramintothemonstersaroundthestairswithashieldofforce.Sendingthespellintotheshriekingmob,sheknocksthebloodsoldierstotheothersideoftheroom.

“I’mtakingSharne,Delvin,andTimorantothe

summitwhereSutteriswaitingbyanaltarthatkeepsthesethingsregenerating,”Nyxrapidlysays,gaspingforair.Notbotheringtobeflashy,shehurlsamassivefireballatthecrowdandhalfofthelibraryeruptsinflames.“Fizzlewilltakeoverthedistancespellswhile

Darianaholdsthestairs.Don’tholdback,Sari!You’regoingtohavealotofroomtoworkwith.Lukeisgoingtotransformbecausehisspiritformscanhurtthesethings.That’stheplanandtherestofuswilldestroythataltarassoonaswecan.Staysafeandkeepfighting.”

“Youtoo,”Lukeawkwardlyreplies,unsureofwhatelsetosay.Heleapsoffthestairsandhurriestoanopenspacewhilesheathinghissabers.“Oncethesethingsaregone,we’llbejoiningyou.”

NyxgrabsSharnebythewristandrushesupthe

stairwell,notbotheringtoseeifTimoranandDelvinarefollowing.ThetwowarriorsrushbyDarianawhopopsthemindsofthebloodsoldierschasingthem.Takingadeepbreath,Saridivesfurtherintothearmyandwhispersspellsasshemoves.Withoutwarning,thegypsyexplodes

intoashoweroficychunksandmaterializesseveralyardsawaytoattackagain.Dizzyfromthecomplicatedspell,shefocusesoncounteringthemonsterswhileshebacksoutofthecrowd.Whenshebreaksthroughthearmy’sranks,shenearlystopsatthesightoftheunexpectedbeast

infrontofher.Growlingandclawingat

theground,Lukeistheformofanotherchimera.ThewingsandheadofthegriffinareonStiletto’sslenderbody,whichisthreetimesitsnormalsizetoworkwiththebiggeranimal’sparts.Weavingintheairbehind

himisthetailofaspiritnaga,theblackspikedrippingparalyticpoison.Takingtotheair,thechimeraunleashesasoundthatisahorrificcombinationofallthreebeasts.Lukesendstwentybloodsoldierssplatteringacrossthefloorandwallsonasingleswoop,howling

triumphantlyashemakesanotherpass.

Notwantingtobeoutdone,Sarirushesbackintothearmyandisquicklysurroundedbythebloodsoldiers.Theyattackherwithrenewedstrength,theirfearofthechimeradrivingthemtoeliminatetheweakerthreats.

Shetakesacutonthearmaftershatteringseveralenemies,butthepainstunsherenoughtostealhermomentum.

“Puticeonthestairs,”DarianasaysasshelandsnexttoSari.Herstrikesburstthebloodsoldiers,eachblowdeliveringapsychicbolt.

“Youpushedyourselftoohard,soI’llwatchyourback.”

“Thanks,”Sarigasps,castinganicewallthatblocksthestairs.Shemovesbacktobackwiththesilver-hairedwomanandgrowsicebladesfromthepommelsofherdaggers.“Ioweyouadrink

afterthis.”“Idon’tdrink.”“Thensomecandy.”“Neverhadthatbefore.”“Oh,Dari,weneedto

showyouhowtolive.”Bloodsoldiersshatter

andmeltaroundthetwowomenastheystabandpunch.Itisanelegantdance

ofdestructionastheyjumpandspinaroundeachother.Whiletheydonotmakeanyprogressinpushingthearmyback,DarianaandSariareimpossibletomovefromtheirtightcircleofdominance.

20

DelvinignorestheshoutingfromNyxwhoiswithSharneontheothersideoftherumblingvolcano.AllheisfocusedonisreachingSutterfirstandputtinganendtothetestsofHelgard.SowhenTimorantriestotacklehim,thewarriorwhirls

aroundwithhisbastardswordswingingforhisfriend’shead.Thebarbarianblockstheattack,butslipsonthecrumblingouteredgeofthemouth.DelvinissprintingforwardagainasTimoranstrugglestodraghimselfbackontosolidground.Thepossessedwarriorisracing

towardthebackoftheIfritwhenwallsofflameeruptfromthestone.Theforceknockshimonhisbackandhescramblestohisfeet,furiousashewatchesasecondbarrierappearontheothersideofthevolcano.Nomatterthedirection,thereisnowayforDelvintogetto

NyxandSharnewhoarenowtrappedwiththeIfrit.

“Letmein!”heshouts,liftingtheReflectorBladetostrikethefirewall.Thebarriergivesaninchbeforeamoltenfisteruptsfromtheflames.Delvinducksthedeadlyattackandbacksup,thebastardswordsteaming.

“IguessI’llgoaround.”“Stopthisandstickto

whatNyxsaidonthestairs,”Timorandemandsashecautiouslyapproacheshisfriend.“Shetoldustodestroythealtar,sotheotherscanjoinus.Wedonotknowhowlongtheycanlastdownthere.Weneedtoworktogether.”

“Sheneedsme.ThisswordcandefeatSutterandendallofthis.IfIchargeatthefirewallwiththeReflectorBladeaheadofme,itshouldpushthrough.”

“Iagreethatitwillpuncturethebarrier,”thebarbariancalmlysays.Hegingerlymovesforward,

stoppingwhentheotherwarriorstompshisfoot.“YetIcanseeitpullingyouintothefireaswell.Theswordwouldmakeitthroughunscathedandyoubeseverelyinjured.Youmayevendie.Thatisnothingmorethanafoolishwaste.Comewithmetodestroythe

altarandtrustthatNyxcanhandleSutterfornow.”

“Iwon’tabandonher.”“Iamnotsayingthat.”Delvinstares

suspiciouslyatTimoran,amadglintinhiseye.“Igetitnow.YouwantmetohandlethatbloodaltarwhileyousaveNyx.You’rejustlike

Stephen.WellI’mnotgoingtoletyoubethehero.”

Thefoamflyingfromthewarrior’smouthisenoughofawarningforthebarbariantoprepareforaslash.RememberingwhathappenedthelasttimehisDeflectorAxestrucktheReflectorBlade,Timoranblocksthe

attackwithhisbracers.Theforceoftheblowknockshimoff-balance,butheisquicktorecoverandsheathhisgreataxetoavoidamistake.Heispushedbackbythewildslashesandjabs,eachonemorechaoticthanthelast.Theyarenearlyacrossthevolcanowhenaswing

managestograzethelargeman’schest,whichleavesaburningcutthatstingswitheverygustofhotair.Chokingdownhisprimalrage,TimorancatchesDelvin’sarmandpuncheshiminthefacewithafractionofhisstrength.Thesmallerwarrior’snoseisbrokenand

heisstunned,butthereisnosignthatheisabouttogiveup.

“Iapologizeforthis,”thebarbarianwhispersbeforeliftinghisfriendintotheair.

Withatightspin,hehurlsDelvinbacktothealtarwherethewarriorbouncesafewtimesandrollsdownthe

stairwell.Timoransprintsasfastashecantotheopeninganddrawshisweaponincasethereisadanger.Heseeshisfriendsprawledonthestairs,theman’seyesclenchedshutandhisbreathingrapid.Whenthebarbarianputshisfootonthetopstep,Delvinweaklyswingsthebastardswordat

histoes.Leapingtosafety,Timorandecidestoleavehisfriendandworkondestroyingthealtar.

Whenhegetswithinafewstepsofthealtar,apairofskeletalarmsburstfromthebloodyobject.TheyreachforTimoran’swrists,butheswiftlyhacksthemattheir

elbows.Thefallenlimbsmeltintothestoneasseveralmoreemergetopushhimback.Oneofthemcatchesthebarbarianbytheankleandholdshimlongenoughfortwomoretopunchhiminthestomach.Theirbarbedknucklesleavebleedingcutsinhisfleshandheroarswith

renewedrage.Withseveralviolentswings,thebarbariancleavesthroughtheswarmoflimbsandchargesatthealtar.Asheraiseshisgreataxeoverhishead,twoarmswithwidehandslanceouttograbhimbytheneck.Drivenbyfury,Timoranmarchesagainstthestrengthofthe

altaruntilhecanbringhisweapondownonthesinisterobject’sflattop.Anexplosionmeltsthearmsandsendsthebarbarianflying,buttheDeflectorAxefailstoundotheevilmagic.Landingnexttothestairs,thelargewarriorisabouttogetupandtryagainwhenafootstomps

onhisbleedingstomachtopinhimdown.

“You’reinmyway,”Delvingrowlsasheliftsthebastardswordwithbothhands.Hisskinispaleandhiseyesaresunkenasthecursecoursesthroughhismind.“Nyxwillbemine.”

TimoranstrikesDelvinin

thekneewiththesideofhisaxeandflipsuptohisfeet,droppinghisweapon.Hegrabsthehiltofthebastardswordbeforehisfriendcanrecoverhisbalance.ThetwomenwrestleasthecursepushesDelvindeeperintomadnessandreachesouttoinfectTimoran.Thebarbarian

roarsandslamsthesmallerwarriorintothebloodyaltar,butakneetohisgutweakenshisleverage.Pushingoffthebaseoftheshrine,Delvinforceshisfriendbackandtheyawkwardlycrashtotheground.Rollingbackandforth,bothmenrefusetoreleasetheReflectorBlade

untiltheformermercenarybitesTimoranintheneckwithenoughforcetodrawblood.

“Stopwastingmytime!”Delvinroarsasheyanksthebastardswordaway.“You’reputtingNyxindanger!”

“Ifyoudestroythealtarthenourfriendswillbefree

tojoinus,”Timoranquicklysays,hishandsalreadyupinpreparationtocatchtheblade.“OnceLukeishere,hecanflyyouacrossthevolcanoanddropyouontoSutter.Youhavedonethatbeforewithhimanditislikeaknightonhisnoblesteed.Nyxwillseeyouasthehero

insteadofmyselforLuke.”“Thatdoesmakesense.

IfyougoforNyxandIhavetokillyouthentheotherswillbewitnessestoyourbetrayal.Idoitnowandshewon’tbelieveme.”

Withasingleslash,Delvindestroystheskeletalarmsthattrytostophim.He

chargeswhenthepathisclearandswingsatthealtarwithanoverheadchop.Thebastardswordstopsaninchfromtheevilobjectduetoallofhismusclespainfullylocking.Hisbodyrelaxesandhetriesagainonlyforthesamethingtohappen.Evenhisattemptatakickends

withhisjointsfreezingbeforehecantouchthealtar.

“Mybodywon’tletmehitit,”Delvinwhispersashismindgainsamomentofclarity.Hestaresatthebastardswordandwatchesthesteelturnblackwithfaintfaceslaughingwithinthetar-likesurface.“Thecurselikes

theevilmagicofthealtar.Itwon’tletmeattacksomethingitseesasakindredspirit.”

“Thendroptheswordandletmedoit,”Timoranrequests,grabbinghisgreataxe.“Doitbeforeyourmindislostagain.”

“No...I’mnotletting

Stephenbeatme,”thedeterminedwarriorreplieswithachokingcough.Thecurserageswithinhisthoughts,butheholdsontohisremainingscrapofsanity.“IsweartoeverygodthateverexistedthatIwon’tfalltothatmonster.Notevenhiscursedblade,whichI’m

goingtoclaimasmyown,willstopme.NyxoncesaidIhadablindingaura,solet’sseeifIcanuseit.”

“Youareneitheracasternorapriest.”

“Idon’tcare.”“Iwilltakeyourheadoff

ifyoufailandbecomeamonster.”

“Thankyou,butIwon’tfail.”

Delvinfocusesontheevilbladeinhishandsandrushesatthealtaragain.Hetriestodeliveranotherchop,butthebastardswordstopslikebefore.Insteadofgivingup,thewarriorbattlesagainsthisownbodyandcontinues

pushing.Aburstofenergyknockshimawayandheskidsacrosstheground,leavingalineofbloodashisshirttearsandhiselbowisshredded.Thecursesurgesagainsthissanityandthesinistervoicewhispersinhisear,thehatefulwordstwistinghisstomach.Feeling

weakanddefeated,Delvincloseshiseyesandfallstohiskneesasthecurseenvelopeshismind.

Itisasinglesparkwithinthedarknessofhisvisionthatstopshimfrombeingentirelyconsumed.Hedesperatelyreachesoutforthegoldenenergywithahandthatis

steadilyunraveling.Afinalburstofwillpowerhelpshimreversethedamageandhegrabsthesparkassoonashisfingersaresolidagain.Delvin’sworldisbathedinlightasthecurseispurgedfromhisbody.Hiseyesopentorevealtwinorbsofburningaura,theenergydripping

downhisfaceandunderhisshirt.Thelinesofmagicruntohishandswheretheyinfectthecursedblade,transformingitfromblacktogold.

Takingasteadybreath,thewarriorsprintsatthealtarandstrikesitwiththeglowingbastardsword.The

energyfromDelvindrainsintotheputridblood,whichcrystallizesandcracksatthebase.Hemakesanotherswing,whichcleanlyremovesthetopofthealtarandshattersthebase.Hewatchestheremainsfallintothevolcanowheretheyexplodeagainstthemagma.

Awaveofdizzinesswashesoverthewarriorandhenearlytumblesovertheedge,butTimorangrabshimbythebackofhisshirt.

“Doyouknowwhathappened?”thebarbarianasks,notexpectingaclearanswer.

“I...purifiedmybody

andthesword,”Delvinanswersashestepsawayfromthevolcano’smouth.HetapshisbladeagainstTimoran’sgreataxe,causinghisfriendtobraceforaspellthatneverhappens.“SeemsIwenttoofarandremovedmostofthemagic.Thisisn’tanythingmorethanan

indestructibleswordnow.”“Youareamystery,my

friend.”“I’mreallysorryabout

everythingIsaidanddid,Timoran.”

“Itwasthecurseandnothingmore.”

“Thoseemotions-”Delviniscutoffbythe

barbariangrabbinghisfacewithonehandandsaying,“Iknowhowyoufeelaboutherandthecurseenhancedyouremotions.Thosedarkerforcesmaybeinsideyou,butyouareagoodman.Sowewillputthisbehindus.Nowletuswaitfortheothersand...whatisthat?”

Delvinturnsintimetoseeaslenderformfallingintothevolcano.Heisnotsurewhatheislookingatuntilheseessomeoneelseleapafterthefirstfigure.TheglowinglightaroundthesecondpersonisallthetwowarriorsneedtoknowthatitisNyx.Racingtotheedgeofthe

mouth,alltheycandoiswatchasthetwoformsplungeintothemagma.

*****Nyxcursesunderher

breathwhenthewallsoffiretrapherandSharnewithSutter.ShecanseeTimoranandDelvinontheothersideofthebarrier,butitis

impossibleforthemtobreakthrough.PointingthescepterattheIfrit,shemovesforwardandmotionsforhercompaniontostaybehindher.Flamesrunthroughthecaster’shairandlightningcracklesaroundhereyesinanattempttointimidatethelesserdemon.Hegrinsand

burstsintoflamesthatarepowerfulenoughtomakethehalf-elfsweat.

“Ihavetoadmitthatnobodyhasevertriedtoscaremewithmyownelement,”theIfritsayswithadeepchuckle.Thefirearoundhimdiesdownandsteamdriftsfromhismuscularframe.“I

hopeyourfriendwarnedyouthatIwillnotholdback.Iexpectthesamefromyoueventhoughyou’reatadisadvantage.Nochampionwhoclaimsfireastheirweaponhasachanceagainstacreaturewhothrivesoffit.”

“Wedon’thavetodothis,Sutter,”Nyxstates,

realizingthatapitchedbattlecouldgetSharnekilled.“HelpmeclaimthetempleandI’llsetyoufree.”

Thedemonthrowsapunchatthecaster,whichisdeflectedbyanairshield.NyxcountersbygrowinganironspikefromherhandandstabsSutterintheleg.She

detachesfromthemetalweaponasitmeltsoverthewoundandsinksbeneaththecrimsonskin.Withaburstoflightinherenemy’seyes,thehalf-elfmovestohissideandhitshimwithaparalysisspell.Sheholdsherbreathwhilethebluecordsenvelopethedemonandlockhimin

place.“Ihopeyouusethistime

tothinkofarealplan,”Suttergrowlsashestrugglesagainsttheirritatingspell.“Thisisaninterestingsensation.AllthechampionsIhavekilledcomeatmewithcombatmagic.Notsureifyou’recunningorweak.”

“Whywon’tyoubetheguardianofHelgard?”

“BecauseIhateithere!”theIfritroarsashetriestogrow.Thecordsaroundhisbodystrainagainsthismusclesandcrackbeforehecalmsdown.“AsItoldthedriteandthelargeman,InolongerremembertheChaos

Void.Returningtherewouldfeelwrong,butIrefusetoremaininthisprison.ThatiswhyIhadmyselfaltered,soIdieforeverifkilledonthisplaneofexistence.IthankyoufordestroyingNuerinandreturningthescepterwiththetrueguardianinside.Yetevenwiththosevictories,I

mustretainmypridesinceitistrulyallIhaveleft.Ourbattlemustcontinueuntiloneofusisdead.”

“Youwanthertodoamercykilling?”Sharnepolitelyasks.

Thelesserdemonraiseshisarmsandtheparalysisspellshatters.“Iwantherto

fightmewithallherstrengthasIdothesame.IamstillthefinaltestofHelgard.Allofthesecenturiesofwaitingforachampiontodestroymewillnotendwithmelayingdown.SofarIamunimpressedbythischanneler.”

“Answermeone

questionbeforewefight,”Nyxrequestsasshemovesbetweenthedemonandthenomad.ShesnapsherfingerstoputaprotectivecylinderaroundSharne,thevioletenergyvibrating.“What’sthepointofthisscepter?I’veheardithaveafewnamesandbeentolditcontainsa

monster.YetIhavenoideawhatitwasreallymeantfor.Iknowit’sastrangequestion,butit’sbeenbuggingmesinceIenteredHelgard.”

“Isenseyou’restalling,butitwillbeinvain,”Suttersayswithacruelsmile.Reachingout,hetapshisclawsontherubyand

shuddersatthefamiliarpowerrunninguphisarm.“ItwasnothingmorethanatrinketthatNuerintookalikingto.Ithadbeensittinginthetreasurysincetheearlyyears.IneverunderstoodwhyGabrielputfortunesineachtempleorwherehegotthewealthfrom.Makesone

wonderwhatthechampionsweretobeusedforaftertheBaroniskilled.Somethingtothinkabout.Willyourbattlesevertrulybeover?”

ThespellthatNyxhasbeenpreparingbehindherbacksputterswhenshelosesherfocus,causingtheIfrittosmile.Hestompsonthe

groundtosendanarrowwaveoffireatthehalf-elfwhodivesoutoftheway.ShehurlsalightningboltthathitsSutterintheforehead,blindinghimandknockinghimback.Takingtheopening,shebattersthedemonwithfistsofsolidwindanddriveshimtowards

theedgeofthevolcano.Withayawn,Suttertakesastepbackwardstodropintothemagmaanddisappearfromview.

“Thiswon’tbegood,”Sharnementionsasshepressesagainstthefarsideofherprotectivecage.

Nyxlooksacrossthe

volcanotoseeDelvinandTimoranfighting,herattentionstolenforapreciousinstant.WhenSutterleapsoutofthemagma,sheisbarelyabletocreateashieldtoblockhispunch.Moltenrockcoversthehalf-elf,thecoatingsolidifyingaroundherspellwhentheIfritroars.

Leavingburningfootprintsontheground,heapproachestheshellandsighsindisappointment.Nyxloseshertemperatthesoundandburststhethickcoveringwithanexplosion.Whippingherarms,shehurlsthechunksofbasaltatSutterwhoputshishandsuptomeltandabsorb

them.ThepaircircleeachotherwithNyxcreatingblueflamesinherfreepalmandthelesserdemongrowingglovesofintenseheat.

“You’restillholdingback,”Suttersaysindismay.“Whathasyouscared?”

NyxblaststheIfritwithaplumeofflamethattickles

himuntilshechangesittoanicycloud.Hefallstohiskneesandhisskinturnsalightershadeofredasfrostappearsonthetipsofhismaneandtail.Poundinghisfiststogether,SutteremitsaburstofswelteringheatthatwarmshimupandmakesNyxdizzyfromsudden

dehydration.Shestumblesandtriestoshakeherheadclear,butshecanbarelyremainconscious.Raisingthescepteroverherhead,thehalf-elfconjuresaraincloudthatdrenchesherandcoolsheroff.ThecloudfireslightningandwindtokeepSutteratbayasitgivesNyx

thewatersheneedstorecover.Shegrabshercreationandturnsitintoahurricanethatshefiresatthelesserdemon.Heisshovedback,butitisnotstrongenoughtoknockhimoffhisfeet.

SutterisabouttochargeNyxwhenhenoticeshereyes

brieflyshifttohisright.HeturnstoseethatSharneisnearby,theholywomancoweringintheprotectiveshell.Foramoment,theIfritconsidersignoringher,buthisdemonicnatureurgeshimtouseheragainsthisenemy.Hepouncesandgrabsthedefensivespellthatprotects

herfromhisclawsandflames.Sutterliftsthescreamingwomanoverhisheadandtossesherintothevolcano.HeaimsforhertofallafewfeetawayfromthewalltogiveNyxaslightchanceatsavingher.

“Saveheror-”Sutterbeginstosay.

ThecasterdoesnotstoptoheartheIfrittalkassheleapsintothevolcano.AgustofwinddrivesherafterSharneandshecancelsthedefensiveshieldtograbtheholywoman.Nyxcreatesanewshellaroundthem,butshehasnoideaifshecanprotectthemfromthe

churningmagma.Desperateandterrified,shehugsSharnecloseandpraystoGabriel,Gola,andCessiawithallhermight.Asifinresponse,thescepterenvelopesthetwowomeninacocoonofcrimsonlightthatplungesintothemoltenrockbelow.

*****

“Suchadisappointment,butIshouldn’thaveexpectedanythingelsefromyou,”afemalevoicesaysasNyxwakesup.“You’rehorriblytrainedandaspecialist.Ishouldhaveletthevolcanoeatyou.Thenagain,that’sstillanoptionifyoufailhere.Don’tworryaboutyourlittle

friend.Ihavenoproblemwithherandherpeoplekeptmesafeforcenturies.I’llsendherhomewhenwe’redonehere.”

Nyxfindsherselfcoveredinashesandstandingwithinalargenestofcharredtrees.Sheshakesthegrayflakesfromherarmsandhair,

earningaderisivelaughfromthewomanbeforeher.Clothedinablackdressthatsparkleslikeastarlitsky,thepale-skinnedladyscratchestheheadofanorangebirdperchedonherexposedshoulder.Thevibrantanimalnuzzlesherchocolatebrownhairandcoosintoherear.

Withagentlenod,thewomansendsthebirdtoNyxanditfliesaroundher,itslongtailfeathersticklingthehalf-elf’snose.Whiletheyoungwomanisdistracted,herhostesssilentlyglidescloser.ThebirdsparksandsoarsawayasthewomanroughlygrabsNyxbythechinand

theirmatching,violeteyesmeet.

“YoumustbeCasandra,”theyoungcastersays,unsureifsheshouldbescaredorinaweofthechanneler.“SowhyareyouhereandisthatbirdwhatIthinkitis?”

“It’saphoenixandthetrueguardianofHelgard,”the

womananswers,lettinggoofNyxandwhistlingforthebird.Itlandsonherhead,alreadylookingalittlebiggerthanbefore.“ThedementedchampionthatyouandIdestroyedfoundmeduringhertravels.Shetoldmeofherdestinyandpromisedalandforallofmychildren.The

channelershavenothadaplacetocalltheirownsincetheearlydaysoftheancientRaceWar.Itookherupontheofferand...wasbetrayed.ThephoenixandIwerecombinedtomakehergreatbeastandweattemptedtodestroyher.Youknowtherestofthestory.”

Nyxcreatesaflameinherpalmtoattractthephoenix,smilingwhenthebirdjumpstoherwrist.“Thatdementedgnomebetrayedeveryoneandshegotwhatshedeserved.Ipromisetoletyououtofthescepterandseparateyoufromthephoenix.I’llhavetodefeat

Sutterfirst.”“Emptypromisesfroma

champion.”“Whydoyouhavea

problemwithmebeingachampion?”

“Becauseitwasoneofyouwhostolemyfreedomandruinedmybloodlines!”Casandrascreams,shaking

thenestwithherrage.Astormappearsoverheadandcrimsonlightningbatterstheground,creatingfiresineverydirection.“Ispentcenturiesrebuildingourpeople.Ilostbloodlinestopoortraining,disease,death,orthemisfortuneofbirthinganon-channeler.Myrewardwas

thataninsanegnomerailingagainstherdestinysealedmeinascepter.Nowallofmyworkhasbeendestroyedexceptforyouandthechaoself.Neitherofyouaremuchofaconsolationprizesincebothofyouhavebeenbadlytrained.Theotheroneseemstobeofweakerbloodtoo.I

knewbreedingwiththosefallenelveswouldn’tmakethegreatestaddition,butbeggarscan’tbechoosers.”

“Ifyou’resoconcernedwithmytrainingthenletmebeatSutterandyoucanteachmehowtobeachanneler.”

Aboltoflightninghitsthegroundnexttothehalf-

elf,sendingashockofpainthroughherbodyandscaringthephoenixaway.Shedivesoutofthepathofanotherblast,butagustofchillingwindcatchesher.Nyxishurledacrossthelargenestandlandsagainsttheside,whichcrumblesintoashes.Ahandofwoodrisesfromthe

groundandsmacksheracrosstheface,ignitingonimpactandburstingintoblindingsparks.Thehaironthebackofherneckrises,givingthecasterenoughtimetocreateashellandblockthebarrageoflightning.SheremainscurledwithintheshielduntilthestormstopsandCasandra

standsoverher.“Youcanneverbeat

Sutter,”thewomanclaims,shatteringthedefensivespellwithagentletouch.“Isensethatyouhavethepower,butyou’retoodamaged.Youholdbackoutoffearoflosingcontrolandhurtingso-calledfriends.IfSharnewas

notthere,youwouldhavehadachanceagainsttheIfrit.Instead,yourestrainedyourpowerandleftyourselfweak.”

“Soit’swrongforachannelertoworryabouthurtinginnocentbystanders?”Nyxasksasshestands.Theashonherfaceburnsher

eyes,butsheistooangrytocleanherselfoff.“Nowonderourkindwaswipedoutandforgotten.”

“Watchyourtongue,infant,”Casandraangrilysnapsbeforetryingtoslapthehalf-elfintheface.Herblowiseasilyblocked,soshehasafistofsolidwindpunchthe

youngwomaninthechin.“Wewereapowerfulandnoblepeoplewhowantednothingmorethantoliveinpeace.Ourmagicmadeusbothfearedandrespected,sowegotourwish.ThenthosearrogantelderdragonsstartedtheRaceWartoseewhosefavoritewasstrongest.They

fearedthechannelersbecausewehadthepowertostopthem,sotheykilledeveryoneexceptme.That’sthefateofourkind.Anunnecessarygenocidebycreatureswethoughtwereourfriends.”

“Whatdidyoudo?”thehalf-elfpolitelyasks.Withasnapofherfingers,she

removestheashfromherbodyandignoresthescowlfromherancestor.“Irememberreadingthatthedragonswerekilledbyadventurers,butthewarcontinued.Didyouhaveahandinthatandfightinthewar?”

“Thatwouldbethe

secondbetrayaldonetoourkind,”theelderchannelerexplainswithatiredsigh.Athroneappearsbeneathher,theshimmeringgemsandpolishedgoldmakingNyxshieldhereyes.“IledabandofidioticadventurerswhostumbledalongbehindmeasIkilledthedragons.Likea

child,Iexpectedthewartostopwhenthegreatbeastsweredead.Instead,itgotworseandtwoarmiesemergedtobattleoverdominance.Atthetime,itprovedthatmostmortalsarenothingmorethandestructivechildren.SoIkeptthewargoingandplayedbothsides

untilthoseidiotsIcalledfriendstoppledmefrompower.Theysaiditwasformyowngood,buttheyweretoosimpletounderstandwhatIwasdoing.IftheworldwantedtoburnthenIwasgladtohelpitalong.”

“Youtriedtodestroytheworld?”

“Iwasangryandfoolish.”

“Soundslikethosepeoplereallywereyourfriends.”

“Wellthey’redeadnow,sothere’snoreasontodwellonthem.”

Theawkwardsilencelingersasthechannelerswait

forsomeonetospeak.Nyxisdistractedbythephoenixstruttingaroundinsearchofpiecesofcharcoalhiddenamongthescatteredmoundsofash.ShecanfeelCasandrawatchingher,butrefusestomakeeyecontactwiththewoman.Theapprehensionremindsherofthefirstweek

ofbeinganapprenticeatRainbowTower.Inheryouth,Nyxwasinaweofthepowerhermasterswielded.Nowshestandsbeforesomeonewhodwarfstheminexperienceandmagic.Thehalf-elfnervouslychuckleswhensherealizesthatthesamepotentialiswithinher

ownaura.“Yourfriendswillbe

killedbySutter,”Casandracasuallymentions,snappingNyxoutofherthoughts.“Theyhavelessofachancethanyou.Thegypsywillputupafight,butshe’snotexperiencedenough.Youneedrawpowertodefeatan

Ifritwithoutyearsofexperience.I’msureyouwanttosavethem.”

“Sendmebacktothem!”“Onlyifyoudefeatme,”

theelderchannelersaysasthethronedissolves.ShewalkstothemiddleofthenestandfacesNyxwithherarmscrossed.“Itoldyou

duringourfirstmeetingthatIwouldaskyouafinalquestion.Nowisthetimeforit.Doyouthinkyouhavethepowertodefeatme?”

Notwaitingforananswer,Casandraunleashesaswarmoffierysnakeswithoutmovingamuscle.Caughtoffguard,Nyxcan

onlysprintanddiveawayfromthespells,usingacompactwindspelltorepeatedlybouncebackontoherfeet.SheducksabladeoflightningandplungesherhandsintothegroundtosendawaveofwoodenspikestowardCasandra.Theattackshattersagainstashieldthat

takestheformofaprismaticfortress.Withapiercingwhine,spearsoflightraindownonthehalf-elfwhoburstsintoapileofashes.Agustofwindwhipsaroundtheburningnest,creatingathickcurtainofgray.Fireballslaunchfromrandomdirections,eachonebursting

intosmokeonthebarrier.Ashowerofacidpoursfromabove,butitsloughsaroundtheglimmeringfortressandmeltsthroughthenest.

Withatiredsigh,Casandrahasablastofhurricane-strengthwindpushtheashaway,whichrevealsNyxhidingafewfeetbehind

her.Thehalf-elfisknockedbackbyageyserofscaldingwater,herskinburnedbytheunexpectedspell.Pressingheradvantage,themoreexperiencedchannelerrepeatedlyhitsherenemywithjetsofwaterandspinningclubsofice.Growlinginfrustration,the

youngercasterflingsmetaljavelinsatCasandra.Thewomandoesnotmoveaninchastheprojectilessnapagainsthershield,evenwhenoneofthemisaimedperfectlyatthecenterofherforehead.BoredanddisgustedbyNyx,theslenderwomanhasthegroundbehind

thehalf-elfflipandsmashherlikeaninsect.Sheismildlysurprisedwhenherbatteredopponentcrawlsoutofthewreckageandcollapsesinagaspingheap.

“You’relikeacockroach,”Casandrasayswithmildamusement.Shemovesforthefirsttimesince

thebattlebegan,extendingherarmforthephoenixtoland.“Iwasafraidthatyourpitifultraininghadwastedyourtalent.Channelingisourlifeandmagicisourmostprecioustool.Youwielditlikeachild’stoywithallyourrunningandjumpingaround.Thoughtheotheroneis

worseinthatrespect.Ihadsuchhighhopesforyou,butitseemsthewaysofmundanecastersaretooengrainedinyou.”

“TrinityandIareevenlymatched,”Nyxstatesassheslipsherhandbeneathhertorubherachingstomach.Shegetsonherhandsandknees,

butcannotpushherselfupanyfurther.“Ihavemoremagicpower,butshebeatsmeinhand-to-handcombat.Sodon’ttalklikeeitherofusareweaklings.”

“Whoneedsphysicaltrainingwhenyouhavemagic?”

“Iwonderedwhyyou

didn’tmoveduringourfight.”

“Channelersdon’tneedmotiontocastspells.”

“Whatifwelostourmagic?”

“Itwouldbelikelosingallofourlimbs.”

AboltofgreenenergyfiresfromunderNyxand

strikesCasandra’sshieldwithacracklingburst.Thechanneler’ssmilefadeswhentheprojectileshattersherbarrierandcutsacrossherside,sendingashockofcoldthroughoutherbody.Sheattemptstorevivethedefensivespell,butnothinghappensevenwhenshe

resortstogesturesandwords.ThesoundofNyxstandingbringsherattentiontothesimplecrossbowinthehalf-elf’shand.

“Youidiot!”Casandrashoutsattheapproachingcaster.“Channelerscan’tusemagicitemsthattheydidn’tdesign.Theforeignaura

temporarilylocksourpowers.Nowneitherofushaveourmagic.”

“That’snotreallyaproblemforme,”Nyxstatesasshedropstheweaponandcracksherknuckles.“Unlikeyou,Icanfunctionwithoutmymagic.Youneverdodgedmyspellsanditwasvery

easytostopyoufromslappingmebefore.Inallofyouryears,Casandra,youneverlearnedhowtoreallyfight.”

ThephoenixcawsandfliesawayasNyxrushesforward,avictoriousgrinalreadyonherface.ShenailsCasandrainthenosewitha

punchthatsendsthewomanreelingback.Followinguponheradvantage,sheknocksthechanneleronherbackwithanotherrunningpunchtothechest.Nyxwaitsforthewomantostandbeforegrabbingherbytheearsandheadbuttingherbacktotheground.Rememberingthat

shewashitwhileshewasdown,thehalf-elfreturnsthefavorwithastompofherheeltoCasandra’sstomach.

“Thisispathetic,”Nyxadmitsassherecovershercrossbow.Shefiresanotherboltthatgrazestheotherwoman’sleg,makingsuretheirpowersstaylockedfora

bitlonger.“AllIhavetodoisshootandpummelyouintopulp.Youmighthavestrongermagicthanme,butthatmeansnothingonceyouloseit.Trinitycandothistoo,soIguesswe’renotasweakasyouthought.NowsurrenderorI’llkillyou.”

“Thenyouandyour

friendwillburninthevolcano,”Casandrafeeblythreatens,touchingherbrokennose.“Withoutme,youwon’tbeabletoreturntoyourfriends.NotthatyoucanbeatSutteranyway.”

“SendmebackandI’llshowyouwhatIcandotothatIfrit,”thehalf-elfgrowls,

firerunningthroughherhair.Shehastheflamesdancealongherarmsandcoilaroundherbody,thedisplaymesmerizingthechanneler.“Bytheshockedlookonyourface,I’mguessingyourmagicisstillgone.I’velostmypowersafewtimesinmylife,somaybeI’mbetterat

regainingthem.NowdoasIaskorI’lltakemyangeroutonyousomemore.ImightevengiveyouatasteofyourownmedicinesinceIhavemymagicback.Thoseweresomeinterestingspellsyouhitmewith,soIwonderifyoucanhandlethemwithoutthatprettyshield.”

“WhatdoIgetifIhelpyou?”Casandraasks,cringingwhenthechampioncomescloser.“IhavenobodythankstoNuerin.ThephoenixandIareone,sobeingfreefromtherubymeansI’mstuckinHelgard.Howisthatawaytolive?”

“Thenbemyguardian

andmentor.TeachmeaboutwhoandwhatIam,”Nyxgentlywhispersasshekneelsnexttothebloodiedwoman.“IfyouwantaplaceforourkindthenI’llgladlyletthatbeHelgard.Aftercleaningthevolcanoup,I’llhavetocontinuetravelingwithmyfriendsandyouwillbein

charge.Summonthosewhosepowersareconnectedtoyouandcreateanewcityforchannelers.Attheveryleast,youcanturnmytempleintoaschoolforthosethatshareyourblood.Youhavemyblessing,butfirstyoumustsendmebacktoSutter.”

Casandrasitsupandthe

phoenixlandsonherhead,healingherinjuriesimmediately.“Istilldon’tthinkyoucanbeathim.”

“Ibeatyou.JustgetmyfriendsoutofthewayandI’llshowyouexactlywhatyourbloodlinecando.”

*****Thebattleragingontop

ofHelgardhasbeenbrutalandone-sided.Lukeispartiallytransformedandunconsciousnearthestairsafterbeingstruckbyafirestorm,theelementalresistanceofthespiritnagatheonlythingthatsavedhislife.Delvinissprawledafewfeetawayinasmallindent

madefromwhenSutterhurledhimclearacrossthevolcano.StickingoutfrombeneathhimisFizzle’stwitchingtail,thedritehavingcushionedthewarrior’sfall.Halfwaydownthevolcano,TimoranstrugglestoclimbbacktothetopwithagroaningDarianatucked

underhisarm.Hisfaceandchestarecoveredinbloodfromseveralgashes,whichmakeitevenhardertoclimbupthecraggymountain.

TheonlychampionleftstandingisSari,herdresstornandherskincoveredinsmokingbruises.Gaspingandsweating,shefacesSutter

whoisalreadyhealingfromherlatestseriesofwaterspells.Pullingmoistureoutoftheair,thegypsycoversherselfinicearmorandgrowsalanceoutofherarm.Shechargesandaimstheweaponforherenemy’schest,buthecasuallyputshishandintheway.Thelance

pierceshisskin,turninghispalmwhiteandcoveringitinfrost.Wincinginpain,SutterpusheshishanddowntheweaponuntilhecatchesSari’sfist.SheisunabletoescapeastheIfritshattersherarmorwithacondensedburstofflame.Coveredinsweatandnearlyoutofmagic,the

gypsycollapsestoherhandsandknees.

“You’reratherimpressiveforapartialblood,”Sutteradmits,meltingthelanceandexaminingthefrost-rimmedholeinhishand.“Iexpectedthebarbarianorthespiritchannelertobethebiggest

challenge.Thenagain,noneofyouhadachanceandI’msimplyplayingwithyounow.Theonlyonewhoisallowedtoleaveisthedrite,butheseemsdeterminedtodiewiththerestofyou.Ineverknewthosecreaturesweresoloyal.”

“We’reonlytryingto

weakenyouforwhenNyxgetsback,”Sarisaysinastrainedvoice.Sheisdrivenintothegroundbyaviciousstomptoherback.“Iknowshe’sstillalive.Darianawouldhavefeltherdie.”

“Onlyifshewaspayingattention,”theIfritpointsoutwhilehestaresatthemolten

lavabelow.Hecurseswhenablastofwaterhitsthebackofhishead.“Persistentlittleguppy.I’llmakesuretokillyou.”

Anotherjetoficywaterstrikeshisface,causingSutterintensepainandtemporarilyblindinghim.Hehearsthesoundofsomeone

movingtohisrightandthrowsaquickhaymakerinthatdirection.InsteadofmissingorfeelingSari’sbodycrumpleagainsthisfist,thedemonhitsanopenpalmthatstopshisattack.Thearmconnectedtothehandshuddersenoughtopreventtheintruderfromstriking

Sutter’sexposedside.Hiseyesightreturning,theIfritstaresatTimoranwhoisstandingoverSariandstillholdingDariana.

“Impressive,”Sutterhisses,lettinghisarmdrop.Helungestobitethewarrior,butisknockedawaybythebarbarianusingDarianatohit

himonthechinwithherfeet.“Nowyou’rejustgettingdesperate.”

“Yousaidyouwouldnotholdbackandneitherwillwe,”Timoranclaimsashislegstremble.“AsSarisaid,weareonlygivingNyxtimetoreturn.Allofusknowsheisstillalive.Wedonothave

tobetelepathstosensethat.”“Partofhermagicisin

eachofyou.Inthatcase,Iwanttogetherattention.Thequestioniswhichoneofyouthreewouldmaketheperfectbait.”

FlameseruptaroundSutter,whichforcesTimorantobackaway.Thebarbarian

drawshisgreataxeintimetoblockaboltoffire,buttheimpactjoltshisweakenedarm.ThelesserdemonhastheadvantagesincehisopponentisunabletousebothhandswithoutdroppingDariana,thesilver-hairedwomanbarelyconscious.Flingingfireballafterfireball

atthewarrior,theIfritdriveshimtowardtheouteredgeofthevolcano.Thebarbarianslipsontheedge,whichgivesSutterachancetosnarehimwitharopeofflames.Aflickofthelesserdemon’swristsendsTimoranandDarianaflyingacrossthevolcanowheretheylandandremain

amongtheirunconsciousfriends.

SutterroarswhenSarislapshimacrossthestomachwithahandofice.Shegetstoherfeetandhitshimagain,refusingtobeusedasbaitforherfriend.TheyeachgrowelementalarmorwiththeIfritbecomingburningstoneand

thegypsycoveringherselfinthickice.Neitherholdsbackandeachcrushingblowechoesforseveralmiles.Chunksofflamingrockandmeltingwaterflyineverydirection,exposingtheirbodiestothebarrage.WhenSuttermanagestohitSariinherdefenselessside,she

screamsandcollapsestotheground.Cryingandwrithinginagony,shepresseshericyhandstoherburningskinwhiletheIfrittearsofftheremnantsofherarmor.Hepicksherupbytheheadandshescreamsathispainfultouch.

Thevolcanorumblesand

thelavarisestotheedgeofthemouthwhereitturnsintoaviolentwhirlpool.SuttertossesSaritothesidewhenheseesNyxemergefromthemiddleofthemoltenrock,anorangephoenixperchedonhershoulder.Thehalf-elfsendshernewpettothefarsideofthevolcanowhereit

createsaportalofvioletfirethatspitsSharneontothegroundnexttoDelvin.Crackingherblood-coveredknuckles,Nyxwalksacrossthelavawithherhandsouttocollectthenaturalflames.WithhereyeslockedonSutter,shestepsontosolidgroundandherfeetburnthe

stone.“Sorryaboutmakingyou

wait,butIneededtohaveachatwithmynewguardian,”Nyxcalmlysays,holdingoutherarmforthephoenix.Thebirdlicksatthefireinherpalm,cooingindelight.“LetmyfriendsgobackintoHelgardandI’llgiveyouthe

fightyouwant.Noholdingbackforeitherofus.”

“Istillthinkyou’redependenceonfiremakesyouaninferioropponent,butIagreetoyourterms,”Sutterstateswithastiffbow.Thereisahungryglintinthelesserdemon’seyesashelickshislips.“Thoughmostofthem

areinnoconditiontomove.Infact,Ithinkthisinjuredseabeastistheonlystillconscious.”

“Easilysolved,”thehalf-elfreplieswhileshewalkspasttheIfrit.Reachingdowntoherinjuredfriend,NyxhelpsSaritoherfeetanddeliversanenergizingspell.

“Gettoacouchonceyougeteveryonedownstairs,littlesister.Yougotoo,littlephoenix.”

Thegypsygivesherahugbeforeracingalongthevolcanoatanincrediblespeed.Withenhancedstrengthandherinjuriesnumbed,sheliftsherfriends

andcarriesthemdownstairsoneatatime.Thephoenixwatchesfromtheedgeofthevolcano,followingonlywhenthegypsyhasFizzleinherarms.Athicklayeroficegrowsoverthestairwayentrance,releasingafaintcolumnofvapor.

“Doyouwanttobe

buriedwhenyoudie?”Nyxasksasshewalkstothemiddleofthemagmapool.“Aftereverythingyou’vedoneforHelgard,Iwanttorepayyousomehow.Unlessyouwanttoskipthefightandremainhere.”

“Ihavenoconcernsaboutmymortalremains,”

Sutterreplies,hismanebristlingwithexcitement.Hecansmellthepowerwaftingoffthehalf-elf,asensationthatshelackedduringtheirfirstencounter.“There’snobodyinthewayofyourmagic,sofightmewithallofyourstrength.”

“Asyouwish.”

Sutterchargeswithhisheaddownandapairoffieryhornsgrowfromhisskull.HeisthrownbackbyastormoffireandlightningthateruptsaroundNyx.Thedeadlyspellsbatterhimuntilheisneartheedgeofthevolcano,hiswidefeetgrippingthestone.Withapowerfulroar,

hedeflectsthenextbarrageofswirlingfireballsintothedesertwheretheyexplodeuponthedistantdunes.Droppingtoallfours,Sutterboundsbackontothemagmaandracestowardthecaster.Hebuckshisheadatabarrierofstonethateruptsbeforehimandthethickchunksfly

atNyx.Theyturnintopowderwhenshehurlswavesofheatboltsatthem,fillingtheairwithacloudofchokingdust.Hisclawsextendingandturningintojaggedsaws,Sutterleapsatthecasterandeasilytearsthroughhershields.Nyxburstsforwardtomeethim

andslamsalightning-coatedfistintohisface,sendinghimtumblingaway.Ashegetstohisfeet,rawmagicslithersalongtherollingwavesofmoltenrockandreachesfortheIfrit’sfeet.Hedivesunderthesurfacetoavoidtheghostlyhandsthatattempttosnarehim.

Unabletosensethemonster,Nyxplungesherhandsintothemagmaandtransformsitintoaspinningcolumn.Safeinthehollowcenterofthemaelstrom,thecasterfillsthespacewithillusionarydoublesthatthrowphantomfireballsinanattempttoflushSutterinto

theopen.TheIfritburstsfromthebehindher,histeethbaredandhiseyeswhiteashepinpointstherealNyxamongherdecoys.Alloftheillusionsexplodeinburstsofgoldenfirethatlaunchesbothcombatantsoutofthecolumnofmagma.Athinlineofauraaroundherwristconnects

NyxtothemoltenrockandsheyanksonitaswingsofflameeruptfromSutter’sback.Hiseyesgowideastheentirecolumnjumpsintoherhandsandbecomestwolargeclubsthatsheusestosmashherenemy.Uponimpact,thegiganticweaponsexplodeinahalooffirethatrunsbeyond

everyhorizon.TheIfritplummetsbacktotheemptyvolcanowhereheleavesadentontherimandcracksthestone.Droppingthemagmabackintothemouth,NyxlandsonSutterbeforehecanrecoverandstand.Shepunchesherhandthroughhischest,herfingersturninginto

sharpenedflamesthatcoilaroundhisheart.

Theystareateachotherforafewseconds,Nyxgivingthelesserdemonafinal,silentchancetosurrenderandlive.Instead,heletshisbodygolimpandstaresatthecloudlessskyforthelasttime.Hetakesadeepbreath,

halfexpectingthemotiontocausethefierycoilstofinishhimoff.Scaredthatthehalf-elfisunwillingtostrikethekillingblow,theIfritbareshisteethandextendshisclaws.Tohisrelief,theedgedflamestightenandsliceintohisheart.

“Welcomehome,Lady

Nyx,”Sutterwhispersbeforethecasterclenchesherfistandgiveshimpeace.

21

Thethicksandmutestheexplosion,soitisonlyamufflednoisethatmakesCudgelgiggleinexcitement.SheducksintothedrainingsandtocatchNyxbeforethehalf-elfispulledthroughthenewlymadeexit.Thedragonplacesthegaspingchampion

nexttoCasandra,theancientchannelerindifferenttotheeventsaroundher.Adjustinghernewglasses,Cudgelsinksintotheremainingsandandsqueezesthroughtheholetoenjoythefreedomofthedesert.FizzledartsafterthehappyAquestarDragon,refusingtoletherbealoneas

shestartsherlifeoutsideofHelgard.

“Iwouldliketorepeatthathavingapetdragonwouldhavebeenasmartidea.Iknowyoupromisedherfreedom,butyoucouldhavekeptherforabitlongertohelpout,”Casandrastates,reachinguptopatthe

phoenixonthehead.Herbodyblinksoutofexistenceforasecondandreturnsasifnothinghappened.“Attheveryleastshecouldhavehelpedwiththeundeadprobleminyourcrypt.TheamountofrepairsandmaintenanceinHelgardwillrequiremonthsofhard

labor.”“Itwon’ttakemorethan

threemonthsifmytribehelps,”Sharnesays.Holdingthesceptertoherchest,shekneelsbeforeNyxandbowsherhead.“Ihumblyofferthatmypeoplereturntoourancestors’rolesascaretakers.Wewillremaininourcamp

whilecleaningHelgardandrebuildourhomesifyouwishtokeepus.”

“Iassumedyouwoulddomethehonorofbeingthecaretakers,”Nyxreplies,helpingtheholywomantoherfeetandhuggingher.“Thiswouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithoutyouand

yourpeople.Thisisasmuchyourhomeasitismine,sorebuildyourhomesfirst.”

“ThephoenixrememberswhatPalqualookedlike,soIcanrebuildit.AfterIcleanupthemagmalake,whichNyxwassokindtoreviveinherfightwithSutter,”Casandrasays,fightingtohideasmirk.

Sheflexesherarmsandenjoysthefeelingofbeingoutofthescepter.“Doweevenknowwheretostart?Youhavetheundead,thecorpsecollection,nofurniture,gaudydecorations,andsomanyotherissues.Doyouevenknowwhereyourthroneroomis?Thephoenix

knowsoneissomewhereinHelgard,buteverythinghasbeenmovedaroundbyNuerinandSutter.”

Nyxgroansandleansagainsttheroughwall,nearlysteppingonDelvinashesleepsonthefloor.Thewarriormumblesandrolls,gentlytakingthehalf-elf’s

legsoutfrombeneathher.Shelandsonhislegsandyelpsinstartledpain,buthecontinuessnoring.Withherfistcoveredinlightning,sheconsidersjoltinghimawake.Instead,shehitshimwithaparalysisspelltopreventhimfromrollingintothesandpit.

“Ialreadylookedintothe

throneroom.ItwasNuerin’slab,soIneedtomakeanewone.Thatroommetwithanunfortunatelavaflowaboutanhourago,”Nyxexplainswhileshestandsandrubshernecklace.Holdingtheamethystinfrontofherface,shegrinsathernewidea.“Icancallinamercenaryarmy

tohelpwithescortingsuppliesfromBor’darukandmaybedoalittleheavylaboraroundhere.LukeandSarihavealreadygonetodiscussfurnitureanddecorationswithKiraGrasdon,sotheycanwaitthere.Theyhadpersonalbusinessanyway,butI’msureeverythingwillgo

smoothly.Lukehashisringback,sohecanworkwithTimoranandDelvintoclearoutthecrypt.I’mthinkingofhavingthatroompurifiedbywhateverpriestsIcanrecruitsinceit’sbeendefiled.Thecorpsesthataren’ttryingtokilluswillbeputinthevolcanowithprayersto

Gabriel.IsthereanythingelseI’mmissing?”

Casandraopensawindowtothecryptandwatchesthecreaturesswarmaroundtheshatteredcaskets.Ghostspassthroughthewallsandceilingwhilethesolidundeadseemtobewanderinginadaze.Awaterghast

walksneartheportal,unawarethatitisbeingspiedonbytheancientchanneler.Ithacksandcoughsinthehotroom,eventuallycollapsingfromsevereheatexhaustion.ThewindowclosesandCasandrafacesNyx,surprisingthehalf-elfbyfallingtooneknee.

“Ihumblyrequestthatthecryptbetransformedintolivingquartersandpracticecirclesforanychannelerswhocomefortraining,”thewomansaysasthephoeniximitatesherwithabowofitsown.“Ithasthespaceandbarriersnecessarytocontainourlevelofmagic.Thatdoes

bringupthequestionofoursleepingquarters.Isleepwithinthebodyofthephoenix,buthisnestneedsaroom.”

“Thecryptisyourswhenweclearitout.IthinkIknowwhereIcanputthenest.ThelargechamberIfoughtthebloodsoldiersinhasalotof

spaceandaccesstotherestofHelgard.I’llputallofthatontheendlesslist.I’mgoingtospendtherestofmylifefixingthisplace.”

“Don’tworry.Wewillgettoeverythingeventually,”Sharnereplies.Sheopenshermouthtosaysomethingelse,buthesitatesuntilNyx

gesturesforhertospeak.“Doyoufeelanydifferentthanbefore?Iaskbecausechampionsaresupposedtogainuniqueabilitiesuponbondingwiththeirtemple.Youalreadypossessedgreatmagic,soI’mcurioustoknowifanythinghaschanged.”

“I’mmoreawareofmypowerandIdofeellikeIhavemoreauratoworkwith,”thehalf-elfadmits.Sheholdsoutherhandtocreateasnowball,whichimmediatelytransformsintoafireball.“It’seasiertoworkoutsideofmyfavoredelement,butIcan’tholdthefireback.It’s

almostlikeI’montheedgeoflosingcontrolofmymagic.There’sanoddblisstoittoo,whichiswhyI’mnotpanicking.”

“It’sbecauseI’mfreeandmypowerisconnectingwithallofmychildren,”CasandraclaimsasshehugsNyx.Theembracesendsa

joltofenergythroughtheblack-hairedcasterwhoseeyesflutterinecstasy.“I’mveryproudofthestrengththatyoushowedagainstSutterandthecunningusedinourduel.Whenyouwish,I’llteachyouaboutyourtruemagicandthehistoryofourpeople.MayIseethe

crossbowfirst?I’mrathercurioussinceI’veneverbeenaffectedbyonebefore.”

Smilingwithpride,NyxhandsthemagiccrossbowovertoCasandraandwatchesherexaminetheweapon.Thephoenixmovestothewoman’swristandpecksatthetrigger,sendingaboltof

magicintothefarwall.Theancientchannelervanishesfromsight,leavingthewingedguardiantohoverwiththecrossbowclutchedinitssmalltalons.Casandrareappearsafewminuteslaterandsnatchestheweaponfromthephoenix,glaringatthecooingbird.Nyxand

Sharnegetthesensethatthetwoarearguingthroughtelepathyastheirexpressionsshiftfromangertoexasperationandthenanoddlychildishpout.Oncesheisdonewiththesilentdiscussion,Casandraholdsthecrossbowoverthesandpitandmeltstheweaponina

globeofroilingfire.“Thehellareyou

doing!?”Nyxscreamsastheliquefiedweaponsinksintothedistantsand.“Ineededthatforemergencies.ItwasagiftfromQueenIoniaofDarkmill.Whywouldyoudothat?”

“Becausemagical

creationsformedfromnon-channelerauraarenottobeusedbyourpeople,”Casandracalmlyexplains,lettingashieldspellblockNyx’spunch.“Ihavenoproblemwithyouremainingsavageandcrass,butIrefusetoletmygreatestdescendentcarrysomethingsovile.That

isn’taninsulttoyourfriend,butyoudenyyourownpowereverytimeyouuseaforeignmagicitem.Usethesethingsenoughandyourpowermaydisappearentirely.Ibelievethathappenedtoyourfathereventhoughhispotentialwasminimal.NowthatI’mfreeIcanreadallofmychildren,

includingthosethathavefallentoofar.Tobefair,Icansensethatyourfatherisarather...colorfulandstrong-willedmemberofmylineage.Icanseewhereyougetsomeofyourlessdesirable,yetstrangelyeffective,traits.”

“I’venoideaifIshouldhityouorthankyou,”Nyx

muttersinfrustration.Withawhipoflightning,sheknocksCasandra’shandawayfromherbracelet.“ThatwasmadebymymotherwhoIthoughtwasdeadformyentirelife.Shegaveittomewhenwewerereunited,soIwilldestroyyouifyoutrytomeltit.”

“Verywell,butIrefusetoletyouwearitduringourtraining,”Casandrademands,herbodybecomingtransparent.“IwillsendSharnebacktoherpeopleandbeginrebuildingPalqua.Cometothesummitifyouneedme,yourhighness.”

Sharneisthefirstto

vanishinaburstoflight,thestartledexpressiononherfacelingeringintheairlikeafadingphantom.Withasmirk,Casandradisappearsandthephoenixfliestowardthewall.Aportaloffireappearsonthestoneandtheguardianturnsintoashes,theremainssuckedthroughthe

roilingopening.ThequietisunnervingtoNyxafterallofthebattlesandshecansenseherownfatigue.Withasmallyawn,shetakesaseatnexttoDelvinandmoveshisheadintoherlap.Shefallsasleepwithinminutesandherheadtiltsforward,allowinghergentlebreathtoticklethe

warrior’sear.*****

Darianastandsinfrontoftheglasswall,hereyesclosedandherattentionfocusedonthewarmthofthebonfireonhersweatybody.Hersimpleclothesarestickingtoherskinafteranhourofbreakingthestonemasksonthewalls

andremovingtheembeddedskulls.Itishardworkandshehasalreadybrokenallofthehammersandchisels,resultinginherhavingtouseherfists.Shekissestheringonherlefthand,thetrinketsoclearthatapersonwouldmissitwithacasualglance.Havingtheenchanteditem

backgivesherasenseofpeacenowthattheemotionsofthosearoundherarenolongerbatteringhermind.Yetthereissomethingaboutherserenecalmthatdiffersfromanythingshehasfeltinherentirelife.Thesilver-hairedwomansmileswhensherealizesitisbecauseafter

somanycenturiesofbeingalone,shefinallyhastruefriends.

“Idonotmeantointerruptyourthoughts,butIwouldappreciatesomehelp,”Timoranrequests.Hethrowsaskullontooneofthepilesthesurroundsthebonfire,alookofutterdisgustonhis

face.“Areyoufeelingsickfromthis?IadmitthatIamveryuneasyandnauseatedbythistask.IfIwasaweakerman,Iwouldregretvolunteering.”

“I’veseenmuchworseinmytime,”Darianastatesasshewalkstothewallandkicksamask.Thestone

breaksandshecatchestheskull,gingerlycaressingthecrackedbonebeforeplacingitinthepile.“Joinyourfriendsandbeatpeace.”

“Howmanyofthemdidyouknow?”

“Notallofthem,butenoughthatIfeelresponsibleforgivingtheirspirits

freedom.”“Icanseehowthat

weighsonyourmind.”Darianaapproachestwo

masksandbreaksthemopenwithquickelbowstrikes.Shepullstheskullsoutandturnstheminherhands,hercuriositygivingherpause.Oneofthemislargeand

bumpy,itsextendedlowerjawrevealingitsOrcishnature.Theotherissmallandthinwithsharpteethlikethoseofasmallcat,sheguessesfromalongdeadcalico.Withoutlooking,shetossesthemoverhershouldersanddirectlyintothebonfire.Thebonesturn

blackandcrackleintheenchantedflameswhileTimoranstaresathiscompanioninrestrainedhorror.

“I’msorry,butthosetwotriedto...dothingstome,”Darianaexplainsasshebowstothebarbarian.Seeingconcernintheman’sblue

eyes,sheblushesandputsupherhands.“Notsexualthingslikeyou’rethinking,buttorturetogetinformationaboutmyfather.Thereareafewinherewhowereincrediblycrueltome,sotheirfatedoesn’tweighonmymind.Forthosethatslightlywrongedme,I’m

beingthebetterpersontothem.IshalltreattheirremainsinawaythatIwouldhopesomeonewouldtreatmine.”

“Thatisverykindandthoughtful,”Timoranreplieswhileheshrugshisgreataxeoffhisshoulder.Heswingsatthewallandfreesanother

skull,whichhehandstothewoman.“Youarenothinglikeyourbrotherand,Iassume,yourfather.IcannotsayforsuresinceIdonotknowanystoriesabouthim.”

“Myfatherwasacruel,ambitiouswarlordthatsoughttoconquerthegodsandcamesoclosethattheystillfear

him.YetIknowhecanbecompassionateandkindifitsuitshisgoals,”Darianasays,staringintothefire.Atightnessinherchestwarnsherthatsheisgettingupset,sosheerasesthebrewingemotionsfromhermind.“Ihavethatinme.Icanfeelhislevelofcruelty,whichIknow

herestrainsunlesshehastouseit.IfStephenisaraginginfernothenmyfatherisaprecisefireball.I’mmoreofaflickeringcandleincomparison,butIbelieveyourealizethatIdon’treallyfitinwithmyfamily.”

“Ithinkyoufitinwithusfine.”Hereachesouttopat

hisfriendonthehead,whichmakeshertense.“Issomethingwrong?”

“I’msorry,butIwillnothavesexwithanyone.Myfather’sbloodlineendswithme,”sheanswers,removingthebarbarian’shandfromherhead.“Beforesheleft,Saritoldmethatsincesheiswith

LukeandNyxiswithDelvin,Iwillendupwithyou.Shewastellingmethatit’sdestinyandthere’snodenyingit,butIfeelthatIcan’tgothroughwithsuchathing.I’msorryifthishurtsyourfeelingsandmakesyouhateme.”

Timorandropshisgreat

axeashedoublesoverinlaughter,hisvoiceechoingthroughtheroom.Tearsstreamdownhisdirtyfaceandhisstomachachesfromtheviolentspasms.Ittakesseveralminutesforhimtostop,buthealmostbreaksdownagainwhenhemeetsDariana’sivoryeyes.Turning

awayfromher,thebarbariantakesadeepbreathandregainsenoughcontroltorecoverhisweapon.

“IbelieveSaridecidedtopullaprankonyou,”Timoranclaims,wipingtheremainingtearsfromhischeeks.“Iappreciateyoubeinghonestandassureyou

thatIhavenointentionofbeddingyou.Infact,itwouldbeadishonortoevenconsiderit.Sariandtheothersdonotknowaboutmypast,sotheyareunawareofthis.Iwillentrustthisinformationtoyouifyouswearonyourmothertokeepitbetweenus.”

“I’veneverlearnedasecretthatIdidn’treadinsomeone’smind.IswearonthebreastofZaria,whichonlyIamallowedtoplaceanoathon.”

Timoranleansforwardtowhisperinherear,hisvoiceshakywithemotionshehaskeptincheckforyears.“Iam

married.MywifeisbackwithmytribeandIremainloyaltoher.Ishalldosountilweareeithertogetheragainorwearereunitedintheafterlife.Soknowthatmyintentionsforyouwillalwaysbefriendship.”

“Whywereyouexiled?”“ThatisasecretIcan

nevershare.”“I’msorrythatIasked.”“Noneedtoapologize,

myfriend.”“Friend...Ihave

friends,”Darianamuttersinchildishdisbelief.“Idon’tthinkIeverhadfriendsbefore.WhatdoIdo?”

Thebarbariangrinsand

squeezeshershoulder.“Beyourself.”

Thesilver-hairedwomannodsherheadandgoesbacktofreeingtheskulls,leapinghightogettheonesneartheceiling.Hergiddinessathavingfriendsmakesherlightasafeatherandsheleapsaroundtheroomwith

ease.Timoranhurriestocatchwhatevershedrops,apologizingwheneverhehastohurlaskullintothepileinsteadofgentlyplacingitamongitsdeceasedpeers.Darianastopshermomentumbycatchingthechandelierandflippingtothefloornexttothebarbarian.

“ShouldIpullaprankonSariwhenshegetsbackfromBor’daruk?”sheaskswhilecatchingherbreath.“I’vebeentoldthatplayfulrevengeiscommonamongfriends.”

“ConsideringwhatiswaitingforherandLukeinthecity,Iwouldfocusonbeingashouldertocryon,”

Timoransuggests,drawinghisweapontocontinuetheirwork.“Letusconcentrateonthemasksandworryaboutourfriendswhentheyreturn.Withanyluck,thingswillnotbeasbadasIsuspecttheywillbe.”

*****GrasdonManorisquiet

anddarkasthesunsinksbehindthehorizon,castingshadowsacrossthehall.LukeandSarisensesomethingiswrongbythecurtainofgriefthathangsovereveryservantandguardthattheypass.Eileenlooksworsethantheothers,showingsignsthatshehashadverylittlesleepinthe

lastfewdays.Thesmearofbloodonheraprondisturbstheadventurers,butneitherarebraveenoughtoask.TheyremaininsilenceandkeeptheirthoughtstothemselvesevenwhentheyseethearmedguardsandahealersittingoutsideKira’sroom.Thedoorsareclosed,butthe

robedwomanwiththebarbedovalandstarsymbolofNeberithonhercheststaresaheadasiftheyarewideopen.

“Youmayallgetsomerest,”Eileentellstheguardsandpriestess.Theysilentlynodandmoveaway,butthehealerstayswithinsightin

casesheisneeded.“Mymistresstookaturnfortheworseafteryouleft.ThefuneralforAsherbecameadebaclewhensomeguestsaccusedherofmurder.Webelievetheyarefromrivalmerchanthouses,butnobodyhasconfessedtotheplants.ThemayorandWayland’s

businesspartnershadtostepintocalmeveryone,butthedamagewasdone.She’snotbeenthesamesince,soIapologizeonherbehalfifshedoesanythingfoolish.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”SariaskswhileLukeputshishandonthedoor.

“Hermoodhasbeen

sporadicandshehasmadeafewhalf-heartedattemptsattakingherlife,”thecalicoanswers,herorangetailhanginglimpbehindher.Shelooksdownatherapron,thedriedbloodbringingbackvividmemories.“Thisisfromherattemptingtouseasteakknifeonherwrists,butshe

didn’tgetveryfar.Whenevershetries,shebreaksdowncryingandwailingaboutwhathashappened.Shehasneverhadtobearsuchlossandnowsheisbeingtoldtorunthefamilybusinessimmediately.Sheknewsuchademandwouldcome,butthepartnersarepushingher

tooquickly.Mymistresshasn’teveneateninthelasttwodays.Maybelongerifshewasfeedingherpreviousmealstotheanimalsinthecourtyard.”

“It’stoomuchforher,”Lukewhispers,sensingKiramovingontheothersideofthedoor.“Idon’tknowifwe

shouldbehere,Sari.”“Sendthemin!”avoice

shoutsfromtheroom.Eileenopensthedoors

fortheadventurers,bowingherheadandbackingawaytothefarsideofthehallway.Thepairentertheroomandareimmediatelystruckbyastrongodor,whichmakes

themwonderwhenKiralastbathed.Theflooriscoveredinpotteryshardsanddiscardedclothes,someofwhichhavedriedbloodonthem.Azigzagginggashhasbeencutintoherbedandthecanopypostsarebadlydamagedfrombeingstruckbytheheiress’skusari-gama.

Theheadofastatueissittingonaplatterasifitisatrophy,thebodyleftshatteredonthegroundbelowthebalcony.Onlythepottedplantshavebeenleftunharmedbywhateverrampagedestroyedeverythingelseintheroom.

Kirastandsinthemiddleofthemess,herblackhair

snarledandunkempt.Heryellowgowniscoveredinstainsthatrangefrombloodtofood.LukecanalreadyseesignsofherlosingweightandknowsEileenwasnotexaggeratingabouthernoteatingforwellovertwodays.Hecanseehealingbruisesaroundherneckfroman

attempttohangherself,therealizationsendingashiverdownhisspine.Anoldbandageiswrappedaroundherleftwristandshepicksattheedgewhilestaringatherguests.

“DoIgetahug?”Kiraasksinaweak,cracklingvoice.Herlegsgiveoutwhen

Lukeembracesherandshelimplyhangsfromhisneck.“I’mnotdoingwell.”

“Youshouldeatsomething,”thehalf-elfwhispers,forgettingthathisfeastringisstilldormant.Hecursesunderhisbreathwhenheremembersandhelpstheyoungwomantoacouchwith

puncturedpillows.“We’llgetEileentobringyousomethingmild.Youneedtokeepyourstrengthup.CanyougoaskEileen,Sari?”

“Comebackimmediately,”Kirademandsbeforethegypsycanstepoutside.ShecanfeelLuketenseandpointsatanearby

drawer.“I’vebeensavingapotionincaseyoutwocamebackandIwaslikethis.Itwillgivemeenoughenergytostayawakeandmakesurethefoodstaysdown.”

“Haveyoubeenwaitingforme?”Lukeasksashegetstheorangepotion.HepopsthecorkandhandsittoKira

whotakesafewsipsofthebitterliquid,herbodybrieflyglowing.“Youneedtotakebettercareofyourself.I’mscaredtocontinuetravelingandleaveyoulikethis.”

“Butyoucan’tdothat.UntiltheBaronisdefeated,youcan’tstayhere.Let’snotevenpretendthat’san

option.”“Icanstaywithyouuntil

Helgardisfixedandwemoveon,”theforesttrackerpromises,strokingtheheiress’shair.HefeelsherrelaxalittlemorewhenSarireturnsandtriesherbesttogentlyclosethedoors.“Nyxneedsfurnitureandother

items,soIcantakeyoutherewhenyou’restrongenoughtotravel.Maybeitcanhelpsettleyourbusinesspartnerssinceitwillcostamodestfortunetofurnishanentirevolcano.Afterthat,I’llspendmostofmytimewithyouandsometimeinHelgardtohelpwiththerepairs.Nyxwill

understand.”“Whataboutme?”the

gypsymuttersunderherbreathassheapproaches.

Kirafinishesthepotionandgetstoherfeet,tossingtheemptybottleouttheopenwindow.ShegentlypushesLukebackdownwhenhetriestostandandshegestures

forSaritocomecloser.Thetwowomenstandnexttoeachotherandfacethehalf-elfwhosuddenlywisheshewassomewhereelse.Standingnexttothegypsy,Kiralooksraggedandwornevenwiththeenergizingeffectsofthepotion.Itiswhenhedarestolookinto

hereyesthatheseesthesparkthatheremembersfromtheirtimeattheacademy.

“First,IagreetogoingwithyoutoHelgardanddobusinesswithNyx,”theheiressannounceswithrenewedstrength.“Ineedtogetusedtobeingtheoneincharge,sothiswillbethe

perfectopportunitytoeaseintomynewrole.IalsoagreetoLukestayinghereandhelpingmegetmyhouseinorder.That’sthebusinesspartofthisconversation,solet’sdiscusstherealreasonyoutwocamehere.”

“Everyoneelsewasbusy,”theforesttracker

claimswithanervousshrug.Bothwomenglaredaggersathim,forcinghimtoturnaway.“Fine.Ithoughtwecouldtrytosettlethis,butseeingyoulikethismakesmewanttowait.Idon’twanttohurteitherofyou,whichisbecomingimpossible.Besides,it’sabadideato

decidenow.”“Stopbeingachildand

choose,”Sariimpatientlysays.HerheadsnapstothesideatthesoundofKira’slaughter.“What’ssofunny?”

“DoyourealizewhatwouldhappenifLukedecidesnow?”theheiressasks,relishingtheblankexpression

onthegypsy’sface.ShetakesLukebythewristsandpullshimoffthecouch,givingonehandtoherrival.“Askthebigquestiontobothofusandwewillanswertruthfully,mylove.Imeantheonethatyouwouldhavetoaskthewomanyouchoosetospendyourlifewith.Don’tforgettheknee.”

Thehalf-elfsighsandkneelsbeforethetwowomenwhosharehisheart.“Wouldyoumarryme?”

“No,”Sarimeeklyadmits,hergriploosening.

“Yes!”Kirasaysloudenoughtostartleapeacockonthebalcony.Shecalmsdownandwipesatearfrom

hereye,slippingherotherhandfromherfiancée’sgrasp.“Thereyouhaveit,littlegypsy.Iwouldwinifthedecisionwasmadetoday,butLukereallywouldn’tbehappy.Hestilllovesyou.Iwouldn’twantahusbandwhowondersaboutwhatcouldhavebeen,soIdon’twantto

forcehimtomakeadecision.”

“MaybeIshouldcallitoffwithbothofyouuntiltheBaronisgone,”Lukesuggests,rubbingthepommelsofhissabers.“Youknow,betterallofusgethurtinsteadofone.Thatideaprobablysoundsbetterinmy

head.”Ashestands,Kiragrabs

himbythefaceandkisseshimdeeply.Luke’sthoughtsdriftawayathertoucheventhoughhecanfeelemeraldeyesboringintohim.ThekissisbrokenwhenSariyankshimaway,havingherturnathislips.Thepassionis

similartowhathefeltwithKira,butthereissomethingwilderandmoreprimalintheconnection.ImagesoftravelingwithSaribubbletothesurfaceofhismindandmixwithmemoriesoftalkingtoKiraabouttheirfuture.Unabletodealwiththeanguishovertakinghis

thoughts,Lukebreaksthekissandturnsawayfrombothwomen.

“WeallknowyouorSariwillslip,”Kiradeclares,grabbingabrushtofixherhair.Shegrowlsinmildfrustrationastheknotseithercomelooseorcausesomeofthestrandstogetyanked

fromherscalp.“Ican’twinifyoutravelwithher,butshedoesn’thavethesamefutureinmindasyoudo.I’mwillingtogoalongwithuscallingeverythingoffuntilourlivessettledown.Ihaveabusinesstofigureoutandyoutwohaveadestinytosurvive.SowhatdoIdoifyoutwo

slipandcontinuethisrelationshipwhileI’moutofthepicturelosingground?”

“Yourtraditions-”Lukestartstosay.

“I’mnotplayingbythoserulesanymore,”theheiressinterruptsasEileenreturnswithacartoffood.Themaidstaysbythedoor,patiently

waitingforpermissiontoapproach.“Eileen,pleasetakeLuketothecataloguesandshowhimhowtomakecopies.SariandIaregoingtodiscusssomethings.”

“Shouldn’tIbehereforanydecisions?”thehalf-elfasks,nervousaboutleavingthetwowomenalone.

“Ithinkyou’vemadeitclearthatyoucan’tdecide,”Sarianswers,meetingherrival’spredatorygazewithacasualsmile.“We’lltrustyoutodowhatyoufeelisrightwhileweworkourownagendas.IpromiseIwon’thurther.”

Eileenbringsthefood

overtohermistressandtakesLukebythehand,gentlyguidinghimoutoftheroom.TheclickoftheclosingdoorisstillechoingwhenKiradropsthebrushandgetsinSari’sface.Refusingtobackdown,thegypsyplayfullylicksherrival’snose,shudderingatthesourtaste.

Herattempttostartletheheiressgetsnoreaction,whichmakesheruneasyaboutthesituation.

“Iknowgivingupwillonlymakeyoumad.Besides,I’dprobablytrytodosomethingwithLukeduringatimeofweakness,”Sariadmits,takingafewsteps

away.Sheconsidersmovingherhandwithineasyreachofoneofherdaggers,butsomethingintheotherwoman’seyestellsherthatwouldbemistake.“Wecouldsharehimwhilewe’reallhere,butthatwouldgetmessy.There’sreallynoawayaroundthiswithoutone

ofusgettinghurtandit’slookinglikeyousinceItravelwithhim.Thenagain,itcouldendupbeingLukeandIgrowapartatsomepointandhereturnstoyou.”

“Iwouldwaitforthat,”Kiradeclaresasshewalkstoherbed.Shepullsherkusari-gamaoutofthedestroyed

mattressandspinstheheavysidewhilewatchingthegypsy.“IgavethisalotofthoughtandacceptthatIdidthistomyself.Ilethimsliptowardsyou.IfIhadfollowedhistraditionsthenyou’dbenothingmorethanacute,harmlesscompanionofhis.”

“Wellit’salittlelateforthat,”theblue-hairedgirlpointsout,drawingthestilettothatmatchesLuke’ssabers.Shenervouslyjugglesthebladefromhandtohand,herpalmsgettingsweaty.“IfyougavesomuchthoughttothisthenIassumeyouhaveanidea.Whatwouldyoulike

todoaboutme?”KiraisfasterthanSari

expectswhensheknocksthedaggeroutoftheair.Thechainofherweaponwrapsaroundthegypsy’swrists,butshebecomesimpossibletomove.Withherrivalfrozeninplace,Kirakeepsherweapontautandcautiously

pullsherselfcloser.Oncesheiswithinreach,shepressestheinneredgeofthesickletoSari’sthroat.

“Iwanttokillyou.Toslityourthroatandabandonyourbodyinthemiddleofthedesertforscavengers,”theheiresswhispers,herblue-tinted,emeraldeyesglinting

withhate.“Imayhaveletyouintomylife,butIstillhateyouforfallinginlovewithhim.LukeisallIhaveleftandIwillfightforhim.Luckyforyou,Iknowhe’dneverforgivemeifIkilledyou.Sothatisn’tanoptionunlessanopportunitypresentsitselfwhereIcanget

awaywithit.”“Icantellhimabout

this.”Kiraletsherweapon

dropandshegripsSaribythechin.“I’mawomaningriefwhotriedtokillherselfseveraltimes.ThisisallinsanitytalkingsinceI’mterrifiedoflosingthemanI

lovewhenIneedhimmost.ImaginewhatyouwoulddoifyoulosteveryoneandLukewasleavingyoubehindtogowithme.Afterall,youstillcan’tsleepwithoutsomeonesharingyourbedoryou’llhavenightmares.”

“I’dsurviveandIwouldn’ttakeitoutonyou,”

thegypsyresponds,hervoicequivering.Thegrinontheotherwoman’sfacemakesherclosehereyes.“Iwouldn’twanttoupsetLukeoryou,soI’dsufferinsilence.There’salwaysawaytosurviveevenwhenyou’rebroken.”

“TrueandIchooseto

fightuntilit’scompletelyclearthatIlost,”theheiresssays,givingSariawetkissonthecheek.Lettinggoofherrival,shegoestothefoodcartandgrabsapieceofbread.“WhenLukeishere,I’llprovemyloveandshowhimwhyI’mthebetterpartner.Givehimatasteofwhatlife

wouldbelikeifhemarriesme.Withyounotwantingtotalkaboutthatstep,it’smybiggestadvantageandIwillgladlytalktohimaboutthefuturefromdawntodusk.Feelfreetoshakeyourbreastsinhisfaceordowhateveritisyoudotogethisattention.Ican’tstopyou,

butIcanmakeyouseemmorelikeaphasethathehastogothroughtogettome.Ohandifyouuseanyofyourmagic,I’lldothesamewithapotion.Lovespellscanceleachotheroutafterall.”

SarisquareshershouldersandmarchesovertoKira,extendingherhand

forashake.“Ifthat’sthebattleyouwantthenI’min.Enjoybeingintheleadwhilehe’swithyoubecausethemomentwe’reoutofBor’daruk,I’llshowhimsomerealfun.Ifyouwanttowaitforhimtogetboredwithmethengoaheadandenjoygrowingoldalone.Youcome

atmeandI’llstrikebackjustashard,Grasdon.”

KiraacceptsthehandshakeandcringeswhenSaridigshernailsintoherpalm.Withamadsmileonherface,theheiressplungestheirhandsintothebubblingsoup.Shecanfeelthecoldfrostfromthegypsy’sbody

onherpalm,whichmakesthepainonthebackofherhandevenworse.WhenKiraletsgoandpullsherhandoutofthehotliquid,shelooksattheredandblisteredskininwonder.

“Oops,”shesayswithaneeriechuckle.

*****

“Well,ittookninechaoselfcastersandthreeadultEblems,butwefinallyputStephentosleep,”Nyderreportsasheclosesandlocksthedoorbehindhim.Hethrowshisblood-soakedgogglesontoanearbytable,ignoringthefrownfromhismaster.“Isuggestputting

Yolainchargeofhimincasehewakesup.I’lluseVile’soldcontactstolocateapowerfulpsionicoracreaturethatcanfinishthejob.Itwon’tbeeasy.”

BaronKernaghannodsandrisesfromthepolishedchair,hisglovedhandshavingleftburnmarksinthe

wood.Hewhispersaspellatthewalltomakeittransparent,revealingthegore-coveredroom.Bodypartsofthecastersandtheserpentinedemonsareeverywhere,severalpuddlesofacidicbloodeatingthroughpartsofthefloor.Inthemiddleofthecarnageis

Stephenwhohasbeenstrippedofhisclothesandchainedtoametaltable.Hisbondsthrobwithdemonicenergyandcreakwheneverhemovesinhissleep.Withaheavysigh,theBaronturnsawayfromhissonandfacestheexhaustedgnome.

“Dowhatyoumust,”he

saysbeforeundoingthespellonthewall.Hespeaksinaheavy,gutturalvoiceandthedoortoStephen’sroomisencasedinsilvercrystal.“Doyouknowwhatmydaughterdidtohim?”

“TheEblemstoldmebeforetheymeltedandexploded.Notallofthem

diedinthatorderbytheway,”Nyderanswers,shudderingatthememoryofthedemons’dyingscreeches.“Darianahithimwithsomethingthatrearrangedhismind.Hishumanityandself-controlarebadlydamaged,butthebeatingshetookfromTrinityandyourself

preventedhimfromlosingthemcompletely.Amazingwhatpaincanaccomplish,buthismemoriesarestillscrambled.They’reallovertheplaceandhe’sunabletosortthemout.Thebestwaytoexplainitisthatheknowswhereheis,wherehe’sbeen,andwhathe’sdone,buthe

doesn’tknowtheorder.AtonepointhewasscreamingabouthowhehatedyouhiringTylerasifithappenedyesterday.Thenhewasrantingaboutatimethechampionsledanarmyagainsthim,whichsoundsliketwodifferenteventshavebeencombined.IfStephen

stayslikethisforverylong,he’llslipsofarintomadnessthatyoumaybeforcedtodestroyhim.”

“Ihopethatitdoesnotcometothat,”theBaronwhispersasthecastleshakes.Violetenergycoursesthroughthewalls,afewstrandsreachingoutforthetwomen.

“IwillsendYolatowatchovermyson.ItappearsIamneededtohandleourotherproblem.”

Theimmortalnoblemantransformsintoashadowandsinksintothefloor,swiftlypassingthroughthecastle.Hehitsabarrierofmagic,whichforceshimtosearchfora

crackthatletshimslipintothesealedroom.BeforetheBaroncantakehistrueform,lightningpinshimtothewallanddragshimalongthestones.Withaburstofrawpower,thewarlorddestroystheattackingspellsandstepsoutoftheshadows.Abarrierofcrimsonenergydeflectsa

barrageoffireballsandacidblaststhatexplodearoundthebarrenroom.

TheBaronnodstoYolaBiggsandkneelsnexttothemumblingformattheirfeet.HecansmellthefreshbloodthathaspooledaroundTrinity,thepreciousliquidstillpouringfromherpalms,

forehead,andstomach.Thereisavioletshimmertotheredserumandthepuddleoccasionallythrobslikeabeatingheart.Hereachesouttocaresshercheekandpauseswhenhefeelsthepureaurarunningthroughherbody.Itisajoltofblissfulenergythatrunsuphisarm

andmakeshimlickhislips.“Youmaygoandwatch

overStephen.Ifhewakesupthenputhimbacktosleepimmediately,”theBaronordersYolainasternvoice.Thegoddessisabouttotalkwhenhesnapshisfingersandhermouthdisappears.“Iamnotinthemoodforyour

anticstoday.MydaughterhasattemptedtokillmysonwhoImighthavetoputdownlikeadog.Forallhisfaultsandinthefaceoftheproblemswehavehad,Stephenisstillmypreciousboy.Takecareofhimandtrytoeasehissuffering,Yola.”

“I’llgivehimhappy

dreams,”theChaosGoddesspromisesbeforetransformingintoaswarmofhummingbirds.Shedodgesthenextwaveofattackspellsandzipsoutthecrackinthebarrier.

Trinitysurpriseshermasterbytouchinghishand,herfingerspassingthrougha

barrierthatshouldhavekeptheratadistance.Shetriestoavoidgettingherbloodonhisivoryshirt,butthereissomuchthatitisimpossibletoavoid.TheBaronisimpressedthattherearenotearsonherfaceoranysignthatshehasbeencrying.Thepainandfearinhereyesis

temperedbythedefiancethathehascometoadmireinhisagent.

“ThegemssunkintomybodyandnowIcan’tstoptheblood,”thechaoselfsaysinashakyvoice.Sheholdsoutherhandstoshowthedeeppitsthatappeartogofurtherthanherphysicalbodyshould

allow.“Ididn’tthinkIhadthismuchbloodinme.Doyouknowwhat’shappening,master?”

“Yourtruepowerhasappeared,mydearchanneler,”theBaronreplies,squeezingherfingersinhisglovedhand.“Doyouwantmetotrainyou?”

Shockedbytheoffer,Trinitylooksintohisfacetofindnothingbutgenuineconcern.Asmallnodisallshecanmusterbeforeshefaintsandfallsintoherdarkmaster’sarms.

TheadventurecontinuesinTheMerchantofNevraCoil