Pallaton pulled a delicate, short pipe made of reed from under his wing and gave it to Atu. The teens peered at where he’d taken it from, wondering where he’d hidden it. But they couldn’t tell.
Atu took the pipe, awe stamped on his face. “How close do we have to be for you to hear it?”
Pallaton laughed, the throaty, rumbling sound rebounding off the walls of the compact room, filling it with a rich resonance. “Distance is not an issue with the reed. Just blow, and we will find you wherever you are.”
“I guess that means this is goodbye then?” Jaden asked.
“It is, Seeker. But I will leave Aren, my best warrior, here for the Healer’s personal use.”
Atu’s face glowed. “Really? I get my own glider?”
Pallaton chuckled. “You do, Healer. We can’t have you embarking on this quest as the only voyager without one!”
Atu grinned. “Yes, how would that look to your kin back home?”
Still chuckling, Pallaton gave a long, low whistle, similar to the one he’d used before to command his troops, and a huge glider, young and muscular, drifted closer to the tower.
“Aren, I have paired you with Healer,” Pallaton informed him.
“Thank you for the honor, Pallaton,” Aren hummed. “I will protect him with my life.”
“See that you do. You know what is at stake.”
Aren inclined his head and looked at Atu. “Healer, I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Atu nodded, running closer to the enormous bat. “I am likewise pleased to meet you. I look forward to traveling with you.”
“Ah, no, not this again,” Jaden motioned, rolling his eyes theatrically. “Enough of the formality! Atu, give him a nickname already.”
Kayla’s laughter bubbled out at the affronted expression on Atu’s face.
“I will not,” Atu declared.
“We’ll see.” Jaden smirked, shaking his head knowingly.
“Seeker, it is time we left. The longer we linger, the more attention we draw to this place,” Pallaton counseled.
“Yes, we have what we came for. It’s time to go.” Jaden scooped the scrap of leather off the floor. Wrapping it together with the feather and cube inside a piece of clothing, he secured the three items in his backpack.
As if he had heard Jaden, Han appeared at the opening near the balcony. A second later, Taz popped up alongside Han.
“Ready to leave?” Taz asked Kayla.
“Am I ever! Something about this place gives me the creeps.”
Without another second’s hesitation, Kayla sprinted forward and flung herself off the balcony. Taz grinned and dove to collect her.
“Your turn,” Jaden said to Atu.
Atu loped to the edge of the balcony. His relationship with Aren would require time to reach the same level of mental communication the other voyagers shared with their gliders. “May I do the same as Kayla?”
“Oh, I like him!” Aren beamed at Pallaton. Then addressing Atu, he said, “Go for it.”
With a whoop, Atu leaped off the balcony, and Aren darted after him. Jaden shook his head, smiling. What was the world coming to when teenagers wanted to hurl themselves off high balconies? He turned to Pallaton, still waiting at the other opening. “Take care of your Legion.”
“I will, Seeker. We will meet again.”
“We’d better. See you on the other side.”
Pallaton nodded, then arced away. Jaden glanced at the opening where Han was waiting, grinning at him.
“So, how will we outdo the others?” Han teased.
“Oh, I’m sure I can come up with something,” Jaden sniggered. He thought for a moment. Then he snapped his fingers. “Okay, I have it.”
He ran toward the balcony the same way the others had. But at the last moment, he twisted around so he was facing the room when he sprang. Going out backwards and doing a flip while in the air was more innovative than simply going out facing forward.
But the moment his feet left the ground, he wished he hadn’t seen the room again. Leering back at him was the abysmal face from the past, its terrible beauty accentuated by the cruel smile playing at the corners of his too-beautiful mouth.
His words came to Jaden as if spoken across a great chasm. They were hollow and echoed eerily in the empty room. “Don’t think you’ve escaped. We will meet again, Gatekeeper. And when we do, it will be the last time.”
Chapter Forty-One
Soul troubled and mind reeling, Jaden was unprepared when Han snatched him up. Landing hard, he almost bounced right off before correcting his balance and scooting to his usual flying position.
Han grunted. “Set on breaking my bones today, are you?”
“Sorry, I was distracted.”
“By what?” Han asked, scanning for Gaptors.
“You didn’t see the Usurper in the room just before I jumped?”
Han started. “Most certainly not! I watched you so I could time my pickup. If he’d been there, I couldn’t have missed him.”
Jaden said nothing. Just because Han hadn’t seen him didn’t mean the tyrant hadn’t been there. Because, as he was learning, nothing was beyond the realm of possibility on this journey. “Never mind,” Jaden muttered, too weary to dwell on it. “Where are the others?”
Relieved Jaden wasn’t arguing, Han pointed them out. They had moved away from the temple and now waited with Pallaton in the middle of his Legion. Han glided them through the outer ranks until he aligned them with their friends. Jaden caught snatches of farewells as they passed the other gliders. Drawing level with Pallaton, the elder grinned at Jaden, showing off his fearsome teeth again.
“As you said, see you on the other side.”
“You bet! I expect our next meeting will be sooner rather than later.”
Pallaton inclined his head. Then, with a soft whistle to summon his troops, he streaked away, leading the Legion.
“What did he mean?” Kayla asked.
Jaden chuckled. “Nothing sinister, just something he was teasing me about.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Kayla didn’t press. She seemed as tired as him. But that didn’t stop her from asking, “So, where to now?”
“Yeah, bro, open the map!” Atu urged.
But Jaden shook his head. “I don’t know about you, but I could do with a hot shower, some decent food, and a good night’s rest before hitting the road again.”
“Ooh, that sounds divine!” Kayla squealed. “Can we please, pretty please?” She fluttered her eyelashes at Taz.
Jaden grinned. He’d never seen her do that. It was a good look on her—although one he doubted he’d see too often.
Taz looked to Han and Aren, who both nodded. “It seems we agree. A short time for recuperation would be beneficial for all.”
Atu still seemed hesitant. “We’re splitting up? You’re going to Daxsos, and I’m returning home?”
Jaden was quick to refute the notion. “I was hoping you’d come back to Daxsos with us. I know my mom would love to meet you. And she’s always up for houseguests.”
Atu beamed. “Really?”
“Absolutely. And since she knows who we are and what we’re about, you won’t have to answer awkward questions either.”
“Alright!” Atu crowed. Then, thinking about it, he fidgeted nervously. “If you’re sure she won’t mind? I mean, I wouldn’t want to impose. I can make out okay without my folks at home.”
It was Kayla who assured him this time. “We wouldn’t want you anywhere except with us. Don’t lose hope, Atu. We’ll find your parents. I’m sure of it.”
Atu smiled. “Thanks. It’s a blessing to have friends I can rely on.”
“Home it is, then,” Jaden announced.
Aren, who hadn’t said a word up to this point, fell in behind Han and Taz as they headed for the horizon. Five minutes later, his voice registered surprise when he spoke. “We can travel at our usual speeds without our voyagers falling off? You have trained them well.”
/> “We had help,” Taz admitted. “The Armorer’s insights and gadgets are effective.”
“I take it the masks and those silver tubes covering their mouths are his doing?” Aren surmised.
Han flashed a smile. “They are. And the suits they’re wearing help our voyagers maintain their balance. Although,” he said, giving Jaden a sidelong glance, “they do well without them too.”
Jaden grinned. “Thanks, Han. I suppose I owe you one now?”
Han chuckled, jiggling Jaden where he sat. “Try not to crush my bones on your next landing, and we’ll call it good.”
Aren smiled. “It sounds like there’s a story there?”
Still chuckling, Han explained, then launched into a more detailed report of all that had transpired since they had met the three seekers. Conversation was lively as the others chipped in, adding their thoughts, comments, and the inevitable jibes. It would’ve been abnormal if Taz hadn’t insisted they teach Aren their plays when the conversation slowed. So they did, adding new moves as they thought of them and giving Aren and Atu time to become attuned to one another’s moods and thoughts.
It took another three days to reach Daxsos, thoughts of what he’d seen in the alternate timeline tormenting Jaden all the way there. When the Shadow Mountains eventually rose to greet them, as imperial and imposing as ever, Jaden’s shoulders sagged with relief. It had been an exhausting trip, longer than he’d thought, although curiously, but mercifully, free of encounters with Gaptors. Feeling like he’d been away from home for years, Jaden was so revved about seeing his family again he could barely focus on anything else.
So when Han led them to the Jameson’s rooftop landing site and the dark shroud of the approaching evening lifted to reveal the piercing glare of the noonday sun, Jaden was shocked to spot his mother’s dejected figure turning to leave the deck. He had forgotten that while it had been weeks for them, no time had passed for her at all. He glanced at Kayla.
Her green eyes searched his, concern etching little furrows on her lovely features. “You okay?”
Jaden took a breath. “Yeah, thanks. I forgot about the time thing. It threw me.”
Oblivious to Jaden’s emotions, Atu asked, “What time thing? Is that why it’s suddenly the middle of the day?”
Sensing Jaden was still out of sorts, Kayla answered. “Yes. The simple answer is when we’re with our gliders, time stops for the rest of the world. If it makes any sense, even though we’ve been gone for weeks, we’re arriving back at Jaden’s home almost right after we left.”
Atu whistled. “Talk about mind-blowing! That’s something my ancestors never passed along.”
“Perhaps it wasn’t true back then—you know, like how everyone could see the Gaptors and gliders back then, but now they can’t? Maybe the same principle?” Kayla theorized while studying Jaden.
“I suppose,” Atu granted.
Jaden was aware of Kayla’s searching gaze, but his mind couldn’t focus on that. All the grief he’d felt when they left his mother was flooding back, compounding the loss he still felt every time he thought of Kayla’s ancient twin falling. Was he doomed to lose them both?
The insidious undercurrent flowing beneath the surface of his calm exterior threatened to drown him. Jaden gulped air. He was home. His mother was here. And Kayla was right next to him. Nothing had happened to either of them. They were safe—for now. He should be grateful for the time he had with them and not agonize about the past or future.
Unable to help himself, Jaden called out. “Mom!” Clara Jameson stopped mid-stride. She faltered, then resumed her unsteady gait toward the exterior door. Jaden called out again, more urgently. This time, his mother turned. She waited, staring anxiously at the empty air before her.
It baffled Jaden. She couldn’t possibly have heard him. How had she known he was calling out to her? He grinned. It didn’t matter. He was keen to find out whether his idea would work. Han maneuvered for the landing. Not waiting, Jaden leaped off and ran to his mother.
Clara Jameson jolted, shocked when Jaden materialized as quickly as he had disappeared. Before she could utter a word, Jaden grabbed her hand. She cocked her head as he grinned mischievously. He could see her wondering what he was plotting. Easing the relic stone from his finger, he slid it onto hers. Jaden knew he had succeeded when she gasped, and wonder widened her eyes, her mouth popping open in astonishment.
His mother squealed. “Ooh, they’re magnificent!”
Jaden grinned. “It’s nice to see you too, Mom.”
She laughed, the tinkling sound soothing Jaden’s frayed nerves. Forcing her eyes away from the compelling creatures, his mother tugged him into her arms. Hugging him fiercely, she pulled back almost immediately. Squeezing his arms and then studying his face, she murmured, “Jaden, you’ve . . . changed.”
“Uh, thanks?” Jaden mumbled, unsure what she meant.
“No, I mean it in a good way. You’ve filled out. Wow, look at you! I never thought I’d see the day you’d grow into your limbs. And you’ve caught some sun.” A worried frown creased her brow. “How long were you gone?”
Jaden sighed. Here it comes. The worried rhetoric of a parent. Best I get her focused on something else. Like my awe-inspiring friend. “We’ll fill you in later. Let me introduce Han, my glider.”
Han, hovering nearby, dipped his head toward Clara. “It is an honor to meet you.”
Distracted, Clara dropped into a quick, graceful curtsy. “No, the honor is mine. I can’t ever thank you enough for keeping my son safe.”
Han smiled. “I think you’ll find he can hold his own.”
Jaden chuckled. “I’m only one half of a spectacular team. Zareh did well pairing us.”
“Zareh’s the peculiar one your grandmother told me about?” his mother quizzed, eager for details.
“Later, Mom—have you forgotten your manners?” Jaden teased. “You haven’t said hello to Kayla or met her glider, Taz. And we brought more friends. Meet Atu. He’s flying with Aren.”
His mother giggled, too overcome by having her son home to worry about much else. She faced the others, still astride their gliders. “Excuse my lack of decorum. It’s just such a relief having Jaden home again. Kayla, I’m so thrilled to see you home safely too. As I am to meet the rest of you.”
Kayla returned the smile. “Hi, Mrs. Jameson. You don’t know how nice it is to see you again.”
The genuine relief in Kayla’s tone had Jaden studying her more closely. Did something happen while they were apart? Although he’d spent every spare moment on their way home gazing at Kayla, drinking her in, rejoicing in her survival, his constant search for Gaptors had distracted him. He had wanted no surprise attacks. Kayla was far too precious for him to lose a second time.
But he’d been more distracted than he realized. Now that his joy at having her by his side again no longer blinded him, Jaden could see the worry pulling on her mouth, the clouds in her eyes. Guilt pricked him. How hadn’t he seen this before? They’d spent days traveling home together, and he’d missed the signs. True, they hadn’t had a moment alone since being reunited at the tower, but it didn’t excuse his lack of attentiveness. Why didn’t she dismount from Taz already? Then he could go to her, comfort her. His mother’s voice reminded him where he was. Uh, maybe now isn’t the right time. He held back the sigh, desperate to escape. Would there ever be a “right time” for them?
“Hello, Atu, it’s nice to meet you,” his mother said, giving her characteristic finger wave.
Waving shyly, Atu said, “You too.”
It reminded Jaden of a second thing. “Mom, okay if Atu stays with us for a while?”
Clara Jameson didn’t skip a beat as she answered, but Jaden saw her burying her curiosity. “Of course. You’re most welcome to stay for as long as you want.”
Atu beamed. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
From the look on his mother’s face, Jaden thought she did.
Clara smiled. �
��It’s always wonderful having Jaden’s friends spend time with us. I’m glad you’re here.” Addressing the gliders, she said, “It’s unexpected and quite a privilege to meet you. I never thought I’d ever see a glider in my lifetime, let alone three. You truly are the most spectacular creatures. Will you be staying too?”
Her hopeful tone made Jaden smile.
As one, the gliders grinned, showing off their perfectly pointy teeth. Han cocked his head at Jaden. “You didn’t tell us your mother was so charming.”
Clara giggled. “It seems I’m not the only one.”
Han laughed, the throaty sound washing over them in mellow waves. “Like mother, like daughter.”
“Yes, she warned me to watch you. She’s very fond of you both.”
“Please pass our regards on to the Wise One,” Taz purred. “Thank you for your generous offer, but we won’t be imposing on your hospitality. We have a place nearby where we can rest comfortably.”
Ever the mother, Clara offered them food, but again, the bats declined graciously.
“There are fruit orchards near to here,” Taz explained. “And we have healthy appetites.”
“If you’re sure then?” Clara checked. When Taz nodded, Clara said, “Well then, I’d best get to feeding the human part of this posse.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Kayla nuzzled Taz, putting her cheek against the soft down behind Taz’s ear. “You’ll be close, right?”
“We will, Interpreter. Close enough to be here in seconds should you need us.”
“Be safe then,” Kayla said, giving her glider’s neck a soft rub before dismounting.
After his own brief conversation with Aren, Atu followed her lead. They strolled to Jaden and Mrs. Jameson and watched as the gliders circled once before streaking away.
“Wow! They are incredible,” Mrs. Jameson breathed.
“Do we get food now?” Jaden asked.
“You!” Mrs. Jameson laughed as she gave him a friendly swat. “It’s reassuring to know some things haven’t changed. Atu, do you eat as much as Jaden?”
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