“What did Gordon and Javier want?” Kai asked when Daniel joined us.
“You’re not going to believe this, but they want me to take Gordon’s spot and be co-captain with Javier next year.”
“Daniel, that’s fantastic!” Kai said, throwing her arms around him and kissing him on the cheek.
“Congrats, man,” Blue said, giving him a high five. “You deserve it.”
“You look shocked,” I said.
“I am,” he replied. “Honestly, I kind of figured they’d pick you. I think you’re the best on the team.”
“I’m only that good because of you,” I said. “You make me and everyone on the team better, and Gordon and Javier see that. What better choice could there be for a team leader than someone who brings out the best in the people around them?”
“Thanks,” he said. “I accepted. Now I just have to perform.”
“You and us both,” Blue said, gesturing to herself and Kai. “You guys ready to watch two magical trainees kick some serious butt?”
“Oomph!”
Blue must’ve been nailed with a sandbag because Kai shouted, “Ten points for me!” All the fog in the room rapidly dissipated—sucked back into Blue’s body.
“You evaded Kai for eight minutes that time, Blue!” I called to her, checking my SRTracker. “Why don’t you guys switch roles now?”
I had come up with a brilliant idea for a magic training drill for both Kai and Blue. They were getting skilled and could use a tougher challenge. Lord Channing’s had a pretty cool indoor obstacle course. With some slight adjustments, we’d turned it into the perfect arena for the ladies to practice their magic in a more practical combat mode.
Blue had become a pro at producing fog with her Questor Beast powers. So Challenge #1 involved Kai trying to find Blue inside the obstacle course and use her levitation magic to hit Blue with one of many dangling sandbags we’d planted throughout the arena. Blue only wore a bell around her neck to give a hint of her location, which meant Kai’s timing, precision, and aim had to be spot on. Now that the girl had gotten Blue three times, we switched to the second drill I had prepared.
Daniel and I were seated in the spectator bleachers above the arena. “Even money that Blue finds her in under two minutes?” I said to Daniel as we watched the girls move to opposite sides of the obstacle course.
“Kai’s pretty quick, Knight. I’ll take that bet.”
“Okay, Blue, you can lose the bell!” I called. “All you have to do is tag Kai to win. You both ready?”
“Come and get me, Blue,” Kai shouted.
“And go!” I said.
Blue’s eyes flashed Questor Beast green. I could see them glow even from here. Fog started to swirl out of her and within twenty seconds the lower half of the room was hidden from sight. Moments later, I saw flashes of green darting through the fog.
“Blue’s powers are amazing,” Daniel commented.
“They’re also super useful. This ability to hunt prey by locking onto a target’s adrenaline and fear is unparalleled. Although Kai’s levitation magic is great, Blue’s three Questor Beast powers are frighteningly impressive.”
“The three you’ve been working on,” Daniel corrected. “The Questor Beast could do more than produce fog, hunt prey, and spit acid. Maybe in time she’ll develop additional powers, like how your magic has expanded the more you’ve used it.”
“Ow! Blue, you were supposed to tag, not tackle.”
Daniel and I turned our attention back to the obstacle course. The fog disappeared again, revealing Blue rubbing her head sheepishly as Kai picked herself off the ground.
“Sorry,” Blue said. “The hunting power sometimes causes me to get carried away. I go into a kind of trance, you know.”
“Well, please tell your trances to try not to dislocate my shoulder,” Kai huffed.
“You okay?” Daniel called to her.
“Yes, Dani, I’m fine!”
“Good!” He turned to me and lowered his voice. “Time?”
I checked my SRTracker. “One minute and fifty seconds!” I shouted.
“Dang it,” Daniel said.
Suddenly the Mark Two in my Seven Suns jacket pocket started to buzz. “Hold on, guys. I’m getting a call.” I flipped open the compact. “SJ!”
“I have good news and I have good news,” SJ announced. “Which would you like first?”
I leaned over so Daniel could see SJ too. “Um, the good news,” I said, excitement brewing in my gut.
“Merlin and I have successfully transferred Mauvrey to the Darling’s castle in Clevaunt. We are there now and she is safe and sound in one of the towers.”
“That’s amazing!” A rush of relief filled my body like oxygen. “And the other good news?”
“We have also finished the potion to retrieve Mauvrey’s memories. When you all arrive in a couple of weeks for summer break, we will administer the potion and finally get answers.”
“Oh my gosh, I kind of want to fly Lucky there ASAP so we can just do it now,” I said. “This is what we’ve been waiting for. It’s more important than school, and everything else too. We just have to talk to our headmasters, and reschedule our tests, and gather Jason, and Blue, and Chance, and—”
“Crisa.” SJ addressed me calmly, kindly. “Mauvrey is safe with the Darlings and with me. I moved in with the family today and will be staying in Clevaunt while doing apprenticeship work with Merlin and Julian over the Mark Two. You all should finish school, complete your Twenty-Three Skidd season, and enjoy the fun activities of graduation. You deserve it, and two weeks is not that long.”
“Yeah, but the antagonists—”
“Have taken a lot from us. Trust me to look after Mauvrey, Crisa. Come here with the entire team after graduation like you planned.”
“I agree with her, Knight,” Daniel said. “I get how important Mauvrey is, but it would take massive amounts of coordination for all of us to ditch school and get to Clevaunt on a moment’s notice, and there’s no need to. This is one time when a disaster isn’t looming. We can actually complete our school commitments. The Darling’s castle sounded really secure. Let’s stick with the plan we have and enjoy what time we have left here. You know, before that domino effect we talked about gets set in motion.”
“Hey, so what’s up?” Blue called impatiently from below. “What’s she saying?”
I resigned to letting go and smiled. “SJ. You’re the very best. We will see you in person in two weeks. For now, let me call you back later. I’ve got a lot of people to update.”
“I am sure that you do,” SJ replied. “Talk soon.”
I hung up the compact.
“Practice is over, you two!” Daniel shouted. “We’ve got good news to spread and celebrate.”
lease don’t hate us,” I said to Girtha and Divya as Daniel and I caught up with them by the sidelines.
The noise of the emptying arena was still rich in the air as highlights of our team’s victory replayed on the holographic screens. The Seven Suns had just beaten the Lyons in our semi-final match and most members of our team were off celebrating on the field.
Divya sighed. “We don’t hate you. We’re sad, sure. But everyone went out there and did their best. We’ll make a comeback next year.”
“I’m sad the season is over in general,” Girtha said. “I love this sport. And I like hanging out with the guys on our team. It’s a shame we can’t see each other more often.”
“I get that,” Daniel responded. “But friends are good at coming back to each other, no matter the distance. When next season starts up it’ll be like nothing has changed.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Girtha said. “Fitting in is new for me, so I’m just protective of it. But don’t let our sour spirits dampen yours. You guys go party with your team. Divs and I will see you at dinner, Crisa.”
“You sure you’re okay?” I asked.
“Crisa, we’ll be fine. Now if you don’t get in on that cele
bratory apple cider Gordon is breaking out, I will.”
I glanced back and saw Gordon spraying our team members with a bottle of fizzy liquid. “Okay,” I said, cracking a smile. “See you later.”
“Good game, you guys,” Daniel said, shaking their hands before he and I headed toward our team. I spotted Blue, Jason, Kai, and Marie still up in the stands. I pointed them out to Daniel and we both waved happily. We’d regroup with them shortly.
“Oh crud,” Daniel suddenly muttered.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, looking around. Chance was walking toward us.
Really? That’s why Daniel got all weirded out?
“Good game, Daniel,” he said.
“Same to you,” he replied.
We stood there awkwardly.
“See you in a minute, Knight,” Daniel said, going past Chance to join our celebrating team. I pivoted toward the prince when he’d gone.
“I imagine it gets harder to like me when I keep beating you,” I jested.
“Not at all,” Chance replied. “I’m mad that we lost, but I’m happy that you won—if that makes any sense.”
“I don’t think that makes any sense at all,” I replied. “But I’m glad to hear it.”
“I don’t suppose you feel bad enough about beating me that I can get a consolatory pity kiss on the cheek or something . . .”
“You lost a sporting match, Chance—not a lung,” I said with an amused grin. “But nice try.”
“I’ll try harder when you come to Clevaunt,” he said. “I bet I win you over by July.”
“Uh-huh, sure,” I said sarcastically, giving him a pat on the shoulder as I walked past.
I joined my team to share in our triumph. Javier handed me a half-filled glass of cider. Our tight circle of teammates smelled like the beverage, sweat, and Pegasi hair.
“Okay, team,” Gordon declared. “This is it. Next Saturday, we face the Jacklebees for the championship title. We’re going to have two-hour practices this week, learn a couple new plays, and DOMINATE!”
The whole team cheered.
I would never admit it to Blue and Jason, but I was actually glad they’d lost their semi-final match yesterday. I may talk a good game and fully stand by my show-no-mercy approach, but it had hurt to beat Girtha, Divya, and Chance. Daniel and I were much closer to Blue and Jason, so if we won a championship against them, it would have been hard to celebrate. Now if we won all our friends could be happy for us and we could revel in that victory. The only person I knew personally on the Jacklebees was Jacqueline Day Ripley, and while I liked her, I didn’t think I’d feel bad about beating her.
“Here’s to a championship match to remember, a great team, and our new co-captain Daniel Daniels—who’ll be taking over for Gordon next year!” Javier announced.
The guys erupted into whoops and cheers for Daniel, several slapping him on the back or shaking him by the shoulders with hearty camaraderie. That made me happy to see. Daniel was a lone wolf by nature. Like Girtha on the Lyons, I think being on a Twenty-Three Skidd team had been good for him. He’d come out of his shell through the Seven Suns and I was proud to watch him evolve as a guy and a hero. It was amazing how people could change without even realizing.
“Cheers!” Gordon said, raising his glass.
“Cheers!” our team echoed. We toasted in a messy clinking of glasses that was the sweetest sound I’d heard all day.
“I am so nervous I need someone to hold my hand,” Marie said, coming over to sit next to me.
“Ask and you shall receive,” I said, grabbing her hand.
We watched with worry from the first row of benches as Blue mounted the driver’s perch of the carriage. Madame Sifew looked as concerned as we did. Today was our Driver’s Ed final exam and while Marie and I had done great—she’d gotten a 100% and I’d gotten a 94%—I hadn’t seen Blue behind the wheel in a while. Our professor had cancelled classes for the last couple of weeks to give us time for individual practice.
“She’s gotten a lot better,” said Jacqueline. She’d departed her higher up seat with some of the seniors to come sit with us.
“How much is a lot?” I asked.
Jacqueline pushed her glasses up on her nose and looked ahead. There were so many obstacles set up on the track. Jacqueline exhaled a big breath that fluttered her choppy bangs.
“I think she’ll pass,” she said. “Either way, I told the other seniors to not give Blue a hard time in the aftermath.”
“Thanks,” I said.
The pounding of hooves drew our attention to the course. Blue had taken off. I noticed Jacqueline’s lean, muscular arms tense ever so slightly. It made me wonder if she’d been exaggerating Blue’s progress to make us feel better. I was glad I was clutching Marie’s hand.
We watched with bated breath as Blue zoomed around the course. Her speed was a little dicey at times, she had some seriously close calls with obstacles, and she made an abrupt turn that literally caused half our classmates to gasp, but thankfully my friend finished the exam in one piece. She left the course in one piece too.
Madame Sifew dismounted the carriage and wrote on her clipboard. Then she tore off the top sheet, handed it to Blue, and strode toward the assembled class. “Well, that concludes the semester for us, ladies. Good work, most of you. Juniors, if you would like to take the class again next year for extra practice, I would not discourage it. Seniors, you all passed so you have your official learner’s permits. I hope you all ace your individual kingdom driver’s license tests. Have a lovely summer, everyone. Dismissed.”
The seniors in the back let out a hoot and scampered off excitedly, but Jacqueline stayed behind as Blue approached.
“So?” Jacqueline asked.
“I got a 79%,” Blue said bluntly.
“That means you passed!” Marie exclaimed.
“Yeah, but I haven’t gotten anything below a B at this school since I took sewing as a freshman. Not my best work.”
“You can repeat the class next year,” I said to Blue, putting my arm around her supportively. “In the meantime, I think you made incredible progress and goodness knows that counts for something.”
“Absolutely,” Jacqueline said. “And I, personally, am proud of you.”
“Thanks,” Blue replied. Then she straightened up a bit. “Seriously, Jacqueline, thank you for all the extra after-school practice you gave me. I would have definitely failed if it weren’t for you. Then I would have died of mortification. Crisa would’ve had to bring me back to life. And it would’ve been a whole thing.”
“On second thought, maybe if you want an easy A you should take an acting class next year,” I said. “You have a knack for being overdramatic.”
“Oh hush,” Blue said.
My pocket started ringing. I excused myself from my friends and walked a few steps over to flip open the compact. It was my brother. “Hey, Pietro!”
“Hey, little sis. You getting psyched for this weekend? I can’t believe you’re in the Lord Channing’s Twenty-Three Skidd championships. That’s a big deal.”
“And I can’t believe you, Mom, and, Evette are coming to watch! I’m bummed that Dad can’t make it though.”
“He wishes he could, but you know that kings can’t exactly take PTO days, especially in uncertain times. I do have a consolation prize.” My brother smiled widely. “So, after you called to invite us, Sooz got to talking with Lenore. They agreed to make Emma’s first visitation the day of the match. She’s going to be there too!”
“What? That’s fantastic!” Now I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat on a sugar high.
“I’ve got it all worked out,” my brother said. “I am going to take the magic train to Lord Channing’s later this week to pick up Lucky. The day before your match, I have a meeting with the Ravelli royal family to discuss an alliance Sooz has been working on. I will stay the night in Ravelli with Evette, pick up Emma at dawn, and then the three of us will fly back to your school in time for the match. Mom is g
oing to meet us there. She’ll take the magic train with Sooz and the guards. You cool with all that?”
“Am I cool with it?” I laughed. “Pietro, that is the greatest news. I can’t believe you’re all coming. Words can’t describe it. And I know a lot of them.”
“I realize that. Growing up, it was rarely silent if you were in the room.”
“Shut up.” I was so happy not even his sarcasm could fracture my smile. “I’ll see you soon, big bro. Give Mom a hug for me and when you see Emma, tell her I’m going to make her so proud. She wanted me to be good and she’s about to see me at my best.”
I woke on Saturday ready for potentially the greatest day of the school year. This afternoon the Seven Suns would play the Jacklebees and if we won, it would mean ending this unorthodox, difficult year with glorious triumph.
Knowing I would be receiving visitors by lunch, I got up early to shower and prepare. My mother had never visited me at school during the semester before, and I was weirdly excited about showing her, and even Susannah, around the campus before the game. Throughout my years here I’d often felt like I didn’t belong and didn’t fit into my titles, and maybe that was true. But I didn’t feel that way now. Today I felt strong. Like a river that’d finally reached the ocean and wasn’t holding back anymore.
Lenore had lifted the In and Out Spell around Lady Agnue’s main entrance for the day as our classmates would be going back and forth, and because many visitors were coming for the match, the first of which I spotted at breakfast. Jacqueline’s parents only lived one kingdom over and had gotten here earlier than most. Their excitement over seeing their daughter compete today was immeasurable. I watched them shower Jacqueline and her friends with questions at another table across the banquet hall.
Later in the morning once Susannah called to let me know they were approaching, I went down to the gate to wait with Blue, Kai, Divya, Marie, and Girtha. When my mom stepped out of the carriage, the pride in her blue eyes sparkled brighter than the diamond studs in her ears.
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