by Brandon Mull
“Don’t be so touchy, Miracle,” Elegance said. “It’s just peculiar.”
“We’re it, Ella,” Mira said. “We’re the last line of defense.”
“Elegance.”
Mira sighed. “And we need your help.”
“What am I supposed to do?” Elegance asked.
“Help us find your shaping power,” Mira said. “Owandell wants to help Ramarro. He already abandoned Junction. Sooner or later Owandell will come to Creon. He and his shapecrafters might try to use your shaping power against us.”
“Miracle, I don’t have any powers,” Elegance said. “And I’m not a specialist in combat. You want Honor for that. I need to look after Brogan.”
“I’m in the safest stronghold in the five kingdoms,” Brogan said. “With servants watching over me. Don’t let me hold you back. Ever.”
Elegance knelt beside her husband. “You know I’m not a fighter.”
Brogan looked at Mira. “Elegance is brave and good and has faced unspeakable danger. And she is little use in a physical confrontation.”
“None of us are expert fighters,” Mira said.
“Speak for yourself,” Jace said.
“We’re doing what needs to be done,” Mira continued, ignoring him.
“Maybe we could wheel Brogan at them,” Jace said. “Can you still hold a jousting lance?”
Brogan grinned. “I’d welcome the chance to try.”
“This is becoming absurd,” Elegance said shortly. “I am sympathetic to your mission. It sounds heroic and necessary. But I hear no evidence of how my involvement can benefit anyone.”
“What if your power is causing harm?” Mira asked. “What if only you can help us stop it?”
“Where is the evidence of my power harming anyone?” Elegance asked. “I hear no hint of my power currently being involved. I am a princess of the Outskirts and heir to the throne. If we discover my power is wreaking havoc, I will do my duty. But right now all you have is speculation.”
“What about other kinds of help?” Mira asked. “Connections?”
“I had contacts among the Unseen here,” Elegance said. “Those relationships have faded over the years. We’ve lived in relative isolation for decades. My best connection now is the Host. Perhaps he can offer guidance. He takes a real interest in the welfare of Creon and has serious access to Creon’s elite.”
Mira looked at Cole.
“Worth a try,” Cole said. “We need to find Grand Shapers. People who can help us figure out how the vault holding Ramarro works and how we can make it stronger. People who can help us figure out how to face Ramarro if he gets free.”
“I wish I could help,” Brogan said. “It’s not fair that a man learns and grows and reaches his prime only to enter a slow decline that eventually leaves him helpless as a baby.”
“You gave years of valiant service, my love,” Elegance said. “You saved my life innumerable times, through your wisdom and your skill. Now is your time to rest. This hour comes to all who live long enough.”
“We can handle it,” Jace said stoutly.
“Thanks for wanting to help,” Cole said.
“Perhaps I should send you on your way,” Elegance said. “Your errand sounds urgent, and more talk will only cause frustration.”
“Surely they can stay for a meal,” Brogan said.
“We are in kind of a hurry,” Cole said.
“What about the Host?” Mira asked.
“Remind me your name?” Elegance asked Renni.
“Renni, Your Highness,” she replied with a slight curtsy.
“Can you return them to the Host?” Elegance asked.
“It should not be a problem,” Renni said.
“Very well,” Elegance said. “Miracle, I’m relieved you are well. Thank you for news about Mother and our siblings.” Her gaze swept the others in the group. “Thank you for your roles in aiding my family and protecting the kingdom. I’m grateful for your service and your sacrifices.”
“Come with me,” Renni said.
* * *
Less than half an hour later, Cole sat at a table with Jace, Twitch, Violet, Mira, and the Host. Renni stood nearby. Once the food was laid out, the servants departed. Between the delicious meal before him and the shady courtyard where they dined, Cole was almost able to forget they were in an iron fortress in the middle of a vast desert. And that the world could end at any moment.
“I trust your sister is pleased with her stay,” the Host said to Mira politely as he gently removed a roasted chunk of squash from a skewer.
“She seems really content,” Mira said. “Thanks for guarding her and Brogan so well. She wasn’t as helpful as we’d hoped.”
“Oh?” the Host asked before inserting the squash into his mouth.
“We need information,” Mira said. “Connections. Leads to follow. Ramarro must be stopped. There is so much we don’t know.”
“The steak,” Jace murmured to Cole.
“Huh?” Cole asked.
Jace pointed at a skewer of seasoned beef with his fork. “Try some. So garlicky. Heaven.”
“It really is excellent steak,” the Host said. “I need to limit my intake, but please, indulge.”
Cole jabbed his fork into a juicy hunk of meat and slid it off the skewer. It was almost too hot, and surprisingly tender. Jace was right—it was divine.
“What information do you most require?” the Host asked.
Mira nodded at Cole.
“In other kingdoms we’ve had help from Grand Shapers,” Cole said. “In most cases we wouldn’t have survived long without it.”
“You would like an audience with the Grand Shaper of Creon?” the Host asked.
“As many as we can find,” Cole replied.
The Host narrowed his gaze. “Are you seeking confirmation of the rumor that there is more than one living Grand Shaper in Creon?”
“We know that much,” Cole said. “We just want to find as many as possible. We have to keep the vault closed. If we can’t, we need a plan to recapture Ramarro. Or maybe even to fight him.”
“Very few know that some of the former Grand Shapers of Creon secretly dwell among us,” the Host said. “Very few indeed. None know where to find them. Including our present Grand Shaper.”
“We have a clue about where to find one,” Cole said.
The Host’s eyes flashed with interest. “I don’t suppose you would be willing to share?”
“Depends what he says after we make contact,” Cole said.
“Who is he?” the Host asked.
“We need to keep a few secrets for now,” Cole said. “Lots of people want to stop us. We can’t risk info getting out about where we are going.”
“I am a secure confidant,” the Host assured him. “But I admire the caution. What else?”
“Do you have any idea where the ancient vault might be that is holding Ramarro?” Cole asked.
The Host folded his arms and bowed his head in thought. “I do not. If it wasn’t made known to the ruling class, a project so secretive and important would have been cleverly hidden long ago. I can have my people research the topic.”
“Would you?” Mira asked.
“Life as we know it in the Outskirts is under attack,” the Host said. “I’ll do all in my power to aid you. If you need help from any of the noble families of Creon, I can open doors. Finding Grand Shapers gets hazy. I don’t have the information, and I have no idea who does.”
“We appreciate what help you have given,” Mira said. “We should get going.”
“After we eat some more,” Jace said around a mouthful of steak.
“I understand,” the Host said. He stood. “Other matters require my attention. Renni will show you out when you’re ready.” He held out a rolled length of parchment to Mira. “This document contains written permission to access the retreat from the outer tent. Few have such general permission, including residents here. Feel free to visit me as needed. I will continue to inves
tigate the matters we have discussed.”
Mira accepted the document, and the Host gave a stiff bow before exiting.
“I can’t believe we just received permanent access to the Iron Fort,” Violet said reverently.
“Neither can I,” Renni added with a sniff.
* * *
After the meal, Renni led them through a wayport back to the lonely tent in the desert. The air inside the tent remained refreshing. Two men Cole had not seen yet stood guard.
Upon exiting the tent, the heat struck violently, radiating up from the sand and down from the sky. The bright sun was still an hour or two from sinking into the dunes.
“We’re going to cook if we stay here long,” Cole said.
“Where to next?” Twitch asked.
“Are you speaking again?” Jace asked. “I almost forgot you were here.”
Twitch blinked repeatedly and shrugged. “Maybe I don’t want attention from powerful people.”
“Might not be bad thinking,” Cole muttered.
“First we should check in with Mother,” Mira said. “Then . . . I guess we go looking for Lorenzo Debray.”
“All right,” Violet said. “Back to Harmony’s tower in the First Castle.” She held out her hand, and Cole took it, then pushed power into her.
A wayport opened.
Mira stepped through first. Violet came last.
The old female servant who had greeted Cole several times stood staring at them with wide, worried eyes.
“Greta,” Mira said. “What’s wrong?”
The woman looked around as if nervous. “You don’t know?” she whispered. “They’ve all gone missing!”
“Who?” Mira asked.
Greta winced. “Keep your voice down, Your Highness. The soldiers are still investigating.”
“Who is missing?” Mira whispered urgently.
“Your mother, your father, your sisters,” Greta said. “All of them. You and your little band are all suspects.”
CHAPTER
14
IMPLICATED
Why are we suspects?” Mira asked ardently, her voice rising above a whisper.
“Keep it down, Your Highness,” Greta warned, looking around again. “They simply vanished. All of them. While under heavy guard. And you’ve been popping in and out lately with a Wayminder.”
“Maybe they snuck off,” Mira said.
“All of them?” Greta asked incredulously. “The king and queen together? Not to mention that word has it your father is in no condition to travel.”
“He isn’t,” Cole confirmed.
Mira looked stunned. “They’re all . . . gone?”
“Disappeared right under our noses,” Greta said. “I was here when it happened. Never heard a peep. Her Majesty seemed to disappear, just like the others. The captain of the guard has kept it quiet while he investigates.”
“It wasn’t me,” Violet said. “But it must have been Wayminders.”
“You told me Wayminders wouldn’t enter a private place,” Cole said.
“And Enforcers don’t burn down shrines,” Violet replied. “Owandell expects the world to end. He’s breaking all the rules.”
“Could be,” Mira said.
“Owandell?” Greta asked.
A door to the parlor opened, and a soldier froze, staring at them.
“Time to go,” Greta whispered urgently.
Jace held out his rope to Cole, who touched it and flooded it with energy. The rope lashed out and thrust the soldier back as he began to raise the alarm.
Cole grabbed Violet, and she opened a wayport. Twitch ducked through. Jace slammed the parlor door with the rope. Then he used the rope to slide a fancy sofa in front of it.
“To the parlor!” the soldier was calling from beyond the door. “They’re here! Greta was in on it!”
“Come, Greta,” Mira said, guiding the old woman into the wayport.
The door burst open, toppling the sofa. Multiple soldiers lunged forward and were slammed back as Jace hurled an armchair into the doorway.
Maintaining his connection to the rope and Violet, Cole hurried through the portal. Jace followed. Then Violet. Soldiers were shouting.
The wayport closed.
Cole and his friends stood on the slope outside of Skyport. A light breeze ruffled the brush. Castles drifted in the distance.
“You’re quick with that rope,” Violet said.
“I liked bashing them with the chair,” Jace said. “I need to remember to pick up stuff and use it like a club more.”
“Skyport?” Cole asked.
“First place that came to mind,” Violet said.
“I really don’t miss this place,” Mira said, gazing out at the castles.
“That was close,” Twitch said. “What now?”
Mira approached Greta. “Are you all right?”
The woman looked shaken. “Well enough, I suppose, for suddenly being a fugitive after decades of loyal service.”
“Try being her daughter,” Mira said bitterly.
“You children really weren’t involved in the disappearances?” Greta asked.
“Not at all,” Mira said. “It had to be Owandell.”
Greta nodded. “Stafford made his move against him. Owandell would waste little time retaliating if he could.”
“No king,” Mira said. “No queen. No heirs.”
“Who will run the kingdom?” Violet asked.
“Owandell would have had the best chance before the High King discredited him,” Greta said. “I suppose the nobles will fight it out once the news goes abroad.”
Mira picked up a rock and flung it down the slope. “I shouldn’t have left them! We had Violet! We could have stolen Nori and Tessa. We could have brought Mother to safety. I didn’t take them, Greta. But I should have!”
“We couldn’t see this coming,” Cole said.
Mira made fists and closed her eyes. “Seems pretty clear now! We had them, Cole! They were safe. We had them. Now they’re who knows where? And Owandell is playing this like he has nothing to lose.”
“We’ll save them,” Jace said.
“We better,” Mira said.
“We will,” Jace assured her. “They’re too valuable for Owandell to harm them.”
“I hope you’re right,” Mira said. “We don’t really know what Owandell is capable of with his master returning.” She turned to Greta. “Where would you like to go?”
“Me?” Greta asked.
“We can take you anywhere,” Mira said. “Where would you be most safe and comfortable?”
“My sister has a farm outside of Junction City near the border of Elloweer,” Greta said.
“Nearest town?” Violet asked.
“Just a little hamlet. Willet.”
“I know it,” Violet said. “South of Myer’s Mill. Does the farm have any distinguishing features?”
“Big farm,” Greta said. “Just east of Willet. Two barns. An orchard with concentric rings of trees. That’s not usual, at least in those parts.”
Violet closed her eyes.
Still connected to her power, Cole fed her some extra energy.
“I think I have it,” Violet said, opening her eyes. “Should she go now?”
“The less she hears the better,” Twitch said. “For her and for us.”
A shimmering wayport appeared.
Wringing her hands, Greta turned to Mira. “You’ll come get me if you find your mother?”
“Of course,” Mira said. “And I’ll come make sure Violet has the right farm.”
Greta stepped through the wayport. Mira followed.
“I wonder what kind of fruit the orchard has?” Jace mused.
“Didn’t we just eat?” Cole asked. “I feel full.”
“Not fruit,” Jace said. “Apples sound good.”
Twitch approached the wayport. “I can’t see through it. Or hear them.”
“That’s right,” Violet said. “Many wayports are soundproof.”
“I can’t explain that,” Violet said. “Must work differently than sight and sound.”
Mira came back through, and the wayport vanished.
“Good job,” Mira said. “It was her sister’s place.”
Violet gave a pleased smile.
“Remember when the four of us escaped this nightmare in a flying lifeboat?” Twitch asked, gazing down at Skyport.
“Probably the best day of my life,” Jace said.
“It was a scary day,” Cole observed. “We almost died.”
“ ‘Almost’ can be a very important word,” Jace said.
“Do any of you remember if we saw Elegance?” Mira asked.
Cole turned to her. What did he remember? “I think so. There was an old guy in a wheelchair.”
“Yes,” Twitch said. “And I remember Elegance.”
“Me too,” Jace said. “But I don’t remember what we decided.”
“The mindscreen,” Cole muttered.
“I couldn’t tell if I was remembering her or imagining it,” Mira said. “Now that you mention it, I remember the old guy too. He had been her protector I think.”
“Now he is her husband,” Violet said. “I recall that much.”
“The old guy?” Cole asked.
“They must have gotten married when they were younger,” Mira said. “I wonder if Mother knows.”
“Wasn’t there another guy?” Twitch asked. “Who ran the Iron Fort?”
“He liked us,” Cole said. “I don’t remember much else.”
“I have this,” Mira said, holding up a rolled parchment.
“Won’t do you any good,” Violet said as Mira unrolled it.
“She’s right,” Mira said. “Gibberish.”
“Think it might be a clue?” Cole asked. “Info about Ramarro or the Grand Shapers?”
“We’ll be able to read it in Creon,” Violet said. “And we’ll remember what we forgot.”
“I don’t even know if Elegance is joining us,” Mira said.
“Wouldn’t she already be with us?” Twitch asked.
“Probably true,” Cole said.
“Imagine your whole life being like this,” Violet said. “Remembering people, especially those closest to you, but without so many specifics.”