by Aisha Saeed
“Even if Mira is able to distract the demon,” Sakina said slowly, “what if Augustus won’t help us? If the demon tells him to hurt us, he will.”
“I know. But we do know way more combat techniques than he does,” Diana said. “If we absolutely need to, we could take him on.”
“And the potion.” Sakina bit her lip. “It’ll work, won’t it?”
“It has to,” Diana said, grim.
She wished there was a less risky way, but this looked like the best chance they had.
“Do you think you can distract the demon?” Sakina asked Mira. “We’ll need to make sure he moves far away from Augustus.”
“I know this is a huge risk,” Diana said. “I understand if she doesn’t want to.”
The bird swirled in the air.
“She’s in,” Sakina said.
Both girls rose from the ground. They took one step toward the forest. Just then the ground thudded beneath their feet. Diana looked up with a start.
“What was that?” Sakina said slowly.
Looking toward the bonfire, the girls saw the townspeople—every last one, even the children—moving toward them. Some held burning torches. Others had clenched fists. Their faces were blank, their eyes unfocused. They took a step forward in unison. And then another. And then, like a wave, they charged toward Sakina and Diana.
Diana glanced at Sakina.
She shouted one word:
“Run!”
Run.
The three-letter word thumped through Diana’s body like a heartbeat.
The girls raced down the path leading to the second plane of flowering meadows and the river of lava. The villagers stayed fast on their heels, and though the girls ran with all their might, the townspeople were catching up.
“They know—this place—better than us,” Sakina panted. They hurried past the trees and through the wildflowers. “How do we—outrun—hundreds of—people?”
Diana whipped her head around, weighing the possibilities. They could hide in the hollowed-out tree or try to fight them one-on-one. But there were too many of them. She and Sakina couldn’t take on everyone themselves.
“We may not be able to outrun them,” Diana said, brightening, “but we can try to outmaneuver them. It’s darker here because of all the trees, and they’re moving awkwardly because of the hypnotism anyway, so it’s possible they could lose their bearings. They could get caught in the traps!”
“And what about us?” Sakina asked. “They’re not exactly simple traps—we may not be able to avoid them, either!”
“We have something they don’t. We have Mira.”
Mira sped toward them, flying low, her eyes shooting beams into the night. The girls followed her and ran. They hopped over metal jaws, ducked beneath leaves and branches that hid nets.
Sweat trickled down Diana’s brow. Despite how quickly she and Sakina raced past the traps, the villagers weren’t slowing their pace.
That is, they weren’t slowed until the girls hopped over a hidden net. Diana heard the snapping sound of restraints uncoiling. A voice cried out, then grew muffled. Diana’s body shuddered with relief and regret that a trap had finally been deployed against a villager, but she didn’t slow her pace.
“Got ya!” a man grunted close behind them. He leapt over a ditch, pumping his arms at full speed, overtaking the girls.
“Jump!” Diana shouted to her friend. Both girls leapt over a metal jaw glinting through a pile of leaves. The man was not so lucky. His foot caught against the trap and the jaw clamped shut, its teeth sinking into his ankle. The man screamed and fell to the ground.
With each step the girls took, more and more cries filled the forest as people were caught in nets or tumbled into darkened pits.
After what felt like forever as they ran without pause, the sounds stopped. The ground was no longer vibrating with the sound of thundering footsteps. The girls slowed down, breathing hard. They turned back. No one followed them anymore.
“I think—they’re—gone,” Sakina said breathlessly. Mira fluttered and sat on her shoulder. “I think—they—”
Just then a scrawny teenager with gleaming blue eyes crept out from behind a tree and lunged at Sakina.
Sakina jumped back—but he wasn’t after her. His gaze was solidly fixed on Mira; Diana recognized him as the boy specifically ordered to hunt the bird. The teen lashed his hands out, trying to grab Mira. The bird screeched, then flew above the tree line and out of sight.
The girls watched the teenager race after the bird, disappearing into the darkness.
“Don’t worry,” Diana said gently. “Only one of them can fly.”
Sakina nodded slowly, but Diana saw the concern lining her face.
The girls headed toward the shore, where the runway and the dock lay parallel to one another. They stopped just at the tree line. Clouds brewed overhead—the rumblings of a storm echoed in the distance. The beach was a few dozen steps away, the dock and runway not far from where they stood. A brilliant golden chariot with silver engravings was perched on the runway to their left. It glittered silver beneath the moonlight shining directly overhead. Waves crashed restlessly against the beach and the boulders lining the shores. The demon and Augustus stood before the chariot on the runway.
“Very nice, Augustus,” the demon’s gravelly voice rasped. “The craftsmanship of your people is truly unrivaled.”
Diana fidgeted and looked up through the trees. Where was Mira? They needed her here to distract the demon.
Sakina bit her lip.
“She’ll be here soon,” Diana whispered. “No one can catch Mira. I know it.”
But minutes passed by. And then several more. Mira still did not appear.
“Do you think she got trapped?” Sakina whispered. “There’s no other explanation. She’d be here if something hadn’t happened.” She shook her head. “I can’t let her be trapped again. Not like last time. The merchant she belonged to before was evil…but this will be far worse.”
Tears formed in Diana’s eyes. She didn’t want to believe it, but it was true. Something must have happened. She hoped Mira was all right, but if the bird was caught, they needed another plan. Both to help the bird and to save everyone else. And soon. Diana glanced at the demon. Augustus stood listlessly by his side, a fabric bag filled with vials of potions resting at his feet. She swallowed hard. She didn’t want to do what she was about to suggest, but it was their only chance.
“I’ll be the decoy,” said Diana.
“Excuse me?” Sakina said.
“If Mira could do it, so can I.”
“Except Mira can fly,” Sakina replied.
“You stay hidden in the woods,” said Diana. “I’ll head to the dock. I’ll distract the demon, try to get him away from the runway and onto the dock so he’s far from Augustus. When he reaches it, you get to Augustus, grab the ingredients, and put them into the canteen. Be sure to cover your hand to take out the mushroom safely—Augustus said it can be lethal if it touches skin.”
“I don’t know about this.” Sakina shook her head. “What if he traps you at the edge of the dock?”
“I can always swim,” Diana said. “And Augustus said the demon arrived on a rowboat. It’s probably still anchored at the dock. I can hop on that and row out to sea if I need to—assuming he can’t glide over water.”
“I don’t know.” Sakina pursed her lips. “It’s not worth the risk. And even if all goes according to plan and I can get to Augustus, how do we know the demon won’t turn around and see me? Then what do we do?”
“He won’t see you because I’m the one he wants. I’ll keep him busy. Trust me, he won’t have eyes for anything else.”
Sakina studied her friend. And then she said, “I wish I was as brave as you.”
“What are you talkin
g about?” Diana said. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
“I am,” she said, “but I’m also terrified. You do what needs doing. You take risks to help people without even thinking about what the consequences could be for you. It’s who you are.”
“I’m scared, too. I know the consequence and it terrifies me,” Diana said gently. “Being scared doesn’t make you less brave. I think, in some ways, it makes you even more brave. We can do this,” she assured Sakina.
“Ready or not,” said Sakina. She stood at the edge of the forest and nodded to Diana.
Silently, stealthily, Diana inched down the tree line, hidden behind the overgrowth, until she had a straight shot to the darkened dock across from where the demon stood on the lit runway.
The demon scanned the landscape. Diana fidgeted. He had to look away eventually. She didn’t want to hurry out under his watchful eye. Catching him off guard was critical.
Come on, she murmured. She heard the demon grumble. At last he lifted the bag of potions and turned toward the glittering golden chariot. He glided down the lit runway and shoved the bag of potions inside the vessel.
It was time.
Diana dashed down to the darkened dock. Once she was there, standing midway upon the wooden planks, she cleared her throat and announced, “Let him go!”
The demon startled. He turned. His dark gray eyes landed on hers. A chill passed through Diana.
“Now, this is indeed puzzling. How did you manage to get here all by yourself?” He cocked his head to the side.
“The townspeople are indisposed at this time,” Diana said coolly.
“You took out more than a hundred people?” the demon replied, brow arched as he evaluated her. “If so, that’s impressive. I can see why he wants you.” The demon chuckled. “But do you honestly think you’re the first person I have hunted who thinks they can outwit me? Getting out of metal handcuffs is a fine hat trick, but it can only get you so far. The island is surrounded by a solid force field thanks to your friend here, so you cannot escape. Not by boat or by any other means, except with me,” he said. “Sooner or later this game of cat and mouse will end, and there can only be one victor. And considering I am immortal, you could say I have all the time in the world.”
“I’m not trying to run,” Diana said. “I’m here. I came of my own volition.”
“You expect me to believe you will accompany me willingly?” He moved off the runway and floated above the water. His hovering form moved closer to her. “As you know very well, I was not born yesterday.”
“This is not a game,” Diana said. She pushed down the chill from watching him levitate in midair. “I want this over. And I’ll only go willingly on one condition: Let my friends go. Don’t burn the village.”
“Those are two conditions.” His eyes narrowed. “Should have taken those blasted petals out while I had the chance. No matter, you’re not getting away. That much is certain.”
He floated closer. The Lasso of Truth was hooked on his elbow. Diana stood still. It was working. He was coming toward her. He was leaving Augustus behind.
The demon jerked to a stop.
No!
Diana’s breath caught. In an instant, the demon reversed course until he’d returned to the runway. Stalking over to the chariot, the demon grabbed Augustus by the wrist. He yanked the boy forward down the glittering runway. Panic filled Diana’s body. This wasn’t part of the plan. He wasn’t supposed to take Augustus along with him!
Smoke rose off the demon in wisps as he levitated away, crossed the patch of sand, and moved onto the dock where Diana stood. With each movement the demon made forward, Augustus at his side, Diana inched back. The closer he grew, the more she could see how the gray of his eyes swirled like storms.
The demon paused. And then—wordlessly—he burst forward like a sudden gust of powerful wind. Diana ducked as his paper-thin hand shot toward her. His fingers swirled again; he reached for her hair. Diana darted and jumped back, narrowly dodging him.
Turning, Diana took off at a clipped pace until she skidded to a stop at the end of the dock. The demon’s rowboat drifted behind her. The ocean crashed against the dock. The demon blocked the path in front of her, the only way back to the shore.
Diana couldn’t risk trying to run past the demon—he’d catch her. She’d need to jump into the ocean and swim away from him. The demon’s rowboat had floated a bit farther out, but she could pull the rope and bring it back, or she could run to the chariot and dig through Augustus’s bag of potions. Maybe she could use something in there to hold off the demon, at least for a little while.
Suddenly from the corner of her eye, Diana spotted a flash of movement. Sakina! She’d emerged from the forest and stood on the sandy shore.
No! Diana wanted to shout. Not yet!
In a split second the demon darted forward. He grabbed Diana’s wrist. Sparks of pain shot up Diana’s arm.
“I believe this is quite literally the end of the road for you.” The demon smirked. “Now back to your two conditions. The thing about me you must understand is that I do not entertain such nonsense,” he growled.
“I suppose it may be best to cut my losses with the bird,” the demon grumbled. “I would have liked to have it, but this has still been a profitable night. The two of you are bounty enough.”
Just then a breeze accompanied by a dash of blue swept through the sky. It was Mira! She appeared frazzled, her feathers ruffled, but there she was. Diana nearly shook with relief. Mira fluttered to a smooth boulder on the shore. She settled down upon it and lit her eyes into the dark sea.
“The gamma gazelle?” The demon paused, his eyes focusing on the bird. “It is! Almost as though it were meant to be…,” he murmured.
The bird pecked at the rock and sang to herself. Carefully, the demon inched forward. He tugged at Augustus’s and Diana’s wrists, wrenching them alongside him.
“A gamma gazelle is even more beautiful in person,” the demon marveled, stepping onto the shore. “There are only three of them left in all the world.” He turned and growled to Augustus, “Stay put. Do not move until I tell you. Understood?”
“Yes, sir,” Augustus said blankly.
The demon released Augustus from his grip. With his hand outstretched, he moved carefully toward Mira, dragging Diana along with him.
From the corner of her eye, Diana saw Sakina emerge from behind a tree. She walked carefully and steadily toward Augustus. Diana tensed. Augustus was no longer right next to the demon, but he was still close. Dangerously close. Diana didn’t move a muscle, afraid to make a sound lest she give her friend away.
Diana breathed through the painful sensation of the demon’s grip. So far his eyes remained focused on the bird. He seemed to notice nothing but the creature.
“There we go,” he muttered. His outstretched fingertips grazed Mira. But before he could grab her, the bird fluttered and flew, landing on another boulder a few steps away.
Diana smiled, filling with hope. The bird was a pro at this.
“Come on already. Only a few more paces,” the demon said, inching along behind Mira. “A pity I will have to burn her more by grabbing her. Alas. The feathers should grow back eventually.”
Sakina was almost there. Almost next to Augustus. Slowly, Sakina retrieved the canteen tied to her waist belt, and then—
“What was that?” The demon’s back straightened. Quickly, he turned around.
Diana swallowed. It was too late. He’d seen Sakina!
“You all are long past the level of amusement,” he snarled. “I do not know how either of you got out of those chains or where the godforsaken villagers have gone off to, but this stops now. Augustus—grab her and tie her up. There is rope in the chariot. Make sure the bindings are firm so she stays put.”
“Yes, sir,” Augustus said blankly. H
e stalked toward Sakina.
“Fight him!” Diana shouted.
Sakina didn’t move. She seemed stuck to the spot.
“Sakina, please!” Diana pleaded. “I know you don’t want to battle him. But it’s our only chance.”
They needed the potion—it was the only thing that could save them. They were so close.
“Oh, come now, Diana. Do not be so hard on her. Fear is a natural response in the face of inevitable death,” the demon said. His attention turned back to the bird. “Come along, girl, I have some seeds for you,” he said in a sugary voice. He took a step toward Mira. “Pumpkin and sesame. Sunflower, too. They are in my chariot—return with me and you shall be given everything you have ever dreamed.”
Diana watched Augustus approach Sakina with growing dread. She strained against the demon’s scorching grip. Why wasn’t Sakina doing anything? Augustus took another leaden step toward her. And then he stopped.
Furtively, he opened his pocket, grabbed a piece of fabric, and gingerly pulled out the flume mushroom. Then he carefully pulled out the icta seed. Sakina shoved the water canteen toward him. Quickly, he stuffed both inside. Sakina tightened the canteen and shook it.
Diana’s eyes widened. Augustus glanced at Diana and winked. He’d been pretending this whole time! And they’d mixed up the potion so stealthily that the demon hadn’t noticed.
The demon stood with Diana about ten feet away. Sakina couldn’t risk running over to them, lest the demon hear her steps and retreat. She saw Sakina’s hesitant expression; her friend had thought through the same risk.
But then Diana smiled. Even if Sakina couldn’t take a chance running toward them, she could still throw the canteen!
Throw it, she mouthed to Sakina. She nodded to the container.
Sakina looked puzzled for a moment, but then she nodded. With a quick flick of her wrist, she tossed the canteen. Diana watched it spin in the air, her heart pounding in her chest. And there it was. Mere inches from her grasp. Diana shot her hand out and strained against the demon’s grip. She caught it!