by Ben Hale
The steel giant struck the magical barrier with the force of a bomb, and the wall of purple magic shuddered—and then cracked. Sparks exploded from all four sides. Capitalizing on the weakened enchantment, the giant reached both arms up, and brought them down in a crushing blow. Splinters of magic exploded outward as the barrier shattered. In silence the steel giant's head turned toward their fleeing forms, and then began to accelerate once more.
The very air seemed to quake as the giant figure came after them. Each footfall sank into the courtyard, sending a quiver that went to Tess's bones. Ringing like a bell struck by a sledgehammer, the booming steps accelerated in pursuit.
Tess's instinct was to climb into the air, but she knew that she didn't have time to do so. Her ascent wouldn't be fast enough while she carried her friends. Her only choice was to head into the trees and hope she could get enough room to escape into the sky. Wearily gathering her power, she turned and dived into the towering trees of Sentre.
She caught a glimpse of battlemages flooding the Recollection before Tess and her friends disappeared into the shadows. Then she was weaving between trunks, walkways, and branches, and it took all her attention not to collide with them.
"Do you think we lost him?" Iris asked.
There was a great rending and crashing as the giant smashed into the trees. Even enchanted as they were, the trees were flattened as the steel giant impacted them. Tree by tree their thunderous rending filled the air—and then abruptly it stopped.
"What's happening?" Derek demanded.
"We're dead," Iris said flatly. Her eyes were glazed, indicating she was watching something else.
"What do you mean?" Derek demanded.
"It's changing form," Iris said, fear thick in her voice.
Tess banked them upward until she could see through a gap in the branches. The giant had dropped to the ground and his steel body was shifting. Shoulders and arms melted into legs with large claws. His torso tapered and lengthened, and his head morphed into that a cat the size of a semi truck.
"Remind me why we didn't invite Hawk?" Iris asked.
"That doesn't help, Iris," Derek snapped.
The steel cat turned to face them, and surged into a fluid sprint.
Shorn appeared from on its flank and launched a burst of air at its head. The metal glowed red with anger, but the metal cat didn't slow. Undeterred, the massive steel feline continued to slip through the trees toward Tess.
Coils of earth appeared as Derek joined the fight. Whipping up from the ground they wrapped around its legs. They snapped before they could get a solid grip. Tess flew straight up as the creature closed. Sliding to a stop, the cat jumped after her, reaching for her form with its massive claws. Tess twisted and spun, and sent currents of fire at the enormous creature. Her friends joined in the attack.
Fire, stone, water, and static energy poured into the cat—but he shrugged the blows off like they were no more than gnats. Relentless, the creature surged after Tess. Her desperation mounting, Tess streaked through the trees with Iris and Derek at her sides. Throwing a burst of power into her magic, she gained a measure of space.
"What do we do now?" Tess gasped for breath and landed them on a high platform.
"The battlemages will be here any minute," Shorn said, alighting next to them. Rox stumbled from the hard landing. "We have to get out of here."
"What do you suggest?" Derek asked, and stabbed a finger at the massive cat shrieking at them. They had only seconds before it reached them again.
"We can't lead it back to the school," Shorn said.
He was breathing hard from the exertion of flying two. Tess knew the feeling. Flying extra people was like carrying a piano up a staircase. She had a sinking feeling that escaping to the sky was not an option. If it could change into a cat, it could probably morph into a bird—or even a dragon.
"Look out!" Rox screamed.
On instinct Tess leapt into the air, and carried Derek and Iris with her. With a grunt of effort, Shorn caught Rox and lifted her again. The cat burst into view from below. Higher and higher it leapt, matching Tess's path yet moving much faster that she was. The massive metal jaws reached for them, yawning open. Tess yanked her legs up as they snapped shut where her feet had been.
There was a groan of metal as the cat crashed back to the shadowed ground. Then Tess had a sudden thought. The creature had come for her. Each time it had sought only her. Even when they had all attacked it had come for her.
The amulet.
Iris had said that the Sentinel of Mages was as old as Atlantis. Its purpose must be to guard the oracle's pendant. With a start she realized what she had to do. It was risky, and she didn't want to risk her friends in the attempt.
Before it could come after them again, Tess deposited her friends on a high overlook in an undamaged tree. "Get out as soon as it's clear," she said in a rush. "I will meet you at Tryton's."
Ignoring the protests, she dived away. A heartbeat later the cat appeared behind her. Fear dumped into her heart as the cat pursued her, and she poured magic into her wake. Fire coiled with air and twisted into a cyclone of power, propelling her forward. She flew just fast enough to stay ahead of it.
Gathering her courage, she spotted a likely clearing and dived to the ground. The moment her feet touched the earth she summoned every bit of power and shaped a gravity shield around herself. The cat exploded from the dark, teeth bared in a vicious snarl. Its arms and claws extended toward her—but it bounced off her shield and fell to the side.
The damage had been done, and the spreading cracks in her barrier were enough to drive her to action. Fighting her mounting terror, she threw her consciousness into the cat's mind. The creature faltered as Tess touched its mind, and she flinched from the unbridled rage.
Protect the crest!
The entity's scream crushed Tess's will, and she flinched. The cat morphed back into the giant and stepped to her ball. Then it raised its hands and slammed them into her shield. Tess screamed as her magic exploded outward. The giant raised its arms for the killing blow, and Tess knew it was her last chance.
With all her might she extended her mind to that of the entity—and fought to impose her will. Fleetingly she recognized the same magical signature as the ball that had hidden the pendant, but the thought was brief and could not stay.
She was fighting for her life. Three feet from her skull, the massive steel fists vibrated with the effort to crush her into oblivion. Her will collided with the titanic resolve of the entity, and both sides strained for supremacy.
Tess felt like she was shouting over a voice of thunder, screaming to make herself heard. The weight of the giant's will was brutal and supreme, but she fought back. Part of her mind recognized that someone had attacked the giant's back, but she couldn't afford a shred of attention. If she did her life would be forfeit.
With every ounce of strength she gathered a new thought and sought to replace the entity's purpose. Based on her terror and desperation, she couldn't think of anything better. Decibel by decibel the steel giant's mind calmed, and she clawed for more. She shuddered with fatigue but refused to relent. She knew that if she gave in the steel giant's purpose would return with a vengeance, and her life would be extinguished.
Seconds spanned an eternity, but finally, gloriously, she placed a new purpose within the mind of the entity.
Instantly the giant straightened. A metallic whine issued as it folded its arms and seemed to turn solid. Whereas before the giant had appeared almost liquid, it now stood immovable and rigid, like a sculpture in a park.
Tess collapsed to her knees, and Derek was the first at her side. His eyes were wide with surprise. "You changed its purpose," he said, his voice full of awe.
"I didn't think there was another way," she mumbled as he helped her up.
"You can only do that if your will is greater that the entity's creator," Derek said.
Shorn landed beside them and stumbled to his knee. "Right now it doesn't m
atter what she did. We need to leave. The battlemages are filling the forest."
"She can't fly us to Tryton's," Derek said.
"Then let's go to the Guild," Iris said. "It's not far from here. If we can get there, Hawk will keep us hidden until tomorrow."
"Do it," Tess said. She was leaning heavily on Derek, and felt a surge of gratitude for the strength in his arms. "After what we've done I don't think we can afford to get caught. Iris, can you . . ."
"Already done," Iris said, and flashed a smug grin. "No monitoring motes will show that we were here."
Tess threw a look back at the steel giant as they left but it stood firm, its arms folded. Supremely powerful, relentless in pursuit of it purpose, it stood immovable.
And waited.
Chapter 24: Refuge
Tess and her friends stumbled into the Guildhall to find a dark haired man sitting by the fire. He rose to greet them, and then noticed the dirt and bloodstains.
"What happened?" he demanded.
"It's a long story," Derek said, taking the lead.
Tess allowed him to place her on a couch as he talked, grateful that she didn't have to explain. In a rush Derek described the events of the evening, but pointedly left out the part about their goal.
The dark haired man's lips creased in disapproval, but he reached into his pocket and withdrew a small, origami dragon. Without taking his gaze from the group, he said, "Leah, please meet me in the main guildhall. We have guests that need your attention."
Lettering appeared on the dragon's flanks. Then it flapped its way down a hall and disappeared.
"I'm Janson," he said. "And why don't you tell me what you left out. What were you doing there in the first place?"
Derek and Shorn exchanged a glance, and responded at the same time, "Nothing."
"Hm," Janson said. "Let's keep it that way, shall we? But your answer won't hold up if any motes spotted you."
"They didn't," Iris assured him, but she was distracted, and her eyes were glazed as she spoke to three different people.
Janson shook his head doubtfully but gestured to a woman that had just entered the room. "This is Leah," he said. "She will tend to your wounds. Perhaps it would be best if you stay here for the night while we sort this out."
"That's what we were hoping for," Derek admitted.
Janson offered a faint smile. "Wise choice," he said, and then turned to the paper dragon flying next to him. "Summon Hawk, and inform him of what occurred here." He paused, and then added, "But first, get Alice."
The dragon dipped its head and darted toward the staircase that led back into the castle. Tess could have sworn it faded from view before the dark claimed it.
"Hawk will be back in a few minutes," Janson said. "You can wait for him here. Tess, I believe Alice would want to hear what happened."
Before Tess could respond Alice burst into the room, anger and worry on her features. "What happened? The battlemages are all over Sentre."
Tess's friends all looked to her. Releasing a sigh, she said, "We were trying to find something for Hawk."
"What could be so important that you would risk the Harbingers?" Alice demanded.
Janson coughed. "Perhaps we should wait for—"
"No." Alice rounded on him. "She's my daughter. He has no right to send her anywhere alone. There's nothing more important than keeping her safe."
"We were just taking a look at something in the Recollection," Derek said, his voice defensive. "We didn't think there would be any danger."
Alice turned her gaze on him, causing him to flinch. "I take it you supported her in this fool venture?"
"Hey," Tess said, her anger giving her strength to rise. "We were working together, and at least we got what we were looking for."
Alice blinked, and abruptly there were tears in her eyes. "Would it be worth it if you had been taken?" Her words were a whisper, and for a long moment there was only silence.
Guilt assailed Tess, and she strode to her side. Hesitantly, she touched Alice's shoulder. "We retrieved what we were after," she said quietly.
Alice turned and looked up at her, curiosity burning in her expression. Just then Hawk strode into the room, his eyes blazing. His very presence assumed command before he spoke a word. In a rigidly controlled voice, he said, "Tess, come with me. The rest of you remain here."
"Hawk," Alice said, her eyes imploring.
"Allow me to speak with her first," Hawk said quietly, and reluctantly she nodded.
Tess followed Hawk from the chamber and into a small receiving room down the hall. The moment the door closed he turned to her. "Tell me exactly what happened."
Tess did, and held nothing back. When she came to the part about the steel entity Hawk went rigid. She paused, but he motioned for her to continue. She finished by telling him about altering the steel giant's purpose. At the last second she decided against sharing the new one. She didn't want him to think she was a coward.
Hawk sank into a chair when she stopped, and stared at the tiny glowing fire. Abruptly tired, she took a seat across from him. After a long pause, Hawk asked, "Are you certain your involvement cannot be traced?"
"I trust Iris," Tess said.
"As do I," Hawk said, and then turned to face her. He motioned to the pendant that was visible on her neck. "You have been more fortunate than I had expected."
She glanced down at it. "I didn't think it would be there," Tess said. "And I certainly didn't think there would be something guarding it. I'm sorry for what we did."
Hawk surprised her by smiling. "It's not you that I'm angry with."
"Then who—"
"I'm angry with the person that created the steel giant," Hawk said, and then brushed the topic aside. "But it does not matter now. You have proven yourself quite resourceful, thank you."
Tess was curious, but her fatigue didn't allow for her to pursue the subject. "What now?" she asked. "There are still three items to find."
"Focus on unlocking the pendant for now. Even with help I doubt you will find out about the other three until you figure out the Oracle's Crest."
"Iris said that it contained all of the oracle's knowledge," Tess said. "Is that true?"
"I believe so," Hawk replied. "But I cannot say for certain. It was created so only an oracle can unlock its secrets."
Tess accepted his comment, and then asked, "Why didn't you want to speak in front of the others?"
He put his hands together. "You are the only soul I have told about that artifact. Even the Guild is not aware of your mission, or the details surrounding the prophecy. In time I am sure Janson and Alice will know, but I have learned from experience that a secret remains a secret because it is not shared."
"Should I have not told my friends?" Tess asked.
"Only those you trust to help you," Hawk said, and then passed a hand over his face. "But perhaps we can continue this discussion in the morning. Not showing up to your classes tomorrow will arouse suspicion, and you will need rest to arrive on time."
He rose to his feet, and Tess did as well. "Have a good night, Tess," Hawk said.
Tess nodded, too tired to say any more, and stepped into the hall. Plodding to the room she'd used before, she looked forward to the numbing bliss of sleep. She reached her room and found Alice pacing outside it.
She looked up as Tess approached. "Are you certain you are alright?" she burst.
"I'm fine," Tess said, and yawned.
In spite of the concern on her face, Alice flashed a tight smile. "I'm sorry I got so upset," she said, her eyes dark and inscrutable with concern. "I just worry about the pressure Hawk is putting on you. Are you sure you're up to it?"
Tess nodded. "I'll be fine. I just need some sleep."
Alice let out a breath, and hesitantly reached up to touch Tess's cheek. "You are destined for great things, Tess. I just want to make sure you live to see it."
"I will," Tess said.
Alice swallowed, and turned away. On impulse Tess caught he
r arm. "Um, Alice? Would you like to have breakfast with me?"
They had spent Tess's birthday together, and she had felt a marginal lightening of their relationship. In time perhaps they would be close, and time was easier to give than an open heart.
Alice turned back with a smile on her face and moisture in her eyes. "I would like that, daughter."
"Thanks," Tess said, and then hesitantly reached out to her.
Too choked up to speak, Alice reached out and gave her a hug. It was awkward, as if Alice was unused to the motion. Given the situation Tess supposed that was to be expected. When they separated, Tess said, "Goodnight, Alice."
Alice echoed the statement, and then turned and walked away. Tess released a sigh of relief and slipped into her room. Iris wasn't there yet, so Tess climbed under the covers fully dressed. In seconds she was out.
Chapter 25: Ally
Hawk stepped off the path and strode into the shaded park. The small area was empty except for six giant oak trees placed in a wide circle. Grown together into a single, interwoven canopy, they shrouded the twilight sun and cast the park into shadow. A strand of water swirled up each trunk and joined in the center of the trees. From there they fell as a tinkling waterfall into a small pond.
Hawk took a seat next to a man on one of the three glowing benches. Without looking at him, he said, "Chancellor Gerik, thank you for coming."
"How could I not?" he replied. "You rescued my daughters—for which I could never express sufficient gratitude."
"They are children," Hawk said. "They should not have been involved."
"Perhaps, but those who took them obviously cared little for their age." He turned to Hawk, "Is this about the steel giant? Do you know something about it?"
Hawk shook his head and kept his face neutral. His expression strained, Gerik sighed and looked away. Hawk threw him a measuring look. In the span of weeks he'd gone from lively and charismatic to drawn and weary. Two years ago the spark to his blue eyes had caused many to support his appointment to the high council, the youngest ever to sit on the ruling body. Now he sat hunched and dark circles slumped under his eyes.