“Like the clear diamonds?”
“Exactly. But if Quinn here charges the blacks, they work fine and he can recharge them again and again.”
“Did you enhance his powers with blood, too?”
“No. Quinn’s a Bloodrose. He does it for his clan.”
By the young man’s disgust, I knew Galen’s explanation was far from accurate.
“And my job?” I asked.
“Until you’re mine, you can encase the black diamonds in glass and teach Quinn how to do it,” Galen said.
He opened the door to the back room. The floor was concrete instead of sand and the walls were covered with stones. A kiln and a variety of glassmaking equipment littered the room, which even had a chimney. Barrels of lime and soda ash had been stacked in the corner.
“Everything you need is here. Get started. I’ll be back later.” Galen paused next to Quinn and whispered something to the young magician before leaving.
I waited for Quinn to attack again. But after shooting me a venom-filled glare, he returned to his table. It was the first time in half a season that Galen wasn’t with me. The hard knot in my chest eased just a bit and knowing I’d have access to a kiln gave me a tiny crumb of hope. But I’d need allies. I approached Quinn.
“Go away,” Quinn said in a low growl. He kept his gaze on the diamond in his hand. “Or I might do something you’ll regret.”
“Then I’ll just add it to my list.”
He ignored me.
“I’m sorry for leaving you here, Quinn.”
He continued to stare at the stone, but I sensed a change in the way he held his shoulders. Wearing a loose tan tunic over white pants, Quinn blended in with the bamboo walls and fine white sand under his bare feet.
“It was a mistake. An oversight. An inexcusable laziness on our part. Pick one. I could list reasons…or rather excuses for why we walked away, but it doesn’t help you.” I drew in a breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “I will fix it. And I’m going to need your help.”
He leaned back as if lost in thought. I waited. Finally, he met my gaze. “You’re going to need a miracle.”
Progress. “They’ve been known to happen,” I said.
“Not here. Although many of our new family members think being invited here is a miracle when they first arrive. We entice them from the streets and homeless shelters with promises of food. We welcome them in, provide them with clothing and shelter. They’re happy until they learn the price of admission—working and obeying Walsh. Until they discover they can never leave.”
“One woman escaped with her children.”
“No she didn’t. They found and killed her.”
“But they didn’t find her children.”
His surprise only lasted a second. “Good for them. I hope they stay hidden.”
“Would Walsh kill the children?” Even with all his creepiness, he didn’t act the type.
“No. Just drag them back here, and force them to work magic for him.”
Like Quinn. “What does he hold over you?” I asked.
“My sisters’ lives.”
I swallowed a dry lump, and felt it land with a thud. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Anger flared. “You don’t know the havoc your little visit caused?”
“Sorry, no.”
He surged to his feet, and I moved so the table remained between us. Instead of attacking, he ran a hand through his messy hair as if to collect his thoughts. Dark smudges under his gray eyes gave him an older appearance. His muscular build must be a result of all those years swimming and diving for oysters.
Quinn pulled the chair farther out and pointed. “Sit down. This is quite a tale.”
Not wanting to upset him, I perched on the edge of the seat.
“Your glass magic fascinated Walsh,” Quinn said. “Since he knew I had an…affinity for glass, he asked me to make those glass messengers. I couldn’t. My magic sticks to the glass, but that’s it.”
“You make the cold glass!” I said.
A flash of pride. “Yeah.” But then he switched to sarcasm. “More money for the Bloodrose Clan. Yippee.” He kicked the sand. “At least it worked better than the sea glass. That didn’t go at all like I had hoped.”
The sea glass had been found by Heli and brought back to the Stormdancers’ cave. Infused with magic, the glass made everyone go crazy with desire. They had fought over the pieces until I figured it out and diffused the magic.
“Was the sea glass a message for help?” I asked.
“Yes, but I couldn’t control my power so it backfired.”
Heli had been right. She had said she was close to deciphering the code. Mixed emotions rolled through me. If she understood the plea for help, would she tell Kade? Or rush to the rescue on her own? Knowing Heli, she would come alone and get herself into trouble. At least she was busy with the storm season.
“The issue with the messengers was resolved, but Walsh’s fascination with the quirks of magic, his words not mine, continued. He decided to implement his breeding program to see what would happen.”
I asked Quinn why the clan obeyed Walsh. “You outnumber the guards and he’s the only one with magic.”
“A few have tried, but they’re caught and punished. The first offense is a beating and confinement, but after that they force you to watch them hurt someone you care about….” He shuddered. “Everyone’s terrified.”
Valek’s lessons in strategy bubbled in my mind. “A few people won’t work anyway. Everyone needs to be committed. If the entire clan attacks at a prearranged time, it would be hard to counter.” I tapped my leg. “You’ll need a leader. Someone to convince them and to organize them. You’ll need captains who could be in charge of different areas.”
Quinn stared at me as if I had gone insane. Perhaps I had, but as much as I wanted to fix this situation, I couldn’t do it myself.
“If I’m caught helping you, my sister…” He shook his head.
“Where are they holding her?”
“She’s Walsh’s assistant. If I make any trouble, she’s within easy reach.”
“Even at night?”
He spat in disgust. “Especially at night. Who do you think is the baby’s father?”
Bile pushed up my throat. “Walsh.”
Bitterness rolled from Quinn. “Give the lady a prize.”
Walsh already started the program, but he wasn’t the only magician. “Did he—”
“He sends a new girl to me every couple of nights.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“Don’t worry. He still gives me some privacy. We rumple the bedding and make appropriate noises to entertain the guards outside my door. But Walsh’ll figure out what I’m not doing soon enough.”
“When no one becomes pregnant.”
“Yep. Then my privacy will be gone.”
“Don’t wait for that time. Take action. All those girls are probably grateful and their families would support you.”
“Won’t work. We don’t have weapons. Walsh’s guards can’t be bribed. We can’t get messages out. And now they dragged you here,” he said. “Just as screwed and helpless as the rest of us. Do you really believe you can fix it?”
“No idea. But I’m going to try.”
Over the next few days, I bided my time and worked with Quinn. With the kiln up and running hot, I created the super messengers as ordered. Galen seemed distracted and I took advantage. We experimented with the glass. In addition to creating the cold glass, Quinn could produce hot glass as well.
I dwelled on the positives. Quinn was free of blood magic. There had to be a way to capitalize on that. He could also move around the compound without causing suspicion. Each night as I slept in the brig—a large cottage with a couple of locked rooms, bars on the windows, a cement floor and an area for a guard—I planned out Quinn’s next lesson.
I taught Quinn how to thumb a bubble and we made an orb. Any glass container would work, but a
n orb reminded me of Kade and happier times. After I cracked off the orb into the annealing oven to cool, I showed him the amazing versatility of glass.
“If you sand the edge with the flat side of a diamond, it will become sharp enough to cut skin,” I said. I also instructed him on fighting tactics, and how to spot weaknesses in an opponent.
Quinn understood my hints. During one session, he rounded on me in anger. “It’s easy for you to talk about a rebellion. You have nothing at stake. You have all this magic, yet you obey Galen and Walsh. You can use one of those super messengers and call for help for all of us. But you hand them over. Why should I listen to you?”
“Because, if you think fighting back now is too hard, if I use my magic to send for help, you will have no chance at all.” I explained about the blood connection. “I’m saving my free magic to take out your two biggest opponents. In fact, if you organize a revolt, don’t tell me any of your plans. Don’t trust me. If Galen forces me to use my magic and I’m…lost to him, take me out first. I’ll be your strongest opponent.”
Quinn looked a little green, but he nodded.
Unfortunately, whatever had distracted Galen stopped after four days. Then he launched an aggressive campaign to get me to use my magic. I resisted even when the guards whipped a woman. Quinn needed more time, and I rationalized one person’s suffering, although horrible, was better than the whole clan being in danger. After three unsuccessful days, Galen switched to children and I could no longer resist.
The links in my chain built rapidly. Five days later the shakes started. I ignored the initial signs of withdrawal and concentrated on teaching Quinn. But once the tremors in my muscles could no longer be disregarded, I raced to the brig and collapsed on the bed. The hunger grew inside me. I fought it, keeping my thoughts on other things—my family, friends, Kade, Devlen. In time, nothing distracted me from the need. Every single part of me craved magic and I struggled with the desire to pull it toward me. The suffering seemed endless.
I was granted a moment of clarity and relief when Galen visited. He held my orb in one hand. His other rested on my arm.
He brandished the orb. “What were you planning to do with this?”
Strung out, I couldn’t produce any emotions over his discovery. “Suck you and Walsh dry,” I said.
“In order to siphon my magic, you would have to sacrifice your own again.”
I shrugged. “Unoriginal, but it works.”
“Temporarily.”
“Why?”
“Walsh and I have stockpiled our blood. Drain us now and we’ll just reclaim it by injecting our saved blood. Thanks to you, we already know it works.”
“Glad to be of service.” At this point sarcasm remained my only weapon.
Galen handed me the orb. Potential throbbed under my fingertips. Too easy. A trap. “What if I just drain myself?” I asked.
“Go ahead.”
A trick. In order to siphon my own magic, I would have to use magic. The effort would finish the chain and he would stop me. Not enough time for Quinn.
“I didn’t think you’d fall for it,” Galen said. “You’re very resistant. It’s a good quality. However Walsh is very impatient.” He removed his hand.
The longing returned full force. I trembled and shook. Sweat stung my eyes as wave after wave of raw need rocked me. At one point I realized I still clutched the orb. A survival instinct kicked in and I closed my eyes, focusing on the potential in my hands. I was desperate enough to try siphoning my powers, hoping I could do it faster than Galen could stop me.
Summoning the strength, I— The orb was yanked away.
“No,” Galen said.
I opened my eyes. He loomed over me. Before I could protest, he jabbed a needle into my arm.
Instant relief spread throughout my body, smothering the craving.
Galen’s gleeful voice woke me.
“Today’s the day.” He poked my arm.
I flinched away. “The day for what?” I asked.
“The final link in your chain. This is going to be fun and so easy.” Galen strode from my room and flung the main entrance door wide-open. Heli stood on the other side.
26
I LEAPED TO MY FEET. HELI! OH NO! THE SUNLIGHT glinted off the blond streaks in her light brown hair. She had pulled it into a ponytail, but a few wisps had escaped and clung to her cheek. Despite being in utter shock over seeing me alive, terror gleamed in her eyes.
She wore a Bloodrose tunic. But the gray fabric had been wrapped around her, trapping her arms in the material.
I hid my dismay at her presence. It was a token effort and Galen knew it, as well.
“We found her trespassing.” Galen pulled Heli inside. Two more guards entered, bringing the total to three.
“A friend of yours, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “What I want to know is how she found you?”
“You deciphered the message on the sea glass, didn’t you?” I asked her.
Her gaze jumped to Galen.
“Answer me,” I snapped, drawing her attention back.
“Yes.”
Her voice remained strong. Good. Although I wondered why she hadn’t tried to use her magic to escape.
“And you took off without telling anyone, didn’t you?” I asked.
Understanding flashed in her eyes. She dipped her head as if ashamed. “Yes.”
“What message?” Galen asked.
“On Quinn’s sea glass collection. A generic cry for help. Right?” I asked her.
“It said he was being held against his will.” She licked her lips. “I came to check it out.”
“And you found a ghost,” Galen said. “This must be the season for reunions. Even an old friend of mine showed up a few days ago. What is it about flag-raising ceremonies? Brings out the long lost. But I believe you’re already acquainted with my friend.” He leaned outside. “Come say hello.”
Devlen entered the brig. A jolt zipped through my spine. His bare arms hung at his sides. Tattoos covered them. My heart melted, dripped into my guts and solidified. I met his gaze and saw what I needed to see.
“Let her go, and I’ll cooperate,” I said to Galen.
He laughed. “She knows too much. And I know who she is. She created a sandstorm trying to escape.” He gestured to her. “Can’t do anything now that she’s wrapped up in a null shield.”
The strange tunic. Only a few people knew null shields could be grafted to clothing. I scowled at Devlen.
“He’s been a fountain of information,” Galen said. “I also know you care about her. Maybe you care enough to use your magic to save her?”
My fears realized, I braced myself for the ultimatum.
“A simple request. Drain her powers or I’ll kill her.”
I silently bid my soul goodbye. “I’ll need an orb.”
Galen looked at Devlen. He disappeared for a moment and returned with my orb. I snatched it from his hands. Heli backed up to the wall. She shook her head no. Tears streaked her face. Her terrified gaze pleaded with me.
“Her tunic,” I said in a monotone. The glass in my hands buzzed with potential.
“Devlen,” Galen said.
Heli squeaked when he approached her. She looked so young and fragile next to him. He spun her around. The tunic had been tied up her back. Ripping the laces free, he stripped the shirt off her.
“Now,” Galen said.
Glad I had kept my mental barrier between Galen and my emotions, I reached. I connected with Heli’s mind, discovering I could communicate with her. Must be one of those hybrid powers Galen had mentioned. Act like you’ve been stabbed with a knife in your stomach, I said in her mind. Then I bypassed her to contact Devlen.
He stood behind Heli. Focusing on him, I opened my mind to him. Don’t react. Help Quinn. Then I drew his magic into the orb, draining his link to Galen, freeing him of the addiction. And at the same time the last link locked around me, binding me to Galen.
Heli yelped and doub
led over, moaning in pain. A little too much, but Galen was distracted by the ringing of diamonds filling my orb. Devlen remained impassive despite the burning pain.
Heli, pretend to pass out. When I shout, create a tornado, blow a big hole in the wall and go,” I ordered. Do not come back.
She swooned and collapsed on the ground. The last of Devlen’s magic chimed into the orb. Galen grabbed the orb, admiring the diamonds sparkling inside. Before he could issue any commands to me, I shouted at Heli to go.
A blast of wind knocked Galen over as sand spiraled into the air. The tiny grains stung my face and arms as I jumped on Galen and wrapped my hands around his neck. An explosion of sound and debris slammed against my back, but I kept squeezing.
He recovered from the surprise and peeled my fingers from his neck. “Stop.” He wheezed with the effort to speak.
I obeyed. I had no choice.
“Get off me.”
My muscles moved without waiting for my approval. I stood as if another worked the controls on my body.
Galen brushed sand off his shirt and pants. “Did you enjoy your last hurrah?” he asked.
I had to be honest. “Yes.”
“Where is she going?”
“Away from here.”
The guards had been knocked unconscious, but a couple more poked their heads into the room.
“Find the young Stormdancer. Don’t get close. Use the blowpipes,” Galen ordered.
They nodded and hurried off. I willed Heli to run faster.
Galen frowned. “You will pay for that.” He glanced at Devlen’s prone form. Heli’s mini tornado had knocked him over and pieces of wood from the hole she blasted had pierced his skin. The tattoo ink still stained his skin, but the blood magic was gone.
“Heal him,” Galen ordered me, probably thinking it would be a punishment.
When I turned toward Devlen, Galen added, “And then heal yourself. Your back is a mess.”
Funny, I didn’t feel any pain. I reached around and touched my shoulder blade, setting it on fire. My fingers came away sticky with blood.
(Glass #3) Spy Glass Page 32