by Brandon Mull
Nate entered the apartment, glided to the sanctum, and knocked.
“Come in,” Ziggy called.
Nate opened the door. Ziggy looked young and bloated with muscle. Nate raised his eyebrows. “Dude, you’re a beast.”
Ziggy smirked. “Wish I wasn’t. It’s a reminder that Victor ran into more trouble than he could handle. What’s the latest?”
“Jonas White has the Protector. The other Jets brought it to him tonight. He can go after Uweya whenever he wants.”
Tilting his head back, Ziggy closed his eyes. His thick neck bulged. “This keeps getting stickier. We’re up against the ropes getting pummeled, and Jonas shows no hint of letting up.”
“I heard that Victor and Trevor got caught.”
Ziggy let out a defeated sigh. “Without freeing anyone. We’re running out of allies. And Jonas has some heavy hitters working for him.”
“Mr. Stott told me you got some info from Victor?”
“Might be our one ray of hope,” Ziggy said. “We’ve always shared a strong connection. Victor managed to send a lot of information when he transferred his vitality to me. Poor guy must be in lousy shape.” Ziggy rolled one of his shoulders and rubbed his chest. “I felt how brutally he got hammered. I’m still achy all over.”
“What did he learn?”
“Victor and Trevor made it to Jonas White’s sanctum. John and Pigeon beat them there. John was going for the throat. He wanted to take out the Source.”
“The Source?”
“A Simulcrist needs a steady stream of magical power to energize his many connections. This power source is both his strength and his weakness. With it, he can manipulate many complicated enchantments at once. Without it, the connections would unravel. Jonas keeps his Source in his sanctum. It’s a jade vase.”
“I take it they didn’t destroy the Source?” Nate checked.
“They got into the room,” Ziggy said. “Impressive, since it was locked with a keycard. John must have lifted it off a guard. They almost succeeded, but the sanctum was well defended. Jonas used his simulacra to paralyze John and Pigeon. Katie Sung and a Crusher dealt with Victor and Trevor.”
“A Crusher?”
“They can manipulate gravity—reverse it, decrease it, increase it. I don’t know where Jonas found her. Maybe he helped create her. It’s a very rare ability.”
“Did Victor free Pidge and John?”
“I don’t know how they got free,” Ziggy said. “I only know that they beat Trevor and Victor to the sanctum, then got recaptured. Victor never encountered Mozag.”
Mr. Stott entered the room, balancing three smoothies on a tray. “Berry colada,” he announced. “Fortified with protein, quality carbs, and an herbal assortment of pick-me-ups. Try it.”
Nate accepted a tall glass and sucked the pink liquid through a thick straw. Coconut dominated the flavor, sweet and strong, accented by the berries. Only a faint graininess hinted at the protein and other additives.
“It’s amazing,” Nate said. “Thanks.”
“Did you show him the map?” Mr. Stott asked Ziggy, offering him a glass.
Ziggy claimed a smoothie, then leaned over and picked up a sheet of graph paper off a small table. “I saw what Victor saw. This should be close to the actual layout. It’s incomplete, but better than a poke in the eye.”
Sipping his smoothie, Nate studied the paper. Half of the sheet was labeled LEVEL ONE, the other half BASEMENT. Nate recognized the main arcade room at Arcadeland, then a single hall that led to a stairway. The basement diagram displayed several intersecting corridors. Most of the hallways ran some distance and then stopped, not at a wall, but open-ended, as if the mapmaker hadn’t known where they went. The halls that were intact led from the stairway to a room labeled SANCTUM.
“If we destroy the Source, Jonas goes down?” Nate verified.
“It would pull the plug on his simulcry,” Mr. Stott said around his straw. “He’d still have his engineered apprentices and whatever other magic he knows.”
Nate stared at the graph paper. “If Jonas knows I’m coming, he could freeze me like he did to Pigeon and John.”
“Freeze you or worse,” Mr. Stott agreed. “He’ll be on his guard after tonight. The sanctum will be locked. His henchmen will be on high alert. Not only did Jonas just repel a potentially devastating assault, but he has also just acquired the object he needs to ensure his success. He’ll be protecting his interests with every asset at his disposal.”
“What do you think, Ziggy?” Nate inquired.
“If the two of us charge in fully loaded, we’ll promptly be escorted to private cells of our own. I’d never tell him this, but Victor is at least as competent as I am in combat. So is Dart. Your friend Trevor went in as a Kodiak bear.”
“He was using a new treat I invented,” Mr. Stott interjected.
Ziggy rubbed his big hands together. “No bologna? If they failed to win through with twice our numbers and surprise on their side, our chances of pulling off a direct assault are less than zero.”
Nate turned to Mr. Stott. “Any other new surprises up your sleeve?”
“I wish,” Mr. Stott sighed. “Ziggy is right. A frontal assault doesn’t sound promising. I have more of my Bestial Biscuits, but you can’t risk changing into an animal while your stamp remains active. I don’t have another Sands of Time. I would require a team of assistants and a long, arduous retreat to produce another.”
“I’ve called for backup,” Ziggy mentioned. “Highest priority alert. But our closest available operatives won’t get here until tomorrow afternoon.”
“Which might be too late,” Nate said. “We have Lindy. She stayed behind to keep watch. She could help. Both of us can fly.”
“And both of you can be petrified or worse at the whim of Jonas White,” Mr. Stott reminded him. “He really has engineered an extremely advantageous scenario.”
“Maybe I could go to the Hermit,” Nate proposed. “He had some amulet that protected him from simulcry.”
“Think he would hook you up?” Ziggy snorted. “A talisman like that could take years to produce. No way would he surrender his.”
“What if I took it?” Nate asked. “I’ve kept a couple canisters of pepper spray in reserve, just in case. I mean, we’re desperate. I’d give it back.”
“Take it by force?” Mr. Stott mused. “Such an item might be uniquely attuned to the Hermit himself. It might not shield another.”
“But if it happened to work, we could sure use it,” Ziggy said. “Can you find the Hermit?”
“I think I know where he’ll be,” Nate said. “I told him I would try to return the Gate to him. He told me where to find him. It would be a pretty big betrayal if I showed up and swiped his amulet. I guess I could ask first.”
Ziggy chuckled. “Right. Feel free to write the request on my personal stationery. I’m sure he’ll be anxious to comply.”
Mr. Stott suddenly sat up straight. “Someone is at the back door.” He hurried out of the room. Nate flew after him.
Mr. Stott rushed down the stairs and answered the door. Summer stepped into the candy shop.
“You got away!” Nate cried, giving her an enthusiastic hug. She hugged him in return, tilting back to lift him off the ground with her embrace. Her clothes were mangled. She felt a little damp. “Put me down,” he complained.
“Everything feels so light,” she replied, setting him on his feet.
“Maybe I was flying,” Nate said.
“Maybe I’m a Tank.”
“What happened?” Mr. Stott asked.
“I ditched the other Tanks on my way back to Arcadeland. I told Roman that I was done with all of this. I acted hysterical. He tried to tell me that I didn’t need to leave, that our part was already finished, but I wouldn’t listen to him. I think they all bought that I had been pushed over the edge. It probably helped that I wasn’t completely faking it.”
“Get to the sanctum,” Mr. Stott ordered. “It’s the gue
st bedroom. Otherwise, Jonas White could use your simulacrum at any moment to—”
He stopped speaking as Summer streaked away, dashing up the stairs in a blur of speed. Nate and Mr. Stott returned to the apartment to find her waiting in the sanctum with Ziggy.
Summer had questions, so they filled her in regarding all that had happened. She looked as dismayed as Nate felt.
“Summer has tank and racecar stamps working together,” Nate pointed out. “Would her help make a direct attack more possible?”
“More possible than without her,” Ziggy allowed. “But success would remain highly unlikely. Summer shares the same vulnerability that limits you and Lindy—once Mr. White realizes that she has turned on him, he’ll go after her with her simulacrum.”
“I probably shouldn’t have left Lindy at Arcadeland,” Nate worried. “Jonas knows that me, Lindy, Pigeon, Trevor, and Summer are all friends, and that we’re all involved with you, Mr. Stott. Pigeon and Trevor attacked. Summer has run away. What if he retaliates against Lindy?”
“He might,” Mr. Stott observed grimly.
“Could he use her simulacrum to restore her memory?” Summer asked quietly.
“Not by any means known to me,” Mr. Stott said. “But I’m unwilling to rule out anything. Jonas White has proven himself disturbingly resourceful.”
Bowing his head, Nate covered his eyes with his hands. “This is a giant mess. Jonas has to suspect I’m up to something. He could use my simulacrum at any time.”
Summer scowled thoughtfully. “But if we all stay hidden in this sanctum, who’ll stop him from getting Uweya? That could make him invincible, right?”
“I wish we knew more about the true nature of Uweya,” Mr. Stott murmured.
Summer brightened. “William Graywater seemed to know a lot about it. More than he told us. Maybe if we went back to him and explained everything, he could give us some pointers. He definitely doesn’t want Uweya found.”
Ziggy gave a heavy shrug. “Might be worth a shot. Want me to head over there? Jonas has no simulacrum of me.”
“I’m not sure he’d open up to an engineered apprentice,” Mr. Stott said.
Ziggy straightened his tie. “Technically, I’m not engineered. I’m cursed.”
“Whatever the distinction,” Mr. Stott clarified, “you’ve been permanently altered and you work for Mozag. I can’t imagine the Graywaters dealing with you.”
“I’ll go,” Nate offered. “The Jets won the contest. Jonas might suspect me, but he has no official grounds to come after me.”
“That might not stop him,” Summer warned. “You bailed. There’s no telling what he might do. What if he freezes you while you’re flying?”
“I’ll hope I’m over water,” Nate mumbled. “I’m not sure what else we can do. Jonas is in a strong position. Seems like the surest way to get steamrolled by him would be to do nothing.”
“Kid’s got a point,” Ziggy said. “Whatever measures we take will be risky. Gathering info about Uweya could be our best chance.”
Mr. Stott leveled his gaze at Nate. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“I’m willing,” Nate said. “We have to try something.” He held up a hand. “But I need to lose this bracelet. Otherwise Jonas will be able to track my movements easily.”
“I can take care of that.” Mr. Stott shifted his gaze to Summer. “Can you show Nate how to reach the Graywater home?”
“Can you get me a map?” Summer asked.
*****
Air whistled past Nate as he rocketed through the night at his maximum speed. He had paused only once to consult the map. Ahead, light shone from just a few of the windows at the Devil’s Shadow Mobile Home Park.
Nate had decided to visit the Graywater family first. A trip to the Hermit would also be important, but information about Uweya seemed like his most urgent need. Another hour or two of vulnerability would hopefully make little difference. If Jonas White had meant to incapacitate Nate with his simulacrum, he probably would have already done so.
Nate easily spotted the nice trailer with the tidy yard at the far side of the park. He landed on the front porch, feet pounding heavily against the artificial turf. Although light glowed from the windows, Nate could hear no activity inside. He pulled open the screen and knocked.
William answered, wearing a snug black T-shirt and faded jeans. “Who are you?”
“I’m your last hope of protecting Uweya.”
William closed his eyes, his mouth tightening. For a moment, Nate got the impression that he was restraining harsh emotions. When his eyes opened, William appeared calm. “What do you want from me?”
“I want to know how I can help,” Nate said. “Jonas White has the Protector.”
The muscles at the sides of William’s jaw bulged conspicuously. “So it was Jonas.” He stepped aside. “Come in.”
Nate entered the trailer, mildly surprised by how much it looked like a regular house on the inside. “You alone?” Nate asked.
“The others left,” William said. “Probably wise. Not that there will be anyplace to hide if Jonas succeeds.”
“Why’d you stay?”
Moving with an easy grace, William slumped into an armchair. “Maybe I’m punishing myself. Maybe I think ground zero is the best place to face an atomic blast. Maybe I still harbor a shred of hope. One of the girls who stole the guidestone seemed torn. It seemed as though she wanted to help. Maybe I wanted her to be able to find me.”
“Summer,” Nate said. “She sent me. She couldn’t come because her club lost the assignment to retrieve the Protector. Jonas has a simulacrum of her. She has to stay in a shielded place.”
“I take it your club won?”
Nate tried to think of an evasive reply. He failed. “We did.”
William shook his head. “How does it feel?”
“What do you mean?”
“Changing the course of human history. Making the whole planet slaves to the whims of a maniacal mage.”
“It isn’t over yet,” Nate said firmly.
“What can you do? Are you super strong? Super quick?”
“I can fly,” Nate said. “Through air or water.”
“You need to work on your landings,” William advised. “It sounded like you dropped a bowling ball out there. Was the Protector underwater?”
Nate nodded.
“Thought so.”
An uncomfortable silence ensued.
“We need to learn about Uweya,” Nate finally said.
“We?” William taunted. “You and Jonas? Did he send you?” William regarded Nate intently.
“No. I’m working with a magician called Sebastian Stott. I’ve been against Jonas White from the start. He kidnapped some of my friends.”
“Go on,” William invited.
Nate related all that had happened. He told how Mozag and John Dart were abducted. He shared how he and his friends became involved with the clubs in order to spy on the operation. He explained about the Battiatos. William said little. He listened impassively, occasionally asking clarifying questions.
After Nate finished, William leaned forward in his chair, palms together, thick veins visible on the backs of his long hands. “Quite a story. Of course, you may not have spoken a word of truth. You might have cooked up that tale to help Jonas White learn more about Uweya before he goes after it.”
“I guess I could have,” Nate admitted. “But I didn’t.”
“Maybe,” William said. “I need to be sure. Would you submit to a test? It involves an ancient tribal ritual. It’s basically a magical lie detector.”
“Sure,” Nate said, relieved. A test like that would allow him to prove his honesty. “How do we do it?”
“It never fails,” William warned.
“Perfect,” Nate said.
William nodded pensively. “I have no such test. But you seemed willing—happy, even. Either you’re a master deceiver, or you’re telling the truth.”
“You’ll
help me?”
William rubbed the arms of his chair. “When will Jonas go after Uweya?”
“I’m not sure,” Nate said. “Soon, I expect. I’ll probably be sent to help, along with the other kids in my club.”
“Where do the other kids stand?” William asked.
“One has helped me since the start,” Nate said. “I think the other two are on my side as well.”
“You aren’t sure?”
“Sure enough to risk my life.”
William narrowed his eyes. “You truly mean to thwart him?”
“No way will I let him get Uweya. I was hoping that if I understood more about Uweya, I’d be in a better position to mess up his plans.”
William folded his hands and stared at them for a moment. “You haven’t stopped Jonas yet. Why didn’t you act earlier? What makes you think you can stop him now?”
“I don’t know that I can!” Nate cried. “I kept waiting for a good opportunity.” He took a shuddering breath, trying to get a grip on his frustration. “I wanted some clue to where the prisoners were held. I wanted to get below Arcadeland unobserved. The chance never came. So I’m out of options. It’s now or never, and I’m not okay with never.”
“Just because you need to stop him doesn’t mean you’ll be able to.”
“But I have to try,” Nate replied. “He has a simulacrum of me. That has been hanging over my head since just after I became a Jet, but I might have found a way to break that hold. If I’m invited to go after Uweya, the others in my club will help me sabotage the mission. Even if I’m not invited, I’ll go anyhow. Even without your help, I’ll still try. But I’d rather have what help I can scrounge.”
Inhaling loudly through his nose, William rubbed his thighs. “I’m not going to fill you in about Uweya. Even if you are sincerely working against Jonas, if he has a simulacrum of you, he may have ways of extracting that information.”
“I’m on my own?” Nate asked.
William shook his head. “I’ll help in every way that I can.” Rooting in his pocket, he withdrew a keychain attached to a short strand of beads and a few wispy feathers. “This token is given voluntarily.” He held it out to Nate.