Neverseen

by Shannon Messenger

  “Does that mean you have to come with us?” Biana asked.

  “I don’t have to. I want to.”

  “But it’s dangerous—especially for you,” Sophie warned.

  “I know the risks. But I will see my homeland, however lost it is. And I will take back freedom for my people.”

  Sophie could tell there would be no arguing the point, and made a note that they’d need to make another Neverseen robe for Calla.

  “Okay, so that’s progress,” she said. “But I feel like we still need a better plan for how to stay hidden.”

  “I might be able to help with that,” Mr. Forkle said. “No need to hide that paper, Miss Foster,” he added as he made his way to the table to join them. “I know what you’re planning.”

  “You’re not going to try to stop us?” Fitz asked.

  “I doubt I could even if I tried. Plus, I learned from the mistakes in Exile”—his eyes strayed to Fitz—“that it’s far better if we coordinate our efforts.” He took her list and scanned it. “I assume your mother is working on reaching out to Mr. Vacker?”

  Fitz nodded.

  “Good. I’ll have Granite talk to Lady Cadence about the Markchain. Perhaps she knows how to amp up its aroma to better cover a group of nine.”

  “Nine?” Sophie asked, doing a quick mental head count. With Alvar and Calla she only had them at seven. “Who are the other two?”

  “Two elves with incredibly powerful abilities, who should solve many of these problems you’re tackling. The trick will be convincing them to help.”

  “Who?” Fitz asked, but Sophie had already guessed.

  It looked like she’d be dragging Tam and Linh into danger after all.

  SIXTY-FIVE

  THAT’S A LOT of information to get in five minutes,” Tam said, staring at the curved ceiling of the small den.

  Their dwarven house looked like a clump of bubbles inside the earth, with tiny round rooms that somehow felt cozy, not claustrophobic. Maybe it was the subtle glow from the flecks of lumenite peppered through the walls. Or the way the stone furniture had been hand painted with intricate patterns of lines and dots. But even with Mr. Forkle filling a large portion of the space, Sophie didn’t want to leave.

  Or maybe that was because she knew her friends were back in Alluveterre working with Calla to arrange the supplies they’d need. Once Tam and Linh were on board—if Tam and Linh were on board—they would be departing for Ravagog that evening.

  Part of her wanted to lock everyone up to keep them safe. But then the gnomes would die—or end up King Dimitar’s slaves. And knowing Keefe, he’d find a way to sneak off on his own.

  Teamwork was the best option—but she’d made Mr. Forkle promise he’d be upfront with Tam and Linh about all the risks.

  “So . . . if I’m understanding this correctly,” Tam said, “you want us to take a secret tunnel into Ravagog to steal the cure from the King?”

  “It might not be directly in King Dimitar’s possession,” Mr. Forkle said. “We’re actually not sure where he’s keeping it, or what kind of vessel it will be contained in.”

  “Oh good,” Tam said. “And here I thought it was going to be impossible.”

  “Nothing is impossible with the right team,” Mr. Forkle told him. “That’s why we need your help. Your shadows can keep everyone hidden.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Tam said. “I’ve never covered more than two people.”

  “But I can add mist to thicken the shadows,” Linh reminded him. “It may not work under close scrutiny, but it will hide us from a distance.”

  “There’s always going to be some danger,” Sophie added quietly. “But some risks have to be taken.”

  Tam brushed his bangs out of his eyes and paced the ten steps the floor allowed. “Here’s what I don’t get. You said the gnomes can already tell the cure is working, right? So why did the ogres give a whole week for them to decide?”

  “I’ve been pondering that question myself,” Mr. Forkle said. “And I suspect the deadline is strategic. It’s possible King Dimitar is hoping the Council will send in goblin forces, and he’ll finally have his war. More likely though, the Neverseen is hoping we’ll attempt something like this.”

  “You think this is a trap?” Sophie asked, her voice too loud in the small space.

  “Quite simply . . . yes,” Mr. Forkle said.

  “Then, uh, why would you walk right into it?” Tam asked as Sophie’s mind exploded with new worries.

  “We’re not,” Mr. Forkle said. “We’re taking advantage of their distraction. They’ll be so focused on what they assume we’re going to do that they won’t be prepared for us to go a different way. That’s why it’s so important that we have you and your sister on the team. Your unique, unexpected abilities will give our strategy the advantage we need.”

  “Right, but—” Tam started to argue, but Linh stepped forward.

  “I cannot speak for my brother,” she said, “but I will go. The gnomes at Wildwood took care of us for years. I’m honored to have a chance to help.”

  “I guess that means I’m in too,” Tam said. His eyes latched onto Sophie as he added, “Don’t make me regret this.”

  “Oh good, Bangs Boy decided to join us,” Keefe grumbled as Sophie and the others returned to the girls’ tree house.

  Tam didn’t seem to notice the insult, too distracted by the leaves flying everywhere as Dex tested one of his Sucker Punches against the shrubbery chairs.

  Sophie, meanwhile, was focused on a familiar face. “Alvar!” she said, rushing over to give him a hug. She realized halfway there that her friendship with the eldest Vacker sibling hadn’t really reached the hugging stage—but she was too committed to abort.

  Fortunately, Alvar laughed and set down the scroll he’d been reading to hug her back.

  “Always good to see the famous Sophie Foster!” he said.

  Alvar had the Vacker accent and the Vacker insane good looks, though he was more meticulous about his appearance. His dark hair was perfectly gelled, and his clothes never had a speck of lint or a wrinkle. He also had his mom’s cobalt blue eyes instead of teal.

  “Thanks for coming to help us,” Sophie told him.

  “How could I not? Apparently I’m the only member of my family not helping the Black Swan.”

  “Remember when you didn’t think the Black Swan existed?” Biana asked her brother. “You and Dad used to fight about it all the time.”

  Now that Biana mentioned it, Sophie remembered that too. “But wait, Fitz said you used to go out looking for me. Why would you do that if you didn’t think the Black Swan existed?”

  Alvar laughed. “I was wondering when you guys were going to call me out on that. Honestly? I did the Sophie Search just to keep my dad happy—and because it was fun to sneak to the Forbidden Cities. It was probably good that Fitz took over. I’m sure my biases affected my search. I visited each girl expecting not to find an elf. All I needed was one detail to prove I was right, and I was out of there. I never could’ve looked past your eye color.”

  “I almost didn’t, either,” Fitz admitted. “As soon as I saw the brown, I thought I should leave. But . . . there was something about her. The way she kept herself separate. The way she was so much smarter than her teacher. And other than her eyes, she definitely looked like an elf.”

  Sophie was fairly sure he’d just implied she was pretty—and had to look away to hide her grin.

  “So you really lived with humans?” Tam asked.

  Sophie nodded. “It’s a long story.”

  “One we do not have time for,” Mr. Forkle added.

  “I don’t think we’ve met,” Alvar said, turning to Tam and Linh. “New recruits?”

  “More like temporary assistants,” Mr. Forkle corrected. “Much like yourself. We would never expect any of you to swear fealty with so little information.”

  “But now we’ve seen your secret hideout,” Alvar teased. “How can you keep us away?”

/>   Mr. Forkle didn’t return the smile. “I dare you to find it again.”

  “What if we want to join?” Linh asked, ignoring her brother as he elbowed her.

  “That’s something we could discuss,” Mr. Forkle said. “After this mission. For the moment, we must stay focused. How is our progress?”

  “Sucker Punches are almost done,” Dex said. “Then I’ll make as many of these as I can.” He held up one of the cube-shaped gadgets he’d used in Exile.

  “The cloaks are also finished,” Calla said, pointing to a stack of black robes. “I’m still assembling the rest of the outfits.”

  “We’re wearing disguises?” Linh asked.

  “As an added precaution,” Mr. Forkle agreed. “In case there are moments you and your brother cannot keep everyone hidden, it’s best for you to blend in.”

  “They’re hiding us?” Alvar asked. “What are their abilities?”

  “I’m a Hydrokinetic,” Linh said. “And my brother is a Shade.”

  Alvar scratched the back of his head. “Huh. That definitely changes things up.”

  “Why?” Keefe asked. “How do we know his little Shade tricks are even going to work? What if the ogres can see through them like Calla can see through the vanish?”

  “They can’t,” Alvar said. “I used to sneak around the city all the time—but wait, gnomes can see us?” He disappeared and tried the how many fingers am I holding up test. “Whoa. Total mind blow.”

  “I know how to get around it,” Biana said smugly.

  “What’s the secret?” Alvar asked as she vanished to prove it.

  “Like I’d tell you!” She shoved her brother as she reappeared. “Honestly, though, you kinda have to figure it out yourself. I’ve been trying to teach Mom, but she still can’t do it.”

  “Can you see Tam?” Sophie asked Calla, getting back to the bigger worry.

  Tam gathered the shadows and faded from sight. A faint outline remained, but Sophie had to really look for it.

  “My eyes see nothing beyond yours,” Calla said. “The glints of life ignore him.”

  Keefe snorted. “How does it feel to be rejected by dust?”

  “Pretty good, actually,” Tam snapped back, “since it means I can survive this mission. Can you?”

  “Yes,” Mr. Forkle jumped in, “with your help.” He eyed both boys. “Whatever differences the two of you have must be settled immediately. You’re a team now. It’s time to start acting like it.”

  “That’d be a whole lot easier if he’d let me take a reading,” Tam said. He pointed to Alvar. “I’d like to do one on him, too.”

  Keefe rolled his eyes. “Forget it, dude.”

  “That’s twice now you’ve refused. Do you really have that much to hide?” Tam asked.

  “Hey, I’m not up for it either, and I’m not hiding anything,” Alvar jumped in. “You want to know something about us—ask.”

  “Okay,” Tam said, glaring at Alvar. “Why should I trust you?”

  “Because I’m the only one here who knows the back paths of the city. It’d be easier if I knew exactly where we’re going, though. I can think of several places they might keep the cure.”

  “Choose the one that would be the most obvious,” Mr. Forkle said.

  “Mr. Forkle thinks this is a trap,” Sophie explained. She did her best to convince them it was the advantage Mr. Forkle believed, but they all looked a lot more fidgety, and she didn’t blame them.

  “That . . . complicates things,” Alvar said, going back to studying the scroll he’d set aside. It turned out to be the map of Ravagog from Lady Gisela’s possessions. “Does anyone have any idea which side of Ravagog this secret tunnel is going to bring us to?”

  “Side?” Linh asked.

  “Ravagog is separated by the Eventide into two parts,” Fitz explained. “Half the city is underground, the other half is carved into the mountain.”

  “It’s cute how he repeats things I’ve taught him like he’s an expert, isn’t it?” Alvar asked—and with that joke, Dex officially jumped on board Team Alvar. Even Keefe cracked a smile.

  Tam still looked wary, and Sophie could see his shadow crawling closer to Alvar.

  “Seriously, guy,” Alvar said, scooting his chair away. “Respect people’s boundaries. You don’t see the Telepaths poking around everybody’s heads, do you?”

  “No, you do not,” Mr. Forkle agreed. “Though Shade readings are far less intrusive than telepathy.”

  “Whatever,” Keefe said. “Can we go now? We’re losing time.”

  “We’re going tonight?” Tam asked. “Wouldn’t a night raid be exactly what they’re expecting?”

  “It’s still safer than broad daylight,” Keefe argued.

  “Not for me,” Tam said. “I can control the shadows at any time. It’s safer to go when they’re not on alert.”

  “I actually agree with Mr. Song,” Mr. Forkle said after a long minute. “That will also give you a few hours of rest before a very long day.”

  Sophie could see the fury in Keefe’s eyes and slipped to his side, leaning in to whisper. “It’s only a few more hours. Please wait with us.”

  “I could be back with the cure while the rest of you guys are still sleeping.”

  “Or you could be dead,” Sophie reminded him. “Please don’t make me beg.”

  Keefe let out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll wait until dawn.” His eyes found hers as he whispered, “For you.”

  Sophie didn’t know what to make of the last part, but her heart flipped to hummingbird mode.

  Mr. Forkle cleared his throat. “I suggest you all head to bed. Is anyone willing to share their room?”

  “Of course,” Sophie said, quickly adding, “I meant with Linh.”

  “I guess I’ll take Alvar with me,” Fitz said.

  “Actually, I’d rather bunk with Keefe.” Alvar turned to the group and whispered, “Fitz is a cuddler.”

  “You can have my room,” Dex told Tam. “I’m going to stay up tweaking the wiring on these cubes—”

  “No, Mr. Dizznee, you’re going to rest,” Mr. Forkle interrupted. “You all are. Even you,” he told Calla, “at least take a few minutes.”

  “I cannot rest while my people are suffering,” Calla argued.

  Mr. Forkle decided not to argue. He shooed everyone else to their rooms, and Linh dozed off as soon as her head hit the pillow. But Sophie tossed and turned and tossed some more.

  “You should be sleeping,” Calla said when Sophie tiptoed out to the main room.

  Sophie sank into the shrubbery chair across from her. “I know. But I can’t rest while your people are suffering either.”

  Calla set down the vest she’d been sewing, which looked exactly like the one Gethen had worn. She’d made eight others, though one was purple and had ruffles along the edges.

  “Biana designed her own,” Calla explained. “I didn’t fight her since she can vanish. Plus, her design is fairly clever.” She lifted up the ruffles to show a row of carefully concealed goblin throwing stars.

  Sophie traced her fingers over their shiny blades.

  “You’re afraid,” Calla said quietly.

  “Aren’t you?” Sophie asked.

  “Mine is a different kind of fear. I don’t mind if something happens to me. But I fear for those I care about—especially you. I wish you would get the rest you need.”

  She moved behind Sophie, combing her fingers through Sophie’s hair. “This was a trick my mother used when I was a little girl. Gnomish children must sleep when it’s dark, but I was a restless child. I took the needs of the forest very seriously. So my mother declared this my ‘tomorrow braid.’ As she wove it, she’d tell me to imagine anything I feared being drawn out of my mind and folded into the braid. That way those worries were tucked away for the night, but still waiting to bounce back as soon as I unbraided my hair in the morning. It’s why I still plait my hair—though now I do it to remember her.”

  Sophie closed her eyes and tried
to imagine her worries twisting with each careful weave Calla made.

  By the time Calla was done, she was asleep.

  SIXTY-SIX

  ANY REASON WHY we’re not having the roots pull us to Ravagog?” Keefe asked as they fought through the cramped tunnel. “It would be way faster than walking.”

  “The same reason we didn’t have the roots carry us to Exile,” Calla said. The brief pause in her song made the tunnel close tighter, and it tightened further when she added, “Roots this old only have the strength to carry us one way, and the escape will be far more crucial.”

  She belted out the next verse to widen the tunnel again, and Sophie had to dry her eyes on her cloak sleeve. The lyrics officially won the prize for Most Depressing Gnomish Song Ever. Now Sophie knew why the legends had warned of embracing the heartache.

  Their Exillium skills came in handy, allowing them to see through the darkness and stay cool despite the stuffiness of the tunnel. Sophie channeled energy to her muscles to keep moving steady, but she still battled exhaustion, especially when the tunnel started to slope up.

  The longer they walked, the more the roots narrowed, as if the Four Seasons Tree was stretching as far as it could reach. When the roots were no thicker than gossamer threads, Calla announced that the surface was right above them and asked if she should sing open an exit.

  “Let me go out first,” Alvar whispered. “I need to figure out where we are. As soon as it’s safe, I’ll come back and get you.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Biana offered.

  “You should save your energy,” he said. “And I should take the Markchain to cover my scent.”

  Sophie removed the silver pendant hanging from her neck and handed it to Alvar. She was still stunned Lady Cadence had agreed to loan it to them.

  Tam had thought they shouldn’t bring it, worried the scent canceled his concealment. But Alvar insisted they needed to camouflage their smell as well as their appearance.

  Calla sang a deep, low verse, which sounded more ominous than Sophie would’ve liked as the earth nudged open, letting in streams of greenish light.