praise for€¦ · chapter 14 chapter 15 chapter 16 rydder and sylph chapter 17 chapter 18 chapter...
TRANSCRIPT
PraiseforMELISSADELACRUZ
forFROZEN:“LikeLordoftheRingsinreverse...anoriginalandthrillingescapethatwillbreakyourheartandmakeitsoaratthesametime.”
—AlysonNoël,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthoroftheImmortalsandSoulSeekersseries
“EverythingIloveinabook...Humor,suspense,twists,andaboveall,originality.Highlyrecommended.”
—JamesDashner,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorofMazeRunner
“It’sathought-provokingnovel,partepic-fantasy,andpartsocialcommentary...you’llclamorforbook2.”
—EntertainmentWeekly
“Anexcitingandimaginativestorythatistwopartsvisionquestandonepartadventure...Thewell-pacedactionistaut,thecharactersdiverseandfinelydrawn.”
—NewYorkJournalofBooks
“Romance,magic,andexcitementdrivethepaceofthisgenre-defyingadventure.”
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forBLUEBLOODS:“DelaCruz’sBlueBloodsintroducesaconceptionofvampiresfar
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—PublishersWeekly
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—EntertainmentWeekly
forWITCHESOFEASTEND:
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—People
“Amagicalandromanticpage-turner...WitchesofEastEndiscertaintoattractnewadultreaders...Thepacingismasterful,andwhilethewitchcraftisentertaining,it’sultimatelyalovetrianglethatmakesthestorycompelling.DelaCruzhascreatedafamilyofempatheticwomenwhoarebothmagicallygiftedandhumanlyflawed.”
—WashingtonPost
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—Self
“WitchesofEastEndhasalltheingredientsyou’dexpectfromoneofMelissa’sbestsellingYAnovels—intrigue,mysteryandplentyofromance.Butwiththenovelfallingunderthe‘adult’categorization,Melissa’sabletomakeherlovescenesevenmore...magical.”
—MTV.com
“DelaCruzhas,withWitches,onceagainmanagedtoenlivenandembellish
uponhistoryandmythologywithacleverinterweavingofpastandpresent,bothrealandimagined...[It]castsaspell.”
—LosAngelesTimes
“DelaCruzisaformidablestorytellerwithanarrativevoicestrongenoughtohandlethefruitsofherimagination.Evenreaderswhogenerallyavoidwitchesandwhatnotstandtobewonoverbythetimethecliffhanger-with-a-twist-endinghits.”
—PublishersWeekly
“Fantasyforwell-readadults.”
—KirkusReviews
“Asexy,magicalromp,suretobringdelaCruzalegionofnewfans.”
—KelleyArmstrong,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthoroftheOtherworldseries
G.P.PUTNAM’SSONS
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Version_1
ForMattie,whowilllighttheworldonfireoneday
and
forJosey,whoseimaginationsoarsashighasadrakon
Contents
PraiseforMelissaDeLaCruz
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Epigraph
THEFIREANDTHETHIEF
THEARCHIMEDESPALIMPSEST
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
RYDDERANDSYLPH
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
REAPINGDAY
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
CHILDOFVALLONIS
Chapter36
TheWeaverAndTheQueen
Chapter37
TheScrollAndTheKey
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Acknowledgments
AbouttheAuthors
Mensaytheyknowmanythings;Butlo!theyhavetakenwings,—
Theartsandsciences,Andathousandappliances;
ThewindthatblowsIsallthatanybodyknows.—HENRYDAVIDTHOREAU
Comehell—THEDECEMBERISTS,“THISISWHYWEFIGHT”
THEFIREANDTHETHIEF
THROUGHTHEFIRE,THROUGHTHESMOKEandflame,shesawtheboyandthegirlhuddledinthecorner.Twins.Shehadn’tknowntherewouldbetwochildren.Whichone?Theboylookedafraid,buthissisterstaredbackboldly.Thegirlhadsapphireeyesandaswirlonhershoulder.Aweaver.
Itwasthegirl.
Adecisionwasmade.
Shewastheone.
Theonetheyhadcometosteal.
ParttheFirst:
THEARCHIMEDESPALIMPSESTYoudropacoinintothesea,andshoutout,“Pleasecomebacktome”
—STARS,“THENIGHTSTARTSHERE”
Chapter1FIREINHERTHROAT.FIREINHERLUNGSandchest.Natbreathedandthedrakonbreathed.Sheexhaledandthedrakonexhaled.Thedrakonroareditsfuryandtheflamewaseverywhere,ablazeasbrightasthenoondaysun.
NatashaKestalwasadrakonrydder.ShewasAnastasiaDekesthalias,theResurrectionoftheFlame.Butneitherwordsnornamescouldcapturetheincrediblefloating,flying,gut-twisting,hair-raisingsensationthatfilledherentirebeing.Beingadrakonrydderwasonlypartofit.Natwasthedrakon.Shewasapieceofthecreature’ssoul,alimbthathadbeentornfromitsbodyassurelyasawingoraclaw,butnow,reunited,theywereoneastheyglidedthroughtheclouds,skimmingacrossthewater,thewindinherfaceandhair,itsfireburninginherthroat.Thedrakon’sfury,itsrage,washerrage,andshebreathedthatrageuponthedroneshipsthatflewtheflagoftheRemainingStatesofAmerica,settingtheentireoceanaflame.
Noteverythingwassosimple.ThebattleinthePacifichadbeenonlythefirstvictory,astheenemy’smightwasfarmoreformidableandvastthansheortheCouncilofVallonishadanticipated.Sincethefirstbattle,armadashiddenaroundpointsoftheglobehadtrackedandassaultedeverypossiblegatewaytotheBlue.They’dcomewiththeirgunsandtheirrockets,followingherwithradarandsatellite,sendingdroneaircraftstotrackherpositionandbattlecruiserstofiretheirmissilesintothedrakon’shide.Likewaspsstingingahound’scoat,Natthought.Butifstungenough,thehoundwillfall.
Itwasherjobtokeepthatfromhappening.Butherdrakonhadsufferedmanyinjuriesalreadyandithadbeenawhilesincetheyhadbeenabletotrulyrest.
Alltheoceanswerethesame—thefrothywaterstoxicandblack—withtheTasmanSeaasblightedastherest.ThegateofAremhadclosed,butnavyspiesdiscoveredthenewdoorwaylocatednorthofNewCretethatthepeopleofValloniswereusingtorescuetheirsickbrothersandsistersfromthedyingworld.Nathadbeenpatrollingtheskiesatdawnwhenshespottedthehulkingsupercarrierssteamingtheirwaytotheisland.
Sheurgedherdrakondownwardandtheydovethroughwallsofsmokeandash,burstingthroughflame;aValkyrieandhermount.Thewindfromitswingscreatedwhite-crestedwavesthatsentthefleet’ssmallervesselstumblinginthetide,capsizingthedroneshipsandfillingtheirhullswithblackwaterthatpulledthemdownintothemurkydepths,allwhileNatandherdrakonroseupwardonaplumeofhotair,disappearingintothedarkskiesandpreparingforanothervolley.
Higher,sheurged.Faster.Flyaheadoftheirbullets.
DrakonMainasflappeditsleatherywings,theairgustinglikeahurricane,eachmightywingbeatscatteringthecloudsandcreatingavortex,aholethroughwhichshecouldglimpsetheremnantsofthelatestfleet,thegleamingcruisersanddestroyersoftheRSA,flounderingandnearlyobliteratedinonebreathofthedrakon’sflame.
Onemoreandtheyaredone.
Natinhaled.Shefeltthehotairchurninginherlungs,thefirebuilding,heatswirling,rising.Makethisblastthegreatestyet—aheatsointense,itwillroasttheirshipsintodust.Thefirepulsedinherveins;itclimbedupherthroat.Shelettheflamegrowuntilshecouldn’tcontrolitanymore.Thedrakon’sblackandashyscalesglowedhot,redandorange.Natscreamedandaviolentbluefireballeruptedfromitsmouth,intenseandwhite-hotinthecenter,ontotheremainingdrones.
Nowalltheshipswereburning,theirhullsblackened,andtheyweresinkingintotheocean,steamrisingandhissingastheyslippedintothedarkwaters.Scorched.Defeated.
Natfeltafierceswellofjoyandtriumph,butshehadsurvivedenoughofthesecampaignstoknowitwasn’toverquiteyet.
Up,shesaidtoherdrakon.Intothesky,ourhuntcontinues.
Higherandhighertheyclimbed,risingupuntiltheywereabovetheclouds,abovethegraymist.Nathovered,listeningfortheenginesoftheremainingaircraft—thegraydronesthatswarmedtheairabovethecoastof
NewPangaea.
Likethehummingsnoreofagreat,sleepingbeast,shethought.Or...
Aflockofsleekwarbirdsrippedthroughtheclouds,theirenginesscreaming,targetingmechanismswhirling,headingstraightforthem.Onlysecondsaway,afewdrakon-lengthsatthemost.
Dive!Now!
Thedrakontuckeditsmightywingstoitsbackandfellstraightoutofthesky,towardtherockycliffsalongtheshore.Theysaileddownintoawedge-shapedvalley,passingsoclosetothestonethatNatthoughtshesawanimalsscurryingacrosstherocks,runningawayfromthegreatrushofwindthatprecededthedrakon.Butthebuzzingdronesstillfollowedclosebehind,andshecouldseetheirblack-tippednosesfromthecornerofhereye.Faster,sheurgedherdrakon.Downanddowntheyfell,breakingstonesandbranches,sendingrocksandleavesspiralingintotheair,comingtoahaltahairsbreadthabovetheriveratthevalley’sbase.
Thedrakonbeatitswingsrightbeforetheystruckthewater,andtheyroseoncemore,flyinginawidearcbeforeanglinguptowardthelipofthegorge.
Theunexpectedmovesentafewoftheirpursuerscrashingintothewaterortherocks,butothersmaneuveredfasterandcontinuedtotrailbehindthem,spittingoutgunfire,andNathadtododgethebulletsthatstreakedtowardher.Shebrandishedhersword,holdingitalofttodirectthedrakon’sflame,whilethebulletsbouncedharmlesslyagainsthershield.
Getusoutofhere.Findcover.
There!Natspiedagranitepillar,atowerofrockwheretheycouldhide.Soonthedrakonwasalreadyturningtowardit,divingagaintoanopenchasm.Thedrakonlandedonthefarsideoftherock,talonsgrippingthestone,breakingchunksfromthegranite.Theyhungthere,hiding,blendingintothedark,listeningcloselyastheroarofthedrones’enginesfilledthecanyon.
Shriekinglikebanshees,wailinglikelostsouls,theunpiloteddronesdoveintothevalley.Now.Let’sfillthiscanyonwithflame.
Natinhaleddeeplyandthedrakonstretcheditsneck,reachingaroundthestonetounleashanepicroar,breathingfireintothegorgeandturningtherockycreviceintoaninferno.Onebyonethedronesflewintothecanyon,theirengineswhizzing,buzzinglikeenormousinsects,searchingforNat,onlytofindthemselvestrappedinaheatintenseenoughtowarptheirwingsand
melttheirengines.Threecrashedintothewallsofthecliffwhilethelastonemerelysputteredandfelltothevalleyfloor.
It’sover.Wedidit.Thecanyonwasengulfedindrakonfire,andNatmarveledatitsbeauty,howitswirledaroundher,dancing.Thefirefelllikewarmrainonhershoulders,assoothingasacocoon.
Shelettheflamesdim.Thebattlewasfinished,orsoshebelieved;she’dbeenthroughenoughofthesetoknowwhenitwasover.
Butjustassheexhaledinrelief,alonegraydronesoaredabovethecavern,itsdarkwingswideasthevalley,noseaslongasthehighesttreewastall,droppingbombsfromitsbelly.Itwasagrayhawk,thedeadliestaircraftintheRSA’sarsenal,aslargeandfearsomeasthedrakonitself—stealthyandsilent,adeathmachineinthesky.
Shecouldfeelthedrakon’sfear.Likeher,itwasafraidofiron,ofthesteelintheirbulletsandshells.Likeher,itwasafraidofthegrayhawk.
Climb!
Theyrosefromthecanyon,wingsbeating.Nat’sheelsdiggingintothedrakon’sside,urgingitupward,explosionsandsmokechasingthemfromthegorgeastheyburstoutintothesky,flamesnippingattheirtail.
Comeandgetus.Natwaitedforthegrayhawktofindtheminthecloudsandsmoke,meaningtomeetithead-on,totorchitlikeshehadtheothers.
ComeandIwillshowyouwhatitmeanstoburn.
Shewaited,buttherewasnothingbutdarksmokethathurthereyes.
Natblinkedandsuddenlyshewasstaringintoablackexpansethatwasn’toceanorsky,butasphalt—aroadwithcarsracingacrossitssurface.Shewipedthetearsfromhereyes,thinkingshewashallucinating,butthevisionoftheracetrackpersisted.
Andthere,insideoneofthecars,wasWes,hisfacetightwithtension,hismouthsetinafrown,darkcirclesunderhiseyes.
RyanWesson.
Howlonghaditbeensincetheyhadseeneachother?
Toolong.
Hewasdrivinganddidn’tseeherashemaneuveredhiscaracrossthetrack,nearlycollidingwithanotherdriverbutswervinggracefullyjustintime.Thenhelookedup,andhisbrowneyeswidenedinacknowledgmentas
theymethergreenones.
Nat?
Shecouldhearhisvoiceinherhead,andherheartachedandthefireburnedwhite-hotinsideher.
Wes!shecried.Whatwasshelookingat?Wherewashe?
Butjustasquicklyashe’dappeared,hewasgone.Thetrackanditscarsvanishedintothemist.
Therewasonlythefatbellyofthegrayhawkhoveringabove,itsrocketspointedstraightather,andsoNatflewuptomeetit,herthroatfillingwithflame,readytoexhale.
Chapter2WESSLAMMEDHISHEADONTHECEILINGoftheMustang,andwhenheopenedhiseyes,theracetrackwasgone.
Murkydarkwaterlitteredwithzigguratsoftrashthesizeoficebergsfilledhisvision.Aburntbattlecruiserslowlysankintothewaveswhileagrayhawkdronehoveredinthesky.Whenheblinkedagain,theroarofacarenginepoundedinhisears,closinginfastfrombehind.AwhiteLamborghinislidpasthissidemirror,sendingadriftofsnowoverhiswindshield,blockinghissight.
Heturnedthewheelsharplytoclearhiswindshield,andwhenheblinked,thereitwasagain:thechurningwavesandsinkingships.Butnowhesawsomethingelseaswell—agreatblacksilhouettewithwingsandatail,soaringthroughthegraysky,breathingfire.
Anotherbump,andWeswasbackintherace,pastthebendandintothestraightaway.Ifoneoftheotherdriverswasgoingtopasshim,nowwasthetime.Theywouldapproachfromtheinsideandtrytoforcehimtowardoneoftheouterlanes.Fine.Letthem.Hewasn’ttryingtowintherace,afterall.Winningwasthelastthinghewantedtodo.Mostly,hejustwantedtostayalive.
Screamingaroundtheturnwiththetrackopeningupbeforehim,Wesdidn’thavetoblinkthistimetoseethebowofthedroneshipagain,andthecreatureintheair.Andthistimehesawher.
Natonherdrakon,wieldingasword,lookinglikesomekindofgod,likeastoryfromafairytale,likeaherofromthebookoflegends,herlongdarkhairstreaminglikearibboninthesky.
Nat!
Wes?
Shewaslookingrightbackathim,hergreentigereyesflashinginshockandjoy.
Nat!
Butjustasquicklyassheappeared,shewasgone.
Itwasn’treal.Itcouldn’tbereal.Wasitamemory?ButNatlookeddifferent—herhairwaslonger,andshewaswearingdifferentclothes.Armor?Hecouldhaveswornshewaswearingasuitofleatherandblackchainmail,similartotheblackscalesofherdrakon.Ithadtobeadream.
Butitfeltsoreal.
Andhisfeelingsforherwereasrealasthedaythey’dsaidgood-bye.
He’ddonewhathepromised.He’dtakenheroutofNewVegas,acrosstheruinedPacifictotheBlue,herhome.Togethertheysurvivedslaversandtraitors,chaosanddeath.WeshadtakenherrighttothegateofArem,wheresheandherdrakonhadturnedtheentirePacificfleetintoashinordertodefendtheirhomeland.
AnAstonMartincrashedagainsthimwithathunderouscrack,sendinghiscarspinning,andWesquicklyrefocusedonthetrack.HeflewaheadofapairofblackFerraris,thewhiteLamborghiniclosebehind.Good.Hewouldleadthemforafewlaps,beforelettingthemovertakehim.Theguysintheexoticcarsweretheoneswhoweresupposedtowin,payingtopdollarfortheprivilege.ExecsfromasfarasXianandNewKongcametotheNewVegastrackforachancetoraceinthelastinternationalno-rulesspeedway.DriverslikeWeswerepartoftheentertainment,tolendauthenticitytotheexperience;hegavethemsomeonetopass,tobeat,tooutrun,someonetosplashwithacloudofsnow,someonetosendspiralingintothesnowbanks.Ifhemadethemistakeofactuallywinningtherace,hewouldn’tgetpaid.Itwasariskybusiness,drivingcars,causingaccidents,butitwastheonlyworkhecouldfind.Hewasalreadyblacklistedbyafewofthecasinobossesforrefusingtotorcharivalhotel,andthenbythemilitaryforrefusingtopatroltheblackwaters.
HisthoughtsdriftedbacktoNat.Shehadlookedathim.Shehadseenhim.Herpresencemadehimfeelwarmforamoment,thewayithadontheslavers’ship,whenshehadkeptthembothalive.Hehadn’tthoughttoquestionitbefore,buttherewasnowaytheywouldhavesurvivedthe
subzeroweatherifoneofthemhadn’tbeenmadeofdrakonflame.
Butshewasn’thereanymore.Hewasaloneandthecarwascold.Theheateronthe’77Mustangdidn’twork.They’dlethimborrowanoldheatsuitfortherace,butthejacketwasn’tworking,andhewassocold,hecouldhardlykeephishandsonthewheel.
Maybeitwasthecoldthatmadehimthinkabouther.He’dleftNatatthedoortotheBlue,leftherbehind,lefthertofightherbattlesalone.He’dlefthertofindhissister,Eliza.ThegirltheRSAhadstolenasachild.Elizawasfamily;Elizawasblood.Ithadbeenmonthssincehe’dsaidgood-byetoNat,andduringthattimehehadsearchedforEliza.Therehadbeenleadshereandthere,butnoneofthemhadledtohissister.
Heshivered.
WespushedNatfromhisthoughts.
Theroadaheadwasopen,thetrackclear.Blackpavementstretchedinfrontofhim.Wesopenedupthegasandflooredit,exhilaratedfromthespeedandadrenaline.Asheroundedtheturn,hesawamechanicinanorangeheatsuitwavingthecheckeredflagtosignaltheendoftherace.Thefinishlinewasnear.
Buttherewasnocarinfrontofhim.
Ice.Ihadn’tmeanttodothat.
Hewasabouttowintherace.He’dlethismemoryofNatdistracthim,andnowhewasstillaheadoftheotherdrivers.Hisopponents—theheatelite,theglobalexecsandtheRSAstooges,thecasinolordsandgangsters,therichboysfromtheheateddomecities—weresoineptatdrivingthathehadwonwithouteventrying.
Godfreezeit!hecursed,andWesdidn’tlikecursing.Hismotherhadtaughthimbetter.Heneededtolose,andheneededtolosenow.Ifhewontherace,hewouldn’tgetpaid—notonefreezingwatt.Thoseweretherules.
ThewhiteLamborghiniflewpasthim,sendingashowerofsnowagainsthiswindshieldonceagain.Cretin.Wesletoffthegasalittle—hecouldn’tbetooobvious—butheneededtogetoutoftheraceandheneededtodoitsoon.Heslammedthebrakeandhiscarspun,sideswipingtheLamborghini.Twomorecarscameflyingaroundthebend,thepairofblackFerraristurningsharplytoavoidWesandtheLamborghiniastheycareenedwildlyacrossthetrack.Buttheireffortscametonoavail,asthepairrolledovereachotherandcrashedintotheembankment.AbluePorscheranpast,gunningtowin,butit
wastoolate,andit,too,collidedwiththeMustanginaflashofblueandaburstofsnow.AsWesfinallyspuntoahalt,ablackCorvetteshriekedacrossthefinishline.
Theracewasover.
Wes’scarskiddedintotheoff-roadportionofthetrack,crashingintoaflimsybarrierwithanawkwardbang.Hepushedhimselfoutthroughthedriver’swindowandfellontothefreshpowder,laughingalittle,relishingthelookoftheotherdrivers,especiallythaticeholeintheLamborghini.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehehadlaughed.RuiningtheraceforsomeheatbagwastheclosestthingWeshadtoenjoyment,buthislaughterfadedquickly.ThedriverofthewhiteLamborghiniwasalreadyrunningtowardthecontrolbox,complainingtothetrackmanageraboutWes’slast-minutemaneuver.
Wesshookthesnowfromhishair.Itdidn’tmatter.Hehaddonewhatwasrequiredofhim.Hewouldgetpaid.Hewouldeattonight.
Hisbackwassorefromtheimpact;theinjurieshurtmorethanheleton.Latelytheicehadbeengettingtohim.Hefeltitinhisjointseverymorningandwhenhelayawakeatnight,dreamingoftheocean,hiseverymuscleaching,hismindunabletorest.
Natwasouttheresomewhere.ThenetswerefullofstoriesofoceanattacksandimagesofthecreaturethatwassystematicallydestroyingtheRSA’sarmada.FirsttheentirePacificfleet,thentheAtlanticcruisers;nowanewlyformedbattalionofgrayhawksandsupercarrierswasrumoredtobeheadedtoNewPangaeatomeetthemonsterhead-on.Wasthatwhathe’dseen?Wasthatwhereshewas?
He’dleftNatbecausehehadto,butnowhewasn’tsocertain.Shewasallalone,onedrakonrydderagainstmanydrones.Hehadn’tseenanybackup,nosylvanarchers,nowarriorsonhorseback.JustNatandherdrakonagainstthemightoftheRSA.
Wespushedhiswaythroughthesnow,avoidingtheotherdrivers,thevictoraswellasthelosers.Hewasdoneforthenight.Hisaccountwouldregisterthewattsinafewminutes.Whenthemoneyarrived,he’dhaveenoughheatforameal,adrink,maybetwo;maybehe’devenbeabletosharethatmeal.Thewindroseup,theicybreezerattlinghisbones,makinghimshiver.Hewasonlysixteenbutwasshakinglikeafrailoldman.Hewasshiveringsohard,hehardlynoticedthebuzzinginhispocket.
Whenhefinallyheardthelowrumble,hereachedintohisjacketand
pulledoutastolensatellitephone.Atextflickeredonthescreen,greenlettersglowingontheblackdisplay.Wesreadthemessagetwice,notquitebelievingwhathewasreading.
ItwasfromShakes.Hisbestfriend.Hisright-handman.Itsaid:
FOUNDELIZAWesstuffedthephonebackintohispocket,hurryingfromthetrack,
feelinghopesparkinhisheartagain,aswarmandbrightasdrakonfire.
Chapter3THEGRAYHAWKDISAPPEAREDBACKintothecloudsbeforethedrakonflamecouldreachit,andNatshookWes’swarmbrowneyesfromherthoughts.
Ridinghighabovetheocean,shelookeddownattheislandsbelow,astonyarchipelagocoveredinblanketsofsnowanddottedwithburstsofbrightgreenfoliage.Sheflewclosertothewater,lookingforthegrayhawkthathadchasedherfromthegorge,butitwasnowheretobefound.Thedroneremainedhiddeninthemistyfog.
Assheandherdrakonflewclosertoland,Natcouldseethetreesmoreclearly,hardybrowntrunkssproutingfromthefrost-coveredearth,theirleafybranchesreachingheavenward.Liannan,thesylphwho’dguidedthemtotheBlue,toldthemthatonedayitsmagicwouldcovertheworld.Here,atthebottomofNewPangaea,alongthecoastsoftheRooIslands,atthegateofAfal,thedeepgreenforestsoftheearthwerereturning,andlifewasspreadingacrosstheblackwatersoncemore.
ThisiswhatIfightfor,Natthought,seeingtheforestinallitsbeauty.ThelandIlove.Thewordsmadeherflyfaster,asifonlythespeeditselfcouldkeepherfromthethoughtsheknewwouldbenext.Isthatallyoulove?Theland?Nattightenedhergrip,forcingherselftofocusonlyonwhatlayaheadofher—justasshealwayshad.
Andbesides,whatlayaheadofherwasatrulystaggeringsight.Closerandclosertheycame,divingnearthetreetops,thesmellofthesappungentandheady,thescentofflowerswaftingintheair.Nattriednottolettheforestdistracther.Thedronewasstilloutthere,hidinginthefog,waiting.Shecouldn’tletherguarddown,evenforamoment,eventoseethisforest,
growingwherenothinghadlivedforacentury.
Whentheiceandthefloodscame,whentheworldendedandalmosteveryoneandeverythingdied,shehadthoughtthesethingswerelostforever,thatvastswathsoftheworldweretooirradiated,thesoiltoopoisonedforanygreenerytogrowagain.Butsomehow,theBluewaschangingeverything.Theearthwascomingbacktolife.Howpreciousitwas:wildflowersandtheirmany-coloredblossomsrichwithbuzzinginsects,butterfliesflittingwhileladybugscrawled.Natwantedtostop,tosmellandtoucheverything,almostworriedtheforestwouldvanishifshedidn’t.Shefeareditwasnothingbutamirage,liketheimageofWesshehadjustseen,thathermindwassoothingherwiththingsshewantedtosee.That,likeWes,itwoulddisappearifsheblinkedorturnedaway.Butitdidn’t,andastheyflewfartherandfarther,aboverichandverdantacresofforest,Natstoppedworrying.
Orsoshetoldherself.
Lettingthedrakonflyevenlower,Natmarveledatthewidetrunksandheavybranchesofthetrees,attheleafycanopiesthatsoaredaboveher.Thetreeswereovereightyfeettallandwouldnormallyhavetakenacenturytogrowtothisheight.OnlythepoweroftheBluecouldhaveaccomplishedthisfeatinsuchashorttime.Vallonisanditsmagicwastransformingthelandscape,renewingwhatwasdestroyed.
Natherselffeltrenewedinitspresence.
Duringthesepastmonths,thedayshadpassedlikeminutes.Therageandpain,thehurtthathadoncefilledherheartwasgone.Shehadbelievedshecouldn’tlove,couldn’tfeel,thatshewasbroken.Butshenolongersufferedfromthathollowfeelingofemptiness.Initsplaceshefeltawarm,deepsenseoffulfillment.Shewascomplete.Shehadlivedhalfawake,onlyhalfaliveuntilshefoundherdrakon.Butnowshewaswhole.Readytolive,tofight,tofacewhatevercamenext.
ShewasthelastremainingGuardianoftheBlue,thefirstandlastdrakonrydderofthethirdageofVallonis.
Natinhaleddeeply,feelingatinglefromthelifeallaroundher.Whenthewarisover,whentheBlueissafe,Iwillcomebackhere.Deepinherheart,sheknewthatherdearesthopewasthatshewouldnotreturnalone.
Buttherewasnomoretimetodream.
Asquicklyasithaddisappeared,itreturned.Thegrayhawkhadfoundher.
Andnowthereweretwoofthem.
Letthemcome.Asthegray-wingedplanesstreakedabovetheforest,theirenginesassilentasbird’swings,greatgrayharbingersofdoomanddeath,herdrakonfilledtheskywithfire,turningthecloudsintovaporandtheairintoflame.
Adronecrashedtotheearth,burning,dying.Onemore,thoughtNat,onemoredronetodefeatandthenwecanrest.
ButDrakonMainaswasslowtomovethistime,themonthsofbattlefinallytakingtheirtollonthegreatbeast.Somanywasps,shethought.Toomany.Soonitwouldrest;soontheywouldrest,shesoothed.Justonelastpush.Onemoreattack.
Breathe,shetoldherdrakon.Breatheandlet’sburnthisthingandgohome.
Nofirecame.Thelastgrayhawksetitssightsonthem,sentitsrocketsarcingintotheair,andshefeltadozenbulletstearthroughthedrakon’shide.Natscreamed,feelingasifherwholebodyweretearingopenastheironpiercedthedrakon’sscales.Eachshardstabbedatherchest,stealingthebreathfromherlungs,thepainnearlyknockingherfromhermount.
Breathe,shetoldherself.Breathe.
Strugglingagainstthepainthatconsumedthemboth,Natinhaledasdeeplyasshecould,feltthefireburninginsideandout,andbeforethedronecouldcirclebacktofireatthemagain,sheunleashedthedrakonfire,bathingthegreatgraywarbirdinapillarofflamethatturnedtheentirebodyofthedroneintoared,glowingcylinder.Shewatchedasthecylinderbentandcollapsed,hurtlingtowardthegranitecliffs,shatteringintoathousandpiecesasitstrucktherocks.
Theydidit.Theydestroyedthelatestbattalionascompletelyastheonesbeforeit.TheRSAwouldhaveotherresources,ofcourse—whoknewhowmanymoreinitsgreatarmadawerehiddeninthefrozenoceansoftheworld.
Butfornow,theyhadwon.
Nat’sheartwasracingassheandherdrakonroseoncemoreintotheclouds.Thesoundofthecrashreverberatedacrosstheislandvalley.ShewouldbringthenewstotheCouncil’sMessenger,totelltheQueenthatthelandwassafeoncemore.
Homenow,sheurged.Homeandsleep.
Wewillhavetimeenoughtocelebrate.
Asuddenstrangerumblingshooktheairaroundthem.Thatwasnowarbird.Thatwasnograyhawk.Whatisthat?Natgrippedthereinstightly,waiting,uncertain,andthedrakonhovered,flappingitsgiantwings,remaininginplace.
Let’sgetoutofhere,Nattoldherdrakon,butbeforetheycouldmove,ablackcloudengulfedthem,piercingthedrakonwithshardsofhotiron.They’dbeenhitwithanewweapon,Natrealized.Theyweren’tbulletsormissiles,andtheywereeverywhere,painful,hot,andstingingwithdangeroussilverpoison.ThedrakonmoveditsbodytoshieldNat,toprotectherfromtheironrain,astheirondaggerstoreatitshide,searingthroughscaleandarmorintothesoftfleshofthegreatbeast,drawingriversofblood.
Thepainwastoomuchtobearandtheyfell,crashingintotheearth,thedrakonbeatingitswingstocushionthelandingastheysmackedintothetreesandtherocks,hittingthegroundinaclatterofpebblesandacloudofsmoke.
Natfellfromherseat,andwhensheopenedhereyes,shesawthatherdrakonwasweeping,itburnedwithsuchpain,andherownfacewaswetwithtears.Shefeltitspaininherownbody,inherownsoul,anditwasintolerable.
Herdrakonwasdying.Shecouldfeelitspain,itsterror,astheironworkeditswayintoitsflesh,intoitsveryspirit,corruptinganddestroyingwithitssilverpoison.
ShescreamedandDrakonMainasrumbled,itsvoicecuttingthroughthepain.
Stop.Stop.Stop.
Whatishappening?
Youmustcalmyourself.
Nattookadeepbreathandslowedherheart.
Better.
Youarehurt.Makeitstop.
Icannot.Wemustseparate.
No.
Itistheonlywaytosurvive.Listen.Iwillgodeepintotheearth,deepintotheBlue.IwillbesafethereandthepainwillabateforbothofusuntilIamhealed.
Alreadyitwasdiggingintothesand,itstalonsscrapingtheground,creatingadeepanddarkhole.
Atomb.Natshuddered.Aburialsite.
Donotletcowardlythoughtsovercomeyou,herdrakonthundered.YoumustreturntoValloniswholeandwarnthemofthismagicthatisinourenemy’shands.GO!
Thenthegroundopenedup,andherdrakondisappearedintoitsdepths.
Natsatstillforamoment,exhaustedandshakingfromthebattle,andnowfromthesuddenseparation.Shewasincompleteagain,morealonethanever,especiallyafterhavingknownandlivedotherwise.
ShetriedcallingtoMainas,butthedrakondidnotanswer.
Whereonceitwasburiedintheocean,nowitwasunderneaththegrounditself.
Therewasnothingtobedone.
Natpickedherselfup,dustedherselfoff,andwalkedtowardthegatewayhiddendeepintheforest.
Homeandsleep.Justnotthewayshe’dplanned.
Chapter4WESENJOYEDTHEELEVATOR’SWARMTH,thequietmusicthattinkledsoothinglyinthebackground.Shakes’stextmessagewasburninginhispocket.FOUNDELIZA.Wasittrue?Hewasimpatienttofindoutmore,butevenifhewishedtomovefaster,hewasthankfulfortheshortrespitefromthecold.Whentheracewasover,hehadreturnedthehalf-inoperativeheatsuit.Theorganizerslentthemtothedrivers—itwastoocoldtodrivewithoutone—buttheytookthembackaftertheracewasfinished.Cheapbastards.Hemissediteventhoughitbarelyworked,butwasgladtobestandinginthewideandwell-heatedglasselevator.Sincehewasalonehestoodrightbeneaththevent,savoringthehotairdriftingthoughhishair,ticklinghisears.Heat.Hecouldstandthereforever.Throughtheglasswindowshesawsoldierspatrollingthestreetsbelowandpostedateveryhotellobby.Hewassurprisedtherewasn’tanarmedguardinthecarwithhim.
EversincetheRSAhadlostthebattleinthePacific,themilitaryhaddoubledtheirgroundtroops,makingtheirpresencefeltineverycornerofNewVegas.Thebrasswasonedge,jittery,anddangerous,lookingforenemiesineveryshadow,ineverymovement.Theraidsonthemarkedweremoreprevalent,andtherewasnolongeranypretenseabouthospitalsoracure.Thewhitepriestswereevenmorevisiblethanbefore,ledbytheirHighPriestess,amadwomanwhocalledherselfLadyAlgeanaPenthos,goddessofpainandsuffering.Therewasnosafeharborforanyonemarkedbymagic.Theywereconsidereddangerous,enemiesofthestate,andanyonecaughtharboringonewouldsufferthesamefate—thereweremurmursthateventhemilitarywasincollusionwiththeLadytogetridofthemall.AllthemorereasontogetoutoftheRSA,outofthecrossfire,Westhought.Butwherewouldhego?Wherewouldhelive?Whatkindoflifecouldhedreamabout
forhimandhisfriendsonthisfrozenwastelandofaplanet?Thetimefordreamswaslongpast.
Theelevatorshotuptowardtheskyway,tothecasinosthatfloatedhighabovethesidewalks,anditwaseasytoseethatthelightsofNewVegasglitteredlessbrightlythesedays.Twocasinoshadgonedarkthismonth,onethemonthbefore.Thebigthreeremained—theLoss,theApple,andMarkAntony’sForum—alongwithafewothers,butifthedownslidecontinued,theStripwouldbedarkinayear.AnunexpectedwaveofnostalgiahitWes.Thecity’sdescenthadbeenquick.ThediamondintheicedesertwastheRSA’slastplayground,butlatelythatplaygroundhadlostitsluster,thebubblewascracking,thesnowglobewasabouttocollapse.NewVegas,thecitythathadshruggeditssequinedshoulderattheapocalypse,wasabouttoturnoffthelights.Helookeddownatthelonelyblackslabs,theabandonedcasinosloominglikedeadtreesoverthestrip.Theworldwasending,andVegashadstavedofftheinevitableforaslongasitcould,buttheEndhadcometocashinitschips.
Wesonlywishedhecoulddothesame.
Downbelow,agroupofpeoplewereassemblinginthemiddleoftheicysidewalk.Wesheldhisbreathashisphoneconfirmedwhathealreadysuspected.Thetextread:LSVGSBLVD+LFLMNGO.ZEROHR.Aprotestmob.He’dneverheardofanyoneprotestinganythingintheRSAbefore.Noonewouldhavedared.
Butthatwasbefore12/12,beforethedrakon,beforeNat.Weshatedthenicknamethenetshadgiventhebattle,asifitwereatragedy,whenonlydroneshadbeendestroyed.RumorsofwhathappenedontheoceanhadspreadthroughtheRSAlikeaswiftandwildwinterbreeze.Thesoldierswho’dlivedtotellthetalewerenewrecruitswhomthetalkingheadsonthenetshadtriedtocastasagroupofdeludedchildrenspinningstories,perhapsevenaXianconspiracy.Evenso,therelentlessloreofthemightyfire-breathingcreaturewasbecomingpopulararoundtheglobe.Intheoutlawterritories,theyfearedthehydra,inNewPangaea,thetarakona,anditsriderwasnamedademon,adevil,awitch,ablackdrau.OldVegashandshaddubbedthecreaturetheBlackAce,anditsimagewaseverywhereinthecity,itsserpentinesilhouetteappearingonT-shirtsandgraffitiedonwalls,alongwiththewordsTHEBLUEISREAL!THEMONSTERISREAL!DOWNWITHTHERSA!
PeoplewerestartingtobelievetherumorsthatthethrillerswhohauntedGarbageCountryweren’tsufferingfromfailedgovernmentexperimentsbutweredyingfromamagicaldisease.WhichmeantmagicwasrealandtheBlue
wasreal.
OfcoursetheBluewasreal.SowastheMonster,ifyouwantedtocallitthat,thoughhavingseenit,Weswasn’tcertainhewould.Hejustwishedhecouldbeascertainofeverythingelsehehadwitnessed,andhewonderedagainaboutthevisionhehadexperiencedthatafternoon,ifNathadtrulyseenhimashehadseenher.Heclungtothatmemoryandtothehopethatonedayhewouldmakegoodonhisotherpromise.
I’llcomebackforyou.Thisisn’ttheendforus.
Wesflinchedeverytimeheplayedthewordsbackinhismind.Theywerealmosttoopainfultothinkabout,evenforhim.Hetoldhimselftheyweretrue.Heneededtobelievetheywere.AsrealasthedrakonandthestoriesandtheBlueitself.
TheBlueandthegirlwhobelongstoit.
He’dleftNattofindhissister,toansweraquestionthathadoccupiedhimfornearlyadecade:WherewasEliza?Whathappenedonthenightshedisappeared?
DidShakeshavetheanswertothatquestionatlast?
Theelevatorchimed,themusicfaded,andthedoorsopenedtoablastofcoldair.He’dreachedhisdestination.Thethirty-secondfloor.Agirlinaslim-fitting,whole-bodyheatsuitstoodatthedoor.Shewaswearingoneofthenewones,withthefancyhoods,thebootstraps,andthematchingbalaclavathatleftonlyhereyesvisible.Hereyebrowsweretattooedpinkandhereyelidswerecoveredwithgoldglitterandswoopingwavesofblueeyeliner.“WelcometoIce.Areyouonthelist?”shesaidautomatically,checkingthetabletsheheld.
Hecoughedandshelookedupathim.“Oh,hey,Wes.”
“Nela,”hesaid,lettingherpresshercheeksagainsthis.“Howareyou,gorgeous?”Hewinked.
“HowamIgorgeous?HowamInotgorgeous?”HisfriendNelasmirked.ShewasthehostessatIce,andhe’dsharedmanyacanofNutriwithherandhergirlfriend,theequallystunningVixen,whilewaitingforShakestofinishhisshift.
“He’soverthere,”shesaid,pointingtotheemptyportionofthebarwhereafamiliarsolitaryfigurewasclearingsnowfromtheglassfloor.“Seemsmorecheerfulthanusual,andthat’ssayingalot.”
Wesnodded.“Anycrazystoriestonight?”Likehim,NelawasaNewVegasnativeandhadjuicyanecdotesaboutgrowingupamongthegamblersandthegangsters.Lastweekshetoldhimhowshe’dheardaboutapairofkidswho’djumpedofftheicebridgewithparachutesstrappedtotheirbacks.Oneofthepackshadn’tdeployed,buttheboyhadbeenluckyenoughtolandonhisfriend’schuteandhadmadeittothegroundunharmed.Thatfriendhadlandedbeneathhimandlostamouthfulofteeth.Thatwasthepriceoffriendshipinacityliketheirs.
“Notyetbutthenightisyoung.”Nelasmiled,showinghergoldgrill.
“Isn’titever?”Wespinchedtheedgeofherheatsuitplayfully.
Shebattedhimaway.
Wessmiledandpushedthroughthecrowdinthedirectionshe’dindicated.Guyslikehimcouldn’tgetintoaplacelikeIceunlesstheyknewsomeoneimportantor,betteryet,werefriendlywiththeiceprincessesatthedoor.LikealldecentVegashotspots,itwasguardedbybeauteousyoungthingswhokneweverymoverandshakerinthefrozencity—alongwithwhateveritwasthathappenedtobemovingandshaking.Iftheywantedto,theycouldtellyouthesecretsoftheuniverse.Butingeneral,theywereascoldastheirsuitswerewarm.OnlyNelahadevershownhimanythinglikeaffection,andWeswascarefulnottoabuseit.
Theall-glassbridgebarwasthehottestplacearound.IcestretchedacrosstheSkyStrip,joiningapairofcasinosthataffordedthebestviewsintown.Patronstoastedwithcocktailsastheyfloatedthreehundredfeetintheair,withnothingbeneaththeirfeetbutaninchofglass.Heatsuitsandheatlampskepttheclientswarm,buttheycouldn’tkeepthesnowfromcollectingonthebridge,sothebarhadhalfadozenfull-timeemployeestaskedwithshovelingsnowfromthefloor.Theirofficialjobtitlewas“snowmanager,”amonikerthatneverfailedtomakeWeschuckle,andoneheconstantlyteasedShakesabout.
Shakesspottedhimandnoddedingreeting,butcontinuedtowork,clearingthesnowfromaglassrailandtossingittothesidewalksbelow.
Weswantedtobarragehimwithquestionsbutdecidedtoplayitascoolashisfriendwasacting.“Hey,man,how’sthesnow?”heasked,slidingupnexttohisfriend.
“Cold,”Shakessaid,shiveringinhischeapdownjacket.Flakycrystalsdottedhisbeardandeyelashes.Thetwoofthemweretheonlyonesonthebridgenotwearingheatsuitsorheatvests.
“Butyou’remanaging?”Westriedtowinkathisfriend,buthiseyelashesstucktogether.
Shakessighed.Helookedfarfromtheyoung,scrappyrecruitWeshadmetinTexaswhentheywerebothnewrecruits.Hewasthinnernow,hisneatgoateescruffy,andhisclothesthreadbare.Theheavylinesonhisfacemadeitlooklikehehadn’tsmiledinamonth.Wesknewthesourceofhisfriend’sunhappiness,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit.Nothingeitherofthemcoulddo.
“Pickupashovelandhelpout,willya?”Shakesgroused.“Ifyoucanmanagethat.”
“YouknowI’mnotmanagementmaterial.”Allthesame,Wespickedupatrowelandchippedattheice.“So,aboutyourtext...”
“Givemeaminute,can’tbeseentalkingtocustomers,orlowlifeslikeyou,”saidShakeswithawansmile.“Myshiftendsinfifteen.”
Wesnoddedandhackedatthesnowthathadclumpedonthesideofthebar,sendingitflying.Fourmonthsandnowhehadtowaitanotherfifteenminutes.
He’dbeenworkingsidebysidewithShakesforawhilewhenthesoundofsirensfilledtheair.Ahelicopterhoveredbetweenthetwotowers,sprayingsnowandiceineverydirection.Ablinkingcasinosignfailedasthesoundofacarcrashechoedinthedistance.AportionoftheStripsuddenlywentdark,justasalargecrowdappearedinthemiddleofthestreet.Theycouldbeanybody—casinoworkers,military,vets,tourists.
Wescheckedhiswatch.Itwasmidnight.
Theprotestwason.
Thecrowddidn’tsayaword,didn’tscreamslogans,didn’tholdsigns;theywereasilent,moving,amorphousshape.Oncue,theystopped,andwhentheydid,thepeopleclusteredonthesidewalksandupontheskybridgesallgasped.Wespushedclosertothebridgetosee.
Themobhadformedtheshapeofsomesortofbeast,onlywithshortarmsandlegsthatbentdownthestreet,andalongershapetrailingdowntheStripafterit.
Nowhecouldmakeoutshadowylargerprotrusionsoneitherside,nearthevacantbuildings,almostasiftheywere...
Wings.
Adrakon.
Itwasunmistakable,nowthathesawitallatonce,withitslongbodyandheavytail.Thepeoplewhoformeditsmouthreleasedacloudofreddyethatcoveredthesnowinscarlet.Withoutmakingasound,theymadetheirmessageheard:
DownwiththeRSA!
WebelieveintheBlue!
Themonsterisreal!
Wessnappedapictureandhurriedlyputawayhisphoneastheslick,smugpatronsofIcegatheredbytherailstowatchthecommotion.Buttheprotestersdispersedjustasquicklyasthey’dappeared,blendingbackintothecrowds,sheddingcoatsandhatsandswappingjacketsandwigstoevadethesecuritycameras.Theentireprotestlastedforjustaheartbeat,thenitwasgone,swallowedbymassesandthesnow,andwhenthemilitarypolicearrived,therewasnothingtoseebutaplumeofredinthesnow,noonetoarrest,asifnothinghadhappenedatall.
Except,ofcourse,thatithad.Tomorrow,imagesfromtheprotestwouldgoviralonthenets,andsimilarprotestmobswouldspontaneouslygatherinstreetsallovertheworld.
Somethinghadhappenedbecausesomethingwashappening.Somethingishappening,Westhought.TheideaoccupiedhimashecontinuedshovelinghispartofthebridgeuntilShakestappedhimontheshouldertoindicatetheyweredone.TheypickedupglassesofNutrifromthebarandfoundanemptytable.Underneaththeirfeet,throughtheglass,anddownthirty-twostories,theycouldseemorepatrolcarsarrive.Meanwhile,thebar’sheatlampsmeltedtheiciclesonthetopoftherails,sendingpelletsofwarmrainfallingontotheirfaces.
ShakestookabiggulpfromhisdrinkandavoidedWes’seyes.
Agroupofkidsjostledtheirtable,spillinghisdrink.Wesranhisfingersthroughhisthickbrownhairinannoyance.
“Icebags,”Shakesmutteredasthekidsshuffledpast.
“Allright,stopmessingaround,”Wessaid.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Shakeslookedanxious.
“YousaidyoufoundEliza.Sowhereisshe?”Wesasked,thelightcatchinghisface,illuminatingastubbledchinandchestnutbangs.“Comeon,
man.”
“Mightnotbeanything.”Shakesscratchedhisgoatee.“Can’tbesure.”Heshrugged.
“Tryme,”Wessaid,takingthedrinkoutofShakes’shand.
Hesighed.“Imean,theguywhogavemetheintelmakesyoulooklikearocketscientistandmelooklikea,a—youknow...”Shakescouldn’teventhinkoftherightword.
“Anhonestperson?”
Finally,andprobablyonlytogetbackhisdrink,Shakesgaveitup:Oneofhiscontacts,afriendwhoknewWesandShakesweresearchingforEliza,hadfoundhernameonalistofprisonersbeingheldinafacilityinElDorado,adomedcityfloatingonwhatwasoncetheGreatSaltLake.
“ElKiss-My-GoldenDorado.”Shakesfinallyspatitout.“That’sallIgot.”
Wesexhaled.Thankgod.Hissisterwasalive,andtheyfinallyknewwhereshewas.ElDoradowasahaul,buthecouldgetthereinaday;hejusthadtofindsomewheels.
“Youboyswantanything?”awaitressasked,stoppingbytheirtable,cockinganeyebrowandpursingherlips.Sheworelonggoldenblondextensions,alooktheywerecalling“sylph-style.”
ShakeswasabouttodemurwhenWesnoddedtohisfriend.“Yeah.Butnothere.”
Thewaitressrolledhereyes,movingon.
Wesstoodup.“Comeon,let’sgetsomethingtoeat.Igotpaidtoday.”He’dwastehisentirepaycheckiftheyhadmoreroundsofNutriatIce,andevenNelacouldn’tfrontthemthatmuch.“Wegottacelebrate.”
ButShakesdidn’tmoveandhisfrowndeepened.
Wesslappedhisfriendontheshoulder.Inhappiertimesthetwooftensparred,tradingpunchesaseasilyastheyexchangedquips,butwhenhesluggedShakes,theboydidn’tmove,hedidn’tevenrespond.“Whatisit?”heasked.
“AboutEliza,”Shakessaid,notquitemeetingWes’seyesagain.
“What’swithallthedrama?”Wessaid.“ElDorado,Igotit.Wecoveredthisalready.”
Shakesbowedhishead.“Thelistshewasonthatmyfriendgot.Itwaspartofajob.”WhenhesawthedarklookonWes’sface,hecontinuedhurriedly.“Youknowthetype—highpaying,offthebooks,likethestuffweusedtoget.Hedidn’ttakethegig,butsomeoneelsewill...”Hetrailedoff.
“Ajob?”Wesstaredathimindisbelief.
Shakesshrugged.
“Ajobjob?Like,oneofouroldones?”Wescouldfeeltheadrenalineracethroughhisbody.Theyhadbeenmercenariesonce,buttheynevertookthosegigsanymore.ItwaswhyShakeswasworkingasasnowjanitorandWeswasracingcarstolose.Whichbasicallymadehimaprofessionalloser,athoughtthatwasn’tlostonhim.Still,itwasworthit,togetoutoftheworktheyusedtodo.
“You’resure?”
“Looksthatway.”
“Goon,”Wessaid,hisvoiceflatandtoneless.
“Eliza’sonatransferlist.They’removingherouttotheRedCity.Whichcanonlymeanthey’redonewithherandhernextstop’sthefleshmarketswhereshe’llmostlikelybesoldtothetempleofthewhitepriests.Andyouknowwhattheydothere:thebonecharms,theunguentsmadefromtheessenceofthemarked,thewigswovenfromsylphhair.Wedon’thavemuchtime.Thebrassareeagertokeeptheirhandscleanonthisone,sothey’relookingforanoutsidecontractor.Prettysuretheywould’vefoundsomeonetotakeitbynow.Imean,withthatkindofpayout.”
ShakessoundedasmiserableasWesfelt,buthekeptgoing.“Noteveryone’sahero.”
Chapter5HERHEARTHEAVYANDHERARMORstillsmokingfromthebattle,Natleftherburieddrakonandstompedthroughthemudtowardthearchwayoftreesthatmarkedthegate.PilgrimscalledittheBlue,butitstruenamewasVallonis.AsNatslippedthroughthegateofAfal,sheenteredaworldwherethebreezewassweetashoney,theairripewiththescentofblossoms.Justlikethefirsttime,shewasoverwhelmedbythebrightnessofeverythingaroundher.Thesunwassostrongthatshehadtoshieldhereyesfromtheglare.Here,theskywasaneternal,endlesscerulean,nothingliketheperpetualgrayandfogofNewVegas.Vallonisglowedwithcolorineverysoftandvelvetyleaf,everygloriousflower,everymossyrockandpebble.Itlookedlikepicturesfromthenetarchives,ofthetimesbeforetheBigFreeze.
Itwasparadise,andtoday,fortheveryfirsttime,itmeantnothing.Howcouldit?Paradiseboughtwiththebloodofmyown.Herdrakonwasgone;itcouldbedying.AndIamalone.
Thewordsrepeatedthemselvesonanendlessloopasshewalked.Shehadn’tgonefarwhenashadowfellacrosstheforestfloor.
Faix.
Youarealone,hesent.Sylphsrarelybotheredtocommunicatewithspokenword.WhereisMainas?
“Intheground,”shereplied.Unlikethedrakon’s,Faix’svoiceinherheadwasverymuchanother,andsheresistedhisabilitytospeakdirectlyintoherconsciousness.
Thesylphraisedapaleeyebrow.Faixwasthefirstpersonshehadmetin
Vallonisandwasamemberofitsrulingcouncil.HehadwelcomedherinthenameofQueenNineveh,theimmortalmotherofallthemarked.FaixoftheGreenIslandwastheQueen’strustedadviser,anagelesssylph,themostbeautifulboyshehadeverseen.LikeLiannan,hewasunnaturallytallandthin,withiridescenteyesandhairthecolorofstarlightthatfelltohisshoulders.Faixwastheonewhohadgiftedherwitharmor,whosentheronpatrols,whotoldherwhichgatewasunderattack.Hewasalsotheoneteachingherhowtousehernewfoundpower.Sheshouldreallybeusedtohimbynow,buteachtimeshemethimwaslikethefirst—shewastakenabackbyhisbeauty,bythesoundofhissilkysoftvoiceinhermind.Usually.
Justnottoday.
Todaythesylph’sbeautymeantnothing.Allbeautywasnothing.Todaywasadayofblood.
“Yourblade,”hesaidaloud,aconcession,sinceshehadrepliedtohimbyconversinginsteadofthroughtelepathy.Duringtheirinitialmeeting,Faixhadexplainedthattherewasnoneedtospeak,sinceheknewwhatshewasgoingtosaybeforeshesaidit,butNatinsisted.Hisvoicehadadifferenttimbrewhenspoken—deeperandlessuncomfortablyintimate.
Sheremovedherswordfromitssheathandhandedittohim.Henarrowedhisalmondeyesatherbeforetakinginthesightofthesword.
Heweighedit,examiningtheblackcorrodedmarkingsonitssurfacewheretheironcloudhadhitit.
“Canyoufixit?”sheasked.
“Yes.”
Butcanyoufixwhathaswoundedyou?Thesylphsentthewordsalmostasquietlyassheignoredhim.
“Mainaswashurtbadlyandtoldmetocomebackhere.”Alreadyshefeltweaker,lesser,withoutherdrakon.Shewasnotcomplete,notwithoutit,andwhenshethoughtofhergreatmagnificentbeastbleedinganddyingintheground,shefeltthetearsstarttocome,asiffromtheverycenterofherchest.Asifherheartitselfwasweeping.
ShesaidnoneofthistoFaix,buthenodded,asimpassiveandimplacableasever.“Awisechoice,toreturn.Donotweep.Valloniswillkeepyourdrakonsafe.”
“Itwasn’tjustthat.Itwasdifferentthistime.Theyattackeduswithan
ironbomb,anewweapon,amagicalweapon,”Natsaid.
“Thatisillnewsindeed,”saidFaix,hislipsbarelymoving,hiseyestrainedonsomedistanthorizon.
Shenoddedandawaveofexhaustionovertookher.Itwastoomuch,allofit.Shewishedshewerealreadyhomesoshecouldremoveherarmor.Maybethatwouldhelpwiththisimmenseweight.Itwaslighterthanitlookedbutstillheavierthantheclothesshepreferredtowear—herblackjeansandbootsfromNewVegas,thehomespunshirtsshe’dbeengivenwhenshefirstcametotheisland.Faixhadsetherupinalittlecottagenearariver,whereshehadabedandatable,asmallkitchen,andafewbooks.“WhatiftheenemyreturnswithmoreshipswhileMainasisintheground?”sheasked.
SheknewFaixhadheardtherealquestion:WhatifIalonecan’tprotectus?WhatifIamtooweakwithoutmydrakonhalf?Whathappensthen?
Hehelduphishand.“Thethreatfromthegraylandsiscontainedfornow.Itwilltakesometimeforthemtoreturnwithanewbattalion.”Itwashiswayofacknowledginghervictoryontheseastoday.Faixwasnotgiventopraise,onlydirectstatement,andshetriednottoletitbotherher.
Whenshefirstmetthesylphandwasremandedtohiscare,Faixhadcautionedherthatthewarwasfarfromover,andthattheyshouldprepareforthenextattack.Astheysatbythefirethatfirstnight,FaixtoldherthatthekingdomofVallonishadmanyenemiesthroughouthistory,andtheRSAwasonlyitslatestopponent.“Beingadrakonryddermeansthatyourlifewillbeoneofwar,andyourheartwillforeverbeconsumedwithfireandrage.”
“Iunderstand,”shehadsaid,thoughshehadn’tthen,andwasn’tsureshebelieveditnow—evennowthatshehadfeltthatragedeepwithinherownsoul.
Faixhadmadeherlisten.Hehadsaiditagainandagain,untilshecouldpracticallyrecitethewordsbacktohim:“TheplaceofthedrakonrydderisnotinsideVallonisbutoutsideitspeacefulhaven,guardingthedoor,partofitbutapartfromitatthesametime.”
Whenshehadonlynodded,hehadsighed.
“Itisaterriblehonor,andnowitisyours.”
Insomanyways,Faixhadbeenright.Itwasasolitarylife.Natdidn’tneedmuch,butshehadhopedformorefromtheBlue,hadhopedtofindacommunityofthemarkedwhereshebelonged.LiannanhadspokenoftheWhiteMountaintribes,andthevillagesfilledwithsmallfolk.Abasketof
foodwasleftatNat’sdooreverymorning,butsheneverevencaughtaglimpseofherbenefactors.Sheunderstoodshehadtoliveontheoutskirts,sinceshewastheland’sfirstandbestdefense,butshehopedthatonedayshewouldbeabletoexploreandenjoyhernewworld.Oflate,shehadbeguntothinkFaixwasright.Perhapswarriorslikehercouldneverrest.
NowshethoughtofWes,hunchedoveronthesteeringwheelofthatcar.Hedidn’tlooklikehegotmuchrest,either.ShestruggledtokeephermindfocusedonFaix.
“IwilltakeyoutoApissowecanreportthisnewdevelopmenttotheQueen.Thedrakonslayerweaponisnotourtruthtoconceal.”Hespokewithoutexpression,hisvoiceflat,andhisfeaturesunreadable.Faix’sperfection—hiscalmdemeanor,hisrigidposture—oftenunnervedher.Natfeltasifshewerefacingastatue,notaman.
“No,”Natsaidmiserably.“It’snot,”shemurmured,thehowlofthewindnearlyswallowingherwords.Theforestwascold;shelongedforthesky,forherdrakon.Shefelttrappedwithoutherloyalsteed.
“Besides,itishightimeyouwereintroducedtoNinevehandsawmoreoftheplaceyouaresworntoprotect,”Faixsaidslyly.“Aswellasthebenefactorsofyoursolitarylife.”
Ofcourse.
Itwashiswayofremindingherthathermindwasopentohim,thattheyhadnosecretsbetweenthem.Ifso,didheseeherthinkofWes?Faixneveraskedaboutheroldlife,andneveraskedifshewashappyinthisnewone.Hewasherguidetohernewlifeasadrakonrydder,buthewasfarfromafriend.
“Youarewrong,Anastasia.Iamyourfriend,”hesaid.IamyourfriendandIfeeltheweightyoucarrywithyounow,hesent.
Shecolored.“Doyou?”Itwasonethingtobeatelepath,butquiteanothertoberudeaboutit.
Faix’seyesflickeredinhisimpassiveface.“Iapologize,”hesaid.“ItisdifficulttoshutoutthethoughtsthatIhear.Iwillmakemoreofaneffortnottoeavesdropinthefuture.”
“Thankyou,Faix,”shesaid.“AndlikeIsaidbefore,pleasecallmeNat.Everyonedoes.”
“Iknowwhatyouarecalledbyyourintimates,butIfinditisnotenoughforyou.Itisratherlikethenameofasmallinsect.”
Shesmiledinwardly,rememberingwhatWeshadsaidtoherwhentheyfirstmet.Nat,liketheinsect?
Faixcontinued.“Namescarrypower,AnastasiaDekesthalias,”hesaid.
ButIhavenopower.Mypowerisbleedingoutbeneaththeearth.Shethoughtthewordsbeforeshecouldtakethemback.MainashadbeencertainthatValloniswouldcurewhatailedit,butwhatifitwaswrong?Whatifitsuccumbedtoitswounds?
Faixonlyshookhishead.Ifhewaslistening,hedidn’tleton.“YoumustlearnthatinVallonis,youhavenoneedtodisguiseyourstrength.Namescarryone’shistoryandidentity.”
“Thenwhatofyours?”Natasked,waryofanymoretalkaboutherselforherdrakon.
AhintofasmileappearedonFaix’shandsomeface.“IamFaixLazaved,MessengertotheQueen.Faixwasmyfather’snameandhisfather’snameandhisfather’snamebeforehimandsoonuntilthebeginningoftime.Weshareacommonnamebutweearnoursurnames;theyaretitlesthataredeterminedbyourtalents,bytheskillswehavehoned,thepositionswehaveachieved.”
“IsthatprideIhearinyourvoice,Faix?”Itwasararethingforasylphtoventureanysortofpersonalinformationabouthimself.
“Ournamesareasourceofgreatpride.MyfatherwasFaixLumeras,weaveroflight,andlongago,hisfatherbeforehimwasFaixPaean,healerofwounds,andourdirectancestorwasFaixDrakaras,herderofdrakons.”
“Hewasarydder?”
“No.”Faixtouchedthenecklacehewore,aslimchainholdingasmallruby-coloredcharm.“Hewasashepherd.DuringthefirstageofVallonis,whenthemightyclansofdrakonbornkeptthelandandwaterssafe.”
Clansofdrakonborn.Shecouldseethemforamoment,throughhiseyes.Ablazeofdrakonsandtheirrydders,mightyandproud.Peoplelikeher.Buttheyweregonenow,andsheunderstoodwhyhissmilewassad.Shewasthelastandtheonly,andrightnowherdrakon,thelastdrakon,wasburiedintheground,weakenedbyanunseenanddangerousenemy.Shewasallalone,andsowasherdrakonself.
Natleanedagainstthetrunkofamightyoak,runningahandoveritsgnarledandknobbybark.Birdschirpedinthedistance,theircallsechoing
throughthetrees.Thesunwasrising,itsfirstredrayscastinglongandelegantlydappledshadowsontheforestfloor,andtheacheinherchestthrobbed.
Wearepowerlessnow.Alone.
Youdidn’thavetobeasylphtoknowthat.
“Notalone,Nat,”saidFaixwithahintofanapologeticsmile.
“You’redoingitagain.”Natsighed.
“Andyoumayaswellbeshouting.”Faixraisedaneyebrow.“Butevenso,youmustunderstand,youarenotalone.Notevenwhenyourdrakonisapartfromyou.”
“BecauseIhaveyou?”Natsaidskeptically.
Faixstaredatherwithunblinkingeyes.“BecauseyoucarrythehopeofallValloniswithyou.”
Withthat,heturnedandwalkeddeeperintotheforest,andNatfollowed.
YourealizeyoujustcalledmeNat,right?
Ifthesylphwaslistening,hedidn’tsayaword.
Chapter6WESDIDN’TWASTEANYTIMEMOVINGonShakes’sintel,andbymorninghehadarrangedtheirtransporttothegoldencityofElDorado,whichwasaday’sdrivefromVegas.WhenShakesinsistedoncoming,Weshadtriedtotalkhimoutofitatfirst.
“SomaybeIgotadeathwish,”hisfriendsaid,shrugging.DarkcirclesringedShakes’sonce-brighteyes.Hismessyhairfellacrosshisforehead.WesknewhewasthinkingaboutLiannan.
“AndmaybeIhaveastupidfriend,”Wesanswered,clappinghishandonhisfriend’sback.Afterthat,Weshadgivenup.
Theywereleavingthatnight.Sittinginarestaurant,waitingfortheirpickup,hehopedthemealwouldimprovehisfriend’sdarkmood.ButnoteventhefactthattheywereeatingsomethingotherthanglopcouldputasmileonShakes’sface.Asluckwouldhaveit,Weshadbeenpaidtwicetheusualfeeforracingthespeedwayandthereweremorewattsthanhe’dexpectedinhisaccount.Itappearedhisbosseshadenjoyedthelittletrickhe’dpulled,thewayhe’dswervedandcrashedintothatLamborghini,causingthefive-carpileup.Crashesmadeforgoodentertainmentaslongasnoonegothurt,andWeshadbeenluckyinthatrespect.
ThecrashbonuscameinhandyforbribinghiswaytoEliza.Inamatterofhours,Shakes’scontacthadbeenabletopassonafewmoredetails—thenameandexactlocationofthefacility,andEliza’sidentificationnumber.Wessentherinformationtoahacker,whowasabletogleanherroomnumberandschedule.Bythetimedinnerwasover,Weshadgottenwordthatthehackerhadalsoconfirmedhertransferorder.ThetransporttotheRedCitywasscheduledforlaterthatweek.
Ithadbeennineyearssincehe’dseenEliza.Theywerebothchildrenwhenshedisappeared.Shewouldbesixteennow;wouldshestillrememberhim?Itdidn’tmatter.Shewashisonlyremainingfamily,hissister,histwin.Hewonderedwhatkindoflifeshehadled,whatkindofgirlshehadgrownuptobecome.Herchildhoodhadn’tbeeneasy,she’dfoundherpoweratayoungage,ithadmadelifehardforher.Wesshruggedoffhisworry.Itdidn’tmatterwhoshehadbecome,shewasstillhissister,hiskin—heneededtohelpher.
Shakeshadanall-tofuplasti-burgershovedsofarintohismouth,itlookedlikehemightchoke.You’dthinktheguyneversawaburgerbefore,Westhought,althoughhehimselfcouldn’trememberthelasttimethey’dspentthewattsonone.
“Slowdown,man,”Wesreachedforhisownsandwich,“oryou’llyakthatmessontothefloorandthey’llchargeusextratoscruboutthevinyl.”Hegrinned.“I’msorry,Imeantmanagethevinyl.”
Inanswer,Shakestookanevenbiggerbite,hischeeksbulgingchipmunklike.WhenhesawthelookonWes’sface,helaughedthroughhisfoodandspitachunkonhisplate.
Wesshookhisheadashebitintohisownplasti-burger.Buthewasgladhe’dsplurgedontheburgers.ItwasgoodtoseeShakeslaughing.Therehadn’tbeenalotofoccasionstolaughlately.They’dbeenevictedtwiceinthelastfourmonthsandwerecurrentlylivinginaramshackletraileroutsidetheStrip,stealingpowerfromthegridtoheatandlighttheirhome,butitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethey’dgetbustedandkickedoutagain.Withthesuddenandunexpectedrecessioncripplingthelocaleconomy,thecreditsNathadpaidthemforthetriptotheBluehadn’tlastedaslongashe’dhoped.WhileWeswasscrapingtogetherafewwattsracing,touristseasonwouldbeoversoonandthetrackwouldclose.
MoredarknessontheStrip.
Shakesputhisburgerdown.WescouldtellhewantedtotalkaboutLiannanandtheBlue,andWesjustdidn’twanttogothere.ThinkingabouttheBluemadehimthinkofNatandthinkingofNatmadehisstomachtwist.Hecouldn’tkeeptheimageofherfromhismind.Natastrideherdrakon,hergreeneyesflashing,lookingdangerousandbeautiful,andhemissedhersomuch.Sohekepthisfeelingsburieddeepinsideandhedidn’twanttohearhisfriendtalkabouthisown.Tobesilentandmiserabletogetherwasenough.
“They’redead,youknow,”Shakessaidsuddenly.“Theyhavetobe.Ican’t
believeLiannanwouldjust...”
Weswasalarmedatthelevelofhisdespair.“No—no.We’llfindthem.Wewill.Especiallynowthatwe’vegotthewatts.AfterwegetEliza,we’ll—”
“Nah.I’mdonehoping.Youknowwhattheysay...gonelongerthanamonthandgodknowswhat’sbeendonetothem.Iftheyweretaken,they’redead,andwefailedthem.”
“Youdon’tknowthat.”Westriedtoconsolehim,buttherewasnouse.Heneededcomforthimself.Hetookasecondbiteofplasti-burgerandlookedaway.ThedinerwasafarcryfromthefancybarwhereShakesworked.Therewerenoclearglasswallsorglassfloor,nosnowconciergestomakesureadustingofpowderdidn’tfallintoyourcocktail.Theplacehadaroofthatleakedandwallspatchedwithcrookedsheetmetal.Itwasthekindofnondescriptplacefrequentedbyrunnerslikethem;therestauranthadnoidentifyingmarkers,nosignsoutfront,nolightsthatyoucouldseefromtheoutside.Itlookedlikeanabandonedbuilding,adisguisethatworkedwellforitspatrons.
WesandShakesweren’texactlywantedmen,buttheyweren’talwayslegitimatehardworkingcitizens,either,sotheykeptalowprofile.Asfarashecouldtell,nooneknewthathisteamhadbeenonNat’ssidewhenthePacificfleetsunkbeneaththeblackwaters.Makethatalmostnoone.TherewereslaversouttherewhoworkedfortheRSAandknewwhatreallyhappened.WesguessedhewassafeinNewVegasfornow,buthewasn’ttakinganychances,notwhenhewasplanninganothergrab-and-gojob,thistimefromamilitaryhospitalprison.Hefinishedhisburger,fumblingforhisnapkin.
“We’llfindthem,”hesaid,tryingtosoundconfident.
Shakesnoddedbutdidn’tanswer.
Wescheckedhiswatch.“Ourrideshouldbeherebynow.Waittillyouseeit.”Hehopedafamiliarfacemightcheerthembothup.
Theypickeduptheirtraysandstumbledthroughthedarknessofthediner,Shakesknockingintoatableontheirwayout.Didtheyreallyneedtokeeptheplacesodark?Paranoiadrovethehuntedtoextremes—therewasnolimittowhatrunnerswoulddotostayundercover.Weshadseensomeprettybadplasticsurgeryanddyejobsonacoupleoftheircolleagues.
Shakesopenedthedoorandthetwoofthemhuddledinthecoldforawhile.“Hesaidhe’dbeherebynow,”Wesmuttered.
“Who?PrinceCharming?”Shakesstampedhisfeetinthesnow.
“Moreorless,”Wessighed.
Afewminuteslateravintagewhitestretchlimousinepulleduptothecurb.Itwasabehemoth,aboat,likeoneofthoseoldoceancruisers,fromwhenpeoplestilltookvacationsonthesea.Thecarwasarelic,mostlikelyrebuilthalfadozentimes,thebodymadefromflimsywhiteplastic,butthroughthefrontwindowhecouldseeithadblackleatherseats,andtheenginepurred.
Shakessnickeredwhenthelimostoppedinfrontofthem.“Letmeguess.ThismonstrosityisourridetoElDorado?”
“You’rewelcome,”repliedWes,feigninghurt.
ThefrontwindowrolleddowntorevealthesmilingmugofoneFaroukJones,amemberoftheirformercrewandfellowsurvivorofthebattleoftheblackwater.Thekidheldascreeninonehandandthesteeringwheelintheother.Theloudbeatsofareggaemash-upthumpedfromhisheadphones.Hewaslisteningtomusic,playingavideogame,anddrivingallatthesametime.TypicalFarouk.
Farouk’slong,thinfacebrokeintoahugegrin.“Youguyscallacab?”heasked,gettingouttoopenthebackdoorforhisfriends.Whenthey’dreturnedtoNewVegasafterferryingNattotheBlue,ithadbeendifficultforWestogetworkforhiscrew,andsoafterafewweekskickingaroundwaiting,Faroukleft,takingajobasacasinodriver.Atthirteen,hehadthebattle-hardenedfaceofathirty-year-oldandthetemperamentofakidnotolderthannine.Hebrushedbackafacefullofdreadsasheopenedthedoor.
Wespushedintothebackseat,Shakesnudginghimasideasheshovedinbehindhim.Thedoorslammedandthelimopulledout,musicblaring,Faroukspinningthewheeltoavoidalmostcollidingwithapedestrian.Heturnedaroundandhissmilefaded.“What’swiththelongfaces?Justyoutwo?Where’stheprettyladyandmybros?”heasked.Thelasttimethey’dseenhimwasamonthago,whentheteamwasstillintactandLiannan,Brendon,andRoarkwerestillpartofit.
Shakesremainedsilentashesprawledonthebackseatwithhishatonhisface,andWesalsoignoredFarouk’squestion.Heranahandacrosstheleatherseat.Luxuriesofthissortwererarethesedays;evenhisMustangfromtheracetrackdidn’thavethissortofjuice.“Whoownsthiswhiteelephant?”heasked.“Mustbeabigshotifhecanpayforthegas.”
“Nope,thisthingrunsonelectric,man,andthecasinobossespayforeverything,”Farouksaid.“LikeItoldyouonthephone,Irundailyroutes
betweentheElDoradodomesandtheStrip,sometimesHoHoCityifwehaveanarmedescort.Everyone’sleavingNewVeg,whatwiththecasinowarsandnowwiththeprotests,theplaceisamess.Waittillwegettothedomes.Goodstuff.Hotinthereforsure.Chicksinbikiniseven.”Hewinked.“Talkaboutdomes.”
“Whichnobodywas,”Shakesgroused,rattlingemptybottlesintheminibar.
“Soundslikeparadise,”Wesjoked,kickinghislegsuptotheseatwhileShakespokedaround,rootingfortreats.“Thisridehaveanyheat,vids,tunes?”
Faroukbobbedinhisseat,hisfingersrunningacrossthestreamonthescreen,playingsomevideogameWescouldn’tsee.HewastheyoungestofWes’sformerteammembersandaknow-it-all.Hecouldflyordriveanythingandwasbetteronthenetsthananyotherkidthey’dworkedwith.“Yeah,thisbaby’sfullyloaded,butyouneedakeycardtoturnonthegoodies.That’swhyIcarryportables.Gottarideinthecoldandcan’tusethetoys.Idon’tevengettochauffeurthebigwigs.MyjobistodrivethecarsbacktoElDoradoafterIdropoffthetourists.”FaroukadjustedtherearviewmirrorastheenormousNewVegasperimetercameintoview.“Fenceiscomingup,youguysknowwhattodo.”
WesandShakesmadeforthetrunk,pullingdowntheseatandclamberingintothedarkspace,thenpushingtheseatsbackintoplace.Thecasinobossespaidtherightbribes,sothehotellogoonthesidedoormeanttheywerewavedthroughthecheckpointwithoutaword.
“Mightaswellbeinvisible.”Faroukbeamed.“LikeI’mnotevenhere.”
“Yeah?Thatpickuplineworkforyou?”Wesaskedasheedgedhiswayoutofthetrunkandclimbedbackintohisseat.
“Man,thiswholerideismypickupline,”Farouksaid,snappinghisfingers.
“Thisrideisyourpickuptruck,”Shakessaid.“Onlynotasnice.”
Buttheywererelievedtoscramblebackintotheirseatsasthecarpulledaway.
Sofar,sogood.Butgettingoutofthecitywasonlythefirststep.WesstillhadtofigureoutawaytogetintoElDorado.Theholesinhisplanwerebigenoughtoflyadrakonthrough,buttherewasnouseworryingtheboysrightnow.Hewouldfigurethingsoutashewent;healwaysdid.Healwayshad.
I’mnotgoingtoletElizadownnow.
TheroadsheadingnorthtowardSaltLakewerewhitewithsnow,starkandgleamingagainsttheblacklinesmadebythecarsahead.Trafficwasinfrequent,theskygray,theairwhiteandalivewithsnowyflakes.ButinthedistanceWesglimpsedpatchesofgreen—asightthatmighthavebeenunthinkableafewyearsback.Theworldwaschanging,littlebylittle.WhethertheearthwascomingaliveagainbecausetheBluewasspreadingasLiannansaid,hedidn’tknow,buthehopedshewasright.MaybeonceallthelightswentoutineverycasinoinNewVegasandeverycityintheRSA,theywouldbeabletoseethestarsagain.Anewworldcouldbegin.Hesmiled.Onetripontheblackoceanhadturnedhimintoapilgrim,butunlikemany,hehadactuallyseenNat’sdrakon,hadseentheBluewithhisowneyes.Theworldwaschanging,whateverthatmeant.Hejusthopedtolivelongenoughtoseeithappen.
Astheydrove,theonlynoisecamefromFarouk’sheadphones,asmalltinnysound.Weswasusedtotherowdycamaraderieofsoldiers,ofblastingmusic,screechingpunk-metal-rapmash-ups,theblaringofvideogames,Shakeslaughing;hefoundthequietdownrightdepressing.
Apparentlyhewasn’ttheonlyonewhothoughtso.
Thelimosuddenlybrakedhard,makingbothWesandShakeslurchforward.Faroukswunghisarmovertheseatandturnedtothem,annoyancewrittenalloverhisface.“Youtwogoingtotellmewhat’swrongoramIgoingtohavetodumpyouonthesideoftheroad?Comeon,spill.”
“Youtryingtokillus?”Shakesrubbedhisheadwherehe’dhitthewindow.
“Yes.Killyou,andthentalktoyou.”Farouklookedatthemexpectantly.
“It’sLiannanandtheboys,”Wessaidfinally.Becauseinaway,itwas.ItwasNat,ofcourse,andEliza.ButasfarasFaroukneededtoknow,itwasalsotheissueoftheircomrades,therestoftheircrew—thebeautifulsylphwhowasShakes’sgirlfriendandthepairofsmallmen,BrendonRimmelandRoarkGoderson.Everyonewasgonenow.
“Iknewit.”Faroukslappedthesteeringwheel.“Wheretheicearethey?”
“That’sthething.Wedon’tknow.Theyjustdisappearedoneday.Wedon’tevenknowifthey’redeadoralive.That’swhat’swrong.”
Ashesaidit,Wesjustwisheditwastheonlything.
Chapter7NATHADTORUNTOCATCHUPTOFaix.Hisfootfallsmadeonlythesoftestsounds—notbecausehewasweightless,butbecausehiseverystepwascarefullyconsidered.Hesteppedovertwigsandleaves,nevercrackingafallenbranchorcrunchingleavesunderhisfeet.Shefeltlikealarge,lumberingfoolnexttohim.Itwasasiftimepassedmoreslowlyforhim,allowinghimtochoreographhiseverymovementwithgracefulanddelicatebalance,topondereverywordbeforehespoke.NatrememberedhowLiannanhadbeenabletowalkacrossthewater.Thesylphsweregifted:quick,light,livinginharmonywiththeworldaroundthem.
Incomparison,Natmightaswellbemadeofmud.
Butshefollowedinhisshadow,tryingtostayclose.Hewasmovingquickly,leapingoverrocksandlogslikeagazelle.ItremindedherofWes.Fast-moving,quick-thinkingWes,whoonlyhadhiswitsandgoodhumortohelphimsurvivethecold.Shemissedthemall—Shakeswithhisjollydemeanor,Liannan’swarmth,Brendon’sandRoark’sstaunchloyalty,Faroukwithhiswide-eyedenthusiasmfortheworld.
Weshadpromisedtoreturntoher,butitwasdifficult,somehow,topicturehim,inhiswornfatigues,gunbeltslunglowonhiships,withthatsardonicsmileonhishandsomeface,acceptingthesomewhatmysticalnatureofVallonis.WhatwouldhethinkofFaix,shewondered,andhisabilitytoreadminds?
Nat...
Afaintvoiceechoedthroughtheforest.
Nat...
“Didyouhearthat?”sheasked.
Faixturnedaroundandshookhishead.
PerhapsitwasWes?Butitwasn’t.Sheknewthesoundofhisvoice.Shewishedsheknewhowtheyhadbeenabletoseeeachotherearlier,soshecoulddoitagain.Natdecidedtoignorethevoicefornow.Maybeithadjustbeenanecho.
TheycametotheedgeoftheforestandFaixpointedtothedistance,whereatallwhitecityfloatedhighintheair,castingadeepshadowovertheland,hoveringabovesandstonecliffsthatseemedtoreachtowarditbutjuststoppedshortofmeetingitsfoundation.“WhenthecitywascalledAtlantis,itfloatedabovetheocean.Duringthesecondage,itwascalledAvalonanditswallswerehiddeninthemist.InAvalon’sMirror,arelicfromthatage,wecanseethepastandsometimesahintofthefuture.ThisisApis,ourcityinthesky,anditismoresplendidthananyincarnationbeforeit.Itisthehomeofourqueenandhercourt.”
Natmarveledatthecityofstonehighupabovetheclouds,defyinggravity,defyingreality.Buthow?shethought,knowingFaixwouldanswer.
Hegesturedatthegreatemptyexpanseofnothingnessbelowandaroundthecity.“Thoseinthegrayworldonlyseeemptiness,buthereintheBlue,thereisnosuchthingasavoid.Yourscientistscallitthedarkmatteroftheuniverse,thatwhichdoesnotreflectlightandcannotbetouchedorsensed,butisneverthelessreal.Yourworldalsocallsit‘magic,’butIassureyoutheetherisassolidasthegroundwestandupon.Ourpowercomesfrombeingabletouseandcontrolthatinvisiblematter.Weharnessthepoweroftheether,oftheverywindthatbendsthetree,theforcethattossesleavesintotheair.You’veusedthispoweryourwholelife.Youuseditwhenyouwerethreeyearsoldandyoupushedthatlittleboyacrossthelivingroom.”
Itdidn’tsurpriseherthatheknewaboutherpast,butitwasstilldisconcertingtohearitspokenaboutsocasually.
Yes,I’veknownaboutthispower,butnothowtocontrolit,shethought.
“Thisiswhyyouareherenow,whyImustteachyou,”hereplied.“ThepeopleofVallonisareabletochannelthispowertotheirwill.Wecallit‘sculptingthevoid.’Weaversusetheethertomakeillusions,tomanipulatereality,whileothersuseittomoveobjectsortorenderthemselvesinvisible.Alongwiththeabilitytocreatefire,drakonryddersareusuallygiftedwithwhatyourworldcallstelekinesis,henceyourabilitytomovethingswithouttouchingthem.Youhavetheabilitytolearnotherskillsaswellashoningthe
onesyoualreadypossess.”
Otherskills...whatotherskills?
ThistimeFaix’ssmilewaswideandfull.“Withthepoweroftheetheratyourcommand,youcandoanythingyoucanimagine.Weareartistsoftheunseen.Likeanyart,youmustpossessrawtalent,butyoumustalsopractice.Ourmediumistheether;ourtoolsareourminds.Wesculptwithourimagination,ourthoughts.Thistaskrequiresastrongwillandaclearmind.InVallonis,tobemarkedmeansweareblessedbytheether.Weuseittobuild,tocreate,toimagineadifferentworldfromtheoneweknow.Ifwedonotexerciseourpower,ifwedonotuseitcorrectly,wesuffer,likeyousuffered.”Painflashedonhisfaceforthebriefestmoment.
AsIknowyousuffernow,Faixsent.
Thedoctorshadmadeherbelievethemarkwasacurse,andtheflameonherchestwasasymbolthatnearlycostherlifemanytimes.Nathadbeenfrightenedandashamedofherpower;ithadwarpedher,ithadfilledherthoughtswithhelplessnessanddestruction,butnowsheunderstoodthesourceofthatrage.Itwasthepassionofanartistunabletopaint,apoetunabletowrite.Deniedatrueunderstandingofthegiftshe’dbeenbornwith,shewasunabletoexpressherpower,andsoshehadturneditinward,andlivedwithangerinhersoul.
Shehadbeengropinginthedark,butnow,lookingatthattallwhitecitysuspendedinthesky,Natfeltasifshehadsteppedintothelightatlast.
Chapter8IFFAROUKWANTEDASTORY,HEWASgoingtogetone.Wesstartedtalkinganddidn’tstop—almostasifhecouldn’t.HebeganwiththepartthatFaroukalreadyknew,abouthowwhentheteamhadreturnedtoNewVegasfromtheBlue,theyfoundthecitytakenoverbythemilitary.
IthadbeendangerousforanyonewholookedlikeLiannan,Brendon,orRoarktomovearoundindaylight.ThebeautifulLiannanhaddisguisedhergoldenhairwithdyeandhervioleteyeswithcontacts,butitwasharderforthesmallmentoconcealtheirnature.Sincetheycouldn’tstayanywherelegally,Wesdecideditwassaferforthemtosquatinoneoftheoldburned-outcasinos,wheretheycouldblendinwiththejunkies,homelessvets,andburnouts.Noonewassupposedtoliveintheabandonedtowers,buthundredsoccupieditanyway.Theplaceusedtobeoneofthecasino’sfabulouspenthouses,andalthoughitwasdirtyandabandoned,itstillhadworkinglightspoweredbystolenelectricity,akitchenwitharealstove,andenoughinsulationtokeepouttheworstofthecold.Itwasn’tthebestwaytolivebutitwasfarfromtheworst;therewasaroomforeachcouple,andWesdidn’tmindsleepingontherattycouchnexttothekitchen.IfWesandShakeshadtoworkoutsidethecityforacoupleofdays,theyhiredrunnerstosendsuppliestothesuite.
Itwasn’texactlyahome,butitwassomethinglikeit.Giventhecircumstances,itwastheirownimperfectparadise.Somedayswereharderthanothers;RoarkandBrendonstartedtocatchalittlecabinfever,andonceinawhileWeswouldfindthemupontheroof.Hetoldthemtoknockitoff,someonewouldseethemandreportthem,buttheykeptdoingit.Onedaytheyfinallyshowedhimwhytheywereupthere.Wescouldn’tbelieveitat
first.Thesmallmenhadriggedatenttomakeasortofgreenhouse,andintheboxedgardentheyhadplantedturnips,squash,cabbage,andcarrotsfromseedsLiannankeptfromtheBlue.
Smallmagicindeed,Wesmarveled.ThatanythingcouldthriveinVegaswasnothingshortofamiracle.Thetoxicfloodshadpoisonedtheentireplanet,andtherewerecompoundsinthewaterthatnofiltercouldclean.ItwaswhyeveryonedrankNutri—the“nutrition”processcounteredtheworsteffectsofthetoxinswithchemicalvitamins.Butuphere,onanabandonedrooftop,agardenwasgrowing.
Morethanjustagardenbegantoflourish.WesmissedNat,buthehadhisfriends,andthatwassomething.Liannanwouldsing,Shakescooked,andBrendonandRoarkwouldalwaysfindsomethingduringtheirscavengerhuntsaroundtheabandonedhotel—littletreasureslikeabarofchocolateorabottleofwinefromaforgottenminifridge.Everysooftenaflockofbrightlycoloredbirdswouldarriveattheirwindowsillatdawn,withofferingsoffruitforLiannan.Animalsofallkindsweredevotedtothesylph.Wesstillrememberedthetasteofthefruittheybrought—tartandfreshandunlikeanythinghe’devereatenbefore—realfruit,notgrowninthedomesorunderaheatlamp.Liannansaidthebirdsandthefruitmeantthatlifewasreturningtothegraylands.Wesknewmorethananythinghowbadlyshewantedtobelievethat.
Thenonedayitwasover,assuddenlyasithadallbegun.WesandShakeshadbeenrunningaweekendjoboverinLittleTijuana,andwhentheyreturnedtothesuite,theirfriendsweregone.Therewasnoevidenceofascuffle—noblood,nofootprintsorbulletcasings.Nothing.Thesuitewasjustastheyhadleftit.Neat.Tidy.Thegardenwasthesame.Nosmashedtents,noplantersturnedover,nosproutsorseedlingsuprooted.Westhoughttheymighthavegoneoutforawalk,butShakeswasworried.
Theywaitedforthemtocomeback.Maybetheothershadgoneonascavengerhuntinthehotel;theydidthatsometimes.Butnightcame,andstilltheydidn’treturn.Itwaseerieandquiet,andWesbegantogetareallybadfeelingthatShakeswasright,thattheirfriendshadbeenstolen.
Whentheydidn’treturnthenextdayorthenext,Shakeswentonarampage,upanddownthetower,kickingdowneverydoor,pummelingneighborswithquestions.Hesuspectedthatoneoftheirrunnershadturnedonthem,thattheMPscaughtoneofthemmakingasupplyruntotheirsquat.Therewasnowaytobecertain.
Theysearchedeveryporttheycould,calledupeveryfavor,everyshadyconnectioninGarbageCountryandbeyond,butitwasasiftheirfriendshaddisappearedintothinair.Noonehadseenthemanywhere,onanyshiporanylistofprisonersorrefugees.Notevenatthemorgue.
Maybethey’dleft,maybethey’dhadenoughofthecrew,ofNewVegas,ofthetwoofthem.Whoknew?ButWescouldn’tbelievetheywouldjustabandonthemwithoutawordoranote.Evenso,hedidn’tknowwhattothink.
Itwashardtomakesenseof—andevenhardertospeakof,usually—buttoday,whenFaroukhadasked,Wescouldn’tshuthimselfup.Asifhehaddonesomethingtodrivethemaway,asifthesewerehissinstoconfess.
WestoldFaroukeverythinginaquietmonotone,whileShakeskepthishatonhisfaceandremainedsilent.Theymissedthelittleguys,andlosingLiannanhadhitShakesthehardest,ofcourse—seeingasthesylphwastheclosestthinghehadeverknowntolove—butinhisownway,Weswasjustasbereft.LiannanwastheirlastlinktotheBlue,andtoNat.SometimesWesthoughtthejourneyovertheoceanwasjustadream,thathehadmadeitallup,butLiannanwaslivingproofthatNatwasreal.HavingthesylphonhiscrewgavehimhopethathewouldfindhiswaybacktotheBlueandseeNatagain.Butthathopevanishedwhenhelosthisfriends.
“That’smessedup,man,”Farouksaid,sighingheavily.Hedidn’taskanymorequestions.Wescouldonlyimaginehowhisfriendwasnowregrettinghavingforcedthestoryoutofhim.
“Yeah,well,”Wesgrunted.Becausereally,whatelsewastheretosay?
Atleasthehadachance,howeverslim,tosaveEliza.Ifhecouldn’tbewithNat,ifhecouldn’tfindhiscreworhisfriends,atleasthecoulddowhathecouldtosavehisonlysister.Theinformationhehadwassolid,buttheoddsofsuccesswerestilllong.Whenhewasarunnerforthecasinobosses,there’dbeenunlimitedresourcesathisfingertips,moneyforbribes,insidecontacts.Onhisown,Weshadafewwattsandtwosoldiers.Hewascountingonhisluckandwitstocomethrough.
SoshewasbeingheldinaRSAhospital.Wherehadshebeenalltheseyears?He’dalwaysassumedshe’dbeentakenbecauseshewasmarked,buthewasn’tsure.Hismemoryofthenightshewaskidnappedwasfuzzyatbest.Weswasn’tsureheevenwantedtoknow.
Hejustwantedherback,likeeveryoneandeverythingelsethathadbeentakenfromhim.
Fromallofus.
Hetriedtoputtheimageofthecrowdsurgingintotheformofthedrakonoutofhismind.Hewasn’tNat.Hewasn’theretosavetheworld,orevenNewVegas.Hewasn’tahero.Hewasjustsomekidwhogrewupinthecasinos,someonewholivedonthescrapsandtheleftovers.
Justgetthejobdone.Inandout.Liketheolddays.Asifanythingwasthesameasitwasthen.
Wesclosedhiseyesandtriednottothinkatall.
They’dbeendrivingforafewhourswhenFaroukstoppedthecaragain.“Flood,”hesaid,annoyed.“Comeon,helpmegetthechainson.”Thesnowhadmeltedintoagiantpuddleinthemiddleoftheroad.
WesandShakesgotoutofthecarandhelpedFaroukrigthewheelswithacoupleofrustychains.Asthecarchurnedslowlyacrosstheslush,WesaskedShakesifheeverwonderedwheretheicecamefrom.
“Myass.”Shakessnorted.
“I’mbeingserious.Youneverthoughtaboutit?”
“Hethinksabouthisassallthetime,man.ThisisShakesyou’retalkin’about.”Faroukwasenjoyingtheconversation.
“Whatdoyoumean?”askedShakes,inasurlytone.“Itgothot,thenitgotcold.SecondIceAge.Duh.”
Wesrolledhiseyes.HeknewthefactslikeanykidintheRSA.Itwas111C.D.,onehundredandelevenyearsaftertheCatastrophicDisasterdestroyedtheearthandwipedout99percentofhumanity.Globalwarmingsupposedlymeltedthepolaricecapsandcausedoceantemperaturestodropdramatically,andthemassiveearthquakesandtremendousblizzardsthatfollowedweresimilartotheseverecoldspellthatoccurredinthelastIceAge,almosttenthousandyearsago.TheBigFreezeturnedoceansintosheetsofglassandburiedcitiesunderimpenetrablelayersofice.
Andnowheretheywere.
Wesshookhishead.“Yeah,that’swhattheysay,butithappenedsofast,youknow?Andit’sjustatheory.Theworldendedandthat’swhateveryoneknows;noonecaresaboutthereasonsanymore,noonecareshowtheendoftheworldbegan.”
“So?”
Wesguessedhisfriendwasn’tinthemoodtopondertheuniverse,buthekeptpressing.“Don’tyouwonder?Don’tyouwanttoknow?”
“No.Stayingaliveandstayingwarmsortofgetsinthewayofalotof‘wonder.’”
WeslookedfromShakestoFarouk,whoonlyshrugged.“Don’tlookatme,Ijustdrivethecar.”
Wesdidn’trespond,knowingShakeswasimpossibletotalktowhenhismoodwasthisbleak,andFaroukcouldn’tcarelessabouttheworldbeyondNewVegas.
“RememberwhatLiannantoldus,”Shakessaidfinally.“Shesaiditwashappeninginherworld,too,everythingbreakingdown.Magicwassupposedtoreturntothisworld,butsomethingis,Idon’tknow,blockingit.”
“Andsheunblockeditforyou?”Faroukwinkedintotherearviewmirror.Wesglaredathim.
“Herpeoplesentheroutsoshecouldfindthesourceofthecorruption.”Shakesshrugged.“Maybethat’swheresheisnow.”
“Soshejustupandleft?”Farouklookedskeptical.
Westhoughtaboutit.Anythingwaspossible.MaybeShakeswasright.MaybeLiannanhaddecideditwastimetopursueherquestagainandhadtakenoffbeforeShakescouldtalkherintostayingwithhim.
Buttherewasnomoretimetowonderaboutitanymore,becauseFaroukwhistledfromthefrontseat.“Headsup,kids,we’rehere.”Overtherise,acollectionofdomeslookinglikebubblesoverwaterglintedinthefailingsunlight.SaltLakewasthelastliquidlakeinNorthAmerica,asthetoxicsaltinitsdepthsnaturallyloweredthefreezingtemperatureofthewater,andElDorado’sdevelopersalsokeptthelakepumpedfullofantifreezetokeepitliquid.
Whyfillapoisonedlakewithmorepoison?Wesdidn’tgetit,butthedeveloperswerequiteproudoftheirachievement.Brochurestouteditsrarity.Liveabovethewater,awayfromthesnow!Livetheoldlife,pretendtheicenevercame!ThedeveloperschristeneditElDorado,afterthemythiclostcityofgold,andhadgiventheirdomesagoldentint,buttotheconsternationofitswealthyinhabitants,mostpeoplecalleditSodaPopCity,afterthelakewatersthatbubbledandfizzedsoftlyunderneaththedomes.
Astheyapproachedthebridgethatledtothefirstdome,Faroukshiftedin
hisseat.“We’reonthemanifest,right?Youguyscan’thideinthetrunkthistime.They’llcombthislimowithalaser.Doradosecuritydon’tmessaround;they’llfireifwedon’thavethecreds.Thisplaceislockeduptighterthanyourmama’sass.”
“Leavemymotheroutofit,”saidWes,bemused.“Yourride’slegit,whatareyouworriedabout,man?It’snoproblem,wehaveithandled—right,Shakes?”Henudgedhisfriend.
Shakesshrugged.“Don’tknow,boss,youtookcareofthebribesandlogs,right?”
Wesnodded.“Smoothasthislimo’scheapplasticdoors.Igotoursuitsinmybag.We’llbeonthemanifest.Itcostus,butweshouldhavenoproblematthecheckpoint.”Itsoundedgood,andforaminute,Wesalmostbelievedithimself.
Faroukseemedsatisfiedwiththeansweranddidn’taskfurtherquestions;nordidShakes.Theytrustedhim,whichmadeWesfeelevenworse.Hehatedlyingtohisguys.Itwastheonethinghehadswornnevertodo,butintruth,hehadn’thadthewattstopaytherequiredbribes.Hewascountingonthelimoprovidingenoughcovertogetthemthroughthedoor,wherehecouldsweet-talkhiswayinlikehealwaysdid.HewashopingtheguardswouldcutFarouksomeslacksinceheranthisroutenearlyeveryday.
Thosewereawholelotofifs.
Itwasalongshot,butElizawouldbegoneifhe’dspentanothermonthworkingtheraces,tryingtoearnenoughforthebribes.Ifhe’dwaited,mostlikelyshe’dalreadyhavebeensoldtothetemple,totheHighPriestesswho,itwasrumored,fedonbloodofthemarked,suckingallthelifeforceoutofthemforherownimmortality.AndifElizawasdeadontopofallofthis—leavingNat,losingRoark,Brendon,andLiannan—therewouldbenothingleftforhim.
Weshadtotrusthisfatetochance,andhopehisluckwouldn’tfailhim.Andthenthathewouldn’tfaileveryoneelse.
Chapter9LEAVINGTHEFORESTBEHIND,NATsteppedtowardthecliffsthatledintothecloudswherethewhitecitybegan.Therewerestairscarvedintotherockleadingupward.Whereiseverybody?shewondered.Therewasnobodyonthestairs.ThiswasthecapitalofVallonisandyetsheandFaixweretheonlytwopeopleatitsentrance.
Thereareotherwaysintothecity,buteveryonemustcomethroughthisentrancethefirsttimeheorsheapproachesApis,Faixsent,asifheweremerelyapieceofhermindthatcontainedknowledgeshedidnotyethaveaccessto.Youwilltravelthisrouteonlyonce.
Theystartedtoclimb.Asoftbreezeblew.Birdsflutteredinthegreatvoidbeneaththecity.Theblue-andred-wingedcreatureslookedfamiliar,likethebirdsthatcametoherontheblackoceanwhenshewasalonewithWesinacargocontainerontheslaveship.
Sheclimbed,eyesdowncast,focusingonthesteps,carefulnottotriporloseherbalance.Shehadnothoughtbutnottofall,andevenhertelepathicconversationwithFaixceased.Afterwhatfeltlikealongandarduoushike,shefelttheairgettingcolder,andwhenshelookedup,shesawthattheywerenearingthetopandthatthecitywascomingintoview.Thestairsterminatedinagreatpromontory,astoneoutcroppingthatextendedoutwardfromtheclifftothegatesofthecity.
Natwalkedrightuptotheedgeandstopped.Therewasagapofabouttenfeetbetweenthecliffandthedoorwaytothecity.Itwastoofartoleapacross.
SheturnedtolookatFaix,whohadbeenwalkingbehindher,buthewasn’tthere—andwhenshelookedacross,hewasstandingatthedoorway,underneaththestonearchway,hisbrighthairalmostaswhiteasthecitystone.
“Howdidyoudothat?”Natfrowned.Shewasfairlycertainshedidn’twanttoknowtheanswer,whateveritwas.
“Simple.Justwalkacross.”
“Yeah,right.”Shelookedatthegreatchasmbelow.Shehadonceleaptfromahospitalwindow,fallingmanystorieswithoutinjury.Shehadflownonthedrakon’sback,hadsoaredatgreaterheightsthanthese.Shewasnotafraidofheights,butsomethingaboutthegapmadeherhesitate.
“Walkacrossthebridge,Nat,”saidFaix.“Everypupilofminehassucceededindoingso.”
“ButI’llfall.There’snothingthere.”
“Itonlylookslikethereisnothing,”hesaid.“Youmustwalkontheether,mustcommandittoholdyouupright.Onecannotsimplyenterthecity;thecitymustadmityou.ToproveyouareworthyofApis,youmuststepupontheetherandcrossthevoid.”
“Aleapoffaith.”
Faixnodded.“Soitappears.”
“ButifIfall,I’lldie.”
“Youwillnotfallifyoubelieveyoucancross.”Hestaredatherforamomentandtappedhischin.“Thereisastoryfromyourworld,ataleofakingwhoconqueredalandandwishedtoknowitspeople.Hewantedtounderstandtheircustoms,whattheywouldandwouldnotdo.Heaskedabouttheirburialpractices.Heaskedwhatsumhemustpaytoinducehisnewsubjectstoeatthebodiesoftheirdead.Nosum,thepeoplesaid.Theirdeadwereburned.Theycouldnotimagineconsumingthefleshoftheirmothersandfathers.Thissamekingaskedtheoppositequestionofthebarbariantribesmenthatlivedoutsidethekingdom.HowmuchmustIpayyoutoburnyourdead?Nosum,thebarbarianssaid.Intheirculture,theyconsumedthefleshoftheirdead.Toburnthefleshoftheirlovedoneswasinconceivable.”
NatsawtheimagesFaixwassendingher,oftwoancientpeoplesandtheirrevulsionforeachother’sdeathrites.Thedeadthatwereburnedandthedeadthatwereeaten.
“Doyouunderstand?Thetwocultures,the‘civilized’peopleandtheso-called‘barbarians,’understoodtheirworldincompletelydifferentways.YouandIsufferasimilarmisunderstanding.Inthegraylands,yourpeopleseethematerialworld,thethingsyoutouch,thepossessionsyoucollect.Butin
Vallonis,weseetheether,thevoid.Wedonotbuildcarsandships,gunsandplanes.Webuildmusicandtheory,ideasandvisions,allcraftedfromtheether.ToenterVallonis,youmustbelievethattheether,thevoid,thenothingness,thatwhichyoucannotsee,isasrealasatableorachair.Trustinyourpower,Nat,andenterVallonis.”Heheldouthishand.“TakeyourplaceasamemberoftheQueen’sCouncil,acitizenoftheWhiteCity.”
Butinsteadofsteppingforward,Nattookastepback,fearanddoubtonherface.“Ican’t.I’mnotoneofyou.WhereIcomefrom,nothingisnothing.I’llfall.”
“Youwillnot.Youmustshapetheetherintoawalkway.Imagineitintobeinganditwillbeassturdyasthestonestepsthatyoustandon.Trustme.LearntoliveinVallonis.”
“Doyoueatyourdeadhere?”sheasked.“Whoisthecivilizedmanandwhoisthebarbarian—theonewhotakestheleaportheonewhodoesnot?”
Faixstaredather,unblinking.Noonehaseveraskedmethat,youngNat.Youhavethemindofadrakonrydder.Withinandwithout.
“That’snotananswer,”Natsaid,crossingherarms.
Faixsighed.“Fromourperspective,yoursisthecrudersensibility.Aworldthatonlytrustsinwhatcanbeseenfeelsveryvulgartous.”
“WhyamInotsurprised?”Natraisedaneyebrow.
“Iunderstandthatfromyourpointofview,aworldthatprizeswhatisunseenmightseemprimitiveandbackward,likethepeopleinyourworldwhobelieveinnonsensesuchasastrology.Ihopetoshowyouthatourworldisrichinintellectandhistory,thatthereisreasonandlogicinour‘magic.’”
Natlookeddownatthegapagain.Windwhistledacrossherface.Atthisparticularmoment,shewishedtobeanywhereelseintheworld.Evenundertheworld,shethought,withmydrakon.
Thatwouldbesaferformethanthis.
Buthereshewas.
ShelookedupatFaix.“IfIweretotry—andI’mnotsayingIam—howwouldIstart?Alittlehelp,here?”
“Picturethewaterthatfillstheglass,insteadoftheglassthatholdsthewater.Seetheshapeofnothingness,feelthepresenceofthevoid.”
Natshookherhead.Shedidn’tunderstand.Shedidn’tknowhow.Her
powerwasunpredictable,uncontrollable.ShelookedacrosstotheopendoorwaywhereFaixstood.Therewaslightbeyond,andpeople,thesoundsofamarket,thechatterofacrowd,laughter.ShehadcomesofarfromthatlivingroominAshes,fromherfirsttripintoGarbageCountryandherstayatMacArthur.
Shehadflownuponthebackofthedrakon,butthissimplestep,thisleapoffaith,wasanevengreaterhurdle.Faixhadtaughtcountlesspupilslikeher,andeachonehadbeenabletoaccomplishthisstep.
SowhatamIsoafraidof?
Theair?Thegap?Falling?Oblivion?
Shestaredacrossthevoid,tryingtosortoutthechaosinhermind.
No.Shedidnotfeartheairorthegap.Theriskoffallingfromthesky,ofsuddendeath,thosepossibilitieswerewithheralways.Thosewerefamiliarfears,almostcomfortingones.Atleast,consistent.
Whatisit,then?
Shestaredacrossthevoiduntilsheknewtheanswer.
ShefearedVallonisitself,fearedthatshewasnotworthytojoinaworldshehadspentherwholelifesearchingfor.ShewasanxiousaboutfinallymeetingthegreatQueenNineveh.Shewasafraidofdisappointingher.
Whatifthecitydidnotallowheradmittance?Whatifshewasleftoutsideforever?
Whatifhersearchhadbeenmeaningless,afterall?
Natlookedatthevoid,triedtowilltheetherintosomeshape—abridge,orawoodenplank—butnothinghappened.Shetriedagain.Andagain.Andagain.Sweatglistenedonherbrow.Herlegsfeltheavy,herfingerstingled,thenbecamenumb,hereyestwitched.Shetriedagain.Nothinghappened.Longminutespassed.Faixreachedouttohermindbutshepushedhimaway,silencedhim.Shehadtodothisonherown.
Shehadtoclearherthoughts,totakecontrol,butherheadthrobbedwithresentmentandconfusion.Withdarkmemoriesofherpast,andanachingsadnessatpartingfromWes.Withendlessanxiety,evenguilt,aboutherdrakon.
Iammadeofshadowandunsettleddarkness.
Thereisnothingsosteadyasabridgeinsideofme.
Natlookedacrossthegapatthewarmlight,thepeople,thecitybeyond,everythingsocloseandyetsoveryfaraway.Thebeautifulqueenshehadnevermet,butonlyglimpsedinFaix’smemoriesandthoughts.ShebelongedinApis,sheonlyhadtobelieveittomakeittrue,butshecouldn’t.
Thefearwastoogreat.
Chapter10INTHEBACKSEATOFTHEWHITElimousine,Weshadchangedintoacheapblacksuitwithfakeheatbuttons;Shakesworeasimilargetup.HetossedShakesapairofmirroredsunglasseslikehisownandpeeredanxiouslyatthenarrowone-lanedbridgesasthegolddomesloomedinthewindshield.Thepairofbridgesextendedfromthemainlandtothedomesandback,likeapairoftendrilsfloatingabovethewater.TheyweretheonlywayintoandoutofthefloatingcityofElDorado.
Shakesturnedtohim.“Youallright,boss?You’repale.”
Wesgrunted.“It’scold.Whatdoyouwant?”
Shakesstudiedhim.“Screwyou‘it’scold.’LikeIdon’tseeyourfaceeverydayyoufreezeyourassoffbackhome.Youpaidthedatahacks,right?Manifestsaregood?What,youthinkwemight’vebeenrippedoff?”
WescouldneverkeepanythingfromShakes.Hisfriendknewsomethingwasup.“Maybe,”hefinallyadmitted.Maybewe’llgetoutofthisalive,ormaybewewon’t,becausemaybewe’renotonanymanifestandmaybeIhaven’tpaidanyoneoff.
“Maybe,huh.”Shakessighed,knowingthatWes’s“maybe”meanthehadn’tbeenabletobribeanyoneandtheywereheadedtowarddisaster.“Andmaybeyou’reabiggeridiotthanIthought.”
“Ifindthathardtobelieve,afterallthistime.”Wesraisedafingertohislips.Hedidn’twanttohavethisconversationwithFarouk,notyet.Heglancedupfront.“Slowitdown,Farouk.Let’snotlooktooeager.”
Faroukhitthebrakesandthelimoskiddedtoastop.
Wesgrabbedthesideofthecar.“Easy,man,trynottolookscared,either.
Takeitslow.Cool.You’vedonethisahundredtimes,right?”
“Yeah,yeah,nosweat,”Farouksaid,pickingupthespeed,tryingtodriveasnormallyaspossible.“AhundredtimesbeforeIwasdumbenoughtobringyoutwoiceholes.”Heshookhisdreadlocksatthem.
Snowblewinwavesacrossthelake,sendingripplesdriftingtowardthecauseway’sconcretepillars.Redbubblesrosetothelake’ssurface,gatheringandpopping.Westhoughtthegurglingwaterlookedlikehisstomachfelt:anxiousandboiling.
“LikeIsaid,alittleslower,”hesaid,tryingtopostponetheinevitableasmuchashecould,butthelimowasalreadyatthedome’sentryway,rightatthegoldenarch.
“LikeIsaid,makeupyourmindalready,”Faroukgroused.
Theshinyhalfloopofgold-platedsteelglistened,itssurfacenewlypolished.Guardsflankedthearchinfrontofthecheckpoint,weaponsraised,robo-houndsheldbackbyleashes.ElDoradowasaparadiseforthosewhocouldpaytogetinside—Vallonisforthewealthy.ThepeopleofElDoradodidn’tsufferfrommilitaryraidsoreatprocessedglop;hereinthedomedcities,theycouldpretendtheapocalypsehadneverhappened.Whowouldn’twantthat?
“Boss,”Shakessaid,nudginghim.“Boss.”
“Aminute,”Wessaid,tryingtofigureoutwhathewouldsayoncetheguardsaskedforhisIDandtoldFarouktheyweren’tonthemanifest.
“Youneedtolookatthis,”Shakessaid,pointingtothetipofthedome.
Aplumeofblacksmokedriftedfromthefarsideofthegoldenhemisphere.Cracksappearedacrossthefaceofitsglassshield.
“Damn.Whatisthat?”Wesfumbledforhisfieldbinoculars.“Lookslikethey’reventingsmoke.”Enclosuresneededanexhaustsystem;otherwiseasimplefirecouldclogthedomewithsmokeandthreatenthelivesofeveryoneinside.
Wesloweredthebinoculars.
Theywerenextattheguardhouse.Oneofthesoldiersraisedhisweapon;therobo-dogshowled.Thelimoslowedtoastop.Asecurityofficerwearingacrispwhiteshirt,redtie,andblueblazerwithagolddomeembroideredonthepocketsteppedoutofthebooth,radioinhandanddarkglassesonhisfaceasheapproachedthefrontwindow.
“Hey,man,where’sRolf?”Faroukasked,handingoverhisID.
Thesecurityguardtippedhishat,gesturedbacktowardthebooth.Hisradiobuzzedandheputthereceiverinhisear,noddingashelistened.
“Passengers?”heasked.
“CasinobossesfromtheLoss.Theyshouldbeonthemanifest,”Farouksaid,offeringthefakeIDsWeshadgivenhimearlier.
TheguardnoddedandstudiedtheIDs,radioingintheirnames.
WeslookedfromtheguardtothedomeandbacktoFarouk.Smokecontinuedtopouroutofthevent,creatingblackcloudsaroundthedome.Moreguardsappeared,surroundingthelimo,listeningtoheadsets,handspressedtotheirearpieces.
Somethingwashappening.Someonescreamed,andtheguardswhippedaround,watchingsmokebillowoutoftheentryway.
“Repeat,IneedclearanceforaDr.JekyllandaMr.Hyde,”theguardsaidintohisradio,waiting.
Shakesrolledhiseyes.Westriednottosmile.Theyweretwoofhisfavoritealiases.Noonereadbooksanymore,sonoonewouldgetthejoke.
Theguard’sradiobuzzed.
“Turnaround,”hesaid.“Turnaround,thedomesareclosedfortoday.”Hemadeaspinningmotionwithhisindexfinger,indicatingtheactofturningthelimoinacircle.
“Areyouserious?Ican’tturnthisbeastaround.”Faroukgesturedtothelimo.
“Turnaroundnow.”Theguardsteppedback,ahandrestingonthegripofhissidearm.
Inthedistance,sirensboomed,andredandbluestrobelightsreflectedoffthedome.Westurnedaroundtoseeasemergencyvehiclesapproachedfrombehind,blockingthecauseway.EvenifFaroukcouldturnaround,thefiretrucksandambulanceswereblockingthebridge.Therewasnogoingback.Aconvoyofhigh-techHumveescarryingarmedsoldiersrolledbehindthemaswell.
Whywouldafiredrawmilitaryvehicles?Somethingelsewashappening,somethingbiggerthanacrackinthedomeandaplumeofsmoke.
MaybesomethingasbigasadrakononthestreetsofNewVegas,Wes
thought.Somethingunstoppable.
“Comeon,man,I’llgetintroubleifIdon’tdeliver,”Farouksaid,pleadingwiththeguard.
Theguardshookhishead.“Pulltotheside,please.”
Farouksighed,shiftedthecarintodrive,andangledthelimototheright.“Badluck,boss,”hesaid.“Lookslikenoone’sgettingintoDoradotoday.”
“We’llwaititout,”Wessaid.“Tryagainwhentheyopenbackup.”
“There’sawaystationnottoofar—Iguesswecanstaythere.Godfreezeit,Iwaslookingforwardtothedomes,”Faroukreplied.
Theywatchedastheconclaveofemergencyandmilitaryvehiclesmadetheirwayinside,whenagroupofguardssuddenlysurroundedthelimousine,andtheyoungsecurityofficerledthepack,holdinghisgun.“Outofthecar,”heyelledoverthesirens.“Outofthecarnow!”
“Whattheice?”FaroukcursedandshotanaccusatoryglanceatWes.
“Outofthecar!”theguardordered.
“Stayinthelimo,”Wesgrowled,pickinguphisownweapon.
Faroukrolleddownthewindow.“What’sthisabout?”
“Yourpassengersaren’tonanymanifest.Noone’sexpectingthem.Outofthecarnow.”
“Noway,man.It’samistake.Askyourpeopletochecktherosteragain.CanyougetRolfouthere?Themanknowsme.Helpmeout—youknowI’mgoingtolosemyjobifIdon’tdropofftheseiceholes.Comeon,man.”
“Holdon,”thesecurityofficersaid,lookingannoyedandconfused.
Whentheguardleft,FaroukturnedtoWes.“What’sgoingon,boss?Lookslikewe’regettingscrewedbyyourguys—theybunglethejoborsomething?Whyaren’tyouonthemanifest?”Thenrealizationhit.“You’renotonthefreezingmanifest,areyou?”Hecursed.“Youcouldhavetoldme.”
“Ididn’thavethewatts,”Wesmumbled.“Sorry.Ithoughtwe’dbeabletotalkourwayin.Thoughtyouwouldn’ttakeushereifyouknew.”
“Iwouldn’ttakeyouhere?OfcourseIwouldn’ttakeyouhere—”Faroukbegantoargue,buttherestofhiswordsweremuffledbythesoundofmoreambulancesrushingpast.
Weswatchedastheyspedthroughthegate,pullingthesmokebehindit,
leavingthegateclearforaninstant.Agirlstoodinthearchway,dressedinabluehospitalgown,shiveringinthestreet,herhairamess,hereyesflashingscarlet.Shardsofgoldlitteredthestreet,andgunfiremixedwiththesoundsofshatteringglass.Smokebillowedthroughtheair.
“Wasthatagirl?”Shakesstaredatthesurrealscene.
“Whatthe...?”Farouksaidasashinynewcarshotthroughthefaceofthedome,arcingthroughthesky,andcrashingintotheguardbooth,explodinginagiantburstofglassandsteelandflame.
Theguardsleftthelimoandrantowardthebooth,yellingandcursing.
“Hitit!”Wesyelled.“Go!Now,Farouk.”
Faroukdidn’thesitate;hejammedtheaccelerator,spinningthewheels,careeningpastthestunnedguardswhowerestillstaringattheburningbooth,andblastingintotheentranceofthesmoke-filledcity.
Theywereinside.
Faroukslidintoatangleofalleyways,turningdeeperanddeeperoffthemainroadandintotheheartofthecity.Asfarawayfromanythinglikelawenforcementaspossible.Onlythendidheslowdownandchokeafewwordsout.“Youbothcangotohell.”
“Thinkwejustdid,brother.”Wesclappedhimontheshoulder.
Shakeslookedlikehewasgoingtopuke,whichwasjustanotherwayWescouldrationalizethepositivesideofhavingnowattsforbreakfasttoday.
“See,”Wessaid,nudgingShakes.“Toldyouwe’dmakeit.”
“Whathesaid,”Shakesmutteredback.
Wessmiled.
Butgettinginsidewasonething,andgettingElizaoutwassomethingelseentirely.
Chapter11HERPARALYSISMADEEVERYTHINGharder—andFaixmoreexasperated.
SoNatstoodattheedgeofthecliff,tryingtoshapetheether,tosculptsomethingfromnothing,touseherpowertocontrolthevoid.Sheclosedhereyesandtriedtofindthevoiceofherdrakon.Itsvoiceinherheadhadguidedherallherlife,andsheneededtohearitnow.Whereareyou?Inhermind’seyeshesawtheforestsoftheBlue,sheexploredthecloudsandtrees,themountainsandthegorges,andfromthereshetraveledtotheruinedPacific,toGarbageCountry,NewVegas,Ashes,andeverywhereinbetween.Shesearchedandshelistened,hearingthebuzzofahoneybee,therushofriverbelow,butshecouldnothearherdrakon.Itsvoicehadgonesilent,restingsomewhereunderneaththeearth,somewhereshewouldnotbeabletofeelitspain.
Imagineabridge,Faixhadtoldher.Buildawoodenplank.Thenothingnessisasrealasthestoneyoustandon.InVallonisweseewhatcannotbeseen.
Ineedyou,shecalledtoherdrakon.Canyouhearme?
Hearme,hearme,cameanecho.Natstartled.Thatwasn’thervoicebutsomeoneelse’ssheheard.
Natopenedhereyeswithastart.ShehadheardthevoiceearlierwhenshehadcrossedthegateofAfal.
“Donotbedistracted,”Faixscolded.“Thereisnovoice.Ihearnothing.”Stopstalling,hesent.
Natfrowned.“Ican’tdothis.Idon’tseeanything.”
Faixsighed.“Ihadhopedthatsinceyouwereabletorideyourdrakonyouwouldknowalittlemorethanyoudo.”
“Howaboutyoutrytoridemydrakonandthenwe’lltalk?”
Enough,hesent.Thelookhegaveherwasparticularlypiercing.Thenhetriedagain.“ThechildrenofVallonisbeginwhenweareyoung.Fromthetimewearethreeorfouryearsofage,whenwefirstsenseourpower,ourlessonsbegin.Welearnthroughgamesandplay,wediscoverourpowerasnaturallyasayoungchildwholearnstoimitatethevoicesofherparents.”
“Isthereapointhere?”
“Whenweareolder,welearnfocusandconcentration.Controldoesn’tcomefromemotion,myfatheroncetoldme.Wehavenoticedthattheuninitiated—peopleyourworldcallmarked—havediscoveredthatstrongemotionscanaccesstheirpowers,butitisnotthecorrectwaytodoso.Emotionsareacrudeandunpredictablewaytoaccessone’spower.Emotioncanbeoverwhelming,andultimatelydestructive,”saidFaix.
Natnodded.SheknewfromexperiencethatFaixwasright.Sherecalledtheslaveships,howshehadtornthemastandtoppledtheslavecrates.Shehadlostcontrol;she’dnearlysunktheboatandkilledallofthem.Butherewasthething—shehadenjoyedit.Therewasathrilltogivingintotherageandfuryinsideher.
“Onceyouloseyoursenseofself,youallowthecorruptiontotakeover.Ithappenstoeveryone.”
ShelookedsharplyatFaix,whosoundedasifhewasspeakingfromexperience.
Yes,Iam,hesent.Buthedidnotelaborate.Sheonlysensedabriefflashofgrief,andthenitwasgone.
Youcannotletthedarknessovercomethelight.
Faixcontinued,“Inart,thereisalwaysemotion,butwecannotsculptfromemotionalone.Ifwedid,ourworkwouldbechaotic;itwouldlackfocus.”
“I’mnotanartist,”shesaid.Andforgoodreason.Chaoswasallsheknew.WhenshewasaprisoneratMacArthurMed,thedoctorsandhersuperiorofficershadtoldhertouseheremotions,toletherhatredbuild.They’dturnedherintoaweapon—theirweapon.Shehuntedherownpeople,usedherpowertobringinthosewhowerejustlikeher,markedbymagic,markedfordeath.Hermentorshadbredthatfear,thatpain,andlikeabombthey’d
primedhertoexplode.
ButnowFaixwastellingherthatsheneededtoforgetwhatshehadlearned.“Theyliedtoyou.Theytorturedyou.Theywantedyourpower,buttheydidnotknowhowtoteachyoutocontrolit.Theyonlyknewhowtomakeafire,butnothowtokeepitburningsteadily.Itwilltaketimetomovepastwhatyouhavelearned.”
Nattriedagain.Nothing.“Ican’t...Ican’tdoitwithout...,”shesaid.
Faixraisedhisvoiceandbellowedintotheair,somethingsheneverthoughtshe’dhear,especiallynotspokenaloud.“Youthinkyouaretheonlyonetohavelostadrakon?”
Shestaredathim.Hecamefromalineofdrakonherders,themightyclansofdrakonborn.Sheshouldhaveremembered.
“Yes,Iwasbornarydder.Ihavefeltthesamepainyouhave,thegriefthatcomesfromseparation,”hetoldher,hisvoicenowonceagainascalmasever.
“Whereisyourdrakon?”sheasked,hervoicetrembling,afraidoftheanswer.
“Gonefromthisworld,”hesaid,touchinghisnecklaceagain.“Duringthefirstbreaking,whenVallonisfellthefirsttime.”
Gone?Butthen...howisitthatyoulive?Herdrakonhadgoneintotheground;thecreaturewaswounded,butalive.Itstemporaryabsencepainedher,buttheywouldberejoinedoneday,whereasFaixhadlostthatbondforever.Thepossibilityoflosingherdrakonseemedsuddenlyveryreal.Shehadthoughtshewasinvincibleasshesoaredthroughthesky,asshebattledthedronearmyastridehergreatdrakon.Now,shefeltfoolish.Perhapsshehadbeeninfargreaterdangerthanshesuspected.
IlivebecauseIhaveto.Youwillhurt,youwillbleed,youwillbebetrayedasIhavebeenbetrayed.Youwillsurvive.Andyoumustlearntocontrolyourpower.
“Teachme,”shesaid.NowthatsheknewFaixunderstoodherpain,hadexperiencedithimself,shefeltclosertohim.
Shebelievedhim.
Henodded.“Wewillstartwithmyfather’sexercise.ApracticeIlearnedasachild.Pickanobject.”
“Anyobject?”sheasked.Whatdoeshewantmetosay?
Sayanything.Thisisnotatest.
“Aviolin?”shesaid.Itsoundedlikesomethingasylphwouldpicture.
“Goodenough.Picturetheinstrument.Thestrings,theneck,thescrollatoneend,thechinrestattheother.”
“Okay,”shesaid.
“Nowtakeapieceoftheobject,thescrollatthetipoftheneck.Picturethespiral,thegrainofthewood,thefiberswithinthatwood.”
Shewastrying,butshecouldn’tseethepointofhisfather’sexercise.
“Godeeper.Withinthosewoodenfibers,trytoseethecellsthatmakeupthestrands,andthemoleculesthatcomposethenextlayer.Imagineeachstep,smallerandsmalleruntilthereisnothing,justthevoidleftwithinallthings,theatomswhizzingthroughspace.Imaginethethinguntilyou’veexhausteditsessence,untilyou’vereducedittonothing,tothevoid,theether.Onlythencanyoushapeitintoanythingyouwant—youcanturnaviolinintoacello,orabridge.”
“I’mtrying,”Natsaid.
“It’snotabouttrying.It’saboutrepetition.Don’texpectresults.Expecttofailandfailandfail.Onceyouareaccustomedtofailing,onceyou’vemadeahabitofit,thenyoucanshape.”
Natpicturedtheviolin,thewood,thefibers,themolecules,electronsswirlinginthevoid.Nothinghappened.Sheunderstoodtheidea:Allthingsaremadefromthevoid,soreduceeachobjecttothevoidandshecouldshapethatvoid.“Idon’tknow,Ican’tdoit,Ican’tmakesomethingoutofnothing.”
“Itisnotnothing;thatiswhatyoudon’tunderstand,”saidFaixsadly.
Asifalighthadturnedoninsideherhead,Natgasped.Sheunderstood.Thevoidwasnotavoidatall,notnothing—andallatonce,there,rightinfrontofher,wasawoodenbridgethatstretchedfromtheclifftothecityentry.
She’ddoneit!
She’dwilleditintobeing.
Nattookasteponthewoodenplank,andasFaixhadpromised,itwasasrealasthestonebehindher.Shetookanotherstep,herconfidencegrowing—shecoulddothis,shecouldharnesstheether,controlherpower—shetookathirdstep—
Andfell,screaming,intothevoid.
Chapter12ELDORADOWASBURNINGANDTHEwholecitywasinchaos.Fromthemarginalsafetyofthecar,Wesstaredatwhatshouldhavebeenabeautifulmetropolis.He’dneverseenacitythatwasintactlikethis,withsidewalksandtrees,manicuredstorefronts,eveniftodayitwasonfire.Ifnotforthebillowingblacksmoke,thewholeplacewouldlooklikeaphotosnappedinthetimebefore—thedaysbeforetheiceandthesnowcame,beforetheworldfroze.Shinycondominiumsstretchedten,twelvestoriesabovethestreet,sproutingupwardbetweencinemasandrestaurants,sidewalkcafésandfancyclothingstores.Therewereevenflowershopsandsupermarkets—twothingsWeshadn’tseeninyears,atleastnotwithactualflowersorfoodtosell.Itwasasnapshotstolenfromparadise.
Orithadbeen,beforethefireandtheshatteredglass.Andthepeople—somanypeople—runningaroundinapanic,butWeshardlynoticedtheirstrickenexpressions;hewasstaringatthembecausetheywererunningaroundbare-legged,dressedinwhatthetypicalNewVegasresidentworeasunderclothes.Itwassohothereinthedome,hewassweatingalready.
Faroukpulledoutofthealleywayandzigzaggeddownthemainthoroughfare.“Whichway?”heyelled.
“Takeyourtime.Apparentlywe’rejustheretoseethesights,”Shakessaid,elbowingWesashardashecould.
“Ow.”Wessnappedoutofhisreverie.Hescrolledthroughhisphoneandfoundwhathehadpaidforwiththelastofhiswatts:amaptothefacilitywhereElizawasbeingheld.
“Left,”hesaid,andthelimosquealedleft.“Nowstraight,”hesaid,lookingoutthewindowtothestreet,tryingtoorienthimself.“Upahead,turn
atthenextlight.”
“Left?”Faroukasked.
“Right!”
“Whichone?”yelledFarouk,confused.
“Left!”
Thelimoturnedjustasashowerofglasshitthestreet,tinklinglikebells,likebrokenmusic.Thescenewasevenmoreconfusing,morepeoplerunningoutoftheirhouses,outofofficebuildings,awayfromthesmokeandtheflames.
Butnoteveryonewasrunning.
“Look!”Faroukpointed.Scatteredthroughoutthecrowdswerekidsinhospitalgowns,inwhiterobesororangejumpsuits.Theywalkedslowly,deliberately,andtheirfaceswereset,concentrating,focused.Theyweremarked,allofthem.
Aboyinahalf-zipperedjumpsuitpushedpastthecar.Hiseyeswereflashingyellow.Hestaredintothewindowofthelimo.
“Whatareyoulookingat?”Faroukgrowled,pressingthegaspedal.
Weswatchedouttherearwindowastheboyturnedtothecarimmediatelybehindthem.
Theboypickeditupinhisarmsandhurleditintotheair,aseffortlesslyasifheweretossingatoy.
“MaybeI’ddrivealittlefaster,”Shakessaid,hiseyesfixedonagirlacrossthestreetwhowasblowingfiredownthestreetwiththewaveoftwobarehands.
Weswatchedasachildwithglowingpurpleeyesinatornroberaisedtwohandsupwardtothedome,forcingthepanelstoshatter,onebyone.Sheseemedindifferenttotherainofglassallaroundher.
Eveninthechaos,onethingseemedincreasinglyclear.Themarkedprisonershadescaped,andnowtheywerehavingtheirrevenge.
Butwhere’sEliza?Hassheescaped,too?Wassheoneofthesesilent,angrychildren?Hewouldneverfindherinthiscrowd.Hehadtocheckthehospitalfirst.
“Turnright,turnright,”Wesordered,andFaroukswervedhardtoavoid
theburningcarsintheintersection,andthelimousineskiddedonitsside;iftheyhadbeengoinganyfaster,itwouldhaveflippedover.
“There!”Wessaid.Afewblocksaheadstoodawhitebuildingwithrowsofblackwindows.Itwasnearlyastallasthedome’sgoldenceiling,withasigninfrontthatproclaimedittheEisenhowerMedicalFacility.Typical.TheRSAlikedtohideinplainsight,tocalltheirprisons“hospitals,”theirmilitarybases“peacecenters.”Thehospital’sstreet-levelwindowswerecrackedandsmokepouredoutofitsopenglassdoors.
Steelbarricadesblockedthestreetentrancetothehospital,soWestoldFarouktopullintothealleyandpark.Thelimousinecrashedintoapileoftrashcansbeforestopping.Wesgrabbedthepackthatheldhisequipment.Hemightneeditiftheylostthelimo.Hekickedasidethecansandwasoutonthestreet,theboysrightbehindhim.Wesdidn’tevenbothertolookoverhisshoulderwhenheheardtwosetsoffootsteps.“Youcanstayinthecar,’Rouk.Youdidn’tsignupforthis.”
“Screwyou,icehole,”Faroukpanted.Shakesshovedhimasheranbesidehim.
Theyrantowardthehospital,thesmokedarkerandthickerastheynearedit.Lookingup,Wessawenormousfansbuiltintothedome’sstructure,themassivebladesdrawingwavesofsmoketowardthevents.Itwasacleversystem,butitwasn’tenoughtocleartheairentirely,andsoon,everyoneinthissectionofthecitywouldperishfromsmokeinhalation.
Apublicannouncementsystemblared:ALLRESIDENTSTOTHEEASTERNEXIT.ALLOTHEREXITSCLOSEDDUETOSMOKECONTAINMENT.
Shakescoughedintohishand.“We’vegottogetoutofherebeforetheyshutthedoors.”
Wesnodded,asthepanicaroundhimgrewandthescreaminggrewlouder.
EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSTENMINUTES.
ElDoradowasgoingtocutoffthisdometosavetheotherslestthesmokeandfirejumptothenextenclosure,consigningeveryonewhodidn’tmakeitouttotheirdeaths.Meanwhile,themarkedprisonerswereeverywhere,bendingstreetlamps,causingexplosions,creatinghavoc.Weswantedtohelpthem—hell,hewantedtojointhem—butheneededtofindElizafirst.
Weswantedtofeelsympathyforthefrightenedpeoplerunningthroughthestreets,towelsheldtotheirmouths,fearintheireyes.Hewantedtopity
them,theirhomesaflame,buthecouldnotignoretheirrichlytailoredclothes,thefabricshinyandgaudy,theirrestoredvintagecarsnowblackenedbysmoke.TheresidentsofElDoradoweretheluckyones.TheyhadliterallywalledthemselvesofffromtheEnd,livingalifethathadn’texistedforoverahundredyears.Itwaswarminside,andflowersgrewinboxesandgrass.Theairwasmoist.Thedomesweretrappedinatimecapsule,andtheircitizenslivedinafantasy.MaybeitwasgoodforthecitizensofElDoradotosmellthesmoke,toshiverfromthecoldwindthatwasstartingtoblowthroughthebrokenglass,tofeelfearforachange.
Weshadknownfearhisentirelife.Hehadlivedwithfear,withcold,andwithhunger,somaybeitwastimethepeopleofElDoradolearnedhowtheotherhalflived.
You’refullofice.Youhadthewatts,you’dlivehere,too.Wouldn’tyou?Agirlabouthisageranpasthim,blooddrippingfromherhead;shewascrying,holdingayoungboyclosetoherside.Noonedeservesthis,nomatterhowtheylive.
“Boss?”ShakesandFaroukwereupaheadandconfusedtofindtheirleaderbehindthem.“Youdreaming,man?”
Hehadbeendreaming,justashehadbeenwhenhewasracingattheNewVegasspeedway.Hefoundhimselfdoingitmoreandmoresincehe’dleftNat,sincetheblackoceanandallthathappenedonthosedarkwaters.Whenhedreamt,itwasasifhecouldseeintoanotherworld.
“Sorry.”Wesrantojointhemandtookthepointposition,leadingthempastrowsofpolishedsportscarstowardthehospitaldoors.Gunfirethunderedinthedome,thesoundamplifiedbythehardsurfaceofthegoldhemisphere.Soldiersroamedthestreets,takingupdefensivepositions,helpingpeopleoutoftheirbuildings,guidingthemtowardthelastremainingexit.
EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSNINEMINUTES.
“Look.Theyfoundthelimo.”Faroukpointedtothealleywaywheretheyhadparked.Shotsrangoutandpepperedthelimo’splasticdoorsanditstiresdeflated.
Freezeit,thatwasouronlywayoutofhere.
Thesecurityofficerappeared,theonefromtheguardpost;hewastheonewhohadshotatthecar.Heliftedapairofhigh-techbinocularsandspottedWesandhisteam.
“HALT!”heordered,droppingthelensesandpickinguphisautomatic.
“RUN!”Wesyelled,andtheboysran.
“We’lldrawhimoff,”Shakessaid.“Headforthehospital.We’vegotyourback.FindEliza,we’llmeetyoubackatthealleyinfive—ifnot,we’llseeyouatthewaystationtonight.Weknowthedrill.”
Wesnoddedhisthanksandwavedashepartedwayswithhisfriends.Hewatchedthemscramblebetweenalineofparkedcars,shootingovertheguard’shead,drawinghisfireawayfromWesandforcinghimtofindhisowncover.
Thegunfirestopped;thewaywasclear.Wesboltedforthehospitalentry,dashingbetweentheopendoors,throughthesmokeandfire,andintothehospital,callinghissister’sname.
Chapter13WHENNATOPENEDHEREYES,SHEWASstandingattheedgeoftheforestagain,andFaixwaswithher.Thegleamingwhitecityinthecloudswasgone.“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Imadethebridge—Isawit,Ifeltit—andthen...”
“Youfell,”Faixsaid,lookingdeeplytroubled.“Thatwasnotsupposedtohappen.It’swhyIbroughtyouhereafterIcaughtyou.”
Shelookedaroundandsawfieldsofflowersgrowingaroundtheskeletalremainsofbrokencars,andbroken,burnttreesstandingnexttohealthyones.Theywereattheborder,whereBluelandturnedintogray.
“Doyouseeit?”askedFaix.“Twoworlds,overlappingeachother,onedeadandonealive?”
Oronedying,andtheothercomingintobeing,Natthought.
“Exactly,”hesaid,nodding.
“WhatdoesithavetodowithfallingfromthebridgetoApis?”sheasked.
ButFaixsmiledinscrutablyagain,andinsteadofanswering,hewalkedovertostandbetweentwograyoaktrees,onewithered,theotherlushwithlife.Here.
Shestoodnexttohim.
Theairwasdeadinonespotandaliveintheother,electric.Onepartitwasnumbanddestroyed,andtheotherwasalive,vibrant,exultant.Natstoodinthemiddle,excitedandalarmed.
Canyoufeelit?
Yes.
“Whenyoufell,Ibelievedatfirstthatyouhadlostyourholdontheether,butthenIrealizedthatIsawthebridgeaswell,anditistheetherthatfailedyou.Ithashappenedbefore,butnotatthisintensity.”
“Theetherfailed?ButIdon’tunderstand...”
Henoddedsolemnly.“Yourworldisdying,”hesaid,“andtheBlueisreturning,orsowehadthought.”Hegesturedfromthemuddyforestfloortoawalloflight,glimmeringandmagnificent.Faixwhisperedanincantationunderneathhisbreathandavisionappearedinthelight,thatofadarkandinfinitesky.“Tounderstanditsfailure,youmustunderstandthehistoryofVallonis.”
Inthebeginningwastheword.
Andthewordwasmadeflesh.
Aworldwasbornfromabrightlight.Mountainsrosefromtheoceans,riverssnakedthroughbarrenvalleys,adarklandwascoveredwithgreenvegetation.Brilliantwhitecastlesappearedonthehorizon,villagesfullofeverykindofcreature,fromsmallmentosylphs,centaurs,andflyinghorses.
ThisisAtlantis.Thefirstiterationofthebindingspell,theonethatwouldcovertheworldwithmagic.InAtlantis,theworldsofscienceandmagicexistedpeacefullytogether.
Natwatchedastheshiningwhitecitywasswallowedbytheocean.
Butthespellwasweak,andthemagicfailed.
Next,agreenislandglitteredinthemiddleofalake.
ThisisAvalon.Theseconditeration.Thesecondattempttounitetheworldofmagicwiththegraylands.
AyounggirlwithfieryredhairstoodontheshoreandstaredoutatNatbeforetheislanddisappearedintothemist.
ThentheimageshowedherandFaix’sreflectionastheystoodintheforest.ThisisthethirdageofVallonis,ortheBlue,asitisknowninyourworld.Thethirditeration,thethirdattempttobringmagicbackintotheworld.
Faixclearedhisthroatandthevisionfaded.HeturnedtoNat.“Thespellhasbeencastseveraltimesnow,andeverytimeitdoesnothold.Atlantisdisappearedintothedepths.Avalonsurvives,butisclosedtotheworld
aroundit.AndasfortheBlue...”Faixshookhishead.“Whenthethirdspellwascast,theicecamewithit.Thecoldwasbornonthesameday.Thespellthatwassupposedtotransformthisworldisalsodestroyingit.Themagicturnedagainstitself.”
“It’sbroken,”shesaidquietly,thinkingofthecorruption,ofthesicknessthathadturnedthemarkedpeopleintothrillers,livingcorpses,theirmagicrottingthemfromtheinside.
Aspellthatwasmeanttohealtheworld,tobringmagicandwonderbackintoexistence,hadbroughtdeathanddestructioninstead.
“Theverynothingnessfromwhicheverythingismadehasbeentainted,”saidFaix.“Somebelievethatwhenthespellwascast,itwasbrokenbecausetheearthwastoofullofpoison,thattheoceansweretoopolluted,thattheveryfoundationoflifehadalreadybeguntocrumble.”
Shestaredatthelushgreentreesoftheforestandpastthat,intothecountryside,coveredingrayice,attheworldwherethestarscouldn’tpenetratetheveil,wherethesunwasjustamemory.
“Sothere’snohopethen?”shesaid,gazingintoiridescenteyes.“Norefugeforthemarked?”
“Areyouaskingifthereisawaytoescapetherotandtheice?SinceVallonisitselfiscorrupted?”
“Yeah.”NathadfoughtforVallonis,shehadbledandherdrakonwasbroken,forthedreamofaplacethatdidnotevenexist.
“Thespellcanberecast,thedamageundone,”Faixsaid.“Valloniscanriseagain.”
“How?”
“Inthebeginningwastheword,”Faixremindedher.“Thereisacodex,ascrollorabookcalledtheArchimedesPalimpsestwhichcontainstheinstructionsforthebindingspell.Ihavestudieditshistory.Thespellcaster,theonewhoreadsfromitspages,mustholdthepowerofVallonisintheirverysoul.Thespellrequiresasacrificeinitscasting,butitalsocarriesareward.”
“Areward?”
“Thecasterbecomesking—orthequeen—ofVallonis.”
“What’stheprice?”
“Thespelldemandsthegreatestsacrificeofitscaster.Whenthespellwascastthreetimesbefore,eachtimethemagicfalteredbecausethecasterfailedtoprovideasufficientsacrifice.QueenVallona,firstrulerofAtlantis,cutoffherhandtobindthespell,butitwasnotenough.Atlantissank.Arthurgaveuphisloveandhiswife,butthepowerofAvalonfaded.Ourqueengaveherownson’slifetocastthespell,butstillitwasnotenough.Thespelldidnotholdandsoourqueenhassoughttocastthespelloncemore.”
“Anddidshe?”
Faixshookhisheadsadly.“No.ThecorruptionfrozethebookinsidetheGrayTower,andthekeytounlockingitwasstolenfromusbyonewethoughtwasafriend.Withoutthekey,thebindingspellcannotbeunmadenorrecast.”
“Whathappenedtothisfriend?”sheasked,rememberinghiswords.YouwillbebetrayedasIhavebeenbetrayed.
“Wedon’tknow.Onlythatthetowerstillstands,andtheworldisstillbroken.”
“Sofindthiskey,getthebook,andfixthisbrokenworld?Isthatit?”Shesmiledatherconfidence,butshewasadrakonrydder;thiswaswhatshewasmeanttodo.
“Yes,butitisnotassimpleasitsounds.Evenifwefindthekeyanditsthief,andareabletorescuethebookfromthetower,thereisstillnoguaranteewecanfindthesourceofthecorruptiontosetthespelltorights.”Thecharmonhisnecklaceglowed.
“Whatisthat?”sheasked.
Hesmiled.“ItisapendantthatcontainsaportionofthefirsttreeofAtlantis,preservedfromthetimebeforethefirstBreaking.Thisnecklacehasbeeninmyfamilyforthousandsofyears.Thereweretenpendantsatthestart,butnowonlyafewremain.Thependantsareusedintherecastingofthebindingspell.WhenthelastpieceofVallonisisgone,wewillnolongerhavetheabilitytoremakethisworld.”
“CanIseeit?”
Faixliftedthependantfromhisneckandithungintheair,aredsphereheldbywhatlookedlikeatinygolddrakonclaw,andinsidethesphereNatcouldseeasilhouetteofatree.Awholeuniverseinsideacharm.
Theyweresilent.
Nat,Nat,Nat.
Faixcockedhishead.Thistime,he’dheardit,too.
Itwasthesamevoiceshehadheardwhenshefirstenteredtheforest,thesamevoiceshe’dheardwhenshestoodonthecliff.
Thevoicewasstrongernow,louder,andithitherlikeapunchtothehead.Someonewantedherattention.Someonewasinpain.Someoneneededhelp,someonesheknew.Thevoicewasfamiliar.Overandoversheheardituntilshehadtoputherhandsoverherears.
Nat!thevoicecalled,screamingandfullofterror.Nat!
Nat!Don’tletthem—!Ineedyou!
Chapter14THEHOSPITALLOBBYWASEMPTY.Therewasnooneatthesecuritydesk,nooneatadmittance,nooneatthenurses’station.Thefloorwasblackwithash,theairwasfilledwithsmoke,andstrobelightsflashedasthefirealarmsrang.Wesremovedhisphoneagaintocheckhisnotes.Elizawasinroom712.Heneededamap,somekindofdirectory,butthecomputeronthenurses’deskwasdead.
Heburstthroughsteeldoorsthatseparatedthelobbyfromtherestofthehospitalandimmediatelyplungedintodarkness.Abrightstrobeflashed,lightingthecorridortothestairway,blindinghimforamomentbeforevanishingagain.Weshadseenenoughtoorienthimself,andhemadeforthestairs,gropinginthedarkness,andthelightflashedagain,buttoolatethistimeasheslammedintoacartfilledwithsharpinstruments.Steelandglassclatteredtothefloor.
Thehospitalwasnearlyempty,andoutside,hecouldhearthecountdown.EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSSEVENMINUTES.
Whenthestrobeflashed,hesawthedoortothestairwayandopenedit,justasaboywithastarmarkonhischeekandblackhairstumbledpasthim.Adoctorinawhitecoatappearedinthehallway,andwhenhesawthemarkedboy,heranintheoppositedirection.Weskeptclimbingup,waitingforthelighttoflashagain,andwhenitdid,itrevealedthewallswerepockedwithbulletholes.Hepassedmoredoctors,runningaway,runningdown.
“ElizaWesson!DoyouknowwhereElizaWessonis?”
Butthedoctorsonlyshooktheirheadsandran,fearfulandmute.Wesunderstoodtheirfear;hewasafraid,too.Thebuildingfeltasifitmightcollapseatanymoment.Hewasrunninginthedarkness;theonlylightcame
fromtheemergencystrobesandtheoccasionalrippleofflame.Thestructure—thewallsandfloors—wasstartingtocreak.Thehigherhewentinthebuilding,thehotteritgot.Thefloorsbeneathhisfeetbegantobuckle.
EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSSIXMINUTES.
Wesranupthedarkstairwayuntilhemadeittowhathethoughtwastheseventhfloor.Elizawasinroom712.Hestumbledoverabody,thenanother.Ashaftoflightilluminatedthefloorfromaholeblownoutthesideofthebuilding.Abrightgoldenshaft—Wessupposeditwasbeautiful,butgiventhecircumstances,hedidn’tpausetoadmireit.Eliza’sfloorwaslitteredwiththebodiesofdeadprisonersanddeadsoldiers.Hecheckedeveryfacebutdidn’tseehissister’s.Outside,thescreamsofthecrowdwerefading.Thedomewasemptying.
EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSFIVEMINUTES.
“Eliza!”Wescalled,thinkingshemighthearhimifshewasstillinthehospital.“Eliza!”hecalledagain,buttherewasnoreply.
Heheardfootstepsechoinginthestairway,headingup,notdown.Soldiers.Crap.He’dgivenhimselfawaybyshouting.
Atthefarendofthecorridor,Wessawthesamesecurityofficerfromtheguardboothwhohadchasedhisteamfromtheentrancetothealleyandnowthehospital.
“YOU!STOP!”
Wesopenedthenearestdoorandcrashedintoanoffice,plungingintodesksandNutricoolersandcomputerscreens.WherewereShakesandFarouk?Hadtheymadeitout?Theyknewthedrill.They’dgiveWesfiveminutesandthatwasit.Therewasnowaiting.Theyshould’vegottenout,hopefullymadeittothewaystationsomehow.ToomanypeoplehadbeenhurtorlostwhiletryingtohelphimfindEliza:Liannan,Roark,Brendon,andnowShakesandFarouk.Histeam.Hisfamily.
Thefootstepsfaded.Wespushedthroughadoorontheothersideandfoundhimselfinadifferentcorridor,alongwhitepassage,linedwithdoorsonbothsides.He’dfoundtheprisoncells.
Thestrobeflashed.Wescheckedtheroomnumbers.702.Hewasclose.Moreflashes.708.710.Finally712.
Eliza’sroom.Weskickedthedooropen.
Thestrobeflashedinthehallway,illuminatingtheroom.Itwastidy,but
empty.Hehadexpectednothingless.Alltheroomswereempty;everyonewasgone.Buthehadwantedtogoinsidethehospitalonthefleetingchancethatshemightstillbethere.Thestrobeflashed,freezinganimageinhismind’seye.Whitelinens.Whiterobe.Adeskcoveredinpaper.
Heavyfootstepsoutside,comingcloser.
Wesliftedoneofthemanilafoldersonthedesk.Thestrobeflashed.Hesawhernametypedonthefront.Apinkrabbitsatonthedesk,thefabricfaded,thefurworn.Hehadnomemoryofthetoy.Butithadtobefromherchildhood.Hetooktherabbit;itwassomething.Ifheneverfoundhissister,hewouldhavethisonetoken,hethoughtashestuffedtherabbitintohiscoatpocket.Hadshebeentransportedoutalready?Orwassheoneofthosemarkedprisonerstearingapartthedomedcity?
Hewasabouttoleavewhenthedoorclickedopenandhefeltthebarrelofagunpressedagainsthisback.Wesraisedhishands,placinghispalmsonthebackofhisheadandweavinghisfingerstogether.Heknewthedrill,heknewhowtosurrender—hehadbeenasoldieronce.
“Turnaround,slowly.”
Wesdidashewastold.Thelightflashed,andhesawthesecurityguard’sgunaimedathischest.
“RyanWesson?”theguardbarked.
Howdidtheyknowhisname?
“AREYOURYANWESSON?”
“Yes!Yes!Isurrender.Youcanputthatdown.”
Thelightflashedagain.
EASTERNEXITWILLCLOSEINZEROMINUSTWOMINUTES.
Theguardnodded,reachedintohispack,andproducedapairofplasti-cuffs.
“What’sthepoint,we’rebothdead,”Wessaidastheofficersnappedthecuffsonhiswrists.
“Don’tworry,icehole,they’llgetusout,”theguardsaid,pullingouthisradio.“Igothim.Yeah,heconfirmed.Meetusatthefront.”HepushedWesoutoftheroom,tothecorridor,towardtheholeinthebuildingwhereablackbirdheliwaswaiting,hovering.
ThesecurityofficerpushedWesouttheopeningandontothefloorofthe
chopper,andthatwasthelastthingWesrememberedbeforethebuildingexploded,crumblingtotheground,andeverythingwentblack.
Chapter15THEVOICEWASAFORCETHATPUSHEDherintotheground.Itsterrorwasoverpowering,anditwashedoverherentirebeing,cominginwavesandthreateningtodrownher.Itwaslikebeingattackedbythatironbombagain.Natputahandonherforehead.Shewasshaking.Herheadthrobbedandthereweretearsinhereyes.“Someone’scallingme.Someoneneedsmyhelp.Idon’tknowwhattodo.Ithurts.”
“Letmehelp,”Faixsaidquietly.“Openyourmindtome.IbelieveIcanamplifythemessageandtakeawaythepain.Trustme,Nat.Letmehelpyou.”
Natconsideredhisoffer,relievedtodiscovertherewerelimitstohisabilitytotapintoherconsciousness.Ifheneededpermissiontoenterdeepintohermind,itmeantshecouldalsokeephimoutandmusthavebeensuccessfulinclosingherselfoffbefore.Butthatdidn’tmatternow.Onlythepainmattered.Sheneededrelief.Now.IfFaixcouldhelpher,shewouldlethim.
Sensingheracquiescence,hecamecloser,hiswhitehairbrushingherfaceashewhisperedinherear,“Relax.Clearyourmind.Don’tresist.Iwilldotherest.”
Shesighed.“Okay.”
Heputahandonherforehead.
Nattriednottothink,nottodoanything.Itwaseasyenough;thethrobbinginherheadwasoverpowering.Shetookabreathandtoldhimtostart,todowhateverhecould.
Hisforeheadtouchedhers.Shefelthispresenceinhermind,likeaghost,likeashadowonanovercastday.Thepainfadedandanimageappeared.
Wallsofpristinewhitemarble.Steeldoors.Criesechoedthroughthedarkness.Achorusofpain.Cellaftercellaftercell.Prisoners,pilgrims,huddledtogether,coldandafraid.Inonecell,heavyironchainshungfromthewall,sapphirebloodpooledonthefloor,andagirlinawhiterobecoweredinthecorner.
Agirlshewouldknowanywhere.
Liannan!Natscreamed.Whereareyou?
Nat!Listen!Don’tletthem—
Withajolt,Natsnappedawakefromthedream,pushingFaixbackward,severingtheirlink,sendinghimtumbling.Helookedsurprised,shaken.
“Didyousee?”sheasked.“Didyouseeher?”
Henodded,hisfaceaghast.
“Whatwaswrongwithher—”Natshuddered.Liannan’srobewascoveredwithherbrightsapphireblood.Whathappenedtoher?Wherewasshebeingheld?Wherewaseveryoneelse?Brendon?Roark?Wes?Shakes?Farouk?Weretheyprisoners,too?
Natkneeledinthedirt,shaking.ShehadtohelpLiannan,buthow?Withoutherdrakon,withoutherpower,shewasuseless.
“Youmustlearntobelieve,Nat,”saidFaix,readinghermindasalways.“Wefoundyouoncebefore,whenyouwereaprisonerontheocean.Doyourememberthebirdswhovisitedyouwhenyouwereonthedeckoftheslaveship?”
Natnoddedslowly.
“ThosebirdstraveledfromVallonis,andsoshallwe.Wewillfindthem.Letmeseewhatyousaw,onemoretime.”
Shelethimtouchherforeheadwithhishandagain,felthispowersoothingheranxiety.
Theimagereturned,thestarkwhiterooms,longcorridorsfullofsoldiersandprisoners.Itwasallafast-movingblur.
Concentrate,sentFaix.
Natfocusedonanymarkersshecouldsee,anythingthatwouldgiveawaythelocation.Butallshesawwerealabasterwalls,concretefloors.Nosigns,nothingthatwouldindicateaspecificlocation.
There’snothing,shesentFaix.
Youarestillattachedtothematerialworld.Concentrateonwhatyoucannotsee.
Thensheunderstood.Shefocusedonthesourceofthecall;ifshecouldhearitclearly,Faixcouldtakethemthere,whereverthatwas.Shefocusedherenergies.Nat!Nat!Listen!Don’tletthem—Save—
Don’tletthemkillus!Saveus!That’swhatLiannanwastellingherbeforetheconnectionwassevered.Shewouldn’t.Natopenedhereyes.Sheknewwheretogonow.“Showmetheway.”
“Inthegraylands,thedoorstoVallonisarefewaswemustprotectourcountry,butadoorfromVallonistoyourworldcantakeusanywhere.However,oncewepassthroughthedoor,wecannotuseittotravelbackhere.Wecanreachyourfriend,butthereturnjourneywillbelonganddifficult.”
“Iunderstand.”Itwouldn’tbeherfirsttripacrosstheblackwaters;shehadsurvivedtheoceanbeforeandshecoulddoitagain,evenifshehadtodoitwithoutherdrakon.Liannanneededher.
AndIneedLiannan.Thetwohadsurvivedtheblackwaters,shehadhelpedbringNattotheBlue,andshehadtaughtNattounderstandherpowerandcommunewithherdrakon.LiannanwasoneofthefewfriendsNathadintheworld.
Faixwavedhishandinacircle,andthegroundshook,andtheentireforestbeforethemwhirledasifitwereagreatstewandhewasstirringthepot,weavingthegrassandrocksandtheveryskyintoaholeintheair.Hewasshapingthevoid,sculptingtheether,creatingadoorwaywherenonehadstoodbefore.Theholewasnolargerthanapinprickatfirst,butitgraduallywidened,largerandlarger.SoonthecirclewasaswideasNatwastall.Faixputhishandstogetheranddrewthemupclosetohischest,thenpushedhisfingersforwardandturnedtheringintoatunnel,apassagemadefromtheearthandskyofVallonis.
Thisbattlewouldbedifferentfromtheothersshehadwon.Withnodrakonathercommand,shehadonlyherself,herswordandshield,andthesylphbyherside.ItwouldhavetobeenoughtosaveLiannan.NatfollowedFaixintothepassage.Therewasnotimetowaste.
Chapter16HISHANDSWERESHAKINGUNCONTROLLABLY.Weswedgedhisfingersbetweenhisarmandchest,tryingtostopthemfromtrembling,butthetremorswouldnotabate.Theroomhewasinwasn’tcoldordamp.Somethingwaswrongwithhim.Atfirsthe’dthoughtitwastheice,sincethesnowgottoeveryoneeventually.Thecoldgotintoyourbones.Theycallediticedisease,eventhoughitwasn’tarealdisease,likecancerorevenricketsorscurvy,whichthevitamin-deficientpopulacesufferedfromduetothelackofsunlightandcitrusfruits,nomatterhowmuchNutritheydrank.Icediseasewasjustanamegiventoacommonsetofsymptoms,anailmenteveryonegoteventually,liketheflu.Onlyitwasworsethaninfluenza.Therewasnocure,novaccine,anditneverwentaway.
Whenhestartedlosinghisvisionafewyearsago,andhishandsstartedtrembling,Wesjustassumedhehadthesamethingeveryoneelsedid.Butlately,hewondered.Usuallywhenhisvisionwentwhite,hewouldbeblindforafewmoments.Butonthespeedwayhehadn’tgoneblind.He’dseenNat.Therewassomethingwrongwithhim,allright,butmaybeitwasn’ttheice.
Hecouldn’tworryaboutitnow.Hehadother,morepressingconcerns.Hehadwokenupstrappedtoabedinthebackofanambulance.Theexplosionhadtakenoutthehospital,andhesufferedsomeburnstohisfaceandsmokeinhalation.Hislungshadbeenatminimumcapacityforkeepinghimalive.Everybreathhe’ddrawnfeltshallowanddesperate.
Hehadnoideawherehewas,andonlyvaguelyrememberedbeingflowntoanairbase,thenbundledupandtakensomewhereelse.Hecouldbeanywhereintheworld,inanyoneoftheRSA’ssecretmilitarydetention
centers.Wesrecognizedthelime-greenwallsthatdenotedamilitaryprison.Someonehadoncetoldhimthepalecolorwaschosenforitscalmingeffects,butthegreenjustmadehimnauseous.Greenfloor.Greenwalls.Greenceiling.Greenlights.
Hehadfailed.Howbadly,hehadnowayofknowing.Notyet.
Elizawasdeadorshewasnot.Shehadescapedorshehadnot.Eitherway,ithadnothingtodowithhim.
Hehadbeentoolate.
Wesdidn’tknowwhathappenedtohisboys;hehopedShakesandFaroukhadgottenaway,butthelimohadbeenunderfirewhentheylastsawit.ForallWesknewtheyweredead,orlockedinanothercell.Hehadn’tbeenallowedoutofhiscellsincehearrived,andhadn’tspokentoanyonebuthimself.
Ifitwasmeanttodrivehimcrazy,itwasworking.Thenagain,hecouldhavetoldthemtheywerewastingtheirtime.He’dbeencrazyawholelotlongerthanthis.
Wescountedthedaysbythelightsinhiscell.Theroomwentblackforeightorninehourseachday.Theroomhadgonedarkseventimes,soheguessedsevendayshadpassed.Hecouldn’tbecertain.Forallheknewamonthhadgoneby.Hismindwasfoggy,disoriented,andnowhewastremblingallover.
Whatdotheywantfromme?
Whentheguardscameoneday,heoverheardthemtalkingaboutthelockdown.Noonewasallowedoutoftheircells.Therehadbeensomekindofriottheotherweek,andeveryonewasonedge.
Foodarrived,withsomeregularity,throughaslotinthedoor.Heatdriftedthroughagrilleinthewall.Thelightinhiscellwasgreenish,butconstant.Thesewerethegoodthings.Sohiscaptorswantedhimalive;therewasthat,atleast.Wesdidn’ttrytothinkaboutwhy—thereweretoomanypossiblereasons,andnoneofthemwerecomforting.
Yourcomfortisnotthepoint,heremindedhimself.
Yoursisteris.Yourfriends.
Oratleasttheywere.
Theslotopened.Atraypassedthroughthehole.Hewonderediftheprisondesignershadmodeledhiscellonoldvidsdownloadedfromthenets,orif
prisonsalwayslookedlikethis—greenandempty,withaslotinthedoorforfood.
Westookthetray,whichcontainedabowlofagrayviscouspudding—vitamin-infusedsoycake,ifyouusedthepropername,orVISC,asitwascalleddownattheFo-Prolines.Hesatdownandtooktheplasticspoonandnapkinfromthetray,layingthenapkinonhislapandthetrayonthenapkin.Nosensemakingamess.
Inoldvids,prisonersthrewtheirmealsacrosstherooms,butthatmadenosensetoWes.Hewashungry,andifhethrewthetrayacrosstheroom,whowouldcleanupthemess?Noone.He’djustbeeatingoffthefloorinsteadoffromabowl.
Hehadtoclosehiseyes,hadtopretendthefoodlookedlikesomethingotherthangrayslime,togethimselftoswallow.Hewashalfwaythroughthebowlwhenthedoorsquealedonitshinges.Soldiersstoodinthedoorway.
“Timetogo,”saidone,asquare-jawed,square-headedgruntwithashavedhead.
“Idon’tgettofinishmygourmetdinner?”heasked.
“C’mon,”saidtheother,hiseyesflashingwithanger,blackflamestattooedonhisneck.
Wesputthetrayasidewithasigh.He’dactuallyenjoyedthetasteofgrayslime.HeshouldtellShakes,ifheeversawhimagain,thatitwasn’ttoobadifyouclosedyoureyesanddidn’tsmellit.
Thesoldiersescortedhimoutoftheroomandintoasmallmetalroom,withatableandachaironeithersideofit,andeverythingboltedtothefloor.Weshadbeeninaroomlikethisbefore,exceptthenhe’dbeenontheothersideofthetable.
Hesatonachair,themetalcoldagainsthislegs,sendingachilluphisback.
Theguardsuncuffedhimandlefthimalone.
Itwasalongtimebeforethedooropenedagain.
Wescaughtafamiliarscentandheardlowwhistlingthataccompaniedfootstepsontheconcrete.Heknewthatwhistling,thatcheapcologne.Howlonghaditbeensincehe’dsatdownwithBradleyattherestaurant?Herememberedthecoldbeer,theWagyusteakswithhotbutter,themealheturneddownwhenhelastspoketohisoldcommander.Hewishedhe’dhad
evenonepieceofthatsteak,justataste,buthe’djustleftitthere,gettingcold.
“Wesson.”BradleyslidsmoothlyintothechairacrossfromWes.“Wemeetagain.Anothertable,adifferentlocation.Ihearthefood’snotasgoodhere.How’stheslime?”
“Notbad,”Wesliedasheshiftedinhischair.Theprocessedglopwasstartingtocurdleinhisstomach.“How’dyouknowitwasme?”heasked,rememberingthattheguardknewhisname.“Atthehospital?”
“Wouldyoubelievewewerewaitingforyouallalong?”Bradleyasked,hiseyescrinklingwithamusement,asifheknewasecret.Thecommanderhadgrownamustache,hisuniformlookedstarched,andtherewereafewnewmedalspinnedtohispocket,apairofgrayflagsWesdidn’trecognize.
Wesgrunted.HeknewwhatBradleywantedfromhimbeforeheevenasked:thesamethinghe’dalwayswanted.ForWestoworktheblackwaters.Roundupthepilgrimstoselltothetradersandtheslavers,thepriestsandthemasters.ItwaslikelytheonlyreasonWeswasstillalive,becausehewasstilluseful.Wesgrittedhisteeth;hewouldrotinprisonbeforehetookthejob.
“Youlikeithere?Youliketheview?”Bradleyaskedwithasoftsmile,knowingWes’scellhadonlyfourwallsandnowindow.
“Let’sskiptothejob,Bradley.TellmewhatyouwantsoIcansaynoandyoucansendmebacktothecell.”
“Now,don’tgettooexcited,boy.Anddon’tthinkyou’resosmart,either.I’lltellyouwhat,Wesson.Let’smakeabet.”
“Abet?You’regoingtobetthatI’lltakethejob?Okay.I’llplay,”Wessaid,rubbinghishandstogether.
Bradleysmiled.“Good.Tellme.HowamIgoingtogetyoubackintotheservice?”Heopenedthefileinfrontofhim.“IcouldpinallthedamageinElDoradoonyou,youknow.Youwereseenatthehospital;Icouldhavewitnessessayingtheysawyousetthefire.Arson.Butwhat’sanothermarkonyourcriminalrecord?”
Wesshrugged.“DoIlooklikeaguywhocares?”
Bradleysmirked.“No.Andthatwasn’ttheway.”
Wesfrowned.HeguessedBradleywasintimatingtheyhadahostage,someoneclosetohimthathecouldhurt.MaybeShakes,maybeFarouk,too.BradleyknewheandShakesworkedtogether.Orifnottheboys,thenwho?
Liannan?Thesmallmen?ButWeswasn’tsureBradleyknewaboutthemarkedonhisteam.Eliza?Buthadn’tshebeentransferredalready?Thenotionwastoopainful,sohepusheditfromhisthoughts.
“Youdon’twanttoguess?”Bradleyaskedwithatwinkleinhiseye,sosmugthatWeswantedtoshoveaniciclethroughhisbrain.“I’lltellyouwhat.Let’sjustcuttoitlikeyou’veasked.I’lltellyouhowwe’llmotivateyou.We’vegother.”
Her.
DoeshemeanNat?TheyhaveNat?
“She’sbeenwithusforaverylongtime,”Bradleysaidlazily,andWesrealizedhemeantEliza.Ofcourse,theystillhadEliza.Wesfeltasifhehadbeenpunchedinthegut.“Ididn’trealizeshewasyoursister,orIwouldhaveusedherasleverageearlier.”
Wesglaredathim.
“WeflewherouttotheRedCitythismorning.Tookherhome,shallwesay.”Hewasclearlyenjoyinghimself.“We’vegotabaseoutthere,agreatplacetogetridofthosewenolongerneed.You’veheardofthefleshmarkets,haven’tyou?TheTempleoftheHighPriestessoftheWhite?LadyAlgeanahasasoftspotforherkind.Unless...”
“UnlessIworkforyou,”Wesgrowled.“Itjustgetsbetterandbetter.”
“Bingo.”Bradleysmiled.“DoIwinthebet?”
Wesdidn’treply.
“IthinkIdo,becauseyou’renotgoingtoletthathappen,areyou?YouknowwhatIthink?IthinkyouwereinElDoradotobreakherout.”Hesmirked.“Sopredictable.Soridiculouslyhonorable,comingfromsomeonelikeyou.”
Weslookedathim.“Foreignconcept,eh?”
“Notreally.Justaluxuriousone.Andluxuryissomethingyoudon’thave.”
Wessaidnothing.
Bradleysmirked.“Butdon’tworry.She’saliveandsafe.Andyou’regoingtokeepherthatway—aren’tyou?I’mprettysureIwinourlittlebet.Becausefromnowon,youworkformeandyoudoeverythingIsay.Deal?”
Wesflexedhisfistsashecontemplatedhislackofoptions.Hehadnever
feltsopowerless.
Bradleysatbackinhischair.“Youknow,youreallyshouldhavetakenmeuponthatsteak.”
ParttheSecond:
RYDDERANDSYLPHToasurroundedenemy,youmustleaveawayofescape.
—SUNTZU
Chapter17HISUNIFORMWASWARMBUTITCHY.Weswasn’tauniformperson.Hescratchedhisneckunderneathhiscollar,stillabitshockedtofindhimselfbackingraywoolsynthetic,RSAbadges,andstripesonhisshoulders.Hewasn’tcoldanymore,butthatwaslittleconsolationforthetaskthey’dsenthimtodo.
Themilitaryhadbeenthroughafewchangessincehistimeintheservice.They’dsufferedmajorlossesduringarecentconflictintheTasmanSea,andtheirresourceswerestretchedbeyondlimit.Nowtheyneededsailorswhocouldnavigatethetrash-filledoceanswithoutgettinglostorsinkingtheirships,sotheywererecruitingex-runners,formercoyoteswhoknewtheoceansandthepilgrimroutes.WeswasthebestrunnerinVegas,theonewhohadthemostluckevadingthenavalscouts,helpingpilgrimscrossthewaters.Nowtheywantedhimtousehisskillsagainstthesamedesperatesoulsheusedtohelp.
Afteracceptingthecommission,WeswasflowntoanavaloutpostinNewJavaforaperfunctorytrainingsession,wherehewasschooledintheroutesandproceduresofpatrol.Wescommandedashipthatwaspartofateamoftwosearchvessels,lightcruisersworkingintandemaroundtheseassurroundingtheSouthAsianislands.Wes’severymovewouldbetrackedbysatellitefromthebase,andtherewerequotastofill,expectationstobemet.
“Don’tthinkyoucangooutthereonsurveillanceandcomebackempty-handed,Lieutenant,”BradleythreatenedthatmorningbeforeWeslefttotakecommandofhiscrew,afewdaysafterhehadbeenreleasedfromhiscell.“Wefishouttwodozenpilgrimsamonth,sodon’tthinkyoucanbullshitme.Withyourrecord,Iexpectdouble,tripleourusualintake.Happyhunting,”Bradleysaidwithhisskull-headsmile.
•••
WesstoodaloneatthehelmoftheGoliath,watchingthewavesroll,lappingaroundrust-coloredtowersoftrash.Theyhadbeenatseaforafewdaysnow,andhadreachedtheirdesignatedpatrolarea,theheavilytraffickedstraitswherepilgrimboatswereusuallyfoundonthewaytoNewKandy,wheresupposedlytherewasanothergatewaytotheBlue.BackinNewVegas,LiannanhadmentionedthattheoriginalgatewaytoValloniswasclosed,andlatelyhe’dheardnooneheadedforNewCreteanymore;theyallwantedtogotoKandyLand.Wesdidn’tthinkthatwassuchagreatidea,aseveryoneknewtheRedCitywasoverrunbythewhitepriests,andtheyevenhadtheirtemplethere.Butpilgrimswerestubborn,unabletogiveuphope,andifso,hewasmorelikethemthanever.Overtheradio,thecaptainoftheothercruiserhadreportedsightingsofboatsonthenorthperimeterandwenttocheckitout.
YesterdayWeshadnoticedpocketsoflightwinkingthroughthetrash,probablyapilgrimboatortwo,sohesteeredclear,orasclearashecouldwithoutdeviatingfromhissearchpath.Topassthetime,hemadethecrewpracticedrillsandreviewthenewproceduresonhowtoapproachandtakecontrolofpilgrimvehicles,howtoshackleprisonerssafely.Therecruitsmanningtheboatwereabunchofhardenedkidswhowereonlytoohappytocollecttheextrawattspaidforeachpilgrimtheyfound,andWesworriedforanyoneunfortunateenoughtorunintothem.Maybeifhewasluckyhecouldkeephisshipfromrunningintorefugeeboats,oratleastpostponetheencounterstillhecouldfigureouthowtogetoutofthismess.
AfewminuteslaterthecaptainoftheColossusreportedpickinguptwopilgrimships.Onewasinparticularlybadshape,andhadalreadylosthalfitspassengers.They’dbeenfloatingontheirownformiles,lostontheblackocean,abandonedbycaptainandcrew.Conmenpromisedpassageacrosstheblackwaters,butdidn’tknowhowtofindthedoorstoVallonis.Oncetheycollectedtheirfees,theylefttheships—floatingwrecks—inthedarkofnight.Otherswerejustinovertheirheads,inexperiencedsailorswhoshouldneverhavesetoutfromshoreinthefirstplace.
“We’reheavyandreturningtoporttodropoffourcargo,”theothercaptainsaidsmugly,andWescouldtelltheiceholewasalreadycountingthewattsinhiskillfee.“Holdon,lookslikewe’vefoundanotherfloater,we’llgocheckitout.”
Wesacknowledgedandendedthecall.
Itwasquietontheocean,andhewasrememberingthatthelasttimehehadbeenonthewaterNatwaswithhim,whenShakesenteredthebridgewithaportablescreeninhandandadarklookonhisface.“Hey,boss,yougottatakealookatthis.”
“What’sup?”Wesasked.HisdealwithBradleyhadbroughtoneperk,atleast—ShakesandFarouk.Weshadbeenabletoconvincethegeneralhewouldn’tbeabletodohisjobcorrectlyifhedidn’thavehisteamwithhim;Bradleydidn’tseemtoosurprised,asallrunnersfeltthesamewayabouttheircrews.Theboyshadbeencapturedfleeingthedome—really,itwasamiracletheshot-uplimocouldevenmove—andhadbeenthrownintothesameprisonwhereWeshadbeenheld.Likehim,themosttheyhadsufferedweremealsofgrayslime,buttheyweren’ttoobadoffotherwise.Faroukwasdownintheengineroom,andShakeswasfirstmate.
Youcouldn’treallycallitluck,butthedayshadgonebywithoutincidentsofar.ButthelookonShakes’sfacegaveWesthefeelingthateverythingwasabouttochange.“Youfoundsomething.”
“Yeah.”Shakesgrimacedashiseyesdartedtotheblackwaters.
“Weknewthiswasgoingtohappensoonerorlater,”Wessaid,takingthescreenandcheckingitout.
“Iknow,”Shakessaid,“buthowcomewithyouit’salwayssooner?”Hecursedunderhisbreath.
Wesdidn’treallyhaveananswerforthatone.
HehadpromisedShakesthatnomatterwhathappened,whenthetimecame,theywoulddotherightthing,somehow.Noonewasgoingtogethurtunderhiswatch.NotEliza,andnotthepilgrimstheycapturedontheblackwaters.Shakeshadtotrusthim,andusuallyhedid,butitwasobvioushisfriendwasfeelingskeptical.Wesdidn’tblamehim,sincehewasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtogetthemoutofthis,either,butalittlefaithwouldhavebeennice.
Agreenmarkblinkedonthemonitor.“Thinkitmightjustbejunk?”Wesasked,hoping,squintingatthemonitor.
“Notthewayit’smoving.Lookhowfastitis;it’sgotamotorforsure.Theymighthavespottedus,too;look,itjustchangedcourse.”Shakesleanedagainsttherail,glancingbetweenthemonitorandthetrash-strewnocean,searchingfortheship,butseeingonlythegraysky,themurkywaterspackedwithfloatingdebris.
TheradioblaredandWespickedupthecomm.“Wessonhere.”
“Youonthis?”ItwasCallahan,thefleetcommanderinchargeofthepatrolteams.
“Yeah,wegotit.”Westhoughthesawtheshipinthedistance,butcouldn’tbecertain.
“Bradleysaidyouwerehotshit,solet’sseewhatyoucandointheblackwater.Reel’emin.”
“Rogerthat,”Wessaid,anddroppedthecomm.HeturnedtoShakes.“Youheardtheman;guesswecan’tignorethisone.Hitthesirensandtelltheguystogetouttheinflatableslikewetaughtthem.We’lltakethepilgrimsinthesmallboats,it’llbelessintimidating.Turnonthelights,thebigfloods,toletthemseeuscomingsotheydon’tpanic.TellFarouktotakethehelm,bringusinniceandslow.”Wessearchedoncemoreforthepilgrimvessel,caughtsightofadistantship,juttingbetweenzigguratsoftrash,tryingtoavoiddetection.
“Thenwhat?”Shakesasked,soundingirritable.
“Thenwe’llfigureitout.Wealwaysdo,don’twe?”hesnappedback.
Weswatchedasthecrewdroppedtheblackinflatablesintothewaterastheynearedthepilgrimvessel.Thepilgrimcraftwasagood-sizedship,biggerthanmost,anditspassengersstoodondeck,theirarmsraisedinsurrender.Theydidn’tfireanyweapons;therewouldbenoscuffle.Weswatchedfromthebridge,tryingtokeephisfaceimpassiveashewatchedthembeingherdedintotheraftsthatwouldtakethemtohiscruiser.Thepilgrimsknewtheirjourneywasover,theywerecaught,theywouldnevercrosstheocean,theywouldneverfindtheBlue.
Wesknewhowthatfelt.
Heremainedondeckastheinflatablesreturnedfromthepilgrimboatloadedwithpassengers.Shakessalutedhim,standingguardoveragroupofsmallmen,whohuddledtogether,lookingsicklyandpale.Theraftspulledupalongsidethecruiser,andWesandhismenhelpedthemonboard.Noguns,he’dwarnedhisguys.YoufireandI’llfireonyou.Buttheirsullenhostagesacceptedtheirfatequietly,andtherewasnoneedforweapons.Therewasnorebellion,onlygrimstaresandred-rimmedeyes.
Wesfollowedthecaptivesdowntothehold.He’dwarnedhismennottoabuseorharasstheirhostages,andhewentfromcelltocell,bandagingwounds,handingoutNutriandMealsReadytoSqueeze.Ifhismenfoundhis
behaviorodd,theydidn’tcommentfornow.Morecaptivesarrived,andheheardacryfromthenextcell.
“Leavemealone!Iknowyourcaptain,Itellyou!Letmego!”
Wesboltedfromthecell,lockingthedoorbehindhimandrunningintoShakes.Thatvoicesoundedfamiliar.HeraisedhiseyebrowsandShakesshrugged.Theyburstopenthecelldoorwherethescreamswerecomingfrom.
Inside,oneoftheyoungsoldiershadasmallmanpushedupagainstthewall.Thesmallman’sfacewasswollenandbloody,anditlookedlikehehadtakentheworstofthefightasthesoldierbatteredhimwithhisfists.
“Shuttheiceup!Lyingbastard!Shutup!”yelledthesoldierashepunchedhiminthejaw.
“Hey,hey,what’sgoingonhere?”Shakesdemanded.
Thesoldierwhippedaround.“Lieutenant!”hecriedwhenhesawWes.
Wesclearedhisthroatandhisvoicewasmurderous.“Igaveeveryoneexplicitinstructionsthatnoneofthehostagesweretobeharmed.”
“But,sir!”
“Lethimgo.”
Thesoldierdidastold,andthesmallmanslumpedtothefloor.“Hesaysheknowsyou,”thesoldiersaidbitterly.“He’saliar.Youdon’tknowhim,doyou,sir?”
Wesstaredatthesmallman.Hehadn’trecognizedhimearlier,buthedidnow.
Ofcoursehedid.ItwasRoark.
Thelasttimehe’dseenhim,Roarkwastendinghisgardenandhummingasong.WiseandsweetRoark,whocouldmakeadeliciousmealoutofrandomscraps,andajokeoutofthedirestofsituations.Maybeonedaytheywouldlaughatthis,too.
Roark,hisdearfriend.Alive.
IfRoarkwasalive,thenmaybeBrendonwas,too,andLiannan...
WessawtheelationstartingtoshowonShakes’sface,butiftheymadethewrongmovenow,allofthemweretrapped.Elizawouldbesenttothepriests,andtherestofthem,includingRoark,wouldbedumpedintotheoceanlike
justanotherpieceoftrash.
“Wes,”Roarkwhispered.“ThankVallonis,itreallyisyou.Isawyoufromthedeck,Wes...tellhimI’mright.Tellhimyouknowme.”
ThesoldierglaredatWes.“Sir?”
WesstaredatRoark,noddedtoShakes,andturnedtohissoldier.“Neversawhiminmylife.Carryon.”
Chapter18THEPASSAGEOPENEDUPTOADESERTEDbeachandthevortexclosedbehindthem.Natlookedbackatit,wonderingifshewouldeverreturntoVallonis,ifshewouldeverseeherdrakonagain.Therewasashipfaroffinthedistance.Liannan’scallwasevenstrongerherethaninVallonis.
Nat!Nat!Canyouhearme?
I’mcoming.I’mhere.Holdon!Natsentback,buttherewasnoreply.ShewonderedifLiannanheardher,ifthesylphwasactuallycommunicatingwithherormerelysendingoutadistresscall.Eitherway,shehadneverheardLiannansoundthatterrifiedbefore,anditmadeherfeelpanickedandhelpless.
“She’sinthere,”Natsaidurgently,pointingtothenavycruiser.“Buthowdowegettherewithoutadrakon?Swim?”ShebitherwordswhenFaixliftedhishandsandwhisperedaquietincantation.
Thistime,thevortexwhirledandinsteadofopeningupablackhole,itcreatedsomething—somethingoutofnothing—hehadsculptedtheether,andinfrontofthemwasasmallmotorboat,floatingonthewaves.FaixwadedovertoclaimitandhelpedNatclimbinside.
“It’snodrakon,”Natsaid.“ButIguessitbeatsswimming.”
“It’smadetolooklikeapilgrim’svessel.Wewillletthemthinkwearedefenseless.”
Faixsteeredtheboat,hiseverymovementfullofgrace.SomeonelikeFaixdidn’tbelonghere,Natthought,inaplacewheretheairstankofgarbageandthelong-deadcarcassesofanimals.Wasshelikehim?Shewasa
drakonrydder,too,butshehadbeenborninthegraylands.Wheredidshebelong?Itwasashocktobebackinthemiddleoftheblackwaters,backinthegrayworld,whereeverythingwasdying.
Wewillrecoverthepalimpsest,Faixsent.WewillsearchforthesourceofthecorruptionandwewillfixwhatisbrokenandreturnVallonistoitsglory.
Natnoddedtolethimknowshe’dheard,eventhoughheprobablyknewanyway.Shelookedoutanxiouslyattheshiptheywereheadingtoward.Itwasasmallcruiser,flyingRSAflags,COLOSSUSengravedonitsside.Thiswasn’taslavership;theseweresoldiers,andsoldierswereorganized.Iftheylostthisfight,she’dbebackinshacklesandkeptinanironcageor,worse,sentbacktoBradleyandforcedtoworkforthemagain,stealingchildren,settingfires,killingtheirenemies.
Donotfearthem,Faixsoothed.Wewillfindyourfriends.Wewillnotletthemtakeus.
Buthiswordswerelittlecomfort.Faixdidn’tknow,didn’ttrulyunderstand.Hehadneverfoughtagainstthem.Oncetheymadecontact,shewouldneedtoactquickly.Shewouldneedtotapintoherpoweranduseherangeroncemore.Ifonlyshewerepastsuchthings.ShehadstoodatthedoortoApis.Shelongedtouseherpowertobuild,tocreate,tomakethings—notdestroythem.Butshewasheadedtowardbattleoncemore.Wouldshedieouthere,fightingontheocean?WouldshedieasFaix’sdrakonhaddied,asMainashadalmostdied?Whatwouldhappentoherdrakonifshedidnotsurvive?
Headwindsblewontotheirsmallboat,andNatshivered.Shewascoldwithoutherdrakon,butFaixneithershiverednorcomplainedaboutthecoldandthewindandtheice.Shewonderedifhemisseditswarmth,thesenseofdrakonfireinhislungs.
Heglancedatherandsheknewhehadreadherthoughts.
“Imissiteveryday.Likeamissinglimb.”Hetouchedhisnecklace,asifforluck.
“You’reveryattachedtothatcharm,”shesaid.
“AmI?Itisjustahabit,”hesaiddismissively,andthecornerofhismouthquiveredslightly.
Natwouldn’thavethoughtanythingofitexceptthatitwassostrangetoseehimperturbed,andsherealized,allofasudden,thathewaslying.Faixwaskeepingsomethingfromheraboutthecharm,soshetriedtothinkabout
somethingelsesohewouldn’tknowsheknew.Sheimaginedherselfburrowingintotheearthwithherdrakon,erectingawallbetweenherthoughtsandhis.
Thenshepicturedtheirboat,itshullmadeoffiberglass,thestrandsofwhiteglass,theresinbetweenthefibers,thefilamentsinthewhitestrands,andthetinymoleculesthatmadeupthosefibers.Shepicturedsmallerandsmallerstructuresuntilatlasttheywereonlyparticlesspinninginthevoid.
“STOP,”Faixsaid,astheboatflickeredinandoutofreality.
Natgasped.“I’msorry—Iwasjust—practicing.”
Hesmiled.“Goodwork,butperhapsyoucankeeptheboatrealuntilwereachtheship?Idonotwishtodrown.”
Theyreachedthecruiserandfloatedcloseby.“Wewillallowthemtotakeus,”Faixsaid.“Onceweareinside,wewilllookforyourfriends.”
Theydidn’thavetowaitlong.Natheardthefamiliarsoundsofdronesintheair,cuttingthroughtheclouds,hoveringoutofsight,alertingtheshiptotheirlocation.Faixshutdownthemotor.Theystoodbacktoback,Natholdingherswordandshield,waiting.Theplanwastosurrender,butshewantedtobepreparedtofightanyway.Shemissedherdrakon.Missedthefeelingofthecreature’sfireinherlungs,ofthepowerathercommandastheyraineddeathfromabove.Shecouldhavevaporizedthedrones,takentheshipinseconds,andfreedherfriends,ifonlyshewerewhole.
Thesleeknavycruisercutacrossthemist,itsgunstrainedontheirposition.Soldiersstoodonthebow,pointingtheirautomaticriflesstraightatthem.Moresoldiersweredroppingsmallerraftsinthewatertotakethemprisoner.
Asthesmallboatscametheirway,Natbracedherselftobecaptured.Thecruiserfollowedclosebehind,itsshadowdriftingacrosshervessel.
“Wesurrender,”Faixdeclaredwhentheboatsfloatedbytheirstarboardside.“Wecomepeacefully.”
Inanswer,abulletcamewhizzingthroughthenight,strikingFaixinthearm.Thencameanother,andanother.Natduckedunderhershieldandusedherswordtofendoffthebullets.“Areyouhurt?”sheasked.
“No,”Faixsaid,hiseyesflashingdangerously.Theyhadofferedpeaceandhadbeenattackedinstead.Hiswoundflared,thenhealed;Natsawtheskinregenerateandbecomesmoothagain.“ButIwillshowthemwhatit
meanstohurt.”
“Faix!”
Thesylphseemedtogrowtotwicehissize,hiswhitehairshonebrightly,andhisentirebeingwascoveredinabrilliantwhitelight.Faixclappedhisarmstogetherandinaninstant,thesmallblackboatsweregoneandthebulletsclatteredharmlesslyonthewater.
ThesoldiersonthedeckoftheColossusyelled,scanningthewaters,astonished.Theboatshadvanishedsoquickly,itwasasiftheoceanhadswallowedthemup.Theyansweredwithabarrageofartillery.Natcrashedtoherknees,coveringherheadwithhershield.Shecouldn’tseeherattackers,butsheknewtheycouldseeher.Theyhadinfraredlenses,scopesthatpeeredeffortlesslythroughmistandclouds,throughdarknessandsmoke.Therewasnowheretohide.Somethinghotscrapedhershoulder,tearingaholeinherarmor,burningherskin.Abullethadrippedaholeinherjacket,exposingherarmtothebittercold.Sheflinched,coveringthewoundasasecondprojectilescreamedpastherear,deafeninghermomentarily.
Useyourfire,Faixsent.Burnthem.
ButIdon’thaveanyfire,Natreplied.
Heshookhisheadandturnedbacktothecruiser,facingthebullets,standingandunafraid,andbroughthishandstogetheroncemore.Afieryprojectileexplodedfromhispalmsandrippedtowardthecruiser,settingitonfireandsendingfrothyblackwaterbubblingthroughthenewlyformedholeintheside.
Thefireiswithinyou.
Theshipwasburning,evenwithoutadrakon.Thesoldiershadscattered,thesnipersabandoningtheirpositions.
WhenshefirstmetFaix,hehadremindedherofLiannan,withhisbeautyandhissoftvoice,buthewasnothinglikeLiannanatall,andwhatshesawscaredher—themightypowerathiscommand,hisindifferencetopain,toemotion,tohumanity.ButFaixwasn’thuman,hewasasylph.Whoareyou?shesent.Whoareyoureally?
IamFaixLazaved.MessengertotheQueen.DrakonrydderofVallonis.ProtectoroftheRealm.GuardianoftheBlue.Iamlikeyou,Anastasia.Iammadeoffire.
Thenheturnedawayandsteeredtheirquicklysinkingboattowardthe
sideoftheship.Hemotionedtotheknottedropesthatstretchedfromthewatertothedeckofthecruiseratregularintervals.“Whenourboathitstheside,reachfortheropes,”hesaid,preparingtojump.
Theburningshipbobbledinthewater,sendingwavesripplingacrosstheocean,itswakethreateningtocapsizetheiralready-waterloggedcraft.
Natnodded,eyeingtheapproachingvessel.Thefirewasconcentratedonthestarboardsideandafewsoldierswererushingtoputitoutwithfireextinguishers.Buttheportsidewasempty,andshenoddedtoFaixtotakethemthere.
Faixrushedtowardtheedgeoftheboat,hisfootpoisedontherail.Heleaptacrossthewater,grabbedholdofarope,andpulledhimselfup.Natfollowed,almostfallingintothewaterasshecaughtholdoftherope.Faixwasnearlyatthetopoftheropewhenheleaneddownandpulledherupbyherwrists,strongandfast.
Leapingovertherail,heturnedtofaceher,offeringherhishandtohelphercrosstherailing.
“I’mgood,”shesaid,notwantinghishelpasecondtime.Itwasstrangetobesoclosetoherenemies,tostandonboardanavycruisernotunliketheonesshehaddestroyedinthepast.Shecouldn’thelpbutthinkthatthesefrightenedchildreninuniformwhowererunningfromthemnowwerenomoreresponsiblefortheiractionsthanshehadbeenwhenshewasstilloneofthem.Whenshe,too,answeredtoanunforgivingcommander.
Nat!Nat!criedLiannan’svoiceinherhead.
“It’scomingfromoverthere,”shesaid,pointingacrosstheburningdeck.“Let’sgo.”
Togethertheyranacrossthedecktoanswerthecall.
Chapter19THESOLDIERSMILEDANDRAISEDhisfisttopunchRoarkinthefaceagain,buthefelltothegroundbeforehecouldlandtheblow.Shakesstoodbehindhimwithagrimsmile,holdingthebluntedgeofhisgun.“Nexttime,pickonsomeoneyourownsize,icehole.”
“Youjammedhisradio?”askedWes,makingsure.
“Easyasstealingwattsfromatouristatroulette,”Shakessaidwithagrin,showingWesthebrokencommhe’dfilchedfromthesoldier’spocket.“Noonecanhearus.”
Weskneltdown,dabbedhishandkerchiefinNutri,andpassedittoRoark.“Sorryaboutthat,man.Itoldtheguystoleaveyouallalone,butsomeofthemaren’tsoobedient.”
“Tookyoutwolongenough,”Roarksaid,puttingthehankytohiseye.“Thanksalot—I’msureI’mquiteasight.”
Wesgavehimafewofthefriedchickenwafershecarriedinhispocket,andthesmallmancalmeddown.
“Whathappened?Wherehaveyoubeen?How’dyougethere?”Wesasked.
“Itwasthegarden,”Roarksaidsadly,hisdarkhairfallinginhiseyes.“Youwereright,Wes.Weshouldn’thavedoneit,butweweretiredofhidinginourrooms—wewantedair.Eveniftheskywasgray,itwassomething.Iwantedtofeeltheopenspace,tostandinaplacewithoutwalls.”
“Forafewdamnvegetables?”Shakesshookhishead.
Roarkjustshrugged.
“Ilovedthatgarden,too.Igetit,”saidWes.
“How’dtheyfindyou?”Shakesasked.
“Drones.Weheardbuzzingthedaybeforetheycame.Thedronesmusthavespiedusontheroof.Weshouldhavefledthatnight,butwedecidedtowaittillyougotback.Besides,wedidn’tknowwheretogo,andLiannandidn’twanttoleavewithoutfindingawaytotellShakeswhathadhappened.”
“Really?”Shakesasked.Hisfacewasturningred.“Shedidn’twantto...toleaveme?”
Roarkrolledhiseyes.“Whichturnedouttobethewrongdecision,asthesoldierscameforusthenextday.BrendonandIweredownstairs,inthekitchen,andsuddenlytheywereeverywhere;wedidn’tevenhearthedooropen,welookedupandtheyhadsurroundedus.Theyhadsomesortofweaponthatblockedourhearing.”Hewincedatthememory.
“Wetoldthemtherewereonlytwoofus,buttheyknewtherewasathird.TheyfoundLiannanontheroof.TheytookustothedetentioncenterinK-Townfirst,thenNewJava.”
“Wewerejustthere!”Shakesyelped.
“How’dyougetonapilgrimboat,then?”askedWes.
“Therewasariot,andweescaped.”
Wesnodded.Herememberedtheguardstalkingaboutabreakout,whichwaswhytheyhadkepthiminsolitary.Thewholeplacewasstillunderlockdownwhentheyarrived.
“WefoundarunnertakingpilgrimstotheBlueandtookachanceonitagain—whereelsecouldwego?WewantedtogetamessagetoNewVegasbutdidn’tthinkwecouldtrustanyoneafterwhathappened.AndbybadluckBrendonandIgotseparated.Heshouldbeontheotherboatthatgotpickeduphoursago;weheardtheirdistresssignal.Ithoughtourboatwouldbeabletoescapeuntilyoucaughtusjustnow.”
“TheColossusmusthavepickedthemup,”Wessaid,thinkingaboutthepilgrimboattheothercaptainhadbraggedaboutfinding.
“WhataboutLiannan?”Shakesasked.“Sheonthatboat,too?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Whatdoyoumean?Youdon’tknow?”
Shakeslookedreadytopoundthesmallmanevensmaller.
“Theytookherawaythemomenttheyfoundherontheroof.WeaskedaroundattheDC,askedtheprisonnetwork,andwhenwegotout,weaskedagain,butnoone’sseenher.Wehaven’tseenherforweeks,maybelonger...,”Roarksaid,rubbingathiseyeswithonefist.“ButIcan’tbelieveshe’sdead...andIwon’t.”
Shakesnodded,turningaway.Heslumpedagainstthecellwall.
WesreachedouttoputahandonhisshoulderbutShakespulledfromhisgrasp.“It’sokay,”Shakessaid,hisvoicehoarse.“Whenwelosther,thatfirstday,Iknewitwasover.IknewIwouldnevergetherback.Butwhenwesawyou,Roark,Ihoped...”Thewordstrailedoff.
RoarklookedasmiserableasShakessounded.
“ShemightbeontheColossus.Theremightstillbetime,man,”saidWes.
“Wesisright,thereisstillhope,”saidRoark.“IhadlostmineuntilIsawWesonthedeckandyouontheotherlifeboat.”Helookedatthemasifhehadonlynowrealizedthesignificanceofthesituation.“Areyougoingtotellmewhyyou’resuddenlyworkingfortheenemy?”
TheyhadonlyjustfinishedfillinghiminonElDoradoandElizawhenWes’sradiocrackledtolife.“Holdon,”hesaid,andpickedupthecomm.Itwastheothercarrier.“Wessonhere.”
“ThisisMcCleodfromtheColossus.Hostilesarefiringonus,requestbackup,convergeonourlocation.Repeat,weareunderattack!”
Wesconfirmedtheorder,putdownhisradio.“Allright,listenup,looksliketheycaughtsomeheat.YousaidDonnie’sontheothercruiser,right?”
Roarknodded.
“Okay,we’llgethimout,andmaybewecansneakawaywhilethey’refiringateachother.Takeoneoftheinflatableboats.”
“WhataboutEliza?”askedShakes.
“BradleymentionedabaseintheRedCity.That’sinNewKandy,right?We’llgothere,”Wesdecided.“Trytospringherout.”
“Whatiftheykillherbeforewegetthere?WhentheyfindoutyouwentAWOL?”
Wesbithislip.“I’mcountingonusworkingfasterthantheirbureaucracy.Wecan’tstayhere.Ifthisiceholewakesup,knockhimoutagain,”hetoldhissmallfriend.
“Gladly,”repliedRoarkwithabloodysmile.
•••
WesleftShakestodealwiththerestoftheprisonersandrantothebridge,whereheorderedFarouktoplotacoursetowardtheothercruiser.Theytraveledasfastastheirvesselwouldallow,ridingtowardacloudofsmokethatgraduallyexpandedonthehorizon.Wesradioedtheship’scaptainagainbutdidn’treceiveareply.Hehadnootherwaytocommunicatewiththesinkingship,andthesmokegrewdarkeranddenserastheydrewnearer.
Hepickeduphisbinocularsandsawthevesselaflame,smokerisingfromthedeck,soldiersscramblinginthedark,someescapinginlifeboats,othersstayingtofight.Theshipwasnotmoving;thehullwaspiercedandtakingonwater.
WesorderedFarouktorunparalleltotheothership,tocomeupslowly.“Goliath,thisisyourcaptain,LieutenantWesson.Standready.Donotfireuntilordered.Repeat.Donotfireuntilordered.”
HetoldFarouktoslowdownandkilltheengines,sotheycoulddrifttowardtheflamingvessel.Thecruiserwasonfire,butWescouldn’tspotthehostileshipthathadattackedthem.
“Boss,”Farouksaid.“We’vegotaproblem.”
“What?”Wessnapped,watchingwithhorrorasoneofthesoldiersontheburningdeckoftheGoliathjustburstintoflamewhenhisfireextinguisherhittheblaze.Thiswasmagic,allright;whoeverhadattackedtheshipwasmarked,powerful,anddangerous.
“Oneoftheboysbelowjustarmedourrockets.”
Thekidsmusthavepanicked.They’dseenwhathehadjustseen—andprobablythoughtitbesttosinktheentireship,sincethat’swhatthebrassalwaysdid.Cutlosses.Closeexits.Killeveryoneinside.
Wesscrambledfortheoverrideandhitthebutton,butitwastoolate.
Arocketsailedthroughtheair,abrilliantorangearc.Itwouldtearaholethroughthedeckandtheshipwouldsink,takingeveryonedownwithit.Godfreezeit,WessurehopedBrendonandLiannanweren’tonthatship.Helookedthroughhisbinocularsagain.
Apairoffiguresonthedeckwererunningfromthemissileaimedtheirway—atallmalefigurewithshockingwhitehair,andtheother—female,slim,raven-haired,andsofamiliar.
Wesalmostdroppedthebinoculars.
ItwasNat.
Chapter20NATWASRUNNINGBEHINDFAIXWHENsheheardit—alowhumthatechoedallaround,thesoundofengines,thedullchurnofthewaves.Overhershouldershesawasecondcruiserburstoutofthemistandaflameshootupwardfromitsdeck.They’dfiredarocket,andthegleamingmissilewasheadingrightforthem.
Withouthesitating,almostwithoutthinking,sheturnedtowarditandraisedherhandsasshehadseenFaixdo,andthemissileexplodedintotheairallaroundher.Sheaccepteditsflames,accepteditsdestruction,tooktheheatintoherbodytojointhefireinsideher,andshattereditintoamillionmolecules,sothatitfellharmlesslyaroundthemlikearainofwhitelight.Nathadn’tyetlearnedhowtoshapetheether,butturningsomethingintonothing—thatshecoulddo.
“You’relearning.”Faixsmiled.
“Babysteps.”Natacknowledgeditwithsatisfaction,buttheirworkwasn’tdone.“Comeon,Liannan’svoiceiscomingfromdownhere,”shesaid,runningtoadoorinthebulkhead.Itwassecuredwithalargewheelandshespunit,unwindingthehiddenmechanism,thelocksclickingopen.Butwhenshepulledonit,thedoorremainedstuck,andshebracedherselfagainstthewallandpulledagain.
Thedoorrippedfreefromthebulkhead,hurtlingthroughtheair,crashingintothedarkwaters,splashingblackfilthinalldirections.
Natfeltacertaingrimsatisfactionathercapacityfordestruction.Shehadobliteratedthemissileandtornopenthedoor.Whatevershewas,shewasgoodatbreakingthings,andshewasproudofit.
Faixpeeredintothehole.Stairsspiraleddownintothedarkness.
Nat,Nat,Nat.
Natsliddownthestairs,Faixrightbehind.Thereweredozensofcellsandprisonersclamoringforrelease;theyhadheardthesoundsofgunshots,ofbattle,andworriedtheywouldbelefttodrowninthebottomoftheship.
Faixgesturedwithhishandandallthedoorsopenedatonce.
Thepilgrimsswarmedout,haggardanddirty,runningupthestairstowardthelifeboats.“Liannan!Whereareyou?Liannan!”Natcalled.Shecouldn’thearthevoiceinherheadanymore.“Liannan!”
“Nat!”Ahandwaspullingonhershirt.
Shelookeddown.
“Brendon!”
“Nat!”heexclaimedjoyfully.“You’rehere!You’vecometorescueus!”
Shegrinned.Itwasgoodtoseeherfriend.Brendonwasthinner,andhisbeardwasraggedandfilthy,buthiseyeswereshiningbrightly.Shehandedhimadaggerfromherbootandheaccepteditgratefully.“Oh,youlooklovely,”hesaid.“Isthatleather?Thecraftsmanshipisspectacular.”ShethoughtonlyBrendonwouldnoticewhatshewaswearingatatimelikethis.Thensherealizedhewastalkingabouttheknife.
Shehadtosmile.“Where’sLiannan?Isn’tshewithyou?Roark?Shakes?Wes?”
Brendonshookhishead.“No,it’sjustme.Idon’tknowwhereanyoneis.RoarkandIgotseparatedafewdaysago,andIhaven’tseenLiannaninweeks.”HiseyesgrewwidewhenhesawFaix.
Thesylphapproached,lurked,halfinshadow,hisfaceslowlyemergingfromthedark,hispaleskinandbrighteyesglowinginthedimlight.“Sheisnothere.Idon’tunderstandit.Butwemustgetaway.Theothershipwillbeuponus.”
Natnodded.Brendonfollowedspeechlessly.
Theyranbackuptothedecktofindchaos,assoldiersscatteredandfled,shovingpilgrimsoffthelifeboatsorjumpingintothewater.
Theyfearmypeopleastheyfearedthedrakon.AllthoseyearsIlivedinfear,andnowIamfeared.
Natlookedacrossthewater,atthegrayhullofthesecondcruiserapproachingfast.Wouldtheyfireanotherrocket?Theshipwascomingalongsidetheirvesseltoboardit.
Iwillsinktheirship.Iwilltearholesinitshull.Iwillcrushitintonothingness.Iwillburnittoashes.Destroythembeforetheydestroyyou.
Wasitthedrakon’svoicesheheardorherown?
Shestaredattheship,feelingthefirebegintobuildinsideher,swirlingandbeautiful,andshesmiled.
Ifeelalmostwholeagain.Whenitburns.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Brendonasked,watchinginhorror.Theblackarmorsheworeturnedhotascoals,andshewascoveredinorangeflame.“Roarkcouldbeonthatship!”
Roark.Liannan.Shewasstilllookingforherfriends.Whatwasshethinking?Therewerepeopleonthatship.Shehadbeenabouttokilleveryoneonboard.Herflamediedasquicklyasitappeared.
NAT!
ShelookedupandsawFaixatthecornerofhereye,slippingintotheshadows.Butwhy?Thenshesaw—asecretboat—aninflatablefromtheothercruiser—anditssoldiershadsnuckupontothedecktosecureitwhilesheandFaixweredownbelow.
Natwasabouttomovetowardthemwhentherewasaclickbyherear.Shefeltthebarrelofagunpointedrightatthebackofherhead.
“Brendon’sright,Roarkisonthatship,”saidavoicebehindher.
Astrongvoice.
Brave.Unwavering.
Andvery,veryfamiliar.
Sheturnedandsawthefaceofhercaptorforthefirsttime.
Itwasreallyhim,unlesshermindwasplayingtricksonher.Andgivenallofthetricksshehadbeentryingtogetittoplaylately,thatwasarealpossibility.
MaybeI’veformedhimoutoftheether.
Somethingfromnot-nothing.
Butthelongershestared,themoresheknewhewasreal.
Wesstoodinfrontofher,hisfacegrimandhismouthsetinahardline.Hewaswearingauniform,withofficerstripesonhisshoulders,andhisshaggyhairhadbeencutshort,closetothescalp,makinghisfaceevenmorestriking.Likeawarrior,shethought.Somethingancient.Somethingrough.ThereareotherkindsofpowerbesidesmineandFaix’s.
Whileherheartleaptatthesightofhim,shewasafraidaswell.Slowly,shetriedtopiecetogethertherealityofthesituation.
Hewasasoldieragain?Wes?
Weswastheenemy?Hewasonboardtheothership?Hehadfiredthatmissile?Whywashepointingagunather?
Shestaredathim,herheartbeatingsofastinherchest,shefeltdizzy.Wes...
Hermindwasmuddledwiththoughts,memories,feelings,butshedidn’twanttothinktoomuchwhileFaixwasaroundtoreadherthoughts.Shedidn’twanthimtoknowwhatshefeltforWes.Thatpartofherwassacred,private,somethingonlysheandtheboystandinginfrontofherinthegrayuniformcouldknow.
Ifit’sstillthere.Ifhestillfeelsit,too.
Whenshehadseenhimontheracetrack,hewasarunner,butwhathadhappenedbetweenthenandnow?Whywasheinuniform?Thelasttimethey’dbeentogetherhehadkissedher,andthememoryofhiskisswasstillaliveinhermind,inherheart,inthatpromisehehadmade.Thisisn’ttheendforus.Shewantedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,wantedhimtoholdheragain,wantedtofeelhisbodynexttohers.
Butheonlystoodthere,watchingherwithhoodedeyes,distant,astranger.
“Comeon,”Wessaid,hisgunstillaimedatherhead.HenoddedtoBrendon.“Let’sgo.You’rebothwithme.”
Chapter21WESKEPTHISFACEIMPASSIVEASheherdedNatandBrendonacrossthedeck.Hismindwasracingfromatorrentofemotions.
Hehadseenherdie,hadseenthemissile’srainbowoffirearctowardher.
Sheshouldhavedied.
Therehadbeennothinghecoulddo,nowaytorecallthedronemissile,nowaytostoptheinevitablefromhappening.
Watchingthatrocketfallwaslikewatchingtheworldend.Hehadbracedhimselfagainstthehelm,saidaprayer,andclosedhiseyes.
Whenheopenedthem,hesawabrilliantflashlightuptheoceanandturntheskywhite,brightasasunnyday,adayWeshadneverexperiencedbefore,adayfromthetimebefore,abrightbrilliantday.
Whichshouldhavebeenimpossible,becausetherecouldbenolightinaworldwithouther.
AndyetNatwasstillstandingthere,surroundedbytheflashofwhite,blindinglight.
Itwasher.
Shewasthelight.
Somehow,she’dtornthemissileintoathousandshards.She’dsavedherselfandeveryoneleftonthatship.
LovelyNatashaKestal.
Wessawherashe’dseenherthefirsttimeatthecasino,whenshe’dstolenhischipsandtakenfirmownershipofhisheart,andherememberedherface
whenhehadkissedher,andthewordsshehadsaidtohimthathadburnedintohissoul.
Iloveyou,Iloveyousomuch,butIcan’t.
Herdarkhairfellbelowhershoulders,andshewaswearingsomesortofblackslim-fittingleather,withashieldstrappedtoherbackandaswordholsteredonherside.Shewasasbeautifulanddangerousasshehadalwaysbeen,nowevenmoreso.
Ican’t.
Thenherealizedshewasstandinginthemiddleofaburningship,andhehadtogethertheiceoutofthere.TheColossuswasslowlysinking,itsdeckcoveredindebris,andtherewereholesinitshull.
“SHAKES!GETMEANINFLATABLE!”Wesordered,planningtoheadovertothecruiserasquicklyaspossible.HeradioedtheColossus.“THISISLIEUTENANTWESSON!STOWYOURWEAPONS,IREPEAT,STOWYOURWEAPONS!”Hecouldn’ttakethechancethatoneofthegruntswouldfireonNat,eventhoughitlookedasifshecouldtakecareofherself.Henearlyfelldownthestairs,stumblingovertherisersashehurriedfromthecommandtowertothedeck.
Shakesandagroupofsoldierswerealreadyloweringaboatintothewater,andWessqueezedbetweenapairoftheyoungerrecruits.“TellFarouktosetacourseandfollowus,”heorderedShakes.“Andgetready,”hesaidmeaningfully.Thismightjustbetheopportunitytheywerelookingfor,awayoutofthebind.Inchaoswasopportunity,awisemanoncesaid.
Wessteeredthesmallmotorboatovertotheburningship.“Keepyourweaponsholstered.Thesmallmenareunarmedand,well,small.There’snoneedtoshootanyone,”heordered.
“Whataboutthatgirl?”oneofthemasked.“Andthatwhite-hairwithher?”
Wessquinted.“I’lltakecareofthem.”
Theysnuckonboardfromtheafttofindthecrewhadabandonedship,andthedeckwascoveredinsmokeandfire,litteredwithspentcartridges,shatteredguns,andshrapnel,pilgrimsscramblingintolifeboats.Itwasthenthatherealizedhe’dbeensofocusedonNatthathehadn’tevenseenherdrakon.Wherewasthemightybeasthiding,anddiditmatter?Hewasn’tafraidofherdrakon.Hewasn’tafraidofher.
WeshadjustmadeitondeckwhenhesawNat,coveredinthatorangefire,Brendonnexttoher.Brendonsaidhername,andthefiredied.
Justlikethat.
Shedidn’tseehim.ShewasfacingtheGoliath,whichwassteamingtheirway.He’dseenherbreakironchains,tossslaversintothesea,turnthatmissileintodust.Ifhedidn’tgettoherquickly,shewouldtearbothshipsapart.
Hewantedtocalltoherbuthehadsoldiersbyhisside,andanyoneofthemcouldkillherwithabullet.Hehadtodothishimself.
SoWesputaguntoherheadandtoldhertofollowhim.
•••
NowNatwaswalkingrightinfrontofhim,soclosethathecouldreachoutandtouchher,butinsteadhehadtocontenthimselfwithadmiringhergracefulsilhouette,thewayherbelthuggedhersmallwaist,howprettyherdarkhairlookedtuckedbehindherears,exposingherlong,whiteneck.
Shehadnobusinessbeingonthisship.
Maybeeveninthisworld.
“Lieutenant?”oneofhissoldiersasked.
Wessnappedtoattention.Hehadalmostforgottenthathehadacrewtocommand.“Youtwo,findthecaptain,seeifhe’sstillalive,andifheis,gethimdownhere.Bark,Stuffin,andtherestofyou,gobelowdecks,securetheholds,findfiresuppressionequipment,putouttheflames,andgetthisvesselinorder.”
Thecrewscattered,andWesmadeafewcalculationsandpunchedoutinstructionstoShakesonhishandheld,usingthesecretcodethey’dsharedduringcountlesscovertmissions.Withinmoments,theywereJekyllandHydeoncemore.
“Wes,whereareyoutakingus?”Brendonaskedmeekly.“IsRoarkwithyou?Shakes?”
Hedidn’tanswer.Hehadtopretendnottoknowthem,nottocareaboutthemfornow.HesawNatlookoverhershoulderathimquestioningly,buthehadtokeephisdistanceforhersafety.Hewasincommand,andshewastheenemy.Hetriedtoappearindifferent,stolid,buthecaughthergazeandforamomentitwaslikenothingatallhadhappenedtotearthemapart.Theywerebackonthatislandshore,andshewasinhisarms,andhe’djustkissedher.It
wasallhecoulddonottokissherrightthere.
Nat—
Buttheclankingofbootsfromthestairwayabovebroughthimbacktothepresent.WeslookedupandfoundthecaptainoftheColossusstaringdownathim,severalsoldiersrightbehindhimholdingtheirguns.“Abouttimeyouarrived,Wesson,”hesnarled.Wesrememberedhimfromtrainingatthebase;hisnamewasMcCleodandhehadanastywayabouthim,oneofthosesickoswhotooksadisticgleeinthepainofothers.
Wessalutedthecaptain,sinceheoutrankedhimbyafewstripesandtheywerestillonthesameteam,oratleasthehadtopretendtobe.“Takingthesetwotomyship;we’vegotroominourhold.Itoldyourboystoworryaboutgettingthisfireundercontrol.”
“No,thisshipisdone,we’llrideoverwithyou,”McCleodsaid.
Weshadafeelingitwouldn’tbeeasytogethisfriendsbackonhisship.“Thereisn’tanyspaceontheinflatable,sir.I’llsendanotherforyouandyourmen.”
“Nonsense,leavetheprisonersbehind.Weweretakingtheminpeacefullywhentheybeganfiringatus,andnowlookatthismess.Betteryet,shootthembothandbedonewithit.”Heturnedtohismen.“Shootthesetwoandrounduptherest.Comeon,Wesson.”
Wesmovedtoshieldhisfriendswhen,outofnowhere,thecaptainbegantochokeandthegunsflewoutofthesoldiers’hands,shatteringagainstthebulkhead.
Thesamewhite-hairedsylphthatWeshadseenfromadistanceappearedfromtheshadowsasonebyoneMcCleodandhismenfelltothefloor,clutchingtheirthroats,clawingattheirownskin.
“No!”Natcriedinhorror.“Faix—no!”
Butitwastoolate.Thecaptainandhissoldiersweredead,theyweresprawledonthedeck,theirfacespurple,suffocatedandbleedingfromthecutsontheirthroatsmadebydiggingtheirnailsintotheirownskin.
Wessteppedovertheirbodiesandpointedhisgunatthewhite-hairedstranger.“Idon’tknowwhoorwhatyouare,butdon’tyoumakeamoveuntilIsayso.”
Thesylphonlysmiled,staringfixedlyatWes.HeraisedhishandandWescockedhisgun,thetwoofthematastandoffuntilNatcamebetweenthem.
“Stopit!”
Thesylphturnedtoherandloweredhishand.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,andwhisperedsomethinginhisear.
SheturnedtoWes.“Areyouallright?”
“Yeah,yourboyfrienddidn’tdoanydamagetome,sweetheart,”hesaid,annoyedathowintimateNatseemedtobewiththiscreature.
Shereeledasifslapped.“He’snotmy—”
“HEY,ICEHOLES,SOMEONECALLACAB?”ItwasShakes,fromthedeckoftheGoliath,asthecruiserpowerednexttotheburningColossus.Faroukwavedfromthebridge,Roarknexttohim.Brendonyelped.“Iknewit!”
“GETOVERHERE!”Wesyelledback.ThereweretoomanypilgrimsontheColossustofitintheremaininglifeboats.Hehadanewideaandheneededhisboystohelp,andtosecureanysoldiersthatremainedontheship.
“You—”hesaid,turningbacktothewhite-hairedsylph.“Youdidn’thavetokillthem.Wewouldhavebeenabletosubduethem.”
“Perhaps.ButIcouldnottakethechance.NowthereisenoughtimeforthepilgrimstomaketheirwaytothegateofAfal.Isavedtheirlives,”Faixsaid,hislonghairripplinginthewind,hiseyescoldanddistant.
“Youcan’tsavelivesbytakingothers,”Wessaid,hisknucklesturningwhiteasheheldhisgun.Itdidn’tmatterwhichsidetheyfoughtfor;thosesoldiersdidn’thavetodiethatway.“Whoeveryouare,you’reasadexcuseforasylph,”hesaid,thinkingofLiannanandhowshewouldnurtureeventhesmallestwoundedanimalbacktolife.
“That’snosylph,”saidBrendon,pipingupfrombehindthem.“He’sadrau.”
Chapter22THEREWASASTUNNEDSILENCEONthedeckaseveryonestaredatFaix.Drauwerealegendaryandviciousrace.Theycaredfornothingandnoone,andtheirpowerknewnoboundsnorrestraint.Thewhite-hairedmanstaredbackateveryonewithhisbeautifulbutfearsomesilvereyes,andhiswordsprojectedintoeveryone’sconsciousness.
Thesmallmaniscorrect.Iamdrau.Iwasherewhentheworldwasyoung,whendrakonsandtheirryddersfilledthesky.Iwillremainhereuntiltheend,untiltheverystarsexpireandthisworldisjustamemory.
Iamdrau.
IamFaixLazaved,MessengertotheQueenofVallonis.Wearethefirstandthelast,andyouarerighttofearme,forallthestoriesaboutmypeoplearetrue.
Icankillwithmymind.
Myheartismadeofice.
“Faix!Stopit!”Natyelled.“Stopscaringeverybody!Thesearemyfriends.”
Sheturnedtotheirashenfaces.Weswasstaringatherlikeshewasastranger,andithurttoseethatbetrayed,shockedlookonhisface.
“You’rewithhim?”Wesasked.
“Yes,but—”
Henodded,cuttingheroff,unwillingtohearmore.
Shedidn’twanttoexplaineverythinginfrontofeveryone,andespecially
notinfrontofFaix.Couldn’tWesseewhatajoyitwasforhertoseehim,tohearhisvoice,toknowhewasaliveandsafe?
WesraisedhisgunandpointeditatFaixagain.“You’llleavetherestofthesesoldiersaloneoranswertome,”hesaid,astheremainingcrewoftheColossuscameoutoftheshadows,theirhandsraisedinsurrender.
“Yourweaponwillnothurtme,”Faixsaid.
“Can’thurttotry,”Wessaidwithhissignaturecockysmile.
“Wes,please.Don’t.Hewashelpingme.WewerelookingforLiannan.Shewascallingforhelp.Ithoughtshewashere.Iheardher.”
“She’snothere,Nat,”saidBrendon.“Wehaven’tseenLiannaninweeks,nearlyamonth.”
“Butthatcan’tbe,”shesaid.“Thecallcamefromhere.”Still,asconfusedasshewasaboutLiannan,NatsawthatWesandFaixwerestilleyeingeachotherwarily,andsheknewshehadtoactquicklytodefusethesituation.Faixhadshockedherwithhisspeed,hisruthlessness.He’dsnuffedoutlivesaseasilyasblowingoutcandles,butFaixwasherguide,herteacher—andherfriend.
Drauornot,shethoughtofhimasafriend.
Shehadlethimintohermind,lethimintoherconsciousness,formingabondthatwasnotunliketheoneshesharedwithherdrakon.
“Youshouldhavetoldme,”shesaidtoFaix.“Youshouldhavetoldmewhatyoureallyare.”Thedrauwerecreaturesofmyth,themostpowerfulandterrifyingraceonearth,orsothelegendswent,buthewasalsoherfriendandhehadliedtoheraboutwhathewas.
“Ididnotmeantodeceiveyou.Ihavealwaysbeenmyself.Drauisyourwordforus,youdivideusintosylphanddrau,butweareoneandthesame.Drauismerelyanolderwordforourkind,”hesaid.“Yourpeoplefearusforgoodreason.ButyoumustknowIwouldneverharmyouoryourfriends.”
“Right,”Wessaidsarcastically.
“Youfearme,RyanWesson.Youseemeasaromanticrival,Itakeit?Aninterestingproposition,Iwillagree.Sheisawondrousgirl.”
Natcolored,butsheknewFaixwellenoughtoknowhewasnomoreattractedtoherthanhewastoherdrakon.Whiletherewasfriendshipbetweenthem,therewasnochanceofromancefromeitherside.No.FaixjustwantedtotauntWes,topissonhisterritory,sotospeak.Boys.Drauor
mortal,theywereallthesame.Thetwoofthemlockedeyestoseewhowouldblinkfirst.
Wesslowlydroppedhisgun.“Fine.”
“Awisechoice,”Faixsaid,returninghisstare.Thenheblanchedandputahandtohistemple.
“What’swithhim?”Wesasked.
“Idon’tknow—Faix?What’swrong?”
“It’snothing,”Faixsaid,recoveringhiscomposure.Hisfeatureswereatoncemoreserene,impassive.Sheknewhewaslying,justlikehehadaboutthecharmaroundhisneck.She’dneverseenFaixreactinsuchamanner.Evenwhentheywerealoneinthesmallboat,gunfireintheair,theirshipsinking,Faixhadn’tseemedtheleastbitworried.
ShecaughtWesstaringather,butwhenshemethiseyes,helookedawayagain.Shewishedtheywerealone,wishedshecouldtalktohimwithoutFaixpeeringintoherhead.Butsincethatwasn’tpossiblerightnow,sheturnedtoFaixinstead.“Itrustedyou.”
“Andyoucancontinuetodoso,”hesaid,smokehangingintheair,wavescrashingagainstthecruiser.Therewassootinhishairandonhisface,andforthefirsttimeFaixnolongerresembledthebrightandperfectsylph,thewiseandagelessmentorshehadknown.“YouandIarethelastoftherydders.ManyinVallonisbelievetheryddersareborntofight,thatwearecreaturesofviolence,warriorswhoarebestkeptoutsideApis.ButIdisagree.Wecanbemorethanwarriors,morethanavehicleforflameanddestruction.Youcancontrolthefireanddreadthatliveswithinyou.Youhaveseenit.”Hiseyesblazedwhenhespokeoftheflame.Hewasawarrior,amanwhowouldkillifneeded.Herteacherandmentorwasgone.
“Youkilledthemwithoutwarning,”shesaid.“Isthatsomethingryddersdo?”
“Whenitisnecessary.”
“Andwasit?”Wessaid.
Roarkhadclimbedonboardfromtheropeladderonthefarsideofthedeck,andBrendonhadruntohim.Thesmallmenwereembracing,theireyesteary,grinswide.Dirtclungtotheirfacesandclothes,theirhairwasplasteredwithsweat,buttheirhappinesswasapparenttoall.
NatwishedherrelationshipwithWeswasaseasy.Howdiditgetso
complicatedsoquickly?Hewasstandingonlyafewfeetawayfromher,butshecouldn’ttalktohim,couldn’tevenmoveclosertohim,andhewasunwillingtolookather.Thiswasnotwhatshedreamedofwhenshe’dpicturedseeingWesagain—thetwoofthemsurroundedbysmokeandflame,withthebodiesofthedeadonthefloor,theremainingsoldierscowering,thepilgrims’moans,awhite-haireddraubetweenthem.
Ilovehim.
Ilovehim,andthisisallIcanhaveofhim.
Ofcourseitwas.Thiswasherlife.Thiswasalwaysherlife.Shedidn’tknowwhysheeverexpectedittobeanydifferent.Nomatterhowmanypromisestheymadetoeachother,shebelongedtotheBlueandhetothegraylands.Theycouldneverbetogether,andthefastertheyacceptedthat,theeasieritwouldbe.
Frombelowcametheechoofgunshots,breakingtheawkwardsilence,andNat,forone,wasalmostgladfortheinterruption.
Weswinced.“ThelastoftheColossuscrew,probably,”hesaid.“I’llhandlethismyway.Wetakeeveryonealive.You,stayhere,”heorderedFaix.Hewhistledtohiscrew.“Useirononhimifhemoves.”
“Whataboutme?”askedNatquietly.“AmIyourhostage,too?”
Chapter23BEFOREWESCOULDANSWERHER,ONEofhisboysranup,sweatyandscared.“Lieutenant!There’sasoldierwho’sbarricadedhimselfinoneofthecellsandwon’tcomeout.ToldhimwewerefromtheGoliath,buthewon’tlisten.”
“That’swhatIthought,”hesaid,stillkeepingacloseeyeonthedrauwhohoveredtoocloselytoNat.Thedrauwhohadcalledhimselfaromanticrival.WasNatseriouslywiththatwhite-hairedicehole?Hadthewholeworldgonecompletelymad?“Okay,I’lldealwithit.”
“No—hesaid—hewantsher,”theboysaid,pointingtoNat.“Hewantstotalktothegirl.Hewon’tsurrenderotherwise.We’vetriedbuthewon’tlistentous.Hewantstoseeher.”
WescaughtNat’seyebrieflyandraisedhiseyebrow.Hehadmisgivingsaboutit,butitseemedeasiertoagreethanresisttherequestfornow.
“Youdon’thavetogowithhim,Nat,”thewhite-hairedman—thefreezingdrau—saidtoherinwhatwaswaytooproprietaryatoneforWes’sliking.
“I’llgo,”shesaid.
Wesnoddedasifhecouldn’tcareless.HemotionedtothestairwayandNatheadeddown.Belowdecks,thelightswereoff,andthecorridorwasbeginningtoflood.
“Soifhe’snotyourboyfriend,whoishethen?”Wesasked,hisvoicelow.Heknewheshouldn’tsayanything—thathehadnorighttosayanything—buthecouldn’thelphimself.
Natturnedaroundtolookhimintheeye.“He’sjustafriend.”
“You’refriendswithdraunow,isthatit?”Heraisedhiseyebrowandhiseyessparkledtoshowhewasteasingher,tryingtoeasethetension.“Idon’tseeyouformonths,andthisiswhatyoudowithyourtime?”Hewasunabletostophimselffromteasingher,justalittle.
“LikeIsaid,Ididn’tknow,”shesaid.“It’scomplicated...andwhataboutyou?Whathaveyoubeenupto...Lieutenant?”
Butgunfirelitthecorridorandhedidn’thavetimetoanswer.Thesoundwasdeafening.Sparksflewasbulletspepperedthehallway.WesduckedandcoveredNatwithhisbody,pressingbothofthemagainstthewall,gladtohavetheexcusetotouchherforamoment,evenifsomeonewasshootingatthem.
Imissedyou.
Theyweresoclosehecouldhavekissedhercheek,andhecouldfeelherbodytenseunderneathhis.
Imissedthis.
Thecorridorshookwiththesoundofbulletsricocheting.Wesyelled,hisvoiceechoingdownthelengthoftheship,“THISISLIEUTENANTWESSON,CAPTAINOFTHEGOLIATH!IORDERYOUTODROPYOURWEAPONANDSURRENDER!”
Therewasadeafeningsilence.Followedbymoregunfire.
“Wes,”Natsaid.She’dsaidhisnameforthefirsttime,anditsethiseverynerveendingonfire.“Becareful,”shewhispered.
Heheldhergaze.“Aren’tIalways?”Buthisheartbeatpainfully.Whoeverthaticeholewasupthere,shestillcaresaboutme.Thethoughtmadehisfaceflush,andheforcedhimselftolookaway.
One.Two—
“IREPEAT,DROPYOURWEAPON!”hecalled,asheburstintothehallway,firinghisown.
“YOUHAVETHEGIRL?”avoicecalledfromtheopendoorway.
OnceagainWeslookedatNat,whoshrugged.“She’srightherewithme,buddy,”hecalled.
“Okay,”saidthevoice,withpalpablerelief.
“Isitonlyyouinthere?”askedWes.
“It’sjustme,”saidthevoice.
Thiswasgoingtobeeasierthanhethought.“Allright,tossoutyourgun.”
Thecloudofsmokeclearedandarifleflewout,skiddingonthefloor.Astoutsoldierfollowed,walkingoutwithhishandsupandhisheaddown.
“Whatthehellisthisallabout?”Wesasked.
Theboylookedup,fromWestoNat,wide-eyed.“Isitreallyher?Thegirl?Theonewhodestroyedthemissile?Theoneeveryone’sbeentalkingabout?Therider?”
“Drakonrydder,”Natcorrected,steppingforward.“Howdoyouknowaboutme?”
Wessmileddrily.“Yeah,that’sher,”hesaidtothesoldier.ToNat,hesaid,“Seemsyou’requitetheherothesedays.Thegruntsalltellstoriesaboutyourblack-wingedfriendandthegirlwhoridesonhisback.”
“Theydo?”Natsoundedamused.
“Itisher.”ThesoldierstoodinchesfromNat,hisgazefilledwithadmiration,withawe.Helookedhopefulbutintimidated,likealittleboystandingbeforehishero.Thesoldier’shandwaveredasheofferedherahandshake.“Iwanttojoinyou,”hesaid,hisvoicetrembling.“Iwanttofollowthedrakonrydder.”
“HernameisNat.Andshe’swithme,”Wessaidsmoothly.“SoIguessyouare,too,now.What’syourname,soldier?”
Thekidlookedaroundfifteenyearsoldandtwentypoundsoverweight.Weshadn’tseenmanyoverweightkidsintheRSA.Foodwasaluxury;onlythewealthycouldaffordtoeattoomuchofit.
“IceCreamCone,Imean,Chip.Chip’smyrealname.ChipsWin.Iknowit’sadumbname,whatcanIdo,myparentsworkedinthecasinos.TheguyscallmeIceCreamCone,Coneforshort.”Hesplutteredoutthewords,nervousorembarrassed.Probablyboth.
“How’dyougetthathandle?Youeatallthehotfudgesqueezersonyourboat?”
Coneblushed,whichprobablymeanthehad.Weswasamusedbuttriednottoshowit.
•••
Backondeck,ShakeshadroundeduptherestoftheColossuscrewandwas
workingwithBrendonandRoarktoferrythelastofthepilgrimsintothelifeboatsheadingtowardtheGoliath.Withouthavingtotellthem,hisboysalreadyknewwhattheyhadtodo.WeshadpromisedShakestheywouldgetoutassoonastheysawanopportunity,andthiswasit.Theyweregivingthepilgrimstheircruiser—withthelargerboat,theywouldbeabletosurvivetheperilsoftheblackoceans,andtheiroddsofreachingtheBlueimprovedmarkedly.
“Hey,Nat,”Shakessaidwithaghostofasmile.“Welcomeback.”
“Shakes!”shesaid,andgavehimanaffectionatehug.WeswasirritatedtofindthatnowhewasevenjealousofShakes,ifonlybecauseNatseemedtohavenoproblemshowingheraffectionforhim.
Getagrip,man.
HisfriendwinkedathimandletNatgo.Shakesalwaysknewexactlywhathewasthinking.He’dbetter,sincetheywererunningoutoftime.
“Headbacktobase,don’tfollowus,”WessaidtotheremainingsoldiersoftheColossusandtheGoliath,whomtheyhaddumpedintothelastinflatable.“Youonlyhaveenoughfueltogetbackthere,sodon’twasteyourtime.Ifyouwant,youcanjoinuslikeConehere.We’regoingAWOL,andyou’llbefugitives,butweneedgoodmen.I’lltakeyouon.”
Therewerenotakers.
“Fine.”Wesnodded.
Nexttohim,Natturnedpaleandgrippedhisarm.“Liannan!”shesaid,hereyesclosed.“She’scallingme.Weneedtofindher.”
“Liannan?”Shakessaidurgently.“Youknowwheresheis?She’salive?”
“Yes.”Natopenedhereyes.“They’rekeepingheralivefornow...butshedoesn’thavemuchtime.”
Chapter24NATOPENEDHEREYESANDSTAREDatthegroupoffriendswhosurroundedher—Wes,handsomeandsevereinhisgraylieutenant’suniform;Shakes,nowaskeletonofhisformerself,sallow-skinnedunderhisscragglybeard;BrendonandRoark,hopefulbutwary;Farouk,keepinghisdistanceabit;andFaix,standingapartfromthegroup,hissilvereyesglitteringlikeicicles.Shemightaswellbelookingatapatchworkquiltmadeupofclashing,tattered,mismatchedrags.
Halfofthemhatetheotherhalf.
Still,theywerefamiliar,andtheywereheretohelp.Andhelpwaswhatsheneededmorethananythingelserightnow.
“Liannanneedsus,”Natsaid,raisinghervoice.“She’ssoscared.”
“Whereisshe?”Shakesasked,red-faced.“Yousaidshedidn’thavelongtolive...”Hechokedonhiswords.Thepossibilitywastoodifficulttotalkabout.Natunderstood,becauseshefeltthesameway.
“She’saprisonersomewhere,buthercallfadedbeforeIcouldfocus.Ithoughtshewashere.”Natsighed.“Ineedyourhelpagain,”shesaidtoFaix.
“Wemustnotactrashly,”saidFaix.“Weansweredthecallanditbroughtushere,wheresheisnolonger.Itcouldbeanecho,orsomesortofdeception.”
“Iheardher,”Natargued.“Therehastobeareasonthecallbroughtushere.”MaybeLiannanwantedmetofindWes,shethought.Maybeshesentmeherefirst.Thethoughtmadeherblush.Butwhywouldshedothatifherlifewasindanger?
Shetriedagain.“Iknowwecanfindherthistime.Faix,please.”
“Who’sblondie?”Shakesgrowled,casuallyholdinghisgunasheturnedtothesilver-hairedFaix.
“Nat’snewfriend,”Wessaid.“FaketheDrau.Orsomething.”
“Faix,”saidFaix,withawitheringlook.“Sonof—”
“Saveit,FakeBlondie,”saidShakes.
Faixdidnotsmile.Nattriednotto.“Hecameheretohelp,”shesaid.“Andhecouldbasicallykillyouwithonebreath,soI’dwatchthejokes.”
“Mustbesomebreath,”mutteredShakes.Still,hebackedaway.
Natshookherhead.“Youdon’tgetit.Liannan’scallbroughtushere,andIwasonlyabletofocusonitwithhishelp.”Shehadtomakethemunderstandthateveniftheycouldn’ttrustFaix,theyneededhim,especiallyiftheywantedtofindthemissingsylph.
Andsheknewthat,morethananyone,Shakesdid.Nowhelookedalmostcontrite.Messagereceived.
Natclosedhereyesagain,strainingtohearLiannan’ssoftvoice.Itwasthere,afaintecho,muffled,mostlikelybyanironcellthatdampenedhermagic.
“Faix,”shesaid.“Canyouhelpmefindhervoiceagain?”
Faixshookhishead,andShakeslookedlikehewasabouttomurderhim.
“SoFakeBlondiewon’thelp,”Wessaid.“Maybewecanconvincehimotherwise.”Hecockedhisgun.
Thedraulookedannoyed.“Youmisunderstand.Thereisnoneedforviolence.Iwillaidyouinyourquesttofindyourfriend.”
“Thankyou,Faix.”Natsmiled.
“Iwasmerelyexpressingmyconcernthatperhapsthiscallthatyouhearisnotwhatyouthinkitis.”
“Andwhatareyou,theexpertonfakecalls?Thatseemsprettyconvenient,doesn’tit,Fake?”Westurnedhisgunoverinhishand,polishingitwiththeedgeofoneuniformsleeve.
FaixignoredWes.“Ifyouinsist,Nat,youmustdoasbefore,openyourmindtomine,andtogetherwewillfindher.”
Natnodded,andshenoticedWeslookinguncomfortableattheidea.Shecouldonlyimaginewhathethoughtabouthermergingconsciousnesseswith
adrau,especiallyFaix.Buttherewasnothingelsetobedone;thiswastheonlyway.
Faixheldhishandoutandshetookit,closinghereyesbeforeshecouldseethelookonWes’sface.
Witheverysecond,shecouldfeelFaix’spoweramplifyingthecall.
Nat,canyouhearme?Don’tletthem—
Thewordsdiedbuttheimageremained.Natcouldseeitclearlynow—Liannan,standingwithherbacktoher,wearingawhiterobeandlookingoutasmallwindowwithironbars.
Natopenedhereyes.“She’sinaholdingcell.Inaprisonthatoverlookssomesortofatemplewithastatueofawhiteelephantinfrontofit.”
“That’stheGrandTempleoftheHighPriestessoftheWhite,”saidRoark.“TheoneinNewKandy’sRedCity.”ThecountryusedtobecalledSriLanka,atropicalislandnationinthecontinentthatwasoncecalledAsia,butnothingofthecountryremainedaftertheBigFreeze,otherthanafewiconsfromitspastthatthewhitepriesthoodhadadoptedforitsown.
“Areyousure?”
“There’sonlyone,”saidRoark.“Weknowitwell.It’swheretheytakethemarked,andafterward...”Heshrugged,butNatknewwhateveryoneknew.Afterward,thepeoplewhowerebroughttherewereneverseenagain.
Weslookedgrim.“Eliza’sintheRedCitybaseaswell.Lookslikethat’sournextstop.”
Shakesnodded,hopereturningtohiseyesagain.Thehappy-go-luckyguywasstillinthere,hiddenbeneathallthatpain,andshewasgladtoseeit.
“We’recomingwithyou.WecametohelpLiannan,”saidNat.
“We?”Wessaid.“Idon’tthinktheboat’sbigenoughforthatso-calledfriendofyours.”
“They’reallset,boss,”Farouksaid,meaningtherestofthepilgrimshadbeentransferredtotheGoliath.
Wesnodded.“Goodwork.”Heyelledovertotheformerhostageshuddledonboardthedeckoftheship.“Youguysknowhowtodrivethatthing?”
Oneofthesmallmennodded.
“Tenminutes,”Shakessaid.
Tenminutestowhat?Natwondered.
Wesnodded.“Okay,youguys,getoutofhere!”
“Wait!”avoicecalledfromtheGoliath,thenanotherandanother.“Whereisshe?Whereistherider?”
Westurnedtoher.“Theywantyou.Lookslikeeveryonedoesthesedays.”Hesoundedbitter,andNatdidn’tlikeit.
Sheignoredhisremarkandpushedherwaytotherailing.Acrossthewater,thepilgrimsstoodinagroup,theirarmsraisedinfarewell.“Thankyou.”Onebyone,theymurmuredtheirthanks,blessingherandwishingherluckonherjourney.“Blessthedrakon.Blessitsrydder.”Itwasthesamesongthatthebirdshadsungtoheronherfirsttripacrosstheocean.
Theyhonoryou,Faixsent.
Shenodded,alumpinherthroat.Shewasadrakonrydder,aprotectorofVallonis.She’dwagedwarontheirenemies,foughtontheblackwaters,takenriskswithoutseekingthanksorpraise.Whenshewenttobattle,sheonlyknewrageandfury.Butnowsheunderstood.Whenshefoughtthedrones,shefoughtforthesepeople,thefacesshe’dneverseen.Evenifshedidnotknowthem,theyknewher,andtheythankedher.
Slowly,she,too,raisedherhandinfarewell.
TherestofWes’steamwerehelpingstackthebodies,sayingafewwordsofblessingbeforeputtingthemintothewater.ShejoinedWes,whowasstandingbytherailingandsupervisingthetask.
“Whathappenedtothatdrakonofyours,bytheway?”heasked.“Youtradeditforthedrau?BecauseIhavetosay,Ithinkyougottheshortendofthestickhere.”
Sheinhaledsharplyandtearssprungtohereyes.
Whenhesawthehurtlookonherface,hisfrownsoftened.“I’msorry.Isit...isitokay?”
“Wewerehitbyanironbombanditwashurtbadly,”shesaid.“It’sinVallonis—intheBlue—healing.”
Wes’sfacesoftened,lettingherknowhecared.“Willitlive?”
“Ihopeso,”shesaidmeetinghisgaze,lettinghimseeherpain,theworryinhereyes.Hervoicetrembled.“Faixsaysitwill.Thatonceit’swholeagain,itwilljoinme.”
Henodded,buthiseyesdarkenedagainatthementionofthedrau.“Look,Ican’thavehimonmyteam.They’rekillers,drau.I’vemettheirkind.They’lldowhateverittakestogetwhattheywant.Iwon’tdothat.That’swhyIleftthemilitaryinthefirstplace.Ithrewawaymycareer,ahalf-decentlife.Ididn’twantit,Ididn’twanttobelikeyourfriend.”
Nattookadeepbreathtorespond,butWeswasn’tdone.
“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,thathe’shelpingyousomehow,butbelieveme,he’susingyou,Idon’tknowwhatfor,buttrustme,that’swhattheydo.Itookajobonce,ferryingadrauoutofAshes.Hepaidupfront,actedpolite,thankful,humbleeven.Isnuckhimoutofahospital,keptitsecret,keptitquiet.Istowedhiminthetrunk,buthepanickedaswereachedthehospitalcheckpoint.Hepoppedthetrunk,killedtheguards,andkilledoneofmymen.Saidhedidn’tneedmyhelpanymore,thentookhiswattsandheleftmetodie.Igotout,butIlearnedmylesson.”
“Youdon’tknowhim.Weallsuffer,andweallhaveourreasonsforwhatwedo,”shesaid.
“Nat,hisreasonsarethewrongreasons.He’llgetyoukilled,he’llgetuskilled.”
“Buthe’swithme.”
“Yeah,youmadethatabundantlyclear,”hesaidbitterly.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”sheaskedsharply.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.”
“‘Itdoesn’tmatter’?”sheasked,forcinghimtolookherintheeye.“Allthosethingsyousaidtomebeforeyouleft?Allthosepromises?”Herheartbrokejustalittleeverytimehelookedawayfromher.“Ifthatdoesn’tmatter,thenwhatdoes?”
ShesawaflashofpainonWes’sface,andthenheshrugged.“Peoplesaystuffallthetime.It’snotasiftheymeanit.Igotcaughtupinthemoment.”
“Iguessso,”shesaidcoolly.“IguessIdid,too.ButI’mgoingtohelpfindLiannan.Shereachedouttome.Ican’tletherdown.AndFaixisn’tgoinganywhere.”
Wesfrownedanddidn’trespond.
Natsighed.Shewishedhewouldn’tactlikethis,pretendinghedidn’tcareforher.Butmaybeitwasforthebest.Whatkindoffuturecouldtheyhaveanyway?ShebelongedtoVallonis.WeswasaboyfromNewVegas.They
hadbothwalkedawayfromeachotheronce,andmaybehewasright:Whatdiditmatter?
Whatcouldit?Sowhywasherchestaching?Butifhecouldstandit,thensocouldshe.Shecouldstandtonottouchhim,tobeapartfromhim.Shecould,shereally,reallycould,shetoldherself,evenifallshewantedtodowasputherhandinhisandleanonhim,feelhisheartbeatingagainsthersagain.
FaixsidleduptoNat.Weslookedsourlyatthetwoofthem.Natwonderedifhewouldreallyleavethembehind,ifWescouldsaygood-byetohersocasuallyaftereverythingtheyhadbeenthrough,withoutevengivingherachancetoexplain.
Finally,afterthesilencebetweenthemhadturnedfromawkwardtouncomfortable,Wesmadehisdecision.“Look,ifthetwoofyouaregoingtojoinus,therearesomegroundrules.Thisismycrewandmycommand.Youobeyorders.Wedon’tkillandwedon’thurtanyoneunlessit’strulynecessary.Theworld’sfallenapart,butwehaven’t,”hesaid.“I’mnotinthebusinessofkillingkids.”
Faixregardedhimgravely.“Ouropinionsdiffer,Wesson,butIwillabidebyyourrules.AnastasiaisimportanttoVallonis.IamherebytheorderoftheQueentoprotectourlastdrakonrydder.”
“Ohyeah?You’reherbodyguard?Isthatit?”Wesasked,annoyanceandjealousywrittenalloverhisface.
NatshookherheadatFaix.Don’tspoilit.Stoptauntinghim.
Thedraulookedamused.Whynottellhimwhatyoureallyfeel,asheisdyingtoknow.Lookathowangryheisbecauseyouareactingindifferent.
ShepushedFaixoutofherhead,unwillingandtoostubborntolisten.
Wesclearedhisthroat.
“Thankyou.Weaccept.Wewilljoinyourcrew,”saidNat.“HowfaristheRedCity?”
Wessighed.“Twoweeks,dependingontheoceans,thetrash,andthewaves.It’shardtopredictthesethings.”
“Twoweeksinoneofthose?”sheaskedWes,motioningtothelifeboats.
Wesbarkedalaugh.“Wewouldn’tlasttwodaysinoneofthose.”Helookedupatthesky,searchingforsomething,andNatdidthesame,wonderingwhathewaslookingfor.Theyhearditfirst,aloudwhirringsound
ofbladescuttingthroughtheair,andafewminuteslaterablackhelicopterappeared,hoveringabovetheboat.
“That’sourride,”Wessaidwithagrimsmile.Hehithiscomm.“Shakes,youready?”
“Rogerthat,”Shakesreplied.“Rightbehindyou,boss.Almostfinishedpacking.”
“Withanyluckwe’llbeintheRedbytomorrowmorning,”hetoldNat.“Listen,makesureyourfrienddoeseverythingItellhim,otherwiseIwillleaveyoubothbehind.I’vegotabirdtocatch.”
ParttheThird:
REAPINGDAYOften,forundauntedcourage,fatesparesthemanithasnotalreadymarked.
—BEOWULF
Chapter25THEHELICOPTERLANDEDONTHEDECK,likeaflyonhoney.Wesstraightenedhisuniformandranahandthroughhishair,stillunusedtohowshortitwas.Timetowork.Hecountedtwelvemenonthechopper,gunsinhand,visors,fullbodyarmor.Hadsomeonesnitched?Weretheyontohim?
Relax.It’sjustprotocol.
Probablythey’djustassumedtheywerelandinginahostilesituation.Whichtheywere,evenifitwasn’tthekindtheyexpected.
Afullstriketeamhadarrived,andallWeshadwashiswitanduniform,twoloyalsoldierswhoweretiredandhungry,acoupleofsmallmen,andofcourseNatandthatwhite-hairedfriendofhers.Thetwoofthemcouldprobablywastetheentirecrewwithoutblinkinganeye,butthatwasn’tthewaythiswasgoingdown.
Wesplannedtotakecontrolofthathelicopteraseasilyasslippingawalletoutofsomeone’spocketortrickingamarkduringashellgame—twothingshehadnoproblemdoing.Whichcupheldtheball?Whicheveroneyoudidn’tpick.He’dhadtostealeverysinglethingheneededinhislife,sohehadlotsofpractice.FromalimousinetotakehimtoElDoradotoachoppertotakethemtotheRedCity,andintheendhe’dprobablyhavetostealNatawayfromthatprettyboy,nomatterwhatshesaidaboutthembeingonly“friends.”
Thatdrauisnobody’sfriend.
Hewasn’tsureitwastherightideatotakethemalong;hedidn’ttrustthedrau.ButtherewasnowayhewasleavingNatbehind,andmorethanthat,hecouldn’tleaveherwithhim.TheprotectorofVallonishadherownprotector.
Butafterthosehorridthingshe’dsaidtoher,itwasn’tasifNatwasgoingtofallintohisarmsanytimesoon.
Peoplesaystuffallthetime.It’snotasiftheymeanit.
Weswishedhecoulderasethememoryofevenimaginingthosewords,letalonesayingthem.
Hecouldbesuchaniceholesometimes.Buthedidn’tknowwhatshewasdoingwiththedrauandhedidn’twanttothinkaboutit.Hecouldn’thelpbutnoticehowaliketheywere,amatchedpair,bothoftheminleatherarmorandcarryingswords.He’sjustafriend,she’dsworn.Andyetshecouldn’tleaveFaix.Worse,shehaddefendedhimafterhekilledallthosesoldiers—boysandgirlstheirage,someyounger.Andnowshewaslookingatthewhite-hairedmotherfreezerlikehewasthesecondcoming.HerFakeBlondieprotector.
Wessnorted.
ExcusemewhileIfakevomit.
WeslookedanxiouslyattheGoliath,whichwasspeedingaway.Good.ThepilgrimswouldmakeittotheBlue.Nowallhehadtodowasgethiscrewsafelyandpeacefullyontothischopperwithouthurtingtoomanypeople.
Soldiersbegantojumpfromthechopper,landingonthedeckandfanningout,assessingthesituation.“Wegotadistresssignal,”theirsergeantsaid.
“Yeah,fromme.”
“You’reWesson?”
“Yeah.”
“Whattheicehappenedhere?”
“Pilgrimsshotatusaswetriedtotakethem.TheytookoutmostofthecrewandMcCleod.”
“Wherearethey?”thesoldierasked,lookingaroundattheemptydeck.
“Wegavethemtothesea.Listen,I’dlovetochat,butIneedtogetmyteambacktobaseandreporttoBradley.Ihavesomewoundedsoldiershere.”HegesturedtowardShakesandFarouk,whoattemptedtolookcritical.Cone,thefatkidthey’dtakenon,lookedpaleandfrightened.Whichwasn’tastretchforhim.
“Theseyourhostages?”thesoldierasked,motioningtothesmallmen,Nat,
andFaix.
“Yeah,”hesaid.“Igotorderstotakethemback,too.”
“Right,it’sreapingdayatthemarket,Iremember,”thesoldiersaid.“Daveywilltakeyoubacktobase.”
“No—I’vegotourownpilot.Commandsaidyouguysneedtostayheretomakesuretheydon’tcomeback...securethearea.”
ThesergeantnoddedandWesusheredhiscrewintothechopper.Shakeswentfirst,gotinthepilotseat,putontheheadphones,andstartedfiddlingwiththeinstruments.ThenFaroukandCone.BrendonandRoarkshuffledon,followedbyNatandFaix.
Thesoldiersstaredatthetall,white-hairedboyintheblackarmor.
Faixstaredback,hissilvereyesglittering.
“Youadrauorsomething?”thesoldierasked.“Hey,man,lookathiseyes!Theyjustturnedsilver!”
“Naw,that’snodrau,that’sjustafreak,”theothersoldiersaid,laughingashepokedFaixonthearmwiththebuttofhisrifle.
“Leavehimalone,”Natsaid.
“Whatareyou,somekindofdraugroupie?”
“Hey,it’sthe—it’sthewitch—theone—youknow—theonewhoridesthatthing!”theothersoldiersaidexcitedly.TheyleeredatNat,jockeyingtogetnexttoher.Oneofthemtookhishandheldoutandstartedtakingpictures.Natwincedattheflash,andfrownedastheboyscrowdedaroundher.
“She’sprettyhot,”onesaid.“Hey,Wesson,maybeleavethisonebehindforus,huh?”
“Knockitoff,”Wesgrowled,annoyed.“Don’teventhinkaboutit.”HeknewNatcouldtakecareofherself,butitdidn’tstophimfromfeelingprotective.Besides,thesekidsdidn’tknowwhattheyweregettinginto.Nat’seyeswereflashingangrily,andhe’dseenwhatshecoulddowhenshelookedlikethat.
Don’t.Nothere.Notlikethis.
OneoftheguysslunghisarmaroundNat’sshoulders,andanothergropedherback,andthatwasallittook.“Don’ttouchme!”sheyelled,pushingthesoldiersaway,andthescenedissolvedintochaos.
WesdivedintothecrowdaroundNat,pullingthesoldiersawayfromher,andoneoftheboyspunchedhimrightinthechin.ShakesandFaroukranoutofthechopper,alongwiththesmallmen,tojointhefray.Faixremainedstill,watching.Forabodyguard,hedidn’tseemtoohandy.
“DON’TSHOOT!DON’TSHOOT!”Wesorderedthegroup.Hewasstillhopingtogetoutofthiswithhishandsclean.“NAT!”heyelled,justasasnarlingfemalesoldierhitherfrombehindwithhergun.Westhrewthesoldierwhowaspunchinghimtothegroundandrantoher.
Natwasrollingonthefloor,holdinghershieldtoblockanothersoldier’skicks.Wesjumpedontheboyandbegantopummelhim.Buttheywerelosing,thechoppercrewhadfullgearon,andinquicksuccessionthesmallmenwerestunned,ShakesandFaroukwerebadlybeatup,andhecouldn’tfighteveryoneofthemhimself.
“Round’emup,round’emup!”thesergeantbarked.
Thesoldiersmovedtorestrainthem,holdingouttheshackles,butbeforetheycouldtouchanyofthem,eachandeverymemberofthestriketeamslumpedtotheground,unconscious.
Weslookeddownatthem,andwhenhelookedup,hemetFaix’seyes.
Thedrauwasserene.“Ididn’tkillthem,”hesaidmildly.“Theyareonlyasleep.”Thesoldierswerelyingonthedeck,theirmouthsopen,theireyesclosedorrolledtothebackoftheirheads.
“Well,youcould’vedonethatbeforeweallgotbeatup,huh?”WesaskedashehelpedNatup.Hecheckedthebruiseonhercheek,whichwasalreadyfading.“Thaticehole,”hesaid,andhewasn’tsureifhemeanttheguywhohadgropedNatorthedrau.Maybeboth.
“It’sokay,Icantakecareofmyself,”shesaidstiffly,movingawayfromhimtostandnexttoFaix.
Great.
Thethreestoodforamomentinuneasysilence,massagingtheirbruises,stretchingtheirnecks.WeshelpedShakestohisfeet.AlineofblooddribbledfromShakes’sbeard.Farouklayonthedeck,stunned,withBrendonandRoarkattendingtohim.“Heneedsahealer,”Roarksaid.“Ithinkhehasaconcussion.”
Faixkneltbythefallensoldier,murmuredafewwords,andgentlyplacedhishandsonhisforehead.Faroukwokeupandblinkedhiseyes.
Conestuckhisheadoutofthechopper.Hehadremainedinside,scaredtofight.“Isitover?”
Nooneansweredhim.
“Helpmecarrythesesoldierstothehold,”Wessaid,gesturingtotheonenearesttheopendoorway.
“Letme,”saidFaix.HefollowedWes,takingthenearestsoldiersanddraggingthemintothecelltwoatatime.NatandShakescarriedthefourth.Therestoftheteammadequickworkofthetask,andtheylaidthesoldiersnexttoeachotherinneatrows.
“They’llwakeupsoon;Iusedarathergentlespell,”saidFaix.
Shakeslookedskeptical.
Faixshrugged.“Atleastinmyopinionitwasgentle.”
WestossedacaseofMRSsintotheroomwiththemalongwithhissatellitephone.“Theycancallforpickupwhentheydowakeup.”
Behindhim,ShakesandFaroukwereloadingthechopperwithsuppliesfromtheship’skitchen.BrendonandRoarkhadalreadydugintothewafers.“Look!Newflavors.Roastbeef!”
WescaughtNat’seyeandforabriefmomenttheysmiledateachotherbeforelookingawayagain.Heknewwhatshewasthinking.Itwasjustlikebefore.NowalltheyneededwasLiannan.
Chapter26NATWATCHEDASWESWIPEDMISTfromthechopperwindow.Outside,snowcoveredthesofthillsoftheNewGanrajayancoastline.They’dbeenflyingforhours.Tomasktheirescape,Weshadremovedthechopper’sradioandsatellitetracker,andsmashedtheblackboxrecorderandthebackupGPS.Shakeswasflyingblind,keepingthehelicoptersoaringlow,belowradar,andfast.WeshaddoneeverythinghecouldimaginetocloaktheirescapefromtheRSA,andNathopeditwasenough.
WeswassittingnexttoShakesinthecopilot’schair,theonethatFaroukusuallyoccupied,andNatunderstooditwasbecausehewasavoidingher.Wesdidn’ttrustFaix,andbyextension,hedidn’ttrusther,either.Hehadn’tsaidawordtohersincetheyleftthedeckoftheColossus.Boys.
NatknewhewasjealousofFaix,buttherewasnoreasontobe.Ifonlyshecouldmakehimunderstandthatsheheldnosecretromanticattractiontowardtheunmaskeddrau.Faixwasbeautiful,buthewasalsoforeign,ancient,strange.Hewasaguardian,ateacher,amentor,alinktoVallonis’spastandherheritage,andthatwasall.ButtherewasnowaytoexplainthattoWesifherefusedtotalktoher.Hedidn’tevenseemtowantthemonhiscrew,andhadonlytakenthemongrudgingly.
Nexttoher,Faixhadretreatedintoablanksilence,hiseyesopenbutglazed.Helookedasifhewasmeditating.Perhapsheneededtorest.Magicwaslikeanyotherkindofenergy;magichadatithe,whenusedithadtobereplenished.Ithadlimits.Eventhedrakonflagged,eventhedrakonneededtimetoheal.Shereachedout,triedtotouchFaix’sthoughts,butfoundonlysilence.Hismindwasclosedtoherfornow.
Fine.
Shelefthimalone.Shewantedtolearnmoreaboutherpower,aboutApis,butsheunderstoodhisneedforprivacy.Liannan’scallhadinterruptedhertraining,andshewaseagertotryagain.Astheyflewthroughtheclouds,Natconcentratedonheremptypalms,tryingtoimagineaflamearisingfromdeepinsideherself.Thefireiswithinyou.Faixhadmadefirewithoutadrakon,andsaidshecoulddothesame,buthow?Natfixedhergazeonheremptyhands,tryingtoconjurethefeelingoffireandheat,tocreatesomethingfromnothing,tosparkaflamewithoutflintormatch.
Nothing.Sheballedherfistsinfrustration,thenunclenched,exhaling.Faixhadsaidshecouldnotletheremotionsgetthebestofher.Shewouldhavetolearncontrol,touseherpowerandexerciseitatwill,notasanunpredictable,violent,ragingimpulse.
Natclosedhereyes,searchingforthedrakon,acrossthemanymilesbetweenthemandthedeepearthinwhichitwasburied.Whereareyou?Shefeltsoemptyandalonewithoutit.
Shewaitedpatientlyforananswer,sendingthesamecallagainandagain.Finally,afamiliarjoltofpowercamerushingthroughherbody,electric,theconnectionbetweenthemsparkingoncemore.Herdrakonwashealing.Valloniswasnursingitbacktolife.
Iamhere.Ihaveneverleftyou.
Apuffofsmokeappeared,dancingonthepalmofherhand.
Thefireiswithinyou.
“Whatareyoudoing?”avoiceinterruptedher.
Shelookeduptoseethenewkid,Cone,watchingherwithwidenedeyes.“Didyoudothat?That’scool.”
Natclosedherhand,feelingalittleself-conscioustohavebeencaughtplayingwithfire,andthepuffofsmokedisappeared.“Justpracticing.”
Conenoddedasifshehadjustconfirmedsomething.
“CanIaskyousomething?”shesaid.
“Sure,”hesaid,weavinghisfingersintoasteeple,thenquicklypullingthemapart.
“Whydidyouwanttofollowme?”
Theyoungboychewedhislipandlookedoutthewindow,downattheinkywavesthatswirledbetweencontinentsofice.Hesquirmed
uncomfortablyinhisseat.“There’snothingtolivefor,theworld’sdone.Toast.We’redraftedintothemilitary,thenspitoutwhenthey’veusedusup.Allthereistoeatisglop,allthereistodrinkisNutri.Therehastobesomethingelseoutthere.Theyliedtous.TheBlueisreal.There’s...magicoutthere.Magicthatwillchangetheworld.You’repartofit,andIwanttobepartofit,too.Betterherethanstuckonthatcruiser,that’sforsure.”
Shesmiled.“Soyou’vegoneAWOL.Wesisabadinfluence.”
“No,”hesaid.“NotAWOL.I’vedonesomethingbetter:I’vedied.Foralltheyknow,Iwassuckedintotheblackwaterswiththerest.I’mfree.Icanstartagain.Icanfight,butthistimeIgettopickmyside.”
“I’msorryaboutyourfriends,”shesaidsoftly,thinkingofthecrewoftheColossuswhohadchokedtodeathonthedeck,felledbyFaix’spower.
“Thoseweren’tmyfriends.Iwasnewtothisunit,andexcusemylanguage,buttheywereabunchofmotherfreezers.Theywouldhavekilledyouwithoutblinkingifthey’dhadachance.Idon’twanttobelikethem.Iwanttobebrave.Iwanttobelikeyou.”
“I’mjustasscaredaseveryoneelse,”saidNat,leaningagainstthecockpitwall.“Ijustdon’tdwellonitthatmuch.Butthankyouforbelievinginme,”shesaid,thecabinfeelingsmall.Natsmackedherheadonapanellatchwhenshetriedtobackawayfromthekid.
Conesmiled.“Ihavetobelieveinsomething.”Thenheclosedhiseyes,tootiredformoreconversation.Heslunkbackintothetinychair,tryingtofindacomfortablepositioninaseatthatwasn’tdesignedforcomfort.
Natnoticedthatbehindher,thesmallmenweresleepingoneachother’sshoulders,theirheadstouching,Roarksnoringsoftly.Theywereallexhausted.Sheleanedbackinherseatandwasasleepbeforehereyeshadclosed.
•••
Whenshewokeupafewhourslater,WeswasconferringwithConeandFaroukaboutthemap.ThefrozenspiresofNewKandyloomedinthedistance;theyhadarrivedattheirdestination.“Areyousure?”WesaskedCone.
“Yeah,themarketsareoverhere,onthisislandoffthemainland:TheycallittheRedCitybecausesunsetturnsitred.It’stheonlyplaceintheworldthatstillgetsabitofnaturalsunlight,rightbeforedark.That’swheretheguyssaidthebaseis.”Conesaid,pointingtoaspotonthemapthatwasunfoldedonhis
lap.
“Sowe’lllandoverhere,”saidFarouk.
“No,it’stooriskyandtoonearthebase.Iwanttokeepthischopperhiddensowecanuseittogetoutofhere,”saidWes.
“What’soverthere?”askedFarouk,pointingtoanunmarkedareaonthemainland.
Coneshrugged.“AsfarasIknow,nothing.Thatcouldbegood.”
“No,that’stoofartotheferry,”saidWes.Aboatmadedailyrunsfromthemainlandtotheislandwherethetemplecomplexwaslocated.Theywouldneedtomakethetripfromthelandingsitetotheferryonfoot,butoncetheygotoff,itwasonlyashorthiketothemarkets.
“Howaboutoverhere?”Wespointedtotheotherside.“What’sthat?”
“Ruinsoftheoldcity.TheybuiltKandyTwoontheotherside,”saidFarouk.
“Okay,we’lllandthere.Therewillberoomtohidethisthing,andit’snotfarfromtheport.”
Shakeslandedthechopperbehindafewburned-outbuildingscoveredinsnowandice.Theboyspulledtheiridentifyingstarsandranksfromtheircollarsandcutthenametagsoutoftheirpockets.Runnersoftenworemilitarysurplus,andoncetheyweredone,they’dlooklikejustanotherragtagteamsenttocollecttrinketsfromthemarketsfortheirrichclients.
“Here,letme,”NatsaidwhenWesstruggledtopullthelieutenant’sstripesfromhisshoulder.
Sheputahandonhisarmandpulleddelicately,herbreathcatchinginherthroatathowclosetheywere.
“Thanks,”hemurmured,stillunabletolookherintheeye.
“You’rewelcome.”
“Ithinkyoushouldstaybehind,allofyou,”hesaidabruptly,meaningNat,thesmallmen,andFaix.“It’stoodangerous.Youknowwhattheydointhemarkets,soclosetothetemple.Wecan’ttakethatchance.”
Nat’scheeksburned.“We’reheretohelp.”ShebrushedlintfromWes’suniform.
“Andyou’llbehelpingbystayingsafe,”Wessaid,adjustingthebuttons
onhisjacket.“Ifwedon’tmakeit,youguysneedtofindLiannanandgetoutofhere.”Hewasusinghiscommander’svoicenow,theonethatsentmentobattle.Inspiteofherirritation,shelikedtheringofit,theauthorityitheld.Hehadaday’sworthofstubbleonhisjawandthelookofamanwhohadn’tsleptindays,butwastryingtokeeptheexhaustionoffofhisface,tryingtoappearbrave.
“Cone,canyouflythisthing?”heasked.
Thebigkidstood,lookedatthepilot’sseatandnodded.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Iflewoneoftheseinbasic.”
“Good.Youstickwiththechopper,too,”Wessaid.Hereachedforthelatch;hewasgoing,leaving.Thedoorinchedopen,coldairsweptthroughthecockpit.
“Howwillweknowyou’reallright?Youthrewoutalltheradios,”shesaid,thefreezingairturningherbreathtowhitemist.
“Yeah,toodangerous,astheymonitoralltheopenchannels,”Wessaid,stillfingeringthelatch.“ButIgotanidea.Yourfriendcanreadminds,right?”askedWes,gesturingtoFaix.
Natnodded.
“Thenhe’llknowifwerunintotrouble,”hesaid,withaslightcheekygrin.
“Iwill,”saidFaix,whohadawokenfromhisdreamlikestate.
“Istilldon’tlikeit,”shemuttered.Sheknewhewasonlylookingoutforthem,butshewantedtostayclosetohim.
Wesyankedthelatch,slidingthechopper’ssidedoorfullyopen,motioningfortheotherstogo.ShakesandFaroukloadedtheirpackswithprovisions.Theyputuptheirhoodsagainstthewindandleftthechopper.Weswasnext.Hewasleavingheragain,andtheacheinthehollowofherchestintensified.
Hesmiledashefixedthestrapsonhisglovesandloweredthehoodoverhisface.“Don’tworryaboutme,Nat.Likeyou,Icantakecareofmyself,”hesaid,echoingthewordssheoftensaidtohim.
“Don’t,”shesaidsoftly.“It’snotfunny.”
“Ididn’tthinkitwas,”hesaidmildly.
Theystaredateachother.Maybeitwasjusttoooverwhelmingtosee
one’sbelovedaftermonthsofwishingandhopinganddreaming.Theyweretooshy,unsureiftheotherstillfeltthesameasbefore.Andsotheyhadrevertedtotheirsharptongues,totheircoolfaçades.Whenunderneath,herheartwasburning.Andthewayhewaslookingatherrightnow...likehecouldn’tbelieveshewasthere,likehewantedtoeatherup,kneelatherfeetandravishher,allatthesamemoment—ifonlyhewould—
God,shelovedhim.Futureornofuture.Evenwithallthebrokenpromises.Whatwasapromiseanyway?Shewantedhim.Iwantyou,RyanWesson.Alwaysandforever.
Nowshejusthadtoswallowherprideandadmitit.Wes,comebacktome,shewantedtosay,butthewordswouldn’tcomeout.
Soheshrugged,brokehergaze,andsoonhewasgonewiththerest,losttothesnow.
Chapter27ITWASHARDTOLEAVENATAGAIN,almostworsethanbefore,becauseatleastthefirsttimetheyhadpartedwithakissandapromise.Thistimeitwasasifshedidn’tevencarewhathappenedtohim;shebarelyevensaidgood-bye.Wesgrittedhisteeth,hischeeksburningfromthecoldwind,andsworethathewouldn’tletthathappenagain.Whatkindofgameweretheyplaying?Thiswasnothowheimaginedtheirreunion,butthenhehadn’taccountedforherdraubodyguard,either.Hehadbeenkiddingabouthavingthatguyreadtheirminds;hedidn’twantthatcreepyconsciousnessanywherenearhis.Andwhileithurttoleaveherbehind,heknewshewassaferthere,awayfromthegreedofthecrazedHighPriestessandthefleshmarketsthatsoldeverykindofmeat—toeat,useorabuse,frombedslavestopowderedbones.
Heledhisteamonward,passingtheruineddebrisofyetanothergloriouscityfromthepast.Offshore,acruiseshiprestedonitsside,itshullwrappedinice,wavespoundingthewarpedmetal.Thishadbeenaresorttownonce,inthetimebefore.Acenturyago,familiesvacationedhere.TheyrodeJetSkisandmadesandcastles.Wesandhisboyspickedtheirwaythroughthesnow,passingancientsouvenirstandsfilledwithwarpedpostcardswithpicturesofblueskiesandcheerfulumbrellasdottingthenow-frozenshore.
Achildofthepostapocalypse,Wescouldnevershakethefeelingthathehadarrivedtoolatetosomegrandparty,thatbythetimehe’dbeenbornthelightswereoffandthedancefloorwasscuffedandlitteredwithstubbed-outcigarettesandemptychampagnebottles—theremaindersofapartythelikesofwhichtheworldwouldneverseeagain.Notthathe’deverbeentothatkindofparty,buthe’dbeentoenoughStudio54nightsatIcetomaketheconnection.Althoughatthebar,patronsonlysmokedelectronicciggiesand
drankchampagne-flavoredNutri.NutriBubble,itwascalled,andittastedgross.
Faroukeyedtheancientcruiseship.“Betthere’ssomegreatswagonboard.Whenthatcruisersank,peopleranoff,lefteverythingbehind.”Faroukwasalwayslookingforsouvenirs,forstuffhecouldsellinK-Townorontheblackmarkets.SilverwareoroldcomputerpartscouldbuyhimaweekendinHoHoCity.Thekidwastooeasilydistracted.
“We’llswimforsouvenirsafterwe’vefoundLiannanandEliza.Fornow,let’sfocus,”Wessaid.Hedidn’tknowhowlongElizahadorifshewasevenalive.Butmovingquicklygavethemabetterchanceforapositiveoutcome.Commandwasn’tknownforitsefficiency,andWeswascountingonafewdaysbeforetheyfreedthehelicopterteamandBradleydiscoveredthathehadgoneAWOL.Ofcourse,Weshadalwaysplannedtobreaktheagreement,buthehadwantedtodoitattherighttime,whenheheldallthecards,whenheknewElizawassafe.Buthewasplayingalosinggame,andhewasdowntohislaststack.
Wesandhisteamsloshedthroughthemuck,pastashoppingmallsubmergedinaglacierofblackice.Beyondthemallstoodtheskeletalremainsofafewhotelsandofficebuildings.Stormshadrippedthewindowsfromtheirframes,soonlythecolumnsremained,thesteelredwithrust.
Theroadtheyweretakingcrestedahill,andacrossthewatertheysawanislandwithamountaininthecenter,itssnowypeakslosttothegrayclouds.Atthebaseofitwasashinywhitetemplewithastatueofanelephantinthefrontcourtyard.
“TheGrandTemple;it’sbuiltrightagainstthemountain,”saidFarouk.“Infrontofthetempleisthemarketwhereyoucan,uh,buythings.”
Things.
Talismanscreatedfromthebonesofthemarked.Theirasheswereturnedinto“magicpowder,”theirbonesusedasgood-luckcharms.WesfeltachillfromtheverythoughtwhilenexttohimShakeslookedfurious.
“Yourclientsriskedtheblackwaterstovisitthisplace?”askedWes.
“Notreally.Mostjustsendrunnerstobuygoodsfromthemarketthattheybringbacktothedomes.Wifeneedsafertilitytreatmentorsomeothermiraclecureorpotionthepriestssell.Butthebigwigstalkedaboutitallthetime,howvisitingtheRedCitywashighupontheirbucketlist.Shoppingatthemarkets,andtakingaturnattheabattoir.”
“Abattoir?”Wesasked.
“Yeah,somekindofactivitythepriestsrun.Notsurewhatitis,supposedtobesomekindofmazeorsomething,ortargetpracticemaybe;theykepttalkingaboutthe‘whitehunt,’”saidFarouk.
“Huh.”Wesdidn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Iguesswe’llfindoutsoonenough.”
“Iguessso.Youknow,boss,thatlittlemovewemadeinElDoradomeansI’mbannedfromNewVeg.They’llhavemyheadforbustingupthatlimo.”Farouklaughed,once,becausenoneofitwasreallyveryfunny.“Icehole.”
Wescouldn’tevenmanageasmile.“Idon’tthinkanyofusaregoingbackwhenthisisover.”HeturnedtoFarouk.“Iappreciateit,man.”
“Youshould;thisjobdoesn’tevenpay,”Farouksaidwithagrin.
Shakeslaughed.“CharitybeginswithRyanWesson,haven’tyoulearnedthatbynow,’Rouk?”
“Youkidding?I’m,like,thepresidentofthatcharity.”Faroukheldouthishands.“Whatelsedoyouwantfromme?”
“You’lllearn.”Shakesclappedhimontheback.
“Yeah,I’lllearnitthewayIlearneverything.”
“Thehardway?”Shakeshelduphisfist.
“Nodoubt.”Faroukpoundedit.
“Youtwoiceholesdone?”Wesrolledhiseyes,buthefeltgratifiedtohavehisfriendswithhim,andwishedhecouldofferthemsomethingmorethanjustalifeonthelamiftheywereluckyenoughtosurvivethisrescue.“Allright,anyoneasks,we’rerunnersworkingforDiamondJim,”hesaid.“Heneedssomelucktoputinhisluckydice.”
“DJ?Didn’thiscasinoburndownlastmonth?”askedShakes.
“Inaballofflame.Butnooneouthereknowswhat’sgoingonbackhome.Thenamemightbuyussomecredibility,”Wessaid.
Farouktappedthegunonhisshoulderandnodded.“Shouldbeacakewalk.”
“Liketherestofthis?”Shakesquirkedaneyebrow.
“Yeah,I’mafreezingbaker,”Wessaid,withasigh.HelookedatShakes.“Practicallymanagementmaterial.”
•••
Theylefttheruinsandcameuponthenewcity.NewKandywassimilartoNewVegas,ametropolisthatbloomedintheicearoundadesirablecommodity.ButifVegaswasinthebusinessofmarketinghope,luck,desire—achancetowinagainsttheodds—NewKandytraffickedindarkerstuff.Itfloweredbeneaththemountain,atthefootofthewhitetemple,andthehotelsandinnsthatringedthecityservedtheneedsofthetouristsandtherunnerswhocametobuythegoodsgleanedfromthemagicaldead.
Itwasaracket,tobesure,justlikeNewVegas.
Onlythestakeswerehigher.
Wescouldn’thelpbutfeelachilluphisspineastheyenteredthecityproper,followingaroadthatledtotheport.Thestreetswerefilledwithwhite-garbedpriestsandtheiracolytes,runnersintheirusualhodgepodgegarb,slaverswiththeirtattooedfaces,swarmsofsoldiersgivingeveryoneacautiouseye.Thewholeplaceweirdedhimout.BetweenDoradoandNVandhere,hethought,I’dpicktheoceanfullofgarbage.
Thepierattheendoftheroadwasnewandshiny,castinstainlesssteeltoresistthetoxicwaters.Thepriestshadclearedthedebrisandicefromtheareaaroundthepier.Withthesnowabsent,thetrashgone,theplacelookedhalfcivilized.
Theyjoinedagroupwaitingfortheferrytoarrive,madeupmostlyofrunnerslikethem,scragglyteamsofex-militarytypes,whodidn’tblinkaneyeattheirpresence.Weswasgladforthecompany.Runnerskepttheirmouthsshutanddidn’taskstupidquestions.HesippedonagreenNutriVeggieandpoppedopenaburgersqueezer,tryingnottowinceatthepuddingliketexture.Nottoolongaftertheyarrived,aferryboatappearedonthehorizon,emblazonedwiththewordsTEMPLETRANSPORTonitsside.
Easyenough.
Astheboatdriftedintothedock,sailorswearingwhitejacketsleaptfromtheferry,tossingropes,mooringthewhiteship.Planksweredrawnandconnected,andsoontouristswereexitingtheferry.Mostwerecivilians,andtheirsnug-fittingwhiteheatsuitsandoxygenhelmetssaidtheywerewealthy.Theseweretheoneswholiterallycouldnotbreathethesameairastherabble,airthatwastootoxic,toocommon.TheywereprobablyfromthedomecitieslikeElDorado.Thiswasanadventureforthem,atasteofhowtheotherhalflived.Wescouldn’thelpbuthatethem,andstifledanimpulsetobreaktheirsillyhelmets.Heoverheardafewofthetouriststalkingabouta“goodhunt”
andboastedaboutgettingone“rightbetweentheeyes,”andthequeasyfeelinginhisstomachreturned.Ithadtobesomekindofillegalsafari,althoughitwasunclearwhatkindofgamepreservecouldexisthere.Therewasonlythatmountainandthetemple.
Oncethetouristswereofftheboat,thepriestsinthewhitejacketsdrewasecondplank,openingalowerhold.Steeragepassengersdisembarked,runnersingrayflackjacketsandwinter-whitecamouflageliketheirs.
Finallyitwastimetoboard.“Howmuch?”Wesaskedwhenitwastheirturn.
“Everyoneiswelcometovisitthetemple,”saidthetemplerepresentativeonthedock,afat,smilingyoungpriestwithafacefullofwhitepowderandchalkonhishands.“Butitwillcostextratositonthemainlevel.”
“Fine,we’lltakelastclass,”saidWes,takingthreeticketsthatgavethemaccesstothelowerberth.
Astheysettledintothebowelsoftheboat,Wes,whodidn’tbelieveinanythingbutthecold,saidalittleprayertokeephissisterandhisfriendssafe.Hedidn’tknowtowhomhewaspraying,asreligionhadn’tbeenpartofhisupbringing.HethoughthemighthavebeenprayingtoNat’sdrakon.Attheveryleast,thedrakonhadsavedthemonce,andWescouldseenoreasonwhyitcouldn’tagain.
Cakewalk,hethought,droppinghisheadintohishands.
Chapter28SOWESWASGONE,AGAIN.NATTRIEDtotellherselfitwasn’tabigdeal.Caringwashard,apathyeasy.WhenshewasaprisoneratMacArthurMed,hersuperiorshadmadeherbelieveshewasincapableofemotion,ofanycompassionorattachment.Asshestoodoutsidethechopper,watchinghimdisappearintothemist,behindthetallsnowbanks,leadingShakesandFarouktowardtheferryport,shewishedshewereincapableofanyfeeling.Patientunabletolove,thedoctorshadwritteninherchart.Shewishedtheyhadbeenright,becausethenshewouldn’tbefeelingthehurtshewasfeelingnow.
Natfeltacomfortinghandonhershoulder.Faixwasstandingnexttoher.
Youshouldhavetoldhimhowyoufelt,hesent.
Iknow,butIwastooproudtoadmitmyfeelings,shereplied.
Ioncethoughtasyoudo,andsufferedforit.Oneday,hewillbegone,andonlyyourregretwillremain.
Sheblinkedawayhertears.Faixwasright.Lifewastooshortandtimetooprecioustowaste.ThenexttimeshesawWes,shewouldtellhim,evenifitmeantshewouldbevulnerable,evenifitmeantacknowledgingthatshewastheweakerone.
Lovedoesnotmakeyouweak;itistheabsenceofitthatdoes,sentFaix.“Butalas,Imustleaveyoufornow,”hesaid,inhisspeakingvoice.Itwasthenthatshenoticedhewaswearingnewarmor,gleamingwhitelikehishair,andhadalongswordstrappedtohisback.Shapingtheethermustcomeinhandywhenyouneededachangeofwardrobe,shethoughtwithasmile,eventhoughshewasdisconcertedbyhisannouncement.
“Leave?Why?Whereareyougoing?BacktoVallonis?”
Heshookhishead.“SomeonewhomIhavebeenlookingforcalledtomewhileIwasresting.”
“Who?Don’ttellmeI’mnotyouronlystudent?”Nattriedtosmile,butthethoughtofFaixleavinganyofthistoheralonewasalreadymakingherheartpound.
“RememberthespellbookItoldyouabout,theonethatwasusedinthebindingofmagictotheworld?TheonethatislockedintheGrayTower?”
Sheremembered.“TheArchimedesPalimpsest.”
Henodded.“Isawsomethinginadreamwhilewewereflying.IthinkIknowwherethethiefishiding,”hesaid,lookinglikeaghostinthesnow,hishairblendingwiththeswirlingflakes,hispaleskinicy.
“Where?”
“Somewherebeneaththatmountain”—henodded,motioningtotheislandacrosstheway—“verycloseby.”
“Andyoucan’twait?WhataboutWes?Howwillweknowiftheyrunintosomethingtheycan’thandle?Youweresupposedtomonitortheirthoughts.”
Faix’seyesglitteredwithamusement.“Youcandothesame.”
“Ican’t.”
“Yes,youcan;you’veshutthemoutdeliberatelybecauseyoucanhearthem.Butnowyoumustlistenforthem.”
Natfeltalittleabashedthatheknewshewaspretendingshewasn’tgiftedwiththesamepower.Shehadmeanttotuneitout,notwantingtopry,butnowthatshefeltshehadpermission,shecouldhearthemclearly.Shakes,thinkingofLiannan,hopingtofindhersoon,worried,anxious,yetexcitedtobereunitedwithhisbeloved;Farouk,bitchingtohimselfaboutthecold,butshoulderingon,wonderingwhentheywouldbeabletoeat.Wes...thatwasstrange...shecouldn’thearWes...whywasthat?Maybebecauseshewantedtohearhimsobadly,ormaybeshewasprotectingherselffromknowinghowhefeltabouther,asitwouldbetoomuchlikesnooping.ShecouldtuneintoShakesandFarouk,andthatwasenough.
“Neverunderestimateyourpower,”Faixwassaying.“Ihaveseenthefatesintheglass.YouremainthehopeofVallonis.Beforeitdisappeared,Iwasabletoreadafewwordsfromthepalimpsest.‘TheResurrectionoftheFlamewilllighttheworld,’”hesaid,tappinghercollarbone.“Takecare,Nat.You
arenothinglikethesmallinsectforwhichyouarenamed.”Hismouthtwistedintosomethingclosetoasmile.
“Faix—”Shefeltbereftsuddenly,tothinkoflosinghim,too,sosoonafterWes.
“Takeheart:IfIamrightaboutthis,itwillchangeeverythingforthebetter,andwewillsurelyseeeachotheragain.Thisisnotgood-bye,onlyfarewell.”Thenhewasgone,disappearingintotheetherassimplyaswinkingoutalight.
Roarkstumbledoutofthechopper,blinkinghiseyes.“DidIjustsee...?”
“Yeah.Heleft,”shesaid,feelingterriblyalone.
“Goodriddance.”
Sheshookherhead.“Youstilldon’tgetit.He’sfightingforthesamethingweare.”
“Whatisthat?Iforget.”Roarksmiled.
“Forus.Everyone.ForthesurvivaloftheBlue.Tofixthisbrokenworld,”shesaidsoftly.WhatdidFaixmeanbythat?ThatshewasthehopeofVallonis?Thatherfirewouldlighttheworld?Buttherewasnotimetoponder,fortherewasmovementonthehorizon.Shesquinted.“Doyouseethat?”
“Aye,”Roarksaid,fingeringhisdagger.
Awhitemilitarytruckmovedinthedistance—theblizzard,actingasacamouflage,madeithardtoseeuntilnow.“Howmany?”Natwhispered.
“Toomanyforustohandle,”Roarkrepliedgrimly.
“Let’sgetbackinthechopper,”shewhispered.“Maybetheywon’tseeus.”Henodded,andtheycreptbackintothehelicopterandclosedthedoor.
“What?”Brendonasked,whenhesawtheirfaces.
ConewasabouttospeakwhenNatputafingertohermouthandgesturedoutthewindow.Thestoutboy’sfaceturnedcrimsonwithfearwhenhesawthetruck.Theyallheldtheirbreathasitmovedpastthemslowly.
RoarkandBrendonhuddledtogetherinthefirstrowofseats.Thesmallmenhadspentweeksinadetentioncenter,wherethey’denduredlonghoursofisolation,littlefood,nosunlight.Shewantedtoconsolethem,butshedidn’tknowhow.She’dneverhadamother,afamily.Helpthemstay
alive—that’sallIcando.Natfeltclaustrophobic,andherlegsachedfromcrouching.Shehopedthetruckwouldpasssoon,andafterwhatfeltlikeaneternity,shestuckherheadabovetheseatstotrytoseeoutside.
“Lookslikewe’reokay,”shesaid,justasaglovedfingertappedthewindowpane.
“Openup,”ahoarsevoicecalled.
Natlookeddown,nowunderstandingthatshehadn’tseenthetruckanywherebecausethesoldiershadcomeonfootandsurroundedthechopper.Freezeit.Rookiemistake.Sheandherfriendswouldbecapturedunlesssheactedquickly,justasFaixhaddonewhenhe’ddisarmedthesoldiersonthenavycruiser.
Usetheether.Useyourpower.
Sheimaginedtheirgunstornfromtheirhands,flyingthroughtheair,thesoldiersknockedoutcoldinthesnow.Butwhensheopenedhereyes,theywerestillstandingthere,moreirritatedthanbefore.
Don’thurtus.Goaway.Leaveusalone.
Shetriedagain,butthesoldiersremainedwheretheywere,stoic,immobile,theirgunscockedandreadytofire.
Freezingice!
“Openup,Iwon’taskagain,”thesoldierwarned.
Faixwaswrong.Shewaspowerlessandweakonherown;shecouldn’tevenkeephercrewsafeforhalfaday.Sheopenedthechopperdoorbeforetheyblastedtheirwayinside.
Sometimessurrenderwastheonlyoption.
Chapter29THEBOATDOCKEDANDDISCHARGEDitspassengers,andWesandhisteamshuffledoutwiththerest.Faroukhaduncharacteristicallycomplainedofseasicknessduringthetrip,andtheminutetheysetfootonland,heretchedalloverthesnow,thesicklyglopsmellingofquesadillafoamandCaffie-Nutri(thesuper-caffeinatedflavorpopularwiththeyoungerkids:Caffie-Nutri!Twicethefun!Twicetheexcitement!).
“Yum,”saidShakes.
“Iceyou,”mutteredFarouk,wipinghismouthwiththebackofhishand.
“Stopsquabbling,”Wesordered,tenseastheyjoinedthecrowdheadedtowardthelineofwhiteplastictentsinfrontofthetemplegateway.Thefamousfleshmarkets.WasthiswhereElizaandLiannanhadbeenbrought?Itwasn’tashehadpictureditatall.Hehadassumeditwouldbedirtyanddisgusting,filledwithcannibaloutlawsandwhimperingslaves,meatofquestionableoriginhangingonhooks.
Thiswasnothingofthesort.Thebrightlyorderedstreetswerefilledwithpristinewhitetents,theirwaresdisplayedbehindglasscasessetongleamingwhitetables.TheproductsthemselveswerepackagedmostlyinwhiteStyrofoamboxes.DiscreetsignsreadCHARMS,POWDERS,orVICTUALS.ToweringabovethemarketwasasurprisinglytastefulandtallstructurebuiltfromthepurestwhiteCarraramarble.Thewhitetemplewassleekandangular,itsbasecarvedfromthesideofthemountain,itspeakstretchingastallasthefirstlowcliffs.
“Where’stheRSAbase?”askedWes.“Conesaiditwouldberighthere.Farouk,gocheckitout.”
“Let’skeepgoing,”saidShakes,narrowinghiseyesatthepeoplecrowdedaroundtheoutdoormarket.Thewhitetentswhippedinthewind,andtheheatelitepawedthroughtheproductsonthetables,fingeringtrinkets,holdingthemuptothelight.Nomatterhowwhiteandcleanandpureeverythinglooked,theplacehadanairofsterilityanddeath.Thewhitemarbleandpolishedsteeltableswerereminiscentofamorgueorabutcher’sshop.
ThewholeplacemadeWes’sstomachchurn.Hecouldn’twatchtouristspickingthroughcharmsandtalismansasiftheywerecandy,when,infact,theywerehandlingthebonesofthedead.Thepriestsworewhitepowderontheirskin,coveringtheirhandsandfaces.Itlookedliketalcumpowder,butWescouldn’tbecertain.Couldbebonedust,hethoughtwithashudder.
Butwhosebones?Themarked?Peoplelikemysister?
“Sylphpowder!Sylphpowderhere!”hawkedanearbyseller.Thispriestworesilveryhairextensionswovenintohisgraystrands.Wesdidn’twanttothinkaboutwheretheycamefrom.
“Whatthehellissylphpowder?”growledShakes.
“Askintreatment,”thepriestsaidwithagleaminhiseye.“Makeyourskinshineliketheirs,eh?Orforyourladybackhome?”
Shakeslungedfortheman,puttinghishandsaroundhisneckandthrottlinghim.“I’llgiveyoufreezingsylphpowder!”FaroukandWeshadtorestrainhimasthepriestshriekedforthesoldiers’protection.
“It’snother,”Weswhisperedfiercely,hustlinghisfriendaway.“It’snotLiannan.Natsaidshewasalive,thatthey’rekeepingheralive.We’llfindher,okay?It’snother.Calmdown,orthey’llgetusbeforewegettoher.”
Shakestookadeepbreathandstoppedfighting.“Okay.”
Wesnudgedoneoftherunnerscrowdedaroundadisplayofglasscharms,ayoungkidnoolderthanfourteenwithzitsonhischin,anuglyscaronhischeek.
“What’sthat?”heasked.
“Eyecharms.Lookatthecoloredirisinside,itgiveslucktothewearer,”thekidsaid.“They’repopularwhereI’mfrom.”
Wesmadeaface.“Yeah?Well,whereI’mfrom,thosemakeyoulooklikeanidiot.”Whichwasn’texactlytruthful,asNewVegaswasfullofeyecharms.Betterthanarabbit’sfoot.
Thekidshrugged.“Yougettingone?No?Okay.Moreforme,”hesaidas
hescoopedupthecharmsandpaidwithhiswatts.
“What’shappeningoverthere?”Wesasked,motioningtothesideentranceofthemarbletower,whereagroupoftouristswasliningup,manyofthemcarryingweaponsofsomesort,automaticrifles,deadly-lookingknives,evencrossbows.
“Linefortheabattoir.Isn’tthatwhyyou’rehere?”heasked,sizinguptheirguns.“It’sreapingday.Thewhitehunt.”
“Right.Sowejustlineup,then?”Wesasked.“Ittakesyourightinsidethetemple?”
“Yeah,prettymuch,butyougothroughsecuritybeforetheyletyouin,”theboysaid.“Ifyoucheckout,yougettoplay;ifnot...”
“Ifnot?”Shakesasked.
“Ifyoudon’tpassthetest,youdon’tgettoleave.”Theboychuckled.“It’snobigdeal.Theydon’twantsomelockheadruiningtheparty.I’msureyouloserswillbefine,youguysdon’tlooklikeanythingbutabunchofVegasdonkeys.”Heranoffthen,catchinguptoanothergroup.
“Heatbag,”Shakesmuttered.“How’dheknow?”
Faroukreturned.“IaskedaroundabouttheRSAbase,andeveryonejustlaughedatmeorlookedatmefunny.Idon’tgetit.It’sgottobearoundhere;thereareenoughsoldiersheretofieldanarmy.Whataboutyouguys?”
“We’regettinginthatline,”saidWes.“Whateveritis,ittakesusinsidethetemplewhereElizaandLiannanare.”
Adozenorsounarmedwhite-cloakedpriestsflankedtheentrance.Camerasdottedtheceilingtoletthevisitorsknowtheywerebeingwatched.Therealsecuritywasprobablynearby,scanningthevideofeed,waitingtopounceifsomethingwentwrong.
Awhite-robedpriestwithathirdeyetattooedonhisforeheadwelcomedthem.“Weareblessedtohavesomanyofyoupartakeinthewhitehunttoday.”Hesmiledbroadly.“Asareminder,onceyouhavemadeyourshot,pleasefollowthesignstotheexitandallowthenextpersontohavetheirchance.Ifthisisnotyourfirsttime,pleasefollowme;otherwise,remainhereforthemandatoryinspection.”
Thegroupsseparatedaccordingly,andWesandhisboyswereamongthefewwhoremained.
“Areyoualltogether?”thepriestasked.“Whatisthepurposeofyour
visit?”
“We’rehereforDiamondJim;heneedsafewmoreofhisluckydice,”saidWes.
“Ah,theDiamondCasino,ofcourse.”Thepriestnodded.“Welcome.YourfirsttimeinNewKandy?”
Wesnodded,andthethreeofthemweresenttoasmallroomtothesidewhereayounggirlwithyelloweyesandafearfulexpressionstoodaloneinthemiddleoftheroom.Shegreetedthethreeboyswithanod.
“Armsup,”shesaid.
Wesraisedhishands.ShakesandFaroukdidthesame.
Sheclosedhereyes.
Weswonderedwhatwasgoingon.Whatkindofinspectionwasthisanyway?Thenhefeltapainfuljoltinhishead,asifstungbyalaseroraforceofsomekind,andhebatteditawayangrilyuntilitsubsided.
Getoutofmyhead.
Thegirlopenedhereyes.“Whodidthat?”
FaroukshookhisheadandShakesshruggedhisshoulders.“Dowhat?”
“Wedon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Wessaidcoolly.“Canwegonow?”Hewasn’tevensurewhatshemeant—thatthing?Thatthingwherehebattedthedarkaway?Wasthatwhatshemeant?
Hewasn’tevensurehecouldsaywhathadhappened.
Hehadactedoutofinstinctandhadn’tevenrealizedhe’ddoneituntilitwasgone.Butwhathadhedoneexactly?Hishandstrembledandhisheadhurtasawaveofsicknessoverwhelmedhim.
Thepriestesslookedupatthecameraintheceilingandshookherhead.Inamoment,theentrancetotheroomwasbarricadedwithpriestsholdingweaponsandironshackles.
“Whatisit,beloved?”anolderpriestessasked,hervoicefeverishwithexcitement.“Whathaveyoufound?”
Thegirlpointedtotheboys.“Oneofthesethreeismarked.”
Chapter30“GOODHUNTING,”THESOLDIERSSAIDtoeachotherastheysurveyedtheirhostages.
“Reapingday,too.Priestswillbehappytoseeyou,tigereyes,”oneofthemsaid,chuckingNat’schinbeforecuffingherwristswithheavyironshackles.“You’llmakeanicelittleeyecharm,won’tyou?”
Natgrimacedasanimagecametomindsuddenly,andshesawherselflyingonamarbleslabwhileawhitepriestpluckedhereyesfromtheirsocketsandplacedeachoneinahollowglasscharmforawealthywomantowearwhenshehittheslotsinNewVegas.Bloodrunningdownthewhitestone.Nathadseenthoseeyecharmsallherlife,butshethoughttheywerefake,madeinafactoryinXian.Shewantedtothrowup.
“What’vewegothere?”anoldersoldierasked.
“Twopint-sizedandamarkedgirl,”theboyreplied.
“Whataboutyou,fatty?”heasked.“Youmarked,too?”
“No,sir,”Conereplied.
“Deserter,huh?”thecaptainsaid,noticingCone’suniform.
“No—I...”
Beforetheboycouldfinishprotesting,andwithoutamoment’shesitation,thecaptainshothimintheface.
Deadassnow.
Conefelltothegroundwithathud,hisbloodredandthick,coveringthewhitebeneathhim.
Cone!
Natwastooshockedtoscream.Foramoment,theironbondsonherwriststretchedtobreaking,thensnappedbacktogether.Shefelltoherknees.Hewasjustakid.Hehadn’tevenhadachancetofightyet.Andtheykilledhimbecausehewasn’tmarked,wasn’tmagiclikeus.Ifthey’llkillordinaryfolklikeflies,whatwilltheydotous?
BrendonandRoarkwerespeechless.TheylookedupatNat,theireyeswidewithfearandbewilderment.Sheshookherhead.Hewasjustaboywho’dwantedtofollowthedrakonrydder,who’dbelievedinher,andshe’dfailedhim.
“Comeon.Getinthetruck,”oneofthesoldierssaid,leadingthemtotheirvehicle,amodifiedHummerliketheoneWeshadusedtotransportheroutofNewVegas.
“Whereareyoutakingus?”sheaskedthesoldiersastheywereledinsidethecargoholdandmadetositonthefloorofthetruck.ShewasstillshakingfromseeingConemurderedrightinfrontofthem.
“You’llseesoonenough.”Theboysmirked.
“Let’shopetheycanrunfast,”anothersnickered.“Touristslikeabitofexcitement.”
Thenthedoorsslammed,thetrucklurched,andtheywereoff.Theroadwasbumpy;theconstantjostlingmadeherfeelnauseated.Fromthewindow,shecouldseethattheywereheadingoutoftheruinsandintothecitylimits.
“Helpus!Helpus!”shecried.
RoarkandBrendonbangedontheironbarsaswell.“Help!”
Thestreetswerecrowdedwithtourists,runners,hawkers,andpriestsintheirwhitecloaksandpowderedfaces.Shespottedtherunnersfirst—shaggyyoungguyswithaweary,grizzledair,gunsslungovertheirshoulders.WasWesoneofthem?Wherewashe?
Afewpeopleinthecrowdedstreetslookedupwithcuriosity,butnoonehelped.ItwasasifscreamingcaptiveswereacommonsightinNewKandy,andknowingtherumorsaboutthecity,maybetheywere.
Thetruckenteredatunnelandeverythingwentblack.Therewerenolightsinsidethecargohold,andironmadeNatfeelphysicallysick,likeshecouldn’tevenproperlythinkorspeak.Shewasunaccustomedtocompletedarkness.Shehadlivedformonthswiththedrakonatherside,itsfire
lightingthesky,itsflameskeepingthecoldanddarknessatbay.
Shestruggledagainsthershackles,tryingtoimaginethemdestroyed,breakingthemdowntotheirmolecules,toseetheiratomsspinningsoshecouldturnthemintosomethingelse.Shecoulddothis.Shehadbrokenironshacklesbefore.ButitwasasifCone’sdeathhadnumbedher,weakenedher,andallshecouldaccomplishwasalittlerattlingofherchains.Maybethatwastheidea.ThecaptainhadkilledConeasawarning,tomakesuretherestofthemremainedcoweringandsubmissive.
Ifthatwasthecase,ithadworked.
Finallythetruckstopped,andthesoundofthelockturningechoedinthesmallchamberasthelatchreleasedandthebackdoorsswungopen.Asoldiermotionedthemforward.
Natsteppedoutofthetruck,clenchingandunclenchingherfists,lookingaroundwearily.Roarkcamenext,blinkinghiseyesagainstthedarkness,thenBrendon,whowascoughing.
Theywereinsomekindofbuilding,andthesoldiersherdedthemtowardaflickeringlightinafarcorner.Natwassurprisedtofindthewallslookedfamiliar.ThesewerethewhitestonewallsandtheconcretefloorsthatshehadseeninhervisionofLiannan.Theendlesscorridorsfilledwithprisoncells,thecriesandscreamsofthepilgrims.Onthefarendwasanotherhallway,andaboveitsarchwereengravedthewordsSACRIFICEISFREEDOM.
Apriestwalkedovertothethreeofthem.“Weareblessedtohaveyou.Youhonoruswithyourpresence.Wehopetobeworthyofyoursacrifice.”
Mysacrifice?
MineandCone’sandLiannan’s?
Thewholegrayworld?
Wouldanyofiteverbeenough?
Natspatinhisface.
Thepriestsmiledandlickedtheliquidfromhislips.“Atasteofthedivine.”
Thesoldierherdedthemintooneofthecellsandlockedthedoor.“Putyourhandsuptothebars,”heordered,holdingupakey.
Natdid,andhetookoffthehandcuffs.Hedidthesametothesmallmen.Thenthesoldierleftthemaloneinthecell.
Shesliddownthelengthofthewallandputherheadinherhands.Wherewastherestoftheirteam?DidtheyfindLiannan?WasWesnearby?Theyhadcometorescuetheirfriendandnowneededrescuethemselves.Somemission,shethought,andanawkwardchucklebubbledupfromherchest.
“What’ssofunny?”Brendonasked.
Shetoldthem.
Hegaveafaintgrin.“Yeah,wesuck.”Hisredcurlscoveredhisface,andNathadtoremindherselfthatthesmallmanwasolderthanher,eventhoughhelookedsoyoung.Roark’sgreaterbulkmadehimappearlesschildlike,butshesometimesmistookhimforsomeonehalfherageaswell.
“It’sallright,wealwaysgetoutsomehow,”Roarksaid.“Theyhaven’tgottenthebestofusyet.”HeputanarmaroundBrendonandkissedhisforehead.
Natwasgladtheyhadeachother.ShewishedshehadWesbyherside,too.Todiewithoutseeinghimagainwastooawfultocontemplate.
Ifonlyshe’dbeenbraveenoughtotellhimwhatshewasreallyfeeling.Ifonly...Whatifsheneversawhimagain?Whatifhediedwithoutknowing?Whatifshedid?
AndwherewasFaix?Hesaidtheywouldseeeachotheragain,sothathadtomeantheywouldsurvivethis,whateveritwas.ShetriedtosenseMainas,butthedrakondidnotrespond,whichwasn’tsurprisingsinceNatwassurroundedbyasuffocatingamountofiron.
Theyweregoingtodiehereifshecouldn’tfigureoutwhattodo.
Sacrificeisfreedom.Shedidn’twanttostaylongenoughtolearnwhatthatmeant,butshehadafeelingshealreadyknew.
Eyecharms.
Reapingday.
Touristslikeabitofexcitement.
Thiswashowthepriestskilledthemarked.Itwasabittertruth.Theyhadothersdoitforthem—forsport—asentertainment.Endingherlifewouldbesomeoneelse’sgreatadventure.Ihopetheyenjoythesacrifice.
Chapter31WESANDHISTEAMHADBECOMEprisonersjustasquicklyasthey’dbeenwelcomedwithopenarms.Ifyoudon’tpassthetest,youdon’tgettoleave,thatyoung,obnoxiousrunnerhadtoldhim.Oneofthesethreeismarked.Butwho?Him?Shakes?Farouk?Hisfriendswerejustasdark-eyedandpowerlessashe.No,thisonlymeantthepriestswereontothem;they’dseenthemarriveinthechopper,andsomehowtheyknewWesandhisboysweren’twhotheysaidtheywere.
“You’remakingahugemistake,”Wessaid,astheguardsdisarmedandquicklyusheredthemdownintothebowelsofthetemple.“Lookatoureyes!We’renotmarked!”
“TheBelovedisneverwrong,”thepriestsaid.“Donotfear,yoursacrificeisanhonor,andinsacrificeyouwillfindfreedom.”
Astheywerehustledintotheircells,hesawsoldierseverywhere:guardingdoors,keepinganeyeontouristswhowerebeingledtoanotherroom.Somanysoldiers—thisplacewascrawlingwithmilitary.
ThenherealizedwhyFaroukhadonlyencounteredlaughterwhenheaskedaboutthelocationofthebase.Thebasewasn’tnearthetemple.Thebasewasthetemple,orthetemplewastheRSAbase.Hedidn’tknowwhyhedidn’trealizeitsooner.
Itwasallsosimple.
We’vegotabaseoutthere,aplacetogetridofthosewenolongerneed.
Themilitaryusedthewhitepriestsasacovertodisposeofthemarkedcaptivesoncetheywerenolongerofuse,andprofitedfromtheirdeaths.
Wesfeltill.AtleastheknewwhereElizawasnow.
•••
“Welcometotheabattoir.Youblessuswithyoursacrifice,”saidadisembodiedvoice.Wesandhisteamwerestandingshouldertoshoulderwiththemarkedvictims,whosebrightlycoloredeyeswereglowinginthedark.Theylookedthin,pale,undernourished.Theywereallinsomekindofholdingpenbeforethelabyrinth.Acrossfromthecorridor,dimly,hesawasecondpenwithevenmoreprisoners.
Hecouldn’tseemuch;themazewasbuiltintothecavernsbeneaththemountain,andtheirfootstepsechoedonthehardsurface.Theechoessuggestedalargerspace,avastnothingness,butlookingup,hesawanotherpathcarvedabovetheirs,wheresilhouetteslingeredinshadow,menandwomenholdingrifles,perchedoncatwalks,danglingabovethepath,justwaitingforthepoorsapswhowouldrunbelow.
Thiswasn’tahunt,thiswasaslaughter.Itwasthenthatheremembered“abattoir”wasanotherwordfor“slaughterhouse.”
Thereweredozensofvictimswiththeminthepen,andWesgatheredhisteamaroundhim.“Okay,listenup,oncethosegatesopenandtheyleteveryoneout,don’trun.Thebestwaytostayaliveistofindaplacetohide.Whenthetrackclears,weneedtogetuponthatledgesomehow,takeoneoftheirweapons,thenfindtheexit.”
“Idon’twanttodie,”Farouksaid.
“Iknow,”Wesconsoled,butFaroukcouldn’tshutup.
“I’mnotfreezingjokingwhenIsaythat.Like,Ireally,reallydon’twanttodie,”theyoungerboysaid.
Wesgrabbedhimbytheshoulder.“Youwon’t,icehole,Ipromise.Hide,andwhenIgivethesignal,comeout.”
“LADIESANDGENTLEMEN!”intonedavoicefromabove.“THEWHITEHUNTISON!REAPINGDAYISUPONUS!GODSPEEDANDGOODLUCKTOALL!”
Theironbarscreakedopen,releasingtheprisoners.Asthemarkedfledthepen,Wesnoticedthatthebarstothesecondcagehadn’topened.Heguessedtheorganizerswerestagingtheprisoners’releasetimes,savinghalfofthemarked,sotheycouldreleasetheremainingcaptiveslater.Perhapstheydidn’twanttochokethemazewithkids,ormaybetheyjustwantedreapingdaytolastalittlelonger.
Redlightsflickeredabovethemaze.Thecavernsbeyondwerecarvedwithswirlingniches,deephollows,andwindingpassages:placeswherethemarkedcouldhide,foratime,fromthesnipers.Itlookedasifthepassagesweredesignedtoprolongthehunt,tomakethesnipersworkforeachkill,toincreasethehunters’pleasure.
Theprisonersscrambledintoamazeofcaverns,dashingasfastastheycould,thehuntersaboverunningandwhoopingafterthem.Justasplanned,Wesandhisteamheldback,andsoonfoundashallowcrevicetohidein.
Allaroundthem,themarkedvictimsscreamedashunterspickedthemoffonebyone.Thefloorsranslickwithbloodandthetunnelsechoedwithcriesofdeathandvictory.Itwasastampedethatquicklyturnedintoamassacre.
“Weneedtoseparate,”Wessaid,panting.“I’llgoright,youguysgoleft.Givethesignaloncewefindtheexit.Gotit?”
ShakesandFarouknodded.
Someoneshotattheirfeet.Weslookeduptoseeahuntersmile.Themanwasgray-hairedanddeeplytanned,likethemenhe’dglimpsedintheDorado.Wesgavehimthefingerandkeptrunning.Hedidn’tlookbacktoseeifhisfriendshadmadeit;hehadtoassumetheyhad.Theyweretoofastandtoosmarttobeshotbysomethrill-seekingtourist.
Ithadbeenagoodcalltohideatthebeginning.Oncehestartedrunning,hecouldn’tstop.Thetunnelswerelongandtwisty,andonceinawhiletheyopenedtoahugespace.Ifhecouldjustkeepoutofthosepocketsandhideinthesmallertunnelswherenoonewantedtogo,hewouldbesafe.
Luckyforhim,thetouristswereawfulshots.Therewasanotheronenow,sightinghimwithhisscope,fumblingwiththelens.Whiletheguywastryingtofigureouthowtotarget,Wesclimbedtherocksandrippedtherifleoutofthetourist’shands,thenpulledoffhisoxygenhelmet,too.Theguyscreamed,asifbreathingthemoldyairunderthecavernwasgoingtokillhim.
Wesknockedhimonthejaw.
“Ishouldshootyourightnow,”Wessaid,puttingtherifleintheguy’sface,pressingitagainsthisnose.
“Don’t.Pleasedon’t.”
“Whichwayout?”heasked.“WHICHWAY?”
“Thatway,”thetouristsaid,pointingtoapaththatleddeeperintothecavern.
“WhatdoyouthinkIam,asucker?”
“No—no—there’sadoorthere,astaircase,itwilltakeyoutothesurface,Iswear.It’stheonlywayoutofhere.Pleasedon’tkillme.Pleasedon’tkillme.”
Wespushedhimawayandran.Hehadtogethisfriendsfirst.Hewhistledthesignalandwaited.Shakeswhistledback,thenFarouk.Twomorewhistlestoletthemknowtheexitwasontheright.He’dmeetthemthere.
Thenafewmorebulletsgrazedhisshoulder.Anotherhunter,abettershot,andthisonedidn’tstopfiring.Wesraisedhisstolenrifleandpulledthetrigger.Hesqueezedonce,twice,butnothinghappened.Theriflewasjammed.Abulletfromthetourist’sriflepiercedhisleg.Westossedasidethejammedrifleashecollapsedtothefloorinshock,andthenthepainsetin.Thehunterclosedinforthekill.Thiswasit.Thiswashowhewasgoingtodie,inthisdarkcavern,aloneandbleeding.
“WES!”
Helookedup.
ItwasNat.Shewascrouchinginanearbycrevice.“Here!Hurry!Hurry!”
Withthelastounceofenergyhehadleft,hecrawled,dragginghimselftowardher,andshepulledhimintothesafetyofthehiddencaveasthehunterkeptfiring,bulletsricochetingagainstthestone,preventingthemfromescapingthecavernorapproachingthecave’snarrowmouth.
Shetookhiminherarmsandhecouldsmellherhair,theheadyscentofsmokeminglingwiththesweeterscentjustbelow,whichalwaysremindedhimofhome.Shewashere.Itwasasifhehaddreamedherup,theonepersonhewantedtoseesobadly,rightinfrontofhim.Ifitwasadream,hedidn’twanttowakeup,andifitwasn’t,hewasgladhewouldn’tdiealone.
Chapter32NATHELDWESINHERARMS.“YOU’REnotdeadyet,comeon,don’tbeadramaqueen,”sheteasedgentlyasshehelpedhimsitontherockyfloor.Hewasbleedingandcoldtothetouch,probablyfromshock.“Donnie,weneedtomakeatourniquetforhisleg,”shesaid.Shekneltdownandpeeledbackthefabricofhispantswherethebullethadhithim.Itwasanuglygash,butclean.
Nat,Brendon,andRoarkhadbeenhidingsincethehuntstarted,decidingtowaititoutbeforetryingtofindawayoffthekillingfloor.Shethoughtthey’dbeentargeteduntilsherealizeditwasWeswhohadbeenshotrightinfrontofher.
Brendonhandedoverhiskerchiefand,togetherwithRoark,fashionedabandageonWes’sleg.Outsidetheirhiddencavern,thehunterhadstoppedfiringandmovedontoeasierprey.
“WhereareShakesandFarouk?They’renot—”sheasked,fearingtheworst.
“They’remeetingusattheexit.Ifoundoutwhereitwasbeforethatheatbagshotme.”Hesmiledatthesmallmenandthankedthemfordressinghiswound,thenlookedaround.“Where’sCone?”
Sheshookherhead.Shecouldn’tsayit.
Hisfacechanged,andhiseyeslookedpained.
“Iknow.I’msorry.Icouldn’tkeepthemsafe...theysurroundedus,andtheykilledhimbecausehewasadeserterandwasn’tmarked.Rightinfrontofus.”
“It’snotyourfault,”hesaidsoftly.
Hearingthosewordsbrokesomethinginsideher,andthistimeitwasNatwhofellintohisarms.Wesseemedsurprisedatfirst,butheheldher,lettinghergriefwashoverhim.Hewasabulwark,arock,someoneshecouldleanonwhowouldn’tbreakunderneathhersorrow.“Nat,”hesaidhuskily,wipingawayhertearswithhisfingers.
“Yeah?”
Hesmiled.“Peoplesaystuffallthetime.Theydon’tmeanit.I’msorry...”
“Shutup,”shesaid,andthenshedidn’twaitanymore.Shepulledhimclose,tuggingonthecordsofhishoodsothathehadnochoicebuttoleantowardher.Shebreathedintohim,happytofindahaveninthismadness.Heputhishandsagainstherfaceandkissedher,slowlyatfirst,asifsavoringeverymoment,andwhensheopenedhermouthtohis,theirkissesturnedurgent,breathlessanddizzying.
Whentheyfinallystopped,hewassmiling.“Ishouldhavedonethatearlier.”
“Ican’targuewiththat.”
“Imissedyou,”hesaid.
“Metoo.Morethanyouknow.”
“Really?”Hewasgrinningbroadlynow.
“Really.”
“Good.”Hepickedupherhandandkissedit,hislipssoftagainstherskin.
“Areyouguysdone?We’rekindoftiredoftryingtopretendwedidn’tjustseethat.”Roarksnorted.“Althoughthenauseawillremindus.”
“Idon’tknow,Iratherenjoyedit,”Brendonsaidwickedly.
“Youandmeboth,man.”Weswinked.“Now,whatdoyousaywebustthisjoint?”hesaid,ashetriedtostandandwinced.
Natslunghisarmoverhershoulders.“Canyouputanyweightonit?”
“I’llhaveto,”hesaid.
“That’sokay,Ihaveyou,”shetoldhim.“DidyoufindEliza?”sheasked.
Heshookhishead.“WhataboutLiannnan?”
Shesighed.“We’llfindthem.Iknowwewill.”
Onebyonetheyleftthesafetyofthenicheandheadeddownthenarrow,windingcavern,Weshobblingalong,leaningonNatastheyinchedtheirwayout.Wesgavethesignalagain,andwasrelievedtohearbothShakes’sandFarouk’sresponses.Natwasstartingtothinktheycouldactuallygetoutwhenavoiceboomedfromabove,alongwiththefamiliarclickofagun.
“Notsofast.”
Theyfroze.Natlookedup.Therewasahunterrightabovethem.Butthisonewasn’tatourist—sherecognizedthatvoiceandwantedtoflee.ItwasBradley,thecommander.AsiftheyneededanymoreconfirmationthattheRSAwasbehindthiswholeenterprise.
Hewassavoringthemoment—thatmuchwasclear.
“Lookwhatwehavehere.Atwo-for-onespecial.Thegirlwhocanflyandtheboywhoalwayssaysno.Oh,wait,andtwolittlestoaddtomycollection.MaybeI’llweartheirtinylittlebonesonmymedals.Ihearthey’reparticularlyluckyforfindingfood.”HeaimedhisgunrightatWes.“Ihavenoideahowyougothere,Wesson,butyouareexactlywhereyouneedtobe.”
“Saygood-bye,icetrash.”Hesqueezedthetrigger.
Itwaslikeeverythinghappenedinslowmotion.NatstaredatthebulletthatwaswhizzingitswaytowardWes’sheart.She’dbeenherebefore;shehadsavedhimfromdeathoncealready.Thatfirsttime,ontheblackwater,shehadnoideawhatshehaddone.Shehadnoideahowherlovehadsavedhimfromdeath.
Butthistimeshedid.
ShelookedupatBradley.Therewasnoemotiononherfaceandshefeltnoneinherheart.Notfear.Notanger.Controlwasthekeytoherpower,Faixhadtoldher.Controlwastheessenceofherpower.
Thefireiswithinyou.
Shesawthemanwhohadtorturedandusedher,thecommanderwhohadforcedhertostealchildrenfromtheirmother’sarms,whowasgoingtocutdownherfriendsonebyone,startingwiththeoneshelovedmost.
Butshefeltnorage,noanger,nofear,onlyasupremesenseofherself,ofcalmandlogic.
Control,Faixhadtoldher.
Weswasstillleaningonhershoulder,stillsmilingather.
Maybe,totapintoyourpower,allyouneedtodoisthinkofme.Thosewerehiswordsontheblackocean,whenshehadsavedthemthefirsttime.
Faixwasright,butnotcompletely.Havingcontrolwasnotenough.Emotionwasalsopartofherpower,andlovewasstrongerthanfury,strongerthanrage,anditwasherlovethatsheusednow.HerfierceandabidingloveforWes,forBrendonandRoark,forCone,whohaddiedtooyoung,forShakesandFarouk,stillhiddeninthemaze,andherloveforherdrakon,buriedundergroundbutaliveinsideher.
Thefireiswithinyou.
Thefireburneddeepinhersoul,white-hot,asbrightasdaylight,andshescreamedassheunleasheditontothecommander,meltingthebullethehadsenttowardWesandsettinghimablaze.Settingthecavernafire.Burndownthistemple.Burndownthishouseofhorrors.
Whitefirethatcouldburnrockandmeltstone.
Drakonfire.
“RUN!”Wesyelled,pullingherandthesmallmentowardtheexit,whereShakesandFaroukwerealreadywaiting.Whentheygotthere,theyfoundthattheforceofherblasthadopenedthedoors,andtheyallran.
Insidethemaze,thekillingfloorwasburningasthemarkedvictimsranout,asthescreamsofthehuntersechoedthroughthetunnels.
Chapter33WESLEDTHETEAMOUTOFTHEMAZEandintothetemple,rushingpasttheterrifiedpriestswhoranfromthem.Afewsoldierstriedtostopthem,buteventheyranwhentheycaughtsightofNat.BeautifulAnastasiaDekesthalias.TheResurrectionoftheFlame.
“Whyaretheyscreaming?”sheasked.
“Becauseyou’recoveredinfire,”Westoldher,awed.Shewasstandinginthemiddleofabonfire,coveredinthehotwhitelight,justasshehadbeenonthedeckoftheColossus.Herfaceandherskinandhereyeswereglowing.
“Iam?”
Sheheldupherhands,amazedatthesightoftheflamesthatdancedonherskin.Shelookedafraid,andso,withoutthinking,hetookherhandandheldit.“Letitburn,”hesaidsoftly.“It’sbeautiful.You’rebeautiful.”Hetouchedhercheek,herhair,andbenttokissherthroughtheflames.
Thefiredidnotburnhim,onlytickledandcaressedhisskinlikewarmfeathersalloverhisbody.Shelookedintohiseyesandsmiled,andheknewtheyunderstoodeachother.
Themarkedvictimswerecomingoutofthesecondpen,thecagethathadn’topenedatthestartofreapingday,andwhentheysawNatcoveredinfire,theyblessedthemselves.Blessthedrakon.Blessitsrydder.Blessthefirethatwilllighttheworld.
“Liannan,”Shakessaidhoarsely,interruptingthetwoofthem.“WhereisLiannan?Didyoufindher?”Shakes’sdesperationremindedWeshewasthereforsomeone,too.Eliza.
Natshookherhead,andtheflamedisappeared.ShewasjustNatagain—
thearmorwasgone,andshewasdressedsimplyinblackjeans,wornboots,andtheflannelshirtsheworeonthefirstnightoutofNewVegas.
Wesraisedhiseyebrow.“Whatothercostumechangeshaveyougotunderthere?”heasked.“BecauseIhaveafewideas,”hesaidwithagrin.“Andthey’reallhot.”
“Shush,”shesaidastheyrandownthehallwayafterShakes.“Butwhatdidyouhaveinmind?”sheteased.
“Liannan!”Shakesyelled,pushingintothecrowd,scanningfaces,lookingforasylph,findingone,thenanother.“LIANNAN!”
Wesskiddedtoahalt.“Listen,I’vegottocheckthecellsforEliza...she’sheresomewhere.”
Natnodded.“Iunderstand.Go.I’llstaywithShakes.”
“TakeBrendonandRoark,I’llgowithFarouk,”hesaid.“We’llmeetyouguysattheentranceinfive.”
“Right,”shesaid,motioningforthesmallmentofollowher.FaroukrantoWes’sside.
Sheturnedawaywhenhecaughtherhandsagain.
“Idon’twanttoleaveyou,”hesaid.Hedidn’twanttoletgo.
“Youwon’t.Notever.I’llalwaysbewithyou,”shesaid,squeezinghishands.Shestoodonhertiptoesandkissedhimagain,thenunlacedherhandsfromhis.“ButLiannanandElizaneedus.”
Henodded.Ofcoursetheydid,itwaswhytheywerehereinthefirstplace.“Liannanneedsourhelp,buttheonlypersonElizaeverneededsavingfromwasherself,”Wesmuttered.
ThenNatturnedawayfromhim.“Shakes—IthinkIknowwhereLiannanis.Hurry!”
Weswatchedthemdisappeardownoneofthemarblehallways,hisheartbeatingpainfullyinhischest.
“Whereto,boss?”Faroukasked.
Records.Therewouldhavetoberecordsonfilesomewhere.Prisonerrecords.Lists.Hecouldn’tgosearchingthewholeplaceforhercell;itwouldtakeforever,andhewouldbetoolateagain.“Theoffice—comeon.Therehavetobesomemanifests.Shejustgothere.”
Theyfoundtheofficeinthefrontrooms.Itwasabandoned,thepriestshavingfled,andthewholetemplewasbeginningtofillwithsmoke.Wesflungopenfilecabinets,hurlingfilesandfolderseverywhichwayashesearchedforhissister’snameonthedocuments.Wherewasshe?WherewasEliza?Hadtheykilledheralready?Washetoolate?
Faroukbootedupthecomputer.Hebangedonthekeyboardandscrolledthroughthescreens.
“What’veyougot?”askedWes,lookingoverhisshoulder.
“PrisonertransportfromElDorado.Coupleweeksago.Thisisit.Shemustbeonthislist.”Faroukranhisfingerdownthescreen,lookingthroughthenames.Buttherewasnothing.NoEliza.
“She’snothere,”Farouksaid,fingersflyingonthekeyboardagainashetriedacouplemoresearches.“That’sweird.Yourhackersaidshewasintheprogram,right?”
Wesnodded.
“Butthere’snorecordofElizabethWessonanywhere.Notevenintheirmainfile.She’sneverbeenaprisoneroftheRSA.Idon’tgetit.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“She’snotinanyofthedetentioncenters.See?Thoseareblackedout,butIwasabletogetthroughthefirewalltofigureoutthenamesofthepeoplethey’reholding—”
“Yeah,yeah,gettothepoint.”
“There’snorecordofheranywhereinthesystem.”
Whatdidthatmean?She’dbeenonthetransferlistinElDorado.AndBradleyhadthreatenedhimwithhissister’sdeathtogethimtoaccepthiscommission.
“Checktheblacklists,”heinsisted.
Faroukshookhishead.“Ialreadydid.Iwenttherefirst.”
“Doitagain!”
Farouktypedafewlettersonthekeyboard.ThescreenflashedwithFILENOTFOUND.ERROR.
Wesshookhishead.“Maybetheypurgedtherecords.”
“Maybe.ButIdoubtit,there’salwaysatrail.”
Wesfeltasicksensation,andherememberedwhathe’dsaidtoNat.TheonlypersonElizaeverneededsavingfromwasherself.Therewassomethingwronghere...somethingdidn’taddup,andhehadadark,terriblesuspicionthatheknewwhatitwas.
Chapter34“WE’LLFINDHER,”NATTOLDSHAKES,whohadrunahead,openingcelldoorsoneafteranother,callingLiannan’sname.“She’shere.She’sreallyhere.”
SheheardLiannan’svoiceinherheadsoclearly,itwasasifthesylphwererightinfrontofher.Nat,hurry!Hurry!Nat!Thepriestsandsoldiershadabandonedtheirposts,andtouristsraninalldirectionswhilethemarkedvictims,unshackledandunrestrained,trainedtheirpowerontheirformercaptors,helpingthefiregrow,lettingitburn.
“Theymusthavekeptthesylphsinaspecialplace,”Roarksaid,“sincenoneofthemwereinthemazewithus.”
“Goodidea,”Brendonsaid,huffingnexttohim.
“Shakes!Weneedtogothisway,”Roarksaid,motioningtostairsthatledawayfromtheprisoncells.“Thesepensopenuptothemaze,andtherewerenosylphsonthekillingfloor.”
Shakesnodded,hisfacepaleandanxious.Thefirewascontainedinthelowerlevelsfornow,butwasbeginningtolickatthewallsandthestairway.“Weneedtohurry!”
Roarkhadguessedcorrectly.Thefourofthemarrivedonthenextlanding,findinganotherhallwayfullofcells.WhenNatusedherpowerandforcedthedoorsopen,sylphsbegantowalkoutoftheirprisons.Somewereblind;otherswerefingerless,somelimped.Theywereallbald,theirbeautifulhairshorntothescalp,andNatrememberedthesilverextensionsthepriestsworeintheirhair.
Shakesgagged.“Motherfreezeit,”hewhispered.
“LiannanoftheWhiteMountain?”Brendonasked.“DoyouknowwhereLiannanis?”
Onesylphshookherhead,rubbinganeyethatwasnolongerthere,anotherscratchedattheplacewhereanearhadbeencutfromherhead.WhennoonerecognizedLiannan’sname,Natfeltherheartdrop.Thenshehearditagain.
Liannan’smelodiousvoice.Clearasglass.
Nat,cometome.
Nat.
Herfriendsmadetheirwaythroughthemobofsylphs,lookingforLiannan,butNatturnedtheotherway.
SheheardherfriendsscreamLiannan’sname.Sheheardthembargethroughacelldoor,heardShakes’ssob.SheheardLiannancry,“Vincent!”LiannanalwayscalledShakesbyhisrealname;shewastheonlyonewhodid.
No.
Thatwaswrong.Sheheardnoneofthis.
Liannanwasstillcallingher.Drawinghertotheotherhallway,theoneatthefarsideofthetemple.
“Nat,whereareyougoing?Nat!”Shakesyelledfromtheothersideoftheroom.“She’sinhere!Wefoundher!Nat!”
ButShakeswaswrong.
Liannanwasnotinthatcell;shewasdownthishallway.
Natdidn’tlookback.Sheknewwhereshewasgoing,whereshewouldfindherfriend.
Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedunderneaththearchway.SACRIFICEISFREEDOM.
Chapter35“KEEPCHECKING!”WESSCREAMEDATFarouk,unabletoacceptthattherewasnorecordofElizaanywhereinthesystem,anywhereinthemarkedprogram.
Itcouldn’tbe.ElizaWessonwasanRSAprisoner.Shehadbeenstolenfromherfamilyasachild,takeninafire.Thatwaswhathehadbelieved,thatwaswhathewantedtobelieve,evenifheknewthetruth.AshehadtoldNatthatnightontheslaveship,thetruthwas,hehadnoideawhathadhappenedtoEliza.
Elizacouldbescarysometimes.
Shewasn’tverynice.
Elizawasaweaver.Shemadeyoubelievethingsthatweren’ttrue.
Nineyearshadpassedsincehe’dseenhissister.Thegirlhe’dknownthenwasachild,angry,confused,andoftenmischievous.Hehadmadehisshareofmistakes,donestupidthings,butElizahadalwaysbeendifferent.Evenatseven,therewassomethingwrongwithher.
Fornineyearshe’dtriedtoforgetthatsideofher.Hewantedtorememberthesisterwithawkwardsmileswhoworebrightcolors.Thosememorieswerehazy—perhapshehadidealizedEliza.Hisonlysouveniroftheirchildhoodwasaphoto,apictureofalittlegirlinapuffysnowsuitstandingnexttoasnowman.Hewasinthepicture,too,hischubbyarmslungaroundhissister’sshoulders.Shewashappy,smiling.
Thatwasthesisterhehadcometosave,hislastremainingfamilyintheworld.Hismotherwouldneverforgivehimifhegaveuponher.ItwasthereasonhehadleftNatattheBlueseveralmonthsago,thereasonhehad
broughthisentireteamtofollowhimintodangerandruin.
Becausehehadtofindoutwhathappenedtoher.Theyweretwins,butElizahadalwaysbeenhislittlesister.
“I’mtellingyou,boss,she’snothere,”saidFarouk.“I’msorry.”
Wesbangedhisfistonthedesk,makingahugedentinthemiddle.“LOOKAGAIN!”heroared.WhenhesawthefearinFarouk’sface,heapologized.“I’msorry—butshehastobehere.Thesystemiswrong.”
Wesshookhishead.Hishandswereshaking,andhiseyeswerewatering.Hisheadhurt.Hedidn’tknowwhattodo.
Therewasascreamfromacrossthehallway.WesexchangedaglancewithFaroukandtheyboltedoutoftheroom.
Shakesemergedfromoneofthecells,carryingLiannaninhisarms.Shewasweakandpale,andhergoldenhairwasknottedandtangled.Thesix-pointedstaronhercheekwasthrobbing.
Wesfeltaflashofjoytofindheralive,butShakes—thatscruffybeanpoleofaboywithacrookedbeard,whoshouldhavehadasmileonhisfaceaswideastheocean—wasvisiblydistraughtwhenhesawWes.
“What’swrong?”heasked,eventhoughheknewthateverythingwasabouttofallapart.
ThatShakeswasabouttoconfirmthedark,awfulsuspicionhehadshovedtothebackofhismind.
“Wes,”Liannansaid,hervoiceawhisper.Shewastheonewhohadscreamed,herealized,andshehadn’tscreamedinfearbut,likehim,hadletoutaroaroffrustration.“Wes...youhavetohelpNat.”
“Nat.Nat...whatdoyoumean...why?What’shappened?”heasked,hisheartthunderingwithfear.
“Nat’sindanger—”
“Whereisshe?”Wesasked,crazed.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Wes,listen—sheusedmetocallherhere.Itriedtodeflectit,Isentthecallsomewhereelse,IsentNattoyou,tofindRoarkandBrendon,hopingitwoulddelayherwhileItriedtofighther.Butitwasnouse.She’ssostrong.Shebledme,usedmybloodtomasktheironinamagicbombthatbroughtdownNat’sdrakon.Becauseit’sNatshewants.It’sNatshe’swantedallalong.”
“Whowantsher?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”askedWes,evenifhealreadyknewexactlywhatLiannanwouldsaybeforeshesaidit.
“LadyAlgeanaPenthos,HighPriestessoftheWhite.She’syoursister,ElizaWesson.”
ParttheFourth:
CHILDOFVALLONISThecaveyoufeartoenterholdsthetreasureyouseek.
—JOSEPHCAMPBELL
Chapter36FORAMOMENTNATWONDEREDWHYSHEwaswalkingaloneinanemptyhallway.ShehadbeenfollowingShakes,Roark,andBrendon,andinherdistantmemory,sherecalledthemcallinghername.Tellinghertoturnaround,thatshewasmakingamistake.Butshedidnothearthem,orifshedid,theirwordsdidnotmakesense.
Allaroundher,thetemplewasburning,thefirefromthekillingfloormakingitswayupward,consumingeverythinginitspath.Sheclimbeduponesetofstairs,thenanother.Sheheardthescreamsandtheterror,butunderneaththescreamssheheardsomethingelse.
Avoicecallingforher.
Liannan’svoice.
Likeakeyfittingintoalockandopeningsomethinginsideher,drawinghertothisplace.Sheforgotaboutherfriends,sheforgoteverything.Therewasonlythisplace,andthevoice,andthecallshemustanswer.Natrealizedshehadbeenherebefore.Shehadbeeninthisplace,hadwalkedthroughitswhitemarbledwalls.
Shefollowedthevoicetothetopofthemountain.
Shefoundthedoorwiththegoldenletteringandopenedit.
Faixstoodintheroom,hismouthopeninasilentscream.ButNatcouldhearneitherhisvoicenorhisthoughtsinherhead.Allsheheardwasthevoice,soothingher,sayinghernameagainandagain,blockingherfromhearingorunderstandinganythingelse.
“Why,Faix,”shesaid,“whatareyoudoinghere?”Herownvoicewassleepyandslowashermindstruggledtomakesenseofhersurroundings.
Whywasshealone?
WhywasFaixlookingatherthatway?Whydidn’thespeak?
Asifshewereawakeningfromsleep,suddenlyshesawthatsomethingwasterriblywronghere.Hiswhitearmorwasdirtyandtorn,andhisnailswereblackwithdirt.Hissilvereyesweregrayandthenecklaceheworearoundhisneckwasgone.Helookedstrangelybarewithoutit,almostexposed.Natshookherhead,buttheimageremained.
It’snotright.It’slikethebrokenbridgealloveragain.
Faixshouldn’tlooklikethat.Thisshouldn’tbehappening.
Nattriedtocomposeherself.“Faix,whathappened?Faix?”
Butinsteadofansweringher,Faixfelltotheground,hisownlongswordburstingthroughhischestashewasimpaledfrombehind,andhissapphirebloodspillingonthefloor.
Natsawbutshecouldnotsee,notreally.
Sapphireblood.
Shewatchedtheswordpushthroughherlostfriend’sheartasachildwatchesastormfromthewindow.
Bluerthantears,Natthought.BluerthantheBlue.
Faixfelltohisknees,thenpitchedforwardatherfeet.Thesapphirestainranacrossthestone.
Faixisdead.
Faix.
MyFaix.
Shefeltasiftheairwereleavingtheroom.
Shefeltasifherownheartwerepushingandpoundingoutofherchest.
Shefeltasifshe’dseenthisallbefore.
BecauseIhave.
ItwasthenthatNatrealizedtheroomshewasstandinginwasthesameoneshe’dseeninhervisionallthistime.Thechainsonthewall,thebloodpoolingonthefloor,awhite-robedgirlinthecorner.
Shehadseenthis.ShehadthoughtthegirlwasLiannan,thatLiannanwascallingforhelp.
ButthegirlwasnotLiannan,andLiannanhadnotbeencryingforhelp,notatall,buthadbeensendingherawarning,garbledandsuppressedbyhercaptor,whohadusedhertodrawintheirprey.
Nat!Don’tletthemfoolyou!Ineedyoutolistentome!Saveyourself!
Thewhite-robedgirltossedawayFaix’sswordandsteppedoverhisbody.Liketherestofthepriests,shehadwhitepowderonherfaceandhands,andathirdeyedrawnonherforehead.Shehadthickbrownhairandhereyeswereasceruleanblueasthebloodthatshehadspilled.Shewasbeautifulandterrible,andshenowworeFaix’snecklacearoundherpaleneck.
Natwantedtoripitfromherthroatasshewatched.Thisthing—thisheartlessbeast—hadstolenFaix’sheart,anditwasallNatcoulddonottorepeatthetrick.
Butitwasn’tjustthat.
Somethingaboutherwasfamiliar,theshapeofhernose,herlong,thinhands.
“Doyouknowme,Anastasia?”thegirlasked.ShelookedatNatstrangely,withinterest,asifshe’donlyjustnoticedherintheroom.
“Eliza!”Natgasped.“You’reElizaWesson.”
“Thatwasmynameonce,”shesaid,staringatNatwithcontempt.“Before.WhenIwasweak.”
Natsaidnothing.
Before,shethought.Whenyoudidnotneedtostealheartsbecauseyoustillhadyourown.
Thegirl’sbluegazewassteady.Unnerving.
“Butnotanymore.IamLadyAlgeanaPenthos,HighPriestessofthistemple.”
LadyAlgeanaoftheDark.EaterofSouls.DestroyerofWorlds.
Elizabowedherheadwithasmile.
“Butthatwouldmean...that...”
“Yes,”shesaid,amused.“PoorBradleythoughthewasrecruitingmeintotheprogramwhenhefoundme.Thoughthecouldmakemeintooneofhislittlefire-eyedpuppets.Sillyman.Imightaswellhavetiedstringstohisarmsandmadehimdance.”Hersmilebroadenedassherelishedthethought.“Did
youenjoykillinghim?ThatwasmygifttoyouwhenIhadnomoreuseofhim.Itoldhimtogointothemaze,thathewouldsurelyfindsomeonetherehewaslookingfor.”
Natbackedupagainstthewall.TherewassomethingdreadfulaboutEliza,agraydarkness,adank,seepingpoisonthatswelledupfromwhatshouldhavebeenhersoul.“You’reamurderer.Youkillyourownkind.Idon’tunderstand.Why?Whathappenedtoyou?”
Elizaliftedherchin.“Theyhavetodie.Itistheirhonor,tofeedmypower,whentheydieasinnocentsinthemazeIcapturetheessenceoftheirsouls,”shesaid.“Mypriestsselltheseworthlesstokenstotherestofthepopulation,butwhattheydon’tknowisthateachtimeamarkedpersondies,theirpoweraddstomyown.Iclaimitformyself,asonlyIcando.”Hereyeswereblazingnow.“IammorepowerfulnowthanIhaveeverbeen.TheworldsIweave,myillusions,arenolongerephemeral;theyhavesubstance.Icanweavefirethatburns—icethatfreezes.Agoodtrick,yes?Turningnothingintosomething.AlessonIlearnedasachild.”
Natwasparalyzed.Shecouldn’tmoveasElizatooktheroughchainsandlockedherhandsinthem.ThechainsthathadneveroncebeenforLiannan,butwerealwaysforher.
I’msuchafool.
Elizaraisedaneyebrow.“Isawyouintheglass.ThelastdrakonrydderofVallonis.AnastasiaDekesthalias.TheResurrectionoftheFlamethatwilllighttheworld,”shesaid.Shetuggedthechainstight,drawingbloodfromNat’swrists.“IfonlyIhadknownyouwerealreadyintheprogram.IorderedBradleytobringyoutomethatnightyouleftMacArthur,butyouslippedaway.SohowwasItofindyounow?AndhowwouldIgetyoutocometome?Butthenwecapturedthesylph...”
“Liannan.HernameisLiannan.”Natcouldn’thelpherself.HernameisLiannan,sheisnotoneofyourtoys,sheismyfriend.
Elizashrugged.”Andsuddenly,itallfellintoplace.Iwoulduseherbloodtomaskthebomb,andhervoicetocallyouhere.Shewassoveryhandy.ButIhadnoideauntilwecaughtherthatyouknewsomeone...someoneclosetome.”
“Wes,”Natsaidmiserably.
“Yes,mysaintedbrother,Ryan,whorefusedacommissionwhenBradleyfirstofferedit.Bringingallthosepilgrimstoourtemplecouldhaveatleast
provedhisusefulness.Butno.Hewastoogoodforthat,hewouldneverdosuchathing.”
Ofcoursehewouldn’t,Natthought.
“Wesalwaysneededtobelieveinhimselfasthehero.”
Becauseheisone.
Elizasighed.“IheardhewasbackinNewVegas,soIputmynameonablacklist,madesurehesawit.Itseemedtobetheonlywaytogethimcloser.Iwonderifhelikedallthoselittletouches.My‘room.’Thebunny.Ineverhadsuchatoy,buthewouldn’tremember,he’smuchtoosentimental.”
“Kind.”Thewordis“kind.”
“HehadtobelieveIwastheirprisoner,eventhoughheknewbetter.HehadtothinkIwasindanger.Itwastheonlywaytodrawhimout.He’salwaysbeenagullibleboy.”
“Loyal.”Thewordis“loyal.”
Elizadismissedherbrotherwithaflickofherpalewrist.“Thenthosesillychildrensetfiretothedome.ButwegotWesanyway,”shesaid,herlipsparting,whiteteethglistening.ShemotionedtoFaix.“Ithoughthewouldbringyoutome,too,ifhehad,maybeIwouldhavelethimlive.”
“Youusedthemalltogettome.Allmyfriends...,”Natsaid.Elizahadhuntedthemdown,eachone,hadbroughtthemallheretodie.
“Whatarefriendsfor?”Elizaasked.ShepickedupFaix’sswordfromthefloor.“Hewasmyteacher,too.Didheevertellyouabouthisfavoritepupil?Didhestartyourlessonswiththeviolin?Youthoughtitwasyouridea,butitwasalwayshis.Faix.GivetheQueenmyregards,tellherIgothermessage.”Shelaughed,kickingFaix’sbodysoitrolledintotheblueblood.
“Icalledhimtome,felthispresencethemomentyoulandedontheisland.ToldhimIwasreadytochange.Andofcoursehecame.‘Thereisstilltimetorepent,’hesaid.‘TheQueenstilllovesyou.Istillloveyou.’IcalledthemMotherandFather,didhetellyou?Howcanonebemorethanathousandyearsoldandsostupid?”
THEWEAVERANDTHEQUEENTHROUGHTHEFIRE,THROUGHTHESMOKEandflame,shesawtheboyandthegirlhuddledinthecorner.Twins.Shehadn’tknowntherewouldbetwochildren,asshehadseenonlyoneinhermirror.Whichone?Theboylookedafraid,buthissisterstaredbackboldly.Thegirlhadsapphireeyesandaswirlonhershoulder.Aweaver.
Itwasthegirl.
Adecisionwasmade.
Shewastheone.
Theonetheyhadcometosteal.
•••
Inthecenturysincetheicecameupontheworld,thepeopleofVallonissentscoutsintothegraylandstosearchforthesourceofthecorruption,withnosuccess.
Then,sixteenyearsago,theQueenbeheldavision.Avisionoftheonewhowouldsavethem.AchildofVallonisborninthegraylandswhowouldbeabletounlockthetowerthatheldtheArchimedesPalimpsest.ThechildoftheQueen,imbuedwithherspiritandpowerforanewage.Themirrorshowedthemthechildintheflames,andtheystoleherfromherfamilywhenshewassevenyearsofage.
TheQueenandherloyalconsort,FaixLazaved,broughtthechildtoApistolivewiththem.Shebecamelikeadaughter,achildtoreplacetheoneshehadsacrificedforVallonis.
TheybelievedElizawouldbetheonetorecastthespell,tofixthefrostandthedarknessthathadseepedintoitsmakingandsettheworldaright.
Faixdeclaredhehadneverhadamoreaptpupil.Hewassoproudofher.Elizawasafastlearner,andtookeasilytoherdailylessonsofmagic.Shelearnedtoshapewondrouscreationsoutoftheether.Thisstolenchildwaseverythingthey’dhopedfor.Theycalledhertheirstarchild,delightinginhercleverness,hertalent,hersorcery.
Threeyearsago,theysentElizabacktothegraylandswiththekeytounlocktheArchimedesPalimpsestandbringitbacktoApis.
ButElizaneverreturnedtothem.
Instead,therewasnewsofmoreviolenceanddarkness,ofashiningwhitetemplegovernedbyacruelmistress.Newsthattheirpeoplewerebeingtorturedandkilled,herdedtotheirdeathsbyarmiesingray,andturnedintodustbyholymenandwomeninwhite.
ElizaWessonwasnotthechildtheythoughtshewas.
Heartbrokenanddefeated,theycametotheconclusionthattherecouldbeonlyoneexplanation.
Theyhadstolenthewrongtwin.
Chapter37WESCOULDN’TUNDERSTANDWHATLiannanwastellinghim;ithurttoomucheventotry.Thewholeworldwasburningaroundhim,andsomehowthestoryburnedhimmore.HissisterwastheHighPriestess?Elizawasbehindthistemple?Theonewhoorderedthewhitehunt?Whogatheredmarkedpilgrimstothisplaceonlytoslaughterthem?ThepriestesswhoworkedwiththeRSA?Howcouldthatbe?
Elizawasmischievousanddelusional,cruelandthoughtless,butshewasn’takiller,shewasn’tacannibal.
Wasshe?
“It’sbeennineyears,Wes,”Liannansaid,standingnowandleaningonShakes’sshoulder.“Peoplechange.Sometimesfortheworse.”Thesoundsoffireandfurywereonlygrowingstronger.Theyneededtogo.
Westightenedhisfist,buttherewasnothingtostrike.Nothere.
“Whereisshe?”Hisvoicewasstrangelycold,asifitbelongedtosomeoneelse.Someonewhosesisterdidnotthreatenallhelovedalongwiththeworldtheylivedin.“Where’sNat?WhatdoesEliza—mysister—wantwithher?”
“Shewentupthestairs,”Brendonsaid.“Wecouldn’tstopher.Shewaslikesomeonepossessed.”
Wesmovedtothedoor.
RoarkputahandonWes’sarm.“Thisplaceisburningdown.Wehavetorun.Youcan’tgoafterher—wecan’tloseyou,too.”
ButWesshookhimoff,pausinglongenoughtogripRoarkbytheshoulder.“Trytogetoneoftheferryboats.Waitformeatthedock.I’llcome
backwithNat.AndIcanhandlemysister.Ipromise.”
“Wes,”Liannansaidgravely.“Eliza’snotyoursisteranymore.Youhavetorememberthat.She’lluseeverythingandanythingtofightyou,togetwhatshewants.”
Henoddedandranupintotheburningbuilding,upintothesmokeandflame,tofindhisloveandhisshame,hisfutureandhispast—atleast,theonewhoheldithostage.
Enough.
•••
Thestairswereblackwithflame,butWeskeptclimbing;hewouldn’tleaveNatbehind,andiftheyweregoingtodiehere,theywoulddietogether.Hefoundthedoorwayandburstintotheroom.Thechamberwashewnfromthestone,aroundroomringedbyarchedwindowsandencircledbyawideterrace.
Natwaschaineduptothewall,herarmsspreadoutlikewings,wristsandanklesshackled.
Powerlessasapinnedbeetle.Abrokenbird.
Agirlstoodinfrontofher.
Eliza.Mysister.
Herecognizedherbrightblueeyesalongwithherthinnose,hersharpchin,thefeaturesthattheyshared—andyetherfacehadsomehowgonewrong,slightlytwisted,thenosetoolong,thechintoopointed.Evenasachild,shehadalwaysbeenannoyedwhentheirmothercooedoverhisgoodlooks.
“Eliza.”
Hernameseemedtorankleher.“YoumaycallmeLadyAlgeana.Andyoumaykneel.”
Wesdidn’tmove.
Brotherandsisterstaredateachother.Hedidn’trecognizethisstrangerinfrontofhim.Hewantedtofindhislittlesister,butshewasgoneforgood:Thesnowhadhardenedintoice.
Wessmiled.
Iftherewasonethingheknew,itwashowtohandleice.He’dspenthis
wholelifeworkingit.Hard,heknew.Soft,thatwasmoredifficulttounderstand.
Tryagain.
“You’vegrownup,LadyAlgeana.”HeclenchedhisjawandtriednottoglanceacrosstheroomatNat,hangingfromchains,uncertainifshewasaliveordead,awakeorunconscious.
“Surprised?”Elizasaidwithashrug.Shebrandishedagleamingblade.
Careful.
Elizawasbeyondsaving,andhecouldseethatasclearlyastheswordsheheldunderNat’sthroat.
THESCROLLANDTHEKEYSHEHADBEENBORNELIZABETHAlexandraWesson,sistertoRyanAndrewWesson,inafrozencityglitteringwithcasinolights.ButthenametheyhadgivenherinApiswasAlgeanaPenthos,thegirlwhowouldtakeawaytheirsorrow.TheChildoftheStars.DaughteroftheEarth.LightoftheMoon.DearestSavior.Angel.
Onthedaythatshewastofulfillherdestiny,shesaidgood-byetothetwopeoplewholovedherthemost.BythepeopleofVallonis,theywerecalledQueenandTeacher.Buttoher,theywereMotherandFather.Shewouldnotfailthem.ShewouldaccomplishwhatnooneinVallonishadbeenabletodosinceitsreturn.ShewouldfindandunlocktheGrayTowerandrecoverthemissingscroll,themissingspellbook,theArchimedesPalimpsest.
Thejourneywasroughandhard,shewashungryandtired,butshemadeitupthetower.Sheplacedthekeyintothelockandopenedit.
Butthescrolllaybehindawallofimpenetrablemist.
Shescreamedinfrustrationandunleashedthefullforceofherrageuponthewall,butitdidnotdissipate.Themistsheld.
Thescroll,thespellbook,theAchimedesPalimpsest,wasoutofherreach.
Herfailurewasdevastatingandimmense.Itcouldonlymeanonething.ShewasnottheQueen’schild.ShewasnotFaix’shopeforthenewworld.Shewasnoone.Shehadfailedthem.Theywouldnotloveherwhentheyfoundout.Theywouldblameherforbeingthewrongone.
ShecouldnotreturntoApiswithoutthescroll.
Andinherfailure,herangergrew.
Shehadnoideawhoshewasnow.ShewasnottheBrightStar.ShewasnottheEarth’sDaughter.Shewasnothing,justanothermarkedvictimofthegraylands.Justanotherpieceoficetrash.
Shehatedwhoshewasandhatedeveryonewhowaslikeher.
Herbirthparentshadbeenafraidofher,andheradoptiveparentsinVallonishadonlylovedherforwhattheythoughtshecoulddo.
ButwhatifNinevehandFaixfoundoutshecoulddonothing?
Thatshewasnoone?
Thattheyhadbeenwrongabouther?
Wouldtheystillloveherthen?
Impossible.Noonehadeverlovedher.Oriftheydid,theydidnotloveherenough.Nothermother,whodiedtooyoung,orherfather,whowastootiredtomakeaneffort.Notherbrother—shewouldnotthinkaboutherbrother—no.Nothim.Shewouldforgetsheevenhadabrother.
ShehatedthisworldandthehopethattheWhiteCityhadinstilledinher,thehopethathaddiedinherheartthatday.
Thisworldwasnothing,andoneday,shewoulddestroyeventhehopetheyheldforanewone.
•••
ForElizahadseenavisioninAvalon’sMirror,arelicfromthesecondage.
TheResurrectionoftheFlamethatwilllighttheworld.Avisionofdrakonfirecoveringtheearth.Abaptismofremaking,goldenandbright.
Elizavowedtomakethatfireherown.
ShewouldburndowntheGrayTowerthatheldthescrollsothatallhopewaslostforever.
Chapter38NAT’SHEARTSOAREDATTHESIGHTofWes,hisuniformburnedattheedges,hisfaceflushedwithheatandfear.Itwasunnervingtoseehimpickinghiswayaroundhissister.Andstrangetoseetheirtwofaces,soalikeandyetsocompletelyopposed.
Twomirrors,shethought.Notmirrorimages.Mirroropposites.
HiseyesflickeredfromEliza’stoherown.Nattriedtoliftherhead,tosmile,butshefoundshewasshakingandherbodywouldnotobey.
“Whatdoyouwantwithher?”Wesasked.“Leaveheralone,Eliza.Leavemyfriendsalone.”
“Mydearbrother,justlikewhenIwaslittle,Iwanteverythingyouhaveandmore,”shesaidassheplacedthedrau’sbladerightbelowNat’schin.
“Ihavenothing.Youhaveeverything.”Heedgednearertothem.Elizapressedthebladeforward,andhefroze.
“True.Ihaveeverything.Now.”Shesmiled.“Nowthatyouhavefoolishlybroughtmethedrakonrydder,andforthatyouhavemygratitude,brother.”Eliza’smouthtwitched.“Andherfireisminetocommand.”
Thatwasit.ThatwaswhatElizawantedallalong.
Mydrakon.
WithWesintheroom,Natfeltherangergrow.Herbloodbegantoburnuntilherchestcaughtfire.
YoutookFaix.
Youstolehisheart.
YouspilledthebloodofLiannan.
Youwillnothavemydrakon.
Natclosedhereyesanddrewfromthefire.Shefeltherpowerreturn,floodingbacktoher,makingheralmostsickwithjoy.“Yourdrakon?Yourfire?”
TheLadyAlgeanatookastepbackasthemetalonNat’swristsbegantobubbleandsmoke.
“Thinkagain,bitch,”Natsaid,andburstfromhershackles,hurlingElizaacrosstheroomwithasinglegreatroarofflame.“ThatwasforFaix,”shesaid.“Andthisoneisforme.”
DRAKONMAINAS.
ICALLYOUFROMTHEEARTH.
RETURNTOYOURRYDDERANDVANQUISHOURFOES!
Thefireiswithinme.
IamthedrakonandIamtheflame.
Shecouldcallherdrakonfromanywhereonearthanditwouldanswer.Thatmuchsheunderstoodnow.Itwasonlyamatteroftime.
Andfire.
Orange,incandescentflameappearedoutsidethetemplewindow.Thecloudschurned,formingavortexinthesky,andinthecenteroftheswirlingclouds,shesawahintofblack,adarkshapegrowinglarger.Natrecognizedthechurningmaelstrom.Itwasadoor,aportal.ShehadusedsuchaportalwhensheandFaixtraveledfromVallonistotheblackocean.Sherecalledhiswords:Inthegraylands,thedoorstoVallonisarefewaswemustprotectourcountry,butadoorfromVallonistoyourworldcantakeusanywhere.
Nowherdrakonwascomingthroughonesuchdoor,heedinghercall,traversingtheportaltoreachthemountainbase.Theblackspotatthecenterofthevortexgrewandgrew,adarkcenterthatquicklyobscuredthegrayclouds.
Ithadhealedcompletely;itwasbacktoitsfullstrengthnowandabletotravelthroughtimeandspacetogettoherandnotasecondtoosoon.
Thedrakonsprangfromthevortex;flameissuingfromitsmaw.Thecreature’swhite-hotfireshatteredthewindowsofEliza’schamber;itvaporizedthedoor.FlamesdancedacrossthewallsandNatfled,Wesather
back,throughtheplacewherethedoorhadstood,outontoaterrace,onthetopofthemountain,wherethedrakonhoveredintheair,itsdarkwingsunfolding,itsgreenandgoldeyesflashing.Thedrakonroaredanditsfurymadethemountaintremble.
Thecreatureraiseditswings,descendingonaplumeofair,itstalonsgrippingtheterracestonesasitlanded.
Thecreaturehowled,tuckeditswingstoitssidesandcraneditslongblackneck.
Mydrakonself.
“Thereyouare,”croonedNat,strokingitshide,marvelingatitsscales,theirsurfacemottledlikecoal,rockyandsharp.Black,translucentwingsunfurledfromthecreature’sback,blockingthesky,castingeerieshadowsontheground.Rentsandjaggedscarslitteredthebeast’swings.Thiswasacreatureofwar,itsbodyscarredfromcombat,everyinchofitshidearmoredandgnarled,butithadhealed.Itsclawsrakedribbonsinthestones.Thecreaturehuffedandbreathed,itseverymovementatremor.Sulfurandashswirledintheair.Natfelttheflame’sheatengulfher,anditwasgood.Itfeltlikethesun,likeathousandsunsrisingatonce,warmingher.
Elizawasoutontheterraceandshehadbackedawayagainstthefarwall.Butinsteadofcoweringbeforethegreatbeast,sheonlylaughedlouder.“Youthinkyoucanburnme,rydder?Let’sseehowyoufareagainstyourownkind.”Thenshetookthenecklacefromherneck,acharmheldbyagoldenclaw,andsmashedittothestones.
Awhiteflashshotthroughtheair.
Smokeandashformedaswirlingwhitecloud,aconeoflightandfrostgatheringaroundthebrokenpendant.
Afigureemergedfromthecloud,ascaly,glisteningcreature.
Intheplacewheretheredpendanthadsmashedagainsttheterracefloor,awhitedrakonunfurleditstranslucentwings.
Thecreature’sneckunwoundfromitstorso,revealingjaggedscalesandathornymane.
Pinkeyesglaredthroughnictitatingmembranes.
Thewhitedrakonbaredrowsofsilveryteeth.
Abeardofhornsdisentangledfromthecreature’sjaws,thespikesswayingasthecreature’sneckextended.
Itgrewlargerandlarger,risingagainstthegrayclouds,castingshadowsoverNatandherdrakon.Whatwasthis?Adrakoninabottle?
ButFaixhadsaidhisdrakonwasdead...
Therewasnotimetoargue,forthewhitedrakonwasverymuchalive,andhissing.
Elizalaughedandswungintoitssaddle,brandishingthedrau’ssword.“Callyourdrakon,rydder.Let’sseehowyoufareagainstGria.”Thensheflewupthroughthesmokeandintothesky.Thewhitedrakonroaredathisnewfreedom,beatinghiswingsfasterandfaster.
NatandWeswatcheditgo.
“Wes,”shesaid,pullinghimclose.“You’vegottogetoutofhere.”
“Didyoumissthepartabouttheotherdrakon?”
“Thisisnotyourfight,”shesaidgently.
“She’smysister.”HelookeddownatNat.“Orsheusedtobemysister.”
“Thatthingisnoone’ssister.”Sheshivered.
“Ican’tleavewithoutyou,”hesaid.Natknewitwastrue.Sheknewshehadtomakehimgo.
“Eliza...,”Natbegan.
Westouchedherlip.Heunderstood,inhissoldier’sheart.
Shedidnotneedtoexplainit,nottohim.
“Gogether,”hesaid,andhekneltsoshecouldusehiskneeasastirrupassheleaptuponherdrakon’sback,grippingitsblackhide,pullingherselftothenapeofthedrakon’sneck.“Comebacktome.”
Shesmiled.“Iwill.”Thescalesshiftedbeneathher.Thedrakontenseditslegmuscles;ithunchedclosetothegroundbeforespringingupward,boundingintothesky.
Fireswirledinherchest,inherthroat.Shewaswholeagainandastrideherdrakonastheyflewhighabovethetemplemountain,abovethecityoftoweringhotels.Natgloriedinbeingpartofeverythingonceagain,thecoolair,thewindrushingagainsthercheeksastheysoaredoverthecity.Awhiteflashcutthroughthesky.Theairdarkened;shesawscales.Thewhitedrakonshimmeredintheclouds,thenvanished.Natpursued,DrakonMainaspoundingitswings.
Sheheardacrash,thesoundofglassfracturing.Natjerkedherheadupward.Beyondthelipofthenearesttower,thewhitedrakonsoaredintoview.Itsclawsbrokethewhitestoneandshardsshotthroughtheair,tumblingoutofthesky.
Whathadjusthappened?Faixhadadrakonhiddeninhischarm?Awhitedrakon?
AndhowdidElizaknowtobreakit?
Natblinked,andherdrakonpitchedright,turning,craningitsneck,foldingitswingstoavoidthedebris.Thewhitedrakonwhippeditstail,scatteringrubblefromthebuildinginalldirections.Mainasturnedawayjustintime,dodgingashowerofsteelandglassthedrakonhadtornfromthebuildingandtossedtowardNat.Theskywasablurofwhitescalesandfranticmotion.
AsuddenroarnearlyshookNatfromherseat.
Dive,Natcried.Wemustflee.
Natfledandthewhitedrakonpursued.Sheflewlowoverthestreetsofthemarket,thenrose,pivoting,divingthroughthecityofglisteningtowers,hopingtofindcover,aplacetohide.Natheardacrunch,thewhiningofsteelbendingbeneaththewhitedrakon’sclaws.
Lookingback,shesawDrakonGrialiftacoupleofarmoredtrucksandtossthemintotheairtowardthem.Thedrakonhadpickeduptheheavytruckswithnoeffortorexertion,throwingthemintotheairlikesnowballs.
Thefirstcrashedintothestreetbelowthem,amiss.Thesecondsailedsoclose,Natfeltitswindagainstherface.
Faster.Faster.
Herdrakonrolledanddove,soaringbetweenthetowers,strugglingtoevadethepursuingwhitebeast.Shelookedfornarrowstreets,placesthelargerdrakoncouldnotpass,butitwasnouse,thecreaturewasclosingin.
Stoprunning,shethought.Fight.Youtwicebestedadronearmy,armadasfellbeneathourflames;wecanbeatthiscreature.
Natandherdrakonchangedcourseandmetthewhitedrakonhead-on,breathingfire,turningoneofthetowersintoablackruin.ThebuildingcollapsedandNatrolledawayfromitspath.Thewhitedrakon,closebehind,turnedtoolate.Thecreaturecrashedthroughthetower’scrumblingframe,itswingstuckedaboveitsbacktoprotectitsrider.
Thewhitedrakonscreamed,itsragedoublingassteelandglasspelteditsscales.DrakonGriapiercedthecloudofdebris,risingabovethefallentower,stripsoffleshtornfromitswings,boilingmetaldrippingfromgleamingscales.Thecreatureshookoffthewreckage,clearingmoltenmetalfromitsskin.DrakonGriaspreaditswings,revealingEliza,aliveandunharmed.DrakonMainasmovedtopursue,butNatheldbackhermount.
Shespiedsomethinginthedistance.Notadrakon,somethingsmaller.Shesawalonefiguredashingthroughthestreets—aboy,dodgingthewreckage,seekingcover.Wes.
Whatishedoing?He’sgoingtogethimselfkilled.
Whileherattentionwasdistracted,thewhitedrakonrecovered;itswingssentfuriouswindsripplingtowardher.NatforgotaboutWes;sheforgotabouteverythingexcepthermount.Natsentherdrakonspiralingtowardthesafetyofnarrowstreets,hopingagaintoevadethedrakon’spursuit,butwhensheflewintoanalley,abuildingbegantocollapserightaheadofher.Itwastoolatetoturnback.Thecrunchingofsteelandglassranginherear.Notimetodive,toevade.
Flyintoit,shetoldhermount.Doit.
DrakonMainasdidnothesitate,therydderanditsmounttrustedeachother,theywereoneandsame,andsotheysoaredthroughthetower,unharmed,theirbodiespassingthroughglassandsteel,thedrakon’sflamemeltingtheobstacles,clearingapathforNatandhermount.
Theysoaredupward,emergingintothelightandthesnow.
Natgasped.Onthefarsideofthewreckage,thewhitedrakonhovered,waiting.
Thecreaturescreamedandahurricaneofbrilliant,scintillatingwhiteshotfromthecreature’smouth.
Andburnedherwithcold.
Chapter39WESRANOUTOFTHETEMPLEANDINTOthesurroundingcity,followingthebattleandfollowingNat.Heflattenedhisbodyagainstthewallofatower,protectinghisheadasanavalancheofdebrisclatteredtothestreet.Agleamingtowercollapsed,glassandsteelbillowinginalldirections.Dustfilledtheairandheclosedhiseyes,feelingthesmokeinhislungs.Hecoughed,wipinghiseyescleanbeforerushingintothealley.
Hefoundcoverbeneaththeeyebrowofashadedentry.
Whereisshe?Where’sNat?
Aroarshotthroughthestreets,thesoundofboltsripping,concreteexploding.Thedrakonswereabovehim,inadogfightabovethecity.Debriscrashedtothestreet,explodingasithitthepavement,destroyingthesidewalksandbenches,fallingonthescreamingtourists,themarket.Soldiershadabandonedtheirpositions,jumpingintoboats,tryingtogetasfarawayfromthefightingmonstersaspossible.
Wesspiedthewhitedrakon.Thecreatureswoopedlow,closetothestreet,pickinguptrucksandtossingthemintotheair.Hefollowedthearcofthetruckandsawitstrikeabuilding,justbarelymissingtheblackdrakon.HesawNatforasecond,butshedisappearedwhentheblackdrakonrolled,turningsharplytoavoidthebarrageofvehiclesthewhitedrakonhadthrownatit.
Itwasunlikeanythinghe’deverseen.
WeshopedShakesandtheothersweresafebythedock.Iftheyweren’tatthedockalready,hedidn’tseehowtheycouldgetthere.ThedrakonsweretearingNewKandyapart,turningthestreetsintocanyonsofmoltenmetaland
glass.
Somethingheavystruckthewindowsabovehim,andglassdustshowereddown.Heclampedahandtohismouthandnose,kickedopenabuckledmetaldoor,andfoundshelterinanabandonedlobby.Pulverizedglassandaluminumfilledthesmoke-saturatedair.Hewipeddustfromhisface,andhislegwasthrobbingwithpain.Whenhebenttotiethetourniquet,hishandcameupredwithblood.
Freezinghunters.
Wespickeduphissniper’srifleandlookedthroughthescope,trackingthewhitedrakon.Butitwashardtoseethroughthehaze,andhewasworriedabouthittingNatandherdrakoninstead.
Thedustcleared,andheshovedopenthedooranddartedintothestreet.Hescannedthesky,hearddistantroars.Hedashedthroughanalley,throughsmokeandsnow.Hecaughtsightofthewhitedrakonhovering.
Whereareyounow,Nat?
Weshidbeneathanoverhang,shieldinghimselffromthewhitedrakon’sgaze.Elizawassittingonthewhitedrakon,herblueeyesblazing;shetuggedatthereins,andthewhitedrakonclimbedintotheclouds.Helosttrackofthecreature.Heheardthebeatingofitswings,thetorturedsoundsofsteelrippingandstonebreaking,buthecouldnotseethedrakon,sohefollowedthecreature’sroar,thebreakingofglassandstone,hisheartpounding,hisbodysweatingbeneaththeheatsuit.Heunzippedhisjacket;hewasburningup.
Hedashedthroughemptystreets,pasttheoverturnedtablesandbrokentents,strugglingbutmostoftenfailingtofollowthewhitedrakon.Wheneverheapproached,whenhenearedthedrakon,thecreaturewouldturnsuddenlyorarcupwardanddisappear.Weswouldscramble,tryingtofollow,dashingdownalleys,peeringthrougharchways,butfoundnothing.
Therewasatremendousroar,andthroughthecloudshesawthetwodrakons.Whiteandblack,engagedinadueltothedeath.
Thewhitedrakonopeneditsjaws,envelopingNatandhermountinastormofwhite.Downbelow,Wesfeltthewhitedrakon’sbreath,icycold,asformidableastheblackdrakon’sflame.
Wesfeltthecoldallaround.Hehadfeltthissamecoldbefore.Heknewwhereitcamefrom,whohadcausedit,andthefeelingwasfamiliar,thesensationthatnothingwasquitewhatitseemed.
Afteralltheseyears,thememoryhadnotyetfaded.Hewouldneverforgetthatmoment.ThenighthehadlostEliza.
Therehadbeenafire,justlikethis.Acoldfire,onethatchilledtothebone,thatturnedbreathintoice.Andthat’swhenheknew.
Itwasn’treal.
Thewhitedrakonwasn’treal.
Noneofitwasreal.
ItwasjustanotherofEliza’sillusions.Shehadwovenagreatstory,craftedadrakonoutoftheairtofightNat’s.Herpowerhadchanged.Ithadgrown.Hedidn’tknowhowshehadaccomplishedthisfeat,buthesensedanevolution.Eliza’stricks,herillusions,werenolongerephemera.Thedrakonwasn’trealbutevensoithadsubstance.Herillusionshadthepowertokillandtodestroy—thedamagedcitywasreal,andthedestructionwasreal.
Hissister,theweaver.
Telleroftales.
Weaveroflies.
Shehadalwayswantedtodomorewithherpower,toexceedhergivenabilities,toweavedeadlierandmorepotentworlds.
Whentheywerelittle,Elizawouldmakepuddlesappearoutofnowhereandhewouldtrip,orshewouldmakeghostsdanceinthedarknessoftheirbedroom.Morethanonceshehadsetkidsonfire,justtowatchtheirreaction,toseethemsquirmastheytriedinvaintodampentheillusoryflames.She’dtrickedhimafewtimes,whenhewasn’tpayingattention,butshe’dneverhurthim.Notmuch,atleast.Noteveryonewassolucky.She’doncemadeaglassdoorlookopenwhenitwasclosed.Agirl,maybeeight,nineyearsold,hittheglass,shatteringthepane,bloodonherhandsandface.
ThenightElizadisappeared,thenightofthefire,shehadtoldhimshewasgoingtodoit.Someoneiscomingforyou,she’dsaid.ButIwon’tletthemtakeyouaway.Iwillburndownthehousebeforetheydo.
Hedidn’tbelieveher.Elizaalwayssaidstufflikethat.Butfrightenedandcurious,hehadstayedupthatnight,waiting.Aftermidnight,heheardnoise,confusion,yelling.Awildflamelittheirroom,ablazesobright,ithurthiseyes.
Buttherewasnoheat.Onlycold,andhe’dknownitwasn’treal.
Nothingshedidwasreal;itonlyfeltreal,onlysmelledandtastedreal,butitwasn’treal—oratleastithadnotbeenrealwhentheywerechildren.Weshadnotseenhissisterinnineyears;shewassevenwhentheylastspoke.Thoseyears,thetimetheyhadspentapart,hadchangedher;Eliza’spowerhadgrown.Hetriedtorecallthenightshedisappeared,theiridescentlight,hisbedroom,hisbed,aflame.Andnow,forthefirsttime,asifhehadrepressedthememoryonhisown—ormaybeElizahadblockedit—herememberedthefigureswhohadcomethatnight,whohadcometotakeheraway.
Thetallwomaninwhitewiththesadeyeswhostaredatthetwoofthem.
Twins?she’dsaid.Ididnotseetwoinmymirror.
It’sme,Elizahadsaid.It’smethatyouwant!
ThentheyweregoneandElizawiththem.
Thisisn’treal.Stopit.Stopher.
Hecoulddoit.
Whateverthiswas,whetheritwasrealornot,hecouldstopthis.
HecouldstopEliza’spower.
Hecoulddoitwhenhewasachildandhecoulddoitnow.
Hefeltareleaseofpressure,aringinginhisears,andaredtrickleofbloodbegantoflowfromhisrightnostril.Painwashedoverhim,buthedidnotrelent,hehadtokeepfighting,fightingbackagainstthecoldthatthreatenedtotakethemall.
Chapter40THEREHADBEENNOTIMETOACT,nomomenttocounterthewhitedrakon’sstrike.Iwillnotdie—notlikethis,Natthought,butitwastoolate.Thewhitedrakonwasuponher.Ithadunleashedablastofice,coldenoughtofreezeherbonesintoglass,butjustbeforethecoldcouldhit,ithaltedinmidairandmovedaroundandawayfromherasifshewereprotectedbyabubble.
Natwassafeinsideashieldthatblockedthewhiteflame,sittinginsideanimpenetrablebarrier.Thewhitefrostfellharmlesslyagainsttheswirlingorbanddidnottouchher.Shewasunaffectedeventhoughshewasattheheartofthecoldfire.
Natsat,transfixedbytheflames,herdrakon’swingsflapping,thecreaturesuspendedabovethecity.Thewhitedrakonpoureditsflameintotheair,throwingitshatredanditsmadnessintothewhitecloud,itscoldflamebillowinglikeanicyhurricane.Natdidnotflinchormove.Shesat,motionless,likeastonefixedinababblingriver,thefrostflowinglikewateraroundher.
Thenshesawhim.
Wes,standinginthemiddleofthestreet,lookingupather,hisfacepaleandhiseyesred-rimmed,bloodpouringoutofhisnose,drippingontohisshirt.
Hewasdoingthissomehow.Hewasshieldingherfromthecold,holdingbackthedeadlyfrost.
Thecoldfirebegantocloseinonitself,andnowitwasElizawhowasscreaminginterror.Thecoldconsumedher,andinaninstant,asquicklyasit
hadappearedoutofthecharm,thewhitedrakondisappeared.
AndElizaplummetedtothestreet.
Chapter41WESSAWELIZAFALLING.HESAWHERdisappearintoahazeofdustandsmoke.Whenhereachedtheplacewhereshehadfallen,hesawapileofwreckage,brokenpiecesofmarble,dust,snow,andashleftoverfromthebattle.Wesscrambledthroughthepile,shoutinghissister’sname.“ELIZA!”Heneededtofindher.Hehadn’tknownshewouldfalltothestreetwhenheshatteredherillusion.Hehadn’thadtimetothink.HisonlythoughthadbeentosaveNat.Hedidn’tmeantohurthissister.Hewasangryandfuriousandhorrifiedtofindwhoshehadbecome,butshewasstillfamily.Hecouldn’tleaveherhere,lyingbeneaththewreckage,goneandforgotten.Inspiteofwhatshe’ddone,hestillthoughthecouldhelpher.
Rightbeforeherdrakonhaddisappeared,rightbeforeitwasclearthathewouldwin,thathispower—whateveritwas—wouldbeabletopushbackthecoldthatshehadcreated,shehadcalledtohim.
“Ryan,”Elizahadwhimpered.“Ryan,don’t,you’rehurtingme.Ryan!”Anditwasthevoiceofthesisterheremembered.
Eliza,ninemonthsold,whentheystillsharedacrib.
Theysaidtwinshadasecretlanguage,andhehadalwaysfeltspecialbecausehewasone.Hehadasister.Hisparentsweren’trich,theycouldn’thaveaffordedasecondchildlicense,andjustbyluck,theyhadrolledthediceandcomeupsnakeeyes.Twochildren.
Eliza,atthree,withherchubbyfingersandsecretgiggle.
“Don’tdoit,Ryan,please.Don’thurtmeeeee.”
Weshadalmostgivenin,hadalmoststoppedfightingher,whenhe
rememberedLiannan’swords.Shewilluseanythingandeverythingagainstyou.Evenhisloveforher.Hehadbroughthiscrew,hisfamily,tothefarsideoftheworldtofindher.
Hehadsaidgood-byetothegirlhelovedsohecouldfixwhatwasbrokeninsideofhissister.
“Nooneeverlovedme,becauseIwasdifferent,becauseIwasmarked,”shetoldhimwhiletheyfought,coldagainstshield.
“Thatisn’ttrue,Eliza.Wealllovedyou,Mom,Dad,me.Youwereloved.Youjustdidn’tseeit.Youneverunderstoodthatwedidn’tloveyouinspiteofyourpower;welovedyoubecauseofit.Wewereproudofyou.Welovedyou.”
Andhepressedtheshieldforwarduntilthecoldcracked,untilhehadusedeverythinginhispowertodestroyher.Shewasgone.Elizawasnomore.
Nowhestoodinthemiddleofthepilewherehissisterhadbeenandweptbittertearsatherpassing.Hewasaloneintheworld;therewasnooneleftofhisfamily.
Thenhefeltasoft,warmbreezeonhisback.Heturnedaround.
Nathadarrivedonherdrakon.“Wes!”shecalled,slidingoffthesaddleandalmostfalling.
Herantoherandshejumpedintohisarms.Heheldhersofiercely,hedidn’tthinkhewouldeverletgo.Shebentdowntokisshimandslowlysliddownthelengthofhisbody.
“You’recoveredinblood,”Natsaid.
Weslookeddown.Therewasbloodalloverhisshirt,onhisface,hishands.“It’sokay.”
“Youdidit,”shewhispered.“Yousavedus.”
Henodded,tootiredtospeak.Thewindhadstilled,butnowsnowwasfalling,buryingtheminsoftwhiteflakes.
“I’msosorryaboutEliza,”shesaid.
Henodded.Therewasnothingmoretosay.Shewashissisterandhelovedherandnowshewasgone.
Nattookhishandandhelpedhimupsohecouldsitbehindheronthedrakon’sback.“Youallright?”sheasked,turningaround.
Hegrunted.
“I’lltakethatasayes,”shesaid,digginginherheelssothatthedrakonsoaredintothesky.
“Whoa!Takeiteasy,”hesaid.Weshadneverflownonthebackofadrakonbefore,hadneverbeenthishighofftheground.TheworldisnottheworldIknew,hethought.
Beneaththem,thewholegrayearthseemedtopitchandrollbackandforth.Theseaandthegridofthecityslidabout,milesbelow,asifheandNatandthedrakonweretheonefixedpointinalltheuniverse.
Maybeweare,hethoughtashisheadachedandhisownblooddrippeddownhisthroat.
Hedidnotknowanything,notanymore.
Hissisterwasnothissister,buthisenemywasnotonlyhisenemy,either.
Thestoryofhislifehadslidapartandbrokenintopieces.Hetriedtocatchthem,buthisheadhurtandtherewassomuchblood.
Hecouldalmosthearhissister’svoiceinhishead—nottheLadyAlgeana’s,buthissister’s.Eliza’s.
Try.Look.
Whatdoyousee?
Whatisreallythere?
Heopenedhiseyesandsaw.
Everythingissmallerfromuphere,butsomehowmorevast.
Wecrawllikeantsonaleaf,buttheleafstretchesallthewaytothehorizon.
Wesdroppedhisheadandlettheairandtheseablowpasthim.
Hewasacreatureoftheearth,andhepreferredtheground,itssolidity,orthesea,asheknewhowtokeepbalanceevenasthewavesmovedunderneathhim.Butthis—thiswasnottheearththatheknew.Thiswassomethingelse,somethingnewanddifferentandwonderful.
Weswastired,sotired,andheleanedagainstNat’sbackandclosedhiseyes.
Hehaddoneit.HehaddefeatedtheLadyAlgeana,hadusedhispower
againsthers.
Mypower,hethought.Ihavepower.
Why,andwhynow?
Wherediditcomefrom?
Hadhealwaysknown,orwasitsomethinghehidevenfromhimself,likethememoryofthenighthissisterwastaken?Wasitsomethinghehadpushedaway,ifonlybecauseheneverwantedtobelikeher?
Hecouldn’tacceptthatElizawastrulydeadorthathehadkilledher.Hehadn’twantedthatforhissister,hehadnotmeantherharm,hehadonlymeanttokeepherfromdestroyingNat.
Hewassoverytired.
Butitwasokay.HewaswithNat,andtheywouldbetogethernow.Whateverhappened,nothingwouldseparatethem.
Wesheldontightlyandvowednevertoletgo.
Theearthcankeeprolling.Ihavetheonepiecethatmatters.It’snotgoinganywhere.
Nat’snotgoinganywhereandneitheramI.Notanymore.
Wearefixed.
Togethertheyflewtotheonlyferryboatleftonthedock,wheretheirfriendswerewaiting.
Chapter42LIANNANHADWRAPPEDFAIXINWHITE.ThedrauwasasbeautifulasthedayNathadmethim,andwhensheknelttosaygood-bye,shefelthispresenceinhermind.
Faix?Shesenthimtheword,becauseshecouldnotletgoofhim,either,notyet.NotFaix.
Istoredmyenergyforthis,hesent,andanimagecametoherthen.Acityhiddenbehindsmokeandfog,itswallsovergrownwithvines,monsterscreepinginitsshadows.
ThisistheGrayTowerhiddenintheDarkCity.
YoumustdowhatAlgeanacouldnot.YoumusttravelthereandrecovertheArchimedesPalimpsest.ThechildofVallonisshouldbeabletopenetratethemistinordertorecoverthebookoftruth.
Bewell,AnastasiaDekesthalias.Thetimeoficeandfrostisover.TheResurrectionoftheFlamewilllighttheworld,andIwishIhadlivedlongenoughtoseeit.
“Faix,”shesaid.“I’msorrywedoubtedyou.”ThatIdoubtedyou,shesent.
Thereisnoneedforsorrow.Onlyhopemustguideyounow.Whenyourecastthespell,youwillneedthese.NatglanceddownatherhandandfoundasmallgraykeyandthesamesmallgoldencharmthatFaixworearoundhisneck.Whole.
Sothathadbeenanillusion,too.
Itreturnedtoitsrightfulowner.Itcarriesthetreeoflife.Oneofthelast
remnantsofAtlantis.GototheGrayTower.FindtheArchimedesPalimpsest.Recastthebindingspell.Takeawaytheiceandthefrostandthecorruption.Lighttheflame.Maketheworldanew.
Promisemethat.
Sheshookherhead,overwhelmedbythethoughtofdoinganyofthosethingswithoutthedraubyherside.
Iwillmissyouaswell,hesentback,asiffromveryfaraway.
Don’tgo.Faix.Notyet.Hereyesblurred.WhatifIcan’t?
Youcanandyouwill,Natwhoisnothinglikeagnat.Icanpromiseyouthat.
Withthoselastwords,hisvoicefadedfromherheadonelasttime.
Natfelttearsrunningdownhercheeks.
Good-bye,Faix.
“I’msorry,”saidWes.“Iknowhewasyourfriend.”
Shenodded.Somanyfriendshadbeenlosttoday.Shewouldrememberthemall,writetheirnamesinherheart,eachoneamemoryofatruesacrifice.
•••
“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedastheferrybegantomovebeneathher.
“Whereveryouneedtogo,”repliedWes,stillholdingherclose.Theystoodbytherailingtogetherandwatchedthetemplecityburninthedistance.
NattoldhimwhatFaixhadtoldher.“HethinkstheQueenstolethewrongchild,”shesaidtoWes.“ThatyouarethechildofVallonis.Yourmagicistheabilitytodispelmagic—youhaveanimmunitytoitsworkings.”
“AsIamtheoppositeofmysister?”Heshookhishead.
Thiswastheirstrangerealitynow.
Nattouchedhischeekwithherfingers.“Youwillbetheonewhocanrecoverthepalimpsest.”
Hecockedaneyebrow.“Well,Iamextraordinarilytalented.”
“Youknowwhatthismeans?”sheasked,pushingherlipsuptohisear.
Heshookhishead.
“ThatyouandIbelongtogether,”shewhispered.Shepulledbackher
head,smiling.ThegirlfromtheBlueandtheboyfromNewVegas.“See,Wes?Youkeptyourpromise.Youcamebacktome.”
“Youjustwantmetokissyouagain,”heteasedwithalaugh.
“SowhatifIdo?”
“Happytooblige,”hesaid,andsohedid.
Hewasstillkissingherwhenithappened.
Hisfacechanged,turninggray,andhisbodybegantoconvulseuncontrollably,bloodseepingoutofhiseyes,hisnose,hismouth,andhecollapsedinherarms.
“Ryan!”shescreamed.“Ryan,what’shappening?”sheasked.Herfriendscrowdedclosetoher.Shakeswasyelling,Liannanwaswavingherarms,BrendonandRoarkwerebyherside,catchingher,breakingherfallasshestruggledunderneaththedeadweight.
“Gethimwater!”Roarkyelled,whileBrendonwantedhottowelsandLiannanchantedhealingincantations.
ButNatremainedfrozeninfear.
Forsheknewwhatthiswas.
Thiswastheprice.
WeshadsavedherfromEliza’sspell,butatwhatcost?
Magichasatithe.Faixhadtaughtherthatmuch.
Magicwaslikeanyotherkindofenergy:Whenused,ithadtobereplenished,oritcouldbestrainedtoitsbreakingpoint.Ithadlimits,andWeshadmethis.
ShecouldalmosthearFaixsendingthewords.Everyonemustpay.Noneareexempt.Thesunrisesandthemoonsets.Theoakbreathesoutwhatthewrenbreathesin.
Natbegantosob,hertearsfallingonhisface,asheshudderedandtwitchedandfinallyhisbodystoppedshaking,hisskinwasgrayandshecouldnotseeifhewasbreathing.
Itwasasifeverythingthatwashappeningallaroundherwashappeningsoslowly.Weswaslyingonthedeckoftheferryboat,andShakeswaspoundingonhischest,tryingtojump-starthisheart,whileLiannanbreathedintohismouth.
Ishouldbedoingthat,Natthoughtdully.Ishouldbebreathinglifeintohim.
Butsomehowsheknewthatitwouldn’tmatter.
Thatnomatterwhatshedid,Weswouldstillbecoldandgray.
Thiscouldn’tbehappening.NottoWes.Notwhentheyhadfinallyfoundeachotheragain.Shecouldsavehim.Shehadsavedhimbefore.Herlovewasstrongerthanthis.“You’renotdead.Youcan’tdie.Wes.No.Thisisn’thowthisends.Thisisn’ttheendforus,”shesaidfiercely,holdinghislimpbodyinherarms.
Buttherewasnotimetomourn.
“NAT!”Roarkscreamed,pointingtothesky.
Sheglancedup.
DrakonMainaswassoaringabovethem,andhadunleashedaroarofflamedirectedattheirboat.Itlitthebowonfire,andShakesandFaroukmovedquicklytoputitout.
MAINAS!WHATAREYOUDOING?STOPTHIS!
Thenshesaw.Awhite-robedfiguresatastridethedrakon.
Eliza.ShehadsomehowusedherpowertosurvivethefallandtohidefromWes.
Thereareotherwaystostealdrakonfire.Elizasmiled.Givemybrothermyregardsinhell.
Itwasanotherillusion.Ithadtobe.Elizawasplayingwiththeirmindsagain,makingthembelievesomethingthatwasn’ttrue.
ShecalledtoMainas.
Buttherewasnoanswer,andtheblackdrakoncontinuedtodiveandroar,lightingfiresasquicklyasherfriendscouldputthemout.
MAINAS!TOME!Butitwasnouse,andallsheheardinherheadwaswhitenoise,ablanket,muffled,justlikethegarbledcallfromLiannan.Herbondwithherdrakonhadbeencompromised.Theconnectionbetweenherandthegreatbeastwasweakened.Whathappened?
“Theironbomb,”Liannansaid.“Itpoisonedyourdrakon,frayingthebondsbetweenyou.Itallowedhertobeabletocommandit.Itthinkssheisyou.”
“Andit’snottheleastofourproblems,”saidShakes,lookingupatthesky.
Natfollowedhisgaze.Dronesstreakedthroughtheair,howlingthroughthegrayclouds.Thenanotherrumble,notadronebutsomethingelse.
Ashellexplodedintheairabovethemandatankrolledintoview,intotheblastedstreetsofNewKandy.Thetreadsslowed,themotoridled.Ahatchopenedandafigureemerged.
Aboywearingarmygraypeeredatthemthroughthickgoggles.Hetoreoffhishelmetandpulleddownhisgoggles,andtheywereconfrontedbyafamiliarfacewithshortplatinumhairtheycalled“draustyle”backinNewVegas.
AvoHubik.TheSlob.Theonetimeslaverhadreturnedtothearmy.Behindhim,moresoldiersapproached,alongwithtwomorefamiliarfaces.DaranandZedricSlaine,withsneersupontheirfaces.Backfromthedeadandreadytotakerevengeonthecrewwhohadwrongedthem.Morearmoredvehiclesrolledintothestreetsofthecityasafleetofdronesdartedthroughtheair.
Herdrakonwasstolen.Weslaydyinginherarms.Andthemilitaryhadarrivedtorecoveritsbase.
NowitwasalluptoNat,tostealbackthevictorytheyhadworkedsohardtowin.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe’dliketothankallthewonderfulpeoplewhomadethisbookpossible,startingwithourlovelyandwiseeditor,JenniferBesser,andpublisher,DonWeisberg,alongwitheveryoneatawesomeTEAMPENGUIN,especiallythecrackeditorialteamwhohelpedusmakeourdeadline:ArianneLewin,KatherinePerkins,KateMeltzerandAnneHeausler—wearetrulygratefulforyourdiligenceanddedicationtotheseries.Thanksforsavingthesetwofreezingiceholesfromplummetingintothevoid.BigkissestoElyseMarshall,AnnaJarzab,ShaunaRossano,EmilyRomero,ErinBerger,CourtneyWood,ErinToller,ScottieBowditch,andFeliciaFrazierandheramazingteamofsalesreps.Wearesoluckytohaveyouguysonourside!
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