Sea Glass

17

“WHY?” I ASKED LEIF IN ALARM. “WHAT HAPPENED? MARA—”

“She’s fine. Nothing bad happened. I just received a message from Irys…Master Jewelrose.” He hesitated. “You’re not going to like this, but it makes sense.”

“What? Tell me.” I gripped his arm.

Leif glanced across the fire. The others talked and ate dinner, ignoring us, but Kade watched in concern.

“The Masters have detected a wild magician in the Bloodgood lands. This person is on the verge of flaming out. They’ve ordered us to get down there and stop him—or her.”

“How?”

“This is the part you’re not going to like. The Masters want you to siphon the wild magic into an orb.”

Shock rendered me speechless.

“You’ll save a life and stop the power source from warping. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

When put that way, he had a point. “Does the Council know? Did they give permission?”

“Yes, it’s all been approved. We need to leave tonight.”

“Do you have a specific location?”

“All they know is, the person is near the coast, maybe out on the peninsula.”

“Rather vague.”

“Don’t worry. When we get closer, I’ll be able to smell the power.”

Our whispered conversation went on long enough to draw Kade over to us.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

Leif explained about the message.

“Take one of the orbs and any supplies you need,” Kade said.

“I guess we’ll have to tell Skippy,” I said. The thought of traveling with him so soon was an unappealing prospect. “Unless we ditch—”

“No,” Leif said. “As much as I would love to sneak out without him, the Council would be upset.”

“And think about how this errand for the Masters will gain you more of the Council’s trust,” Kade said.

Another good point. Though the more I thought about this mission, the greater my annoyance. The Council treated me as if I were this dangerous entity until a situation arose where I might be beneficial to them.

Kade helped me collect supplies and pack my saddlebags. Ziven fussed about giving up one of the orbs until Kade reminded him that the glassmakers worked for the Stormdancers. Not the other way around.

I joined Leif and Skippy at the stable. Bamboo torches burned, casting a flickering yellow light.

“We’ll leave Moonlight here for now,” Leif said. “We can pick him up on the way back.”

Skippy scowled and muttered as he saddled Beryl. Quartz’s and Rusalka’s ears perked forward. They surged out of their stalls as if excited for another trip. I gathered their tack and we readied the horses.

Kade arrived with a handful of salted fish. “It’s not much, but it’ll get you through a couple days.”

“Thanks.” Leif packed them into his bag. “Good thing I still have all that jerky, and a few new recipes from Raiden.” He finished tightening the girth straps around Rusalka.

I hefted the saddle onto Quartz’s back. Kade helped me center it.

“I guess your surfing lessons will have to wait,” he said.

Finally, one good thing about this unexpected trip. I tried to look disappointed, but couldn’t maintain it for long. “Darn.”

“If it’s any consolation, we’ll have time when you get back. And by then, the storms will have fueled the waves. They’ll be bigger and stronger and more fun.”

“Wonderful.” I loaded the word with as much sarcasm as possible.

Kade failed to be disheartened. “You’re going to love it. Trust me.”

By the time we finished with the horses, the moon crested The Cliffs, coating the sand with a weak light. Stars peppered the night sky. No wind stirred. Calm waves rolled onto the beach with a soft hiss-slap.

“Wear your cloak,” Kade said. “It’s going to be cold tonight.”

We had already said goodbye to the others. Prin seemed happier than the glassmakers over my departure, which surprised me. Heli asked me to keep an eye out for more sea glass and Raiden wished us clear weather.

Leif and Skippy mounted, waiting for me. I wrapped my cloak around my shoulders. Kade pulled me into a tight embrace.

“Please be careful,” he said in my ear.

“I will.” We kissed.

“We’re wasting time,” Leif said.

After another quick hug goodbye, I swung up on Quartz. Leif urged Rusalka into a gallop, heading south. Skippy and I followed.

I enjoyed riding on the beach. The scrunch of sand under the horses’ hooves, the tangy salt air and the sparkles of moonlight on the surface of the sea all combined into an exhilarating experience. Of course, the novelty wore off as my energy waned. The beach looked inviting. Soft sand and the rhythm of the waves lulled me. I dozed in the saddle.

When the sun rose, we stopped for breakfast. Leif agreed to a few hours of sleep, but set a watch schedule.

“I don’t want to be surprised again.” He rubbed his neck. “I’ll take the first shift.”

Skippy collapsed on his mat and fell asleep in no time. Even though exhaustion pulled at my body, my mind raced.

“How long will it take us to get there?” I asked.

“Seven to nine days, depends on how far south the magician lives. We’ll stay on the beach most of the way. Master Bloodgood said it would be the fastest route.”

“What about the horses? They’ll need fresh water and more grain.”

“There are a few coastal towns along the way. We’ll stop there for supplies and sniff around.” Leif smiled.

His comment led me to wonder about the magician’s wild magic. “How do the Masters know someone is out of control? The Bloodgood peninsula is a long way from the Keep.”

“They flash. Without any control over what they’re doing, they’ll grab power and use it all at once. It sends ripples in the power blanket, alerting the Masters. It usually takes a few flashes for the Masters to pinpoint the location of the wild magician.” Leif’s gaze grew distant. “It’s how Irys found Yelena. She flashed while Irys worked undercover in Ixia. Yelena learned how to control her power, but if she had been too close to flameout, Irys would have killed her.”

And now Irys and Yelena were good friends. Interesting. “Have the Masters killed many people?”

“Six in the last fifty years.” He dug his fingers into the sand. “I was there for three of them. My abilities helped the Masters find the person faster. Fortunately, that is a rare event. They usually find the magician before it becomes necessary. And now with your glass animals and their inner glow, Irys has a foolproof way to identify those who have power. This is the first person she missed in five years.”

“Why didn’t the Masters sense this person before now?”

Leif played with the sand, letting the grains pour off his palms. “This one is…different. He or she has flashed twice in the past season. The first one was minor and didn’t cause too much concern. But the second was huge, bordering on flameout. That’s why we’re scrambling to find him or her.” He wiped his hands on his pants. “But this time, we won’t have to terminate the person.” Leif’s excitement lit his face. “Your ability to siphon the magic will solve the problem.”

Despite my annoyance at the Council, I was glad that my strange glass magic would help someone.

The days and nights blurred together as we set a fast pace. We slept on the beach during our short breaks. The Cliffs turned into hills, then smoothed into dunes. On the fourth—fifth?—day we stopped at a small seaside town. Faded paint peeled off wooden buildings and crushed seashells paved the streets.

As we rode through the two blocks of downtown, the residents gawked at us. By the way the children chased after us and pointed, I figured the place didn’t get many visitors. Windows had been boarded up. Only one inn remained open for business.

We rented a room. First thing I did was order a bath. Sand filled my boots and stuck to my skin. I decided I liked it much better melted as glass.

The town’s sad state wasn’t unique. During the next two—three?—days of our trip, we rode past other settlements. All weathered and lacking vitality.

But on the day Leif turned serious about sniffing out the wild magician, the beaten-down buildings changed into well-cared-for dwellings. Shoppers bustled in the market. Residents smiled and commented on the weather.

During dinner that night, I asked Leif about the difference.

“Oysters,” he said. “We’re getting closer to the oyster farms. Lots of jobs and money associated with harvesting oysters and selling the pearls. Since these pearl-growing oysters were discovered off the Bloodgood peninsula, business has been booming.”

Our pace slowed as we rode through the clusters of oyster farms. Leif combed through the streets, searching for the wild magician. He talked to various townspeople. When a person started to display signs of magic, gossip and speculation would spread.

However, no one had heard rumors and most residents seemed surprised. After three days of nothing, Leif speculated the magician might be inland. He contacted the Master Magicians, but they insisted we stay on the coast.

“It’s been ten days. How much longer?” Skippy asked.

“As long as it takes,” Leif snapped. “If you ask that question again, I’m going to punch you.”

On the eleventh day, we met with one of the town’s leaders. He didn’t know of anyone with powers, but he had some suspicions.

“There’s a group living on the tip of the peninsula. They keep to themselves, so anything is possible with them. About twice a season, they send the same three men to sell their pearls and buy supplies.” He adjusted his straw hat. The wide brim blocked the sun from his gray eyes. “They built a wall, blocking access to the tip. We’ve gotten the hint that visitors aren’t welcome. But if you’re here as representatives of the Master Magicians and the Council, they have no legal recourse to block you.”

That was the kicker. Legal versus illegal.

“How far from here?” Leif asked.

“About four hours on horseback. There’s not much between our town and the tip. Heck, I’m surprised they can harvest oysters on that rocky point. The currents whip around there, making it dangerous to swim.”

We all glanced at the sea as if we could see the tide. The sun dipped into the horizon, sending ripples of color.

“We’ll wait until tomorrow,” Leif said, then thanked the man.

Renting a room at one of the local inns, we dumped our bags on the floor and discussed strategy.

“If you notice, I never say wild or uncontrolled magician,” Leif said. “People know those words can get someone killed and they’ll lie to you. New magician is a better descriptor.”

“Why are you telling us?” I asked. “You’ve been doing all the talking.”

“This situation could be trouble. The leaders may be suspicious. They may separate us in order to question us alone—make sure our stories match.” He stretched out on one of the four beds. “I’ve dealt with isolated groups of people before. They don’t like strangers and authority. We’ll need to tread carefully. And follow my lead. Go along with anything I say, even if it doesn’t make sense.”

“And how’s that different than normal?” I teased.

He threw a pillow at me. I caught it and plopped it on my bed.

“Did you bring your switchblade?” Leif asked.

“Yes. Why?”

“They’ll probably confiscate our weapons, claiming they don’t allow violence within their territory, but promising to return them when we leave.”

“Yet, they’ll be well armed. Right?” I asked.

“Yep. And they’ll have a justifiable reason as to why. Don’t believe everything they tell you, either. Otherwise, you’ll want to join them.”

“It’s a good thing I have Skippy here.”

The magician didn’t even bother to correct me. He glared, but his heart wasn’t in it.

“I’ll bite. Why is it good he’s here?” Leif asked.

“I’m sure he has orders to make sure I return to the Keep. If I decide to go native and dive for oysters, he’ll save me.”

“You’re right. Wow. He’s actually going to be useful. I need to write home about it.” Leif searched through his bag as if looking for paper.

Skippy ignored him. He gathered a few items and left for the washroom. I noticed he walked with a slight limp. We’d been on horseback for a week and a half. Skippy started bugging Leif about travel time a few days into our trip. Standoffish and snide remarks were expected, but not whiny.

When Skippy returned, I kept an eye on him as he prepared for bed. His stiff movements and little winces confirmed my suspicions.

I stood and stretched, groaning a bit over my aching ribs. “Phew. I’m saddle sore. Do you have any barbasco yams, Leif?”

“Of course.” He dug through his supplies, pulling out an orange lump. He sliced a section off and handed it to me. “I could use some, too.” Cutting a few more pieces, he popped one into his mouth. Then he reached over with a casual motion and gave one to Skippy.

I looked away before Skippy caught me staring. Arranging my pillows, I chewed on my yam, then slipped into bed.

“That’s a heck of a wall,” Leif said.

As we traveled toward the peninsula’s tip, the land narrowed until the sea was visible on both sides of the trail—more like a goat path. Black rocks and sand dominated the landscape. A few bushes and trees clung to life, but, other than the occasional gull swooping above, the area was barren.

I agreed with Leif. It was an impressive barrier. Boulders had been stacked together, forming at least an eight-foot-high wall. Sitting on Quartz, I still couldn’t see over it. The barricade spanned the entire length of the peninsula. Continuous except for a sturdy iron gate.

“I bet the gate’s locked,” Leif said. “Any takers?”

“No. Go on,” I urged. “Knock.”

Leif dismounted and strode up to the gate. “Hello?”

A well-armed man appeared on the other side. “What do you want?” he demanded. His manner oozed hostility and contempt.

“Good morning to you, too,” Leif parried with sarcasm.

The man’s deadly gaze would have sent most people running.

All pleasantness dropped from Leif’s face. He stepped forward, his nose an inch from the gate. “I want to talk to the person in charge. Now.”

“Why?”

“Not your concern.”

The big brute towered at least a foot over Leif. Stubble covered his cheeks, chin and the top of his head. “Request denied.”

“Fine. I’ll come back with the authorities.” Leif turned to us. “Do you think we should tell Bain? Perhaps he would want to join us.”

“Oh yes,” I said. “First Magician is a Bloodgood. He’ll want to visit his family, and the sea air would be healthy for him.”

“Who are you?” the guard asked.

“I am Leif Liana Zaltana, a representative of the Sitian Council.”

The man failed to look impressed.

“Either fetch your boss or I’ll fetch a squadron of soldiers,” Leif said.

“Jay, get Walsh,” he barked to another person beyond our view. He kept his gaze on us.

We didn’t wait long. Soon another man arrived. Walsh perhaps. He was a few inches taller than the guard, and a lot thinner—almost skeletal. His white tunic and pants hung on his frame. The sun had bleached his long blond hair almost white.

“What’s going on here?” he demanded.

“Are you in charge?” Leif asked.

“Yes.”

“Then I need to speak with you. In private.”

“Jay said you’re from the Sitian Council?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll need proof. We don’t…associate with many people outside our family.”

Leif opened one of his saddlebags and brought out a scroll. He handed the document through the bars to Walsh. The man unrolled it and scanned the paper.

“Open the gate,” Walsh said to the guard. “I would apologize, but we don’t usually receive unexpected visitors. Since we harvest pearls, we are naturally suspicious of foreigners. If you had sent me a message and arranged a meeting…” He swept a bony hand out as if to imply none of this would have happened.

“Our business is urgent. We didn’t have time for protocol.” Leif walked Rusalka through the gate.

Skippy and I dismounted and followed. Walsh led the way. Right past the wall were cottages made of bamboo. They were lined up with such precision, it looked as if they had been planted there. Farther out, near the tip of the peninsula, wooden buildings hugged the beach. People scurried between the water and the structures. A few carried buckets, while others pushed wheelbarrows.

Walsh guided us to a stable, then to a smaller building nearby. Inside was his office. Gesturing toward a round conference table ringed with wooden chairs, he invited us to sit down. He asked his assistant—a young girl around fourteen years old—to bring tea and fruit.

When she hurried away, he finally introduced himself. “I’m Walsh Bloodrose. Elected representative of my family.”

“Bloodrose isn’t a clan name,” Leif said.

Walsh’s laughter rasped in his lungs and transformed into a coughing fit. “Sorry. I forget. My family has so many Bloodgoods and Jewelroses that we stopped keeping track long ago and just use Bloodrose.” He wiped the corner of his eyes with a handkerchief. When he composed himself, he studied me and Skippy. “You haven’t introduced your companions.”

“This is Opal Cowan and Hale Krystal.”

He nodded to us, but his gaze lingered on my sais. So far, Leif’s predictions about our reception hadn’t all come true. We kept our weapons and we were still together. His assistant returned. She carried a trayful of fruits and tea. Putting her burden on the table, she poured a cup of tea for everyone, then bolted.

“Now, what is this urgent business of yours?” Walsh asked.

Leif explained about searching for a magician.

“Then you have found him.” Walsh spread his arms wide. “I’m Keep trained. I graduated about twenty years ago.”

“A new magician. Someone who might not even realize they have power,” Leif said.

Anger flared in Walsh’s eyes, but he blinked it away. “No. Not here. I would have sensed him or her.”

“Do you mind if we have a look around?” Leif asked.

Walsh’s hesitation lasted a mere heartbeat. “Of course not. I’ll give you a tour of our oyster farm.” He swept out of the office, leaving us to follow in his wake.

He headed toward the beach on the northern side of the tip. Coarse yellow sand mixed with gray rocks that extended into the sea. The building nearby wasn’t as solid as it appeared from a distance. The side facing the sea was open, letting in the cool breeze, while the roof kept the sun off the workers.

“It’s a simple operation. The younger members of our family harvest the oysters from the sea and bring them here.” Walsh gestured to the women and men sitting at long tables, prying open shells.

Pearls were placed in small containers and the oysters were scraped out into another. The children carted buckets filled with oysters from the sea and dumped them onto the tables. They returned to the surf and waded into the waves.

“What’s going on over there?” I asked, pointing to the southern side.

“Same thing,” Walsh said. “We use both sides. The pearls pay for supplies. A person can only eat so many oysters.”

“How many people live here?” Leif asked.

“Two hundred fifty-three and two halves.”

“Halves?” I asked.

“Two ladies are expecting babies in a few months. We count them as halves until they’re born.” He beamed with pride.

I noticed a few men standing around. Unlike the workers, they were armed.

Walsh noticed my gaze. “Guards,” he said. “Pearls are expensive. We’ve had thieves and pirates steal them from us.” He tsked. “It’s why we built the wall and have armed men on the beach.”

His comments were reasonable. Leif walked ahead of us. I guessed he sniffed for the wild magician. He wandered onto the beach, then turned south.

Walsh intercepted him before he moved too far away. “The best way to meet all my family is for you and your companions to stay for dinner. Everyone comes to the dining hall. And you’re welcome to stay overnight if it gets too late. We have a few empty cottages just in case.” He smiled, revealing stained teeth.

Skippy and I looked to Leif. He nodded, agreeing to dinner.

“Wonderful. Everyone will be so pleased.” The skin around Walsh’s mouth stretched wider, resembling a grinning skull. “You can tell us news from the Citadel. We haven’t had visitors in…” His gaze drifted to the guards as if the memory of the last visitors hadn’t gone well. “A while. Brand,” he called. One of the guards left his post and joined us. “Please show them to our guest cottage. Also point out the dining hall and washhouse. We ring a dinner bell, so you won’t miss it. Make yourselves at home.” Walsh gave us a jaunty wave and returned to his office.

Brand played tour guide. Another cluster of buildings was located behind Walsh’s office. He jabbed a thick finger at them. “Food’s in the blue one and the baths are in the yellow.”

Good thing he mentioned the colors as all the structures looked the same—one-story tall, wooden and a basic rectangular shape. In other words, boring.

“What’s the red one?” I asked.

“That’s the school.”

“And the green?” Leif asked.

“A recreation room and common room. The gray one is storage and an infirmary, which is mainly used for the children’s cuts and scrapes. There’s a birthing room, though. We have our own midwife.”

The stark compound lacked personality. Pure function. No gardens or flowers or artwork. At least none visible. Perhaps they decorated their cottages. As we entered into the guest quarters, I thought perhaps not.

Plain walls, drab-colored blankets and practical table and chairs.

“The dinner bell will ring in two hours,” Brand said. He left.

We waited a few minutes, making sure he was out of range before saying anything.

“This is…” I cast about for the right word.

“Weird,” Leif said. “I’m getting all kinds of emotions from these people. But they don’t feel right.”

“Did you sense the wild magician?” Skippy asked.

“No, but I haven’t gotten close to everyone yet.”

“What did you mean by right?” I asked.

“When outsiders arrive, the reaction is usually curiosity mixed with a little apprehension and a bit of excitement. These people are afraid and worried. Also there’s a sense of urgency and secrecy. They could be hiding the magician, and we could be causing the fear. But no curiosity. No excitement. Not even from the children.”

Another oddity struck me. “Did you notice their clothing all matched? It reminded me of Ixia where they are required to wear uniforms. Except in Ixia, they use color. Here it’s all tans, grays and white, as if the life has been bleached from this place.”

“Why does it matter?” Skippy asked. “They’re not doing anything illegal. We’re here to find the magician. How this family chooses to live and dress is their own business. Not ours.”

I hated to agree with him, but he had a point.

“I could be reading more into their reactions than is there,” Leif said. “Just keep an eye out during dinner and listen.”

Dinner was a quiet affair despite the full tables. The dining room lacked ornamentation. Walsh’s family lined up and pushed plates along a long counter. Servers standing over containers of food spooned helpings onto the dishes.

Walsh had greeted us at the door and escorted us inside. He sent his assistant to fill plates for us even though we protested. The taste of oysters tainted all the food, even the bread. We sat at Walsh’s table with his brother, Fallon, Fallon’s wife and two daughters.

The youngest, Gia, sat next to me. She looked about eight years old. Her long blond hair had been woven into many thin braids, which were pulled back into a ponytail.

Walsh prattled on about the family and their accomplishments. The rest of the diners spoke in low tones.

I asked Gia what was her favorite subject in school.

Her eyes bulged like a fish out of water. She shot Walsh a terrified glance.

He gave her an indulgent smile. “Answer her, she won’t bite.”

With reluctance, Gia said, “I like math, but I like swimming the best.”

“Do you dive for oysters?” I asked.

She nodded.

Walsh said, “She’s a little fish. We can’t keep her out of the water. She dives deeper and stays down longer than most of the boys.”

Gia dipped her head as if embarrassed.

“That’s wonderful,” I said. Then I leaned close and whispered, “I’m not a good swimmer at all. The last time I was in the sea, the waves pushed me around like a bath toy.”

A smile flashed on her face. It was gone in a second, and I realized that none of the so-called Bloodroses smiled except Walsh. But even his felt fake as if he tried to sell us something we didn’t need.

“What do you do for fun?” I asked her.

She sought Walsh’s approval again. “We bake bread. We sew clothes. We tend the garden.”

All chores.

Before I could ask her another question, Walsh said, “Tell us news from the Citadel. Is Master Featherstone still First Magician or has some young hotshot passed the Master-level test?”

Wow. They’ve been out of the loop for at least five years. Leif filled him in on Roze Featherstone’s attempt to overthrow the Sitian Council with her Daviian Warpers. No one in the whole room said a word. Even Walsh remained silent for a few moments after Leif finished the story.

“My, my,” Walsh said. “And this…Soulfinder is a Zaltana? One of your cousins?”

“My sister,” Leif said.

“That’s impressive.” Walsh turned to me. “Were you there for the Warper Battle?”

“Not the battle, but I helped with the…cleanup.”

“How about you?” Walsh asked Skippy.

“No. I was on assignment in Fulgor.” Skippy sounded petulant, as if he’d rather have been at the battle.

“Lucky you,” Leif said. “It was close. Twelve magicians died fighting the Warpers.” His sobering words failed to change Skippy’s expression.

“Are you also a magician?” Walsh asked me.

“Yes.”

“Opal’s a glass magician,” Leif said. He pulled one of my messengers from his pocket.

The sea horse glowed with an inner blue fire. Its happy song vibrated in my chest.

“Interesting. What makes it shine?” Walsh asked.

At least he’d told the truth about being a magician.

“Magic,” Leif explained. “Trapped inside.”

Gia crinkled her forehead in confusion. “But I don’t see a light, Uncle.”

Fallon, his wife and other daughter couldn’t see it, either.

“Only magicians can see the glow. May I show it to the rest of your family?” Leif asked.

A calculating coldness slid behind Walsh’s eyes. “Please do.” He watched Leif present the sea horse to the others.

Aside from the general bewilderment, no one admitted to seeing the magic.

When Leif returned, Walsh said, “Now do you believe me?”

“It was never a question of belief,” Leif said. “It’s just that in the past few years, we’ve discovered magical powers in people who would have been passed over. For example, Opal’s magic. She was assessed by Master Jewelrose, and Fourth Magician found no indications of potential. But Opal’s power is rather unique, and these—” he held the seahorse up “—glass creations can find those with…latent magical powers.”

“They must speed up the process of finding the fledglings,” Walsh said. He stared at the sea horse with a speculative purse of his thin colorless lips. “It would be a handy device to have.”

“You don’t need one now.” Leif gestured to the rest of the dining room. “I’ve assessed all your family members. Unless some are missing?”

“No. All are here.” Walsh straightened for a moment, then leaned back. Lacing his fingers together, he rested them in his lap. “You’re right. I’ve no need for it.”

His body language contradicted his words. Considering how worried he was about pirates and thieves, I suspected he lied to us about his people. A few guards must have been out patrolling the grounds.

While we finished dinner, I glanced around, counting tables. I estimated two hundred and forty people were in the room.

Walsh escorted us to the guest cottage. “It’s been a lovely evening, but we wake at dawn to harvest the oysters. Please feel free to avail yourselves of the bathhouse. I’ll instruct Brand to stay nearby in case you need anything.” He said good-night and left.

Leif waited a few minutes before calling us over. We discussed the odd dinner.

“He lied about everyone being in the room,” Leif said.

I agreed, telling him my estimate.

“Shoot. Wish I’d thought of that.” Leif shook his head. “I used magic and he knew it.”

“What’s next?” I asked.

“We’ll avail ourselves of his hospitality and take a look around.”

Leif’s plan didn’t account for Brand being so…helpful. The guard led us to the bathhouse, gave us towels and robes to use and waited for us to finish. On the way back to the cottage, he talked about how self-sufficient the family was and how they only bought a few raw materials from the market. He lit the lanterns inside. Telling us good-night, he left. I doubted he went far.

“And now?” I asked Leif.

“Plan B.” He crossed to the bed and wiggled under the blankets.

I combed my wet hair. Wishing my clothes were cleaner, I prepared to go to sleep.

Skippy glanced from Leif to me and back. “Plan B?” he asked.

“Wait until the middle of the night, and sneak out to investigate,” Leif said, but kept his eyes closed.

“What about Brand?”

“Opal, do you have your goodies with you?” Leif asked.

“Of course.”

“Then we’ll send Brand a little present to keep him occupied. No worries, Skippy. Opal and I have done this a million times.”

“A million. Right.” Skippy didn’t sound convinced. “Just so I know. How many real times?”

Leif’s answer was a soft snore.

I thought back. We had used my glass spiders and bees when the Storm Thieves attacked us. And one of my spiders had saved my sister. “Two.”

“Wonderful.”

I detected a lack of sincerity in Skippy’s reply.

Leif shook my shoulder. “Opal, wake up.”

I peeked through heavy eyelids. Darkness filled the cottage. I swatted at his hand. “Go away.”

“Come on. We need to move. Now.”

The urgency in his voice roused me. “What happened?”

“Walsh has done more than lie to us.”

“How—”

“Didn’t you feel it?” Skippy asked me with an incredulous tone.

“Feel what?”

“The wild magician flashed with an unbelievable amount of power so close I can taste it,” Leif said.