the keeper - droppdf1.droppdf.com/files/r15ln/the-keeper-david-baldacci.pdf · “you know, delph,...
TRANSCRIPT
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ToMichelle,whobeganthisentirejourney
withagift
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CONTENTS
TitlePageDedicationEpigraphUNUS:TheQuagDUO:TheKingdomofCataphileTRES:ABeastlyMealQUATTUOR:BarsofBones
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QUINQUE:BloodfromaStoneSEX:TheFlightoftheKingSEPTEM:LucSpeaksOCTO:ThePlightofGrubbsNOVEM:TheKing’sSecretDECEM:NothingfromSomethingUNDECIM:GoneDUODECIM:SeamusTREDECIM:TheCottageof
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AstreaPrineQUATTUORDECIM:ARoomwithaViewQUINDECIM:AQuestionofDoorsSEDECIM:TheKeeperSEPTENDECIM:ReunitedDUODEVIGINTI:TrappedUNDEVIGINTI:LookingBackVIGINTI:Words
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VIGINTIUNUS:TheSignVIGINTIDUO:TheOtherElementalVIGINTITRES:TheEducationofMeVIGINTIQUATTUOR:ASorceressofSortsVIGINTIQUINQUE:AWarningVIGINTISEX:LessonsfromHel
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VIGINTISEPTEM:FortheAgesVIGINTIOCTO:BetrayalVIGINTINOVEM:AdieuTRIGINTA:ASurpriseTRIGINTAUNUS:OrcoTRIGINTADUO:TheFirstCircleTRIGINTATRES:CaptainingtheFurinasTRIGINTAQUATTUOR:A
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PactTRIGINTAQUINQUE:PositiveParchmentTRIGINTASEX:HyperboresTRIGINTASEPTEM:TheMightyFinnTRIGINTAOCTO:EnemiesbesideMeTRIGINTANOVEM:AnUnexpectedVisitorQUADRAGINTA:ASecond
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SorceressQUADRAGINTAUNUS:OneGoodDeedQUADRAGINTADUO:ErisQUADRAGINTATRES:RubezQUADRAGINTAQUATTUOR:DeathBecomesHerQUADRAGINTAQUINQUE:TheLostSouls
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QUADRAGINTASEX:VanishedQUADRAGINTASEPTEM:ATrustingHeartQUADRAGINTAOCTO:TheLastQUADRAGINTANOVEM:TheFourRemainingQUINQUAGINTA:TakingFlightAWugmort’sGuideto
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WormwoodandBeyondAcknowledgmentsAbouttheAuthorCopyright
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“Thepastisbutthepastofabeginning.”
—H.G.Wells
“Weedsareflowerstoo,onceyougettoknowthem.”
—A.A.Milne
“ToescapefromtheQuagmeansimprisonmentforever.”
—MadameAstreaPrine
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ITSEEMEDBOTHfittingandevenabsurdlypoeticthat,hitchedtogetherlikelinksinachain,thethreeofuswoulddietogether.Buthaving
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jumpedoffamile-highcliffwhilebeingpursuedbymurderousbeastsdidn’tleaveusmuchchoiceinthematter.Wehadliterallyleaptforourlives.Andnowwehadtolandproperlyorourfinalrestingplacewouldbedownthere.Fardownthere.Wefellalongway,far
longerthanIwouldhave
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liked.Iglancedatmybestfriend,Delph,asweplunged.Hewaslookingatme,notinstarkfearbut,admittedly,withabitofanxiety.Mycanine,HarryTwo,ontheotherhand,wasgrinning,readyforouradventuretobegin.Thereasonwehadjumped
wasaroundmywaist.My
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chain,Destin,allowedmetofly.ButIhadneverjumpedoffamile-highcliffandwewereplungingfasterthanIeverhadbefore.Itriedmybesttomanage
thelandingsmoothly,thoughwethuddedintothedirtwithampleforce.Wealljustlaytheremomentarilystunned.ButIsoonrealizedthatwhile
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wewerebatteredandbruised,wewerealive.IunhookedHarryTwofrom
hisharness,whichhadallowedhimtorestsuspendedagainstmychest.IwatchedasDelphslowlyroseandstretchedhisarmsandlegstentatively.ThenIlookedupward,allthewaytothespotwehadsorecently
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vacated.Ifwehadn’t,wewouldassuredlybedead.Thebeaststhathadbeen
huntingusnowstareddownovertheprecipice.Itwasaherdofgarmsandaroughlyequalnumberofamarocs.Evenwithoutbeingabletoseethemproperlyfromthisdistance,Iknewthescalygarms,withtheirownblood
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perpetuallydrippingdowntheirarmoredchests,werebreathingrage-filledflamesatus.I’msuretheamarocs,giantwolflikecreaturesthatapparentlylivedfornootherreasonthantokill,lookedsimplyhomicidal.Yetnoneofthemappeared
willingtotakethemile-longdivethatwejusthad.Itwas
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worthallthecoinsIwouldeverhavethatthesecreaturescouldnotflyasIcould.IlookeddownandpattedthechainaroundmywaistwiththelettersD-E-S-T-I-Nimprintedonsomeofitslinks.Ithadsavedmylifeonnumerousoccasionsalready,althoughIhadnotpossesseditforthatlong.
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Icouldhardlybelieveit.IwasintheQuag.Me,VegaJane.IhadlivedmyentirefifteensessionsinthevillageofWormwood.ItwasallI’deverknown.Ihadbeentoldthat,otherthanthedeadlyQuag,itwasalltherewasinexistence.ButIbelievedthattobealie.TherewassomethingbeyondtheQuag,
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andImeanttofindoutwhat.Iwasnotdoingthisfora
lark.IstronglysuspectedthatmyparentsandgrandfatherwereontheothersideoftheQuag.Whilemybrother,John,stilllivedinWormwood,hewasnottheyounginnocentladheusedtobe.ThesinisterandmurderousMorrigonehad
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seentothat.Thus,mymissioninlife
wastogetthethreeofussafelythroughtheQuagasquicklyaspossible.Itmightbeanextremelyambitiousgoal,butitwasminenonetheless.Ibreathedmorenormally
andagainlookedoveratDelph.
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“Wotcha,VegaJane,”hesaid.“Wotchayourself,Delph,”I
replied,failing,despiteourneardeaths,tokeepthesmileoffmyfaceathavingsuccessfullyenteredtheQuag.“Youreckonthoseruddy
beastscangetdownhere?”hesaid.
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“IreckonIdon’twanttowaitaroundtofindout,doI?”Ishotback.Ihoistedmytuckovermy
shoulderandDelphdidthesamewithhis.IkeptHarryTwo’sharnessonincasewehadtotaketotheairquickly.ThemapoftheQuagthat
myfriendQuentinHermshadleftmewasverydetailed,but
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thereweresometroublesomelapsestoit,nowIcouldsee.Forone,itdidnotmentionthecliffthatwehadjustjumpedfrom.And,correspondingly,Iwasnotpreparedforthevalleywenowfoundourselvesin.AndyetIhadseenQuentinentertheQuagonelight.That’sreallywhatstartedthiswhole
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journeyforme.Hemusthaveknownwhatliesinhere.Themapgavemegeneral
directionsbutdidnotprovideapreciseroutetotakethroughthisplace.Iapparentlywouldhavetofigurethatoutonmyown.Ialsopossessedabook,whichI’dnickedfromQuentin’scottage,thatexplainedthe
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sortsofcreaturesdwellinghere.Delphsaid,“Themaphasus
headinggenerallythatway.”Hepointed.“Towardthatmountain,wayinthedistanceoverthere.”Ihesitatedandthensaid
haltingly,“I…Idon’twanttostartthatsortoftrekatnight.Weneedtofindasafe
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placetillfirstlight.”HelookedatmelikeIwas
completelymental.“Safeplace?InthebloodyQuag?Doyahearyourself,VegaJane?TheQuaghasmanythings,nodoubt,butsafeplacesain’toneof’em,Ireckon.”Ilookedaheadattheflat,
openexpanse.Therewere
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treesandbushesandlong,sweepingfieldsofgrassslowlybendinginthebreezethatblewoffthecliff.Itlookedpeacefulandsereneandnotdangerousatall.Whichtoldmethattherewereprobablydozensoffoulthingslurkinginwaitthatcouldandwouldkillus,giventheslightestof
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opportunities.Ilookeddownatmyfeet.
Whichwaytostep?IglancedatHarryTwo,whowasgazingupatmecuriously,apparentlywaitingformetomakeupmymind.Itstruckme,rather
uncomfortably,thatIwastobetheleaderhere.Blimey!WasIuptoit?Iwasn’tsure
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thatIwas.Far,farinthedistancewasa
placethemapcalledtheMycanmoor.Itwasdescribedasadull,deadsortofplacethatwentonforaverylongway,andwhich,unfortunately,therewasnosurepatharound.Themapwasremarkablysilentastotheexactperilsthatlay
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directlyinfrontofus.ButthebookI’dnickedfilledinsomeofthesedetails.Islippeditfromthepocket
ofmycloakandlitabitofcandlestubtoreadthepagesmoreclearlyinthedarkness.Delphlookednervously
overmyshoulder.“’Tisnaeagoodideatobelightingusupthatway,VegaJane.”
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“Youknow,Delph,youcanjustcallmeVega.It’snotlikewe’refloodedwithfolksherenamedVega.AsfarasIcantell,infact,I’mtheonlyone.”Hetookalongbreathand
slowlyletitout,hiseyesbigascupsaucers.“O’course,rightyouare,VegaJane.”Isighedandstareddownat
thepage.Ibasicallyhadto
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matchupthemapwithdescriptionsoftheplacesintheQuagwherethecreaturesdescribedthereindwelled.ItwouldhavebeenmucheasierhadQuentinHermsconvenientlyplacedallthisinformationinoneplace,buthehadn’t.Ifeltmyspiritsplummet
whenIfullyrealizedhowill
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preparedIwas.AndhereDelphandHarryTwoweredependingonmetohaveaplan!HarryTwostartedgrowling.
Ilookeddownathim.Hishackleswereup,hisfangsbared,andIquicklygazedaroundtoseewhatwascausingthisreactioninmycanine.Buttherewasnothing
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inthedarkness,atleastthatIcouldsee.IlookedatDelph.Hesaid,
“What’sgotinto’im?”AndthenInoticedit.My
caninewasbreathingheavilythroughhissnout.Hewasn’tseeingthedanger—hewassmellingit.Andinmyexperience,foul
smellsusuallyledtofoul
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beasts.Itookawhiffoftheair,
wrinkledupmyfaceandglancedsharplyatDelph.“Doyousmellthat?”Hetookinachestfulofthe
airandthenexhaledit.“No.”Ithoughtrapidly.Iknew
thatscent,oratleastsomethingclosetoit.Andthenthecloudsinmy
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mindslowlycleared.Poison.“Whatisit?”heasked
nervously.“I’mnotexactlysure,”I
replied,andIwasn’t.ButIhadsmelledthatsortofconcoctionbefore,backatStacks,thefactorywhereIwasemployedasaFinisher.Ipointedtotheleft.“Let’s
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trythatway.”“Shouldn’twemaybefly?”
saidDelph.“Gettherefaster,won’twe?Letus…letusmaybeseewhat’scoming,before…beforeitgetsus,”hefinishedbreathlessly.Wewouldgettherefaster
flying.Butsomethinginthebackofmyheadsaidtoleaveourfeetfirmlyontheground.
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Atleastfornow.Iwasonewhotendedto
followherinstincts.Theyhadservedmemorerightthanwrongovermysessions.Andthat’swhenIhappened
tolookup,andsawit.Orrather,them.Aflockofbirdswasracing
inperfectformationacrosstheNoc-litsky.This
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surprisedmebecauseIdidnotthinkthatbirdsflewatnight,butperhapsthingsweredifferentintheQuag.AsIwatchedthebirdssoaralong,somethingverystrangehappened.Fromoutofnowhereappearedacloudofbluishsmoke.Thebirdsturnedsharplyto
avoidit,butafewcouldnot
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maketheturnintime.Andwhenthesebirdspassedthroughthesmokeandcameouttheotherside,theywerenolongerflying.Theywerefalling.Becausetheyweredead.Istoodthere,paralyzed.
ThenIfeltsomethinggripmyarm.ItwasDelph.
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“Run,VegaJane,”heyelled.“Run!”Asweran,Ilookedback
onceandwishedIhadn’t.ItwasacreatureIhadneverseenforrealbefore,butstill,Iknewwhatitwasbecauseadrawingofitwasinthebook.IglancedatDelphandknew
thathetoohadlookedbehindhimandseenwhatIhad.
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Takingtotheairwoulddousnogood.Unlikethegarmsandamarocs,whatwasbackthereandcomingonfastwassomethingthatcouldfly.Itlookedlikeourjourney
throughtheQuagwasabouttoendbeforeithadeventrulybegun.
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ITWASAfiendishinficiobehindus.Aninficiowasalarge
creaturewithtwomassivelegs,asetofpowerful
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webbedwingsandalongscalytorsooutofwhichgrewaserpentlikeneckcappedbyasmallhead,whichwasfrontedbyblazingvenomouseyes,andamouthwithrazor-sharpfangs.Ifthatwasn’tenoughtoterrifysufficiently,theinficioalsoexpelledagasthatwouldkillanywhobreathedit,likethosepoor
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birds.Ihadbeenrightinnot
takingtotheair.Wewouldalreadybedead.Delphlookedbackaswe
sprintedalong.“It’scomin’lower.Comin’
tokillus!”heyelled.“Run!”Ineededtodosomething.
Anything.Whywasmybrainsomuddled?Ihadjuststood
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thereastheinficiowascomingtokillus.ItwasDelphwhohadtoldmetorun.“VegaJane!”screamed
Delphagain.Withoutreallythinking,I
reachedintomycloakpocket,pulledonmyglove,andthenmyfingersclosedaroundtheElemental.Initspresentstate,
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itlookedcompletelyunimposing,onlythreeincheslongandmadeofwhatlookedtobewood.ButwhenIwilledittofullsize,theElementalgrewintoaspeartallerthanIwas,andabrilliantgold.IhadbeengiventheElemental—alongwiththeglovethatIwasrequiredtowearwhile
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holdingtheElemental—onagreatbattlefieldfromlongago,byadyingfemalewarrior.ShetoldmeitwouldbemyfriendwheneverIneededone.Well,Ineededonenow.Ineededtodosomething.Irefusedtosimply…die.AsIlookedback,theinficio
wasclosingfast,itsclawed
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feetnearlyontheground.Isawitsmightychestfillwithairandthenitexpelledabreath,whichbecameagreatcloudofbluesmokethatatitscenterhelddeath.Stillrunning,Iturnedand
preparedtohurltheElemental,guidingitwithmythoughts.WhenIletitfly,theElementalzippedpastthe
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outeredgeofthesmoke,andthewakecausedbyitsspeeddisruptedthecloudofpoison,pushingitbacktowardthecreaturethathadreleasedit.Theinficioinstantlysoaredupward.Apparently,thoughthebeastwasthesourceofthedeadlyfumes,inhalingthesmokecouldharmittoo.TheElementalflewbackto
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me.JustasIgraspedit,thegroundunderourfeetgavewayandweplummeteddownwardaboutfiftyfeet.Whateverwehitwassofterthanourlandingoffthecliff.Still,IfeltmyselfgaspandIheardDelphdothesame.HarryTwoyippedonce,butthatwasall.Irolledontomybackand
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sawthedarkskydisappearingbehindthecoveroflargebranchesandrollsofmattedgrass.Theseelementswerebeinghoistedintoplacebywhatlookedtobeaseriesofpulleysandropes.Butthatcouldhardlykeeptheinficioatbay.Iexpectedittoburstthroughthisflimsycoveranddestroyus.
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Buttheinficiodidnotcome.Instead,aheavynetfelloverusandwebecametangledinropessothoroughlythatIcouldbarelymove.IlookedtothesideandsawthatDelphandHarryTwowereinthesamepredicament.Aswelaytherestruggling,Iheardsomethingapproaching.Delphobviouslydidtoo,
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becausehegrewquiet.IwilledtheElementaltoshrinkandplaceditinmypocketandthentookoffthegloveandplaceditinmyotherpocket.IreachedoutasfarasI
couldandtookDelphbythehand.Inalowtremulousvoice,I
said,“Bereadyforanything,
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Delph.”Henodded.Ourgazeslockedforalong
moment.Ithinkwerealizedthatthismightbeitforus—twosimpleWugsfromWormwoodattemptingtocrosstheinsanelytreacherousQuag.Itseemedsoabsurdrightnow.Weneverstoodabloodychance.
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“I’msosorry,D-Delph,”Isaid,myvoicebreakingasIfinished.Surprisingly,hesmiledand
rubbedmyhandgently,whichsentshiversupmyspine.Hesaid,“’Tisallright,VegaJane.Atleast,well,atleastwe’retogether,eh?”Inoddedandfeltasmile
creeptomyface.“Yes,”I
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said.Ilookedbeyondhis
shoulderandsawlittorchessetintoholdersontherockwalls.Thisgavetheplaceashadowy,vaporousillumination.Itonlyaddedtomysenseoffearandforeboding.Whatwouldbecomingforusnow?IlookedpastDelphand
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stiffened.Thereweredozensofpairs
ofeyeslookingbackatmefrombarelytenfeetaway.Asmyvisionadjustedtothefeeblelight,Icouldseethattheyweresmallishcreatureswithfierce,grimyfacesandstrong,toughenedbodies.Buttheirbackswerebentandtheirfingersdirtyand
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gnarled,perhapsfromheavytoil.AstheygrewevencloserI
receivedanothershock.Theyhadmatsofgrassgrowingontheirexposedarmsandnecksandontheirfaces.IheardDelphquietly
mutter,“RuddyHel?”Thecolumnoflittle
creaturestransformedintoa
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circleandtheysurroundedus.Iheardoneofthemcalloutinaseriesofgrunts.Whenthenetstartedtolift,Irealizedthathehadbeengivingtheinstructiontodoso.Theweightoftheropes
lessenedandweallthreestruggledtorise.Quickasaflash,the
creatureswhippedout
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weaponsandheldthemattheready:smallswords,lances,pickaxesandlong,lethal-lookingknives.Andaboutadozenofthecreaturesheldsmallbowswithsharpenedarrowstuckedontostringsreadytofire.Wecouldnowseeour
captorsquiteclearly.Notonlywasgrassgrowingon
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theirbodiesandfaces,buttheirhairwasgrassaswell.Outnumberedaswewere,I
thoughtafriendlyifdirectapproachbest.Isaid,“Hello.I’mVega.AndthisisDelphandHarryTwo.Whoareyou?”Theyallstaredblanklyback
atme.Theirfacesweresmallandwrinkly,buttheireyes
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bulgedandwerequitepainfullyred.Icouldseenowthattheyweredressedinahodgepodgeofdirtyclothing:trousersheldupbystoutrope,oldshirts,frayedkerchiefs,stainedvests,oldcoatsandpeakedhats.Somehadonnickedmetalbreastplates.Othershadmetalcoveringsheldonwith
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leatherstrapsovertheirthighs.Oneblokesportedacapmadeofrustyiron.Wedrewbackbecausethe
littlecreaturesweremovingforward,tighteningbyconsiderabledegreesthecircletheyhadformedaroundus.Theywerejabberingandgrunting,andapairofthempokeduswiththeirlittle
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blades.“Oi!”Icriedout.“Youcan
keepthoseruddythingstoyourselves.”Thecreaturesdreweven
closer.Itookasuddenstep
forward.Thisobviouslysurprisedthem,andasagrouptheyjumpedback.Theonewhohadspokenbefore
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gruntedagaintohisfellows.Hewastallerthantheothersandseemedtopossessanairofauthority.Iturnedmyattentiontohimandsaid,“Canyouspeakmylanguage?CanyouspeakWugish?”AndIreceivedanother
shock.OnesogreatIthoughtmyhearthadstopped.
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Slowlywalkingtowarduswas,well,helookedlikeus,meaninglikeaWugmortfromWormwood.Hehadalltheapplicablepartsandhehadnograssgrowingonthoseparts.“Corblimey,”muttered
Delph,whoobviouslyhadalsoseenhim.Themalestoppedright
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outsidethecircleofcreatures,whohadrespectfullypartedtoallowhimtopass.Isaid,“AreyouaWug?”Themalestoppedbarely
fivefeetfromme.HewastallandhadonagreencloakandIcouldseepointedshoespokingoutfromunderthehem.Hewaselderly;hishairwaswhite,aswashisbeard.
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Hisfacewaslinedandremarkablypale;infact,itcompetedwithhishairforwhichwaswhiter.Thenitoccurredtomethatifheliveddownhere,theburnofthesunwouldnevertouchhim.“Notanymore,”he
answeredinahigh-pitchedvoice.“Ileftlongago.”Helookedatthecreaturethathad
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gruntedbefore,andstartedspeakingtohiminafast,gutturalspeechthatwasimpossibletofollow.Again,mymindwasseized
withdirethoughts.WasthisblokeinhabitedbytheOutliers?OrwasheanOutlierhimself?BackinWormwoodwehadbeentoldofthesefiendishOutlier
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creaturesthatsupposedlylivedintheQuag.WehadbeenwarnedtheywantedtoinvadeWormwoodandkillusall.AndithadterrifiedallWugmortsbecausewehadheardthesecreaturescouldlookjustlikeusandcouldeveninhabitthemindsofWugmortsandmakethemdotheirbidding.
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Themalepointedtohisrightandsaid,“Thisway,ifyouplease.”Myheartinmythroat,we
headedinthatdirectionandthecreaturesfollowed.Wepassedfromthelarge,
tallcavetoasmalltunnel,whichwasneverthelesswelllightedwithtorchesonthewall.
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Whenweenteredahigh,broadroomofstone,themalestoppedsoabruptlyIalmostwalkedintohim.HemotionedDelphandmepasthimandintothecavernousroom.HarryTwoobedientlyfollowed.WhenIlookedaround,the
breathseizedinmylungs.Therewerelittlenichesin
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allthewallsthatroseupashighasIcouldsee.Andineachofthosenicheswasa—Skull.Itwasasifhundredsof
sightlesseyeswerestaringatus.IlookedoveratDelphand
foundhimgazingupwardtoo.PoorHarryTwostartedtowhine.Theentirespace
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reekedofdeath.Themaleturnedtolookat
me.“Doyouknowwhattheyare?”Inodded,mystomach
churning.Hadhebroughtusherebecauseourboneswouldsoonbejoiningthese?“Wugskulls,”Isaidfearfully.“Lookmoreclosely,”he
saidwithasweepofhishand.
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Istaredmorefixedlyattheskullclosesttomeandthenatnumerousothers.Ilookedbackatthemale.“Thesearen’tWugs.”Hesaid,“Theyarecreatures
oftheQuagwhoseektoharmus.”Icreptclosertoanother
skullonalowerniche.Itwasundoubtedlyafrek.I
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recognizedthejawboneandthelongfangs.Nexttoitwasanamaroc.IhadseenaskullofoneofthoseatDelph’splaceinWormwood.Ilookedbackatthemale.
“Didyoukillthemall?”Hechortled.“Not
personally,no.”“How,then?”Iasked.Themalelookedmeupand
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down.“Whoexactlyareyou?”“MynameisVega.Thisis
Delph.ThecanineisHarryTwo.We’refromWormwood.”Hesaidnothingtothis.“Haveyoubeenherelong?”Iasked.“Longerthanyourtallyof
sessions.”“Youhaveretainedyour
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Wugspeechnicely,”Iobserved.“Indeed,”hesaid,staringat
me.“Whatdoyoucallthis
place?”Iasked.Helookedaround.“The
KingdomofCataphileofcourse.”Delphsaid,“What’sac-cat-
cata-whatsis?Andwho’sthe
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bloodyking?”“Acataphileisacollector
andkeeperofbones.Andasyoucansee,wefitthatcriterionratherfine.Asfortheking,hereIam.Atyourservice.”Hegaveasweepingbowto
us.“You’retheking?”Iasked
incredulously.
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“KingThorne,”heansweredwithadignifiedair.Isaid,“Howdoyougo
frombeingaWugmorttobeingakinghere?”Hespreadhishands.“Well,
Ilargelyfellinahole,asdidyou.”Hetookonadreamyexpression.“Thereismuchtobesaidforfallinginahole.Itopensupaworldof
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possibilities.”Hepaused.“’Tisahumble,darkenedkingdom,but’tismyown.Andthusmakesitrightandjustandplenty,and,mostnotably,myhome.”DelphandIexchanged
nervousglances.Iwasbeginningtothinkthisblokewasmorethanabitbarmy.“Andwhatarethey?”Isaid
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inasmallvoice,withaglanceatthecreatureswithgrassgrowingonthem.“Theyareekos.Thatisthe
Wugtranslationanyway.Theyarethehighestformoflifedownhere.Exceptformeofcourse.”“Iknowthereareother
creaturesdwellingonthesurfaceoftheQuag.Butyou
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meanthereareotherformsoflifedownhere?”“Oh,yes.TheQuaghasan
abundanceoflifeofallkinds.Butcome.Wewillgiveyourefreshmentandaplacetosleep.”Heturned.Istoodthereopenmouthed.Refreshmentsandaplacetosleep?TheKingdomofCataphile?Ihadimagined
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theQuagtobemanythings,butnotthis.Itwasturningouttobe,well,quitecivilized.Butthenagain,Iwasstillverymuchonmyguard.“Weoughttobegoing,
VegaJane,”mutteredDelph.Thekingwhirledaround
andlookedatmewithafaceasthoughIhadjusttoldhimIwasagarmindisguise.
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“Jane?Thatisyourfullname?VegaJane?”Inodded.“Yes.”“Andareyourelatedto
VirgilJane?”“Hewasmygrandfather.
Didyouknowhim?”“Yesindeed.Ishewell?”“No.HesufferedanEvent.”
Inowknewthistobeuntrue,butIhadnoreasontoshare
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thatwithhim.“AnEvent?Well,well.And
Virgiltoo,ofallWugs.”Heturnedtooneofthelittle
ekosandgruntedafewtimes.Severalofthemracedoff.Heturnedbacktous.“Asforleavingthisnight,I’mafraidthatisimpossible.TheQuagisadangerousplaceevenatlight.Atnightyouwillnot
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survive.Now,areyouhungry?”Hedidn’twaitforananswer
butheadedoffatagoodclip,passingthroughanotheropeninginthestone.Wehurriedlyfollowed,with
theremainingekosrightatourheels.IdrewclosetoDelphand
begantowhisper.“Idon’t
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likethisbloke.HelookslikeaWug,buthowcanhebe?”“Right,”Delphhissedback.
“WewouldaheardifaWugleftfortheQuag.LikewithHerms.”“HemightbeanOutlier.”Heshotmeaglance.
“Thoughttherewasnosuchthing.”“Whoknowsforcertain,
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Delph?Iwaspreparedforfreks,garmsandamarocs,notaWugwhohashisownbloodykingdomofekoswithgrassgrowingonthem.NoneofthiswasinthebookoftheQuagthatIfoundatQuentinHerms’scottage.”“Aye,whichmeanswehave
noideawhat’scoming,VegaJane,oncewegetawayfrom
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here.”Ifwegetawayfromhere,I
thoughtmiserably.
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THEPLACEWEweretakenwasalarge,low-ceilingedcaveroughlyfortyfeetlongandtwentywide.Lightcamefromfiredsmokycandlesthat
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werelineduponatablestruckfromsolidrock,withrough-hewnwoodenchairsallaround.Thornepointedtotheseats
andsaid,“Please,becomfortable.Themealwillbealongpresently.”Hetookaseatattheheadof
thetable.TherewasalargeTcarvedinthebackofhisseat.
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Fortheking,Iimagined.DelphandIsharedacontemptuouslook.Whataginked-upgit.Isaid,“Thegrassthatgrows
ontheekos?”Thornesmiledapprovingly.
“Oh,younoticedthat,didyou?”Well,Icouldhardlymissit,
Ithought.“Sowhatisits
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purpose?”“Ithelpsthemdowhatthey
do,”herepliedinacasualtone.Anoiseinthedoorway
madeusturnintimetoseefourekoscarryinginalargeplatter.Astheydrewcloserintothespreadofcandlelight,Icouldseewhatwasonit:greatclumpsandclawsof
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somebeastwithfeatherandfurstillattached.Mystomachgavealurch.Butaroundthe“meat”werepotatoesandasparagusandbeansandpeppersandpurpleonions.AndIwasfairlycertainthatwasarutabagastaringoutatmefromunderwhatlookedtobeafurrythigh.“Blimey,”breathedDelph
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withadisgustedlook.Metalplateswerethrustin
frontofus,withrudeforksandknivesmetal-forgedaswell.Oneekos,thetallonefrombefore,servedThornepersonally.ThenIreckoneditwasuptoustodothesameforourselves.Iavoidedtheclumpsand
clawsandfilledmyplatewith
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thevegetablesandcoveredthemwithwhatIrecognizedasparsleyandbasilleaves.Delphdidlikewise,thoughIdidseehimtearoffachunkofmeatthatlookedratherwellsmoked.Agobletofwaterwasplacednexttomyplatebythehandofanekos,soIgotamuchbetterlookatthegrassgrowingonit.In
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fact,someofitbrushedagainstmyhand.Itfelthardandprickly.Idranksomeofthewater,
andDelphdidalso.IletabitofmyrutabagafalltothefloorforHarryTwo.Delphfollowedwithasliceofhismeat.“Afinecanine,”said
Thorneasheworkedonwhat
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lookedtobeawing,casuallypluckingofffeathersashedidso.“Thankyou.Soyouhave
waterresourceshere?”Itwasnotanidlequestion.WeneededwatertosurviveourjourneythroughtheQuag.“Anundergroundstream.
Quitetasty.”Delphspatapieceof
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hardenedskinfromhismouthandmutteredsomethingabout,“Andwhycan’tthebloodyfoodbethesame?”Thornepointedtothehalf-
eatenjointofmeatinDelph’slargehand.“Whatyouhaveisabitofattercop.Don’tactuallycareforitmyself.ButthebuggersareplentifuluponthesurfaceoftheQuag
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andquiteeasytotrap.”“Attercop?”saidDelph
quizzically.“Neverheardofit.”“Well,youmightknowitby
anotherterm:spider?”Withanenormouscough,
Delphexpelledhismouthfulofmeatandithitthewallopposite.IlookedatThorne,fearing
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hisreactiontothis.Foralongmoment,Thorne
simplystaredatDelph,andthenhelookedattheslopofspidermeatslidingdownthewallofhiseatingroom.Whenheglancedback,heburstintoafitoflaughter,whichwesoonbothjoined.Afterwehadquieted,
Thornerubbedhiseyes.
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“Delightful,”hesaid.“Nevercaredmuchforspidermyself,asIsaid.Chewy,youknow.Andthenofcourse,thereisthequestionofthevenom.Sticktotherutabagas.Theyneverleadyouastray,thenoblerutabaga.Nothingdodgyaboutdearoldrutabagas.”Wecontinuedtoeatour
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meal,nowchattingpleasantly.Isaid,“Youmentioned
therewereotherthingslivingdownhere?”“Well,therearetheekosof
course.Quitecivilized.”Hestrokedhisbeardwithhisindexfinger.“Thentherearethegnomes.”“Thegnomes?”Isaid.Ihad
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neverheardtheterm.“Yes,yes.Well,sometimes
Icallthemtheunders,youknow,because,well,theydigundertherockforthingsthatwerequire.Quitethesharpclawstheyhave.”“Andthat’sallthecreatures
livingdownhere?”Isaidinapromptingtone.Hescowled.“Well,there
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arethebloodygrubbs.”“Grubbs?Whatdotheydo
foryou?”“Doforus?”Hebent
forwardandhisexpressionbecamesostill,itwaslikehehadbeentransformedtorock.“Theyattackus,”hesaidquietly.“Attackyou?”“Yes,”hesaid,hiseyes
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narrowedtoslits.“Theywanttokillme.”“Butwhy?”Iasked.Heturnedbacktohismeal
withoutanswering.DelphandIexchangedapuzzledglance.Thisblokewasdefinitelymental.Ifeltthehairsonmyneckstarttotingle.“Andwhatdothegrubbs
looklike?”Delphasked
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nervously.Thorneturnedaveryserious
eyetohim.“Theylooklikethelastthingyouwouldeverwanttoseecomingatyoufromoutofthedark,milad.Bloodyger-rubbs,”headdedinadisgustedvoice.“Wherearethey?”Isaid
breathlessly.“Downheresomewhere?”
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“I’lltellyouwheretheyare.Theyarewhereyouleastexpectthemtobe.”Hestruckthestonetabletasharpblowwithhispalm,whichcausedDelphandmetojumpnearlyoutofourchairs.Delphaccidentallyspilledsomeofhiswater.HarryTwoimmediatelystartedlappingitup.
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“NowyoumustgivemenewsofgoodoldWormwood,”saidThorneashewasheddownamouthfuloffoodwiththecontentsofhisgoblet.Iwasn’tconvincedhewasdrinkingsimplywater,forhefilledhisgobletfromtimetotimefromasilverflaskrestingathiselbow.“Forinstance,whoisChiefof
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Councilnow?”heasked.“Thansius.”“Goodforhim.Welldone,
Thansius.”“Soyouknewhim?”I
asked.“Yes.Hewasagoodfriend
ofVirgil’stoo.”Hetookasipfromhisgoblet.“AndMorrigone’s,”I
added.
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ThishadaremarkableeffectontheWug.Thecolordrainedfromhisfaceandhechokedonhisdraft.Regaininghisbreath,hesaid,“Morrigone,eh?”“Ifitwasalongtimeago
thatyouleft,shemighthavestillbeenveryyoung.Orperhapsnotevenbornyet.”“Yes,Idobelievethatshe
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wasbornactually.”Watchinghimcuriously,I
said,“MorrigoneisonCouncilnow.”Hechortled,buttherewas
nomirthinhiseyes.“Whatelse?”heasked.Delphsaid,“Well,webeen
buildingthis—”Icutin.“IworkedatStacks,
asaFinisher,asIsaid.Delph
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wasattheMill.”Delphshotmeaninquiring
glance,butIignoredhim.ThetruthwasIdidn’twantThornetoknowabouttheWall.IfThornewasanOutlierorhismindhadbeentakenoverbythem,thelastthingIwantedwasforhimtolearnabouttheenormouswallwewereconstructing
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aroundWormwoodtokeepthoseveryOutliersout!Idecidedtogettothemost
importantissueIwantedtoaskhimabout.“IneverheardofanyotherWugheadingintotheQuag.Itisforbidden.”“Manythingswere
forbidden,”repliedThorneinamoresobertone.“Andyet
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youappearonmydoorstep.WhatcausebringsyouintothemysteriousQuag?”“Curiosity,”Isaid
immediately.“Wewantedtoseewhatwasinhere.”“Andbeyond,”added
Delph.Mykickwastooslowtoforestallhim.“Thereisnothingbeyond
theQuag,”saidThorne
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sharply,eyeinguswarily.“Soyou’vebeentotheother
sideoftheQuag?”Iaskedinnocently.“No,I’veneverbeenpast
here.”“Thenhowdoyouknow
there—”Heroseabruptly.“Ibelieve
thatweallareextremelytired.Nowyoursleeping
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quartersareready.”Hegruntedandthesamelargeekosappeared.“Lucherewillshowyou
where.Offyougoandpleasantsleeptoyouboth.”Hehurriedaway.Lucgruntedonce.Harry
Twogaveabarkinreply.Apparentlysatisfiedthatweunderstood,Lucturnedand
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walkedthroughthepassageway.Wehurriedafterthecreaturewithgrassforskinandgruntsforwords.Delphwhispered,“Areyou
sure’boutallthis?”“I’msureofnothing,Delph.
Absolutelynothing.”Ihadneverspokentruer
words.
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WEWERELEDtoachamberthatwascoldandfilledwithshadowsthatseemedtoflickerandmoveabout.Therewasonetorch
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onthewallandalitcandleonawoodenboxnexttoahardpalletonwhichlayablanketandapillow.IlookedatDelph,who
stoodinthedoorway.“Isitjusttheone,then,for
thebothofus?”hesaid,eyeingmenervously.WhenIshothimaglance,I
hadtohideasmilebecause
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hisfaceturnedscarletandthebigWugquicklyglancedaway.Males.However,Lucwasalready
pullingonhisarmandpointingfartherdownthepassageandgruntingquitemadly.“Guessnot,”Isaidwitha
tinywave.“Supposetheseare
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justmydigs.”IthoughtIsawDelphletout
asighofrelief,whichIwasn’tquitehappyaboutforsomereason.Hesaid,“Look,anything
comesup,justgiveaholler.I’llbeherefasterthan…well,prettybloodyfast,Icantellyouthat,”saidDelph,somewhatanticlimactically.
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“Brilliant,youdothesame,”Isaid,feelinguneasyevenasIsaidthewords.Delphdisappearedwith
Luc,andHarryTwocameoverandsettleddownnexttothewoodenpallet.Idroppedmytuckinthecorner,satontherudebedandtookoffmycloak.Underneathwasmychain,whichIwouldnotbe
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takingoff.InthepocketofmycloakwastheAdderStone,whichhealedprettymuchanything.AlongwiththeStonewastheglove.MyshrunkenElementalwasinmyotherpocket.Ipulledfrommycloakthe
ringThansiushadsentmebeforeIescapedintotheQuag.Ithadbelongedtomy
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grandfather.IthadbeenfoundatQuentinHerms’scottage.IwastoldmygrandfatherhadsufferedanEvent,whichbasicallymeantthatonevanishedinto,well,nothing.Butthathadbeenalie.IhadlearnedthatmygrandfatherhadleftWormwoodofhisownaccord.
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Ontheringwasthesymbolofthethreehooks.Ihadnoideawhatitmeant.IthoughtImightfindoutintheQuag.IthoughtImightlearnalotintheQuag.Iftheplacedidn’tkillmefirst.Ilaybackonthebedand
heldtheringuptotheflickeringcandle.Thehooksglistenedandglowedinthe
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soft,bluishlight.Mygrandfatherhadtheverysamesymbolonthebackofhishand.IhadalsoseenthisexactsameringonthefingerofthedyingfemalewarriorwhohadgivenmetheElemental.Iputtheringon.Itwastoo
largeforanyofmyfingersexceptmythumb,whereit
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rodesnugly.AsIlookedatitonme,Icouldn’thelpbutthinkthatIhadjustmadesomesortofunconsciousdecisioncommittingmetosomething.Ifeltmyeyesclose,therise
andfallofmycheststartedtoslowandIcollapsedintoadeepsleep.ButrightbeforeIcompletelydriftedoff,Icould
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hearHarryTwo’scontentedsnoresashelaybesidemeonthefloor.Mydreamswerenot
pleasantones.Ineverycreviceofmymind,Iseemedtoencounterdanger.TimepassedandIslepton.WhenIfinallyawoke,Istartedtorise,butsomethingheldmeback.Iopenedmyeyes.And
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gasped.Iwasinacage!Isatupandlookedaround.
Delphwaslyingnexttome,stillasleep.WhathadbeenkeepingmefromrisingwasHarryTwo.Hispawwasstillprotectivelyonmyshoulder.Thebarsofthecagewerestarkwhite.AsIdrewclosertothem,Icouldseewhy.
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Theyweremadeofbones.IinstantlydrewbackwhenI
heardalaugh,afamiliarone.Ilookedtotherightand
theresatThorneonahugechaircarvedfromstillmorebones.Andallaroundthecagewereekosbearingweapons.Hepointedatthecagebars.
“Asyoucansee,wedomake
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useofourlittle,uh,trophieshereintheKingdomofCataphile.”Withathrillofhorror,Isaw
fouritemsrestingonaslabofrocknexttohisseat.Destin,mychain,theAdderStone,mygrandfather’sringandthegloveIhadtousewhenholdingtheElemental.Itouchedmycloakandfeltthe
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smalloutlineoftheshrunkenElementalstillinmypocket.Theymustnothavenoticeditorelsethoughtitofnoimportance.Ispokeloudly.“Whyarewe
inhere?Andwhydidyoutakemythings?”ThisrousedDelph,who
slowlysatupandthenleapttohisfeet.
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“Whatthe—”hebegan,butIshushedhimandthenturnedbacktoThorne.“Whyareyoudoingthisto
fellowWugmorts?”Thornepointedinturnto
theAdderStone,thechain,theringandtheglove.“Whatarethesethings,
VegaJane?Iwoulddearlyliketoknow.”
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“Why?”“Well,howelsecanImake
useofthem?”“You’renottomakeuseof
them.They’remine,”Isaidheatedly.IfeltwoozyintheheadandIsuddenlyknewwhy.“Youputsomethinginourwatertomakeusfallasleep,”Isaidaccusingly.Hepickedupthering.“I
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haveseenthisbefore.Onyourgrandfather’sfinger.”Igrabbedthebarsofbones
andshookthem.“Letusoutofhere!Now!”“Youareinnopositionto
makedemands,mysillylittlefemale.”“I’mnotsillyandI’m
definitelynotlittle,”Ishotback.
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“Tome,you’renearlyinvisible,soinsignificantareyou.”“Well,thenIguessyou
don’tneedmetotellyouwhattheyare,ifI’msobloodyinsignificant.”Hestoodupandstrolled
overtothecage,stoppingafootaway,andsmiledmaliciously.
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“Youmustthinkthingsthroughalittlebetter.”HepointedatLuc,whoheld
abowwithanarrowperchedonthestring.HegruntedandLuccame
forward.Thornesaid,“Ijustordered
Luctokillthecanine.”“No!”Iscreamedand
immediatelythrustmyself
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betweenLucandHarryTwoasLucbegantotakeaim.“Moveoutoftheway,
Vega,it’sonlyablastedcanine,”saidThorne.“He’smycanineandI’m
notmoving.SoyoucanjustgotoHel!”Hegruntedagainandfour
moreekoscameforwardwiththeirbowsandsurrounded
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thecage.TheyalltookaimatHarryTwo.Icouldn’tbeinfourdifferentplacesatonce,soIendedupcoveringhimentirelywithmybody.“VegaJane!”shouted
Delph,andheputhisbigbodyoverbothofus.Thornedrewclosertothe
bones,adangeroussmileplayingoverhislips.“There
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isamile-longdropfromacliffwhenenteringtheQuagtogettomykingdom.Howdidyoumanageit?”Myglancebetrayedme.I
lookedpasthim,totheobjectshe’dtaken.“Isee,”hesaid.“Now,
whichone?”WhenIdidn’tanswer,hepointedatLucwhilekeepinghisgaze
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directlyuponme.“Onegruntfromme,Vega,andDelphisnomore.Iwilladdhisbonestoyourcage.Withhissize,they’llfillallthebloodygaps.Now,whichone?”“VegaJane,don’t,”shouted
Delph.Thinkingquickly,and
alreadyhavingsizedupThorneasvainandarrogant,I
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said,“I’msureyoursecretsarefarmoreamazingthanmypitifulones.”Thorneappraisedmefor
aboutasliver.“Youknow,Ithinkyou’vehitonsomethingthere.Iactuallythinkitappropriatetoshowyouhowmymindworks.Thenyouwillunderstandthatitisfutiletoresistme.”
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Hegruntedinrapidsuccessionandtheekossprangintoaction.Thebonecagewasopened,
andwithpokesandprodsfromswordsandspears,wewereherdedoutofit.Delphgrewclosetomeand
whispered,“He’samad’un,VegaJane.”“Iknowheis.”
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“Wegottogetoutofhere.”Inoddedagain,butI
couldn’tthinkofasinglewayforustoaccomplishit.Thorneledusdownanother
passagewayuntilwecametoafarlargercavethantheonewehadleft.Iheardthesoundofsomethingpoundingintorocklongbeforewereachedit.Aswecameintothespace,
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Icouldbarelybelievemyeyes.Itwasamountainofrock
underground.Andswarmingoveritwerelittlecreaturesinworkclothesandsportingredwoolencapsandhighleatherbootsthatcoveredmostoftheirshortlegs.“Theaforementioned
gnomes,”saidThorne,
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pleasantlyenough.Thegnomesstoppedwhat
theyweredoingandturnedasthoughhookedtogether,tostaredownatusfromtheirmountain.“Comecloser,”saidThorne
enticingly.“I’msureourlittlefriendswouldsimplylovetomeetyou.”Well,neitherDelphnorI
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wantedtomovecloserandmeetanything,buttheprodsinthebackfromtheekosforcedtheissue.Whenthegnomescame
morefullyintoview,Iflinched.Itwasn’tjustthattheirfacesweredeathlypaleandprunishandevil-looking.Itwastheirhands.Or,rather,wheretheirhandsshould
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havebeen.Instead,theyhadlongclaws
thatlookedasstrongasmetal.Theywerecurvedanddeadlysharp,althoughtheywerecoveredindirtfromtheirworkontherock.Theirlipscurledbacklike
attackcanines,revealingyellowish-blackteeththatwererottedandmisshapen.I
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putahanddowninfrontofHarryTwobecauseIwasafraidhemightgoafterthem.Andasstrongandbraveashewas,hewouldhavenochanceagainstahundredgnomeswithsabersforhands.Thornegruntedrapidlyand
thegnomesfellbackasthearmedekosadvancedon
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them.So,Ithought,thegnomeswereobviouslykeptincheckbyforce.IglancedatDelphand
couldtellhewasthinkingthesamething.Thornesaid,“Doyouknow
whatthey’reminingoffthatrock?”Ilookedathim.“No.”Heclappedhishands
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togetherandoneofthegnomesranoffbutwasbackinajiffy,heftingalargebucketmadeofwoodandencircledwithmetalbands.Thornetookitfromhimas
thegnomerespectfullysweptoffhiscapandbowed.Icouldseethathishairwasbushyandfilthy.Andfromthesmellswaftingoffthe
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thing,Icouldtellthatbathingdidnotoccupyasliverofthecreature’stime.Thorneheldupthebucket
sothatIcouldseeinside.Itwasfilledwithblackishpowder.“Stilldon’tknowwhatit
is?”askedthekinginanamusedtone.Delphanswered,“Looks
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likemortapowder.”Thorneseemedimpressed.
“Well,well,brainsandbrawn.Butyou’renotexactlyright.It’snotyetmortapowder,butitwillbe.”Hepointedtothehighrockthegnomeswereworking.“Thatstonehastwoofthethreeelementsnecessarytomakethepowder.Thethirdis
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charcoal,whichmustcomefromtreesontheQuag’ssurface.Ibroughttherequisiteformulawithmehere,andtheekos,onceItrainedthemupabit,aredelightfullyefficientindoingtheappropriatemixing,compressionandothertasksnecessary.Indeed,theyarequitegoodatbuildingmany
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things.”Hethrustthebucketbackintothegnome’sclawsandwavedhimoffwithacasualflickofhishand.Thecreatureinstantly
obeyed,butasIkeptmygazeonhim,Icouldseehimlookbackwithasullenexpressionasheclackedhisclawsominouslyagainstthebucket’sside.
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Thorneclappedhishands,andthegnomesreturnedtotheirwork.Imarveledathowrapidlytheytorethroughtherockanddirtwiththeirclaws.Theywerelikeantsflittingthroughgrainsofsand.Thorneledthewaydown
anotherpassage.Wearrivedatalarge,stoutwoodendoorwithablackenediron
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keyhole.Thorneproducedakeyandopenedit.WefiledinsideandasIsawwhatwasthere,Igasped.Itwasalargeroom,and
fromfloortoceiling,itwasfilledwithmortas.Tall,shortandevensomein-betweenmodelsIhadneverseenbefore.Theywereallshinyandlookedinperfectworking
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order.“Youwouldneedfurnaces
andDactylstomakethese,”Inoted.“Wehaveboth,”replied
Thorne.“Plusagreatmanyotherskilledekos.Theyhaveproventhemselvesquiteadaptabletomyteachings.”Thornewalkedovertoa
cornerandpattedathick-
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barreledcontraptionthatwasbracketedbytwowoodenwheels.“Wecallthisacannon,”hesaid.Hepointedtoanothersectionofwall,wheremanycrateswerestacked.“Andpowderandammunitionfortheweapons.”Delphwasstaringupwardat
theshelvesandstacksof
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shinymortas.Hesaid,“Whatd’yaneed
allthesefor?”ButsomehowIalready
knewtheanswer.“War,”Isaid.“You’re
planningongoingtowar.”Thornesmiled,evenas
Delphexclaimed,“Corblimey!”Iadded,“Andyou’renot
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goingtowaragainstbeastsintheQuag.”Thorneshookhisheadand
smiledevenmorebroadly.“Whatwouldbethepoint?”Ifinishedmyhorrible
thought.“You’regoingtowaragainstWormwood.”
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WAR?AGAINSTWORMWOOD?”exclaimedDelph.HestaredoveratThornelikehewantedtoriphimapart.“Areyounutters?”
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Thornegavehimawitheringlook.“IcanassureyouthatIaminfullpossessionofmyfaculties,mybrawnybloke.”Thorne’sstatementhadhit
meashardasacollisionwithagarm.Ifeltsicktomystomach.ThroughmymindflashedthehorrorsthatwouldresultfromwhatThornewas
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planning.MyvillageofWormwood,alltheplacesIknewsowell,Stacks,theCare,Steeples,Councilbuilding,Loons,andmyoldfamilyhome,alllayinruin.Andstarkerstill,IsawpilesofWugmortsdeadfrommortawounds.EvenmightyThansiusandmagicalMorrigone.
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Chiefly,though,Isawmybrother,John,lyingdead,hiseyesfrozen,hisfeaturesstill,hismagnificentmindgoneforalltime.Withcolddreadbutasteely
resolveIturnedtoThorne.“Thereisoneproblem,”I
saidfirmly.Thornestudiedme,hiseyes
crinklingandanarrogant
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smileplayingoverhislips.“Oh,youthinkso?”heasked.“Dotell.”“It’saheavyproblem,”I
saidcryptically,thoughIcouldtellheknewexactlywhatImeant.“Oh,yes,indeeditis,”
repliedThorne.“You’velaidthemalletdirectlyonthenailhead,Vega.Icanseethat
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you’veinheritedthebrainsofyourgrandfather.You’rethinkingofthemile-longrisewewillneedtoreachthetopofthatcliff,eh?”Delphsaidemphatically,
“Youcan’tclimbit.Notwithallthosemortas,cannonandekos.”“Quiteimpossible,”agreed
Thorne.
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“Andyacan’tgotowarwithoutyourbloodyarmy,”Delphsaid,atriumphantlookonhisfeatures.“Well,Iwon’thaveto,will
I?”saidThornepatronizingly.“Letmeshowyou.”Theroomwenowentered
throughamassiveportal,whichThorneunlocked,wasfarlargerthananywehad
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seensofar.Mygazequicklyflittedtowhatdominatedeventhisenormousspace.“WhatintheHelisthat
thing?”gaspedDelph.Therewasahugestructure,
rectangularinshapeandmadeofwood,thatlookedrigorouslyconstructed.ItremindedmeofthewatervesselsfisherWugsused
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backinWormwood,onlyfarlarger.Itcouldeasilycarryhundredsofekos.Connectedtoitssideswerelong,stoutropes.Butsuspendedoverit,highintheair,wassomethingthatdwarfedeventhemammothwoodencarrier.Itwasblackandroughlytheshapeofacircle,thoughitwasthinneratthebaseand
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wideratthetop.Thestoutropesfromthewoodenstructurewereconnectedtoaframethatwasinturnattachedtothisthing.Itwasflattenedandsuspendedbyotherropesfromthehighceiling.“That,myfineWug,”said
Thorne,“istheculminationofmanysessionsofwork.”He
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wavedhishandatit.“Itis,infact,anaeroship.”Delphlookedathim
blankly.“Anaeroship?”“Itflies.”Hepointedup.
“Aero.Upthere.”“How?”demandedDelph
heatedly.Icouldfeelwavesofanger
risingoffhim.IgrippedDelph’sarmtightlyand
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lookedathim,tryingtocalmhimbeforehedidsomethingwemightallregret.Thornemotionedtothe
flattened,suspendedobject.“ThatiswhatItermabladder.Onceitisfilledwithheatedair,thebladderwilllifttheunderneathcarriagequiteeasily.AndIhavefashionedcertaincontrolsthatwill
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allowmetoguideitspath.Bymycalculations,itwillliftmyarmyandallitsequipmentinaveryfewexcursions.Then,wewillmakeourwaytoWormwood.OurtriumphantmarchtoWormwood,rather.”“Buthowareyougoingto
getthiscontraptionoutofhere?”
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Hepointedupwardagain.“Muchastheholeyoufellin?Well,wehaveduguptothetopthere,thoughit’swellcoverednow.Theholewehavefashionedisfarlargeenoughformyaeroshiptobelaunchedthrough.”“Whydoyouwanttoattack
Wormwood?”Iaskedfiercely.“You’reaWug.”
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“Well,thetruthisIdidn’tchoosetoleaveWormwood.Iwasforcedtoleave.”“Really?”Isnapped.“And
you,suchaniceblokeandall.”“Enough,”hebarked,his
madeyesnarrowing.“I’vetoldandshownyouallthatIplanto.Irequireanswersfromyou.AndIwillhave
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themnow!”Hegruntedseveraltimes
andLucbroughtoverDestin,theAdderStoneandtheglove.“It’syourturntospeak.”Thornegruntedoncemoreandweweresurroundedbybow-and-arrow-wieldingekos.HalftookaimatDelph,theotherhalfatHarryTwo.Icouldn’t
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defendthembothatthesametime.Ihadnochoice.Delphgazedatme.Icould
tellheknewwhatIwasgoingtodo.Heshookhishead,butIignoredhim.IfIlostDelph,therewouldbenopointgoingonanyway.“Thechainallowsoneto
fly.Thestonecanhealwounds.”
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Helookedsuitablyintrigued,ifabitskepticalofmywords.“Indeed?Andtheglove?”“IhadthepairbutIlostone
whenwewererunningfrombeastsintheQuag.Ithasnopowers,”Iadded,whichwasperfectlytrue.“Well,let’stryoneout,
shallwe?”hesaid.
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Hegruntedafewmoretimes,eachonelouderandmoreauthoritativethanitspredecessor.Severalekosshotforwardandpickedmeupcleanofftheground.“Stop!”shoutedDelph,but
heandHarryTwowereinstantlysurroundedbyawallofarmedekos.Ishouted,“It’llbeokay,
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Delph.”IknewwhatIwasgoingtodo.Theekoscarriedmeback
intotheroomwherethemountainofrockandtheminergnomeswerelocated.Thornefollowedus,asdidDelphandHarryTwo,attheswordendsofthetrailingekos.Thornetossedthechainto
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me.“Nowproveyourstatement,”hesaid.Iwrappedthechainaround
meevenastheekosclamberedupthemountainofrock,carryingmeallthewaytothetop.Theywerestrongandtheirgrassesscratchedandirritatedmyskin.Wereachedaledgeattheverytopoftherock.Theekosset
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medown.Iheardgruntsfrombelow.Thornewasobviouslygivinghisfinalinstructions.Thegitneedn’thavebothered.Iwasn’tgoingtowaittobeforcedofftheledge.Whenapairofekosreached
outtome,Ipushedthemawaysohardtheyfellbackagainsttherockwall.
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“Buggeroff!”Icriedout.IlookeddownatThorne
withasmuchdefianceasIcouldpossiblymuster,whichwasn’thard.AndthenIjumped.Isoaredstraightdownward.
IlookedatnooneotherthanThorne.Iwantedhimtoseetherevulsiononmyface.Helookedstunned,which
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ordinarilywouldhavemademesmile.ButmyangerwassuchthatallIcoulddowasstaredaggersathimasIfell.Atthelastinstant,Iliftedmyheadandshouldersandpointedmyarmsupward.Isoaredoverthemandthenliftedup,up,up,untilIlandedbackneatlyontheledge.
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Theekosalldrewawayfromme.Ilookedtriumphantlyat
Thorne.Hesmackedhishands
severaltimesbywayofapplauseandthenbeckonedmetojoinhimbelow.Ijumpedoncemoreandlandednimblyrightnexttohim.Helookedatmeslyly.
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“Fromwheredidyoucomebysucharemarkablethingasthat?”“YouknowStacks?”He
nodded.“Ithasroomsthataresecret.Ifounditthere.”Helookedlostinthought
foramoment.“AndStackswasnotalwayswhatitisnow.”“That’sright.DidJulius
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Domitartellyouthat?”“Alas,DomitarandIdidnot
seeeyetoeyeonmuch.”“Well,myrespectforhim
justincreasedahundredfold.”“Youwoulddowelltohold
yourtongue,Vega,”hesaid,soundingdangerous.HepointedtoDelph.“Sayyouaresorryfordisrespectingme.”
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“I’msorry.”However,mystubbornfeatures,Iknow,betrayedthisasalie.“Thereisapricetobepaid
forlyingtoKingThorne.”Hegruntedtothegroupof
ekosandbeforeIcouldreact,ithappened.Oneoftheekosshotan
arrowintoDelph’sthigh.Hescreamedandtoppledtothe
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rockyground,holdingontotheshaftthathadsuddenlysproutedfromhislimb.“Delph,”Iscreamed.Irushedtohim.Bloodwas
pouringoutofhimfartoofast.Irippedoffpartofmysleeveandusedittotryandstanchthebleeding.Butitkeptpouringout.Delph’sfaceturnedchalkwhiteand
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hestoppedscreaming.Hesankflattothefloor.HarryTwostoodinfrontof
usboth,hisfangsbaredasthoughdaringanyoftheekostocomecloser.“Oh,Vega?”IturnedtolookatThorne.
HewascasuallyholdinguptheAdderStone.“Mightyouwanttotrythis?
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Yourpurportedhealingrock?”NowIknewwhyhehad
Delphshot.AsawaytoprovethatwhatIhadsaidabouttheAdderStonewastrue.Aswellastopunishmeformydisrespect.Iheldupmyhand.“Tossit
here,quickly.”“Sorry,Idon’tthinkthat
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wasquitewhatIwaslookingfor,”hesaidsmoothly,hismannerunhurried.Swallowingbothmypride
andanger,Isaidinapleadingvoice,“Please,KingThorne,mightIhavetheStonetohelpmyfriend?Please,OKing?”“Now,that’sbetter.See
whatabitofrespectandpolitenesscanmanage?”
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HethrewtheStonetome.IcaughtitandinstantlywaveditoverDelph’sleg,thinkinggoodthoughts.Notonlydidthewoundheal,thearrowslidfreefromhisthighanddroppedtotherockwithoutasmidgeofhisbloodonit.Delph’sbreathingreturned
tonormal,thoughhewasstilldeathlypale.Heslowlyrose
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fromthefloor.“’Tisokay,VegaJane,”he
said,butthefearwasevidentinhiseyes.“ThanksfordoingtheStoneoverme.”InabreathlessvoiceIsaid,
“Don’tthankme,Delph.Itwasmyfaultyougotshot.”WhenIturned,Thornewas
rightnexttome.“Whatdidyouhavetodoto
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causesuchacure?”heasked.“Don’ttellhim,VegaJane,”
shoutedDelph.Ilookedoverathim.Again,Ihadnochoice.AdozenarrowswouldbeflyingatDelphifIdidn’t.“YouwavetheStoneover
thewoundandthinkgoodthoughts.”“Doesitworkonallliving
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things?”heaskedeagerly.Iknewwhyheaskedthis.
HewouldwantittohealtheekosincaseanywereinjuredduringhisattackonWormwood.“I’veuseditonmycanine.”“Canitbringbackthe
dead?”“No,”Isaidemphatically.
“Norcanitregrowlimbsthat
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havebeenlost.Itriedthatonceanditdidn’twork.”“Pity,”hesaid,snatching
theStonefromme.“Butstill,ithasitsuses,I’llgrantyouthat.Youwillofcourseteachmehowtoflywiththechain.”Iwasabouttoscreamout,ThebloodyHelIwill,youkingofthegits,butI
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refrained.Imightjusttakeanarrowtothehead.“Itwilltaketime,”Isaidevenly.“It’snoteasytotrainsomeoneuptofly.”“Well,it’snotlikeyou’re
goinganywhere.Everagain.”Despitetheclearmenace
behindhiswords,Ibreathedabiteasier,thoughIdidn’tletmyfeaturesexpressthis.At
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leastwewouldbeallowedtolive,untilwecouldfigureoutawaytoescapethisplace.Thornemadesuretopocket
theStoneandthering.Hedidnot,however,take
theglove.Whenhewasn’tlooking,Islippeditintomycloak.Fromoutofthecornerofmyeye,IcaughtagnomestaringatmeasIdidthis.It
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wasthesamebandy-leggedcreaturethathadfetchedthebucketforThorne.Atfirst,Ithoughthewasgoingtotellonme,buthejustlookedatmestonilybeforeturningawaytojabberwithoneofhismates.Imarchedalongbehind
ThornewithDelphandHarryTwoatourheelsandthe
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brigadeofarmedekosbringinguptherear.Delphwhispered,“Why’d
youtellhimaboutthebleedingStone?AndshowhimwhatDestincando?”“Delph,hewouldhave
killedyouifIhadn’t.”“So?”IwassostunnedIstopped
walking.Aprodintheback
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fromanekosmademestartupagain,butIlookedatDelphinastonishment.“Youwantedtodie?”“Iwantyoutosurvive,to
getthroughthishereplace.”“I’mnotgettingthroughit
withoutyou,”Irepliedheatedly.“I’mnotthatimportant,
VegaJane.Notreally.You’re
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theonewhatneedstolive.LikethefemalewhatgaveyoutheElementalsaid.”“Notimportant?”Ihissed
back.“You’reallI’vegot,Delph.Ican’tgothroughtheQuagwithoutyou.Iwon’t.”Hisfacegrewredandhe
lookedaway.IknewDelphsowellthatIunderstoodhewassearchingfortheright
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wordstosaybacktome.“Well,neitherwillI,”he
said.“Bothornothing,eh?”“Yes.”Hedrewclosertome.
“ThenwhatI’ddoisgethimuphigh-likewithDestinandwhentheblokeleastexpectsit,droptheprat.”Inoddedslowly.Thisplan
wascertainlytempting.Butif
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wekilledtheking,whatmighthisminionsdotous?Thorneledusbacktothe
roomwherewehaddined.Littorchesstilllinedthewall.Hesatatthetable,drewaknife,slicedopenhisfingerandthenwavedtheStoneoveritand,Isupposed,thoughtgoodthoughts.Thewoundinstantlyhealed.
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Hesmiled.“Wewillbegintheflightlessonsnextlight,”hesaid.“Youwillbetakenbacktothecageuntilthen.”Thornewasintelligent,
crafty,vainandmercurial.Adifficultcombinationtocorral,butIneededtotry.“Surelyyouhavesufficientguardstowatchoveruswithoutresortingtothat,”I
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said.“You’llbeinvadingWormwoodsoonenoughwithyourmightylegions.Comparedtothat,Idoubtthatthethreeofuswillposemuchofachallenge.Wearetotallyinyourpower.”Thornerubbedhisbeard
whileIstoodtherewatchinghim.IcouldhearDelphbreathingheavilynexttome,
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nodoubtwonderingifanotherarrowwouldsoonbefindingitswayintohisbodybecauseofmoreinsolentremarksfromme.However,myplanworked
andwesoonfoundourselvesbackintheroomwhereIhadslept.Theekosleftthethreeofus
there,butInotedthatapair
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ofthemwasstationedrightoutsidetheopeningtotheroom.Isatonthewoodenpallet
withDelphnexttome.HarryTwosidleduptome.AsIpettedhim,Delphsaidinalowvoice,“It’snotenoughforustoescapethisplace,VegaJane.Inhisblastedaeroship,Thornecanflyright
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overtheWall.”“We’llneverletthat
happen,Delph.Never!”“Soyougotaplan?”he
askedeagerly.“Um,it’sformingrightnow
inmymind,”Isaidlamely.Ilaydownonthepallet.“Ijustneedtosleeponitisall.”“Sleep!”exclaimedDelph
incredulously.“Areyadaft?
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Howcanyouthinkofsleepwithallthisgoin’onandall?I’llnotsleepawink.Naeawink!”headdedemphatically.“Brilliant,thenyoucan
keepwatch.”Iclosedmyeyes,andHarry
Twosettleddownnexttome.AsIexpected,shortly
thereafter,IheardDelph’s
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softsnores.Hewasstretchedoutonthehardfloornexttothepallet,soundasleep.Hisfeatureswerepeaceful.Idoubtedthatwouldlast,butIwasgladhecouldhavethatfeelingfornow.Ipulledtheblanketoffthepalletandcoveredhimwithit.Itookanotherlookat
Delph’sfeaturesand,despite
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ourdesperatecircumstances,Ifeltmyselfgoabitwilly.Hewasverytall,aboutsixandahalffeet,withhugeshoulders,longdarkhair,awideforeheadthatcrinkledwhenhewasembarrassed,whichwasoften,andeyesthatweredeepandbrooding.Hewassobrave.And,well,justsuchagoodWug.Hehad
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neverletmedown.Never!Andthenmyheartfeltlike
ithadbeensplitinhalf.Delphwasexpectingmetohaveaplan,toleadhimandHarryTwooutofhere.AndalsotosaveWormwoodfromthemadking.YetIhadnothing.Iwasnotaleader.Iwasaloner.Ihadalwaysbeenaloner,more
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comfortableupmytreebackinWormwoodwithonlymythoughtsascompanions.Butnow…?IfeltcrippledbytheabsolutecertaintythatIwasgoingtoletbothDelphandHarryTwodown.Ilaybackonthepallet
knowingfullwellthatsleepwouldnotbecomingforme.Ihadnoplan.Andwithouta
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plan,wehadnochancetosurvive.
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WEWEREROUSTEDfromourbedsbyroughhandsthatpulledusawake.Itwasagroupofekos,led
byLuc.
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“Allright,allright,”mutteredDelphashestood,toweringoverthem.Istretchedandfeltkinksin
myarmsandshoulderspop.Ihadbeendreamingsomething,butIcouldn’trememberwhat.Theypushedusoutofthechamberanddownapoorlylitpassageway.Icouldhearthe
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soundsofdiggingandIfiguredthatThorne’sminionslaboredalllightandnight.Hestruckmeasthatsortofking.Wefiledintoadark
chamberwithadirty,pebble-strewnfloor.Here,wewereforcedatswordpointtositonourbumsandwait.Withinafewslivers,Thorne
walkedin.Hewasdressedin
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trousers,bootsandalong,looseshirt.“Canwegetsomethingto
eat?”Iasked.“Afterwe’veflown,”said
Thorne.“Itisearlyyet;yourhungerwillhold.”Ibristledatthis,figuring
thathisbellywasnodoubtalwayskeptfull.“Doyouhavethechain?”I
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asked,bitingbackmyanger.Ididn’twantDelphstruckwithanotherarrow.HeliftedhisshirtandIsaw
itstrappedaroundhiswaist.Seeingmychainonhimmademyfaceflush.Hesmiledatmyobviousdiscomfort.“Tothewinnergoallthespoils,Vega.”“Right,”Isaidbriskly.
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“Well,let’scrackon.”Wewerejoinedbyadozen
ekos.Theyallcarriedshort-barreledmortasandpouchesofpowderandammo.Wemadeourwayupasetofstepsinthesamechamberthatwehadfallenintothepreviousnight.Withthecrankingofgears,
andekosstrainingonropes
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below,theceilingcanopyrose,revealingthebluesky.AsweclamberedontothesurfaceoftheQuag,thedozenekosracedpastusandformedaperimeter,theirweaponsreadyandtheirgazesscanningbothskyandland.Theylookedliketheyhaddonethisbefore.Thentheyremovedtheirpeaked
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capsandputthemintheirpockets.Next,theysankdowninto
thelonggrasses.Exceptfortheireyes,theywerecompletelyinvisible.NowIunderstoodthegrassontheirarmsandheads.Theyhadadaptedtotheirenvironment.IshotaglanceatDelphand
sawthathehadnotedthis
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too.“Blimey,”hesaid.“Figger
medadwouldhavelikedtoseenthat.”Inoddedandglancedat
Thorne.Hewasscanningtheskies,andthenhisgazeswepttheareawewerein.Hegruntedatanarmedekos,whocameforwardandrelinquishedhisweaponto
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Thorne.Thorneexpertlyexaminedthemorta,raisedittohisshoulder,swiveledaround,aimedintotheairandfired.Amomentlaterabirdfellfromthesky,mortallywounded.Thornehandedthemorta
backtotheekosandgavemeaderisivelook.“Unlikeyou,Vega,IcameintotheQuag
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armedandready.However,whenIfellinthehole,IthoughtIwasfinished.ButwhenIfiredoffthefirstmortaroundattheekos,theyscatteredlikedormice.Afterthat,theycamebacktomeontheirkneesandit’sbeenthatwayeversince.Thatwastheeasypart,actually.Thehardpartwasteachingthe
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blighterstodothings,makethings.IplantoreturntoWormwoodintriumph.That’stheonlythingthat’skeptmegoingallthistime.Nowlet’sgetonwithmylesson,Vega.Howdoyouwanttoproceed?”“Ihavetogowithyou,”I
said.“Howisthatpossible?”
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Iindicatedthestrapsstillhangingfrommychest.“Whycan’tyoujusttellme
whattodo?”hecountered.“Fine,”Isaid.“Youjump
straightuporgetarunningstartandleapintotheair.Youpointyourhandswhereyouwanttogo.Shouldersandheaduptogainheight.Reversethattogodown.
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Rightbeforeyoutouchtheground,slipyourfeetdownwardsoyoucanlandonthem.Butifyoubotchanyofthatwhileyou’reuptherebyyourself,we’llneedsomethingtopickupthepiecesofyouwith.”Thorne,ifitwaspossible,
paledevenmorethanhealreadywas.
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“Let’stryityourwayfirst,”hesaidwithasmuchdignityashecouldmuster.Iheldoutmyhand.“Letme
havethechain,then.”“Why?”heasked.“IfI’mcontrollingthe
flying,Ineedtohavethechain.”Heliftedhisshirt,removed
it,handeditoverandthen
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stoodwithhisbacktomewhileIstrappedhimintotheharness.Heglancedbackatme.
“Justremember,Vega,thatyourfriendandyourcaninewillbesurroundedbymyekos.Ifanythinghappenstome,theydie.”Iturnedawaysohewould
notseetheutterhatredonmy
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face.“Iunderstand.”Destin,Icouldtell,had
beenicecoldwhilearoundThorne’swaist.Nowthelinkswarmedtomytouch.Thatgavemecomfort.“Becausewe’retied
together,we’regoingtohavetojumpstraightup.Justmimicmymovements.Right,then,onthecountofthree.
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One…two…three!”Onthelastnumber,Ikicked
offhard,andsodidhe,albeitalittlelate.Weroseawkwardlyintotheairandthenquicklygainedbothspeedandheight.Islowlyliftedmyfeetinto
theair,drawinghiswithmine.Weleveledoutandsoaredalong.Thewind
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pushedharshlyintomyeyesandtheystartedtowater.FrommycloakpocketIpulledoutthegogglesthatIhadusedatStacks.Thornehadnottakenthesefrommebecausetherewasnothingspecialaboutthem.Butwiththegoggleson,Icouldseeclearlyandnotbetroubledbythewindinmyeyes.
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Thorne’slonghairblewintomyface,butItuckeditundertheharness’sleatherstrapsanditstayedthere.Thornesaid,“Thisis
absolutelyincredible.”ThoughIdespisedhim,I
nearlylaughedatthewonderinhisvoiceandwords.ItwasexactlyhowIhadfeltwhenIfirsttooktotheair.
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IledhimthroughthesamedrillsthatIhadwithDelph.Westayedupforawhile,doingascentsanddescents,changingdirection,soaringaroundtreesandoversmallhills.WhileThornegazedaroundspellbound,IwastakingineverydetailandcomparingittothemapoftheQuagIhadinmyhead
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andtowhatIhadseenfromthecliffwhenwefirstenteredtheQuag.AndwithwhatIwasseeing,
IthoughtImightbesick.Thedark,fog-shrouded
riverIhadspottedtothewestfromthecliffhadmovedtothenorth.Theforestedmountaintothenorththathadlookedbluehadshiftedtothe
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east.Andtherockyslopewasnolongereventhere.IsaidtoThorne,“Whatis
thatmountaininthedistance?”“Ihavenoidea,having
neverbeenthere.”“Isupposeit’salwaysbeen
there,though,”Isaid.“Imean,wheneveryou’vecomeupandlookedatit,the
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thing’sbeenrightwhereit’salwaysbeen?”HeturnedhisheadandI
couldseeafaintsmile.“Ifyou’rereferringtohowthingsintheQuaghaveatendencytomovethemselves,thenyes,Ihavenoticedthat.”Iexclaimed,“Howcana
mountainorrivermove?It’simpossible,isn’tit?”
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“YouwillfindthatnothingintheQuagisimpossible,”hesneered.Itseemedbarmytobelieve
suchathingwastrue,butthefactswereliterallystaringmeintheface.Iwasrippedfrommy
musingsbyscreams.Ilookeddown.Averyyoungekoswasbeingchasedbytwo
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freks.Theotherekoswerefiringtheirmortas,buttheekosanditspursuerswerewelloutoftheweapons’range.“Idiotcreature,”snapped
Thorne,whowaslookingdownnow.“Ah,well,let’sdosomemoremaneuvering,Ve—”However,Ihadalready
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goneintoasteepdive.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’re
doing?”screamedThorne.Thelittleekoscouldnever
outrunthefreks.Theyweregainingwitheveryleapoftheirlonglimbs.Inlessthanasliver,hewouldbedonefor.IaimedsothatIwould
approachfromtherear.IslippedDestinfromaround
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mywaistasThornecontinuedtostruggle.“Up,up!”hescreamedin
myear.“No!”DownbelowIcouldsee
full-grownekosracingalong,theirmortasaimed.Andtherewasanotherekos—afemale,byherappearance—thatwasrunningfasterthananyof
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them,thoughshehadnomorta.Iconcludedthatwasthelittleekos’smother.ShewasgruntingsoloudIknewitwasherwayofscreamingforheryoung.WhetherbeastorWug,amotherwouldsacrificeanythingforheryoung.Iswoopedinbehindthe
freksandusedDestintoswat
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themonthesidesofthehead.Theywereinstantlybowledoverbytheblows.Iputonaburstofspeed,droppedthehandinwhichIheldDestinandsoaredoverthelittleekos.“Grabit,”Icalleddownto
him.Helookedup,thefearsopainfultoseeinhissmallface.
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“Grabit!”Iscreamed,indicatingthechain.Iheardgrowlsbehindus.
Thefrekshadrecovered.Ilookedback.Theyweregaining.Ilookedahead.Ahugestandoftreeswasjustahead.Ihadtopullup.“Go!Go!”screamed
Thorne,tryingtosnatchatthechainthatIkeptjustoutof
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reach.“Leavethedamncreature.Leaveit!”“Takeit,”Iyelledatthe
littleekos,ignoringThorne.Then,somethingoccurredtome.Igrunted.Ididn’tknowexactlywhatIwasgrunting,butIfigureditwasbetterthanjabberingatthepoor,terrifiedthinginWugish.Hereachedouthislittle
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handandhisfingersclosedaroundDestin.Iinstantlypulledupandwedidasharpbankandheadedintheotherdirection,missingthetreesandleavingthefreksfarbelow.Whenthefreksturnedto
followus,theyweremethead-onbyamassofmorta-firingekos.Iheardshotafter
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shotandthenlistenedtothesoundsoftwolargedemonicbeaststhuddingtothedirtfortheverylasttime.Goodriddancetothebloody
things.WewereflyingbackwhenI
heardascream.Ilookeddown.Thelittleekoshadlosthisgriponthechain.Hewasplummetingtohisdeath.I
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wentintoadive,butIknewIwastoofarawaytocatchhimintime.Thelittleekoswasgoingtodie.Myheartsank.Likeablur,Delphcame
racingintoview.Heleapt,soaringseveralfeetintotheair,hislongarmsstretchedtotheirlimit.“Yes!”Iscreamedinjoy.Delphcaughtthelittleekos
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beforehehittheground.Heroseandcarriedhimovertohismother.Themothertookheryoung
inherarms,firsthuggingandkissingandthenscoldinghiminseveregrunts.Thenshewentbacktohuggingandkissinghimagain.“Youimbecile!”roared
Thorneatmeaswetouched
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down.“Youcouldhavegottenmekilled.Andforwhat?Abloodyekos?Ishouldhaveyou—”Hestoppedbecausetheekos
hadsurroundedus.ThenLuc,accompaniedbythemother,approachedandkneltdown.Eachtookoneofmyhandsandkissedit.Thentheydidthesametoa
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mightilyembarrassedDelph.Themotherekosdragged
heryoungoneoverandgruntedathimuntilhedidthesame.WhenIlookeddownintohistiny,unwrinkledface,Inotedthathiseyeswereasredasthefarolderekos.Ismiled,showingeachofmyteeth.Andthenmysmiledeepenedwhenthe
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littlecreatureputhisarmsaroundmeandsqueezedtightly.Delphwassotallthatthe
littleekosjustgrippedhislegswhenhenextwenttohughim.Thorne,who,Iobserved,
hadbeenstudyingallofthisquiteclosely,saidkindly,“Allrightnow,it’sallover.
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Everythingisfine.Thelittle…ladissafe.”Hemadesomequickgruntsandthenpointedatme,andthenathimself.Itseemedtomethatafew
oftheekoslookedatussomewhatdoubtfullyafterthis.WhenIaskedThornewhathehadsaid,heassuredmethathehadgivenusfull
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creditfortherescue.Delphwhispered,“Andif
youbelievethat,I’llsellyouabloodyjabbitforapet.”“Enoughflyingforthis
light,Vega,”saidThorne.“IhavenodoubtIwillgetthehangofitsoonenough.AndthenIwillhavenomoreneedofyourassistance,justyourchain.Or,rather,mychain.”
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HesnatchedDestinawayfrommeandthenpushedandproddedusalonguntilwedescendedoncemoreintothedarknessbeneaththeQuag.Wewereledbacktomy
chamber,andguardswerepostedoutside.However,afewsliverslater,themotherekoscameincarryingalargewoodentray.Lucwasbehind
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her.Sheputthetraydownonastoneslabandsmiledatus.Onthetraywasapitcherof
waterandwhatlookedlikemilk.Somegoblets,breads,somemeatandafewhard-boiledeggsandafattomato,allsliced.Andtwoloavesofbreadthatoozedwarmth.Andtherewasabowlofnutsandsomehunksofdifferent
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cheeses,whichfilledthechamberwiththeirdeliciouslypungentsmell.Ismiledandtriedtogruntin
return,whichmadeherlaugh.Shereachedhergrassyarmsaroundmeandgavemeahug.Ihuggedherback.Luccameoverandembracedmetoo.Thenthecouple,tearsintheirreddenedeyes,departed.
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“Blimey,”saidDelphashesatdownandstarteddiggingintothemeal.“Ithinkwemadesomefriendsthislight.”Ikneltnexttohimand
pouredusoutgobletsofmilk.Itwascoldandtastedfresh.Weweresohungrythatwedidn’tspeak—wejustchewed,drankandswallowed.IhadgivenHarry
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Twohisshare,whichhewashappilydevouringonthestonefloor.Ifinishedmymealandsatthereidlyrubbingmycanine’sears.Delphfinallypushedaway
fromthetrayafterfinishingalongdrinkofmilk,andlookedatme.“Sowhatbeinyourhead,VegaJane?”Itookadeepbreathand
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thenjustletitout.“WhatbeinmyheadisthatwehavetogetoutofherebeforeoldKingThornerunsoutofuseforus.ButfirstweneedtofindoutmoreofhisplantoattackWormwood.AndIstillwanttoknowhowhegotdownthatcliff.”“Whyisthatsoimportantto
you?”heasked.
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“BecauseIdon’tlikeunansweredquestions.Thorneisevil.Yousawhowhewasgoingtoletthatlittleekosdie.”Delphnodded.“Iguess
royaltydon’tcareaboutordinaryblokes.”“Well,Lucandthefemale
cared.”“Aye,”Delphsaid.“’Tisa
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bitcomfortin’,though,ain’tit?”Igavehimaperplexedlook.
“Whatis?”Iasked.“Well,creatureswhatgot
grassgrowingon’emandtalkingruntsgotfeelingslikeus.Care’bouteachother.AllI’msaying.Comfortin’.”Therewasalotgoingonin
Delph’shead.Andthat,for
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me,wascomforting.Ieyedthedoorway,whereI
couldnowseeLuctakingapeekatus.Anideastruckme.“Ithinkthisnightwouldbe
agreatopportunityforustodoalittleexploring.”“Exploring!”exclaimed
Delph.“Andhowdoyou’spectustodothat?”“Likeyousaid,wemade
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somefriendshere.”
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THEMOTHEREKOSandLucenteredourchamberlatertoretrievethemealtray.Isaid,“Iknowyoucan’t
understandme,butthank
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you.”“Itiswewhoneedtothank
you,Vega,”saidLucasthefemaleekosnodded.“YoucanspeakWugish?”I
askedLucinastonishment.“KingThornetaughtmeas
awaytopreventhimfromlosingthespeechhimself.AndItaughtmydaughterhere,Cere.”
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Cereadded,“WedonotspeakWugtotheothers.KingThorneforbidsit.”“Anditwasyoursonthat
wasnearlykilledbythefreks?”Iasked.Shenodded,andtears
clusteredinhereyes.“ButforyouandDelph,Vega,littleKoriwouldbenomore.”Sheplacedagrassyhandgently
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againstmycheek.“DespitewhatKingThornesaid,weknewthattobetrue.”Delphsaid,“Sowhatload-a
rubbishdidthemighty‘king’saythen,eh?”Lucanswered,“ThatitwashisideatosaveKori.”“Hetriedtostopmefrom
savinghim.He’sanevilWug.”
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“Yetweallfearhimtoomuchtoeverousthim,”saidLuc.Delphscoffed.“There’re
lotsofyoublokes.Andonlyone-ahim.”“Butheistheking,”said
Cereinatremblingvoice.“Andhesleepsbehindadoormadeofiron.Andhehasrecruitedspiesamonguswho
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reporttohim.Anysignsofrebellionarequashed.”“Surelytheekoswouldrally
aroundyou,Luc,”Isaid.Heloweredhishead.“No,
Vega.Thatwouldnothappen.”“Whynot?”Hewouldnotlookatmeas
hesaidthewords.“Thorneworksushard,nodoubt.But
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hehastaughtusskillsandhekeepsussafe.”“Youcoulddoallthat
withouthim,”Ipointedout.“Yetmanyekosworship
him,”addedCere.“Idon’tknowwhy,really,becauseheisacruelone,buttheywouldfollowhimanywhere.”IlookedatDelphandthen
backatLuc.“Thatseems
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veryodd,”Isaid.“Imean,he’snotexactlylovable,ishe?”“Well,itismostlybecause
hehasbrokenourwill,ourspirit,”Lucexplained.“Suchathingisgreaterthananyweapon.”Ithoughtaboutthisbut
couldthinkofnoreadyreply.Idecidedtochangethe
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subject.Isaid,“Wemustescapefromhere.Butbeforewego,IwouldliketofindanswerstoquestionsIhave.Willyouhelpus?”LuclookedatCere,who
staredupanxiouslyathim.Finally,henodded.“YousavedlittleKori,sowewillcomebackthisnight.Andthenyouwillhaveyour
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answers,Vega.”
LATETHATNIGHT,wecouldhearfootstepsapproaching.Andasliverlater,alongtheouterstonepassageway,wecouldbothseetheshadowscreatedbyalightcomingourway.ThenLucappearedintheopeningtoourchamberholdinga
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flickeringcandleinonehand.Cerewasbehindhim,lookingpaleandfrightened.Hesaidsoftly,“Tread
lightly.Thereareeyesintheleastlikelyplaces.”Theguardsthathadbeen
stationedoutsideourchamberwerenolongerthere.IfiguredthatwasLuc’sdoing.Thethreeofusfollowedhim
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backdownthepassageway.IhadtoldHarryTwonottobarkorotherwisemakeunduenoise.IcouldhaveswornhenoddedhisheadatmeasIfinishedspeaking.Weflitteddownthecold
passage.Ididhaveonecomfortingthought.Ihadonmycloak.Andinmycloakweremygloveandthe
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Elemental.Wereachedaspotwhere
threecorridorsintersectedandLucledusdowntheoneonthefarleft.Wereachedawoodendoor,whichLucunlockedwithafatbronzekeythatheunclippedfromablackenedironringonhiswideleatherbelt.Hepushedthedooropenandusheredus
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inbeforeclosingtheportalbehindus.Thechamberwasdark,butitbrightenedconsiderablywhenLucusedhiscandletolightthetorchessuspendedonthewall.Igaped.AndsodidDelph.Andwedidsoforgood
reason.Thechamberwasvast,with
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highceilings.Andstrewnthroughoutwerebroad,scarredandstainedwoodenworktablesoverflowingwithwhatlookedtobeintricatetasksinprogress.Therewereoldworm-eatenplankshelves,literallyburstingwithstrangeobjects,andpilesofparchment,scrollsandleather-backedtomes.Andan
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olddeskpackedwithdrawersandcubbiesthatwere,inturn,bulgingwithscrollsandparchment.Andtherewasawoodenswivelchairtuckedintothekneehole.Andonaseriesoflowtableswerebottles,scalesandotherdelicateinstrumentsthatIhadseenandusedatStackstodomyjobasaFinisher.
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“Hecouldn’thavebroughtallthiswithhimfromWormwood,”Isaid.Lucsaid,“Hedidsomeof
theparchment,ink,scrollsandafewoftheinstrumentsandtoolsyousee.Therestcamelater.Andthefurniturewebuiltaccordingtohisdesignafterheshowedushow.Thornetaughtusagreat
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deal.Allheaskedinreturnwasourfreedom.”Lucfinishedinaresignedtone.Asmygazespannedthe
place,itcametorestonsomethingsuspendedfromalongmetalchainaffixedtotheceilinginonefarcorner.Itwasaskeleton.Andnexttotheskeletonandattachedtothewallwastheouterlayer
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ofthething—theskin.AndnowIbelievedIknewhowThornehadmadeitfromthecliffdowntohere.“That’sanadar,”mumbled
Delph.“Wasanadar,”Icorrected.
“That’showThornemanagedthecliff.Heflewdownlikewedid.”“It’sabig’un,”noted
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Delph.“Bigger’nI’veeverseen.”IturnedtoLuc.“Thisishis
…what,workshop?”“Well,hecallsitalaboratory,”saidLuc.“Hespendsmostofhistimeinhere,workingaway,talkingtohimself,sometimescacklinglikehe’sgonebarmy.”
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“Ithinkhehasgonebarmy.”Iwalkedaroundthe
chamberandeyedsomedrawingsthathadbeenfastenedtothewalls.TheseweremapsofWormwood,downtothesmallestdetails.IntheprecisionofthewordsandpicturesIsensedcunningandgenius,butalsoa
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sicknessofthemind.ItgavemechillsjusttolookupontheparchmentandtoenvisionthemadWugbentoverhisterribleobsessionforthedestructionofhisformerhome.Thesemapshadbeendrawn
foraveryclearreason.Theyweregoingtobeusedasthebasisofattack.Inoted
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Thorne’sscribblesandmarginnotesallovertheparchmentpages.Therewasanareanotedasthelandingplace.HewouldprobablysendouthisaeroshipatnightandmakehislandingsatthatspotwhileWormwoodslept.Thenwhenhisarmywasfullyonsitehewouldattackandtakethemallbysurprise.
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TherewerearrowspointingatStacksandSteeplesandtheCouncilbuilding,withreferenceslike“firsttarget”and“useforprisoners,”andwithashiverIreadthewordDestroywrittenoverboththeCareandhospital.Iwonderedwhy,butthenitoccurredtomethatinawar,thesidethatcouldnottakecareofits
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citizensortreattheirwoundswouldlikelynotbevictorious.IlookedatDelph,whohad
beenpeeringovermyshoulder.Helookedsickenedbyallofit.“Anutter,VegaJane,a
nutterwhowantstokill.Wegottostop’im.”IlookedatLuc.“Canwego
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totheaeroshipnow?”Wemadeourwayquickly
throughanumberofpassagewaysuntilIwashopelesslylost.ButwhenIlookedbackatDelph,henodded.“Iknowwhereweare,”he
whispered.“It’sjustupthereontheleft.”Sureenough,LucandCere
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stoppedandturnedtotheleftandpassedthroughanotheropeninginthewall.Theaeroshiptoweredoveruslikeanenormousbeastwaitingtostrikeandthendevour.Therewasnooneelsehere.Wedrewnearertothehuge
woodencarriagethatwouldholdbothtroopsandtheirweapons.ItwasthenthatI
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notedtheseriesofholesinthesides.“Whatarethosefor?”I
asked.Inanswer,Lucpointed
againstonewall.“Howheplanstosteerit.Look.”DelphandIsawthelong
oarswithlarge,flatrectangularendsneatlystackedthere.
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Lucshowedushowtheyworkedandthentookusthroughtherestoftheaeroship,pointingoutthecontraptionthatfilledthehugebladderwithheatedair,andthesteeringmechanism.Andhowventsinthebladderreleasedairandallowedtheaeroshiptodescend.Inoddedinunderstanding.
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“Andwhat’sthecauseofyourreddenedeyes?”Iasked.“Mixingthemortapowder,”
hesaid.“Powderdustgetsin’em.”“ButKorihasredeyestoo.
Surelyhedoesn’tmake—”“Thornedon’tcarehowold
oryoungoneis,Vega,”saidLuc.“Weallhavetowork.”Mybloodboilingatthis
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revelation,wewentbackoutinthepassage.Isaidexpectantly,“Thegrubbs?”Henoddedwearily.“Aye,
thegrubbs.”AndIobserved,ashesaid
this,thatheplacedonelargehandonthehiltoftheshort-barreledmortathatrodeonhisbelt.HeturnedtoCereandsaid,“Youbestheadon
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back.Koriwillbemissingyou.”Ceregavehimaworried
look.“Luc,thinkwhatyou’redoing.IfThornefindsout!”“Youjustgoon,Cere.Go
onnow,”headdedsternly.Withabalefulglanceback
atus,shequicklydisappeareddownthetunnel.“Let’sbeoff,then,”Luc
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saidfirmly,butIcouldseethefearinhiseyes.Notbecauseofthegrubbs,Ididn’tthink,butbecauseoftheking.IglancedatDelph.Icould
tellhewasthinkingexactlywhatIwas.Luccouldbekilledfor
helpingus.ButIdidn’tknowanyotherwaytodothis.And
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Ididhaveaplan.Well,partofoneanyway.Delphwasexpectingmeto
lead.Hel,Iwasexpectingmetolead.IjusthopedIwasn’tleadingustoourdoom.
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ICOULDBOTHFEELandhearmyheartpoundingaswewalkeddownthatlong,darkpassageway.Wehadgonefarenough,perhapsahalfmile,
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thatIcouldjusttellwewereenteringareasthatwerefarremovedfromthelifeoftheKingdomofCataphiledenizens.Lucwaswalkinginslow,measuredstrides,hisgazeswivelingfromsidetoside.WhenIlookedatDelph,hewasglancingoverhisshoulder.“Luc,”hesaid,turningback
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around.“Dogrubbsattackanything?”“No.Notwithoutareason.”IlookedatDelph.“Solet’s
notgivethemareason.”Luc’sstepsslowedaswe
nearedwhatlookedtobeablankwall.IthoughtperhapsLuchadtakenawrongturndownhere,whenIheardit.Isupposethat’swhenweall
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heardit.Andthenfeltit.Rumblings,andtheground
underusstartingtoshake.Dirtandstonedustfromoverheadcascadeddown.Westartedtocoughandgag.IhadturnedtorunbackthewaywehadcomewhenIfeltahandonmyarm,holdingmeinplace.Lucsaid,“It’sallright.Just
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theirwayisall.They’veheardusapproach.”Thenextmoment,thewall
infrontofuscollapsed,revealingahole.Intheholewasaface,whichtookuptheentireopening.Apairofdullyelloweyeswasstaringatme.Whenthemouthopened,Icouldseeenormousjaggedteethfarmorelethal-looking
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thananyknifeI’deverseen.Luclookedatthecreature
andsaidsomewordsthatIhadnowayofunderstanding.Theyappearedtobeacrossbetweengruntsandhisses.Thenheturnedtolookatus.“TheyknowThorne’snotwithus.Noneedtoworrynow.”Ilookeddownatthemorta.
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“Thenwhydoyouhavethatout?”Iasked.“Well,grubbsmight’ve
struckfirstandthenfoundoutThornewasn’there.Paystobecautiouswhendealingwithanythingasbigandunpredictableasagrubb.Thatonethereweighsaboutaton.”Icreptforwardandrested
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mygazeonthegrubb.Itgazedbackatme.“Whyisthegrubbstaringat
melikethat?”“Well,youlooklike
Thorne.AWug,Imean.”“CanyoutellitthatwhileI
amaWug,I’mnotaWuglikeThorne?”“Alreadydid,Vega.It’s
whyithasn’ttriedtokill
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you.”MystomachlurchedandI
foundmyselfbackingupapaceortwo.“Itsnameis,well,nouse
sayingit,youwon’tbeabletopronounceit,muchlessrememberit.We’lljustcallitGrubb.”“Hello,Gr-Grubb,sir,”said
apanickyDelph.
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“Matteroffact,’tisafemale,Delph,”saidLuc.“Youcantellbytheeyes.Yellowforthefemalesandblueforthemales.Don’tknowwhy,justthewayitis.”Lucmarchedforwardand
pattedthegrubbonits,or,rather,herhead.ThegrubbletoutasoundthatIhadheardbefore.Butthenithad
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beenafelinepurring.“Peacefulcreatures,”said
Luc.“Keepthemselvestothemselves.Theytunneldownhere.Caneatthroughrockfaster’ngnomeswiththeirclawscan.”“Theyeatrock?”gasped
Delph.IwatchedasHarryTwo
sidledovertothegrubband
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sniffedit.MycaninewasperilouslyclosetothoseenormousteethandIwasabouttocallhimback,whenHarryTwolickedthething.BeforeIcouldmove,along,
slitherytongueappearedbetweenthejaggedteethandthegrubblickedHarryTwoback.Imovedforwardandcautiouslyputoutahand,
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stoppingandlookingquestioninglyatLuc.“G’on,then,”hesaid
encouragingly.“Grubbknowsyou’reokay.”Ipattedthegrubb’shead
andthenDelphjoinedmeindoingso.ItwasfarsofterandnotnearlyasslimyasIthoughtitwouldbe.Itwasliketouchingacattaildown
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bythepondbackinWormwood.Icouldseethatitwasabouttwicethesizeofacreta,whichwasverylargeindeed.Itmusteatalotofrock.Aswewerepettingthe
grubb,Delph’sandmyfingerstouched.Ilookedupathimandhedownatme.Wesmiledatthesametime.
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“LikebeingdownatthepondinWormwood,”hesaid.“Youremember?”“Iwasjustthinkingofthe
cattailsweusedtorub,”Isaid,blushingabit.ThegrubblickedDelph’s
hand.“She’stakenarightshineto
you,Delph,”saidLuc.“What?”gaspeda
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thoroughlywonkedDelph.“No,Idon’tthink…why,whatbusinessisitofyoursifVegaJa—”IfeltsobadlyforDelphthat
Iinterruptedhimandsaid,“Ithinkhemeansthegrubb,Delph.”Icouldfeelmycheeksafire.Delphstaredopenmouthed
atmeforwhatseemedten
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slivers.Hisfaceheldsomanydifferentexpressions,onetrackinganother,thatitwasallIcoulddonottolaugh,thoughIwasasembarrassedashe.“Oh,right,o’coursehe
does,”hesaidinavoicehewastryingsohardtomakefirmthatitwobbledbadly.“Um,whydotheyhate
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Thorneso?”Delphasked,keepinghisgazeawayfromme.“Well,theyhavegood
reason.”Lucpointedtothecreature’sskinandthenrubbedit.“Itshideisstrong.Butitcanalsodosomethingelse.”“What?”Iasked.“Itcanexpand.Bigasyou
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wantitto.It’swhyThornekills’em.”“Hekillsthem?”I
exclaimed.“Slaughters’em,morelike
it.Leasthedid.”“Whyistheskinso
importanttoThorne?”Delphasked.“Forthebladder,”answered
Luc.
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“Thebladder,ontheaeroship?”Isaid.ThenIrealizedwhathemeant.“Heusesthegrubb’sskintomakethebladder?”Iadded,horrified.Lucnodded.“Has’em
stitchedtogether.Andthegrubb’sblood?Ithardensgoodandstoutwhenyoumixitwithafewotheringredients.Wheretheneedle
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holesareinthebladderwhentheystitchthehidestogether?Thorneusesthebloodconcoctiontoseal’emsonoairleaksout.”Iturnedtolookatthegrubb.
WhileIknewitprobablycouldnotunderstandus,Isensedadeepmiseryinitseyes.Hereyes.Whydidtherehavetobe
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WugslikeThorne?Whoseonlyinterestwasfurtheringtheirowngoalsandnotcaringawhitabouttheeffectonothers?IwhisperedthisthoughttoDelph.Henoddedandsaidquietly,
“’Tisagoodlessonforusall,VegaJane.”Lucsaid,“Buthehasn’t
caughtagrubbinalongtime
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now.”“Why?”Lucsaidhisnextwordsina
lowvoice.“’CauseIcomeandwarn’emandtheygohide.”Heshookhisheadsadly.“Theymightnotbemuchtolookat,Iknow.Butunderneaththathide,they’veaheartasbigasanyyou’relikelytoeversee.”
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Ilookedbackatthegrubbandcouldseethatheryelloweyeswerefilledwithmoisture.WhenIshotaglanceatLuc,hehadanticipatedmyquestion.“Agrubbcansensethings
likewenevercan.Theycanfeelwhatwe’refeeling.Idon’tknowifwegiveoffascentorwhat,buttheyknow.
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Theyjustknow.Sheunderstandsthatwe’resad.Andsoshe’ssadtoo.Andwiththatsadness,italsotellsherthatwe’re,well,thatwe’regoodcreatures,notbad.”Ihadneverbeenreferredto
asacreaturebefore.Butthenagain,aWugwasjustonethingamongmanyother
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livingthings,Ireckoned.Iturnedtolookatthegrubb
andgentlyrubbedherface.Isaid,“Ithinkyou’revery
beautiful.”AndIsmiled.Thepurringsoundfilledthe
passagewayagain.Ismiledevenmorebroadly,
andthoughIcouldn’tbesure,itseemedthatshewassmilingbackatme.
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“Nowshesenseshappiness,”explainedLuc.Isaid,“Thornesaidthey’ve
triedtokillhim,manytimes.How?”“Theycantunnelthrough
anything.Neverknowwheretheymightpopout.Onlythinggives’emawayisthesoundoftheirtunneling.”“SoI’msureThorne,being
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ascunningasheis,takesprecautions?”“Patrolsdownthe
passagewaysandhasthingsonthewallthatmeasurethesmallestofvibrations.Giveshimearlywarningwhenandwheretheymightbecoming.Andhissleepingchamberislinedwithiron.Grubbscanworktheirwaythroughiron,
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butittakesawhile.PlentyoftimeforThornetogetaway,butevenso,earlyon,theycameclosetogettinghim.”Helookedatthegrubb,and
hisfacebecameembarrassed.“RightmorecouragethanIgot.”“Butyouwarnedthem
againstThorne,”Delphpointedout.“Thattakes
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courage.”“Notthesame,isit?”said
Luc.“No,notthesame.”“It’sCereandKori,isn’t
it?”Isaid.ThisstatementmadeLucglanceatme.Icontinued.“He’dhurtthem,right?Ifyouturnedagainsthim?Shewasworriedthatyouwereshowingustheseplaces.She’safraidThorne
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willfindout.”Lucslowlynodded.“Hehas
ekosfiercelyloyaltohim.They’dkilltheirownfleshandblood.Ithinkhe’sdonesomethingtotheirminds,butIhavenoproofofthat.”Agreatmanythoughtswere
swirlingthroughmyhead.IturnedtoLuc,mydeterminationresolute.“How
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longdidittakeThornetobuildtheaeroship?”“Tenormoresessions,close
asIremember.Lotofwork.”“Tensessions,”Irepeated,
andthensmiled.Thatwasagoodthing,Ithought.“Andifhecan’tcatchanymoregrubbs,hecan’tbuildanotherbladderoraeroship.”Delphwhisperedinmyear,
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“Whatareyouplanningtodo,VegaJane?”“Escapethisplaceandmake
surehecan’tattackWormwood,”Isaidflatly,asthoughitwereobvious.Anditwastome.IhadexpectedDelphto
simplynodinagreement.Onlyhedidn’t.“’Tain’tthatsimple,Vega.”
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“What?”Isaid,startled.“Whatabouttheekosand
gnomes?”Herubbedthefaceofthegrubb.“Andtheseherecreatures?”“Idon’tunderstandyou,
Delph.”“YouheardLuc.Thornehas
spies.Thoseloyaltohim.Ifweescapeandruinhisplans,youthinkhewon’ttakeitout
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onthem?OnLuc,andCereandlittleKori?”Icouldn’tlookatDelph
becauseIknewhewasright.Myheartwasbeingtorninhalfwiththisdilemma.“We…wecan’tsaveeveryone,Delph.It’simpossible.”“Well,wecantry,”he
repliedmatter-of-factly.Istartedtosnapsomething
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backathim,butthenIrealizedthathewasentirelyintheright.Ifeltbothrelievedbythisbutalsolikeamountainhadsettleduponmyshoulders.WehadcomeinherewiththegoalofsurvivingtheQuag.Nowwewouldbecommittingtosavingabunchofothersaswell.ButDelphwasright.
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Wehadtoatleasttry.Isaidslowly,“Wecantry,
Delph.ButI’mgoingtoneedhelp.Ican’tdothisalone.”“That’swhyyagotme,
VegaJane.”
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FORTHENEXTfivelights,IcarriedThorneintheharnessandtaughthimtheintricaciesofflying.Andeachnight,wewerevisitedbyLuc,
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sometimesaccompaniedbyCere.TheyhadcontinuedtoprovideuswithinformationaboutThorne.DelphandIweredoingour
besttocomeupwithaplan.Wehadpartsofitingoodshape,buthowcouldweensurethatonceweleft,Thornewouldbekingnolonger?
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AndIdidhaveoneunansweredquestionthatwasdrivingmemad.WhydidThornewanttogo
towarwithhisownkind?WhatwouldmakeaWughateotherWugssomuch?ItalkedtoDelphaboutthisonenight.“Well,”hesaid.“Seemsto
methattoanswerthat
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question,weneedtoknowwhytheblokecameintotheQuaginthefirstplace.Prettydesperatethingtodo.Andhetoldusthathewasforcedtoleave.”“That’sright.AlthoughI
thinkhehadtoflee.IfhehaddonesomethingbadtheywouldhaveputhiminValhall,notmadehimgointo
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theQuag.”“Whateverhedidmusta
beenprettybad,then,tomakehimchoosetheQuag.TheywereprobablygoingtolopoffhisheadifhestayedinWormwood.”Ishiveredabit.Thathad
almosthappenedtome.“Somaybeonetiesintothe
other?”Isaid.“He’sgetting
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backatthemformakinghimleave?”“WayIseeit,yeah.”Anideacametome.I
quicklytoldDelphaboutit.Hesaidthoughtfully,“It
maywork,butweneedtoknowmore.”“Weknowwhotoask,
then,”Ireplied.Thenextnight,Iqueried
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LucifheknewwhyThornehadcomeintotheQuag.Lucsaid,“Well,whenhe’s
beenfarintothebottlesofmeadsomenights,I’veheardhimsaythings.Spoutingoffnamesandsuch.”“Whatnames?”Iasked
anxiously.Lucrubbedhischeek,
staringoff.“Me—Letme
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thinknow.Mer.No,Mur–Murgatroyd.Yes,thatwasit.Murgatroyd.”Thenamemeantnothingto
me.IlookedatDelph,whoshookhishead.“Anythingelse?”“Hewouldgoonabout
Wugsnotseeinghimforthegreatleaderhewas.Oh,hedidmentionanothername,
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’ceptyoualreadyknowit.”“What?”Iasked.“Virgil.”“Theywerefriends,I
guess.”“Inhismeadcups,hedidn’t
soundnonetoofriendlytowardhim.”Ipuzzledoverthisforabit.
“Luc,isthereanywayIcangetintoThorne’ssleeping
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chamber?”“Don’tseehow.Keepsit
lockedwhenhe’soutofitandlockedwhenhe’sinit.Why?”Delphsaid,“Wethinkthe
reasonhecameintotheQuagmightbeinthere.”“Aye,ifhewantedtokeep
itsecret,thatwouldbetheplace,fornoonegoesinthere
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buthim.”“Canyouatleastshowus
wherehesleeps,Luc?”Iasked.Wepassedthroughquitea
fewcorridorsuntilIwashopelesslylost,butIknewDelphprobablywasn’t.Ilookedbackathimtoconfirmthathecouldfindthisplaceagainifneedbe.Hegavea
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quicknod.Lucstoppedatthe
beginningofapassageandpointeddownthecorridorofstone.ItwaswelllightedandthusIcouldeasilyseethemassivedoorattheend,setdirectlyintotherockwall.Therewerenoguardspostedoutsidethedoor,yetitlookedimpenetrable.
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Onthereturnjourney,IspoketoLucinalowvoice.Atfirsthewasnotreceptivetomyideas,butIcouldsensethatthecourageandspiritThornehadtakenfromhimwasslowlyreturningtotheheadekos.Assoonaswegotbackto
ourlittlechamber,Lucleftus.
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“WehavetogetintoThorne’ssleepingchamber,”Isaid.AsIsaidit,Ifeltthecollywobblesinmystomach,likeamillionmothswereflyingaroundinthere.Delphnodded.“Thorne’s
becomequiteadabhandatflying.Whichmeanshewon’tneedusmuchlonger,willhe?Thenwe’llbebones
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onawall.”“Lucwillhelp,butIneeda
waytogetintohisroomwhileThorneisn’tthere.”“Thenwhatyouneedisto
gethimouttahisroom.”Ifrowned.“Brilliant,Delph.
IwishIwouldhavethoughtofthat.Welldone,”Iaddedsarcastically.“No,Imeanyouneeda
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distraction.”“Whatsort?”Iasked
curiously.“He’safraidofgrubbs,
right?”“Well,yeah,theywantto
killhim.So?”“Sowestartwiththatand
buildourplan.”“Yougotsomegrubbs
that’lldoyourbidding?”I
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askedskeptically.Mycloakwashangingona
pegonthewall.Hereachedinoneofitspockets,putonmyglove,pulledouttheElementalandwilledittofullsize.“TheElemental?”Isaid,
completelypuzzled.Henodded.“WiththisIget
topretendI’msomethingthat
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I’mnot.”IsmiledasIfinally
understoodwhathemeant.“Agrubb,”Isaid.
THIRTYSLIVERSLATER,DelphandIpeeredaroundthecornerofthepassagewayleadingtoThorne’schamber.DelphwasholdingtheElemental.
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“Lucisallreadytogo,”Isaid.Delphnodded,exhaleda
longbreathandsaid,“Youbestbegettingon,then.”Ihurrieddownthe
passagewayandsecretedmyselfinanichethatwouldkeepmehiddenfromview.Ileanedout,lookedbackdownthepassageatDelphand
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nodded.ThenIsqueezedmyselfbackintotheniche.IsawtheElementalblast
pastme,itsturbulentwakesnuffingoutthetorchesonthewallasitsailedby.Thenitstruckthedooraterrificblow,knockingitdown.Momentslater,intheneardarknessnow,IsawitzoombacktowardDelph.
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TherewerescreamsandshoutsandIknewLuchaddonehistaskaswell.Ekosupanddownpassageswerecryingoutthatthegrubbswereattacking.Thenextsliver,Iheardhim.ItwasThorneshouting
orders,andIshrunkbackasfarasIcouldinthenichewhenheracedpastmeinthe
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nowdarkenedpassage,ashort-barreledmortainonehandandaflickeringcandleintheother.Hewasinhissleepingclothes,hishairwildandflyingaroundhisface.HehadDestinaroundhiswaist.Assoonashewaswellpast
me,Iturnedandrantowardhischamber.Ididn’tknow
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howlongIwouldhave,butIdoubteditwouldbelong.Theilluminationfromthe
candleIhadbroughtandjustnowlightedshowedthatthechamberhadfewfurnishings.Abed,anightstand,andanoldwardrobesetagainstonewall.Therewasnothingonthebedexceptapileofsheetsandblankets;apillowwas
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lyingonthefloor.Ilookedatthenarrow
crevicebetweenthefloorandthebed—nothing.ThenIheftedthemattress.Yes!Wedgedinamongtheropes
thatsupportedthemattresswasabook.Isnatcheditfreeandputthe
mattressbackinplace.I
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lookeddownatthebook.LogofExperiments?Iopenedittothefirstpage.
TherewasneathandwritingthatIknewtobeThorne’s,havingseensamplesofitinhislaboratory.Ireaddownsomeofitquickly,butIcouldmakeneitherheadnortailofit.Ilookeddownatthemattress.Ithadbeenalabor
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liftingitandIwasprettystrong.Thebookofexperimentswasfull;therewasn’tanemptypageleftinit.IdoubtedthatThornewouldtakeitoutoftenjusttolookatit.Andthusheprobablywouldn’tnoticeitmissing.Iknewitwasarisk,yetthismightbetheonlychanceIhad.Ithrustitinto
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mycloakandcontinuedon.Ifoundnothinginthe
nightstand.Thatleftthewardrobe.Ipulledopenthewardrobedoorsandrifledquicklythroughtheclothinghangingthere.Next,myfingersfranticallytuggedatdrawers,butIfoundnothinginthem.Andthenmyhandclosed
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aroundthebox.Itwasinanopencubbyat
thebottomofthewardrobe.Itwaswoodenwithcarvingsthatmadenosensetome.Iopenedtheboxandgasped.Insidewasmygrandfather’sring,alongwiththeAdderStone.Myfirstthoughtwastotakethem,butThornewouldsurelymissthem.
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Unlikethebookunderthemattress,theseobjectswerenewtohimandfarmoreeasilyaccessed.Ontheotherhand,Imightnotgetanotherchancetoretrievethem.Itwasanagonizingchoice.Finally,Idecidedtoleavethemthere,andcontinuedtorummagethroughthebox.Myfingersclosedarounda
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pictureofthreeWugs.Onewasevidentlya
youngerThorne.Hewasstandingnexttoagrownfemale.PerhapsthiswastheMurgatroydthatLucsaidhehadheardThornemention.Andnexttoherwasaveryyoungfemalewholookedbothfamiliarandforeigntome.Therewasthehintof
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somethingIrecognizedintheeyesandaroundthejawline,buttherestofherdidn’tjoganythinginmymind.IturnedwhenIheard
footstepsandthenamortawasfiredoff.Withthelabyrinthofpassagesdownhere,theechoesplayedfunnytricksonone’shearing.Icouldn’treallytellhowclose
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Thornemightbe.AnotherloudexplosioncausedmetojumpandIdroppedthepicture.Iwaited,holdingmybreath,toseeifanotherexplosionwouldcome.Whenitdidn’t,Ipickedupthepicture,andthistimetheothersidewasfacingme.Ilookedatthehandwritingscrawledontheback.Iheld
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thecandleclosersoIcouldreaditclearly.Thorne,Murgatroydand—Mybreathcaughtinmy
throat.Morrigone.ThornewasMorrigone’sfather.AndMurgatroydwashermother.Thelikenessamongthemtallied.WhenIlookedatthepictureoncemore,Iinstantlyrecognized
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theyoungerMorrigoneandwonderedwhyIhadn’tthefirsttime.Morrigonehadtoldmeher
fathersufferedanEventwhenshewassixsessionsold.HehadbeendownneartheedgeoftheQuag,shesaid,huntingforacertaintypeofmushroom.Yethehadn’tsufferedanEvent.Hehad
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donesomethingbadthathadcausedhimtoescapepunishmentbyenteringtheQuag.Whathadhappenedto
Murgatroyd?Morrigonehadnevermentionedher.Iquicklyremembered,
though,thatJuliusDomitarhadmentionedher,onlynotbyname.Hehadsaidthatit
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wasMorrigone’sjobtotakecareofWormwoodandallWugsinit.HesaidthatsuchtaskswereoftenpasseddowninfamiliesandthatMorrigone’smotherhaddoneitbeforeher.SoMurgatroydhadbeen
Wormwood’sprotectorpriortoMorrigoneassumingtherole.Thenwhathadhappened
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toMurgatroyd?Ineededtoknow.Theshoutsandrunningfeet
weregrowingcloserandIknewmytimeherewaslimited.Onlytherewasonemorethingintheboxthatneededmyattention.Ipulledoutthesheetof
parchment.ItwasaletteraddressedtoThorne.The
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handwritingwaspreciseandclear.WhileIcouldtellthepaperwasveryold,theinkwasstillasclearastheskyonabrilliantlybright,cloudlesslight.Ireadthecontentsofthe
letterquickly,slowingasInearedtheend.WhenIsawthesignatureatthebottom,Ithoughtmyheartwouldstop.
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Somanythingsstartedtomakesensetome.ThenIheardThorne’svoiceandshotaglanceovermyshoulder.Hewasverynearlyatthedoor.WhichmeantIwastrapped.
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ILOOKEDFRANTICALLYAROUND.Therewasnospaceunderthebed.Thenightstandwastoosmalltoconcealme.Therewasonlyoneoption.I
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putoutmycandle,jumpedupintothewardrobeandshutthedoors.IwastryingtoshrinkmyselfbehindtheclothingwhenIheardThorneenterhischamber.Atfirst,Idarednotmove.
Theboxwasstillinmyhand.AsIbentovertosetitdown,thecontentsinsideshifted,makingaslightsound.Iheld
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mybreath,hopingbeyondhopethathehadnotheardit.AsliverwentbyandIfinallyletoutthebreath.Ifiguredithadbeentheringslidingaroundthatmadethenoise.Islowlyopenedtheboxandfeltfortheringinthedarkness.MyfingersclosedarounditandIslippediton.ThenIsetdowntheboxand
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waited.IheardThornemutteringto
himself.Heseemedtobespendingsomesliversaroundthefallendoor.Thatmadesense,Ithought.HowcouldsoparanoidaWugsafelygobacktosleepexposed,particularlyaftersuchanattack?ThenIheardgruntsandmoregrunts.Agroupof
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ekosapparentlyhadjoinedtheirking.Iheardagreatdealofhuffingandpuffingandthensomethinghardhittingsomethingelsehard.Thegruntscontinuedforaboutasliverandthenthereweremultiplefootstepsgoingaway.Thensilence.AsIstoodthereinthe
wardrobe,Ithoughtabout
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whattodo.Finally,Ireachedananswer.Myplanwouldbetowaituntilhefellsoundlyasleepandthenmakemywayoutofthechamberthroughwherehisdoorhadoncebeen.Hismutteringscontinued
andIgrewmoreandmorecuriousastowhattheblokewasdoing.IfoundthatifI
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leanedforward,Icouldseethroughaslightgapbetweenthetwowardrobedoors.ThechamberwaslightednowbecauseThornehadevidentlylitthewalltorcheswhenhe’dreturned.Myhopesofescape
plummeted.Thornehadhadtheekoslift
thedoorandplaceitinits
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opening.Whileitwasnolongeraperfectfit,therewasnocrevicebigenoughformetofitthrough.IwouldhavetostayhereallnightandwaitforThornetoleavenextlight,orriskknockingthedooroverassoonashewasasleep.Then,suddenly,Ihadafar
greaterproblem.Thornewasheadingright
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forthewardrobe.Isawwithathrillofhorror
thathisnightshirtwasfilthy.Hewasgoingtoputonafreshnightshirttoreplacethedirtyone.IshrunkbackasfarasI
could,thoughIknewitcouldn’tpossiblybeenough.InmyanxietyInervouslytwistedmygrandfather’sring
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aroundandaroundonmythumb.ThedoorswereflungopenandIcaughtabreathandclosedmyeyes,waitingfortheblowtofall.Nothinghappened.Iopened
myeyes.Thornewasstaringrightatme,ourfacesbarelyafootapart.Buthemadenoreaction.Itwasasifhecouldn’tseemeatall.He
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pulledoutacleannightshirtandclosedthewardrobedoor.Asliverlater,Iheardhimsettleintohisbed.Istoodtheretryingnottobreathe,butalsotryingtosortoutwhathadjusthappened.IfThornecouldseetotakea
freshnightshirtandthenclimbintobed,howcouldhepossiblynotseeme?Irana
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handdownmyleg.Iwassolidenough.ThenIrubbedmyfingeragainstthering.Intwistingitaroundandaround,Ihadreversedit.Thepartofitwiththestrangethree-hookeddesignwasfacingdownward,andthering’sbandwasexposedonthetopsideofmythumb.Ihadworntheringbefore
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andnothingspecialhadhappened.ButIhadneverreversedtheringbefore,Ithought.IntwistingtheringaroundasI’ddone,hadIbeen,well,renderedincapableofbeingseen?Itseemedanimpossiblethought,butwhatotherexplanationwasthere?SocouldIsneakoutof
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here?Iwouldstillhavetomovethedoortogetthroughit.Thornewouldcertainlyknowsomeoneorsomethingwasthere.OrIcouldstayhereandwaitforfirstlight.Idecidedtochanceit.Iglancedthroughthecrack
oncemoreandsawThorneinbed.Hehadkeptonecandleburning,butthechamberwas
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onlypartiallylightedbyit.IwaitedtwentymoresliversuntilIstartedtohearhisbreathingdeepen.Whenasoftsnoreescapedhislips,Icountedtotenandthenquietlyopenedthewardrobedoor.Itgavealittlecreak,whichsoundedtomelikethescreamofagarmonthehunt.Ifroze,awaitingThorne
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possiblyspringingupandwonderinghowhiswardrobehadmanagedtoopenitsowndoor.Buthedidn’tstir.IclosedthedoorbehindmeafterslidingtheboxwiththemysticcarvingbackwhereI’dfoundit.Ilookedupatthemassive
chamberdoor.Itriedtowedgemyheadthroughan
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openingbetweenitandthewall,butIcouldn’tfit.Theekoshadleaneditbackagainstthewallsothattherewereonlycrevicesoneitherside.TherewasaholedeadcenterinthedoorwheretheElementalhadhitit,onlyitwasn’tlargeenoughformetoclimbthrough.Andanyway,itwastoofaroffthefloorfor
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metoreach.Iplacedmyfingersinside
oneofthecrevices,setmyfeetandpulled.Thedoordidn’tbudge.ItwouldhavebeeneasywithDestinaroundmywaistbecauseoftheexceptionalstrengthitconveyedtome.ButmychainwasaroundThorne’swaistandIseriouslydoubted
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Icouldstripitoffhimwithouttheblokenoticing.IalmostcriedoutwhenIheardthewhisperyvoicefromtheothersideofthehugedoor.“Wotcha,VegaJane?”ItwasDelph.Icreptforwardandputmy
mouthrightnexttothecrevice.“He’sinhereasleep,butI
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can’tgetout.”“Standback,”hesaid.“Whatareyougoingto
do?”Ibreathedthroughthecrevice.“SameasIdidbefore.”TheElementalstruckthe
doordead-onlessthanasliverlater,andittoppledinward.IwasthroughtheopeningsofastthatIcould
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seetheElementalsmackbackintoDelph’soutstretchedglove.Thenhedisappeareddownthehall,runningforhislife.IwasalsorunningformylifedownthepassagebecausemortaroundswereexplodingoutofthechamberIhadjustescaped.IturnedforamomentandsawThorneintheopendoorway.Hehad
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ashort-barreledmortaineitherhandandwasblastingaway.AndthoughImightbeinvisible,Iwasstillfleshandblood.Oneroundzingedpastmyear.Anothersplatteredoffthewall,andapieceofstoneshatteredoff,hitmyarmandcutit.Ikeptrunninganddidn’tstopuntilIwasbackinoursleepingchamber.Delph
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wasalreadythere,bentover,hisbigchestheavinginandout.Thefull-sizeElementalwas
onthefloor.DelphhadforgottentoshrinkitandThornemightbehereanysliver.Isnatchedthegloveoffhishand,heftedthegoldenlanceandwilledittoitstinysize.
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Delphnearlyjumpedtotheceiling.ItwasthenIrealizedthathecouldnotseeme.HehadjustseentheElementalandtheglovesuspendedinair.Ispuntheringarounduntil
itwasbacktoitsnormalposition.Hestaredatmelikehe’d
seenanadarflyingaroundthe
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room.“How—how—how—?”
PoorDelphcouldn’tfinish.Hewasshakingtoobadly.“Itwasthering.”Iheldit
up.“Howcanabloodyring
makeyou…makeyounotthere?”Itwistedtheringand
vanished.IknewIhad
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vanishedbecauseDelphwaslookingaroundtoseewhereI’dgone.Iputitbackoncemoreandreappeared.“Idon’tknowhowitdoesit,Delph.I’mjustgladitdidsothisnight.OtherwiseI’dbedead.”ThismademerememberwhatI’ddiscovered.“Delph,Ihavesomuchto
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tellyou.”Itoldhimaboutthepicture
first.Hescratchedhischinand
said,“SoyouthinkThorneisMorrigone’sfather?”“I’msureofit.And
Murgatroydishermother.Washermother.She’sdead.”“Well,howdoyouknow
that?”heasked.
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“BecauseofthesecondthingIfound.Itwasaletter.FromVirgiltoThorne.”“Whatletter?”“VirgilaccusedThorneofmurderingMurgatroydwithpoisonedmushrooms.HesaidhewasgoingtoseeThorneexecutedforhiscrime.AndhementionedMorrigoneintheletter.HesaidthatThorne
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hadrobbedherofhermother.That’swhyThornehadtofleeWormwood.”“BloodyHel,”exclaimed
Delph.“Thatblokejustlikestokill,don’the?”Isatdownonthepalletnext
tohim.“MurgatroydwaslikeMorrigone.ItwasherjobtotakecareofWugsandWormwood.Ibetthatmade
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Thornejealous.Ibethealsoknewwhatelseshecoulddo.ThesamethingsMorrigonecandonow.”“Yameanmagic-sorcery
stuff?”“IwonderifMorrigone
evenknowswhatreallyhappenedtohermother?”“Makesmefeelkind-asorry
forher,”saidDelph.
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IhadneverthoughtIwouldfeelsorryforMorrigone.ButifThornehadmurderedMorrigone’smother?Whataweighttocarryinone’sheart.IwassurprisedthatThorne
hadnotturneduptocheckonusbynow.Butperhapshewaschasingdowngrubbsinsomefar-offpartofhiskingdom.Atleastitwould
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giveussometimetothink.Thornewasundeniablya
monster.Andhehadtobestopped.Now.Buthow?ThenIremembered.ThebookIhadtakenfromunderThorne’smattress.Maybetherewassomethinginthere.Ipulledthebookoutand
showedittoDelph.“Blimey,”hesaid.
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“Experiments?”Westartedreadingthebook
together.Itwasfillednotonlywithwordsbutwithdrawings.WebothturnedpaleandthenIfeltsicktomystomach.Theyweredrawingsofcut-
upekos,gnomesandgrubbs.Thedrawingsofyoungekos,theirbodiesalldisfigured,
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mademesick.Ihadtolookaway.“He’s…been
experimentingonthem,”Delphsaid.“Someone’scoming,”Isaid
inahushedvoice.Ilookeddownatthering.Theblastedring.IfIwasfoundwithit?Andthebook!Igazedaround,searching
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forahidingplace.Buttherewasreallynowhere.Thensomethingnudgedmyhand.ItwasHarryTwo.Ilookedatmycanineandhelookedbackatme.Itooktheringoffandheopenedhismouth.Iplacedtheringinsideandheclosedhissnout.IslidthebookofexperimentsunderhimandHarryTwolayright
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down,hisbigbodycoveringitcompletely.Iblewoutthecandle,andthechamberwasplungedintodarkness.DelphandIquicklylaydownandpretendedtobeasleep.Afewmomentslater,
Thornestalkedin,followedbyanumberofekos.Theywerecarryingtorchesandmortas.Lucwasoneofthem.
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Isatup,stretchedandletoutayawn.“Whatisit?”Iasked
sleepily.“What’sallthefussnow?”Thornecametostandover
me.Helookedfirstatme,thenatDelph.HisgazesweptoverbutdidnotlingeronHarryTwo,wholaythereonthefloorwithhissnout
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betweenhisfrontpaws.“What’sallthefussnow?”
saidThorne.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”headdedsuspiciously.“Well,therewasthis
commotionbefore.Screams.Mortashots.Thenitquieteddown.Andthenitstartedupagain.Butthenitquieteddownagain.Untilyoublokes
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showedup.”Thornekeptpeeringatme.
“Haveyoubeenhereallthistime?”Inoddedandsaid,“Where
elsewouldwebe?”ThornelookedatLuc,who
said,“’Tistrue,myking.Theyneverlefthere.’Twasthegrubbscomeback,nodoubt.”
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“Hmm,Iwonder,”saidThorne.Therewasalookinhiseyesandadangeroussoundinhistonethatmademyskinturncold.“Iwantthemsearched,”he
said,pointingatmeandDelph.“Whatarewelookingfor,
myking?”saidLuc.Thorneroared,“I’llknowit
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whenIseeit,Luc.Justdoit.”NowIknewhehad
discoveredtheringmissing.Ididn’tknowaboutthebook.Perhapshehadn’tlookedunderhismattress.IputonmyblankestexpressionandprayedtoSteeplesthatDelphwasabletodothesame.Itookachanceatglancingoverathimanddiscovered
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thatDelphhadslumpedbackdownandlookedlikehewasasleep.Iwassoproudofhim!Weweresearchedand
nothingwasfound.Ofcoursetheyneverthoughttolookinmycanine’smouthfortheringorunderhimforthebook.Thornewasnotpleased,Icouldtell.And
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neitherwasI,atleastnotentirely.NowIknewThornewouldbelievethereweretraitorsamonghisnumber.AndthelastthingIwantedwastobringperiltoLucandhisfamily.AsThornestalkedoff,Lucgavemeatremulousglancethatonlyheightenedmyfearforhim.Ireachedoutmyhandand
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HarryTwoobedientlyopenedhismouthandallowedmetoretrievethering.Iwipeditoffandputiton,carefultokeepthethree-hooksideupsoIwouldn’tvanish.ThenItookthebookbackandlookeddownatit.“Anawful,terribleWug,”
saidDelphsolemnly.“Iknow.Butwiththisbook,
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Ithinkwehaveachancetomakesurehe’sanex-king,Delph.”“Howd’yamean?”“Thisisproofoftheevil
thingshe’sbeendoingtotheekosandgnomes.”Hisfeatureswidenedin
understanding.“Right,wecangiveittoLucandhecan…hecanuseittofireupthe
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ekoslike.There’snowaythey’dremainloyaltoThorneafterlearninghe’sbeenkillingtheirownkindlikethat.”“Butfirstwehavetomake
surethatThornecanneverattackWormwood.”“Thishastoendsoon,Vega
Jane,”saidDelph.“Heknowswe’reuptosomething.We’ll
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nevergetanotherchance.”“Itwillendsoon,Delph.It
willendnextlightinfact.”Delphlookedatthering.“There’salotmoretoyour
grandfatherthanwethought,”hesaid.“Ithinkthere’salotmoretoeverythingthanwethought,”Isaidback.AndIdidnotmeanthisina
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goodway.
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THENEXTLIGHTfoundusoutsideforanothergoatflyingThornearound.AsIreadiedforourflight,
helookedatmyarm.
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“Cutyourself,didyou?”hesaidpointedly.Ishotaglanceatwherehe
waspointing.Therewasbloodonmysleevefromwherethestonefragmentblastedoffbythemortashothadhitme.“Icaughtitonajagof
rock.”Hegavemeadismissive
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lookandstaredupatthesky,whichwasquicklyturningdarkandforeboding.“Lookslikeastormiscoming.Shallwegeton?”WhenIstartedtostrap
Thorneintotheharness,heshookhishead.“Positionsreversedthis
time,mydear.Ishallcarryyou.”
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SinceIhadnochoiceIallowedhimtoharnessmeupandthenwekickedoffandsailedupward.Therideupwasbumpyas
thewindspummeledus.Wequicklybecamesoakedastherainbeganpeltingdown.Iwasgladofmygoggles.Askylightspearshotsidewaysaboveusandthe
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accompanyingthunder-thrustwasnearlydeafening.IfeltThornetenseaboveme.Itseemedtheblokewasscaredofabitofrainandnoise.“Everythingokay,Omighty
king?”Iaskedsnidely.Hedidn’tanswer.Instead,I
felthimwrigglingaboveme.Icouldn’ttellatfirstwhathewasdoing.Butthenit
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becamequiteclearastheharnessstartedfallingawayfromhim.Hehadunbuckleditfromaroundhistorso.Andsincehewastheonlythingkeepingmeup,thatpresentedabitofaproblemforme.AproblemIsolvedbyreachingbackandgrabbingDestinwithonehand.Unbalanced,we
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immediatelywentintoadive.“Letgo,”heroared,kicking
atme.“Notbloodylikely,”Iyelled
back.Weswooped,barrel-rolled,
somersaultedandplungedacrossthestormyskies.HekeptkickingatmeandI
keptparryingtheblows.ThenIgrewtiredofthatand
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drewbackmyfistandwallopedhimacrosstheface.Bloodfromhisnosespurtedsofiercelythatitsplatteredoverbothofus.Helookeddownatmein
shock.“Youbrokemydamnnose.”“Here’sanotherjustforthe
Helofit.”Ipunchedhimagain,giving
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himablackeye,andthenIaddedakickinhisbellyforgoodmeasure.Iwasafemale,’tistrue,butIwastougherthanjustaboutanymaleofmyacquaintance,includingthisgit!Hegrippedmyhandwith
bothofhisandtriedtopeelmyfingersfromthechain.Hemanagedtoprythreeaway.
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SoIturnedtofacehimandwrappedmylegsaroundhistorso.Withmylegssupportingme,bothmyhandswerefree.AndIusedthemtosoundeffect.IstruckThorneoverevery
partofhisbodyIcouldreach.Allthehatred,loathing,disgustandjustsheerfuryIhadpentupforthisblokewas
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finallyunleashed.Iwashurtinghimforeveryvilethinghe’ddonetous.Foreveryekosandgnomehe’dcutup.Foreverygrubbhe’dkilled.FormurderingMurgatroyd.Andsimplyforbeingthebiggest,mostevilpratI’deverhadthemisfortunetomeet.Afteradozenhits,Ithought
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Ihadverynearlyknockedhimout.ButtherewasmorefightintheoldWugthanIgavehimcreditfor.Ididn’tseetheblowcomingintime.HisfistslammedagainstmyfacesohardIthoughtIfeltallmyteethloosen.Thornewasoldbuthewasbig.Anotherblowtomyfacecausedbloodtoflyfrommy
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noseandmyfacetopuffup.Ifeltwoozyandsick.ButIwasnotabouttoletthisgitbeatme.Thinkinghehadanadvantage,hethrewanotherblow,butIblockeditwithmyarm,thepainrattlingupanddownthelimb.Then,keepingonelegwrappedaroundhimsoIwouldn’tplungetotheground,Idrew
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myotherlegbackandkneedhiminaspotnomaleeverwantedtobehit.Hegroanedandwentlimp.“Ohno!”Icriedout.ThoughIhadwonthefight
withThorne,ourcombinedequilibriumhadnowbeenupsetbyhisnearlybeingunconscious.Wefellintoasteepdive.Ibentmyhead
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backandlookeddown.TheonlythingIcouldseewasamassoftreecanopiescomingatussickeninglyfast.Thornemusthaveseenthis
androusedhimself.“You’regoingtokillusboth,”hescreamedbetweenthegapinhisteethIhadcausedbyknockingafrontoneout.“Well,youweretryingto
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killme,”Ishoutedrightback.IspunusaroundsothatI
wasontop.IgrippedDestinwithbothhands,likethereinsonaslep,andarchedmyneckandshoulders.Footbyfootwestartedtopointup.Aswefinallysoaredupward,mybootsbrushedthetopsofthetreecanopy.Thenaskylightspearand
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accompanyingthunder-thruststrucksoclosethatitjarredmeloosefromThorne.Heseizedonthisopportunitybygrabbingmebythehairwithbothhandsandrippingmeawayfromhim.Thenheletgo,whichwasperfectlyfinewithmebecauseunbeknownsttohimIhadslippedDestinfromaround
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hiswaistwhilehewasmaulingme.IsecuredDestinaroundmy
waistandlookedupjustintimetoseeThornefallinglikeaboulder.Themightykingwas
screaminglikeafrightenedbabyWug.“Helpme,Vega!”he
screamed.
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Partofmedidn’twanttodoathing.Lethimfallandgoodriddancetothejumped-upgit.Butanotherpartofmecouldn’tlettheblokedie,atleastnotlikethat.Isupposethat’swhat
separatedthelikesofhimfromthelikesofme.Andthefactwas,afastdeathwasnotjusticeenoughforhim.Not
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byalongshot.Ipointedmyheadand
shouldersdownwardandshotthatwayasifIwaspropelledfromoneofThorne’scannons.Igrabbedhimbythehair,toseehowhelikedit.Whenwelanded,wehitsoftlyenoughtobarelycauseastumble.Thenextmoment,ashort-
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barreledmortawasleveledagainstmyhead.IhadbeatenThornetoa
bloodypulp.Hisfacewasswollen,nearlyunrecognizable.AndI’mprettysureIhadcrackedaribortwoinadditiontomyfacialinjuries.“Ijustsavedyourlife,”I
snapped.
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“AndI’mabouttotakeyours,”hesaid,acompletelyderangedlookonhisbloodyface.Thenextinstant,hewas
lyingfacedownandhismortahadflownaway.IlookeddownatHarryTwo,whowasperchedonThorne’sback.HarryTwothenbitThorneinhisleftbuttock.Theking
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screamedbeforeIcoshedhimontheheadwithmybootedfoot,knockinghimout.“Comeon,HarryTwo,”I
saidurgently.“Quick.”Isnatcheduptheharness,
whichhadhitthegroundnearus,anddonnedit.HarryTwojumpedintomyarmsandIquicklybuckledhimin.Ijumpedstraightupandwe
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soaredintothestormyskylikeafiredarrow.Ipointedusinthedirection
whereIknewDelphwas.AskylightspearshotnearusandIrolledoverandthenzippeddownward.“VegaJane!”Delphwasthererunningfor
hislife.Iknewthistobetruebecauseagroupofekoswas
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rightbehind,firingtheirmortasathim.IpointedusstraightathimandHarryTwoandIrocketedtowardtheground.Atthelastpossiblemoment,Ileveledout,reacheddownandgrippedDelph’soutstretchedhand.Wesoaredupwardandthendidalongbackwardarcbeforewebothbentour
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shouldersforward,propellingustospeedsIhadneverreachedbefore.Wewouldneedeverybitofitbecausewehadonlysliverstoexecuteourplan.Westreakeddowntheshaft
throughwhichwehadbothpreviouslyfallenandlandedatthebottom.TheonlyekostherewasLuc.Thiswasn’tby
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happenstance.Delphhadarrangeditearlierwiththeheadekos,whohadsimplyorderedtheotherekosaway.IfreedHarryTwofromtheharnessandgrippedLuc’sarm.“Theaeroship,”Isaid.Aftergrabbingourtucks
fromthesleepingchamber,wefollowedhimdowna
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passageway.ThenIabruptlystopped.“Waitamo’,”Isaid.Iput
onmyglove,willedtheElementaltofullsizeandtookaim.DelphpulledLucbackand
said,“Coveryourears.”IlettheElementalflyandit
soaredstraightaheadandsmashedintothetowering
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wallofskulls.Therewasaterrificexplosionandthebonymassescollapseddownward,creatingamessofcrushedbonesontherockfloor.Whenthedustsettled,therewasn’tasinglepairofeyesocketsstaringbackatusfromthathideouscollection.“Buggeroff,Omighty
King,”Ishoutedtonoonein
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particular.Wearrivedattheaero
ship’schamberafewsliverslater.Lucunlockedtheenormousdoor.“I’llgettheoars,”said
Delph.Butasoundmadeusall
turn.ItwasCereandlittleKoriat
thedoorway.
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“Thorneisreturning,”Ceresaidbreathlessly.“AndIhaveneverseenhimthisangry.”Shepaused,herfacequivering.“AndfromwordsIhaveheard,Luc,heknowswehavebetrayedhim.Wewillnotlivepastthislight.”“Yes,youwill,”Isaid
firmly.Ipulledthebookfrommytuck.“Thisistheproof
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youneed,Luc.Ifthisdoesn’tturnyourkindagainstyourpratking,nothingwill.”Luctookthebook,opened
it,flippedthroughafewpages,andhisfeaturespaled.Hisexpressionthenturnedtooneofdisgust.Andfromthattoanger.ItwasasifIcouldseeLuc’scouragefillingbackupinsidehim.Heclosedthe
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bookandlookedupatme.“IknewthatThornewas
mad,butIneversuspected…thisevil.”Delphsaid,“Butyoumusta
knownekosandgnomesweregoingmissing?”“Aye,butThorneblamedit
allonthegrubbs.Icanseenowitwashiswaytoturnourracesagainsteachother.”
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“He’sacruelmonster,Luc,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowwhatelsewe’llfaceintheQuag,butIdoubtwe’llconfrontanythingmoreevilthanThorne.”Ipaused.“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”Iaskedbluntly,tappingthebook.“Do?”saidLuc.“Do?”Luc
seemedtobeswellingright
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beforeoureyes,growingintosomething,orperhapsbackintotheblokehehadoncebeen.“Wearegoingtotakeour
livesback.Andfreeusfromabloodykingwhonevershouldhavebeenallowedtoleadabladeofgrass.”Weexchangedtearfulhugs.Aswedrewapart,Lucsaid,
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“Thankyou,Vega.Youhavegivenusthechancetofightandtakebackwhatisours.Nowgo.Andgoodlucktoyouinyourjourney.”Luclockedthedoorbehind
him.Wecouldhearshoutsandrunningfeetinthedistance.WhileDelphgrabbedthe
oars,Iranovertotheaero
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ship,jumpedinsidethecarriageandstartedfumblingwiththecontraptionthatforcedairintothebladder.“Canyoufigureouthowthisworks?”IcalledouttoDelph.“Iknowhowitworks”
cameavoice.Iwhirledaroundtoseethe
gnomewhohadlookedatmefunnythatonelight.Hecame
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forwardfromwherehehadbeenhiddeninacreviceofrock.“Whoareyou?”Iasked.“Sieve,”heanswered.“Andhowcomeyoucan
speakWugish?”Iasked.“Easyenough.Ilistento
Lucandtheking,”herepliedsmoothly.“Noonemuchnoticesusgnomes.Soyou
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hearthings,youdo.”“Canyoufillitwithair?”Hehoppedintothecarriage
anddidsomethingwiththecontraptionsuchthataflameeruptedinitsbelly.TherewasawhooshingsoundandInotedthebladderwasrapidlybeginningtofillastheheatedairwaspropelledintoit.IturnedtoSieve.“How
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long?”“Notlong,”hesaid.“As
youcansee.”Theropesholdingthe
carriageinplacewerealreadystrainingagainsttheliftgeneratedbythestrengtheningbuoyancy.Delphstareduptowardthe
ceilingandhisfeaturescollapsed.“Andhowdowe
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openthatsowecanactuallygetthisthingout?”Ilookedwherehewas
looking.ItwasonlythenthatInoticedtherewasnoopening.“Damn,”Iscreamed.Our
planwasapparentlyfullofholes.ButSievepointedtoadark
cornerwhereametallever
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waswedgedbetweentwolargegears.“That’show.It’llopentheroof.Plentyofroomtogetout.”NowIlookedathim
suspiciously.Ididn’tcareforblokeswhowerethatagreeable.GivemestubbornnessoroutrightdeceitanylightandIwillreadilyacceptit.Butcasual
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kindnesswillbedevilmeallnightlong.“Whyareyouhelpingus?”I
demanded.Hesmiledandsaidwitha
slighthiss,“Idon’tmuchlikethecompanyofkings.”Hehelduponeofhisclawlikehands.“Iliketogetinthedirt.Whywegnomesgetalongwiththegrubbs,I
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’spect.AndIsawyougivethatbooktoLuc.Iheardwhathesaid.Nomorebloodyking.”Heclackedhisclawsseveraltimesmoreinapparentdelightatthethought.Delphpulledonthelever,
andaholeopenedupdirectlyabovetheaeroship,whichwasnearlyreadytogo.
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Iglancedatthelockeddoorasfootstepshurriedtowardit.“Delph,quick!He’llhavea
key.”Werushedovertosome
heavycratesbuiltfromthickwoodstackednexttothedoorandwedgedthemagainstit.Wehurriedtothecarriage
andclimbedin,throwingourtucksintoo.Delphhad
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alreadyslidtheoarsthroughtheholesinthesidesoftheaeroship.Therewasaknifeinaleathersheathinsidethecarriage.IpulleditoutandlookedatDelph.“Tocuttheropesholdingusdown.”Henoddedandlooked
upwardatthenowfullbladder.Theropesweremightilycreakingand
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strainingtokeeptheshiptetheredtotheground.Therecameanalmighty
crashagainstthethickdoorbutitheldfastwiththeaddedweightofthecratesbehindit.“Cutthelines,”criedSieve.
“Doitnoworyouwillsurelyperish.”Istartedhackingtheropes
asfastasIcould,butthey
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werestout.Anothergreatcrashcame
andthedoorsplitabit,yetstillheld.IheardThorneroar,“Fetch
thecannon!”Delphgrabbedtheknife
frommeandstartingsawingattheropeslikeaWugpossessed.Ilookedupandsawthestillstormysky
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throughtheopening.Delphhadthreemoreropestoslash.HarryTwoclamberedupontotheedgeofthecarriageandbegantognawatoneofthem.Ilookedaroundtheinterior
ofthecarriageforthesteeringmechanismandtheoarsthatwouldallowustonavigate.Imentallywentthroughour
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plananddiscoveredaboutfourthousandthingsthatcouldgowrong.WhenIheardthecannon
beingrolleddownthepassageway,IcalledouttoSieve,“Howareyougoingtogetoutofhere?”Hehelduphisclawsand
smiled,oncemoreshowinghisstained,pointyteeth.
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“S’longasIhavethese,Ihaveawayout.”Thenheturnedandattacked
therockwallbehindhim.HarryTwohadcutthrough
hisrope.Delphwasjustaboutdonewithhis,whichleftonlyone.Igrippeditinmyhandsand
pulledwithallthestrengththatDestinprovidedme.The
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metalpegthattheropewasattachedtohadbeendrivendeepintotherock.Butwithonemightytug,itcamefree.Ifelloverbackwardandhitmyheadonthefirecontraption.Iroseupatthesametimethecarriagedid.Itwasasurprisinglyfastascent.Butnotfastenough.Theroarofthecannoncame
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aninstantlater,followedbythedoorandthecratesbeingblownasideasthoughtheyweighednothing.Delphscreamed.HarryTwobarked.Iducked.Thecannonballshot
betweenthecarriageandthebottomofthebladder.WhenIrosebackup,I
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couldn’tbelieveourgoodfortune.Ithadmisseduscompletely
andwewereverynearlythroughtheopeningthatwouldleadustotheoutside.ButwhenIlookedatDelph,IknewI’dbeenwrong.Thecannonballhadhittherockwall,andachunkofstonehadflownoffandslashed
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Delph’sarm.Hehaddroppedtothecarriage’sbottom,clutchinghislimb.Thebloodwaspouringdownhisfront.Ikneltbesidehimandheld
outtheAdderStone.“Where’dyougetthat?”he
criedout,hisfacetwistedinpain.“NickeditfromThorne’s
robewhenwewere
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cartwheelingacrossthesky.”IwaveditoverDelph’s
woundandthoughtgoodthoughtsandthebloodceasedandtheslashhealed.ThenIusedittofixmywoundsfromfightingThorne.Iheardshoutsandlookedovertheedgeoftheaeroship.Thornewasdowntherewith
hisfistupraisedandhis
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featuresawashinfury.Icouldonlysmile,though,asIlookedathisbatteredfaceandbrokennose.ThenIsawmovementtothe
rightofThorne.ItwasSieve.Hehadstuckhisheadoutofahole,apparentlytoseewhatwasgoingon.BeforeIcoulduttera
warning,Thorne,who
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seemedtohaveeyesinthebackofhishead,hadturnedandfiredhismorta.TheprojectilecaughtSievefullintheface.Heslumpeddowninthehole,dead.“Youbloodymurderer!”I
screamedatThorne.“Iwillkillyoutoo!”he
roaredback.Thenwewerethroughthe
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holeandoutintotheopenexpanseoftheQuag,wherewewerequicklyslammedbythewind.Itwaspushingusbacktowardthecliff.ThatwasnotwhatIwanted.“Delph,”Icalledout.“The
oars.”Hedroppeddownontothe
bench,grippedanoarineachhandandpulled.
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“Theotherway!”Ishoutedovertheblastsofthestorm.“Right,”hesaid,andhe
reversedhissittingpositionandtuggedontheoars.Isnatchedthewheelanddid
mybesttoguideuswhereweneededtogo.Everysliver,Ilookeddown
atthegroundtoseewhatwasgoingon.ThenIfinallysaw
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whatIknewIwould.Thorneandhisarmyofekos.Theywereaboutfiftyfeetbehindus.“Okay,Delph,youcanstop
rowing.”“Aretheycatchingup?”“Yes.”Hedroppedtheoarsand
joinedmeatthesideoftheaeroship.
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Ilookedaheadofus.TheQuaghadchangedyetagain.Themountains,theriverandtheridgesallhadexchangedplaces.Icouldfeelacurrentofenergyintheair.Andforsomereason,Ididn’tthinkitwasfromthestorm.Ilookedbehindus.A
columnofekoswasaimingtheirlong-barreledmortas
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directlyattheaeroship.Thornewasrightbehindthem,gazingupatuswithgreatdelight.IturnedtoDelphandnodded.Hegrippedthecord
danglingnearthewheelandpulledit,releasingtheairfromthebladder.Webegantolower.IhoistedHarryTwointothe
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harness.“Delph,takemyhand.It’stime.”Hegrabbedourtuckswith
onehandandgrippedmyhandwithhisother.Iledhimovertothefarsideofthecarriage,awayfromThorneandtheekos.Weheldhands,eachofus
lookingattheother.“Ifthisdon’twork,”said
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Delph.“Itwillwork,”Isaidfirmly.“Right,butifitdon’t,well.”
Heleaneddownandkissedmeonthecheek.Themortasfiredand
projectilestoreintothebladder,riddlingitwithholes.“Now!”Iscreamed.I
kickedthecontraption
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holdingthefire,knockingitover.Thewoodencarriagequicklybecameablaze.Weclambereduponthe
edgeofthecarriageandleapt.Anotherroundofmortas
firedoff,blastingintothecarriage.Ilookedbehindusandsaw
thattheaeroshipwasstartingtofall.
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Rightbeforewewereabouttohittheground,Istraightenedoutandwezoomedalongjustaboveit.Ilookedbackagainandsawtheaeroshiphitthegroundwithatremendouscrash,andastheremnantsofthebladderfellontopofthecarriage,therewasamightyexplosion.Theflashoflightandgeyser
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ofsmoketoweredaboveus.Well,Ithought,thatwasthe
endofThorne’schancetoattackWormwood.EvenifhesomehowmanagedtoescapeLucandtheotherekos,hewouldneverbeabletobuildanotheraeroship.Whenthesmokecleared
away,Delphcalledout,“VegaJane,look!”
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IturnedandsawasightIwillneverforget.Hundredsofarmedekos
wereracingtowardThorneandhismuchsmallerband.AndleadingthemwasLuc.Andheldaloftinhishandwas…thebook—theproofofThorne’scrimesagainsttheekos,unmistakablywrittenoutinthemiserable
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bloke’sownhand.IturnedtoDelph,asmilea
milewideonmyface.Hegazedback.“Ithinkthis
istheendofoldKingThorne.”“Bloodywelloverdue,”I
saidfirmly.Iturnedbackaroundand
flewalongasfastasIcould.Aboutthreemilesfartheron,
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IwasexhaustedfromtotingDelphandHarryTwoandourbagsofsupplies.Iaimedmyheadandshouldersdownandwelandedasliverlater.IunhookedHarryTwofrom
theharnessandweallsanktothegroundandjustlaythere.Iwasastonishedthatwewereactuallyalive.AsIlookedoveratDelph,Icouldtellhe
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wasthinkingtheexactsamething.Hesaid,“Well,wedoneit,
didn’twe?Allthethingscouldagonewrongwithourplanandwedoneit.”Helookeddown.“’CeptforSievegettin’killed.”“Iknow,Delph.Wenever
wouldhavemadeitoutexceptforhim.Buthedied
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fightingagainstThorne.Hewasverybrave.”“Supposeyou’reright,Vega
Jane.”HarryTwogaveasharp
barkandwebothjumped.Butmycaninewasgrinning.Itwaslikehewasagreeingwithme.Itouchedmycheek.“You
kissedmerightthere,before
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wejumped.”Heglanceddown,hiseyes
half-shut.“I…I…”Ireachedoverandkissed
himonhischeekintheexactsameplacehe’dkissedme.“Thankyou,Delph.”Heopenedhiseyesfully
andgazedatme.“Forwhat?”“Justforbeingyou.Which
isprettybloodywonderful.”
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Andthenithappened.Fromnowhereadarkclouddescendeduponus.Icouldseenothing.IheardHarryTwobark.Iheardsomeonegasp.Andthenthecloudwasgone.AndsowasDelph.
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IJUMPEDTOMYfeetandscreamed.“Delph?DELPH!”Ilookedfranticallyaround.
Hewasnowhere.He…hewasgone.Thecloud!I
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lookedtothesky.Therewasnothingupthereexceptthestorm.Irushedaroundinalldirections.Ilookedbehindtreesandrocks,andracedoverlittleknollswithHarryTworightbehindme.IkeptcallingoutforDelphuntilmylungswereexhausted.Icollapsedtothedirt,mymindracingsofastIcouldn’tthink
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clearly.Then,asthesliverspassedandtherewasstillnoDelph,Istartedtoweep,andthencryandthensob.IsobbedsohardIvomited.Ilaythereinthedirt,Harry
Twocurledprotectivelyaroundme.Ijustkeptmumblingover
andover,“Delph,Delph,Delph.Pleasecomeback.
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Pleasecomeback.Please.”ButDelphdidnotcome
back.Hewasgone.Islowlyrosefromthe
groundandpickedupmytuck.That’swhenIrealizedthatDelph’stuckwasgone.Howcouldthatcloud?Howcould…?ThevileThornehadtoldme
thatnothingwasimpossible
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intheQuag.Thorne!Couldhehave…?ButifithadbeenThorne,hesurelywouldhavetakenmetoo.AsHarryTwoandIwalked
slowlyalong,Ilookeddownatmyfeet.Ifocusedonplacingonefootinfrontoftheother.Iwastryingtoblockouteverythingelse.Mostofall,Iwastryingto
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notthinkaboutDelphnotbeingnexttome.Istillcouldn’tquitefathomhowithadhappened.Ievenstoppedandclosedmyeyesonce,andthenopenedthem,hopingthatmynightmarewouldbeoverandthereDelphwouldbe.Hewouldlookatmewith
hissilly,endearinggrinand
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say,“Wotcha,VegaJane?”Buthewasn’tandsohe
didn’t.Iwasjustafifteen-sessions-
oldfemalefromWormwoodwhofeltlikebawlinghereyesoutbecauseherbestfriendwasgone.OnlyIcouldn’t.Ihadno
tearslefttoshed.Ilookedahead.TheQuag
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stretchedendlessly.Ilookedaboveandmyjaw
dropped.Thestormwasstillragingandskylightspearsandthunder-thrustshadgrownsoubiquitousastobequiteunremarkable.Buttherewassomethingelseinthatsky.Itwasahugeflyingcreature
nearlythesizeoftheinficio.I
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didn’tknowifitwasallyorfoe.Then,asitswoopedlower,Igotabetterlookatit.Itwasafirebird.Itsplumagewasamessofbrilliantcolorsthatshonelikeabeaconeveninthedarknessofthestorm.Itsbeakandhugeclawswerehideouslysharp.Quentin’sbookhadsaidthatafirebirdcouldbeeitherenemyorally.
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Icouldn’taffordtofindoutwhichrightnow.“Run!”IcriedouttoHarry
Two.Therewasonlyonepossible
escape.Isawtheopeningintherockupthefirstridge.Isprintedtowardit,lookingovermyshoulderforthegiganticbird.Buttheskiesweresodarknowandtherain
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fallingsohardthatIcouldn’tseemuchofanything.Wereachedthecave
openingandIstopped.Rushingheadlongintoadark,confinedspaceintheQuagmightbethelastthingIeverdid.Itookamomenttolightmylanternandreachedinmypocketformyglove,grippedtheElementalandwilleditto
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fullsize.Iliftedthetuckoverone
shoulder.Withthelanterninmyotherhand,HarryTwoandIcautiouslyslippedintothemouthofthecave.WehadgoneabouttwentypaceswhenIheardasound.Itwasnotthegrowlofabeast,norcouldmynosedetectafoulodorofanykind.Itwasmore
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likesomeonemumbling.“Hello!”Icalledout.
“Who’sthere?”Nextmomentthe
mumblingsstopped.Ididnottakethisasagoodsign.MyhandtightenedontheElemental.Icreptforwardwithmycaninenexttome.Thecavewasdeepandthefartherwewentintoit,the
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higherandwideritbecame,untilIcouldeasilystandstraightup.“Hello?”Isaidagain.Somethingracedacrossthe
passageinfrontofusandplungedintodarknessontheotherside.Idroppedthelanternand
aimedtheElemental.“ComeoutrightnoworelseI’ll…
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I’llhurtyou,”Isaid,myvoicecrackingembarrassingly.Inchbyinchthethingcame
backintoview.Ipickedupmylantern,holdingithighandlightingthepassagemorefully.Thecreaturewassmallanditworeahoodedcloak.“Whoareyou?”Isaid
breathlessly.
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“TheycallsmeSeamus,”itrepliedinWugish.“Whatbeyou,dearie,dearie?”HecuriouslyeyedtheElementalcockedinmyhand.“I’mVegaJane.”Iadded,
“Couldyoutellmewhatyouare?”Heloweredthehood.“Me’s
ahob,meis.”Iknewthisassoonashe
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droppedthehood.I’dreadabouthobsinQuentin’sbookontheQuag.Andtherehadalsobeenapicture.Thehobwasabouthalfmyheight,thickinfigurewithasmallbutwidejaw,astoutnose,andbrowneyessetcloseabovethenose,peakedearslikemycanine,onlylongerandfullerandpinkeronthe
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inside.Thefingersthathadloweredthehoodwerelong,curvedandspindlywithsharp-lookingnails.Thebarefeetrevealedatthehemofthetoo-shortcloakwerelargeandhairy.Hiscloakwasraggedanddirty,andhisface,handsandfeetnotmuchcleaner.“I’maWugmort,”Isaid.
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HeinchedcloserandoncemoreeyedtheElemental.IhadforgottenIwasstillaimingitathim.Iloweredit.“Why’syouwanttohurt
things,dearie,dearie?”“Idon’t,unlesstheywantto
hurtme.”“Hobsdon’thurtnobodys.”Quentin’sbookhadsaid
hobswouldhelpyou.Allyou
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hadtodowasgivethemlittlepresentsfromtimetotime,thoughIhadnoinklingwhatanappropriategiftmightbe.“I’veheardthatofhobs,”Isaid.“Doyouliveinthiscave?”“TillImoveson.”“It’sstormyoutside,”Isaid.“Stormsandstormsleta
hobroamsandroams,”he
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saidnonsensically.“DoyouliveintheQuag?”“What,thishereplace,you
mean?”“Yes.”Hegavemeacrookedgrin,
revealingmisshapenteeth.“WhereelsewouldIlive,dearie,dearie?”“Youcanjustcallme
Vega.”
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“IcouldifIwouldifIcould.”Myheadstartedtothrob.“Yousaysyou’sa
Wugmort?What’sthat,dearie,dearie?”“Wugforshort.It’swhatwe
callsomeonefromWormwood.It’savillage.TheQuagsurroundsit.”Henodded,thoughIwasn’t
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sureheevenknewwhatIwastalkingabout.“Look,”Isaid,“Ihavea
friend,Delph.Weweresittingtogetherawaysfromherewhenadarkcloudcamedownandcoveredus.Whenitlifted,hewasgone.Canyouhelpmefindhim?Ihavetofindhim.Ihaveto.”Insteadofanswering,the
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hobturnedhisbackonmeandventuredfartherintothecave.IhurriedlygrabbedmytuckandlanternandHarryTwoandIfollowedhimdeeperintothebowelsoftheplace.Wecametoalittlechamber
thatwasoutfittedwithacoupleofcrates,arolled-upblanket,abucketandtwo
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lightedcandlesperchedonrocks.Ilookedaroundandsetmy
tuckandlanterndownandthensatonacrate.Itwascoldinhereandwindsfromthestormweremanagingtoreachuseventhisfar,causingthecandlestoflicker.Ishiveredanddrewmycloakcloseraroundme.Thenext
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momentIfeltterribleguilt.PoorDelphmightbeoutinthestormwithnothingoverhishead.“Youcold,dearie,dearie?”
askedSeamus.Inodded.Hesatdownonacrate,
drewhishandinhiscloakpocket,andwhathepulledoutofitmademefall
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backwardoffmyseatandcausedHarryTwotostartbarking.Seamusignoredthis
commotionandplacedthesmallballofbluefireheheldinhishandonthedirt,sprinkledabitofsomethinghehadpulledfromhisotherpocketonthetinytendrilsofflames,andtheyimmediately
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grewtooverafootinheight.Iregainedmyseatandsaid,
“Howdidyoudothat?”Helookedupatmewithan
innocentexpression.“Dowhat?”“Pullfirefromyour
pocket?”“Ipullsit,Idoes.Does
yousey?”“No,Idoesnotsey,”Isaid
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beforecatchingmyself.“ImeanIdonot.Ican’t.Wheredidyoulearntodoit?”“Allhobscanspullfires
fromtheirpockets.Wejustcans,dearie,dearie.Wejustcans.”Hefinishedthisstatementoffwithacackle.Idrewclosertotheflames
andfeltimmediateanddeepwarmtheventhoughitwas
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notalargefire.Flashingthroughmymindwasaremembrancefrommanysessionsago.Mymotherandfatherand
mybrotherweresittinginfrontofthefirebackatourmodestdigsinWormwood.Wehadeatenourusualsmallmeal.Weneverhadmuchintermsofthings.ButI
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remembersittingonthefloorinfrontofthatfireandlookingaroundateachofthem,myfatherwithhisreadysmile,mymotherwithherkindways,andmybrotherstaringataspiderinthecorneroftheceilingandsilentlycountingitslegs,andthinkingIwastheluckiestWugthereeverwas.
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ThememoryfadedandIrefocused.“Canyouhelpmefindmyfriend?”Isaidagain.Ipulledsometinsoffoodandajugofwaterfrommytuck.“Wouldyoulikesomeofmyfoodandwater?”Iasked.Ihadnoideaifthiswouldconstituteapropergift,butIhadtotry.“Whatyougots,dearie,
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dearie?”“Smokedmeat,cheeses,
breads,friedpickles,vegetablesandsomeapplesandpears,amongotherthings.”Helookeddisappointed.“Is
thatalls?”Ilookeddownatmyfoods
andwonderedhowtherewasnothinghefancied.I
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rummagedaroundinmytuckand,indoingso,broughtoutatinofchocolatesthatIhadpurchasedfromHermanHelvet’sshopbackinWormwood.Quickasaflash,Seamusseizedthetinandsniffedit.“ThisbewhatSeamus
wants,dearie,dearie.”“Thewholetin?”Isaid,
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stunned.Heansweredbyusingone
ofhisfingernailstoslicerightthroughthemetaltop.Hepluckedoutthechocolateontopandbitintoit.Hesmiled,showingoffhispileofcrooked,darkenedteeth.Hedevouredthatchocolateandthenfinishedoffanother.“Onesy-twoseyforSeamus,
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savestherestiesforlater,Iwill.”Heputthetindownand
heldhishandsovertheflames.Istaredwarilyatthosequitesharpfingernailsthathadsoeasilycutthroughmytintop.Hiseyesbecamemore
hoodedstillasheleanedbackagainstthewallandhuddled
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inhiscloak.Ilistenedtothestormragingoutsideanddrewclosertotheflames.CouldDelphfindshelter?Wouldsomethingfindhimfirst?Ishivered.“Canyouhelpme?!”Isaid.
“Please!”Hesaidnothingbut
continuedtostareatmewithhalf-liddedeyes.Thoughthe
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lookwasabitcreepy,Idecidedtocarryon.“Seamus,”Isaid,“I’ve
givenyousweets.”Whenhestilldidn’tsayanything,IdrewoutmyQuagbookandopenedittothepageonhobs.Iread,“Ahobisaforceforgood.Itwillbefriendthoseinneed.Allonehastodoisbekindtothehobandprovideit
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agiftanditwillservethegiverfaithfully.”Istoppedreadingandheld
upthebooksohecouldseethedrawing.“Wheredidyougetssucha
thingy?”askedSeamusashestaredcuriouslyatthepicture.“Fromsomeonewho’sbeen
intheQuagandknowsofblokeslikeyou,”Ishotback.
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Hisgazedartedtothetinofchocolatesthatsatnexttothecrate.Ashishandreachedoutforit,HarryTwoshotforwardtoperchinfrontofit,hisfangsbared.Seamusquicklywithdrew
hishandandsaidsullenly,“Noneedstobelikethat.Seamusisagoodhob,heis.Likethewordsiessay.”
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“Soyoucanhelpme,right?”Ieyedthetinofchocolates.“I’mreallyworriedaboutmyfriend.”Seamusclucked.“You
shouldbe,dearie,dearie.”Andthenheaddedwithoutatraceofhisclaptrap,singsongspeech,“For’tisadangerousplace,thisis.”Westaredateachotherover
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thesmokyflamesoftheballoffire.ItwassuddenlysosilentinthecavethatIthoughtthestormmusthaveceased.“Hedisappearedina
cloud,”Isaidagain.“Whatmightyouknowaboutthat?”Seamusputafingerupto
hismouthasthoughsignalinghewasdeepinthought.I
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watchedhimthroughthesmokeoftheconjuredflames.“There’saplace,”hesaid.
“There’saplaceroundshere.”“Whatplace?”Isnapped,
myfearofwhatmightbehappeningtoDelphgrowingwitheachbreathItook.“Acottage.”Igapedathim.“Whatisa
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cottagedoingintheQuag?”Onthishefellsilentand
closedhiseyescompletely.“Seamus,whatisacottage
doingintheQuag?Doessomeonelivethere?”“Maybesomeonesdoesand
maybesomeonesdoesn’t.”“Areyouagoodhobor
not?”Isaidheatedly.“Iisagoodhob.”
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“Soanswermyquestion.Please.”Heopenedhiseyesand
lookedatmegrumpily.“’Tisafemalethatlives
there,”hesaid,againwithnoneoftheclaptrap.“Dearie,dearie?”Isaid,my
eyebrowshiked.Hesatupandlookedatme.
Imeanhelookedatmefor
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whatseemedliketrulythefirsttime.“Who’sthefemaleinthe
cottage?”Iasked.“Whyyoubehere?”His
tonewassuddenlybothaggressiveandaccusing.“Iaskedfirst.Andyou’rea
hobwhohasyettoshowmekindness,despitethetinofchocolates.”
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Hepointedattheflames.“Youwerecoldandnowyou’renot!”“Andyou’vehadtwoofmy
chocolates.”Ipickedupthecanandtossedittohim.Hecaughtitneatly.“Andnearlyafulltintospare.”Heconsideredthis,his
featuresturningsulky.“Don’tknowhername,”he
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saidfinally.“Isshekind?”Iasked.“Kindenough,”he
commentedinapoutingtone.“Howdoesshesurvivein
theQuagwithsomanydangerouscreatures?”“Theyleaveheralone,don’t
they?”“Why?”“Theyjustdo,”hesaidwith
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finality.“Andcanshehelpmefind
Delph?”Heshrugged.“Ifshecan’t,
nooneherecan.”“Canyoushowmetheway
there?”“What!Inthisbloody
storm?”hesaidinaprotestingvoice.“Icanfly,”Iadded.
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Hiseyeswidened.“Fly?Whatrubbish!”IstrappedHarryTwointo
theharness.“I’llshowyou.Comeon.
Wehaven’taslivertolose.”Heroseandfollowedmeto
thecaveentrance.TherainwasstillbucketingdownandSeamusgazedoutruefully,butIdidn’tcare.Ijustneeded
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tofindDelph.Thoughitwasn’tnight,itwasdarkbecauseofalltheblackclouds.Clouds.LiketheonethathadtakenDelph.IsaidtoSeamus,“That
flameyouconjured,canweuseittosee?”Heseemedsurprisedbymy
requestbutnodded,reachedinhispocketandpulledout
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anotherlittleblueballoffire.“Climbonmyshoulders,”I
said.Hedrewback.“I’mtoo
heavy.”Ihoistedhimup
effortlessly.“Now,whenweflyyoucan
holdontothestrapsoftheharness,okay?”“Upthereiswherewe’re
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going?”hesaidfearfully.Inoddedandsaid,“But
don’tworry,I’veneverhadacrashthatkilledme.”Isteppedoutintotherain,
slidmygoggleson,kickedoff,andwewentinsearchoftheoneWugIcouldnotlivewithout.
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THESTORMHADgrowninintensity.Evenwithmygoggles,Iwasflyinghalf-blind.YetSeamuswasholdingtheballofbluefire
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outinfrontofus,andtherainandwindhadnoeffectonit.“Thatway,”roaredSeamus
overthefuryofthestormthatcausedmetorolluncontrollablyeveryfewslivers.HepointedtohisleftandIveeredthatway.“Howmuchfarther?”I
yelled.FromhisearlierwordsIimaginedthecottagetobe
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farcloser.“Well,it’smoved,ain’tit?”
saidSeamus.“That’sbloodywonderful!”
Ishrieked.“Downthere!”hesuddenly
shouted.Ilookedthroughmyfogged
andsmearedgogglesandbeheldasightthatevenintheQuagseemedextraordinary.
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Itwasn’tacottage.Itwasadomeofemeraldgreen.Anditdidn’tseemsolid.Itwas…well,itlookedtobesimplyaglow,likeapulseofahugeheart.Butitwasunmistakableanditshoneclearthroughtheuttermadnessofthestormydarkness.Ishotdownwardandsawa
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landingpathnexttoasmallstandofashtrees.Iswungmylegsdownandtouchedfeetfirst.IcouldhearSeamusmutter,“Neveragainwillmefeetleavetheground,sohelpme,hobsey.”IfreedHarryTwofromthe
harnessasSeamusgingerlyclimbeddownfromhisperchonmyshoulders.Wethree
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stoodtherestaringatthegreenglow.Ilookedatthehob.“Sohowdoesonegetin?”“Tricky,tricky,dearie,
dearie.”Iwhirledonhim.“Ifyou
startthatload-atoshwithmeagain,you’regoingtoseeadickyfit,Seamusthehob,thatyouwillneverbloody
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forget!”Hisfacefellandhesaid
tersely,“Allright,allright,don’twadyourknickers.Followme.”Westrodesinglefiletowardtheglow.WestoppedwithinafootofitandeveninthedarkIcouldperceivetheoutlineofastructurewithin.“Thecottage?”Isaid,
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glancingdownatSeamus.Henoddedandsaidwitha
heavybreath,“Thecottage.”“Whatnow?”Iasked.IwatchedasSeamustooka
tentativestepforward,butthenhestoppedandturnedtolookbackatme.“Well?”Isaidexpectantly.
“Budgealong.”“Givemeamo’,”hesaid.
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“Whyareyouinsuchableedin’hurryanyways?”“Oh,Idunno,maybe
becausewe’restandinginthemiddleofaragingstormINTHEBLOODYQUAG!”“Okay,okay,Iseesyour
point.”Hetookseveraldeepbreaths.“Oh,fortheloveofAlvis
Alcumus!”Iwalkedstraight
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intothegreenglow.“Oi!Wait!”heshouted.HarryTwoinstantly
followedandwepassedcleanthrough.IturnedandlookedbackatSeamus,whowasjumpingupanddownandgesticulatingmadly.Ireachedbackthroughthegreenishglow,grippedhishandandpulledhimthroughsohe
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stoodnexttousinsidetheemeralddome.Iletgoofhishandand
stareddownathim.Hiseyeswerescrunchedclosedandhewasshiveringlikehe’dbeenpitchedintoicywater.“Uh,Seamus?”Ibegan.Hemadeafranticmotion
formetoshush.Then,littlebylittle,heopenedhisgreat,
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bulbouseyesandstaredaround.Whenherealizedwherehewas,heexclaimedinascoldingtone,“Nowlookwhatyougoneanddone.”“Youbroughtushere.”“ButIdidn’ttellyoutojust
bargerightin.Why,whenIthinkwhatcoulda—”“WhatexactlywasI
supposedtodo?”I
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interruptedsharply.“Why,youbarmygit,wait
whileIgotthingssortedout,that’sbloodywhat.”“Well,they’resortedout.
We’reinside.Now,where’sthecottage?”Ihadbeenlookingaround,
buttheoutlineofthestructureIhadseenfromoutsidethegreenglowwasnolonger
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evidentfrominsideit.Hepointedtohisleft.“Let’s
tryoverthere.”“Tryoverthere?”Isaid
blankly.“Ithoughtyou’dbeenherebefore.”“Well,Ihave.ImeanIbeen
tothegreenglow,o’course.”“Wait,areyoutellingme
you’veneverbeeninsidethegreenglow?”
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“G’onwithya,whatcheek.Why,Iaskyou.”“Iamaskingyou.How
manytimeshaveyoubeeninsidethegreenglow?”Helookedupwardand
seemedtobecountingoffsomethinginhishead.Heheldupasolitaryfinger.“Well,countin’thistime,itcomesto,um,one.”
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“One!”Iroared.Heleaptbackatmyshout.
“Well,didyougivemeachance?No.Youjustchargedonin.Couldakilledusall.”“SowhenIwalkedthrough
thegreenglow,Icouldhavebeenkilled?”“Andonyourheaditwould
havebeentoo.”“Oh,buggeroff!”Icried
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out,andwentinsearchofacottagethatmayormaynotcontaina“nice”femalewhomightormightnoteatustheslivershelaideyesonus.“You’rearightshonkygit,
Seamus,”Icalledbackovermyshoulder.“Trog!”heyelledback.“Pillock,”Iscreamedin
returnbeforehurryingalong.
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ThenIstopped.Ihadjustrealizedsomething.Itwasnotraininginhere.Ilookedup.Therewasnostorm.Nowind.IfeltlikeIwaswalkingalongaheatedpath.Itmademefeel…comforted.Wekeptwalkingandclearedaknoll.Whenweraceddownitsotherside,Isawit.Thecottage.Ithadathatch
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roof,mortaredstonesforwallsandanovalsolid-wooddoorwithalightshiningthroughthesmallsquareopeningatthetopofit.Therewasashort,crazy-angledflagstonepaththatledtothedoor.Gatheringmycourage,I
steppedupontotheblockofoldblackenedstonethat
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formedaroughporchandlookedcautiouslythroughthewindowinthedoor.ThenIsuddenlyleaptbackoffthestoneandstoodthereshivering.Thedoorhadopened,apparentlyallbyitself.WhenIthoughtthingscould
notgetstranger,Iheardanimperiousvoice.
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“Youmayenter,”itsaid.Ilookedaroundforthesourceofthevoice,butsawnothing.Still,thevoicehadn’tsoundedparticularlythreatening.Ilookedbehindmeoncemoreandtherewasagoggle-eyedSeamusstandingbarelytenfeetaway.Theblokelookedreadytovomit.Iprobablylookedthe
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same.“Itsaidtoenter,”Itoldhim
nervously.“W-well,theny-youb-best
dowhatits-says,eh?”“Areyoucoming?”I
demanded.Hepuffedouthischestand
saidinastridentvoice,“IthinkI’llkeepwatchouthere,dearie,dearie.Don’twant
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nothingsneakin’uponyou,doesoldSeamus.”Hegaveacrisplittlesalute.“Prat,”Imutteredundermy
breath,andthenIletoutalong,resignedsigh.OfallthehobsIcouldruninto,Ihadtorunintothisone.Isteppedforwardintothe
cottage,HarryTworightnexttome.Assoonaswehad
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doneso,thedoorswungclosedandIheardalockclickintoplace.Igrabbedatthedoorhandleandtriedtoopenit.ButeventhoughIhadDestinaroundmywaistandmystrengthwasgreatlyenhanced,thedoorwouldn’tbudge.Iturnedbackaround.
“Hello?”Isaid,firstinalow
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voicethatcouldbarelybeheardevenbyme.ThenIsaidmoreloudly,“Hello!”Nothing.Ilookedaround.The
furnitureIsaw—atable,achairandacupboard—wasallsmallandlowtothefloor,whichwaswoodenandlookedaboutathousandsessionsold.Therewasa
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largeclockonthewallwhosehandsneverstoppedmoving.Theywhirledaroundandaroundthefaceoftheclock.Idrewcloserandsawthatthehandswereactuallytwoblacksnakesinexplicablyhardened.Then,whenIsawthatthefaceoftheclockwasactuallytheflattenedcountenanceofagarm,I
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leaptbackandnearlyupsetthetable,onwhichwasaplate,acupandutensilsallmadefromtin.Maybethefemaleherewas
actuallyevil.MaybeSeamushadtrickedme.IpromisedmyselfifIgotoutofthiscottagealive,Iwouldstranglehim.Gatheringmynerves,Isaid
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sharply,“Oi,isanyoneaboutinthisruddyplace?”Inearlyjumpedtothe
ceilingwhenit,orshe—Iwasn’texactlysurewhat—appeareddirectlyinfrontofme.HarryTwobarkedonceand
thenwentsilent.Igrabbedmychesttotryandpushmyheartbackintoitsproper
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place.“HolySteeples,”Ipanted,bentover,allmybreathsuddenlygone.“Wheretheblazesdidyoucomefrom?”Iwheezed.She—nowIwassureit
wasashe—lookedbackatme.Shewassmall,barelytallerthanSeamus,whichputheratrightaboutmybellybutton.Shewasyoung,
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maybetwentysessions,andherblackhairhunglimplyaroundhershoulders.Herfacewasovalandhernose,eyesandmouthallsmallandfinelydrawn.Herexpressionwasoneofmildcuriositymixedwithindifference,whichstruckmeasquiteodd.Imean,howmanyWugsdidshehaveturnupinherdigs
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withacanineintow?Sheworeanemerald-coloredshawloveralongblackcloak.Shekeptstaringatmewith
thatsamecuriousyetambivalentexpression.“I’mVega,”Isaid.“Thisis
mycanine,HarryTwo.”Shelookedfirstatme,then
atHarryTwo,andthenher
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gazereturnedtome.“IamAstreaPrine,”she
said,inthesamevoicethathadtoldmetoenter.“Seamusthehobtoldme
aboutyouandyourcottage.Ineedyoutohelpmefindmyfriend,Delph.”“Delph?”shesaid
questioningly.“HisfullnameisDaniel
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DelphiabuteveryonecallshimDelph.He’soutinthisstorm.Therewasthisdarkcloudanditcoveredusandhewasgoneand…”“Whydidyouventure
here?”shesaidsharply.“Idon’thavetimeto
explain.DelphisoutinthestormandI’mworriedabouthim.Idon’twantanythingto
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happentohim.”Shesuddenlyturnedandleft
theroom,thistimeusingherfeet.Wehurriedlyfollowedher
intothenextroom,whichwasfarlargerthanthefirstand,indeed,appearedmuchbiggerthantheentirecottagehadlookedfromtheoutside.Intheverycenteroftheroom
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wasaroundtable.Astreastrodeovertoitwith
quick,shortstepsandthenstopped.Wefollowed.Onthetableweretwoidenticallysizedpewtercups.Andineachcupsproutedanemeraldflame.“What’sthatfor?”Iasked
curiously.Shepointedtothecupon
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theleft.“TheQuag,”shesaid,andthenshetookfromherpocketwhatlookedlikesandandthrewitontheflames.Theyinstantlyshotmuchhigher.Thenshetippedthecupoverandtheflamingliquidspreadacrossthetabletop.“Lookout!”Iexclaimed,
reachingouttosmotherthe
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firewithmycloak.Amomentlater,itwasas
thoughIhadrunintoaninvisiblewall.Iwasfrozen,myoutstretchedhandsinchesfromthemoltenliquid.“Thereisnoneed,Vega,”
shesaid,pointingtothetabletop.Theflameshadvanished
andthewaterhadspreadto
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engulfthetabletop,withtheexceptionoftheothercup,whichthewaterdidnottouch.“ThisisaSeer-See,”she
said.“Apropheticaleye.”Confused,Ilookeddownat
thetabletopandmybreathseizedinmylungs.Itwasasthoughapicture,amovingpicture,hadformed
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onthetable.IscanneditfranticallyforDelph.“Amarocs,”Isaidsharply.
Therewasaherdoftheminfullgallop.TheyjumpedandleaptandgallopedandswervedaroundobstacleswithagraceIcouldbarelyimagine.Theywouldbebeautifultolookatiftheyweren’tsomurderous.
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“Canyouseewhatthey’reafter?”IwasterrifiedthatthesomethingwasDelph.Shewavedherhandonce
moreandtheimageleaptaheadoftheamarocs.Itwasaherdofdeer.Buttheywereallaswhiteassnow.Theywerefast,buttheamarocsseemedtobegaining.“Theamarocsareswifter
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thanthedeer,”Isaidworriedly.Shenodded.“Butasyou
cansee,’tisnomatter.”IglancedbackattheSeer-
Seeandgasped.Thedeerwerenolongerthere.Intheirplacewerelittlebitsoflightthatflewintotheairandthendisappeared,leavingtheamarocsrushingaroundinall
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directionsandroaringinfury.“Whathappenedtothe
deer?”Isaid.“Theywerenotdeer.”“Thenwhatwerethey?”“Fairieshavingabitoffun
attheexpenseoftheamarocs.Andmore’sthebetter,Isay.Bloodytroglodytes.”“CanyouseeDelphonthis
thing?”Isaidimpatiently,my
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insidesfrozenwiththoughtsofwhatmighthavehappenedtohim.Shewavedherhandover
thetabletoponcemore.IcaughtabreathwhenIsaw
him,butthenletitoutslowlyandwithrelief.Delphwasfastasleepinthe
hugecrookofatoweringtreewhosecanopywassothick
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thatnotonedropofraincouldpenetrateit.Icouldseethathehadusedabitofropetosecurehisperch.Thatwayhecouldnotturninhissleepandtumbledown.“Ishesafe?”Iasked
worriedly.Inanswer,shereachedin
hercloakpocketanddrewsomethingout.Sheliftedup
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herhandandletthethingsshe’ddrawnoutfallontothetabletop.Theylookedlikegrainsofrice.Theyhitthewaterwithoutmakingasplash.ButIcouldseetheripplescausedbythetinycollisionofriceandwater.TheseripplescarriedoverDelphandformedacirclearoundhim.Andthenthey
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hardened,becomingstillandfixedinthewater.Itwaslikehewasnowinacage.“Heisfreefromharmnow.”
Sheturnedoncemore.“Pleasecomewithme,VegaJane.”AsIfollowedher,it
occurredtomethatIhadnevertoldhermylastnamewasJane.
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ASTREAUSEDAlargeironkeyshapedlikeanarrowheadtoopenadoorandledmeintoaroomthatwasclearlyalibrary,foreveryinchofwall
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wastakenupbybooksinlarge,ornatelycarvedcasesthatroseallthewaytotheceilingagoodfifteenfeetaboveus.Inthecenteroftheroomwerelumpychairsandscuffedtablesscatteredhitherandthither.AsIgazedaround,there
wasadistinctclick.Asectionofthebookcaseshadopened,
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revealingapatchofdarknessbeyond.Weenteredthespace,whichwascompletelyblackuntilwehadmovedintoit.Thentheroomwasawashinlightthatcasttheobjectsintheroomintoexaggeratedrelief.Therewerecomfortable-
lookingoverstuffedarmchairsandsmalltablesuponwhich
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restedcontraptionsunrecognizabletome.Therewasalargewoodendeskcutfromtimbersoagedthatitlookedpetrified.Behindthedeskwasaleatherchairwithahighwoodenbackwithgleamingnail-headsvisible.Onthedeskwerepapersandparchmentsandscrolls,stacksofbooksandglass
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inkwellsandarackofold-fashionedquillsthatIhadonceseenmygrandfatherusetowritealetter.Therewasasmallfireplace
surroundedbybrick,withathincopper-edgedchimneypieceuponwhichsataclockthat,thankfullyformynerves,hadnoserpentsonitsface.Infrontofthe
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emptyfireplaceweretwoequallydecrepit-lookingchairswiththestuffingfallingoutandtinyfootstoolsinfront,whereone’sfeetcoulddrawclosertothewarmthiftherehadbeenafireburning.Thenextinstant,HarryTwo
andIleaptbackasthefireplace,whichhadbeen
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emptynotonlyoffirebutalsooflogs,sprangtolifeandroaringflamesleaptforth.Theroom,chillywhenwehadentered,quicklybecamewarmandcomfortingand,despitemyexcitement,Ifeltmyeyesdroopabit.IsuddenlyrealizedthatIwasbeyondexhausted.Myeyessnappedwideopen
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whenIglancedatthefloor.Itwaswooden,theboardsworndownoverthesessionsfromthetreadofinnumerablefootsteps.ButIwasnotfocusedontheplanks.Iwaslookingatthesquareoftatteredruguponit.Moretothepoint,mygaze
heldontheimagesontherug.“Whatarethosecreatures?”
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Iaskedbreathlessly.HarryTwowenttostandon
therug,andIwatchedashereachedoutatentativepawandtouchedoneofthefigureswovenintoitssurface.Astreapointedtotheoneon
theleft.“That’saunicorn.Itshornofcoursecancureallknownpoisons.”Ihadnoideawhataunicorn
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evenwas.“Andtheother?”Iasked,lookingatit.Thoughundoubtedlyaged,thecolorsoftherug’simageswereextraordinarilybright,morevibrantthananythingI’devercreatedatStacks.“Afirebird,”shesaid
casually.“Sonamedbecauseofitsexceptionallybrilliantplumage.Thefeathersofthe
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actualbirdcanbeusedtolightthewayandalsoforwarmthagainstthecold.”“Waitamo’,I’veseenone,”
Isaid.“Itchasedmeintoacave.”“Indeed?’Tisnotusually
dangerous.”“AreyousureDelphis
safe?”Iblurtedout.“Heissafe.Youcaremuch
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foryourfriend?”“Icareeverythingforhim.”“Itisadangerousthingto
placesomuchofone’sselfinanother.”Iignoredthisand,
summoningupcourage,Isaid,“HowdidyouknowmysurnamewasJane?”Insteadofanswering,she
seizedmyhandwith
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surprisingstrengthandexclaimed,“Thatmark?Howdidyoucomebyit?”Ilookeddownattheinked
threehooks,whichIhaddrawnthere.Ijerkedmyhandfreefrom
hergrip.IhadjustenduredimprisonmentfromThorne.Iwasnotgoingtomakethesamemistakewithher.Until
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Iknewshewasafriend,shewouldbeconsideredapotentialenemy.“It’sthesamemarkason
thisring.”Itookitfrommycloakpocketandshowedittoher.“Itbelongedtomygrandfather,”Iaddedwarily.“Sohehadthisring?You’re
absolutelycertain?”“Yes.”Iwasn’tabouttotell
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herthatitcouldmakemeinvisible.Shestudiedtheringfora
fewmoremomentsbeforepointingatmyhand.“That’sonlyink.”“Iknow,becauseIinkedit,”
Irepliedpromptly.“Mygrandfatherhadthesamemarkonthebackofhishand,thoughitwasn’tsimply
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inked.”Shewavedherhandover
mineandthemarkvanished.Istareddownatmyclean
skinandthenbackupather.“Doyouknowwhatit
means?”Iasked.“No.”Iknewshewastellingan
untruth,whichmademeeverwarierofher.
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BeforeIcouldaskanotherquestion,shewalkedovertoalargeblankwallandHarryTwoandIscurriedafterher.Sheraisedherhandandan
astonishinglybrightlightblastedfromitandhitthewalladirectblow.IimmediatelysquatteddownandshieldedmyeyesfromwhatIthoughtwouldbea
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terrificblastemanatingfromthecollisionofwallandlight.Buttherewasnoexplosion.Iopenedmyeyesandstood.Andgasped.Theentirewallhadcometo
life.Ifthelittletableintheotherroomwasimpressiveinwhatithadshownme,thisspectaclewaslikeamountainversusaknollbycomparison.
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Everyinchofthegreatwall,whichmusthavemeasuredfullyfiftyfeetinlength,wasnowablazewithimages,movingimages.Astreaturnedtomeandsaid
simply,“TheQuag.Inallitsglory.Andinallitsdepravity,whichrunsdeeply.Verydeeplyindeed.”WhenIhadfirstseenthe
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extentoftheQuagfromthetopoftheplateauwhereDelph,HarryTwoandIwerechasedbythegarmsandamarocs,Ihadbeengobsmackedbyitsbreadthanddark,sinisterbeauty.IhadthoughtIwasseeingtotheveryhorizonoftheQuag,butIapparentlyhadbeenwrongaboutthat.
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AsIwatched,spellbound,Icouldseeherdsofunknowncreaturesboundingacrossopenplainsandupruggedridges.Flyingcreatures,someIknew,mostofwhichIdidn’t,soaredacrossaskythatwasasblackasalumpofcoal.TreestrembledandcreaturescreptandIcouldhearsounds,somegentlethat
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tickledmyears,andothersfiercelyforebodingthatgnarledmynervesandchilledmycourage.IsawthemajesticpeakoftheBlueMountain.AndtherewasthedarkriverthatsnakedacrossthefaceoftheQuagtoplacesunknownandprobablyhostile.Withathrillthatreachedallthewaytomy
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toes,IthoughtIsawasmallboatwithsomethingorsomeoneinsideit,slowlymakingitswayacrossthewater’swide,blackenedwidth.Thatimagevanishedandwasreplacedwithafrekdevouringwhatlookedtobeagoat.Andthenacreaturesteppedfromthetreesintotheclearingandcameinto
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fullview.Itwastallandpowerfully
built,andthoughitstoodontwolegslikeIdid,ithadfangsandclawsandlong,straighthairoveritsbody.IglancedquicklyatAstrea.
“Whatisthatghastlything?”“’Tisalycan,”shesaid.“Idon’tknowwhatthatis.”“Itsbitemakesyoubecome
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like…it.”Wewatchedasthelycan,
withatremendousleapthatcoveredyardsofdirt,attackedthefrek.Therewasafuriousbattle,fortheyseemedfairlyequallymatched.Yetfinallythelycanwonoutanditsfangsbitdeeplyintothefrek’sneck.Thelatterhowledinpainand
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furyandthen,bloodyandbeaten,itbrokefreeandfledintothetrees.Thelycanstoodthere,
drippingbloodfromwoundsinflictedbythefrek,andthenitreacheditsclawedhandstothedarkenedskyandroaredintriumph.ItwasaterrifyingspectacletowitnessandyetIfoundIcouldnotlookaway.
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“Thefrek’sbitedrivesonemad,”Isaidinahollowtone.“Thelycanisalreadymad,
Vega.Afrek’sbitewillnotmakeaspotofdifferencetoitstorturedmind.”Alongsliverofsilence
passed.“WhatisbeyondtheQuag?”Iasked.“Whydidyouenterthe
Quag?”sheaskedmeonce
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again.“Idon’tseewhythat
matters,”Isaidstubbornly.Shelookedbackatme
impassively.“ThedifferencebetweenwhatIthinkmattersandwhatyouthinkdoescouldlikelyfillabookcase.”“Doyouknowwhat’s
beyondtheQuag?”Ipersisted.
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Iglancedatherintimetoseeherfaceseizeuplikeshewasinpain.ButbeforeIcouldsayanything,shereplied,“Itislate.AndI’mverytired.”“Well,I’mnottired,”Isaid
inastridenttone.“Iwillshowyouyourdigs
andthenyoucanstayuporsleep,asyoulike.”
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“AndIcangowhereIwant?Imeaninsidethecottage?”“Youcangointoanyroom
thatwillletyou.Mindyou,notallofthemwill.”Ilookedatherlikeshe’d
gonecompletelymental.“Theroommightn’tletme?”“Roomshaveopinions,”she
said.“Andfeelingstoo.”
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“Feelings!”Iexclaimed.“FeelingsIsaidandfeelings
Imeant,”shereiteratedforcefully,andthenturnedandstrodeaway.Ihurriedafterher,
wonderingwhatmadnessawaitedmeinthisplace.
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MYDIGSTURNEDouttobealargeovalroomwithnotastickoffurnitureinit.IturnedtoAstreaandsaid,“It’sallright.Ihaveno
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problemsleepingonthefloor.”“Now,whywouldyoudo
that,Iwonder?”sheasked.Igazedaroundtheroomto
makesureIhadnotsomehowmissedahulkingbedsteadlurkinginacorner.“Well,I’dneedabedto—”HarryTwoandIjumped
backtoavoidbeingcrushed
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byamammothfour-posterthatseemedtodropfromtheceiling.“BloodyHel,”Icriedout,
mychestheavingandmylimbsquivering.HarryTwostartedbarkingmadlyuntilIhelduponehandandheinstantlyquieted.“Onemustbecarefulwhat
oneasksfor,atleastinmy
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cottage,”saidAstreacasually,asshefluffedupthepillows.Sheturnedtome.“Oratleastmovequicklyonone’sfeet,asyoudid,mydear,”sheaddedbenignly.“B-butwheredidthatbed
comefrom?”“Itcomesfromwherever
suchthingsexistbeforethey’reneeded.Anditsaves
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noendofcleaningtimetohavethethingsgoawaywhilethey’reunnecessary.”“So,”Isaid,“yousimply
askforsomethinganditappears?”“Itoldyou,didInot,that
roomshaveviewsandopinions?Doesitnotlogicallyfollowthattheycanhearwhatyousay?”
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“Well,astoutwardrobewouldnotbeunwelcomeformythings.”Iwasreadythistime.Ihad
alreadyjumpedoutofthewaywhenanoakwardrobewithtwobigdoorsandadrawerunderneathlandedwithathudagainstawallacrossfromthebed.AsIstaredatit,thedoorsopened,
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andinsidewerenicecubbiesandmetalhooksforhangingclothes.Astreagavemean
appraisinglook.“Iseeyou’regettingthegistofthings.”“ShouldIwishforatable
andchairs?”Isaid,readytojump.However,theysimply
appearedinthecornerofthe
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roomwithalightedcandleinthecenter,burningbrightly.Ilookedatherinquiringly.“There’snorulethatall
thingsmustdropfromtheceiling,”shesaid.“Now,areyouhungry?Idaresaythingscanbescroungedupinthekitchen.Itdoesanexcellenttrifle,infact,ifyoufancysuch.”
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Ishookmyhead,thoughintruth,asusual,Icouldhaveusedsomethinginmybelly.“I’mfullup.YoucantoddleofftobedwhileIputmyfewthingsaway.”Shelookedatmecuriously
butalsointently.Abittoointently,Ithought.“Well…ifyou’re…sure?”
shesaidinadrawn-outway.
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“Quitesure,”Ireplied,perhapsabittooquickly.“Andwe’llgoforDelphatfirstlight?”Shesaid,“Yes.”AftersheleftmydigsI
turnedoutmytuck.Thecavernouswardrobeswallowedmymeagerpossessionswithplentyofroomleftover.
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Ijumpeduponthebed,whichIfoundquitecomfy.HarryTwohoppedupnexttomeandIscratchedhisears.Herewardedmewithasoftwhimperofpleasure.Ilookedatthedoor,whichhadclosedwhenAstreadeparted.Ijumpeddown,strodeovertoitandtriedtotugitopen.Itwouldn’tbudge.
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IlookedindisbeliefatHarryTwo.“She’slockedusin.Well,
howdoyoulikethat?”Iwasmiffedbeyondbelief.Isteppedawayfromthe
doorandsizeditup.ThenIbackeduptogetarunningstart.IglancedatHarryTwo.“Don’tworry,Iwantoutofhereandwewillbeinamo’.”
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Istartedtochargeforwardandthenstoppeddead.Thedoorhadswungsilently
open.Iwantoutofhere.That’s
whatI’dsaid.Andthedoorhadjustopened.Icautiouslypeeredaround
thecornerintothedarkenedcorridor.TherewasnosignofAstrea.Isteppedoutofthe
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room,HarryTworightwithme.Ilookeddownathim.IguesshecouldtellIwasanxiousbecausehegavemyhipanudgewithhissnoutasthoughtosayLet’sbudgealong,shallwe?Ilookedtotheright.Ihad
beendownthatway.Thus,Iturnedleft.Adoorstoodontheright
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sideofthepassage.Itriedthehandle,butitwaslocked.Isteppedback,drewupmycourageandsaidinthemostpolitevoiceIcouldmuster,“MightIcomein,please?”Thedoorswungopen,
revealingnothingbutdarkness.IlookedatHarryTwo,who
staredbackupatme.Nowhe
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lookedanxious.“Okay,right,”Isaid
confidently,thoughIwasfeelingnotajotofitactually.Isteppedthroughthedoorway.HarryTwofollowed.Assoonaswedid,thedoorshutbehindus,andtheroombrightened.Therewasonlyoneobject
intheroom.Itwasan
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enormousclockthatrestedononehugewall.Attachedtoitunderneathweretwinchainswithlargemetalballsaffixedtothem.Thechainsdisappearedthroughholescutinthefloor.Icreptforwardandstaredattheclockface.ItwasunlikeanyIhadseenbefore.Wugtimepiecesweredividedintothedifferent
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sectionsoflightandnight.Therewerenumbersandwordsonthisone.Idrewevencloser.“Century,”Ireadoff.That
wordwasundereachnumberetchedontheclockfaceatregularintervals.Therewasonlyonehandontheclock.Itwasnowpointedateightcenturies.Ihadnoideawhat
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anyofthismeant.Istareddownattheholesinthefloor,intowhichthechainsdisappeared.Ihadnoideawheretheywent.Well,Icouldlearnnothingmorehere,itseemed.Thenextdoorwereached
wasabouttenfeetdownthehall.Isteppedinfrontofitand
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said,“Mightwecomein,please?”“GOAWAY!”Thescream
wasnearlyear-shattering.IjumpedbacksofarIhit
theoppositewallandslumpeddown,dazed.“BloodyHel,”Imuttered.Istaggeredupandwe
hurriedalongtothenextdoor.
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Itopenedatmyrequest,thoughIdidcovermyearsinanticipationofanegativeresponse.WewalkedinsideandIlookedaroundastheroomwasilluminatedbyasourceoflightthatremainedinvisibletome.Therewasasmallcradlein
onecorner.Irushedovertoit,butitwasempty.Itwas
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alsocoveredwithcobwebs.Sowastheentireroom,whichwasfilledwithold,moldyfurniture.WhileIstoodthere,Iwasslowlyfilledwithdeepdespair,asthoughonlysadnessreignedinmyheart.ThenmydespairgrewfathomsdeeperandIfelttearscreeptomyeyes.IlookeddownatHarryTwo
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andIcouldtellhewashavingsimilaremotions.Hehadlainonthefloorandcoveredhissnoutwithhispaws.WhenIcouldstanditno
more,Irushedfromtheroom,withHarryTwocloselyfollowing.Whenthedoorclosedbehindus,theawfulfeelingsinstantlyvanished.Idrewasmallknifefrommy
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cloakpocketandcutatinynotchinthewooddirectlyabovethedoorhandle.Irushedbackandmarkedinthesamewaythedoorthathadscreamedatme.NowIwouldknowwhichtoleavealone.Thenextroomshoutedat
metoGOAWAY!Imarkeditaswell.
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Thedoorafterthatdidn’tbudgeatfirstandIthoughttheroomwasgoingtoscreamatme.Butnosoundcame.Exceptfinallyatinyclickasthedoorswungopen.Icreptinsideandlooked
aroundasthedarknesswasdispelledbyawashoflight,againfromanunknownsource.Oneverysinglewall
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werehundredsofpaintings.ImovedforwardsoIcouldseethemmoreclearly.Groupsoffemaleshadon
longgownswithlow-cutnecklinesrevealingfarmoreofthemselvesthanIwasusedtoseeing.Theirhairwasbeautifullystyledandlayeredandpiledontopoftheirheads.Themalesworedark
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cloakswithembroideredstitchingandwhatlookedtobegoldleafontheirshoulders.Someheldshortsticksofwoodandothershadswordsinholdersongildedbeltsencirclingtheirwaists.OnemaleclutchedalongleatherleadattachedtoacaninethatlookedlikeafarlargerversionofHarryTwo.
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Thethinglookedproudandnoblestaringoffintothedistanceasitsatobedientlybesideitsmaster.IlookeddownatHarryTwoandfoundhimstaringathiscounterpartcastinoilsoncanvas.Heseemedawestruck.Mygazekeptroaminguntil
itfinallystoppedandheldon
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onefemale.Shewastallerthantheothers,herflamingredhairpooledluxuriouslyaroundherbroad,muscledshoulders.Iinstantlyrecognizedher.ShewastheoneImetonmytripthroughthefieryportalsintothepast,whichIhaddiscoveredatStacks.Igazedbackupatthepainting.Thisfemalehad
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savedmylifeandgivenmetheElementalbeforedyingonthebattlefield.CuriousthoughIwasabouther,mygazeagainbeganroamingtotheotherpaintings,whichheldlandscapesofbroad,lovelycountryside,townswithtoweringstonebuildingsandsmoothlylaidcobblestonestreets.Slepsand
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carriageswerepicturedonthecobblestonesandtherewasanairofprosperityand,well,peace.AsImovedaroundthe
room,though,theairofhopeandprosperityfaded.Thepaintingsturnedfardarkerandthelovelygowns,piled-uphairandstatelycarriagesonfinecobblestoneswereno
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more.Replacingthemwerescenesofbloodybattlefields,smolderingruinsandabjectcarnage.Alongwiththischangeinsubjects,thebrightcolorsoftheearlierpaintingshaddisappearedintotheshadowyanddepressinghuesofblacksandgrays,displacedonlybythegarishthrustofbloodyred,assomeonelay
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dying.Flamesleaptfromthestonetowers,andeveryonelookedfrightenedandconfused.Inonesmallpainting,therewasayoungfemalealoneonastreet,herfaceupliftedtothedarkskyandhermouthopenapparentlyinascreamastearsfelldownherdirtycheeks.Thesenseoflosswas
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awful.Weleftthisroomand
reachedthenextone.Thedooropenedatmyasking.Darknessagain.Iexpectedthelightstocomeon,buttheydidn’t.Ididhearsomething.Somethingbreathing.Thebreathswereuneven,
harsh,andsoundedpainful.I
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feltmyownchesttightenasIlistenedtothem.Ilookedwildlyaroundforthesourceofthenoise.Therewasalargefour-
posterbedsetinthedeepestcreviceoftheroom.AsIdrewcloser,theroomlightenedabit,allowingmetoseemoreclearly.MyjawdroppedwhenIsaw
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him.HewastheoldestmaleI
hadeverlaideyeson,evenolderthanancientDisFidusbackinWormwood.Hehadnotahaironhishead.Hisbeardwassnowwhiteandcurleddownhischestandthenpastitbyagoodtwofeet.Hiseyesweresunken,hollowandbrushedliberally
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withred.Hisnosewaslongandhorriblymisshapen.Hischeekswereflat.Whenheroseupabitonhispillow,Icouldseehishands.Theywerewrinkledclawswithlargebrownspotsacrossthem.Hesaidinagasping
whisper,“Who…are…you?”
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“I’m…I’m…”IfranticallyrealizedI’dforgottenmyownname.Think,think,yougit!“Vega.I’mVegaJ-Jane,”Isaidinarush.“J-James?”saidthe
creature,nowtryingtoprophimselfuphigher.Ihurriedtoaidhim.WhenI
grippedhisshoulderthroughthenightshirt,Icouldfeelit
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wasnotmuchmorethanbone.Hisbreathwasfoulandhisskinwaslikethechilliestofwater.Ieasilyliftedhimbecauseheweighedalmostnothing.Isteppedback.“Jane,”Isaidmoreloudly.“VegaJane.”Helookedupatmeoutof
thosecavernouseyesockets.“Howcameyoutobehere?”
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hesaidcroakily,thoughheseemedtobebreathingabiteasier.“AhobnamedSeamustold
meoftheplace.SoIcame.”“Butwhy?”“BecauseIheardthatAstrea
Prinewouldhelpme.”Hegaveashudderingbreath
andsaid,“Helpyouwithwhat,mydear?”
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Isprangbackasahandpassedbyme.Astrealaidheryouthful
palmontheagedcreature’schestandheinstantlycalmed,hisbreathingbecomingregular.Hethankedherwithasmile.Astreaturnedtomeand
said,“Iseethatyou’vemetmyson,Vega.”
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ISTAREDFROMASTREAto—herson?“Youmeanhe’syounger
thanyouare?”Iexclaimed.“But—”
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Shecutmeoff.“Comewithme.”“Ithoughtyouweretired?”
Iasked.Sheturnedbacktoherson.
“There,there,Archie.Tryandgetsomesleepnow,luv,okay?”Shekissedhimonhis
witheredforehead.HarryTwoandIfollowed
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heroutanddownthepassageway.Wereturnedtotheplacewiththeolddeskandfireplacethatonereachedthroughthesecretdoorwayinthelibrary.Shesatdownbehindthedeskandmotionedformetositacrossfromher.“IfArchieisyourson,why
ishesooldandyou’resoyoung?”
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Inanswershepulledoutasmallglassflask.“Becauseofthis.”“Isitmedicineofsome
sort?”“Itisanelixirsopotentthat
itkeepsoneyoungforaslongasonetakesit.Itisdevilishlytrickytomake.Itrequiresthebloodofagarmandthevenomofajabbit,among
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otherspecialingredients.”“Howdoyougetbloodand
venomfromthosevilecreatures?”“Ikeeponeofeachincages
hereatmycottage.”Icriedout,“Agarmanda
jabbitinyourcottage!”“Ifyoutriedtoenterthe
roomswheretheyarekept,theywouldhavetoldyouto
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‘Goaway!’”Ishiveredafterdiscovering
howcloseIhadbeentoanotherwretchedjabbit.“Archieisdyingbecausehe
chosenottotaketheyouthelixir.”“Why?”“Henolongerseesapoint
toit.”“Thenhe’lldie?”Iasked.
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“Andsoon,”shesaidcoldly.Well,Ithought,shewas
ratherheartless.“Howoldareyou?”“Didyoufindtheroomwith
theclockonthewallandthechainsgoingthroughthefloorholes?”“Yes.”“Whatdiditread?”“Eightcenturies,whatever
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thatis.”“Acenturyisahundred
sessions.”“Ahundredsessions!But
whatisthatclockkeepingtrackof?”“Mytimehere.”Myjawdropped.“You
meanyou’reeighthundredsessionsold?”Icouldbarelyprocesswhatshewassaying.
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Itwasallunbelievable.“Abitolderactually.Icame
herewhenIwasalreadyfullygrown.”“Ialsosawaroomwith
manypaintings.”“Youwerenodoubttold
abouttheBattleoftheBeastsbackinWormwood?”“AllWugsweretoldabout
it.Thebeastsattacked
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WormwoodlongagobutwerebeatenbackandthereafterremainedintheQuag.”Shesaidemphatically,
“Well,thatwasalie.Therewasneversuchathing.”“ButI’veseenthepaintings
attheCouncilbuilding—”Sheshookherhead
impatiently.“Therewasawar
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thattookplaceoveragreatmanysessions.However,itwasnotwiththebeasts.”Shepaused.Iwasnowsqueezingboth
mylegssohardtheyfeltquitenumb.“Whowasitwith,then?”Shegazedatmeso
strangelyIfeltmyselfinvoluntarilyshaking.
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“Itdoesnotmatter.Notnow.”“Itmatterstome,”I
retorted.“Itwasabattlebetweentwo
oppositeforces.Onewonandonelost.ThatisallIwillsayonthematter.”“Youtellmenothing,”I
saidforcefully.“Iwilltellyouthis,Vega.
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WecreatedthevillageofWormwood.AndthenwemanagedthebuildingoftheQuag.Andthedecisionwasmadetowipeawayourhistoryandreplaceitwithanother.WecalledourselvesWugmorts.”Shepaused.“Doyouknowwhywechosethatname?”Ishookmyhead.
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“Thereisaplantthatisuniversallyconsideredbitter.ItiscalledtheMugwort.WealtereditslightlytoWugmort.Thesurvivorscarriedthatfeelingofguilt,ofbitterness,everytimetheyutteredtheword.”Isatforward,mymind
fillingwithquestionsandpossibleconnections.“Imeta
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creaturenamedEon.ThroughhimIwentbackintime.Notjustmypast.Butfurtherback.Iwasonagreatbattlefield.Afemalewarrior,whileshelaydying,gavemesomethingshecalledtheElemental,thatIcouldtouchusingthegloveshealsogaveme.Sheknewmyname.ShesaidIhadtosurvive.Andshe
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wasinoneofthepaintingsbackinthatroom.”Astrealookedgobsmacked
bythisinformation.“You…youmether?Asshelaydying?”“Yes.Whowasshe?”Astreadidn’tlooknearlyso
formidablenow.Hereyesheldafarawaylook,andIcouldseetearsclutchingat
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theircorners.Shesaidslowlyinatremblingvoice,“HernamewasAliceAdronis,oneofourgreatestsorceressesandmydearestfriend.TheElementalwashercreation.”Shepausedandswallowed.Astreaseemedtobetryingveryhardnottoburstintotears.“Shecouldonlyliveasavictorordieasawarrior,
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couldAlice.”“Butwhywouldsheknow
myname?WhywouldshesayIhadtosurvive?”“Ihavenoidea,Vega.I…I
…”Shelookedaway.“Whathappenedafterthat?”Astreatookamomentto
composeherself.“Asthefirstcenturywentby,themagicalpowerswithwhichwewere
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imbuedfadeddrastically.Itwasatthatpointthatthedecisionwasmadetoletthemdiecompletely.”“Howdoyouletmagic
die?”Isaidslowly.Ididn’tknowwhy,butIfeltagreatsenseoflossatthis.“Bynotusingit.Bynot
believinginitanymore.Belief,havingfaithin
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something,isaverypowerfulthing,Vega.Perhapsthemostpowerfulthingofall.Andasthesessionswentbyandwestarteddyingoff,ourdescendantsknewlittleofwhatwewere.Andfinally,virtuallynoWuginWormwoodknewanythingofusa’tall,butacceptedastheirhistorytheliesthathadbeen
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createdforthem.”Itookadeepbreath,put
asidemymiseryandtoldAstreaabouttheAdderStoneandDestinthechainandhowIhadcomebythematStacks.Shenoddedandsaid,
“Stackswasthecastleofourleader,BastionCadmus.”“Youtookhiscastlewith
you?”Iasked,wondering
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howthiswaspossible.But,Isupposed,anythingwaspossiblewithblokeswhocoulddomagic.“Wehadtocreateanother
placetolive.Everybitwasprecioustous.”“AndtheStone?And
Destin?”“Objectspossessedby
Bastion.”
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“AndtheQuag?Andwhatweweretoldaboutit?Youhaven’texplainedthat.”“Ihavenoneedtoexplain
it,”shesaid,hertonesharpagain.Ibitbackmyangerand
gropedaroundforsomethingelsetoaskher.“Butwhyareyouhere?”I
asked.
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“Iam,quitesimply,theKeeperoftheQuag.”“Soyouhadyourfamily
herewithyouatthecottage?”“Yes.Mymate,Thomas,
andIcametoliveherewithoursonsanddaughters.”ShepausedandforthefirsttimeIcouldseeherfeaturessoften,justatinybit.“Thomasneverdidtaketheelixir.Hewasthe
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firstofustogo.AfterArchiepasses,itwilljustbeme.”“Whydoyoudoit?Stay
here?”Hereyesflashed.“It’smy
duty,Vega.IgaveanoathasKeeperandImeantokeepit.”Sherose,camearoundthe
deskandstoodnexttome.Itriedtoimagineherasmore
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thaneightcenturiesold,olderthanpoordyingArchie,butIcouldn’t.“Howmuchdidyouknow
aboutyourgrandfather?”sheasked.“Hewasverynice.But
stubborntoo.”“Heisfarmorethanthat.
HeisanExcalibur.”“Awhat?”
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“Thosewhoarebornwiththeirmagicalpowersintactandaninnateandprofoundknowledgeandunderstandingofourrealhistoryembeddedintheirminds.Theyareterriblyrare,buthewasoneofthem.”“Mygrandfatherleft
Wormwood.”“Iknowhedid.”
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“Andyoucouldn’tstophim?”“Excalibursdonotcarrya
signontheirforeheadsproclaimingthemassuch.Itwasonlyafterheleftthatwetrulybecameawareofwhathewasandcoulddo.”“Soyousawthis,what,
throughyourSeer-See?”“Yes.”
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Ifeltmyangerrising.“ThenIsupposeyousawMorrigoneblastmewithabluelight,andDelphwitharedlightthatturnedhismindtomushandlefthimjargoledfortenlongsessions!”MyvoiceandfuryroseasIspoke.“Yousawallthat,didyou?”“Idid,”sherepliedcalmly,
whichmademeevenmore
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furious.“Shearguedwithmy
grandfather.Shewantedhimtostay.”“Doubtlessshedid.But
againstatrueExcalibur,shewasbutnothing.”Istood.“Anddidyousee
myparentsdisappearinaballofflames?Didyouseemecryingmyheartout?Didyou
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seethat,AstreabloodyPrine?!”Hergazeneverwavered.“I
did,Vega.Ididindeed.”“Well,goodforyou.Ihope
youenjoyedit,becauseIsureasHeldidn’t!”Iwashalfwaytothedoor
whenshecalledout.“Doyouknowwherethey
went,Vega?”
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Islowlyturnedandlookedatherquestioningly.“No,Idon’t.”Shescrutinizedmeclosely
beforesaying,“Let’sapplyabitoflogic,shallwe?Ifthey’renotinWormwoodandthey’renotintheQuag?”“They’rebeyondtheQuag,”
Isaid.“Yes.”
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“SowhycanmygrandfatherleaveWormwoodwithouteversteppingonefootintotheQuaglikeIhaveto?”“LeavingWormwoodand
bypassingtheQuagwouldhavebeeneasyenoughforsomeonelikehim.”“Andmyparents?Isuppose
theymadethedecisiontoleaveme?”
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“No,Virgilsummonedthem.”“Summonedthem?Why?”“Didhenevertalktoyou
aboutit?”shesaidfiercely.“Tellmethetruth!”“No,never,”Isaid,taken
abackbyherharshtone.WassheasnuttersasThorne?“Youdonotknowofhis
plans?Tellmeifyoudo.Tell
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me!”Itookastepback,forher
facehadtwistedintoafuriousmass.Ithoughtforamomentthatshewasgoingtoattackme.“Ihaveneverheardfrom
mygrandfathersinceheleft,”Isaidcalmly.“Andhenevertoldmeanythingaboutanyplans.Allheevertoldme
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was…thathelovedme.”Thiswasalieofcourse.My
grandfatherhadactuallytoldmesomethingaboutWormwood.HehadsaidthatthemostbitterlyawfulplaceofallisonethatWugmortsdon’tknowisaswrongaswrongcanpossiblybe.Ihadnoideawhathewastalkingaboutthen.ButnowI
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believedthatIdid.Herexpressionbecame
normaloncemoreandshesatbehindherdeskandsteepledherhandsinfrontofher.“Ithinkthatisenoughforonenight.Atnextlight,wewillfetchyourfriend.Andthenallwillberightagain.”Shesmiledatmeinaway
thatmademyskincrawl.
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Iwalkedslowlybacktomyroom,wonderingwhoIreallywasandconcludingthatIwasnothing.IfAstreawasright,mygrandfatherhadbeenabletoleaveWormwoodbecausehewasmagical,thisExcaliburthinginfact.Andhehadsummonedmyparentstojoinhim,whichshowedthathecouldbringothersto
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himifhesodesired.Buthehadn’tsummonedme.Hehadleftmebehind,inWormwood.Heapparentlyconsideredmeofnoimportancewhatsoever.SonomatterwhetherI
madeitthroughtheQuagordiedhere,Iwasnothing.Sometimesthetruthhelps.Sometimesithurts.
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Andsometimesitdestroysyou.
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DESPITENOTWANTINGto,Isleptlikeastone.Iwasfinallyawokenbysomethingtuggingatmysleeve.Atfirst,Ididn’tfocusonwhatitwas.
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Then,withastart,Iboltedstraightup.HarryTwoletoutayipandleaptoffthebed.Iwaseyetoeyewith…
Seamus.Hisbulbouseyeballsseemedhorrificallyhuge.“BloodyHel!Whatareyou
doinghere?”Igasped,holdingmychest.“Cametofetchyoutoeat.
MadamePrineaskedmeto.”
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Icomposedmyself.“Youweretakencareoflastnight?”“Fedlikeaking,meadto
drinkandasoftbed.”“I’llbealong.Ineedtoget
dressed.”HeshuffledoffandIslowly
pulledonmyclothes.Thenitstruckme.Vega,
yougit!
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IrushedoutofmyroomwithHarryTwoatmyheels.Ifoundthekitchenbyfollowingthesmelloffood.SeamusandAstreawerealreadythere.Hewasstandingnexttoalargeround,woodentable,whileshewasstandinginfrontofanenormousandancientblackenedstovewhere
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severalfatpotssatbubblingandtwoskilletsweresizzling.“Ihopeyou’rehungry,”
Astreasaidtome.“Iam.AndI’msureDelph
mustbefamished.”Sheshotmeaglance.“I
supposeyouwouldliketobreakbreadtogether?”“Iwould,yes,please.I
really,reallywould.”
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“Well,thenlet’sbeoff,”shesaiddecisively.Shemovedsoquicklythat
HarryTwoandIbarelyhadtimetoreact.Acloakappearedoutofthinairandsettledneatlyaroundhershouldersassheheadeddownthehall.Wehurriedafterher,withSeamusbringinguptherear.
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Thefrontdooropenedofitsownaccordandweallpassedthroughit.ThegreendomeremainedoverthecottagealthoughthroughitIcouldseethattheskywasnowclearandbright.Shepassedthroughtheemeraldwallandwescurriedafterher.Shetookoutofhercloak
pocketsomethingthatlooked
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likeashinystickandpointeditatthesky.Herlipsmoved,thoughIcouldn’thearthewordscomingoutofhermouth.Afewmomentslater,soaringacrosstheclearskywasDelph,stillasleepandstillinsidethewebthatAstreahadconfiguredlastnight.Hesettledgentlyuponthegroundinfrontofus,
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curledupandsnoring.Astreagaveafinalwaveofthestick,andtheweb,whichIcouldseeasanumberoflinesofvividlights,disappeared.Aswewatched,Delphstartedtowakeup,stretched,yawned,openedhiseyesand…“HolySteeples!”he
screamedashejumpednearlythreefeetintheairbefore
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landingupright,hisbodycontortedintothesophisticatedfightingstanceIhadseenhimemployintheDuelum.“Delph!”Icriedoutand
launchedmyselfathim,squeezinghimtightly.ButDelph,whilehehugged
meback,wasstillstaringwarilyatAstreaandhewas
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stillfairlyinhisfightingstancedespiteourhugs.“It’sokay,Delph,”Isaid.
“ThisisAstreaPrine.”Delphwasobviously
mightilyconfusedbywhatwashappening.Well,Iknewwhatwouldtakehismindoffthat.Isaid,“Areyouhungry?We’reabouttotakeamealinAstrea’scottage.”
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AsIknewhewould,Delphfocusedveryquickly.“Well,thatsoundsallright,
then,eh?”hesaid,straighteningupanddroppinghisfightingstance.IledDelphtowardthe
emeraldlight,whichhedrewbackfromuntilIwalkedthroughitandbeckonedhimtofollow.Asweapproached
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thecottage,Astreagazedupatmytallfriend.“Soyou’reDanielDelphia,areyou?”“Iam,”hesaid,shootingme
aquizzicallook.“FriendscallmeDelph.”“Andyou’retravelingwith
thisone?”shesaid,hookingathumbatme.“Iam,”Delphsaidagain.Astreaturnedandheaded
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intothecottagewithoutanotherword.Whenshehadgoneintothe
cottagewithSeamus,Iscreamed,oncemorejumpedintoDelph’sarmsandsqueezedhimsotightlyIthoughteitherhemightburstormyarmswouldfalloff.IgushedasIfelttearsrise
tomyeyes,“You’reallright,
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Delph.I…Iwassoscared.Thatbloodycloud.Youjustdisappeared.”Hehuggedmebackand
thenslowlysetmedownontheground.“Idon’tknowwhat
happened,Vega,totellthetruth.IwastalkingtoyouonesliverandthenthenextthingIknow,I’minthemiddleof
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sometreeswithnoideahowIgotthere.Itwasweird-like.Whathappenedtoyou?”“Afteryouvanished,Imeta
hobnamedSeamus.HetookmetoAstrea’scottage.”“Andhow’dIgetback
here?”“I’llexplaineverything,but
it’sgoingtotakeawhile.Sobepatient.”
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“Well,letmeeatfirstandthenI’llbemorepatient.”Weheldhandsalltheway
tothecottage.Partofmedidn’twanttoeverletgoofDelph.Iwouldratherdiethanlosehimagain.Ihadlostmyparentsandmybrother.IcouldnotloseDelph.Ijustcouldn’t.WithhimIknewIcould
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faceanything.Together.Iledhimintothekitchen,
whereSeamuswasalreadyseatedinachairbythestove,onwhichthepotsandskilletswerestillbubblingandsizzling,respectively.“Sowho’sthelittlebloke?”
Delphaskedashesatdown.“Seamus,thehobI
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mentioned.”“Hob?”“Remember,inQuentin’s
book.Ahob!”“Oh,right.Helpfulblokes.”“Well,actually,heisn’t
reallyallthathelpful,”Iwhispered.Astreahadsweptoffher
cloakandhungitonawallpegandnowwasoncemore
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overseeingthestove.Shecalledout,“Vega,pleasesetthetable.”Thispuzzledmefora
momentbeforeIfiguredwhatIneededtodo.“Plates,cups,goblets,forks,knivesandnapkins.Please,”Itackedonattheend.Delphnearlyfelloutofhis
chairwhenallthesethings
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cameplummetingfromtheceilingtolandsoftlyonthetablealllinedupproper-like.“Whatthe—”hebegan.“Andbowls,”addedAstrea.
“Andspoons.”Thebowlsandspoons
alightednexttotheplates,makingDelphjumpagain.Iputacalminghandonhis
arm.“Patience,remember?”
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InotedthatonthefloorapanofwaterhadappearedinfrontofHarryTwo,alongwithabowloffood.Helookedatmeasthoughwaitingforpermissiontobegin.Ismiledandnoddedathimandhestartedtogobbleandslurp.“’Tisready,”announced
Astrea.
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Shesweptahandacrossthepotsandskilletsandthenpointedatthetable.Whatwasonthestovewasthustransferredtoourplatesandbowls.Welookeddownandsawfriedeggsandbaconandhamandbrowntoastandsausagesandkippers,andporridgeinourbowlsaswell.Jams,butterandhoneypots
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alsoappearedinfrontofus.Ourgobletswerefilledwithmilk.Ourcupsnearlybrimmedoverwithhottea.IlookedatAstrea
inquiringly.“Aren’tyoueatingtoo?”“I’venotmuchofan
appetite.Youtwoeat.We’lltalklater.”Shewalkedoutoftheroom.
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Seamusfollowed.Asweate,ItoldDelph
everythingthathadhappenedtome.AsIdidso,hisjawdroppedsolowitwasalmostrestinginhispileofsmokedkippers.“Areyoutellingmethatall
thathappenedinthecourseofonebleedin’night?”Ifinishedabitofbacon.
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“Well,thatdoesn’tcountthetimeIwasasleep.”“BloodyHel,”hesaid,
crammingtwofriedeggsandakipperintohismouth.Hedrankdownhismilk,andhisfeaturesturnedsomber.“Whatisit,Delph?Doyou
wantsomemorefood?I’msure—”“It’snotthat,thoughIcould
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goforafewmoreeggsandmaybeahalfdozenbitsofbaconandanotherkipperortwoandIwouldn’tturndownafewmorefriedbiscuitsandanothercuppatea,Icantellyouthat.”Heagainnearlyleaptoutof
hischairwhenthisexactamountoffoodanddrinkappearedonhisplateandin
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hiscup.Whenhe’drightedhimselfandbeguntoeatoncemore,Isaid,“Sowhat’sonyourmind?”“It’sallrubbish,ain’tit?All
we’veknown.Bloodylies!”Hewasright.Theywere
lies.Buttherewastruthoutthere.Andwewouldfindit.
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AFTERWEFINISHED
eating,Astrealedusintotheroomlocatedoffthelibrary.Shesatbehindherolddesk,staringatusanddrumming
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herfingertipsonthewood.“IwanttobesurethatI
understandyourtrueandsincereintent,”shesaid.DelphandIglancedateach
other.Ispokeup.“IthoughtI
madethatclearenough.WemeantogetthroughtheQuag.Thethreeofus,includingHarryTwoof
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course,”Iadded,scratchinghisear.ShelookedatDelph.“And
you?”“LikeVegaJanesaid.We
wantthetruth.Donewithallthelies,ain’twe?”Astreanoddedanddrewout
thesticklikethingshehadusedtobringDelphhere.Icouldnowseethatitwasn’t
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clear.Itwasactuallymadeofcrystal.“Whatisthat?”Iasked.“Mywand.Itisanecessary
elementtoperformmagic.”Isaidslowly,“Ididmagic
sortofbackinWormwood,butIhadnowand.”“Youmeanwiththe
Elementalorthechain,”shesaid.
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“No,ImadeawindowthatMorrigonedestroyedputitselfbacktogether.”“Indeed?”saidAstrea,
lookingquiteinterestedbythis.“WhywouldIbeabletodo
that?”Iasked.“Ifpowerrunsdownthe
line,ittouchesallinthatline.”
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“Myparentscouldn’tperformmagic,”Isaidemphatically.“Andhowdoyouknow
theycouldn’t?”sheasked.“Well,theyneverdid.”“Thatisnotthesamething
asbeingunableto.”“Ifmyparentswere
powerful,whywouldtheyhavebeenintheCare?”
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“MaybethefactthattheywerepowerfulcausedthemtoendupintheCare.”Mybrowsknittedtogether
asIthoughtoverthisstrangepossibility.“Areyousayingtheirpowermadethemsick?”“No,I’msayingthattheir
powermadethemdangeroustoothers.”Asthemeaningofher
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wordssunkin,Iroseonquiveringlegs,myfaceflushed,mychestswellingwithfierceemotions.“Areyou…?”Ifaltered.Imadeanotherattempt.“Doyoumeantosay…?”Again,Icouldnotfinish.Delphreachedoverandputasupportivehandonmyshoulder.
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Astreasaid,“ThattheywerecursedtopreventthemfromescapingWormwood?Yes,thatisexactlywhatImean.”Myeyesflashed.
“Morrigone!She’stheonlyonethatcouldhavedoneit.”“Iagree,”shesaidso
casuallythatmysuspicionssoared.“Andyouknewaboutit!”I
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yelled.“OfcourseIknewaboutit,”
sherepliedsocalmlythatIwantedtohither.“OurgoalwastostopanyonefromleavingWormwood.”“SoyouhadMorrigone
cursemyparentsinto…into…whattheybecame?”“Isawwhatshedid.”“Youcouldhavestoppedit,
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then,”Ipointedoutheatedly.“ButIdidnotwantyour
parentstousetheirpowertoescape.”NowIpounced.Itwas
stupid,butIcouldn’thelpmyself.“Sothen,whyareyouhelpingustoescapetheQuag?”Idemanded.“WhosaidthatIwas?”she
repliedinstantly.
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Suddenly,Ireadallinherlook.HowIhadsomisjudgedherIdidn’tknow.DelphgavevoicetowhatI
wasthinking.Heleaptup,grabbedmy
armandyelled,“Run,VegaJane.”BeforeIcouldevenrise
frommychair,shepointedherwandatDelphandsaid,
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“Elevata.”Delphsoaredupintotheair,
stoppingrightbeforehehittheceiling.Shegaveherwandabitofawiggleandhespunupsidedown.Istood,myeyeswideand
myheartracing.“Stopthat!”Iscreamed.“Don’thurthim.I’mthereasonwe’rehere.LeaveDelphalone.Please!”
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Astreaflickedthewanddownward,utteredoneword,“Descente,”andDelphturnedrightsideupandfellheavilyintothechair.Astrealaidherwandupon
thedeskandstaredatbothofusexpectantly.“ImaynotbewhatIonce
was,butletmeassureyou,mypowersarestillfar
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beyondyourcomprehension.”Shepaused,andIknewwhatshesaidnextwouldhavemonumentalimpactonus.Iwasnotmistaken.Shesaid,“Youshallremain
hereinmycustody.”“Forhowlong?”Isnapped,
thoughIwellknewtheanswer.“Fortherestofyourlives,”
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shesaidcalmly.“Itgivesmenogreatpleasuretodothis.Youareobviouslybrave,andyourmotivesaregenuineanddeeplyfelt,I’msure.”“But?”Iexclaimed.“ButasKeeperoftheQuag,
Ihaveajobtodo,andImeantodoit.Now,youwillhavetherunofthecottageandthelandinsidethedome.”
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“Andifwetrytogetpastthedome?”Delphasked.Despitehimaskingthe
question,Astrea’sgazeheldonme.Hereyesseemedtoswelltomatchthesizeoftheroom.“Notpleasant,”shesaid.“A’tall.”Ireallycouldn’tbelieve
whatwashappening.WehadescapedThorneandhis
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bloodykingdomonlytobeimprisonedoncemorebythiscow!AndwhileThornewasdangerous,hewasn’tmagical.Astrea,tomymind,wasahundredtimesmoreformidablethanthegitThorne.Astrearose,andwithout
anotherword,shelefttheroom.
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Islumpedbackinmychair.Delph,however,remainedrigidinhis.“Sheisasorelytried
female,”heobserved.“She’ssorelytried?What
aboutus?We’regoingtobehereuntilwe’rebloodywelldead.”“Lotofsorrowinher,Vega.
Easytosee.”
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“Ithinkshe’sevil!”“She’snotlikeThorne.He
wouldajustkilledusandputourbonesonhiswall.Notkeepusfedwitharoofoverourheads.”IsupposedDelphwasright
aboutthis,thoughourboneswouldenduphereeventually,Ithoughtmiserably.“Well,Astreasaidwehadtherunof
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thecottageandthelandinsidethedome.”“Sowhatdowedowith
that?”askedDelph.“Wearenotstayinghere,
Delph.Thornecouldn’tstopusandneitherwillAstreaPrine.Weareescapingthisplace.”“Okay,buthowdowedo
that?”
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“IsaywestartwithArchie.”
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DELPHANDHARRYTwofollowedmedownthehall.Iopenedthedoortotheroomandwalkedin.Wegatheredatthesideofthebedand
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lookeddown.Isaidsolemnly,“Thisis
ArchiePrine,Astrea’sson.”Delphgazedattheshrunken
manintotalbewilderment.WhileIhadexplainedtoDelphabouttheelixir,itwasaltogethersomethingelsetoseeitforyourself.Ipulledupachairandsat
downnexttothebed.
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“Hello,Archie,”Isaidsoftly,hopingtorousehimgentlyfromhissleep.Hestirredandhiseyes
slowlyopened.Heblinked,butthoughhe’dseenmebefore,norecognitioncametohisfeatures.“I’mVega.Andtheseare
myfriends,DelphandHarryTwo.”Archiekepthisgaze
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onme.Ibentlower.“We’vecometostaywithyouandAstrea.”“Y-you…h-have?”he
croaked.Inodded.“Shetoldme
aboutyou.Andher.Andthisplace.”“Sh-she…did?”Inoddedagain.“Shesaid
you’dgrowntiredoftaking
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theelixir.”“S-sacrifice.”Heshookhis
headandwhenhetriedtositup,DelphandIhelpedhim.Nowhewaslookingatusfromafarmorecomfortableposition.Inoddedknowingly.
“Sacrifice,”Isaid.“AndtheBattleoftheBeasts.AndBastionCadmus.”Iwas
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sayingthesethingsinthehopesthatsomethingwouldjogArchie’smemory.“Load-at-tosh,”hesaid.
“Beasts?P-piffle.”“That’sright.Astreasaidso
too.Shesaidtherewasawar,though.Shesaidonesidelostandtheotherwon.”Archiegaspedandpointed
tothebedsidetable,wheresat
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acupofwater.Delphgrabbedthecupandhandedittome.IhelpedArchiedrinkfromit,wipingawaysomedropsthatdribbledintohisbeard.Hesatbackandclearedhis
throat.“Ma-Mal-Maladons.”“Maladons?”Isaid,
shootingDelphaglance.“Soyoufoughtthem?”
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Henoddedandatearsliddownhischeek.“F-fought.Andl-lost.W-we…lost.”Delphexclaimed,“You
meanyourlotgotbeaten?”Archieslowlynodded.
“Fledhere.H-hiding.M-miceinah-hole.”Inamomentofanger,heturnedandspatonthefloorbeforeresettlingagainsthispillow.“C-
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cowards.”DelphandIexchanged
disturbedglances.Isaid,“AndyouknewBastionCadmus?”“Ourl-leader.K-killed.”Heswallowedfunnyand
thenstartedtocough.Igavehimsomemorewater.“D-dadwantedtokeepf-
fighting.B-butM-Mum…”
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Heshookhishead.“B-bloodyK-Keeper.What’sth-thep-point.BloodyKeeper.S-sacrifice.What’sthep-p-point?”Helookedupatmewithpleadingeyes.“E-eh?”hesaid.“Eh?”Ididn’tknowhowto
answerhim.Heclosedhiseyesandamomentlaterweheardhisgentlesnores.
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Weroseandquietlylefttheroom.Whenwegottomyroom,
Delph,hiseyesasbigassaucers,said,“Blimey!BloodyMaladons.Warandkillin’.”“Andhiding,”Iadded.
“Likemiceinahole.”“What?”“Don’tyougetit,Delph?
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TheycreatedWormwoodasahidingplace.BecausetheseMaladonblokesweretryingtohuntthemdown.AndtheyconjuredtheQuagaroundittokeepthemout.”“Andtokeepusin,”Delph
added.“LiketheWallroundWormwood.”Welookedateachother.
I’msurewhatIsawin
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Delph’sfeaturesmirroredmyown—completeandutterdespair.Isaid,“Astreawantedto
knowaboutVirgil.Whathewasplanning,whetherIhadtalkedtohim.”“Howcouldyouwhenhe’s
beengonesinceyouwereaweething?”“He’sapowerfulsorcerer.
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AnExcalibur,infact.Whichmeanshe’salwaysknowneverything,includingthingsAstreahaswithheldfromus.”“Blimey,Iguessthat
explainsalot.Sowhatdowedo?”askedDelph.“Keeplearningthings.It’s
allwecando,fornow.”“Butifwe’renevertoleave
here,whatdoesitmatter?”
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“Thetruthalwaysmatters,Delph.”
THATNIGHTDURINGasumptuousmealthatDelphandIlingeredover,IdrewupthecouragetoaskAstreaaquestion.“Canyoushowus
Wormwood?InyourSeer-See?”
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“Why?”sheaskedsuspiciouslyasshetookasipofhertea.IglancedatDelph,who
immediatelyattendedtohiscustard.Hemight’vebeenthinkingaboutAstreastickinghimtotheceiling.“Well,sincewe’regoingto
behereforeverandeverything,itwouldbenice
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toseeourhome.”Iaddedquickly,“Idon’tsupposeyou’dletusgobackthere.We’dpromisenevertoentertheQuagagain.”Iwaslyingofcourse.I
wouldneverstayinWormwood,notnow.Shesethercupdown.“Let
yougobacktoWormwood?Knowingwhatyoudonow?
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DoIlookbarmytoyou?”Sheglanceddownatherwand,whichlaybesideherplate.“Although,Icouldwipeawayyourmindsofcourse.Thenyoucouldreturn.Wouldyoulikemetodothat?”Sheraisedherwand.“Er,no,”Isaidquickly.“Il-likemym-mindwhere
itis,”addedDelph.
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Well,Ithought,shehadcertainlycalledmybluff.“Butcanweatleastseeour
village?”Ipleaded.Shecontemplatedthisfora
fewmomentsandthenrose.Asliverlater,wewerein
theroomwiththetwocupsonthetable.Astreadidwhatshehaddonebefore,onlythistimewiththeothercup.Ihad
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toholdDelphbackwhentheflamingliquidshotacrossthetable.“Wormwood,”saidAstrea
simply,withawaveofherhand.Andthereittrulywas.Thecobblestones,theold
buildings.TherewereWugsIknewwalkingalong.HestiaLoon,hershoppingbagin
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hand.HermanHelvetathiswindow.Witharushofexcitement,IsawmightyThansiusmarchingpurposefullyalong.HepassedbyanotherWugI
knew,JuliusDomitar,whoranStacks.Hewastotteringalongseeminglyfullinhiscups.HeraisedahandingreetingtoThansius.Then
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anotherWugcameintoview.“Medad,”criedoutDelph.Sureenough,therewasDuf
Delphiamakinghiswayonhistwotimbertoes.Awhistpupwasstridingnexttohim,tetheredtoaleathercordthatDufgripped.Ibrightenedandlookedat
Delph.“Helooksgood.Happy.”
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Butmysmilefaded,forDelphdidn’tlookhappy,onlyhomesick.Ireachedoverandtookhishandandsqueezedit.Helookeddownatmeandattemptedasmile,butIknewhisheartwasn’tinit.Itwasalot—tobekeptfromyourfamily,anddidn’tIknowthat.Iglancedbackatthe
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tabletopwhenIheardtheclatteringsoundofhoovesoncobbles.Thebluecarriage!Idrewcloser,wantingdesperatelytoseewhowasinit.AsIwatched,thedriver,ThomasBogle,reinedtheslepstoastop.Thecarriagedooropened
andoutsteppedMorrigone.“Corblimey,”exclaimed
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Delph,whowaslookingovermyshoulder.“Shedon’tlooklikeherself,doesshe?”Morrigonehadalwaysbeen
tallandqueenly,perfectinbothmindandbody.Beforeourdifferenceshadbeenmadecleartome,Ihadalwaysadmiredher.Ihadwantedtoemulateher.ButthisMorrigonewasfar
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different.Shedidn’tseemastall.Her
hair,normallybloodredwitheverystrandinharmonywithitsneighbor,wasnowdisheveledandthinning,thelustergone.Herfacelookedsessionsolder,withlinesandsagsprominent.Hertall,well-shapedbodyhadasunkenappearance—fragile
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whereshehadalwaysbeenrobust.IglancedatAstrea.Shehad
apuzzledlookonherface.Thiswasstartlingtomebecauseit’sthefirsttimeIhadeverglimpseduncertaintyinherfeatures.“What’swrongwith
Morrigone?”Iasked.Sheshookherheadslightly.
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“She…shelooksabittiredisall.”Ilookedbackattheimage
andsawhimstepoutofthecarriage.Itwasmybrother,John.
AndthoughDelphandIhadnotbeengonefromWormwoodverylong,Johnalsolookeddifferent.Hisstepwasbrisk,his
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mannerauthoritativeandsupremelyconfident.And,dareIeventhinkit,cruel?Butthenagain,hehadbeencrueltotheWugsworkingontheWall.Isaid,“Mybrotherbecame
verydifferentunderMorrigone’stutelage.”“Differenthow?”sheasked.
ButwhenIlookedather,I
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couldtellshealreadyknewtheanswer.“Hewassweetand
innocent.Andthenhewasn’t,”Isaidbluntly.“Whatdidshedotohim?”Shedidn’tanswerright
away.“’Tiscomplicated.”“’Tismybrother,”Ishot
back.“Theanswershouldbesimple.”
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IlookedbackatJohn,mythoughtswhirlingsofastIthoughtImightsimplypassout.Instead,fierceemotionsbuildinglargeinmychestandhead,Iwalkedout.ThenIstartedtorun.Isprintedthroughthecottageandoutthefrontdoor.Ispeddownthecrazy-angledpath,acrossthelawn,and,withDestin
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aroundmywaist,Itooktotheairandflewstraightattheemeralddome.Idon’trememberanything
afterthat.
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WHENEVERI’DBEENknockedoutbefore,Delphwasalwaysthere.Thistimehewasn’t.Instead,Astreastareddown
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atme.Iblinkedandslowlylooked
around.Iwasinmyroomonthebed.Astreadidn’tlookunduly
worried.“Isupposeyouhadtotryit.”Isatupandrubbedmy
head.“Whathappened?”“Youhitthedomeandthe
domedidnotgive.Youdid.”
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Isaidnothingtothis,bothmyprideandarisingangermakingmemute.Iwantedtoaskheragain
aboutJohn.AndMorrigone,whyshelookedsodifferent.ButIhadastrongfeelingthatmyquestionswouldgounanswered.BeforeIcouldsayanything,shebrokethesilence.
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“IunderstandthatyoutalkedtoArchie?”“Yousaidwecouldgo
wherewewanted,”Isaidtestily.“Andwhatdidhetellyou?”Ignoringherquery,Isaid,“I
feelsorryforhim.”“Why?He’slivedagood,
longlife.”“He’slivedalonglife.I’m
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notsurehowgoodit’sbeen.”ShelookedlikeI’dslapped
her,whichbolsteredmyspiritsgreatly.“I’msureIdon’tknowwhat
youmean,”shesaidicily.“Archiespokeofsacrifice.
Whosesacrifice?His?Becausehedidn’treallyhaveachoice,didhe?Orhisfather?Youmadethe
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decisionforallofthem.Justlikeyou’redoingwithus.”“Youknownothing
whateveraboutit,Vega.You’rethrowingoutwordsthatmakeabsolutelynosensebecauseyouareignorantofthefacts.”“Well,they’dmakesenseto
Archie,I’msure.Imeanhe’stheonewholivedallthis
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timeandneverreallylivedatall.That’sprobablywhyhe’ssobitter.Andwhocanblamehim,really?”Iwantedtomakeherhurt.I
wantedtomakeherfeel…somethingforwhatshewasdoingtous.Forhertakingourlivesawaytoo.“IthoughtIunderstoodyou,
Vega.NowIknowthatI
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don’ta’tall.”“It’squitesimple,really.
You’vetakenmylifeawayandI’mnothappyaboutit.I’msureyou’dfeelthesame.”“Forthegreatergood,it—”“Pleasedon’ttryandjustify
it.AndIwon’tbelieveyouanyway.It’slikethelieabouttheBattleoftheBeasts.What
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didArchiecallthat?Oh,right,piffle.Sothat’swhatyourgreatergoodis.Piffle.I’msureAliceAdroniswouldhaveseenitthesameway.Shediedasawarrior.Notasamouseinahidey-hole.Sothat’swhatyouare,Astrea,despiteallyourgrandpower.Afrightenedmouseinadirtylittlehole.”
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InevertookmygazeoffherasIsaidallthis.AndIsaiditinthemaddeninglycalmtoneshehademployedwithmethewholetimeI’dbeenhere.“YouareastupidWug,”she
snapped.“Alicedidn’tthinkso.She
gavemetheElemental.ShetoldmethatIhadtosurvive.Ifyoucallmestupid,then
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you’recallingyourbestfriendstupidaswell.”Astreagotupandleft
withoutspeakinganotherword.Delphimmediatelyburst
intotheroomwithHarryTwointow.“Youokay?”hesaid
anxiouslywhileHarryTwoleaptupontothebedand
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lickedmyhand.“I’mokay.Whatactually
happened?”“Foundyouknockedouton
theground,didn’twe?”“Itriedtogetthroughthe
dome.Iknewitwasstupid.ButI…I…”“Justwantedtogetoutof
thisplace,”Delphfinishedforme.
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Isighedandlaybackagainstmypillow.IgrippedDelph’shand.
“Wewillgetoutofhere.Wewill.Iswearit.”Hemetmyeye,butIcould
tellhedidn’tcompletelysharemyoptimism.“Coursewewill,”hesaid,
tackingasmileontotheendofhiswords.
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Isatupandhuggedhimandfelthiswarmbreathonmycheek.Hehuggedmeback.Itwasjustusagainst,well,everything.Butforsomereason,Ifeltlikewehadachance,afightingchance.I’dneveraskedforanythingmorethanthat.Igotoffthebedandshook
thecollywobblesfrommy
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head.“Yousawwhatwas
happening?”Iasked.“What,youmeanin
Wormwood?Morrigone?John?”Inodded.“Astreawas
shockedbyhowMorrigonelooked.Somethingisgoingon.Butshedoesn’tknowwhat.Andit’sscaringher.”
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“Well,ifit’sscaringthelikesofher,weoughttobeterrified,Ireckon.”Icouldalwayscounton
Delphforspot-onobservations.Butterrifiedornot,Ididn’tcomeintotheQuagtofinishmylifeasaprisoner.Everypartofmybodywasburningwithonedesire.
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Tobefree.
THENEXTLIGHT,wecorneredSeamusoutsideofthekitchen.ThelittlehobhadkepthisdistancefromuseversinceAstreadeclaredustobenolongerfree.“Socanyouleaveifyou
want,Seamus?”Iasked,asDelphandHarryTwo
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hoveredinthebackground.Helookedatmenervously,
hishugeeyestwitching.“Idon’tknowseywhat
yousiesistalki—”“Seamus!”Isaidwarningly.HarryTwogavealow,
throatygrowlthatIcouldtellwasmakingthehobveryanxious.“IcangoifIwantto,”he
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saidwarily.“Butyoucan’t.”Istudiedhimclosely.
“Seamus,whydoIthinkthatmeetingyouinthecavewasnotacoincidence?”Icouldtellrightawayfrom
thelookonhisfacethatIwasright.Heblusteredanddeniedandblusteredsomemore,butIpersistedandwouldnotlethimleave.
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“Well,itmight’venotbeen,”hefinallyconceded.“BecauseAstreasentyou?”Helookedaround
cautiouslybeforegivingabriefnodofhislargehead.“Andtheflyingcreaturethat
mademerunintothecave?”“Well,shemighthavesent
thattoo.”“Andthecloudthattook
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Delphaway?”Iaddedbitterly.“Sheconjuredthattoo,didn’tshe?Didn’tshe!”Seamusslowlynodded,
thoughIhadneverseenhimlooksofrightened.Delphsaid,“Butwhy?”Iglancedathimbefore
lookingbackatSeamus.“BecauseAstreasawusintheSeer-See.Shewasafraidwe
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mightmakeitacrosstheQuag.ShemanipulatedthingssoSeamusandIwouldmeet.Andonethingledtoanotherandthenhereweare—prisonersforever.”Seamusgavearesigned
sigh.“Sheisverypowerful,isMadamePrine.”Ileanedinclosertothehob.
“Well,youknowwhat?”
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“What?”hesaid,hiseyesashugeassupperplates.Isnarled,“I’mpowerful
too.”
LATER,ILEDDelphtothelibrary.Mythoughtwasthatinsomeofthebooks,wemightfindthingsthatwouldbetterexplainwhatArchiehadalreadytoldus.Ifthere
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wasaterriblewarbetweenourkindandtheMaladons,someonehadtohavechronicleditsomewhere.ItoldDelphtostartatone
endandIwouldbeginattheother.However,itwasnottobe.Ireachedforabookand
tugged.Itwouldnotcomeout.Itriedwithbothhands.
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Thesameresult.IlookedoveratDelph,whohadonebigfootplacedagainstthefrontoftheshelfashepulledwithallhismightononethickvolume.“Blimey!”hefinallycried
out,soundingwindedandlettinggoofthebook.“It’sAstrea’sdoing,”Isaid,
myfuryrising.“Shedoesn’t
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wantusfindingoutanythingelsefromthebooks.Whichofcoursemeansthatthesebooksdoexplainthings.”Igazedlonginglyatthe
thicktomes.Justinchesfrommyhandandtheywereofnousetome.Theirpagesmightaswellhavebeenblank.WewenttoArchie’sroom.
WhenItriedtoopenthedoor,
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itscreamedatme,“GOAWAY!”“HolySteeples,”said
Delph,whohadjumpednearlytotheceiling,thoughIdidn’tbecauseIwasusedtothis“greeting,”thoughnotatArchie’sdoor.“Well,”Isaid.“Itseems
thatAstreaiscertainlylimitingourrunofthe
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cottage.Whichisactuallyagoodthing.”“Whydoyousaythat?”
askedastunnedDelph.“She’safraidwemightfind
somethinguseful.Whichmeansthere’ssomethingusefulhere.”ButasmuchthoughtasI
hadgiventothis,thewaywewouldgetoutwasoneIhad
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neverevenconsidered.
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IDIDN’TMEANTOintrudeuponher.ButIsimplywalkedinandtherewasAstrealookingatherSeer-See.Intheimagewas
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Morrigone,stilllookingbedraggled.Shewaswavingherhandsaroundasshehaddonewhenperformingmagic.Ididn’tknowwhatshewasdoinguntilAstreawavedherwandovertheimageanditrippledasthoughsomeonehadtossedahandfulofpebblesinabucketofwater.Morrigonenoddedand
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loweredherhands.NowIunderstood.Theywerecommunicating.
AndthenIknewthatMorrigonemusthavetoldAstreaallaboutmeandtobeonthelookout.ThatIcoulddoabitofmagic,thatIhadlearnedsomeofthetruthaboutWormwoodandthatIhadescapedfromMorrigone
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andWormwood.MyangeratAstreaincreasedathousandfold.Shehadledmerightintohertrap.ThenextthingIknew,
Astreahadturnedandwaslookingupatme,herwanduncomfortablypointedinmygeneraldirection.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
sheaskedsharply.
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“YousaidIcouldgowhereIwantedinhere,”Isaidinnocently.“SodidyouhaveanicelittlechatwithdearMorrigone?”Isaidacidly.Withaflickofherwandthe
imagesweregoneandthewoodwasnowsimplywoodoncemore.AstreaandIlockedgazes.“Youreallyshouldkeep
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yournoseoutofthingsthatdonotconcernyou,”shesaidinatonethatmanagedtosendchillsupmyspine.However,Istiffenedmy
resolveandsnapped,“Well,itismybusinessiftheconsequenceswillaffectme.AndWormwood.Itmightnotbeyourhome,butitismine.Didyouknowthatbloody
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KingThorneintendedtoinvadeanddestroyWormwood?Doyouevencare?”“Iwouldnothaveallowed
—”“Bollocks!”Ishoutedout.
“Youdon’tcare!”“Iwouldremindyou—”ButIwasnottobedenied
mysay.“Youmaybesafe
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underyouremeralddome;noteveryonehasthatopportunity,MightyKeeperoftheQuag.”“Youaresafehere,”she
retorted.“Notbymychoosing,”I
shotback.Ihadanticipatedherresponse.“AndIdidnotentertheQuagtobesafe.Onlyafoolwoulddothat.
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AndI’mnofool.”Thedoorwasthrownopen
andDelphandHarryTwoappeared.BehindthemIcouldseeSeamus’shugeeyespeeringatme.Theycamefullyintothe
roomandDelphshutthedoor.“Everythingokay?”hesaid
nervously.
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“No,everythingisnotokay,”Ibarked,keepingmyeyesonAstrea.“You’reactingvery
foolishly,Vega,”shesaiddarkly.“Oh,soit’sfoolishinyour
eyestocarewhathappenstoothers?Isupposeyoudidn’tcarewhenAliceAdronisdiedinbattle,then?Idid.Icared.
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Iwasthere.Iguessyouwerealreadyinyourhidey-holeherebythen,wereyou?”“Bettertohidethandie!”
sheretorted.“Bettertofightanddiethan
liveasacoward!”Iscreamedinhersmugface.“Fight!”Shechortled.“You
wouldn’tlastasliver.”“Icanfight!”
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“Youarenothing!Evenyourgrandfatherunderstoodthat.It’swhyhedidn’tbotherwiththelikesofyou.Heleftyoubehind.Whereyoubelong!”Ipointedafingerrightin
herface.“Iammorethanyouwilleverbe,youinsufferablecow!”HerwandmovedsofastI
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barelyfollowedthemotion.ShesaidsomethingIcouldn’tquitecatchandthenIwascatapultedacrosstheroom,slammedagainstthewallandfelltothefloor,bleedingfrominnumerableslashesandcutsallovermybody.“VegaJane,”screamed
Delphasheracedoverandkneltnexttome.Helooked
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upfuriouslyatAstrea.“Whatdidyoudotoher?What!”HarryTwobarkedand
growledandlookedlikehewasabouttoattackher.Delphheldmyheadup.
“Vega,theAdderStone,whereisit?Inyourpockets?”IwasinsomuchpainthatI
couldn’ttellhimthattheStonewasbackinmyroom.I
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couldseemybloodpoolingonthefloor.Ifeltsickandlight-headed.DelphscreamedatAstrea.
“Helpher!”“MadamePrine,”said
Seamusinapleadingvoice.Throughmyhalf-closed
eyesIcouldseethehorror-strickenlookonAstrea’sface.Tohercreditshe
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seemedunabletocomprehendwhatshehaddonetome.“Helpher!”yelledDelph.
“Please.”Butthensomething
happenedinsideofmethatIcouldn’tfathom.ItcamefromaplaceapparentlysodeepinsidemethatIhadneverbeforevisitedit.Ihadnoidea
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itwaseventhere.Thepainwasgone.Myheadcleared.EverythingIhadbeenfeeling,alltheangerandloathing,seemedasnothingtowhatwasnowswellinginsideofme.ItwasasthoughIwasnolongermyself.Iwassomeoneelse.IeasilythrewDelphaside,
roseonsteadylegs,waved
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myarmsandscreamed,“Youwillnotbeatme!”Wavesoflightcameoutof
myhandsandexplodedacrosstheroom.EverythingseemedtohavesloweddownsuchthatIcouldseeexactlywhatwashappeningalthoughitwasoccurringattremendousvelocity.Astreawasliftedoffthe
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floorandthrownacrosstheentirewidthoftheroom.Shecrashedintothewallandsliddownbatteredandbruised,herwandfallingfromherfingers.Thevortexoflightwaves
emanatingfrommyhandsengulfedDelph,HarryTwoandSeamus.Theywereblownofftheirfeet,sailed
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acrosstheroomandlandedhardagainstthewall,crumplingtothefloor.Everystickoffurnitureintheroom,includingtheSeer-See,wasblastedintosmithereens.Woodandglassswirledaroundtheroomlikeconfetti.Andthen,asquicklyasit
happened,itwasover.Istoodinthemiddleofthe
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room,mywoundshealed,myhandsnowatmysides.IgazedaroundatthedevastationIhadinvoluntarilywrought.“Delph,HarryTwo!”I
screamed.Iwasattheirsidein
moments.IgrippedDelph’sarmandHarryTwo’sfrontpaw.“Tellmeyou’reokay.
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Tellme,please.OhmyholySteeples,whathaveIdone?”Tearspoureddownmyface
untilfirstDelphandthenHarryTwostirred.Mycaninelickedmyface,
andDelphgrippedmyarm,hissmilecrooked,butleavingmevastlyrelieved.Ihelpedthemup.“Corblimey!”exclaimed
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Delph.“WheredidTHATcomefrom?”Tearsstillslidingdownmy
cheeks,Isaid,“Idon’tknow.Ijustdon’tknow,Delph.”IturnedtoseeAstreastill
lyingonthefloor,butconscious.ShewasstaringupatmewithemotionssocomplexflittingacrossherfaceIhadnowayof
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interpretingthem.Sheslowlyrose,asdid
Seamusacrosstheroom.Astreatookafewhalting
stepsforward,hergazeneveronceleavingmyface.Iwalkedovertohersothat
westoodtoe-to-toe.Iwasdeterminedtolether
speakfirst.“Howdidyoudothat?”she
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demanded.“Icanfight,”Isaidquietly.
“AllIneedisthechance.”HerfacesaggedandIsaw
hereyesblinkrapidly.Herfreehandwenttohertremblingmouth.AndbeforeIcouldgetoutanotherword,shehadrushedfromtheroom.Weheardherclatteringdownthehall.
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Iracedafterher,butshewasalreadyoutofsight.Shewasn’tinherroom.She
wasn’tinanyroomofthecottagetowhichIhadaccess.Ifinallyfoundheroutside.
Shewasoverbythedome,sittingonalargerock,herwandheldlooselyinherhand.Islowlywalkeduptoher
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andsatonthegroundnexttoher.Shehadheardmeapproach
butdidn’tlookatme.Isaid,“IhopeIdidn’thurt
you.Ididn’tintendto.”“Youveryclearlydid,”she
repliedcalmly.“ButthenIcertainlyhurtyoufirst.”“Itjustcameuponme,”I
saidslowly.“Istilldon’t
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understandit.”Ourgazesfixedoneach
other.“Don’tyou,Vega?Well,Iunderstanditquiteclearly.”Afewsliverspassedbefore
shespokeagain.“Idocare,Vega.Icarevery
much.Ihavespentthelasteighthundredsessionsofmylifecaringaboutothers.”
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“Iknow,”Isaidquietly.“DoyouknowwhyI’mso
smalleventhoughItaketheelixir?”Ishookmyhead.“Ijust
assumedthatyouwerealwaysshort.”“IwasnearlyastallasAlice
once.”“Whathappened?”Isaidin
aperplexedtone.
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“Eightcenturiesofresponsibilityhaveliterallyweighedmedown,Vega.Andtakingtheelixir,whileitgivesonelife,robsyouofotherthings,importantthings.”“Likewhat?”“Perhapscompassion.
Perhapsunderstandingofothers’pointsofview.
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PerhapsthingsthatIneedmorethaneverrightnow.”IsaidnothingbecauseI
sensedthatshejustneededtogetthisout.“AndIalsoknowthatone
canreasonablydisputemymethods,evenmygoal,asyoudid.”“ButIdiditinthewrong
way.Ishouldn’thaveused
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thewordsIdid.”“Youwereactuallyquite
eloquent,Vega.Perhapsmorethanyouknow.Andmywordstoyouwereequallyharsh.”Shegazedupatthesky
again.ThenextwordsIsaid,
though,gotherfullandraptattention.
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“TheMaladons?”Sheturnedtolookatme.
“Archietoldyou?”Inodded.“Yes,thebloodyMaladons.”Shesaidthewordasthough
itwerethemostdisgustingoneeverconceived.“Theyarepowerful,Itake
it.”
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“Yes,somuchsothattheydestroyedusandeverythingwebelievedin.Utterlyandcompletely.”“Maybenotsocompletely,”
Ireplied.Shegazedatme.AndI
thoughtIsawjustahintofasmile.“Whatcanbedone?”I
asked.
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Sheconsideredthisqueryforabit.“Yousaidyouwanttofight?”“Yes.”Shelookedbackatthe
cottage.“Whatyoudidinthere,Vega?”“Idon’tknowhowIdidit.”“Doesn’tmatter.Youdidit;
that’swhatcounts.”“Well,mygrandfatherisan
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Excalibur.Andyousaidthatpowerfollowstheline.”“Itisactuallymorethan
that.Muchmore.”Sheturnedontherocktofacemeandhertonebecamequitedeliberate.“AnExcaliburisbornwitheverythingheorshewilleverhaveinthewayofpower.Thatmadeyourgrandfatherverymighty
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indeed.Butthereisagreaterpowereventhanthat.”“What?”Isaidbreathlessly.“Forthosewhoarenotso
powerfulwhenyoungbutgrowintomoreformidablepowerastheybecomeolder.Withsuchpowersodeeplyrootedinthemthattheycansometimesperformlargefeatsofmagicwithouta
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wand.Withoutactuallyutteringaspell.Youhavenoideahowremarkablethatis.Ithinkthatyouareoneofthose.AndtheyareevenrarerthantheExcaliburs.Theyaresorare,infact,thatwedonotevenhaveanameforthem.PerhapsIwillcommencecallingsuchaphenomenon…Vega.”
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Withthat,AstreafellsilentandIcouldthinkofnothingelsetosay.Ithoughtwewouldsimplysittogetherunderabeautifullyclearsky,apparentlycontemplatingtheabsoluteworstoffutures.IwasabouttobegobsmackedasIneverhadbeeninmylife.“Ifyouwanttocrossthe
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Quagandtakeupthefightoncemore,youwillneedtobetrainedup,”shesaid.“Wewillcommenceatnextlight.”BeforeIcouldsayanything,
sheroseandwalkedbacktothecottage,leavingmesittingthere,alone.
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ICOULDNOTSLEEPthatnight.Itossedandturnedandsquirmedanddreamed.Finally,inacoldsweat,Irose,dressedandwent
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outsideandsatonthestoneslabbythedoorwithHarryTwoandstaredupattheemeralddomeandbeyondthattotheskyovertheQuag.Thiscominglight,Astreasaid,wewouldstartourtraining.Ihadnoideawhatthatwouldentailanditwasabitunnerving.Well,morethanabitactually.
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AsIsatwithHarryTwo,thedooropenedandtherewasDelphinhislongnightshirt.Hedidn’tlooklikehehadslepteither.Inhisbarefeet,hesatdownnexttome.“Likeoldtimes,”hesaid.
“Whenwewereupyourtree.”Thoughthatwasn’tveryfar
inthepast,itseemedsolong
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agothatIcouldbarelyrememberit.“Yeah,”Isaidabsently,still
staringatthedome.“YousaidAstreawantsus
togoacrossthisplacenow.”“Shewantsustofight.”“TheseMaladonblokes?”“Right.”“Butwedon’tknownuthin’
’bout’em.”
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“Iguessthatwillbepartofthetraining,Delph.”Helookeddown,hisbrow
creasedwithconcernandhisexpressiononeoffrustration.“ButIain’tmagical,VegaJane.Whatyoudid,blastingeverythinglikethat,Ican’tdothat.YouknowIcan’t.”Itookhishand.“WhatI
know,DanielDelphia,isthat
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youandIareinthistogether.Wewereseparatedonce.Andwewillneverbeseparatedagain.Ican’tdothiswithoutyou.Youknowthat,don’tyou?Youmust.”“Thatfemalefromthepast
saiditwasyouwhatgottosurvive,right?Well,I’spectsheknewwhatshewassaying.So,ifitcomestoit,
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I’lldowhateverittakestomakesureyoudo.AndImeanwhateverittakes!”Ifeltswellsofcolddread
fillingme.IlookedatHarryTwo.Hereachedoutapawandplaceditsquarelyonmyshoulder.Thelookonhisfacewassomehowperfectlycleartome.Iwilldieforyoutoo.
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Thatlookseizedmewithterror.IglancedoveratDelphandthenbackatHarryTwo.Iftheydiedforme?No,whatiftheydiedbecauseofme?
WEFELLASLEEPonthestoneandwererousedonlywhenAstreaappearedatthedoorandcalledtous.Weput
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onourclothes,ateourbreakfastandassembledinthelibrary.“Whatwillthetraining
consistof?”Iasked.“Learningmagic.”“Butthatmeansawand.”“Indeeditdoes.”“Wheredidyougetyours?”“Itwasgiventomebymy
father.”
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“Wheredidhegetit?”“Hetookabitofhimself
andformedmywandbytheproperincantationandpasseditdowntome.Itishowsuchthingsaredoneinourworld.Itgivesaconnectivityamongfamiliesthatislargelyunbreakable.InthiswayIhavethefullforceandpowerofallmyancestors.”
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“Hetookabitofhimself?”Irepeated.“Blimey!Whatbitwould
thatbe?”saidDelph,voicingwhatIwasthinking.Astreasaid,“Hisblood.
Thatisoftenused.Youcanseethehardeneddropsofitembeddedinthebasehere.”ShelookedatDelph.“Have
youeverdoneanything
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magical,Delph?”Delphgapedatherfora
longmoment.“I’mnotmagical,”hefinallysaid,asthoughitshouldhavebeenobvious.“Andyoubasethis
conclusionuponwhatprecisely?”“ThatIain’tneverdone
ruddymagic,that’swhat.”
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“NeitherhadVegaJane,untiltheopportunitypresenteditself,”sheretorted.Delphsaid,“Well,I’ve
neverdonemagic,thoughI’vebeeninsituationswhereIwishIcould’vedone.So’sthatmeansI’mjustabiglug.”“You’renotabiglug,
Delph.I’dbedeadbackat
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Thorne’sbutforyou.YouthinkofthingsInevercould.Andyou’restrongandsoverybrave.”“Shallwecommence?”
interjectedAstrea.Atthatmomentthedoor
openedandInearlyfelloutofmychair.Ayoungmale,notmuch
olderthanus,stoodthere.He
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wasdressedoddlyinalongnightshirtwithhisbarecalvesandfeetvisible.Hisfacewasunlinedbycareorworryandhisdarkhairwaslongandswepthelter-skelteroverhishead.Hiseyesweresodazzlingbluetheyseemedlikeicechipsreflectedagainstacloudlesssky.IsawDelphlookingathim,
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aspuzzledasIwas.“Archie!”Iturnedtolookbackat
Astrea,whohadcalledoutthename.Shehadrisenfromherchairandwasstaringgoggle-eyedatthefellow.Archie?Ithought.But
Archiewasinbed,ancientanddying.Thenithitme.“Youtooktheyouthelixir,”
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Iblurtedout.Archiesmiledandstrode
forward.Hewasfartallerthanhismother,butnotsotallasIwas.AndofcoursehewasmuchshorterthanDelph.“Correct,Ipartookofthe
elixirofyouth,”heconceded.Hisspeechwasoddly
formalandhistonethatofa
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mucholdermale.Whichmadesensesinceabitagohehadbeenveryancientindeed.Hestretchedlikeacatand
thenshivered.“Feelsabsolutelysplendid.Farbetterthanlyinginbed,gaspingforair.”“Whatintheworldmade
youdoit?”ThisquerycamefromAstrea,whowasstill
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staringatherson.Inanswer,Archiepointedat
me.“Shewasmymotivation.”“Me?”Isaid,bewildered.Henodded.“Mumsatwith
melastnight.Don’tthinksheexpectedmetolastmuchlonger.Andshetoldmethatshewastrainingyoutotakeupthefightoncemore.I
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wantedtohelpyou!”“Thanks,Archie,”Isaid,
givinghimanappreciativesmile.ThenIturnedtofaceAstrea.“Butwehaveaproblem.”“Suchas?”“Ihavenowand.Without
oneIcan’tdomagic.”Archiesaid,“Sheclearly
hasapracticalmind,Mum.”
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ItwasdisconcertinghavingArchiecallherthat,whenshelookednotthatmucholderthanhewas.Sheglanceddownatmy
pocket.“WhatabouttheElemental?”“Whataboutit?”“Takeitout.”Ipulledmygloveoutand
startedtoputiton.
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Butshestoppedme.“There’snoneedforthat,Vega.”“ButAliceAdronistoldme
—”“I’msureshedid,butshe
wasalsoingreatdistresswhenyoumet,andIdoubtthatshewasthinkingclearly.Sojusttrustme.ForIhavegiventhismuchthoughtand
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believeIamcorrect.Justtakeitoutwithyourbarehand.”Yetdespiteherwords,I
notedthatshewaskeepingherwandattheready.Icautiouslyslippedmy
handintomypocket.MyfingersinchedclosertowheretheshrunkenElementallay.Mybreathinggotheavierandmyheartstartedtobeat
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faster.Alicehadworntheglove.Shehadtoldme…Ifeltmyfingersaninch
fromthewoodoftheElemental.IlookedfirstatDelph.Hewasstaringdeadatmypocket.IglancedatAstrea.Shewaslookingnotatthepocketofmycloakbutdirectlyatme.“Believe,Vega,”shesaid
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quietly.“Believeinwhat?”Iasked,
bewildered.“Inyourself.”Icaughtmybreath,
swallowedahugelumpinmythroatanddecidedthattakingthisslowwasonlymakingitworse;itwasbettertojustgetitoverwith.Ithrustmyhandforwardandmyfingers
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closedaroundtheElemental.Ihadclosedmyeyesatthe
momentofcollisionoffleshandwood.NowIopenedthembecausenothinghadhappened.Idrewthestickoutandlookedatitclutchedinmyhand.Itlookedtinyandimpotent.IglancedatAstrea.Shewasstaringatthething
asifitwasafrozenserpent.
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“What?”Isaid.“Ihaven’tseenthe
Elementalforovereighthundredsessions,”shesaid,hervoicebothawedandsad.“IsawAlicehurlthatatsomanyofourenemies.”Sheglancedupatme.“Wouldyou,please?”Iinstinctivelyunderstood
her.IwilledtheElementalto
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itsfull,goldensize.IhelditupasthoughIwasabouttohurlit.Astreatookastepback,her
eyesfillingwithtearsasshestaredattheElemental.Thenwhensheglancedatme,shedidadoubletake.“Whatisit?”Isaid,
glancingdownatmyself.“Nothing,”shewhispered.“
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’Tisnothing.Youjustremindedmeof…nevermind.Youcanshrinkitnow.”Ididsoandsaid,“Now
what?”“Tellittolengthentonine
inchesprecisely.”Iwassurprisedbythisbut
conjuredthethoughtandwatchedinsatisfactionasthe
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woodgrewtowhatseemedthepropersize.Astreadrewcloserand
examinedmyhandinrelationtotheElemental.“Good,good.Yes,thatwillcertainlydo.”“Doforwhat?”Shesteppedback.“Nowthatwillbeyourwand.”Myfacescrewedup.“My
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wand?Youjustsaidthatawandhadtobepassedfromafamilymember.Andthatithadtohavesomethingofthatpersoninsideit.”“Andthoseconditionshave
beenmethere,”shereplied.“How?”Iexclaimed.“Igot
thisfromAliceAdronisonabattlefieldhundredsofsessionsbeforeIwaseven
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born.She…”“Shewhat?”interjected
Astrea.“Shecouldn’tberelatedtoyou?Shecouldn’thaveputsomethingintheElementalofherself?”Shepaused.“Wrongonbothcounts.”“That’simpossible!”Ishot
back.“Lookatit.Lookatit
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closely.”IstaredattheElemental.
Therewasnothingtosee.Butthen,thentherewassomething.Ibentmyfacenearer.Itwasadarkredline,likeathreadweavingthroughthewood.Astreasaid,“It’sastrandof
herhair,Vega.Alice’sbeautifulauburnhair.”
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Ilookeduptoseeherwatchingme.“Itcan’tbe.”“Asimpletestwillsuffice.”
Shepointedatthewallofbooks.“Theincantationis‘Rejoinda,book.’Rolltherandmakeaslow,deliberatebacksweepwithyourwandtowardyou.Andletyourmindfocusonlyonthebook.Likethis.”
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Shepointedherwandatthefirstbookcase,utteredthephrase“Rejoinda,book”anddrewherwandslowlytowardherself.Abookshotofftheshelf
andzoomedrightintoherhand.Shesetitdownandturned
tome.“Nowyoudoit.”Ilookeddownatthe
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Elemental.“Ican’t.”“Yes,youcan.Placeyour
thumboverthetopofthewoodandyourindexfingerbelow.Letaboutsixinchesofthewandextendoutfromyourhand.Andnottootightagrip.Itwon’tslip.”“Whynot?”“Becauseithasbecomea
partofyounow.”
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Istareddownatthething,expectingtofeelhorrified.ButIactuallyfeltwarm…andsafe.IglancedatDelph.Hewas
staringatme.“Youcandoit,VegaJane.Youknowyoucan.You’vedonethings.THINGS!Youcanbloodywellfetchabook.”Iturnedbacktolookat
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Astrea.“Justbelieve,Vega.Asyou
didwhenyoupluckedtheElementalfromyourpocketwithoutneedofthatglove.”Well,shehadmethere.Ihaddonethat.Itookadeepbreath,readied
myself,lookingatmyhand,thebooks,thewand.Wand!MaybeIcoulddothis.
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Ifocusedononebookinparticular.Iletmymindseeonlyit.Isaidinafirmvoice,“Rejoinda,book.”Igotthewordright,rolling
therjustasAstreahad,butinmyexcitementIsnappedmyhandand,withit,thewandtowardme.Theentirebookcaseflew
fromthewallandshotright
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atus,bookscascadingfromit.IscreamedanddovetothefloortogetherwithDelphandArchie.“Embattlemento,”criedout
Astrea.Ilookedupintimetosee
thebookcasehaltinmidairasthoughithadhitsomethingsolid.Thenitshotbackward,settlingneatlyagainstthe
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wall.Allthefallenbookspickedthemselvesupandzippedbackontotheiroriginalplacesontheshelves.Islowlyrosealongwith
DelphandArchie.IgazedshamefacedlyatfirstthebookcaseandthenAstrea,andthengazedruefullydownattheElementalstillclutchedinmyhand.
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WhenIglancedup,Delphwasstaringatmewithsuchastonishmentthatitwasquiteunsettling.“IguessI’mnotverygood
atmagic,”Isaidmiserably.“Onthecontrary,”said
Astrea,“youhavesurpassedmyexpectations.Ibelievethatyoucanbeafirst-ratesorceress.”
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Thismademefeeleuphoric.Andthatfeelinglasteduntilwhatshesaidnext.Astreaheldupfivefingers.
“ThesearethenumbersoflayerstotheQuag,Vega.Eachlayer,orcircle,aswerefertothem,isaworlduntoitself,separatefromitsneighbor.Eachholdsuniqueanddeadlychallenges.Each
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changesallthetime,growingandevolving,feedingoffthemagicthatcreatedandinspiredit.”Shepausedandthenadded,“Andpleaseunderstandonethingquiteclearly.Despiteyourmagicalprowess,eachcirclecouldwellbeyourgraveyard.”Andwiththisfinalchilling
pronouncement,sheturned
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andleftus.
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THENEXTLIGHTafterwehadourmeal,Astrealedme,Delph,HarryTwoandArchietoalargeroom,ofwhichthecottageseemedtohavean
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amplenumber.AlongonewallwasahugeblackboardliketheonewehadusedatLearningbackinWormwood.Astreaclosedthedoorbehindusandthentookoutherwandandpointeditattheboard.Inaninstant,writingstartedsprawlingacrossit.“Yourfirstlessons,”
announcedAstrea.
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Shegaveherwandanotherflickandasmallballappearedinherhand.“Now,Vega,rememberthe
incantationfromthelastlight?”“Rejoinda,”Isaideagerly,
desperatetoprovemyselfinhereyes.Shenodded.“Iwantyouto
takethisballfromme,using
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thatspell.”SheheldupherhandbeforeIcoulddoanything.“Butfirst,weneedtogooversomebasicssothatwhathappenedbeforewillnotrepeatitself.”Shepointedwithherwandtoasectionoftheblackboard.“Readthat,”sheinstructed.“Outloud.”Ilookedatthesectionand
commencedtoread.
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“Properspellworkinvolvesperforminganumberofthingsatthesametime,butalwaysemployingtheprincipleofMBS,orMind,BodyandSpirit.Thatistosayfocusingthemind,preparingthebodyandengagingthespiritsothatallthreeelementscometogetherattheappropriatetime.
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Merelysayingtheincantationdoesnothingiftheseelementsarenotproperlycombined.”IturnedtoAstrea.“SohowdoIdothat?”“Keepreading,”shereplied.Abitputoff,Ireturnedmy
gazetotheboard.“CombiningMBSwiththeproperincantationandtheappropriatewandmovement
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willresultinthedesiredresult.Nothinglessthanthatwillwork.”Ifinishedreadingand
turnedbacktoher.Well,okay,Igotthat.Shehelduptheball.“You
jerkedyourhandbefore.Youneedtobeslowanddeliberateinthemovement.Butfarmoreimportantly,you
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needtoemployMBSappropriatelyforanyofthistoworkproperly.”“WhichiswhyIaskedyou
howtodothisMBSthing,”Isaidirritably.“Becomingupsetwithme
willnotresultinyourmasteringincanting,”shesaidpolitely.“Socalmyourself,focusyourmindonthisball
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andnothingelse.Whenyouhavedonethat,youwillnextsummonyourphysicalsidesuchthatallyourbodilyenergyiscongregatedinyourwandhand.Lastly,yourspiritshouldbeincompleteharmonywithyourmindandbody.”“BloodyHel,”exclaimed
Delph.“That’snotaskinga
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lot,isit?”Astreaturnedtohim.“Itis
askingalot.Butwhenyou’reattemptingtodosomethingtrulyextraordinary,isn’titfairtoaskalotinreturn?”Delphblanchedandlooked
athisboots.Sheturnedbacktome.Isaid,“HowwillIknow
whenI’veachievedthe
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properbalance?”Shehelduptheball.“When
thisrestsinyourhandofcourse.”Isquaredmyfeetand
shoulders.Ilookedattheballanddidmybesttopushoutallotherthoughts.Ilookedatmywandhand,tryingtoforcemyphysicalsidetomoveitselfcompletelythere.
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Ihadnoideainwhatpartofmybodythespiritresided,butinmyheadItoldittogetcomfywithmymindandbody.Iheldmywandlooselyandthen,rememberingmymistakefrombefore,Igaveitaslow,deliberatebacksweepandsaid,“Rejoinda,ball,”rollingmyrperfectly,oratleastIthoughtso.
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Absolutelynothinghappened.TheballcontinuedtoresidefirmlyinAstrea’shand.Istaredopenmouthedather,butshedidn’tseemsurprisedatall.“Itwasonlyyourfirst
attempt.”“ButIdiditbefore,”Isaid
inmoreofawhinethanIintended.
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Archiesaid,“Well,actually,younearlycrushedusallwiththatbookcase,luv.Mumgotthebook.”Igavehimasurlylook
beforesaying,“CanItryagain?”Astreanoddedandsaid,
“Youwilltrymanytimes,Idaresay.”Thirty-sevenattemptslater,
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thelittleballflewtomeandfitsnuglyintomyquiveringhand.Iwasn’texpectingitbecauseIhadprettymuchconcludedbytheeighteenthattemptthatIwasnevergoingtobeapropersorceressandmaybeDelphandIshouldreturntoWormwoodandbegforourjobsback.Itdidn’tsinkinthatIhad
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succeededuntilDelphclappedmeonthebacksohardIverynearlytoppledover.“Youdidit,VegaJane.You
didit.”Hepickedmeupoffthe
floorandcrushedmeinhisembrace.Whenhemadenosignoffreeingme,Astreasaid,“Um,Delph,itwouldbe
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goodifwecanmoveon,whichwillrequireyouofcourseTOLETHERGO.”Blushingmadly,Delph
droppedmeonthefloor.Astrea’sfocusedexpression
hadnotchanged.“Let’sdoitagain,shallwe?”Myenthusiasmfaded
becausefromherseriouslook,Iunderstoodexactly
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whatshemeant.Beingabletoretrievealittleballonmythirty-seventhattemptwashardlygoingtogetusthroughtheQuag.ButIcouldn’thelpbutsmileinwardly.Ihadperformedwandmagicafterall.MaybeIcouldbethissorceressthingy!Ipursedmylips,focused
myMBS,andsaidthe
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incantationasIslowlyanddeliberatelymovedmywand.Theballcametome
fourteentimesinarow.Itwasonlythen,whenseeingitinthepalmofmyhandwasn’tnearlyasexcitingasithadbeenthefirstfewtimes,thatAstreasaid,“Let’smoveon,then.”ShemotionedtoArchie.“I’llneedyourhelp
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todemonstratethisone,dear.”Archienoddedandslipped
fromhiscloakpocketalong,thinreedlikepieceofwhatlookedtobeblackenedwood.Hesawmeeyeingitandsaid,“MydadgavethistomewhenIwasfaryoungerthanyou.”“Withabitofhiminit?”I
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said.Archienodded.“Atooth.If
youlookclose,youcanseejustahintofitnearthehandle.Familyhistoryhasmymumknockingmydad’stoothoutoveraweeargument,andhedecidedtosavethetoothforpassingawanddown.”“Itwasn’tlikethat,Archie,”
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saidAstreafirmly,twosplotchesofcoloronhercheeks.“Yourfatherhadatoothacheandwantedsomerelief.Thatisall.”Astreaclearedherthroatandmovedtothecenteroftheroombeforepointingwithherwandoncemoreattheblackboard.“DoyourecalltheincantationIusedwhen
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thebookcasecameflying?”Surprisingly,Delphspoke
up.“Embattlemento,”hesaidquicklybeforegazingaroundandlookingstunnedthatthecorrectanswerhadcomeoutofhismouth.“Precisely,”saidAstrea,
eyeinghimclosely.“Itisadefensiveblockingspellusedtoprotectoneselffromharm.
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Wewilldemonstrate.”ShemotionedtoArchie.
“Onthecountofthree.”“Whichcurse,Mum?”he
asked.“Oh,whateveryoulike,
Archie,dear.Surpriseme.”Blimey!Itwaslikethey
werediscussingwhatteatheywantedtodrink.Theysimultaneouslyraised
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theirwands.Shesaid,“One,two,three.”Archiesaid,“Injurio,”and
whippedhiswandather.Whatlookedtobeaskylightspearburstfromitstip.Atthesameinstant,Astrea
slashedherwandinfrontofherfromrighttoleftandsaid,“Embattlemento.”Theblastoflighthitan
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invisiblebarrierconjuredinfrontofherandricochetedoff,rippingaholeintheceiling.Delph,HarryTwoandIhad
droppedflattothefloor.Welookeduptoseethegapingholeinthewood.Astreapointedherwand
upwardandcalmlysaid,“Eraisio.”
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Theholevanished.Weroseontremblinglegs
andstaredatthepair.“I’mnotsureI’mreadyfor
thatone,”Isaid.“Whichiswhywewill
beginwiththis.”Shetooktheballfromhercloakpocket.“Iwillthrowthisatyou.Youconjureyourbarrierwiththeincantation.Thesweepofthe
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wandisfromlefttoright,themovementsharpandclean.Makeyourselfbelievethattheballwillinjureyou.”“Okay,butyourmovement
wasrighttoleft,”Icorrected.Hereyestwinkled.“I’m
gladyouwerepayingattention.”Ireadiedmyselfwhile
Delph,HarryTwoandArchie
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tookcollectivestepsback.Eventhoughitwasjustaball,Iguesstheywererecallingthebookcasefiasco.“Onthecountofthree,”said
Astrea.“One,two,three.”Sheheavedtheballrightat
myheadwithgreatforce.Iswepttheairwithmy
wandandsaid,“Embattlemento.”
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TheballbouncedoffmyconjuredwallsohardthatAstreahadtoduckasithurtledbackather.Whenshestraightened,shelookedatmeinsomeamazement.“Thatwasquitegood,Vega.
Quitegoodindeed.”Icouldn’thidemysmile.
ButIcouldhidethefactthatIhadpicturedinmyminda
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jabbitcomingatmeinsteadoftheball.YetIhaddoneit.Onmy
firsttry.Iwantedtoscreamwithjoy.Untilthenextfourtimes,whentheballhitmefullintheface.Weworkedatitforalongwhileuntileverythirdtimemyconjuredwallheld.“Thatisgoodenoughfor
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now.Let’smoveontosomethingabitmoreserious.”Shepointedherwandatacorneroftheroom,gaveitaflickandsaid,“GolemMasquerado.”Thereappearedalarge
male.Iwasshockedatfirst,butthenIcouldseethathewasmadeofclay.IhadusedthatmaterialbackatStacks.
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“Whydoweneedthat?”Iasked.“Iwouldmuchpreferyou
practiceonsomethingnon-living,”saidAstrea.Mysmilefadedas,without
warningorpreamble,shemadeadownwardslashingmotionwithherwandandhissed,“Jagada!”Theclaymalewassuddenly
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coveredincuts.Haditbeenarealperson,hewouldhavebeenbleedingfrominnumerablewounds.Istaredfromtheslashed
claymaletoAstrea.Thisiswhatshehaddoneto
mebefore.Sheknewit.AndsheknewthatIknewit.“Notpleasant,”shesaid
grimly.
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“Youwantmetodothat?”Iasked,myvoicetremulous.“Doyouwanttodoit?”she
shotback.Ilookedattheclayfigure
andimaginedittobeDelphorHarryTwoinstead.IlookedbackatAstrea.
“Notnow.”Shelookedatmeforalong
moment.“Thenlet’smove
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outside.”Aswetroopeddownthe
hall,Archiecameupbehindmeandwhisperedinmyear.“It’sokay,Vega.Mostofuscouldn’thavedonethatourfirsttime.Infact,somecouldneverachieveit.”“Whyisthat?”Iwhispered
back.“Youhavetoreallywantto
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hurtsomeone.”“Well,yourmumseemsto
havenoproblemwithit.”“Shewasinawar,Vega.
She’skilledbefore.Andshe’shadeighthundredsessionstobrood.Itgetstoyou,doesn’tit?”Weexitedthecottageand
passedthroughthegreendome.
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Archiestretchedhisarmsandlookedtothesky.“BeenagessinceI’vebeenoutofthecottage.Justbreatheinthatair.”“Howlongagodidyoustop
takingtheelixir?”Iasked.“Thelightyoushowedup
onourdoorstep.”Iwasstunned.“Youmean
youagethatquickly?”
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“Youageprettymuchrightawaywhentheeffectsofthepotionwearoff.Itjusttakesabitoftimebeforeyouactuallydie.”Hesaidthissocasuallythat
Icouldonlystare.“Well,I’mgladyoudecided
nottodie.”Hesmiled.“Metoo,Vega.
Metoo.”
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Astrearaisedherwand,gaveitthreeparallelflicksandsaid,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Threefeetawayfromus
appearedanamarocboundingthroughthefields,evidentlyinpursuitofprey.ItwassoclosethatIcouldseetheredeyes,hugechest,bared,yellowedfangsandthecold
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breathburstingfromitsnostrils.Delphscreamedandjumped
back.Iyelledandpulledmywand,abouttowillittofullElementalstatussoIcouldhurlitatthebeast.ButAstreaheldupherhand.
“Theamarocismanymilesdistant.Thisspellallowsyoutoseethingsfarawayasif
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theywereveryclose.AusefuldeviceintheQuag,don’tyouthink?”AsIstaredattheamarocI
said,“Veryusefulindeed.”Shewavedherhandonce
moreandtheimagevanished.Shepointedtowardwhereaforestwaslocated.“Nowyoutry.”Iraisedmywand,gaveit
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therequisitethreeflicksandsaid,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Itwasasthoughwewerein
theforest.Icouldseeeverything.Everything!AsIwatched,adeercame
soaringintoview.IhadlovedtowatchthemfromatopmytreeastheyranthroughthewoodsbackinWormwood.IgrinnedatDelphbutfaltered
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whenhisreciprocalsmileturnedtoalookofhorror.Iwhippedbackaroundand
staredatthedeeroncemore.Fromoutofnowherea
ghastly,quasi-transparentcreaturehadappeared.Withastonishingspeedandunerringaccuracy,ithadplungedrightatthebeautifuldeer,catchingitinitsethereal
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grasp.ThedeerlookedasstunnedasIfelt.Hereitwasrunningblithelyalong…Then…thenitwastornto
shreds.Andthethingconsumedit.Itriedtoturnaway,butsomethinggrabbedmebytheshoulderandheldmeinplace.Ilookedaroundtosee
Astreathere,holdingme,
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makingmewatch.Iturnedbackaround.And
themostastonishingthinghappened.Themonsterthathadkilledthepoordeerhadbecome…thedeer,albeitaghostly,filmywhiteversionofit.Astreawavedherwand,
said,“Finit,”andtheentireimagedisappeared.She
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turnedtomeandsaid,“Thatwasawendigo.Amalevolentspiritthatcanpossesswhateveritdevours.CreaturessuchasthisliebetweenyouandyourdestinationattheendoftheQuag.”Myvoiceshaky,Isaid,
“Andyouhelpedcreateallthesehorriblethings.”
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Shelookedtakenabackbymycomment,which,Ihadtoadmit,hadbeensomewhataccusatory.“Notallofthem,no.Butbyconjuringwhatwedid,welaidthefoundationforthesecreaturestospawnevengreaterhorrorsthantheoriginals.Theeffectsofmagiccanoftenbeunpredictable,Vega.You
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mustcometounderstandthat.”“Anddoyouthinkitwasall
worthit?”Iaskedinafirmervoice.“Theanswertothatisstill
tobewritten,”sherepliedjustasfirmly.
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THETIMERACEDbyasmyeducationcontinued.Mytrueeducation.Bysayingthephrase“Pass-pusay”andtappingmywand
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againstmyrightleg,Ihaddisappearedfromtheroomwewereinandtransportedmyselftothehallwayoutside.Idon’tknowhowIdiditorwhyIhadtraveledtothatparticularspot,butAstreawasveryencouragedthatIhadaccomplishedthisononlymyfourthattempt.Ihadevenworkedoutsome
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reversecurseswithadegreeofsuccess.ButIhadalsoverynearlydrownedpoorDelphbymiscastingtheconfoundedspellEngulfiado.Inowlayexhaustedonmy
bed.Itdidn’tseemthatsayingwordsandwavingalittlestickaroundcouldbetiring,butitactuallyinvolvedfarmorethanthat.Thismind,
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bodyandspiritrequirementwasmuchharderthanlaboringatStacks.Someoneknockedonmy
doorandIwearilyraisedmyhead.“Yes?”“It’sDelph,VegaJane.Can
Icomein?”“Givemeamo’.I’mnot
decent.”Ijumpedup,threwonmycloakandthenopened
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thedoor.“Youlook…very,um,decent,”hesaidshyly.“Thanks,Delph.Buthow
canyoutell?Youreyesareclosed.”Heopenedthemjustabitas
thoughtotestwhetherIwastrulydecent.Thenheopenedthemfully.“Now,whatwasityou
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wanted?”Hetookthechairnexttomy
bedwhileIperchedonthecornerofthemattress.Hewascurlinganduncurlinghislargehands,somethingIknewhedidwhenhewasbothnervousandupset.“Justsayit,Delph.”Henodded.“Thethingis,
VegaJane,thethingis…”
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Hestopped,stoodandstartedtopace.HarryTwoandIswiveledourheadsbackandforthashedidso,followinghislonggaitashecrisscrossedtheroom.Hewhirledaround,lookedatmeandsaid,“I…can’t…do…thismagic.SowhatbloodygoodamItoyou?”“Whatgoodareyoutome?
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You’rejoking,right?”Hemadeahugemuscle
withhisarm,butitwasn’tintendedasashowofstrength,afactmadeclearbyhisnextwords.Pointingatit,hesaid,“ThisisallIhave.I’mstronginWormwood,prettymuchnonestronger.ButhereI’mabloodyweakling,VegaJane.Ican’t
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helpyou.AndifIcan’thelpyou,I’llenduphurtingyou.”Hesuddenlyslumpedtothe
floorandjustsattherelookingspent.Asthoughhecouldsense
Delph’spainandanxiety,HarryTwousedhissnouttoliftDelph’shandandperhapshisspirits.AsDelphstrokedHarryTwo,Isaid,“Okay,
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Delph,let’ssayyoucan’tdomagicandIcan.”“’Causeit’sthetruth!”he
saidfiercely.“ButI’mjustlearninghow
todothis.Yousawthat.”“WhatIsaw,VegaJane,
wasasorceressorwhateveryouwanttocallyourself,gettingbetterandbetter.You’llsoonhavethestroke
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ofthismagicstuff.”“Anddoyoureallythinkall
youhavetoofferaremuscles?”Helookedsurprisedbythis
comment.“Eh?Whatelse,then?AllIgot.”“Soitwasn’tyouwhocame
upwiththestrategyformetowintheDuelum?”“Whocaresaboutthedamn
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Duelum?Ain’tyoubeenlistening?Ican’tdomagic.”Irushedoverandseizedhis
shoulder.“NeitheroneofuscameintotheQuagthinkingwecoulddomagic.Butwestillcamehere.Andyouknowwhywedid.”IgrewsilentbecauseI
wantedtohearhimsayit.Iwantedtoknow,forcertain,
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thathewanteditasmuchasIdid.Hesaid,“Tofindthetruth.”Inoddedandletgoofhim.
“That’sright.MaybeI’llbeagoodsorceressandmaybeIwon’t.Maybeyou’llneverbeabletodomagic,Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowmuchaboutanythinginthisplacebecauseit’ssounknowable!
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Butthatwon’tstopusfromfindinganswers,Delph.Andifwedietrying,well,I’dratherthatthanlivealifethat’snotevenmyown.”Delphslowlynoddedand
said,“Okay,VegaJane.Okay.”“Soarewegood?”Iasked,
peeringathimclosely.“We’regood,”hesaidwith
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asmile.
MORETIMEPASSEDandmylessonscontinuedunabated.ImutteredsomanyincantationsthatitseemedIcouldrecallnone.Imadeintricatemoveswithmywand.Iemployedmymind,bodyandspirittogetherinwaysIcouldn’thaveeven
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fathomedbefore.AnditwasalldoneunderthestricttutelageofAstreaPrine.Sheseemedtoenjoytheroleofteacherfarmorethanjailer.Ihadmyshareofvictories
andanearlyequalnumberoftotaldisasters.Oneterrifyingmomenthad
comewhenIdirectedacurseattheclaymale.
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“Jagada,”Icalledout,whippingmywandatthetarget,butmyenthusiasmhadledtoamomentuminmyarmthatbadlythrewoffmyaim.MycursehitpoorArchieandhestartedtobleedfromgashesallupanddownhislegs.Iscreamed,HarryTwo
yippedandDelphracedover
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tohimtohelp.ButAstreacalmlysaid,
“Eraisio,”andwavedherwandatArchie.Theslashesimmediatelyhealed,thoughhistrouserswerestillripped.Iapologizedprofusely,but
Archietookitinstride.“There’snotbeenanyofus
thathasn’tmademistakes,Vega,”hesaidencouragingly.
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“Andyou’redoingjustfine.”However,Iwassoshaken
thatIcoulddonomorethatlight.Later,Icriedmyselftosleep,theimageofbloodyArchierefusingtoleavemythoughts.Thenextlight,Icrushedthe
claymanbyinvokingthespellImpacto.IverywarilyperformedtheImpairiocurse
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onArchieandstruckhimblind,butthereversecurseworkedjustfinetoo,restoringhissightinstantly.“Mind,bodyandspirit,”
Astreakeptstressingtome.“I’mgettingthehangofit,”
Isaidconfidently.“Thebasicsatleast.”Ilookedather,knowing
thatsomethingelsewas
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dwellingonthetipofhertongue.“But?”Isaid.“Butyou’vehadtodonone
ofthiswhileanopponentiscastingspellsbackatyou,tryingtohurtorevenkillyou.Thatchangeseverything,Vega.”“ButhowcanIpractice
that?”“Youwillpracticethat,
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whenyouareready.”“Youmeantrulyfighting?”“Yes!Youwillhavetodo
sotogetthroughtheQuag.”ThatnightIlingeredinfront
ofthefirewithAstreaandHarryTwowhileDelphandArchiewentofftobed.“ThefirstnightIwashereI
sawtheroomcoveredindustandcobwebs.Itwassetup
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likeanursery.”Sheslowlynodded.“Itwas
anursery,Vega.Formychildren.”“It…itmusthavebeen
difficultforthem,”Ibegan.Shegaveahollowlaugh.
“Asyousoastutelypointedout,Itooktheirlivesfromthem.”Iremainedsilent.I
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shouldn’thavesaidthattoher.I’msureshehadmeantthebest.Butsometimesdecisionscomeatagreatcost.Forothers.“Theyneverhadthechance
tomeetanyone.Neverhadthechancetofallinlove,marryandhaveafamily.Seetheirchildrengrowupandhavetheirownchildren.”She
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letoutalongbreaththatIcouldsensewaschock-fullofremorse.Sheglancedatmebeforelookingaway.“Myyoungest,Ariana,wasthefirsttodie.Shewassofulloflifewhenshewasachild.Thenshegrewintoabitteroldbiddy,andwhocouldblameher?Thiscottage,herbrothersandsisters.Andme.
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Thatwasallshehad.Thenonebyone,theotherswent.Tiredofnotliving.AdecisionIhadmadeforthem.”Shelapsedintosilence,a
quietIwashesitanttobreak.ButthefactwasIhadanotherquestiontoaskher,anditwouldhaveagreatimpactonmepersonally.
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“Yousaidyouhadkilled?”Ibegan.Shewasstaringintothe
depthsofthefire.Shelookedsoyoungthatitwasdifficultformetoacceptthatshewasovereightcenturiesold.“Todefendmyself.Iwas
quitegoodatit.Asyouwillhavetobe.”Idrewcloser.“WhenI
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threwtheElementalatthemalesattackingmeonthatbattlefield,Ididn’tknowitwasgoingtokillthem.”“Andyouwonderifyou
haveitinyoutoconsciouslydoso?”“IcriedwhenIhurtpoor
Archie.”“Itisnotanaturalthingto
killanother.Atleastitisnot
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forus.”“Doyouthinkthat’swhy,
well,whytheybeatyou?TheMaladons?”“Doyouknowhowthey
camebytheirname?DidArchietellyouthat?”“No.”“Inourancientlanguageit
means‘terribledeath,’Vega.”“Terribledeath.Soyou
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namedthemthat?Becauseofwhattheydidtoyou?”Sheshookherhead.“No.
Theynamedthemselves.Toinflictterribledeathonothersisthehighestcallingtheyhave.”“That’s…awful,”Isaid,
nearlyunabletoprocesshowanyonecouldbethatevil.“TheMaladonshavealways
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beenremarkablygoodatkilling.Althoughtowardtheend,manyonoursidebecamequiteadeptatitaswell.AliceAdroniskilledscoresofthemandseemedtocarenotajot.”“Idon’tthinkthat’strue.”Sheturnedtofaceme.“And
howcouldyoupossiblyknowthat?”
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“Isawheronthatbattlefield.Shewashonorable.Noble.I’msurethekillingdidbotherher.Asitwouldme.”“Andyourpoint?”asked
Astreacuriously.“Well,ifwedidn’tcare,we
wouldbenobetterthantheMaladons.Andthenwhatwouldbethepointof
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defeatingthem?”Thiscommentseemedto
surpriseher.“Youfiguredthatoutwithoutanyhelpwhatsoeverfromme.”“I’vehadtofigureouta
greatmanythingsonmyown,”Isaidquiteseriously.“Butthatstilldoesn’tanswerthequestionofwhetherIcankillifIneedto.Idon’teven
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knowwhatthespellistodoit.Isthereaparticularone?”“Rigamorte,”shesaid
immediately,herfeaturesdeadlyserious.“Itisthemostpowerfulofallcurses.Whilewehaveotherspellsthatcaneventuallyleadtodeath,thatistheoneguaranteedtoproduceit.”“Itevensoundshurtful.”
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“Pointyourwandatmeandsayit.”“What?”Iexclaimedin
astonishment.“Pointyourwandatmeand
saytheincantation.”“ButIcan’tdo—”“Now,”shescreamed,“orI
willdoittoyou.Now,Vega!”Terrified,Iraisedmywand
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andcriedout,“Rigamorte!”Mywandgavewhat
amountedtoalittlesneezeandthatwasall.“IguessIneedwork,”Isaid
lamely.“Butyouwouldhaveblockeditorcountereditif—”“Thereisnoshield.Only
inevitabledeath.”Iwashorrified.“Thenifit
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hadworked?”“Itcouldnotpossiblyhave
worked,Vega.Youwerescared.ItwaswhyIscreamedatyou.Onecannotperformthecursewhilescared.Itisnottheemotionrequired.”“Whatis,then?”“Somethingmorethan
loathing.Orevenhatred.Anemotionsostrongthatit
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blocksouteveryotherfeelingyouhave.Itmustbelikemoltenlavainyourbloodvessels.Youmustwanttokillaboveallotherthings.Toendthelifeofanotherlivingthing,Vega.Otherwise,you’resimplywastingyourbreath.Itishorribletokillsomeone.Sototakethelifeofanother,youmustbecome
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horrible.”Iclearedmythroatandsaid
slowly,“Idon’tknowifIcouldeverfeelthatwayaboutanyone.ImeantherewereblokesinWormwoodthatIdidn’tmuchcarefor.ButIcouldn’tkillthem.ImeanIjustwouldn’t.”“Wouldyouratheritbeyou
dead,oryourenemy?”she
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retorted.“ForIcantellyouquiteplainlythataMaladonconfrontingyouwillnothesitatetokill.”Isatbackandthoughtthis
through.TogetthroughtheQuaganddowhatIneededtodo,wouldIhavetobecomeakiller?ItseemedthatIwould.
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IROSEEARLYNEXTlightanddressedquickly.Icouldhearnoonestirringyet.EvenHarryTwowasstillasleepatthefootofmybed.Iwalked
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downthehallandstoppedinfrontofoneofthedoorsthathadrefusedmeentrymyfirstnighthere.Itookoutmywand,gaveitthreeparallelflicksandsaid,“Crystiladomagnifica.”IjumpedbacksofarthatI
actuallyslammedintotheoppositewall.Fullinmyface,burninga
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holeinmybrainreally,wasajabbitcurledupinacagemadeofbrilliantlight.Theterriblecreaturewasfastasleep,itshundredsofeyesclosed.Butsleepingornot,Iwantedtorunawayshrieking.Instead,Itappedmywand
againstmyleg,hissed“Pass-pusay”andthoughtofmydestination.Anywherebut
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here,actually.MomentslaterIwasoutside
thecottageandalsofreeofthegreendome.Ilookedaroundatthepeace
andquietofanearlymorning’slight.IgotarunningstartandtooktotheairwithDestinfirmlyaroundmywaist.Ikeptmygazeswivelingbackandforthboth
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aboveandbelow,mywandattheready.Asuddengustofwindhit
meandIwentintoadive.Icaughtmyselfinplentyoftime,atleastahundredfeetupintheair.Rightingmyself,Ilookedaheadandpaled.Theclearskyhadturnedtoatoweringdarkenedmass.Jaggedskylightspearswere
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beingcastoutoftheblackclouds.Accompanyingthunder-thrustspiercedmyears.Ihadnochoicebuttofleetotheground.Ilandedhardandstumbled
abitbeforeregainingmybalance.Ilookedupward.Theskywasoncemorecrystalclear.WhattheHel?
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Ibentmykneesandshotupward.Iwasimmediatelyengulfedinhorrendouswindandtorrentialrain.Iwasflippedandshovedallacrossthesky,therainhittingmesoharditfeltlikewhacksfromapieceofwood.Thewaterblastedinmyeyesanddownmythroat,makingmegag.Ishotdownwardand
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sprawledontheground,soakedtothebone.Irolledoverandlookedup
oncemore.Theskywasallblueagain.Itwistedmyhair,wringing
thewateroutofit,anddidthesamewithmyclothes.WhenIlookedtomyright,IwassoastonishedItouchedmyarmtomakesureIwasstillwhere
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IthoughtIwas.Becauseitwasmeapproachingme!Barelytenfeetfromme,itstoppedandstared.Now,I’vehadexperiencewithamaniack,adespicablecreature-thingthatcantaketheformofsomeoneandthenclutchontoyouandmakeyoureliveyourworstfearswhileitslowlycrushesyouto
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death.ButIhadneverbeenconfrontedby,well,me.OfcourseIknewitwasn’t
me.Ithadtobesomecreaturethatwasintendingtodomeharm.Well,Iwaspreparedforthat.Iwouldjustdosomethingtoscareitoff.Iraisedmywand,pointeditatthecreature,gavemywandaflick,keptmyeyesonthe
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thing’srightarmandsaid,“Injurio.”Thepainwassoimmediate
andsointensethatIgasped,bentoverandgrabbedmyrightarm.Thathadreallyhurt.Imusthavedonethespellwrong.Ipointedmywandatmy
armandsaid,“Eraisio.”Thepainstopped.
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Ilookedatthecreature.Ithaddrawncloser.Itwasmyexactdouble.Andnowmyfearwasmounting.Thoughithaddonenothingthreatening,everyinstinctIhadwastellingmetobeveryafraid.Focusingmymind,body
andspirit,Ipointedmywandatitsleg,gaveaslashingmovementwithmywandand
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said,“Jagada.”Fourripsinmyleg
appearedandIhowledinagony,droppedtothedirtandclutchedmywoundedlimb.Tearsinmyeyesatthepain,Ilookeduptoseethecreaturenowstandingbarelyafootfromme.Thething’smouthopened
andIsawinsidehideousrows
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ofblackened,sharpenedteeth.Thenatongueflickedoutandlickedmyface.Butitwasn’tapleasanttouch.Icouldinstinctivelytellitwastastingme.Blindwithpainandfuryandnotwantingtobeeaten,Iraisedmywand,gatheredmyhatredforthething,focusedmymind,bodyandspiritandscreamed,“Rig
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—”Ineverfinishedbecausemy
voicewasgone,whichmeantIcouldn’tcompletethespell.Thisthingmusthavedoneit.Andwithoutmyvoice,howcouldIstopitfromeatingme?Thethingopeneditsmouth
wider.AllIcouldseewasthisimpossiblylargeblack
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holebigenoughtoactuallyswallowmewhole.“Impairio,”avoicesaid.Ablindinglywhitelighthit
thethingfullintheface.Itinstantlychangedintoablackenedhuskthatwasallteethandgnarledlimbswithasinglemassiveeye.Thenthesamevoicesaid
sharply,“Rigamorte.”
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Acoal-blackbeamshotoutandhitthecreaturedirectlyinthechest.Itburstintoahugeballofsmokeandthenwasgone.IturnedtoseeAstrea
standingthere,herwandstillupraised.Shelookeddownatme,pointedherwandatmylegandsaidquietly,“Eraisio.”
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Mycutsinstantlyhealed.Istoodonshakylegs.Shepointedherwandatmy
faceandsaid,“Unmutado.”“Whatwasthatthing?”I
asked,myvoicenowreturned.Shelookedatwherethe
creaturehadbeen.Thegrassunderneathwasburned.“Adopplegang.Acreature
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thatcanbecomewhateveritsees.Inthiscaseitbecameyou.”“ButwhenItriedtocasta
spellonit,thespellhitmeinstead.”“That’stheprimarystrength
ofthedopplegang.Itspreywillstrikeoutatthething,neverrealizingthatitis,infact,attackingitself.The
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dopplegangwillwaitpatientlyforitspreytokillorincapacitateitself,andthenitwilleattheunfortunateone.”“SowhenItriedtousetheRigamortecurse?”“Istoppedyou.Becauseyou
wouldhavekilledyourself.”“Buthowdidyoustopme?”“Mutado.Aspellthattakes
yourvoiceaway.Ijust
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performedthereversecurse,whichiswhyyoucanspeakoncemore.”“Andyoustruckthe
dopplegangblindbecauseifitcan’tsee,itcan’tbecomesomethingelse?Meaningitrevertsbacktoitstrueself?”“Andwiththatdefense
gone,Iwasabletokillit.”Sheaddedsternly,“You’re
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quitefortunatethatIfoundyourroomemptyandcamelookingforyou.”“Iwasflyingaroundwhena
stormstruck.”“Ofcourseitdid.”“BecausetheQuagdoesn’t
wantmetoflyoverit?”Herangrylookfaded.
“Excellent,Vega.Youaretreatingtheplaceasaliving,
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breathing,evolvingorganism,aswellyoushould.”Shelookedatthespotwherethedoppleganghadbeen.“Youactuallylearnedavaluablelessonthislight,Vega.Youmustbepreparedforanything.Icanteachyoumuch,butIcan’tteachyouallthatyouwillfaceintheQuag.”Shepointedahead
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withherwand.“ThefirstoftheFiveCirclesliesjustoutthere.Destin’sflyingabilitywillbelimitedfromnowon.”“Butnotimpossible?”“No.Butyoushoulduseit
onlyinextremecircumstances.Andeventhenthedangeryou’refleeingmaybeasnothingtotheperilyoucreatebyattemptingtofly.”
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Shelookedpointedlyatme.“Butspeakingfrankly,pleasedonotthinkthatallthreeofyouwillmakeitthroughalive.Theoddsagainstthataresoenormousastoapproachthemiraculous.AndwhileIdoobviouslybelieveinmagic,Idonotandneverhavebelievedinmiracles.”Sheturnedandwalkedoff.
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ButIstoodthere,asthoughrootedinthedirtofthisawfulplace.I’mnotsurethedopplegangcouldhavehurtmeanymorethanAstreajusthad.
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ISATINMYseatandstaredupattheblackboard.Delphsattotheleftofme,whileHarryTwowasatmyfeet.Hewasn’tdozing.My
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amazingcaninewaspayingattention!Archiesatintheveryback.AttheheadoftheroomandstandinginfrontoftheblackboardwasAstrea,clothedinalongcloak.Shetappedherwandatthe
blackboard,andwritingappearedonit.“TheQuag,asItoldyoubefore,isdividedintoFiveCircles.”
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Delphhadhisinkstickpoisedoverhisparchment.ItappearedtomethathewasevenmorefocusedonthislessonthanIwas.Andthenitstruckmewhy.Hecouldn’tdomagic.Buthecouldknowthecirclesaswellasanyone.Thatmightproveimportantlateron.“TheFirstCircle,”began
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Astrea,“isnamedtheMycanmoor.”Iflinched.TheMycanmoor
hadbeenmentionedonQuentin’smap.“TheMycanmoorisamaze
ofstartlingcomplexityandpopulatedwithcreaturesthatmightwellprovelethalinanyencounter.”“Whatisthemazemade
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of?”IaskedafterIwroteallthisdown.“Itcanbemanyandvarious.
Thick,livinghedgesandforestsoftrees.Wallsofstonesohighyoucan’tseethetopsofthem.Vinesofpoisonousplants.Battlementsofbones.Andtheseelementscanchangeonawhim.”“Bones?”Iinterjected.
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“Whatof?”“Bonesonlyhaveone
source,”shesaid.“Thedead.”“Yes,butdeadwhat?”I
persisted.“NoWugs,ifthat’swhat
youmean.Othercreaturesthatwerekilledinthere.TheprincipalthreatsintheMycanmoorarethechontooandthewendigo.Alsothe
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manticoreisnothingtobetrifledwith.”“Sowhat’sthesecretof
gettingthroughthemazes?”Delphasked.Inresponse,Astreatapped
theboardandonitappearedamessofpathwaysthatseemedtohavenoend.Shepointedherwandatitandsaid,“Confuso,recuso.”The
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mazelengthenedoutandbecameasstraightasapoplartree.Iturnedtoherin
amazement.“That’sit,justtheonespell?”“It’snotsimpleifyoudon’t
knowwhatitis.Infact,ifyoudon’t,you’llwanderthemazeforever,foritiswhatisdeemedaperfectmaze.”
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Ilookedcuriouslyather.“Whatdoesthatmean,aperfectmaze?”“Onewithnodetached
walls,andnoisolationsections,whichrefertoapasselofpassagestotallyencircledbywalls.Thesearecompletelyunreachablebecausethereisnotrailtothosesectionsfromany
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startingspotinthemaze.Thereisexactlyonesolutiontoaperfectmazeandonlyone.Andthereisonlyonepathinthemazefromonespottoanotherspot.Makingitutterlyperfect,hencethename.”Shetappedtheboardonce
more.Instantly,anothermazeappearedthere.AsIlookedat
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thething,Icouldmakeneitherheadnortailofit.However,asthoughina
trance,Delphroseandwentovertotheboard.HeranhiseyeupanddownthedrawingandthenpickedupaninkstickthatlayonAstrea’sdeskandstartedtodrawaline.Aroundandaroundhewent,upanddown,sidetoside,
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downthispath,downanother,lefthere,rightthere,andthewholetime,Delphwasstaringattheboard,hisfocuscomplete.Finally,hislineofinkranitselfrightoutofthemaze.HeturnedtoseebothAstrea
andmewatchinghiminamazement.“What?”hesaid,eyeingus
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warily.“Howdidyoudothat?”
Astreaexclaimed.“Dowhat?”“Getoutofthemaze,”I
blurtedout.“Ruddybrilliantitwas,Delph.”Helookedatwhathehad
doneasthoughhewasseeingitforthefirsttime.“I…Ijustwentthewaythatwould
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getmeoutofthebloodything.”Thenitoccurredtomethat
Delphhadalwaysbeenlikethat.HehadfoundthemostefficientpathsthroughtheforestsinWormwoodbetterthananyone.HehadcomeupwithastrategyformetoprevailintheDuelum.Hehadcomeupwithadiversion
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sothatIcouldescapefromThorne’sroom.Hehadamindthatgrewlargethoughtsfromsmallthings.“Well,”saidAstrea.“Ithink
thatyoumightdoverywellintheMycanmoorevenwithoutthespellIjustgaveVega.”Iwasgladshehadsaidthat,
forIcouldseeDelph’sspirits
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liftimmeasurably.“Nowwemustmoveonto
thebeaststhatwillconfrontyouintheMycanmoor.Youmustbepreparedforthem.”ShelookedatDelph.“Bothofyou.”Shewavedherwand.
Appearingontheblackboardwassomethingthatmademejumpup,mywandatthe
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ready,andHarryTwotobarkandthenattack.Astreawavedherwand
oncemoreandmycaninewaswhiskedgentlybacktowherehehadbeensitting.Shelookedatmeandsaid,“Thisisachontoo.”Iwasstaringatahead
withoutabodyattachedtoit.Thefacewasfoulwithjagged
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fangs,flamesforhairandeyesthatwereutterlydemonic.“Whatdoesitdo?”Iasked
fearfully.“Andwhereistherestofit?”“Thatisallthereis,”she
replied.“Thechontoowasspawnedoverthecenturiesbydifferentcreaturesandspeciesintermingling,aswe
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callithere.Itissaidthatthechontoowillwildlyattackanythinginthehopesofusingitsprey’sbodypartstoreplacetheonesitdoesnothave.Asthisisnotpossible,itwillalwaysfail.Butitsbloodlustneverwavers.”Delphsaid,“Soifitcan’t
usethebody,whatdoesitdowithit?”
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Astrearepliedcalmly,“Iteatsitofcourse.”“O’course,”parrotedDelph,
hisfacegrowingabitpale.“Thechontoocanfly,as
youmightnote,sinceithasnolegswithwhichtowalk.Itcanappearinquitearushandcandososilently.Onemustbeprepared.”“Andwhatdowedowhenit
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doesappear?”Iasked.“Youmuststopit,Vega,”
shesaidemphatically.“Youmeankillit?”“Thisparticularincantation
iseffective.”Sheliftedherwandandthensnappeditdownwardlikeitwasawhip,rightattheimageofthechontoo.Shecriedout,“Enamelisfixidus.”Apurple
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lightshotoutofthewandandcollidedwiththeimageofthechontoo.Thecreaturehadbeen
baringitsfangs.Nowitsjawsclampedtogetheranditsmouthnolongeropened.“Whatexactlydidthespell
do?”Iasked.“Cementeditsjaws
together.Andifitcan’teat,it
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willdie.”Iswallowednervouslyand
lookeddown.IknewAstreawasstaringatme,butIwasn’tpreparedtomeethereye.Notyet.Shewavedherwandandthe
chontoodisappearedandanothercreaturetookitsplaceontheboard.Astreasaid,“Themanticore.”
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Iwaslookingatathingwiththeheadofalion,thetailofaserpentandwhatlookedtobeagoatinbetween.Thejumbleofanimalswaspositivelyterrifying.“Itisswiftoffoot,with
immensestrength,anditsflamingbreathisunquenchable,”shesaid.IglancedatDelph,whowas
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staringatthemanticorelikeithadsomehowpossessedhissoul.“Andhowdoesonedefeat
it?”Iasked.“AnynumberofspellsI
taughtyouwilldonicely.Butit’strickybecauseamanticorecanreadminds.Soitknowswhatyouareabouttodoandwilltake
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appropriateevasiveaction.”“Well,”saidDelph.“That’s
abitofaproblem.”“Sohowdowebeatthe
manticore?”Iaskedagain.“Therearetwoofyou,so
Delphwillhavetodistractit.Letitreadhismind,Vega,whileyouperformtheappropriatespelltoridyourselvesofthething.”
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IlookedatDelphoncemore.Ithoughthewouldbeshakinghisheadandlookingmortified.Buthewasnoddingandsaid,“Now,that’sarightgoodplan.”“It’sarightbadplanifthe
manticoreendsupkillingyoubeforeIcantakecareofit,”Isaidforcefully.“It’sdangerous,Delph.”
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HelookedatmelikeIwasanutter.“Dangerous!We’venearlydied,what,sixtimesalreadysincewe’vebeenhere?Dangerous?Har!”Somethingnudgedmy
hand.IlookeddowntoseeHarryTwopushingitwithhissnout.Ithoughthejustwantedtobepetted,buttherewasalookinmycanine’s
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eyesthatspokesomethingelse.Itwasasthoughhewas
saying,Therearethreeofus,Vega,notjusttwo.“Movingon,”saidAstrea.
Shewavedherwandagainandthemanticorevanishedandwasreplacedwithanevenmoreodiouscreature,whichIhadalreadyseenonce
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before.IthoughtAstreashivered
justabittooasshesaid,“Thewendigo.”Havingalreadyseenthis
spectralcreaturedevouradeerfromthesafetyofAstrea’sSeer-See,Iknewthatitateflesh.Astreasaid,“Thiscreature
doesn’tsimplykill.Itcan
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possessyoubyeatingyourmind.”“Iteatsyourmind?”said
Delph,lookinghorrified.Shesaid,“Yousawwhatit
didtothatunfortunatedeer.”Inodded,mymindholding
theimageofawendigorunningawayinmybody.Astreasaid,“Now,it’s
crafty.Youmustalwaysbe
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onthelookoutforthewarningsignsthatawendigoisnearby.”Ipoisedmyinkstickover
myparchment,readytowritedownthesewarningsigns.Whenshesaidnothing,Ilookedup.“Whatarethey?”Iasked.“Thesesigns?”“Avaguefeelingofterror,”
shesaid.
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“Well,now,that’srighthelpful,”scoffedDelph.“ImeanIdoubtwe’dbefeelingthatwayotherwise,eh?”Shecontinued,“Andasense
thatthefactsstoredinyourheadaredriftingawayandbeingreplacedwithstrange,oftenhorriblememoriesthatarenotyourown.”“Howcanitdothat?”I
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asked.“Youarebeingimprinted
withtheresidualmemoriesofthepreythatthewendigohaskilledinthepastandwhichlingerinitsownmind.”Itallsoundedhorrible
enough.“Thenwhatdowedo?”Iasked.“Thereisoneandonlyone
incantationthatwilldefeat
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thewendigo.”SheheldherwandinfrontofherandthenmadeaslashingmotionthatresembledtheletterX.Shesaidinaveryfirm,veryclearvoice,“Omniall.”“Whatdoesthatdo?”I
asked.“Itremovesthemindutterly
andirreversibly.”“Itremovesthemind?Then
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whathappenstothewendigo?”Iasked.“Itdiesofcourse.Thatis
justhowitmustbehere.”AndIsupposedshewas
exactlyright.
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WESATBEFOREtheblackboardforlongperiodsoftime.Ialsopracticedmyspellsandincantations,andperformedreversecurses
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whenAstreatriedtoattackme.Icouldtellthatshealwaysheldbacksome.Butasthetimepassed,Icouldalsodiscernthatshedidn’thavetoholdbackquiteasmuch.WhatIhadfound,tomypleasantsurprise,wasthatincombatIhadcertaininstinctsthatservedmewell.Icouldadaptaftersizingup
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myopponent’sstrengthsandweaknesses.Iwasquickonmyfeet,bothliterallyandinmymind.IhaddonethesamethingintheDuelumbackinWormwoodonmywaytobecomingchampion.Shealsomademework
throughmazessheconjuredinsidethecottage.Ihadgreatdifficultyindoingso,and
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oftenresortedtotheConfuso,recusospell.ButDelphwasneveratalossandwasabletogetusoutofeverysinglemazethatAstreacreated.YetIwasn’toverlyworried.SolongasIhadthespell,nomazecoulddefeatus.Overteainthelibrary,
Archietoldusthathehadoncethoughtofventuring
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acrosstheQuag.“Why?”mumbledDelph,
hismouthfullofbiscuit.“Well,mate,”beganArchie,
“whenyou’velivedinthesamecottagewiththesamepersonforhundredsofsessions,itgetstoyou.Youwanttotrysomethingdifferent,don’tyou?Abreathoffreshair.”
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“I’mnotsureI’dcalltheQuagabreathoffreshair,”Isaid.“Well,anyway,itdidn’t
happen.”“Whynot?”Iasked.“Mymumfoundoutabout
myplanandputastoptoit.”“How?Youcandomagic
too,”saidDelph.Archie’sexpressionbecame
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forlorn.“Yes,butI’mnotasgoodassheis.She’dwineveryduel,handsdown.”“Butshewantstohelpus
getacrosstheQuag,”Inoted.“Bloodyironic,askme,”
saidArchie.
AFTEROURLESSONSwerefinishedeachlight,Delphworkedonmapstracing
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routesandlearningeverythinghepossiblycouldtohelpus.AndIpracticedmyspellsandincantationsoverandover.Atnight,DelphandIwouldstudy,talkingbackandforthaswesatinthebook-ladenlibrary.MynotebookwasfullwithwhatAstreahadtaughtus,andthemarginswereheavily
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clutteredwithadditionalthoughts.I’msurethatDelph’slookedthesame.Mostnightswefellasleepinourchairs,ourparchmentuponourchests,andHarryTwosnoringonthefloornexttous.Weweretoldthatthe
SecondCirclewasknownastheWitheringHeath.Itwas
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notanysortofheathwithwhichIwasfamiliar.Instead,itwasavastforestwithtreessodenselysetsidebysidethatAstreasaiditwassometimesdifficulttobreathe.Thiscirclehadsuchcreaturesasthedeadlyandquitemadlycans,whichIhadglimpsedthroughtheSeer-See,andthehyperbores,
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whichwereblueandcouldfly,andmightbeanallyoranenemy.AstreaalsoimpresseduponusthattheSecondCirclewasfullofdepressionandthatifweallowedit,thatfeelingwouldcometodominate.TheThirdCirclewasthe
EridaWilderness,whichwasactuallytheoppositeofwhat
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Ithoughtawildernessshouldbe.Astreahadsaid,“It’savastflatexpansethatstretchesseeminglyforever.AndjabbitsandcucosinhabittheThirdCircle.”Iwellknewwhatjabbits
were.ButIhadneverheardofcucos.“Theywillprovidelightin
thegloom,whenyoumight
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verywellneedit,”shesaid.“And,asIpreviouslymentioned,thereistheunicorn,whosehornwilldefeatallpoisons.”DelphandIhadlookedat
eachother.Isaid,“Howdoyougetthehorn?”“Therearetwoways.One,
yousimplykilltheunicornandtakeit.”
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Ididn’tmuchlikethatway.“Andtheother?”“Youconvincethebeastto
freelygiveit.”“How?”“That,youwillhaveto
figureoutforyourselfwhenthetimeisright.”“Buthowdowefigureit
out?”Iasked.Shehadgivenmea
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disdainfullook.“Noteverythingcanbelearnedsafelyinaclassroom,Vega.Educationisnotsoneatandtidy.”Sheliftedherhandandpointedtothewall.“Outthereiswhereyouwilllearnyourmostvaluablelessons.Ifyousurvivethem,thatis.”Shepausedandsaid,“Thereisanothercreaturewhich
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dwellsthere,calledEris.Hehasonedutyinlife,tocausetroubleandstrife.Hewilldoyoumischiefifyoulethim.”“Howdowedefeathim?”
Delphasked.“Youmustlearntotrust
yourinstincts.Thatistheonlyway.”Ihadlookedatmyinkstick
asthoughhopingitwould
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writedownafarbetteranswerofitsownaccord,butitdidn’t.Lately,lessonswerenotgoingaswellastheymight.Iwaslookingforpreciseanswersandshewasgivingus“instincts.”TheFourthCircle,we
learned,wasdominatedbytheObolusRiver.Ihadsatupstraightwhenshementioned
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this.Irememberedseeingthelong,squigglywaterwayandwhatlookedtobeasmallboatuponit.“Rubezistheboat’spilot.
Hewillcarryyouacrosstheriver,foraprice.”“Whatistheprice?”Iasked.“Thepilotistheonewho
setsit.Youwillhavetoaskhim.”
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“AndwhatexactlyisRubez?Amale?”“Notexactly,”she
answered.AndIthoughtshemighthaveshivered.“TheriverholdsperilsofwhichIamnotfamiliar,buttheyareperilsnonetheless.”“Howdoweavoidthem?”I
asked.“Stayoutofthewater”was
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herreadyreply.
NEXTLIGHT,WEwalkedintotheclassroomtofindArchietherebutnotAstrea.“Whereisshe?”Iasked,
settingmyboundparchmentonmydesk.Archiesaid,“She’llbe
along.Justfinishingupsomethingsforthislesson,I
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reckon.”“TheFifthCircle,”said
Delph.“That’swhatwehaveleft.Thelastone.”Thedoortotheroom
openedandAstreasteppedthrough.AtfirstIcouldn’tthinkwhatwaswrong.Butthenitstruckme.Shelookedolder.Herdarkhairhadsomewhiteinitaroundtheroots.
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Herfacewasalittleheavier,abitsaggy.“Areyouallright?”Iasked.Shenoddedcurtlybefore
stridinguptotheblackboard.Shetookoutherwandand
tappeditagainsttheboardasDelphandIquicklytookourseats.HarryTwoalsosatupandcametoattention.“TheFifthCircle,”shesaid
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inaweakvoice.Iwaitedforhertoconjure
somethingontheboard,butinstead,Astreasatdownatherdeskandclaspedherhandsinfrontofher.Shesaid,“ItiscalledtheBlueRange.Mytermforitanyway.Itismountainous.Ithasdeeplycarvedvalleys.”Shestoppedspeakingandher
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gazetookonaglassyexpression,asthoughshewerelookingsofarintothedistancethathereyeshadfailedher.“Astrea?”Iprompted.Withajoltshecamebackto
us.Shecoughedandthenstareddirectlyatme.“TheBlueRangeisthelastobstaclebeforetheend.”
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Again,shestopped.Isaidinanencouraging
manner,“Andit’smountainouswithdeeplycarvedvalleys?And…?Whatelse?”Sheshookherheadslightly
asthoughattemptingtodislodgeaverydisturbingmemory.“ThatisallIcantellyou.Idonotknowwhat
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dwellsthere.”“Butyousaidthatyou
createdtheQuag?”“Icreatedpartsofit.The
BlueRangewasnotoneofthoseparts.”“Well,whocreatedit,
then?”“AfellownamedJasper.
HisfullnamewasJasperJane.”
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Myheadsnappedupsofastithurtmyneck.“JasperJANE?”Shenoddedslowly.“Your
ancestormanytimesremoved.HecraftedtheBlueRange.Hewasanimmenselytalentedsorcererwithaflairforthedarksphere.”“Thedarksphere?”Isaid,
slightlyrepulsedbysaying
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thewords.“Itiswhatwecallthat
havenofourmagicalmindsthatholdssinisterthoughtsandimpulses.Ourkindhasthem.Butwecancontrolthem,whereastheypredominatewiththeMaladons.Jasperwasacurioushybridofourtworaces.”
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“Youthinkhemighthavebeenevil?”Isaid,horrifiedbythethought.Sheshookherhead
emphatically.“Oh,no,hefoughtvaliantlyonourside,andhisknowledgeofdarksorcerymadehimaparticularlyefficientcombatant.Hecreatedthelastand,Iwouldhavetosay,
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mostdifficultcircle.”“Andhenevertoldyou
anythingthatwasinit?”Iaskedinabreathlesstone.Shebroodedoverthis,then
said,“Hetoldmeonething,rightbeforehedied.”“What?”Isaid,inanear
gasp.“Hetoldmeitwasmeantto
bethelandofthelostsouls.
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Andthatwasallhewouldsayonthesubject.Acuriousmale.Hewasaloner;hekepthimselftohimself.”“Whatdoesthatmean?”I
asked,thinkingthatIwasalonertoo,really.ButIcouldn’tbepartevil,couldI?“Isupposeitmeansthat
onceyouenterit,youwillbelostthereforalltime.And
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whenyourphysicalbodyperishesandfallstodust,yourimprisonmentwillnotbeover.Itwillreallyjustbecommencingforyoursoul,Vega,foryoursoulcanliveforever.”Ifeltcrushedbythis.“Does
thatmeanthatallofthisisfornaught?”Ilookedovermyshoulder
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atArchie.Hesatwithhisgazedowncast.IlookedbackatAstreaandgotquiteashock.Sheseemedtohaveagedahundredsessions.Theyouthelixir!Shehadstoppedtakingit!“IwishIcouldhelpyou
more,”shesaid.“Butitiswhatitis.”Thensheroseonunsteady
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legsandleftus.Whenthedoorclosed,I
glancedbackatArchie.“Whyisshedoingthis?”Heshruggedandsaid
unhelpfully,“Shedoesn’treallyconfideinme,Vega.ShethinksI’mtooyoungtounderstand.”Hegavearuefullaughandthenfellsilent.IlookedatDelph.“She’s
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stoppedtakingtheelixir.She’sgoingtodiesoon.”Hetookthisinandsaid,
“Wecan’tletherdothat,VegaJane.”Istood.“Wewon’t,Delph.
Comeon.”
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WEFOLLOWEDASTREA’Sslowtreadsdownthehallandwatchedheropenthedoorandgoinside.Afewmomentslater,Iwas
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knockingonthatsamedoor.“Pleasegoaway,”shesaid
frominsidetheroom.“We’dliketotalktoyou,”I
answered.“Ihavetalkedenough.
Pleasegoaway.”“We’llstayhereforaslong
asittakes.”Thedoorslowlyswung
open.
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IhadneverbeeninAstrea’sroom.AsIglancedaround,Iwasstruckathowbarrenandemptyitlooked.Ihadexpectedahavenofcomfortandclutter.Astreawasinthebedwith
thecoverspulleduphightoherrapidlysofteningchin.Isatinthericketychairnext
tothebedwhileDelphstood
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nexttome.Shedidn’tlookatus.Shesimplystaredattheceiling.“Well?Whatisit?”she
said.Theancientnessofhervoice
waspainful.Aspowerfulastheelixirwas,itseffectsworeoffrapidly.Iglanceddownather.“We
needyou.”
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“IhaveinstructedyouasbestIcan.Nowitisuptoyou.”“Butwe’renotready.”I
glancedatDelph.Heshookhisheadinagreement.Sheglancedatme.Itwasn’t
aharshlook.Sheletoutalongbreath.“Doyouknowwhywebuildwalls?Eitherrealonesoronessimplyin
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ourminds?”Imulledthisover.“Tokeep
folksinorout,”Isaidatlast.“Webuildwallsbecausewe
areafraid.Wedonotlikechange.Wedonotlikeitwhenotherswhodonotlookorthinklikeuscomealongandtryandchangethings.Thuswerunfromit.Or,evenworse,attackit.”
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IthoughtbacktomytimeinWormwood.Ihadseenthatverything.“Itwasawful,really,what
wedidtoallofyou,”shesaid,tearswellingupinhereyes.“You…youtookawayour
…history,”Imumbled.Sheliftedherselfuponthe
pillows.“Wetookawayyour
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identities.Itwasasbad,actually,asanythingtheMaladonscouldhavedonetoyou.Iseethatnow.”“Theywouldhavekilledall
ofyou.”“Wealsotookyourlives,
andthenmerelyrequiredthatyoukeeponliving.”“Butyou’relettingmecross
theQuag.You’regivingmea
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chancetomakethingsright.”Sheliftedahandand
touchedmycheek.“Ididthatforonereasononly,Vega.”Shedrewinalong,painfulbreath.“BecauseYouWillNotBeBeaten.”Herhandfellaway.Tearsfilledmyeyes.“But
westillneedyou,Astrea.Ineedyou.”
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Sheclosedhereyesandshookherhead.“Theyouthelixirhasbeenexhausted.Archietookthelastofit.AndIwassobusyteachingyouthatIwaitedtoolongtogetmore.Iamnotuptodealingwiththeneededingredients.”Isawthatbefuddled
expressiononherfeaturesoncemore.Shegrippedher
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head.“It’snot…pleasant,”shesaid.“Agingthisquickly.”“Ifyoutellmehowtoget
theingredients,Iwillmaketheelixir.”Herfacetookonthe
expressionofawfulsadness.Shelookedovermyshoulder.Iturnedtoseewhowasthere.ItwasArchie.Hestoodthere
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seeminglyfrozen.WhenIturnedbackaround,
hereyeswereclosedandshewasapparentlyasleep.ButfromunderhereyelidsIsawatearemergeandtrickledownhernowheavilywrinkledcheek.Igentlyshookherbytheshoulder,butshedidn’twake.Ishookherharder.Igrippedherface
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andspokeveryclosetoherear,tryingtorouseher.Butitdidn’twork.IracedovertoArchie.“Can
youmaketheelixir?”“No.Shenevertaughtme.
Andtruthis,I’macompletemuddlewithpotions.”Iranoutintothehallwith
Delphhardonmyheels.ButIhadnoideawhereIwas
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going.Ijustwantedtobedoing…something.Delphhookedmebythearm.“Wait,VegaJane,”hesaid.“Whataretheingredients?”Ihesitatedandthendecided
itwouldbebestjusttotellhim.“Twoimportantonesarethe
venomfromajabbitandthebloodofagarm.Butwedon’t
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havetohuntthem.They’reintworoomsofthecottage.”Alongsliverofsilence
passeduntilitwasendedbyDelph’sshouting,“There’sabloodyjabbitANDagarminheresomewhere?”“Iknowwhichrooms,”I
addedinwhatIhopedwasacalm,helpfultone.Thisonlymadehimlookas
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ifhewouldbesicktohisstomach.“You…youKNOW!”“Icangetthebloodand
venom.YouneedtosearchthroughAstrea’sdesktofindtherestofwhatwe’llneedandhowtomakeit.”Itookoutmywandandran
downthehall.Afewmomentslater,Iwasinthe
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kitchen.IsortedthroughthecupboarduntilIfoundasmallmetalbowlandaglassbottle.Ipocketedthem,turnedandranbackout.DownthehallIstoppedat
thedoorwiththelittlemarkonit.Thejabbit,Iknew,wasbehindthisportal,trappedinhiscageoflight.Iraisedmywand,madethe
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threeparallelstrokeswithitandsaid,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Instantly,theimageofthe
jabbitappeareddirectlyinfrontofme.Iknewitwascoming,butitstilltookallofmywillpowernottoscream.Okay,Ithought.Thething
isinthere.Butwait,howwasIgoingtogetinthedoor?It
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wouldshout“GOAWAY!”ThenIforcedmyselfto
calmdown.Astreahadtaughtmethatone.Itappedthedoor’slockwithmywandandsaid,“Ingressio.”Thedoorimmediately
swunginward.Isteppedforwardintothe
room,mywandattheready.Thejabbitwasacrossthe
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space,curledup,itsmultipleheadslowered,alltheawfuleyesclosed.Itwasasleep.AllarounditIcouldseethelightsofitscageswirling.Thejabbitwasatrulyenormousserpent,thickasatreetrunk,withtwohundredandfiftyvenomousheadsrunningthelengthofitsbody.Itwasthemost
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fiercesomebeastinallofWormwood.AndyettherewereevenmoreterrifyingonesoutthereintheQuag.Ihadaplan.Ididn’tknowif
itwouldwork,butIwasgoingtotry.Iraisedmywand,pointingitatthebodyofthegiantserpent.Iflickedmywandandsaid,
“Paralycto.”
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ThespellIcasthitthewalloflightandrebounded.Iduckedjustintimeanditflewovermeandhittheoppositewallwithacrash.WhenIrose,Iknewthatmy
spellcouldnotgetpastthelightedcage.Thiswasaproblem.WhenIheardmultiplehisses,IknewIhadanotherproblem.
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Iturnedtolook.Thejabbitwasawakenowandfivehundredeyeswereuponme,eachofthemfilledwithmalice.Iswallowed,anditseemedmostofmycouragedrainedwithit.NowIwouldhavetoundothecage,thencastthespell.Butthatwouldfreethejabbit,atleastmomentarily.AndIknew
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betterthanmosthowquicklytheystruck.However,unlessIdidthis,Astreawasgoingtodie.Idecidedtoactfastbecause
thelongerIwaited,themoretimethejabbithadtofullyawaken.AsIlookedattheserpent,somethingremarkablehappened.Igrewcalm.Idon’tknowwhy,butI
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feltaconfidenceIhadnoreasontohave.Ipointedmywandatthebarsoflightand,focusingmyMBS,said,“Eraisio.”Thelightbarsinstantly
vanished.Icouldtelltheserpentwas
notyetfullyawarethatitwasfree.Seizingthisopportunity,I
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pointedmywandoncemoreandsaid,“Paralycto.”Itwastrulyremarkableto
seesuchagiganticcreaturebecomeinstantlyfrozen.Ithadreareduprightbeforethespellstruck,butnowitshundredsofeyeswereglazedoveranditsfangswereconvenientlybared.Still,Iwalkedtowarditwith
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greatcaution,hopingwitheachstepthatmyspellwouldhold.Ipulledthemetalbowlfrommycloakpocketanddrewclosetothenearestsetoffangs.Iheldthebowlunderoneof
theopenmouths,pointedmywandatthefangsandpreparedtocastaspellthatAstreahadtaughtmefor
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drawingliquidfromvariousobjectslikestonesandtrees,sincewewouldneedasourceofwater.“Springatoerupticus.”Ayellowishliquidpoured
fromthefangsandcollectedinthebowl.Itwasamazinghowmuchvenomcouldcomeoutofasinglepairoffangs.Oncethebowlwasfairly
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full,Ipointedmywandatthefangsandmutteredthereversespelltostoptheflowofvenom.Isteppedbackagainstthe
farwall,setthebowldownandpreparedmyself.Twospellsback-to-back.MBS,MBS.Focus,Vega,focus.Iwhippedmywanddown
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thelengthoftheserpentandsaid,“Unparalycto.”Thejabbitimmediately
camebacktolife.Itfixeditsgazesonme.Icouldseeexactlywhatitwasplanningtodo.“Incarcerata.”Thejabbitstruckatthat
instant.Andslammedrightintothewhitelightbarsthat
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hadreemergedaroundit.Theyheldfastandthecreatureretreatedintovast,windycoils,itsfuryevidentinitshideouseyesandtheangrytwitchesofitstree-trunkbody.Ismiled.Andthenturnedto
pickupthebowl.Inevergotthere.Thejabbitstruckwiththe
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bloodcurdlingshriekthatIhadalwaysbeentoldwasthelastthingyouwouldeverhear.“Pass-pusay,”Iscreamed,
slappingmywandagainstmyleg.Iwasinstantlyontheother
sideoftheroomandthejabbithadslammedintothewallwithitstwohundredand
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fiftyheads.Theroofofthecottageshookwiththeimpact,andalongcrackappearedalongthewall.HowtheHelhaditescaped
mycageoflights?Itturnedandwithamassive
whipofitstail,itwaschargingstraightatme.MythoughtsturnedbackforaninstanttoStacks,whereapair
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ofjabbitshadbeenhuntingmedown.IhadescapedbehindalittlewoodendoorwithascreamingWugforaknob.Therewasnosuchescapenow.Nodoor,noscreamingWug.Thejabbitstruckagain.“Embattlemento.”Theserpenthittheconjured
wallwithsuchforcethatthe
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entireroomshook.Ifellback,butIquicklyregroupedasthejabbitreboundedoffmyspellandwasflungbackwardagainstthefarwalloftheroom.Itwasslowtoshakeoffthe
impact.Icouldhardlybelievemy
eyes.Ihadhurtajabbit.Beforeitcouldattackonce
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more,Ishouted,“Incarcerata.”Thewhitebandsshotfrom
mywandandencircledthecreature.Iprayedthatitwouldhold
thistime.Isteppedcarefullyaroundthejabbitasitsfivehundredeyesfollowedmyeverymove.Islowlybentdown,keepingmygazeon
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thething,andpickedupthebowlofvenom.ThenIwasoutthedoorina
flashandclosedandsecureditbehindmewithalockingspell.Breathless,Ihurrieddownthehall,whereInearlycollidedwithDelphcomingtheotherway.Hewascarryinganoldjournal.“Foundit,”hesaid.“The
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instructionsfortheelixir.”“Brilliant!”Iheldupthe
bowl.“AndIgotthevenom.”“BloodyHel,”hegushed,
takingthebowlgingerly.“Andnowforthegarm.”I
rusheddownthehalltotheotherdoorthathadtoldme,“GOAWAY!”Icriedout,“Crystiladomagnifica.”
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Iblinked.“Crystiladomagnifica,”Isaidagain.Theroomwasempty.There
wasnogarminawhite-lightcage.Iheardthegrowlbehind
me.Ididn’tevenhavetimetoturn.Iscreamed.Thegarm
roared.Isawaflashofsomething
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andIwasknockedheelsoverarse.AsIslidalongthefloor,I
lookedbehindme.Thegarmwasonitshind
legs,justabouttoexpelachestofflamesthatwouldburnmetocinder.AndtherewasHarryTwo.
Hemusthaveknockedmedown.
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Heleaptdirectlyatthebeastandthentheimpossiblehappened.Mycanineclampedhisstrongjawsaroundthegarm’ssnout,forcingitshut.Thegarmscreamedinfury,thoughthesoundcameoutmuffledbecauseitcouldnotopenitsmouth.Itflungitselfaround,
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slammingHarryTwointothewall.ButstillHarryTwohungon,evenwithhislegsdanglinguselesslyandbloodpouringfromthesideofhishead.ThegarmreachedupwithitsforelegstoripHarryTwotopieces.Ihadanothervision.Ofmy
firstcanine,Harry.Hehadalsosavedmefromagarm
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andsacrificedhislifeindoingso.Ihadnointentionoflettingthathappenagain.Therewasapowerful
feelingsurgingthrougheverybitofme.Itwasn’thatred.Orloathing.Itwasfarmorethanthat.Idon’tbelievethereisevenawordtoadequatelyencompassit.IsaiditbeforeIevenrealizedsayingit.It
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cameoutofmymouthwithsuchforcethatitseemedthewordsalonecoulddowhatIwanteddone.Ipointedmywanddirectly
atthegarm’schest.“Rigamorte!”Theblacklighthitthegarm
withsuchpowerthatthemany-tonnedbeastwasliftedrightoffitsclawedfeet.
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HarryTwoletgoinmidairandfellawayfromthehideousthingasthegarmwasflungalongthehall,hitthewallandslumpeddownwithanenormous,cottage-rattlingthud.Itwasquitedeadasitrolledover,itstonguehangingout,itsbloodycheststill.IsprinteddownthehallandkneltnexttoHarryTwo,
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wholaysprawledonthefloor,hisdamagedlegsuseless,hisheadbleedingbadly.IpulledtheAdderStone
frommypocketandwaveditovermypreciouscanine.Asecondlaterhewaslickingmyface,healedandhislegsfunctioning.IhuggedhimsotightlyIcouldfeelhisheart
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poundingagainstmine.“Iloveyou,HarryTwo.I
loveyousomuch.Thankyouforsavingme.”Ilookedoveratthegarm.
Itsblood,whichperpetuallyrandownitschest,wouldmakemytaskeasy.Ipluckedtheglassbottlefrommypocketandfroze.Archiestoodthere,hiswand
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pointedatmychest.NowIknewwhathad
happenedwiththejabbitandthegarm,thoughIcouldbarelybelieveit.Hiseyesturnedtoslits.He
startedtosay,“Riga—”Butahugefistcamedown
onthetopofhisheadandArchiefelltothefloor,unconscious,hiswandfalling
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fromhishand.BehindhimstoodDelph.Helookedatmeandflexed
hismuscle.“Sometimesyoudon’tneedmagic,VegaJane.Har!”
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DELPH!”IGASPED.Hebentdownandpocketed
Archie’swand,whichhadrolledacrossthefloor.“Blokecan’tdomuch
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withoutthat,”hesaid.“Hewasgoingtokillme,”I
said.“Ireckonhewas.”He
lookedatthedeadgarm.“Yourdoing,I’spect.”“IusedtheRigamortecurse,
thesameoneArchiewasgoingtouseonme.”Istareddownatthe
unconsciousArchieand
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shookmyheadindisbelief.Ashestartedtostir,Ipulled
mywand,aimeditathimandsaid,“Ensnario.”Thickropesappearedoutof
theairandwrappedthemselvesaroundArchie.Whenhecamefullyaround
andrealizedwhathadhappened,helookedupatmeandunleashedatorrentof
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foullanguage.“Mutado,”Isnapped,and
myspellhithimfullinthemouth,silencinghim.ThenIpickedupmyflask,whileDelpheasilyliftedArchieoffthefloorandslunghimoverhisshoulder.“Webestgetonwiththepotionmaking,”hesaid.“ButweneedsomethingcalledBreathofaDominici.”
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“BreathofaDominici?What’saDominiciandhowdowegetitsbreath?”“Haven’tthefoggiest,”said
DelphaswewalkeddownthehalltogetherwithHarryTwoatourheels.ArchiehadstruggledatfirstbutnowjustlayslumpedoverDelph’smassiveshoulder.Whenwereachedthe
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kitchen,DelphsetArchieonthefloor.HarryTwosatnexttohim,guardingthebloke.Delphtookmeovertoa
tablewherehehadlineduparowofbottlesandotherobjects.Therewasapieceofparchmenttackedtothewall.Isettheflaskofgarmblooddownnexttothebowlofjabbitvenom.
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“It’sallhere,”saidDelph.“’Ceptthebreaththing.”Hetappedtheparchment.“Tookthisouttathatjournal.Tellsyouhowtomakeit.Stepsyougottodo.Figgeredyou’dbegoodatthat,likeatStacks.Iheatedupsomewater,’causewe’llneedtomixsomeofithot.”Ilookedoverthe
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parchment.“Okay,theBreathofaDominicigoesinlast.Whydon’tIstartputtingitalltogetherandyoucantryandfigureoutthisbreaththing?”DelphsetoffwhileIturned
tomakingtheelixirofyouth.ItookmytimebecauseIwasafraidofmakingamistake.Therewasalotofheatingupofingredientsatjusttheright
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temperatureandthenlettingthemcooldownforexacttimes.IhadbroughtinanoldtimekeeperfromAstrea’sdeskanduseditasmytimer.Themixingandgrinding
andcuttingandstirringwereexhausting.WhenIpouredinthejabbitvenom,ahugeballofsmokeshotupfromthepotIwasusingtoholdthe
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potion.Luckily,Igotoutofthewayintime.Whenthesmokehittheceiling,aholeopenedupthere,whichIquicklyrepairedwithmywand.Nowthemixturehadto
stewforabit.ThenIwouldaddthebloodofthegarm,ahandfulofsomethingcalledtendrilsoftawny,which
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lookedlikefrozenworms,andasmalljarofliquidlabeledPETRIROOTPUSCLES.Iwouldratherdiethandrink
thismess.Eternalyouthcouldn’tbeworthit.Twentysliversafterthat
wouldcometheBreathofaDominici.IfDelphmanagedtofinditsomehow.Iturnedandlookedat
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Archie,whowasstaringacrosstheroomatme.Ipulledupachairandsat
acrossfromhim.“IfIletyouspeak,willyou
promisenottoscreamfoulthingsatme?”Helookedsurlybutslowlynodded.Ididthereversespellbutkeptmywandready.“Iknowyousetthejabbit
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andgarmonme.Andthenyouweregoingtokillme.Why?”“Isn’titobvious?”“Nottome,it’snot.”“Well,thenyou’reclearly
notverybright.You’llprobablyperishintheFirstCircle.”“MaybeIwill.Butatleast
I’mgoingtotry.”
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“Exactly,”heroared.“Foreighthundredbloodysessions,mydearmumhasbeensayingthatnoonecancrossthisplace.Noone!Wesacrificedourlivesforthat.WhenIlearnedwhatyouweregoingtodoandthattheoldbatwasgoingtohelpyoudoit,Ithoughtshemustbemad.Itooktheelixirandthen
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threwtherestaway.”“Butwhycouldn’tshemake
more?”Iasked.“BecauseIcasta
befuddlementhexonher.”“Soyouwantedhertodie.”Hescreamed,“Iwantedto
makesurethatyoudidnotcrosstheQuag!”Hegrewsilentanddrewseveraldeepbreaths.“Andovereight
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hundredsessionsislongenoughtolive,don’tyouthink?”headdedquietly.Aminutelater,Delphcame
charginginwithSeamusinhiswake.“Doyouhaveit?The
BreathofaDominici?”“Idon’tbutSeamushere
does.”Ilookedatthehob.
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“Seamus?Howcanyouhaveit?”“Ms.Prinesentmeoutfor
it,beforeshebecame,well,old.”Hereachedinhispocketandpulledoutalong-stemmedflowerthathadabloodredbloomaslargeasmyfist.“That’sit?Aflower?”Hewrinkledhisnoseatmy
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abruptcomment.“Well,itmightbejustaflower,buttheonlyplaceitgrowsisinanestofvipersthatdon’tmuchliketopartwithit.”“Sohowdidyoumanageit,
then?”Iasked.“Thevipersdon’tmuchlike
fireeither,dothey?”Hisfacecrinkledintoasmile.“So’salittleblueballofitjust
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happenedtofallintotheirmidstsandthenitjusthappenedtobecomeabigblueballofflamesthattheywantednopartof.”“Brilliant,Seamus,
absolutelybrilliant.Welldone.”Lookinghappywithmy
praise,hehandedovertheflower.Iputmynosecloseto
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it,tookawhiffandnearlygagged.Itsmelledlikeslepdung.“HolySteeples,”Isaid,
rubbingmynose.“Aye,youdon’twantto
stickyournoseinthatthing,”Delphsaid.“Seamussaysitreeks.”“Thanks,Delph,”Ireplied
crossly.“Nexttime,why
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don’tyoutellmesomethinglikethatbeforeIdoit?”Icutuptheflowerpetals
accordingtotheparchment,waitedfivesliversandthenthrewitintothesteamingpot.Theresultingsmellwasbeyondhorrid.“BloodyHel,”exclaimed
Delph,liftinghisshirttocoverhisface.Seamushad
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runfromtheroom.HarryTwoputhispawsoverhissnout.ButIhadtostirthethinginprecisemotions,soIstoodthere,twofingerspinchingmynose,myeyesrunningwiththestinkofit.Afewsliverslater,itwasdone.Ipouredaflaskofit,corkeditandthenwebolteddownthehallandintoAstrea’s
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room.Shewassosmallandfrail-lookingnowthatIfearedshewasalreadydead.“Astrea,I’vegotit,the
youthelixir.”Shemadenoresponse.Wetiptoedovertothebed
andlookeddownather.Shehadfadedincrediblyfast.Herhairwasstarkwhite,herskintranslucentandcoveredwith
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largespots,andherfeatureselongatedandcraggy.“Howdowedothis?”I
askedDelph.“WhenIwaslittleandme
dadwantedtogetsomemedicineinme,hejustopenedmymouth,pinchedmenoseandpoureditin.”Andthat’swhatweended
updoing.Igotthecontentsof
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theflaskdownAstrea’sthroat,andthensteppedback.Atfirst,therewasnothingandmyspiritsplummetedtomyboots.Thenshegaveanalmightygag,satstraightupinthebed,andhereyesopened.And,asthoughthesessionswerebeingpeeledawayliketheskinofanonion,alltheelementsofold
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agegaveway.Herhairdarkened,herskingrewfirm,thefeaturesshortenedandtightened,thebodyfilledout.ItwaslikeIwaswatchingherentirelifeinreverse.Finally,shesatthere
lookingasshehadbefore.Shedrewalongbreath.
“Thankyou,”shesaid.AndinhervoiceIcouldtellthat
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sheknewexactlywhathadhappened.“Whereismyson?”she
askedwearily.“Wehavehimtiedup.He
usedabefuddlementhexonyou.Andhetriedtokillme.”Shenoddedslowlyandrose
fromherbed.“It’sentirelymyfault,”shesaid.“Howdidyoumanagethepotion?”
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“SeamusgottheBreathofaDominici.Therestoftheingredientswerehere.”“Butsurelythegarmand
jabbit?”shebegan.Delphanswered.“Vega
Janegotthoseallright.Theywerenomatchforher,evenwhenArchieletthemlooseonher.”“Archieletthemloose?”she
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exclaimed.Butthenherexpressioncalmed.“Ofcourse.Hewouldhavebeenjealous.Andconfused.Andangry.”Isaid,“Ihadtokillthe
garm.ItwasgoingtokillHarryTwo.SoIkilledit.AndIhadnoproblemdoingso,”Iaddedfirmly.Astrealookedatme
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pointedly.“Isee,Vega.Isee.”AndIcouldtellthatshe
reallydidsee.Shepattedmyarm.“Inbad
times,wisdomissooftenborn,Vega.NowIneedtogoandseeArchie.”
THEDOOROPENEDabitlaterandAstreaappeared.
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WhenIsawanunboundArchiebehindher,Ileaptoffthebedandpulledmywand.“Thereisnoneed,Vega,”
shesaid,hervoicestrongandfirm.IlookedatArchie.His
featuresweredocile,ambivalenteven.“Whathappenedtohim?”I
asked.
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Shedrewclosetome.“TheSubserviospell.Heisquiteharmlessnow.ButIdidspeakwithhimbeforeIdidtheincantation.Itriedtomakehimseemysideofthings.ButI’mnotsurewe’rethereyet.”“AbouttheFifthCircle,”I
began.“SinceArchieplacedabefuddlementhexonyou,
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youdidn’ttellusallyouknewofit.”“Oh,butIdidtellyou
everythingIknowofit.NotevenmySeer-SeewillallowmetoglimpsetheFifthCircle.““Blimey,”mutteredDelph.“Nowitistimeforyouto
beonyourway,”shesaid.“Onourway…where?”I
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askedwarily.“TocrosstheFiveCircles
ofcourse,”shesaid.“What,now?Rightnow?”
exclaimedDelph.“Butyouneedtoknowthat
escapingfromherewillcomewithaprice.”Ishookmyhead.“Aprice?”“Toputitsimply,escaping
theQuagmeans
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imprisonmentforever.”IshotDelphaglancejustat
thesamemomenthelookedatme.IturnedbacktoAstreain
timetoseeherwaveherwand.“Goodluck,”shesaid.Ifeltmyeyesrollbackin
myhead.Andtheneverythingwent
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black.
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WOTCHA,VEGAJANE?”Iopenedmyeyesand
glancedup.Delphwaslookingstraightdownatme.“Youokay,VegaJane?”he
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saidanxiously.Iautomaticallynodded,
thoughIdidn’tknowifIwasactuallyokayornot.Isatupslowly,tryingtogathermywits.HarryTwoputoutapawandgentlytouchedmyarmasiftomakesureIreallywasallright.Ilookedaround.“Whereare
we?”
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“Dunnoforsure,butIfigurerightclosetotheMycanmoor.”“Howcanyoutell?”I
asked.“Overthere,”hesaid,
pointingtotheright.Isquintedandinthe
darknessIcouldmakeoutahighwall.“Themaze,”Isaid,glancing
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athim.“WhatIfigger.Yeah.”Mytemperflared.“Why
wouldshedothis,Delph?Justsendusherewithnowarninga’tall?”“Dunno,VegaJane.
Supposeshehadherreasons.”Cataclysmicthoughts
suddenlyhitme.Ourthings?
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Mywand!TheAdderStone.Destin.IlookedwildlyaroundandletoutabreathofreliefwhenIsawourtuckssittingsidebyside.Iopenedthemandsawneatbundlesoffoodandjugsofwater.Ilookeddown.Theleatherharnesswasstrappedtomytorso.Onmythumbwasmygrandfather’sring.Iliftedmy
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cloak.Destinwasaroundmywaist.IfeltinthecloakpocketandmyhandclosedaroundfirsttheStoneandthenmywand.Itookoutthelatterandgrippeditloosely.Icouldfeelitinstantlybecomeapartofme.Ihaddoneitsomanytimesnowthatitfeltnaturalandright.“Doyouthinkwehavetobe
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inthemazeforthecounterspelltowork?”Iasked.Whyhadn’tIthoughttoask
Astreathat?ThereweresuddenlyhundredsofqueriestowhichIwassureIneededanswerstosurvive.“Mighthelptofindthe
entrancebeforewedo,”Delphreplied.
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Weshoulderedourtucksandstartedforward.Ipointedmywandupahead
andsaid,“Illumina.”Abeadoflightshotoutof
mywandandhurtledtowardthedarkshapesthatwetooktobethewallofthemaze,whereitlitupeverythinginfrontofus.Aninstantlater,DelphandI
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couldhearhoovessmackingthegroundandwingsflappingandsharpcriesofunknowncreatures.Iheldmywandattheready,unsureifIwasabouttoencounteranarmyofhideousbeasts.Ihadn’tpracticedsuchaneventualitywithAstrea,andIdoubtedmyabilitytofightoffamassattack.
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Thankfully,thesoundsandchatterdieddownandwerereplacedbyquiet.IlookedoveratDelph.
“Actually,IthinkIlikedthenoisebetter,”hesaid.Iagreedwithhim.Itmight
havebeenonlytheweakercreaturesthathadfledthelight.Theonesthatcouldkillusmightbejustahead,
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waiting.Wemovedforward,my
gazedartinginalldirections.Itookamentaltallyofmyemotionsforthesignsofthewendigo—vagueterrorcoupledwithsomethingelse’smemories.Butmythoughts,terrifyingthoughtheywere,allseemedtobemyown.
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“VegaJane,howaboutyouuseyourwandtoseewhat’supahead,eh?”“Goodidea.”Ipointedmy
wand,madethepropermotionandsaid,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Nowdirectlyinfrontofus
wasanenormouswall.Abattlement,Astreahadcalledit.Anditwasmadeentirely
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ofbones.ItmadethewallbackatThorne’slookpunybycomparison.“Ithinkwefoundthemaze.”“Andthere’stheentrance,I
reckon,”hesaid,pointingtoadark,ovalshape.Wemarchedon,drawing
closerandclosertothisimage.Beforewegottothewall,
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weencounteredalargewrought-irongatethatsuddenlyappearedinfrontofus.WrittenoutinscrollwerethewordsWolvercoteCemetery.“Shedidn’tmentiona
cemetery,didshe?”Isaid.Heshookhishead.Delphpeeredthroughthe
gate.“It’sagraveyardin
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thereallright,”heexclaimed.Hepushedonthegate,butitwouldnotopen.Itappedthelockwithmy
wandandsaid,“Ingressio.”Thehugegateswungback.Wepassedthroughwith
HarryTwobringinguptherear.Wecametothefirstrowof
graves.
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“Lookatthenamesonthem,Delph,”IsaidasIeyedthem.Mullins,Dinkins.And
KRONE?JurikKrone’sancestors
wereburiedhere?Theyletanyoneinhere,didn’tthey?Delphsaid,“Look,there’sa
PicusandaMulroney.And…and…”
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HisvoicetrailedoffandIcouldseewhy.Thenameonthelichen-
stainedgravestonewasBarnabasDelphia.Hereadtheepitaphout
loud.“BarnabasDelphia,lovingfatheranddevotedhusbandtoLecretia.”“Didyoueverhearofthem
fromyourfather?”Iasked.
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Delphshookhishead.“Never.Notonce.Ican’thardlybelieveI’mseeingit.”IleftDelphstandingthere
andmoveddowntherowofgraves.WhenIsawthenameonthesimplegravestone,Icaughtabreathandmovedcloser.ALICEADRONIS,WARRIOR
TOTHELASTBREATH
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Ilookeddownatthesunkenmoundofdirtandthenbackattheleaninggravestone.Iheldmywanduphighandgazedatit.AlicehadgivenmetheElementalonagreatbattlefieldfar,farinthepast.Shehaddonesowithherdyingbreath,tellingmethatIhadtosurvive.Isuddenlyjerkedbecause
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thewandhadstartedtomoveinmyhand.AsIwatched,shocked,itbentforwardsothatitspointwasdirectedatAlice’sgrave.Ididn’tunderstandfora
moment,butthenIdid.Thethingwasbowingto
her,itsformermistress.Ifeltthetearsclusterinmy
eyes.ButIalso,forthefirst
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time,feltapowerfulconnectionbetweenAliceandmyself.AstreahadsaidthatAliceandIcouldberelated,andthatwaswhytheElementalworkedasawandforme.AsIlookeddownatthatsunkenmoundofdirt,itoccurredtomethatIhadagreatdealtoliveupto.AlicehadevidentlythoughtthatI
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neededtosurviveforanimportantreason.IhopedIwasuptothechallengethattheQuagwascertainlygoingtopresent.ThegraveIsawnextwas
thatofmyancestorJasperJane,thecreatoroftheFifthCircle.Hisgravestonesimplyheldhisnamewithnoaccompanyingdescription.A
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sorcerersteepedindarkmagic,Astreahadsaid.IshiveredwhenIthoughtaboutwhathemighthaveputinthefinalcircle.Thenexttwogravesalso
capturedmyattention.BastionCadmus.His
epitaphreadTHEONEWHO
LEADSUS.TheothergravestonereadTHE
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STRENGTHOFLOVE,THE
FALLACYOFYOUTH.Icouldmakeneitherheadnortailofthat.ThenameonthegravestonewasUmaCadmus.Ididn’tknowifitwasBastion’smateorperhapshisdaughter.“VegaJane!”IturnedandsawDelph
fartherdownanotherrowof
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graves.Hewasfranticallymotioningformetocome.HarryTwoandIracedovertowherehestood.“Lookitthat,VegaJane,”he
said.Hewaspointingata
numberofgraves.Ireaddownthelistof
names.Iexclaimed,“They’reallPrines.ThisisAstrea’s
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family.”“Tooright.Soifsheknew
aboutthisplace,whydidn’tshetellus,eh?”“Sowhatelsehasn’tshe
toldus?”Iasked.Mybellyfeltlikeitwasfullofice.Iwasgoingtosay
somethingelse,butInevergotthechance.Somethinghadreachedup
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throughtheground,grabbedmyanklesandpulledmedownward,throughthedirtandbelowtowherethedeadlay.
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JUSTASIhadinfallingintoThorne’slabyrinth,Ienduredthesensationofplummetingalongway.However,thistimeIrememberedIhadonDestin
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andthuswasabletolessentheimpactwhenIhitbottom.Iwasupinaninstant,my
wandatthereadyinthepitch-darkness.“Illumina,”Icriedout.Theplacewasinstantlylit
andIsawDelphandHarryTwoslowlygettingtotheirfeet.“Areyouokay,Delph?”
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Hebrushedoffhisclothesandnodded,thoughhisfacewasashen.IlookeddownatHarryTwo.Hishackleswereupandhisfangswerebared.Ilookedwildlyaround,certainthatmycaninehadsenseddangercoming.Wewereinalow,darkened
tunnelwithstonewallsthatwereawashwithageand
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slime.Ilookedinonedirectionandsawablankwall.Attheotherendofthetunnelwasanopening.IlookedatDelphtofindhimstaringatthesamespot.Iglancedupexpectingto
seedirtaboveus,buttherewasonlystone.“Whatgrabbedus?”Isaid
breathlessly.Ilookeddownat
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myankles.“That’sbloodonmytrousers,”Iexclaimed.“Butit’snotmine.”“Samewithme,”said
Delph,indicatinghislegs.IlookedatHarryTwoand
sawredstreaksonhisforelegs.Ioncemoregazedatthe
stoneceiling.“Thegravesareupthere,”Isaid.
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“What’sbelowagrave?”askedDelph,miserably.“Nothin’good,Iwager.”“Ifsomethingyankedus
downhere,itmuststillbearound.”“Andtheonlywayout
lookstobethroughthere.”Hepointedahead.Isquaredmyshouldersand
triedtomakemyselffeel
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confidentandbravethoughIfeltneither.IheldmywandinfrontofmeandmarchedtowardtheopeningwithDelphandHarryTwoalongsideme.Wereacheditand,decidingthatwaitingwouldjustmakeitharder,Iwalkedrightthroughit.Atfirst,therewasnothing.
Thentherewassomething.
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Setintothewallswerelittlebeadsoflightthatblinkedonandoff.Foramoment,Ithoughttheywerepiecesofglassormetal.ButwhenIwanderedclosertothewall,Ileaptbackinhorror.Theywereeyes.Blinking
eyes!IlookedoveratDelph.He
wasobviouslystunnedas
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well.AsIlookedagain,Icould
tellthereweren’tjusteyesonthewall.Thereweremouths.Theywereopeningandclosingalongwiththeeyes,butnowordswerecomingout.Itwasasiftheyweresilentlyscreaming.Iturnedandran.Rightintohim.
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HewasalittletallerthanIwasandsoleanthathelookedlikebonewithabitofskinlyingoverit.Yethewasashardasatree,andItoppledoverfromthecollision.Mywandfelltotherockfloor.Hewasdressedinalong
coatofblack,trousersandaslimyshirt.Hisfacewasas
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paleasgoat’smilk.Hisbeardwasblackerthanhiscoatandlaytightlytohisfacewherehischeekbonesprotrudedlikehardnuts.Astripofblackfuzzarchedoverhismouth,whichwassetinagrimline.Healsohadonblackbootsuptotheknees.Ilookedmadlyaroundfor
DelphandHarryTwo.Tomy
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horror,theybothwerepinnedflatagainstthewall.Delph’smouthwasopen,butnowordswerecomingout.Iscrambledtomyfeetandstartedtoruntowardthem.“No,”thecreaturesaidina
raspyvoice.Itwaslikemyfeetwere
sunkintotherock.Ilookedbackathimover
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myshoulder.Inhishandwasawoodencudgelintricatelycarvedwithevil-lookingfiguresIdidnotrecognize.Hesmackedoneendofthecudgelontherockfloor,andmyfeetwerereleased.Iturnedtofacehim.Heleisurelycircled,looking
meover.Hisnosewasunlikeany
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noseIhadeverseen.Ithadthreeopeningsinsteadoftheusualtwo.Andithadtwohumpsintheboneasthoughithadbeenbrokenmorethanonce.Anditwassolongitverynearlyovertookthemouthonthewaytothechin,whichwasassharplyangledasacuttingknife.Andtheeyesabovetheelongated
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noseweresolidblack.Notjustthelittleorbsinthemiddle.WhereIhadwhite,hisentireeyewasblack.Iglanceddownatthehand
curledaroundthecudgel.Itwasn’treallyahand.Itwasaclaw,nailslongerthanmyfingers.Andtheywerecoveredinblood.Thatansweredthequestionof
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wherethebloodonourclotheshadcomefrom.Thisblokehadpulledusdownhere.Hepointedoneclawatme.
Destinseizeduparoundme,liftingmeofftheground,andIhungthereinmidair.MyspinewasnearlycrackingasIwasforcedbackward,myheadgrowingperilouslyclose
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tomyheels.Hecroaked,“Thechainof
Destin’tisindeed.”Andthenhestampedthe
floorwithhiscudgeloncemoreandIfellhardtotherock.Ilaytherebreathless.IglancedoveratDelph.Hismouthwasstillopen,buthiseyeswerelookingnotatmebutataspotonthefloor.I
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lookedthere.Youidiot.Yourwand!Isnaggedit,pointedit
directlyatthecreatureandcriedout,“Impacto!”Heinstantlyswepthis
cudgelacrosstheairandmyspellhitaninvisiblebarrier.Thecollisioncauseddustandrocktofallfromtheceilingofthetunnel.
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Althoughhe’dblockedmyincantation,thecreaturewasnowregardingmeinanewlight,itseemedtome.“Youareasorceress,”he
hissed.Irosetomyfeet.“IknowI
am.WhattheHelareyou?”Hesaidnothing,but
continuedtowatchme.“Releasemyfriends.Now!”
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Iraisedmywandthreateningly.“Iwillseeyouagain,certe,”
hesaid.“Whatdoesthatmean,certe?”Iasked.Inanswerhepointedtothe
wallswheretheeyesblinkedandthemouthsopened.HeopenedhisownmouthinagruesomesmileandIsawhis
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teeth.Theywereblacklikehiseyes.Hehissed,“Allcometomeintheend.Certe.”Hestampedthecudgel
againsttherockfloorathirdtime,andIbracedmyselfforanotherattack.Buthesimplypointedagaintothewallwheretheeyesandmouthswere.AndnowIcouldhear
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them!Theyseemedtobepleadingwithmetosavethem.TheircriesroseandroseuntilIhadtoputmyhandsovermyears.HeshoutedoutsomewordI
hadneverheardandtherewasinstantsilence.Whenheturnedbacktome,
heopenedhismouthwideandoutcamehistongue.
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Onlyitwasnotreallyatongue,notlikemine,inanycase.Itwaslongandblackandhadthreearrowpointsattheendofit.“IamOrco,”hesaid.
“Thesearemyoffspring.AndIwillseeyouagain,thetimingofwhichremainswithyou,fornow.Butnotalwaysso.Somethingwill
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intervene.”Hesmiledmaliciously.“Italwaysdoes.”Withhisfreehandhe
reachedinsidehiscoal-blackcoatandpulledoutanenormoustimekeeperonarustedchain.HehelditupsoIcouldsee.Acrosstheglassofthetimekeeper,faceswereswirlinglikeshootingstarstraversingtheheavens.They
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cameandwentwithastonishingspeed,toofasttocount,almosttoofasttoseeatall.Orcointoned,“Life.And
thendeath.Certe.”Everythingwentblack
again.Ifeltpropelledupward.Atlast,Ihitsomethinghardandlaystill.WhenIopenedmyeyes,
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therewasHarryTwo.Isatupandhuggedhim.
ThenIslowlyroseandstaggeredovertowhereDelphlayontopofthegraveofhisancestorBarnabasDelphia.“Delph!Delph!”Igrippedhisshoulderand
pulledhimup.Hecamearoundandlookedatme.
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“D-did…didthatjustreallyh-happen?”heaskedinadisbelievingvoice.Inodded,mybreaths
cominginbunches.“It…itwashorrible,Vega
Jane.Themfaces.Pleading-like.”“Theyweredead,Delph,”I
saidquietly.“Butwhatdidthatthing
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wantwithus?”“Astreasaidthatescape
fromthisplacemeansimprisonmentforever.Iwonderifshemeantdownthere,onthatwall?”“Sowe’llendupthere?No
matterwhatwedo?”Icouldn’tbelievethat
AstreawouldhavetrainedmeupjustsoIwouldendup
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stuckonawallbythatevilcreature.Istraightenedandlooked
outaheadofus.“TheFirstCircle,”Isaid.Itwasouronlychance.
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ITDIDNOTtakeuslongtoreachit.Thebattlementofbones,I
instantlytermedit,harkeningbacktothedescriptionAstrea
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hadused.ItwassotallthatIcouldnot
honestlyseetothetopofthewalls.Itjustappearedoutofthegloomlikeamalignantgiantblockingourpath.Everylastinchofitwasbuiltfrombonesofallsorts,takenfromthingsonceliving.“Ithink…Ithinksomeof
’emarelikeus,VegaJane.
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Thebones,Imean.”Inoddedbutsaidnothing.It
wastoohorribletoeventhinkabout.DelphsawitbeforeIdid.I
don’tknowifIexpectedsomegrandentrance,butthedoorwaywasbarelybiggerthantheoneIhadatmyoldhomeinWormwood.Itwasbatteredplankswith
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blackenedhingesandarusted,twistedironhandleforalatch.Weapproacheditstealthily
becausethatjustseemedthenaturalthingtodohere.Whenwereachedit,westoppedandlookedateachother.Delphreachedoutand
openedthelatch.
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Thedoorswunginward,revealing,ifitwaspossible,evengreaterdarknesswithin.TakingthesametackIhadunderneaththegraves,Isteppedquicklythrough.DelphandHarryTwoimmediatelyfollowed.Assoonaswewereinside,thedoorslammedshut.AndIdoubtedthatanyspellIcast
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wouldreopenit.Fromthispointwecouldonlygoforward,notback.WewereinsidetheFirst
Circle.Wewereinsidetheperfectmaze.Ilookedaheadofusand
suddenlytheplacewasawashinlight.Thewallsinherewereexactlyliketheonesoutthere:bones.Fromevery
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nookandcranny,skullswithemptyeyesocketsstaredbackatus.Thecorridorturnedsharply
totherightabouttenfeetdown.Wewalkedaheadabit,turnedthatwayandwereimmediatelyconfrontedbyeightdifferentpassagesbleedingofftheonewewereon.
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IheldupmywandandwasabouttosaytheConfuso,recusospelltostraightenoutthemaze.Inevergotthechance.Thebattlementofbones
changedsuddenly.Theskullsbecamelongvinesthatshotoutandensnaredme,rippingmywandfrommyhand.Itriedtocallout,butavine
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wrappedaroundmymouth.IlookedoverinterrortoseeDelphbeingliftedintotheairlikeasmallchild,thevinespinninghisarmsandlegstogether.ThenIsawsomethingflash
pastme.ItwasHarryTwo!My
caninewasdodgingandleapingoverthevinesthat
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clutchedathim.Whenavinegrabbedhishindleg,heturnedandbititinhalfwithonechompofhisstrongjawsandrazor-sharpteeth.Tryastheymight,thevinescouldnotcapturemycanine.Iwonderedforamomentwherehewasgoing,untilIsawhimreturningwiththethingclampedbetweenhis
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teeth.Mywand!Heracedtowardmeand
leaptbetweentwovines,whichshotouttointercepthim.Myhandswereboundby
vines,butmyfingerswerestillfree.HarryTworeachedmyoutstretchedrighthandandmyfingersclosedaround
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mywand.Butmymouthwasstill
coveredbyavineandanotherhadencircledmyneckandwassqueezingthelifeliterallyoutofme.Mymindfeltdarkanddizzyasmycheststartedtoheavewiththeeffortofstayinginflated.Icouldnotcastaspell
withoutsayingit.Ididn’t
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knowwhattodo.Iclosedmyeyesandfeltthewandbegintoslipbetweenmyfingers.IopenedmyeyeswhenI
heardhim.Delphwaslookingupatme
evenasalargevineencircledhisbodyandstartedtotighten.“Yourwand,”hecriedout.
“TheElemental!”
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TheElemental.IwilledtheElementalto
fullsizeandthoughmyarmwasstillboundtightlysoIcouldnotthrowithard,itdidn’tmatter.IhadknownforsometimethatIcontrolledtheElementalwithmymind,notthestrengthofmyarm.Doit,saveus.
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TheElementalblastedofffrommyhandandhurtleddownthepassage.Asitdidso,thepowerofitsmightywaketoreapartthevinesholdingus,throwinghugechunksofthemagainstothervines,whichinturnweresmashedbytheweightoftheseprojectiles.Freedfromthegripofthe
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ravagedvines,DelphandIplummetedtowardtheground.Iwasready,though,becauseIdoubtedwewouldgetasecondchance.TheElementalhadturnedandwasracingbacktome,andIcaughtitbeforeIhittheground.Iwilledittoitsnormalsize,madeaslashingmotionwithmywandatthe
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towersofvinesandshouted,“Withero.”Thevinesinstantlyturned
brown,shrankandcollapsed.ButIwasn’tdoneyet.“Confuso,recuso.”Themazestraightenedout.“Run,Delph.Comeon,
HarryTwo.”Werushedpastthedead
vinesbecauseIhadnoideaif
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newoneswouldtaketheirplace.Weranandranuntil,althoughwewerenotoutofthemaze,wehadtostop,bendoverandsuckinlongbreathstoreplenishourlungs.WhenIlookedup,Iwasgladwehadstopped.ButthatwastheonlythingIwasgladabout.Themanticorewasbarely
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twentyfeetfromus,barringourway.Theconjuredimagebackat
Astrea’sdidnotdothecreaturejustice.ItwastwiceastallasDelph
andthreetimesasbroad.Itmusthaveweighedaton.Itslion’sheadhadafullmaneoftawnyfur;itsserpent’stailswishedacrosstheground.
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Thegoat’sbodyinthemiddledidnotseemsubstantialenoughtomergethesetwofiercecreatures.Mesmerizedbyallthis,I
neversawitcoming.“Lookout,VegaJane!”Somethinghitmeand
knockedmedown.Theblastofflamespassed
overusaninstantlater.
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Ihadforgottenthatthebloodybeastcoulddothat.Ilookedovertoseethatit
wasDelphwhohadpushedmedown.Andsavedmylife.Isatup,pointedmywandat
itandpreparedtosendittoHel.Onlyitwasn’tthere.Blast,that’sright.Itcanreadminds.
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HarryTwobarked.Iwhirled.Themanticorewasbehind
us,barelyfivefeetaway.Itroaredandflamesshotat
us,butIhadactedatthesamemoment,notgivingthethingtimetoreadmymind,whichwasracinglikearunawayhorse.“Embattlemento.”
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Theballofflameshitmyshieldspell,ricochetedoffandhitthewallofthemaze.Askullhitmeinthehead
andIrealizedthattheboneshadcomeback.Otherbonestoppleddownaroundus.Iraisedmywandand
pointedupward.“Embattlemento.”Theskullshittheshieldand
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bouncedoff.ButIhadtakenmyeyesoff
themanticore.Wherewasit?Thereitwas,tomyleft,
closertoDelph.Iraisedmywandtoblastit,
butthenitwasgoneagain.Thebloodythingcouldmovefasterthanmyeyecouldfollow.Itreappearedonmyright.
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“Hey,”shoutedDelph.Hewaswavinghisarmsatthemanticore.Hepickedupaskullandhurleditatthebeast.Itshotoutalungfulofflamesandtheskulldisintegrated.“Impacto!”Iscreamed,my
wandpointedstraightatthemanticore.Thethingwasblastedoff
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theground,soaredbackwardandslammedintothewallofbonesbehindit.Itsliddownthewallandlaystill.Anddead.“Youdidit,VegaJane,”
gaspedDelph.Hewaskneelingontheground,holdinghisarm.Thewallsoneithersideof
usshookandthenstartedto
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tumbledown.“HarryTwo,”Iscreamed
andstrucktheharness.HeleaptandIattachedhimtoit.IgrabbedDelphandtooktotheair.Wesoaredalong,dodgingandspinningpastbones,skullsandotherdebris.Chunksandpiecesstillhitus,butIkeptmygazeresolutelyontheendofthe
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maze.Andthenatowerofbones
collapsedinfrontofusandthesmallsquareofblackthatIknewrepresentedtheendofthemazedisappeared.Ipointedmywandand
shouted,“Engulfiado.”Theboneswereblastedout
ofthewaybyatidalwaveofwaterandwesoaredthrough.
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Ilandedtoofastandweallsprawledontheground.IunhookedHarryTwofromhisharnessandstood.“Delph,youokay?”Isaid
urgently.Whenhedidn’tanswer,I
lookedathim.“Delph?”Heturnedhisfacetomine.
Itwasasheetofpain.“Delph,whatisit?”
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Irantohim,thenstoppeddeadwhenhehelduphisarm.“G-guessitgotm-me.”Themanticorehadgotten
him.Hisleftarmwasburnednearlyblack;theskinwasbubbledandcracked.Iimmediatelypulledthe
AdderStonefrommypocket,waveditoverhisarmand
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thoughtgoodthoughts.“Thanks,VegaJane,”he
said.“Pain’sallgone.”Hestretchedhislimb.Well,thepainmighthave
beengone,butthearmwasstillblackened.Theskinwasstillpoppedandcrackedlikemeatkepttoolongovertheflames.WhenDelphfollowedmygazeandsawthestateof
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hisarm,hisfaceturnedpale.“Delph,”Isaid.“I’msorry.
IguesstheStonecan’tfully…”Icouldnotfinish.“’Tisokay,VegaJane,”he
saidsoftly.“Nomorepain.That’swhat’simportant,eh.Likeyoudoneformedad.Evenifitdon’tlook…ifitdon’tlooksogoodnomore.”Ifelttearscreeptomyeyes,
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buthislooktoldmetheywereunwarranted.Hegrippedmyarm.“We’re
alive,VegaJane.We’reALIVE.”Heopenedhistuckand
slippedonanothershirt.Ilookedaroundasthewalls
oftreessproutedoneithersideofus,soaringupsohightheyseemedtotouchthesky.
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Inafewmoments,weweretotallyengulfedinanothermaze.“Ohno!”Isaid,myspirits
plummeting.Idrewmywandandpreparedtosaythespellthatwouldstraightenthemaze,whenIstartedtofeelfunny.No,funnywasthewrongword.Iwasfeelingterrified.Butwhatwas
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makingmeterrifiedwerethingsthatIknewhadnothappenedtome.Iwasabeastandthensomethingwastearingmeapart.IwasabirdandIwasbeingdevoured.IwastransformedintoahideouslycanandthenIwasdisemboweled.Witharush,mymind
cleared.
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Awendigo!Ilookedbehindusandthere
itwas,soaringstraightatus.IgrabbedDelph’shandat
thesametimehescoopedupHarryTwo.“Go,VegaJane.Go!”Weshotupwarduntilwe
hadnearlyclearedthemaze’streetops.ThenIpointedusforward.Ilookedback.The
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wendigowasrightbehindus.Theskylightspearandtheresultingthunder-thrusthitsoclosetousthatitnearlyknockedusoutofthesky.AndIknewwhy.IwasflyingovertheQuag.
Thestormshadarisentostopme,asAstreahadsaidtheywould.“Delph!”Iscreamed.“I
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can’tflyuphere.Thestormswillstopme.We’llhavetogobackintothemaze.”Delphhadbeengazing
downfromhishighperch.“Beforeyoudrop,lightupthemazedownthere,”hecalledoverthepunishingnoiseofthestorm.Ihadbeenglancingbehind
ustoseethewendigo
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gaining,butIdidwhatDelphasked.“Illumina.”Themazewassuddenly
brilliantlylighted.IsawDelphrunhisgazeoverallofit.Anotherskylightspearhitatreedirectlybehindus.Theforceofthecollisionsentshockwavesoutthattumbledusacrosstheair.
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IlostmygriponDelph’shand,andheandHarryTwofellawayfromme.Atthesameinstant,my
mindwasfilledoncemorewiththeterrorofanother.WhenIglancedback,thewendigowaswithintwentyfeetofme.Thestormseemedtohavenoimpactontheghastlything.
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Iforcedmymindtoclearandshotdownwardintothedarkness,scanningeverywhereforthefallingpair.“Illumina!”Isawthemandblasted
towardthem,thecrownofmyheadpointednearlystraighttotheground.Ihadnevergonethisfastbefore
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andstillitdidn’tseemitwouldbefastenough.Iwasconvincedwewereallgoingtodieandthebloodywendigowouldfeastonus.Iputonaburstofspeedat
thisthought,reachedoutmyhandandsnaggedDelphbythebackofhisshirt.HarryTwowasstillinhisarms.Istartedtoheadbackup,but
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Delphcriedout,“Keepinthemaze,VegaJane.Keepinthemaze.”Ilookedathimandthen
backatthewendigo,whichwasstillrightonourtail.Icouldfeelmymindseizing
upwithterror,noneofitmine,butthatdidn’tmakeitanylesshorrible.ImusthavesloweddownbecauseIheard
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HarryTwoletoutanenormousgrowlthatmadeeveryhaironmyneckstickstraightup.“No!”Iscreamed,asHarry
TwoleaptfromDelph’sarmsanddirectlyatthewendigo,whichwassoclosenowthatIcouldseeitsghoulish,transparentshapenearlynexttome.
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IsnaggedHarryTwowithmyhandandredoubledmyspeed,leavingthewendigobehind,atleastfornow.WhenIlookeddownatHarryTwo,Igasped.Partofhisleftearwasmissing.WhileDelphheldontomyleg,Iputmycanineinhisharness,snatchedtheAdderStonefrommypocketandwavedit
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overthespotwhereHarryTwo’searhadbeen.Thestonecouldnotregrowpartsofthebody,butitceasedthebleeding.Andmycanineseemedallrightotherwise.“Left,left!”screamed
Delph.Ihungaleftsosharpthat
ourbootssmackedagainstthetrees.
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“Right,thenanotherright,”directedDelph.Ididashesaid.Imarveled
thathehadapparentlymemorizedthemazefromlookingatitforonlyafewmoments.Hekeptbarkingout
directionsandIfollowedthem.ButthewendigowasstillbehindusandIintended
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todosomethingaboutthatrightnow.“Hangon,Delph,”Isaid,
liftinguphishanduntilhewasabletoclutchpartoftheharnessthatwaskeepingHarryTwoaffixedtomychest.Ipointedmywandbehind
meandcriedout,“Embattlemento.”
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ThenIwentintoadive.Thewendigomanagedtoavoidthespellshieldbyveeringtotheleft,butithadallowedmeseparation.IflippedoversothatIwasflyingonmyback,madethemarkoftheXintheairwithmywandandshouted,“Omniall.”Thelighthitthewendigo
directlyonitstransparent
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chestandthenitliterallywentberserk.Itimmediatelyspunoutofcontrolandslammedintoawallofthemaze.Iwatcheditplummetandcrashintoanothersectionofthewall.Itkeptdoingthisoverandover,itsmindandthussenseofdirectiongone,untilitfelltothegroundinacrumpledheap,dead.
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Iturnedbackaroundandsoaredoff.Twentysliverslater,
followingDelph’sdirections,weshotfreeofthemazeandintotheopenair.IquicklylandedanddetachedHarryTwofromhisharness.Iimmediatelyhuggedmycanineandgingerlytouchedthespotwherepartofhisleft
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earhadoncebeen.ItpainedmeasmuchasDelph’sarm.ButwhenIlookedoverat
Delph,hewasgrinningbroadly.AndwhenIfocusedonHarryTwo’sfeatures,Icouldseethemirthinhismismatchedeyes.“Wedidit,VegaJane,”
exultedDelph.“WemadeitthroughtheFirstCircle.”
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Suddenly,mywandwassnatchedfromme.“Butit’llbethelastthing
youdo,”saidadeepvoice.“Ormename’snotLacklandCyphers.”
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THELARGEBLOKEwhohadtakenmywandwasholdinganoldrustedbutstilldeadlysword.Hiscompanion,afemale,helda
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crossbowloadedwithanarrowpointedatus.LacklandCyphershada
shortblackbeardandlonghairthesamecolor,buthiseyeswereabewitchingshadeofgreen.Hewasdressedinoldclothesandapairofdirty,calf-highboots.Hisfeatureswerehandsome,butalsohaggard.Helookedtobe
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abouttwentysessionsold.Thefemalewasaround
Delph’sage.Likeme,shewastallandthin,withwiryforearmsrevealedbecausehershirtsleeveswereshortandragged.Herfacewaslovelybutdirty.Shehadonmuddycanvastrousersandlumpy,tornbootsthatwereneartheendoftheiruseful
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life.Herhairwasthecolorofcornandwildlypitchedintheswirlingwind.Sheheldherwoodencrossbowwithapracticedhand.“Whoareyou?”Iasked,
eyeingmywandinLackland’shand.“Now,Ishouldbeaskingyouthat,”heblustered.“I’mVegaJane.Thisis
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Delphandmycanine,HarryTwo.”Lacklandnoddedinturnat
theothertwoandthenlookedbackatme.“Nowtellmewhoyouare,”
Isaid.“Itoldyoumename,
LacklandCyphers.”Hepointedtothefemaleandsaid,“Andthisismefellow
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Furina,PetraSonnet.”Delphsaid,“What’sa
Furina?”“Ijusttoldyou,”said
Lacklandsharply.“Us.Wheredoyoucomefrom?Anotherpartofthisplace,nodoubt?Eh?”“YoumeantheQuag?”I
said,mostlytogethisreactiontotheterm.
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“Whereelse?”Heheldupmywand.“Whatisthisthing?”“Whatdoesitlooklike?It’s
astick.”“Liar!”snarledPetra.Iglancedathercuriously.
Sheseemedawfullysureofherself.Butmaybeshewasalwayssodisagreeable.Lacklandbarked,“Anddoes
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thisstickallowyoutofly,then?Eh?Becausewesawyouupthere.”“No,itdoesn’t.”“What,then?”“Ijustcan.Can’tyou?”Petrasaid,“Lack,we
shouldn’tbeoutintheopenthislong.Let’sjusttakewhatwecanandgeton.”“Didyouseethewendigo?”
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Iasked.Bothofthemstiffened.
Lacklandsaid,“Abloodywendigo?”“Itwasafterus.Wehadto
killit.”“You…youkilleda
wendigo?”saidPetra.Herhandstrembled.“Itwaseitherkillitorletit
killus,”Isaid.Ilooked
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around.“ThisistheWitheringHeath,theSecondCircle.”“Heathsandcircles?
Gibberish,”saidLackland.“Maybetoyou,butnotto
us,”barkedDelph.“Whereareyouheaded,
then?”heasked.“Outofhere,”Delphsaid
back.
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Lacklandlookedathimcross-eyed.“Eryoudaft?There’snosuchthing.”“Thereissuchathingand
weintendtofindit,”Ichimedin.WhenIglancedatDelph,he
wasstaringfixedlyattheprettyPetra.Ifeltmyfaceinstantly
flush.
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Petralookedatourtucksontheground.“Whatdoyouhaveinthere?Food?”Shetookasteptowardthem.Inaflash,HarryTwoleapt
infrontofourtucksandstartedgrowling,hislongfangsbared.“Callthatthingoff,”
orderedLackland.“Why,soyoucannickour
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stuff?”Ishotback.“We’reFurinas;that’swhat
wedo,steal,”saidLackland.“Why?”Delphasked.Lacklandlookedhimupand
down.“Whydowesteal?Well,it’sabitofabloodynightmaresurvivingroundhere,mate,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.”“Howdidyougethere?”I
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asked.“Borntoit,”saidPetra.“Don’ttell’emnothin’,”
snappedLackland.“Why?Areyouashamedor
something,Lack?”sheretorted.BeforeLacklandcould
reply,Delphsaidinacalmvoice,“WewereborninWormwood,whichis
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surroundedbythisplace.It’salittlevillage.Verypoor.IworkedattheMillliftingstuff.VegaJaneworkedatStacksmakingthings.”Petrascoffed,“Poor,eh?
Youlookfedandcleanedpropertome.”Shewasn’tlookingatDelphwhenshesaidthis.Shewasgazingdirectlyatme!
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Istaredrightbackandsaidicily,“That’sbecausewespenttimewithAstreaPrineathercottagebackthere.”Iaddedinamoreneutraltone,“Doyouknowher?”Theybothshooktheir
heads,andIbelievedthem.“Arethereotherslikeyou?”
Delphasked.Lackland’sgazefell,but
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Petrasaidsternly,“Usedtobe.We’reallthat’sleft.”Isaid,“Butyou’renotthat
old.Whereareyourparents?”“Dead,”barkedLackland.
“Deadandgone.”“Itwasbeasts,”saidPetra.
“Awhileback.Welivedinavillagetoo,aproperone,notthatfarfromhere.Furinashavelivedherefor,well,
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forever,Iguess.Usedtobealotmoreofus.Alotmore.Butovertime,thebeastsroundherejust…just…”“I’msorry,Petra,”said
Delphearnestly.ThisdrewasurprisedglancefromPetra.Ithinkshemighthaveevenblushed!Forsomereason,myhandcurledtoafist.Petracontinued.“Thelast
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timetheyattackedus,theykilledeveryone.Exceptus.We’vebeenonourownsincethen.”“Petra,”snappedLackland.
“WhatdidIsayabouttellingherstuff?”“She’snotabeast,Lack!
Doesshelooklikealycantoyou?Useyoureyes.They’relikeus.”Shegavemea
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witheringlook.“Well,inlooksmaybe.Can’tspeaktohowtoughsheis.”Ifeltmyfaceburnbefore
glancingaway.Ilookedintheneardistanceandsawconfrontingusavastforestofdense,toweringtrees.TheWitheringHeath,asAstreahadcalledit.Aplacefullofdepression.Wehadbarely
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survivedtheFirstCircleandDelphandHarryTwohadbeeninjured.Weneededaplacetorestandfeelsafeforawhile,iftherewassuchaplacetobehadinhere.“Weneedtofindshelter,”I
said,turningbacktothem.“You’renotgivingorders,”
saidLackland.“Andwhosayswewantyoucoming
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withusanyway?Isaywetakewhatyougotinthembagsandthenyoucanbeonyourway.How’sthatforaplan,eh?”Rightatthatmoment,the
groundshookunderourfeet.“BloodyHel!”criedout
PetraandDelphtogether.Wecouldseethethicktrees
shake.Andthenthetreeson
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thefringeburstapart.Andthereitstood.Iwhirledaroundandlooked
atLackland.“Youhavecolossalshere?”Hisfacewaspale,butIsaw
determinationinhisgreeneyes.“Wegotlotsofthingshere.
Butthey’reslow,so’swecangetawayfrom’em.Wejust
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have—”“Acolossal?”exclaimed
Delph.I’dforgottenhehadneverseenone.Ihadconfrontedoneof
thesegiantsonthebattlefieldinthepast.Ithadalmostcrushedmethen.Ihopednevertofaceanother.ButthiscolossalwasonlyabouthalfthesizeoftheonesIhadseen
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before,aboutthirtyfeettallandbroadasacottage.Which,tomymind,wasplentyhugeenough!“Lack!”screamedPetra.
“Behindus.”Weallturnedtoseeanother
colossalwithintwentyyardsofus.Howacreaturethatenormouswasabletogetthatclosewithoutusknowingwas
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unthinkable.“Givememywand!”I
screamed.“What?”saidLackland,
clearlystunnedbythesecondcolossal.“Thestick.Giveittome.”“Why,whatcanyoudowith
—”“Oh,fortheloveof
Steeples.”Isnatchedmy
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wandfromhishand,turnedtoDelphandsaid,“Getthemoutofhere.”Ipointedtomyright.“Towardthetreeline.”Delphgrabbedourtucks
andshovedthematLackland.“Taketheseandgettothetreeline,”heshouted.HesnatchedthecrossbowandsatchelofarrowsfromPetrabeforeshecouldstophim.
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“WhattheHelareyoudoing?”shescreamed.“Delph,”Icriedout.“I’mnotleavingyou,Vega
Jane,”hesaidinavoicethatbrookednoopposition.“But,”splutteredLackland,
beforeDelphgrabbedhimbythecollarandnearlythrewhiminthedirectionI’dindicated.“Youheardher,
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nowgo!”PetragazedstubbornlyatDelph.“Please,”headded.“Pleasego.”Shepaledandherstubborn
expressionvanished.IsawherputahandonDelph’sshoulder.“Goodluck,”shesaid.ThensheranafterLackland.Myteethgnashingatwhat
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shehaddone,Ihadalmostforgottenwewerefacingtwocolossals.Iheardabarkandlookeddown.HarryTwowasrightnexttome.Iknewmycaninewouldstayandfightwithme.Anddiemostlikely.Ilookedaheadandbehind
me.Thecolossalshadnotbeenwaitingwhilewedithered.Theyhadbeen
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moving,anddespitewhatLacklandhadsaid,theymovedprettyfastsimplybecausetheirlegsweresolong.Delphcalledout,“Vega
Jane,youtaketotheair.I’llstayonthegroundwithHarryTwo.”“Whatareyougoingto
do?”Iaskedbreathlessly.
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Heheldupthecrossbow.“LikeThorne.Anotherdistraction.”Ikickedoffandsoaredinto
theair.IlookeddownandsawthatLacklandandPetrahadreachedthetreelineaboutahundredyardsdistant.Theywerenowcrouchedtherewatchingmeflyingthroughtheairwiththe
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greatestofuneasebecauseIhadnotonebuttwocolossalstoface.MymindwentbacktothegreatbattlefieldwhereIhadseenthesehorrorscrushlargemenandsteedsintheirhands.ButIhadalsoseencolossalsdefeated.Allittookwasstrength,skilland,Iimagined,agooddoseofluck.
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IflewashighasIcould,wellabovethetallesttreesbecauseIknewwhatwouldhappenwhenIdid.Themightystormblewin
becauseIhadtakentotheair.Skylightspearshitandthunder-thrustsdeafenedme.Andthentherainstarted.Allofthiswasgoodbecausethecolossalswerehighupinthe
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airtoo.Andtherainandstormwasblindingthem,Iwassure,asitwasme.Butnotforlong.Mygoggleswereinmytuck,butIdidn’tneedthem.Iheldmywandinfrontof
myfaceandsaid,“Pristino.”Instantlymyfieldofvision
cleared.Ilookeddown.The
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colossalswerewithintenfeetofeachother,lookingallaroundfortheirprey.Thenoneofthemcriedout
inpain.Delphhadjustshotitinthe
legwithanarrow.Thenextinstant,HarryTwo
wasdancingaroundthelegsofbothcolossals.Thesecondcolossalsawhimandstarted
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tospinaround,tryingtocatchmyfarmorenimblecanine,andbumpingintotheothercolossalashedidso.Myplancametogetherina
moment.Ipointedmyheadandshouldersdownwardandracedtowardtheground.ThenIleveledout,swoopedtomyleft,turnedandzippedforward.Linedupdirectlyin
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mysightswasthebackofoneofthecolossals.Well,heregoes,Vega.Tenfeetfromthetwo
giants,Ipointedmywand,madeawhippingmotionandexclaimed,“Impacto!”Alightshotoutfromthetip
ofmywandandhitthefirstcolossaldirectlyintheback.Hegruntedfromthe
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punishingblowandfellforward.And,justasIhoped,hesmackedrightintothesecondcolossal,knockingthethingoffitsfeet.Whenbothofthemhittheground,itwasasiftheheavenshadopened,releasingathunder-thrust.WhenIlookeddown,Isaw
thecolossalontopslowlyrise.Underneathhimthe
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othercolossalwaslyingquitedead,crushedbythesheerweightofhiscompanion.Andthensomethinghitme
aglancingblowintheshoulder,nearlyknockingmeoutoftheair.IfeltsickenedwhenIsawwhattheobjectwas.Itwastheheadofthedead
colossal,whichhisbrethren
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hadrippedoffhisbodyandflungatme.Coveredinthething’sblood,Isoaredupwardastheremainingcolossalreachedagreathandupandtriedtosnatchmeoutoftheair.Ifeltabitofmycloakbeingtugged,andthenapieceofitwasrippedoff.Thecolossalhowledagain.
Delphhadmanagedtoshoot
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thethingintheeye.Quiteafeat,consideringhowtallthecreaturewas.Hishandoverhisbloodyface,hestartedtochaseafterDelphandHarryTwo,whoweresprintingfortheirlives.Thecolossalreacheddown
toabeltarounditswaistandpulledoutthelargestaxIhadeverseen.
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ItthrewtheaxandtheviciousweaponwhirledatDelphwithblindingspeed.Itwasstunningtoseesomethingthatlargemovethatfast.Mesmerizedforamoment,Iregainedmysenses,pointedmywandandshouted,“Embattlemento.”Theaxstruckmyshield
spellandtherewasamighty
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explosion.Theshieldheldandtheshatteredaxfelltothegroundinpieces.Thecolossalseemed
stunnedbythisdevelopmentandIaimedtotakeadvantageofhismomentaryconfusion.“Jagada!”Icriedout,and
madethepropermotionwithmywand.Thelighthittheenormous
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creatureandsmallwoundssproutedoverhisgiganticchest.Butitseemedonlytoirritateratherthanincapacitatehim.Ilookeddownatmywand.Whatspellwouldworkagainstthisthing?Onespellhadknockeditdown.Theotherspellhadcutit.Butneitherhadstoppedit.Ididn’twanttotrythe
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Rigamortespell.Ifitdidn’twork,IknewIcouldn’tbeatthething.“Lookout,VegaJane,”
Delphcriedout.Iglancedathimandthen
lookedatthecolossal.Hehadpickedupaboulderlikeitwasapebbleandhurleditdirectlyatme.IwassosurprisedbythisthatIbarely
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duckedintime.Asitwas,Icouldfeelmyhairbeingwhippedbackbythewakeoftheprojectile.Thenhepickedupahandful
oflargerocksandchuckedthematme.Ihadtododge,diveandcast
spellsinordertosurvivethisattack.MyImpactospellexplodedahurledstonethat
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wassoclosetomethatapartofitbrokeoffandhitmeinthethigh,cuttingitdeeply.Withmywoundandbeing
exhaustedfromdodgingdeath,IknewIhadtofinishthisasfastaspossible.Whilethecolossallookedaroundforsomethingelsetothrowatme,Iglancedatatoweringtreeaboutthirtyfeetaway.
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Gaugingallnecessarydetailsinmyhead,Ipointedmywandatthebaseofthetreeandscreamedoverthestorm,“Withero!”Alightfrommywandhit
thetreerightwhereitmetthegroundandthebaseandrootsweakenedandthencrumpledundertheweight.Itteeteredforafewmomentsandthen
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fellforward,allhundred-oddfeetofit.Iflewfarawayfromitsreach.Bythetimethecolossalrealizedwhatwashappening,itwastoolate.Themassivetrunkhithim
directlyontheheadwithsuchforcethatitdrovehimtenfeetintothegroundbeforetheenormoustreecollapsed
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ontopofhim.Itwassuchabloodyawful
sightthatIcouldonlylookforasecondtomakesurethethingwasdeadbeforeIflewtowardDelphandHarryTwoandlanded.ItooktheAdderStoneout,
waveditovermybloodythighandthoughtgoodthoughts.Icouldfeelthe
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woundhealingup,andthepainvanished.“Areyouokay,Delph?”I
asked.“Yeah,rightniceflying.”
Hegrinned.“Niceshooting.”Ipatted
HarryTwo.“Goodjob,HarryTwo.”Aswehurriedtoward
LacklandandPetra,Itriedto
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usemycloaktowipethebloodandgoreoffmyfaceandshoulderswheretheslaincolossal’sheadhadsplatteredme.ThenIstoppeddead.Lacklandwasonhisknees
andwas,well,bowingtome.Hegazedupatmewitha
lookofawe.Hesaidbreathlessly,“Willyoutake
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uswithyou,VegaJane?Please?”Petrawasn’tbowing.She
lookeddisgustedbythisshowofadoration.WhenDelphhandedback
herbowandquiver,shegavehimaradiantsmile,rubbedhisarmandsaid,“Thatwasamazing,Delph.Truly.”Sheslowlyletherhanddropand
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thenlookedbackatmewithadefiantexpression.Itookadeepbreathand
thenletitgo.IthinkIwouldhavetakentenmorecolossalsoverher.
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WEFOLLOWEDTHEM
backtotheircamp,whichwasaboutamileaway.Wehadtowendourwaythroughaforestthatbecamesodense
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thatwecouldbarelysqueezebetweenthetrees.Atleast,Ithought,therewasnowayacolossalcouldattackusinhere.Theyweresimplytoobig!Unlikethewoodsaround
Wormwood,thesetreeswerenotalltallandstraight.Manyofthemweretwistedandwarpedandshroudedin
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drearycolors.Therewasnotabrightgreenleaftobeseenonanyofthem.Andtheirbarkreekedofsmellsthatwerenotfreshorsweet.Indeed,Icoulddetectonlyfearanddeathintheairsomehow.Everysoundmadecouldbepredatorscoming.Everystepwetookmightbeourlast.Theendofourlives
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seemedtolurkbeyondeveryshadowofeverygrotesquetree.Everybranchseemedtobendtowardus,wantingtostrike.Iwouldhavelikedtoclose
myeyesorlookaway,butIknewIcouldn’t.Ihadtoremainvigilant.AsIlookedatmycompanions,Icouldseetheyweredoingtheexact
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samething.PetraandLacklandlookedespeciallysubduedandnervous.Well,Iwouldbetooifmyentirevillagehadbeenwipedout.Theircampwasnothing
much.Therewasastripoftatteredoilclothstretchedoversomelowtreebranches,andbedsmadelargelyfromleavesinsidealittlewooden
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lean-to.ItmadeLoonsbackinWormwoodseempositivelyluxurious.Theirfoodandother
importantpossessionsPetrahadpointedoutwerekeptinaburlapbagtiedtoatreebranch.Idoubtedtheyweresafeupthere,butthenagain,wherewassafeinthisplace?Wesataroundasmallfire
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thatLacklandbuiltandwarmedourbonesfromthechillyair.WhenIsawhowlittletheyhad,Iopenedmytuckandsharedsomeofourfoodandwater.AfterwehadbeenfedsowellatAstrea’s,itpainedmetoseehowtheygobbledthefewmorselsIoffered.Notthatlongago,IknewIwouldhavedonethe
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verysamething.Lacklandfinishedthepieces
ofbreadandhardcheeseIhadgivenhimanddrewcloser.“Blimey,howdidyoudoallthat…stuffbackthere?”Itookmywandoutofmy
pocket.“Sorcery.Magic.Iwastaughtit.”IglancedoveratPetra.
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Fromthecornerofmyeyes,IhadseenherflinchwhenIdrewoutmywand.Nowshewasstaringatit,hereyeswidened,Ithink,infear.“Don’tworry,Iwon’tuseit
onyou,Petra,”Isaiddisarmingly.ItackedasmileontothistoshowIwasjoking.Mostly.Ihadimaginedshewould
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lookfrightened,butshedidn’t.Shejuststaredbackatmeforasliverwithcontempt.Icouldfeelmytemper
startingtogetthebestofme.Perhapssensingthisonmy
features,Delphsaidquickly,“ButVegaJanewasmagicaltobeginwith.It’snotlikeyoucanjustwaveastickaroundandfighthugeblokes
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likethembackthere.”“Areyoumagical,Delph?”
askedPetra,takingamomenttosmoothoutherhairandrubaspotofdirtoffherarm.Shetouchedhisshoulderwithherhandandletitstaythereforaweebittoolong,atleastinmymind.Ifeltmyhandcurltoafist.Itwasastrugglenottotakeaswingather.
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“Notadropofmagicinme,”saidDelphwithacrookedgrin.“I’mjustbig.”“Andsmart,”Iadded
quickly,becauseIsawthatPetrawasabouttosaysomethingsimperingtohim,Iwassure.“ItwasDelphthatgotusoutofthemaze.Heremembereditallwhenthewendigowaschasingus.And
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hewastheonewhodistractedthecolossalssoIcouldfinishthemoff.”PetralookedatDelphwith
admiration.“That’srightbonnyofyou,Delph.Big,andsmarttoo.Andnothalf-bad-lookin’neither.”Sheagaintouchedhimonthearm.Whenshenotedtheblackenedskinnearhiswrist,
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sheexclaimed,“Whathappenedtoyou?”Heshruggedandsaid,
“Manticoregotme.VegaJanegotriddathepain,butmearm’sabittheworseforit.”“Youbeatamanticoretoo?”
Petrasaid,herlookfullofawe.Lacklandletoutaloudburp
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andsaid,“Well,all’swegotisaswordandabow.Righteasiertobeatbeastswiththatstickthing.”IwasstaringatDelph,who
wasblushingasPetrarubbedhisarm.Iquicklyroseandthrewanotherstickonthefire.WhenIsatbackdown,IsomehowendedupbetweenDelphandPetra.Shehadto
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quicklymoveherhandoutoftheway.“Sowhodoyounickstuff
from?”Iasked.“Blokeslikeyou?”“Likewesaid,ain’tno
blokeslikeusleft,”repliedLackland.“LeastwaysnotthatIknowof.”“Sowho,then?Notthe
beastsinheresurely?”
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“No,notthebeasts.”“Well,ifit’snotblokesor
beasts,what’sleft?”askedDelph.“Hyperboresmostly,”said
Petra,withanotherglanceatmywand.Ifinallyputitaway.“Iguessonecouldcallthembeasts,butthey’reclosertousthantheotherruddythingsinhere.”
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Inoddedthoughtfully.Hyperbores.Astreahadtoldusaboutthem.Blue-skinnedandtheycouldfly.Andthattheycouldbeanenemyoranally.“Whataretheylike?”I
asked.“Dotheytryandattackyouwhenyounickfromthem?”“No,”saidPetra.“Ithink
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theyletusstealfromthembecausetheyknowwehavenothing.”Lacklandscowledather.
“Asifanythinginthisplacewould‘let’someonestealfrom’em.Westoleitfairandsquare.”Ididn’tthinkanyonecouldstealsomething“fairandsquare.”ButIdidn’tsaythis.
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“Well,we’veneverbeencaughtorhurtdoingit,”pointedoutPetra.“’Causewe’regood,ain’t
we?”saidLacklandwithasatisfiedlook.“Wheredothehyperbores
live?”Iasked.“Oh,theyhavenestshere
andthere,”saidLackland.“Nests?”Delphexclaimed.
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“What,likebirds?”“Yep,wayupinthetrees.
Prettybigneststoo.Lotsof’emlivetogether.Saferthatway,I’spect.”Isaid,“Howdoyounick
fromthem,then,ifthey’rewayupthere?”“Petracanclimbsomething
fierce,”saidLacklandproudly.“Andshedropsthe
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thingstowardtheground,whereIcatch’em.”“Whatsortsofthings?”“Vegetables,meats,spare
clothwemakeintopropertrousersandshirts.Andwater.Theykeepitinjugsmadefromtreebark.Catchingthemcanbeabitdifficult.Brokemynoseandtwofingerssofar.”
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“Notabadpricetopaytokeepfromstarving,”pointedoutPetra.Lacklandturnedtome.
“Youcangetusoutofhere,yousaid?”“Ididn’tsaythat,”Ishot
back.“IsaidDelph,HarryTwoandmearegettingoutofhere.”“Butwhat’sbeyondhere?”
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askedLackland.“Idon’tknow,”Isaid
truthfully.“Thenwhydoyouwantto
gothere?”Petrasaid.“’Causeit’snodoubtbetter
thanthisplace,”repliedLackland,thescowlreturningtohisfeatures.“Imean,whatplacecouldbeworsethanhere,eh?”
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Isaidundermybreath,“Well,we’llfindout.”InaloudervoiceIsaid,“Whatdoyouknowofwhereyoucamefrom?We’recalledWugs,orWugmorts.Youlookjustlikeus.IwonderifyoucouldhavebeenfromWormwoodtooatsomepoint.”Delphlookedatme
questioningly.Ishrugged.I
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hadjustthoughtofthis.Ididn’tseehowWugsfromWormwoodcouldhaveendedupthisfarintheQuagandstartedanothersettlementofsorts.ButIdidn’tknowitwasn’tpossibleeither.Lacklandlookedunsure.“I
meanwe’rejusthere.Alwaysjustbeenhere.AlwaysbeenFurinas.Leastit’sallwe’ve
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known.”Petraaddedspitefully,
“Neverenoughtoeat.Andalwayssomethingreadytokillyou!”Lacklandagreed.“Aye,me
dadtoldmealltheremainingFurinasfinallybandedtogetherforsafety.Ourlastsettlementwasovertothewest.Aboutfivemilesfrom
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here.Therewereonlyabouttwenty-oddofusleft,whenthebloodybeastscamethatnight.”Helookeddownandthrewatwigonthefire.“Blastedthings.”“Andyourparentsnever
toldyouanythingaboutwhereyoucamefrom?”Iasked.“Well,there’sthe
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parchment,o’course,”saidLackland.Isaidquickly,“What
parchment?”Petrasaidsternly,“Now
who’stellingstuff?!”Lacklandsaid,“Eh,you’re
theonesaidtheylookedlikeus.Andtheysavedourskins.Soshow’emtheparchment.It’sinthebaghangingonthat
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theretree,”headded,pointing.“Iknowwhereitis,Lack!”
Petraroseandscamperedupthetreewithimpressivenimbleness.IsnatchedaglanceatDelphandsawhimwatchingherwithsimilaradmiration.Andmaybeaweebitmorethanthat.Ifeltascowlcreeptomymouth.At
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thatinstant,Delphglancedoveratme,sawmyexpressionanddroppedhisgazetothedirt.Petrabroughtthebagback
downandcarrieditovertous.Shesatcross-leggednexttoDelph—ofcourse—andopenedit.Shedrewoutabunchofwitheredpagesofboundparchmentandpassed
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themacrosstome.Ilookedthroughthem.The
writingwasbeautiful,butthelanguagewasnotsomethingIhadeverseen.“Whatdoesitsay?”Iasked.BothLacklandandPetra
shooktheirheads.“We’veneverknown,”shesaid.“Nordidourparents.”“Sowhycarryitaround?”
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askedDelph.Grinningsheepishly,
Lacklandsaid,“Whenyouain’tgotmuch,hardtopartwithanything.”Hepaused,thenadded,lookingatme,“Now,weknowthingsthatcanhelpyou.Andwe’llpullourweight.Toughasanythingwebothare.Youwon’tregretthis,neverone
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bit.”Helookedpleadinglyatme.Delphglancedatme.I
nodded.HeturnedbacktoLacklandandPetraandsaid,“’Tisdone,then.”Heheldouthishandandweshookallaround.Isaid,“Youhaveto
understandthatitwillbedangerous.”
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“Well,”saidLackland.“Whatachangethat’llbe,eh?”Wealllaughed.Anditfeltgood.UntilIrealizedthatwe
mightwellneverlaughagain.
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ITWASNIGHT.Ihadtakenthefirstwatch.Mywandbesideme,Ikeptmygazegoingbackandforth.AsthetimepassedIsawsomeone
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stir.Delphrosefromhisbedofleavesandstrodeovertome,carryingaloadedcrossbowthatwasPetra’sweaponofchoicebutwhichDelphhadusedtodevastatingeffectagainstthecolossals.IpassedDestinovertohimandwatchedasheslungthechainaroundhiswaist.IalsohandedhimtheAdderStone.
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Iwouldalwaysholdontomywandofcourse.“Nothin’?”Delphaskedas
hetookupthevigil.Ishookmyhead.Heploppedhimselfdown
andsaid,“Getsomesleep,VegaJane.”“Who’stakingthethird
watch?”“Petra.Sheandmeworked
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itout.”“I’msureyoudid.”My
harshtonesurprisedmeanditseemedtostartleDelph.“Youokay?”hesaid.Ididn’tlookathim.“I’m
fine,Delph.”“No,Ithinkthere’smoreto
it,”heinsisted.Iscowledathimuntilhesaid,“Sit,VegaJane,andtalktome.”
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Iplunkeddownnexttohim.“Okay.Petraandyouseemtohavebecomegoodfriendsreally,reallyfast.”“Ifeelsorryforherand
Lack.They’vehaditrough.Losteverything.”“Yes,butshekeeps…well,
rubbingyourarmandlookingatyou.”Iknewthissoundedpositivelystupid,butthey
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weretheonlywordsIcouldthinkof.Tohiscredit,Delphdidn’t
laughormakemefeellikeIwasbeingsilly.“Isawyoustaringatme
whenIwaslookingatheronce,”saidDelph.“Buttherewasapointtoit,see.”“Whatpoint?”“ItwaswhenLackasked
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wherewewereheaded.”Ilookedathimcuriously.
“Right.Andyousaidwewereheadingoutofhere,meaningtheQuag.Andhecalledyoudaft.”“Right.Butsee,Ilookedat
Petrawhenhewassayingthat,andshedidn’tlooklikeshethoughtitwasdaft,gettin’outtahere,Imean.”
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“Whatdidshelooklike?”“Likeshewantedtoleave
thisplace.”Isnorted.“Well,who
wouldn’t?”“No,’twasmore’nthat.It
waslikesheknewitwaspossible.Itwaslikesheknewtherewasanotherplacetogoto,see?”Thisstruckmelikeahard
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slap.“Youcouldreadallthatinherface?”“Itwasprettyobvious,Vega
Jane.Imaynottalkmuch,butIdon’tmissmuchneither.”Hiswordsembarrassedme.
ItseemedIoftentookDelphforgrantedwhenIshouldconsidermyselftheluckiestWugtherewas,tohavehim
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withme.“Thenitseemsthere’smore
toPetrathanwethought,”Icommented.“ButIstillfeelsorryfor
her,”hesaid.Isighed.Males.They
couldn’tseeeverything,couldthey?“Thanks,Delph.I’mglad
wehadthistalk.”
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“Rightyouare.”Istrodeovertotheothers
andlaydownonmycotofleaves,mytuckasmypillow.HarryTwowasnexttome.Iclosedmyeyes.However,IquicklyfoundthatIcouldnotfallasleep.HowcouldPetraknowthere
wasaplacetogoto?Iopenedmyeyes,reached
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inmycloakpocketandpulledoutthewrinkledparchmentpages.Ipointedmywandandmuttered,“Illumina.”Butmerelightwasnotgoingtomakethestrangeinkingsunderstandable.InfrustrationIsmackedtheparchmentwithmywandandsaid,“Makesense.”Nextmoment,Ialmost
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droppedthething.Thewordsonthefirstpagestartedswirlingaroundandaround,likewatergoingdownadrain.Butthewordsdidn’tdisappear.Andyettheydidn’tre-formintowordsthatIcouldunderstandeither.Instead,theycametogetherandoutoftheirmidstafacematerializedonthe
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parchment.Itwastheaged,wrinkled,heavilybeardedcountenanceofamaleIhadneverseenbefore.Heseemedtolookdirectlyatme.“Whoholdsthe
parchment?”heasked.Well,blimey,Ithought.
Withmyvoicequavering,Isaid,“Ido.”“Yourname?”
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“VegaJane.”Heseemedtoconsidermy
responseforafewmoments.Itooktheopportunitytoglancearound.LacklandandPetracontinuedsleeping.Delphwasfaraway,sittingontherock,hisbacktome.HarryTwopantedquietlynexttome,staringattheface.“Idonotknowyou,”said
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themale.“Well,Idon’tknowyou
either.”“Howcameyoutohavethe
parchment?”“LacklandCyphersand
PetraSonnet.They’reFurinas.Theyhadit.Oryou,rather.”Henodded,butsaid
nothing.
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“Theparchmentwasallgibberishbefore.Theycouldneverreadit.”“Thenyoumustpossessa
wand.”“Ido.”“Asorceress,orawitchif
youprefer.Fromwheredoyoucome?”“Wormwood.ButIwas
trainedupasasorceressafter
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Ileftthere.”“Forwhatpurposewould
youbetrainedup?”Thisblokewastoonosy.
“Whysomanyquestions,eh?”“Ihavebeenpartof
parchmentforaverylongtimewithnoonewithwhomtoconverse.Youwouldbeinquisitivetoointhat
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position.”Thatseemedreasonable
enough.“Well,whoareyou?Andhowcameyoutobeintheparchmentinthefirstplace?”“Youwouldnotknowme,
asIdonotknowyou.”“PerhapsIknowsomeof
yourdescendantsifyouaresoveryold.”
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“ImeantIamnotareal,livingthing.”Myeyeswidened.“Then
whatareyou?”“Iamaremnant.”“Aremnant?Whatisthat?”“Acollectionofmemories
fromanassortmentoffolks.Arecord,ifyouwill,oftheirremembrances.”“Soyouhaverecordedin
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youtheinformationfromtheFurinas?”“Notthem,no.Idonot
knowhowtheseFurinascametopossessme.”“Whoelse,then?”“Igofarback.Totheones
whocreatedthisplace.”Itookadeepbreath.This
blokecouldbeofhelp.Inalotofways.
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“Okay.Butwhygibberishonparchment?”“Thatwasforprotection,in
casetheparchmentfellintothewronghands.”“Isee.Smart,considering
theMaladonscandomagictoo.”Nowtheblokesettledhis
gazeonmeandIknewhecouldseemeaswellasI
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couldseehim.“Andhowdoyouknowaboutthem?”Isaid,“AstreaPrine.Do
youknowAstrea?”“Icanknownoone.Iama
remnant.ButIhaveheardthename.Sheisapowerfulsorceress.TheKeeperoftheQuaginfact.”Ilookedaroundagain,but
LacklandandPetrastillslept
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andDelphstillkeptwatch.IglanceddownatHarryTwoandfoundhisgazeremaineddirectlyontheimage.“Yousayyoucannotspeak
unlesssomeonehasawand.ButwhatifthewandholderwasaMaladon?”“Icantell.”“How?”“Forme,thewandofa
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Maladonproducesonlydarkness.Yourswas,bycomparison,abright,shininglight.”“We’retravelingacrossthe
Quag.Canyouhelpusdoso?”Heshookhishead.“Itis
impossible.”Isaiddefiantly,“We
reachedAstrea’scottage.We
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clearedtheperfectmazebackintheFirstCircleanddefeatedbothamanticoreandawendigointheprocess.Andnowwe’reintheSecondCircle,whereIhavekilledtwocolossals.”Thisseemedtogivehim
pause.“Impressive,”hesaidatlast.“Socanyouhelpme?”
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“I’mnotsurehow.”“Yousaidyouhave
remembrancesfromthosewhocreatedtheQuag.”“’Tistrue.”“TheSecondCircle,”Isaid.
“It’sfullofbeaststhatwanttodousin.Butaretherecreaturesthatcanaidus?”Hesaidimmediately,
“Hyperboreslivehere.You’ll
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wanttobefriendthem.”“How?”“Hyperboreswillrespondto
thesamethingsthatmakefriendseverywhere.Respectandkindness.Now,Iamtired.Ihaven’tspokenthismuchin,well,never.”“ButIcancallyouback,
right?”“Ifyoudesire.Justtapyour
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wandasyoudidbefore.”“Andyouhavenoname?”“YoumaycallmeSilenus,
Vega.”AndbeforeIcoulduttera
response,hewasgoneandthegibberishhadreturnedtothepaper.IgotupandracedovertoDelphandtoldhimeverythingthathadjusthappened.
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HisjawdroppedfartherandfartherasIrecountedthestory.“Silenus,abloody
remnant?”hesaidwhenIhadfinished.“Yes.Sowhatdoyou
think?”“Ithinkweneedtofind
thesehyperbores.”HeglancedatwherePetraand
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Lacklandlaysleeping.“Andmaybetheycanhelpus,eh?Theyknowabouthyperbores.Theynickfrom’em.”Despitethetruthofhis
words,myspiritssankabitforanobviousreason.BloodyPetra.
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IAWOKETOAsightthatmademeclosemyeyesandgroan.Delphhadhisshirtoffand
Petrawasrubbinghis
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blackenedarmwithsomestuffshehadmixedinasmallpailandwasapplyingwithawetcloth.Theywerechattingamiablyandshelaughedatsomethinghesaid.IglancedoveratLackland
tofindhisgazefixedonthepair.HelookedlikeIimaginedIdid.Ididn’tknowifhehadanyparticular
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feelingsforPetra,buttheyhadbeentogetherforawhile.Ormaybehewasonlyhavingadifficulttimeadjustingtoourpresence.Iscrambledtomyfeetand
walkedovertothem.“Delph,aren’tyoucold
withoutyourshirt?”Iexpectedhimtolook
embarrassedandquicklydon
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hisclothes.Buthedidn’t.Helookedupatmeandsaid,“Pet’sbeencleaningupmearm.Whateverthatstuffis,itfeelsrightgood,Vega.”Ifeltmyselfdoadouble
take.NeverinallhislifehadDelphcalledmesimplyVega.ItwasalwaysVegaJane.Butnotthislight.Andtherewassomething
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else.“Pet?”Isaid.Shegavemealookthathad
acoysmiletackedontoit.ItwasallIcoulddonottopullmywandandturnherintoa,well,Idon’tknowwhat,butitwouldbeprettydisgusting.“That’swhatmyfriendscall
me,”shesaid.“Petraisabitformal.”Shelookedaround.“AndIdon’tthinkformalis
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whatweare.NotmeandDelphhere.”Shelookedatherpail.“Icouldusesomemorewater.Wouldyouliketofetchsome,VegaJane?”Okay,twocouldplaythis
game.ItoldPetratoholdherpail
nexttoanearbytree.Ipointedmywandataspotabovethepailandsaid,
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“Springatoerupticus.”Waterflowedintothe
bucket.“That’samazing,”said
Petra.Igavemywandabitmore
ofaflickandmymind,body,spiritabitmoreofakickandthewatercameoutlikeagusher,blastinghersohardshewasknockedoffherfeet
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anddoused.“Whoops,”Isaid.“I’mso
sorry.”Butshewaslaughing.“’Tis
fine,Vega.Haven’thadaproperbathinforever.”DespitehowIloathedher,I
hadtolaugh.ItsoundedlikesomethingIwouldsaymyself.IglancedatDelphbefore
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tellingher,“Youneedtotakeustothehyperbores.”Thisstatementcaused
Lacklandtojointhediscussion.“Thehyperbores?Why?”“We’llneedtheirhelpto
makeitthroughtheSecondCircle.”“Buthowcantheyhelpus?”
Petraasked.
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“Iwon’tknowuntilwemeetwiththem.Yousaidtheyliveinnests?”“Aye,wayupinthetrees,”
saidLackland.Isaid,“AndIcanfly.Now
let’sgetonwithit,shallwe?”
WEMADEOURwaythroughthedensenessofthetrees.Petragrippedhercrossbow.
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Lacklandwasarmedwithhisrough-hewnsword.DelphwieldedanaxthatPetrahadprovidedhim.AndIhadmywand.Lacklandheldupahand
andweallstopped.Wedrewtogetherinalittle
clusterbehindsomebenttrees.InawhisperLacklandsaid,“Thenestisupthatway
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aboutfiftyyards.Andthey’reupthere.”“Howcanyoubesure?”I
hissedback.Inanswerhecuppedhis
handbehindhisear.“Havealisten.”Icuppedmyeartooand
strainedtohear.Whatreachedmewasalowbuzzingsound.Ilookedat
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Lackland.Henoddedandattemptedasmile,whichfadedquickly.“Howtheytalk,”hesaid.“Likebees.”Igrippedhisarm.“Howdo
theydefendthemselves?”Petrasaidinalowvoice,
“Amarocswereaftersomeofthemcollectingwaterdownbyastream.Cameon’emfast,notimetoflyaway.Me
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andLackwerewatchingfromastandoftreesalittlewaysaway.Theamarocswerejustabouttoreachtheirprey,whenoutofnowherecameadozenfullygrownhyperbores.Theywereonthebloodyamarocsbeforetheyknewwhathit’em.”“Whatdidtheydoto
them?”Iasked.
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Petrasaid,“Theybeatthemalltodeathwiththeirwingsandthenrippedthemapartwiththeirclaws.Thentheycarriedthecarcassestotheirnests.”“Why?”Iasked.“Toeatthem,”shesaid
simply.“They…theyeatmeat?”I
askedbreathlessly.Petra
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nodded.“Butthey’veneverattackedyou?”Lacklandsaid,“Well,we
wereneverstupidenoughtotryandattackthem.”“Butyoutakethingsfrom
them,”Ipointedout.Petrasaidquietly,“Butjust
oddsandbits.Nothingtheywouldtrulymiss.AndlikeIsaidbefore,Ithinktheyfeel
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sorryforus.”“Doyouthinktheyknow
whatthebeastsdidtoyourfamilies?”Iasked.Lacklandshrugged,but
Petranodded.“Ithinkyou’vehitthenailonthehead,Vega.Ithinktheydoknow.”Thispositivecommentfrom
hersurprisedme.ButwhenIlookedather,shehadalready
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turnedaway.Iwouldmuchratherhavesimplyloathedher.Ifshewasgoingtoturnouttobeallcomplex,thatwasgoingtomakemeevenmoreruddyupset!DelphlookedatPetra.“Do
youthinkthehyperborescareaboutyouandLackland?”“Whydoesthatmatter?”
LacklandaskedasIglanced
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atDelphinsurprise.“’Tisimportant.Doyou?”Shesaidslowly,“Once
whenIwasupthere,oneofthemcamebacktothenest.Ihadjustgottenholdofsomeprovisionswhenitflewin.Itwasmaleandhewasverylarge.Hecouldhavewrungmyneckeasilyenoughifhewanted.”
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“Pet,younevertoldmethat,”Lacklandsaidsharply.“Thethingis,hejustlooked
atme.Itseemedthattherewassadnessinhiseyes.HesawthethingsI’dnickedandthenreacheddownandhandedmeafewmoreoddsandends.”ShegazedearnestlyatDelph.“So,yes,I’dsaytheydocare.”
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Delphturnedtome.“Thenwemighthaveachance.”Inoddedandsaid,“Okay,
butweneedaplan.”“Oh,aplan,eh?”said
Lacklandsarcastically,eyeingmeseverely.“Youjustthinking-athatnow?Whataleaderyouturnedouttobe,youuselesstwit!”Ibitmylipandwithitmy
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tongue.IwassohotheadedsometimesandDelphwascalm.IfIwasgoingtobetheirleader,Iwantedtobemorelike—WHAM!Delphhadslammed
Lacklandagainstatree.HeputhisfacetowithinaninchofLackland’sandsnarled,“Wasitmyimaginationor
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didyounotbegVegaJaneto‘lead’yououtofthishereplace?Andjustsoyouknow,she’s‘led’meandHarryTwoallthewaythroughtothisveryspot.Andcaseyouforgot,VegaJanesavedyourarsefromthosecolossals.Soifyouevertalkthatwaytoheragain,Iwillripyourbloodyheadoff.”
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IstoodthereandstaredatDelph,myheartflutteringweirdly,andmymindalljargoled.DelphletLacklanddropto
thedirt,buthequicklyscrambledup,lookingbothangryandembarrassed.Hescoopeduphisswordwherehehaddroppedit,andforamoment,Ithoughthemight
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becontemplatingsomethingverystupid.Isteppedforwardandsaid,“Ifyou’renotwithmeandDelph,thenjustsaysoandwecangoourseparateways.Nohardfeelings.”IglancedatPetratolether
knowshewasdefinitelyincludedinthisultimatumaswell.ShetookastepclosertoDelphasheranswer.
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Figured.IturnedbacktoLackland.
“Andyou?”Rageandcalmseemedto
competeacrosshisfeatures.Finally,thelatterwonout.Heloweredhisweapon.“Sowhat’stheplan?”Delphanswered,“Tobegin
with,Pethastoclimbatree.”Helookedatme.“Andyou,
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VegaJane,havetofly.”
TWENTYSLIVERSAFTERDelphexplainedhisplan,Petrahadclimbedsixtyfeetupthemassivetreewherethehyperboreshadoneoftheirnests.Thenshestoppedandlookeddownatme.Ilookedupather.Wewaitedforacountoffive.Icouldseein
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hereyesawarinessthatIwouldhavefelttooifIwasinherposition.Shescreamed.Anotherforty
feetaboveherIsawthreebluefeatheryheadspokeoutfromthebranches.IgavePetrathesignal.She
drewaquickbreath,closedhereyesandletherselffall.Ipushedoffthegroundand
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shotupward.Upabove,Icouldseetwo
hyperboresflingthemselvesfromtheirperchandsoardownward.Theirwingsweresurprisinglycompactanddidnotspreadverywidefromtheirlean,muscledbluetorsos.Theywerefast.ButIhadtheadvantagethat
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Petrawasfallingtowardme.IsawPetraopenhereyes.
Shelookeddeadatmeassheplummeted.Isawfearinhereyes,which
wastobeexpectedwhenonewasfallingalongwayto,potentially,one’sdeath.Butwassheafraidforanotherreason?Namely,thatIwasgoingtoletherdie?And
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whatwasIfeeling?Well,Iwasn’tfeelingsomuchasIwasseeingherandDelphtogether.Iheldonthisimageforamomenttoolong.“Vega!”Ihadletherpassrightby
me.Iturnedinmidairandshotdownward.TheimageofherandDelphhadbeenreplacedbyoneofherlying
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crumpledanddeadontheground,dueentirelytome.Iwasnotabouttoletthathappen.Ipassedher,swoopedback
underneathandcaughthersmoothlyinmyarms.Ilookedatherandshe
lookedbackatme.Fearrecededandgratitudereturnedtoherfeatures.
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Formypart,Ifeltincredibleguilt.“I’m…I’msorryabout
that,Petra.”Shestudiedmyfeatures,
andinherlookIthoughtIcouldseethatsheknewexactlywhathadhappened.“’Tisokay,Vega.ImighthavedonethesameifI’dbeenyou.”Wasitmyimagination
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ordidIseesomethinginhereyesthattoldmeshewouldnothavechasedafterandcaughtme?AsIcarriedherinmyarms
totheground,thepairofhyperborescaughtuptousandlanded.IputPetradownandlookedatthem.Theywerebothmales.
Theirskinwastheblueof
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waterwhenthesunlighthitsitjustso.Theirheadswerelightlyfeathered.Theirwings,whennotinuse,retractednimblybehindtheirshoulders.Theyworetightleggingsandnoshirts.Theirtorsoswereheavilymuscled.Oneofthemlookedatme.
“Youcanfly?How?”heasked.Iwasbothstunnedand
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immeasurablyrelievedthathecouldspeakWugish.Ipointedtomychain.“This
ishow.MynameisVegaJane.ThisisPetraSonnet.”IpointedoveratDelph,LacklandandHarryTwoastheyemergedfromthetrees,andintroducedthemtoo.“IamTroy.Thisis
Ishmael,”saidthelargerof
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thetwo.TroylookedatPetra.“Were
youcomingforfood?”Shenodded.“AndthenI
fell.”Troylookedatme.“And
yousavedher.”“She’smyfriend,”I
answered.“Friendshavetohelpeachother,especiallyhere.”
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Troysaid,“Youspeakwiselyforsomeonesoyoung.”Ishmaelsaid,“Wehavenot
seenyoubefore.Fromwheredoyoucome?”“Avillage.Wormwood.”Troysaid,“Wedonotknow
thisplace.”“Mostdon’t.Weleft
Wormwoodandenteredthe
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Quag.”“Why?”askedIshmael.“Inordertotravelthrough
it.”Ipaused.“Andbeyondit.”“Beyondit,”repeatedTroy.
“Andwhatdoyouthinkliesbeyondit?”“Iwanttofindout.Canyou
helpmedothat?”Thehyperboresexchangeda
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glance.ThenTroypointedup.“Comewithus.”Withoutanotherword,they
spreadtheirwings,kickedoffandsoaredstraightupward.IlookedatDelph,myheart
hammeringinmychest.Ihadnoideaifthehyperboresweregoingtoeatmeornot.“IfI’mnotbackinsixtyslivers,justheadonwithout
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me.I’llfindyou.”“Ifyou’renotbackinsixty
slivers,I’llfindyou,”hesaid.Ipushedoffwithmylegs
androsequicklytojointhetwohyperboresaloft.AsliverlaterwealightedontheedgeofthelargestnestIhadeverseen.Itwasnotmadeofbitsandpiecesoftwigsasnormalbird’snestswere.Itwas
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madeoflogschinkedwithhardenedclayandpackedleaves.Ilookedaroundandsawdozensofsmallencampmentswheregroupsofhyperbores,young,oldandinbetween,wereworking,playing,talking.Theyallstoppedwhattheyweredoingandstaredatme.Troypointedtothefarend
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ofthenest,whereIcouldseealargecanvastenthadbeenerected.“YouwilltalktoMicha.He
isthechieftainofourrace.”Whenwereachedthetent,
Troycalledout,“Micha,wehaveonewhoseeksyourcounsel.”“Enter,”saidapowerful
voice.
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Troypulledbackthetentflapandmotionedmein.“Aren’tyoucoming?”I
said.Troyshookhishead.
“Michawillseeyoualone.”Thetentflapdropped,andI
turnedtofindmyselfinasurprisinglylargespace.Therewasasleepingmatonthefloor.Inonecornerwasa
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bigwoodentablewithchairsaroundit.Ahugetreetrunkroseupinthemiddleofthespace,andthickropestiedtoitsupportedthetent.PerchedonathickbranchstickingoutfromthetreetrunkwasMicha.Hisfeatheryheadwasaswhiteashisskinwasblue.Hepeeredimperiouslydownatme.
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Hesaid,“Yourname?”“VegaJane,”Isaid,as
firmlyasIcould.Withaleapandashortflap
ofhiswingsMichadescendedsmoothlytothefloorandstooderect.Historsowasstillpowerfullydeveloped,butthemuscles,Icouldtell,hadpassedtheirprime.Still,hewasan
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imposingfigure.Hemotionedformetositat
thetable.Ididandhejoinedme.Hepassedmeabowloffruitandthenpouredoutwaterintowoodencups.IcontrastedthiswithKingThorne,whohadservantsdoallthisforhim,andmyimpressionofMichabecameinstantlymorepositive.
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Ibitintoanappleanddranksomeofthewater.“Whatcounseldoyou
seek?”promptedMicha.“Passagethroughthe
SecondCircle.”Michabecameinstantly
rigidandtherewasaguardedlookinhisfeatures.“Youspeakofcircles?”“BecauseAstreaPrine
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taughtmeofthem.IwanttopassthroughthemsothatIcanleavethisplace.”“Indeed?”Hepickedupan
orangefromthebowlandusedhisclawstotearitopenbeforeputtingachunkofit,skinandall,intohismouth.Hechewedslowly.“SoMadamePrinewishes
this?”
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Ipulledoutmywand.“Yes.Soyouknowher?”Michaheldhisgazeonmy
wand.“Ofcourse.SheistheKeeperoftheQuag.”“Wewillacceptalltherisk.
Weonly…weonlyseektobebetterinformed.”“Itisalwaysagoodthing,
tobebetterinformed.”Hepaused,seemingtochoosehis
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wordscarefully.“Therearemanychallengesinthisplace.”“WhichiswhyI’mhere.”I
heldupmywand.“Astreahastrainedmeup,yetIwouldneverturndowneitherhelpfulinformationoranyelementorothertoolthatmightproveadvantageoustous.”
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Heconsideredmywordscarefully.“OnehearsofthingsthatresideintheQuag.AndIdonotmeansimplybeasts.”“Whatsortsofthings?”“Thingshiddenhereand
therethatmightproveusefultoonesuchasyou.”Thispiquedmycuriosity.
Astreahadnevermentioned
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anythinglikethat.PerhapsthiswaswhySilenushaddirectedmehere.“Doyouknowofanyspecificthingslikethat?”Henoddedslowly.“Thereis
amagicalelementknownastheFinn.”“Whatdoesitdo?”“Itcandoagreatmany
things.Usefulthings,”he
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added.“DidAstreacreateit?”“No.Notallthingsinhere
werecreatedbythosewhomadetheQuag.”Myspiritsplummeted.“Are
yousayingthataMaladoncreatedtheFinn?”“SoyouknowofMaladons,
doyou?”“As,obviously,doyou.”
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Michasaid,“ItcouldbethattheMaladonscreatedtheFinn.Iamnotsureaboutthat.ButIamsurethatitisheavilyguarded.”“Bywhat?”“Acovenofalectos.
Creatureswithvileserpentsforhair,andblooddrippingfromtheireyes.Theyhavethepowertodriveonetokill
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themselvesthroughthehypnoticswayoftheserpentsupontheirheads.”OhmyholySteeples.
“Whereisthiscoven?”“Twomilesfromhereina
caveuponaknoll.Iwilltakeyou,ifyousodesire.”Heeyedmecuriously,obviouslyawaitingmyanswer.Iwasfeelingconfusedand
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terrifiedthattherewereMaladonsintheQuag.Thismademesuspicious.Ofeveryone.Voicingthisthought,Isaid,“Whyareyouhelpingus,Micha?”Idemanded.“Youdon’tknowme.”“ButIdoknowMadame
Prine.AndIadmirecourage,particularlyinonesoyoung.
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Tobefrank,Idoubtyouwillsurvive.ButIadmireyourcouragenonetheless.”Whydidthatnotmakeme
feelanybetter?
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ICOULDNOTUSEDestinwithoutanotherstormcommencing,soMichawascarryingme.Otherhyperbores,includingTroy
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andIshmael,hadaholdofalltheothers.WhenIlookedoveratLacklandandsawhispanickedexpression,Ihadtosmile.Petra,ontheotherhand,seemedperfectlycomfortable.Westartedtodescendand
whenIlookeddown,Isawwhy.Therewastheknoll.From
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hereIcouldnotseetheentrancetothecave,butthatwasprobablybecauseitwasalsogrowingdarkeventhoughitwasn’tnightyet.ThebloodyQuag!WelandedgentlyandMichasetmedown.Theotherslandednextto
us.Whenwewereallgatheredaround,Micha
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warned,“Remembernevertolookthesnakesintheeyes.Thatwayyouwillnotbefooledintokillingyourself.”Heputahandonmyshoulder.“Goodluck.”“Thankyou,”Isaid.Heunfoldedhiswings,and
thehyperboressoaredupward.“Okay,”Isaid,andturned
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totheothers.“I’llgointothecavewhileyoustayouthereandkeepwatch.IfIgetintoanytrouble—”“Areyoumental?”
interruptedDelph.“Ididn’tletyouhaveagoatthecolossalsonyourown.DoyoureallythinkI’mgonnaletyougointherealonetofacethesealectothingsby
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yourself?”“There’sfourofus,”added
Lacklandforcefully.“Betterweallfight.”HarryTwoimmediatelylet
outabark.Lacklandlookeddownat
himandsaidwithanamusedexpression,“Allright,five,then.”“I’vegotawand,”Ipointed
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out.“AndI’vegotmesword,”
counteredLackland.“Andmemycrossbow,”
addedPetra.Delphheftedtheaxand
said,“Andinadarkcave,youneedsomeonegoodwithdirectionsandthat’sme.”Istartedtoprotest,but
lookingattheirfaces,Iknew
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itwoulddonogood.Iwouldhavetoknockthemallunconscioustokeepthemoutoftheblastedcave.Andthenanotheremotionhitme:gratitude.Theywerewillingtorisktheirlivestohelpmedothis.Ishouldappreciatethat,andIbloodywelldid.“Okay,butwhenwerun
intothesealectos,don’t
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forgetwhatMichasaid.”Weheadedtothecave.“Illumina.”Theinsideof
thecaveinstantlybecamelightedandIwentfirst,lookinginalldirectionsforevilcreatureswithvipersforhairandbloodforeyes.“Stayclose,”Isaidovermy
shoulder.“Andstayready.”“WhatdoesthisFinnthing
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looklike?”Delphwhispered.Still,itsoundedlikehehadshoutedashiswordsechoedthroughtheconfinedspace.“Idon’tknow.Michadidn’t
say.ButIassumeitwillbeprettyobviouswhatthesealectosareguardingwhenweget—”Icouldn’tfinishbecausewe
weretumblingdownward;the
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oncelevelfloorhadnowbecomesharplyangled.Ihitsomethinghardandstopped.Thentheotherscrashedintome.Welaythereforafewmomentsinamassofarms,legsandtorsos.Andthenweheardit.Ileapt
up,mywandinhand.Theothersscrambledto
recovertheirweapons.
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“Illumina,”Isaidagain.WhenIsawwhatwasthere,mylungsseized.Adozenfiguressurrounded
us.Theywereallcladinblackrags.ButIdidn’treallyfocusonthatbecauseoftheswayingserpentsastridetheirheads.And,asMichahadsaid,thecreatures’eyesweredrippingblood.
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Overtheirshouldersinasmallnicheintherockwall,illuminatedbyalightsourcenotreadilyapparent,wasatinywoodenpegwithaloopoftwinewoundaroundit.Thetwinewasknottedinplaces.WasthattheFinn?I
wondered.Thethingwehadriskedourlivescomingdown
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herefor?Apegandstring!FortheloveofSteeples.HadMichadeliberatelyledusonafool’serrandtoourdoom?“VegaJane!”criedout
Delph.Icamearoundintimetosee
analectolaunchatme.Attheverylastmoment,IrememberedMicha’swordsofcaution.
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Don’tlookattheserpents.Lookatthealecto’seyes.“Impacto!”Icried,making
themotionwithmywand.Thealectothathadnearly
reachedmewasthrownbackwardagainstthewall,whereitslumpedtotheground,itsserpentsdanglinglimply.IturnedintimetoseeDelph
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swinghisaxandbeheadanotheralectothathadattackedhim.Petrafiredanarrowintothe
chestofanother.Itfelldeadatherfeet.Lacklandswunghissword
withsurprisingskill,takingouttwomorealectoswithdeftthrustsintotheirtorsos.“Delph,no!”
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ItwasPetrascreaming.Iwhippedaround,even
thoughIhadtwoalectosbearingdownonme,tofindDelph—hiseyesfullontheswayingserpentsperchedonanotheralecto’shead—raisehisaxwiththeclearintentofplungingitagainsthimself.“Lassado!”Iexclaimed.A
ropeshotfromtheendofmy
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wand,spunaroundtheaxhandle,andIgaveatremendouspull.IrippedtheaxfromDelph’shandandguideditsmackagainsttheneckofthealectothathaddupedhim.Theheadofserpentsfell
neatlytotheground.ThenIfelttheimpactwith
myshoulder,turnedandsaw
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theserpentprepareforanotherstrikeagainstme.Anarrowhitthealecto
squareinthefaceanddroppeditdead.IflashedPetraagrateful
lookandthencheckedwheretheserpenthadbittenintome.Ithadstrucktheleatherharness,butfortunatelyitsfangshadnotpenetratedmy
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skin.Ispunaroundandleaptover
threealectoswhowereatthatmomentchargingme.AsIsomersaultedoverthem,Iaimedmywandattheirbacksandsaidthreetimes,“Severus.”Theirtorsosseparatedfrom
theirlegsandtheyallfelldead.
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Ilookedaroundforsomethingelsetoattackbutfoundthattheothershadfinishedofftheremainingalectos.Irantothenicheand
cautiouslylookedattheFinn.Itglowedbrightlyunderthelight.Delphjoinedmeandsaid,“Youfiggerthat’sit?”“Hastobe.”
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Ireachedupandgrippedthething,halfexpectingsomethingbadtohappentome.Butnothingdid.IgrinnedatDelph.“Wedid
it.”“Vega!”screamedPetra.Iturnedaround.Asection
ofwallhadopenedup.Andchargingthroughitwereatleastahundredalectos.
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Delphyelled,“We’regoners!”Igaped.Ihadnoideawhat
todo.IlookedattheFinn.MyhandwastremblingsobadlythatInearlydroppedit.Petraracedoverand
snatchedtheFinnfromme.Sheundidoneoftheknots.Thenextmoment,Iwashit
byaforceofwindso
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powerfulthatitliftedmeoffmyfeetandknockedthesensescleanoutofme.Iclosedmyeyesandsawnothingbutaswirlofdarkness.IthoughtImustbedead.
Becausethismustbewhatdeathlookslike.Nothing.
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VEGAJANE?VEGAJane?”Iheardmynameandslowly
openedmyeyes.Ihadexpectedtoseethe
darknessofthecaveorthe
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blackofdeath,butIsawneither.InsteadIsawlight.IlookedupatDelph,who
hoveredovermewithsuchalookoffearthatmyheartwentouttohim.Igrippedhishand.“I’mokay,Delph.”Isatupandlookedaround.Petrawastendingto
Lackland,whohadagashon
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hishead.ThenIsawwitharushof
fearthatHarryTwowascoveredinblood.“HarryTwo!”Icriedout
andtriedtojumpup.“’Tisokay,VegaJane,”
saidDelph,pushingmebackdown.“It’snotokay.He’scovered
inblood.”
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“UsedtheStoneonhim.He’sfine.Hischestgotcaughtonsomerockwhenwegotblownfromthatplace.Buthe’sallhealedup.”HelookedoveratPetraandLackland.“TriedtousetheStoneonhim,butPetwouldn’tletme.Don’ttrustit,Iguess.”Irosegingerly.“Howdid
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wegetoutofthatplace?”Inanswer,Delphheldup
theFinnandhandedittome.Icouldseethatthetwinewasoncemoretightlyloopedaroundthepeg,butthefirstknotwasstillundone.“I’spectithassomethingto
dowiththis.”IlookeddownattheFinn
andthoughtback.“Thewind
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thatblewusoutofthereandsavedourlives.Itcamefromthis?”ThenIrememberedsomethingelse.IstaredoveratPetra.“Youundidtheknotand
thatcausedthewind.Howdidyouknowtodothat?”Shelookedateachofus
nervously.“Idon’tknow.Iwasjustfumblingwithit.To
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makeitdosomething.Iwasjustlucky.”IglancedatDelph.Hewas
nodding.“Rightgladyoudid,orelsewe’dbedead.”Lacklandtoowasnodding
andgrinning.“Petkeepsherheadwhenthingsgetrough,Iknowthat.”ButIwasn’tsmiling.I
didn’tbelieveher.Evenif
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DelphandLacklandhadn’tseenit,Ihad.Petrawasn’t“fumbling”withtheFinn.Sheknewexactlywhatshewasdoing.Buthow?Iwasstillstaringatherwhensheglancedatme.Shecouldeasilyreadthesuspicioninmyeyes.AndIdidn’tcareifshedid.BecauseIwassuspicious.
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“Yeah…lucky,”Isaidslowly,beforeputtingtheFinnawayinmycloakpocket.Delphsaid,“Buthowwilla
bigwindhelpusgetthroughtheSecondCircle?”“Noidea,”Isaidquite
truthfully.IlookedatPetra.“Anythoughtsonthat,Pet?”“No,”shesaid,staringright
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backatme.“Closeenoughcall,”said
Lackland,rubbingathisinjurywhilePetrawastryingtoswipehishandaway.ItooktheStonefromDelph,
rose,walkedovertothem,wavedtheStoneovertheinjury,thoughtgoodthoughtsandthewoundvanished.“BloodyHel,”exclaimed
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PetraasLacklandranastonishedfingersoverthenowrepairedskin.HelookedattheStoneand
said,“Whatisthatthing?”“Inthisplace,it’sourbest
friend.”IputtheStoneawayand
said,“Weneedtopushonbeforeitgetsmuchdarker.Thenwecancampforthe
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nightandgetanearlystart.”Lacklandeyedthedense
treesthatlayahead.“Whatdoyouthinkisinthere?”“Ruddythingsthatcankill
us,”saidDelph.“That’swhat.”Wegrabbedourtucksand
trudgedon.Iwouldhavelikedtofly,butwhilethehyperboresapparentlycould
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dosowithnostormstotroublethem,Iknewwhatwouldhappenifwetooktotheair.Wewendedourway
throughthetreesandforestpathssodarkthatIwascompelledagainandagaintoilluminateourwaywithmywand.Finally,whenourlegscouldcarryusnofarther,we
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settledinforthenightinatinyclearing.PetraandDelphgathered
somewood,whichIthenlitwithmywand.Lacklandusedanironskillethehadbroughttocookupsomeofourprovisions.Ifilledthegobletsthat
Astreahadgivenusandthenpouredsomewaterintoa
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bowlforHarryTwo.Wehadescapeddeathfrom
thealectosbysuchaslimmargin,yetIwasalsoheartenedbecausewehadallfoughtwelltogether.ButthenadepressionsetinandallIcouldseeweredismaloutcomes,allofuslyingdeadwhileaherdofuglycreatureshoveredoverus,eagerly
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awaitingthecomingfeast.AndwhatiftheseawfulbeastseverinvadedWormwood?MybrotherandeveryotherWugwoulddie.Ishiveredatthethoughtandtriedmybesttothinkofotherthings.Later,aftereveryonehad
settleddown—Delphhaddrawnthefirstwatch—I
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slippedovertoLacklandandsatcross-leggednexttohimwherehelayonabedofleaves.“Youfoughtwell,”Isaid.“Butthatwand-ayours.’Tis
quiteaweapon,itis.”“Haveyoueverbeenthisfar
before?”Heshookhishead.“Never
neededto,neverwantedto,
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tillyoulotcamealong.”Hegrinned,thoughthelookdiedonhislipsashegazedoveratthefadingfire.“Scarythingtoleavewhatyouknow.”Heglancedatme.“Butlookatmetellingyouthat.Youlefteverythingbehindtocometothisplace.”“Tocomethroughthis
place,”Iamended.
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“Aye,”heagreed.Webothgrewsilent,
listeningtothesoftpopsandcracklesofthedyingfire.“Doyouthinkwe’llreally
makeit?”askedLacklandinaresignedtone.AnditwasthenIfullyrealizedthathewasnotthatmucholderthanIwas.Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow,
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Lack.”Henoddedandidlyrubbed
athisbeard.“Whatdoyouthinkisbeyondhere?”“Ijusthopewhateveritis,
it’sbetterthanthisplace.”Hechuckled.“Well,it
wouldhavetobe,wouldn’tit?”Iwasn’tnearlyassureashe
wasaboutthat.
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IbidhimgoodnightandwentovertositnexttoPetra.Shegazedupatmefromher
bedofleaves.IwantedtobroachthesubjectoftheFinnagain,butsheprobablysensedwhatIwasgoingtodoandwasquicker.“Yousaytherearethree
morecirclesafterthisone?”sheasked.
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“Yes.”Sheletoutabreathand
lookedtowardwherewehadcome.“Havingsecondthoughts?”
Isaid.“Itwasonlyamatteroftime
beforemeandLackwerekilledbackthere.Soifwediehere,whatdoesitmatter?”Shepausedandsaid,“Soare
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youandDelph…justfriends?”WereDelphandImorethan
friends?Insomewayswewerelikebrotherandsister.Inotherways?Well,wehadkissed.“Whatdoesitmatterto
you?”“Ilikehim.”“Ilikehimtoo.”
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“SoIguessthatanswersmyquestion,”shesaid,eyeingmesteadily.Iroseandlookeddownat
her.“Iguessitdoes.”Ifeltcoldchillsinmybelly.Towardthemoff,Itookthe
Finnout.“Ineverwouldhavethoughttoundotheknots,andyetI’matrainedsorceress.”
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Iletthatstatementhangtherelikeastormcloudbetweenus.“Well,maybeyouneedto
betrainedupbetter.”Ialmostsmiledather
sarcasticremark.Almost.BecauseagainPetra’swordsremindedmeofsomethingIwouldhavesaid.Ileftherandlaybackon
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mybedofleaveswithmytuckundermyhead.Ididn’tdriftofftosleep.Mymindwouldn’tallowit.Ipluckedtheparchmentfrommypocket,madesurenoonewaswatchingandthentappeditwithmywand.Aninstantlatertheimageof
Silenusfacedmeoncemore.Isaidquietly,“We
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befriendedthehyperboresandmanagedtogettheFinnfromthealectos.”Helookedatmewithraised
eyebrowsandanexpressionofsurprise.“TheFinn.Didyou
indeed?”“Weknowifyouundoone
oftheknots,itmakesabigwind.Whatelsedoesthe
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Finndo?”“Itwilldefendyouagainst
thegreatestthreatyouwillfaceintheSecondCircle.”Okay,Ithought,thatwasalittlevague.“Doyouhaveitwithyou?”
heasked.Ipulleditoutandhelditup
forhimtosee.“Verygood,”saidSilenus.
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“Now,therearethreeknots.”Ilookedatthetwine.“I
know.Undoingoneknotcreatedamightywind.”“TheFinnisaparticular
magicalelementwithaspecificpower.Asyoudiscovered,undoingoneoftheknotscreatesapowerfulwind.Undoingthesecondknotproducesgaleforce
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winds.”Well,Ithought,ifitweremuchstrongerthanthefirstwind,thatwassomethingindeed.“Andthethirdknot?”I
asked.“Awindofunimaginable
strength,equaltomanytimesthatofthemostpowerfulstormyouhaveever
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encountered.”Ilookeddownatthepeg
andtwine.Blimey.Allthatfromsomethingsosmallandsimple?Andifundoingthefirstknothadbeenwhathadblownusoutofthecave,Icouldn’timagineeverundoingthethirdone.“Soitwillsaveusfromthe
gravestdangerhere.What
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mightthatbe?”“Alas,youasksomethingto
whichIdonotknowthespecificanswer.ButIdoknowthattheFinnwillbeveryhelpfultoyou.”IlookedoveratLackland
andPetra.“Wheredotheycome
from?”Iasked.“TheFurinaswecameuponinhere?”
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Silenustooksometimeconsideringmyquestion.“WhenWormwoodwas
created,sowastheQuag,surroundingitcertainlyandcompletely,makingescapeimpossible.”“Nearlyimpossible,”I
corrected.“Butgoon.”“Therewasatransitionfrom
thegreatbattlefieldstothe
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villageofWormwoodwhilstthesurroundingterritoryrepresentingtheQuagwasbeingconjured.Onecouldnothaveexpectedatotallyseamlessmigration.”“Meaningwhat,exactly?”I
said.“Someweretrappedinhere
andnevermadeittoWormwood.”
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“Trappedinhere?”“Yes.Andnodoubtsome
werekilled.Butsomesurvived.Andtheyboredescendants.Andsomeofthosesurvivedandsomedidn’t.Soreallytheveryfittest,orperhapstheluckiest,arestillwithus.”Iwashorrified.“Howcould
theybeleftbehind?”
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“Itwasatimeofgreatchaosandconfusion,VegaJane.”Idecidedtoaskhim
somethingthathadbeenbotheringme.“CouldtherebedescendantsofMaladonsinhere?”TheimageofPetraheldsteadyinmymind.“Icannotsayforcertain.If
thereare,theymaynotevenknowit.”
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“Tosh!Howcouldtheynotknowit?”“Well,youdidn’tknowyou
wereasorceress,didyou?”Okay,hehadmethere.Islowlyputtheparchment
awayinmycloak,rolledoverandstaredatPetra.Icouldtellshewasn’tasleep.Shewasstaringupward,apparentlylostinthought.
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Ilaybackandclosedmyeyes.ButIknewIcouldnotsleep.Iunderstoodquiteclearlythattherewerecreaturesinherethatwouldkillmesimplybecausetheywerewildbeasts.ButifPetrawasaMaladon?
Whatifshewasleadingusintosomesortoftrap?Itseemedmymost
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dangerousenemycouldberightherebesideme.
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WEWALKEDALONG
meanderingforestpathsforthreefulllightsandnightswithoutencounteringasinglethreat.Thisshouldhavemade
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mefeelbetter.Butitdidn’t.Infact,IwasfeelingmoreandmoredepressedbecauseIwascertainthataroundthenextbend,wewouldbeattackedbysomethingwecouldnotdefeat.Eachtimewestoppedtoeat,
torestorforwater,Icouldtelltheotherswerethinkingtheverysamething.After
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nearlydyingatthehandsofthedreadfulalectos,itwasnosurprisethatwewereallonedge.Anothertwolightsand
nightspassedandwesawnotasinglelivingcreature,eitherfriendorfoe.Iwouldhavetakenarightgoodfightovertheseaofendlesstrees,placingonefootinfrontof
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theotherandfeelingmyspiritscontinuetoebbaway.Theforestherewassodensethatallwesawweretwistedtrunksandtanglesofbranchesanddarkleaveswithnotonebirdonthem.Theywedgedinonusthefartheralongwewent,towhereIhadtousetheIlluminaspellassoonaswesetoff.Therewas
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somethingverydisconcertingaboutbeingindarknessallthetime.Andcombinedwithhowtensewewerealready,theeffectwasoneofsuffocatingmelancholy.Itgottothepointwherewe
draggedourselvesupatfirstlight,ateabitoffood,packedupandsetoffwithoutawordtooneanother.Aswetrudged
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along,glancesweresullenandthefewremarkswereshortandabrasive.Ourbodylanguagewasthatofdefeat.Lacklandalmostnever
talked;hejustglaredateveryone.Petradidn’tglare,butI
couldtellshewasnothappy.EvenDelphwasnot
himself.Heoncesnappedat
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HarryTwojustbecausemycanineaccidentallybumpedintohimandcausedhimtospillabitofwater.Onlymycanineseemedtobeabletorisetotheoccasion.Hetrottedalong,hissmilewidebuthissenses,Iknew,onhighalert.Hewastheonlythingduringthattimethatcouldliftmyspirits.Butstill,
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itwasn’tenough.Wehadstoppedforour
nightmealandwereclusteredaroundthecampfire,whenLacklandfinallyerupted.“Thisisbloodystupid,thisis,”hesnapped.“Whatis?”Idemanded
hotly.“Wehavenoideawherethe
Helwe’regoing.Wecouldbe
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goingincircles,forallyouknow.Orcanyoutelloneruddytreefromanother?”“Well,Idon’tseeyou
jumpinguptoleadus,”snappedDelph.Petrabarked,“He’sjust
sayingwhatwe’reallthinking.”Shepointedafingeratmeandadded,“Doyouknowwherewe’re
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going?Really?”IeyedherandwhenIdid,I
feltadegreeofmalicerisetomychestthatalmostmademyskinburn.Istoodandheldoutmywand.“Thismakesmetheleader,”Isaid.“Ifyouwanttostrikeoutonyourown,thengoahead.You’lllastasliver,ifthat.”Lacklandjumpedup.“We
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can’tdothat.Youtookusfromwhatweknew.”NowDelphleaptupand
togetherwefacedoffagainstLacklandandPetra.Delphshouted,“You
beggedtocomewithus.”“’CauseIthoughtyou
knewwhatyouweredoing,”roaredLackland.Hehelduphissword.
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Delphheftedhisax.Petrapointedhercrossbow.Iraisedmywand.Butthen
somethingpoppedupinmyhead.SomethingthatAstreahadsaid,thatIhadnotreallyfocusedon.ButnowIdid.BecausenowIunderstoodwhatshemeant.TheSecondCircleisfullofdepression,andifweallowit,
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thosefeelingswillcometodominate.IlookedatDelph.“It’sthe
depressionoftheSecondCirclethatAstreatoldusabout.It’sintheair.It’severywhere.It’sdrivingusmad!”Delphhalfloweredhisax.
“Blimey.”Atthatmoment,hissenses
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evidentlystrickencleanfromhim,Lacklandsuddenlyshouted,“Pet,shootthecanine.I’lltakecare-athemtwo.”Iraisedmywandand
shouted,“Embattlemento.”Hisswordandherarrowhit
myshieldspellwithsuchforcethatthereverseconcussiveblowknocked
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LacklandandPetraofftheirfeet.Inextsaid,“Ensnario.”Thinropesoflightshotout
ofmywand,envelopingthemboth,andwithacastlikethatofafishingpole,Iflickedmywandtosnatchthemupanddepositthembytheclumpoftrees.Icriedout,“Impacto.”Oneendoftheropedrove
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itselfdeeplyintotheground.“VegaJane,”shouted
Delph.“Ifit’sintheair,youcanusethe—”“Iknow,Delph,Iknow
whatIhavetodo.”Igrabbedhisarm.“Holdontome.Come,HarryTwo!”Ipattedmyharness.MycaninejumpedupandI
buckledhimin.Ipointedmy
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wandatthegroundandsaid,“Ensnario.”Thickrootsemergedfrom
thegroundandwrappedthemselvesaroundourlegs.IpulledtheFinnfrommy
pocketandlookedatDelph.“Silenussaidthiswouldbefarworsethanwhatweexperiencedinthatcave.”Delphswallowedalumpin
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histhroatandthenputonehugehandonmeandoneonHarryTwo.“Ready?”Isaid.Henodded.“Ready.”Isaidasilentprayerand
untiedthesecondknot.Itwasakintoamighty,
ragingriverthathadbeenturnedintoair.Prettymucheverytreeintheforestwas
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pushednearlysidewaysbytheforce.IhadtoclosemyeyesandthencovermymouthandnosebecausethewindwassostrongIcouldbarelybreathe.Ihadneverfeltsuchforce
asthis.Evenwiththebindingsaroundourlegs,Ifeltmyselfliftingoffthedirt.Myfingerswerebeingpulled
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offmywand.AndifIlostthatinthisgale,weweredonefor.InunleashingthesecondknotoftheFinnhadIruinedanychancewemighthavetosurvive?DelphscreamedashestartedtolosehisgriponmeandHarryTwo.Mycaninewasbeingpulledawayfromme.Icouldhearmymagicalsnares
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tearingonebyone.IglancedoveratPetraand
Lackland.Theywerecompletelyoffthegroundwithonlyonemagicaltetherholdingthemfromoblivion,foranythingthatwassweptlooseinthismaelstromwouldbesmashedagainstthetrees.Ihadjustkilledusall.Iwatchedasthelaststrand
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ofmagicalropebroke.Icouldn’tsayanotherspellbecausetheforceofthewindpreventedmefromevenmovingmymouth.Weweredonefor.Thethreeofusshotupintotheair.IlookedtomyleftandsawPetraandLacklandpropelledupwardlikethey’dbeenshotfromamorta.
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Andthenthewindstopped,andweplummetedbackdown,landinghardonthedirt,butotherwisealive.Icautiouslyroseandpeered
around.PetraandLacklandwereslowlyrising.Sometreeshadbeenuprootedandlaytoppledinthedirt.Otherswerestillbentover,perhapspermanentlyso.Most,
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though,hadreturnedtotheiroriginalpositions,whichwasatestamenttotheirstrength.Itouchedmyheadand,
despitemyachesandpainsfromthelongfalltothedirt,Ibrokeintoasmile.Theterribledepressionthathadengulfedmewasgone.Itwaslikea—“Likearefreshingwind
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droveitallaway?”Ispunaroundtoseewho
hadspoken.ItwasSeamus.Hewas
perchedonafallentree.Hewasnolongerdressedshabbily.Heworeblacktrousers,awhiteshirt,avestlacedwithgoldenthreads,shinyshoesandawell-brushedtophat.
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“WhotheHelisthat?”LacklandandPetraexclaimedtogether.“Seamusthehob,”Delph
answered.“Weknowthebloke.”Thetruthstruckme.Isaid,
“Astrea’sbeenfollowingusintheSeer-See,hasn’tshe?”“Well,ofcourseshehas,”
saidSeamus,asthoughthat
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wasthemostobviousfacteveruttered.Hehoppedoffthefallentreeandwalkedtowardus.“Youmadegooduseofthe
Finn.”SeamusscratchedHarryTwobehindtheears.“Caninesareimmunetothedepression,youknow.”“Astreasentyouhere?”“Yes,butnottointerfere.If
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youperished,IwasinstructedtogiveyouproperburialsintheWolvercoteCemetery.”“Well,thatwasruddynice
ofher,”Isaidsarcastically.Idrewadeepbreath.“HowisArchie?”“Henolongerremembers
anythingaboutyou.”Ilookedathimcuriously,
takinginthenewclothes.
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“Youseemdifferent.”Hiseyestwinkled.“Hobs
areactuallyquiteaformallot.Butwearealsoquitegoodatplayingotherroleswhencircumstancesrequireit.”Hebentoverandaddedinacroakyvoice,“Seamusisagoodhobheis,dearie,dearie.”Thismademesmileinspiteofmyself.
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“Doesthismeanwe’reattheendoftheSecondCircle?”askedDelphanxiously.“Ithinkyoucanpresume
that,yes,”saidSeamus,eyeingLacklandcuriously.“TheThirdCirclecommencesjustbeyondthatriseinthedirt.”Headdedinanadmonitorytone,“Butthe
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ThirdCircle,asyouwellknow,hasitsownuniquechallenges.”Hesmootheddownhisclothesandtippedhistophat.“Andnowitistimeformetodepart.Idoubtyouwillseemeagain.Iwishyouluck.”“Wait,Ihavemore
questions,”Ibegan.Butrightbeforeoureyes,
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Seamusvanished.
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WEPICKEDUPourtucks,andwithourspiritsgreatlyimproved,wemadegoodpace.WesoonclearedthetreesatthespotSeamushad
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indicated.Thenweallstopped.We
hadto,justtotakeitallin.“Blimey,”exclaimed
Lackland.Blimeyindeed,Ithought.Ifweweretiredoftrees,we
hadcometotherightplace,becausetherewasn’tasingleoneaheadofus.Itwasasflatandopenasanypieceofland
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Ihadeverseeninmylife.Inthedistancewasahugeblockofwhatlookedtobegranite,mileswideandamilehigh.Butexceptforthat,thelandjuststretchedonpastthehorizon,flat.Andbright.Theforesthadletinno
light.Thisplaceseemedincapable
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ofleavinganyout.Ithadbeencoolthough
forebodingamongthetrees.Hereitwashotandglaring,
theairseeminglysearedwiththeheatfromabove.Wehadbeenusedtothedarknessforsolongthatallofusputahandtooureyestoshieldthemfromtheharshlight.Ilookedattheothers.“I
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guesswebestgetamoveon.”Iwentfirst,withHarryTwo
atmyside,LacklandandPetrafollowingandDelphbringinguptherear.WehadgonebarelyamilewhenItookoffmycloakandthenmyovershirt.Theothersdidthesameastheheatcontinuedtobuild.ThenIrolledupmytrouserlegs.My
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bootsfeltlikeblazingrocksaroundmyfeet.Onwetrudged,mileafter
mile,asitbecamehotterandhotter.Westoppedforwater,butassoonaswefinishedourfillandstartedtowalkagain,wesweateditaway.HarryTwowaspantingsohardIthoughthemightpassout.Delphcameupnexttome
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afterwehadtrudgedwhatIcalculatedtobetwentymiles.Inalowvoicehesaid,“Doyouseethatrockyoutcropoverthere?”Inodded.“Well,it’sasfarawayas
whenwestartedwalking,VegaJane.”Istaredatthethingand
realizedthathewasexactly
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right.Ilookeduptotheskyand
gotanothershock.Thoughwehadbeen
walkingforalongtimeandthelightshouldhavebeenwellturningtonight,thesunwasinthesamepositionithadbeenwhenwefirststeppedintotheThirdCircle.“Delph,thesun.”
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Henodded.“Iknow.”Ithoughtbacktowhat
Astreahadtoldusaboutthisplace.Avast,flatexpansethatstretchesseeminglyforever.Forever.Ishuddered.
Maybehermeaninghadbeenquiteliteral.Andwhatdidthatbodeforus?Aftermoretrekking,we
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stoppedandsetupcamp.Ifanything,itwasevenhotter.Ilookedupatthesunandthendownatourlittlecampsite.Iraisedmywanddirectly
overthecampandsaid,“Embattlemento.”Thelargeshieldspellrose
frommywandandhoveredintheairoverwherewewouldbesleeping.Itsuddenlygrew
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darkerundertheshield,andtheairbecamemuchcooler.“Thankyou!”exclaimed
Lacklandasherubbedthesweatoffhisfaceandletthecoolairwashoverhim.Thenhecollapsedontohisbackandjustlaythere.Later,wemadeourmeal,
andsataroundcross-leggedontheground.Whatworried
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methemostofcoursewaswhatDelphhadalreadyobserved:Weweren’tgettinganywhere.IfLacklandandPetrahadn’trealizedthisyet,theysoonwould.Delphtookthefirstwatch
whilethethreeofusslept.Well,LacklandandPetraslept.Itriedforalongtimebutthengaveitupasabad
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job.ItookouttheparchmentandsummonedSilenus.Welookedateachotheroverthespanofseveralinches.“Youlive,”hesaidinmild
surprise.“Ilive,”Isaid.“Barely.
We’renowintheThirdCircle.”Henoddedbenignly.“Iam
glad.”
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Icockedmyhead.“Why?You’rearemnant.Iwouldn’tthinkaremnantwouldhaveemotions.”“Well,veryclearly,youdo
notknoweverything,”hesaidinaneventone.Irefocusedonthematterat
hand.“DoyoumindifIshowyoutoafriendofmine?”“Isheagoodfriend?”
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“He’smybestfriend.”SilenusnoddedandIcarried
theparchmentovertowhereDelphwaskeepingwatch,satdownnexttohimandintroducedhimtoSilenus.IttookDelphabitoftimetogetcomfortablewithseeingthefaceontheparchment,buthefinallysettleddownafterafew“CorBlimeys!”
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Isaid,“Wehaveaproblem,Silenus.”“Justtheone?I’mpositively
astonished.”“Wewalkedformostofthe
light,butthesunremainsoverheadbrightandhot.Iusedashieldspelltogiveussomerelieffromit.”“Verysmartofyou,Vega
Jane.”
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Delphadded,“Thethingis,wewalkedallthatwayanddidn’tgoanywhere.It’slikewe’renotevenmoving.”Silenusnodded.“Icansee
thatthatwouldbeaproblem.”“Youcansaythatagain,”
interjectedDelph.Isaid,“Astreatoldmethat
theQuagmoves.Imean,it
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reallydoesn’t.It’sjustahallucinationspell.”Isuddenlyblurtedout,“Transdesahypnotica.”“Pardon?”saidSilenus.“It’stheincantationthat
makestheQuagappeartobemoving.Butit’sreallynot.It’sallinourheads.Astreatoldmeaboutit.”InarushofpanicIrealizedsomething
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else.Shehadnevertoldmehowtocounterit.Howcouldshehaveforgottentodothat?HowcouldIhaveforgottentoaskher?Thensomethingelse
occurredtome.Ilookedwildlyaround.Icouldn’tseethemountains
inthedistance.Northeridges,noranythingelsethat
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DelphandIhadseenbefore.IlookedbackatSilenus.“Bitofapickle,eh?”he
notedimperturbably.“Yeah,abit,”Imumbled,
myspiritsfallingoutthroughthebottomsofmyboots.Istareddownatmywand.“ButI’vegotawand.”“Quiteso.Thenyouknow
thereverseincantation?”
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askedSilenus.“No,Ibloodywelldon’t,”I
admittedmiserably.“Areyousure?”“Yes,Astreaneversaid.”Delphspokeup.“But,Vega
Jane,AstreanevertoldyouhowtosummonthisblokeSilenus.Andrememberwhenyouknockedusallsillybackathercottage?Youdonethat
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allonyourown,eh?”SilenussmiledatDelph.
“Your‘bestfriend’isquiteperceptive.”“That’sright.I…Ijust
said,‘Makesense.’Andyoushowedup.”“Magicandspellsconjured
areborneofnecessity,”explainedSilenus.Ishothimaglance.“What,
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youmeanIcancomeupwiththespellsthatIneedtogetthroughthisplace?NotjusttheonesAstreataughtme?”“Ofcourse.Thatispartof
beingmagical,afterall.”Andwiththoseparting
words,hedisappeared.Delphsaidencouragingly,
“You’llfigureitout,VegaJane.”
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“No,Ithinkwe’llfigureitout,Delph.”Ismiled.Heheldmygaze.“Soyou
toldtheblokeIwasyourbestfriend?”“Youaremybestfriend,
Delph.”Hegavemethebiggest
smileinreturn.Istartedfeelingverywarm.Hetouchedmyarmandleaned
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towardme.Iclosedmyeyesand—Thegrowlsreachedour
ears.Weleaptupandlookedaround.YetallIcouldseewasvastopenexpanse.“Useyourwand,”urged
Delph.“Crystiladomagnifica,”I
criedout.Nowrevealedasthough
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theyweredeadinfrontofmewerefourbeastsmovingwithalarmingspeedandheadingourway.Delphscreamed,“Getup.
Lycans.Wakeup!”Iglancedbehindme.
LacklandandPetrahadalreadygrabbedtheirweapons.Iwithdrewthe
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Embattlementoshieldfromoverheadsowecouldseebetter,andthesunburneddownbrightlyoncemoreandthetemperaturesoared.Iwasabouttoincantmy
magnificationspellagain,butthenIgaspedbecausethelycanshadrisenoutofthedirtrightatmyfeet.BeforeIcouldstrikewithmywand,
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anarrowhitoneofthecreaturesinthechest.Itscreamedinfury,andrecoiledasbloodfleweverywhere.Thenittoppledoveranddied.Therewerethreemoreto
dealwith,however.“Jagada,”Icriedout,
pointingmywandatthesecondlycan.
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Hugegashessproutedalloveritsbody.Itthrashedaboutingreatpainbeforeitcollapsed.Iwasknockedbackbyitsflailing,andlandedinthedirtsohardthatallthebreathwasforcedfromme.Iscrambledupintimeto
seeDelphusehisgreataxtocutthecreatureintwo.Then
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hefellbackasthethirdlycanattacked.Ipointedmywandandyelled,“Rigamorte.”Butthelycanabruptlyturnedandmyspellmissed.ThenextmomentIwas
hurtlingbackwardasthefourthlycancrashedintome.Icamewithinaninchofbeingbittenbythething.Mywandfellfrommyhandand
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ourcombinedstruggleskickeditaway.WithoutDestinandmy
wand,Iwouldbenomatchforalycan.ButIwasnotgoingdownwithoutafight.Irolledawayandjumpedtomyfeet.Heleaptatme,butImanagedtododgeoutoftheway.Ipulledmycloakoff,rolleditupbetweenmyhands
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andhelditoutinfrontofme.Withasnarl,thethingattackedagain.Idodgeditagain,jumpedonitsbackandwrappedthecloakarounditsthroat.BeforeIcouldstartto
squeeze,itsclawsgrabbedmyhair,yankedandthrewmeoff.Ilandedonmybumfivefeetaway.WhenI
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lookedup,thelycanwasleapingrightatme,itsfangspoisedforthekill.“Rigamorte!”Theblacklighthitthe
creaturesquareintheback.Itfrozeforamomentinmidairandthenplunged,landingfullonme.Imanagedtopushitoffandscrambledawayfromthedeadthing.
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ThenIlookedoverandsawaverypalePetraclutchingmywand.Shehadcastthespell.Andithadworked.Shelookedatmewith
terrifiedeyes,evenasDelphandLacklandstaredathertoo,obviouslyhavingwitnessedherslayingofthelycanwiththewand.Thenextmoment,she
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droppedmywandandclutchedatherhand,tearsstreamingdownherface.Irushedovertoherand
pickedupmywand.DelphandLacklandhad
alsohurriedover.Lacklandsaidinamazement,“You…youcandothat…stuffwhatVegacando.”“Sorcery,”addedDelph
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breathlessly.Shewasstillclutchingat
herhandandshewasstillcrying.Ilookeddownatherhand.“Petra,letmesee.”Sheshookherheadandkept
herhandcovered.“Lethersee,Petra,”said
Delph.“VegacansortyououtwiththeStone.”Ihadalreadypulleditfrom
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mypocket.ButIhadtopryherfingersopen.IshiveredandmystomachlurchedwhenIsawit.Herhandwasblackenedasifithadbeenforcedintoafire.Itlookedpainfulandstiffindeed.IstaredatitandthenatPetra.Therewasbothpainandconfusioninherfeatures.IwavedtheAdderStone
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overthewoundandthoughtgoodthoughts.Nothinghappened.Surprisedbythis,Iheldmywandoverherhandandtriedseveraldifferentspellstohealthewound.Notasingleoneworked.Shejerkedherhandfreeand
snapped,“Justleaveit.”Asshewalkedaway
clutchingherinjuredhand,I
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lookedatmywand.Whyhaditburnedher?Becausethewanddidn’tbelongtoher?IalreadysuspectedherofbeingaMaladon.Shehadcastthedeathspell.ShehadknownhowtousetheFinn,amagicalelementcreatedbydarksorcerors.IglanceduptoseeDelph
watchingmecuriously.I
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wantedtotellhimwhatIwasthinking,butLacklandwasstandingrightthere.“ThanktheSteeplesfor
Petrabeingasorceress,”IsaidwithaforcedsmilethatI’msureDelphsawrightthrough.“Aye,”saidLackland,who
appearedstilltobedazedbythewholething.“I’lljustnip
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overandseehowshe’sdoing.”HeheadedtowherePetrasatslumpedover.IsowantedtotellDelph
thatPetrawasourenemy.Thenmaybetheadmiringlookinhiseyeswheneverheglancedherwaywouldbegoneforgood.ButtherewasjustoneproblemwithallIwasthinking.
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Petrahadusedthewandtosavemylife.“Whatisgoingonwith
Petra,VegaJane?”askedDelph.“Idon’tknow,Delph,”I
answered.AndIreally,reallydidn’t.
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ICASTTHESHIELDspelloverusaswewalkedalongthenextlight.Itkeptthesunandheatoffus,butthatwasnotourmajorproblem.The
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graniteoutcropwasstillasfarawayasever.AndwhenLacklandfinallywalkeduptome,Iknewwhathewasgoingtosay.“Vega,wedon’tappearto
bemovingajotallthistime.”“Iknow,Lackland.”Hescowled.“Anddoyou
haveaplantotakecare-athisweeproblem?”
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Ilookedupintohisbeardedface.ThenIglancedbehindustoseePetraandDelphwalkingtogether.Theyweretalkinginlowvoices.IturnedbacktoLackland.“I’mworkingonit.”Helookedatmeskeptically.
“Oh,well,there’sarelief.”“Doyouhaveanyideas?”I
countered.
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Hehelduphissword.“Youwantsomethingrunthroughwiththis,I’myourbloke.Thiswandandwordsstuff,thatfallstoyou.”Iglancedbackagain.“And
toPetra,apparently.”Hisfeaturesclouded.
“Neverknewthatabouther.”“Areyousure?Therewere
neveranysigns?”
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“Well,whatsortasignswouldtherebe?”“Didsheeverdosomething
inexplicable?”Heshookhishead.“Not
thatIcanremember.Butthenagain,tillourvillagewasattackedwedidn’tspendallthatmuchtimetogether.Imean,we’renotfamilyoranything.JustFurinas.”
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“Whowasleftofyourfamily?”Hisgazebecamedowncast.
“Memumandmesister.Medadandolderbrotherwerekilledalongtimeago.”“How?”“Colossal.There…there
wasnothingIcoulddo.BloodylycanskilledtherestoftheFurinas.’CeptforPet
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andme.WhenIsawthemthingschargingus,allIwantedtodowasslaughter’emall!”headdedfiercely.HepausedandlookedoncemoreatPetra.“Petandmebeentogetherawhilenow.Likehavingmesisterback,Iguess.Nobodywantstobealone.Notinhere.”“No,theydon’t,”Isaid,
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thinkingofDelphandHarryTwo.Wehadbeenwalkingaswe
talked.WhenIlookedahead,Istoppeddead.Lacklandbumpedintome.“Look!”HestaredaheadofusandI
felthimstiffen.“Whatthedevilisthat?”he
asked.
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DelphandPetrahadjoinedusbythen.Delphsaid,“It’saunicorn.”Itwasindeedaunicorn.
Brilliantlywhitewithamaneofgold,shinyblackeyesandaregalhornthecolorofsilver.Itwaslargeandmuscular,withahugechest.Anditwasstandingrightinourpath.Itlookedsonoble,
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almostlikeapolishedstatuebutwithapulsingheart.Anditwasalsoreallythefirstbeastwe’dencounteredinherethatwasn’ttryingtomurderus.“HarryTwo!”exclaimed
Delph.Mycaninehadventured
forwardandwaswithinacoupleyardsoftheunicorn.
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Thecreaturesnortedanddrewbackabit.HarryTwostoppedandthenwaggedhistailandsmiled.Theunicornthensteppedforwardafewpaces.HarryTwoclosedthegapandthepairfacedeachotheracrossthespanofafoot.Theunicorntosseditsmane,
andHarryTwobarked,butI
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knewittobeafriendlygreeting.Mycaninethenwalkedforwardandrubbedhismuzzleagainsttherightforelegoftheunicorn.ThelatterlowereditsheadandgrazedHarryTwo’searwithitssoftgoldenmane.HarryTwolookedbackat
usandyipped,asiftosay,Budgealong.
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Icreptforward,thenglancedbackattheothers,whohadn’tmoved.“Toomanyofusmight
scareit,”Delphexplainedlamely.Ilookedbackattheunicorn
andkeptwalkingforward,thoughreadyataninstanttoretreatifitshowedanyfearoranxiety.Iputoutmyhand
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andletitsniff.ThenIstrokeditsmaneanditrubbedupagainstmyshoulder.Ilookedcloselyatthesilverhorn.WhathadAstreasaid?Thehornoftheunicorncandefeatallpoisons.Thatwouldcomeinhandy,Ireckoned.ButthenIrecalledhowone
gotthehornofaunicorn.
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Talkitoutofthehorn.Orkillit.TherewasnowayIwould
everharmthiscreature.Itwassobeautifulandgentleand…Itnudgedmyhandwithitssnout,liftingmyfingersfromitsmanetoitshead,justasHarryTwosooftendid.Myheartmeltedevenmore.Iverygently
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touchedthehorn.Thoughitlookedsolid,itwassosoftagainstmyfingers.ThenInotedthatitwasn’t
puttingitsfullweightonitsfrontforeleg.Ikneltdownforacloserlook.“Somethinghasinjuredit,”
Isaid.Istrokedtheleggently,carefultonottouchthegashthere.Ireachedin
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mypocketandpulledouttheAdderStoneandwaveditoverthewoundandthoughtespeciallygoodthoughts.Thewoundcompletelyhealed.Iroseandstrokedtheunicorn’smane.“Goodasnew,”Isaidtoit.Ifoundtheunicorngazing
atme,itsblackeyesdarkerthanthedeepestcave.Set
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againstthebrillianceofthewhitecoat,theeffectwasremarkable.“You’rebeautiful,”Isaidin
alow,awedvoice.“Absolutelybeautiful.”Igentlyrubbeditshornone
moretimeandthenwithdrewmyhand.Myfingersweretingling.Ilookeddownatthem.Theywerethecleanest
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they’deverbeen.NotaspeckofdirtcouldIfindonthem.Ilookedattheunicorn’scoat,horrifiedthatIhadtransferredmydirttoitsimmaculatehide.Buttherewasn’tabitofit
there.Ioncemorefoundthe
unicorngazingatme.Itopeneditssnoutandifa
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creaturesuchasthiscouldsmile,itjusthad.AsIwatched,itturnedandtrottedoff.Thefartherawayitgot,thefasteritmoved,untilitwasjustablur.Thenitwasgone.Iturnedbacktotheothers
andrubbedmyfingerswhereIhadtouchedthehorn.Somethingappearedinmy
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pocket.Atfirst,Iwasterrified,forIfeareddarksorcery.Ipointedmywandandsaid,
abitlamely,“Rejoinda,uh,bloodythinginmypocket.”Whenitsoaredoutand
landedinmyhand,weallgatheredaroundinwonder.Icaughtabreath.Itwastheunicorn’shorn.
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Buthadn’tthecreaturehadthehornwhenitdisappeared?I…Icouldn’tbesure.“Howdidthatgetthere?”I
said.Delphlookedatmeand
smiled.“Youtookcare-aitsleg.Showeditkindness.Dadwouldbeproud-ayouforthat.Nursingbeastslikethat.”
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Igrinnedandrubbedthehorn.Iknewitmustbeveryhard,butitfeltsoverysoft.Iputitawayinmypocketandglanceddownatmyfingers.Theystilltingledanditseemedthatthissensationwasspreadingoverme.Ilookedtowardthegranite
outcropthatwasasfarawayaseverandanideasuddenly
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poppedintomymind,andIwonderedwhyithadn’tbefore.Iraisedmywandandsaid,
“Confuso,recuso.”Ashimmeringwaveseemed
topassinfrontofus.Whenitwasdone,wewerewithinbarelyamileofthegraniteoutcrop.IheardLacklandexclaim,
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“BloodyHel.”Astreahadtaughtmethe
counterspellafterall,onlyIdidn’tknowthat.Butclearly,whatwasahallucinationbutaconfusionofthemind?Wemarchedon,energized
byoursuddenremarkableprogress,andreachedthewiderockyoutcropinshortorder.Itwascoolerinthe
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shadecastbythegraniteandwedecidedtotakearest.Astheothersmadecampandreadiedfoodandwater,IusedDestintoquicklyzipuptothetopofthebigrockandlandbeforeastormknockedmesilly.Ilookedbehindme.Thesun
wasshining,theheatintense.Infrontofmewasthe
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gloomiestgloom.Nosun,nolight,justclouds,soupyfogandchillyair.TheQuagwascertainly
livinguptoitsreputation.ItwasthemostinsanelyfrustratingplaceIcouldeverhaveimagined.Ihopedsoontohaveitatthebackofme.Ijumpedandlandedonthe
dirtbelowandrejoinedthe
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others.“Whatdidyousee?”asked
Delpheagerly.“Itlookslikeitwillbe
coolerthanhere,”Iremarked.Weateourmealinsilence
andthenLacklandaskedifweshouldpushon.Idecidednotto.Itwouldbe
sillytowastetimegoingaroundtheoutcropwhen,
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usingDestin,wecouldjustgooverit.ButIwantedtodoalittlescoutingfirst,andIdidn’twanttodoitalone.IsetDelphtotakethefirstwatchwithHarryTwoandthenIbeckonedPetraover.“I’mgoingtoflyoverthe
rockandgoaheadabitintothenextpartoftheThirdCircle,”Isaid.“Wouldyou
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liketocomewithme?”WhileIhadgivenfewdirect
orderstoanyofthem,Petraseemedtounderstandthatdecliningtocomewasnotanoption.Iharnessedherupandthenkickedoff.Ihadneverflownwithherbefore,butshetooktothejourneywithease.Whenwearriveduptopand
Ireleasedherfromthe
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harness,shesaid,“Whydon’tyoujustflyoverthisplace?Thatwayyoucanavoidallthedangersbelow.”“IfItaketotheairwiththe
intentofflyingover,thenahugestormblowsup.Butahophereandthereseemstobeacceptable.”“Yousoundasifthisplace
isalivingthing.”
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“Oh,itisverymuchalivingthing.”Astreahadtaughtmethat,andIhadcertainlyseenevidenceofitfirsthand.Westeppedtotheother
edgeoftheoutcropandshepeeredahead.“It’ssodifferentfromback
there,”shesaid.Iglanceddownather
blackenedhand.“Doesitstill
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hurt?”“No,notreally.”Shehastily
pulledhersleevelowertocoverit.“It’sokay,Petra.We’reall
carryingscarsfromthisplace.Andwe’llprobablyhavemorebeforeallissaidanddone.”“Iguessyou’reright,”she
saidsoftly,butshekepther
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handcovered.“Canyoutellmeaboutyour
family?”Sheglancedsharplyatme.
“Myfamily?Why?”Ikeptmyvoicecalm.
“Becausetheymayhaveknownsomethings.Thingsthatcouldhelpusgetthroughhere.”Shewasshakingherhead.
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“Theyknewnothing,Vega.”Putoffbyheranswer,Isaid
testily,“Theyclearlyknewsomethingiftheysurvivedallthistimeinhere.Aswe’vebothseen,it’snotthateasy.”Ipausedforamomentandthenadded,“Andtheydidn’thavemagic,didthey?Notlikeus.”Shegavealong,penetrating
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look.“Ifyou’reaskingmehowIdidwhatIdidwithyourwand,Ican’ttellyoubecauseIdon’tknow.”“Yetyougrabbeditandsaid
theincantation.”“Iheardyousayitbefore,
whenthelycansattacked,”shesaidquickly.Tooquickly,Ithought.“It’sthekillingspell.The
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onlyonethatdoesitoutright.”Shegavemea
condescendinglook.“Well,luckyforyou,then.Otherwise,you’dbedead.”Iignoredthis.“Andeven
thoughyousaiditwasjustluck,youclearlyknewhowtousetheFinn.”Sherubbedatherburned
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hand.“Itwasjustluck,”sheinsisted.“So,yourfamily?”I
persisted.I’msuremylooktoldherIwasnotgoingtoyieldonthis.Sheletoutaquickbreath
andscowled.“Allright,damnit.Ihadanuncle.Myfather’sbrother.Hewasabitodd.Kepthimselftohimself,but
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hetookalikingtome.Weusedtotakewalkstogether.Andwewouldtalk.”“Aboutwhat?”“Hesaid,well,hesaidthat
wedidn’tbelonghere.Thathethoughtthere’dbeenamistake.”“Amistake?Howso?”“Idon’tknow.Buthe
seemedangryaboutit.He
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saidthatweshouldbelivingsomewhereelse.”IthoughtbacktoDelph’s
remarkaboutPetraseemingtounderstandthattherewasanotherplaceoutsidetheQuag.AndthisalsomightbewhatSilenushadalludedto—thatsomeMaladonshadbeentrappedinhere.“Maybeyourunclethought
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youbelongedinmyvillage.”“Maybe,”shesaid
doubtfully.“Butthethingis…”Shelookedaway,unableto
meetmyeyes.“Petra,pleasejusttellme.”“Willyoupromisenotto
telltheothers?NotevenLackknows.”“Ipromise.”
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Sheeyedmeseverely,asthoughmeasuringthesincerityofmywords.Shepointedatmywand.
“Myunclehadoneofthose.”“Awand!Youruncle?”“Ididn’tknowbackthen
thatthat’swhatitwas,”shecriedout.“IswearIdidn’t.”“Buthowdoyouknownow
thatitwasawand?”
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“Becauseofwhathedidwithit.”“Whatdidhedowithit?”“Hecouldmoveabout.Go
fromonespottoanother.”“Pass-pusay,”Isaid.“Yes,Irememberhim
sayingthosewords.”“Whatelse?”“Hecouldmakeafirewith
it.Wewouldcookwhatwe
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killedoverit.”Igrippedherarm.“How
couldyouruncledothingslikethatandnooneotherthanyouknew?Whydidn’tLackknow,yourfather,yourmother?”“Becausehenevershowed
themthewand.Heneverdidanythingwithitaroundthem.Onlywithme.”
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“Andwhywasthat?”Shepeeredupatme.
“Because…Because…”“Becauseheknewyou
coulddoittoo?”Shenoddedjerkilyandher
lipsquivered.“How?”“Heletmeuseitonceto
bringdownsomeeggsfromanestformymeal.”
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“Sohetoldyouaspelltouse?”“Hetoldmethewords.”“Wheredidhegetthe
wand?”“Idon’tknow.”“WhatifIweretotellyou
thathecouldonlyhavecomebyitfromafamilymemberwhogaveittohimwithapieceofthemselves
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embeddedinit?”Shelookedutterly
astonishedbythis.Iwenton.“Sothatmeans
someoneinhisfamily,meaningyourfamily,passedhimthatwand.Whathappenedtoit?”“Idon’tknow.Whenthe
lycanscame,weweresleeping.Wehadsomeoneon
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watch,buttheymust’vefallenasleeptoo.Myunclewaskilled.Idon’tknowwhathappenedtohiswand.”Ilookedatheragain,
watchingeverymoveofherbody,everytwitchofafacialmuscle.Iknewsomethingforafact.Iknewthatshewaslying.Petrahadheruncle’swandsomewhere.Knowing
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whatshecoulddowithit,sheneverwouldhaveleftitbehind,lycanattackornot.“Doyouwanttogodown
there?”sheaskedquickly,lookingovertheedgeofthegranite.Sheobviouslydidnotwanttocontinuethisdiscussion.AndIdecidednottopushit.Ihadcertainlylearnedagreatdeal.
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Inodded.“Youcanstayuphereifyouwant.”Sheshookherhead.“No,I
don’twantyoutogodowntherealone.”“You’resure?”Isaid.I
wishedIcouldtrusther.Butthefactwas,otherthanDelphandofcourseHarryTwo,Icouldtrustnoone.“Yes.”
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SoIharnessedherupandweleapttogether.
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IFANYTHING,THEgloomintensifiedonthegroundwhenwelanded.Ihadtolightmywandanditstillprovidedonlythebarest
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illumination.Ididn’tlikethis.Anarmyofjabbitscouldbesneakinguponusrightnowandwe’dneverknowituntilwefelttheirfangsagainstourflesh.IgrabbedPetraandpushedhertothegroundassomethingflewoverussoclosethatIfeltthewakefromwhateveritwasliftstrandsofmyhair.
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“Keepquietandstaydown,”Iwhisperedtoher.Icarefullyliftedmyhead
andlookedaround,listeningintentlyforanythingthatmighttellmewhatwasoutthere.ThenextthingIheardwastotallyunexpected.Laughter.Andthenavoicefromout
ofthegloom.
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“Doesmyheartgoodtoseethelikesofthemwallowinginthedirt,rightwheretheybelongnoless.”Isettledonmyhaunches,
mywandreadyasIlookedaround.Thatwasamale’svoice.Therewassomeoneinherewithuswhowasnotabeast.Foronewild,panickedmoment,IthoughtThorne
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hadescapedLucandtheotherekosandcaughtuptoussomehow.Butitwasn’thisvoice.“Whoareyou?”Icalledout.“Troubleandstrifewhichcutslikeaknife.Onewhoentersmygroundwillbehuntedrightdown.”Laughterfollowedthissillysong,alongwithawhooshingsoundlike
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thethingwaswhizzingoverhead.Troubleandstrife,I
thought.Okay,Astreahadtoldmeaboutthisbloke.“AreyouEris?”Thewhooshingsound
stopped.“Howcomeyoutoknow
myname?”thevoicesnarled.IthoughtImightgivehima
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bitofhisownmedicine.Isang,“IalwaysknowthenameofoneI’vecometotame.”Silence.O-kay.MaybeIhadgonea
bittoofar.Afigurestartedtosolidify
infrontofme.Hewaslikeafatbaby,onlywithwhiskers,dressedinagraycloakwith
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hisbarefeetprotrudingfromit.“TameEris?”hesaid,alow,
maliciousundertonetohiswordsnow.Iheldupmywand.“Astrea
Prinesendsherbest.”Hisbeadyeyesonmywand
andwithsuddenunderstandinginhisfeatures,hesaid,“Well,goodluckon
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findingyourwayinthegloom.Andthatwandofyourswillleadtoyourdoom.”Okay,Icouldfigurethis
out,Iwassure.AstreahadtoldmemuchaboutthisblokeandtheThirdCircle.Thisplacewasfilledwithdarkness,thoughluckilynotaccompanyingdepressionas
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withtheSecondCircle.Buttherewassomethingthatcouldcutrightthroughthatdarkness.Whatwasitagain?Ah,yes!Isaid,“Rejoinda,cucos,”
andmovedmywandbacktowardme,asthoughIwerepullingsomethinginslowlyandsteadily.Amomentpassedandthen
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aninklingoflightcameoutofthegloom.Thenthelightgrewbigger,brighterandbolder.Whenasliverhadpassed,thelighthadcutrightthroughthedark.“Blast!”screamedEris.Thelightwasnowlikethe
suncomingupandburningoffthemoistair.Thegloomwasliftingeverywhere.In
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anotherfewmoments,weweresurroundedbycucos,smallbirdlikecreaturesthatflutteredaround,theirwingsglowingwithlight.Theywerebrilliantlycolored,asthoughtheyhadsmallbitsofrainbowsembeddedinthem.Iheldoutafingerandoneofthemperchedonit.Ifeltmyspiritsrisealongwiththe
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light.Petraheldoutherarmanda
halfdozencucosalightedthere.Shesmiledastheilluminationsweptoverher.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverfeltthisgood.”Ihadtosmile,forIfeltthe
exactsameway.Itwasasthoughthefullpowerandgoodnessofthesunhadcome
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todefeatthedarkness.Holdingupacucos,I
lookedatEris.“Troubleandstrifewillnottroublemylife.”Icouldn’thelpbutgrinasEriswavedafatfistatmeandthenvanished.Wewentbackandcollected
theothers.Iferriedthemuptothetopoftheoutcropandthendowntheotherside.
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Whentheysawthecloudsofcucos,bothLacklandandDelphbecamegiddylittlemales,runningafterthesmallburstsoflightandlettingthecreaturescollectontheirshouldersandeventheirheads.Delphsaid,“Neverthought
I’dhaveanyfuninthisplace.”
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Withthecucosprovidinglight,wemadegoodprogressandthenstoppedtomakecamp.Aswesataround,eatingourmeal,ImorefullyrecountedfortheotherswhathadhappenedwithEris.Petraenthusiasticallyjoinedinandgavemesomanycomplimentsthatitgottobequiteembarrassing.
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DelphandLacklandlaughedheartilywhenImimedEris’sangryexit.ThenIheardthemcoming.Iscreamed,“Jabbits!”Thegroundwasactually
shaking;thehissespiercedourears.Andthenthereweretheshrieks,whichcouldrobanyoneofthelastvestigesofbothsanityandcourage.
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“WhattheHelisajabbit?”yelledLackland.Hedrewhisswordandstoodhisground.Icouldn’tsayIlikedtheblokeallthatmuch,butIwouldneverquestionhiscourage.Petragrabbedhercrossbow
andDelphhisax.HarryTwo,asusual,wasbymyside.ThegroundwasshakingsobadlynowthatIfiguredtherewere
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ahundredorsoofthethingschargingus.Isquintedahead,andthoughthelandwasflatandopen,Icouldseenothing.Icalledout,“Crystiladomagnifica.”IreallywishedIhadn’t.Onthepositiveside,it
wasn’tahundredjabbits.Itwasonlyone.Onthenegativeside,this
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particularjabbitwaslargerthanacolossal.Thejabbithadrearedup
rightinfrontofus.Ahundredfeethighitwas,withsomanyserpentheadsalongitsvasttrunkthatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletocount,certainlyinthetimewehadlefttolive.Itwaslikeavenomoustreewithathousanddeadly
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branches,allofwhichcouldmovewithterrifyingspeed.IglancedatLacklandand
sawthatallthecolorhaddrainedfromhisface.Heraisedhissword,butIcouldtellbyhisexpressionthatheknewitwaslikewavingaflowerinfrontofanarmyofalectos.Isawtheaxwhizpastme
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andstrikethejabbit.IlookedatDelph.Hehadheavedthethingwithallhisstrength.Ithadbarelycuttheserpent’sthicktrunk.Then,itstruck.“Embattlemento!”Icried
out.Thejabbithadlungedat
Delph,whohadfallenbackward.Theserpent
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crashedintomyspellshield,butitwassohugethatitpushedtheshieldbackandintoLackland,whowasnearesttoit.TherewasanalmightyexplosionandLacklandlaysenselessontheground.Thejabbitrearedup,sawmeandstruckagain.“Pass-pusay,”Isaid,
tappingmywandagainstmy
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leg.Thecreatureslammedinto
thespotwhereIhadjustbeen,burrowingaholefivefeetdeep.Petracamerunningupand
firedanarrowintooneoftheserpent’seyes.Theonlyproblemwas,ithadhundredsofothers.HarryTwosankhisteeth
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intothetailofthemonster.Luckily,DelphwasupagainandracedforwardandpulledmycanineawaybeforeoneoftheheadsstruckouttobiteHarryTwo.ItsslashingtailhitDelphhardandhewentflyingthroughtheairwithHarryTwogrippedinhisarms.Theybothlandedwithathudagoodhundredfeet
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away.Ipointedmywand.
“Impacto!”Thejabbitwassolargethat
myspelldidnothingbutcrushtwooftheheadsonitslowertrunk.Whenitcameoutoftheholeandturnedtome,Icouldtellthatitsfuryheldnoboundaries.Itstruck.ButIwasgoneagain.It
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slammedintothegroundoncemore.Itroseagain,onlyabitdazedthistime.Thisstrategyrecalledtome
whatIhaddoneagainstmyopponentsintheDuelumbackinWormwood.Iwouldusethecreature’sfuryandstrengthagainstit.Threemoretimesitstruck,
andeachtime,Iwasgonea
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momentbeforeimpact.Thethingroseupthelasttime,swayingandwoozy.Wefacedoff.Hundredsofeyeslookedatme.Istaredbackatit,suddenlynotnearlyasafraidasIhadbeen.Imightjustwinthisfight.Thenthewretchedbeastdid
somethingthattotallysurprisedme.
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ItwentafterLackland,nowjuststrugglingtohisfeet.“No!”Icriedout.Lacklandscreamedand
threwhisswordatthething,butitmerelybouncedoff.Icalledout,“Rejoinda,
Lackland.”Lacklandflewtowardme
justasthejabbitattacked.Lacklandshoutedashe
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sailedrightintome,orhewouldhaveifIhadn’tducked.Istoodstraightagainanddecidedthatenoughwasenough.Imarshaledeveryounceofmind,bodyandspiritthatIcould,pointedmywandandsaidquitefirmly,“Rigamorte.”Theblacklighthitthe
enormousserpentsmackin
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thechestasitturnedtofaceme.Foralongmoment,itjustswayedthere,backandforthlikethependuluminacaseclock.Foroneterrifyingmoment,Ithoughtthatmykillingspellhadnotworked.Andifthismostpowerfulincantationhadfailed,thenIknewIcouldnotdefeatthething.
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Thenextmoment,Ishoutedout,“Pass-pusay,”andtappedmylegwithmywandoncemore.ThespotwhereIhadjust
beenstandingwascrushedbythefallingdeadjabbit.Theforcewithwhichithitthegroundknockedmeoffmyfeetandmywandsailedaway.
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IrolledoverandfoundmyselfnexttoLackland.“Sorry,Ihadtodothat,”I
saidasIsatup.That’swhenInoticedthat
hiseyeswereclosedandhisbreathingwasshallow.Andonesideofhisfacewasredandswollen.AndthenIsawthegashinhisskin,whereadropofyellowliquidsatnext
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toit.Thejabbit’svenom.WhenLacklandhadflownpastthething.Itmusthave…bittenhim.Isquatteddownnexttohim.
“Lackland?Lack,canyouhearme?”Itouchedhishand.Itwas
growingcold.Iwasinadaze;thiscouldn’t
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be.Thenmysensescleared.TheAdderStone!Ireachedinmypocketforit.Therewasnothingthere.Delph!Ihadgivenittohim.“Delph!”Iscreamed.I
lookedoverandsawadazedDelphstaggerup,butthenhefelloveragain.“Delph,IneedtheStone.Now!”Isaid,“Rejoinda,Stone,”butthenI
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realizedIdidn’thavemywand.IsawDelphpushhimselfto
hisfeetandputhishandsinhispockets.Thenhedroppedtohiskneesandstartedtopawthroughthegroundwithhishands.HehadevidentlylosttheStone.Petraracedoverandknelt
nexttome.Shegripped
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Lackland’shand.“Lack?Lack,hangon.Hangon!”Shelookedatmeandsaidfrantically,“Can’tyouhelphim?”Ididn’tunderstand.Thebite
ofajabbitinstantlykilled.ButthenIlookedathiswound.Itwasnottwobitemarksrepresentingtwinfangs.Itwasaslash.Hemust
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havehurtledbytheserpent,andoneofthevilething’sfangsmusthavescratchedLackland’sfacesomehow.AsIwatchedhorrified,theyellowliquidridingonhisfacewasabsorbedintohisskin.“NO!”Iscreamed,butIwas
toolate.Lacklandstartedwrithing
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andconvulsing.Andthen,evenmoreterrifying,hegrewstill,hisbreathingslowed,dangerouslyso.Hiseyelidsstartedtoflutter.“Lack!”criedoutPetra.
“No!”Fightingbacktears,Ilooked
wildlyaroundforsomething,anything,tosavehim.OnlyIhadnothing.Nothing.Where
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wasmywand?TheStone?Thefingersofmyrighthandstartedtingling.Asifbyitsownvolition,myhandreachedintomycloakpocket.Ipulleditout.Thesilverhornofthe
unicorn.Withoutthinking,Ipressed
itagainstLackland’swoundedface.
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Thesolidhornliquefiedandwasabsorbed,likethevenom,rightintoLackland’sskin.Then,withagaspandshudder,hesatstraightupsofast,ourheadsnearlycollided.Ijumpedback.Helookedatme;hiseyesseemedtowobbleintheirsockets.Hesaidwoozily,“What
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happened,Vega?Didwekillthething,eh?”Petrascreamedandhugged
himsohard,hefellbackover.Icouldthinkofnothingelse
buttothrowmyselfontopandhugbothofthem.Whenweallsatup,Isaw
thatLackland’sfacewasstillscarredandswollen.Delph
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cameracingoverwithHarryTwo.“Foundit,”hesaid,holding
uptheStone.Hehandedittomealongwithmywandthathehadobviouslyalsofound.IwavedtheStoneoverLackland’sface.Whiletheskinhealedsome,itwasstillbad-looking.Iusedmywandonhimand
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thehealingspellimprovedhisfaceevenmore,thoughitwasstillscarredsome.Isaid,“Don’tworry,
Lackland,we’llgetyoubacktoyourhandsomeself.”Helaughed.“Badgeof
honor,wayIseeit.Besides,amalecanbetoopretty,eh,Pet?”Shesmiledandheldupher
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damagedhand.“Howaboutafemale,Lack?Eh?”“Goonwithyou,butit’s
rightbetterthanbeingdead,Icantellyouthat.”“Har,”saidDelphasa
finishingpoint.Weallgrinned.Istood.“IthinktheFourth
Circlebeckons,”Isaid,fullofconfidencenow.
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Ishouldnothavesoundedsogleeful.TheFourthCirclewas
whereIwasgoingtodie.
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THELANDINtheFourthCirclewascurious—flatinspots,risinginothers.Wecouldmakeoutcragsofrocksandspinyridgesleadinginto
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thesky.Overheadwerenostars,noNoc.Iledusbythelightofmywand.Wewalkedasfaraswe
couldandthenmadecampnearastandoftallwillowtrees.IwasonthelookoutfortheslenderthreadoftheObolusRiver,whichIknewranthroughhere,butInevercaughtsightofit.
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WeateandLacklandofferedtotakethefirstwatch.PetraandDelphquicklyfell
asleepbut,asusual,IfoundIcouldnot,atleastnotrightaway.Ireachedinmytuckand
pulledoutthemapoftheQuagthatQuentinHermshadleftmeatmytreebackinWormwoodandthatIhad
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reproducedonparchment.Thereweresomepoints
aboutitthatwereright,spot-onactually.Butmanymorewereabsolutelywrong.Ithoughtbacktothesequenceofeventsthathadleduptothismapbeinginmypossession.IhadbeeninmytreewhenIheardthebayingoftheattackcanines.Ihad
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seenQuentingoingintotheQuag.IhadthengonetoworkatStacksonlytofindamessagefromQuentintellingmetogotomytreethatnight.ThereIfoundthatanextraboardhadbeennailedintothetrunk,behindwhichIhadfoundthemap.Isatup.Buttheextraboard
hadnotbeenonmytreewhen
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IsawQuentinfleeingintotheQuag.SohehadtohavecomebackoutoftheQuagandnailedtheboardtheresometimelater,butbeforeIreturnedtoitthatnight.ThenIwonderedsomething
thatIneverhadbefore.WhyhadtheCouncilbeenhuntingQuentindown?Somethingmusthavetriggeredit.We
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hadbeentoldlaterthatQuentinhadbrokenlawsbutwewerenevertoldwhichlaws.AndMorrigoneandThansiushadneverreallyspokenaboutthemattertome.Ireachedinmypocketand
pulledoutmygrandfather’sring.IthadbeenfoundinQuentin’scottage,so
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presumablymygrandfatherhadgivenittohim.Butwhyhadhenotgivenittomyfather,hisonlyson?WhatqualitydidQuentin
possessthatwouldhavemademygrandfathergivehimtheringinstead?Washesimplyamessenger,gettingtomethingsthatIwouldneed?Washedoingmy
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grandfather’sbiddingsomehow?Ifso,why?Ipulledouttheparchment,
tappeditwithmywandandsaid,“Silenus?”Hisimageappeared
instantlyonthepaper.“Whereareyounow?”he
askedsomberly.“TheFourthCircle.”“TheObolusRiver.”
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Inodded.“AndRubezthepilot.Whatcanyoutellmeabouthim?”“Nothing,I’mafraid.”“Astreasaidthathewill
demandpaymenttotakeusacrosstheriver,butshedidn’tsaywhatitwouldbe.”“Ihaveofcoursenever
takenthejourney,andhavenoscrapsofknowledgefrom
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anyonewhohas.”“Wonderful,”Imuttered.
“DoestherivertakeustotheFifthandlastCircle?”Heshookhisheadagain.
“Alas,’tisshroudedinmystery.”“Butthereisariver,soI
wouldimaginethattheremightbesomewaterdwellersinit.”
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“Iwouldnotbesurprisediftherewere.”“HencetheboatwithRubez
tosafelycrossit,”Inoted.“Iwouldimaginethatsafe
passageacrosstheOboluswouldinvolvemorethansimplycoinforaseat.”“What,then?”Iasked.“Itmayverywellcostmore
thanyouarewillingtogive,
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Vega.Andthenitwillbeuptoyoutodecide.Suchisthewayofthisplace.Itoftendemandsmorethanoneiseitherwillingorabletogive.”Andwiththatominous
commentSilenuswasgone.Islowlyputthepagesaway
inmycloak.WhatwouldIbeunwillingtogiveupinordertocrosstheObolus?
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Petrahadthelastwatch.Iwaitedafewsliversaftershelefttotakeupherpost,and,makingsurethatDelphandLacklandwereasleep,IdrewclosertoPetra’stuck.IknewwhatIwasdoingwasinmanywayswrong.ButitwasalsowhatIneededtodorightnow.Ipointedmywandatitand
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muttered,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Allthecontentsofhertuck
wereimmediatelymagnifiedinfrontofme.IsawwhatIthoughtIwould.Mynextincantationwasspokenjustassoftly.“Rejoinda,wand.”Thewandflewfromthe
tuckandrightintomyhand.
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Whenitsmackedagainstmyskin,Irealized—toolate—thatitmightburnme.Butitdidn’t.PerhapsitwoulddosoonlyifItriedtocastaspellwithit.“Illumina.”Withmyownwandlighting
Petra’s,Ilookedatitclosely.Itwasmadeofwoodfardarkerthanmine.
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Technically,herunclehadnotgiventhistoPetra.Perhapshewouldhave,buthe’dbeenkilledbeforehecould.Shehadsimplytakenit.Butsomeonehadgivenittohim.Hisfatherperhaps?IfoundwhatIwaslookingforonthebaseofthewand.Itwasapartofafingernail.
Icouldmakeitoutclearly
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againstthewood.Feelingalittleguilty,I
pocketedthewand,wentbackovertomybedandlaydown.IfPetrawasmyenemy,eventhoughshehadsavedmylife,Ididnotwanthertopossessawand,awandthatcouldkillbothmeandDelph.Butstill,Ididnotfeelgoodaboutit.Thereseemedtobenoeasy
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decisionsinthisplace.Iclosedmyeyesandfell
asleep,unsureifwhatIhadjustdonewasrightornot.
PETRAROUSEDUSwhenitwastimetogetup.Thiswasabitdifficulttocalculatesincethesundidn’trisehere.Iwatchedhercloselyasshegatheredhertuck,butshe
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neverlookedinsideit.Thus,shewasunawareherwandwasgone.Whenshedidbecome
aware,Iknewshewouldimmediatelysuspectme.Howcouldshenot?Iwastheonlyonewhoknewabouthermagicalpastwithheruncle.Butshehadnottoldmethatshehadthewand.Thus,I
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doubtedshewouldconfrontmeaboutit,atleastnotinfrontofDelphandLackland.Icouldtellshedidnotwantthemtoknowhersecret.ItwasafoultacticIwasplayingonher,butrightnowIcouldnotaffordanymoresurprises.Forthreemorelightsand
nightswerambledoverthe
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darkenedlandscape.Onetimewesawaninficioflyingoverheadandhadtotakecoverinacave.Anothertime,itwasapackoffreksdoingbattlewithaherdofcreaturesforwhichIhadnoname.Thefrekseventuallywonandlingeredoverthecorpsesconstitutingtheirspoilsofvictory.Astheyate,weran
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foritandweresoonsafelyaway.OnthefourthnightthatI
stoodmywatchontheedgeofourcampsite,Iraisedmywandandmuttered,“Crystiladomagnifica.”Ihaddonethisbeforewithlittleresult.Thisnightwastobedifferent.YetInevercouldhave
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imaginedthatIwouldbeseeingsomethinglikethis.Itwasn’tsomecreatureway
outthere.ItwasDelphandPetra.For
somereasonmyspellwasshowingmewhatwasbehindmeratherthaninfront.Theywereverycloseto
eachotherandweretalkinginlowvoices,soIcouldnot
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hear.Overthelasttwolightsandnights,Ihadseenthemlingeringtogether,whetheritwaswhenwewerewalkingorsittingaroundourmeagerfire.Theytendedtosleepneareachotheraswell.Butthisvision?Iwhirledaroundand
quicklymademywaybacknearerthedyingfire.
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Istoppedandlooked.Delphwaswavingthe
AdderStoneoverPetra’sdamagedhand.Iknewhewasthinkingwonderfulthoughts.Andthenshesmiledandtouchedhischeek.Iturnedawayandwalked
backtomyoriginalspot,myheadlowered,myeyesonmydirtyboots.Delphwasmy
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bestfriend.Friendsdidnotactlikethatwithanyoneelse.Itwasn’t…itwasn’t…Itwasn’twhat,Vega?Itwasn’twhatyouwantedtohavehappen?Well,it’snotyourlife.It’sDelph’s.IfhelikesPetrabetterthanyou,sobeit.Thenextmoment,Ifroze
whenIheardit.
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Thesoundoflappingwater.Irantotelltheothers.Wehurriedalong,following
thesoundofwateruntilwereachedaclearing,andthereitwas.TheObolusRiver.Itwas
longandsnakelike,twistingandturninguntilitwasoutofsightatbothends.AnditwaswiderthanIwouldhave
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thought.Itwasactuallyimpossibletoseetotheotherside.ButIjustknewontheothersidewastheFifth,andlast,Circle.Theonlythingbetweenthelastcircleanduswasthisbodyofwater.“Lookthere,”hissed
Lackland,pointingtooneside.Toourleftwasanold
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woodenpier,listingbackandforthonwhatIsupposedwerepartiallyrottedsupporttimberssunkeninthewater.Thewoodensignhungona
leaningpostswungslowlyinthebreeze.Thoughweweresomeyardsfromit,thewordswereclearenough,eveninthedark.Infact,thewordsseemedtoglowred.
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“BlackrootPier,”Iread.“VegaJane,”saidDelphin
atoneIhadneverheardhimusebefore.“What?”Iwhisperedback.ButIneedn’thaveasked.I
couldseewhathadpromptedhiswords.Thesmall,blackvesselhad
roundedthebendandwasdrawingclosertothepier.At
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thebackofit,holdingalongsteeringoar,wasadark-shroudedfigure.TheboatglidedoverthewaterasifitwasridingontheairjustabovethesurfaceoftheObolus.Theshroudedfigure
expertlyguidedthecrafttoagentlestopatthewarpedboardsofthepier.
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Therewasalanternattachedtoabentrodaffixedtotheboat’sgunwale.Itgaveoffenoughofaglowforustoseethefaceofthegentpilotingwhenheloweredhishood.Wealltookastepback
whenwesawhim.ItappearedtomethatRubezwasaskeleton,onlysomeonehadforgottentotellhimhe
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wasnolongeralive.Everythingabouthimwasbony,hollowanddead.Yethiseyesglowedfiercely
inthelanternlight.Theglowseemedtobethesameasthefieryredofthelettersonthesign.Heopenedhismouthandspokeatthesametimethatonelong,bonyhandreachedoutandbeckonedto
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us.“Drawclose,thosewho
wishtocrosstheObolus,”hesaidinavoicethatsoundedlikethelowthroatyrumbleofanattackcanine.“AndRubezwilloblige.”Wedrewclose,steppingup
ontothefragilepier,whichlurchedsidewaysunderourcollectiveweight.Ithought
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wewereallgoingtogotumblingintothewater,butthethingrighteditselfandwestoodlevelacoupleoffeetfromRubez.Istartedtostepontheboat,
whenRubezbarredmywaywithhisoar.Itwasdrippingwetandslimy.“Oi,”IcalledoutasI
jumpedback.“Yousaidto
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drawcloseandyou’doblige.”“Rubezisneedinghisdue,”
hecroaked.Istaredathim.“Whatsort
ofdue?”Inanswer,helookedatthe
planksofthesmallboatandthenoveratus.“Gotroomforfourandno
more.”Ilookedattheothersand
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thenturnedbacktohim.“Butwe’vegotfive.”“Fourandnomore,”he
repeated.Ipulledmywand.“AndI
saidwe’vegotfive.Now,Iknowyouwantsomesortofpayment.AndI’llbegladtogiveit.Butwe’reallcrossingthisriver.”Hesmiledatmeandhis
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teethwerebloodred.AndInoticedforthefirsttimethathisarm,exposedabitashewieldedtheoar,wascoveredindarkscales,likeafish.Heraisedhisoarandthenpointeditovermyhead.Thenextmoment,Delph
screamed.Iturned.Hewasonhisknees,holdinghishead,hisfacecontortedin
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agony.Igrabbedhimbuthethrewmeoff,fellontohisbellyandstartedconvulsing.“Delph!Delph!”PetraandLacklandtriedto
help,buttheywerethrownbackwardbysomeunseenforce.IpointedmywandatDelph
totrytoincantsomethingthatwouldmakewhateverwas
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hurtinghimgoaway.Butitwasasifsomethingwasgrippingmywandandpullingitaway.IwhirledaroundtostareatRubez.Hejuststoodthere,hisoarstillheldhigh,andIknewitwasthesourceofDelph’sagony.“Stopit!”Iscreamed.“Stop
it,please.”Rubezslowlyloweredhis
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oar,andDelphinstantlyceasedconvulsing.Helaytherepanting.Ikneltnexttohimand
grippedhishand.“Delph?”“O…okay,VegaJane,”he
mumbled.“Pain’sgone.O-kay.”IturnedbacktoRubez
venomously.“WhytheHeldidyoudothat?”
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“Fourinmeboat,nomore.”Ilookedoverhisvessel.
“Okay,thenwecanmaketwotrips.Threeandtwo.Thatmeetsyourbloodyrule!”Hissmilevanishedandhe
heldupasolitaryfinger.“Onetrip,nottwo.”Istood,facedhimand
squaredmyshoulders.“Sowhatisyourdue,then,eh?”I
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trulydidn’tunderstandwhattheblokewanted.Heglanceddownatthedark
watersandthenbackupatme.“Oneofyoumustswimfor
itifyouwanttogettotheotherside.That’smedue.Ifyoudon’twanttoswimforit,youcanstayhere,thelotofyou.Andyouwon’tbealive
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inafewslivers.”Helookedovermyshoulderashesaidthis.“They’recoming.”“Who’scoming?”Iasked
sharply.Heloweredhisgazetome
andhiseyeswerelikefistsoffieryblood.“Death,”hehissed.Andthatsoundfilledmewithadreadthatnoteventheshriekofajabbitcould
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inspire.Ilookeddownatthegently
lappingwatersandthenacrosstowardtheriver’sotherside,whichIstillcouldn’tseefromhere.IturnedbacktoRubez.“Is
theretrulynootherway?”“Onlyone.”“What?”Isaideagerly.“Icanturnfiveintofour.
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Thentheremainderscanrideinmeboat!”heendedsavagelyandraisedhisoarthreateningly.“Whichone,eh?EH!”Iheldupmyhandsand
criedout,“No.I’llswimforit.”Delphroseonshakylegs.
“VegaJane,you’renotthatgoodofaswimmer.”
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HarryTwodancedaroundmyfeetandmovedhisforelegsasiftoshowhowpowerfulaswimmerhewas.“No,”Isaid.“I’llgo.”“No,”snappedDelph.“You
can’talwaysbetheonetogoitalone.”Lacklandsaid,“How’bout
thecanine,eh?”“Shutup,Lackland,”I
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barked.Delphpulledmeasideand
whispered,“Let’shaveagoathimandtakehisblastedboat.”“Yousawwhathejustdid
toyou.Andhisoarapparentlyismorethanamatchformywand.”Delphsaidinanormal
voice,“Thenhowdowe
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choose,eh?”Petrasaid,“IvoteforLack
togoin.”Lacklandsworeunderhis
breath.“Whyme?”“Well,weneedVega’s
wandtogetthrough,don’twe?”“That’sbloodyruthlessof
you,”snappedLackland.“WhataboutDelph?Orare
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youtoowonkyoverthebloke?”DelphandPetrabothlooked
liketheyhadbeenwallopedbyacolossal.BeforePetracouldanswer,
Delphsaid,“I’llgo.I’mastrongswimmer.”Headdedinanembarrassedtone,“AndlikePetrasaid,weneedVega’swandtogoon.”
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“No,Delph,”snappedPetra.“You’renotgoinginthere.BloodyHel,I’llgo.”Lacklandinterjected,“Look,
whynottheruddycanine,eh?Willsomebodytellmethat?It’sabloodybeast.”Delphshovedhim.“Harry
Twoisworthfive-ayou.”“Enough,”Ishouted.“I’m
goingin.”
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“Butweneedyouto—”beganPetra.Ipointedmywandatthem.“No,VegaJane,”screamed
Delph.HeknewwhatIwasabouttodo.HarryTwobarkedand
lungedatme,hismismatchedeyeswidewithdistress.Isaid,“Subservio.”Instantly,theireyesbecame
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unfocusedandtheystoodrigidlybeforeme.Ipointedmywandatthevesselandtheyallclimbedin,HarryTwoincluded.IdrewadeepbreathasI
lookedatthemonebyone,mygazeholdingfinallyonDelph.WouldthelastimpressionIhaveofhimbeoneofstarkbetrayal?And
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theresatHarryTwo,frozen,butinsideIknewhecouldseewhatIhaddone.Ifeltdeepshameallaround.ButIhadnotimetodwelluponit.IturnedbacktoRubez,who
waswaitingexpectantly.“Anythingyoucantellme
beforeIdivein?”Iaskedcoolly.Heappraisedmeforafew
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longmoments.Thenheglancedoverboard.“What’sdownthereneedssortingout,don’tit?Whetheryou’retheonetodoit?”Heshrugged.“Onlyyoucananswerthat.”Hegavemeawickedgrin,whichmademybloodboil.ItoldmyselfthatIwouldsurvivethisifonlysoIcouldfacethisblokeagainandturn
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himtodust!Rubezusedhisoartopush
offfromthepier.Iwatchedthemdriftaway.IthadoccurredtomethatthismightbethelasttimeIwouldseeDelphorHarryTwo.Ishouldhavefeltteary.Ishouldhavefeltsomething.Andtruthbeknown,Idid.Aterrible,terribleemptiness.Asthough
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allIhadorhadeverfeltwasgone.Thentheydisappearedin
themistthathadsprungupoverthewater.AllIcouldhearwasthesplashoftheoaragainstthewater’ssurfaceasRubezcarriedallofmycompanionsaway.TheSubserviospellwould
onlycontinuetoworkwhileI
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wasinrelativelycloseproximitytothem.Butbythetimetheeffectsworeoff,itwouldbetoolatetostopme.Iheldupasolitaryhandand
said,“Good-bye.”ThenIsteppedtotheedge
ofthepierandlookeddownattheObolusRiver.Delphwasright.Iwasnotaveryexperiencedswimmer.There
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simplywasn’tthatmuchwaterinWormwood.Ihadnoideawhatawaitedmeinthefouldepths,butstandingherethinkingaboutitwasnotdoingmeanygood.So,grippingmywand,I
tookadeepbreathanddovein.
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IDIDN’TKNOWWHATtoexpectwhenIhitthewater.Well,IsupposedIthoughtitwouldbecoldandmiserable,butitreallywasn’t.Infact,it
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feltwarmandcomforting.WhenIbrokethesurfaceof
thewaterthatchanged.Itookabreath.AtleastI
triedto.Butwhentheairhitmylungs,Ithoughtmybrainwouldexplode.IgaspedandwrithedandwhenIwasabouttoloseconsciousness,IdidtheonlythingIcouldthinktodo.Idoveunderthewater.
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Afternearlysuffocatingabovewater,mymouthwasstillopenwhenIwentunder.TheliquidpouredintomylungsandIknewthenthatIwoulddiewhenmylungsfilledlikebuckets.ButIdidn’tdie.Thepainin
myheadwentawayandIgulpedbreathafterbreathandasthewaterpouredthrough
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mylungs,Ifeltstrangelyreplenished.Ilitmywandandlookedaround.Thewaterwassomurkythatevenwiththeillumination,Icouldseeonlyafewfeetineverydirection.Iswamon,glidingsmoothlythroughthewater.IwantedtomakesurethatIwasheadingintherightdirection,soIbrokethe
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surfaceagainandstaredahead.ButitwassodarkandthepaininmyheadbecamesofiercethatIhadtodivebackunderagain.Acoldchillinvadedmy
insides,evenasmyoutsidefeltwarmandcomforted.IfIcan’tbreatheoutofthewater,howwillIescapethisplace?Wasthistheduethat
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Rubezdemanded?Thesacrificethatmostwouldbeunwillingtomake?MeimprisonedintheObolusforever?Ipushedthesetroubling
thoughtsawayandswamon,hopingIwastravelingintherightdirection.Rubezhadsaidthatthings
inhereneededsortingout.I
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hadnoideawhathemeantbythat.Iassumedthattherewerevilecreatureslurkinginthewaterthatwoulddotheirbesttokillme.Ifso,IwasaspreparedasIcouldbe.Iheldoutmywandand
said,“Crystiladomagnifica.”WhatIhadexpectedwere
waterdemonswhoseferocityandlethalitywouldmatch
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thosethatwalkedtheland.That,Icouldunderstand.That,Icouldfight,andperhapswin.Butthatwasn’twhatIsaw.“Nooo,”Imoaned.I
stoppedswimmingandstartedtosinktothebottomofthefoulriver.Thegreatbattlefieldon
whichIhadbeengiventhe
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ElementalbyAliceAdronisandthennearlykilledlaybeforeme.Only,thistimeIwaspartofthegreatbattle.Iwasastrideamuscledsteed.Iwasoutfittedinchainmail.IcarriedagreatspearinonehandasIflewthroughthesky.JustasAlicehaddone.Ihadseenthissameimage
beforeinadream,thusI
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knewwhatwasabouttocome.TheblowhitmyimagefullinthechestandItumbledoffmysteed.Ifell,andasmyimagefell,ithappened.Theimageandmyself
becameone.Andwewerebothfallingsofastandsofarthatmybreathwastornfromme.Ilookeddownatmychestandtherewasthe
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wound,deepandbloody.AndthepainpiercedmesobadlythatIcriedoutandmymouthinstantlyfilled,notwithwaterbutwithblood.Myblood.AndthenIfeltnomore.Andthatscaredmemore
thananythingelsehad.Forthereisonlyonereason
awoundedpersonfeelsnopain.
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Thiswasnodream.Thiswasnoimage.Thiswasmydeath.Me,VegaJane.Iwasnomore.IhitthebottomofwhatI
supposedwastheObolusRiverandthenaremarkablethinghappened.Ikeptfalling.Itwasas
thoughtheriverbedtherehad
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opened,thedirtmovingaside,allowingmyplummettocontinuetoaplacethatwassomehowevendeeper.Myeyeshadbeenclosedall
thistimebecausemycouragehadreacheditslimits.ButnowIhadtoopenthem.Iheardtheheavystaffstrikethestonefloor.Ilookedupatthetall,lean,near-cadaverous
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figure.ItwasOrco.Withhisgreat,
longnose,whichhadthreeopenings.Histotallyblackeyeslookedmeupanddown.Hisawfulmouthopened,revealingbothhisblackteethandthelongtonguewiththetrioofarrowends.Hehissedandstruckthestoneagainwithhiscudgel.
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Thiscausedmetospringboltuprightandstandbeforehim.Ilookeddownatmyself.MyclotheswereasdryasifIhadneversteppedfootinthewater.Ilookedtomyrightand
thereitwas.Thewallofthedead.The
mouthswereopen,theeyesthesame.Nosoundscame
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fromthemouths,butinthepleadingeyesIheardmoremiserythanIcouldpossiblybear.IlookedbackatOrco.He
wassmilingintriumph.AndIknewwhy.Ilookeddownatmychest
andsawthegapingholethere,mystilledheartrightunderneath.Iputoutmyhand
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towarditbutthendrewback.Icouldnotbringmyselftotouchmyownmortalwound.IlookedupatOrco.“Certe,”hehissed,a
triumphantlookonhisfeatures.WasIreallydead?Buthow
couldIbe?Ihadneverreallybeenonthatbattlefield.SohowcouldIhavebeen
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mortallywounded?“Iamnotdead,”Isaid
firmly.Inresponsehepointedwith
hisclawedfingerstomychest.“Certe.”Ishookmyheadstubbornly.
“Iamnotdead.”Hepointedtothewalland
raisedhiscudgel.Ifeltmyfeetleavethestonefloor.I
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washurtledacrossthespaceandslammedintothewall.Icouldnowhearthewordsspewingfromthepoorsoulsimprisonedthere.Thenextthingthat
happenedtomewasthemostdreadfulofall.Iwassinkingintothewall.
ItfeltlikeIwasbeingdissolvedfromtheinsideout.
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Icouldfeelmyself…vanishing,partsofmybeingdisappearingfromme.AsIlookedwildlyaround,IsomehowknewthatoncemymouthandeyesweretheonlythingsleftvisibleofmybeingthatIwouldbelost,trappedhereforever.Mythoughtsturned
fleetinglytoDelphandHarry
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Two.AndeventoPetraandLackland.AndthenasIsankfarther
intothestoneavoicecameintomyear.Itwasnotfromthedeath
wall.Itwasavoicefrominside
myhead.Vega,deathisonlyfear.Withoutfear,thereisno
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death.Withoutdeath,therearenobars.Withoutbars,thereisonlyfreedom.Avoicespeakinginmy
headatthismomentshouldhavedrivenmecompletelymad.Butitdidn’t.Forsomeinexplicablereason,itgavemepause.Thenitgavemecalm.Andthenitgavemesomethingmuch,much
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stronger.Perhapsthestrongestthingofall.Itgavemehope.Ilookedatmyhand,which
wasstillvisible.Andinitwasclutchedmywand.AndIrecalledthatinour
firstmeetingOrcohadfearedmywand.Whichofcoursemeantthat
hefearedme.
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VegaJane.Iwasasorceress.Ihada
wand.Ihadaneed.Thus,asSilenushadinformedme,Icouldcomeupwithaspelltofillthatneed.Theexactwordsweren’timportant.Itwasthemind,body,spiritallcomingtogetherasone,justasAstreahadsaid.JustasIhaddonespontaneouslyback
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athercottage,withoutevenawandtoaidme.Myentirebeing
concentratedononlyonething.ImadeaslashingmotionwithmywandandscreamedoutwithallthebreathIhadleft.“Iamnotdead!”Therewasanenormous
crack,likeathunder-thrust,
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andthewallbrokerightdownthemiddle,freeingme.Isteppedclearoftherubble,
mywandheldhigh.Forthefirsttimeinthe
presenceofOrco,Ifeltnofear.Thebarsofmyprisonweretrulybroken.ButinhimIsaw,withsatisfaction,uncertaintyinthosecoldblackeyes.
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HeandIsquaredoffonthestone,circlingeachother.Whenheraisedhiscudgel,Iraisedmywand,bracingtothrowoffhisattack.Heloweredhiscudgel,butIkeptmywandpointedrightathim.Heglanceddownatmychest.Ididthesame.Igaped.Theholeinmy
chestwasgone.
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Ilookeduptoseethatcruelfacestaringatme.Icouldnothelpmyself.“Certe,”Ihissed.AndthenIwashurtling
upward,throughstoneanddirtandintothecrushofwater.Up,up,upIwentuntilIthoughtthepressureIwasfeelingallaroundwouldsmashmeflat.Thenext
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instant,IsputteredandspitandthoughtIwasgoingtodrown.AndthenIrealizedsomething.Iwasbreathingaironce
more,notwater.Ilookedacrossthesurface
oftheriverinalldirections.Itlookedthesametome,whichmeantIdidnotknowwhichwaytogo.Iwasflopping
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aroundinthewater,suddenlyexhaustedfrommystruggledownbelow.Iwentunderthewateroncebutmanagedtopushmyselfbacktothesurface.ThenIwentunderagain.AndIdidn’tknowifIcouldfindthestrengthtokeepfighting.Somethinggrabbedmeand
Ikickedandthrashedtofree
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myself.Itriedtopointmywand,butmyarmswerepinnedtomysides.Ibrokethesurfaceofthewater,andstoppedstruggling.“Delph!”Hewasfacingme,holding
meupinhisstrongarms.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Iasked.“Areyoumental?Whatthe
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bloodyHeld’youthink?I’msavin’you.”Heturnedonhisback,held
meundermyarmsandkickedoff.“Doyouknowwhichway
togo?”Iasked,immenselyrelievedbyhispresence.“Welitafireontheshoreas
alandmark.Headingrightforit.”
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“I’msorryIhadtocastaspelloveryou,”Isaid.“Figuredthat’swhatyou
donewhenIcameouttait.”“Haveyoubeensearching
formelong?”“Longenough.”Atlastmyfeetbumped
againstsomethingandIrealizedwewereintheshallows.Delphhelpedmeto
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stand.Ilookedbackintimetosee
Rubezandhisblackenedvesseldriftpastus.Ilockedgazeswiththe
creature.AfterstaringdownOrco,Iknewthisblokecouldholdnohorrorsforme.IpointedbehindmeattheObolus.“Oi,Rubez,IthinkI’vegot
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itallsortedout.Thanks.”Hisfacewasamaskof
loathing.AndIdidn’tcareajot.Wecontinuedonuntilour
feethitlevelground.Thensomethingleapton
me.ItwasHarryTwo.Helicked
myfaceandpushedhissnoutagainstmycheek.
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Delphpickedmeupinhiscrushingembrace.“Youmadeit,”hesaid
quietly,hisbreathtouchingmycheek.Hissenseofreliefwaspalpable.“Imadeit,”Isaidweakly.
“Wherearetheothers?”“Overbythefire.”Aswestartedtowalk
towardthefirelight,hesaid.
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“Wasitbadswimmingacross?”Ilookedupathiswide,
happyface.“Notthatbad,Delph.Not
thatbada’tall.”
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WEWEREINtheFifthCirclenow,thelast.Anditwasnotlostuponmethatthiswouldbeourgreatestand,hopefully,finalchallenge.
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Petrahadofferedtotakethefirstwatch.LacklandandDelphwereasleep.IlayonmylumpybedwithHarryTwobesideme.Ihadnottoldtheothers
whathappenedtomebackintheObolusRiver.Whatwouldhavebeenthepoint?Andbesides,whatcouldIsay?
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Right,soanywayIdiedfromabloodywoundtomychest,butI’mbackfromthedeadnowandeverything’sjustsmashing.Wouldyouliketoseethespotofmymortalwound?Itwasquitesomething!Igroanedandputahand
overmyface.ThenIloweredmyotherhandtomychest.I
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hadbeenterrifiedtodothisbefore,butnowIhadto.IreachedundermyclothesuntilIcouldfeelmyskin.Iknewexactlywherethewoundhadbeen.IwasscaredthatIwouldfeelremnantsoftheawfulspot,butmyskinwasassmooththereasithadalwaysbeen.Iwithdrewmyhand.But
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still,Ifeltuncleansomehow,changedforever.And—thehardestpartofall—Ifeltimmeasurablydifferentfrommycompanions.DelphandIhadfacedso
muchinhere,together.Butwehadnotexperiencedthistogether.OnlyIhad.AndIthankedtheholySteeplesforthat.
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IpulledtheparchmentfrommycloakandsummonedSilenus.Heappearedamomentlater.“Wemadeitacrossthe
ObolusandintotheFifthCircle,”Imumbled.“AndRubez’spayment?”he
asked.Itookaslivertodescribein
detailwhathadhappenedto
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me.“Idied,Silenus.Iwas
becomingpartofthatwall.”“Butyoufoughtbackand
gainedyourfreedom.Thatisasignificantaccomplishment,Vega.Neverforgetthat.”“Astreasaidsheknewlittle
oftheFifthCircleexceptthatmyancestor,JasperJane,createdit.Apparently,hewas
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keenondarksorcery.Anyway,shementionedthatitmightbethecircleoflostsouls.”Silenusstaredworriedlyat
me.“Lostsoulsareatrickybusiness,Vega.Verytricky.”“Howcanasoulbelost?
DespitewhatAstreasaidIthoughtifabodydied,sodiditssoul.”
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“Oh,no.Thesoulisfarmoreresilientthanthebody,whichisactuallyquitefragile.Thesoulcanlivewithoutthebody.And,truthbeknown,thebodycanlivewithoutthesoul,butIwouldneverwanttoencounterasoullessbody.Idoubtthemeetingwouldbepleasant.However,abodylesssoulcan
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bequiteniceandaccommodating.Insomeways,infact,thatmightbeanaptdescriptionofme.”“Well,that’snotsobad,”I
said.“Butdonot,forone
moment,believethatallsoulsdisenfranchisedfromtheirbodiesarelikethat,fortheyarenot.”
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“Howdoyoumean,exactly?”“Anevilsoulremainsevil,
regardlessofwhetheritiswrappedinafoulbodyornot.Losingthephysicaldoesnotchangethesoul.Insomeways,itmakesitevenmoreevil.Thusitisagoodideatokeepahealthyskepticismofallsouls,Vega,untilyoucan
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besureonwhatsideoftheledgertheyfall.”“Andhowdoesonetell
that?”Iasked,wide-eyed.“Well,agoodindicatoris
whethertheytryandkillyouornot.”Ihadasuddenideaandtook
outPetra’swand.“Yousaidyoucouldtellif
thisisaMaladon’swand?”
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“Tapitagainsttheparchment,”saidSilenus.Idrewalongbreathanddid
asheasked.Silenusinstantlyvanished
fromthepage.Itappedmyownwand
againsttheparchmentandhereappeared.Westaredateachother.“AMaladon’s?”Isaid.
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“Withoutdoubt.”Isaidgood-byetoSilenus
andputtheparchmentaway,mythoughtsnowfilledwithdread.IwalkedovertoDelph
whenitwasmyturntotakewatch.“Delph,weneedtotalk.”“’Boutwhat,VegaJane?”“Petra.”
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Hesuddenlylookedsheepish.“We’rejustfriends.ItoldyouIfeltsorryforher.”“Idon’tcareifyoulikeher,
Delph.She’sprettyandtough,high-spiritedand,well,sortofamazing.”“Youmeanshe’slikeyou?”
heinterjected.Iwasabouttosay
somethingelsebuthadfrozen
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athiswords.“Wh-what?”Istammered.“She’slikeyou.You’reall
thosethings.Andmore,VegaJane.Butyou’renotalikeinotherways.”IfeltmyselfturnredandI
couldn’tlookathim.“Whatdoyoumean?”“You’realwayshelping
folks.BackinWormwood,
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thewayyouvisitedyourmumanddadandtookcare-ayourbrother.AndyouweretheonlyfriendIhadwhileothersmadefun-ame.AndbackattheOboluswiththatbloodyRubez,PetrawasjustfinewithLacklandhavingtoswimforit,becausesheknewsheneededyoutomakeitthroughtheQuag.Younever
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wouldadonethat.”Welookedateachotherfor
alongmoment.Andthenwebothreachedoutatthesametimeandgrippedtheother’shand.Iwantedtodomorethanthat.Iwantedtokisshim,buthesaid,“YouwantedtotellmesomethingaboutPetra?”Ilookedathimandthen
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slowlyletgoofhishand.“It’llkeep.Getsomesleep,”Iadded.AfterheleftIsatthere
thinking.Petracouldbeas
disconnectedfromherhistoryasIhadbeenfrommine.But,toborrowSilenus’sphrase,onwhatsideoftheledgerwouldsheeventuallyfall?
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IknewatsomepointIwouldhavetoanswerthatquestion.Ionlyhopeditdidn’tcostmemylife.
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THESUNROSE,muchtomyrelief.Assoonasweclearedaboutahalfmileofforest,wesawit.ThemountainthatDelph
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andIhadseenonourveryfirstnightintheQuag—whichseemedacenturyagonow—roseaboveus,farcloserthaniteverhadbeenbefore.Thelandatthefootofthemountainroseswiftly,formingspinyridges.Theseridges,likethebacksofserpents,withdeepvalleysinbetween,grewsteeperand
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steeperuntiltheyransmackintothefaceofthemountain.IeyedDelph.“Seemslike
wegooverthemountain.”Henodded,hisgazetaking
inallpoints.Whilethemountainstilllookedblueandstrippedoffoliage,fromourvantagepoint,wecouldseetheridgesleadinguptoitwerelushlyencasedingreen.
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However,therewasnothingbeautifulaboutthisplace.Afterallwehadbeenthrough,Isawonlythestarkpossibilityofdeath.Wereachedthespinyridge
inthemiddleandstartedtoheadup.Thegoingwasrough.Thetreesandotherfoliageweredenselypackedandtheinclineswiftly
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becamesteep.Thefootingwasnotsogoodeither,andweeachtooktumblesseveraltimes.Butwekeptgoing.Lacklandhadtousehis
sword,andDelphhisax,tocutawaythrough.Ifinallyendedupusingmywandtoblastapath.Thenwearrivedattheendandlookeddownintoabroad,flatvalleynearly
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amileacross.Iglancedtomyrightandleft.Thepathhadjustendedinasheerrockcliff!Therewasnowaytokeepgoingup.Delphstoodnexttomeand
peeredintothevalley.Hesaid,“Guesswegodown,eh?”“IcanuseDestintotake
youdownonebyone,”Isaid.
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“Youfirst?”IaskedLackland.Iknewhewasnotsokeenonflyingandwouldwanttogetitoverwith.Hesheathedhisswordand
tightenedthegriponhistuck.“Right,”hesaid,hisfacealreadyturninggrayandhisbrowsweaty.Ihadhimholdontothe
leatherstrapsonmyback.I
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countedtothreeandthenweleapt.Well,Ileaptanddraggedasquirmy,heavyLacklandalongwithme.Ihadtododgepasttreecanopies,butwelandedsafelyandLacklandgratefullyplacedhisfeetbackonsolidground.IflewbackupforPetraand
thenDelph.
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HarryTwowasthelasttocomedownwithme.Whenwealighted,Iunhookedhimfromhisharnessandlookedaround.Therewasnoonethere.“Delph?”HarryTwoyippedand
startedsniffingaround.“Petra?Lackland?Ifthisis
somesortofjollyonyour
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part…”ButIknewitwasn’t.Theywouldneverdosomethinglikethat.HarryTwoandIracedhereandthere,exploringbehindtreesanddensefoliage,buttherewasnotonesignofthem.Mybellyburnedwith
anxiety.ThenIhadasuddenthought.Iraisedmywandandsaid,“Rejoinda,Delph.”I
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preparedtoduckwhenhislargebodycameflyingatme,butitdidn’t.Everythingaroundusremainedstillandquiet.Iattemptedthesamespell
withLacklandandPetra.Nothing.“Crystiladomagnifica.”Allthatgotmewasaclose-
upoftreeswithnotoneliving
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thinginoraroundthem.IlookeddownatHarryTwo,colddreadinvadingeverypartofmybody.Wewerealone.Ihadnoideawhattodo.Ihadneverfeltsofrantic.Irushedaroundscreamingtheirnames.Iwasamadfemale,allreasonstruckcleanfromme.Thenanotherthoughtfilled
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mewithfreshpanic.Thiswastheplaceoflost
souls.Silenushadsaidthatthephysicalcouldbeseparatedfromthesoul,thoughanevilperson’ssoulwouldremainevil,whetherithadabodyattachedtoitornot.Hadtheybeentakenandtheirsoulsremoved?Ifso,whereweretheirbodies?
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Stopit,Vega.Iwasactingasifitwas
certaintheyweredead.Icouldn’tthinkthatway.Ihadtofindthem.AndIwould.“Comeon,HarryTwo,”I
screamed.Hejumpedintohisharness
andIsprangintotheair.WesoaredalongandIdidlongbankingmovementstothe
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rightandleftasIkeptmygazebelow,lookingforanysignofmycompanions.Isawnothingandmyspiritsplummetedandmynervesoncemorethreatenedtorunawaywithme.Thelongertheyweregone,themoreitseemedtheywouldbegoneforever.Icouldbarelybreathe.Iwassoscared,I
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couldn’tevencry.ItwaslikeIhadbeenstruckbythesamespellIhadusedtofreezethejabbitbackatAstrea’s.AsIlookedup,Isawit
materializing.AtfirstIthoughtitwasanotherstormblowingupbecauseIhadbeenflyingforsolong.Onlyitwasn’tastorm.Iwouldhavepreferredastorm,
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actually.Theskywassuddenly
blackenedwithflyingthings.Asonedrewclosetome,Icouldseethatitlookedlikeaninficio,onlyfarsmaller,aboutthesizeofHarryTwo.Buttheremusthavebeenthousandsofthem.Andtheywereallbearingdownonuswithclawedwingsand
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screechingcries.Iwentintoadive.Icould
feelmycanine’srigidbodyagainstmychest.Icouldsensethethingsrightbehindme.Ievenfeltthetugsonmycloakasonegrabbeditwithitsclaws.Ispedupanddisappearedthroughacanopyofleaves.Iwasprayingthecreatureswouldnotfollowus
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downhere.Myprayerswerenot
answered.Izoomedalongtheground
withtheswarmsclosingin.Ipointedmywandbehind
meandcriedout,“Engulfiado.”Asurgeofwatershotout
andasIlookedback,Isawitslamintothewallof
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creatures,knockingmanyofthemdownandscatteringtherest.ButIknewtheywould
regroupandbeafterusagain.UpaheadIsawit.Ihadno
otherchoice.Ipointedmywandatthe
hugedoubledoorsofthemassivestonebuildingthathadjustappearedinmyline
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ofvision.“Ingressio.”Thedoorssprangopen.I
lookedback.Theswirloffoulcreatureswasfeetfromus.Icouldseetheirrazor-sharpclawsandbeaksandthemurderouslooksintheireyes.HarryTwoandIzipped
throughthedoors.Pointingmywandbehindmeagain,I
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criedout,“Securius.”Thedoorsslammedshutand
bolted.Asplitsecondlater,Icould
hearhundredsofthudsagainstthethickeneddoorsastheclawedcreaturesslammedintothewood.But,thankfully,thedoorsheld.IlandedandletHarryTwo
outofhisharness.Mychest
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heaving,IwatchedthedoorsjustasIhadbackatStacksinWormwoodwhenthepairofjabbitswasafterme.Thatdoorhadnotopened.Itdidn’tlooklikethesewouldeither.Butthosefoulthingsout
there,hadtheyattackedDelphandtheothers?Hadtheycarriedthemawaysomewhereto…to…I
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couldn’tthinkit.Ifeltthetearsnowrushtomyeyes.Itfeltlikemyhearthadbeenrippedcleanfromme.Imanagedtoregainabitof
calmandlookedaround.TheplaceremindedmeofStackswithitshighceilings,stonestairs,whitemarblebalustradesandarchedcolumnsleadingintoother
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rooms.Istartedupthestairstoseewhatwasonthesecondlevel,whenIheardit.“MayIhelpyou?”Halfwayupthestairs,I
whirledaround,tryingtolocatethesourceofthewords.Mygazehadpassedoveracorneronthefirstfloor.ButthenIcamebacktoitasthe,well,whateverit
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was,movedoutintotheopenwhereIcouldseeitclearly.Thefigurewasreallyjustan
outline.Thelightcominginthroughthehighwindowsshonerightthroughit,aswiththewendigo.“MayIhelpyou?”the
figuresaidagain.Islowlywalkedbackdown
thestairsandstoppedasthe
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thingglidedovertome.Yes,itwasgliding,notwalking.Whenitdrewcloseenough,
Icouldseethatitwastheimageofatallmalebentwithage.Hehadonbootsandalongrobeopeninthefront.WithathrillIsawtheimageofthethreehooksimprintedacrossthebreastplatehewore.
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“I’mlookingformyfriends,”Isaidquickly.“Therewerethreeofthem.Theyjustvanished.I’mveryworried.Please,canyouhelpme?”“Threefriendsvanished?”
hesaid.“Dearme,thatisnotgood.Iamsorry.”Helookedmeupanddown
andthengazedforamoment
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atHarryTwo.“Ihaven’tseenacaninein
ages,”hesaid.HereacheddowntopetHarryTwo,buthishandpassedrightthroughmycanine.IsawHarryTwoshiverslightly.“Blast,”saidthemale.“I
forgotaboutthat.Oh,well.”“Whoareyou?”Iasked.I
alsowantedtoaskwhatwas
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he.“MynameisorwasJasper
Jane.”Inearlyfellover.AndI
wouldhavebutIwasapparentlyfrozentothespot.“Well,I’mVegaJane,”I
managedtosay.Helookedatmecuriously.
“Weshareasurname.DoIknowyou?”
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“Idoubtit.”Ipausedandthencontinued.“Isawyourgrave,”Isaidslowly.“AttheWolvercoteCemetery.”“Mybodyisburiedat
Wolvercote.Butmysoulisnot.Mysoulisrighthereinfrontofyou.’TisallIhaveleft.”Myeyeswidened.“Howdo
youseparateyoursoulfrom
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yourbody?”“Therearetwowaysof
doingso.Forme,IdidsobecausemybodywasdyingbutIdidnotwanttofullyperish.Thus,usingmagicIremovedmysoulbeforemyphysicalselfbreatheditslast.”“Yousaidtherewasanother
way?”
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“Yes.ButIdonotwishtodescribeit.Itistoohorrible.”Hesuddenlysawtheringon
myfinger.“Wheredidyougetthat?”heexclaimed.“Itbelongedtomy
grandfather.Whatdoesitmean?”Iasked.“Themark?”“ItisourTrinity.Our
mantra:Peace.Hope.Freedom.Preciselyinthat
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order.”“Look,Ineedtofindmy
friends.Everysliverthatpasses—”Igulped.“I’mnotsureIcanhelp
you,notsureatall.Yousee,it’sreallynotmyplacetohelpthosetryingtopassthroughhere.”“Iknowthat!ButAstrea
changedhermind.She
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trainedmeuptoescapehere.TotakeupthefightoncemoreagainsttheMaladons.”Thisallcameoutina
torrent.Helookedstricken.“Astrea?I…Helpedyouto
leavehere?Fightagain?Icanscarcelybelieveit.”InmymindIsearchedfor
somethingthatwouldmakehimseethathehadtohelp
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me.Iheldupmywand.“Andthiswasgiventomebyanotherancestor,AliceAdronis.ShetoldmeIhadtosurvive.Tofight.Youhavetoseethetruth,Jasper,don’tyou?”Jasperwasnowstaringat
me,openmouthed.Hishandranupanddownthesymbolofthethreehooksonhis
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breastplate.“Seewhat?”hesaidbreathlessly.“Eightcenturiesisbloody
longenoughtohide.AndtheMaladonswillfindus.Theywill.Ifthey’retrulyasevilaseveryonesays,theywillneverstoplooking.Well,Iwouldrathercomeoutofhidingandtakethefighttothem!”
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Helookeddownatmywand.“Alice…Alicegaveyouthat?”“ItwasherElemental.And
nowit’smywand.Ithasastrandofherhairembeddedinit.”“Alicewasthemost
courageousofusall.”Heslumpedtothefloorandsattherecross-legged.“Thisis
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quiteastonishing,”hesaid.“Quite.Wehadourplan,yousee.And…”“Andyoucarrieditoutvery
well.Butit’sovernow.It’sover!”“Howcameyouhere,tomy
castle?”hesaidsharply.“Iwaschasedbyflocksof
verylethalflyingcreatures.”“Oh,yes,thedreads,”he
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saidabsently.“Thewhat?”“Thedreads.Mycreation.If
theyfollowedyouhere,they’llbewaitingjustoutside.Ifyouattempttoleave,theywillcutyouandyourcaninetopieces.Theynevergiveuponcetheyhavepreyathand.Dreadfulthings,hencethename.”
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Mypatiencewasexhausted.“Fine.Ifyouwon’thelpme,I’llfindmyfriendsbymyself.”Iturnedandstartedtowalkoff.“Butthedreads!”Iturnedandshouted,“I
don’tcare.Icanfly,soIhaveachance.Andthey’remyfriends.Iwilldieforthem.Andifyouwon’thelpme,
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thengotobloodyHel!”AssoonasIfinished
speaking,hevanished.Goodriddance.Werushedfromtheroom
andreenteredthemainhall.Istaredatthedoubledoorswherethedreads,accordingtoJasper,stilllurked.SoIknewthiswasprobablytheend.
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IkneltdownandhuggedHarryTwo,pushingmyfaceintohisfur,breathinginhisscent.“Iloveyou,HarryTwo.Thankyousomuchforallyou’vedoneforme.”Helickedmyface,andinthosewonderfulmismatchedeyes,Icouldseethatmycaninewasmorethanreadytostandbymyside,anddiewithme.
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Irose,mywandclutchedinmyhand.ButbeforeIcouldmouthmyincantation,thehugefrontdoorsburstopen.Iwassuretheopeningwouldbefilledwithdreadscomingtotearustopieces.Buttherewasnothingthere.Iduckedwhensomething
flewpastme.ItwasJasper.Onaflying
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steed.Itwasastransparentashe.Helookedbackand
motionedformetojoinhim.IhookedHarryTwointothe
harness,leaptintotheairandfollowedJasperout.Catchinguptohim,weflew
sidebysideoverthedarkenedlandscapesbelow.“Wherearewegoing?”I
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asked.“Tofindyourfriends.”“Doesthismeanyou’re
goingtohelpme?”“Obviously.”Heglancedat
meinconcern.“You’reclearlymagical,butyou’renot,well,slow,areyou?”“DoyoureallythinkIcould
havegottenthisfarifIwas‘slow’?”
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“No,Isupposenot.”Ilookedaround.“IfIflytoo
long,astormwillcomeouttostopme.”“Notsolongasyou’rewith
me.”“Youcandothat?”“ThisistheFifthCircle.I
createdit.SoIcandoalmostanything.Almost.”Wesoaredforalongtime.
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BelowusthenightturnedtolightandthenbacktonightandthenbacktolighteventhoughIknewthatcouldnotbepossible.ItwasallsosurrealthatafterawhileIjustaccepteditanditnolongerbotheredme.“There,”saidJasper,andhe
startedtorapidlydescend.Ifollowedhimdownward
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andwetouchedthegroundaboutasliverlater.“Takeoutyourwand,
Vega.”Iimmediatelydidso.Jasper
Janehadnotstruckmeassomeoneeasilycowed.Buthelookednervousnow.Yet,Ithoughtwithsomemeasureofpride—wewerefamilyafterall—thathealso
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lookedquitedetermined.“Wherearewegoing?”I
asked.“There,”hesaid,pointing
ahead.Icouldjustmakeitoutamid
aseaoftrees.ItlookedlikeSteeplesback
inWormwood,onlyitwasmadeoftheblackestwoodIhadeverseen.Itofcourse
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hadasteepleandlongglasswindows.ButontheglasswerepicturesofthemosthorriblecreaturesIhopednevertosee.AndwhereasmySteepleshadacrossontop,thisonehadsomethingelse.Itgrewmoredistinctaswenearedthestructure.IrecoiledinhorrorwhenIsawthatitwasabodysplitin
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half.“Whatis…thisplace?”I
said.“ThisistheTempleofthe
SoulTakers.TheirleaderisthehighpriestBezil,”saidJasper.“Atrulyevilcreature.”“Butholdon,youcreated
allofthis!Whichmeansyoucreatedhim.”
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“Myjobwastopreventescapefromhereandalsoentryintohere,”saidJasper.“Icouldnotdosowithoutconjuringdarkforcespowerfulenoughtoachievebothgoals.Oncecreated,thesespeciesevolved.Theyhavehadeightcenturiestoturnevenmorediabolical.Theyforciblysplitthesouls
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fromthebodiesofthoseunfortunateenoughtocrosstheirpath,devouringthelattertonourishthemselvesandthenturningthesoulsloosetowanderaimlessly.Thatisthesecondwaytoseveryoursoulfromyourbody.”“Howdidyouthinkofsuch
athing?”
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Helookedatme.“IbaseditontheMaladons.”Thehorrorofthisleftme
speechless.Hesaid,“Yourfriendsare
assuredlyinthere.Ifyouwishtoleavethemtotheirfate,letmeknownowandwecanturnback.”Ashefinishedspeaking,hewatchedmesocloselyitremindedme
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ofthewayAstreawouldlookatme.Therewasadefiniteairofappraisalinhisfeatures.“Ialreadytoldyou.Iamnot
leavingmyfriends.”“Capital,”saidJasper.“Buthowdowedefeat
theseblokes?”“Icandonothingtothem,”
hesaid.
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“What?Thenwhydidyoucome?”“Toshowyoutheway.It
willbeuptoyoutodefeatthem.”Myspiritssank.“Canyouat
leastgivemeadviceonhowtodoso?”“Youneedtotrustyour
instincts,Vega.Andyourheart.Thatdidnotserveour
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lotparticularlywellagainsttheMaladons,butthatisnottosayweshouldnottrustourheart.Afterall,itistheonethingwehavethattheMaladonsdonot.Goodluck.”“Wait,Ihaveonemore
question.”Helookedatme
expectantly.
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“Whydidyouchangeyourmind?”“IfItrustedone‘soul’inmy
life,itwasAliceAdronis.Ifshewantedyoutosurvivetotakeupthefightoncemore,thenIwillnotstandinyourway.”Andwithaslightpop,
JasperJanewasgone.
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ISTAREDUPATthewoodenbuildingwhosetimbersweresoblackthattheylookedtohavebeencharredinsomegreatfire.IglancedatHarry
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Two.Mycaninewasnotsmiling,norwashistailbetweenhislegs.Hejustlookedserious.Andready.Thisgavemeabitofdesperatelyneededconfidence.Weapproachedthe
enormouspairofdoorsleadingintotheplace.Mywandheldtightlyinmyhand,
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mygazedartingtoandfro,westoppedinfrontofthedoors.Ipointedmywandandsaid,“Ingressio.”Thedoorsswungsilently
open.ThoughthiswaswhatIhadintended,itdidnotmakemefeelanybetterthatthistempleofevilwasopeningsoreadily.Ipointedmywandagainandsaid,“Crystilado
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magnifica.”Forthefirsttimeever,
nothinghappened.Noengorgedimagesappearedinfrontofme.Westeppedcautiouslythroughtheopening,andthedoorsslammedshutbehindus.ExpectingitasIwas,thisdidnotstartleme.Ihadotherthingstobringmeterror.
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Startingwiththeinterioroftheplace.Everysingleinchofthe
wallsandglasswascoveredwithactsofdepravityandslaughterandmayhem.Itwaslikeamaniack’smindhadbeenopenedupandsplattered,likeblood,overthewallsandwindows.AsatSteeples,therewere
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rough-hewnpewsliningthefloor.ButunlikethesimplebeautyoftheSteeplesseats,thesewerecarvedwithimagesofmiseryandtortureanddeath.Creaturesupanddownthewoodweredepictedkillingothercreaturesandthendevouringthem.Worstofallwerethecountenancesofthevictims,theirfaces
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frozenforeverinsilenthorror.AsIlookedatthem,theyseemedtomoverightinfrontofmyeyes,asthoughthearmyoffoulthingsandtheirpitifulpreyhadsuddenlysprungtolife.Icouldsensethiswasmeant
toterrifyme.AndIwasterrified.Butthatwasnotthesameas
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beingunreadytofight.“Embattlemento,”Icried
out,pointingmywandtotheright,whereawingedcreaturewithrowsofclawedappendagesshotatme.Itslammedintomyshieldspellandfelltothefloorinacrumpledand—gratefully—deadheap,itsnecksnappedfromthesudden
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collision.IlookeddownatHarry
Two,whowasgnashinghisteethandgrowling.Aninstantlatermycaninehadleaptaheadofmeandattackedafiguredrapedallinblackfromheadtofoot,whichhadappeareddirectlyinfrontofus.“No,HarryTwo,”I
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screamedout.ButHarryTwohadcaught
thethingrightattheneckandhisfangsbitdownhard.Thefigurefelltothefloor,apoolofgreenblooddrainingoutofitsneck.IpattedHarryTwo,who
hadimmediatelyreturnedtomyside,aswesteppedoverthething.Curious,Iknelt
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downandliftedthehood.IwishedIhadn’t.ThefaceIwaslookingat
appearedtohavebeenlifteddirectlyfromtheflames.Theskinwasburnedandpoppedandcracked.ItlookedfarworsethanDelph’sdamagedarm.Andthebulbouseyes,anawfulmixofyellowandred,staredbackatme
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malevolently,evenindeath.Ishuddered,droppedthe
hood,roseandhurriedon.Upaheadwasamonstrously
largestatuecarvedfromsolidrock.IthoughtthismightbeBezil.Hiscloakwasblack,hisskinwasburned,hisheadwasshavedandhiseyeswerefullofmalice.Heheldsomethinginhishands.AsI
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drewcloserIcouldseeitwasadeadchild.Ipassedcautiouslybythe
statue,partofmesurethatitwouldsuddenlycometolifeandattackme,butitdidn’t.FartheronwasapairofhugedoorscarvedwiththesamemalignantimagesthatIhadseenonthepews.Idrewabreath,pointedmy
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wandandsaid,“Ingressio.”Iknewthatjustbeyondthisportal,therewouldbethosewhowouldtryandpartmefrommysoul.Iknewitwouldbebad.
OnlyIdidn’tknowhowbad.Thedoorsswunginward
andwedrewforward.Ihadachievedgoodresultsfromnotsecond-guessingmyself
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andsteppingboldlyintoasituation.Unpredictabilitycanbeagoodthingwhendealingwithheinous,evilincarnates,I’dfound.SoIsteppedboldlyintothe
room.Andscreamed.Delph,PetraandLackland
wereimmersedinthreeseparatepools.Thewaterwas
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notclear,however,butfoul,darkandbubbly,andthereseemedtobethingsfloatingintheirdepths.Onlymyfriends’headswerevisibleandtheireyeswereclosed.AndwhileIstoodthere,theywereturningmoreandmoretransparent.Attheedgeofeachofthepoolswererobedandhoodedfigureswho
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stirredthewaterswithlong,slendersilverrods.YetasIdrewcloserIcouldseethattherodswereactuallyclearandthatthesilvercolorwascomingfromthewaters,likeinkbeingsweptupintoaninkstick.Theirsoulswerebeing
taken!ThiswastheotherwayofstealingsoulsthatJasper
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hadtoldmeabout.Myscreamshadalertedthe
robedfigures.Theyallturned,droppedtheirhoodsandrevealedtheirhideouslyscarredandcharredfaces.AsIturnedtotherightIsawanotherpoolthatwasempty.Iventuredthatwasmeanttobemine.BeforeIcouldmove,ahalf
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dozenofthemflewatme,leapingthroughtheairwithaspeedandagilitythatwasdazzling.HarryTwo,though,wasnotnearlyasslowasIwas.Hemetoneofthemhead-onandIsawhislethaljawsclamparoundthefiend’sneck,anditwentlimpasmycaninebitdown.Iraisedmywandbutwasknocked
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backwardbytwooftheSoulTakerssmashingintome.Theirclawedhandswereimmediatelyatmythroat,rippingandcuttingintome.“Impacto!”Theyblastedoffme,flew
acrosstheroomandcareenedintotwooftheirfiendishbrethrenwhowerechargingatme.Theyallfellintothe
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poolcontainingLackland.Fourmorewereatmyside
inathrice.HarryTwolaunchedatanotherandtoppledhim,tearingatthecreature’sthroat.“Jagada,”Icriedout,
spinningaround,andtwoofthemimmediatelycollapsedwithcutsallovertheirbodies.
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Ididn’twaitforthefourthtolaunchitselfatme.Pointingmywandatit,Isimplysaid,“Rigamorte.”Hefelldeadatmyfeet.IpointedmywandatDelph
andsaid,“Rejoinda,Delph.”Heflewfromthewatersand
soaredacrosstheroom,crashingintotwootherSoulTakerswhohadrushedinto
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theroom,knockingthemout.Igrabbedathisarm.
“Delph,Delph,wakeup.Wakeup,please!”IheardHarryTwowhine
andIwhippedaroundandshouted,“Engulfiado.”Thepowerfultorrentof
waterhitapairofSoulTakers—whoweredraggingHarryTwoacrosstheroom
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—withsuchforcethatitsmashedthemintothestoneandkilledthem.“Delph,please.Rejoinda,
Petra.”Petrasoaredoutofthe
watersasanotherpairoffiendsattackedmewiththelongrodstheyhadbeenusinginthepools.OneoftherodscollidedwithmyfaceandI
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feltbloodspurtfrommynoseandcheek.“Embattlemento.”Therodsshatteredagainst
theshieldandsuddenlyDelphandPetraawoke.“Whatthe—”beganDelph.Petraslowlyrose,gazing
around,takingitallin,andthenlookedatme.Lacklandwassinkingdeeperintothedepthsofhispool.TheSoul
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Takertherehadnotlefttoattackme.Hewasstillswirlingtherodinthewater.Lacklandwasnearlyoutofsight.Hissoulnearlyseparated.Fromanotherdoorwaya
dozenSoulTakersemerged,allarmedwithweapons,andchargedus.IlookedatPetra.Ourgazes
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lockedforaninstant,butinthatshorttime,muchwascommunicated.Herlookwaspleading.SheknewIhadtakenherwand.Sheknew.Partofmedidn’twantto,buttheotherpartofmerealizeditwastheonlyway.Ifishedinmypocket,foundherwand,pulleditfreeandtossedittoher.Shegrippeditandturned
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tofacetheregimentofdemonscomingatus.Ididlikewise,raisingmywandandshouting,“Impacto.”Amomentlater,Petra
screamedthesameincantation.Thecombinedspells
producedaforceofunparalleledpower.TheSoulTakerswerenot
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merelyblownofftheirfeet.Theyweredisintegrated.IturnedtolookatPetraand
smiled.Shereturneditweakly.Thenshewashurledoffher
feetandbackintoherpool,wheresheimmediatelywaspulledunder.NextIwasbeingthrown
throughtheairandlandedin
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thefourthpool.AndunderIwentaswell.Iopenedmyeyesandthoughthewaterwasdarkandfoul,IfoundIcouldseeclearlyenough.Thatwasnotagoodthing.Iknewwhowasfacingme.Bezil.Theblokefromthe
statue.Hiscloakwasbloodredandtherewasaheavychainaroundhisneck
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withametaldiscattheendofit.Thesymbolengravedonthediscwasthatofthebodytorninhalfthatwasontopofhisbloodytemple.NowIknewitrepresentedtheseparationofthesoulfromthebody.Heheldaknifeineach
hand,hisexpressionmurderous.Ihadlostmy
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wandandwaslookingdesperatelyinthewaterforit.Suddenly,ahandshotdownintothepool,grabbedBezilbythechainandwrenchedhimcompletelyoutofthewater.Ifoundmywandandused
Destintosoarupwardandbackintotheroom,coughingandsputteringasIflew.
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Itwasquiteasighttobehold.Delphwasslamminghisfist
intothesideofBezil’shead.ButBezilwasfarmorepowerfulthanhelooked.HelashedoutatDelphandknockedhimheelsoverarse.IaimedmywandatBezil
butnevergotthespelloff.TwoSoulTakersattacked
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me.AsIfoughtthem,ItriedtokeepDelphandBezilinsight.Theywerehavingatitanicstruggle,tossingeachotheracrosstheroom,rainingblowafterblowontheother.AsIfoughtoffmy
remainingSoulTaker,DelphrippedoneofBezil’sknivesfreeandslashedhimwithit.Thedemonsprangbackas
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greenbloodsurgedfromthewound.Delphdidnotwaitamomentbeforepressinghisattack.HewasonBezillikeagarmonprey.Twoenormouspunchestothehead,whichIseemedtofeelfromacrosstheroom,andthebloke’seyesclosedandhisheadwentlimp.Delphpickedhimupandtossedhimbackintothe
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poolofwater,wherehequicklysank.“Yes,Delph!”Iscreamedin
joy.Helookedatme,battered
butgrinningasIfinishedoffthelastSoulTaker.PetrahadgottenLackland
outofthepoolandalsosmashedtherodthathadbeenusedtosuckouthissoul.
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Thoughhewasstaggeringaroundandgagging,helookedotherwiseunharmed.We’vewon,Ithought.Until
IsawDelph.“Uh,VegaJane?”said
Delph.Ilookedatwherehewas
staring.Bezilhadsoaredfreeofthe
pool.Hewasstandingneara
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foulimageonthestonewall.Heraisedhishandsandspokeastreamofwords.Amomentlater,thewallopenedandoutmarchedahundredSoulTakers,withswords,lances,axesandknives,andbloodlustintheireyes.Therewasnowaywecould
beatthemall,evenwithtwowands.
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“HarryTwo,”Icriedout,andpattedmychest.Mycanineleaptintohis
harnessandIsecuredhim.“Takemyhand,Delph.Lackland,takeDelph’shand.Petra,Lackland’s.”Wewerealllinkedtogether
now,withPetraandmeattheendsofthechain,ourwandhandsfree.Wewouldneed
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them.Withbloodcurdling
screams,BezilandtheSoulTakersattacked.Ipointedmywandatoneof
thepairofgiganticstonecolumnsthatsupportedtheceiling.Outofthecornerofmyeye,IsawPetrapointhersattheother.“Severus.”
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“Severus,”repeatedPetra.Enormouscracksripped
throughthecolumns.Theystartedtoshake.Andthentheybegantotopple.Wewerealreadyintheairbythen.Iturnedand,likeleavesstrungoutonavine,wesoaredforthedoorwaywhilethetemplebegantofallaroundus.Webarelycleared
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thedoorwayastheroom’sceilingfellin,crushingBezilandhisfollowersbeneaththerubbleoftheirfoultemple.Howfitting!ButIwasterrifiedthatthe
restofthetemplewasgoingtocaveinonus,permanentlyentombingusheretoo.Weshotthroughthefrontdoorsastheytoppledinward.Free
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ofthecrumblingtemple,wesoaredup,upuntilIcouldmaintainflightnolonger.Thenwefellfastandatasteepangle,slammingintothegroundandtumblingpainfullyacrossalongswathofdirtuntilwecametorestinaheap.AsIlookedup,Isawthe
entiretemplecrashinwardon
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itself.Dustroseintotheairandthenitwasquiet.IlookedoveratDelph,who
wasstrugglingtohisfeet.Helookeddownatme.“Ithoughtweweregoners,”
hesaid.“Wealmostwere,”Isaid
back.IletHarryTwooutofhis
harnessandhelpedPetrato
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herfeetwhileDelphpulledupLackland.IglancedatthewandPetrastillclutchedinherhand.“I’msorryItookitfrom
you,”Isaidsoonlyshecouldhear.Shelookeddownatit.“I
canunderstandwhyyoudid.”“Icouldn’thavedonethat
aloneinthere,”Isaid.“Ihope
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youknowthat.”“Pet!”exclaimedLackland.
“Whereinblazesdidyougetthatthing?”Petralookedatherwand,
obviouslyunsurehowtoanswer.“Ihadaspare,”Isaid,
drawinganincredulouslookfromDelph.“Oh,”saidLackland.“Well,
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thankallthat’sbleedingwonderfulforspares,eh?”Iwasstartledtofindthatwe
wereatthefootoftheBlueMountain.Onceweclearedit,IreckonedtheendoftheQuagwouldberightontheotherside.“Howdidyoufindus?”
askedDelph.“Ihadhelp.Fromafriend.”
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Lacklandsaid,“Well,shouldwebeonourway?”Iglancedupsharplyatthe
mountain.Whatwasleftuptheretotryandstopus?Ilookeddownatmywand.Itseemedsotinyandinsignificant,yetithadservedmewellallthroughthecircles.Icouldonlyhopethatithadenoughmagicleft.
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WECOVEREDFIVEmiles.Allnearlyvertical,untilweweresowearywecouldnolongerliftourarmsandlegs.Wemadecamponasmall
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plateauthatallowedaviewacrosstheQuag.Oritshouldhave.Iturnedtoseewherewehad
comefrom.Ihadneverreallylookedbehindmewhilehere.Ihadalwaysbeenconcernedaboutwhatwasaheadofus.Butnothingwasbackthere
exceptdarkness,eventhoughitwasstilllight.Itwaslike
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staringintotheheavensonastarlessnight.Therewasjustnothing.Ishiveredinvoluntarily.IlookedoveratDelph,who
washelpingPetramakethemeal.Theywerebothscarredfromtheirtimehere,DelphwithhisarmandPetra,herhand.Nodoubttheirmindswerescarredtoo,aswas
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mine.Iobservedwithapangofjealousythattheyworkedwelltogether,seemingtoreadtheother’smind.Weateourmealanddrank
ourwater.Noneofusspoke.ItwasasthoughthebattlewiththeSoulTakershadrobbedusofsomethingimportantandwewerealltryingtofigureoutwhat.
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Lacklandcarelesslyrubbedhisinjuredface.Delphrolleduphissleevetoexaminehisburnedarm.ButwhenIlookedoveratPetra,shewassimplylookingatherwandasthoughshehadneverseenitbefore.Iknewhowshefelt.Theweightofawandinone’shandcarriedwithitexpectationsandacertain
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responsibilityequalperhapstothetonnageofthemountainwewereon.Petratookthefirstwatch,
andDelphandLacklandlaydownontheirbeds.IfollowedPetratotheperimeterwhereshewouldtakeupherpost.Iglancedatherwandand
decidedtocometothepoint.
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Iwas,aboveall,apracticalWug.“Howmanyspellsdoyouknow?”Iaskedbluntly.Sheseemedtakenabackby
thisbutIplungedon.Wedidn’thavetimeforniceties.“TheRigamortespellisnotsomethingyoudoyourfirsttime,”Isaid.“Andtheotherspellsyouused,thoughIsaidtheincantationfirst,your
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wandmovementswerespot-on.Sohowmanyspellsdoyouknow?It’simportant.”ItwaslikeIwastryingto
determinehowmanymortaroundswecollectivelyhadlefttofireatourenemies.IwasundernodelusionthattheFifthCirclewasfinishedwithus.IhadreliedonPetra’smagicalabilityto
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escapetheSoulTakers.IknewIwouldneeditandheragain.Shesaidsharply,“What
doesitmatter?Icouldn’tsavemyfamilyfromthelycans,couldI?”Ipointedatthebitof
fingernailhousedinthebottomofherwand.“Thatwaspartofyouruncle,
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wasn’tit?It’snothiswand.Hemadethiswandandgaveittoyou,didn’the?It’syourwand.”Shehadusedmywandtokill,butithaddamagedher.Shewieldedherownwandwitheaseandskill,whichtoldmeplainlyshehaduseditbefore.Shelookeddownatthe
wandandgrippeditmore
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tightly.“Sowhatifhedid?”“Sohowmanyspells?”“Afew.Afewmorethan
theoneswealreadyused.Hewantedtoteachmemore,butthenightthelycanscame,wewereoffgettingwater.Agarmattackedus.Andkilledhim.”Shelookedatmefiercely.“AndIkilledit.ThatwasthefirsttimeIusedthe
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deathspell.MyuncletoldmeIhadtofeel—”“Somethingmorethan
hatredorloathing?Andyouhadtofeelitwitheverybitofyourmind,bodyandspirit?”Shenoddeddumbly.Ithoughtitinterestingthat
webothhadlostlovedonestoagarm,sheheruncleandmemyfirstcanine.Andthat
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wehadbothusedourfirstdeathspellonagarm.Shelookedatmywand.
“YoucandoloadsmorethanIcan.”“Well,Iwasproperly
trainedup,”Isaid,watchingherclosely.“Canyouproperlytrain
me?”shesaideagerly.Ihadbeenexpectingthis
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request,butIstillwasn’tsurehowtoanswerit.Ilookedoveratadistant
spot.“Pointyourwandthatway.Theincantationisoneyou’veheardmeusebefore.Crystiladomagnifica.”Ishowedhertheproperwandmotion.Shereadiedherwand.“Focusyourmind,bodyand
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spirit,”Isaid.“Andletthatcombinedenergyflowthroughyourwand.”Blimey!Allofasudden,IfeltlikeAstreaPrine!PetradidasIinstructedbut
failedthefirstthreetimes.Shedidnotgrowfrustrated,however,asIhadwhenattemptingthis.SheaskedmorequestionsandIgave
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moreanswersandonhersixthtry,thelandscapethatwasmilesfromuswasnowmereinchesfromourfaces.Shelookedoveratmeand
beamedintriumph.Ireturnedthesmile,thoughnotquiteasenthusiastically.Thenwebothgazedatwhatwewouldbefacingthenextlight.“Isthatsmokecurlingup?”
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shesaid.Isquintedtoseebetter,
thoughIshouldn’thavehadto.Theimagewasrightinfrontofme.Still,therewassomethingdistortedinthepicturethatmadeitdifficulttoclearlymakeoutthedetails.PerhapsPetrahadnotperformedthespellexactlyright.
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“Itlookstobe.”Ipointedtoaspot.“Andthatmightbealittleshackwherethesmokeiscomingfrom.”“Sosomeonelivesthere?”
shesaid,soundingpuzzledandanxious.Icouldwellunderstandthat,
forwhowouldwanttoliveintheFifthCircle?“Iguesswe’llfindoutsoonenough.”I
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hadanideaandsaid,“Maybewecanavoidclimbingthismountain.Maybewecanflytothetop.”“Ithoughtyousaidthat
wasn’tpossible.”“Itmightbenow.”“Howdoyoufigurethat?”“Assomeoneoncetoldme,
inhereanythingispossible.”AsIturnedtoleaveher,I
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stopped.“Petra.DidyouruncleevermentionthetermMaladontoyou?”Iwantedtoseeherfirstand
trueexpression.“No,”shesaid.“Whatdoes
itmean?”“It’snotimportant.”
THENEXTLIGHT,wepackedourtucksandI
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buckledHarryTwointohisharness.Iwasn’tgoingtoferrytheothersonebyone.Notafterwhathadhappenedlasttime.ForallIknew,othersliketheSoulTakerswerelurkingaround.Weweregoingtostaytogether.Dietogetherorsurvivetogether.Notalone.Neveragain.
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WeheldhandsinalinelikelasttimeandthenIkickedoffandwesoaredclumsilyintotheair.Petrawasbringinguptherearwithherwandheldreadyinherfreehand.WesoaredalongandIhave
toadmitthattheviewfromupherewasspectacular.Closerupthemountainwasevenmorebluishthanit
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seemedfromfaraway.Partsofitwerecoveredinfoliagebutothersectionswerebarerockwhereforsomereasonapparentlynoplantswouldgrow.Sofar,nodarkclouds
formedandtheairwasnicelycalm.IlookeddownbelowandspottedoncemorethecurlofsmokethatPetraandI
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hadseenusingthemagnificationincantation.Fromuphere,Icouldmakeoutmoredetails.Theshackwehadalsoseenpreviouslywassmallandmadeentirelyofbluestone.Ibentmyheadforwardandweflewlower.NowIcouldseeapatchofbluedirtthroughthetrees.AndthenIspottedhim.
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Hewasasmallmaleslowlytrudgingacrossthedirttowardthecottage,carryingastackofwoodnearlyaslargeashewas.Thiswaspresumablyfuelforthefirethatwasthesourceofthesmoke.Hewasdressedinoldruggedtrousers,acheckeredshirtand—IcouldmakeitoutasIdippeduslower—a
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redcapwhosepeakedtopbentoverabit.Ididn’tfancyanencounter
withanothercreatureintheFifthCircle.Ithoughtwecouldsimplyflytothetopofthemountaininstead.AssoonasIfinishedthis
thought,thestormwasuponussofastIbarelyhadtimetodrawanotherbreath.Petra
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screamedandLacklandbellowedasskylightspearsshotsideways,soclosetousthatIthoughttheymust,attheveryleast,impaleus.Thunder-thrustshitwithsuchforcethattheyknockedusacrossthesky.IcouldfeelmygriplooseningonDelph’shand.Thenanotherscreamjarredmeback.
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IlookeddowntoseePetratumblingdownward.Lacklandstaredupatme,
shockonhisfeatures.“She…shejustslipped.”Ithadbeenhimscreaming,
nother.“Holdon,”Iyelled.Iwentintoadivethatputso
muchtorqueonmyshoulderwithDelphhangingontome
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thatIthoughtmylimbwouldpartwayswithmybody.IsawthatIwouldnotreach
herintime,butthenIdidn’thaveto.Ipointedmywandandsaid,“Lassado.”Thethinlightexploded
frommywandtip,encircledPetra’swaist,andIwhippeditupward.Shesoaredtowardus.
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“Lackland,grabherfoot.”Hedidsoandheldon.“Idon’tthinkshe’s
conscious,”hecriedout.“Hereyesareclosed.”“Isshebreathing?”I
shouted.Myfirstthoughtwasthatshehadindeedbeenhitbyaskylightspear.“I…don’tknow.Ithink
so.”
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Iaimedmyheaddownwardasthestormragedaroundus.WeslammedintothegroundfarharderthanIhadintended,butIwasupinaninstantandkneltnexttoPetra.Shewasonherback,hereyeswereclosedandherfeatureswerescrewedupinpain.“Petra?Petra!”
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Islappedherfacewithmyhand.Hereyespoppedopenand
shelookedwildlyaround.“What!Where?You?”“Areyouhurt?”Ilookedheroverandsaw
noobviousinjuries.MygazewentbacktohersasDelphandLacklandpeeredovermyshoulder,theirfacesanxious.
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Isaid,“Younearlydied.Wejustcaughtyouintime.”Sheslowlyroseandtouched
herhead.“I…IguessIblackedout.ThelastthingIrememberwas…”“Hullo?”Weallwhippedaroundand
staredatthethingthathadspoken.Itwasthelittlemalewith
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theredpeakedcap.Wehadlandednearhisshack.AsIlookedaround,Icouldseeitandthecurlofsmokebarelytwentyyardsaway.“Whoareyou?”Iasked.He
lookedatmewithsoftbrowneyesandaveryfriendlycountenance,whichimmediatelyputmeonmyguard.Friendlydidnotreally
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existhere.Iwellknewthat.Cunningandmurderous,yes,butnotfriendly.“IamcalledAsurterof
Muspell,”hesaid,hisvoicehighandsqueaky.“Muspell?”Isaid.“Isthat
whatthisplaceiscalled?”“ItiswhatIcallit,”said
Asurter,whocamebarelyuptomywaist.Indeedhewasas
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smallasEonbackinWormwood,thoughhisskinwasquitered.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
askedDelph.“IcutwoodandIkeepmy
firehot.”Ilookedoverattheshack.“It’swarm,”Isaid.“Doyou
reallyneedafire?”“Ialwaysrequireafire,”
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repliedAsurter.“Doyouneedfoodorwatering?”Welookedatoneanother.I
wantedtopushonbut,thoughthestormhadclearedassoonaswetouchedground,Iknewwewouldhavetolaborupthemountainonfootnow.Isaid,“Thatwouldbevery
nice,thankyou.”
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AsAsurterturnedhisback,Igavetheothersasigntobeontheirguard.Theblokemightbeokay,andthenagain,hemightnot.Wewalkedpastatruly
enormousstackoffirewoodallneatlycutandcubbied.Asurtergatheredupastaggeringamountofwoodinhisarmsandledusintothe
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shack.Ithadlookedhumbleandsmallontheoutside.Anditlookedthesameontheinside.Thewallsweresimplythebacksidesofthestonesthatformedthehouse’soutside.Thefloorwasdirt,thefurnishingslimitedtoonechairandonetable.Dominatingthespacewasastonefireplacethattookup
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oneentirewallfromthefloortothepeakoftheceiling.AssoonaswegotinsideitwassointenselyhotthatIstartedtosweatandIhadtoshieldmyeyesfromtheharshglareoftheflames.Ilookedattheothersand
sawtheywerehavingthesamereaction.WhenItookasteptowardtheflames,Ihad
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toimmediatelydrawbackbecauseoftheheat.YetAsurterwalkedrightuptotheopeningofthefireplaceandputthestackofwoodonit.Theflamesinstantlyshottoafulltenfeetinheightandseemedtothreatentoescapetheboundsofthefireplace.Blimey,Ithought,nowonderhisskinissoredifhe
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getsthatclosetotheflames.Heturnedbacktousand
said,“Foodandwater?”Hepointedtothetableand
wesawthatfoodhadindeedappearedthere.Andwater.Onlythefoodwascharredblack.AndwhenIwenttopickupagobletofwater,Idroppeditbecausethemetalwasburningtothetouchand
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thewaterwasboiling.Asurterseemednottonotice
this.Hewentbackoutsideandreturnedwithanotherloadofwood.Hethrewitonandtheflamesleapteverhigher.Ilookedattheothersand
sawtheirconcernbuilding.Delphpointedafingeratthedoor.
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“Well,thanks,Asurter,we’lljustbegoingnow,”Isaid.Heturnedtolookatme.
“Going?Goingwhere?”BeforeIcouldstophim,
Lacklandsaid,“Upthemountainandoutofthisplace,that’swhere.”IfrozebecauseIcould
sensesomethingbuilding.
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JustlikeIhadwithLadon-ToshintheDuelumbackinWormwood.Asensationofenergy,ofpoweramassing,onlyatarateathousandfoldgreater.“Run!”IscreamedasI
hurtledforthedoor.Asurterwasnolonger
small.Infact,hewasgrowingsofastthatheburstthrough
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theroofoftheshack.Andhelookednothinglikehehadbefore.Hewasgigantic,withlonghairandabeardthatreachedtohiswaist.AndifAsurterhadbeenred,thisthingwasaflame.Trulyaflame,hisbeardwasonfireagainsthischest,hishairlikewise.Wedashedoutside.Aswe
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lookedback,Asurterhadgrowntoaheightofahundredfeet.Andwhathedidnextmademylungsseizeup.Hereacheddowntothegroundandgrippedsomethingmetallicthatappearedtohavebeendrivenintothedirt.Ashepulleditfree,weall
sawthatitwasaswordset
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afirethatwasfullyhalfaslongasAsurterwastall.Whenheturnedtolookatus,itwasterribletobehold.Hisfacewassimplyamassofflames.Andwhenhismouthopened,thescreamcomingfromitcouldhavemeltediron.Fortunately,Ihadrecovered
mysensesandcriedout,
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“Embattlemento.”Theflamesmetthespell
head-onandthankfullythespellheld,thoughthemagicalshieldwaswhitehotandIfelttheheatemanatingfromitthoughIwastwentyfeetaway.Myvictorywasshort-lived.Asurterturned,raisedhis
swordandsmotetheground
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behindhimaterrificblow.Firehitthegroundandthenflamestoweredahundredfeetintheair.And,aswewatchedhorrified,thelineoffireracedrightupthefaceofthemountain,settingafireeverythinginitspath,movingfasterandfasterasitwent,sothatittraveledfromwherewewereallthewaytothetopof
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theBlueMountainwithsuchvelocityitmademyheadspinandvanishedthebreathfrommylungs.Andthenithappened.ThetopoftheBlue
MountainblewoffwithaforcesopowerfulIhadneverwitnessedanythingclosetoitbefore.Thoughweweremanymilesfromit,theforce
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knockedusallfortyfeetintotheair,andwerolledandtumbledacrossgroundthatwasnowheavingandpitchinglikeaboatonastorm-tossedsea.Whenwefinallycametoa
stopandmanagedtolookup,theentiremountainwasonfireandawallofflamingmasswasroaringdownthe
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longsloperightatus.Itwasathousandfeettallandmilesacross.Itwasunstoppable.Itwascomingrightforus.TheFifthCirclehadjust
won.
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RUN,VEGAJANE!”screamedDelph.Icouldsensehimbeside
me,tuggingonmyarm.ButIdidn’tlookathim.Icould
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hearovertheroarofthemountainoffireheadingourwaythatLacklandwasfleeingdownthesideofthemountain,screamingforustorunashewent.Fromthecornerofmyeye,
IcouldseePetraonherknees,herheadbowed,awaitingtheend.AtmyfeetwasHarryTwo.Hewas
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doingthesamethingIwasdoing—staringatfierydeathcomingourway.Ilookedatmywandand
knew,despiteitsconsiderablepower,thatitwouldnotbenearlyenough.TheflamefromAsurter’smouthhadnearlybuckledmyshieldspell.Whatwascomingnowwasamilliontimesmore
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powerful.MyEngulfiadospellwouldsimplyturntomistinthefaceofit.IhadDestinaroundmy
waist,butIcouldnotflyushighenoughtoescapetheflames.AndasIcontinuedtowatch,themostamazingthinghappenedtome.Mypanicceasedanda
peacefulcalmtookover.I
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don’tknowifitwassimplyresignationthatmylifewouldbeendingmomentarily.Orsomethingelseentirely.AsDelphkepttryingtopull
meaway,myfeetseemedtobecomeevenmoredeeplyrootedtothisspot.Thiswasmylaststand.I
woulddiehere.OrIwouldsurvivehere.Itwouldbeone
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ortheother.ThisIclearlyunderstood.Iputmyhandinmycloak
pocketandwithdrewtheFinn.Idon’tknowwhatmademethinkofit,formanythoughtswereflashingthroughmymindatthatpoint.Ihadretiedtheknotsonthe
Finn.Ilookeddownatit,
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unsurewhatwouldhappenonceIdidwhatIplannedtodo.Iundidthefirstknotonthe
Finn.Thewallofflameshit
Asurter’sshackanditevaporatedintosteam.Iundidthesecondknoton
theFinn.ThewallhitAsurterandall
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onehundredfeetoftheblokedisappearedintonothing.Nownothingstoodbetween
usandcremation.“VEGA!”Delphscreamed.ButIwasnotlistening.I
waswatchingourdeathcomingatuswithunfathomablespeedandferocity.Iundidthethirdandfinal
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knotoftheFinn.Itwastheonlyonethathadnotbeenuntiedbefore.Andwhenmyfingersletgoofthefreedstring,Iwasn’tsurewhatwasworse:theflames…OrwhatIhadjust
unleashed.Iwascatapultedstraight
intotheskywithsuchforcethatIcouldfeelmylungs
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collapse,mybrainspinandmyclothesnearlyripfrommybody.TheFinnhadbeenwrenchedfrommygrasp.Thewindthatwaspropellingmealsoshotoutwardlikeatitanicwave,andithitthemightywallofflameswithacataclysmicblowthatIthoughtnothingcouldsurvive.HadIstillbeen
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groundbound,IwassureIwouldhavedisintegratedfromtheeffectsofthiscollisionbeyondallcollisions.ItsweptoverthespotwhereIhadbeenwithsuchpowerthatIhadtoclosemyeyes.IwasafraidthatmymindcouldnotcontainwhatIwasseeing,thatitwouldsimplyburstifIdidn’tstop
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looking.Butfinally,Ihadtoopen
myeyes.Ilookeddownandfroze.Itwasn’tjustthattreeswerebentover.Itwasn’tthatrockwassmashedflat.Itwasn’tthatthefirehadbeenquashed.Truly,allofthosethings
happened.Butsomethingelse
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happenedtoo.TheentireBlueMountain
wasgone.Itwaslaidflatasthepalmofmyhand.Therewasnothingleft.Andnotonlyweretheflamesextinguished,buttherewasnotevenawispofsmokeleft.TheairwasasclearasIhadeverseenit.AndIhadabird’s-eyeview
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ofthis,becauseIwasnearlyamilehigh.IthadnothingtodowithDestinbecausealltheotherswereuptherewithme.Delph,Lackland,PetraandHarryTwo.Wewereallsuspendedintheskyasthoughropesfromabovehadglideddownandencircledus.Nexttousourtucksfloatedintheair.
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EverythinginthepathoftheFinn’sthirdknotofpowerwasgone.Asfarastheeyecouldseeahead,therewasnothing.ItwaslikesomeonehadrolleduptheFifthCircleandtakenitaway.Andthen,asquicklyasthe
mightywindhadcome,itleftus.Andwestartedtofallas
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thoughtheropesfromabovehadbeensevered.Iconfesstohavingbeenina
tranceasIwatchedeverythingbelowusvanquished.Butnow,asweplummetedtoourdeaths,thetranceended.Iflippedoverintheair,shot
tomyleft,grabbedHarryTwoandbuckledhimin.The
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otherswerebelowme,fallingfast.IpointedmyheaddownandshottowardDelph,whowasnearest.Ipointedmywandandcriedout,“Lassado.”Iropedhiminand,without
missingabeat,zoomedtowardPetraanddidthesamewithher.NowonlyLacklandwaslefttosave.Iturnedin
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midairandacceleratedtowardhim.AsIdrewnearer,Isawit
fromthecornerofmyeye.Aboltoffire.Howcould
thatbe?Iturned.Asurterhadrisenfromthe
flattenedearth.HowhecouldhavesurvivedthewalloffireandthethirdknotoftheFinnwasinexplicabletome.Yet
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hehadsuffered,forthoughhewasstillagiant,hewasnolongeraflame.Hewasbutacharredruin.Buthehadsomefireleftin
himandhadjusthurleditdirectlyatus.Iscreamedout,“Embattlemento.”Theboltoffirehitmy
shieldandexploded.ThenIpointedmywandatAsurter
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andsaid,“Impacto.”Asurterwasblastedintoa
thousandfragmentsandwasnomore.ItwasthenthatIheardthe
screamandturnedback.Intimetoseeaflailing
Lacklandstrikethegroundwithanalmightythud.Andthenhelaystill.Ipointedmyselfstraight
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downandracedtothedirt,hittingsohardthatwealltumbleddown.IranwithHarryTwostillbuckledtomychestandreachedLacklandbeforetheothershadregainedtheirfooting.Ikneltdownnexttohim.
Hisbodylookedcrushed,buthewasstillalive.Helookedupatmeanda
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strangesmileplayedoverhislips.“Wedonegood,eh?”he
managedtomumble.Myhandsfishedthrough
mypocketsfortheAdderStone.“Justhangon,Lack.”“Donegood,eh,”hesaid
again,moreweakly.“Justhangon.”
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“Donegood,”hewhispered.IfoundtheStoneandheldit
overhim.“It’llbeokay.”“Done…eh?”Heclosed
hiseyes.Iwishedgoodthoughts,the
bestIeverhad.IwavedtheStoneoverandoverhisbrokenbody.IkeptdoingitevenasDelphandPetraranupandkneltdownnexttous.
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“Lack!”saidastunnedPetra.“It’llbeokay,”Isnapped.
“I’vegottheStone.”Delphlookeddownat
Lacklandandthengrippedmyshoulder.“VegaJane.”“It’llbeokay,”Isaid,tears
startingtofalldownmyface.“VegaJane,”hesaidsoftly.“It’ll…it’ll…theStone.”
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Goodthoughts,Vega.Lack,you’llbeokay.Almostthere.Ididn’tseePetrareach
downanduseherhandtocloseLackland’seyes.Ididn’tseeDelphtakethe
Stonefrommyhand.Ididn’tseeHarryTwolie
downnexttoLacklandandnudgehishandwithhissnout.Ididn’tseeanyofthis
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becauseIhadclosedmyeyes.IhadclosedmyeyesbecauseIknewifIkeptthemopenasecondlonger,Iwouldnevermovefromthisspoteveragain.ThatIwouldjustdierighthere.RightnexttoLackland.
Whohadjustdied.TheStonecouldnotbring
backthedead.Iknewthat.I
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hadalwaysknownthat.IfeltDelphgentlyhelpme
tomyfeetandturnmeawayfromthebody.“We’lltakecare-ait,Vega
Jane.It’llbeokay.”Iwentandsatonthe
ground,mybacktothem,astheydugtheholeandlaidLacklandCyphersintoit.HarryTwosatnexttome.
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Hissnoutnudgedmyhand,butforthefirsttimeever,Ididnotpethimwhenhedidso.Thesacrificethateveryone
hadwarnedmeabouthadjustcomeintheformofamortalblowtooneofus.Deathwasallaroundhere.Butwehadalwaysmanagedtojustskirtit.Ihadknowntheoddsofall
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ofusgettingthroughtheQuagwereabysmallysmall.Astreahadtoldmethat.Butsheneedn’thave.IhadnotknownLackland
long.ButIhadknownhimlongenough.Andhislossateatmeinthe
waythatsuchalossalwaysdoes.Inawaythatsuchalossalwaysshould.
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Whenthelastbitofdirthadcoveredhisremains,DelphandPetrarejoinedme.“’Tisdone,”saidDelphquietly.“’Tisdone.”Iopenedmyeyesatlastand
lookedupathim.Tearsstainedhisface.IlookedatPetraandsawthesamethere.Ilookedbackatthemound
ofdirt.Iroseandwalkedover
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toitandlookeddown.Ipointedmywand,andachunkofcharredwoodflewforwardandplanteditselfattheheadofthemound.Usingmywandasaninkstick,Iwrotethewordsonthewood.HereliesLacklandCyphers,agoodfriendtotheend.ThenIplacedashieldspell
overthemoundtokeephis
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finalrestingplacesafe.Iturnedandlookedahead.
Withamountainnolongerintheway,ourpathwasquitestraightforwardnow.Thoughnothingwasquiteasstraightforwardasitappeared,wasit?Certainlynotinthisplace.Igrabbedmytuckfrom
whereithadfallentothe
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ground,andhoistedit.IpassedbyDelph,Petraand
HarryTwo.Iwaschangednow.Iwas
different.Icouldfeelitineverycreviceofmybeing.Ihadbeentheleader.Yetareluctant,hesitant,unsureone.ThenIhadgrownmoreconfident,pilingvictoryontopofvictory.Thorneandthe
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circles.Nowsomethingelsehadhappened.Somethingcatastrophic.OneoftheonesIhadled,
whohadtrustedmetogethimthroughthissafely,nowlaydead.Yes,Iwaschanged,completely.Andforever.Withmywandinhand,Iled
thewayoncemore.Totheend.
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Tothebloody,bloodyend.
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ISENSEDTHATIcouldnowtaketotheairifIwantedtowithoutthethreatofastormrisingtostopme.Butevenwiththat,Idecidedthatwe
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wouldwalkthroughthelastbitoftheQuag.Forsomereason,itjustseemedliketherightthingtodo.Soonwemarched.DelphandPetrahadnot
attemptedtotalktomeafterburyingLackland.Iappreciatedthis,becausehadIbeenfaster,therewouldbefiveofusnearingtheendof
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thisjourney,notfour.Itwasmyfaultandminealonethathewasdead.JustlikeDufDelphia’slegs.Ihadfailed.Iglanceddownatmyhand
whenitstartedtoburn.Istoodthereparalyzed
whenIsawit.Onthebackofmyright
handsomethingwasmaterializing.
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MyhandstartedtoshakesobadlythatIdroppedmywand.Ihadtoholdmyburninghandwiththeotherone.ThenthepainshotstraightupmyarmandIdroppedtotheground,screaming.Irolledandthrashed.WhenIfeltsomethinggrabme,Ikickedandpunchedtomakeitletgo.
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IopenedmyeyesandsawthatDelphandPetrahadtakenholdofme,tryingtocalmme,tryingtoseewhatwaswrong.Andthen,justlikethat,thepainwasgone.Myhandandarmfeltnormal.Delphcriedout,“Bloody
Hel,VegaJane,whatisit?What’swrong?”Islowlysatupandlooked
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downatmyhandwhereamomentbeforeithadfeltlikeagarmhadbittendownonit.“HolySteeples,”criedout
Delphwhenhesawit.“Whatisthatthing?”
exclaimedPetra.Onthebackofmyhand
werethethreehooks.ThesymbolofPeace.Hope.Freedom.
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Itwasonmygrandfather’shand.Nowitwasonmine.Andthiswasnotinkthat
couldbeeasilyerased.Iknewitwasburnedintome,probablyfromtheinsideout.IknewsomehowthatIwouldhavethismarkuntilmylifewasover.Iroseonshakylegsand
retrievedmywandwhereit
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hadfallen.“It’sjustamark,”Isaid
calmly,thoughIfeltanythingbut.“But,VegaJane—”began
Delph.“I’mfine!”Ibarked,and
thensaidinanormaltone,“I’mfine.DidyouexpectthatIwouldescapethisplacewithoutsomesortofscar?
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Bothofyouhaveyours.AndHarryTwo.”Itriedtosaythisinajokingway,butIknewmytoneranghollow.Thiswasnotanormalscarorwound.Thiswassomethingmore.Farmore.IfeltlikeIhadjustbeen
branded.AndI’dhadnosayinthematteratall.Ihatedthisplace.Itrulyhatedevery
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squareinchofit.“Let’sgeton,”Isaid.“Let’s
justfinishthis.”
FORTHREELIGHTSwewalkedacrossavastplain.Itwasinconceivabletomethatamajesticmountainhadrestedhereforovereightcenturiesuntilitwastoppledbyapegofunknottedrope,
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leavingonlyflatnessinitswake.Onthefourthlight,Islowed
whenIsawitjustupahead.Ashimmeringglare,as
thoughlightwasbeingreflectedoffsomething.Aswedrewcloser,ourpace
slowedevenmore.Afterallwehadendured,Ididnotwanttorushheadlonginto
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somethingthatwouldleaveuspacesshortofourgoal.“Whatdoyoureckonthat
is?”askedDelph,atlastbreakingthesilencethathungoveruslikeafuneralpall.Igazedattheshimmerbut
couldnotanswerhim.Asdarknessstartedtofall,theshimmerdidnotdiminish.Thelighthittingitthuswas
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notcomingfromthesky.Aswegrewcloserthe
answerstruckme.Thelightwascomingfromtheotherside.Whichmeant,Irealized
withathrill,thatwehad,atlast,reachedtheendoftheQuag.IglancedatPetraandthen
lookedatherwand.She
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noddedandgrippedittightly.“Loosely,”Imurmured.“
’Tisapartofyounow,Petra.”Isawherfingersloosen
aroundthewand’sbase.Shestoleaglanceatmeand
inthatlookIrealizedshehadsomethingonhermind.Imovedovertoherandlookedatherexpectantly.
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“Whatisit?”Iasked.“Lack,”shesaid.“Itwasmyfault,”Isaid.
“I’mtheleader.”“No,”shesnapped.“Itwasmyfault.”“What!”“Youweresavingusfrom
thatflamebloke.Ihadmywand.Icouldhavesavedhim.”Shelookedather
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boots.“ButIdidn’t.Ifroze.Ibloodywellfroze.Andnowhe’sdead.Becauseofme.”Shesatdownontheground
andstartedtosob.Delphlookedoveratusanxiously,butIwavedhimoff.IsatnexttoPetra,tryingtothinkofsomething,anything,tomakeherfeelbetter.“DoyouknowwhyIcame
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intothisplace?”Isaidatlast.Herweepingslowedandshe
saidhesitantly,“Toescape,getout.”“No.Ijustwantedtoknow
thetruth.WhereIlived,therewasnotruth.Iwantedtofinditinhere.”Shelookedupatme.“Why
isthetruthsoimportant?”“It’sthemostimportant
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thingofall,Petra.Withoutit,wedon’tmatter.Nothingmatters.”Istoodandheldoutmy
handforhertotake.“Yousavedmylifebackthere.Yousavedallofourlivesbackthere.That’sthetruth.Andnowallwecandoiskeepgoing.That’sall.Lacklandwouldcertainlyhavewanted
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that.Ithinkyouknowthat.”Sheslowlyreachedout,
tookmyhandandstood.Wewalkedon,cautiously,
everynerveandsensealert.Thenwesawthatthe
shimmerhadturnedintosomethingmoresubstantive.Itwasawall.Abloody
wall.LikebackinWormwood.Onlythisone
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wasmostlytransparent.ButIknewitwasalsofarmoreimpenetrablethanmerewoodandstraps.WhathadAstreatoldme?I
strainedmymindtothinkbacktoherwordsasshelaydyinginherbed.Webuildwallsbecauseweareafraid.Wedonotlikechange.Wedonotlikeit
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whenotherswhodonotlookorthinklikeuscomealongandtryandchangethings.Thuswerunfromit.Or,evenworse,attackit.Withthosewordsinmind,I
tookastepback.Thiswallhadbeenbuilttodotwothings:keepusinandthemout.Itwasastakedrivenrightbetweentworacesthat
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hadfoughtawar.Onewasinhiding.Onewasonthehunt.Ihadasuddenthought.Wasmygrandfatherout
there?Myparents?HowwouldIfindthem?Howwouldwehelpdowhatneededtobedone?Isatonmyhaunchesand
lookeddownatmywand.Ihadexhibitedresources
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andapluckintheQuagthathadoftenastonishedme.Inthemidstoftheviolenceofthingstryingtokillme,Ihadrisentothechallengeand,withthehelpofmyfriends,survived,defeatingfoesthatintruthshouldhavevanquisheduswithlittletrouble.YetIalsoknewthatIhad
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neverfacedoffwithafullytrainedMaladonwhohadgrownupintheworldofsorcery.AnddespitewhatAstreahadsaidaboutmehavingexceptionalpower,thetruthwasthatIwasyoungandinexperienced.Andthatcouldprovetobefatalatsomepoint.Delphsquattedononeside
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ofme,andPetraontheother.Theybothlookedatmequestioningly.“Whatnow,VegaJane?”
saidDelph.Ipointedmywandatthe
shimmerandinvokedthemagnificationspell.However,thespellfailedmeasithadattheSoulTakers’temple.Allwesawwas
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exactlywhatwecouldseewithoureyes.Theshimmer,whichreflectedbackourimagesandpresentsurroundings,likeavastlookingglass.Ipointedmywandatthe
shimmerandtriedvariousspells.Petrajoinedmeinthehopethatourcombinedwandscouldaccomplishwhat
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asingleonecouldnot.Nothinghappenedother
thanthespellshitthewallandthensimplyvanished.Foroneintenselyuncomfortablemoment,Iimaginedthatwe’dcomeallthisway,foughtthishard,lostoneofourmembers,onlytobeforeverforestalledbythislastobstacle.Ifsorcerycouldnot
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overcomeit,ifthelimitedspellsthatIknewcouldnottouchit,thenwhattheHelhadthisjourneybeenfor?Inmyagitation,Ikickedoff
andshotstraightuphigher,higher,ashighasIhadeverflown.AndthenIpointedmyheadforwardandputonaburstofspeed.IwasrepelledsofastwhenIhitthewallthat
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Iwastossedheelsoverelbowsbackwardagoodtwohundredfeetbeforeregainingmyequilibrium.Ihoveredthereintheair.AndthenIlookeddowntoseetheothersstaringupatme.“Standback,”Icalleddown
tothem.Ilookeddownatmywand,
willedittoitsfull-size
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Elementalstatus,andhurleditatthewall.Itglancedoff,didaslowarcandflewbackintomyhand.TheElementallooked
undamaged.Butsodidthewall.Ihadneverknownthe
Elementaltofailme.Yetitjusthad.Ihadnospellsleftto
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conjure.Ihadnoweaponslefttotryagainstit.Ihadnothinglefttothrowatthebloodything.Islowlyheadedbacktothe
groundandsimplystoodtherestaringupatthewall,wonderingwhattodo.HowcouldIbeatit?Ihadbeenfacedwithmanysuchobstacles.Ihadovercome
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themall.Untilnow.IlookedoveratDelphand
Petra.“Anyideas?”Isaid,readilyconcedingbymywordsthatIwascompletelyoutofthem.Theyshooktheirheads.IwishedLacklandwere
heretogivemeHelfornotknowingwhattodo.Ineededtohearhistaunts.Andwhile
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AliceAdronisthoughtIwouldbetheonetoleadtheminarenewedfightagainsttheMaladons,Iwouldn’thavefollowedmyselftotheHighStreetbackinWormwood.Ihadneverfeltsuch
depressioninallmylife.Icouldbarelybreathe.Icouldbarelythink.AndwhatIdidthinkwasallaswrongas
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wrongcouldpossiblybe,tousemygrandfather’swords.WhenIlookedoveratDelph,IcouldtellheknewexactlywhatIwasthinking.Butrightnow,hecouldnothelpme,nomatterhowmuchhewantedto.YetwithallIwasfeeling,I
hadtosmilewhenHarryTwolickedmyhand.Ipettedhim.
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Helickedsomemore.Andthengrippedmyringwithhisteeth.Thenhesatbackonhishaunchesandbarkedonce.“Quietdown,HarryTwo,”
saidDelph.ButIputupmyhand.“Wait,Delph.He’stryingto
tellmesomething.”Ilookedattheringandthen
Istaredupatthewall.
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Mygrandfatherhadlefttheringbehindandithadeventuallyfounditswaytome.Jasperhadsaidthatthehooksrepresentedourmantra,everythingwestoodfor.Thatwasapowerfulsymbol,perhapsmorepowerfulthanIknew.Thisringcouldmakeme
invisible.Butcoulditdo
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somethingelsetoo?Itookafewhesitantsteps
forwardandthenkeptgoinguntilIwasrightupagainstthewall.Ireachedoutwithmyhandandfirstplacedthemarkonmyskinagainstthewall.Iheldmybreath.Nothing
happened.IlookedbacktoseePetra
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andDelphstaringatmelikeIwasnutters.ThenIturnedbackaround
andplacedtheringagainstthewall.Istartedtoholdmybreath.
Butnevergotthechance.Thewallinstantlymoved
undermyhand.Itstartedtoshimmerandwobbleandpulseasifithadbeenturned
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intoaliquid.Andthenasliceintheskin
ofthethingopenedup.Iputmyhandsoneithersideofthisopeningandpushed.ItopenedfartherlikeIwaspartingapairofcurtains.Ithrustmyselfthroughtheopeningandplungedontotheotherside.Afewmomentslater,
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Delph,PetraandHarryTwopushedthroughandjoinedme.Aswelookedback,the
openingclosedup.“Blimey,”whisperedDelph.Ikneltdownandhuggedmy
canine,rubbingmyfaceintohiswonderfullysoftfur.Intheonlyearhehadleft,Iwhispered,“You’rebrilliant,
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HarryTwo,absolutelybrilliant.”Wealltookagoodlong
lookaround.Staringbackatuswasdark,blankcountrysidethatlookedlikethelandscapeIhadoftenseeninWormwood.Itdidn’tseemfrighteningorinherentlydangerous,ashadeverybitoftheQuag.ButIknewthatit
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probablyheldperilsthatwoulddwarfthosewehadalreadyfaced.Theabsoluteenormityofthemomentseizedme.“Wedidit,”Isaidina
hushedtone.IlookedatDelphandPetra.“Wemadeit.We’refreefromtheQuag.”PartofmecouldscarcelybelieveIwassaying
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thesewords.IntheirfacesIsawrelief,
happiness,butalsouncertaintyandfear.AndI’msuretheysawallofthoseelementsinmyfeaturesaswell.Instinctively,weallthree
drewtogetherandembraced,ourbodiesshakingwiththepureemotionofhaving
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finallyachievedtheonethingthathaddominatedourthoughtsandourlives,andwhichhadcostusapreciouslife.HarryTwosidledupnexttomeandrubbedhisbodyagainstmyleg.Idroppedonehanddownandstrokedhishead.Whenwepulledapart,we
continuedtolookatone
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another.“WearefreeoftheQuag,”
saidDelph.“Thankstoyou,VegaJane.”“No,Delph,thankstoallof
us,”Isaid,mygazeonhim,andthenIlookedatPetra.“AndtoLackland,”Isaid.“AndtoLack,”sheagreed,
givingmethetiniestofsmiles.
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“Sortoflookslike…likeWormwoodabit,”observedDelph.“Notthevillageproperbutthelandroundit.”“Itdoes,butdon’tthinkit
willbelikeWormwood,”Ireplied.“Whatnow?”whispered
Delph.Ipointedmywandtoward
somefarawaylightsandsaid,
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“Crystiladomagnifica.”Instantlyinfrontofuswas
whatlookedtobeavillagewhoseinhabitantswereprobablyfastasleepintheirbedsatthistimeofnight.SomeofthebuildingslookedlikeonesIwasfamiliarwithbackinWormwood.Othersnotsomuch.Thestreetswerecobbledinplacesbutnotin
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others.Aclockchimed.Afelinescreeched.Icouldhearrumblingnoises,butcouldnotseetheirsource.Butdespitethesleepyand
seeminglypeacefulsurroundings,Icouldsensesomethingnotnearlyasinnocentintheair.Remember,Vega,themostbitterlyawfulplaceofall…
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“Vega!”hissedPetra.ButIhadalreadyheardit.Somethingwascoming.Someonewascoming.Ipattedmyharness,and
HarryTwoinstantlyleaptthereandIbuckledhimin.WithmywandIpointedfirstatDelph,thenPetra,andsaidsoftly,“Lassado.”Cordsoflightsnaked
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aroundtheirwaistswhileremainingconnectedtomywand.ThesoundsgrewcloserandDelphwhisperedfrantically,“Whateveryou’regoingtodo,youbetterdoitnow,VegaJane.”Hegrabbedourtucksandstoodready.Itookmygrandfather’sring
andspunitaroundsothatthethreehookswerefacing
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inward.WhatIhadhopedwouldhappendidhappen.Becausewewereconnectedbymyspell,thepoweroftheringhadspreadthroughthemagicaltether.Wewerenowallinvisible.WithPetraandDelphon
eithersideofme,Ikickedoffandweliftedintotheairrightasfootfallssoundednearby
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andweheardthevoice.Itwaslowandmenacing.“Aroundhere,Icould
swear.Itwasaroundhere.Thisplacehasalwaysbeen…funny.Youknowithas.”“Buthowcoulditbe?”said
theothervoice,whichwasevenlowerandevenmoremenacing.“It’snotpossible.I’mtellingyouit’snot
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possible.Notafterallthistime,eh?”Well,blokes,itwas
possible.Infact,itwasthetruth.WehadescapedtheQuag.
Andwewerehere.Whereverherewas.Wesoaredupwardandset
outtowardthedistantlights.And,indoingso,took
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anotherstepforwardtoallthatlayahead.LikeJasperJanehadsaid:
Peace.Hope.Freedom.Inpreciselythatorder.Although,ironically,Iknewwewouldhavetoachievethelastinordertofullyenjoythefirsttwo.Itwouldrequireafight.Italwaysdid.Andaftersurvivingthe
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Quag,Iwasdamnwellreadytoprovideone.Ourcause.Ourtime.Ourdestiny.Preciselyinthatorder.
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adar\ -′där\AbeastofWormwoodoftenusedasamessengerandtrainedtoperformtasksbyair.Althoughtheyappearclumsyontheground,adars
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arecreaturesofgraceandbeautyinthesky,owinggreatlytotheirmagnificentheightandwingspan.Mostremarkably,adarscanunderstandWugmortsandcanevenbetaughttospeak.
alecto\ -′lek-tō\AlethalcreatureintheQuagcharacterizedbyserpentsforhairandblood-drippingeyes.
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Thehypnotizingswayoftheserpentsatopthealecto’sheadcandriveitspreytocommitsuicide.
amaroc\′a-m -räk\AfierceandterrifyingbeastoftheQuag,knowntopossesstheabilitytokillinmanyways.AmarocshaveupperfangsaslongasaWugarmandarerumoredtoshoot
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poisonfromtheireyes.Whencaptured,theirhidesareusedintheproductionofclothingandbootsinWormwood.
attercop\′a-d r-käp\AtypeofvenomousspiderindigenoustotheQuag.
BreathofaDominici\′breTH v dä-m n-′ē-chē\Along-stemmedflowerwithafist-sizebloodredbloom
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thatgivesofftheodorofslepdung.TheBreathofaDominicigrowsonlyinvipernests.
Care,the\′ker\AplacewhereWugswhoareunwellandforwhomtheMendensathospitalcandonomorearesenttolive.
chontoo\′ch n-too\AflyingbeastintheQuag
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comprisedonlyofahead,thechontooissaidtowildlyattackitspreyinthehopesofusingitsbodypartstoreplacetheonesthechontoodoesnothave.Spawnedoverthecenturiesbytheinterminglingofdifferentspecies,thechontooischaracterizedbyafoulfacewithdemoniceyesandjaggedfangs,andflames
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forhair.ThechontooisprimarilyfoundintheMycanmoor.
colossal\k -′lä-s l\Anancientraceofformidablewarriors,ofanoriginlargelyunknowntotheaverageWugmort.Theaveragecolossalstandsaboutsixty-fivefeettallandweighsnearlyseventhousand
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pounds.
Council\′kaun-s l\ThegoverningbodyofWormwood.Councilpasseslaws,regulationsandedictsthatallWugmortsmustobey.
creta\′krē-d \AnexceptionallylargecreatureusedinWormwoodtopulltheplowofTillersandtransportsacksofflouratthe
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Mill.Thecretaweighswelloveronethousandpoundsandischaracterizedbyhornsthatcrossoveritsfaceandhoovesthesizeofplates.
cucos\′koo-kōs\SmallbirdlikecreaturesthatinhabittheThirdCircleoftheQuag.Brilliantlycoloredasifsmallbitsoftherainbowareembeddedintheirfeathers,
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thecucosarebestknownforglowingwingsthatcanilluminatetheirsurroundings.
Dactyl\′dak-til\AStacksworkerwhosejobentailsshapingmetalwithhammerandtongs.
dopplegang\′dä-p l-gaNG\AdangerouscreatureintheQuag,markedbyhideousrowsofblackened,sharp
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teeth,thatmorphsintowhateveritsees.Thepowerofthedopplegangliesinitsabilitytotrickitsunsuspectingvictimintoinjuringorevenkillingitself,sincestrikingthebeastinitsalteredformistantamounttostrikingoneself.
dread\′dred\Ablackflyingcreatureinthe
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FifthCirclecreatedbyJasperJane.Aboutthesizeofacanine,dreadsarecharacterizedbytheirscreechingcriesandclawedwingsthattheyusetocuttheirpreytopieces.
Duelum\′dool- m\Atwice-a-sessioncompetitionoccurringoutsideofWormwoodproperthat
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pitsstrongmalesbetweentheagesoffifteenandtwenty-fourinmatchesagainstoneanother.ViewedbymanyWugsasariteofpassage,Duelumscanoftenbebrutal.
ekos\′ē-kōs\AsmallcreatureintheQuagexceptionalforthematsofgrassthatgrowonitsarms,neckandface,andsprout
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fromitshead.Theekoshavesmall,wrinkledfacesandbulgingredeyes.
Event\i-′vent\AmysteriousoccurrenceinWormwoodthathasnowitnesses.WugmortspresumedtosufferfromanEventdisappearentirely,bodyandclothing,fromthevillage.
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Excalibur\ek-′skal- -b r\AraretypeofsorcererbornwithextraordinarymagicalpowersalreadyintactandaprofoundknowledgeofWughistoryembeddedinhisorhermind.ItmaytakeyearsforanExcaliburtobecomeawareofhisorherinnateabilities.
Finisher\′fi-nish- r\
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Aworkertaskedwith“finishing”allobjectscreatedatStacks.FinishersmustshowcreativeabilityatLearning,astherequirementsforthejobrangefrompaintingtokiln-firingitemsintendedforthewealthiestWugsofWormwood.
Finn,the\′fin\Amagicalelementconsisting
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oftwineknottedinthreeplacesandloopedaroundatinywoodenpeg.Theuntyingofoneknotbringsaforceofwindpowerfulenoughtoliftobjectsofftheground.Untyingthesecondknotproducesgaleforcewinds,andundoingthethirdbringsawindofunimaginablestrengthwiththeabilityto
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leveleverythinginitspath.
firebird\′fi-yuhr-burd\AhugeflyingcreatureintheQuagknownforitscolorfulplumageandsharpbeakandclaws.It’ssaidthatthefirebird’sfeathersaresobrillianttheycanbeusedtoprovidelightandwarmth.Afirebirdcanbeaharbingeroftragedy.
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frek\′frek\Ahuge,fiercebeastoftheQuagcharacterizedbyanextensivesnoutandfangsincheslongerthanaWugfinger.Thebiteofafrekhasbeenknowntodriveitsvictimsmad.
Furina\fuhr-′ē-n \AWug-likeraceindigenoustotheQuag,madenearly
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extinctbecauseofcontinuousattacksfrombeasts.TheFurinasaredescendantsofagroupofWugsandMaladonswhobecametrappedintheQuagwhilemigratingfromthegreatbattlefieldstothevillageofWormwood.
garm\′gärm\AlargebeastoftheQuag,thirteenfeetinlengthand
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nearlyonethousandpoundsinweight.Thegarmisahideouscreature,itschestpermanentlybloodied,itssmellodiousanditsbellyfulloffirethatcancremateitsvictimfromseveralfeetaway.WormwoodloremaintainsthatthegarmhuntsthesoulsofthedeadorguardsthegatesofHel.
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gnome\′nōm\AcreatureoftheQuagknownforlong,sharpclawsthatallowittominethroughhardrock.Thegnomesarecharacterizedbydeathlypaleandprunishfacesandyellowish-blackteeth.
grubb\′gr b\Apeacefulcreaturethatlivesprimarilyintunnelsbeneath
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theQuagandcaneatthroughrockfasterthanmostanyotherspecies.Twicethesizeofacreta,thegrubbisknownforitsstrong,expandablehide;longslitherytongue;enormousjaggedteeth;soft,slipperybody;andeyecolorthatdifferentiatesmales(blue)fromfemales(yellow).
HighStreet,the\′hī′strēt\
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AcobblestonestreetinWormwoodproperlinedwithshopsthatsellthingsWugmortsneed,suchasfoodstuffs,clothingandhealingherbs.
hob\′häb\AcreatureintheQuagabouthalftheheightofanaverageWug,characterizedbyitsthickframe,smallbut
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powerfuljaw,stoutnose,longpeakedears,spindlyfingersandlargehairyfeet.HobsaretypicallyamicablecreaturesthatspeakWugishandmakethemselvesofassistanceinexchangeforsmallgifts.
hyperbore\′hī-p r-b r\Ablue-skinnedflyingbeastindigenoustotheQuag
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characterizedbyalean,muscledtorsoandlightlyfeatheredhead.MorecloselyrelatedtoWugsthananyothercreature,thehyperboremayserveasanallyorenemyandrespondsfavorablytorespectandkindness.Hyperboressetontheirpreyquickly,beatingthemtodeathwiththeir
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compactwingsandrippingthemapartwiththeirclaws.Thehyperboresliveinnestshighintrees.
inficio\in-′fēs-ē-ō\AlargefiendishbeastindigenoustotheQuagthatcanexpelpoisonoussmokepotentenoughtokillanycreaturethatbreathesit.Theinficiohastwomassivelegs
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withclawedfeet;along,scalytorsowithpowerfulwebbedwings;aserpentlikeneckandasmallheadwithvenomouseyesandrazor-sharpfangs.
jabbit\′ja-bit\Amassiveserpentwithovertwohundredandfiftyheadsgrowingoutofthefulllengthofitsbody.Althoughjabbits
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rarelyleavetheQuag,littlecanhalttheirattackoncetheyareonthebloodscent.JabbitscaneasilyovertakeWugsandhavefangsineachheadfullofenoughpoisontodropacreta.
Learning\′l r-ning\Theinstitutionyoungsattenduntiltheageoftwelvesessions.ItisatLearningthat
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youngsgainskillsnecessaryforworkinWormwood.
light\′līt\Thetimeofsunlightbetweenonenightandthenext.
Loons,the\′loons\AboardinghouseontheHighStreet.
lycan\′lī-kin\AbeastoftheQuagcoveredinlong,straighthair,whose
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biteturnsitsvictimsintoitsownkind.Thetall,powerfullybuiltlycanwalksontwolegsandwieldsitssharpfangsandclawstoattackitsprey.
Maladon\′mal- -dän\FromtheWugishwordfor“terribledeath,”anancientracewhosehighestcallingistoinflictterribledeathon
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others.Asessions-longwarbetweentheMaladonsandWugmortsforcedtheWugstofoundthevillageofWormwood,aroundwhichtheyconjuredtheQuagforprotection.
maniack\′mā-nē-ak\Anevilspiritthatcanattachtoabodyandmind,drivingaWugirreversiblymadwith
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everyfearheorshehaseverhad.
manticore\′man-t -k r\Aswift,treacherousbeastindigenoustotheQuagwiththeheadofalion,thetailofaserpentandthebodyofagoat.OvertwicetheheightofanaverageWugandthreetimesthewidth,themanticore’smostformidable
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featuresareitsabilitiestoreadmindsandbreathefire.
Mill,the\′mil\AplaceofworkinWormwoodwhereflourandothergrainsarerefined.
morta\′m r-t \Along-orshort-barreledmetalprojectileweapon.
Noc\′näk\Thelarge,round,milky-white
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objectintheheavensthatshinesatnight.
Outlier\′aut-lī- r\Athreateningtwo-leggedcreaturethatlivesintheQuagandcanpassasaWugmort.OutliersarebelievedtobeabletocontrolthemindsofWugsandmakethemdotheirbidding.
Quag,the\′kwäg\
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AforestthatencirclesWormwoodandishometoallmanneroffiercecreaturesandOutliers.ItiswidelybelievedamongWugmortsthatnothingexistsbeyondtheQuag.
remnant\′rem-n nt\AcollectionofmemoriesfromanassortmentofWugs;anembodiedrecordoftheir
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remembrances.
Seer-See\′sē-ir′sē\Apropheticalinstrumentusedbysorcererstoviewotherplaces.TheSeer-Seeconsistsofsandthrownintoapewtercupofflamingliquid,thecontentsofwhicharethenpouredontoatabletodisplayamovingpictureofadistantlocation.
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session\′se-sh n\Aunitoftimeequaltothreehundredandsixty-fivelights.
slep\′slep\AmagnificentWormwoodcreaturecharacterizedbyitsnoblehead,longtail,sixlegsandbeautifulcoat.Itissaidthatslepswereonceabletofly,andthattheslightindentationsnoticeableon
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theirwithersnowmarkthespotfromwhichtheirwingsgrew.
sliver\′sli-v r\Asmallunitorbriefperiodoftime.
Stacks\′staks\AlargebrickbuildinginWormwoodwhereitemsfortradeandconsumptionareproduced.
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Steeples\′stē-p ls\AplacethemajorityofWugmortsgoeveryseventhlighttolistentoasermonizer.
unicorn\′yoo-n -k rn\Anobleandgentlebeastcharacterizedbyabrilliantlywhitecoatandmaneofgold,withshinyblackeyesandaregalhornthecolorofsilver.Thesofthornoftheunicorn
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isknowntodefeatallpoisons,butcanonlybeobtainedbyconvincingtheunicorntosurrenderitfreelyorbykillingthebeastoutright.
Valhall\′val-hal\TheprisonofWormwood,setinpublicinthecenterofthevillage.
wendigo\′wen-d -gō\
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Amalevolentspiritthatcanpossesswhateveritdevours.Thisghastly,quasi-transparentcreaturelivesthroughouttheQuagbutispredominantintheMycanmoor.Signsthatawendigoisnearbyareavaguefeelingofterrorandasensethatthefactsstoredinyourheadarebeingreplaced
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byresidualmemoriesofthepreythewendigohasdevoured.
whist\′wist\Alarge,domesticatedhoundofWormwoodknownforitsimpressivespeed.
Wugmort(Wugforshort)\′w g-mort\(\′w g\)AcitizenofWormwood.
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Anoveldoesnotcomeintobeingsolelybythehand(andimagination)ofthenovelist.TheKeeper,andbeforeitTheFinisher,arenoexceptionstothisrule.Manytalentedfolks
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wereinvolvedinmakingtheVegaJanejourneyavailabletoaglobalaudience.AndhereiswhereIhavethewelcomepleasureofthankingthem.ToRachelGriffiths,David
Levithan,KellyAshton,JulieAmitie,CharisseMeloto,DickRobinson,EllieBerger,LoriBenton,DaveAscher,
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LaurenFesta,EmilyMorrow,ElizabethParisi,RachaelHicks,EmilyCullings,SueFlynn,NikkiMutchandthewholesalesteamatScholasticforbelievingthatathrillerwritercouldmovetoanothergenreandtellagoodstory.ToVenetiaGosling,Kat
McKenna,CatherineAlport,
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SarahClarke,RachelVale,AlyxPrice,TraceyRidgewell,HelenBray,TrishaJackson,JeremyTrevathan,KatieJames,LeeDibble,SarahMcLean,CharlotteWilliams,StaceyHamilton,GeoffDuffield,LeanneWilliams,StuartDwyer,AnnaBond,JonathanAtkins,SaraLloydand
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NatashaHardingatPanMacmillanforfollowingmewithunbridledenthusiasmwhereverIgoinmyliterarypursuits.ToStevenMaatandthe
entireBrunateamforbeingwithmestep-by-stepaswereleasedabrand-newcharacteronanunsuspectingworld.
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ToAaronPriestforlisteningtomycrypticmumblesataLondonbookpartyaboutthis“book”IwaswritingandforcallingmeonSundayafterhereadit,asopposedtoMonday!ToArleenPriest,Lucy
ChildsBaker,LisaErbachVance,FrancesJalet-Miller,JohnRichmondandMelissa
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Edwardsforbeingsowildlyenthusiasticaboutthisseries.ToMarkandNicoleJames
forallyoudidforme.Here’stoattendingthepremieretogetheroneday!ToCaspianDennisand
SandyVioletteforcrowingtotheheavensaboutthebookontheothersideofthepond.Toallmyotherpublishers
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whotookachanceonthisandtrustedmetogetitright.ToHannahMinghella,
LaurenAbrahams,MattTolmachandKateChecchiatSony/ColumbiaPictureswhohaveshownsomuchenthusiasminbuildingamoviefranchisearoundVegaJaneandherworld.ToEmmaFrostforsittingin
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arestaurantinNewYorkwithmeforseveralhoursinpreparationofyourcraftingaterrificscript.ToallthelibrarieswhereI
discoveredbooksthatintroducedmetotheworldoffantasy,andtoallthelibrarianswhoguidedalittleboyinfindingever-newstoriesandoriginalvoiceson
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theshelves.Toallmyfriendsand
family,whohavesupportedmeoverthirtynovels.ToKristenandNatashafor
performingyourownmagicinkeepingColumbusRoseandmerunningsmoothly.Andlast,butclearlynot
least,toSpencerandCollin,who,thoughyou’renow
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adults,helpmealwaystoretainthechildlikewonderinlifethatallowsmetodowhatIlove.
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DAVIDBALDACCIisaglobal#1bestsellingauthor.
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Hisbooksarepublishedinoverforty-fivelanguagesandinmorethaneightycountries;over110millioncopiesareinprint.Hisworkshavebeenadaptedforbothfeaturefilmandtelevision.Heisalsothecofounder,alongwithhiswife,oftheWishYouWell
Foundation®,whichsupportsliteracyeffortsacross
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America.DavidandhisfamilyliveinVirginia.
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Copyright©2015byColumbusRose,Ltd.
Allrightsreserved.PublishedbyScholasticPress,an
imprintofScholasticInc.,Publisherssince1920.
SCHOLASTIC,SCHOLASTIC
PRESS,andassociatedlogosaretrademarksand/orregisteredtrademarksof
ScholasticInc.
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Thepublisherdoesnothaveanycontroloveranddoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityforauthororthird-partywebsites
ortheircontent.
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsareeithertheproductofthe
author’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andany
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resemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businessestablishments,
events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-Publication
Data
Baldacci,David,author.Thekeeper/DavidBaldacci.
—Firstedition.
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pagescmSequelto:Thefinisher.
Summary:VegaJaneandherfriendDelphhavetakenthemapthatQuentinHermsleftthemandsetoutfromthetownofWormwood,
determinedtobravetheQuagandfindfreedomontheotherside—buttheQuagwasdesignedtokeepthetown
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peoplein,anditisfilledwithbloodthirstycreaturesandsinistermagic,anditisnotgoingtoletthemescape
unscathed.ISBN978-0-545-83194-9
(jacketedhardcover)1.Magic—Juvenilefiction.2.Quests(Expeditions)—Juvenilefiction.3.Escapes—
Juvenilefiction.4.Adventure
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stories.[1.Fantasy.]I.Title.PZ7.B18124Ke2015
813.54—dc23[Fic]
2015015698
Firstedition,September2015
CoverartbyJacey@débutart,©2015ScholasticInc.CoverdesignbyElizabethB.
Parisi&CarolLyAuthorphotobyAlexander
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James
e-ISBN978-0-545-83315-8
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyright
Conventions.Nopartofthispublicationmaybe
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