“Conner, shut her up!” Jake shouted.
Conner hesitated. He didn’t like the idea of losing a finger. He just held her tighter as a compromise. He imagined having the ability to magically create a muzzle that would fit over her entire head. He smirked at the imagery. He squeezed her tighter, which caused her to groan. She spat at his feet in defiance. Wren jumped to her feet and drew her sword to match the tip of Shayna’s. Both blades aimed at Brigara. They exchanged quick glances before returning their eyes to their target.
“No need to be rude, Jake. My words might be of interest to you. If I am to be gagged again, you will miss so much,” Brigara sneered. “Wouldn’t you like to know precisely what tidbits I have acquired?”
“Nothing you have to say will ever interest me unless it’s goodbye or farewell,” Jake retorted.
“That’s quite disconcerting. You were incredibly interested in learning about biology, from what I recall. Though you weren’t the brightest, you did seem to have an aptitude for examining all facets of a topic,” Brigara said as she pursed her lips and batted her eyes. She was making a great effort to antagonize him. Jake clenched his jaw; his temperature was rising.
“That was before we found out how twisted you are!” Shayna said. She kept her blade steady. Its brilliance glowed brighter.
Brigara ignored the interruption and kept her focus on Jake. “Are you squelching your curiosity? Wren was asking you to sanction her inclusion in your imprudent quest, not the others. Don’t you find that quite odd? An even more telling question: Why did Rileau interrupt her plea? Surely your inquisitiveness has not been dampened while trekking through the Otherworld,” Brigara said in a deadpan tone.
Jake knew she was baiting him. Rileau had warned them of her tactics. She would do or say anything to gain her freedom. He didn’t care for being singled out for her mind games.
“I’m not your student anymore, so I don’t have to answer your questions,” Jake said. He stared into her bloodshot eyes. He felt uneasiness in his stomach. He swallowed hard.
“Just say the word, Jake, and I can shut her up again!” Conner yelled.
“She has said nothing of importance. Her attempts to delay are a mere ploy. She knows this is the end of her days,” Rileau said.
“Perhaps Jake will choose to believe, or perhaps he will remain ignorant. Neither is worth my time,” said Brigara as she turned her attention to Shayna. “My dearest niece, your confidence in the handling of your sword has grown since last we met. Your beauty has been enhanced as well. The gift of a reflectoire is quite an improvement over your otherwise common mortal facade. And before you ask of my well-being, you shall be pleased to know that I only twinge in the slightest from the harm you bestowed upon your aunt.”
Her voice was exaggeratedly sweet. Shayna cringed as she recalled seeing the distorted image of Brigara vanishing from the portal after she destroyed it. She could still hear the agonizing screams.
“It would seem that you healed just fine. Your attitude, on the other hand, is still as horrid as ever!” snapped Shayna.
“As this may likely be our last meeting, you should know that as family, you shall be the one I endow with my possessions,” said Brigara.
“You don’t have anything I would ever want,” replied Shayna. “For all I care, whatever you have can be destroyed along with all memories of your existence.”
“Oh, but I do have something of value,” said Brigara slyly. “Something that only a druid possesses. I am willing to offer it to you. Do you want it? Perhaps the day will come when you will want to bequeath it to your own child.”
Shayna stared blankly and didn’t know how to respond. She contemplated several answers but looked to Rileau for guidance. “What do I do?”
“You must not listen to her tales, as they are laced with deception. Accept none of her offerings,” Rileau said flatly. “I will take the Book of Grimoire into my care. The Elder Elf Council is expecting it.”
Shayna handed the book to Rileau. She glanced over her shoulder and caught the scowl forming on Brigara’s face.
“Well done. You should all be proud today, as this was a wondrous accomplishment,” said Rileau He tucked the Book of Grimoire beneath his coat and turned toward the door. “Wren, it is time. Join me in the corridor. We must discuss Brigara’s transfer,” he said.
Wren lowered her sword and trailed quickly behind Rileau as they exited. The door was left ajar, but their conversation was out of earshot. The room had grown noticeably quiet. Seneca locked on Jake’s distraught expression. He was in deep thought, but she resisted invading his private thoughts. She knew that Rileau was holding back from giving them all the information they needed, but the fact that Brigara had knowledge of it was disturbing. Seneca shifted her attention to Shayna. Shayna had lowered her sword and was pacing a few feet away. She noticed sweat streaming down Conner’s face as he held fast to his grip around Brigara. As for Brigara, her eyes were closed, and she had an expression of satisfaction plastered across her face. That was worrisome to Seneca. She believed it was probably not a good sign; it was likely the calm before the storm.
She thought about what Brigara had said to Shayna. Seneca knew what Brigara had been referencing. She placed her hand on her chest and felt the necklace and charm. She had kept it close since she was a young child. She had considered it a good-luck piece until Keene Ardara had explained that it was the sign of a druid. While in his home, they’d been shown a photo of Brigara in which she had the same medallion around her neck. The emblem was also engraved on the portal used for crossing between the mortal realm and the Otherworld. Seneca held her breath in anticipation. She wanted Shayna to claim the medallion as her own but hesitated in speaking up. She was suddenly nervous but didn’t know why. She felt the urge to get out of the room and move about.
“I’m going to check to see what’s keeping them,” said Seneca. “The sooner we get her out of here, the better.”
“You go do that, little fairy. Run along,” sneered Brigara. Her eyes were open, and her expression frightened Seneca.
Seneca elected not to engage as she made her way to the door. Rileau and Wren were at the far end of the long hall, which explained why they couldn’t be overheard. Wren was animated with her hands and body language. Seneca could tell she was passionately pleading her case, but Rileau merely shook his head. He was adamant in his response in objecting to whatever she was proposing.
Seneca could tell they hadn’t noticed her presence, as they were engrossed in their debate. She observed Rileau’s reactions closely. For the first time, she could see worry across his face. His nostrils were absent of smoke, and his tail was still. She hesitated for a moment, and then she did what she had promised herself she would never attempt: she surged deep into his thoughts. She retreated just as quickly as she had gone in. He spun around with eyes narrowed. She had been careless and had been detected.
“I’m sorry, Rileau, but Jake needs to know,” Seneca said softly.
Without responding, he turned and began heading her way, taking long strides. His eyes locked on hers. She could feel the disappointment coming off him in waves.
“I’m really sorry. It’s just that—” Seneca stopped midsentence, unable to finish her words. A commotion of earsplitting shrieks and riotous yelling filled the corridor. She dashed into the calcite room. Wren and Rileau bolted down the hall in her direction.
Seneca covered her mouth to stifle a scream. Brigara stood in the center of the room. Her arm was pulled tightly around Shayna’s neck in a choke hold. In her other hand, she held a shard of ice, its razor-sharp tip aimed between Shayna’s collarbone and jaw. It was a standoff. Jake and Conner stood across from them, poised to attack. Seneca tried to assess the situation, baffled by what had happened so quickly.
“Let her go, Brigara!” Rileau bellowed over Seneca’s shoulder.
“Step back, Rileau, or sh
e dies right here,” Brigara snarled.
Shayna tried to wrestle free, but Brigara scraped the cold shard against her neck to demonstrate that her words were not mere threats. Shayna stiffened as she felt the sting from the fresh cut. It was a minor wound that could easily become fatal if she wasn’t careful.
“The castle is charmed, and your forbidden magic will not allow you to escape!” Rileau roared.
“There is always another door that shall open when the obvious is blocked,” said Brigara snidely. “You are as foolish as these children, Rileau, which quite disappoints me, actually. Perhaps when we meet again, you might be more willing to offer me that cup of tea.”
Without warning, she spun Shayna around to face her. Shayna attempted to raise her sword but halted. Brigara aimed the icy weapon into the hollow of her throat, and their eyes locked. The evil druid’s spindly hand fanned across Shayna’s face, swiftly brushing across her reflectoire. Brigara vanished. Her screeching laughter echoed against the crystalized walls, and it was all that remained of her presence.
Shayna brandished her sword a split second too late. She screamed in reaction and crumpled to the floor. Conner waved his hands wildly through the air where Brigara had stood only seconds before.
“How did this happen?” Wren asked, slightly winded. “Why was she not restrained?”
“It’s my fault. I wanted to see that damn druid necklace,” said Shayna. “She kept flaunting it. I thought my mother might want it.” She covered her face in shame. She felt foolish and was angry at herself.
Conner said, “I loosened my grip on Brigara’s arm so she could show the necklace. Somehow, she slid out of my reach. The next thing you know, she had Shayna by the neck with a sharp piece of ice at her throat.”
“She threatened to snap Shayna’s neck if we tried to get close. That’s when you guys came rushing in,” Jake added. “We’re all to blame. We underestimated her.”
“I thought she was finally trying to do a decent thing by giving me the necklace,” said Shayna. “How could I have been so stupid?”
“How she got out of this room is the baffling part,” said Seneca. “How was she able to use Shayna’s reflectoire?”
“I thought I was the only one who could control it,” Shayna said.
“Never disregard the connections of family. Her powerful magic was evidently used as a conduit because of your bloodline,” said Rileau. “As such, she harnessed your reflectoire energy.”
“You mean she stole it!” Shayna grumbled. She wiped her tears futilely as more streamed down her cheeks.
“We unleashed her to the Otherworld,” said Jake. “So much for prophecies about the great Dominion of Four.” His tone was cuttingly sarcastic.
“At least we have the book. That’s got to count for something, but I don’t get why she didn’t demand it back. She had the advantage when she grabbed Shayna. It’s like it suddenly has no value to her,” said Seneca.
“Yeah, it doesn’t make sense,” Shayna agreed. She attempted to hide her mounting angst.
“Something’s off. This whole thing is totally wrong!” said Jake. “There’s no way she’s going to abandon her grand mission of getting to the source of magic. She must know another way to get to Arcadrom.”
“There’s merit to what you say, Jake,” said Rileau calmly. “I agree with you.”
“It figures she’d have a backup plan. That’s classic villain strategy,” said Conner.
“Do you think my reflectoire took her straight to Arcadrom?” Shayna asked hesitantly.
“No, that is not feasible. There are only two known ways to enter,” replied Rileau. “One is by the incantation that can only rise from the Book of Grimoire. The other is with a key.”
“A key?” Seneca and Shayna asked.
“What kind of key are you talking about?” asked Jake.
“It is not a key that secures a lock or door. It is the link that allows those from Arcadrom to return if they so desire,” replied Rileau.
Jake watched Rileau turn to Wren and exchange a subtle glance. Seneca saw it too. She thought it was the perfect opportunity to speak up and address what she’d picked up from Rileau’s thoughts.
“It’s time you tell him the truth,” said Seneca. “Jake deserves to know!” Her voice rattled nervously.
“Know what?” Jake asked. He stared at Rileau as he waited for a response.
The dragon remained silent as he raised his chin and released a stream of smoke that dissipated as quickly as it had been released. Shayna moved next to Jake and grabbed hold of his hand. Conner placed a hand on his shoulder. Seneca gazed into Jake’s eyes, and it was all the confirmation she needed. She couldn’t hold back any longer.
“You’re from Arcadrom. It’s your home,” Seneca said slowly. “I just found out.”
She bit down on her lip and held her breath. She wasn’t sure how he would react. She hadn’t thought that far in advance. Jake stared blankly at her. She nodded slowly. He turned to Rileau and then to Wren. He searched their eyes for confirmation. Their lack of denial confirmed it.
“The two of you knew this, and you didn’t tell me? Why?” Jake demanded angrily. “Don’t you think I deserve to know who I am and where I’m from?” He spun around, searching for something to throw or hit. He settled on kicking over one of the ceremonial chairs, sending it crashing into the crystal wall.
“Calm down, Jake, and let them explain,” Conner pleaded. “I’m sure they have a good reason. Back me up, you guys.” He looked at Seneca and Shayna, expecting them to speak up.
“I’m guessing they have a great explanation for not telling Jake where he’s from,” Seneca said unconvincingly. She glared at Wren, and then her eyes drifted to Rileau; she resisted the urge to blink. “I’m sure they have great reasons for keeping you in the dark.”
Shayna remained quiet. Her rage had already peaked because of Brigara’s escape, and she was still angry about it. She knew if she spoke up, she’d only add to the explosive situation.
“I’ve only just learned from the Elder Elf Council of your origin,” said Wren. “It is why I have been assigned as your griffin.”
“What is a griffin? And why do I need one?” asked Jake. His curiosity swiftly replaced his anger.
“I am responsible for your protection. I am tasked with guarding your identity and your life until you can return to Arcadrom. I am told that you were sent to the mortal realm as a precaution,” said Wren. “Until it was time for your return, no one knew of your existence.”
“Wren the griffin. Perfect,” Shayna snarled.
“I’m getting tired of asking this, but why?” asked Jake. His frustration was accented on every word. “Be straight with me!”
“It is not safe for your lineage to be known. Those who seek to raid Arcadrom would surely use you as leverage. Accessing the pure source of magic cannot be resisted by some,” said Rileau.
“You mean like Brigara and her followers,” Conner said.
“It is precisely the reason for the omission,” said Rileau.
“Maybe it was smart to keep Jake and the rest of us in the dark,” said Shayna softly.
“Well, Brigara made it clear that she knows something about Jake. It looks like the secret is out!” Seneca exclaimed.
“Why are you guys talking about me as if I’m not here?” Jake shouted. “I have a say in whether or not I’m going to accept a griffin—uh, Wren. Whatever! It’s up to me to decide my fate, and no one else gets to decide. Who cares if Brigara knows who I am or where I came from? Apparently, everyone else does!”
He had the urge to continue venting his anger, but he took a deep breath instead. His head hurt from the relentless throbbing at his temples. He knew he was losing it and whispered to himself to settle down and focus.
Shayna could see he was spiraling, but she was unsure what she should do. All
except Conner had experienced surprises and well-woven lies about their identities. They had more in common than she’d previously considered.
“Jake, Brigara was hinting about who you were—sort of taunting you. It’s obvious she knows something. Who knows how much? It’s probably so wrapped up in her crazy brain that we may never know,” said Shayna. “And I know what it’s like too! She knew who I was, but instead of doing anything about it, she kept it from my mother—her own sister! She made her think I was dead! That’s beyond cruel.”
“Whatever she knows, she will keep it hidden and use it as a weapon without hesitation,” Rileau said flatly.
“We’re all in this together, Jake. The truth, lies, and everything in between,” said Shayna.
Her soothing tone of empathy eased the tension Jake was feeling. He smiled at her slightly. She was right. He agreed that they’d all been fooled. The stories of their lives continued to unfold like an endless road map.
“I agree it would seem she knows something of your ancestry,” said Rileau. “How much is unclear. I do surmise that she may also know the location of a key. It is why the Book of Grimoire was of no further interest,” said Rileau. “Again, it is a key meant only for descendants of Arcadrom.”
Jake’s face lit up. He jerked around and zeroed in on Seneca. Her nose scrunched, and her eyes widened in confusion. Searching his face for a clue, she was baffled by his reaction.
“What’s wrong?” she finally asked, shrugging and shaking her head.
“This would’ve been a perfect opportunity to read my mind,” he replied kiddingly. “I know where the key is. I will bet anything that Shayna’s reflectoire is taking Brigara there too!”
“Where, Jake?” asked Shayna.
“Remember what the Glactra told me—actually, commanded me to do?” Jake said.