* * *
Riette watched in horror as Emmet triggered some kind of reaction at the altar. He'd been right all along. She had doubted him but he'd known. Each realization made Riette feel worse. Her brother had gifts, and she had purposefully overlooked them. Now she saw him through new eyes, even while trying to figure out how to save him. Slipping under the table, she followed the same path he'd taken and grabbed him by the jacket while the rest of the people in the room focused on the altar. He did not resist; instead, he followed her back to where they had been standing.
Feeling impotent and afraid, all Riette could think of to do was stand still and pretend nothing had happened. It was a stupid plan, which made her furious with herself. Tears would not be contained, making her even angrier.
"I'm sorry," Tuck said.
Riette glared at him, filled with rage. He recoiled. She was proud of herself for not speaking. Had she done so, someone would surely have noticed how extensive her vocabulary was. Instead, the altar's contents entranced them. Riette couldn't see from where she stood, and her imagination reeled with possibilities. General Katch had one of his men retrieve an item from within the altar, and everyone held their breath when he reached inside, hoping the tales of treasure guarded with traps were not true in this case.
Perhaps the key had disarmed any traps or none had ever existed, but the man pulled his hand free to a chorus of relief. A small wooden box covered in gold filigree rested in his palm, and at the general's nod, he opened the serpent-shaped clasp. Riette stood on her toes, trying to get a look at what was inside, but her view was blocked. Eventually she was able to glimpse a pair of clear gemstones. One was clear, at least. The other was streaked with white.
"Cache stones," Al'Drakon said with a hint of reverence. He did not admit Barabas had brought something of real value, but he did take a long look at Emmet. It made Riette shiver. So many emotions and so much stress ran through her, she thought she might crack.
This was not the first time she and Emmet had faced death, and she squeezed his hand in reassurance. He had a glazed look in his eyes, and she wasn't certain he could hear her at the moment, but she knew he was in there. He'd always been there. It had been impossible for Riette to understand why he did some of the things he did. His actions and words had made her life difficult at times, and she had resented that, but now she felt a great deal more. It went so much deeper. He was her brother, and she needed to help him. All his ramblings about magic had been real. Finally she knew what she had to do. Her purpose was clear. She would find a way to get him whatever magic he needed.
"Now let us go," she said loudly and in her firmest tone. "My brother has given you a tremendous gift, and now all we ask is that you let us go."
"You'll be on a flight once the fog lifts in the morning," General Katch said, and no one dared say otherwise. "Take them to guest suites, and see to their needs," the general said to his guards, and the men led Riette, Emmet, Tuck, and Barabas from the room. Every turn made Riette feel more like she was trapped, as if she were being taken deeper into a stone prison. Guards stood watch at each junction. Sneaking out of the hold would be impossible. Even if it were possible, they wouldn't be able to just board a dragon or plane and fly away. Never had she felt so confined and powerless. Emmet, on the other hand, was unafraid. She took strength from his walking calmly beside her, as if taking a stroll through the park.
When the guards stopped before ornate double doors, Riette felt a little safer given the luxury of the accommodations. Steaming baths had already been drawn in stone basins fed by channels cut through solid rock. The place was a marvel, and not all of it was hard and cold. The carpets here were plush and soft. Sleeping pillows of such size and depth Riette had never seen before and the sheets adorning them called to her. Toward the back of the hall was a private chamber, complete with baths and pillow beds . . . and a door. Riette wasted no time claiming the room for her and Emmet, and to her surprise, no one argued.
Not long after she settled into a bath, a knock came at the door. "Some refreshment for the lady and her brother."
Hearing a female voice, Riette allowed the woman to enter. She was so glad she did. The woman had a kind look about her, and she carried a tray laden with the most delightful-looking morsels. Without saying a word, she put down the tray, bowed her head, and left. Riette and Emmet shared the feast until only a few crumbs remained on the tray. Riette didn't know the name of the tangy sparkling drink, but she couldn't get enough. When that, too, was gone, she could no longer keep her eyes open. The rush of the day's events had passed, and now she felt drained. The pillows embraced her like a long-lost friend, and Riette slept.