“Too late to go to the market?” Kade asked.
“Yes.”
“Food then?”
“Yes. I’m starving.”
After we ate, Kade tagged along as I reported for my riding lesson with the Stable Master. Quartz grazed in the pasture, but galloped to the fence as soon as she spotted me. Moonlight followed.
“Beautiful.” Kade stroked Moonlight’s neck. Named for the white moon on the all-black stallion’s face, the Sandseed horse’s gaze held intelligent curiosity.
“Figures,” the Stable Master grumped at Kade.
“Excuse me?” Kade kept a neutral tone, but a breeze stirred.
I introduced him to the Stable Master.
He glanced at Moonlight snuffling Kade’s shirt. “Stormdance Clan? Are you a—”
“Yes.”
“Figures!” Scowling, the Stable Master fed the horses his special milk oats.
“Do you have a problem with Stormdancers?” Kade asked him in the same flat tone.
“No, son. I’m having a problem with this spoiled-rotten horse.” He pointed a callused finger at Moonlight. “I tried to match him up with a few students, but he’s bucked everyone off. I thought he might be waiting for that Ixian fella or that glass fella to come back.”
“How do you know he won’t buck Kade off?” I asked.
The Stable Master just looked at me as if I were an idiot. Moonlight let Kade scratch him behind the ears. His whole body leaned toward the Stormdancer.
“Oh. That’s good then since we need to travel to The Cliffs and I wanted to ask you if we could borrow a horse.”
“Ask! Glory be! Someone’s actually gonna ask me this time?” The Stable Master clutched his heart. Then he disappeared into the barn and returned with a strange saddle. “Here.” He thrust it into my hands. “I want you to try a jumping saddle on Quartz.” He turned to Kade and hooked a thumb toward the stable. “If that brat of a horse allows you to saddle him, you can join us for practice jumps.”
Quartz and I finished a series of hurdles when Kade and Moonlight joined us in the training ring.
The Stable Master swore. “Lousy spoiled horse. Okay, let’s see what you can do with him.” He shouted instructions and put us through a grueling hour of jumping, trotting and turning maneuvers.
The horses’ coats gleamed with sweat by the time he ended the session. I peeled the fabric of my tunic away from my skin to help dry off as Kade and I walked the horses to cool them down.
“Phew! I used to think riding a horse was easy,” I said. “Watching a rider from the ground, it looks like the horse is doing all the work.”
Kade agreed. “I rode for travel purposes only. This felt different. As if I had a connection...like riding a wave. If you align your body just right, you can ride a wave to shore. It’s fun, but takes effort.”
“I’d rather ride a horse than a wave.” If Kade hadn’t saved me, my first encounter with the sea would have been my last.
“Sounds like I need to teach you how to surf.”
“How about I watch you from the beach?”
He laughed. “After the orbs are ready, I’ll take you to Sunfire Cove. It has gentle waves and no rocks. I did promise you a day on the beach.”
“It won’t count.”
“Why not?”
“You promised me a day of languishing in the sun. I imagined napping and relaxing and other activities that involve lying down. No surfing lessons and no Skippy.”
He glanced at the fence. Our ever-present watchdog peered at us. “He’ll be outnumbered at The Cliffs. A little sandstorm should take care of him for a day.”
A pleasant thought. “But he’ll tell the Council and the small bit of trust I’ve gained would be lost.”
We rubbed the horses down and made sure they both had fresh water and hay in their stalls. The Stable Master stopped by as we cleaned tack.
“You don’t have much finesse with a horse, son. Practice and a good instructor should fix it. But I’ve a feeling you two are heading out soon?”
“As soon as we can,” Kade said.
“Figures. Always rushing off!” He poked me in the shoulder. “I expect you to continue your training when you get back.”
“Yes, sir.”
Even though my tired arms ached, I needed to spend a couple hours in the glass shop crafting messengers. It would take me a few days to finish a hundred.
I introduced Kade to my sister. Mara sized him up with a lingering and suspicious gaze. “Is he the Stormdancer you and Ulrick rescued?” she asked me as if he wasn’t standing in front of her.
I cringed, but she didn’t spare a glance for me.
“I owe Opal my life,” Kade said.
“But not Ulrick? Did Ulrick fool you, too?” she asked.
“Mara—”
“Ulrick did not fool me.” Kade’s voice turned icy.
“Why didn’t you tell Opal then?” Her tone flared into an accusation.
“Mara, that’s enough!” Her hostility surprised me.
“No, it isn’t.” She fisted her skirt in her hands. “I want an answer. He let you believe that blood-magic story.” She rounded on him. “Do you know she’s been sulking in her rooms for the past two months? Avoiding her friends and family?”
She was right. I avoided her. I didn’t want to lie to her.
“My sulking isn’t Kade’s fault,” I said. “He tried to tell me. I didn’t listen to him, either.” More lies. Wonderful. “I’m not avoiding you. I’ve just been busy with my classes and training.” Liar.
“But you have no trouble finding time for him.”
She sounded jealous and hurt. I had wanted to be closer to her, but I did the opposite. “He needs me to help with the Stormdancer orbs.”
“I need you too.” Her soft voice filled with pain.
At that moment, I would rather be with Devlen than standing here. I would rather endure the agony of a pressure point than say what I had to say. “You don’t need me, Mara. You have Leif’s and Mother’s messages and the glass shop to run.”
“Is that what you really believe?” Her words punctured my heart.
No! “Yes.” I turned away. “I have work to do.” Groping for a pontil iron, I managed to pick one up and gather a slug of molten glass despite the tremors in my arms. With single-minded determination, I worked on sculpting the glass and blowing magic inside.
I kept up a fast pace, concentrating on the glass. This used to be enjoyable, turning fire into ice. Not anymore. When I finally glanced up, Mara and Kade were gone. Only Skippy remained. After my little performance, Skippy was the only company I deserved.
* * *
I soaked in the bath until my skin wrinkled. Reluctant to leave the bathhouse, I lingered while changing and combing my hair. All those hours spent training in the sunlight had streaked the brown strands with gold, reminding me of Mara’s curls. Guilt pierced my stomach. I would apologize to her for my harsh words when I resolved this mess. Perhaps I should write her a note explaining everything in case something happened to me.
Pessimistic thoughts. I really needed to escape the Keep. Walking through the campus, I searched for fond memories of my time here. The glass shop used to be a safe haven, the memorial garden rekindled my connection with the glass prisons and the student barracks reminded me of the lonely years I spent there. My fault for keeping everyone away, but no warm remembrances to grasp.
Skippy’s shift had to be over because Junior followed me. A quiet man, he seemed intent on his duty and he kept his opinions of me and the situation to himself. I slowed, waiting for him to catch up.
He hesitated, swiping his black hair from his eyes. Confusion creased his thick eyebrows together. “Something wrong?” he asked.
“No. I...”
What? “I wondered what you’d be doing if you didn’t have to watch me.”
“Oh.” He blinked at me. “I’d be helping in the infirmary.”
“You’re a healer?”
“Not a strong one, but enough to help.” He shrugged.
“Then why did they assign you to baby...er...guard me?”
“I can erect a null shield pretty fast. But I volunteered for this job.”
“Why?” I asked in surprise.
He searched my face as if seeking a sign of sincerity, then glanced away. “Not everyone believes you’re a danger. In fact, a few think the Council is being too harsh on you.” He pulled at his sleeve. “I thought I could...” He smoothed his shirt. “Help out...be a counter to Hale.” He fiddled with his cuff button. “Besides, if I wasn’t here, I’d be assigned to guard a Councilor.” He quirked a smile at me. “They’re all worried about a magical attack.”
“From me?”
“No. From anyone with magical powers. Councilor Moon has made them uneasy with her constant null shield. This—” he swept his hand out to indicate me and the campus “—is actually a much better task.”
Interesting. And I didn’t make it easy for him, either. “What’s your name?”
“Jon.”
We walked together to my quarters. I opened the door and invited Jon inside.
“No, thanks. You already have a guest.” He smiled and crossed the courtyard, settling next to a tree.
I closed and locked the door. Kade lounged on the couch. A bright fire crackled in the hearth. I warmed my hands before joining him.
“I’m a horrible sister,” I said. The flickering flames of the fire matched the pulse of regret in my chest.
“You had no choice.” Kade wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “No worries, though. I told Mara everything.”
I straightened. “You... But... The Council.” Sagging back, I closed my eyes.
“I didn’t promise to keep quiet. And I couldn’t stand to see her suffer. Guess I have a soft spot for sisters.” Grief touched his voice.
I glanced at him.
He gave me a lopsided smile. “Mara understands. Well...she’s a bit furious about not being in the loop. I don’t envy Leif tonight.” He tugged at his collar. “Is he as good with that machete as everyone claims?”
“I’m sure you can handle him with one of your microbursts.” I laughed just imagining Leif’s outraged expression.
“Unless he used a null shield,” Kade said.
The light mood evaporated. “How are your fighting skills?”
“Rusty. I should probably train with you tomorrow.” His gaze turned distant as he stared at the fire. “I wish I had known about null shields before my fight with Tricky and Sir. When they threw that net, it severed my connection with the atmosphere. The shock alone paralyzed me for an instant and the fight was over. I hadn’t realized how much that connection was an unconscious part of me—like breathing—until it was gone. Ever since I was a teen and made my first sand devils on the beach, I’ve been able to access the power source. With a null shield around me, I’m rather useless.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.”
He focused on me. “Why not?”
“I’m sure you can be very useful.”
“How so?”
I leaned against him. “Keeping me warm, for one.”
* * *
After a demanding session in the training yard with Captain Marrok the next morning, Kade and I cleaned up and changed. Despite his claims of being rusty, Kade’s skills with a sword were good enough to counter the students and a few instructors.
We decided to eat lunch at the Citadel’s market. Kade needed to purchase supplies for our trip to The Cliffs and I wanted to stop by Alethea’s to inquire about my book order.
“Don’t forget to shop for new boots.” I pointed to his scuffed ones.
He glanced down in surprise. “I guess I do. And I’ll need to buy a sword.”
“Thinking of null shields?”
“Unfortunately.”
Skippy trailed us through the crowded market. I tried to include him, even called him Hale, but his superior demeanor made it impossible for me to interact with him. Besides, if he snubbed me one more time, I sensed Kade would try out his new sword on him.
Alethea’s bookshop bustled with people. While waiting for her to finish with a customer, I browsed the shelves, scanning the titles. A sudden influx of patrons filled the room and I ended up in the small back area alone except for Fisk.
“I don’t know how you managed this,” I said. “I didn’t even see you come in.”
“My special magic,” he said with a wide smile. “Here are all the items you requested.” He handed me a book-shaped package.
“Books?”
“Knowledge is power.” He winked.
“How much do I owe Alethea?”
“It’s taken care of.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. Do you need me to distract your companions? Alethea has a back door.”
“Not today.” I laughed at his disappointment. “You’re a scoundrel.”
“I can be a prince for the right price.”
I swung at him and he danced back before slipping through the bookcase. The design of the shelves concealed an opening. Good to know.
The front room remained packed. Poor Kade stood in a corner and two heavyset women pinned Skippy between tables. I gestured for them to go out and tried to weave my way through the store. My companions reached the door, but the two women now blocked my way. After a few minutes, I gave up and returned to the back room to use the clever exit. I would loop around the building.
Crates and trash containers littered the alley. The ripe smell of garbage drifted from burnt-orange-colored pools. A few pigeons pecked at crumbs. All normal except the quiet. After the buzz of the bookstore, the silence felt odd.
Tucking my package under an arm, I kept my hands near my sais as I hurried down the alley. A flash to my right side startled me. I swung around. Sunlight winked off a glass jug. I laughed. The first time alone in weeks and I was a jittery mess. I should enjoy this moment of peace before plunging into the market’s chaos.
I drew in a deep breath and relaxed until a rat the size of a small dog skittered across my boots. Jumping back, I yelped in surprise. So much for my peace. I turned to go. Another large rat ran past me. Two more circled my legs. The whole alley filled with them—a dark moving carpet. Their chittering and squeaks drowned out my panicked gasps.
I bit down on the desire to scream long and loud. One rat climbed my pants, and I knocked him off with my sais. My package dropped as I swung at rats. During one of my frantic jigs, I spotted a hooded figure at the end of the alley. Magic.
The rats were an illusion. Though knowing the swarm existed in my mind didn’t stop the attack. The pain from their sharp teeth still hurt. The thuds as I swatted them away didn’t sound any less solid.
My sais wouldn’t deter them, so I searched for another weapon. The glass jug. Wading toward the jug, I grabbed it and concentrated on the feel of the glass. Potential throbbed under my fingers. Magic coursed through the alley. I channeled it into the jug. Pings sounded. But I controlled the flow, creating a three-foot-wide rat-free zone around my feet.
The thread of magic linked back to the magician. With glass between my hands, I could siphon all of his magic.
I waited. The pings slowed as the rats kept their distance.
The attack stopped and the magician bolted. Relief coursed through me. I leaned on a building, catching my breath. About twenty glass rats filled the jug. I spilled one in my hand. Shrunk down to an inch long, every detail of the rat was perfect. I found my package and dumped the rest of them into it.
; Debating about the jug, I hesitated. What if the magician came back? I returned the container to where I found it and pocketed a few of the mini rats just in case.
Not wanting to be a standing target, I hustled down the alley, searching for a way to return to the main street. I rounded a corner and bumped into the magician.
14
I backed away, grabbing the glass rats. Why didn’t I check around the corner before rushing around it? Because I was an idiot.
He seized my wrists before I could crush the glass. “Relax, Opal. It’s me.” He released me and yanked his hood down.
Skippy. My emotions flipped from terror to anger. “What the—”
“Congratulations,” he said. “You passed.”
My hands remained in fists as I sorted out his comments. “The attack was a—”
“Test, yes.”
“I could have drained you of power.”
“That’s why Master Bloodgood was nearby. I’m not a simpleton.”
“So the whole thing was a setup? How did you... Fisk.”
“Handy fellow. Good thing he’s on our side.”
I thought he was on my side. “Why test me?”
“To see what you would do when ambushed. The Council ordered it. They wanted to gauge your reactions before agreeing to your trip to the Stormdance lands.”
My anger settled into annoyance. I wanted to be upset about the ambush, but I passed the test. We returned to the market. Kade and Master Bloodgood waited for us.
“Did you know about this?” I asked Kade.
“Not until we reached the bookshop.” He peered at me. “Look on the bright side. You can come with me.” He tried a smile.
I still wasn’t happy.
Skippy held out a hand. “I’ll take the glass rats now.”
“No.”
He glanced at Master Bloodgood.
“They’re mine. You can’t do anything with them. In fact, I want my spiders and bees returned to me,” I said to the First Magician. I almost laughed at Skippy’s appalled expression.
“Why?” Master Bloodgood asked.
“Just in case I’m attacked on the road. They’re good weapons to have. And I should have an orb, too.”