Dragon's Wake 4do4j

Dragon's Wake

Teresa Grabs

Published by Teresa Grabs, 2021.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

DRAGON'S WAKE

First edition. July 25, 2021.

Copyright © 2021 Teresa Grabs.

Written by Teresa Grabs.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

Eighteen years packed into one surplus Army rucksack. Jonathan glanced around and took a deep breath. Wonder how long Mom will leave my posters up. He chuckled, walked to his desk, and emptied his Harrison High School Debate mug. One by one, he pulled the thumbtacks and push pins out of the wall and laid his poster collection on his bed. His debate and swimming medals were next, ending up tossed in his dresser’s bottom drawer. She’ll keep my clothes for a while, and we’ll argue about whether I need them before she’ll finally throw them out. A large white trash bag sat at the foot of his bed, filled with the last remnants of his high school career. Davey will use my desk, and Sarah would love to get her hands on my music collection. With one last scan, he flung the rucksack on his back and smiled. Few signs remained of the eighteen years he had spent in the room. Part of him burned with excitement, and part mourned his past. Even though he had cleaned out his things himself, he couldn’t shake the feeling he had been thrown out, discarded with last night’s trash. Mom would never do that. Now, Dad... No, he wouldn’t do that either. He closed his eyes and braced himself for what was to come. On his way downstairs, he tapped on Davey’s door and cracked it open. He was lying on his bed, air drumming, lost to the beat blasting through his headphones. Jonathan grinned and closed the door. He’ll be fine. Sarah’s door was wide open, but the room was empty. Probably watching TV downstairs. He stepped inside and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, laying it on her pillow. The to his ten-thousand-song music collection was the best thing he could leave his kid sister. It’ll get her through anything. It did me. “Going somewhere?” Mom asked as Jonathan ed by the kitchen toward the front door. She walked out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a dishtowel. Jonathan gulped and took a deep breath, staring at her bright yellow slippers. He nodded and braced for impact. Mom laughed lightly, then stopped. “What? Max! Max, come here quick! Oh, no, you’re not.”

“Mom. I—” “I’m not going to hear of it.” Dad walked in from the living room, holding the evening news. He looked at the rucksack and sighed. After a few silent moments, he walked past Jonathan and wrapped his arm around Mom. “The boy is eighteen now, Mary. We can’t stop him, if he wants to go.” Her face turned bright red, and tears flowed down his cheeks. “How can you... don’t you... Oh, Max. No.” She grabbed Jonathan’s arm and tugged on it. “No. Why? Don’t you care—” “Mary. Don’t say it.” Dad pulled her back and looked at Jonathan. No matter how hard he blinked, there was no stopping his tears. “The door is always open, Son. I understand. Do you have money?” Jonathan wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded. “Okay.” Dad pulled Mom into a tighter hug and waited for Jonathan to open the door and walk outside before loosening his grip. Mom slapped Dad’s chest and ran to the door but stopped in the doorway when she saw Jonathan standing at the end of the walk waving. “Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. I... I just....” Mom dried her eyes and sighed. “We know. Call us.” Jonathan smiled and nodded, then turned and started walking. It was only fifteen miles to the line, and he had traveled it his entire life, but it never felt as far away as it did that night. The more he walked, the more he wanted to run—run home, run faster toward the county line, run somewhere, anywhere other than here. He was tired of Gypsum Creek and tired of his old life. Something had to change, and that change had to begin. The air filled with evening birds and frogs croaking by the creek by the time he reached the main road. A keen sense of adventure replaced his sadness with every croak, and soon his spirit was soaring over the plains and mountains and

guiding him toward his new life. As he stood, looking around, he took a deep breath of warm air and pounded his chest. “I think I need a new name to go along with my new life. How about Lynx? Yeah, that sounds like a cool name.” Contemplating his choices, he ran a hand through his short, auburn hair and grinned. Left toward Potter’s Grove and Trapper’s Peak in the Hawk Mountains, right toward North Ferry and the white sandy beaches, or straight toward New Franklin, surrounded by the same plains he had seen his entire life. A gliding hawk drew his attention, and he imagined his body soaring with it, swaying gently in the current. After a few minutes, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, thinking about which direction to go. “Sounds good. Well, as good as any other direction, I suppose.”

2

Lynx turned left and headed toward Potter’s Grove, the gateway to the Hawk Mountains. As he walked, memories of the third-grade field trip to Trapper’s Peak played in his mind. Angela discovered she was terrified of heights and wet her pants straight through. Jeffery found out that making fun of Angela wasn’t the best idea after becoming stuck between two rocks because he insisted on wearing his Mutton Busting Champion belt buckle despite Mr. O telling him to take it off. Three hours, two fire trucks, and more oil than a summer fish fry later, and he was finally free. No one would have guessed that Angela and Jeffery would have become friends, let alone run off during the spring of their junior year to elope. But that’s exactly what happened. The sound of a revving engine caught his attention, and Lynx stuck out his thumb, turning behind him. Moments later, he was flat on his backside as he leaped out of the way of the speeding sports car. Coughing from the rising dust, he slowly picked himself up off the ground and dusted off his pants. “Lousy driver.” He adjusted his pack and started walking again. Cicadas and bullfrogs serenaded the setting sun. Lynx paused to wipe his brow when an old-fashioned horn honked three times and sent more dust flying into the air as the vehicle pulled in front of him. “Jump in the back, young man.” Lynx recognized and voice and smiled. Coughing and shielding his eyes, he turned and jumped into the back of the old, rusty pickup truck. No sooner had his feet hit the truck bed, three hound dogs pounced and began licking his face and arms. “Thanks, Mr. Young.” Good thing I like dogs. Mr. Young laughed and started driving down the road. “Where you headed?” he hollered through the back window. “Don’t know yet, to be honest.” Lynx shoved the dogs off and scooted up to the window so Mr. Young could hear him better. The man must have been a hundred

years old, but he still talked and acted like a teenager. They caught up to the sports car. Mr. Young honked and gave the young driver the middle finger as they ed. Lynx laughed and shook his head. “You can just drop me off wherever.” Mr. Young nodded and turned up the radio so that Lynx could hear it. Soon, however, the hounds were howling while Lynx huddled, covering his ears. Why did it have to be you? Potter’s Grove was larger than Gypsum Creek, but not by much. The best things it had going for it were a hot dog t that cooked them any way you wanted (deep-fried with chili, cheese, and pickle relish was the best), a dairy barn that made its own ice cream, and the Hawk Mountains as a backdrop. Oh sure, the mountains were still a good fifty miles away, but they were beautiful. Shops were closed, and roast beef dinners were just being set on the table when they pulled into town. Mr. Young grumbled as he crossed the town line and had to slow down. Even the hounds sensed town was close, and the excitement was over. They curled next to Lynx and rested their heads in his lap. He couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t had a dog since he was eight. Mrs. Anderson had accidentally run over Jackie one Sunday afternoon as she was leaving for church. She and Mom argued over who was at fault until Dad broke it up. Lynx sighed and petted the brindle’s head until Mr. Young tapped on the window. “Where you sleeping tonight?” Lynx hadn’t really planned that far ahead. He turned and shrugged, reaching for his pack. “I’ll find somewhere. I’ll hop out at the next corner.” “Nonsense. I’ll take you to Miss Lacy. Sit back down.” “Who’s Miss Lacy?” Mr. Young laughed as he turned onto a gravel road that headed away from town. “You’ll see.” Thirty minutes later, as the moon was rising above Trapper’s Peak, they pulled up to a large Victorian house that sat in the middle of nowhere. A white picket fence surrounded a well-manicured lawn. As Lynx hopped out of the truck, he smiled. Wild roses, lilac, and sweet cherry hung in the night air. “Stay in the truck, boys,” Mr. Young said as he closed his door and walked

toward the house. “Well, come on, young man.” Lynx quickly ed him as he knocked on the door. A young woman answered and squealed when she saw Mr. Young. Hundreds of old movies played in Lynx’s mind. Is this a brothel? Oh, man. “Miss Lacy.” Mr. Young smiled and nodded. “This young man needs lodging for the night. Might you have an open room?” Miss Lacy looked at Lynx and smiled. “Does the young man have a name?” Lynx cleared his throat. “Jon... Ah, Lynx, Miss. My name is Lynx.” He watched as she looked him up and down, peering over his shoulder to his rucksack. “I’m not running away from home. I mean, I guess I am, but I’m an adult. That is to say, that I’m eighteen and—” She giggled and patted his cheek. “I only asked your name, silly.” Blood rushed to every part of Lynx’s body. His shoes held a sudden fascination that amused everyone. “Come on, let me get you settled in Room 6. I’ll take it from here, Uncle.” Miss Lacy kissed Mr. Young on the cheek and closed the door behind him as he left. She wrapped her arm around Lynx’s arm and led him upstairs. “Breakfast is at six. Don’t be late, or else everyone else would have eaten everything already.” “Others?” She paused on the stairs and giggled. “Yes, what did you think this was?” One glance in his eyes disclosed what he thought it was, bringing melodic laughter to her lips. “No, silly. This is a boarding house. You’re actually quite lucky because this room would normally have been occupied as well. But something happened to Gregory, and he couldn’t come.” They paused outside the room, and she handed him a key with a large metal six attached to it. “, don’t be late for breakfast.” “Yes, ma’am.” “Oh, no, you don’t.” She slapped him across his arm. “I’m only four years older than you, and I am not a ma’am yet!”

Her shocked and angry expression made Lynx laugh. Soon, she was shaking her head and waving goodnight as she headed back downstairs. The room was small, but the air smelled fresh, piney with a hint of lemon. He flung the rucksack on the floor and fell onto the bed. Sleep overtook him before he had a chance even to take off his shoes. A knock on his door startled him. “Huh? What? Mom?” A man’s voice on the other side of the door chuckled. “Not your mom, kid. Miss Lacy sent me up to tell you to get your butt downstairs for breakfast.” Lynx sat up, rubbed his face, and looked around the room. The early morning sun peeked through the open drape, casting the room in a purple haze. “Uh, yeah. Thanks. I’m coming.” He stretched, yawned, and drew a deep breath. Bacon. Another breath. Onions and potatoes. A deeper breath. Fried ham. His stomach growled, and his mouth watered. One glance in the dresser mirror later, he was hurrying downstairs toward the smell of food and the sound of people talking. He paused at the bottom of the stairs and gawked at the others staying the night.

3

Gathered around the large farmhouse-style wooden table were six people who looked like they stepped off the Raiders of the Lost Ark set. Hands were flying across the table, trying to grab as much food as they could before everyone else took it. Lynx chuckled as the scene reminded him of the last Thanksgiving dinner Aunt Maggie hosted. After spending six hours scrubbing sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce off her textured walls, she called Mom and resigned as the family cook. “Well, come on, kid, better get your butt in the seat if you’re going to eat,” a rather large, scruffy man said, sliding the wooden chair next to him out and pointing. Lynx smiled and jumped into the fray. Soon, bacon, home fries, and scrambled eggs filled his plate. Miss Lacy walked out of the kitchen with a large tray of buttered toast and jars of apple butter, orange marmalade, and grape jelly. She smiled. “’Bout time you woke up.” She sat in her seat at the head of the table and winked. “Hey, Boss. What’s the plans for today?” a young man not much older than Lynx asked as he spread apple butter on his toast. “You eat that, and your day is going to involve sitting on the port-a-potty reading the john’s rules.” “Shut up, Sarah! Apple butter is great. My grandma used—” “Eric,” the burly man next to Lynx said, “shut your trap and eat. We got a busy day ahead of us. Especially with Shorts gone.” “What are we going to do without him, Boss?” a short, round man in the middle of the table asked. “I can’t lug all that equipment up there myself.”

Boss let out a deep sigh and shook his head. He ate a large forkful of scrambled eggs and stared into his plate. After chewing, he looked at Lynx and huffed. “Well, kid. What’s your plans for the day? You look pretty strong and sturdy.” Lynx paused, his teeth just breaking through the grape jelly on his toast, and stared at Boss. He bit through and licked his lips. “Me?” “Well, unless there’s another kid sitting next to me, yeah, you. Miss Lacy said you’re running away or something.” Miss Lacy coughed and blushed. Lynx looked at the others, who were now staring at him. “I’m not running away. I mean, my parents knew I was leaving. I’m eighteen and just—” Boss slapped him on the back and laughed. “I’m just bustin’ your balls, boy. Got to get out in the world more.” The others giggled or laughed and returned to eating their breakfast. “Seriously, though, want to help me with our gear?” The short man stared pleadingly at Lynx. Lynx shrugged. “Sure, I guess. What do you need me to do?”

TWO HOURS LATER, LYNX and Tony were unloading rucksacks, military ammo cases, and other crates from the back of Boss’ truck. On the drive up to the Hawk Mountain base, Tony filled him in on their treasure hunt. Although, if anyone asked, Professor Hawkins and his team were conducting a study on the indigenous people who once lived near Trappers Peak nearly six thousand years ago. It turns out Boss had discovered a scroll written in some archaic language that took him twenty years to decipher that led his team from one place to another and finally here. Lynx wasn’t sure if he believed Tony’s stories since he had lived near here his entire life and never heard such a tale, but he had left home the day before wanting an adventure, and here he was. Everyone seemed pretty cool, from what he could tell. Sarah and Eric were always making jokes, Tony talked (too much), Boss was quiet, and Paul and Alfred were the bunch’s oddest ones. Those two hadn’t said a word since welcoming him to the team for the day. They always seemed to be talking to each other, though. Tony said they were mentally linked Siamese twins, but that can’t exist, and they certainly didn’t look like twins. “Hurry up, kid,” Boss called from the trail. “You’ve made us late already.” Lynx turned and nodded. “Sorry.” “Whatcha apologizing for? Boy, you need to learn when people’s joking.” Tony shook his head and shoved an ammo case into Lynx’s stomach. “Sorry.” Lynx chuckled, collected the rest of his gear, and headed toward the trail. Tony snorted. “You better grow up if you’re going to survive this,” he muttered under his breath.

THE SUN WAS HIGH OVERHEAD when they paused on the trail. Boss pulled out an ancient sextant-looking device from his backpack and surveyed the mountain ahead of them. “Why’s he using that? We’re not at sea?” Lynx whispered. “Used to be, shrimp,” Sarah said. Lynx looked her in the eyes and raised his eyebrows. “Shrimp?” “Well, I got to call you something, don’t I? Haven’t earned your name with me yet.” She slapped him on the arm and walked over by Paul and Alfred, whispering something to them. They turned and looked at Lynx and laughed. “What’s her problem?” “Ah, man, lighten up,” Eric said. “Just enjoy your time out here. There’s worse places you could be.” “It’s not that. I... I’m happy out here. I’ve hiked these trails up to the peak since I was a kid. If you know what you’re looking for, I could help more.” Boss lowered his device and snorted. “Doubt it, boy.” He stowed his device, gathered his team again, and set off higher up the trail. Soon, they came to a juncture. Boss stood with his hands on his hips, surveying the area. “Go right if you want to go the caves just under the peak,” Lynx called out as he struggled. He wasn’t used to carrying this much weight while walking. “Left takes you down some switchbacks to this really neat grotto that’s got a pool so deep you can’t even see the bottom. We used to joke that it goes straight to the center of the earth.” Alfred and Paul looked at each other and pulled out their map. Alfred nodded while Paul shook his head, then Paul nodded while Alfred shook his head. Paul tapped Boss on the arm, and Alfred pointed his map straight ahead.

“What’s that way, boy?” Lynx ran a hand through his hair and thought for a moment. “Not much, I don’t think. Never go that way. The caves by the peak or the grotto are really the only good things up here.” Boss nodded, looked at his team, then turned toward each of the available trails. After a few moments, he sighed and shook his head. “Ok, team, let’s go.”

4

The trail leading to the caves had been worn smooth by countless school groups and teenagers hoping to get a few minutes alone with their date. Lynx struggled under the equipment’s weight and Sarah’s constant harassment, but he pushed on and made it just behind Tony. “Right,” Boss said. “Get everything set up, and let’s get busy.” He looked at his watch and grumbled about losing time. Tony opened his ammo case and motioned for Lynx to do the same. Lynx opened his case and stared inside. “Come on, kid. It’s not going to bite.” “Sorry.” He reached inside and pulled out three small gems and a metal tube with three bored holes, handing them to Tony. Tony attached the tube to the contraption that looked like something out of a horror movie that would summon creatures from the depths of hell. The box opened and slid down the length of the tube and clicked into place. “Ready, Boss.” Water dripped in the cave, echoing up from the bowels beneath them. Sarah and Eric dared each other to jump but quickly returned to their tasks as Boss ed by, glaring. Alfred and Paul opened their packs and pulled out a black leather tome and a scroll. Paul paced around the cave, muttering in a language Lynx did not understand—one that sent a shiver up his spine. “What’s going on?” he whispered more to himself than anyone else. “The future, kid,” Tony said. “Or the past depending on how you want to look at it.” Boss held out his hand, and Tony handed him the contraption. “Stick with us, do as you’re told, and you’ll have quite a story to tell back home.”

Lynx gulped as Boss called for the team to huddle together. Eric and Sarah shivered with anticipation, Tony grinned like the Cheshire cat, and Paul and Alfred concluded their recitation. Boss stood in the center of their circle, eyes closed, gripping the contraption near his chest. Tony grabbed onto Lynx’s arm and said, “No matter what happens, don’t lose sight of me.” Lynx’s face screwed as a sudden urge to bolt from this place, and these people consumed him. Instinctively, though, he flipped his hand around and grasped Tony’s wrist, intending never to let go. Boss’s heavy, regulated breathing echoed around him, raising the hairs on his arms and back of the neck. As soon as Boss started speaking, Lynx gulped and wanted to vomit. The more Boss spoke, the more the contraption glowed. A creamy haze that reminded him of a painter’s canvas waiting for the artist soon cloaked the cave. Boss’s eyes glowed green as he opened them and stared at the object. “This is the right place,” he said. “Gather closer.” Everyone took three paces forward until they were less than a foot apart. Lynx was standing directly at Boss’s right elbow. His legs vibrated in his jeans, and he really hoped he didn’t embarrass himself by peeing them. Boss turned and looked straight at Lynx, piercing a hole in his soul. “I knew old man Young would bring me exactly what I needed. He always does.” “Um—” “Shh!” Alfred said, grabbing Lynx’s other arm. Boss turned his attention back to the contraption and smiled. “Past.” He placed a white gem in the first hole. “Present.” A blue sapphire rested in the last spot. “Future.” As soon as the garnet filled the hole, the ends of the contraption began to spin and whirl. The creamy mist roared to life, revolving around them, turning a deep red then bright yellow. Lynx felt like he was standing next to an out-of-control locomotive barreling down the line. He grabbed harder onto Tony and Alfred, trying to stay on his feet. Suddenly it felt as if the ground beneath him gave way, and he was falling into a great void. He slammed his eyes shut and thought about

his family. This was not the way he intended to die. Sarah’s laughter and Eric’s prodding finger in his back pulled him back from his inner turmoil. “Come on, scaredy pants,” Sarah said. “Open your eyes.” “Yeah, shaking bones.” “Leave the boy alone,” Boss said. “I two people’s first trip. One puked all over me, and the other shit himself.” Tony burst out laughing and rubbed Lynx’s shoulders. “It’s okay. Take your time and just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. That’s right. That’s the way.” “Boy, it’s okay. Do what you got to do to get your legs back. We’ll be here for a while.” All Lynx could muster at the moment was a small nod. There was no pain, but there was no feeling either. He couldn’t even tell if he was sitting, standing, or lying in his grave. He was hungry, full, nauseous, and perfectly well at the same time. It was as if nothing in his body knew how to function. Sometime later, he didn’t know how long it had been, his big toe began to tingle and tickle. Then the pinkie on his right hand, left middle finger, his earlobes. His tongue inspected his teeth, making sure they were all still there and in one piece. Slowly, things began to feel normal again. “That’s the way,” Tony said. “Can you feel your legs now?” Lynx nodded. “I... I think so. Yeah.” He took a few deep breaths and moved his head around as if inspecting his surroundings. Tony laughed. “Wait for your eyes to your body before you do that.” Lynx felt himself smile and chuckle. Wait. What? What did he mean by that? He wanted to touch his eyes, to make sure they were still there, but he couldn’t move his arms yet. “They’re there, kid; I was just joking. Give it a few more minutes. Won’t be long now.”

Tony had been right. A few minutes later, and all feeling had returned to their respective places. Lynx took a deep breath and sighed.

5

The first thing Lynx noticed made his jaw drop, and his breath disappeared. He runs his hand over the smooth blades of scarlet grass and breathes deeply. Silver, gold, and topaz flowers dot the field where he is sitting. “Come on,” Tony said, lifting Lynx off the ground. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Lynx’s eyes widened as he glanced toward Tony. Three suns hung low in the lemon-yellow sky. White, sweeping clouds were the only thing he recognized. “Um...” “Sorry, boy, but now is not question-and-answer time. If we get to Amber Reach in one piece, we’ll explain everything then.” Sarah and Eric scoffed and dug their toes into the ground. “We’re really keeping the kid?” Eric asked. Tony stepped forward, glaring at Eric. “He’s my responsibility, not yours. Might I remind you that once you were the newcomer, and Alfred wanted to throw you to the rotclaw?” Eric gulped and shrank a few inches while Alfred and Paul laughed. “Enough!” Boss shouted, pulling a large dagger out of his pack. “Let’s get moving. It’ll be dark soon, and the last place I want to be when the moon rises is out here.” Lynx wanted to ask why, but he already knew the answer was nothing he really wanted to know. All he wanted was to go home, back to his siblings, his parents, and his perfectly normal, boring life in Gypsum Creek. At least there, the grass was sometimes green, and birds flew in the sky, not crawled on the ground, propped up on their wings as if they were legs. He stared at the black and white bird stalking toward him and didn’t know if he wanted to laugh, cry, scream, or

run away. The bird’s beak opened wide, showing rows of tiny, jagged teeth. A flying, well crawling, bird shark! Lynx’s body didn’t wait for orders; he stumbled backward as his legs tried to flee in different directions, ending up sprawled again with an alien bird ready to devour him. Paul waved his hand while Alfred muttered a few words Lynx didn’t understand, and the bird let out an ear-piercing shrill as it disappeared in a flash of silver and crimson puff of smoke. Sarah was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Tony held out his hand for Lynx. “Come on, kid. There’s worse things out there than a cixi.” Lynx took Tony’s hand and stood, feeling like he was going to vomit. “What’s a cixi?” Boss grunted and started walking toward the setting suns. “Let’s hope that’s the only thing we find out here. Get moving, boy!” It had not taken long for two of the suns to set, casting the sky in a dazzling array of hues that seemed so foreign and familiar at the same time. A crisp evening wind whipped his clothes, sending a shiver bristling across his skin. That shiver retreated to his spine when an unearthly howl filled the air. Everyone froze in their tracks and brandished a weapon. Lynx instinctively patted his pockets, looking for something, anything he could use as defense. Nothing. Panic rose, and he squeaked without intending to, drawing Boss’ attention. He stared at Lynx and smiled. “Come here, beside me. Close ranks.” No sooner had Lynx rushed to his side, the others formed a circle around him. He felt safe and secure, but also a child. They should not need to risk their lives for him. If anyone got hurt because he did not act, he would not be able to live with himself. His fingers balled, and he raised his fists, ready to fight a foe he couldn’t see. Boss chortled and patted Lynx’s hands. He handed him a small dagger. “Don’t cut yourself... or any of us.” Eric and Tony chuckled as another howl, much closer, rang out in the creeping

shadows. Before anyone could take another step, a massive beast stepped into the setting sun’s rays. Larger than a lion, jet black skin shrink-wrapped over its bony frame, piercing green eyes. Fangs dripped acid, leaving scorched earth in its wake. A collective gulp, followed by a small whimper as three more beasts came into view, surrounding them. “Blasted mongrels,” Boss hissed under his breath. “Alfred? Paul? Ideas?” Before Paul could respond, the beast near him leaped and howled in pain as Alfred drove his knife deep into the beast’s side. Paul screamed as a paw sliced across his chest, sending blood gushing. Eric spun and fired one round toward the beast. It was dead before it landed. Alfred yelled, plunging his hand onto Paul’s wound as another beast attacked from behind Tony. Tony dove out of the way just in time, but the beast now had its sights set on Lynx. Boss grabbed Lynx by his collar and flung him between Sarah and himself. Two more beasts stepped from the shadows on the right and one from the left. The largest of the pack watched as if commanding the attack. The third sun set to a firework display of spells, weapon fire, and screams. Lynx stood motionless, watching the chaos erupt around him as if he were back home watching a movie on the big screen at the Sunset Drive-In. His body moved as others pushed or shoved him, but there was no thought. His eyes met the green eyes, now shining like crystals in the midday sun. Lynx blinked; the beast blinked. Images of hunting rabbit-like prey raced in his mind, being replaced by scenes of humans hunting them for sport until their numbers dwindled. Human turned on human, and soon the beasts outnumbered man again. Then a great fireball from the sky changed the course of every life—some in positive ways and negative ways for others. The great beast howled as Lynx’s eyelids fluttered until everything faded to black. In that darkness, he heard voices, cries of pain and loss, cries of hunger and thirst, and vows of revenge. Once the beast ceased its howl, Lynx collapsed onto the ground, and all was silent. Sounds of movement, muffled talking, and clanking china drew him from the darkness that confused and comforted him. Lynx drew a deep breath and opened

his eyes halfway expecting to be devoured by the beast once and for all. Instead, he found himself in a bed, with a haggard-looking Tony staring down at him. “Welcome back, kid.” Lynx’s mouth was dry, and he could not speak but managed a weak smile and quick nod. The others had paused whatever they were doing and were now staring at him. Sarah shook her head; Eric frowned, and Boss had a strange halfrelieved, half-angry look spreading across his face.

6

Boss lunged toward Lynx, grabbing him by the scruff of his shirt and dragging him out of bed. “Who are you! Who sent you to us!” Tony tried to get between them but was pulled back by Eric. “We all want to know, Tony.” There was no denying the same questions were running through Tony’s mind, but he didn’t want to it it. “Old man Young had never done us wrong before. Why would he now?” Tears streamed down Lynx’s cherry face as he struggled to rationalize what was happening. All he could muster was shaking his head. Boss stared into Lynx’s eyes, breathing heavier than a bull in heat. Alfred entered the room, holding his bandaged side. Paul was close behind. “Let the boy go,” Alfred said, taking a piece of toast off Lynx’s plate. “But...” Boss turned and scowled at Alfred. Paul placed his hand on Boss’s shoulder but said nothing. With one last snort, Boss looked Lynx in the eyes. “Why?” Lynx fell to the ground, coughing as Boss let go. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t do anything.” Boss shifted on his feet, and Lynx cowered against the bed as far as he could, covering his head. “I believe him,” Alfred said, stunning everyone. “What?” Sarah and Eric asked together. They looked at each other dumbfounded. “Summoning night walkers can only be done by those trained in the arts. This boy is not. His mind is an open door to me.” Alfred stepped between Boss and Lynx, helping him to his feet.

“I didn’t do anything, I swear,” Lynx whimpered, shaking his head. Alfred nodded. “I know. But you must explain to me, to us, where you went.” Lynx’s face screwed as Alfred sat him on the edge of the bed. “What do you mean? I didn’t go anywhere. I don’t even know how I got here.” Eric snorted and started to speak before Paul clapped him behind the ears. Paul stepped forward and placed his hand on Alfred’s shoulder, nodding. “Two days ago, near the last sunset, we were attacked. Do you that?” “Two days? Seriously? Wait, but that couldn’t....” He looked at Tony’s nodding head and Boss’s softening features and sighed. “Two days?” “Jonathan, answer my question.” “Yes, I remem... Hey, how do you know my name? I’ve never—” “I know everything about you up until two days ago. Your mind is weak. What is the last thing you ?” Lynx rested on the bed, breathing deeply, trying to . Soon, he was recounting the attack and how he wanted to run—run back home and hide under his own bed when everything went black. Paul looked at Alfred, who nodded, and placed his hand on Lynx’s shoulder and closed his eyes. “Close your eyes, Jonathan, and let Paul guide you.” Lynx did as instructed and was suddenly back in the chaos, falling away from the night walker and into the darkness, only this time, he wasn’t alone. Paul picked Lynx up off the ground as the scene faded. They were soon standing in a long stone hall; torches lined the walls leading to a vast chamber filled with all walks of life. At the mere thought of being in the hall, they were there, moving among the crowd, listening to their conversations. Paul looked both surprised and disappointed. Lynx wanted to ask him why but found himself unable to speak. He smiled. “We are but echoes in your own mind.”

A short man dressed in crimson and silver robes stood at the end of the chamber, looking over the crowd. When he spotted Paul and Lynx, a smile spread across his face. “Welcome, welcome back, my friend.” Paul furrowed his brow. The man hopped down from his perch and pranced through the crowd toward them. “Back so soon, too. I knew you’d decide to help us.” Lynx had no memory of this place or this man and glanced at Paul, pleading for him to believe that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Paul nodded. “Forgive me, but who do I have the pleasure of addressing?” The man scoffed. After a few moments, he laughed and said, “You nearly got me there, my dear Trazzinog.” Paul gasped and dug his fingers into Lynx’s shoulder until he whimpered. The man laughed and slapped Lynx on the thigh. “You do love to make that sound, don’t you?” He turned and looked at Paul before sighing and shaking his head. “Always want to play games, huh? Fine, I’ll play along this time.”

7

“I ,” the man said with a flourish of his hand as he bowed, “am Azanauth, Lord of—” Paul drew a deep breath, grabbed Lynx’s arm, flinging Lynx behind him. “You!” The music stopped, and partygoers stared from behind their masks. Lynx looked around, eyes getting wider by the second. He tapped Paul on the back. “Um...” “Shh.” Paul waved him to be silent. “I know who you are, and I am here to tell you, you can’t have him.” “Oh?” Azanauth laughed. His once wide smile twisted and deformed into a salivating hole surrounded by miniature shark-like teeth. Lynx stopped counting at six rows. His whimpering echoed through the now silent chamber. He gripped Paul’s shoulder harder as Azanauth grew in size tenfold, now towering over them. Partygoers laughed and removed their masks, revealing hideous creatures, salivating and frothing at the mouth. “I will have whatever I wish.” Paul stood firm, glaring up at Azanauth. His nostrils flared, and for a moment, Lynx was positive Paul’s eyes began glowing red. “Over my dead body.” Azanauth shrugged. “Two for the price of one. Bargain.” As the monsters closed in, Paul turned and placed his hands on Lynx’s eyes. When he removed them, they were standing in the middle of the room; Boss and Alfred jumped back, Eric screamed and dropped his mug of coffee, and Sarah broke out into a fit of laughter. “What happened?” Tony asked. Paul thought for a few moments, then turned to Boss. “We need to get to Amber

Reach. Now.” “Wait, you can talk?” Eric asked. Sarah and Tony looked just as puzzled. Alfred and Boss turned stone face as they gawked at Lynx. “This boy—” “Had nothing to do with it but is in grave danger,” Paul said, looking at Boss. “We will learn why eventually, but right now, he cannot remain here. He must return to his home.” Boss took a deep breath and nodded. “I can’t say I agree he didn’t have anything —” “Azanauth.” Eric’s mug shattered as it hit the ground. Sarah fell to her knees, shaking her head in fear. Without another word, Boss nodded, grabbed Lynx’s rucksack, and threw it to him. “Get moving, boy. We’ve got a long way to go.” Everyone collected their things and hurried downstairs, past a slew of startled guests. “But I thought....” Lynx started to say as Paul pushed him faster down the stairs. “This is just a watering hole, kid,” Tony said, running out the door that was flapping in a sudden wind. The second sun was just rising over the horizon, casting the red sand in a golden halo. Cixi scattered as they ran past tents, purple reeds lining a clear stream, and crossed through the protective boundary into the scrub and sand. Strange animals sang in the sky as if whales had learned to fly. Lynx paused after an hour, trying to catch his breath. He cursed himself for choosing recreational card games for his gym classes. Cross country would have been better preparation for this. He rested his hands on his knees and looked around.

Everyone was standing calmly, hardly breathing or breaking a sweat. “It’s okay, kid.” “No, it’s not. He’s going to get us all killed because he can’t keep up. I say we leave him. Been nothing but trouble since day one.” “Sarah,” Boss said, raising his hand. “Enough. He is my responsibility. I brought him here, and I will make sure he gets home.” He turned and stepped in front of her face. “You are free to go. Your employment contract is terminated.” Eric started to speak but stopped. Sarah’s face twitched with fury. After a few tense moments, she spat in Boss’s face. “You’ll regret this old man.” Boss watched as she stormed into the shadows of a ing cloud and disappeared behind a hill. He turned to Eric. “You two are peas in a pod. You staying or going?” Eric’s foot twisted in the sand as his brow furrowed. “Staying,” he whispered. “Then let’s go.” Alfred squeezed Eric’s shoulder. Eric looked at him with tears in his eyes and nodded. “I guess it was bound to happen, huh?” They continued for hours, stopping only when Lynx could no longer physically take another step. “Not too far, now,” Tony said, plucking a blue fruit from a gold bush and handing it to Lynx. “You can make it. Bet you’ll be home by dinner.” Lynx said nothing as he ate the fruit—a cross between a sweet apple and tart lime. Even though he had no idea what was happening, part of him knew he did not want to go home. His place was here with them. As they continued toward Amber Reach, his mind played the short man’s transformation on repeat. Something about it seemed so familiar, felt so natural.

Boss paused on top of a hill and smiled. “There she is, Amber Reach.”

8

“W hat?” Lynx breached the hilltop and stopped, gawking at the sight before him. Creamy white waves lashed at the rocky beach below them. He looked at Tony and Paul and repeated the question. Tony laughed. “It’s okay, kid. You’ll love what comes next.” Boss watched Lynx’s reaction and grinned. Sometimes he forgot how enthralling and mysterious their world could be. He sighed. Perhaps if things were different, he could have shown Lynx the Jasper forest or rainbow valley that comes alive at night with bioluminescent bacteria, but no, he had to go home. It was a mistake to bring him along. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he vowed never to make that mistake again. They made their way down the hill toward the vast ocean and stopped by a large boulder. Alfred and Paul threw their packs on the ground, pulled out cookware and bits of food, and began preparing a meal. Eric and Tony wandered the shore looking for any tasty morsels they could find in tidepools to add to the buffet. “Um...” Lynx looked around, hoping someone would give him a task, only to find everyone deep in their activities. He sighed. Boss placed his hand on Lynx’s shoulder and smiled. “Not quite what you were expecting, huh?” Lynx shook his head. “I don’t know what I was expecting, really.” He glanced around at the team again. “What should I be doing? I can help, you know.” Boss chuckled. “I know. Why don’t you come with me, and we’ll check the other side of the beach?” Lynx smiled. “Thanks.”

They walked a short distance down the beach, pausing now and then so Lynx could gawk at the different fish walking from the water or patches of moss that suddenly sprouted legs and chased after the fish. All he could do was stare and laugh. “Everything’s so different.” “You’ll be home soon.” Lynx stopped and looked at Boss. “Can’t I stay? Do I really need to go home?” Boss drew a deep breath and gazed out across the water. “Yes. You do.” “Dinner!” Alfred shouted. Boss turned and grinned. “Wonderful, I’m starving.” He slapped Lynx on the chest. “Come on, let’s eat. It’s getting late, and we don’t want to miss the bridge.” Lynx stood firm and looked around one last time. “Bridge?” “Come on, boy.” “Coming.” Lynx jogged to catch up and was amazed by the amount of food laid before him on a large multi-colored blanket. He didn’t recognize a single item, but its smell reminded him of Sunday roasts and Mom’s apple pie. It was then he realized how hungry he was. He sat between Boss and Paul and dug into the plate they handed him. It tasted exactly like roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and apple pie. The group stayed at the beach until the third sun was approaching the horizon. Mist thickened as temperatures dropped. Something in the distance caught Lynx’s eye. Blinking and rubbing his eyes did nothing to dispel the mirage that surely must be there. A long rocky outcrop floated just above the water, leading to a great cobble wall lined with torches and guards. Behind the wall rose three great towers that shined like polished obsidian. Fires flickered through open windows in the tower rooms, and the longer he stared, the surer he was he could see shadows pacing in the flickering light.

Paul laughed and slapped Lynx’s shoulder. “It is pretty amazing, isn’t it?” “Holy cow!” Eric said exactly what Lynx was thinking. “That’s right; you’ve never been here either, huh?” Boss asked. “Nope.” Eric blinked and licked his lips with excitement. “My mama told me fairy tales about it, though.” Boss grinned. “Well, kids, it’s time to see Amber Reach.” “Wait,” Lynx said, touching Boss lightly, “I thought that”—he waved toward the ocean keep— “was Amber Reach.” “Nope,” Tony said, walking ahead of the group. “That’s the Oasis of Fiery Peace.” Alfred and Paul hastened their pace to catch up with Tony. “Come on, kids,” Alfred called. Boss stared at Eric and Lynx. “After you.” They grinned at each other and soon walked in matching strides behind the others while Eric regaled him of the tales he learned as a child. One story about a young child stolen by a pack of scampers caught his attention, while one about the Lord of Chaos sent a shiver down his spine. “Entry fee,” two guards said in unison as they stepped in front of a large wooden door leading to the towers. Paul stepped forward and reached inside his jacket, but Boss stopped him. He looked at the guards and said, “I am Thesdall, and these people are with me.” One guard began to argue as the other dropped to his knees. “It is an honor.” Boss shook his head and sighed. “I hate formalities,” he muttered under his breath. The kneeling guard stood and nodded. “Please allow me to escort you anywhere you need to go.”

“Fine. Please take us to see Amber Reach.” “This way.” The guard led them to the tallest of the three towers in utter silence. Eric and Lynx shared the same “Who is Thesdall?” expression as they took in everything around them. Children of all shapes, sizes, colors, and attributes clung to their mother’s cloaks and pointed at Lynx. He felt like an old-time roadside attraction. He chuckled as he imagined holding out his hand, saying, “Two-bits, please.” Marble and obsidian bricks lined the spiral staircase, reflecting light cast by tiny insects that followed them as they walked. Not a single torch was to be seen. Lynx shook his head. The longer he stayed here, the less anything made sense, but that only made him want to stay longer. “Wait here, please,” the guard said as they reached the top of the stairs. After the guard left, Tony asked what everyone had been thinking. “So, who’s Thesdall?” Boss grinned and chortled. Before he could respond, though, the guard returned with an excited expression painted on his face. “They will see you now.”

9

Boss bowed slightly and walked past the guard. Lynx’s eyes widened as he followed Boss. The black-and-white tiles gave way to stained glass that reflected alabaster columns and gilt-framed mirrors lining the walls. People dressed in amber and rose-colored uniforms stepped back and bowed. Boss sighed but said nothing. “Holy frankenfurter,” Eric said as he crossed the threshold. Lynx couldn’t contain his laugh and was soon sprawled on his back. The guard loomed over him, glaring. “That was not necessary,” a woman’s voice said. “Yes, it was,” a man’s voice said. The two voices argued while Lynx caught his breath. Tony and Paul helped him to his feet, each giving him the “Don’t you know when you keep your trap shut” look his father often used. “Amber Rose,” Boss said, walking away from the group, “please forgive my young friend.” Lynx rubbed his eyes. In front of Boss stood a person—no, two people, one body —a woman in the front and a man in the back. The woman’s skin was dusty pink, and dark red locks framed her face. As Amber Rose spun in circles, allowing each to speak to Boss, Lynx started to feel nauseous. Amber’s golden skin and jet-black hair clashed with Rose’s, creating a whirlpool of light and dark, each casting a rainbow of auras around the room. After a few minutes, he couldn’t take it any longer and sat on the floor, gripping his knees, and clamping his eyes shut. “What’s wrong with you?” Eric asked.

Alfred looked at Paul, who shrugged. “I’m getting seasick from their spinning colors.” Boss glanced between Amber Rose and Lynx, mumbling to himself, before focusing on Amber Rose. “He isn’t meant—” “Nonsense!” Rose raised her hand, silencing Boss. “The boy is exactly where he needs to be,” Amber said, looking toward Lynx. “Guard.” The guard who struck Lynx jogged over to Amber Rose and nodded as Amber spoke to him. He turned and dashed out of the chamber, returning moments later with a small box. “Let the magician open it,” Rose said, motioning for Alfred to take the box. Confused, Alfred stepped forward, accepted the box, and opened it. He smiled and chuckled lightly. “This will definitely help, Jonathan.” Lynx heard footsteps come nearer and felt someone kneel in front of him, placing their body between him and Amber Rose. “Put these on,” Alfred said, slipping a pair of glasses on Lynx’s face. “But I don’t....” Lynx was stunned into silence as he opened his eyes. Everything was different, yet the same. Amber Rose was still two people on one four-armed, one-headed body with halos of light surrounding them, but everything remained in a fixed position. Alfred helped him to his feet, and Boss continued arguing over where Lynx belonged. Amber Rose refused to budge, and Boss was losing his patience. Lynx looked around the room at the crafted artwork in the columns, the delicate details in the tapestry, and screamed when he looked in the third mirror. His high-pitched screech echoed around the chamber and made everyone jump. Eric started complaining, Alfred and Paul looked at each other, and Tony reached for his weapon.

“Why the devil are you screaming, boy!” Boss yelled as he stormed toward Lynx. Lynx fixated on something only he could see. He raised his shaking hand and pointed. “Um... um... I don’t think that’s supposed to be here.” Tears trickled down his face as fear consumed him. A face he had thought was long gone, a childhood nightmare now staring back at him and creeping closer with each ing second. Amber Rose discussed things between themselves as Boss tried convincing Lynx there was nothing there. The more Boss sounded like Lynx’s father, the angrier he became. He fixed his attention on the creature, half-man half-fiery beast with charcoal eyes and white, glistening fangs, and realized the beast was not stalking him, but Amber Rose. Just as it was about to strike, Lynx grabbed Alfred’s knife and charged toward thin air, at least that’s how it appeared to everyone else in the room. The beast was startled and caught off guard, providing just enough time for Lynx to drive the knife deep into the beast’s thick, hairy hide. The beast howled in pain and spun, trying to rack its claws across Lynx’s face. Amber Rose spun around as Amber raised his hand and stared at the beast. Frozen in time, the beast could not move. Lynx fell to the ground and crabwalked backward until he ran into Boss’s legs. Boss reached down, grabbed him under the armpits, and pulled him to his feet. “I got you, boy.” Amber turned around to let Rose take the lead, and soon the beast was whimpering, pleading for the pain to end as Rose separated the beast from its soul, one atom at a time. When it was over, and the beast was no more, Amber Rose called for Lynx to step forward. “Yes, um”—he looked at Boss, hoping to be told how to refer to them but found no assistance— “your highness? Um, your majesty?” Amber laughed, and Rose smiled. “Amber Rose is fine,” she said. “Perhaps Thesdall is correct, and you should not have been brought here.”

Amber scoffed and snorted. “My brother seems to think otherwise,” she said, rolling her eyes behind her. “While we appreciate your act of courage, there is no way a slangthorne could have entered our oasis.” Paul stepped forward. “Begging your forgiveness, Amber Rose, but you should know that Azanauth has claimed him, but I do not know when, how, or why.” Amber Rose shivered and cursed at the mere mention of Azanauth’s name. After a few moments, Rose shook her head. “Regardless of that fact, the decision should not rest with us. Magician, what say you?” Alfred raised his brow and looked at Lynx. “Jonathan is afraid, no terrified, too terrified. He should return to his home.” Lynx’s jaw dropped, and he started to protest, but Alfred chuckled. “However, his mind is an open book to me, and he does not wish to return home. Old man Young brought him to us, I think, to help him find his purpose.” Eric shook his head and said, “He needs to go if anyone cares what I think.” “No one does,” Boss said. “Come here, young man,” Amber Rose said, motioning in front of them. Rose waved her hand in a figure-eight in the air, and a portal opened. Lynx ripped off the glasses and watched as his mother walked out of the kitchen with a roast chicken on Grandma’s platter. She placed it on the table in front of Dad, and everyone licked their lips with anticipation. He could smell the rosemary and thyme, the herbed stuffing, and fresh boiled corn on the cob. Davey and Sarah leaned on her elbows, trying to get a better view as his father sliced the chicken. His chin trembled as tears streamed down his face. “The only person who can decide this young man’s future is himself,” Rose said. She looked at Lynx with pity in her eyes. Amber shook his head, muttering about the prophecy. “Step through the portal, and you will be home, or....” “Or?” Amber asked. “What’re you thinking about?” Rose sighed and lowered her head. With a flick of her wrist, another portal

opened behind Lynx. Lynx looked inside and saw a beautiful meadow filled with tall grass, flowers, and a rainbow of butterflies. “What are you doing, Rose?” Amber asked. “What you want done, brother. It’s called a compromise, isn’t it?” Lynx was confused and looked at Amber Rose, then at Boss. The look on Boss’s face told him everything he needed to know. “So, this is it? This is when I make my decision?” Everyone nodded. Lynx looked between the two portals and closed his eyes. “Well, it’s been nice knowing everyone.”

10

Lynx stood, head down , deep in contemplation. Why did Mr. Young take him to that hotel? Boss knows him. Was this the plan? Why did he feel so at home even though everything was absolutely terrifying? What was that creature, and why was Amber Rose enjoying his suffering? His mind then turned to Azanauth. Sweat formed on his trembling brow. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment, then took a deep breath and turned around. “Um, if it’s all the same with you, I’d like to stay.” Boss snorted, Paul and Alfred smiled, Eric grumbled, and Tony puffed out his chest like a proud father. Before Rose could begin complaining, Amber spun around sporting a wide smile. “I knew you’d make the right choice, my good fellow; I just knew it.” Rose shook her head but remained silent. “Guard, fetch this man a proper weapon and clothing. I don’t know what you call those things, but they are horrible!” Lynx looked down at his dirty jeans and even dirtier shirt and blushed. “Sorry,” he said, brushing off flakes of dried red mud. “Oh, not the dirt, that’s everywhere. What are those things you are wearing?” “They are called Strauss, my dear brother. Do you not know anything?” Amber and Rose argued for the next several minutes, spinning in circles as they tried to look each other in the face. Lynx pushed his glasses against the bridge of his nose and chuckled silently. They stopped arguing as the guard entered the chamber with a long knife and a rolled parchment. “Good, good,” Amber said, smoothing his hair back into place. “Give them to the boy so they can be on their way.” His face then lost all expression as he

addressed Boss. “Thesdall, I suspect you have connected the pieces, have you not?” Boss nodded and took a deep breath. “I have.” “Will you then accept this charge?” “I guess I already did, days ago, when they tricked me. They knew I wouldn’t any other way.” Rose laughed. “That was mean of me, wasn’t it?” Amber sighed and shook his head. “I should have known.” “Oh, shush, brother. It’s long past time, and you know it.” “Well, that doesn’t mean I have to like it, you know.” Their banter went back and forth for a few minutes. Boss waved for Lynx to him and the others. “What’s all this about?” Eric asked. Boss looked at the group, stone-faced. “I accept this boy as my charge. None need accompany me.” “You’re stuck with me,” Tony said. “He’s my responsibility, too. I already told you that.” Alfred looked at Paul, who nodded, then looked at Boss. “You may need our services. We are coming too.” Everyone turned to look at Eric. His expression was one of confusion, shock, wonder, and excitement. “Well, still don’t like him, but I’m always up for an adventure. Where we going, boss?” Boss smiled and nodded. “Where we must. Everyone ready?” He clasped Lynx on the shoulder and led him back over to the portals. They paused in front of Amber Rose, who was still arguing with each other. “Hope to see you again.” “Oh,” Rose said, releasing Amber’s hair from her clutches.

“Leaving so soon?” added Amber. “Best get on with this.” Boss turned and led the group through the portal to the meadow. A gust of warm air greeted them as the portal disappeared behind them. Lynx drew a deep breath and smiled. Honeysuckle, pine, rose, and summer strawberries played with his senses. The blue sky and tall green grass were crisper, cleaner, and fresher than he had ever seen. “It’s beautiful,” he whispered. “Beautiful? Ha! Why does everything look and smell this way?” Eric asked, wrinkling his nose as if a skunk had just said hello. “What?” Lynx turned and looked around again, then ed he was wearing the glasses Amber Rose had given him. He took them off, half expecting the world to fade to grey, but it remained the same, beautiful landscape as before. “You won’t need those all the time,” Alfred said. “But leave them on,” Boss added. “You may not need them, but they could save our lives.” Lynx nodded without question and slipped them back on. “Okay. Um, where are we?” Boss grinned, showing off bright white razor-sharp teeth. He drew a deep breath and spun in a circle, taking in the scenery surrounding them. “You’re not used to color, are you, Eric? Weren’t you on our last little venture?” “Nah,” Tony said, “, you grounded him and Sarah for squabbling over who got the last jinklebird egg muffin.” Alfred chuckled. “I think the hole is still in the wall from when you told Sarah.” “Oh, yeah.” Boss laughed. “You’ll get used to it. It does tend to grow on you.” “Hopefully, not like prickleitch fungus.” Everyone except Eric and Lynx laughed.

Boss turned to Lynx and raised a hand toward the meadow. “This is Middleris Garden.” “The what?” they asked together, watching thousands of butterflies taking flight as if upon command. “You’ll see,” Boss said. “Follow me.”

11

Boss led them through the meadow, much to everyone’s delight. Even Eric relaxed and began laughing when butterflies rested on his jacket, warming their wings in the sun. After seeing three suns in the sky for the last week, a crystalclear blue sky with one golden yellow sun seemed empty, but something was refreshing about it as well. Lynx smiled as a cacophony of scents teased his nose. Boss paused at the top of a small hill and grinned. “Have you figured out where you are yet?” Lynx shook his head, stepping next to Boss. He looked out past Boss and lost his breath. Dozens of mammoths walked in the valley below. He rubbed his eyes and gawked at Boss, who chuckled. “Oh, man, he said, turning back toward Eric, “you gotta see this!” Eric glanced at Alfred and Paul, then jogged up the hill, stopping just behind Lynx. “Holy jigglewiffle! What are those?” “Mammoth. Aren’t they?” “Yes, they are,” Boss said. “And what do you see in the tree line over there?” Eric and Lynx looked where he was pointing. “Holy cow! If that’s what I think it is, I’ve only seen its fossil in the museum.” “What is it?” “A sabretooth tiger,” Lynx said. He looked at Boss and shook his head. “We have to help them.” Alfred and Paul rested their hands on Lynx’s shoulder. “They have lived a long time without humans. If anyone is the greatest threat, it’s you.” Lynx furrowed his brow at them, then turned back toward the scene unfolding below them. “I guess.”

As the sabretooth approached the mammoths, one sounded a warning, and the game was afoot. After many close calls, neither side lost a player. “So,” Lynx said, as Boss started leading them down the hill, following the mammoths. “We’re on Earth?” “Yep,” Tony said. “Cool,” Eric said. “Never saw it like this before.” “Me, either.” Lynx wiped his face as if everything around him was a mirage. “It will be a long time before the humans come up this far.” Boss led them across a stream and turned right. “But that doesn’t mean others aren’t already here.” Lynx laughed. “Don’t tell me you believe in....” Everyone stopped and looked at him. “Oh, right. Sorry.” Tony laughed and patted his back. “You’ll get used to it. But I have a feeling you’re not quite what you think you are either.” “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m as human as they come.” Paul pulled on Tony’s shoulder and shook his head. “Human, yes, you are. Wait until you see where Boss is taking you before you declare how average you are.” Thick forest turned to lush meadow once again as the sun was high overhead, but Boss showed no signs of slowing their pace. Meadow turned to tall redwoods by early evening, and still, he pushed them onward. He never afforded Lynx more than a few minutes to rest or gawk at the plants and animals around him. Every movement caught his attention and ignited his imagination as Mr. Palmer’s biology lessons played in his mind. He spent most of the evening wishing he had paid more attention to his lectures than Molly’s blonde curls and form-fitting cheerleader uniform that showed her entire upper thigh when she sat. “Wait here,” Boss said, pointing to a small clearing. He walked on ahead.

Lynx happily sat on a large boulder and watched firefly ancestors flitter through the trees. Eric plopped down next to him and watched them as well. They soon called out what shapes they saw and made up stories about what may be lurking in the underbrush, waiting to leap out at them. “Alfred! Paul!” Boss called out a few minutes later. “Coming, Boss,” Alfred hollered. They hurried toward his voice. When they ed him, Paul gasped and shook his head. Smoke billowed from smoldering structures in the prairie in front of them. Bodies lay in the tall grass, motionless. The veins in Boss’s neck pulsate with rage. “Who would do this?” Alfred pulled a spyglass from his bag and scanned the village. “If the fire had been natural, the village’s protector would have doused it immediately. If a wild animal had attacked, the village’s protector would have confused it before the animal could do harm. Where was the village protector?” Paul drew a deep breath and looked at Alfred, who nodded. “Give us a few minutes, Boss.” Boss nodded and stepped back. He watched at Paul, and Alfred stepped cautiously toward what remained of the Novalilly outpost. Whoever did this to them must have been a monster. He focused his attention on the darkening sky rather than letting his mind wander to their last moments. Alfred and Paul made their way closer to the village, each calling on their powers of protection and desire to help, hoping to find one survivor. Alfred doused flames while Paul scanned for the village’s protector. Nothing. For over an hour, they searched and found nothing until Paul sensed life— Terrified, lonely, and in hiding. “It could be a trap,” Alfred said. “We still have not found the protector. What if —”

“No,” Paul said abruptly. “Get the others.”

12

Alfred raced back to the others, shouting. Boss ran to meet him, then yelled for everyone to follow. Alfred and Boss didn’t pause; they turned and ran back toward the village. “Well, come on,” Tony said. “You heard the man.” He pulled Eric and Lynx to their feet, shoving them in front of him. “Now, move.” Once everyone had gathered around Paul, he ordered everyone to fan out. Check every victim, every hut, and leave no leaf unturned. As everyone started to separate, he grabbed Lynx’s arm. “You’re with me.” “But you said—” “I know what I said, and you don’t need to see those bodies.” Lynx flinched as Eric screamed inside a hut. “Besides,” Paul said, unfazed by Eric’s scream, “You can see more than anyone else, and together we’ll find them.” Lynx’s brow furrowed, and he looked around the smoldering village; smoke stung his eyes as the scent of burnt toast floated through the air on a breeze. “Find who?” “Close your eyes.” Paul gripped Lynx’s shoulder. “Breathe, listen, and look around you.” Lynx closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then started to chuckle. “How can you look around if....” Paul’s deep, regulated breathing silenced everything else around him. Pounding, rhythmic pulses cast crimson waves in the dark. “Um...” Alfred’s calm, cool voice spoke between them. “I’m here.” Paul sighed and gripped Lynx’s shoulder harder. “Guide us, boy.”

“What? How? I don’t understand.” “I can only hear their soul; you can see it. Find their crying heart.” Lynx inched forward, arms outstretched. Walking in the dark was scary; walking in the dark with closed eyes was terrifying. Alfred warned of obstacles and guided Lynx around safely, but nothing could slow the fear growing in the pit of his stomach as the crimson waves overtook him as if he were walking directly into a strobe light. When he could see the pulsating epicenter, he stopped. “It’s over there.” Paul opened his eyes and whispered in Lynx’s ear. “Keep your eyes closed and focused on them.” Lynx nodded. “Everyone,” Alfred yelled, “come over here.” Eric was wiping tears from his eyes as he and Tony ed them. Boss approached from the opposite direction, wiping his mouth. No one said anything or judged anyone for their response. Paul turned his attention back to Lynx. “Point to them.” His trembling hand pointed at the base of a tree surrounded by large ferns. Paul looked at Alfred, who nodded and stepped forward. Alfred pulled an amulet from his bag and spoke in a language Lynx did not understand, but the pulse slowed and moved as he spoke. “It’s moving.” “That’s okay,” Paul whispered. “Kitsap pulley,” Eric muttered. “It’s just a kid.” Surprised, Lynx opened his eyes and screamed. A huge, gray, snarling batwinged gargoyle stood not more than two feet away from him, saliva dripping over its fangs. He tried to retreat but backed straight into Boss, who wrapped his arms around him, preventing him from running.

Eric started laughing and harassing Lynx. Tony looked at Paul and motioned about Lynx’s glasses, but Paul shook his head. “What... what is that!” “It’s a little kid, you hineyjunker.” Eric walked to its side and stroked its shoulder. “Don’t mind him; he’s just a silly human. You’re safe now.” Alfred snorted, and Paul coughed. The child smiled and giggled, then looked directly at Lynx. “I failed you; forgive me.” Eric stood back, looking between Lynx and the child. “Failed him? What’s going on?” Lynx, finding his voice again, asked, “Why were you hiding?” The gargoyle looked around at the remains of his charges and wept. “I failed. I... I was tricked. They counted on me.” Boss released Lynx and stepped toward the protector, putting his hand on his shoulder. “Come, you are one of us now.” “No,” the protector said, crying harder. “I am not fit. I failed. Your kind would not understand.” “I do understand.” The protector’s face hardened as he turned toward Boss. “How! How could you understand? You—” “I am Thesdall, and I tell you, I understand.” Immediately, the protector’s face softened. “Thesdall?” Boss sighed and nodded. The protector fell on one knee. “Forgive me. It would be my honor to you. I am Eastmond, Protector of the Hidden One.”

“Eastmond?” Lynx asked, stepping forward next to Boss. “Why do you ask?” Boss asked. Lynx blushed and chuckled slightly. “That’s the name I gave to the toy that guarded my castle when I was a kid.” Eastmond stood straight and puffed out his chest. “That would have been a fine job.” Screeching overhead drew everyone’s attention. Large creatures of all shapes filled the darkening night sky. “I suggest we find better shelter,” Eastmond suggested. “Agreed,” Boss said. “Where do you suggest?” Eastmond thought for a moment, looked at the group, then pointed toward the horizon. “There are caves not far from here. They are used for food storage. No animals may cross their boundary.” “Sounds good for now.” Boss turned toward everyone. “Agreed?” Everyone nodded and soon walked toward the caves as Boss and Eastmond spoke quietly ahead of the others. Eric was still confused and tried convincing everyone Boss was walking next to a child no older than six. Paul and Alfred were deep in silent conversation. Tony looked at Lynx and nudged him gently. “You okay, kid?” “I guess.” Lynx scooted his glasses down his nose and peered over the rim. Nope, still a six-foot-tall, winged beast, walking next to Boss. He shook his head. “Not really.” Tony clasped Lynx’s shoulder and smiled. “It’s okay. Well, it’s going to be okay. When we get to the caves, I’ll answer any questions you have.” Lynx nodded and turned his head just in time to see a shadow duck between two large trees in the distance.

13

Lynx shook his head , convincing himself it was just his imagination, and continued walking with the others. As they walked, the caves seemed to get further and further away. The crescent moon was high overhead, casting everything in a silvery glow. Everything about the moon appeared larger, crisper, and the star-filled sky twinkled. The milky way had never been clearer. Lynx was amazed at how much human progress had destroyed the beauty of the planet. The world was alive with hope, and his heart ached, knowing what its future held. He turned to speak to Tony as the ground gave way beneath them. Tony’s scream was cut short as they landed. Loose dirt rained on Lynx’s head as he rolled onto his back, groaning. “Tony! Boy! Answer me!” Lynx coughed as copper filled his mouth. “Down here,” he moaned, coughing and spitting. Alfred muttered something, and a small orb of light floated down the hole. Lynx wiped his mouth and sat up, taking stock of his limbs. Cuts and bruises, sore ribs, but nothing felt broken. “Hey, Tony. You okay?” He looked toward Tony and started crying. Tony’s lifeless eyes stared at the stars; blood soaked his shirt. Lynx’s cry cascaded through the group. Even Boss had tears in his eyes as he searched, trying to find something they could use to pull them up. Eastmond looked at the ground and sighed. “I have failed again; forgive me.” Boss looked at him, confused. He shook his head and gripped Eastmond’s shoulder. “No. Accidents happen. You had no way of knowing, but could you help get them out?” Eastmond’s eyes widened. “Yes, of course, Thesdall. Right away.” Wings spread

wide, he leaped into the hole and landed softly beside Lynx. “My Lord, forgive me.” He reached down and picked Lynx up, cradling him in his arms like a baby. Moments later, he laid Lynx on the ground at Paul’s feet and returned for Tony. Alfred and Paul tried to console Lynx, but the more they spoke, the more distraught he became. Alfred looked at Paul, and Paul nodded in response. He placed his hands on Lynx’s moist face and leaned toward him. Forehead to forehead, Paul guided Lynx toward sleep. He was silent when Eastmond landed next to Boss, cradling Tony’s lifeless body. Boss took off his pack and pulled out a folding spade. “Eric, I would appreciate —” “Wait until morning,” Alfred said, stroking Lynx’s head that rested in his lap. “Alf—” “The boy needs to be the one to help. He will never recover if he doesn’t.” Boss looked at Lynx and sighed, finally nodding. “You might be right.” He looked at Eastmond. “Will you be alright carrying him to the caves?” “I will do what I must.” With that, Eastmond turned and began walking. Boss looked down again and groaned. “He is my resp—” “Oh, move out of the way,” Eric said, wiping his eyes. “The twerp’s not that heavy.” He slipped his pack off and scooped Lynx up in a fireman’s carry, and started off behind Eastmond. “Can one of you old guys grab my stuff?” Paul grinned, Alfred raised an eyebrow, and Boss snorted. “Old guys? Excuse me?” “Well, collectively, we are older than the dirt we’re standing on,” Alfred said, grinning. He started walking before Boss could respond. Paul quickly ed him, and both started chuckling as Boss groaned under the strain of carrying two packs. The caves were another hour’s walk, and all walked in silence.

Once inside the largest cave, Eric laid Lynx on the ground and set about starting a fire. He covered Lynx with his jacket when he started shivering. “You don’t think he’s starting to like him, do you?” Alfred asked. “The boy probably owes him money,” Boss said. They chuckled and sat by the fire. No one spoke for the rest of the night. Warming morning rays shone into the cave and woke Lynx. For a moment, he had forgotten the previous night’s events, but seeing Tony’s body by the cave entrance, guarded by Eastmond, shattered his fantasy. Everyone was snoring, piled on the opposite side of the cave. Lynx groaned and rubbed his ribs as he stood and walked toward Tony. He sat next to Eastmond and finished watching the sunrise. “Thank you,” he said. Eastmond nodded but said nothing. “So... um...” Eastmond turned and looked at him. “Yes? Go on?” Lynx took as deep a breath as he could and swallowed. “You’re a gargoyle?” “I am a protector.” “Okay, a protector.” He glanced toward Eric. “So, how come you look different to him?” “I cannot answer that.” Lynx sighed. “Well, can you explain what you meant when you said you failed me? We’ve never met before. I... I’m so confused.” Eastmond watched the sun for a few minutes, then turned at looked at the sleeping crew. “I cannot, but there is one who can.” “Tony said he was going to tell me but—”

“No, not tell. Show.” Lynx turned and looked at Paul. “You mean, Paul?” “Yes. Or Thesdall.” “Yeah, um, about that. Why do you call him Thesdall? He said that name to Amber Rose an—” Eastmond leaped to his feet and screamed. “Amber Rose! You claim to have seen Amber Rose? Liar!” His wings spread wide, and talons glistened in the sunrise. “Holy cow, man! Help!” Lynx scurried back and found himself running into Boss’ legs once again. “What is going on?” Eastmond snarled. “Lies! All lies! Amber Rose is—” “Alive and well,” Boss said. “Let us bury our friend; then we will sit and talk.”

14

No one wanted to eat anything knowing the task that lay ahead of them. Alfred tasked Eric and Lynx with gathering wood. It took two trips between the trees and the caves for Lynx to realize they were not building a coffin. Mrs. King always said he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the marquee. “Um, Eric?” “Yeah?” “Why aren’t we going to bury Tony?” Eric halted, jumping on a low-hanging tree branch, and stared at him. “Why would we?” Lynx wrapped his arms around a bundle of twigs and looked up. “He’s dead. It’s the right thing to do. I mean, yeah, I guess people get cremated and put into a jar or something, but... this just seems wrong.” Eric stood motionless for a moment, then sighed. He jumped off the branch and walked past Lynx. “Come on; we’ll make do with what we already have.” Lynx frowned and followed, saying nothing more about it. An hour later, everyone gathered around Tony’s lifeless body. Alfred placed a few scrolls on Tony’s chest and folded his arms over them as Paul put his hand over Tony’s eyes, saying a silent prayer. Tears streamed down Lynx’s face, much to Eric’s bewilderment. “What’s with him,” he whispered. Boss scowled and sighed. He placed a hand on Lynx’s shoulder and asked, “Would you like to set him free?” Lynx raised his eyebrows and looked at Boss with horror in his eyes.

“You’ll understand in a minute.” Boss stepped forward, waited for Paul and Alfred to nod, then lit the woodpile on fire. Within minutes, flames consumed Tony’s body. Smoke rose into the air as birds took to flight. Soon, the entire forest was alive with singing birds. Lynx looked around the sky and gawked. “Watch, boy.” Lynx glanced at Boss, then turned his attention to Tony’s body, which was now glowing bright gold. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped lower as Tony transformed into a phoenix. The bird dropped an amber stone at Lynx’s feet and flew out of sight. Lynx stooped and picked up the stone, turning it over in his hand, shaking his head. “I’m so confused.” Boss sighed. “Time to eat.” Everyone gathered in the caves and chatted as if nothing had happened while Alfred prepared the meal. Eastmond cleared his throat and shifted his feet. Boss looked up. “Ah, yes, on to your problem.” Eastmond snarled. “He lies. Claims to not know who I am; claims to have seen —” “One, we have seen Amber Rose, and, believe me, nothing has changed with those two. Two,” he said, pausing to look at Lynx before continuing, “I do believe the boy has no memory of certain things.” Lynx huffed. “Why are you talking like I should know anything! I just met you guys like what, a week ago?” Eastmond grunted. “Why would she do this then?” “Who? Rose?”

Eastmond shook his head. “No, the injured ones who came many weeks ago and said Amber Rose was dead. The keepers were shocked and took them in to help. I wanted...” He stared at the ground and fell silent. “Go on,” Boss said. Eastmond remained silent, locked in his own mind. Boss balled his fists and stood tall, glaring at Eastmond. “I am Thesdall, Lord of the Forsaken. You will answer me.” Eastmond looked him in the eyes and said, “The female said they rescued the hidden one, but he could not keep up with them, so they left him in the swamp.” He glanced toward Lynx and stopped speaking until Boss stepped in his line of sight. “I searched when I could without finding him, so three days ago, I left the keepers to search day and night. I was deep in the swamp when I saw the sun rising early. But... it could not have been the sun. I ran toward the village and saw the injured male laughing as he drove a knife into....” He fell silent once more. “Oh, man,” Eric said, sitting down and shaking his head. Alfred and Paul frowned and sat quietly beside the fire. Lynx walked over to Eastmond and placed a hand on the gargoyle’s shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. She tricked you to get you out of the way. That’s a pretty crappy thing to do to someone.” Eastmond looked at Lynx but said nothing. “What did they look like?” “It wouldn’t matter,” Boss said before Eastmond could answer. “They’d hide their true appearance, but I’d bet my power on it being Sarah and....” “Azanauth,” Paul finished for him. “That’s how he knew who I was.” Boss drew a deep breath and sighed. “We’ve all been played.” He looked at Lynx and rubbed his face as he sat next to Alfred. “Can you make a portal back to where he belongs?”

Alfred looked up and nodded. “What? Like hell! There is no way I am going back now!” He pointed toward Eastmond. “He still hasn’t told me why I see him as a gargoyle, but Eric sees him as a little kid.” He pointed at Boss and said, “You still haven’t told me what you were doing in my town in the first place and what you were looking for in the caves there.” He placed his hands on his hips and glared at Paul, who was starting to smile. “And you! You haven’t told me why that little Santa wannabe thinks he owns me! Why this guy said you could show me why he thinks he knows me!” He glared at everyone and shouted, “And there is no way in hell I am going to let someone kill Tony and get away with it! So, you can take your little ‘he’s too young for this’ argument and shove it up your ass!” Paul beamed as he stood and applauded Lynx. Eric started chuckling, and Boss stood, walked over to Lynx, and ruffled his hair. “I think you’re growing up, Lynx.” “It’s boy.” Boss laughed. They sat around the fire and ate their breakfast. Each telling brief stories of this and that and coming together as a family. After everyone’s things were packed and they were ready to go, Boss looked at Lynx and nodded. “Well, you’re the one with the true vision. You lead the way.” Lynx took off his glasses and looked at them. “Is that what they do?” Paul nudged Alfred. “Yes and no,” Alfred said. “That power is already within you... and much more. The important thing to know right now is you can trust what you see with them on.” Lynx nodded and stepped out into the sun. “So, what am I supposed to do?” “Look around,” Boss said. “Think about your destination, and you’ll find your way.” Lynx laughed. “I don’t need glasses for that. Dad always called me a walking

com.” He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.

15

Lynx’s face warmed in the sun, and his soul felt lighter than it had for days as he stood and listened to the surrounding sounds. Images of his father and mother sitting in their living room, watching a television program, brought a smile to his face. They were safe, and that was all he wanted to know. Thoughts of Tony were quickly pushed from his mind; he hoped never to see another friend lying dead with him, powerless to help. Someone’s hand touched his shoulder, focusing his thoughts on Azanauth. The once small man was now at least six feet tall and sitting on a throne of skulls and bones. Flames lined the stone wall behind him, casting his face in a fiery glow. He was laughing and wiggling his clawed finger for someone to come closer. Two creatures dressed in black clothes with a red mask on their chest dragged a man toward Azanauth. “I won’t tell you,” the man said, gasping for air. He laughed as best he could. Azanauth nodded to a third creature who kicked the man in the chest. He groaned and spat blood on the ground. “Do... what... you... will....” With this last act of defiance, Azanauth roared. One guard pulled back on the man’s hair, forcing him to look at Azanauth. Lynx gasped and covered his mouth. Moments later, Azanauth’s face morphed into its ghastly mouth and devoured the man in a single, bloody, crunchy gulp. He returned to his former self and laughed. “Did you enjoy the show, boy? They cannot hide you forever!” Lynx’s fists clenched, and blood dripped between his fingers. He focused on Azanauth storming around his chamber, yelling at the walls, trying to provoke Lynx into speaking. As he moved around the chamber, another face came into focus, sending another round of anger coursing through his veins. The hand on his shoulder squeezed it, helping him control his anger. Azanauth’s image faded as Lynx’s vision widened out of the chamber, rising

through the ceiling, soaring through the air above the basalt and crimson castle, catching the breeze and sailing across the red desert, and settling between two trees on the horizon to the northeast. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, staring at the trees. “That way,” he said, raising his arm and pointing. “Why?” Eric said. Everyone except Lynx turned and glared at him. “What? It’s a perfectly acceptable question.” Paul sighed and squeezed Lynx’s shoulder again. “He killed Mr. Young.” “Who?” Boss asked, his face turning red. “Who killed him! How do you know!” “Azanauth.” Lynx wiped his face and sighed. “I saw him. She’s with him, too.” “Sarah?” Eric shook his head. “Sarah wouldn’t... she just wouldn’t.” Lynx looked at him with tears welling in his eyes. “They will pay.” Without saying another word, Lynx slung his pack on his back and started walking toward Azanauth. Paul and Alfred were close behind. Boss and Eastmond paused to look at Eric before leaving him alone by the caves. Eric looked around, frowning, near tears. He kicked a pile of wood and grabbed his bag. “Hey, wait up. You can’t go without me.” He jogged past Boss and Eastmond, Paul and Alfred, and slowed as he matched pace with Lynx. Neither said anything for a few minutes, then Eric snorted and let out a loud belch, sending dozens of birds and small animals scurrying for their lives. Everyone laughed. Soon the air was filled with talk of tales of Amber Rose, stories of Azanauth, and even Eastmond contributed a few stories of the Hidden One. Lynx was sure half of those were made up; babies just don’t magically disappear one day because someone promises to keep them a secret. They made camp by a large lake, filled with the strangest creatures Lynx had

ever seen. Late at night, after most had gone to sleep, he looked at Boss and took a chance. “So, um, you’re Thesdall, Lord of the Forsaken, huh?” Boss glanced over the campfire and smiled. “Sounds important, doesn’t it?” Lynx chuckled. “Truth? Yeah. I think it sounds cool.” Boss laughed. “It’s not really.” “What were you doing when we met?” Boss looked around at the others, sleeping peacefully, then back at Lynx. “Alright, if we’re really doing what I think we are, you deserve to know the truth.”

16

“I am Thesdall, Lord of the Forsaken,” Boss said, taking a deep breath. “I travel all of time and space collecting those who are lost.” He looked at Eric and smiled. “He came to me as a small boy. Azanauth’s minions had slaughtered his parents and colony.” Lynx frowned. “He has every right to be a jerk, then.” Boss chuckled. “That was ages ago, but... Yes, he can be quite a pain sometimes.” He stoked the fire and looked into the sky before continuing. “Alfred and Paul were cast out by their owners after growing too powerful. They wandered from circus to circus, bad situation to bad situation, before being found by Amber Rose and brought to me. They are my closest friends.” “They’re pretty cool, in my book. Paul can be a little creepy at times, but I really like him.” Boss smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. If anything happens to me, Paul will look after you.” Lynx watched Boss for a few minutes in silence. Before he could ask where he fit into Boss’s merry group of misfits, Eric whimpered in his sleep, then jerked upright, tears streaming down his cheeks. Moments later, Paul was by his side, smoothing out Eric’s long, red hair. Eric wept as everyone gathered around him and placed a hand on his shoulder, head, or leg. Lynx remained by the campfire, confused, until Eric looked straight at him and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Tell you what?” Eric looked at Paul and Boss, then shook his head. “Nothing. Never mind.” He wiped his face and stood, gathering his belongings. “So, are we heading off, or what?”

Soon, they were back on the trail that would lead them to Azanauth. Hours ed, and the scenery changed from a calm, crystal lake to a thick forest filled with singing flowers that clung to the trees. Lynx paused and ired a purple flower with white and yellow leaves. He raised his arm to stroke the moving petals when Alfred jerked his hand away, screaming, “No!” Lynx jumped and gasped as the flower lunged toward his face, snapping its petals together like a mouth. “They sing to attract the weak and curious,” Boss said. “Keep moving, and don’t touch anything.” Lynx gulped, rubbed his nose, and walked on, shaking his head. “This place keeps getting stranger and stranger.” Eric laughed. “If you think this place is strange, just wait until you see the Veiled Shade.” He glanced back at Boss and asked, “It’s that way, isn’t it?” He pointed ahead of them. Boss stopped, closed his eyes, and sighed. “Trust you to that place.” He looked at Paul and Alfred. “Any way around it?” Alfred and Paul looked at each other, then shook their heads. “Fine,” Boss groaned. “Let’s pick up the pace and get there by tomorrow afternoon.” Eric grinned and clapped. “I can’t wait to—” “Do exactly what you’re told to do,” Boss said. “Yes, Boss.” Eric frowned and nudged Lynx as they continued walking. “Wait until you see the fernlashes.” He fanned himself and grinned. Boss shook his head. “Keep walking, you two.”

17

It was early evening , and everyone slowed their pace, wary from the day’s journey and thoughts of who they left behind. Among the croaking frogs and nocturnal birds greeting the rising moon, an angel’s voice hung on the breeze. Eric’s face lit with excitement. “Hurry up.” He slapped Lynx on the back and started running. Lynx glanced back at the others but didn’t wait for a response. He caught up to Erik moments later, and together they ran over hills, through streams and halfway up a mountain, being drawn toward the growing voice. “This way! We’re almost there!” Eric turned off the rocky path and disappeared into the trees, pausing only to let Lynx not get lost. The smile on his face grew with each ing minute. “Holy cow,” Lynx said as he caught up to Eric at the top of a valley. A fifty-foot waterfall cascaded down the mountain, filling a large pool in the valley floor. Eric threw off his pack, ripped off his shirt, and jumped before Lynx could stop him. “Come on! Don’t be afraid!” Terrified, Lynx stepped to the edge and watched as Eric splashed into the pond. “Well, come on! They won’t let you get hurt.” “I must be out of my mind.” Lynx tossed his pack and shirt next to Eric’s, closed his eyes, said a prayer, and leaped. Seconds later, he splashed down and felt something or someone pushing him back toward the surface. “Told ya.” Eric laughed and splashed Lynx in the face. The two laughed and played in the pond until they heard Boss yelling at them.

“We’re not your personal Sherpas!” Eric and Lynx covered their heads as their packs and shirts plunged into the water. Eric laughed as a large blue and green webbed hand lifted his pack out of the water and tossed it on a wooden dock lining the pond. “Thanks, man.” Lynx’s pack soon followed. They swam to shore and climbed onto the dock. “What about our shirts?” Eric looked at Lynx and shrugged. “Small token of payment, yeah?” Lynx nodded. “So, where are we?” Giggling from behind large ferns bordering the waterfall drew their attention. Eric smoothed out his hair and smiled. “Veiled Shade.” He turned and looked at Lynx. “And you’re going to love it here. Come on.” He stood, held out his hand, and grinned like the Cheshire cat. “Why do I think you’re going to get me into trouble?” Lynx stood and grinned. “Who me?” Eric winked. “Wouldn’t think of it.” He turned toward the waterfall, shouting, “Hello, ladies. Long time, no see.” Moments later, dozens of young nymphs dashed out, giggling as they encircled Eric and Lynx, urging them to follow. Mesmerized, Lynx would have followed them into Azanauth’s private chamber if they led him. Behind the waterfall sat a village. Doors lined the cave walls and clattered as more nymphs ran out to gawk at the newcomers. The next thing Lynx knew, he and Eric were sitting near a fire, sipping warm honey-tasting elixir from birch bowls. Every wound to his soul seared from the inside with love. Boss laughed and patted him on the shoulder as the others ed them by the fire. “Lost your shirt already, boy?” “Better than what you lost the first time we were here,” Paul said, grinning at Boss as he sat.

“I don’t know,” said a tall, naked woman with knee-length golden-blonde hair, walking toward them, “I think I prefer you without pants.” Boss turned bright red as Lynx and Eric choked on their drinks. “You are looking as beautiful as ever, Aleina.” He stood and waited for her to them. “And you look more handsome every time I see you, my dear Thesdall.” She ignored the boys’ wide-eyed stares and kissed him, long and full on the lips. His hands caressed her waist and traced her hips. Paul stared at Alfred with raised eyebrows and snickered. Eastmond snorted and walked away from the group, settling on the ground by the cave’s entrance. After a few minutes, and before Aleina and Thesdall could begin a show no one wanted to see, Alfred cleared his throat and said, “Have you seen any sign of Azanauth?” The young nymphs screamed and ran back to their rooms at the mention of his name as Boss pulled back, drew a deep breath, and stared at Alfred. Aleina sighed and sat across from them. “Thanks,” Boss whispered in Alfred’s ear as he sat. “I have,” Aleina said, frowning. “Why do you speak of such things?” Alfred waited for Boss to answer, but he said nothing. He looked at Paul, who nodded, then turned his attention back to her. “We wish we were here under better circumstances, but....” He looked at Lynx and furrowed his brow. “The hidden one has been found.” The cave fell silent, broken only by the sound of cascading water behind them. “Are you sure,” she whispered. Eastmond rose and walked behind Lynx, placing his large hands on Lynx’s shoulders. “What?” Lynx felt Eastmond’s tension pulsate through his body. Aleina looked at Paul, who nodded. “Thesdall, how?”

“The secret keeper must have known he was betrayed because he brought the boy to us.” “Old Mr. Young?” Lynx asked. “But I’ve known him—” “Your entire life,” Boss finished. “Who would betray him?” Aleina asked. “After all these years.” Everyone looked at the white sand that covered the cave floor. Finally, Eric broke the silence. “Sarah.” Aleina nodded and began to speak but was drowned out by the sound of a blaring conch. Everyone stood except Lynx; Eastmond’s grip tightened and forced him to remain seated. “This is sacred ground,” Aleina shouted. “He wouldn’t dare!” “Get your things,” Boss said, gripping Alfred on the arm. “We’re going to need you now, more than ever.” Alfred nodded and ran toward his pack. Paul followed. “You boys,” he said, turning toward Eric and Lynx. “Eastmond, what on Earth are you doing?” “What must be done.”

18

Wings fully extended , talons clutching tighter to Lynx’s shoulders, Eastmond growled and took to flight. Lynx screamed and whimpered in pain; blood formed rivulets down his bare chest. “Help!” Aleina shrieked for her guards as Eastmond carried Lynx further toward the cave’s mouth. Several lightly armored men bolted from the rear of the cave, bringing a variety of weapons. The men fell to the ground, writhing in pain as firebolts struck them from the other side of the waterfall. “How dare you!” screamed Aleina. Alfred focused on Lynx, ran forward with Paul on his heels. He opened his hands, produced blue fireballs, and threw them into the waterfall, freezing it instantaneously. “It won’t hold for long, Paul.” Paul nodded, closed his eyes, and stretched his arms toward Eastmond, ensnaring him in an invisible net. “Release me!” Eastmond screamed. “It must happen for all our sakes!” “Never,” Boss shouted, pulling a weapon from his pack. “Drop the boy, and we let you live to fight another day. Harm him, and you will be dead before a drop of water can touch your skin.” A man laughed on the other side of the waterfall. Small cracks began appearing in the falls. Alfred flung another round of freezing spells toward it and cursed. The man’s laughter grew maniacal, and soon, the small cracks became ruptures. For each one Alfred sealed, another two appeared in its place. The village soon stood by Aleina’s side, waiting for her orders. Boss’s brow furrowed as he looked at her. “Forgive me.” He sighed and shook

his head. “We should—” “Have done exactly what you did,” Aleina said. A smile spread across her face as she looked him in the eye. “Ladies, let’s show these boys how it’s done.” Giggling filled the air as flocks of scantily clad young women raced forward. Alfred’s icy barrier faltered. As he prepared another round of spells, several nymphs leaped into the waterfall, driving the water to the sides like parting curtains on a grand stage. “What are you doing?” Boss asked, turning to face Aleina. “What must be done, my dear Thesdall.” Moments later, chaos consumed the cave as Azanauth and his minions raced toward Boss. Lynx screamed as Eastmond drove his talons deeper into his shoulders, bouncing him from side to side as Eastmond battered the barrier. “Not getting him that easy,” Paul said. He was so focused on helping Lynx; he didn’t see Sarah barreling toward him until it was too late. “Sarah! No!” Eric screamed, trying to run between her and Paul. Sarah tackled Paul, breaking his concentration and the barrier holding Eastmond. She pummeled him until Eric grabbed her by the shoulders and flung her off him. She laughed as she slammed into the ground. Azanauth lunged toward Boss and unhinged his mouth, releasing hundreds of miniature versions of himself into the air. Aleina laughed and raised her arms, freezing everything and everyone except her nymphs. They giggled as they ed her again, looking at the carnage about to unfold. “Miss,” a young nymph said, “why did you allow this? Are they not going to be harmed?” Aleina looked at the speaker and smiled. She caressed the young girl’s cheek.

“We do what we must.” The girl nodded but also gave no impression of understanding. Aleina and two older nymphs stood and accessed the situation. “First, the boy.” She pointed toward Eastmond’s feet and muttered something, turning them to stone. “He had his chance... twice. And he failed... twice.” As she finished speaking, a cracking sound echoed through the village. Lynx’s body thudded painfully on the ground as Eastmond’s feet crumbled. She pointed to Eastmond’s wings, and they too turned to stone and crumbled into dust. “Nothing worse than a dewinged gargoyle.” The young nymphs giggled. The three moved from person to person, pointing and whispering, but doing nothing to change the current course of events. When they had finished looking everyone over, Aleina frowned, and tears formed in her eyes. “I acted too late. What is to come is my fault.” “Can’t we change things?” “For two, yes. But one has fallen. If I had acted just moments sooner....” “Do not blame yourself, mistress. They brought it on themselves, did they not?” Aleina looked at the speaker and furrowed her brow. “Hardship and distress at times, yes. But not death. Not here. Not like this.” “What should we do?” Aleina took a deep breath and wept. “Save the ones we can and mourn with them.” Everyone nodded as Aleina looked at them. She turned toward the chaos and gave her orders.

19

“M ove the boy gently over there,” Aleina said, pointing to a small pond in the rear of the village. “Stand in front of him in case this gets nasty.” Several nymphs followed her orders and huddled together, watching their leader. She walked over to Paul and closed his eyes. Aleina then walked over to Sarah and Eric, who were preparing to fight each other. Tears formed in her eyes and began trickling down her cheeks as she checked on Alfred and three of Azanauth’s minions. Standing by Boss, she turned and gave final orders to her group. “, I love you all.” “What? No, mistr—” Aleina raised her hands and leaped in front of Boss as time unfroze. Boss fell backward as Aleina’s body slammed into him. Eric screamed in pain as Sarah’s knife drove deeper into his chest. Eastmond howled in pain as his body fell to the ground, where Aleina’s defenders drove a spear into his chest. “Aleina?” Boss whispered, shaking his head. Spears, spells, and rocks flew in the air as chaos reigned. “I’m sorry,” Aleina whispered as Boss cradled her in his arms. He smoothed out her hair and caressed her cheek. “Why? Why would you sacrifice yourself—for me?” She smiled weakly as her breathing faltered. “Because,” she whispered, wiping away his tears, “I have always loved you.” Boss roared with grief as she took her final breath and closed her eyes.

Azanauth’s laughter filled the air and brought Boss out of his moment of grief. “You!” Boss shouted. Lynx’s eyes fluttered open at Boss’s voice. His protectors tried to restrain him, but the look in his eyes sent them withdrawing in fear. Blood dripped down his chest and back as he stood. As the reality of the situation set in, something in him snapped. Heat surged from within as he ran toward Azanauth. “No!” Boss yelled, seeing him rush past. Lynx raised his hands and shouted, “Ga naar huis!” Azanauth disappeared in a burst of flames, as did his remaining minions. Lynx fell to his knees and started weeping as silence engulfed them. Slowly, Aleina’s nymphs gathered by her side. He looked at Boss and shook his head. “I’m so sorry. This is—” “Don’t say it, boy. We all came to this willingly.” Without looking at Lynx, or anyone else, Boss stood and picked up Aleina. Tears flowed down his face as he carried her to her private chamber. Alfred stumbled toward Paul and fell by his side. He placed his hand on Paul’s chest as bright pink and yellow lights flowed from his hand as he muttered under his breath and combed through Paul’s hair. After a few minutes, he stopped speaking and laid his head on Paul’s chest and cried. Eric, gasping for air, called out for help. Lynx crawled over and reached for the knife, but Eric’s blood-covered hand stopped him. Tears streamed down Eric’s face, and blood dripped from his lips as he tried to tell Lynx something. Nothing Lynx could say or do would stop the inevitable. Lynx held Eric’s hand until his eyes closed, and he took his last breath. Sarah laughed as she propped herself up against a large rock. “You’re done, kid. He’s going to win in the end.” She gasped as Lynx turned his head and looked at her. His once baby blue eyes were now burning bright red with rage. She screamed as flames engulfed her, silencing her moments later. A young nymph walked toward Lynx and kneeled behind him. She cupped her hands around his eyes and whispered, “Sleep now, young one.”

The rage dripped out of his soul as he leaned back into her waiting arms and was soon sound asleep. When he opened his eyes, Boss smiled and continued dabbing a warm cloth against Lynx’s wounds. “Welcome back, Lynx.” “It’s boy,” he whispered. “Nah, kid. You’ve earned your name.” Lynx lifted his head and looked around. Alfred stood next to two mounds of fresh earth, sending a new surge of pain into his heart. “They died because of me.” Boss glanced over and sighed but said nothing. Alfred lifted his head and looked at Lynx. “Their fates were written long ago.” He walked over to Lynx and sat by his side, placing a hand on Boss’s shoulder. Groups of nymphs busied themselves, tidying up the village and grumbling about the ash left by Sarah, Eastmond, and Azanauth’s minions as they burned. Lynx chuckled. “I’m always creating messes for others.” Alfred and Boss chuckled. “Welcome to the crew,” Boss said. “Aleina? Won’t she come back like Tony?” Boss shook his head. “She was a nymph, Lynx. She’ll only come back in storybooks.” Lynx looked down and sighed. “I’m sorry.” “Stop apologizing,” Alfred said. “We cannot look back—only forward.” “When you’re feeling better, we’ll decide what to do next. For right now, lay back down and get some rest. That bloody gargoyle did a number on you.” Boss gently pushed his shoulders until he was lying down. “I already know what I’m doing next.” Lynx yawned and closed his eyes, mumbling himself to sleep.

20

Plagued by pain and nightmares involving flames and Azanauth, Lynx tossed and turned all night as a fever raged. Boss and Alfred took turns trying to soothe him, but nothing seemed to work. His wounds swelled and oozed by the following afternoon. “Perhaps he’s been poisoned,” a young nymph said as she brought them bowls of soup. Boss’s eyebrows furrowed, and he looked at Alfred. “I...” Alfred rubbed his face and cursed himself as he retrieved his bag and brought it over to Lynx. “It never occurred to me.” He grabbed the girl and kissed her on the cheek. She giggled as she ran back to the others. “Step back.” Boss slid back and watched as Alfred opened his pack, mixed herbs and vials of smoking liquid, then poured it into Lynx’s wounds. Sounds of sizzling bacon and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air. “What the hell are you doing?” Boss moved toward Alfred to stop him, but he raised his hand, and Boss stopped. “Don’t hurt the kid.” “Turn him over.” Boss turned Lynx over and watched as Alfred prepared another round and poured it into the deep wounds on his back. They boiled and smelled worse than the front, soaking the dirt with foaming ooze as he laid Lynx on his back again. Moments later, Lynx began coughing and vomiting. Boss quickly turned Lynx on his side and said, “It’s okay, kid. You’re going to be okay.” Alfred rolled his eyes as he put away his items. “He can’t hear you.” “I know.” Boss continued comforting Lynx until nothing was coming out. He laid him back on his back and gasped. The wounds were closing, leaving small ashen scars in their wake. Lynx’s eyes began fluttering until they slowly opened.

“Welcome back, Lynx.” “It’s boy,” Lynx whispered, managing a weak smile. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Boss smoothed Lynx’s hair and smiled. “Rest now.” He stayed with him for a few minutes, then found the girl and pulled her into a bear hug. “Thank you. We could have lost him had it not been for you.” “Perhaps it would have been better,” Alfred muttered, returning to Paul’s grave. Boss looked at Alfred and sighed. He walked over, kneeled beside him, and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Alfred sighed, shook his head, and wiped the tears from his eyes. “I don’t really mean that. I’m sorry.” He glanced over at Lynx. “I do care what happens to him.” “I know you do. And I also know he will be devastated and blame himself more when reality hits him.” Lynx woke in the middle of the night to find Boss on one side and Alfred on the other. Tears streamed down his face as he realized this was all that remained of his friends. Boss woke and wiped Lynx’s tears. “It’ll be okay.” Lynx nodded and stared at the stars, wondering why they had not put the waterfall back where it belonged. That’s when the silence surrounding him drew his attention. “What happened to the water?” “It dried up,” Alfred said. “Aleina was its source.” Lynx’s brow furrowed as he sat up and started pounding his fist into his hand. “He will pay.” “When did you learn to do that?” Alfred leaned back and gawked. Boss scooted back and shook his head.

“Do what?” Lynx asked. He looked down at his hands and shouted. Flames grew fiercer as his shock grew until they shot up to the ceiling and began encircling them. Lynx took a few deep breaths and chuckled as he focused his thoughts and found himself in complete control of his newfound power. “I knew you were special, but this?” Boss asked, starting to laugh. Lynx stood, waved his hands, and turned the flames into fireballs. Juggling fire was easy; transforming the balls into thousands of miniature fire arrows was easier. After having his fun, he spotted Eric’s and Paul’s graves. The arrows fizzled and disappeared in puffs of multi-colored smoke. He walked over, fell to his knees in front of their graves, and slammed his hands onto the ground. “They will pay!” “I think—” Lynx turned and stared at Boss. He stood and hurried over to his pack, pulled out a shirt, put it on, and faced Alfred and Boss. “I will do this. No one kills my friends and gets away with it. I won’t allow you to risk your lives for me. You’ve done that enough.” Boss laughed. “You won’t allow? You won’t allow, boy?” He stood and stormed over to Lynx, standing toe to toe with him. “You’re stuck with me. I am Thesdall, Lord of the Forsaken, and I cannot be denied.” Boss reached into his pocket, pulled out Lynx’s glasses, and put them on Lynx. Lynx stepped back and drew a deep breath, looking at the man standing before him. Alfred chuckled and stepped beside Boss, pulling a small mirror from his pocket, and showing Lynx his own reflection. “What the?” Lynx stared at the mirror for a few moments, then started laughing. He took off the glasses and looked again. He shook his head and crushed the glasses under his foot. “We’re in this together, Lynx,” Alfred said, putting the mirror away. Lynx nodded. “Okay, then let’s go.” He didn’t wait to hear their response before walking out of the village and starting back up the side of the valley.

“So...” Alfred said, tugging on Lynx’s shirt when he and Boss finally caught up. “Now, where are we going?” Lynx smiled, closed his eyes, and searched for Azanauth. “Follow me.”

21

Walking away from the waterfall, their hearts grew heavy, and none spoke. Even nature felt their grief and mourned in silence. Hours ed, and the woods turned to tall grasslands, then a large inland sea. Lynx stopped and took off his pack. He sat in the sand and stared at his worn Allstars. “Why did all this happen?” Boss looked at Alfred and frowned. Alfred shrugged, then took his pack off and began collecting things for a campfire. He walked behind Lynx and sat next to him. “I don’t know. I don’t think any of us would know.” “Paul did.” Metal clanged as Alfred dropped a saucepan and spoon. “What makes you think that?” Lynx turned and looked at him with a furrowed brow. “When we first met Azanauth, he called Paul, Trazzinog, and he nearly turned me into a pincushion with his nails. I—” “Thesdall, could we have—” “No,” Boss shook his head, “I... I....” He stood and walked toward the water, shaking his head harder. Finally, he drew a deep breath and turned around. Lynx gasped as the once 40-something lumberjack of a man now shimmered bright gold. It was easier to convince himself the glasses were playing tricks on him, but that was no longer possible. “We’ve been all wrong about this.” Alfred looked both shocked and knowing as he set the pan over the fire and fell to his knees. “Shorts?” “Shorts.” Lynx looked between the two and searched through his memory for that name.

“Who?” “Uh...” Alfred said, rubbing his face. He glanced at Boss, who shrugged. “Shorts. He would have been with us, but he couldn’t come this trip. , you took his place when Boss....” He pointed at Boss but didn’t finish speaking. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Boss. “Why were you so quick to bring Jonathan? He had nothing to offer us.” He looked at Lynx and smiled. “At the time, that is. Not saying the case is the same now, of course.” Boss balled up his fists and glared at Alfred. “What are you suggesting?” He stood and shimmered brighter. Lynx shielded his eyes as Boss began walking toward Alfred. Alfred, in turn, began walking toward Boss. Before the two could meet, Lynx stood and shouted, “Enough!” Flames erupted from his palms, forming snakes that coiled around Boss and Alfred without touching them. “You know what? I don’t care why this happened. I’ve never lived as much as I have since I met you lot, and I’ll be damned if I sit here and let you two duke it out.” Alfred and Boss glared at each other. Boss began to speak but was cut off by the sound of laughter. Everyone looked into the sky, then at each other. Lynx shook his head and closed his hands. “What am I doing?” Boss rubbed his face and returned to his old self. “I don’t know, but it’s not just you.” He looked at Alfred. “Sorry.” “No,” Alfred said, wringing his hands. “No apology necessary. Any ideas?” The laughter grew and danced around them. Music floated by on a breeze, making all three stop and growl. Boss drew a deep breath and shouted, “Amber Rose! Open a portal right now!” Gray smoke engulfed the trio, and they landed with a painful thud in the middle of Amber Rose’s chamber.

“Oh, poo,” Rose said, shaking her head. “Why did you stop? The fight was getting good.” “Be mindful, sister,” Amber said from behind Rose. “You don’t want to anger the mighty dragon before his time.” Lynx looked at Boss, who motioned for him to remain silent. Alfred dusted himself off and whispered in Boss’s ear. Boss nodded, and before Amber Rose could utter a sound, Alfred had encased them in a block of ice. The shocked look on Rose’s face sent their court into a fit of laughter. Alfred and Boss walked around her, shaking their heads. They paused in front of Amber, and Boss nodded to Alfred, who drew an oval around Amber’s face, melting the ice. “Now, was that really necessary? I have half—” “Shut up, or I’ll have him freeze you again.” Amber’s lips clamped shut. “We lost our friends because of you and your stupid little games and—” “I think not,” Amber said. “We only checked in on you this evening. Rumors have been flying, and we—” “What rumors,” Alfred asked. Amber looked at him while licking his teeth. Grumbling came from the ice block behind him. “Oh, shush. I can only assume since there are only the three of you here right now that the rumors are true. And, well, I offer you my deepest condolences, Thesdall. You know I would—” Boss turned and tapped Alfred on the shoulder, who promptly froze Amber’s face again. “Right,” he said, walking over to Lynx and grabbing his shoulder. “I meant what I said. He will pay. I will go alone if you want to—” “Stuff it, boy. Close your eyes and do your thing.”

Alfred stepped close to Lynx and put his hand on Lynx’s other shoulder. “You’ll need all the help you can get.” Lynx nodded and closed his eyes. Jutting out of a blood-red sea, three mighty volcanoes spewed lava, creating jagged shorelines of ashen earth. Coal-black beasts patrolled the coast, devouring any living thing that mistakenly crawled ashore. High overhead, in clouds of sulfur and soot, gargoyles of all sizes flew in formation. The third sun was setting, and flaming skeletons carrying dripping swords rose from the ash. Azanauth, Lynx thought. His mind wandered to the middle volcano and was about to plunge deep inside its mouth when Alfred tugged on his shoulder. “No, not yet. If we really are going to do this, not yet.” “We need a plan,” Boss added. Lynx opened his eyes and asked, “Where was that?” Boss sighed. “Those are the Volcanoes of Foxlore. A once beautiful island chain with forests and waterfalls and beautiful nymphs....” Alfred touched Boss’s shoulder and shook his head. “Don’t do that to yourself.” “Then, Azanauth came?” Boss and Alfred nodded. “He will pay,” Lynx said. “If it’s the last thing I do.”

22

“E xcuse me, Mr. Thesdall , sir,” a guard asked as they walked toward the chamber door. “What are we to do about... um....” He pointed to Amber Rose. Boss turned and laughed. “Enjoy your vacation.” The guard smiled and nodded, then his grin grew, and his eyes lit with excitement. “Oh, yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” Alfred chuckled and opened the door. “After you,” he said, waving his arm and bowing slightly. “Stuff it.” Boss grabbed Alfred’s shoulder and pushed him into the hallway. The three walked out of the castle, through the town, and back into the wilds. Five days and nights ed as they walked toward their future. They were camping at the edge of a swamp. Two more days and they would be at the coast. Lynx leaned back on a log, looking up at the sky as the last sun was setting. “This would have been cool under different circumstances.” Boss, drawing a large circle in his tic-tac-toe square in the mud, looked at him and nodded. “We can always turn back. Travel the universe for a while until things smooth out here.” “Or,” Alfred said, marking his X and connecting them diagonally, “we can take you back home, and you can go about your life. You’re just 18 and have a whole life ahead of you.” Lynx furrowed his brow and stared at them. “And let him get away with killing my friends, your friends, and....” He thought about how to refer to Aleina but decided against mentioning her name. “Well, you know.” Boss sighed and shook his head. “Folly of youth,” he muttered as he wiped the mud, clearing away their game.

Lynx stood, hands on hips, and scowled. “What’s that supp—” Hundreds of flying creatures soared overhead, filling twilight with operatic delight. Alfred and Boss stood, looking into the sky. “What do you think?” Alfred looked at Boss and shrugged. “Never seen anything like it.” He shielded his eyes and squinted. “I can’t make out what they are.” “Me, either.” Boss patted his side, then cursed as he realized his weapon was inside his pack on the other side of camp. “Boy, come over here.” “Slowly,” Alfred added. As Lynx inched his way toward them, a golden phoenix flew out of the setting sun and landed beside Boss and Alfred. It cocked its head at them, then looked at Lynx. “You don’t think....” Alfred looked at Boss and started smiling. Boss’s face lit as a grin spread across his face. He watched as the phoenix hopped over to Lynx and began pecking at his pocket. “Yes, I do.” Tears trickled down his cheeks. “Feels like forever, doesn’t it?” Lynx reached into his pocket, pulled out his amber stone, and fell to his knees, weeping. “Tony?” The phoenix cocked its head and pecked at the stone again. “Jonathan, can I see that, please?” Lynx stood and looked at Alfred, confused. He only used his real name when Lynx wasn’t seeing things the right way. “Sure, I guess, but....” “Now.” He tossed Alfred the stone and watched as the phoenix took to flight and landed on Boss’s shoulder, keeping an eye on Alfred and the stone. “I don’t believe it.” “What?” Boss and Lynx asked together.

Alfred smiled and shook his head. “You always keep your promises, don’t you?” The phoenix let out a screech, and suddenly all the animals in the sky landed in the trees, on the ground, and the men. Boss chuckled and nodded. “Thank you.” “I’m confused.” The phoenix flew over and landed on Lynx’s shoulder, resting its head on his. Images of Tony’s past and present flooded Lynx’s mind. Tears dripped off his chin, soaking his shirt. Without thinking, he grabbed the phoenix and hugged it. “I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry. Everything was—Ouch!” He released Tony and rubbed his hand, wrapping the end of his shirt around the hole left in the beak’s wake. “You didn’t need to do that.” Squawks, squeaks, caws, and howls rang out around them. “I don’t think he likes getting hugged anymore,” Boss said, trying not to laugh. “Yeah, I’m getting that impression.” Lynx looked at Boss and Alfred. “But I still don’t get it.” “You’ve got an army now, boy. all of Azanauth’s defenses? Now, we have a slight chance of at least making it to his front door.” Lynx nodded, then his expression soured as it sank in. “But,” Alfred said, checking on their dinner over the fire, “don’t worry. You probably won’t die for another two days. So, go grab more wood, please.”

23

With their newfound guard, the group left the swamp at first light and continued their journey toward Azanauth. Tony and his friends canvassed the sky until the second sunrise, then roosted in the shadows. Heat from the third sunrise made the trek a nightmare, but Lynx was not about to quit. Boss and Alfred paused now and then, asking if he felt okay or if they should stop. He would take a drink and nod, then continue walking, never stopping to it how the searing heat invigorated his soul, warming him, making him feel more powerful than he had in his entire life. That was something he would keep to himself. He also kept the visions he saw as they neared the coast to himself; some things are best left unsaid. They settled for the night in a marsh. As Alfred prepared dinner on the last night before they would reach the coast, he kept looking at Lynx and shaking his head. Lynx did his best to ignore him and turned in early for the night. Facing away from the fire and prying eyes, he closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. “I hope you’re right about this,” Alfred said. “We should have made him eat something.” “The boy’s fine. I just wish I knew why Shorts would’ve—” “I really don’t think it was him. I can’t imagine... no, it’s not like him at all. We must stop looking for someone to blame. Besides, all this started long before Jonathan, and you know it.” Lynx heard Boss take a deep breath; then, someone walked near him. Keep your eyes closed, breathe long and regulated, just how you fooled Mom every time you snuck out. A jacket was draped over him, and the sounds of footsteps faded into the distance. “Thank you for coming,” Boss said. “I don’t think... no, I know, I couldn’t have

done this without you.” “Whatever comes our way, I will be at your side until the end, Thesdall.” Silence fell over the camp, and soon Lynx was asleep, dreaming of yelling at his brother for being in his room again and laughing as the bull calf chased his sister around the field. His mother’s voice calling them home for dinner morphed into Boss screaming for him to get up. He awoke into a nightmare. “Boy!” Lynx leaped to his feet and turned in time to avoid a cockatrice racing toward him. “Holy shit!” He crawled toward Boss, and Alfred lifted him to his feet. “Now would be a good time to get your hands warmed up,” Alfred said, looking toward the sky. The first sun was barely peeking over the horizon, but no one would have seen it through the web of bodies fighting overhead. A golden phoenix stood out among the sea of obsidian, jade, and fire red creatures. Lynx didn’t know who was who or whose side they were on; his only thought was surviving. He looked at Boss, who was smacking a cockatrice in the head, and shook his head. “I don’t know how it works.” “Stay between us, boy!” The aerial spectacle made every World War II film and cartoon he had ever seen look like child’s play. Acidic blood rained, bodies fell from the sky and landed with a squishy thud; cockatrices, enormous crocodile-like creatures, and creeping tentacles rising from the muddy depths of the swap kept them busy on the ground. “Look out!” Boss screamed before being flung into a tree by a scaly tail of an unseen foe. His body crashed into the tree with a crack that echoed through the din. Lynx’s face screwed with pain and anger. His hands burned with unbridled rage. Silence replaced the din as golden feathers floated to the ground in front of him.

“Jonathan,” Alfred said. He touched Lynx’s shoulder but recoiled in pain as his fingers blistered and charred. He dove toward Boss, rolling with him into the murky water. Flames singed the soles of his leather moccasins. Lynx screamed, giving over to his rage as fireballs evaporated everything in their path. His face screwed, and his eyes became narrow, black slits as his attention turned to his enemies on the ground. Moments later, as Alfred and Boss breached the water to catch their breath, silence reigned, and the marsh now smelled of fried chicken and hot dogs. Boss groaned, drawing Lynx out of his rage. He looked back and blinked until his human eyes returned, filled with tears. Alfred pulled Boss gently from the water and began assessing his wounds. His face grew concerned, then fell as he felt the bones in Boss’s chest. White light glowed from his fingers and grew brighter as he touched Boss’s chest. Boss moaned and winced with pain. Lynx’s heart ached at the pain he had brought to them. “Will he live?” “Yes, he will live but—” “Stay with him and do what you must. Do not follow me.” Alfred stood and shook his head at Lynx. “You can’t be thinking—” “I’m not thinking it... I’m doing it.” Lynx threw his pack onto his back and opened Boss’s pack, pulling out a gun. “I’ll give it back if I can.” Before Alfred could object, Lynx ran deeper in the marsh toward the coast. He wiped the soot and tears from his face and nodded. “Good luck, Jonathan.”

24

Lynx walked past charred outlines, steaming craters, and smoldering trees. Dead and dying minions of Azanauth littered the edge of the marsh. He stood, hands on hips, looking out across the boiling sea toward the Volcanoes of Foxlore. It was at that moment he wondered how he was to cross. He couldn’t swim or fly, and there was no boat that he could see. Ash coated his face as he glared at his destination. “Azanauth!” he shouted. “I know you can hear me. Face me!” Laughter filled the air around him as the ash thickened and swirled around him, engulfing him in a whirlpool of darkness. Lynx coughed and covered his mouth with his t-shirt, but nothing helped. Eyes shut, he struggled for breath and soon felt the world fade away as he fell to his knees. He focused on the laughter and cursed himself until the laughter, too, faded into oblivion. Images of Davey and Sarah, Mom and Dad, swirled in his mind. Family parties and trips to amusement parks, his first report card filled with straight As, and crying on Mom’s shoulder when Liz dumped him for Eric and his New York City penthouse dreams. One memory, his fourth birthday, solidified around him. Davey bounced in his highchair, smashing his piece of Lynx’s cake between his palms. “Blow out the candles, sweetie,” Mom said. Lynx blew with all his might but only made them flicker. Dad laughed and patted him on the back. “Try again, son. Never give up because something is hard.” Lynx nodded and sucked in a deep breath, holding it as long as he could, then released the breath and spittle over the cake. The candles fizzled and dripped much to his delight.

“Eww,” Mom said, pulling the candles out of the cake while Dad laughed. “What did you wish for?” Lynx looked at his dad and grinned. He held up his two hands like claws and snarled. “To be a dragon.” Dad nodded and looked at Mom. “He’s your son.” She began laughing, but her once sweet, melodic laugh morphed into a hysterical hyena. Lynx’s face screwed as the image fell away. “Azanauth!” he screamed. His body landed painfully on the cold stone, forcing the breath out of his lungs. He wheezed and groaned as he opened his eyes. Rolling over, he found himself staring into the night sky between two volcanoes. Magma illuminated the sky. “Beautiful,” he whispered. Snarling and heavy footsteps reminded him of where he was. He leaped to his feet and pulled out Boss’s gun, pointing it toward the encroaching dark. “And just what are you going to do with that?” a raspy voice asked from behind him. Lynx spun around and gawked as a mechanoid stepped out from the shadows with a giant crocodile stalking by its side. Heat radiated from the mechanoid, searing each stone as it neared. The gun shook in Lynx’s hand, much to the amusement of the machine. “Your fight is not with us, boy. My assignment is to deliver you unto the master.” It sneered, revealing shining silver teeth shaped to razor-fine points. “Although the master did not specify if you were to remain in one piece. So, please, continue to pose a threat. My pet hasn’t had a new plaything in ages.” Lynx gulped and lowered the gun, staring between machine and beast. “Follow us.”

25

Azanauth sat on his throne, swinging his legs like a small child. His wide grin and sharp teeth made Lynx’s blood run cold. “Welcome again,” he said, hopping off and strutting toward Lynx and his escort with arms wide open. “Don’t even think about it.” Lynx stepped back. There was no way this little half-pint spawn from hell was going to give him a hug. “Ah.” Azanauth paused and laughed. “Now, you’re hurting my feelings.” Laughter from unseen guests sent shivers up Lynx’s spine. He looked around at the stone walls lined with torches and clenched his fists, secretly wishing Paul’s hand would appear on his shoulder to pull him back to reality. One look at Lynx’s face sent Azanauth into another fit of laughter. As he laughed, the stone façade crumbled, and the torches flickered until nothing was left but ash. From the floor near his throne, two crystal pillars rose, and flames erupted within their basins. Obsidian walls and floor shimmered, reflecting the dancing flames. The mechanoid and his companion faded into the darkness, and soon only Azanauth and Lynx remained. “Why so quiet, my dear friend?” Azanauth returned to his throne and sat, watching Lynx with a wicked smirk. “Don’t you like my obsidian prison?” “Your what?” Azanauth sighed and waved his arms around. “My prison. Eighteen years, I’ve been locked away because of your, ahem, companions.” He leaned forward and stared into Lynx’s eyes. “Now, you’re here with me.” Lynx ran to the wall, shouting and pounding it with his fists. Small fissures glowed, bringing another round of laughter from Azanauth’s lips. Muffled voices cried in the dark. “I know that voice.”

“Ignore it.” “No,” Lynx said, shaking his head. He looked around for its source and gasped when Amber Rose’s mirage appeared briefly, followed by Alfred’s face, wracked by fear and pain. He strained to make out what they were saying but could not pick up more than a syllable here and there. Azanauth drew a deep breath and growled. “I grow weary of my prison, boy.” “Then leave! Break out! You’ve already done that once.” Lynx’s comment sent Azanauth into another fit of laughter until he could hardly breathe. “You really are stupid, aren’t you?” The look on Lynx’s face sent him reeling on the floor. “Do you really think you could get rid of me by telling me to go home? Only my half-witted servants were there....” Pain filled Lynx’s heart as he thought of his fallen friends as Azanauth boasted. “That know-it-all gargoyle would have ruined everything—” “What!” The walls shook, and more fractures appeared as Lynx shouted. Azanauth giggled and snaked his way around Lynx’s waist. “Are you angry?” Lynx scowled but said nothing. His hands warmed, and his chest tightened. “Oh, yes,” Azanauth said, poking Lynx’s side. “I do believe the dragon will soon awaken.” “I am not a dragon,” Lynx said, snarling as more anger rose from his core. Obsidian flakes floated from above as more fissures appeared. “Don’t worry, boy. We’ll have great fun. You’ll see.” Azanauth strutted toward his throne, waving his hand toward the opposite wall. Lynx watched in horror as an army of mechanoids stormed across the marsh, turning everything to charred rubble. They burned forests and dried up swamps as they raced toward the desert. Nothing was safe in its path—no animal, plant, or living thing survived unless Azanauth allowed it. Tears streamed down his

face as people were tortured and given a choice: accept Azanauth as their ruler or die. The more he watched, the angrier he became. The angrier he became, the more Azanauth’s obsidian prison fractured. Drips of magma seeped through fissures on the walls, much to Azanauth’s delight. “The dragon will awaken, boy. You cannot fight your destiny.” Lynx’s eyes flickered as his inner rage ebbed and flowed. Each tidal surge more powerful than the last. Azanauth giggled with pure delight. He waved a hand, and his throne changed into a large chest. He busied himself, sorting through its contents, muttering to himself. Lynx slowed his breathing and closed his eyes as his skin began hardening into black and silver scales. Images of Paul and Eric, Sarah and Eastmond, Davey and Sarah, Mom and Dad, and finally Boss and Alfred played in his mind. Tears dripped through his closed eyelids. Blood dripped from his mouth as his teeth transformed into sharp fangs. He opened his eyes and stared at the back of Azanauth’s head for a moment, then retrieved Boss’s gun from his side pouch. Rage filled his heart once again, and more fissures appeared. Azanauth fell silent and looked up. He cocked his head to the side as he heard a clicking sound. A single gunshot rang out in the silence.

26

Alfred groaned as the last of his energy drained into healing Boss. He knelt by Boss’s side and closed his eyes. A warm breeze from the volcanoes grew into blustery gusts, growing fiercer with each ing moment. Boss’s eyes fluttered, and he moaned as Alfred stood and started pulling him toward the charred tree stumps. A voice—no, a whisper—carried on the wind spoke to each friend. “I’m sorry,” the voice whispered to Alfred. “I didn’t take the time to get to know you better.” Alfred dropped to his knees again and wept. Boss stirred and took long, deep breaths as the voice whispered, “Get up, Mom. Everyone needs you. You brought me home, thank you.” Tears trickled down his cheeks as he leaned on Alfred’s shoulder, pulling himself up to sit. “I need to go now,” the voice said to both. “Thanks for everything.” As the whisper became nothing more than a memory, a mighty roar rang across the land, forcing them to cover their ears. When all was silent and the wind receded to a mere wisp, Boss looked at Alfred and held out his hand. “Help an old man up, would ya.” Alfred stood, strangely refreshed, and laughed. He slapped Boss’s hand away. “I’m older than you, son.” Boss laughed and pushed himself off the ground. They walked through the marsh and stood on the coast. Each stared at the marvelous sight before them and leaned on each other for . Smoke and soot withdrew into the volcanoes; waves filled war’s remnants. When the sky was clear, and the third sun peeked over the horizon, the ground rumbled. Peaks

fell, creating calderas. Basalt and lava rock crumbled and tumbled into the sea, leaving behind the green, vibrant hills of Foxlore. The sky shimmered and gleamed as thousands of birds and creatures returned to their home. Giggling from behind them drew their attention. Aleina’s young nymphs danced, clapped, and sang with glee. Even Boss began to smile and laugh. Reed boats rose from the clearing water. “Come with us,” a girl said, tugging on Boss’s arm. “Come home.” Alfred smiled and looked toward the dirt, pushing a pebble into a hole turning to lush, green grass. “Maybe soon, young one,” Boss said, gently removing her hand from his arm. “But not today.” She frowned but ed the others in the boats and set sail for home. “Why?” Alfred asked. “It takes a big man to do what the boy did. And I can only hope to be half as big.” Boss drew a long, deep breath, then clasped Alfred on the shoulder. “You know,” he said, turning Alfred away from the coast, toward the marsh and its lush trees, “I hear Umberton is beautiful this time of year. What do you say to ing me for one last adventure?” A voice chuckled in Boss’s ear. “You better have a million more adventures.” Boss laughed and wiped a final tear from his eye.