Akna put her hands to her head and rubbed her temples, squinting against the glare of the sun on the snow. The noise was just too much, particularly all the people yelling, practically screaming as they called out wares or questioned vendors. It was worse than Dorg. She’d been through Quorge’s market numerous times before—even if she’d never really stopped there—and it had never been this bad that she could remember.

“YOU OKAY?” Corvin screamed at her.

She winced and shook her head at how much it hurt her ears.

“ARE YOU HAVING A HALLUCINATION?”

She winced again. “Do you have to be so loud? I can hear you, you know?”

He peered at her. “Huh?”

“I said, do you—”

“Yeah, I heard what you said, but I didn’t think I was being very loud.” He wasn’t yelling anymore.

Neither were the people in the market. There was still a lot of noise, but it was more like what she was used to. Her head still hurt, and there was a slight ringing in her ears, but that was the only indication that anything had been amiss.

“Honest,” Corvin said. “I was just...I mean, you have to talk a little loud here, but…”

Akna shook her head. “No, that’s okay. You weren’t being too loud. I was just having another hallucination that everything was really loud. That’s a new one. I haven’t had one like that before.”

Corvin’s eyes widened and he smiled broadly. He looked about in each direction, and dashed around people, and behind and around the nearest merchants’ carts. He returned to her a few seconds later. “I don’t see anything weird.”

Akna patted him on the head. “That’s okay. It was probably just another normal one.” As if any hallucination could be considered normal.

Corvin had been a little over-zealous in searching for a source to any hallucination she had. Not that she minded. She was grateful for it. But so far, there hadn’t been anything for him to find. She hadn’t had very many, and she had even slept a little better the last two nights. Corvin had been watching her for four days now, so maybe it was having a positive effect. Maybe whoever had been doing this to her couldn’t get close enough with Corvin on guard. Maybe in a few more days, she’d be sleeping normally again. That would be such a relief.

Pedrin approached them, dragging a large, full burlap sack behind him. He pulled it right up to Akna and let go of it. “Flour. Should do us for the next couple weeks. If we live that long.”

“You’re expecting me to carry it, aren’t you?” Akna said.

“You’re the strongest of us.” He had another bag over his shoulder, which he slid off and handed to Corvin. “A dozen chickens.”

Corvin leaned forward slightly as he took the bag. “Hey, this is heavy.”

Pedrin shrugged. “Not as heavy as fifty pounds of flour.”

Akna picked up the sack and groaned. “This would be easier if you Arnorins wore less restricting clothing.” She was grateful for the clothes Ezmelda and the Council had given her, but they didn’t fit properly and they weren’t designed for unrestricted movement to begin with. She really wished she had her jerkin and skirt back.

“Sorry,” Pedrin said. “Not much I can do about that.”

She sighed. “I know. Corvinian and I will take this back to the Hall of Knowledge. Will you be okay getting the rest?”

“I hope so,” Pedrin said. “I’ve never bought for such a large group of people before. I’m not really sure how much to get or how heavy it will be.”

“We’ll come back and give you a hand after we drop these off. Come on, Corvin.” Akna slung the sack over her shoulders. Her arms were already hurting from the strain.

They made it as far as the edge of the market when Akna stopped.

“Too heavy?” Corvin asked.

She shook her head.

A familiar figure stood a little farther down the street, two City Watchmen at his side. Akna wasn’t sure she remembered his name. She’d only met him that one time with Felitïa, and had nearly picked a fight with him. He had been a Watch commander then. Maybe he still was, given the Watchmen with him. But he was also now dressed in the pinkish mail of the Bloods.

Akna turned around. “We’ll take a different route.”

“But this…” Corvin started to say. “Oh. Yeah, okay.”

It had been foolish to come out of the Hall of Knowledge like this. She’d known the risk, known how easily she could be recognised. Pretty much everyone except Corvin had been against it at first, but she’d convinced Zandrue and Ezmelda that it was necessary.

She had to give whoever was manipulating her mind a chance to get close to her—a chance for Corvin to spot them. They weren’t likely to come back into the Hall of Knowledge any time soon.

She was wearing a hood and scarf to obscure the tattoos on her face, but she couldn’t afford to take chances, especially with someone who had interacted with her in the past.

They cut back through a corner of the market and exited by another street.

“It figures that guy would join the Bloods,” she said as they walked.

“You know him?” Corvin said.

“Unfortunately.”

A horn blew in the distance. There were often odd sounds in this city, and this was far from the first time there had been a horn amongst them. However, this was louder and deeper than the ships’ horns and bells heard from the docks.

There was also the fact the market went quiet for a moment as people stopped their buying and selling to look in the direction of the sound.

Akna put the wheat sack down. “What was that?”

After a few seconds, the general din of the market picked up again as people resumed what they were doing.

“It sounded like a warning horn,” Corvin said. “Or a call to arms. The town guard in Mesone sometimes used them to call other guards from a distance.”

Akna stared at the sack, not wanting to pick it up again. It had felt like more than fifty pounds. “Makes sense. We use horns in Ninifin, too. I guess I’m just a bit jumpy.”

More rumbling came from the distance. Then a bang and another. Distant yells were next.

The marketplace quietened again, and people looked nervously about once more.

The yells in the distance weren’t stopping.

“They’re coming from the south,” Akna said. “By the docks, I think.”

Corvin looked to the south, but there was no way he would be able to see anything. “Should we do something?”

Akna shook her head. “Too risky. We could be recognised.” Besides, she didn’t have a spear with her, just her daggers. A spear would have been too noticeable.

There were more rumbles and what might have been crashes.

Was someone knocking over buildings? A disturbing thought.

She heaved the sack over her shoulder again. “Let’s just get back to the Hall of Knowledge. Maybe we’ll learn what happened later.”

The yells, rumbles, and bangs only lasted a few more minutes. By the time they reached the Hall of Knowledge, the city had mostly returned to normal. The only difference was, everyone they passed was speculating what it might have been. A few people even asked Akna and Corvin whether they knew anything.

Climbing the icy steps of the Hall of Knowledge with a fifty-pound (or more) bag of flour was not fun. It wasn’t even easy to take breaks as they climbed. The steps were too narrow to easily sit the bag on them without it starting to slide down. Corvin did his best to help her hold the bag in place when they did stop, but the stops didn’t provide much rest. Akna was drenched in sweat by the time they’d made it a quarter of the way up.

They’d made it about halfway up when a winged figure—an Isyar!—landed at the top of the steps. The Isyar was carrying someone else.

Could they be Jorvan and Meleng?

They looked like Jorvan and Meleng. No, they looked like Meleng and a different Isyar. But the Isyar didn’t matter. All that mattered was Meleng.

Akna nearly fell over, she was trembling so much. She did lose her grip on the sack and it fell, but she paid it no mind. “Do you see them, Corvin? Please tell me you see them.”

“I see them,” Corvin said.

“Meleng!” she called out. “Meleng, is that you?”

“Akna?” came the call back.

Akna wiped tears from her eyes. “Yes, it’s me!”

Jorvan, also carrying someone, landed by Meleng and the other Isyar. Then, two more Isyar landed as well. Jorvan had obviously succeeded in bringing others back with him, but she didn’t care about that right now.

She hurried up the steps.

“Um, Akna?” Corvin called. “The wheat.”

“I’ll get it later.”

“It rolled down to the ground and split open.”

“It can be replaced.”

She slipped once as she climbed, cracked her chin against the steps. She probably shouldn’t have been going so fast, but she didn’t care. She scrambled to her feet again.

“Careful!” Meleng called down.

“I’m okay!” She tasted blood, but that was fine. She’d heal.

Meleng grabbed her hand as she nearly fell again at the very top. “You really should be careful on those steps. They’re… Are you all right?”

Akna threw her arms around him. “You’re here. Thank the gods you’re finally here.” She buried her head in his shoulder, her body shaking, and began to cry. First, gentle sobs, then full out wails.

Meleng held her close the entire time.

* * * * *

Akna opened her eyes.

She was lying on her bed in her room in the Hall of Knowledge, wearing just her shift. Corvin sat on his bed across from her.

She’d been sleeping! She’d actually cried herself to sleep.

“You okay?” Corvin asked.

Akna sat up and rubbed her aching chin. “I’ll be okay.” Her shoulders, arms, and legs ached as well. Pretty much all of her ached. “Where’s Meleng? He was real, wasn’t he?”

Corvin nodded. “He’s been watching over you with me, but he had to talk to Zandrue and Ezmelda. He said he’d be back soon with some tea. Were you upset to see him?”

“Not at all. I was happy.”

“But you cried so much. I’ve never seen you cry like that before. Not that much.”

Akna looked away from him. “Yeah, that was...that was kind of embarrassing.”

“You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

She continued to avoid eye contact with him. “It was just...months of pent-up frustrations. Months of not being able to sleep. A lot of things, I guess.”

“You finally slept!”

She looked at him finally, and smiled. “Yeah, I did. How long?”

“About four hours.”

“Wow.”

“Feviona got the wheat by the way, so you don’t have to worry. She said it didn’t lose much. Well, Jorvan said she said that. She doesn’t actually speak; she uses her hands. Meleng said she’s...mute? I think that’s the word he used.”

“Who?” Akna asked.

Corvin grinned. “Feviona, short for something really long that I can’t remember. She’s Jorvan’s...girlfriend or something. She’s also sort of Meleng and Sinitïa’s girlfriend, too. Or something. I don’t really get it. Anyway, Feviona’s one of the Isyar. There are two others as well. I’ll introduce you to them if you want.”

Akna nodded slowly. “Sure.”

“And Princess Sinitïa is here, too! Another princess! Isn’t that awesome?”

Akna smiled. It figured Sinitïa got to go with Meleng. Oh well. It would be good to see the young princess again. Sinitïa had a kind of infectious optimism and happiness to her, which Akna could do with at the moment. “Give me a couple minutes to get dressed, and you can introduce me to the Isyar.”

“And Princess Sinitïa!”

“Sure, her too, though we’ve already met.”

Corvin frowned. “Oh right. You met on Scovese, didn’t you?” He turned his head away as she pulled her shift off.

“Yes, we did.”

Once she’d dressed, she took Corvin’s hand and they headed out.

“They’re probably in the Council Chamber,” Corvin said.

They met Meleng along the way. “Oh, you’re up!” He held up two mugs of steaming tea. “I...um...I only brought two.”

“That’s okay,” Corvin said. “Akna can have mine.”

Akna took one of the mugs. She was parched and cold. “Thank you.”

“How are you doing?” Meleng asked.

“Better now. I’m sorry about...you know...all the crying.” She forced herself to not look away from him.

“You don’t need to be sorry,” he said. “I don’t mind. I’m your friend.”

Akna nodded. “It’s good to see you again. I’ve missed you.”

“Same here.”

“I’m taking her to see the Isyar,” Corvin said.

“Sounds like Jorvan brought a collection,” Akna said.

“His whole family,” Corvin said.

Meleng gave a small shrug. “Not exactly, but close. Come on. They’re eager to meet you.”

Akna downed the hot tea in one, long gulp. It scorched her tongue a bit, but it felt good. She handed the mug back to Meleng. “Then let’s go see them.”

They were in the Council Chamber as Corvin had predicted, surrounded by gawking wizards. Zandrue was seated off to the side, chatting with Jorvan. The two stood up as Akna entered.

Akna approached them and started to spread her arms, but stopped. She didn’t really know Jorvan very well; they hadn’t had much time around one another before they’d gone their separate ways. Was hugging appropriate? She wasn’t even sure it would be appropriate with Arnorins, never mind Isyar.

Jorvan answered the unspoken question by spreading his own arms. They hugged.

“It is good to see you again, Nin-Akna,” Jorvan said.

“And you.” She gave Zandrue a quick hug as well.

“Feeling better?” Zandrue asked.

Akna nodded. “A little.”

Jorvan called the other Isyar over and indicated the first to approach. “This is Mikranasta.”

The Isyar was several inches taller than Jorvan, almost as tall as Akna. She had thin, grey eyes on a face just starting to show age lines. Like Jorvan, she was completely bald and wore only a thin, pale robe open at the back for her wings. She held up her right hand, palm out. Some sort of greeting?

Akna held up her own right hand.

Zandrue leaned forward and whispered, “Other hand, and touch your palm to hers.”

Akna switched hands and touched her left palm to the Isyar’s. “I am honoured to meet you.”

Jorvan spoke something in another language, then said to Akna, “Mikranasta and the others do not yet know Arnorgue, so I must translate for them.”

“I learn soon,” Mikranasta said.

“It’s a very clumsy language,” Akna said, “but it works all right, I guess.”

Mikranasta smiled slightly after Jorvan translated for her.

The next Isyar was a little shorter and a littler broader than Jorvan, but otherwise very similar. They had the same pale grey eyes and narrow face.

“This is Hedromornasta, Mikranasta’s siare,” Jorvan said.

“Siare?” Akna asked after they had gone through the same greeting as before.

Zandrue leaned over again. “Isyar have weird ideas about family. He’s Jorvan’s brother.”

“And Mikranasta’s his mother, then?”

Zandrue nodded.

“And finally,” Jorvan said, “this is my fomase, Fevionawishtensen.”

The final Isyar was the shortest of them all, but somewhat muscular and dressed in the skin-tight uniform Akna had seen Isyar warriors on Scovese wearing. She and Akna had barely finished the greeting ritual when Mikranasta began speaking rapidly in the Isyar language.

“With your permission,” Jorvan said, “Mikranasta would like to examine your mind. The others have told us of your condition, and she should be able to find the interference.”

“She can do that?”

“She can,” Jorvan said.

Of course she could. That was a stupid question. Jorvan had said he was bringing back one of the most powerful mentalists in Isyaria—which also meant she was one of the most powerful in the world.

Akna’s heart started beating faster. “Of course.”

Mikranasta motioned to a nearby chair, and Akna sat. The Isyar stood over her and placed her hands on either side of Akna’s head.

“You may feel some tingling,” Jorvan said, translating Mikranasta’s words.

“That’s fine. Do it.”

Tingling ran along Akna’s cheeks, neck, and shoulders. For a brief moment, dizziness passed over her as well. Or maybe she was just excited and anxious. Was she finally going to be free? Would she finally be able to sleep normally again?

Mikranasta was speaking. Akna was glad she couldn’t understand the language as she wasn’t sure she’d hear clearly over the beating of her heart anyway. She took a couple slow breaths as Jorvan started to translate.

“Mikranasta says she has found the interference. The spells were very skilfully placed and she is not surprised Felitïa could not find them. Felitïa is obviously powerful, but inexperienced.”

“Can she remove them?” Akna asked.

There was a period of back and forth between Jorvan and Mikranasta before Jorvan finally said, “Mikranasta says she can remove the effects, but she wants you to know it may not be the cure you expect. The magic has been so effective because it enhances thoughts and feelings in your mind that were already there.”

Akna frowned. “That makes sense. I’ve been having nightmares and sleeping problems pretty much since I left Scovese, long before I got here in Quorge.”

“She says those are your own problems to deal with.”

“I understand. I don’t mind dealing with my own problems.”

Jorvan hesitated a moment. “There is more. She notes that the spells have begun to weaken on their own due to not being maintained for several days.”

“That would be because we’ve taken steps to make sure whoever it is can’t get close to me.”

“We know,” Jorvan said. “Although the caster cannot get close enough to maintain the spells, the caster will be aware of their strength. The caster will not think there is anything strange if they die out on their own. However, the caster will notice if Mikranasta removes them.”

Akna’s heart sank. “They’ll know who did it?”

Jorvan checked briefly with Mikranasta, then said, “No, they will only know that someone removed the spells. However, that will make them aware we have a powerful mentalist on our side.”

“That’s not good,” Zandrue said.

“Mikranasta is willing to remove the spells now, if you wish,” Jorvan said. “She just wants you to know all the details first, so you can make the most informed decision possible.”

Zandrue put her hand on Akna’s shoulder. “If the caster learns about Mikranasta, we lose a valuable surprise.”

Akna pulled free of Zandrue’s touch. “I know.” She looked Mikranasta in the eyes. “How long will it take for the spells to wear off on their own?”

“Weeks,” Mikranasta said without waiting for Jorvan’s translation.

Akna placed her hands over Mikranasta’s and gently removed them from her head. She closed her eyes and held back the tears. She was so close. A cure right in front her her. But the element of surprise was too valuable. The unknown mentalist could just go into hiding.

“This just means we get this done as soon as possible,” Zandrue said. “We won’t make you wait weeks. Once we’ve caught this person, Mikranasta can remove those spells.”

Akna took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and stood up. “Right, are we ready?”

Zandrue grinned. “Ezmelda and I are going after Felitïa tonight. Hedromornasta is joining us. He’s a mentalist too. He’ll make getting into the palace a lot simpler. Mikranasta, Fevionawishtensen, and Jorvan will remain here to help with the defence. The palace must be aware by now there are Isyar in the city, and there’s no way to know if they’ll hold back or attack right away out of fear.”

“I’m going with you to the palace,” Akna said.

Zandrue shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I may not be at my best, but I’ve had a little sleep now, and I can assist.”

“In the Palace, you’ll probably be back in range of the mentalist who can prop up those spells.”

“So? That just means I won’t be able to sleep later. Anything else the mentalist might do to me, they could do to you too.”

“Except you’re already more vulnerable to them,” Zandrue said.

“What about Corvin?”

“I don’t want to put him in that kind of danger, no matter his powers.”

“Just by having him with me, you’ve put him in danger. How is this any different?”

“Because there’s every chance we get in a fight.”

“I’ve been training him.”

Zandrue rounded on her. “He’s a ten-year-old kid, Nin-Akna! I don’t give a shit how young Ninifins start training. He’s too young to go into battle.”

“I’ve been in a battle before!” Corvin said.

“Only because there was no other choice,” Zandrue said.

“But my powers will help! Even Mikranasta couldn’t affect me. She couldn’t detect my mind!”

Zandrue shook her head. “The Volgs could bypass your powers. Maybe the Darkers at the palace can too. I won’t risk it, and if she was thinking straight, Nin-Akna would agree with me.”

Corvin punched the chair beside him. “Everybody’s always telling me what to do.”

“That’s because you’re ten,” Zandrue said. “You’re staying here. Nin-Akna will look after you.” She glared at Akna. “Right?”

Akna didn’t respond.

“Right?” Zandrue repeated.

Akna smiled thinly. “Right.”

She turned away and wandered to one of the front corners of the room, well away from everyone else. She fiddled at the corner of a tapestry there. Who the hell put Zandrue in charge anyway?

The worst part was that Zandrue was probably right.

“Nin-Akna?”

Akna smiled at the familiar voice. She turned around and bowed. “Your Highness.”

Sinitïa scrunched her nose. “That’s okay, you don’t have to do that. You can just call me Sinitïa.”

“Thank you, Sinitïa. What happened to you?”

The young princess’s hair was a mess and she had a cut on the side of her forehead. Her clothes were covered in mud stains. “We had a problem at the docks when we arrived.”

The bangs, crashes, and yells earlier—that solved that mystery.

“The City Watch didn’t like us very much. There was a Red Knight with them. I didn’t know what they were before, but I do now and they’re really mean. They tried to arrest us all. I don’t know if they recognised me. I hope not. My mother’s not going to be very happy. It’s good to see you.”

Akna hugged her. “It’s good to see you, too.”

“Thank you for looking after Meleng in Ninifin.”

“You’re welcome,” Akna said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stay with him all the way to Isyaria.”

Sinitïa shrugged. “That’s okay. He had Jorvan to look after him there.”

“And you apparently.”

Sinitïa blushed. “Yeah, but I’m not very good at looking after people. I can’t fight.”

“Fighting’s not the only way to look after someone. Just being a friend helps.”

“It didn’t stop him getting kidnapped.”

Akna took a step back. “He got kidnapped?”

“Yeah, and they did things to his head. They made him have dreams and see things. He says he’s okay now, but…” There was a hint of tears in her eyes. “He tries to hide it, but I see it. He’s not entirely sure if anything’s real anymore.”

“I had no idea,” Akna said. “He didn’t tell me.”

Sinitïa smiled meekly. “I’m sure he would have eventually.”

Akna nodded. “I’m sure he would have too.” She hated to think of Meleng going through anything like that. It seemed they were all fated for terrible things.

“We found him obviously,” Sinitïa said. “And the people who took him are dead now.”

“I’m glad you were there for him,” Akna said. “You’re a good friend to him.”

Sinitïa’s smile broadened. “He’s my fomase and I’m his.”

Akna waited a moment for an explanation. When one didn’t come, she said, “What’s a...fomahsay?”

“Fomase. It’s an Isyar thing. It’s kind of like we’re married, except we didn’t actually get married. But I love him, and he loves me.” Sinitïa blushed and turned away slightly. “Is that okay?”

Akna’s heart twinged a little. “Yeah, of course it’s okay. I’m happy for you both.”

Sinitïa turned to face Akna again, grinning widely. “He still loves you, you know?”

Akna nodded.

“Nothing’s really different than it was before,” Sinitïa said. “We’re just more open about things. Except of course, Jorvan and Feviona are our fomazee now. I guess that’s a bit different.”

“Slow down. Jorvan and Feviona are also your fomase?”

Sinitïa shook her head. “No, different word. Fomaze, or fomazee when there’s more than one, not fomase. I was confused at first, too.”

Akna nodded, catching the slight difference in Sinitïa’s pronunciation. “Why don’t you tell me everything that happened in Isyaria?”

* * * * *

The room was mostly empty now. Agernon sat in one of the chairs, the Staff of Sestin across his lap. Corvin stood near him, as did Sinitïa.

Akna was standing by the doors. She’d given herself the job of guard duty, so she could at least feel she was doing something. After hearing Sinitïa’s story of what had happened in Isyaria, Akna had retrieved her spears, and taken a moment to wash up and have a bit to eat. Now, she got to be bored here while almost everyone else was off being useful.

“What are you writing on it?” Sinitïa asked.

“I told you to shush, girl,” Agernon snapped.

“I’m not a girl. I’m an adult. I’m eighteen. Almost.”

“I said shush!”

“I was just thinking that maybe you should try writing something different.”

Agernon glared up at her. “Do you really think I haven’t tried different equations? Now leave me alone!”

“Fine!” Sinitïa crossed her arms and stomped away. ‘You’re supposed to treat princesses better than that!” She stomped over to Akna. “He’s so mean.”

“You get used to him,” Akna said.

Sinitïa scowled. “It’s so boring down here.”

Akna just nodded.

“How do you stand it?”

“I don’t always,” Akna said. “But sometimes you just have to wait awhile.”

“I want to help Melly.”

Akna chuckled. “Melly?”

Sinitïa blushed. “Don’t laugh.”

“Sorry. I like to give people pet names, too. I never thought of Melly though. Mind if I use it?”

Sinitïa shrugged. “If he doesn’t mind.”

“I’ll ask him then. Speaking of asking things, can I ask you a favour?”

“Sure.”

Akna looked over at Corvin. The boy waved at her. Although he was watching Agernon, he was sitting so he was facing her direction. He was a good kid, diligently doing his duty. But Zandrue was right. She couldn’t take him with her. She looked back at Sinitïa. “Can you distract Corvinian for me?”

Sinitïa looked over at him. “Why?”

Akna sighed. “I know I said sometimes you just have to wait, but on this occasion, I can’t. I have to settle some scores.”

Sinitïa frowned. “But…”

“I know. You want to help. Well, this is one way you can help. I need to get out of here unseen. I need to help Felitïa.”

Sinitïa slumped her shoulders. “Fine. I’ll distract him.”

“Thank you.”

“One day, I’ll be able to help. I’m going to be a wizard one day.”

Akna smiled. “So you told me, and I bet you’ll be an amazing one.”

Sinitïa kissed Akna on the cheek. “Be careful.”

Akna nodded. “Always.”

Sinitïa turned and strode back over to Corvin and Agernon. “I’m bored. Corvinian, you bored?”

Agernon snarled. “For the last time, I need quiet!”

“Yeah, and you don’t need Corvinian right now, so I’m asking if he wants to play a game with me. Do you, Corvinian? It’ll be a good opportunity to get to know each other.”

Corvin shrugged. “Okay, I guess. What game?”

“I’m not really sure...um...oh! Do you like to paint? No, wait, my stuff is still on the ship. We can draw. I have some chalk. I never go anywhere without chalk.”

Sinitïa was standing between Corvin and Akna, though it was hard to be sure she was completely blocking his view. Akna waited another moment, which proved just long enough for Agernon to turn angrily towards Corvin, further blocking the boy’s view.

Akna ducked out of the room.

The next trick was getting out of the building unseen. There would be wizards watching the entrance. Of course, they’d be more focused on watching for people coming in, but that wouldn’t stop them noticing someone leaving. She also needed to be quick. It wouldn’t be long before Corvin noticed and started looking for her. That would alert everyone to be on the lookout.

She really hadn’t thought this through. Gods, she was still too tired.

Maybe she could talk her way through this. That would have to do.

She headed up to the entrance hall, where several of the wizards were dragging large pieces of furniture from other floors to create a barricade. Pedrin was amongst them and he came over to her.

“Nin-Akna, what are you doing here?”

“Just wandering. Feeling a little useless, really. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Ezmelda told me you were staying with Corvinian, Agernon, and the Princess. Where is Corvinian anyway? I thought he was supposed to be with you at all times?”

Akna looked behind her and tried to feign surprise. “He was right behind me.” She sighed dramatically. “He must have taken a wrong turn. He does that sometimes. This place can be a bit of a maze. He’s probably in a panic right now, but don’t worry. He’ll find his way here soon enough. He knew where I was headed. So, anything I can do to help? Corvin will help too, when he gets here.”

Pedrin stared a moment, his mouth slightly crooked. He was going to call her bluff, wasn’t he?

“Anything at all?” she asked.

“You can help with the barricade, I suppose.”

Akna grinned. “Thanks!”

That got her one step closer to the exit, at least.

Someone placed a hand on her shoulder and Akna jumped. She spun around, her hands reaching for one of her spears strapped to her back.

It was the older of the Isyar—the one who had examined Akna’s mind and found the spells. What was her name again? Mikranasta. That was it. She smiled broadly at Akna and motioned to the side. Akna walked with her, away from Pedrin and the other human wizards.

“You’re trying to leave this place,” Mikranasta said in Ninifin. “Why?”

“You speak my language?” Akna replied, also in Ninifin.

Mikranasta gave a thin smile. “You’re trying to avoid the question. Why are you trying to leave?”

Akna looked away from her. “I’m...I’m not. I’m just trying to help out.”

“You’re lying.”

Akna shook her head. “No, really, I…” She stopped and looked Mikranasta in the eye. “Are you in my head?”

“No,” Mikranasta said, “but I don’t need to be. Your act might have fooled Pedrin, but I am an expert in understanding others. I can list all the things that gave you away if you wish. Over-dramatic gestures and sighing. Not making eye contact.”

“That...that’s enough,” Akna said. “I didn’t even realise you were there.”

“It’s my job to go unnoticed right now.”

Akna groaned. “Right. Mentalist. Like Felitïa.”

“Yes. Why do you wish to leave?”

“Because I feel useless. I need to do something. I owe it to Felitïa. I owe it to Anita.”

“Anita?”

“A friend in the palace.”

“I see. Going out in your condition is dangerous. Not only are your body and mind over-exhausted, without the young boy, you make yourself vulnerable to the one who put you in this condition. Have you considered the possibility you’re not thinking straight?”

“Yeah, I have, and maybe if I was better rested, I’d make a different decision, but it’s the decision I’ve made now.” Akna lowered her head. “But obviously, I’m not going to make it out of here. I’ll go back downstairs now.”

She turned to walk away, but Mikranasta put a hand on her shoulder again. “I will hide your departure.”

“You will?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve had a thought.”

Akna pulled away from the Isyar’s touch and took a step back. “What sort of thought?”

“With your permission, I will place one more spell in your head. It will alert me if anyone makes contact with your mind. We may be able to track your aggressor this way.”

“You want to use me as bait.”

“Yes.”

That suited Akna. “Fine, do it.”

“I warn you, there is a risk. Your aggressor might discover it. I am reasonably certain I can hide it from them, but there is always a chance.”

“Whatever. Do it. But be quick. It’s only a matter of time before Corvin comes looking for me, and I’m not sure you can hide from him.”

“I can’t. A very unusual boy there.”

Akna looked towards the stairs. “You got that right. Well, hurry up. Do it.”

“It’s already done. Walk beside me and do not make any sudden movements.”

Akna nodded. “I know. I’ve done this a few times with Felitïa.”

Mikranasta smiled. “Very good.”

They walked along the wall, past the partially built barricade, and to the main doors.

“Open them slowly,” Mikranasta said.

Akna did as instructed, and they headed out into the cold.

“I will hide you until you reach the bottom,” Mikranasta said. “After that, you are on your own.”

“Thank you.”

Mikranasta placed her left hand on her chest. “May the night be short, Nin-Akna.”

Akna hesitantly placed her own hand on her own chest. “May the night be short.”

Mikranasta smiled. “Good luck.”

Akna started down the steps.

The streets were much more subdued than they had been earlier. People walked with their heads down, avoiding others as much as they could. There seemed to be fewer people out as well. It was evening, of course, so that might have had something to do with it, but that didn’t ring true.

A lot of people stared at her as she went by. She had her hood up to avoid recognition, but it was probably the pair of spears drawing their attention. She’d walked through town with her spears many times before, but this was the first time she’d done it since Danel Belone had taken over—also the first time since she’d become a wanted criminal.

She did her best to avoid City Watchmen—or worse, Bloods—turning another direction whenever she caught sight of any. That was going to lengthen the journey to the palace somewhat.

It gave her a chance to think, though. Particularly what she was going to do when she reached the palace—another thing she had failed to consider when making this hasty plan.

Perhaps she could get in the same way she’d gotten out? Not likely. It would be a lot harder from the outside. However, she couldn’t think of any other option.

She came around a corner and paused. Up ahead was the familiar red cape of a Blood—several of them, in fact. She ducked back behind the corner. At least those capes made them easy to spot.

Why were there so many together? It couldn’t be anything good.

She peered around the corner again. The Bloods were marching across the next intersection in pairs. Pair after pair went by. A dozen pairs at least. Following them were palace guards and other soldiers. She could guess their destination: the Hall of Knowledge. Perhaps she should have stayed to help defend it.

On the other hand, the palace had to be under-guarded now.

There were three Isyar and a dozen wizards defending the Hall of Knowledge. Not to mention Corvin. If that wasn’t enough, Akna’s presence wasn’t likely to make much of a difference. She sighed. That thought was heartless of her. There were friends of hers there—Meleng was there—friends who were about to fight for their lives. She should be fighting alongside them.

But Anita and Felitïa were in the palace.

Even under-guarded though, getting into the palace by herself was not likely to succeed. Plus, Zandrue, Ezmelda, and Jorvan’s brother were already heading there. They’d stand a much better chance of getting in. If they had let her go with them… But they hadn’t.

And why the hell had she agreed to let Mikranasta use her as bait in a plan that had not been discussed with anyone else?

Akna sighed again. This was a mistake; she had just been too exhausted to realise it earlier. She would have to trust Anita and Felitïa’s safety to Zandrue.

She turned back towards the Hall of Knowledge.

Chica stood in her path.

Akna gritted her teeth and walked past. She wasn’t about to let a hallucination stop her.

Chica grabbed her arm.

Akna stopped, but didn’t look at her.

“Akna, you haven’t been looking for me.”

Akna shivered. Who had really grabbed her arm? What had they really said? Had they said anything at all? “I’m sorry, what was that?”

“Oh, my poor Akna. Your loyalties are so strong. Why not to me? You’ve known me for so much longer than Felitïa or Anita or Meleng. We grew up together. We were inseparable. Does that mean nothing to you now?”

Chica moved closer to her, reached for Akna’s face, but Akna turned away.

“Akna, it’s me, Chicahua.”

“No, you’re not her.”

“Look into my eyes. You’ll see it to be true.”

Akna turned her head away and closed her eyes. “No.” Whoever it was, their grip was not strong. It wouldn’t be hard to break away, but who would she be hurting if she did? She wouldn’t care about hurting a Watchman or Blood, but what if Meleng had come looking for her?

“Akna! Look in my eyes!”

“No.” The real Chica never raised her voice to her like that.

“Fine. It’s not really needed anyway. Just listen to my words and my voice. You can’t trust Felitïa. Only me. You know this to be true.”

Akna kept her eyes clamped shut and shook her head. “No, you’re the one I can’t trust.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“Yes.”

“But you’ve had doubts, haven’t you?”

“No...well, yes.” No, she shouldn’t admit to that. She couldn’t let this person get to her. “But not really. Not significant ones.”

“Come now, Akna. You’ve never been a good liar.”

“I’m not lying...I...I’m…”

“You’re what?”

“I refuse to let you get into my head.”

“Why? Don’t you want me around anymore?”

“Of course I do, but you’re not you. I mean…”

“You mean what?”

This wasn’t Chica, right? There wasn’t any chance of her being alive. Akna had seen her die.

“Just look at me for a moment. See my reality.”

“No.” But perhaps she should. This hallucination was going on for longer than usual. If it was a situation like when she’d mistaken Zandrue for Chica, if this was someone like Meleng come to look for her, why were they letting her carry on like this? Whoever was holding her arm had to be either Chica (an impossibility, right?), the wizard who was causing the hallucinations, or someone working directly for the wizard. If she looked, maybe she could find something wrong with Chica’s appearance.

“Please,” Chica said.

Sinitïa had said Meleng had recognised the illusions he’d been subjected to by looking for things that changed every time he opened, closed, and then reopened his eyes. Perhaps she could do that here.

Akna opened her eyes.

Chica smiled at her with a face that was exactly like Chica’s. The same long, black hair. The same yellow-brown eyes that matched her skin. The same sun tattoo on her forehead. Exactly like Akna remembered.

Chica stepped up close and placed her other hand on Akna’s cheek. “It’s me, Akna.”

Akna closed her eyes, then opened them again. Chica’s face was right in front of hers now. Her breath was warm on Akna’s nose and cheeks. Nothing had changed. Not the eyes, the dimples, the lips, the hair… Was Chica’s hair the same length? Akna couldn’t get a good look at the full length anymore. The hair reached Chica’s knees, but was it slightly above? Below? And had it been the same before?

Chica kissed her.

She even felt like Akna remembered.

But of course she would. If the illusions were taken from her mind, then they would come from her memories. Of course they would be exactly as she remembered. So how could she possibly know what was real?

“How can you be alive?” Akna said. “Just explain that.”

Chica wiped a tear from Akna’s eye. “I never died. The Will-Breaker faked that. She’s been playing with your mind ever since you met her on Scovese.”

“But…”

“I had hoped you’d break free on your own with just little pushes from me. That’s why I asked you to come find me. But that didn’t work. It’s all right. It’s not your fault. The Will-Breaker is just too powerful. But we have to free you from her control. I have something that can do that. It will make her aware of me, but I don’t care about that anymore. You’re all that matters. Please, come with me.” Chica stepped back and looked at Akna with pleading eyes.

Akna nodded slowly. She had no idea who was in front of her. A part of her still desperately wanted to believe it was Chica, but it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. Felitïa had been playing mind games? Maybe, but not the kind this false Chica was accusing her of. Felitïa wasn’t that powerful, despite what “Will-Breaker” might imply.

But there was no other way to find out who this person really was. She considered pretending to believe, but this Chica had told the truth about one thing: Akna was a terrible liar. She’d never do it believingly. So she should just tell the truth.

Akna reached out and took Chica’s hand. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll go with you because I need to know the truth.”

Chica smiled. “I promise you you’ll learn the truth, and we’ll be together again. This way.”

Hand-in-hand, they headed through the streets of Quorge towards the palace.