Cole glanced at Mira, who was taking in the glorious surroundings with astonished eyes. “That woman is beautiful,” Mira whispered.
“Yeah,” Cole said. “We had to walk last time.”
Mira led the way to the coach and climbed in. Cole followed her quickly, a little worried they might deny him permission to join her. Hina rode her beefy horse while the guards drove the coach. The crystalline landscape flashed by as the coach whooshed along the redder than red road.
They stopped at the ethereal palace, and Hina led them inside. She guided them up some glossy stairs and stopped outside of an ornate door. “Here is a room for you, Miracle,” Hina said with a slight bow.
“Let me guess,” Cole said. “It’s nicer than mine?”
Mira shot him a wink. Hina ignored him.
“Go to sleep,” Cole told her. “See you in Dreamland.”
Mira went inside, and Hina closed the door.
“You should treat a princess with greater courtesy,” Hina said.
“Like by trapping one in a castle?” Cole replied.
Unruffled, she led him to another door and indicated it. “You may stay in here.”
The room was similar to his previous one. After the door was shut, Cole went straight to the bed. He wondered how long it would take to sleep. The bed was luxuriously comfy, but he didn’t feel tired, so he stared at the ceiling.
Cole wondered what sort of contest they would face. Would it involve fighting? Would it be something intellectual, like riddles or trivia? Could it be a game of chance, like playing poker or something? He made himself smile as he pictured himself and Jace competing against Trillian and Mira in a three-legged race.
After some time, a strong sense of drowsiness washed over him. The sensation was too sudden to be natural, but he didn’t try to fight it. His closed his eyes and effortlessly fell asleep.
He was back in the room with the fancy floor and the exotic furniture. Standing with his hands behind his back, Trillian greeted him with a nod. Mira and Jace were there as well.
“Welcome, Cole and Jace,” Trillian said.
“Are you all right?” Jace asked Mira.
“I’ve been better,” she said.
“Miracle Pemberton could one day be High Queen of the Outskirts,” Trillian said. “Of course, there are obstacles, three of them being her elder sisters Elegance, Honor, and Constance. Another is her father, who pretended to kill her and her siblings and probably wishes to kill her in truth now that he retains no portion of her shaping power.”
“I never wanted to be High Queen,” Mira said. “Elegance can have it.”
“This is true,” Trillian said. “You view your royal heritage as an unwelcome burden, the source of most of the trouble in your life.”
“I’ve lived my life on the run,” Mira said. “I’ve watched people around me die. Even back in Junction City, life was never easy.”
“No life is easy,” Trillian said. “I’ll grant that yours has been uncommonly challenging. Some of that has been self-inflicted. I understand you’re here to help rescue one of your rivals to the throne.”
“Honor is not my rival,” Mira said.
“If not for her father, Elegance would be High Queen,” Trillian said. “Without Stafford and Elegance, the title would go to Honor. And what a queen she would make! She has a great deal of spirit.”
“I’m sure you’ve spent time in her mind,” Mira said.
“I offered to train her, but she refused,” Trillian said. “If Honor regains her power, she could become a formidable enchantress.”
“I want to see her,” Mira said.
“I’m about to provide that opportunity,” Trillian said. “If you can find her, you need only touch her, say her name, and not only will you be reunited, but you will be free to go.”
“That sounds easy,” Mira said.
“She may not look quite like herself,” Trillian said.
“What have you done to her?” Mira demanded.
The torivor smiled. “I’ve . . . adjusted her.”
“How?” Mira asked, heat in her tone.
Trillian pointed at her. “That is up to you to figure out. I reserve the right to alter her more as the contest progresses. Each of you gets one chance to touch something and say, ‘Honor.’ I’ve prepared three locations for you to search. Cole will guess in the first location, then Jace, and finally Mira. Feel free to work together deciding.”
“She could be anything?” Cole said.
“Anything alive,” Trillian said. “No plants. Just animals, including humans. I have customized a seeming to prevent her from recognizing Mira or perceiving your true forms. To her ears, your voices will be scrambled if you ask about her identity, try to reveal your identities, or mention anything about this contest. Honor has no idea what you’re doing.”
“What happens if we guess wrong?” Jace asked.
“Each incorrect guess moves you to the next location,” Trillian said. “If you miss all three guesses, you belong to me. To motivate you to keep the guesses coming, each location has a threat. While you hunt for Honor, something will also hunt you. Each threat will endeavor to kill all of you. Should any of you die before your guess is used, that guess is lost. Naturally, if all of you die, the contest ends.”
Cole felt betrayed. The torivor had failed to mention that the contest might kill them. He had acted like at worst they would be his prisoners. Cole glanced at Mira, feeling horrible for dragging her into this. “You never told us we might die,” Cole objected.
“I’m telling you now,” Trillian said. “Our lives are always at risk. If a threat gets too close, use a guess and move to the next location. You’ll have ample opportunity to survive.”
“What if we refuse to play?” Mira asked.
“My gate is now closed,” Trillian said. “This contest is the only way any of you leave.”
“Will it happen here?” Cole asked. “In this dream?”
Trillian chuckled. “No, you’ll awaken for the contest. It will occur outside of my palace. When you exit to the grounds, the game will begin.”
“Will it all be an illusion?” Cole wondered.
Trillian shook his head. “I’ll accomplish most of it with changings, large and small. Every element of the contest will be perfectly tangible. My shaping abilities are unlike any in the five kingdoms. Let me worry about how it will be accomplished. Concentrate on winning.”
“Do you want us to lose?” Mira asked.
“Not particularly,” Trillian said. “Most likely you will fail. The contest will be difficult, but it is not rigged. You can win. And if you do, I will set you free, as promised. I’m eager to see how you perform.”
“When do we start?” Mira asked.
Trillian clapped his hands.
Cole opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling. The door to his room opened to reveal Hina out in the hall. “Time to go,” she said.
He followed her to a neighboring door, where she summoned Jace. Once he was with them, they went and got Mira. She fell into step with Jace and Cole behind Hina.
“What are you, Hina?” Cole asked. “Are you a seeming? Like a figment? Or a semblance?”
“I’m a woman of Elloweer,” Hina said. “I’ve served Trillian for many years.”
“You don’t look very old,” Mira said.
“It’s an advantage of dwelling here,” Hina said. “If you three survive the trial, you might join us.”
“I’ve been this age for long enough,” Mira said.
Hina led them to the front door of the castle. “Here we are,” she said, reaching for the handle to open it. “Let the games begin.”
CHAPTER
30
THE PEMBERTONS
Fingers on the handle, Hina looked to Mira.
“Ready?” Mira as
ked the boys.
“Die bravely,” Jace said.
“Here we go again,” Cole muttered.
Mira gave a nod, and Hina opened the door.
They stepped out into the courtyard of a castle. It looked nothing like either version of the Lost Palace that Cole had seen previously—neither decrepit and burned nor gleaming like pearls.
This castle was huge. Only one side of it was presently visible, but a massive wall topped with walkways and towers enclosed the expansive courtyard. The side of the castle Cole could see was broad and solid, rising through multiple levels of battlements, balconies, and turrets to the highest towers. Guards in immaculate uniforms stood on the walls and around the perimeter of the courtyard.
“Mira, hurry up,” called a woman from farther out in the courtyard. Tall and graceful, she had auburn hair and a playful expression. Beside her stood a young woman, equally tall and if anything more lovely. Her hair was a shade darker, and she wore combs in it. A younger, shorter girl had long straight hair and a bored expression. She stood with her arms folded and looked a year or two older than Cole. The youngest of the group had to be a couple of years younger than Cole. She wore a plain dress with an apron and had dark, soulful eyes.
Mira gave a little gasp. “No, no, no,” she whispered.
With a start, Cole saw that Mira had long hair and wore an elegant dress. He and Jace were dressed nicely as well.
Suddenly, Cole realized what he was seeing. The women and girls looking toward Mira all bore a resemblance to her. They had to be her mother and her sisters!
“Hurry up,” the eldest daughter said. “It’ll take all of us to convince Honor to come.”
“One moment,” Mira called. She turned to Cole and Jace. Cole didn’t think he had ever seen her look so rattled. She wiped her eyes with trembling fingers.
“It’s your family,” Cole said.
Mira nodded, saying nothing. “I mean, it isn’t really them,” she said, as if trying to convince herself. “But, you know, it all looks perfect.”
“That’s your mom?” Jace asked.
“My mother and sisters,” Mira confirmed, getting a little more control over herself. “Queen Harmony, Ella, Costa, and Tessa. Call Mother ‘my queen.’ It’s the day we were supposed to go to the Fall Festival in Lindenwood. The day Father staged our deaths.”
“Tell your friends you have to go, dearest,” Harmony called.
“They’re joining me until we leave,” Mira called back.
Costa glanced at Ella. “You want better company than us?”
“I like that one,” Tessa said, pointing at Jace. “He’ll protect us.”
“All right,” Harmony said. “Come along.”
Mira’s family waited while Mira, Cole, and Jace hurried over to them. Staring off into the distance, Ella showed no interest in their arrival.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Harmony said to the boys.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Cole saw Mira pantomime a slight bow. With a bow, Cole said, “I’m Cole Randolph, a friend of Mira’s.”
Jace bowed also. “I’m Jace.”
“How did you meet my daughter?” Harmony asked, not unkindly, but with interest.
“Their parents are visiting actors,” Mira said. “Very talented. You know how I enjoy the performances in town.”
“Very well,” Harmony said, looking at the boys. “Come with us for now. If Mira likes you, I’m certain you’re not dull, though I’m afraid you won’t be able to join her in the coach to Lindenwood.”
“You wouldn’t want to ride with us,” Mira said. “That coach will end up in the river.”
“Enough nonsense,” Ella snapped. “Mother, shouldn’t Mira say farewell to her friends now? Nori is already making us late.”
“Don’t send them off yet,” Mira said. “I’ll behave.”
“Come along, then,” Harmony said, starting across the courtyard. Ella caught up to her mother. Costa and Tessa followed close behind. Mira went slow enough to let them get a few paces ahead.
“This is when Father takes us,” Mira whispered hurriedly. “In the practice yard while we’re fetching Nori. He brings us down to the dungeon and takes our powers while doubles of us go to the coach and get drowned. I could strangle Trillian for making this part of his game.”
“Should I slip away and look for Honor?” Cole asked. “This is the first place, so I make the guess here.”
“We’re on our way to meet up with Honor,” Mira said. “Could she be playing herself in this delusion?”
“Trillian wouldn’t make it that obvious,” Jace said.
“Who knows?” Mira said. “We should check. Honor wouldn’t play along with a re-creation of this day. If it’s really her, she’ll be acting funny.”
Costa dropped back to walk beside Mira. She wasn’t much taller than her younger sister. “What are you three whispering about?”
Mira gave a weak smile. “Cole and Jace leave tomorrow for a new town.”
“You shouldn’t make friends with actors,” Costa said. “They’re always coming and going.”
“How far to the practice yard?” Cole asked.
Mira pointed ahead. “That door leads to a hall. The practice yard is at the other end.”
“Do we want to go there?” Jace asked.
“If you want to come with us,” Costa said.
“Do we have to keep playing along for them?” Jace complained to Mira, ignoring her sister.
“What do you mean?” Costa wondered.
“I guess we don’t have to,” Mira said.
“Is it smart to walk into a trap you know is there?” Jace asked.
Mira stopped walking. “It all depends where he would hide Honor. Would he put her along the path I took that day or stick her someplace obscure? The castle is vast.”
“What are you talking about?” Costa demanded, raising her voice.
Up ahead, Harmony paused and turned. “Is there a problem?” Ella and Tessa looked back as well.
“I overheard a plot,” Mira replied loudly. “Father plans to capture us in the practice yard and strip our shaping powers.”
Concern flashed across Harmony’s features. “Miracle, what would possess you to tell such a tale?”
“The practice yard is secluded,” Mira said. “Nori will be there sparring against Galin. We’ll try to convince her to come to the festival. Mother will tell her she doesn’t even need to change her clothes and will give her permission to enter the archery tournament. She’ll resist. Then a bunch of Father’s men will capture us. Galin will die trying to defend us with a practice sword. Owandell will be there.”
“I knew today was the end of the beginning,” Tessa said, plucking at a ruffle on her apron.
Harmony took a step toward Mira. “Where is this coming from? How can you know Galin will die?”
“Mother.” Ella groaned. “You’re not actually listening to this nonsense? Guess what you get when you let your daughter play with actors? Tall tales and false drama!”
“Is this some kind of game?” Harmony accused.
“I’m serious,” Mira insisted. “We need to hide. We should scatter. Don’t let him take our shaping!”
“Look,” Tessa said, pointing. “Owandell.”
All eyes followed her finger to the top of the castle wall, where a man in a brown monk’s robe strode purposefully, his cowl down to reveal his bald head and fleshy face. His eyes glared down intently at Mira.
“Who is he?” Cole asked.
“An adviser who worked for my father,” Mira said. “He led the men who captured us. I think he’s the threat.”
Men in black armor emerged from doors up on the wall and down in the courtyard. Without pause, they charged the nearest castle guards and started butchering them.
“Enforcers,”
Cole said, recognizing their outfits from the attack in the ravine.
“They’re everywhere,” Jace said.
“Except up ahead,” Mira observed. “They’re herding us toward the practice yard.”
“What’s going on?” Ella asked, real horror behind her words.
Castle guards continued to die. After going down easy at first, they were fighting back, but the Enforcers were clearly more skilled.
“Traitors!” Owandell called from the wall, pointing a sword at Jace and Cole. “They mean to harm the royal family!”
“He’s the traitor,” Mira yelled back, stabbing a finger at Owandell. “He’s killing our guards!”
“Liar!” Owandell replied, face livid. “These intruders are your doing!”
“This way,” Harmony called, running toward the door to the practice yard.
“Do we go?” Cole asked, looking to Mira.
“It’s that or get killed,” Mira said. “I don’t see anyone who might be Honor.”
With guards falling on all sides, they ran across the rest of the courtyard to the door. Cole drew his Jumping Sword. Harmony and Ella ran faster than the rest and shepherded the others through the large doorway when they arrived. Once they were all through, Ella shoved the door shut and locked it with a pair of thick bolts.
Harmony glanced at Cole’s sword. “You’re sure of your allegiances?” she asked.
“I’m on your side,” Cole promised.
Harmony produced a short, sharp dagger. “This way.”
They ran along a wide corridor with an arched ceiling. Hefty torches burned in sconces. Their footfalls echoed off the bare walls. Another door awaited at the far end of the hall. Ella got there first and heaved it open.
A covered walkway surrounded the practice yard, separated from the bare expanse by a balustrade. Two figures battled each other out in the center of the yard, wearing leather armor and wielding wooden swords. The clacking of their simulated combat continued in spite of the intrusion.
“Nori, the castle is under attack!” Harmony cried.
The combatants stopped and turned.
“Very funny, Mom,” one of them said, practice sword resting on her shoulder. “I’m not coming to the festival.”