He raised up his arms again and hurled the Eternity Ring onto the ground with all his strength. He heard a crash of glass, but then Tilda rose up and grabbed him around the throat. Riq and Sera were fighting her from behind, but Tilda was much stronger than she looked and was holding her own against the three kids.
If he could only get the grenade, he could affix it to the device and warp it away. That would destroy it. But Tilda was still choking him, and the room around him was starting to fade.
"Stop this!" a voice commanded.
Everyone froze and turned to look at Von Roenne standing in the doorway with Cleo and Anton ahead of him, and two Nazi soldiers at his sides.
Dak, Sera, and Riq scooted to the other side of the room as Cleo and Anton rushed to Tilda and Von Roenne stepped inside. His face was a deep shade of red and his chest heaved with anger. "Somebody explain this to me at once!"
Tilda spoke first. "These children attacked me."
"Did they? And whose weapon is this?" Von Roenne bent over and picked the grenade up off the floor, then carefully handed it to one of the soldiers.
Tilda looked insulted at that, but only said, "I was trying to hold them here for arrest while my friends went to find you."
"Arrest?" Von Roenne said. "On what charge?"
"Spying," Anton said. "Colonel Von Roenne, we've been after Dak since the moment he wormed his way inside this building. He's working for the British."
"Not true!" Dak said. Okay, yes, he was spying, but not for the British. He was working for the Hystorians.
"This other boy and girl are spies, too," Cleo said. "The boy was in Britain, helping translate languages."
"Translate this," Riq said defiantly. "Jus pasmirsti kaip supuvusia surio!"
Dak chuckled as his decoder picked up the phrase spoken in Lithuanian, which said, "You stink like rotten cheese!" Even if he kind of thought of that as a compliment, he knew Cleo wouldn't.
But she ignored Riq and pointed to Sera. "And this girl was in Spain, attempting to convince your spies that the body of Major Martin is that of a real British officer."
Von Roenne raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I heard about you. You children all work together, then?"
"We're on the right side of history," Dak said. "Are you?"
Without answering, Von Roenne turned to Cleo and Anton. "You captured these spies. What do you want in reward?"
They looked at each other. Anton cleared his throat and then said, "We represent an organization that has existed for hundreds of years and stretches all over this world. In exchange for capturing these spies, we want a meeting with your Fuhrer. He needs to know how things are going to work between us from now on."
"Then you are not Nazis?" Von Roenne asked.
"We don't have time for this!" Tilda said. "Let's just go!"
But Anton was already speaking. "We are greater than the Nazis, more powerful. We will be around long after you're gone. We are the SQ, and our time has come at last!"
SERA WAS horrified at the thought of the SQ taking over the world here. She knew their organization was already in place wherever history was happening, and if Tilda had an Infinity Ring, their ability to create destruction whenever they wanted was far greater now.
Von Roenne seemed less impressed by Anton's posturing. "I don't know the SQ's power," he said, "but I do know ours." He turned to address the two Nazi soldiers with him. "Take these two away for questioning."
Cleo and Anton darted for the door in an attempt to escape, but the soldiers pressed them against the wall and placed them in handcuffs. Sera wasn't sure which was louder as they left, Cleo's wailing or Anton's yelling.
"Now, about you." Von Roenne turned to Tilda's corner of the room. Then he stopped. "But . . . where has she gone?"
Dak, Sera, and Riq looked the same way. Tilda had vanished. So had her Eternity Ring. Drops of amber liquid were on the ground -- the fuel that powered the Rings. Wherever she had gone, she wouldn't get far unless she could get more fuel. But she had definitely left 1943 Germany. And was no doubt already at work on the next phase of her plan.
Von Roenne's eyes narrowed, and he closed the door behind him. "You are no ordinary spies, correct?"
"We're not spies at all," Riq said. "Just travelers, trying to be sure that history goes the way it should."
"Ah, there's that word history again." Von Roenne turned to Dak. "And when you say you are a historian, there's something more to that word, too, I assume."
"The way we think of Hystorians, yes, sir," Dak said.
"I have already heard from other officers who have seen Major Kuhlenthal's report. Most of them believe everything he says. Hitler has asked for my opinion now, to tip the scales in either direction."
Sera frowned. "Hitler trusts you that much?"
"Yes!" Dak piped up. There was a light in his eye that Sera recognized. Dak had remembered another history fact. "He trusts you, even with his own life, Colonel -- you know he does. Or, um, you will know that he does, eventually."
"What do you mean?" Von Roenne asked.
"I know now why it's been so hard for me to remember who you are, sir. It's because you wanted to be forgotten. You've tried to do what you think is right and hope nobody notices -- because doing what's right can sometimes be very dangerous."
Von Roenne's eyes shifted. "What danger?"
Dak sighed. "You believe in Germany, but not in Adolf Hitler, and certainly not the horrible things he's doing in this war. In your own way, you're a spy, too."
"How dare you --"
"There are a lot of good Germans who don't like what is happening here. You're one of them. There's a secret movement to overthrow the Nazis from within. And you're a part of it, aren't you?"
Von Roenne's eyes softened. "I only wish to save lives. Thousands have already died needlessly."
Dak walked over to Von Roenne. "Just as you want to save lives, my friends and I are trying to save history. We both have to do what we know is right. Colonel, you must do the right thing with Major Kuhlenthal's report."
"Germany must leave Sicily undefended," Von Roenne whispered. "I must convince Hitler to move our armies to Greece, even though I know the Allies are on their way to Sicily."
"Yes, sir," Dak said.
"And how will history remember me for this?" Von Roenne asked. "You talk as if you already know."
"History will say you were one of the rare men to stare evil in its face and refuse to back down," Dak said. "They will call you a hero."
A knock came to the door and everyone turned. "Colonel Von Roenne," the voice on the other side said. "The Fuhrer has requested you come to meet with him at once."
Von Roenne smiled at Dak, Sera, and Riq. Then he turned to face the door and said, "Tell him I am on my way. I have good news."
Sera later wondered what his expression was when he looked back their way again to say good-bye. She would never know for sure, because by that time, the three of them had already warped away.
SERA, RIQ, and Dak squeezed from the warp like toothpaste from the tube. They each lay on the ground for a few minutes, recovering from the pinch of time. Gradually, Riq realized they were on sand, and that the sounds of waves crashing onto shore weren't far away. It was perfectly warm and, wherever they were, he was in no hurry to leave.
"I really hate time travel," Dak said. "Does anyone else feel like their head was stepped on by a giant?"
"Your head looks like it was." Riq grinned when he said it, but in truth, his entire body felt that same way. He shook out his hands and feet, hoping to get the blood moving again.
Sera groaned as she pulled into a sitting position. "I have an idea, Dak. Let's go forward in time to when your parents invented this stupid thing and tell them to create more comfortable time travel."
"Comfort. So that's the missing piece," Dak said. Eventually, he rolled to his side and pushed himself up beside her. "When are we, dudes?"
Sera pointed across the sea to an island where British and American fla
gs could be seen, even from here. "That's Sicily."
"Oh, yeah?" Riq sat beside her. "So, the Allies took the island?"
"What year is it?" Dak asked.
"Still 1943," Sera said. "But I sent us forward only a month or two, just to be sure Tilda didn't ruin anything after we left."
Riq got to his feet and wandered to a beachside garbage can. A wadded-up newspaper was inside, right on the top. It had a little sauce on it from whoever had used it to wrap their lunch, but was mostly still readable. Well, readable for anyone who was fluent in Italian. Riq smiled. He'd had that language down while other kids were still learning their ABCs.
Dak looked over his shoulder and pointed out the one word he could read: Mussolini. "Dictator of Italy," Dak said. "This should be interesting."
Riq spread the newspaper's front page out flat while Dak and Sera found rocks to hold it down against the breeze. The date across the top read July 25, 1943. Riq cleared his throat and translated the headline: "After Failure in Sicily, Mussolini Arrested, Forced to Resign."
"So Hitler lost his closest ally," Dak said. "Losing him will be a huge blow to Germany."
They bumped heads together while Riq continued translating the article for his friends. The Allied attack on Sicily was described as the largest water invasion in history. The article also suggested Germany's defeat was even bigger than the Allies ever hoped for. Once they believed the Mincemeat Man trick, Germany had moved most of its troops over to Greece. Many of the soldiers who remained on Sicily were old, untrained, and cared more about fettuccine than fighting. On the first day of invasion, over a hundred thousand Allied troops had landed on Sicily, and many of the enemy soldiers didn't even fire a single shot before surrendering. By the time Germany realized what was happening and sent reinforcements back to Sicily, the Allies had a firm hold on the island. Germany had lost one of its most important bases in the war. Better still, with Mussolini gone, many people believed Italy would begin fighting for the Allies.
The article went on to say that back in Germany, everyone was looking for someone to blame for this disaster.
"Look for Von Roenne's name," Dak said.
Riq scanned the article. He found Clauss, whom Sera explained had initially tried to sit in on Major Martin's postmortem examination. He was facing some sort of discipline. So was Kuhlenthal, although he passed the blame back to Clauss. At least with this embarrassment, he'd never rise any further in power. Von Roenne's name was briefly mentioned, but he said it was obvious the British plans had changed from what was written in Major Martin's documents.
"He's safe for a while," Riq said. "Hitler won't know he lied."
"Von Roenne isn't finished in this war," Dak said. "The things he'll do are going to save many more lives. He'll be arrested before the war ends, but he'll die as a hero."
Riq thought about that for a moment. Von Roenne knew his place in history and didn't run from it. He respected the colonel for that and hoped if he were ever called upon to do something truly great, he'd have the courage to stand and face it, too.
In his own way, maybe he already had.
"What's the caption under this picture?" Sera pointed to a picture of German tanks that appeared to be in retreat.
Riq scanned the words, and then said, "Hitler is pulling back from planned attacks in other places."
"I'll bet that after Mincemeat Man, he doesn't know what to trust anymore," she said.
"Well, history did it again!" Dak said happily. "A future spy novelist dreams up an idea for a dead body, it's all put together by a few dedicated people in a crowded basement room, and it ends up changing the course of an entire war."
"Changing history," Sera said. "We did it!"
"Hopefully, it'll stay that way," Riq said. "Don't forget Tilda has a Ring now."
"Unless she finds a way to save the rest of the fuel, she won't get far," Dak said. "I don't think we'll see her again." He stood, brushed off his pants, and added, "Who's ready for some more adventure? When are we going next?"
Sera pulled out the SQuare and punched in a few buttons, then looked up and smiled. "Looks like we'll be seeing some old friends. Who's ready for a return trip to Paris?"
TILDA LANDED in her new time with a hard thump to her right shoulder. It stung for a moment until she remembered that pain was for the weak.
Beside her, the Eternity Ring had landed on a rock and was still humming. Not a good sign. That brat, Dak Smyth, had hit it hard, though at least it got her this far. The thing was leaking fuel, but if she kept it upright, she would have enough to do what must be done.
She picked up the Ring and noticed a shining coin on the ground nearby. The money she carried in her pockets would be worthless here, so even this single coin was helpful. Upon the coin was an image of the Greek goddess Athena -- a good sign she was in the right place.
Tilda sat up and pulled a bedsheet from her purse and wrapped it around herself, then hid the Ring in its folds. Voices were coming, and she saw no need to invite questions from the locals.
"Well, howdy-do," a man said, walking over to her. "Do you need help, ma'am?"
The woman with him seemed startled by Tilda's appearance. At first, Tilda thought it was because the woman recognized her, but then she remembered this man and woman had never seen her before. The woman came closer, and they both helped Tilda to her feet.
Tilda smiled and thanked them with as much kindness as her oily voice could muster.
"Are you hurt?" the man asked. "We can help you get into town if you'd like."
"Yes, please." Tilda even bent over slightly to make herself look weak. In truth, she was holding the Eternity Ring to her chest and didn't want it to be noticed. Not by these two.
As humble as she looked now, on the inside, Tilda was practically screeching with laughter. This would turn out to be the greatest joke of all time and yet she couldn't share it with anyone . . . yet.
However, by the time Dak came to this time period, she'd be ready to let him know all about it. Only, he wouldn't end up laughing at all.
The couple helping Tilda was Mr. and Mrs. Smyth, Dak's parents. They were her ticket to revenge against Dak, Sera, and Riq. And to controlling time travel forever.
Tilda's fun had only just begun.
Turn the page for your Hystorian's Guide to Marie Antoinette's Paris.
The French queen is also an SQ queen -- and she's hidden important works of art around the city. Can you go undercover to find out what she's done with the treasures?
Unlock the full game at:
scholastic.com/infinityring
FIND THE HIDDEN TREASURES!
It's 1790, and revolution is brewing in France. The people of Paris want to create a place of art and culture that is open to EVERYONE: the Louvre Museum. However, Queen Marie Antoinette worked with the SQ to steal some of the valuable art needed to create the museum. She has hidden it around the city. Can you infiltrate her clique and find the precious works of art?
-- Arin
Queen Marie Antoinette is working for the SQ! She's taken important works of art and hidden them around Paris. Play as Dak, Sera, and Riq to infiltrate her clique, find out the locations of the treasures, and save the day.
Log on now to begin the adventure.
Fix the past. Save the future.
scholastic.com/infinityring
At last! Dak, Sera, and Riq travel back to where it all began. But they are not the only time travelers in Ancient Greece. Don't miss history in the breaking!
Includes an all-new, top secret Hystorian's Guide -- which unlocks the next episode of the Infinity Ring game.
Turn the page for a sneak peek!
scholastic.com/infinityring
Below is a sneak peek from Infinity Ring Book 7: The Iron Empire by James Dashner.
"THIS IS the only thing I've ever put my foot down about," Dak said, folding his arms and trying his all-around best to look like a dude who meant what he said and said what he meant. "We're already here. No cha
nging your minds."
He faced his best friend -- Sera Froste -- and his slowly-but-surely-becoming second best friend, Riq Jones. They stood in a dusty, dry alley behind Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. The year was 1865, the day April 15, just a few hours from what Dak now considered the darkest moment in all of history. Because his hero of heroes was about to be shot in the head.
He had read all about it in a history book he'd pilfered from 1945. Dak knew Abraham Lincoln as a congressman and lawyer who had spoken out against slavery -- and been silenced by the SQ as a result. But when the time travelers had fixed a Break in 1850, they had, in a roundabout way, ensured that the great man would go on to do great things. Dak read all about them.
And he couldn't bear the thought of what came next.
"Have you not learned a thing since we started all this?" Riq asked him. The older boy wasn't being a jerk -- even Dak had to admit that the concerns over his plan were pretty valid. But this was Abraham Lincoln. President Abraham Lincoln. A once-in-a-lifetime chance lay before them.
Sera had been nodding since the first word popped out of Riq's mouth. "He's right, Dak. You mean a lot to me, and I know this means a lot to you. That's why I let you talk me into coming here. But now . . . we just can't do this. We can't. I'm sorry."
"Yes. We can." It took all of Dak's effort to stay still. Resolute. He wanted to save President Lincoln and that was that.
"And risk everything?" Sera countered. "Throw everything off balance? Create a new Great Break?"
Dak boiled inside. "How can stopping the murder of our greatest president be a Break? It'll only help the world get better!"
"It's not about what events are good or bad," Riq said, "and you know it. It's about a pattern, and that pattern being broken. Making reality unstable. The Hystorians didn't say that Lincoln dying was a Break, therefore him not dying might very well be a Break."
"It could unravel everything," Sera added.
Dak sighed. They'd just saved the Louvre in France from being sabotaged by Marie Antoinette. Surely Abraham Lincoln was just as important as a dusty old museum?