“I wish I could say it was nice to see you,” Elegance said, rubbing at her eyes. “Can’t this wait until morning? Ethel mentioned an emergency?”
“Mother and Father have been abducted, along with Honor and Destiny,” Mira said. “Your power has been terrorizing Creon as the Perennial Serpent for hundreds of years. And the world ends tomorrow.”
Elegance blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Completely,” Mira said. “Ramarro will be free within a day.”
“That all fell apart quickly,” Elegance said.
“It’s Owandell,” Mira said. “He’s done with caution because Ramarro is almost free.”
“Is my power really the Perennial Serpent?” Elegance asked, almost as if the idea were romantic.
“We’re pretty sure,” Mira said.
“What can we do?” Elegance asked.
“We have to try to stand against Ramarro,” Mira said. “And I want to rescue Mother and our sisters. Maybe they can help us.” She held up the flask. “And we want to recruit Brogan.”
“Brogan is in no condition—” Elegance began.
“This will make him young again,” Mira said.
Elegance stared. “Impossible,” she whispered.
“It’s one of a kind,” Mira said. “Devised by a team of Grand Shapers.”
“It performs complicated time shifting,” Violet added. “His physical characteristics will go back in time while he remains in the present.”
“You’re serious,” Elegance said, seemingly not wanting to hope in vain.
“It’s our understanding,” Mira said. “Can we try it?”
Elegance gave a quick nod. “Of course. This way.”
She led them into a sumptuous bedroom, where the old man rested on a large bed, propped up by a semicircle of pillows. “Elegance?” he asked. “Is everything all right?”
“It’s Miracle and her friends again,” Elegance said. “Very little is all right. They want your help. They have a potion that could restore your youth.”
“Nonsense,” Brogan said.
“It’s unique,” Mira said. “Made by a group of Grand Shapers.”
“And they wish to test it on me?” Brogan asked.
“It was given to us to use on whoever we want,” Mira said. “It will mean you can never leave Creon.”
“I have no travel plans,” Brogan said. “How is this possible?”
“Unprecedented time shifting,” Violet said. “It will supposedly give you the body of yesteryear today.”
“Last year I didn’t look much better than right now,” Brogan said. “A decade ago either.”
“We’re up against the end of the world,” Mira said. “The king and queen have been abducted. Two of my sisters as well. And Ramarro returns tomorrow. We need help.”
“Give me the drink,” Brogan said.
Mira tugged at the stopper and couldn’t get it off. Elegance took the flask from her, gripped it tightly, and yanked it open. She handed the flask to her husband.
Brogan took a probative sip. “Not foul.” He drained the flask.
The transformation was so sudden that Cole wondered if he had missed it with a blink. A young man, still holding the flask, looked in astonishment at his hands. He threw aside the sheets and swung his legs out of the bed. A couple of pillows fell to the floor as he stood up.
“I remember what this felt like,” Brogan said in a voice that was similar, but fuller and firmer. “I remember like it was yesterday. As if the rest has been a bad dream.”
He wasn’t just young—he was tall, and his shoulders were broad and strong. His strained nightshirt had clearly been tailored for a frailer man. He clenched a fist, and veins stood out on his solid forearm.
“Look at you,” Elegance said.
“How cruel if this is temporary,” Brogan said. “How long is it supposed to last?”
“A lifetime,” Mira said. “As long as you don’t leave Creon, you should age normally.”
“Elegance, do you think you could find me more suitable attire?” Brogan asked.
Her eyes wandered up and down his new physique. “It’s late. Give me a few minutes.”
Elegance ushered the kids out of the room, ordered Ethel to see to their needs, and then rushed away. Jace asked for a sandwich. Cole followed his example. Mira inquired about a restroom, and Violet seconded the request.
“That worked quickly,” Jace said after Ethel led the girls away. “I wonder if your potion worked just as well.”
“I hope so,” Cole said. “It would be nice to have two shots at this.”
“Don’t count on it,” Jace said.
“You know,” Cole said. “This might be the perfect time to tell Mira how you feel about her.”
“Lower your voice,” Jace said, looking around worriedly.
“I’m just saying, none of this might really be happening,” Cole said. “Not permanently. I could let you know what she says when I get back. You could know without actually asking.”
“And what if this is real?” Jace asked. “Not just a preview.”
“You’ll still know,” Cole said.
Jace shook his head. “It’s stupid. It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to you,” Cole pressed.
“Way too much to risk ruining it,” Jace said. “I know she can’t love me. I know we’re too young. I know she’s a princess and I’m a former slave. If I don’t say anything, I can stay close. I can protect her and help her. She knows I care. She can see that. It’s enough.”
“What if she feels the same way?” Cole asked.
Jace shook his head again. “Don’t be thick. No way.”
“But what if?”
“If she loves me like that, it’ll come out.”
“Will it? You talk about dying bravely. What about living bravely?”
Jace glared at Cole. “Are you giving me bravery lessons?”
“Maybe when it comes to Mira.”
“I’m brave enough.”
Brogan opened the door and emerged wearing a robe. It must have been big on him before, because it fit reasonably well, though probably a bit clingier than intended. He held a sword with a polished blade and gilded designs on the hilt.
“Elegance went hunting for clothes?” Brogan asked.
“Yeah,” Cole said.
“The others?” Brogan asked.
“Ethel is making sandwiches,” Jace said.
“The girls needed the restroom,” Cole said.
Brogan swished the sword through the air. “You can’t imagine how good this feels.”
“Cool sword,” Cole said.
“It belonged to my father,” Brogan said. “It never collected dust. We kept it in a place of honor. But I have not held it in decades.” The blade hissed through the air. “In my later years, I lamented that I knew more than ever but my body was beginning to fail. And then I became an invalid. A dormant repository of combat ability.”
“You don’t feel rusty?” Cole asked.
“It’s a little strange,” Brogan said, shifting from side to side. “But rusty? No. I feel more myself than I have in ages. There may be a few kinks to work out.” He tossed the sword in the air, let it spin twice, and deftly caught it by the hilt. “Not many.”
Elegance entered with a bundle of clothes. “Brogan, don’t parade around in that robe! And with your sword? Where is Miracle?”
The comment made Cole notice how the robe hung open at his chest, and his bare legs extended below the hemline. It wasn’t exactly how somebody would normally dress to impress a princess.
“Sorry, Ella,” Brogan said. “You found better attire?”
Elegance thrust the bundle of clothes at him. “Go make yourself decent. We have company.”
Brogan retreated.
Miracle returned with Violet.
“Success?” Miracle asked.
“He has clothes now,” Elegance said.
“And his sword,” Jace added.
E
thel entered with sandwiches for Cole and Jace.
“You’re not hungry?” Elegance asked Miracle.
“We had oranges,” Miracle replied.
“You have oranges?” Jace exclaimed.
“Coming right away,” Ethel said, leaving the room.
Brogan emerged again just after the oranges arrived. He looked dapper in a shirt, a vest, trousers, and boots. His sword hung sheathed over his shoulder. “I need armor,” he said.
“Are we charging into battle?” Elegance asked.
“Soon as we know where to charge,” Brogan replied.
“I like this guy,” Jace murmured.
“Is battle the only option?” Elegance asked.
“How sure is your information?” Brogan inquired.
“We got it from Lorenzo Debray and Kendo Rattan,” Mira said. “Lorenzo gave us the potion, too.”
“Ramarro the torivor will gain freedom tomorrow,” Brogan said.
“Within the day,” Miracle confirmed. “We have rings that will notify us when he is about to get loose. Violet will take us to the Far North Cache, where we’ll face him.”
“What hope have we of success?” Brogan asked.
“Cole’s power,” Mira said. “He can energize the powers of others to work in any kingdom. And he can directly alter powers.”
Brogan fixed his gaze on Cole. “How confident are you?”
“It’s a torivor,” Cole said. “I’ll try not to fail.”
“You’ll need all the help you can get,” Brogan said. “And we’ll probably fall.” He turned to Mira. “What about your mother and sister? Any leads?”
“We’re almost sure it was Owandell,” Mira said. “The Host suspects that Governor Vass might know something.”
“Vass is certainly controlled by Owandell,” Brogan said. “It would be a place to start.”
“We think Owandell is working with Wayminders,” Mira said.
“Another potential Arthur Vass connection,” Brogan said. “And the world ends tomorrow?”
“Unless we stop it,” Cole said.
“Who of you can fight?” Brogan asked.
“Jace,” Mira said. “His golden rope is from Sambria. When Cole charges it, he’s really dangerous.”
“Show me,” Brogan said.
Jace held out the golden strand, and Cole touched it, pushing power into it.
The rope shot out and picked up a chair.
“Quick,” Brogan said, raising his fists. “I’m going to kill you now.”
The other end of the rope shot out, bound Brogan’s ankles together, and hauled him into the air upside down. Elegance gasped.
“If I believed you, I’d slam you into the wall,” Jace said.
“And I’d be trying to slash the rope,” Brogan said. “Please set me down.”
Jace carefully laid Brogan on the floor, set down the chair, and retracted the rope. Brogan hopped to his feet.
Cole drew his sword. “I have a Jumping Sword,” he said.
“A what?” Brogan replied. “I’m not familiar.”
“He can make big jumps with it,” Mira said. “I have one too. And with Cole’s help, Violet can open as many wayports as she likes.”
Brogan raised his eyebrows. “Very useful. No limits?”
“We haven’t found any,” Violet said.
“So without Cole, you all lose your advantages,” Brogan said. “Do you need to touch the item and people you’re energizing?”
“Yes,” Cole said. “To start the connection. Then I don’t need contact.”
“You can’t initiate the connection without touch?”
“So far. I’m working on it.”
“How many people can you support at a time?” Brogan asked.
“At least five,” Cole said. “Probably more. Maybe a lot more.”
“How long before you get exhausted?” Brogan asked.
“I haven’t found those limits,” Cole said.
Brogan whistled. “Not bad. Incredible, really. Do any of you have authority from the king?”
Cole produced the medallion.
“You speak for him?” Brogan asked in astonishment.
“He authorized me not long ago,” Cole said. “I’m not sure if there was an official announcement. And we were implicated in his disappearance.”
“The seal could provide leverage with the governor,” Brogan said.
“I feel like people don’t believe me sometimes when I use it,” Cole said.
“Your position has not been publicized?” Brogan asked.
“I don’t think so,” Cole said. “It barely happened.”
“What about your power?” Brogan asked. “Your abilities should command great renown.”
“Not too many people know about me yet,” Cole said. “I’m just learning how to use my power. The Enforcers are catching on.”
“We’re going to the governor’s mansion,” Brogan said. “I’ll need Jace, Cole, and Violet.”
“What about me?” Mira asked.
“We’ll be in his bedchamber,” Brogan said. “In those close confines, your Jumping Sword will be largely irrelevant. You have too much strategic value to be risked on this. Stay with Elegance. We won’t be long.”
Mira looked like she wanted to protest but gave a little nod.
“May I borrow the seal, Cole?” Brogan asked. “We need to bluff this governor. He’s smart and tough, but no hero. I think we can get what we need.”
“Sure,” Cole said, taking off the medallion and handing it over.
“You want me to take us to his room?” Violet asked.
“It’s almost certainly how Owandell took the queen,” Brogan said.
“Not just into a building,” Violet fretted. “Not even just into the governor’s mansion. Into his bedroom! I could be more than exiled. I could be executed.”
“You could be formally executed,” Brogan said. “Or simply killed by the guards with the rest of us. These are desperate times. Our foes are reckless and about to win. They have broken rules. We must break them too.”
Violet nodded. “Understood. I know the mansion. I’m not sure how to locate his bedroom.”
“Do you know the courtyard with the square fountain?” Brogan asked.
“Yes,” Violet said.
“The largest, highest balcony on the east side belongs to his bedchamber,” Brogan said. “The room will be shielded. Have you bypassed shielding before?”
“Not yet,” Violet said. “With enough power I should be able to manage.”
“There are some Wayminders here at the Iron Fort who could probably do it,” Brogan said. “I completely trust none of them, and am unsure who would be willing.”
“Cole?” Violet asked, holding out a hand.
“You’re going now?” Elegance asked.
“Let me feel it out first,” Violet said.
“Can you travel there from here?” Mira asked.
“There are too many protections on the Iron Fort for me to open a wayport to the outside from the inside,” Violet said. “But I should be able to feel out possible destinations.”
Cole took her hand and steadily energized her power.
“I see the mansion,” Violet narrated, eyes closed. “I see the balcony. Yes, the bedroom is heavily shielded. I don’t know if I can push through. I could try. I bet it would raise alarms.”
“What about the balcony?” Brogan asked.
“Shielded too,” Violet said. “Not as heavily. Probably anywhere we go will raise alarms.”
She released Cole’s hand. He took it as a signal to let the connection drop.
“We want to get in and out quickly,” Brogan said. “There will be guards. We should take Vass to someplace he won’t expect.”
“He’s a Wayminder?” Cole asked.
“Yes,” Brogan said. “And he has guards who will try to rescue him.”
“Can we use one of Lorenzo’s hideouts?” Jace asked.
“We shouldn’t without permissi
on,” Violet said. “And we can’t come back here.”
Brogan shook his head. “No location in Creon is as impenetrable as this fort, but the Host won’t want involvement with kidnapping the governor, no matter the reason. Elegance and I have access to a conduit that will take us to the tent in the desert, bypassing security protocols. You can use it with us to get out at our convenience. But we can’t come back in with Vass.”
“I can use Cole to our advantage,” Violet said. “We’ll escape through three wayports. They might trace the first. But I don’t know anybody who could follow three jumps. I’ll finish at an isolated spot in the wilderness—a high ridgetop. I used to go there to get away and think.”
“That should work,” Brogan said. “You want to try for the balcony rather than the room?”
“The room is too heavily shielded,” Violet said. “Even if I can break through, it will take time. They will have a long warning.”
“There are glass doors from the balcony into the bedchamber,” Brogan said.
“I noticed them,” Violet confirmed. “How do you know?”
“I remember,” Brogan said. “We’ll want to smash them immediately. Then cover the door to the bedroom with a wayport so no regular guards can get in. Make them open a wayport beyond it if they want access.”
“Clever,” Violet said. “Use a wayport as a shield.”
“I’ll grab Vass,” Brogan said. “Violet, once we’re in, you open a way out. Jace, cover us with your rope. Cole, keep the sword handy, but your main task is to keep everyone charged up. Feeling good?”
“The plan makes sense,” Violet said.
Brogan placed a hand on Jace’s shoulder. “Bring something heavy with that rope to smash the doors.” Brogan scanned the room. “That end table is made of stone.”
Elegance pouted. “I love that piece.”
Brogan raised an eyebrow.
Elegance waved her hands dismissively. “I know—it’s an emergency, no time; I remember this side of you.”
Brogan grinned. “A little like old times.”
“The old times were scary,” Elegance said.
“At least scary isn’t tedious,” Brogan said.
“Have I been tedious?” Elegance asked.
“You have been wonderful,” Brogan clarified. “Old age is tedious.”
“Do you want armor?” Elegance asked.
“Not for this,” Brogan said. “I’ll want some later.” He nodded at Cole. “Do your thing.”