Valeries palms began to sweat for her brother, but she knew he needed her encouragement right now rather than her doubt, so she braced herself and helped him find secure hand and footholds. A few times, the slippery walls of the castle almost cost him his footing, but he had an uncanny ability to find a crevice to cling to.

After several tense minutes, he reached Kantis windowsill. Night had fallen, and her room was dimly lit by a glowing orb in the corner. Ani was still by her bedside, and she pulled out a long, sharp object from her purse. Henry leaped through the window with a strength she wouldnt have given him credit for and tackled her to the ground.

Dont you touch her! he screamed.

She shoved him backward, and he stumbled into the bed and cracked his head on the floor.

Whos to stop me? YOU? Ani quickly raised the hand holding the pointy object to bring down on Kanti, and a powerful emotion crashed through Henrys mind, a kind of protective rage.

Yes, me, he said, more to himself than to Ani.

With the force of his thought, he shoved her arm away from Kanti and pushed her out the door, which slammed shut and locked. Then Henry dropped to the floor and released his hold on Valeries mind.

She opened her eyes and saw that Cyrus was gripping her hands tightly. Are you okay?

We have to get a message to Dulcea. Now, she said. Whats the fastest way?

I have an idea"its worked a few times before. What do you want to say?

Tell her that Henry is trapped in Kantis room, and Ani was trying to hurt her"maybe even kill her. She has to go protect them both and convince Kantis parents about what happened.

Cyrus raised his finger and began tracing words in the air. Like a magnet, light from the stars was drawn to the lines he created. A short note hung in the air, each letter entirely composed of light. Then he shut his eyes and threw his hand up in the air, and the words flashed out of sight.

How long will it take to get there?

Speed of light fast enough for you? he asked.

That was amazing, she said. Sometimes she forgot how creative and powerful a Conjuror Cyrus was. He had the ability to control light, and this wasnt the first time that it had saved a life.

Aw, shucks, he said, making her smile.

But her face quickly hardened. First Jet, now Kanti. If the Fractus want a fight, they couldnt have picked a better way to start one.

Chapter 11.

Back at the dorm, they were able to talk to Dulcea and Henry through the magic mirror and discover that Kanti was safe. Ani had escaped by using her glamour disguise to hide as an old man named Iago, a trick that she had been using for years.

But Kantis parents are still sending us away. Even though Henry saved Kantis life! Dulcea said indignantly, her blonde curls a rumpled mess from being dragged out of bed.

They dont completely trust our story, so theyre keeping everyone away from her, Henry explained. At least shes safe. I can tell that her parents really are trying to do whats best.

Dulcea sniffed, still irked.

Does this mean youre coming home? Valerie asked.

Yes, well be back tomorrow, he said. She was surprised by how happy she was that he was coming back. They hadnt known each other long, but being apart from her twin was like having a weight on her heart.

They said goodbye, and she and Cyrus went back to their rooms for the night. Once she was ready for bed, she touched the crystal that connected her with Thai.

He was waiting for her, since this was the time of day they usually met. Howd it go with Midnight?

Valerie shook her head. Im not sure. Midnight is convinced that Sanguina is trying to change her ways. But I bumped into her and"

What! Did she attack you?

Relax, she didnt do anything. She wanted to tell me something, but we were interrupted.

Dont even think about going after her by yourself. Way too dangerous.

She repressed a smile. Thais protective streak was a mile wide, but rather than finding it overbearing, she loved that someone was watching out for her.

No need to convince me. Being around that woman gives me the chills.

So you think shes the spy, then?

Im not sure. I have a lifetime of associating her with torment, and now that I know what she did to Henry, I positively cant stand her. Its hard to separate that from who she is now.

What does your gut tell you?

She sighed. That as much as I wish she were the spy, she isnt. Or maybe shes involved with the Fractus, but shes not the real threat.

Time to move on to your next suspect, then. Who are you going to take on next?

She thought for a little while. I do already know another one of Chromes suspects. Hes the groundskeeper, Oberon. He helped heal me after I fought with Sanguina once.

Then he cant be all bad.

Maybe. Theres something off about him, though.

Maybe you should leave this to Azra. It sounds too risky.

Azras not here right now. And one thing I know for sure is that finding this person is urgent. Somethings going to happen.

He shook his head, resigned. I dont know why I keep thinking that youll walk away from danger when all you ever do is run toward it. Make sure you talk to him somewhere public in case he goes nuts on you.

The next day Cyrus and Valerie left the dorm with less of an appetite for adventure than they had the day before. They dragged their feet, and she was hoping that maybe they wouldnt be able to find Oberon. There was something wrong about confronting a man who had helped her.

But he was immediately visible polishing a statue of a warrior in front of the Weapons Guild. He was blind, but he worked methodically, and unless someone saw his cloudy eyes, they would never guess that he couldnt see.

Hi, Oberon! Cyrus called. Oberon turned toward their voices, and his face thunderous. Cyrus took an unconscious step back.

Leave me in peace, he said in a low voice.

Im sorry, finding you was my idea, Valerie said. Oberon froze.

Who are you? Your voice Valerie. You and Azra helped me awhile back after I was hurt. I came to thank you.

He shook his head a little, as if he was clearing cobwebs from his mind. That is not entirely true, is it? There is another reason you came to see me.

Her heart beat a little faster. Maybe she wasnt the only one with a sixth sense for peoples intentions. We also wanted to see if youd heard anything suspicious around here.

Word on the street is that there might be a spy trying to find out secrets from the Guild Masters, Cyrus said glibly. She was suddenly very glad he was with her. Oberons intensity was intimidating. We thought, since youre always around, people might not notice if you were listening.

Thats not the whole truth either, is it? Oberon replied, but then he sighed. You are not the first to suspect that it is me who is spying for the Fractus. It isnt.

She instinctively trusted his words, but she wasnt sure why.

But Cyrus continued to press him. If were putting it all on the table, then I wonder why youd still oppose the Fractus, even though your reason for leaving them is dead.

Oberon drew himself up to his full height, and the air grew heavy around them, like the instant before rain pours down. She could even hear a distant rumble of thunder. Enough. Leave me. I owe you nothing.

His hands were shaking, and the wind around them began to blow hard, pulling her long hair into the breeze. Valerie remembered that Oberon wasnt supposed to touch his magic for one hundred years as a punishment for working with the Fractus, but she knew how difficult it was not to tap into power when her emotions ran high. Shed rather not see what happened if Oberon consciously or unconsciously decided to seize his magic.

Sorry, man, Cyrus said, and she thought Oberon would incinerate him with a bolt of lightning right there on the steps of the Weapons Guild. She could sense that there was an instability in Oberon, and she could imagine the whole city crumbling if he didnt regain control of himself.

Thank you. And Im sorry. We wont bother you again, Valerie said, and she and Cyrus turned and ran.

When Valerie arrived at her guild later for her daily training, she was still shaky. But if she wanted a distraction, she couldnt have come to a better place. The guild was in an uproar. There were over one hundred Knights on the lawn, and everyone was talking excitedly. She found the red-haired boy in her class, Juniper, who actually turned out to be nice after they got to know each other.

Whats going on? she asked him.

Kellens missing, and were sure its the Fractus. He was supposed to be Azras escort on her trip, but someone grabbed him between our guild and her office. Again, no magic trail. Chromes going nuts.

I thought Azra had already left Arden, she murmured, but she was distracted by the sight of Chrome pacing at the edge of the crowd. Even from a distance, she could see the tension rolling off of him in waves.

Attention, everyone, Gideons commanding voice cut through the chatter. Chrome will be organizing the effort to interview witnesses and follow any leads. Report to your mentor for assignments.

Everyone resumed bustling, but with more purpose now. She stood, unsure who her mentor was. Did recruits have mentors? Gideon approached her, and she asked him.

For the first time ever, he stumbled on his words. I will be your mentor. That is, well, if youll have me.

Id love that, she said. Despite the chaos that her life had been in since her return to the Globe, her ties to the people she loved were stronger than ever.

Beside her, Junipers eyes widened. I thought you didnt mentor anyone anymore, he said.

I do now, Gideon replied simply. Then he pulled her aside and spoke quietly. Chrome and I have agreed that it is time to seek help in a new direction. You and I are going to the Roaming City to seek a prophecy.

Your need is certainly great enough, Valerie agreed. The Oracles only allowed their city to be found by those who truly required and deserved guidance. But why bring me? she asked.

You are one of the most powerful Conjurors on the Globe, and I have requested your presence. That is reason enough. Now pack quickly. I will meet you at the Lake of Knowledge, he said, naming the lake in the forest outside of Silva.

She hurried home, turning Gideons words over in her mind with disbelief and a little worry that he was expecting too much of her. Her thoughts were interrupted when she bumped into Henry on the steps of the dorm.

What is it? Henry asked breathlessly, already sensing from her mind that something important was going down.

Im going to the Roaming City for a prophecy. I have to leave right away, she explained.

Im coming with you, he said, and she nodded. His need for a prophecy to help Kanti was also great. Maybe it would even help them find the city more easily.

They packed their belongings in the callbox in her room, and walked to the lake. Gideon was already waiting for her, and he nodded when he saw Henry.

I need a prophecy of my own, Henry said. Please, let me come with you.

I will let Valerie make the call, Gideon replied. She nodded quickly in surprise. She was always uncomfortable making decisions, but this one was easy.

How are we getting there? Another roller coaster? Henry asked, wincing. She had to hide a grin.

Um, actually, Ill help with that, Chern said, walking out of the trees. He turned to Gideon. Youre quite sure that there wont be any danger?

Gideon shook his head. The Roaming City is secure. But if something unexpected happens, I will guard your life with my own.

There was no mockery in Gideons eyes, and Valerie could see that he meant every word.

Chern waved his hand and the air shimmered. A hole in the air appeared, and through it she could see the desert of Ephesus, with its rolling waves of sand. Gideon stepped through, and Valerie and Henry went through together. Chern came last, and the window back to Arden snapped shut abruptly behind him.

I hope it wont take long to find the city, Chern said anxiously, chewing his fingernails. We could run out of water. Wait! Who brought the water?

Relax, Chern, you could make another portal back to Arden if we get desperate, right? Valerie said soothingly.

Ah, yes, of course. What was I thinking? he said absently.

But even without a portal, they didnt need to worry. The city of Ephesus found them quickly, proving that their need was very great. White pillars surrounding a pool of water appeared in the distance, and as they walked closer, she could see the brown huts where the Oracles lived. They bustled through the streets, wearing robes of different colors that signified how experienced they were at prophesizing.

She remembered the last time she was here, when she had witnessed a man named Leo joining the Illyrians, an immortal race that lived beneath the oceans of the Globe. The entrance to Illyria was in Ephesus, and shed had the chance to meet Leo before he vanished into the still waters of the pool at the outskirts of the city. She hoped that he was happy with his new life.

Their approach was spotted, and a familiar Oracle fluttered over to them on her dark wings.

Sibyl! Valerie said, recognizing the Oracle she had befriended when she came for her prophecy.

Sibyl briefly rubbed her cheek against Valeries as a greeting. Her heart squeezed painfully as she remembered their parting after the funeral of Pythia, the original Oracle and Sibyls mother. She saw Sibyl quickly wipe away a tear as well, but then she brightened.

I knew you would be back. And this must be your brother. News travels quickly, Sibyl explained, seeing the twin expressions of surprise on Henrys and Valeries faces.

We have come for help, Gideon said, gently guiding them back to their purpose.

On the rising darkness, Sibyl said. We have been seeing a change in many of our prophecies.

At a distance, Valerie saw another Oracle hurrying toward them. She squinted. Is that Putrefus?

Yes. I must speak quickly. There has been a split among the Oracles. Conflicting prophecies are being delivered to the Conjurors who have visited us since you left.