Sanguina and Gideon exchanged a smile, and then they both looked a little surprised at themselves.

We walk, Im afraid, Gideon said. Then he turned to Sanguina. Unless you know of another way?

Sanguina shook her head. These tracks used to support a public transportation system of platforms, but they were broken long ago. Also, Reaper has placed powerful wards in Dunsinane to limit magical travel. He wants plenty of notice when people are visiting.

I suspected as much, Gideon said. That explains why we were going around in circles when we visited here last time.

He can bend space and time, among other things, Sanguina said quietly. I dont know all of his powers, but I have never encountered anything like it before.

Lets get this show on the road! Cyrus announced, and Valerie saw that he, Kanti, and Henry had packed up their supplies and sent them all back to the callbox.

Hope you brought comfy shoes, Valerie said. Its going to be a hike.

The travel turned out to be easy for the most part, since they walked on a gentle slope upward through the canyon. What was harder to deal with was the eerie emptiness of all the homes and shops that they passed in deep disrepair. It had obviously been a thriving city, and it was spooky now that it was empty.

After a few hours, Valerie noticed that Gideon was pasty. But his face was set with determination, and she knew hed never allow them to slow down for his sake.

Do you mind if we stop for lunch? she asked the group. Im starving and my feet are killing me.

Finally! Lets not be martyrs, Cyrus agreed.

Kanti checked the callbox, and Dulcea had left them a delicious lunch from the dorms cafeteria. They all feasted on the porch of a home that was slightly less rickety than its neighbors.

A prickle on Valeries neck made her shift position right before an arrow whistled toward her head. Her magic surged, and she deflected it with a quick swipe of her hand, sending the shaft clattering harmlessly against the wall. She heard a cry of rage, and a very dirty centaur with long, scraggly gray hair charged toward her.

Get back! she shouted to her friends.

Valerie braced herself to meet the centaurs charge, and they collided with a force that pushed the air out of her lungs. She grabbed the creatures arm and twisted, and she knew she could break the muscular arm with one blow. But up close, she could see the crazed fear in the centaurs eyes, and her instincts told her that this wasnt a trap.

Please, Valerie gasped. We arent here to hurt you"but I will if I must.

Without second-guessing why she knew it was the right thing to do, she released the centaurs arm and stroked her back with a firm, calming touch.

Who are you? Something about you is familiar, the centaur said, and her voice was that of a very old womans.

Im Valerie. Were here to fight the Fractus, she said.

Wanna tell her your life story while youre at it? Cyrus muttered, obviously more suspicious than Valerie was.

She ignored him and introduced the rest of the group. She spoke softly, like she had with the children at the hospital. Whats your name?

The centaur had to think the question over, as if she hadnt thought about her name in a long time. Summer, she finally said.

Youre alive, Sanguina breathed. Youre a legend. Reaper said he destroyed you.

Summer bared her teeth. He didnt lie. He killed every family member, every friend. He ripped my muscles to shreds so I can never run free with my people. It would have been better if hed killed me.

Valerie saw the way that Summers skin sagged strangely, not just from age, but from whatever torture Reaper had subjected her to. Youll come with us, to Arden. There must be a way to help you heal.

Summer shook her head proudly. I will never leave here until I die and rejoin my people. I will do nothing to slow that process. If I could kill myself and still be admitted to paradise, I would have already done so long ago.

Valerie shuddered at the emptiness in her voice. She knew what it was to be alone. I cant leave you here with nothing but ghosts.

Summers eyes softened. You are very different from others I have known. I cannot leave, but knowing you fight the Fractus gives my heart peace.

Can you give us any advice? Kanti spoke up. What are Reapers weaknesses?

If I had a good answer to that, I wouldnt be standing here, Summer said, her head hanging. But then a spark of a thought lit up her eyes.

Tell us, Valerie pleaded softly.

My family and I scoffed at this notion, but an elder once visited the Oracles and was told that Reapers powers weaken against an incorruptible heart"one that has overthrown evil, selfishness, and fear.

There is no person that pure, Sanguina said.

Summer bowed her head again. No. But those who come closest are less affected by his power.

Like you, Valerie said.

If that was once true, it is no more. I am filled with hatred, a selfish craving for revenge, and"though it is a weakness to admit it"fear of more pain.

It is not a weakness to admit fear, Gideon said. Only to give in to it.

Summer was quiet for a time, but then met his eyes. Be that as it may, my help to you must end here.

Of course, Valerie said. Youve endured so much. I only wish you would let us take you somewhere safe.

The harsh, despairing light in Summers eyes dimmed and was replaced by something gentler. Perhaps one day, if you succeed, you will return and tell me so.

I will, Valerie swore.

Chapter 37.

The rest of the trip to the Oasis was quiet. When they saw the patch of green against the bleak purple landscape in the distance, the oppressive weight of the ancient, abandoned capital lifted. The spell surrounding the Oasis made Valerie feel as though she was breathing unpolluted air for the first time since they had left Arden.

The rest of our troupe made it! Henry said with a little excitement. I can sense their minds.

Our plan is working, Cyrus said, a grin slowly spreading across his face.

Of course it is, dummy, Kanti said, but she was fighting a relieved smile of her own.

But the hard part is still coming, Valerie said, and then immediately regretted putting a damper on her friends mood.

Sanguina nodded. Against such an enemy and his army, victory will be difficult.

It is no small feat that we have made it this far. You should all be proud, Gideon said. Valerie made a mental note to herself that if she was going to be forced to lead, it was part of her job to keep up everyones spirits like Gideon did, even when things didnt look good.

The group waiting for them at the Oasis were relieved to see them. Peach rushed forward and gave Kanti a big hug, which her sister returned with considerable embarrassment. One of the Knights, a tall man with curly black hair, came forward and shook Gideons hand. She remembered that his name was Galahad.

We were worried that your travel to Dunsinane didnt go as planned, he said. But I see youre all intact.

As we told you, Elle said, sounding exasperated. I began mentally connecting with Henry as soon as he was above ground, but these apes doubted me.

Galahad hung his head, sheepish. I apologize. But you are so young My brother and I are 108, Elle said.

Even Ceru was surprised. I didnt know any other creatures on the Globe had such longevity as the People of the Woods.

Will glared at his sister. Its not something we discuss.

Now it was Elles turn to look sheepish.

Wheres Dasan? Henry interrupted. The Grand Master was nowhere in sight. And neither was Juniper, Valerie realized, her heart speeding up.

We ran into some trouble before we met with the People of the Woods, Galahad explained. The noble bird fought our attackers. We would have been lost without him, because they were able to rob us of our power.

Zunya, Valerie said.

But Galahad shook his head. Three of his minions, with a cone that mirrors his powers, but without the same force. Otherwise, we would have been doomed.

Is Dasan safe? And is Juniper with him? Valerie asked, worried.

Will snorted. Theyre fine. Those louts didnt stand a chance. By the time Dasans done with them, theyll all be singing songs about peace and meditating on their purpose in life. And young Juniper proved himself a true Knight, using his binding magic to keep the enemies from moving once they come out of their trance.

But we couldnt let them delay the mission, so Dasan and Juniper stayed behind, Galahad said.

Valerie forced her face to remain impassive. The most powerful Conjuror on their team was missing, as well as a trusted friend. It was a major blow to her plan. To make things worse, everyone was looking at her. Her skin prickled uncomfortably, like she was wearing an itchy shirt.

She turned Gideon and asked softly, What do we do? What do we say?

But Elle overheard her. What are you asking him for? We agreed to follow you, not that Knight.

Yeah, no offense, Gid, but you didnt get the job done last time, a girl with dark skin and short, spiky hair piped up. Then she turned to Valerie and shook her hand. Im Alex. Ive heard good things about you.

Valerie was taken aback, but she cleared her throat and tried to sound confident. Thanks for taking such a huge risk to be a part of this.

Henry raised his eyebrows at her. It was suddenly very quiet. The steadying presence of Chrome by her side comforted her, and he sent her an image of a rising sun"so must she rise to her new role.

Im new to this whole leadership thing, so speak up if you think Im going in a wrong direction, Valerie said. Disappointed eyes stared back at her. They obviously wanted a little more assurance. The least she could do was try to fake it.

You got a plan or something? Alex asked bluntly.

Valerie nodded. She had been giving it a lot of thought. It doesnt make sense to fight Reapers army in a head-on battle. They probably outnumber us, and if they know were coming they could sneak Darling and Oberon out before we make it inside, even if we were to defeat them all.

Sanguina nodded. Reaper will have a hundred Fractus at the castle at a minimum.

So heres what Im thinking Valerie launched into her strategy to rescue Darling and Oberon.

An hour later, the plan was hashed out and Valeries little team was looking at her with considerably more respect"and relief. As the group dispersed to set up camp for the night, Henry pulled her away by the elbow.

Now dont get mad, he said. She immediately tensed up. But I hate your plan.

Her heart sank. Its full of holes, isnt it? Tell me and Ill fix it or scrap the whole thing. You probably have a better idea.

He shook his head. Its not that. I dont like that it involves trusting that woman so much, he said, staring hatefully at Sanguina, who was again preparing to sleep on the ground.

We dont have another choice at this point, Valerie insisted.

Take me with you. Dont go in alone, Henry begged.

I need you where you are, she said, though that wasnt entirely true. Elle and Will could probably handle the psychic weapons that she was counting on outside. But she didnt think that Henry would be able to function inside the Black Castle. It was a horrible enough place for someone who hadnt been mentally tortured for years.

Youre protecting me, he said with an accusatory tone.

She smiled. So sue me.

I will if theres a Lawyers Guild, Henry said with a little grin. She was relieved that he didnt seem truly angry. Maybe a part of him was hoping she wouldnt let him test his own mental stability in this battle.

There you are, Kanti said, joining them and winding her arm through Henrys. Peach is flirting with one of the Knights, so lets not waste the chance to go on what could be our last date if tomorrow doesnt go well.

Dont say that! Valerie said, horrified, until she saw the twinkle in Kantis eye. Get outta here.

They walked away, and she was selfishly happy that her friends would be out of harms way the next day. She noticed that Cyrus was crouching by a sparkling pool in the middle of the Oasis. Hed been there awhile, and she started to worry that something was wrong.

Come on, come on, she heard him mutter as she came closer.

Everything okay? she asked.

Cyrus sighed. I didnt want to get your hopes up, but I had an idea when you were sharing your plan. I thought Leo might be able to help, so I sent him a message to hurry over here if he can.

Whats your idea? Valerie asked curiously.

The water bubbled a little and Leo broke the surface. I came as quickly as I could. Am I too late?

No, this is perfect, Cyrus said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. I had an idea. When Valerie was in the Black Castle last time, I infused her sword with light. She wouldnt have won without it.

Leos eyes widened. Ive never heard of such a thing. But that would be a powerful enchantment in a place so devoid of light and life. It would be effective against a number of enemies in that dark place.

Thats what I thought! Cyrus said. I remembered you said that you were the Grand Master in the Weapons Guild. Would it be possible to infuse other weapons with light as well, ones that arent as strong as Pathos?

Leo considered the question. I cant say I know the answer, but if you test it on another weapon, I can examine it and tell you if the blade remains true.