35

Marcus

Damn the bones, this path is steep. I started the climb regal enough, clean robe, smooth and pressed, hair tied back. I even got the dirt out from under my nails. Ash put her documents in order, and all our diplomatic smiles were in place. That was a waste of time. Between these endless steps and the offshore wind, we’ve turned into sweat-stained, wind-blown wrecks. Not that I don’t appreciate Kutoon’s logic in putting the Sanctuary at the top of a four-hundred-foot cliff face. No surprises can come by sea, and if they do, they’ll likely collapse from heatstroke before they reach the top.

Of course, we’re not a surprise attack, as Ash keeps reminding me as she pants at my side. Her headaches are back. That’s obvious. I wish I could have left her onboard, but it’s not an option. We are the party of the Bone Gatherer, as foretold in the ancient prophecy. My recorder must be present. To be honest, I’d prefer that Kaylin was with us as well, but I left him shipside to keep an eye out for Tann.

“Marcus,” Ash says, yet again. “Keep the flag visible. We don’t want to be picked off by archers because of a misunderstanding.”

I save my breath for the climb but hoist the pole higher against my shoulder. The black and white ribbons of truce strain in the breeze.

“There’s one other thing.” Ash sounds serious.

I keep my eyes on the deep cut stones. One leg in front of the other. “Can’t wait to hear it.”

“Don’t be cranky.” She punches my upper arm. “But if Tann’s been here first, and there are no signs of struggle, it’s likely they’ve already given their whistle bone to him.”

“Obvious.”

“But if aligned with Atikis—”

“I know. If the High Savant has taken his side, it won’t go our way.”

“She will try to stop us. Perhaps even take us prisoner.”

“Thank you, Ash. I’m keeping it in mind.”

I can crush Zakia, De’ral says.

“You don’t even know what she raises.”

I can crush her.

“Let’s hold off on the crushing, to start with. We aren’t Tann. We’re not taking these bones by force.”

Not even from him?

I frown at that but keep climbing. There is so much I haven’t had time to think about. We all slept through most of the sail here and I still don’t feel rested.

When we reach the top of the headland, we follow the well-manicured boardwalk, a raised path in a sea of flowering ice plant, to the main gates of the Sanctuary. Surprisingly, they are wide open, flanked by a small company of guards. I wonder how long they’ve been watching our approach. I didn’t notice any phantoms in the sky.

Because you were watching only the steps.

“And be glad because one slip could have been the end of the path for both of us.”

He grumbles but thankfully shuts up as a savant steps forward. He wears an orange-robe with two scimitars strapped to his back. His brown hair is cropped short, in the style of our honor guards. My mind goes immediately to Rowten until I jerk it back.

“I am Endaro, commander of the first guard of the Sanctuary of Kutoon.” He offers a small bow. “Welcome, if you come in peace.”

I bow back, guessing what isn’t relayed—if you don’t come in peace, be ready to die. “We do indeed come in peace,” I say. “I am the Bone Gatherer, Marcus Adicio of Baiseen, sent by Master Brogal, red-robe of Palrio.” I introduce the others formally. Ash has a strange, distant look to her. I want to ask what’s wrong, but it’s not the time. “We seek counsel with High Savant Zakia, if it is her pleasure.” All very diplomatic.

“She’s expecting you. This way.” Endaro eyes us all. “No raised phantoms. You understand.”

We follow past the row of guards and into the Sanctuary. It’s designed for training. On one side is an open field of close-cropped grass. Students are scattered about it, mostly with ousters but alters and warriors as well. I’m impressed by their discipline, but I also catch a couple of blue-robes stealing glances at us until their instructors pull them up. It makes me smile. No different in Baiseen, or even Aku. I slow in front of a high arched gate that marks the access to the training field. De’ral churns just under the surface.

As I catch up with Endaro, the gateway morphs, and the entire field of savants and phantoms close in. “Trap!” I shout and drop to raise De’ral. I draw my sword at the same time, but brute hands clasp my arms and keep me upright before my phantom can rise. My weapon falls to the ground. The same happens to the others, all but Ash. They leave her alone.

De’ral roars to the surface of my mind, and searing pain hits the back of my skull. The last thing I see is a flash of brilliant stars winking out in front of my eyes.