Chapter 26

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

Three hours later

 

Alexia didn’t make a sound as the Shadule threw the five members of her Gang of Rogues into the prison cell. All looked weary beyond words and carried multiple wounds. She stayed safely hidden in the darkened corner of the cell, barely able to contain her excitement.

“The master will come for you soon,” the Shadule rasped. “You will beg for death by the time he is done.”

None of Alexia’s friends protested as the Shadule closed the prison door. Juno dropped to the cold, wet floor and cradled Adeline’s head in her lap. Adeline was bleeding from a wound in her shoulder. Josiah stared blankly at the closed door as Summer and Benaiah sat beside him. All five were filthy and streaked in blood; some of the blood was theirs, much of it was not.

Alexia waited until she was sure the Shadule was gone, then stepped out from the darkness. “I know you are weary,” she said boldly, “but if you are willing to come with me, I can get you out of here. And with your help, we can free every last prisoner and animal.”

None of the children so much as moved.

“I don’t …” Josiah stopped. “We saw you fly away …”

“I did,” Alexia agreed, “but that was three weeks ago. I’ve come from the past to rescue you.” A boy stepped out from the shadows behind her. “This is Parker Staples. He’ll help us. But before we free the prisoners, I’m going to need your help with something else.” Alexia was giddy with excitement. “We’re going to free my mother.”

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Thank you!
—Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark