“Surely not many.” His brows creased. “I just wish we knew how they got the one—even if it was his cross ability that gave him the edge.”
“But it wasn’t.”
The lines on Zeke’s face deepened. “What do you mean?”
“That man was definitely a straight plants mage. I have no idea how he disappeared up that river, but he wasn’t plants cross elements. I couldn’t say anything earlier because how would I explain to the others how I knew?”
Zeke shook his head. “But that makes no sense. Even being cross elements, his escape was already inexplicable. If what you’re saying is true…”
“It is,” I said firmly. “I’m sure of it. Living at the Guild, I have plenty of experience sensing all variations of abilities. I can easily tell a mage with a straight ability compared to one who is cross-influenced. You know that.”
For a moment we stared at each other wordlessly. Slowly, the concern in Zeke’s eyes grew.
“What then? Did he have help?” His eyes widened. “Wait! You said there was someone else with him—someone shielded. So, were they the one to help him escape—or are they still here?”
Chapter 3
Cadence
“Cadence! Zeke!” Gia’s call made us both start and turn toward the door that gave access to the apprentice section.
Wedged between the elements and healing wings, it was small and unadorned, located on the far side of the courtyard. We waited as our friend raced toward us, Nikolas on her heels.
“Is it true?” She came to a halt in front of us, her eyes round and her face flushed with excitement. “Are the nomads here early? Was there an attack?”
“Don’t sound so hopeful.” Zeke looked amused.
Could the twins see the strain behind his humor? I hoped not.
“How could Gia resist excitement of any variety?” Nikolas asked in a long-suffering voice.
His sister just rolled her eyes, not letting his attitude depress her suppressed energy. “Are you both all right? Someone said Zeke detected the intruder and fought him off.”
I groaned. “Why am I not surprised that’s the story already circulating? Next people will be saying Zeke single-handedly closed the chasm and chased him to the river as well.”
“The chasm? So it’s true that he split the ground?” Her expression changed, growing thoughtful and concerned.
“The raiders shouldn’t have a plants mage that powerful,” Nikolas said grimly. “Where did they get him?”
“Get him?” I stared between them. “You think the General kidnapped a mage from Tartora? Or the nomads, perhaps?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time, would it?” Zeke gave me a significant look.
“I haven’t heard any reports of missing mages.” Gia frowned. “But the raiders have been taking people from some of the border villages. We’d heard stories from before you came to the Guild, but after Airlie was taken, Evermund pushed for a full investigation. Father has only just received confirmation.”
Horror washed over me. “That’s awful! But surely our attacker couldn’t have been abducted. Why would he be working for them in that case? Unless…”
I stopped talking, dire possibilities filling my mind. Perhaps the raiders had some way to force compliance—or even brainwash their abductees.
What was happening to Airlie right now?
“Airlie is strong,” Zeke said, seeming to read my mind. “And I don’t just mean her ability. From the few weeks I knew her, it was clear she’s mentally tough as well. She’s not going to start working for the raiders.”
I smiled weakly, appreciating his reassurance while also feeling guilty for the twang of irritation that shot through me at his compliment about Airlie. What kind of person could feel resentment toward a sister who might be dead, for all I knew? But somehow it still hurt to be reminded that she was so memorable, while I had become adept at fading into the background.
“If the nomads are here already, where’s your mother?” Nikolas asked Zeke, pulling me out of my moment of unpleasant introspection.
“They’re not all here,” he replied. “Only my mother and some of the delegation from our tribe. Captain Huxley escorted them to the palace. I’m sure your parents have been alerted to their arrival by now and were waiting to greet them.”
“Of course they’re at the palace.” Nikolas gave Gia an irritated look. “I told you we should have gone straight there. We were supposed to be part of the group greeting the nomads.”
She glared at him. “How could I go rushing off to the palace to meet dignitaries when my best friends have just been involved in a life and death struggle with a violent attacker?”
Nikolas didn’t look impressed with her argument. “Well, now you’ve seen they’re both fine. We need to go.”
“Will you come with us?” Gia looked at Zeke. “Your mother must be eager to spend time with you if she came straight to the Guild.”
“So it would appear. Although I notice there’s no sign of her now.” He hesitated, glancing at me.
“You all go,” I said quickly. “I’ve got enough to do here.”
Zeke lingered, looking at me with a torn expression. I could tell he wanted to go with them to find out more information—Zeke always liked to know everything that was going on. But he also didn’t want to leave me.
“Really, I’ll be fine.” I gave him a shove in Gia and Nikolas’s direction. “I’ll be safely locked in my room avoiding getting caught up in raider assassination attempts.”
Gia shuddered, seeming to accept my words at face value, and Zeke relaxed slightly. Had he been picturing me wandering around the Guild, poking my nose into cupboards? As my influencing mage—and therefore trainer—he, of all people, should know that wasn’t necessary. I had built up my range enough to complete a sweep of the grounds from any location within the walls.
But as I allowed my friends to escort me to my room—the one that had once belonged to Airlie—a brief wave of dizziness hit me. I paused halfway across the courtyard, looking back. It was gone as quickly as it had come, and the instinct to search for it pulled at me.
I reached out, hunting for anything out of place. An elusive shadow flitted across my awareness, something unfamiliar and tainted. Just brushing against it provoked a queasy feeling. Could it be some strange power lingering from the recent battle?
I hesitated, wanting to investigate further, but the sensation had faded. I couldn’t even be sure what direction it had come from.
“Cadence?” Gia had also stopped, looking back at me inquisitively. “Is everything all right?”
I shook myself and hurried to join her. Whatever I had felt, it was gone now. And if it was true the raiders were after me—and one of them might have remained behind—then it would be inexcusably foolish of me to wander around alone, attempting to seek them out.
“I can stay,” Zeke whispered as I hesitated in my doorway.
I shook my head. He hadn’t seen his mother in over a year. He should be with her now. And it would certainly look strange to the royal family if he chose to stay with me instead.