43
Hershel caught sight of Teag in the servant's quarters, and he took a deep breath before entering. The boy was poking absently at a bowl of breakfast, but he looked up as Hershel approached, as if he could sense him coming. The Healer offered a small smile. "Good morning, Teag."
"Good morning, Master Hershel."
"It's just Hershel," he reminded as he took a seat next to him. "Is...now a good time to talk?"
"You didn't find Dee." Teag's tone was surprisingly calm, and Hershel blinked.
"What?"
"I know what you're going to say," Teag offered. "Myrah couldn't find Dee...and you're sorry about it. I can feel it on you."
"You can feel that I'm sorry?"
"I can tell what people are feeling sometimes," Teag muttered. "At least, a little. Yours are easy to feel, because you feel them so openly. That's how I knew you were disappointed in me when I got kicked out of those forges before...and how I know that you're feeling sorry and guilty now."
"That's aural perception," Hershel pointed out. Teag just scoffed, and Hershel put a hand on his shoulder. "I was never disappointed, Teag... just sad when things didn't turn out."
"That's the definition of disappointed."
Hershel sighed. "I wish we could have found Dee for you. Myrah did go and look, but the Eastern Fortress Dungeons are completely empty. If Dee was in them, Tala's had him moved somewhere, and there isn't really a way for us to find him."
Teag was silent as he stared down at his bowl, and Hershel wished that he still had the ability to sense others' feelings.
"Myrah is going to continue to look into it, but we needed to tell you the truth; we may never find Dee." Hershel sighed. "I'm sorry."
"I know." Teag looked up at him, and Hershel was relieved to see that the boy looked more sad than angry. He had come fully expecting Teag to scream and yell at him, or demand that he and Myrah do more.
"Myrah's going to look into the prisoners' disappearance," he promised.
"I bet it's hard to find answers as a leader, though," Teag pointed out grimly. "Protocol and all."
"Politics aren't easy," Hershel agreed. "But if she ever hears anything about your brother, you'll be the first to know about it."
Teag met his mentor's eye, and he nodded. Suddenly, the dreadlocked boy fell into Hershel, and the Healer was shocked when Teag embraced him tightly. "Thanks for trying to find him," the boy mumbled, and Hershel hugged him back.
"It's going to be okay, Teag," he assured. "Until you can be reunited with your brother, you have a place here in the West, with us."
"I know." Teag's embrace tightened for a moment, and then he released Hershel. His green eyes met Hershel's brown ones, and Hershel realized that the boy was on the verge of tears. "Hershel... I know that sometimes it seems like I'm not grateful for everything you've done for me...but I am."
Hershel smiled sadly. "I know you are. I'm just glad that you're here, safe. I hope that Dee is safe as well...wherever he is."
Teag nodded, and then he pushed himself to his feet. "I better get to the forge."
"I'll let you know if and when Myrah finds out where the prisoners went," Hershel offered, and Teag nodded again.
"Thanks."
"I'm not going to ask again, Pippa. Get up and get ready for the day." Syn kept her voice no-nonsense, and her daughter groaned in reply.
"What's the point?"
Syn sighed as she shut the door, not wanting to get into another altercation with Pippa. "If only Tolan was around today," she muttered to herself as she headed back to her quarters. "It's his turn." The curly-haired healer had nearly made it back to her room when she caught sight of someone hesitating by her door. The boy looked over as she approached, and Syn smiled. "Teag, what a surprise! I would have thought you'd be at the forge by now."
"I'm headed there soon," he promised, though his eyes were trained on the ground.
Syn tilted her head. "Did you need something from me?"
The boy kicked at the ground and finally glanced up. "Is there anything you need done?"
Syn blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Any chores or anything I could help you with?"
"Oh...I can't think of anything," Syn admitted. "But you're free to come visit without doing chores, Teag. Why don't you come in? I was about to go pick up breakfast."
"That's okay," he said softly. "I already ate."
"Do you want to come talk?" Syn tried. For a moment, she could tell Teag was thinking about it, but then he shook his head.
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't need anything done. Tolan's never around, and I didn't want you to have to do everything yourself."
"Well...that's kind of you," Syn said.
Teag looked up at last. "I should probably get to the forge," he said, and Syn watched as he went to leave. He had gotten about halfway down the hall before turning back to her. "Ma'am?"
"It's Syn," she reminded with a smile. "Did you think of something?"
"No, I just wanted to say thanks. For being so nice to me."
"You're welcome," Syn offered, though she was frowning as she studied the boy's expression. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Would you like to come for dinner, after you finish up at the forge?"
"I can't today," he admitted. "Um...maybe another time?"
"All right," Syn agreed. "Be careful in there today; it can be easy to hurt yourself with all that fire and metal. Goodness knows Tolan came home with a new scar every other day when he was blacksmithing."
"Don't worry, Ma'—Syn. I will."
"I couldn't get anything substantial," Rook admitted, looking irritated from her place lounging on a chair. "They were willing to take the money, but they kept telling me weird things, like they were talking in code or something. Then they'd wink, like I was supposed to know what they were talking about."
"What kinds of things did they say?" Theo asked. He was at his desk, trying to finish the week's round of letters.
"The one guy kept saying 'you know what they say about people that stick their nose in it' and then he'd laugh and laugh. His companion just kept saying "hope you got a boat handy!" I wanted to throttle them, but they seemed adamant that they had given me a perfectly good clue."
"A boat handy?" Theo muttered to himself, signing the last of the letters before folding it up and stuffing it in an envelope. "Maybe they're shipping slaves across the sea? But there's nothing out there...who would be buying slaves and shipping them to sea?"
"I'm telling you, it doesn't make any sense," Rook said as she used a dagger to clean underneath her fingernails.
"Maybe they're alluding to the West, rather than the sea itself. Most of the realm's boats are found there."
"I guess that could be it."
"But that would mean that the slave ring is hunkered right under Myrah's nose...and that doesn't make any sense. A criminal here and there, sure...but she's too vigilant for an entire operation to be happening in the West."
"I don't know...leaders are leaders," Rook yawned. "They don't really care for much other than themselves in their cushy fortresses. Maybe she's letting it happen...who knows? She could be benefiting from it."
"You don't know Myrah," Theo said firmly, looking up to meet Rook's eye.
"I know her type. Controlling, manipulative..."
"Myrah isn't like Ottan," Theo cut in. "She's my strongest ally against the slave trade, besides my own parents."
"I wasn't talking about Ottan," Rook muttered, her expression darkening as she looked away. "Fine...your friend may not be in on the trade, but the clue makes it seem like something is happening in the West. We need to go there next to look for further clues."
Theodynn didn't answer, reaching into a desk drawer to pull out a map of the realm. Rook arched her neck to get a better look as he unrolled it and scanned its contents. His finger traced the western coastline, but then it moved across the map. "The east," he realized.
"What?"
"The west is where the sea is...but there's a massive lake in the east. You'd need a boat to get on the lake."
"I don't think the clue was about a lake..."
"We don't know what the clue was about. The guy said we would need a boat. There's nothing to sail to in the West, but there could be in the east. Maybe on the other side of the lake? Or maybe one of the villages along the lakeside..."
"You're willing to go search the east but not the west? Just because your friend is the one in charge of the west doesn't mean that nothing dodgy is going on there. You can't just ignore a blatant clue because you don't want to believe that this Myrah chick is missing something important."
"I'm not ignoring it," Theo assured, his eyes still scanning the map. "But we have to think like the traders if we're going to catch them."
"Think like a bunch of low-down scum-bags?" Rook snorted. "Don't hurt yourself, Handsome."
"If I were a criminal, I wouldn't want my center of operations in a province where I know the leader is strongly opposed to it. That's why we haven't been able to find anything in the Central Province, and why I doubt that the traders are doing much in the west right now."
"Or maybe they would want to pick those regions," Rook argued. She had finally gotten off the chair, coming over to study the map with him. "Hiding in plain sight, right under your nose."
"That's so risky," Theo argued.
"Maybe some people like the challenge."
Theo looked up to meet Rook's eye, and she glanced away, putting her finger on the map.
"This village is off on its own, right by the sea. We should search here."
"I would rather look into the East," Theo argued. "I need to figure out where Tala stands."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm positive Ottan has a finger in the pot...almost as positive as I am that Myrah doesn't. Ymil wouldn't be opposed to being involved in slave trade, but we just visited him and unless he's suddenly become a fantastic liar, he hasn't found any trade in his own province. That leaves Tala."
"Isn't she like a billion years old?" Rook yawned. "Doesn't seem like the type of person who can get involved in slave trade."
"She's not that old," Theo said dryly, studying the Eastern Fortress. "She's been more aloof than usual at our last few meetings, I'm realizing. Not to mention, she and Ottan have been meeting together lately...and they hate each other."
"So you think they're in cahoots with the trade?" Rook guessed.
"I think it's worth looking into. We should start searching the east, and see if anything out of the ordinary is happening there."
"But what if the clue is for the west, and we waste all our time in the east looking for something that isn't there?" Rook snapped. She seemed to be getting frustrated, and Theo looked up to frown.
"The clue could be for the east or the west, but I think our better bet is going to be Tala. Even if she isn't benefitting from it, she would be more likely to be turning a blind eye. That's where we should start our investigation." Theo rolled up his map. "If you want, you can look for clues in the west, and I'll look in the east. That way we can divide and—"
"No!" Rook stabbed the knife she was still holding into Theo's desk. "I'm coming with you—we're in this together, Theodynn."
"Watch it," he said, reaching out to rip her knife out of his desk. He tsked at the hole the blade had made before looking up at her. "We could cover more ground separately."
"You're going to need my help, stupid. Did you forget that you can't go anywhere without a bodyguard? How are you supposed to look into things in the east with your knife-happy shadow following you around?"
"Tolan's the 'knife-happy' one?" Theo asked dryly, handing her back her knife. Rook scowled as she snatched it back, and the Heir sighed. "All right, we'll go together."
"What's your plan there?" Rook asked. "Go up to the leader and say 'hey, are you housing traders by chance?'"
"Of course not. We'll go to the villages near the lakeside and see what we can find out. Or better yet, try asking people at the Eastern Markets."
"Your bodyguard is going to get suspicious if we keep visiting all the markets in the realm," Rook pointed out as she slipped her knife into her belt. Theo gave her a tight smile.
"Maybe markets are our thing," he said. "Tolan can't get mad that our dates aren't fun for him."
"I think we could have a better thing than stall shopping," Rook pointed out as she pushed her braid back over her shoulder. "When do you want to go to the east?"
"Tomorrow." Theo went to head for the door, but Rook stopped him with a hand on his chest.
"Tomorrow? Princey, we can't keep disappearing all over the realm every other day."
"Why not? We have to put a stop to the slave trade. It's been going on long enough."
"No one is as dedicated to taking it down as me," Rook assured, meeting his eye firmly. "But I've come too far for things to fall apart because you're going at it too hard. Squeeze an egg, and it's going to burst before it hatches."
"What?"
"You have to be careful. You can't just go into this swinging, or you're going to tip off the traders. Not to mention you'll make yourself a target."
"I've been a target my whole life. This isn't really going to change anything." He went to go around her, but Rook stopped him again as she scowled.
"Don't you get it, stupid? If you aren't careful, you're going to get killed! Does death mean nothing to you?"
He met her eye then, studying her calmly for a moment. "It wasn't that bad the first time," he decided, and she blinked.
"What wasn't that bad?"
"Death. Now, could you let me through? We worked through lunch and I'm starving."
Rook's expression was comic, and Theo couldn't help but smirk as he finally made it around her to unlock the door. As the key jangled in the lock, the woman finally spoke up. "I'm sorry...did you just insinuate that you've died before? Because I don't know how stupid you think I am..."
"I don't have time to get into backstory," Theo argued. "We need to stay focused on the mystery at hand."
"I am focused...but you dropping all these random tidbits about your past isn't really helping," Rook argued. "I've heard rumors...but unless you tell me what's actually true, how will I know what to believe?"
"Believe whatever you want," Theo said as he unlocked his office door. "Doesn't matter to me."
"So, were you really taken as a child?" Rook demanded. "Is that why your parents don't let you go anywhere or do anything?"
Theo paused, glancing over at her. She raised an eyebrow expectantly, and he scoffed. "Don't get bent out of shape about my life story. I haven't asked you for yours."
"Maybe you should." Even Rook seemed surprised by her comment, and he watched as a flush ran up her neck. "Not that you care, though. It's obvious the only thing that matters to you right now is catching the traders, and I couldn't agree more."
"It's not the only thing that matters," Theo countered as Rook came over. "I'm just dedicated to taking it down once and for all."
"Then don't mess everything up by going at it too hard," Rook said, putting her hand on Theo's where it was still holding the doorknob. "The cautious make it farther than the headstrong every time."
"Makes me wonder how you made it this far, then," Theo pointed out. Rook grinned then.
"Don't underestimate my cautious side. Now, come on. I recall you mentioning food."
Teag slipped off the hoofer, wondering how long it would be before they realized he was gone. He felt a little bad about taking Pippa's steed, but he also knew she never checked on it. They would realize he was gone before they'd ever realize the beast was missing, and it would probably be days before anyone noticed he was gone. The thought made him feel nauseous, but he forced the feeling away. This was the only way he was going to get answers.
The boy didn't bother to tie up the hoofer. He more than likely wasn't going to be able to come back for it, and he didn't want it to starve to death. Maybe it would wander off and start eating someone's garden and get a new home. He pat it gratefully on the neck one last time before turning to the crowded market streets. For a moment, he let himself think back to years ago, when he and Dee had run around the congested area. Back when his parents were alive...when there was a stall that brought money, and they didn't have to steal.
Teag walked through the paths, scanning the crowds. He had never been very good at stealing, which is what led Dee to beating him and leaving him behind that day all those years ago. Teag's fists clenched as he thought about it, with Dee's voice echoing in his mind.
You're a worthless leech...that's what you are. You're gonna get us caught...and I got no interest in getting put in the stocks because of you. I'm not floating ya if you don't got the skills to pitch in. Get lost, Teag. Don't come back, or I'll really make you sorry.
Teag never had gone back. After unlocking his powers in a fit of hunger and anger a few days later, Hershel had taken him away to the Hidden Village.
I know Dee, Teag reminded himself. He felt sorry for what he did as soon as he got back to the empty tent...I know he did. He always felt bad after he hurt me. If I had gone back to him, he would have taken me in again. He was just mad that day.
Teag caught sight of the blue-green livery of a fortress guard in the crowd, and his mouth went dry. His hands always shook when he tried to steal things...but he closed his eyes to calm himself. After all, this time he wanted them to catch him.
With a burst of speed, Teag launched at the nearest stall and grabbed anything he could. He ended up with an armful of carved wooden figurines, a few of which dug into his skin painfully as he bolted. For a moment, all he could hear was the blood rushing in his ears, but then he made out the cries of anger from the stall owner.
"Thief! Thief!"
Teag glanced around to see if the fortress guard had heard, shoving past people. He stumbled, and ended up dropping his stolen wares. He didn't really care, though—he wasn't after stupid figurines.
"Stop right there!" a gruff voice bellowed from behind, and Teag's heart leapt to his throat as he wove through another few stalls. He nearly made it around another stall, but the merchant managed to grab him. The candle-seller was a large fellow, and Teag thrashed in his grip.
"Would have thought you thieves had learned your lesson," the merchant growled. Teag didn't answer, but he stopped fighting as the fortress guard caught up. The candle-maker shoved the boy into the guard's arms. "Here you go, another for Tala's collection."
"Your discretion is advised in fortress matters," the guard growled, and Teag gasped as the man forced his arms behind his back. "Your help was appreciated in stopping the thief, but what happens to him now is none of your concern."
"Everyone knows you take them to the fortress," the merchant said, obviously miffed by being treated so coldly. "I didn't realize it was a secret." He went back to his wares, muttering to himself, but Teag couldn't really make out what he said as the guard dragged him away.
"You're going to regret stealing from the markets," the guard growled at him. "You stupid street kids just can't get it through your heads, can you?"
Teag didn't answer, not bothering to fight as the guard took him across the markets to where the fortress hoofers were stationed. In his mind, Teag kept hearing Hershel's voice on repeat.
There are people in this world who would use you, Teag. I just want to keep you safe.
The guard tied his wrists together with one end of a rope before tying the other end to the pommel on the saddle. The guard mounted, and the boy scowled as he realized he was expected to walk behind the hoofer the entire way to the fortress.
I'm sorry, Master Hershel, he thought as the hoofer lurched forward, dragging Teag along after it. I know you tried, but you weren't going to be able to find Dee. Sometimes it takes a thief to find a thief.
44
"Zis is the neuro-circuit division," Agatha explained, gesturing for Amber to follow her into another hallway of labs. "Zis is where I am stationed, and vere I help Julien vork on his projects."
"It's nice," Amber offered, though it looked identical to the other five hallways Agatha had already shown her.
"Zis is my lab," Agatha said, using the ID card hanging around her neck to unlock the door. "It is a bit of a mess...Julien had a few failed experiments here before ve came to get you and I haven't had time to clean it up."
"I will clean up the mess," Julien promised as the door opened. "After all..." the intern trailed off as they entered the lab to see a man in a lab-coat studying a piece of robotics on the counter. The man looked up as he heard them come in, and he gave them a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Agatha. Julien. Zis must be von of ze friends you mentioned."
"This is Amber," Julien agreed. "Is there something you needed, Dr. Zerek?"
"I vas just coming to see how your project is getting on," the older scientist admitted. Amber studied him carefully, trying to figure out what felt off about him.
"Apologies ve vere not here to answer your questions," Agatha offered. "Ve vere picking up Amber from ze train station, and zen ve had to visit the hotel so she could drop of her zings."
"No need to apologize," the man assured, though his tone was as expressionless as ever. That's what feels strange, Amber realized. I can't feel any emotions coming off of him. Though Zerek was hardly the first person she'd met who was good at masking his feelings, the Oni couldn't help but feel wary of the tall man.
"We were just giving Amber a quick tour," Julien explained. "You had mentioned that would be all right when I first told you that she would be coming."
"Yes, zat is fine," Zerek said, studying Amber carefully. "I am just surprised you didn't wait until ze ozers arrived."
"Zere isn't anybody else," Agatha admitted. "Only Amber vill be visiting ze MIRI zis veek."
A glimmer of displeasure flickered across Zerek's face. "But I zot zat all your friends vere coming to visit?"
"Colby and his girlfriend were supposed to come, but they got caught up in something," Julien said. Amber could tell the young scientist was just as confused as she was by Zerek's apparent disappointment.
"Ah, vell. I suppose ve should be grateful for ze visitor ve do have," the head scientist mused, looking at Amber once again. "After all, it is not everyday zat a Xinta vanders into ze MIRI."
"You know what a Xinta is?" Amber asked, surprised. Zerek smiled again.
"Zere is much Oni lore tied in ze history and legends of Metallonia, young Oni. Zey say zat ze trio of Oni who came searching for ze First Spinjitzu Master came zro a portal into Metallonia."
"Which trio of Oni?" Julien asked carefully.
"Ze original possessors of ze Oni masks—warlords sent by zeir ruler to drag ze Master back to zeir realm, and enslave all who stood in zeir way." Zerek pushed his glasses up his nose. "Ze warriors of Metallonia vere able to keep zeir country safe from zeir influence until ze Oni vere defeated and zeir masks fell into obscurity. Of course, ze artifacts vere eventually discovered and destroyed by ze famed Ninja team of Ninjago."
Amber frowned. She knew a little about the oni masks and the legend of the First Spinjitzu Master from stories her father told her, but she had no idea that any of that had any tie to Metallonia.
"It is like I told you, Amber," Agatha offered with a bright smile. "Oni and Metallonian history has more connection zan anyvon realizes."
"Indeed. According to legend, ze varlords inspired Metallonian tribes to train harder and grow stronger. It seems zat our history vas influenced by ze touch of ze Oni. I have alvays vondered if ze Oni vere at all changed by zeir contact vith Metallonia."
"I don't know," Amber admitted. "So...these legends are how you knew about Xinta?"
"Yes. It is said zat ze leader of ze trio—ze creator of ze mask of Hatred—vas Xinta."
"Really?"
"It makes von vonder vat a Xinta is capable of," Zerek murmured, and Amber couldn't help but shift backward as his gaze became intense.
"Perhaps during her visit, Amber can give us a demonstration," Agatha cut in cheerfully. "I'm afraid ve do not have time now, zo. Ve ought to get Amber somezing to eat before shops close down for ze day."
The Lead Scientist blinked, and finally nodded slowly. "Yes...zere vill be time later."
"I will be back shortly if you would still like to discuss the project," Julien offered as they left. Dr. Zerek merely nodded and went back to studying the piece of technology on the counter. The trio headed down the hallway, lost to their thoughts for a few minutes until Agatha spoke up.
"You vill have to forgive Dr. Zerek. He is known to get...intense at times."
"He seems interesting," Amber offered, shivering at the memory of the scientist's cold, emotionless gaze. "And he knows more about Oni than most people I've met."
"He's a passionate learner," Agatha explained sheepishly. "Now, for dinner I vas zinking ve should try ze new food truck around ze corner."
Amber nodded her consent, and Julien and Agatha continued to talk. However, Amber wasn't really listening to their conversation, too busy thinking about a Xinta from long ago who was strong enough to create an artifact that granted its wearer invincibility.
The water fountain rattled, and Colby walked past quickly, eager to get as far away from it as possible to avoid an unfortunate incident.
"Stay vith ze group," Misha huffed angrily from behind , and Colby turned sheepishly.
"Sorry...I just wanted to get a closer look at this," he offered lamely as he gestured at a random statue. He glanced back at the water fountain, and was relieved to see that it had stopped rattling.
"Ve are getting zere," the intern snapped before turning back to the rest of the tour group with a bright smile. "Ze painting you see on your left vas created by Victor Palos. You have probably seen his vork at ozer museums across ze realm, as he vas very famous and vell known outside of Metallonia. In his early years..."
The intern continued, and Colby took a deep breath as he studied the statue. He frowned at the horns on the figure's head, and suddenly Dani was next to him.
"That kinda looks like an Oni, doesn't it?" she asked, and Colby nodded.
"Yeah."
"I've seen them all over," Dani admitted. "In the oldest works of art, there are figures with pale skin or horns. I think Amber mentioned something about Metallonian legends having Oni in them."
"That's interesting," Colby admitted, tugging at the collar of his shirt. His girlfriend put a hand on his arm.
"Are you all right? You've seemed stressed this whole tour."
"I just...I don't know. It feels like things are happening so fast. I mean, it's all very exciting, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a big change like this." Colby glanced back at the water fountain again, and Dani followed his gaze.
"Ah." She gave his arm a squeeze. "If you don't want to do the internship and the scholarship, you don't have to. But if you're just worried about your elemental powers, don't be. You've already gotten so much better at control, and you've only been working with Lloyd a few weeks."
"May still shorts out the power every time she plugs something in," Colby pointed out. "It's been months for her."
"Because she refuses to address the fact that she has powers now," Dani argued. "You told me that she's not trying to control them, and she's turned down both Lloyd and your Dad when they offered to teach her. Things tend to fester when you don't address them...but you've been working on control since the moment you knew you had the water element. Sure, you have more to learn, but control isn't as far away as you think. You're already doing it."
"Yeah," Colby agreed reluctantly. "It's just...I doubt the museum is going to be happy if I flood the place, mysterious benefactor or not."
"You're an amazing artist who caught the attention of some rich and probably famous person, and the new elemental master of water," Dani argued. "You don't have to worry about what other people will think of you, whether here at the museum, or at their university, or anywhere." She smiled at him. "You're the most amazing person, and if they care enough to get to know you, they're going to realize that."
Colby smiled, and he probably would have kissed her right there if Misha hadn't yelled at them again from down the hall.
"New boy! Keep up!"
The cells really were empty.
Teag hugged his knees to his chest as he sat with his back against the wall. There was a cuff around his ankle that connected to the stone wall behind him, but they hadn't locked his wrists up. He hadn't fought the entire trip to the fortress, so he doubted they thought he was much of a threat.
When the guard had dragged him down to the dungeons, Teag had hoped they would take him to some secret section that Myrah hadn't known about. Some hidden place where Dee was being held...but as far as Teag had seen, he was the sole cellmate of the entire Eastern Fortress.
What happened to them? He wondered for the hundredth time. Where on earth is Dee?
The sound of footsteps caused the dreadlocked boy to look up. For a split second, he wondered if Hershel had already noticed he was missing and was here to get him. However, as he made out the figure of an older woman with a pinched expression, Teag's hope faded.
It's better this way, he reminded himself. If Hershel came for me, then I'd never find out what happened to my brother.
Tala was carrying a torch, and Teag grimaced at the light. It wasn't all that bright, but after being in the dark for the last few hours, the flames dazzled him.
"There's just the one?" the leader asked, and a guard materialized behind her. Teag recognized him as the one who had made the arrest, and the guard nodded.
"Tried to steal an entire stalls worth of—"
"He's just a common thief?" Tala whirled on the guard. "Why on earth did you bring him here?"
The guard looked shocked. He swallowed, his next words coming out carefully. "I'm sorry...I assumed my orders were the same as always. Bring all criminals directly here."
Tala huffed in anger, turning to eye the boy in her dungeon again. "You couldn't have robbed the Market four days earlier?" she muttered, and Teag furrowed his brow in confusion. However, the leader was already addressing the guard once again. "We can't afford to bring them here anymore. People are asking questions...getting suspicious. Myrah was in here yesterday, talking about prisoners and things she's heard."
"You think she knows?"
"I have no idea...but she was acting very strange. She's spent too much time with the Heir, and Ottan says he's been trying to piece together the slave trade trail." She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "We can't afford to get caught. You shouldn't have brought the boy here."
"Would you like me to let him go?" the guard asked.
Teag felt a strange mix of hope and fear at the question, but then Tala was looking in at him again.
"No. We need to get rid of him, before anyone can come ask more questions. Spread the word to your men—only severe crimes will be punished through incarceration from now on."
"So, you want us to go back to our previous method of criminal punishment?"
"Just until things die down. I don't want Myrah or the Heir to come sniffing around here, and I don't want them to have any reason to believe I have anything to do with the slave trade."
Teag's heart was pounding as he tried to process everything. Slave trade? Get rid of him how? The guard seemed to have the same question.
"You want me to kill him?"
Teag's eyes widened, and he shrunk back subconsciously. Tala glanced in at him again, and her expression seemed tired. "See if you can contact the traders and get them to come take him. He's overheard too much at this point...and we might as well get what money we can for him."
"I thought we agreed we were waiting to go to the east," Rook said as she caught sight of the hoofers. Theodynn smiled a little as he led his and his guard's beasts out of the stables.
"We aren't. That's why I'm surprised you even showed up today."
Rook frowned. "Then where are you going?"
"The orphanages in the Central Province," he explained. "Normally, my father checks up on them...but he asked me if I would go today."
"Is there a reason he can't go?" Rook asked, slightly intrigued to know if there was something wrong with the Akahsar.
"I think he just wants to keep me out of trouble," Theo sighed as he pulled himself up on his hoofer. "You don't have to join me on this trip. Come back tomorrow and we can go to the east then."
"Or, don't come back at all." The grim-faced guard came over to take his hoofer's reins from the Heir, and Rook gave Tolan a dry look.
"I can't in good conscious abandon Theodynn to an entire day with only you for company." Rook held her head high as she approached the prince's hoofer and held up a hand. "Help me up, Handsome."
"Where's your hoofer?"
"Didn't bring it today—I thought we were spending the day in." Rook tilted her head. "You're always bragging about this beast of yours. Surely it can carry two passengers if it's so great."
The Heir frowned, but he finally reached out to take her hand. Rook grinned as he helped her board the hoofer behind him. "Are you sure you want to come?" he asked after she was seated. "We won't be able to do much today."
"We can spend time together," Rook pointed out, wrapping her arms around him from behind with a smirk. "That's why I even bother coming to this dirty old fortress, you know."
The Heir was silent, and Rook knew he was feeling stuck. It seemed he was fine having her around on days where he hoped to make progress toward their goal, but they weren't going to be able to cover any ground today. That was just fine with Rook—it was getting harder to keep the Prince off track. She had made up a false clue about boats that had clearly pointed to the West, after all, and the fool had still somehow convinced himself that he was meant to search the East. Even though Rook knew the fortress dungeons had just been emptied, she wasn't eager for the Heir to go snooping around the Eastern Market where he could overhear any rumors going around.
The hoofer started moving, and Rook tightened her grip around him. "You know, I've always wanted to see more of the Central Province," she offered. "It's the only province I haven't really explored."
"I guess today is your lucky day, then," the Heir said carefully. Rook smirked, leaning her head against his back.
"I guess it is."
Amber and Julien watched as Agatha typed further code into a strange, microwave-looking machine. After a few minutes, the machine trilled and began spewing out paper covered in cryptic numbers. The tall scientist frowned as she ripped the paper free, reading over its contents.
"Vell, it's definitely vengestone," she said at last as she glanced up. "Vas zat vat you vanted to know?"
"We already knew it was vengestone," Amber admitted sheepishly, looking at the chain where it was coiled inside of the machine. "Theo was hoping you and Julien could pinpoint where it came from originally."
"Do you want to know where it was mined, or where it was formed into chains?" Julien asked. "It could have been mined in a totally different place than where it was smithed into these links."
"Zat is true," Agatha mused. "Zo, generally if you know vere vengestone vas mined, you just have to locate ze closest blacksmith. Zo, some mines do ze smithing and smelting onsite, like ze von zat feeds into the MIRI."
"Um...I'm not sure what exactly Theo was hoping to know," Amber admitted. "I'd ask, but either something is wrong with the communicator on his side or no one is around to pick it up. I can't seem to get ahold of him."
"It vill be easiest to track ze mine zat ze vengestone came from," Agatha decided. "From zere, ve can triangulate possible smithies."
"How will you track the mine?" Amber asked.
"All metal carries a slightly different signature, even if it technically ze same mineral. Vith further testing, we can hone into ze vengestone's signature and at least figure out a general area zat it came from."
"Why is Theodynn so interested in these vengestone chains, anyway?" Julien asked carefully, pushing his glasses up his nose.
Amber debated how much to say, but it wasn't the first time Julien and Agatha had asked. The Xinta finally sighed. "He actually found them in the Oni Realm, and he's trying to figure out how they got there."
The scientists seemed surprised. "Perhaps it vas mined and crafted in ze first realm, zen," Agatha realized. "It vill be illuminating to see vat kind of signature it carries!"
"Except as far as we know, there is no vengestone in the first realm," Amber admitted. "That's why he's concerned."
"Where in the First Realm did he find it?" Julien asked. Now that the machine had finished its testing, the bespeckled scientist opened the door and fished the chain out.
"He said it was just out buried in the desert," Amber said. It was technically what Theo had told her, but deep down she had a feeling there was more to that story. He had been rather guarded when he had explained those circumstances.
"We could take it to the mine where I got my test samples," Julien pointed out, turning to Agatha. "Do you think they would know?" The woman was busy scanning the paper, her expression tight. She seemed to be trying to pick something apart in all the numbered gibberish, and Julien touched her arm. "Agatha?"
She looked up in surprise. "What?"
"The mine near here? The one that supplies the MIRI? Do you think—"
"Oh, yes, ve could check zere," Agatha said. Her voice was overly cheerful as she stuffed the paper into a pocket. "But Julien...Zerek vas asking about your project again zis morning. Perhaps it vould be a good idea to split up. I'll call ze mine and set up an appointment, but I zink zat you should try and make more progress on your project."
"I suppose," Julien agreed with a sigh. He turned to Amber. "Zerek only agreed to let people come visit the MIRI if I promised I wouldn't let it distract from my work."
"Oh." Amber felt awkward. She didn't want to be in anybody's way, but she also didn't know anyone here in Metallonia outside of Julien and Agatha. She turned to the tall scientist. "Can I come with you to the mine?"
"Unfortunately, because it is directly linked to ze MIRI, zey are strict about who is allowed in," Agatha said. "But if you vill trust me vith this vengestone, I promise I'll go ask zem about it and use zeir equipment to key in on its signature."
Amber felt her hope fall, but she mustered a smile. "Oh, I understand. You can take that chain, just make sure to bring it back. I think Theo will want them back."
"Of course," Agatha promised.
"I guess I'll head back to the hotel," Amber said, rubbing her arm. Julien seemed to pick up on her awkwardness because he cleared his throat.
"You could help me with my project, if you want."
Amber turned in surprise. "Really? I don't know much about electronics or robotics or anything. I'm not sure how much help I'll be."
"Well, if it is not too insensitive for me to ask, I think I could make more progress if I could borrow a bit of your aural power," the scientist admitted sheepishly.
"You mean this?" Amber lit up a hand briefly, and Julien nodded.
"The problem with my project currently is I keep over-heating the circuits before I can even tell if it's doing what I need it to. There's only so much you can do to limit the intake of electrical power...but my research is based on my father's circuits and how they are able to hold elemental power without overheating. I was thinking if I could use a different power source, I'll be able to see exactly where the circuits are failing."
"I don't mind helping," Amber promised, relieved that she was going to at least have something to do for the rest of the afternoon.
"Zen it is settled," Agatha said, zipping the chain into MIRI bag. "I'll go see vat I can discover at ze mine, and you vill vork out ze kinks in Julien's circuitry." She turned to wink at Julien. "Try not to blow up ze lab, J.C."
He flushed. "We are not going to attempt anything dangerous. If anything, Amber's ability to fluctuate the amount of energy she puts out will make my project less likely to blow up than ever."
"Don't finish it all vithout me," Agatha said as she pulled out her phone to call the mine. "I am dying to vatch Oni power in action!"
45
Vierie's Orphanage was the largest of the orphanages in the Central Province, and it was still called Vierie's orphanage even though its proprietor had passed away a year or so ago during fever season. Seeing the building still made Theo feel sad, thinking about the no-nonsense but kind-hearted woman who used to run the structure as well as the village it was found in. Cole had hired others to run the orphanage and village ranches in Vierie's stead, but he made sure to check in regularly on the children. It had been a while since Theo had visited, and it seemed he wasn't the only one who was thinking as much.
"Theo!" a voice cried out, and then the child was joined by the others who were playing out in the yard. The Heir couldn't help but smile as Dragon was accosted by a crowd of children aged five to fourteen.
"Heya, guys," he offered, and one of the older boys folded his arms.
"Where have you been? You haven't been around in ages."
"It's been a busy few months."
"Who's this?" a young girl asked, pointing at the woman seated behind Theo. He turned, remembering that Rook had come with him.
"She's a friend of mine," he said.
"A friend, or a girlfriend?" one of the children challenged, leading to the others snickering.
"Wait, she's your girlfriend? What about Haiven?" another demanded, seemingly stricken.
"Yeah, where's Haiven? You said you would bring her again!" another chimed in.
Theo's smile faded, and he tried to think of what to say. However, the oldest boy gave his fellow friends a little shove. "Quiet. Don't you remember? Cole said they weren't together anymore."
Good to know Dad's been keeping the realm updated on my life, Theo thought grimly as he dismounted. "Where's Pagaal?" he asked, not wanting to address the Haiven questions.
"Inside," One child offered while another shouted, "I'll go get him!"
Theo watched the children race off to find the head of the orphanage, and he heard Rook and Tolan dismount behind him.
"Cute bunch," Rook commented, though he couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not. "So, how do these visits work, exactly?"
"I meet with the head—in this case, Pagaal—and make sure that things are running smoothly. I check to make sure the kids are well fed and have enough clothing and things and that they're doing all right in their lessons."
"Lessons?"
"Someday, we'll have a school in the Central Province," Theo explained, feeling a familiar ache. He had hoped to already have one put in place by now, but so far he was barely able to keep up with the one in the West, especially with his goal of demolishing slave trade. "Until we are able to have an actual school, we hired tutors like the ones who teach in the west to come give lessons at the orphanages. The goal is for the children to at least know how to read and write before they leave."
"Interesting," Rook offered, though her tone was hard to interpret.
"Pagaal says to come inside!" a child called from the doorway to the orphanage, and Theo gave Dragon a pat on the flank to let the animal know he could wander and graze until he was done. As he walked for the building, he glanced around at the village. It was hardly the only village with a wall surrounding it, but this was the wall that his father had supposedly built with the Earth Guardian when he first moved to the Oni Realm. The bottom of the wall was a large earthen mound, but there were further wooden beams that had been put up as well. According to Cole, the villages in the Central Province had really come a long way since he had first moved here, but Theo couldn't remember a time when there hadn't been walls around the villages, fences around the pastures, and at least a few permanent structures in each community.
Theo and Rook entered the orphanage, followed by Tolan. The buildings in the Central province were mainly made of sturdy bricks, since wood was scarce in the central areas but the ingredients for bricks were not. In fact, the villages that didn't specialize in some kind of animal ranching generally made bricks for a living.
The Oni Heir waded through the children in the hall, making out the orphanage head at the end of the hall. "Hello, Pagaal," he offered as a small child jumped up and grabbed his arm.
"Come on, that's enough," the man snapped, talking to the crowding kids. "You lot get back outside for the next little bit so I can talk with the Heir."
The children laughed before leaving at last, and Theo turned to smile at Pagaal. "They seem to be listening to you better now."
"Depends on the day," he sighed. "I don't know how Vierie managed to control the little urchins so well."
"You can't be afraid to be the bad guy," Theo offered.
"You say that now...but then you make one of them cry and it's all downhill from there." Pagaal sighed. "Where's Cole today? Didn't feel like getting buried in hooligans?"
"He thought I should swing by since I haven't been by in a while. How are things?"
"Fine. Now that the kids are doing their chores again, our garden should grow enough that we won't have to spend as much on food. They revolted when I first took over for Vierie, but Cole managed to straighten them out last time he came."
"How's the village?"
"Doing well enough. The hoofers at the ranches are getting ready to have birth. Let your father know we'll need help with that. The kids can feed, brush, and train the beasts...but I'm not sure I trust them with newborn calves."
"Dad's been letting them help for the last few years and they seem to do fine," Theo offered. "But I'm sure he's planning on being here to help when the hoofers start giving birth."
"Good to know." Pagaal dry-washed his face, and Theo frowned.
"How are you doing? Do you need more help here?"
"The older kids help out... it's just a tiring job, is all." Pagaal looked up and must have noticed Rook for the first time. "Who's that? Someone you've brought to help?"
"No, that's Rook," Theo turned. "I'm not sure how good she would be with children."
The woman in question scoffed. "How dare you. Children love me."
"She's just along for the ride today," Theo finished. "Look, Pagaal...why don't you go get some rest? If you don't have any complaints and things are going well, I can look after the kids for the next little bit instead of us having a long, drawn-out meeting."
"You sure? They've discovered that they can sharpen sticks on the edges of the bricks and have been making crude weapons for days. I've just been waiting for someone's eye to get poked out."
"I think I can handle them," Theo said with a smile. "Go take a nap."
Pagaal looked like he wanted to argue, but then he sighed. "Don't tell your father, all right? I don't want him to think that I can't do my job."
"He wouldn't think that, but I won't tell him. He's only going to be interested to know that things are going well."
Pagaal nodded. "All right, then. Come wake me up before you leave." He headed off down the corridor, and Theo smiled as he turned to head back to the entrance. Tolan followed, his expression as stony as ever.
"Is there a reason that you've signed us up to do his job for the next few hours?" the guard asked dryly.
"He looks half asleep as it is," Theo pointed out. "I'm not sure he would have stayed awake through a meeting, and I'm not ready to get back on my hoofer without stretching my legs for a bit."
"This is why people take advantage of you."
"I offered, Tolan. If you're frustrated, go take it out on the kids throwing sharp sticks at each other." Theo headed out into the sunshine, watching the dozen kids run around and play. Tolan rolled his eyes as he headed off to where the older kids were trying to sword fight with their makeshift weapons, and Theo took a seat on the dusty step of the building.
"Where do all these kids go?" Rook materialized behind him, and Theo turned in surprise.
"Almost forgot you were here," he pointed out. "You've been unnaturally quiet."
"I can be quiet sometimes," she argued before taking a seat next to him. "So, you send orphans here, and then what do you do with them? After they grow up and read and write and all of that stuff? Send them to work camps?"
"No. Work camps are only for criminals." Theo watched the younger kids chase after a butterfly. "When they get to be about fifteen, they can choose whether to stay and help raise the younger ones or head off on their own. A lot of them start helping out around here or surrounding villages full time, but we've had a couple decide to move to other provinces or try other trades. Just depends on what they want to do."
"You give them that much freedom?"
"They're orphans, not renegades," Theo pointed out. "Just because they were raised here instead of with parents doesn't make them deserve less freedom. We just make them stay here until they're old enough to go off on their own so we know they're off the streets and have enough to eat. Before my parents were in charge, kids were running around stealing or starving, and getting sold to slave traders to boot."
"A lot has changed since then," Rook murmured. She had a distant look on her face as she studied the children. The younger bunch had joined the older ones now that Tolan was showing them the correct way to hold a weapon, and the young woman smiled as she watched the clumsy line of wannabe soldiers swing their sticks.
"There's less stealing and less starving...but there's still the slavery." Theo expression darkened. "I want to work on projects like a central-province school, or a better system for orphans so that they could learn trades while they grow up instead of just learning how to read and write. But it seems counter-productive to work on projects for kids like these when I know there are still children in the realm that are being chained up and sold to who knows where."
"Well...the trade also keeps them off the streets...just not in such an inviting way," Rook pointed out bitterly. Theo glanced over to see her glowering at the ground.
"I know why I'm against the trade," Theo pointed out. "But you've never really explained why you're so adamant about taking it down."
Rook looked up and scoffed. "Thought you were against backstory-sharing."
"You don't have to tell me. I just realized I don't know what your motive is for doing all of this. Most people in the realm care too much about their own situation in life to worry about what's going on around them."
"What an optimistic view," Rook pointed out sarcastically. "Aren't you supposed to be Mr. Optimism?"
"I wasn't trying to be pessimistic. I just call it as I see it—there's still a huge attitude of 'to each their own' and 'self-take care of self.' People aren't willing to risk their own necks to make the realm better for someone else. Isn't that why we've been having such a hard time getting intel? You even offer them money, and they tell you veiled clues that don't make a lot of sense."
Rook didn't reply. She seemed to be thinking as she stared out at the yard full of training kids, and Theo realized it was the first time she had looked so pensive. In fact, she had been rather quiet the whole day—she hadn't spent nearly as much time hanging on him or embarrassing him as she normally did. She hadn't even corrected him when he had introduced her as merely a friend to the children and Pagaal.
"Are you all right?" he asked at last.
Rook smiled a little. "Fine. Why so worried?"
"You just seem quiet today. I told you that you didn't have to come."
"I don't mind," she murmured.
A little girl who had been more interested in picking flowers than sword fighting darted over to where Rook and the Heir were sitting. Theo waited to see what the child wanted, and she pointed down at his foot. "Prince Theo...you're stepping on the flowers," the girl pouted. Theodynn blinked and looked down to lift his foot. Sure enough, he had squished a few wildflowers that had been growing in the patchy grass of the yard.
"Sorry," he apologized, bending to gently pluck the squished flower. Wildflowers were resilient things, and he managed to get it upright before handing it to her. The child beamed, exposing a gap-toothed smile before she darted off in search of further blooms.
"It's strange to see this," Rook said softly, and Theo wasn't sure if she was talking to him or herself.
"What do you mean?" he prompted.
"If I had grown up in the Central Province, I would have ended up at a place like this, instead of..." she trailed off, her expression hardening.
"You were an orphan?" Theo realized. "How old were you when it happened?"
"I dunno. Old enough to remember the mine collapsing." Rook shuddered. "I always knew those awful tunnels would come down on top of us...and that day it did. I managed to worm my way out, but then I was on my own." She pushed a flyaway hair out of her face. "There are no orphanages in the south, you know. At least, not when I was hopping from village to village to make a living."
"So...you are a skipper."
"I was." Rook's expression hardened. "Until the trade found me."
Theo leaned forward in surprise. "You were taken by traders?"
"It doesn't take them too long to figure out who doesn't have a place...and those are the people they go after. The ones nobody is gonna miss." She fingered the hilt of one of her daggers. "You want to know why I want to stop them? I don't want anyone else to end up where I was at."
Theo wasn't sure what to say to that. He was quiet, and the woman glanced over and smiled grimly.
"No need to look so dour, Theodynn. My father had taught me how to fight. I didn't stay with the traders long before I managed to break free from them. I headed off on my own, determined to make a place for myself in the world. I got a gig working for a shoemaker for a while—long enough that the traders weren't able to reclaim me. From there I bounced around in the East and West, exploring the realm and picking up odd jobs. I tried to forget about ever being part of the trade, but I couldn't ever totally shake it. I ran into that caravan travelling between the south and north, and something just snapped. After freeing those slaves, I decided that I was going to work on taking it down for good."
Her fists clenched in her lap, and Theodynn frowned. "I'm sorry," he offered at last. "I had no idea."
"That's because you didn't really care," Rook challenged, looking at him. "But don't worry...that just means you're just in the same boat as the rest of the realm."
"What?"
'Most people care too much about their own situation in life to worry about what's going on around them.' That's how you put it, right?"
Theo frowned, but he also felt his face flush in shame. "I'm trying to care about what's going on around me," he pointed out. Rook chuckled as she reached out to take his hand.
"I know. But you're missing the forest for the trees. I think that's what people mean, when they call you naïve. You aren't naïve...you aren't stupid or gullible. You just get so focused on one idea or concept that you miss the bigger picture sometimes."
"I guess," he admitted, though he felt a twist of defensiveness. "You haven't really been open with me, in my defense. This is the first time we've had a conversation without you twittering around like you don't have a care in the world, trying to embarrass me in front of everyone present."
"That's just because you're really cute when you're blushing," Rook pointed out wryly before her expression became more sincere. "I've been a little wild maybe, but it's because I've been trying to get you to loosen up a little. Our task is an important one, but you're not going to be able to accomplish it if you run yourself into the ground. Being dedicated doesn't mean that you have to give up all forms of happiness and fun, you know."
"I know," he muttered. She laughed.
"Look, from what I understand of being Ruler, there are a lot of responsibilities. Unless you learn how to mix in pleasure and passion in with your duties and obligation, you won't survive long. You're going to burn yourself out. That's something I thought all Leaders knew. Why do you think that Ottan makes regular time to visit his Pit? Even your friend in the West has her big library or whatever. What are you doing in your life right now that's enjoyable?"
Theo looked away, feeling irritated that she would ask him, and more irritated that he couldn't think of anything. Lying? a bitter voice asked in his head. Hiding your true motives from everyone you know? Getting no sleep at night? Driving Tolan up a wall? Getting kicked out of Ninjago?
"I'll have time for fun when we find the hub of the trade," he said at last, and Rook rolled her eyes.
"You didn't listen to a word I said," she accused.
"I listened," he promised. "I'll think about it, all right?"
"See that you do, Theodynn." She smirked before making her voice deep and gruff. "That's an order."
He couldn't help but smile. "What are you doing?"
"That was supposed to sound like Tolan, bossing you around."
"That didn't sound anything like Tolan."
"Did I not roll my eyes exaggeratedly enough?" she asked, purposefully doing so again. Theo chuckled, and Rook gave him a smug look. "Ah, so you can laugh."
"I've laughed before," he argued.
"You've forced laughter when you're acting," she argued. "Look, Theodynn...together, we're going to stop those traders for good, before they can victimize anyone else. But you've got to promise me you'll lighten up a little. Not only are you getting premature worry wrinkles...you're going to tank our image. No one's going to believe a witty and charming girl like me would be dating such a grouch."
Theo raised an eyebrow. "I'll try to be a little less forced," he promised dryly. Rook smiled, and he watched as she pushed herself to her feet. Across the yard, Tolan had gotten the children in ranks and was teaching them how to march, and Rook looked like she was ready to go mess with the fortress guard. Before she could get too far, Theo called out. "Rook?"
She turned with a raised eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Speaking of our image...you can call me Theo. Most everyone does. 'Theodynn' is a little formal for someone who's supposed to be dating me."
Rook grinned. "All right, Theo. You may call me 'my luscious—"
"No."
Rook laughed. "You didn't let me finish!"
"Whatever it is, I'm not calling you that."
"How can you expect to keep me, if you aren't willing to spoil me?" she tsked.
"I'll start calling you 'pain in the butt' if you want a nickname," he offered. Rook laughed again.
"Gee, you sure know how to flatter a woman," she pointed out. Theo watched as she drew her long knife with a wicked grin. "Now, feel free to take notes on how to have fun. I'm about to give a wonderful demonstration."
With that, Rook turned and began sprinting full on at Tolan, weapon raised as she let out a battle roar. The guard easily managed to block her attempts at an attack, but at her sudden ambush, the children began following suit. Soon, Tolan was surrounded by attackers, and Theo couldn't help but laugh as he watched Tolan try to keep Rook at bay while also keeping nine children from whacking him with sticks. The Heir decided he better go help...but not before watching for another few minutes.