The next morning, Sandry awoke in the moving cart. She was lying with her head in Mind-Teller's lap.
She sat up, careful not to wake Mind-Teller, and looked around. Leo and Charlie were still asleep on the other side of the cart. Eric and Marcus were sitting up front driving the horse.
Not too far off, she could see the familiar walls of Winding Circle. She shivered from the sting of the wind and leaned back in Mind-Teller's warm arms, wrapping his cape around her. She closed her eyes until they reached the gate.
She listened to the guards as they refused to let Eric and Marcus drive the cart into Winding Circle. They said they had orders not to let anyone in, because of the threat of pirates.
Sandry sighed and stood up in the cart, waking Mind-Teller.
"Lady Sandraline!" the guard exclaimed. "I'm so glad we've found you. Come, in, and we will send word to the duke."
The gates opened and Sandry sat back down once they started down the spiral road.
"Do you think that we could all stay at Discipline?" Mind-Teller whispered in her ear.
"I'm sure we can work something out, Mind-Teller," she answered, stroking his cheek.
Mind-Teller crawled to the front of the cart and told Eric where to stop. When they had pulled the cart in front of Discipline, Sandry jumped out and ran to the door.
She knocked, and Lark answered.
"We heard you where missing," Lark cried, hugging Sandry. "Where have you been?"
Sandry moved out of the doorway, and Mind-Teller smiled sheepishly at Lark, holding the boy in his arms.
When he met Lark's eyes, he stumbled forward suddenly, mumbling, "No, Lark! Never!"
Lark ran to him and hugged both Mind-Teller and Leo. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Mind-Teller. Come in, come in, and bring your friends too!"
Mind-Teller handed little Leo to Sandry and motioned for the other three. They all followed Lark inside. Seeing the others at the table eating breakfast, Mind-Teller said cheerfully, "Hello friends!"
Tris jumped up and gave him a big hug. He laughed and suddenly she became aware of she was. She blushed hotly, but then she met his sparkling eyes and laughed with him.
Daja, Rosethorn, and Briar also rose to stand beside Mind-Teller.
He smiled at Daja and embraced her, whispering in her ear.
Then he looked at Rosethorn. She had on her no-nonsense look that told her she did not want to be hugged. "Forgive me, dear Rosethorn," he said, sweeping a less than gallant bow.
When he straightened, Briar called out, "Hey, Mind-Teller!" He extended his hand in a traditional street rat greeting. "Who's your mates?"
"Oh yes," Mind-Teller replied, snapping his fingers. "Guys," he said, motioning to each one in turn, "Briar, Rosethorn, Daja, Tris, and Lark. Everyone, this is my crew, Marcus, Eric, and Charlie." He reached over and took Leo in his arms.
"Leo hungry!" he informed everyone.
Mind-Teller grinned, "This is Leo."
Everyone laughed a bit as Lark motioned them to the table. Mind-Teller served up Leo and his friends a bowl of steaming porridge.
