Queen's Quest: Illustrated by the Author: VarTerels' Universe, #8

Prologue

Shiór Ridu

The CoaleScence Spins

A web of intrigue thread by thread,

A circle that begins its ending

Opening portals that are pending…

An increasing sense of unease ushered the Sun Queen Abellona into her private, palatial rooms. Her fire-opal eyes narrowed. Somewhere in the Spéire Solar System, a change has occurred. Sinking into a red velvet chair, she fixed her gaze on an exquisite portrait of her, a recent gift from SparrowLyn AsTar. As she watched, delicate brush strokes appeared, blurred, and reformed to show Neul Isle, the most sacred place on the planet of Soputto, hidden beneath an opaque dome.

Rising, she stepped closer. The island wavered. Once more, her portrait emerged, filling the room with regal beauty. She ran a finger along the edge of the frame. Thank you, SparrowLyn, for sharing your prophetic gift. A slight smile curved. And thank you, Relevart, for delivering it to me.

Seriousness enveloped her as she walked into a long, elegant corridor. Now, I require more information.

After contacting the Galactic Council, she returned to the quiet of her personal rooms to contemplate what she had learned. Raiherr Yencara and his band of Vasro warriors have invaded Neul Isle. Creases lined her brow. The Council had shared that these wanna-be DiMensioners awaited the return of Inōni, the granddaughter of Dri Adoh, the K’iin shaman, and her three companions. Abellona’s fire-opal eyes narrowed. Inōni and her escorts are each important to the successful progression from the CoaleScence into the next phase of Universal growth.

Gripping the velvet arms of her chair, she expressed her growing concern aloud. If even one falls into the hands of those who prioritize personal power and wealth over universal growth, disastrous consequences will follow. Her spine lengthened; her chin lifted. I have sworn to remove the dome and banish the Vasro invaders once and for all.

Abellona gazed at her portrait, pursed her lips, and nodded. Since the Council has asked me not to leave Shiór Ridu, I know exactly who must join me in my quest to save Neul Isle. Their last visit to the island brought the Unfolding to a close and the CoaleScence into being. Their intertwining destinies will not only rid this solar system of our enemies, but will usher in the QuicKening.

A slight smile tugged at her full lips as she walked to the center of the room and announced, My quest begins.

Closing her eyes, she raised her arms.

"I call forth those who must help me to win

Freedom for Neul Isle and that of the K’iin.

Each warrior will hear my call, my behest,

To join me now in achieving my quest."

1

El Aperdisa

Garon Anaru sat on the edge of the couch in the quarters he shared with his cousin. On his palm, black-rimmed spectacles glowed, vanished, and reappeared glowing brighter. He blew out a frustrated breath and looked down at the small rat terrier curled beside him. I don’t know what’s going on, Spyglass.

The dog’s eye, surrounded by the patch of black fur which had inspired his name, gleamed; and his pointed ears twitched.

Gar frowned. This is the third time my spectacles have appeared without me calling ’em. Confusion pursed his lips. He stared unseeing at the terrier. Do ya think the Sun Queen knows we already rescued Brie from Karlsut Sorda’s ship? Spyglass lifted his head and perked up his ears. Gar puffed. Of course, she does, Spy. So… He nibbled his bottom lip. I wonder if⁠—

The entry hatch buzzed. Gar sent his spectacles into hiding and came to his feet. Spyglass yipped, jumped to the floor, and, tail wagging, trotted to the open entry hatch.

Esán stepped into the space, patted the frisky terrier on the head as the hatch closed, and straightened. Gar, I’m so glad you’re here. Do you know where Torgin is?

Nope. I was hoping you’d know, ‘cause something weird is going on.

Esán squeezed his shoulder and guided him to the sitting area. I understand. That’s why I’m here. Once they were both seated and Spyglass had curled up beside him, Esán withdrew a small gold key from its pocket. Tumu Noci keeps growing, even when it’s in my pocket.

Gar peered closer as the key grew to span Esán’s palm. He squinted and whispered, Repapa, the word to call his specs into being. They materialized on his palm, the frames already blazing like embers in a fire. Hey! Your key grew to size and my glasses are glowing. What’s up?

The entry hatch opened and Torgin ducked through, his gaze darting from one face to the other.

Sure glad to see you. Gar tilted his head. You look kinda worried.

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Torgin withdrew the Sun Queen’s book on the space-time continuum from behind his back. This has appeared on my desk three times in the last chron-circle. His intense gaze darted from Gar’s glowing spectacles to Esán’s full-sized key. "What is going on?"

Esán moved over. Sit down, and let’s solve the puzzle.

Torgin placed the book on the side table. Settling beside the terrier, he scratched the dog’s ears. His brows bridged in thought, then arched. Den, Penee, and Brie left three turnings ago to escort Inóni to her village on Neul Isle, so she could birth her baby at home. They should be back by now.

Realization lit Esán’s stormy blue eyes. Something must have happened to keep them from delivering Inōni safely to the K’iin.

An agitated squirm brought all eyes to Gar’s face. I’m betting you’re right. He held up his spectacles. My specs, the key, and the book are acting real strange. We oughta tell⁠—

The buzzer buzzed, the entry hatch vanished, and Relevart ducked through. Shrewd amber eyes held a warning. As the hatch closed, he motioned them into a circle. Silence enshrouding them, the trio joined him. A shield shimmered up around them. The living area blurred and refocused into a round, stark white space, where Henrietta and Thorlu waited.

Spyglass scampered over, licked Henri’s hand, and sniffed Thorlu’s shoes

Gar called the excited terrier to heel and tipped his head to peer up at Relevart."

Relevart moved to his life-mate’s side. We can talk here. Henri, please share what you know.

Amethyst-rimmed spectacles magnifying her violet eyes, Henrietta Avetlire studied each face. I keep hearing partial telepathic messages from Abellona. Each of you has been alerted with the appearance of the key, the book, and Gar’s spectacles. Something is wrong on Neul Isle. The Sun Queen has sounded the alarm. We need to develop a plan our enemies will not expect.

Relevart turned to Thorlu. Who do you believe is on the island?

Thorlu, whose recent initiation to the rank of High DiMensioner in the Order of Esprow had amplified his talents, stared into the distance. With a slight nod, his steady gaze moved to the VarTerel. This is the work of Karlsut Sorda, which means Raiherr Yencara and his sidekick, Zori Sedrin, are on the island.

What has convinced you they are the invaders?

Thorlu answered without hesitation. "Before I left the Surgentin, I discovered Raiherr has recruited a group of wannabe DiMensioners. I also learned his SorTech, Callum, has invented several new innovations for the SorTechory Box. Regrettably, I didn’t find out what they were before I left."

Henri peered at him through her lenses. You trained Raiherr, correct?

I did. Thorlu nodded. And, yes, I can predict his next move. My association with Karlsut also gives us an advantage.

Relevart scanned the group. Thorlu, please stay. The rest of you teleport to a place you rarely frequent and then assemble in the mess hall for mid-turning meal. Meet back here in two chron-circles.

Gar scrubbed his dark curls with a hand. "Wait. What about Ari, Elf, and Rethson? Why aren’t they here?

Relevart’s amber eyes hardened. Like you, they have an important job to do. We will be filling them in after mid-turning meal. Briefly, we have spies onboard, and they will help us to find them.

Henrietta gave a soft whistle. Spyglass ran to sit at her feet. She smiled down at the terrier. You stay with me, Spy, until things calm down.

Gar looked from Henri to his canine companion. Ahh…thanks. He put his hands on his hips and squinted up at Relevart. Don’t you want us to help make plans?

A crooked smile flashed. I do, young Garon. However, let’s do the work of fooling our enemies first. Relevart snapped his fingers.

Gar found himself, alone with Torgin, gazing out the oval view-portal of one of the three observation decks on El Aperdisa. With a shrug of acceptance, he tipped his head and grinned. Nice to see ya, Torg!"

His cousin grinned back. Good to see you, too. He chuckled. I love it when you get excited and slip into your New York speech patterns. It reminds me of our time together in 1969. Bending down, Torgin studied the logo on his shirt. Isn’t that the t-shirt you were wearing when we left the city?

Gar ran a hand over the ‘I love New York’ logo. Yep. This is the only new shirt I ever owned until you found me. Gin got it for me special. Sure glad it was too big then ’cause it fits great now. He let out a breath heavy with emotion.

Torgin put a hand on his shoulder. I wish I had met Gin.

Me, too. You woulda liked each other. Gar glanced at the door. I think it’s time to eat.

Aflash of light in the middle of the ship’s Holographic Center faded, leaving Ari, Elf, and Rethson staring at the Universal VarTerels. Ari frowned and fixed her attention on Relevart. How did we get here?

Henrietta held up her spectacles. "I brought you, Arienh. Relevart has something important to share.

The Universal VarTerel studied the trio in silence, then spoke with utmost seriousness. "We have spies on El Aperdisa."

Ari slipped a hand into Elf’s. How many?

We aren’t sure. What we know is— Relevart’s gaze traveled the group. —someone is eavesdropping on our discussions and passing the information to our enemies.

Rethson spoke up. How did you discover there are spies?

Henrietta replaced her spectacles on her nose. Only those of us gathered here plus Esán, Torgin, and Gar knew Brie was taking Den, Penee, and Inōni to Neul Isle. Since they left, all attempts to contact them have failed.

Impatience made Ari cleared her throat. Why aren’t the others here? Have you told them what’s up?

Henrietta’s magnified violet eyes glinted. "The Sun Queen has summoned them. There is once again trouble on Neul Isle. You three have an important task to accomplish on El Aperdisa. Karlsut has his spies on this ship. Since you have each encountered Karlsut and his methods, you are the best prepared to find them."

Ari’s chin jerked up. Her hands curled into white-knuckled fists. Stubbornness firmed her jaw. Her aunt’s raised brows made her take a breath and relax her hands. You understand I want to go to Neul Isle after Brie, Aunt Henri, but I will listen to your plan and then decide.

Thank you, Arienh. Henrietta removed her spectacles and slipped them into their hidden pocket. So far, Karlsut’s men don’t realize we know they’ve invaded the ship. You have already helped us leak the word that Skylyn has returned to her regiment to receive an award. They’ve learned via ship’s gossip about your training missions to prepare for the trip to El Stroma. She paused and turned to Relevart.

He continued. Commander Odnamo sent word that one of his men overheard two crewmen talking about Brie’s departure with Penee and Den to return Inōni to Neul Isle. We cannot allow them to continue putting all of us in danger. Ari, you and Elf and Rethson will appear to leave for DerTah to work with Wolloh. Instead, you will remain on board in shifted form, infiltrate the crew, and uncover Karlsut’s spies.

Ari felt a strong urge to defy the VarTerels. Instead, she switched her attention from her aunt to her friends. What do you think? Can we pull this off?

Elf grinned and shifted to a uniformed crew member with a dirty-blond crewcut and features so neutral others might not notice him. Name’s Tezeeni Zakeron. My friends call me Zak. I’m from DerTah, and for sure we can work undercover. All we need is a good plan. He spoke in a gravelly voice with a slight accent and then returned to his own form.

Rethson frowned. Karlsut’s men know me. How can I fool them?

Ari faced him, her eyes unblinking and her voice calm. You’re as talented as Elf and me, and you know the enemy! I bet you’ll spot them before we do. So, show us your new persona.

Head bowed, Rethson stood in silence. A long inhale later, he squared his shoulders and morphed into a sturdy, freckle-faced, blue-eyed man with military-short reddish hair. A faded scar ran from below his elbow, down his arm, and over his hand. He licked his thin lips. Will this do?

Ari’s grin of approval brought Rethson back to himself. She chuckled. You’re amazing. What are you called?

A twinkle sparked. I’m from the planet of Persow. Name’s Rily Bailith.

Ari glanced up at Relevart. I can’t shift to Ira because Karlsut knows me in that form. So, how about this?

Light flashed. In her place stood a youthful version of Paisley James Tobinette. Smooth, black skin aglow and brown eyes gleaming, he grinned down from his tall, muscular height. I’m called Jem, and I grew up in the Central Mountains on Thera. Returning to her natural form, she looked at the Universal VarTerels. What’s the plan?

Relevart addressed each of his assets. Ari, you will take the lead and report to your aunt, but only in your Jem form. Let’s make some decisions.

Ashort time later, Jem paused in the hatchway to the bridge. Commander Odnamo waved him forward.

This is AeroTech Jem Taisley. He will assist our communications officer. Please, introduce yourselves.

Esán, fear for Brie demanding his full attention, gulped his mid-turning meal without tasting a bite. After leaving the mess hall, he searched for Torgin. Frustrated that his friend was nowhere to be found, Esán did a mental scan of the surrounding area, teleported to the Holographic Center, and paced the stark white emptiness. Where are you, Torgin Whalend?

All senses tingling, he stopped. The white walls vanished, leaving him standing at the top of an unfamiliar mountain. Every nerve on fire, he made a slow rotation. Torgin, Gar, and Thorlu Tangorra materializing beside him brought him to a standstill. What the… He pinched Torgin.

Ouch! His friend jumped back. What did you do that for?

Esán shot him a lopsided grin. I didn’t know if you were real.

Torgin rubbed his arm. All you had to do was ask.

Thorlu cleared his throat. This is all real. Relevart and Henri created a fold in space-time from TreBlaya to its neighboring solar system. Then with Torgin’s help, they transported us through it to the planet of Soputto. We are at the top of Dia Bandia Mountain, where we can access the portal to the Sun Queen’s realm in Shiór Ridu. He rested a hand on Gar’s shoulder. Get out your specs, Garon, and tell us what you see.

Gar whispered, and the spectacles appeared. Resting the temple arms on his ears, he made a slow pivot. I see tall cliffs covered with trees. Below us is a canyon with a river. He lifted his chin and gazed upward.

Torgin exclaimed softly. Look! The frames are glowing like embers and his eyes are the color of fire opals.

Esán pointed. Over there.

As one, the group turned. High above the forested mountainside, an oval of shimmering amber light glowed brighter and brighter. An obsidian staircase descended from its center. Followed by two attendants, Abellona, the Sun Queen of the Spéire Solar System, stepped free of the portal and smiled at Thorlu.

It is good that we meet again as allies, Thorlu Tangorra. Congratulations on your decision to leave the Mocendi behind. Achieving the level of High DiMensioner in the Order of Esprow is a sign of your integrity and your power.

Thorlu bowed his head and touched his heart. I am honored to fight at your side, Your Majesty.

Abellona inclined her head and addressed the group. Welcome, Garon Anaru, Esán Efre, and Torgin Whalend. She scanned the mountain and the canyon. We are not safe here. You must come with me to Chadēta Apól, my realm in Shiór Ridu. Opal eyes regarded each of them in turn. I must blind you for the journey. Do not fear. When it is safe, your sight will return. Please move closer together. She raised a hand.

"Protect the eyes of those who travel

To my domain to help unravel

Why dreaded danger stalks the land,

And how to thwart its evil plan."

Torgin’s hand flew to his eyes. Esán gasped, and Thorlu swore softly.

Gar touched the ebony rims of his spectacles. I can see. Is that okay?

The Sun Queen smiled and offered her hand. As long as your rims glow, your eyes are safe, but, young Garon, you must not share what you observe unless I give you permission. Do you understand?

I do. I promise not to breathe a word. Gar crossed his heart the way Gin had taught him as a kid in New York.

Good. Stand with your friends, so you can guide them onto the staircase.

Abellona mounted the stairs. Her attendants waited for Gar and his friends to follow the Queen and then closed in behind them.

Gar gasped. The steps, moving like an escalator in New York City, carried them upward and stopped at the top, where an elegant, open carriage with a brilliant, fire-opal sheen waited.

Four long-legged ebony creatures, their horse-like manes and tails ablaze, turned regal feline heads and purred a welcome as the Sun Queen approached. A uniformed man with glowing black skin and fiery orange eyes helped the Sun Queen to mount the steps.

Before she took her seat, she addressed her guests. Gentlemen, my footman will assist you up the four stairs into my carriage, and Gar will guide you to your seat. Once we are beyond the palace gates, your sight will return. Thank you for your patience. The queen’s four attendants waited for them to settle in their seats before climbing into a second carriage.

At a sign from Abellona, the cavalcade set forth along an obsidian-black road. Gar stared with awe-filled attentiveness at a world unlike any place he had ever been. Surrounding the carriage on all sides, a firestorm of orange, red, and gold flickered around obsidian statuaries, creating fiery. sculpted pictures of life in the Sun Queen’s domain in Shiór Ridu. Overhead, a cupola of sunset-colored clouds defined and protected the Sun Queen’s realm.

Gar shook his head in wonder. Thank you for letting me see your land.

Abellona smiled. Your spectacles allow you to see what few Humans have seen. Without them to protect your eyes, the sun’s fire would have left you sightless.

She gazed ahead as they approached a shimmering, garnet gateway, bearing the gold and fire-opal seal of the Realm of the Sun Deities. Silence in the carriage and beyond escorted the cavalcade through the open gates and along a boulevard lined with exotic, flame-colored flora.

Torgin gasped and rubbed his eyes. My sight has returned!

Esán heaved a sigh of relief.

Thorlu bowed his head. Thank you, Sun Queen, for the return of our sight.

Abellona smiled a gracious smile. I apologize for your temporary blindness, but it is the law of the land. Humans are rarely welcome in Shiór Ridu, and those who are must accept our rules. She turned to Gar. You, Garon Anaru, are an exception because you wear spectacles gifted to you by Henrietta Avetlire, the Universal VarTerel, and blessed by me.

The carriage rolled to a stop outside an exquisite palace with sculpted turrets rising into the clouds. Gar felt a flood of emotions. He touched his t-shirt and remembered Gin reading to him about castles and queens and knights. He sighed. I miss you, Gin.

A footman lowered the carriage steps; a man with skin as dark as Abellona’s and deep brown eyes with flashes of opal assisted the Queen to alight. When her companions had joined them, she introduced him. This is my oldest son, Nimah. Her brilliant smile encompassed them all. We welcome you to Chadēta Apól. Nimah will escort you to a meeting room. Please make yourselves comfortable, and I will join you shortly.

Nimah’s curious gaze moved over the group before he preceded them up the stairs and into an elegant reception area. He led them down a long corridor, where the striated stone walls turned from black to silver and back as they passed. Partway down, Nimah stopped, faced the wall, and spoke a soft word. A black garnet door materialized and opened. The companions filed into a large, high-ceilinged room with the windows lining one wall, providing a view of a fiery-red mountain range.

Nimah led them to a sitting area. Please make yourselves comfortable. My esteemed mamai will join us soon.

Gar sank into a soft seat. I can’t believe I am in the Sun Queen’s palace. Wonder what will happen next?

42 chapters remaining

2

Neul Isle

Rina, the Guardian Incirrata of Neul Isle, had discovered an impenetrable dome arching over the island. Neither sun nor rain could penetrate to the land beneath, a deafening silence smothered all sound. No birds called, no animals cried, no sea life made itself known above the still, pale, pewter-colored water of the lagoon. For the second time, enemies had invaded the sacred Isle of Neul.

Her responsibility to protect the island prompted her to deliver her Phantom Stannag partners, the Astican, Abarax, and La, the Luna Moth, to the shore opposite Rina Island, where she first sensed the presence of danger. Now, she must wait.

Abarax and La floated through the night-dark silence of the forest and hovered at the clearing’s edge. Their attention fixed on four men sitting around a campfire, they listened with growing dismay as they plotted their next move.

La fluttered up to the Astican’s shoulder. I check K’iin Village. A wing brushed its cheek. Lifting into flight, its true love made her way over the clearing. With faint flickers of firelight patterning her translucent wings, she faded from sight.

Abarax experienced a moment of dread. Her goal will take her to their village high in the San Crúil Mountains. The gray scales on its body quivered. Be careful, my beautiful Luna Moth.

The Astican’s attention switched back to the men around the fire. What it learned sent a shiver through its huge translucent wings. The invaders were on Neul Isle to intercept four people who were important to their leader. Frustration filled the discussion. Thus far, their prey had eluded them.

One man stood, looming over the others. Steely eyes glinted in the firelight. Karlsut will not tolerate failure.

His companions squirmed and muttered under their breath. A growl from their leader ended the dissatisfied grumbling. He pointed. Callum, check on the SorTechory Box. We can’t afford a mistake.

With keen interest, Abarax observed the short-stocky man called Callum rise, walk away from the fire, and stop in front of a plain brown, cabinet-like box on the far side of the clearing. A raised hand produced a low humming. The box glowed, illuminating the area with mid-turning light.

Easing further into the trees, Abarax pressed the full lips of its rosebud mouth into a tense line. Realization made its ghostly wings tremble. Callum is a SorTech. His SorTechory Box created the darkness and the dome over the island.

The Astican frowned, its thoughts racing. Brie rested in the basement room in Penee’s proxy parents’ lakeside cottage. Located in a sparsely populated area on Soputto’s continent of Dast, it provide the perfect environment for her active mind to retrace the choices of the past two turnings.

At Relevart’s direction, Brie gathered Penee, Inōni, and Den together and entered Mittkeer’s timeless night. When they regained their equilibrium, a successful search for the Incirrata Constellation guided them to their destination.

Brie contemplated the star-studded endlessness. The Star of Truth’s faint tingle made her hesitate.

Den peered down at her. What’s worrying you, VarTerel?

Brie clenched and unclenched her fist. Something is not right at Neul Isle. She gazed up at Musette, the tourmaline crystal topping her staff. A rush of confidence steadied her. I’m going to create a time window. With luck, we’ll discover what’s going on. She lifted her staff and drew a large oval in the night sky.

Below them, only part of the island’s shoreline came into focus. Inōni pressed closer. Brielle, what is hiding my home? Tears slipped from the corner of her eyes. It reminds me of your first visit to Neul when clouds covered the island.

Brie heard and understood her dismay. We’ll figure out what’s happening, Inōni. She tapped the time window. The image zoomed out, highlighting an opaque dome of vibrating energy covering most of the isle. Brie glanced at her companions. We can’t exit Mittkeer onto Neul Isle until we know what’s going on.

Den peered at the dome, then at Brie. I’m certain this is SorTechory at work, which suggests that Karlsut Sorda and his Vasro are involved. He put his arms around Penee and Inōni. We are all too important to our enemies to walk into a trap. Where do you suggest we go to regroup?

Brie snapped her fingers. The imaged changed. A cottage sitting at the edge of a lake took shape.

Penee nodded. My proxy parents’ summer home. Let’s depart Mittkeer into the hidden basement room, so we won’t broadcast our presence. She peered around Den. Don’t worry Inōni. We’ll solve the mystery.

Moments later, they huddled in the light of a single lantern in the basement hide-away. No one moved.

Penee touched Brie’s arm. Are we safe to talk?

The tension in Brie’s body eased. We are. I don’t sense anyone else in the cottage. A frown creased her brow. Whatever is shielding Neul Isle clearly denotes trouble. She looked at Den. Any ideas?

The amethyst flecks in Den’s blue eyes glistened in the dim light. "I’m guessing Karlsut has a spy on El Aperdisa. That’s the only way he would know we were bringing Inōni home. He pressed his lips together and studied the girls. All of us are important to the successful completion of the CoaleScence. His focus switched to Brie. You have the MasTer’s gene, something Sorda and his followers covet. It is vital that we avoid playing into their hands. You’re a VarTerel, Brielle AsTar. What do your instincts tell you?"

Brie touched the Star of Truth, savored the faint warmth spreading over her skin, and returned her attention to her companions. If you were Karlsut, Den, where would you direct your men to set up camp on Neul Isle?

Den’s serious expression brightened. I’d send them to a place I was familiar with…either the clearing near the tide pool on the southern end of the central lagoon, or some place on the eastern shore near Rina Island.

Inōni pressed a hand to her rounded belly.

Brie felt her tense. Are you alright?

She sighed. Just tired. I need to rest.

Plans formed in Brie’s mind with the speed of inspiration. Penee, you will stay at the cottage with Inōni. Den and I will do some reconnaissance. We must determine the origin of the dome and who constructed it. But before we leave, please take Den and make sure the cottage is safe, so you and Inōni can relax while we’re gone. Inōni and I will wait here until you call us.

A glance at Inōni made her smile. The mother-to-be slept peacefully on a cot. Stifling a yawn, Brie stiffened her spine and prepared to watch over the mother and her unborn baby.

Penee led the way up the stairs to the hidden entrance into her proxy father’s Trophy Room. When a mental probe produced nothing to alarm her, she pulled the lever and stepped through the open door.

Motioning for quiet, Den moved ahead and slipped into the hall. Moments later, he returned. Everything’s good. He studied her face. Are you alright staying here with Inōni?

I wasn’t, but then I realized my knowledge of the cottage and the area makes me the most suitable person to protect her. Take care of Brie, Den. She’s important to the CoaleScence’s successful transition.

Den’s muscular arms wrapped around her in a gentle embrace. We all are, Penee, especially you. Without the Girl with the Matriarch’s Eyes, El Stroma might never achieve its true glory. His expression grew even more serious. Brie and I are going to make plans, but we won’t share them with you and Inōni. Knowing them would put you at risk. He released her, his gaze fixed on her face. Do you have an escape plan if you need it?

She raised a brow and smiled. I do.

The twinkle in his eyes suggested he understood. I’m not sure how long Brie and I will be gone, but I know we need to eat and rest before we go.

I’ll check the pantry; you fetch the girls. She watched him go, then hurried to the kitchen. Humming to herself, she prepared a healthy meal.

Penee gazed out the windows at the sun-created diamond sparkles on the surface of the lake. Her thoughts registered the contrast between the beauty of morning here at Llyn Lake and the sense of doom encapsulated within the dome over Neul Isle. She shivered.

Den and Brie had chosen to stay overnight and had left right after breakfast. When she last saw them, they were headed to the boathouse by the lake to make plans. She felt instinctively they were still there.

A faint but familiar sound yanked her full attention to the lake. A shiver of fear raced up her spine. I knew Karlsut would send someone to check the cottage. Her fearful reflection in the window brought her up short. My job is to protect Inōni. I’d better get her and warn the others.

In the boathouse, Brie and Den discussed and discarded one plan after the other. Their primary concern was how to enter the dome over Neul Isle without alerting their enemies. Brie twisted a curl around her finger. I’m certain they’ll expect us to arrive via the Land of Time.

Den scanned the lake to the mountains on the opposite side. What about teleporting to somewhere on the island that we both know?

Brie frowned and shook her head. I think that’s as dangerous as using Mittkeer. The rowboat tied to the wooden dock sparked an idea. They know we’re coming. Let’s do what they’ll least expect. She grinned. Like arrive in a boat!

Den laughed. Great solution. Seriousness stripped his smile of humor. Then what?

When we discovered the dome from Mittkeer, I looked for whether it rested on the land, in the water, or both. Her nostrils flared. It appears to rest on the shore. What did you notice?

Like you, I checked both. The dome enters the water near Rina Island. On the opposite side, it rests on the ground inland, a walkable distance from the Forest of Deora. To truly understand what it is, we need to see it. Let’s get in the rowboat, go into Mittkeer, and exit a safe distance from the shore. Worst-case scenario—we find no way in and have to return to Dast to determine our next move.

Brie pursed her lips. I have a better idea. Let’s⁠—

Penee and Inōni materialized, panic encircling them like hornets in a frenzy. Pointing upward, Penee touched her ear. A familiar whooshing sound over the lake shouted a warning. She put a protective arm around Inōni and hissed, A hot-air balloon! We can’t stay here.

Brie jumped into action. Den, help the girls into the boat. I’ll untie the lines.

After they settled, she climbed in, tossed the forward line in the bow, and sat down. Her staff materialized in her hand. How far away is the balloon?

Den grew still. His eyes glazed over, then refocused on her. It’s almost reached the center of the lake. What are you thinking?

You and Penee will help me teleport us to the other side of the Sileah Mountains. She tensed. Penee, put an image of the dunes beach in Den’s mind. Another whoosh added urgency to her next statement. Everyone hold on. Penee, now!

The boat landed with a thud in a trough between sand dunes and tipped to one side. Brie gripped the gunwale and gulped a breath. Penee grinned and squeezed Inōni’s hand. Taking a moment to ensure no one had followed, Brie raised her staff. Mittkeer’s night sky, studded with stars, constellations, and distant galaxies, enclosed them in endless time.

Zak lay on his bunk in the crew’s sleeping quarters on El Aperdisa. His first turning as a Trainee on the engineering team had been interesting. One of his fellow crew members, a guy named Reedan, had grilled him on why he had joined the crew so late in the game. Later, the man volunteered to take him on a tour and to show him the ropes.

Zak glanced at an empty bunk across the way. Earlier, Reedan had slipped from his bunk and had not returned. Zak’s brow wrinkled in thought. The curiosity and constant questions make me wonder if he might be one of our spies.

Eyes mere slits, he scanned the space. Careful not to disturb his neighbors, he pushed his blanket aside, slipped from his bunk, and, accompanied by a chorus of snores, made his way to the access hatch and into the passageway.

He looked one way and then the other. If I were Reedan, where would I look first? The crew’s head is inside their sleeping quarters, so not⁠—

The murmur of approaching voices sent him scurrying into a utility compartment across the way. Hidden in the darkness next to the open hatch, he waited. Two men came into view. One of them was Reedan. Pressing further into the darkness, Zak strained to hear their conversation.

In Shiór Ridu, Torgin stared out a palace window, his anxiety mounting. Behind him, his friends sat talking in subdued voices. A chill of anticipation traveled from his sacrum to the top of his head. Karlsut Sorda lacks any form of integrity. He wants Brie and Penee to use for personal gain. I’m certain he planted the traitors on El Aperdisa. We have to find Den and the girls first.

Before he could share his concerns, Aahana, the Sun Queen’s daughter, entered the palace room where they waited. Her beautiful smile warmed them. My mamai has asked me to bring you to her. Please come with me.

They filed from the room, crossed an open courtyard, and entered another wing of the palace through a plain, burnt-umber door. Aahana led them partway along a corridor and paused. I will leave you here. You are about to enter a room only one Human has ever seen.

The door swung inward. Thorlu took the lead, followed by Esán. Gar hurried after him and wiggled between them. Torgin’s attention fixed on a three-dimensional depiction of the planet of Soputto carried him ahead of his companions.

The Sun Queen met him with a smile. I knew, Torgin Whalend, you would find this laboratory fascinating. Gar, Esán, and Thorlu, please join us. We have much to discover.

Seriousness cloaked her. The Council of Deities received a threat stating if they interfere and remove the dome over Neul Isle, the planet of Soputto will cease to exist. Until the Council knows who sent the message and how they created the dome, they are remaining aloof from the situation and directed me to contact The Universal VarTerels. For several reasons, Relevart, Henrietta, and I decided that I must bring you here. I will help you find out who our enemies are and do what I can from a distance.

While he listened, Torgin split his attention between the Sun Queen and the laboratory. His scientific knowledge clambered to catch up with the technology surrounding him. Fascinated, he noted the detail on the Soputton globe. A glint of light drew him a step closer. A sudden silence caught him like a salmon on a hook. He switched his focus to the queen.

Abellona’s regal features registered interest. What, Torgin Whalend, have you discovered?

His cheeks warmed. I apologize for being so rude.

I felt you listening, but the technology fascinates you. So, what did you learn?

Eagerness and excitement replaced his embarrassment. "The globe is a hologram. My instincts suggests that it can change its position, but I’m not sure