Young Sorceress Book 3: The War

19

Chapter 1

The flying machine is coming!

Rilla looked north, the direction from which the amazing contraption was supposed to arrive. Hundreds of others who had gathered with her turned eager faces to the morning sky.

Shouldn’t it be here by now? Junea said, standing at Rilla’s elbow.

I’m not sure. All she knew was that the drone, as Wyatt White called it, was scheduled to land around eleven o’clock, bringing the first shipment of mail from the Industrials’ territory. Wyatt had described the machine and drawn a picture of it for her and Junea, so Rilla knew what to expect. Sort of.

I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! Junea said.

Me, too, Junea. Rilla knew they weren’t the only ones. She sensed it in the crowd that surrounded the field at the edge of town. People from all walks of life had come: sorceresses, paladins, politicians, shopkeepers, laborers, farmers, teachers, and even school children who had been given the morning off to witness the event.

A few days earlier, a crew of men had driven a truck from the Industrials’ capital, through the magic gateway at the park by the river, carrying the equipment necessary for this operation. This had caused a lot of excitement, also, the first motorized vehicle most of the locals had ever seen, unless they’d happened to catch a rare glimpse of Wyatt’s pickup truck when it was in town.

The Circle of Thirteen had offered to open the gateway on a regular basis to allow the mail to be easily transferred from one territory to the next, but the bureaucrats from the Industrials’ nation had insisted on doing it by flying machine. The gateway would’ve saved 800 miles of traveling, but they still didn’t seem to trust magic.

The grassy field at the edge of town, formerly a pasture, was about 100 yards long and seventy-five yards wide, and level and clear. The crew of workmen had positioned four metal posts (Wyatt called them beacons) in each corner, which would somehow tell the unmanned craft where to land. Black solar panels were affixed to the base of each post to power them. Rilla had seen panels like them before, on the roof of the Whites’ farmhouse.

The men had also left drums full of fuel in a newly constructed shed at one end of the field. Then they had driven off, back through the gateway, and left Rilla and just about everyone else in a state of heightened anticipation bordering on frenzy.

Rilla heard a distant steady growl, engines, she reminded herself, and focused on the sky above the distant forest. A wide, narrow shape crested the horizon, flying straight toward her. She recognized the long wings from the drawing Wyatt had shown her, and the two propellers, one on each side, that pushed it through the air.

The fantastic machine drew closer, appearing to grow larger as it descended.

Amazing, Junea breathed. And there’s no one driving it?

Piloting, not driving. But Wyatt called it an unmanned aircraft, remember?

How can I? It’s too much to absorb.

Murmurs bubbled from the crowd, and intensified to an excited chorus. Children pointed at the improbable machine. It looked like a giant bird with its wings fully spread, and the sound from its engines was unlike anything Rilla had ever heard, deep and rumbling and incredibly loud. She could feel it in every part of her body.

When it was a few hundred yards away, its propellers swiveled upward and the drone slowed, slowed, slowed, until it hovered over the field and descended to the ground.

The engines shut off and the propellers gradually ceased spinning.

The crowd exploded into applause.

A postal service wagon, drawn by a single black horse and bearing two men, emerged from the throng at one end and drove to the plane. The men hopped down and one of them jogged toward the shed while the other pulled a handle on the side of the drone, opening a door.

I wish Jimmy were here to see this, Junea said.

I’m sure he’s seen wonders like this all his life, Rilla said. You went to their territory. You know what it’s like.

But I was only there for half a day, and I didn’t see anything like this. If he were here, he could explain stuff. But he has training. The cadets at the boys’ academy were not given the morning off, but the girls were. Rilla saw many of her classmates among the crowd.

The postal worker reached inside the drone and pulled out a bin and carried it to the wagon, and Rilla wondered what kinds of letters it contained. Probably just official correspondence to our Territorial Council and Circle of Thirteen. He deposited his load and grabbed a bin full outgoing mail, and took it to the drone.

Do you think Jimmy wrote to his mother? Rilla asked.

He’d better have. I’m sure she misses him terribly, but she’ll see him this weekend.

She’s coming?

They all are, even Ben. They’re going to look at houses.

They’re not going to move here, yet, are they? Nanny won’t be old enough for the academy for two more years.

That’s just what Jimmy told me.

While the first postal worker slid the mail bin inside the drone, the second man rolled an orange fuel drum across the field. He positioned it close to the flying machine and connected a hose to its side from the drum, then he cranked a hand pump attached to it.

Everyone in the crowd watched, enthralled.

Do you have any idea how this stuff works? Junea said.

All I know is what Wyatt told us. The engines somehow burn that fuel, and it makes the propellers turn fast enough to lift the plane.

You never saw anything like this while you were at their farm?

Just the ceiling fans in the Whites’ house. They look like those propellers.

It’s all so strange, these machines. Unbelievable.

I think that’s how the Industrials felt when they saw me do magic.

Wish I could have been there for that.

They refused to believe it at first, except for maybe Nanny, and then Marli and Jimmy, eventually. Ben and Wyatt were skeptical ’till the end.

Junea chuckled. Nanny. She’s really something. I just love her. Don’t you?

It’s hard not to.

I hope she can make some friends when she goes to the academy.

I think Nanny could make friends with a rock giant.

She’s certainly made friends with Zibby.

Zibby loves kids.

Zibby loves you.

She loves you, too, Junea.

Look. Junea pointed toward the flying machine.

The workman who had been refueling the drone pulled the hose from it and rolled the orange drum back toward the shed. The second worker tapped a panel on the side of the plane and the propellers came to life, spinning slowly at first until twirling to a blur.

The crowd roared along with the machine.

This is thrilling, Junea said.

The drone lifted from the ground and Rilla’s mouth fell open in unabashed wonder. The plane climbed higher and turned northward. It gradually picked up speed, and Rilla watched it go until it flew out of sight.

* * *

Jimmy carried his lunch tray from the serving area and scanned the dining hall for a place to sit. Cadets filled most of the tables, and as he walked past them, they averted their eyes, or spread their arms over any open space beside them, as if they had become too large for their own.

He continued through the crowded room to the back, where one table was unoccupied. It was old and tended to rock if you put your weight on it, which was exactly what Jimmy felt like doing. He wanted to slump over his plate and keep his head down so he wouldn’t have to see the other boys blatantly avoiding him as if he were diseased.

It had been like that for every meal of every day since he’d arrived at the boys’ academy three weeks earlier. The excitement of being there had given way to the dull reality of his circumstances.

He dropped heavily into his chair and set out his food and cup of water, sighed toward them, and began to eat.

* * *

Ias could’ve kicked himself for being late. He’d delayed leaving for the base because he’d gotten caught up in a conversation with Tarl, and now he was paying the price. He was at the back of the line, one that moved slower than a tired snail.

The ribbon of paladins curled around the inside of the assembly room, and Ias was barely past the door, as far away from the other end as he could get. He estimated there were at least 150 men ahead of him, all waiting to get the massive instructional manual, A Complete History of the Avian Wars, that Wyatt White and another Special named Lang had dropped off earlier. Wyatt left, and Lang stayed behind to pass out the heavy books and answer questions from the curious paladins.

The questions were the problem, slowing down the process. Every paladin seemed to have some for the big, blond-haired man from the Industrials’ Territory, the first Special most of them had ever met. Ias knew Lang already, having seen him at Wyatt’s farm.

Ias only had one question: Could you please hurry up?

A voice came from behind him. Excuse me, but aren’t you Ias Stormwalker? He was a tall, rangy fellow, waiting in line, too. He looked to be about thirty years old, and wore a slanted smile.

Why do you ask?

My name’s Tvan. I heard about you, and wanted to talk to you ever since I got back into town. I traded places in line with another guy just so I could meet you. I was closer to the front. He pointed toward the table, which was piled high with stacks of manuals.

You must be out of your mind. You’re going to be here for two hours, at least.

Tvan lifted his shoulders and his eyebrows simultaneously, and let them fall. It’s worth it, a couple hours of my time for a chance to chat with you. I read the reports of both of your missions, and I’m jealous. Sounds like you had some real adventures.

Getting shot in the shoulder by a hexed elven arrow wasn’t fun.

I’m sure it wasn’t, but you survived. We’re paladins, right? It’s part of the job. Well, I mean, it is if you get a plum assignment like that.

It didn’t seem plum when I accepted it. It seemed necessary.

Any good mission is necessary. Tvan pointed to the table again. That manual looks huge. Know anything about it?

Not much. I’ve only been told the bare outlines of the wars between the Industrials and the Avians. I figure we’ll know a lot more once we read the book.

Avians. Tvan trilled a whistle. Hard to be scared of birds.

I thought the same thing, but I was told to picture a hawk ripping apart a rabbit, and then imagine a similar creature, but much bigger, and armed with devastating weapons. Ias gave Tvan discriminating look. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. Have you been stationed somewhere else?

Ferrington. It’s a little town about thirty miles from here that has a garrison to protect the commercial traffic that passes through it. If the elves ever disrupted that, it would be a problem.

The line moved and they shuffled a few steps forward with it. There’s not much chance of the elves doing anything like that in the foreseeable future.

No. Not with this treaty keeping the peace. I heard you’re friends with an elf, now.

A defensive alarm sounded in Ias’s skull. His name is Morris. Do you have a problem with that?

Not particularly. Not if he saved your life. If I read your reports accurately, he sounds like he’s a pretty good fellow.

Why did you go to Ferrington?

I asked to be assigned there.

Why?

Oh…. He scratched the side of his head and grimaced. Woman issues. My girl dumped me for another paladin when I was younger, and I wanted to get as far away from both of them as I could.

She was a sorceress?

We were forming a fighting pair, but she got cold feet. She said I was too tall for her.

Ias quickly gauged Tvan’s height, and estimated that he was taller than any of the other paladins in the room. Why did you come back to Everton?

I want to be where the action is. I don’t want to be stuck in some backwoods town, guarding some inconsequential crossroads. I want to fight. I just missed being eligible for the last war because I hadn’t fledged yet.

You look like you’re old enough.

I was in my last year at the academy, but you know the rule. Only fledged paladins get to fight.

The line edged forward again, and Ias and Tvan moved with it. Tvan continued, When I heard about the upcoming war, I knew it was time to request a transfer, and the garrison commander let me go. So here I am.

I hope you’re not staying in the barracks.

I’m staying with my parents. They have a shop in town, and they live upstairs, like most of the other shopkeepers. He chuckled. Thirty-one years old and I’m sleeping in my old little bed in my old little room.

They kept it for you all this time?

Not exactly. It’s full of boxes and stuff for the store. It’s a clothing shop. I don’t care. I don’t need much room. It’s not why I’m here. I came to be part of the fight, and I want to make sure I get the best duty possible, which is why I traded places to be in line with you.

What do you expect me to do? I don’t make the assignments. I just fledged a few months ago. I’m about as low down the hierarchy as you can get.

But you spent most of the summer with some of the Specials, and that’s who we’ll be fighting alongside. You know them better than anybody, and you’re friends with their commander, Major White.

We’re not exactly best buddies, but we’re on pretty good terms, I guess.

Which is more than most people can say. I want to meet him. You think you can arrange that?

What good would that do? He’s not our commanding officer.

But he’s the key to getting a good assignment. He’s the main guy for the Specials, isn’t he?

He’s the highest ranking one that I know of. I don’t know if any of the Standards from their capital would outrank him.

What’s a Standard?

It’s what the Industrials call a regular person, an unenhanced one. The Specials were all genetically engineered to be super human.

Tvan gave him an uncomprehending look, which Ias had gotten a lot lately, when he tried to explain why Wyatt and everyone like him were so physically superior to average people. They were bred by their scientists to fight, Ias said, and were given all the advantages. They’re bigger, stronger, faster, have better endurance, better senses, heal quicker, endure more pain. You name it, they got it.

Tvan glanced across the room to the table where Lang stood, passing out manuals. That fellow is pretty darn big. He might even be taller than I am.

He’s not as wiry as you. He’s got at least thirty more pounds of muscle.

Are they all like that?

Ias nodded. Even the women.

I’d like to see that.

They could probably throw you across this room like a stuffed toy.

That sounds like fun. Maybe you can introduce me to some of them.

Ias laughed once. That’s crazy.

I’m just joking. But I really do want to meet Major White. Think you can help me out?

Well…he’s staying at the same place I am, at Tarl’s house, and—

Tarl? Tvan’s eyebrow’s shot up. The former academy commander? You’re boarding with him?

He offered and I couldn’t turn him down. Otherwise I’d have to live in the barracks.

He was still the CO of the academy when I was there. I heard he retired after I left, but I didn’t know what happened to him. I always liked him. He was a good commander. What’s he doing these days?

Trying to stay involved. I don’t think he likes being retired. He doesn’t seem to have enough to do with his spare time. His house is huge, and he was living there by himself until he offered a room to me, and Wyatt stays there when he’s in town. His family does, too.

So if I went over there, I could meet him?

I don’t think you should just stop by. Wyatt isn’t the most sociable person.

But you can set that up.

I don’t know if I should.

Come on, do a fellow paladin a favor. If I miss out on a good assignment for this war, I may never get another chance. He smiled optimistically.

Ias inhaled slowly through his nose while he wondered what to do. I’ll talk to Wyatt, but I can’t make any guarantees about what he’ll say. I’ll let you know. Where can I get a message to you?

Send it to Dina’s Fine Clothes. It’s in town with all the other shops.

* * *

Jimmy waited beside his partner on the practice field, in a long column of pairs of cadets that formed the gauntlet. A recruit named Calvin, one of Jimmy’s bunkmates, was running the punishment drill for the second time that week. Jimmy didn’t know what the infraction was this time, he only knew he was supposed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the boy next to him and make Calvin force his way between them.

The only reason Jimmy had a partner was because Captain Dvoss had assigned one to him based on size. Jimmy wasn’t familiar with the cadet he was paired with, but he was big — not as big as Jimmy, but good-sized for a Standard. The boy looked ahead and smirked. Calvin’s having a rough time. He’s only halfway through and he’s already got a bloody nose.

We should take it easy on him, Jimmy said.

Why? Calvin’s got a big mouth. That’s why he’s running the drill. I say we give him a couple of good shots. Maybe more.

Jimmy knew that if he hit Calvin with a forceful forearm, he’d knock him back ten feet and possibly injure him. I say we give him a pass.

I’m going to hit him as hard as I can.

Do whatever you want. I’m going to take it easy on him.

They waited and watched. Calvin made his way closer, one violent encounter after another, lowering his head and charging into the next pair of cadets, trying to split them while taking the full force of their return blows — shoulders and forearms delivered with fierce grunts.

After several long minutes, Calvin had nearly reached Jimmy. Calvin pushed the back of his hand across his face and wiped the blood from under his nose, then bulled into the pair of cadets directly in front of Jimmy. They smashed him backward a couple of feet, and Calvin charged again and again, until he finally made it through.

Calvin paused, his chest heaving and his mouth open while he sized up Jimmy and his partner. Jimmy dwarfed Calvin. He was the smallest boy in their age group, but he wasn’t lacking in determination. Fire burned in his eyes, doggedness showed in his posture. He took a deep breath and drove forward.

Jimmy waited until the last instant, and slammed his shoulder into his partner, knocking him sideways, opening the way for Calvin. Calvin’s momentum carried him through the unexpected gap and he fell flat on his face. The other boys burst into laughter. Calvin jumped to his feet with his face screwed into a snarl, and he fisted one hand and seemed on the verge of swinging it at Jimmy, but after a moment’s hesitation, lunged into the next pair of cadets.

Jimmy’s partner glared at him. What did you do that for?

Didn’t mean to. I was just trying to get closer to you.

You knocked me five feet!

Sorry. Don’t know my own strength. That’s what happens when you’re a Special.

The anger in the boy’s eyes clouded with uncertainty. He opened his mouth as if to argue, but turned instead to watch Calvin’s progress through the rest of the gauntlet.

After it was over, Jimmy headed toward the side door of the academy building with the rest of the boys, on their way to their next training session, hand-to-hand combat. Jimmy hated that class. He had to hold back. He could easily toss any of the other boys across the gymnasium if he wanted to — none were a physical match for him — but he couldn’t because they might get hurt. Jimmy’s skills were as good or better than theirs, too, having been trained by his father, so the entire exercise, for him, was one of restraint.

He’d only made it halfway across the field when someone grabbed his arm from behind and spun him around.

Calvin.

He glowered at Jimmy and shoved him in the chest with both hands and shouted, What did you do that for?

Do what?

You let me through. You pushed your partner aside and I fell on my face!

I was just trying to make it easy on you.

Calvin shoved him again, harder. I don’t want it to be easier. I don’t want your help.

Sorry, I was only—

Don’t ever do that again! He panted for a few seconds with his teeth bared, his furious gaze fixed on Ias. No wonder nobody likes you.

He stomped away, leaving Jimmy feeling lower than the soles of his shoes.

* * *

After classes were over for the day, Rilla went with Junea for their daily ritual, to the field beside the boys’ academy to watch Jimmy practice with the other recruits. Rilla didn’t mind. She sometimes got to see Ias there, too, if he was still coaching the younger boys.

Rilla and Junea reached their usual spot by the wrought iron fence just in time to see some of the cadets taking down archery targets and others heading toward the building, so Junea called to Jimmy in the distance and waved to him. He jogged up the gradual slope toward them, carrying his bow in one hand. Junea said, I think we’re too late. It looks like they’re finished.

Then I’ll just stay long enough to say hello to him, Rilla said, so you two can talk.

Don’t go yet. I think something’s wrong.

Rilla peered at the approaching boy, and saw that he had a troubled look on his face. When he reached them, he stopped on the other side of the fence and mumbled a greeting.

What’s the matter? Junea said.

Nothin’. Jimmy lowered his gaze to the ground.

You don’t seem happy to see me.

I am, I’m just…I had a hard day. He told them about Calvin and the gauntlet.

He really said that? That’s not true. Some of the boys like you.

Jimmy shook his head.

Did you have to eat lunch by yourself again?

He nodded.

Cheer up, Jimmy. Junea smiled sunnily but he didn’t see it because he kept his brown eyes low. You’ll make some friends soon.

I keep telling myself that, but it doesn’t seem like it.

Have you been boasting or acting cocky? Rilla said.

No! Of course not. Morris cured me of that. I’m mostly keeping my mouth shut, and I’m holding back during drills so I don’t show up the other boys or hurt anybody, but it’s not helping. He glanced at the bow he held in one hand. And Captain Dvoss said I have to get in some extra archery and sword work.

When do you have to do it? Junea said.

Now.

But we were going to spend some time together.

I can’t help it. It was an order. I can’t very well refuse it, can I?

No, but I was counting on seeing you today.

I know. He raked the fingers of one hand through his short blond hair and his chin fell farther. I’m sorry. I’ll try to make it up to you.

What about tomorrow? It’s Saturday, Junea said.

I have training in the morning. I’ll come by your house after I visit with my family. Is that okay? He lifted his gaze for a moment to meet hers. He had a bleak look in his eyes.

All right. Tomorrow afternoon. Maybe you can have dinner with us.

I should probably eat with my family. My mom will get her feelings hurt if I don’t.

I understand. But try to make time for me before that, all right?

He waved a cheerless goodbye and walked back toward the practice field.

Junea was quiet for most of the walk home, her lips curved into a frown. When they passed the fork in the road that led to their stables, Junea said, I’m worried about him.

Rilla didn’t have to ask who she was referring to. It sounds like he’s having a tough time settling in.

It’s been three weeks. He should be settled already, shouldn’t he?

What’s this about having to eat by himself?

None of the other boys will let him sit with them. They’re unfriendly to him all the time. It’s like that in his dorm, too. There are seven others in his room, and they never talk to him or include him in anything.

Rilla abruptly stopped, forcing Junea to stop with her. Why didn’t you tell me?

He made me swear not to! Nobody else knows, not even his parents. He’s afraid they’ll pull him out of the academy, and that would just kill him. He’s worked so hard to get here and it’s so important to him.

I know. I was with him at the Whites’ farm all summer when he was training for it.

He couldn’t bear it if his parents made him quit. And he believes it’s his problem and he should deal with it.

That’s just dumb. He needs help.

But what can we do? We can’t make the other boys like him, unless you think you can do it with some Intuitive magic. I don’t know if there’s a regular spell that would help.

I doubt I could do it, and it’s wrong to use magic on people that way. Besides, the friendship wouldn’t be real or natural. Jimmy could probably tell. He’d get mad if he found out.

Yes, he would. He wants to do everything himself. He’s very independent and strong-minded.

We can’t just ignore this and hope it gets better. I’m going to find Ias and see if he has any suggestions.

Then I’ll talk to my father. He likes Jimmy, and knows what it’s like to be a cadet. He may have an idea of how to help if Ias doesn’t. But we need to make sure that Jimmy doesn’t find out that we’re doing this. He wouldn’t like it.

Too bad. Sometimes a girl has to meddle.

* * *

Ias walked up the flagstone path that swept to the front steps of Tarl’s magnificent home, and paused to appreciate the flowers in the beds and planters that brightened the yard and the porch. Most of the blooms were spent for the season or fading with autumn fast approaching, but a few remained, enough to enjoy, still.

Tarl’s hobby, gardening.

Ias let himself inside the house and called from the front room, Anybody home?

Hilka, the housekeeper, appeared in the archway that led to the dining area, drying her plump hands on a small towel. Master Tarl is in his study.

Has Wyatt returned, yet?

He is in the back garden talking to his wife, I believe.

It took Ias a moment for that to register. Marli is still at their farm, eight hundred miles from here. Wyatt is using his satellite phone.

Ias found Tarl sitting at his desk, staring out the window. He turned when Ias knocked on the open door. Tarl said, You’re home.

You looked lost in thought.

Lots to think about.

There’s something else to add to that list. Do you have a minute?

Always for you, my friend. Tarl gestured at a nearby armchair and Ias dragged it closer to the desk and sat in it.

I just talked to Rilla, Ias said. It’s about Jimmy. He’s having problems. Ias related what Rilla had told him about Jimmy’s difficulties at the academy. The concern lines in Tarl’s brow etched deeper with every sentence.

When Ias finished, Tarl said, This can’t be allowed to continue. We absolutely must do something.

But what? You know how it is there. The boys have their own social rules, and the instructors generally let them play out unless it goes too far.

We’re on the verge of that. The academy needs Jimmy and any other young Special who is willing to join. If Jimmy drops out, we probably won’t be able to recruit the rest of them.

But what can we do that won’t make it worse?

Tarl stared at the bookshelf on the opposite wall for half a minute, then said, I have an idea, but we could use some help. We need to talk to Kvon.

I agree. Tomorrow, I think, before Jimmy sees his family. They are coming through the gateway in the morning. We’ll go visit Kvon early and work out our strategy.

* * *

Rilla shivered in the early morning chill at the park by the river. Any minute now, her mother and six other sorceresses from the Circle of Thirteen would open the magic gateway that led to the territory of the Industrials. She wondered why it always took seven sorceresses to perform the enchantment.  It was rarely the same women, but it was always seven. What happens if you only have five?

Wyatt waited with her, watching the proceedings with keen interest. He pointed at the massive granite outcropping that contained the two horseshoe-shaped designs.

Somebody made that thing? the big man said.

That’s what I’ve been told. It’s been there for centuries.

What are the symbols carved around the horseshoe shapes? I don’t recognize them.

I believe they have something to do with determining the spot where the gateway will open. They are on the other side, too, on the outcropping in your territory, only in reverse order.

I’ll have to look at them next time I go through, Wyatt said.

You’ll notice they’re different on the one next to it, the one that goes to the elves’ territory.

How did the creators of the gateways know where to put the other side of the opening? You don’t have GPS.

I don’t know what that means.

It’s a way to pinpoint locations using satellites.

Jimmy had explained satellites to her, but she didn’t really understand them.

Morris told me that the elven wizards can open temporary gateways, Wyatt said, and that’s how he usually gets here. The permanent one in their territory is in the middle of nowhere for some reason, about a four-day ride from their capital.

We can open temporary ones, too, but only experienced sorceresses have that skill. That’s advanced magic.

Advanced? I’ve seen you do some pretty incredible things. Healing Nanny, for one. He cleared his throat and a hesitant smile twitched his lips. We’re still grateful for that. All the families are, of the other kids you healed. He cleared his throat again. I was told to pass that along.

I was glad to heal them.

Wyatt faced the granite outcropping and his expression hardened to its normal state again, as if he were worried that too much emotion might ruin him. How do they know where the gateways are going, when they make a temporary one?

If they need to be really precise with the gateway’s location, someone who has been to the destination has to be part of the group that’s casting the spell. Otherwise, they’d have to estimate, and it might open up many miles from where it needs to be.

But the elves live all the way across the ocean, and they can open gateways here.

Many of them have been to Everton, but they used to live near here after the Great Die-Off. Where they live now is their ancestral homeland, and they moved back there when the area became habitable again. I think the permanent gateway to their territory was made around that time.

Why don’t I know all this?

Now you understand how I felt when I was at your farm. It seemed like everything was new to me, and not just your science and your machines.

Wyatt nodded solemnly. Twenty years is too long to go between meetings of our nations.

That’s what my mother says.

Wyatt gazed about at their surroundings, the narrow flowing river behind them, the long gravel path that followed the water, and the grassy lawn on the other side of it, the trees all around. This is a nice park. We don’t have anything like it on the reservation. You come here much?

We do, to swim or have a stroll or a picnic sometimes. Ias and I had one last weekend. We ate right over there. She pointed to a spot downstream about fifty yards. You should bring Marli here.

He shrugged one massive shoulder.

She had the sudden, irresistible urge to tease him, even though she used to be intimidated by this giant of a man. When was the last time you did something like that with her? Or, are you Specials genetically engineered to be immune to romanticism?

We’re not! His blond brow drew down sharply, forming a deep V over the bridge of his nose. We have normal feelings.

Holding back a smile, she said, You didn’t answer my first question. When was your last outing with your wife?

Um…a while ago.

When?

I don’t remember. He scowled for a second. Just…a while.

So, it’s time for another one. Sunday would be ideal. You’ll probably still be here, won’t you? Unless you have to hurry home to feed your livestock or something.

My neighbor’s doing it, and looking after the house.

Perfect. So, Sunday, then. You and your wife, a picnic here by the river.

What if it rains?

I’ll ask my mother to check.

How can she do that? You don’t have satellites.

She’ll use magic. Her castings are very accurate.

Magic. He tsked. I’m still having a hard time accepting that.

You don’t seem to mind when we open this gateway so your family can come visit you.

I didn’t say it wasn’t useful. It’s just different from what I’m accustomed to.

I think we’re all having to deal with that problem now. But your wife is coming and you should do something nice for her. If the weather is good, you’ll have no excuse. You probably need a break, too. I bet you’ve been working hard all week.

I’ve been to more meetings than I have in my entire life, with just about every official in town, some of them three or four times. And I still have to meet with the elves to see how they’re going to organize their defenses for the war. I’ll have to do that next week or the week after.

Then you definitely need a break.

He took his time answering, as if he were still fumbling for an excuse. It would be hard to arrange a picnic. Marli would have to bring food from home, and it’s too late for that, and somebody would have to look after Nanny and Ben.

Leave Nanny with us. We’ll entertain her.

What about Ben? We can’t just leave him by himself.

Sure you can. He’s almost sixteen. He can stay at Tarl’s and read in the library, or go into town and sightsee or check out the shops. It’s safe here, and I doubt he’d get lost.

Wyatt rubbed his big chin with one hand while his face became thoughtful. He did kinda like it here when he came for Jimmy’s tryout at the academy. But if Marli and I have a picnic, we still have to get some food from somewhere. Is there a shop in town where we can pick something up? I have some money.

Your currency is no good here.

I have some of yours. He patted one pants pocket and it jingled. Bunch of silver coins. I had to leave most of them back at the house. Tarl finagled a per diem allowance for me from your Territorial Council, since I’m helping your people get ready for the war. But I haven’t spent any of it. I’ve been eating for free, either at Tarl’s house or at the base or with one of the officers. He shrugged again. I thought I’d give the money to Marli when she gets here. Maybe she can find some new clothes at one of your shops. She needs some.

That’s even better. You can take her shopping after your picnic.

He groaned, or growled (it was hard to tell the difference), and squeezed his eyes closed. Why are you doing this to me? You used to be scared of me.

I got over it. I found out what a softie you are.

Yeah, he huffed. Soft as a baby’s bottom. You still didn’t say what we could do for picnic food.

Hilka would probably be happy to pack a basket for you. I’ll ask her, if you won’t.

I can manage that.

She gestured toward the gateways. I think my mother and her friends are getting ready to start.

The seven women in black assembled before the granite outcropping, with Rilla’s mother Kess in the center, and they held hands and chanted a spell in unison. Rilla felt the waves of magic emanate from them, and the tiny hairs on her arms stood up as if from a static charge. The area inside one of the horseshoe-shaped designs glowed and shimmered like wind-blown water in the sun, then sparkled until it was almost too bright to bear. It became translucent, gradually thinning until it turned clear as glass.

The enclosed space vanished, leaving an astonishing opening large enough to drive a large carriage through and still have room all around it.

On the other side of the opening, eight hundred miles away, but now magically within a stone’s throw, was Wyatt’s truck, with Marli in the driver’s seat and Nanny and Ben beside her in the cab. Marli drove through and stopped, then got out while Wyatt and Rilla approached and the seven sorceresses joined them.

Wyatt embraced Marli briefly and said, Did you have any trouble getting here?

Just the same old scrap trying to get out of the reservation. The guards at the security gate always act like we’re trying to smuggle a bomb into the city, and they have to check their records and call their boss and inspect the truck, and check their records again and have a conference, give us a bunch of dirty looks, and then they finally let us pass, but they still glare at us like we’re criminals.

Wish you didn’t have to deal with that. He peered into the truck cab at Nanny and Ben. Did you miss me?

Nanny beamed at him, but Ben shrugged in the nonchalant manner of a teenager.

Brel approached them and said, We’re glad you could make it. We have several nice houses that you might like to see, but first you should go to Tarl’s and unload your things. Tarl will probably want to speak with you.

He’s not there, Wyatt said. He left with Ias right when I did. He said he had something to do at the academy.

What about us? Marli said.

He wanted you to make yourself at home. Hilka will help you find your rooms.

I want the one I had last time, Nanny said. It’s the best ’cause you can see almost the whole garden from the windows.

What about the stairs? Brel said.

It doesn’t matter. I don’t need my wheelchair anymore. She smiled like sunshine.

Already? It’s only been a few weeks since Rilla healed you.

I’ve been doing my exercises. Dr. Park showed me some, and I can go up and down stairs and run and everything!

I can hardly keep her still, now, Marli said. All of the kids you healed are doing well, Rilla. Their parents are all really grateful. So is Dr. Park. She’d like to meet with you again sometime, if that can be arranged.

I’d be glad to. I can give her back the books she loaned me, Rilla said.

She said to keep them. She may have some others you’d be interested in. I think that’s why she wants to see you.

Brel waved one hand casually. We can discuss this later. We need to get you to Tarl’s and then go look at houses.

Before you start, Rilla said, is it all right if I steal Nanny away for a little while? Zibby wants me to bring her out to the forest to see the new pixie glade.

Pixies? Nanny’s eyes and mouth rounded. Can I, Mom? Please?

Marli acted as if she were going to say no, so Rilla added, It won’t take long, and we can leave right away. Junea is going, too. It’s completely safe, and it’s extremely rare for a human to get invited to see a pixie glade. It’s an honor.

I thought pixies were secretive and insular.

We won’t get to go into the heart of the glade. We’ll just be able to see the outside. But it’ll still be amazing, even though they just started making it. And Zibby is dying to see Nanny.

Marli looked at Wyatt and he said, It’s all right with me, as long as she’s not gone for long.

We’ll have her back before you know it, Rilla said. It’s early, so you’ll have plenty of time to see houses. Hilka is probably expecting you to eat breakfast, anyway. I bet she cooked a ton of food.

I had something when I got up, Marli said. I couldn’t eat again.

I could, Ben said.

Me, too, Wyatt said. Hilka’s making biscuits. I smelled them when I left earlier. If we hurry, we can eat them while they’re still warm.

So I can go with Rilla? Nanny said.

Just don’t tarry. Be back in time to go with us to look at houses.

Tass, who had stood by silently with the other sorceresses, suddenly spoke up. I’d like to accompany you when you do that.

Shocked, Rilla stared at her until she recovered her senses. Why?

I would like to get to know this family better, and lend my arguments as to why Nanny should be allowed to attend our academy.

But I already am going to! Nanny said.

Marli tightened her mouth. We still have to talk about it.

But you said I could!

I said you might.

Mom! Nanny looked at her father for help, but he abstained by suddenly becoming interested in the ground near his feet, as if the Secret of Life were hidden in the blades of grass.

I think this is a conversation you should have in private, Brel said. First, let’s take you to Tarl’s house so you can get settled in.

Would you like to ride in the truck so you don’t have to walk? Marli said. Ben and Nanny can ride in the back.

Brel smiled mischievously, deepening the wrinkles on her face. I will accept the ride, but I want to sit in the back. I want to feel the wind in my face and hair.

I’ll sit with you, Kess said.

Tass gestured at the  truck. I think I’ll join you.

I’ll go, too, Rilla said. You can drop Nanny and me off at the stables. Junea is already there, waiting for us.

Chapter 2

Rilla, Junea, and Nanny rode out of town into the forest, Junea on her brown mare, Mercy, and Rilla on Rosie, with Nanny riding tandem in front of her.

Nanny babbled every step of the way. She said, for the third time, I’ve never been on a horse before. She patted Rosie’s neck. You are so beautiful. I love the little splotch on your forehead. That’s why you’re called Rosie, right? I saw you from the window when you were at our farm, but I was too sick to ride you.

Rosie tossed her head and snorted. Junea said, I think she understands you, Nanny. Can you talk to horses with your mind like Rilla?

Not that I know of. I’ve never tried. Hold on. Her forehead lined and she closed her brown eyes for a few seconds, then she frowned. Rosie isn’t doing anything. I asked her to stop but she didn’t.

It’s all right, Junea said. I can’t do it either.

Don’t feel bad, Nanny, Rilla said. You are exceptionally good at talking to pixies.

Yes I am, she said without a trace of conceit. She and Zibby had formed an instant bond, and now Nanny was going to see more pixies. Rilla had only met Zibby, and she wondered what the others would be like. Would they look the same, all red-headed and beautiful? Would they be impulsive and affectionate? Rilla suspected they would all love Nanny right away, just as Zibby had.

Soon they were completely engulfed by the forest, and Nanny said, Does this road go somewhere, or just into the woods?

If we kept going for a few miles, we’d come to a village, Rilla said. A girl at the academy is from there.

Do girls come from all over to attend the academy?

Rilla turned in her saddle toward Junea, who rode beside her at a slow trot. Who would you say has to travel the farthest?

Siva. She’s from Flint’s Crossing, and that’s over forty miles. She said her parents brought her by wagon, and it took all of one day and part of another.

I’ll be coming eight hundred miles, Nanny said proudly. I bet nobody can beat that.

It’s not a competition, Nanny, Rilla said.

It is to me.

You’ll definitely be the winner, then.

Unless a few elves show up, Junea said. That’s thousands of miles.

But only boy elves have magical power, Nanny said. That’s what Morris said.

You’ve already started learning a few things about being a sorceress, haven’t you?

It’s hard, where I live. You can’t find anything about it anywhere, and I tried. Ben helped me one night on the computer, and everything we found said that magic is just a myth. Now I know it’s not. She began assailing Rilla and Junea with questions about the academy:

Will I start learning magic from the first day?

What are the classes like?

Are the other girls going to be nice?

And then: Will they give me a magic wand, or do I have to buy one?

A magic wand? Rilla said. We don’t use them. Where did you get that notion?

From stories.

You used to think we fly like witches, too.

Junea laughed. Nanny, I was wrong. You still have a lot to learn about being a sorceress.

They’d been riding for a while, and the woods had gradually became cooler and darker. It’s kinda spooky, Junea said, looking around with concern.

Don’t worry, Rilla said. That means we’re getting close to the glade. This is what it was like when I saw their other one, in the forest in the elves’ territory. I think the pixies made it this way to scare people off.