The room was mostly empty now. Agernon sat in one of the chairs, the Staff of Sestin across his lap. Corvin stood near him, as did Sinitïa.

Akna was standing by the doors. She’d given herself the job of guard duty, so she could at least feel she was doing something. After hearing Sinitïa’s story of what had happened in Isyaria, Akna had retrieved her spears, and taken a moment to wash up and have a bit to eat. Now, she got to be bored here while almost everyone else was off being useful.

“What are you writing on it?” Sinitïa asked.

“I told you to shush, girl,” Agernon snapped.

“I’m not a girl. I’m an adult. I’m eighteen. Almost.”

“I said shush!”

“I was just thinking that maybe you should try writing something different.”

Agernon glared up at her. “Do you really think I haven’t tried different equations? Now leave me alone!”

“Fine!” Sinitïa crossed her arms and stomped away. ‘You’re supposed to treat princesses better than that!” She stomped over to Akna. “He’s so mean.”

“You get used to him,” Akna said.

Sinitïa scowled. “It’s so boring down here.”

Akna just nodded.

“How do you stand it?”

“I don’t always,” Akna said. “But sometimes you just have to wait awhile.”

“I want to help Melly.”

Akna chuckled. “Melly?”

Sinitïa blushed. “Don’t laugh.”

“Sorry. I like to give people pet names, too. I never thought of Melly though. Mind if I use it?”

Sinitïa shrugged. “If he doesn’t mind.”

“I’ll ask him then. Speaking of asking things, can I ask you a favour?”

“Sure.”

Akna looked over at Corvin. The boy waved at her. Although he was watching Agernon, he was sitting so he was facing her direction. He was a good kid, diligently doing his duty. But Zandrue was right. She couldn’t take him with her. She looked back at Sinitïa. “Can you distract Corvinian for me?”

Sinitïa looked over at him. “Why?”

Akna sighed. “I know I said sometimes you just have to wait, but on this occasion, I can’t. I have to settle some scores.”

Sinitïa frowned. “But…”

“I know. You want to help. Well, this is one way you can help. I need to get out of here unseen. I need to help Felitïa.”

Sinitïa slumped her shoulders. “Fine. I’ll distract him.”

“Thank you.”

“One day, I’ll be able to help. I’m going to be a wizard one day.”

Akna smiled. “So you told me, and I bet you’ll be an amazing one.”

Sinitïa kissed Akna on the cheek. “Be careful.”

Akna nodded. “Always.”

Sinitïa turned and strode back over to Corvin and Agernon. “I’m bored. Corvinian, you bored?”

Agernon snarled. “For the last time, I need quiet!”

“Yeah, and you don’t need Corvinian right now, so I’m asking if he wants to play a game with me. Do you, Corvinian? It’ll be a good opportunity to get to know each other.”

Corvin shrugged. “Okay, I guess. What game?”

“I’m not really sure...um...oh! Do you like to paint? No, wait, my stuff is still on the ship. We can draw. I have some chalk. I never go anywhere without chalk.”

Sinitïa was standing between Corvin and Akna, though it was hard to be sure she was completely blocking his view. Akna waited another moment, which proved just long enough for Agernon to turn angrily towards Corvin, further blocking the boy’s view.

Akna ducked out of the room.

The next trick was getting out of the building unseen. There would be wizards watching the entrance. Of course, they’d be more focused on watching for people coming in, but that wouldn’t stop them noticing someone leaving. She also needed to be quick. It wouldn’t be long before Corvin noticed and started looking for her. That would alert everyone to be on the lookout.

She really hadn’t thought this through. Gods, she was still too tired.

Maybe she could talk her way through this. That would have to do.

She headed up to the entrance hall. Several of the wizards were dragging large pieces of furniture from other floors to create a barricade. Pedrin was amongst them and he came over to her.

“Nin-Akna, what are you doing here?”

“Just wandering. Feeling a little useless, really. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Ezmelda told me you were staying with Corvinian, Agernon, and the Princess. Where is Corvinian anyway? I thought he was supposed to be with you at all times?”

Akna looked behind her and tried to feign surprise. “He was right behind me.” She sighed dramatically. “He must have taken a wrong turn. He does that sometimes. This place can be a bit of a maze. He’s probably in a panic right now, but don’t worry. He’ll find his way here soon enough. He knew where I was headed. So, anything I can do to help? Corvin will help too, when he gets here.”

Pedrin stared a moment, his mouth slightly crooked. He was going to call her bluff, wasn’t he?

“Anything at all?” she asked.

“You can help with the barricade, I suppose.”

Akna grinned. “Thanks!”

That got her one step closer to the exit, at least.

Someone placed a hand on her shoulder and Akna jumped. She spun around, her hands reaching for one of her spears strapped to her back.

It was the older of the Isyar—the one who had examined Akna’s mind and found the spells. What was her name again? Mikranasta. That was it. She smiled broadly at Akna and motioned to the side. Akna walked with her, away from Pedrin and the other human wizards.

“You’re trying to leave this place,” Mikranasta said in Ninifin. “Why?”

“You speak my language?” Akna replied, also in Ninifin.

Mikranasta gave a thin smile. “You’re trying to avoid the question. Why are you trying to leave?”

Akna looked away from her. “I’m...I’m not. I’m just trying to help out.”

“You’re lying.”

Akna shook her head. “No, really, I…” She stopped and looked Mikranasta in the eye. “Are you in my head?”

“No,” Mikranasta said, “but I don’t need to be. Your act might have fooled Pedrin, but I am an expert in understanding others. I can list all the things that gave you away if you wish. Over-dramatic gestures and sighing. Not making eye contact.”

“That...that’s enough,” Akna said. “I didn’t even realise you were there.”

“It’s my job to go unnoticed right now.”

Akna groaned. “Right. Mentalist. Like Felitïa.”

“Yes. Why do you wish to leave?”

“Because I feel useless. I need to do something. I owe it to Felitïa. I owe it to Anita.”

“Anita?”

“A friend in the palace.”

“I see. Going out in your condition is dangerous. Not only are your body and mind over-exhausted, without the young boy, you make yourself vulnerable to the one who put you in this condition. Have you considered the possibility you’re not thinking straight?”

Stolen story; please report.

“Yeah, I have, and maybe if I was better rested, I’d make a different decision, but it’s the decision I’ve made now.” Akna lowered her head. “But obviously, I’m not going to make it out of here. I’ll go back downstairs now.”

She turned to walk away, but Mikranasta put a hand on her shoulder again. “I will hide your departure.”

“You will?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve had a thought.”

Akna pulled away from the Isyar’s touch and took a step back. “What sort of thought?”

“With your permission, I will place one more spell in your head. It will alert me if anyone makes contact with your mind. We may be able to track your aggressor this way.”

“You want to use me as bait.”

“Yes.”

That suited Akna. “Fine, do it.”

“I warn you, there is a risk. Your aggressor might discover it. I am reasonably certain I can hide it from them, but there is always a chance.”

“Whatever. Do it. But be quick. It’s only a matter of time before Corvin comes looking for me, and I’m not sure you can hide from him.”

“I can’t. A very unusual boy there.”

Akna looked towards the stairs. “You got that right. Well, hurry up. Do it.”

“It’s already done. Walk beside me and do not make any sudden movements.”

Akna nodded. “I know. I’ve done this a few times with Felitïa.”

Mikranasta smiled. “Very good.”

They walked along the wall, past the partially built barricade, and to the main doors.

“Open them slowly,” Mikranasta said.

Akna did as instructed, and they headed out into the cold.

“I will hide you until you reach the bottom,” Mikranasta said. “After that, you are on your own.”

“Thank you.”

Mikranasta placed her left hand on her chest. “May the night be short, Nin-Akna.”

Akna hesitantly placed her own hand on her own chest. “May the night be short.”

Mikranasta smiled. “Good luck.”

Akna started down the steps.

The streets were much more subdued than they had been earlier. People walked with their heads down, avoiding others as much as they could. There seemed to be fewer people out as well. It was evening, of course, so that might have had something to do with it, but that didn’t ring true.

A lot of people stared at her as she went by. She had her hood up to avoid recognition, but it was probably the pair of spears drawing their attention. She’d walked through town with her spears many times before, but this was the first time she’d done it since Danel Belone had taken over—also the first time since she’d become a wanted criminal.

She did her best to avoid City Watchmen—or worse, Bloods—turning another direction whenever she caught sight of any. That was going to lengthen the journey to the palace somewhat.

It gave her a chance to think, though. Particularly what she was going to when she reached the palace—another thing she had failed to consider when making this hasty plan.

Perhaps she could get in the same way she’d gotten out? Not likely. It would be a lot harder from the outside. However, she couldn’t think of any other option.

Akna came around a corner and paused. Up ahead was the familiar red cape of a Blood—several of them, in fact. She ducked behind the corner. At least those capes made them easy to spot.

She wondered why there were so many together. It couldn’t be anything good.

She peered around the corner again. The Bloods were marching across the next intersection in pairs. Pair after pair went by. A dozen pairs at least. Following them were palace guards and other soldiers. She could guess their destination: the Hall of Knowledge. Perhaps she should have stayed to help defend it.

On the other hand, the palace had to be under-guarded now.

There were three Isyar and a dozen wizards defending the Hall of Knowledge. Not to mention Corvin. If that wasn’t enough, Akna’s presence wasn’t likely to make much of a difference. She sighed. That thought was heartless of her. There were friends of hers there—Meleng was there—friends who were about to fight for their lives. She should be fighting alongside them.

But Anita and Felitïa were in the palace.

Even under-guarded though, getting into the palace by herself was not likely to succeed. Plus, Zandrue, Ezmelda, and Jorvan’s brother were already heading there. They’d stand a much better chance of getting in. If they had let her go with them… But they hadn’t.

And why the hell had she agreed to let Mikranasta use her as bait in a plan that had not been discussed with anyone else?

Akna sighed again. This was a mistake; she had just been too exhausted to realise it earlier. She would have to trust Anita and Felitïa’s safety to Zandrue.

She turned back towards the Hall of Knowledge.

Chica stood in her path.

Akna gritted her teeth and walked past. She wasn’t about to let a hallucination stop her.

Chica grabbed her arm.

Akna stopped, but didn’t look at her.

“Akna, you haven’t been looking for me.”

Akna shivered. Who had really grabbed her arm? What had they really said? Had they said anything at all? “I’m sorry, what was that?”

“Oh, my poor Akna. Your loyalties are so strong. Why not to me? You’ve known me for so much longer than Felitïa or Anita or Meleng. We grew up together. We were inseparable. Does that mean nothing to you now?”

Chica moved closer to her, reached for Akna’s face, but Akna turned her face away.

“Akna, it’s me, Chicahua.”

“No, you’re not her.”

“Look into my eyes. You’ll see it to be true.”

Akna turned her head away and closed her eyes. “No.” Whoever it was, their grip was not strong. It wouldn’t be hard to break away, but who would she be hurting if she did? She wouldn’t care about hurting a Watchman or Blood, but what if Meleng had come looking for her?

“Akna! Look in my eyes!”

“No.” The real Chica never raised her voice to her like that.

“Fine. It’s not really needed anyway. Just listen to my words and my voice. You can’t trust Felitïa. Only me. You know this to be true.”

Akna kept her eyes clamped shut and shook her head. “No, you’re the one I can’t trust.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“Yes.”

“But you’ve had doubts, haven’t you?”

“No...well, yes.” No, she shouldn’t admit to that. She couldn’t let this person get to her. “But not really. Not significant ones.”

“Come now, Akna. You’ve never been a good liar.”

“I’m not lying...I...I’m…”

“You’re what?”

“I refuse to let you get into my head.”

“Why? Don’t you want me around anymore?”

“Of course I do, but you’re not you. I mean…”

“You mean what?”

This wasn’t Chica, right? There wasn’t any chance of her being alive. Akna had seen her die.

“Just look at me for a moment. See my reality.”

“No.” But perhaps she should. This hallucination was going on for longer than usual. If it was a situation like when she’d mistaken Zandrue for Chica, if this was someone like Meleng come to look for her, why were they letting her carry on like this? Whoever was holding her arm had to be either Chica (an impossibility, right?), the wizard who was causing the hallucinations, or someone working directly for the wizard. If she looked, maybe she could find something wrong with Chica’s appearance.

“Please,” Chica said.

Sinitïa had said Meleng had recognised the illusions he’d been subjected to by looking for things that changed every time he opened, closed, and then reopened his eyes. Perhaps she could do that here.

Akna opened her eyes.

Chica smiled at her with a face that was exactly like Chica’s. The same long, black hair. The same yellow-brown eyes that matched her skin. The same sun tattoo on her forehead. Exactly like Akna remembered.

Chica stepped up close and placed her other hand on Akna’s cheek. “It’s me, Akna.”

Akna closed her eyes, then opened them again. Chica’s face was right in front of hers now. Her breath was warm on Akna’s nose and cheeks. Nothing had changed. Not the eyes, the dimples, the lips, the hair… Was Chica’s hair the same length? Akna couldn’t get a good look at the full length anymore. The hair reached Chica’s knees, but was it slightly above? Below? And had it been the same before?

Chica kissed her.

She even felt like Akna remembered.

But of course she would. If the illusions were taken from her mind, then they would come from her memories. Of course they would be exactly as she remembered. So how could she possibly know what was real?

“How can you be alive?” Akna said. “Just explain that.”

Chica wiped a tear from Akna’s eye. “I never died. The Will-Breaker faked that. She’s been playing with your mind ever since you met her on Scovese.”

“But…”

“I had hoped you’d break free on your own with just little pushes from me. That’s why I asked you to come find me. But that didn’t work. It’s all right. It’s not your fault. The Will-Breaker is just too powerful. But we have to free you from her control. I have something that can do that. It will make her aware of me, but I don’t care about that anymore. You’re all that matters. Please, come with me.” Chica stepped back and looked at Akna with pleading eyes.

Akna nodded slowly. She had no idea who was in front of her. A part of her still desperately wanted to believe it was Chica, but it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. Felitïa had been playing mind games? Maybe, but not the kind this false Chica was accusing her of. Felitïa wasn’t that powerful, despite what “Will-Breaker” might imply.

But there was no other way to find out who this person really was. She considered pretending to believe, but this Chica had told the truth about one thing: Akna was a terrible liar. She’d never do it believingly. So she should just tell the truth.

Akna reached out and took Chica’s hand. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll go with you because I need to know the truth.”

Chica smiled. “I promise you you’ll learn the truth, and we’ll be together again. This way.”

Hand-in-hand, they headed through the streets of Quorge towards the palace.