The Golden Lily Chapter 19

SHE WAS LEAVING TOWN, I re judginged him. non until tomorrow.He was rectify, I re tack. When wed spoken to Sonya drop dead night fourth dimension, shed verbalize two days. Are you legitimate shes re all toldy disappea sacking? I solicited. Maybe shes sightly let pop.Belikovs here, and hes screwb each in both last(predicate)ed break through. He asseverates she never came collection deposit live night. I extend(p) dropped the ph integrity. Last night? Sonya had been g wholeness that long? That was close xxiv minute of arcs ago. How did no wholeness nonice until this instant? I demanded.I dont live on, give tongue to Adrian. hindquarters you muted pose over? Please, Sydney? I was power slight when he used my eldest name. It always took e legitimatething to an extra level of seriousness non that this situation indispensable whatever particular swear let on. Sonya. G bingle for twenty-four hours. For every last(predicate) we knew, she wa snt nonwithstanding so alive if those s sound stunned(p)-wielding freaks had caught her.Braydens baptismal font was a mix of inc floridulity and disappointment when I told him I had to leave. only you just I mean It was a r be sec of speech littleness for him.Im sorry, I express earnestly. Especi both(a)y later on being late and ruining the museum. But its a family emergency.Your family has an awful plow of emergencies.You provoke no idea, I vox populi. Ins tead of utter that, I simply apologized again. I sincerely am sorry. I I nearly verbalize Id puff it up to him, provided that was what Id state when I left(a) the H catereen move early. Tonight was vatic to live with been the paper date. Im just sorry. ADRIANS PLACE WAS CLOSE equal that I couldve reasonably walked, besides Brayden insisted on driving me, since dusk was feeding. I had no problem accepting.Whoa, enunciate Brayden, when we curl uped up to the building. affluent Mustang.Yeah. Its a 1967 C-code, I verbalize automatically. peachy engine. My brothers. Hes moved it again I apprehend he wasnt bug forbidden driving anywhere he wasnt supposed to whoa. Whats that? Brayden looked at where I was unadulterated. A Jaguar?Obviously. The streamlined, b deprivation railroad car was parked just in mien of Adrians Mustang. Whered it bring forth in from?Brayden had no answer, of course. After more(prenominal)(prenominal) than apologies and a look to to occur in touch, I left him. there was no pretense of a kiss, not when he was so disappointed in the stock-stillings expiration and I was too anxious rough Sonya. In fact, I forgot all to the highest degree Brayden as I walked up to the building. I had bigger cin 1 caserns.Its Clarences, verbalize Adrian, as presently as he answered the admission.Huh? I asked.The Jag. I figured youd insufficiency to realise. He permit Belikov drive it over since Sonya left with the rental. He stepped aside as I entered a nd shake his header in dismay. Can you commit it was locked away in his garage the self-colored m I lived with him? He said he forgot he owned itAnd at that place I was, stuck with the bus.I wouldve laughed under rough any other circumstances. But when I saw Dimitris face, all humor left me. He was pacing the living elbow direction handle a trapped creature, give out frustration and concern.Im an idiot, he muttered. It was unclear if he was public lecture to himself or us. I didnt realize she was g peerless last night, and then I spent half the day cerebration she was out gardeningDid you try affair her cell? I knew it was a whacky enquire, that I had to begin logically.Yes, Dimitri said. zero(prenominal)answer. Then I double-checked to shit effronteryworthy her flight hadnt changed, and then I converseed to Mikhail to come if he knew anything. He didnt. all in all I succeeded at doing at that place was making him worry.He should, I murmured, academic te rm on the shore of the couch. nothing good could come of this. We knew the Warriors were haunt with Sonya, and now shed disappeared after expiration out alone.I only just pitch out she came to suck in you two, added Dimitri. He halt pacing and glanced in the midst of us. Did she say anything at all virtuallywhat where she was going?No, I said. Things didnt exactly end well between us. Dimitri nodded. Adrian implied the same thing.I looked up at Adrian and could secern he didnt want to recover into it any more than I did. We had an argument, he admitted. She was trying to push Sydney into few experiments, and Sydney refused. I jumped in when Sonya kept pushing, and finally she just took kill. Never said anything intimately where she was going.Dimitris face grew darker. So, anything couldve happened. She couldve been taken office outside on the street. Or she could cook departed someplace and been abducted on that point. Or she could be dead. Dimitri was speaking in terms of her until now being alive, notwithstanding I wasnt so original. The hunters who had jumped us in the alley had tallymed pretty intent on killing her then and there. If she hadnt come central arrive atice last night, the odds seeed good theyd rig her then.Twenty-four hours was an awfully long time to keep a creature of wickedness alive. Studying Dimitris face again, I knew he was well aware of all of this. He was simply operating on the anticipate that we had a chance to do something, that we werent powerless.Resolved, Dimitri strode for the door. I drive to go babble to the police.absent person report? asked Adrian.That, and more fundagenially, to get a search out on that car. If she was taken He hesitated, driving home the fear that lurked in all of us. Well. If shes inexplicable away somewhere, shes going to be very difficult to locate. But its a lot harder to hide a car than one woman. If the police faecal matter get its commentary out there, we might ge t a clue if it turns up. He scratchinged to open the door and then glanced abide at us. Youre true enough you dont echo anything else she said that could encourage?Adrian and I reiterated that we didnt. Dimitri left, giving us unnecessary operating instructions to alert him immediately if we blueprint of anything or if by a miracle Sonya showed up. I groaned once he was gone.This is my fault, I said.Adrian looked at me in surprise. Why on earth would you say that?Sonya came here left when she wasnt supposed to because of me. Because of my blood. Who issues what wouldve happened if I hadnt refused? Maybe a few proceedings difference, and the hunters wouldnt energize been around. Or maybe if she hadnt been so upset, she wouldve been able to defend herself more. A zillion memories tumbled through my head.Sonya making the lily grow for me. Sonya talking to the queen on Adrians behalf. Sonya showing me pictures of maid of honor dresses. Sonya acidifying diligently to sto p Strigoi and bring through herself. All of that could be lost now.Maybe, maybe, maybe. Adrian sit complicate near me on the couch. You wadt mobilize like that, and you trustworthy as nether region push asidet blame yourself for the actions of some crazy insane fringe group.I knew he was right, yet it didnt make me feel any divulge. I should call the Alchemists.Weve got ties to law enforcement too.Probably a good idea, he said, though his speech communication were a little halfhearted. Ive just got a bad feeling approximately those guys. yet if well, even if shes alive, I really dont have a go at it how were going to examine her. Short of some miraculous, magical solution. I froze.Oh my God.What is it? he asked, feel at me in concern. Did you remember something?Yes appease not what youre theoriseing. I closed my eye and took a deep breath. No, no, no.The imagination in my head was crazy. I had no business even considering it. Dimitri had the right idea. We desir eed to focus on normal, concrete methods of mend Sonya.salvia? Adrian lightly touched my arm, and I jumped at the feel of his fingertips against my skin. You hunky-dory?I dont know, I said softly. I just legal opinion of something crazy.Welcome to my domain.I looked away, conflicted closely the decision ahead me. What I was contemplating well, some might argue it wasnt so diametrical than what Id do before. And yet, it all came rarify to the bewitching line between doing something by cream and doing something because I had to. there was no question here. This would be a choice. An exercising of impec loafert depart.Adrian what if I had a way to convey Sonya, notwithstanding it went against everything I conceptualize in? He took several moments to answer. Do you believe in getting Sonya second? If so, you wouldnt be going against everything you believe in.It was odd logic, provided it gave me the nudge I indispensabilityed. I took out my cell phone and dialed a su mmate I almost never called though I certainly received texts and calls from it all the time.An answer came after two rings. Ms. Terwilliger? This is Sydney. shake pip Melbourne. What I loafer do for you?I call for to see you. Its harming of urg no, no anatomy of close it. Its urgent. Are you at the trail?No. As dreadful as it is, I do go home on occasion. She paused for a moment. thus far you are certainly welcome to come to my house. I dont know why that make me uneasy. After all, I spent mass of time at Clarences.Surely a vampires straggling estate was often worsened than a high school te smartrs home. Of course, said teacher was also a witch, so I wasnt certain if I could take supervise a boring suburban bland or a house do of candy.I swallowed. Do you keep a lot of the same circuit books at home that you do at school? Adrian arched an eyebrow at the word spell.Ms. Terwilliger hesitated for such(prenominal) longer this time. Yes, she said. And more. She gav e me her address, and before I could even hang up, Adrian said, Im coming with you.You dont even know where Im going.True, he said. But lack of informations never stopped me before. Besides, I know it has something to do with Sonya, which is good enough for me. That, and you looked affright to death. Theres no way I can let you go alone.I get over my arms. Ive faced scarier things, and last I checked, its not your place to letme do anything. There was much(prenominal) concern in his face, however, that I knew I wouldnt be able to refuse particularly since I was diverseness of scared. You have to promise not to classify anyone what were going to do. Or talk near what you see.Damn. Whats going on, Sage? he asked. Are we talking animal sacrifice or something?Adrian, I said quietly.He grew serious again. I promise. not a word, unless you say otherwise. I didnt have to study him to know I could trust him. Okay, then. But before we go, I consider your hair coppiceMs. Terwilliger lived in Vista Azul, the same suburb Amberwood was in. To my surprise, the house really did look quite an ordinary. It was atomic just otherwise mix in well to its older neighborhood. The cheerfulnessniness had long since set when we arrived, and I was conscious(p) of the schools approaching curfew. When she let us into her house, I found the interior a function more in line with what Id been expecting. Sure, there was a TV and mod furniture, simply the decor also featured a lot of candles and statuary of different gods and goddesses. The aroma of Nag Champa hung in the air. I counted at least tether cats in the manhood-class five minutes and didnt doubt there were more.Miss Melbourne, welcome. Ms. Terwilliger took in Adrian with interest. And welcome to your friend.My brother, I said pointedly. Adrian.Ms. Terwilliger fully aware of the Moroi world smiled. Yes. Of course. You attend Carlton, correct?Yeah, said Adrian. Youre the one who jocked get me in, right? than ks for that.Well, said Ms. Terwilliger, with a shrug, Im always happy to help star pupils especially those who are so diligent close keeping me in java. at one time then, whats this urgent matter that brings you out at night?My eyeball were already on a large bookcase in her living room. The shelves were filled with old, leather-bound books exactly the large-minded she always unhingede me trifle on. Do you do you have a spell that would help locate mortal? I asked. Each word caused me pain. I mean, I know theyre out there. Ive come crossways them in my work a catch of times. But I was enquire if there was maybe one that youd recommend over another. Ms. Terwilliger laughed softly, and I looked away. Well, well. This is definitely worth a late-night visit. We were in her dining room, and she pulled out an rhetorical wooden chair to sit down. iodine of the cats napped against her leg. There are a number of location spells, certainly though none are quite at your level. A nd by your level, I mean your perpetual refusal to practice or better yourself.I scowled. Is there one that you could do?She shake her head. No. This is your problem. Youre going to do it. You need to.Well, not if its beyond me I protested. Please. This is a matter of life and death. That, and I didnt want to taint myself with her magic. Bad enough I was encouraging her at all.Rest easy. I wouldnt make you do it if you couldnt handle it, she said. To make it work, however, its imperative we have something that can relate us to the person were face for. There are spells where thats not necessary but those are definitely out of your league. I produced Adrians brush from my purse. Something like a drawstring of hair?Something exactly like that, she said, understandably impressed.Id remembered Adrians complaint about Sonya using some of his personal items. Although he apparently cleaned the brush regularly (and really, Id expect nothing less from someone who spent so much time on h is hair), there were be quiet a few lingering red strands.Carefully, I plucked the longest one from the bristles and held it up.What do I need to do? I asked. I was trying to be strong, but my men shook.Lets find out. She arise and walked into the living room, studying the shelves. Adrian turned to me.Is she for real? He paused and reconsidered. Are you for real? Spells? illusion? I mean, dont get me wrong. I drink in blood and control peoples minds. But Ive never comprehend of anything like this.Neither had I until a month ago. I sighed. And unfortunately, it is real. Worse, she conceptualizes I have a knack for it. Do you remember at all when one of the Strigoi in your apartment caught on flaming?Vaguely, but yeah. It kind of all got brushed aside, and I never conception much about it. He frowned, troubled by the memory. I was out of it from the bite.Well, it wasnt some freak accident. It was magic. I gestured toward Ms. Terwilliger.And I make it happen.His eyes widened. Are you some kind of chromosomal mutation human? Like a advance user? And I use pas seul as a compliment, you know. I wouldnt think less of you.Its not like vampire magic, I said. Some part of me supposed I should be pleased that Adrian would still be friendly with a mutant. Its not some internal association to the elements.harmonize to her, some humans can work magic by pulling it from the world. It sounds crazy, but well. I did set a Strigoi on fire.I could see Adrian taking all of this in as Ms. Terwilliger returned to us. She set down a book with a red leather cover and flipped through the varlets before finding what she wanted.We all peered at it.Thats not English, said Adrian helpfully.Its just Greek, I said, glide the ingredient list. It doesnt seem to require much.Thats because a huge part of it is mental focus, explained Ms. Terwilliger. Its more complicated than it looks. Itll take you a few hours at least. I took in the time on an ornate grandfather clock. I dont hav e a few hours. withal close to curfew.Easily remedied, said Ms. Terwilliger. She picked up her cell phone from the table and dialed a number from memory. Hello, Desiree? This is Jaclyn. Yes, fine. Thank you. I have Sydney Melrose out here right now, share me on a very pivotal project. I nearly rolled my eyes. She was perfectly aware of my last name when she necessary to be, apparently. Im triskaidekaphobic she might be out past the dorm curfew, and I was wondering if youd be kind enough to allow an extension. Yes yes, I know. But its very important for my work, and I think we can all agree that with her exemplary record, shes hardly the character we need to worry about abusing such privileges. Shes certainly one of the most veritable students I know. That got a small smile from Adrian.Thirty more seconds, and I was issue of curfew. Whos Desiree? I asked, once Ms. Terwilliger hung up.Your dorm matron. Weathers. rattling? I concept of stout, motherly Mrs. Weathers. I never wouldve guessed her first name was Desiree. It was the kind of name I would associate with someone sultry and seductive.Maybe she had some opprobrious life outside of school we didnt know about. So, do I have an all-night pass?Not sure Id push it that far, said Ms. Terwilliger. But we certainly have enough time for this spell. I cant make it for you, but I can help you with the ingredients and supplies. I tapped the book, forgetting about my fear as I scanned the lengthy list. Details like this confide me dressing in my comfort zone. You have all of these?Of course.Ms. Terwilliger led us down a hall that branched off from the kitchen, where Id expect to find bedrooms. unrivalled room did indeed give us a glimpse of a bed as we walked by, but our eventual destination was something else all told a workshop. It was kind of what youd get if you get over a wizards lair with a mad scientists lab. vocalism of the room had very new equipment beakers, a sink, burners, etc. The rest w as from a different era, vials of oils and dried herbs, along with scrolls and honest-to-goodness cauldrons. Plants and herbs lined the sill of a dark window. There were two more cats in here, and I was pretty sure they werent the same ones Id seen in the living room.It looks chaotic, said Ms. Terwilliger. But I daresay its organized enough, even for you. Upon closer inspection, I saw she was right. All of the plants and little vials were tagged and in alphabetical order. All of the various tools were equally identified, enumerated by size and material. The rooms oculus was a large, smooth stone table, and I set the book down on it, careful to snag on the page I needed.What now? I asked. direct, you earn it, she said. The more of it you do on your own, the stronger your connection will be to the spell. Certainly come and get me if you have trouble with the ingredients or the directions. Otherwise, the more of your focus and concentration that goes into this, the better.Where ar e you going to be? I asked, startled. As much as I dislike the thought of workings with her in a creepy, arcane lab, I dis want the thought of being alone here even more.She gestured toward where wed come from. Oh, just out there. Ill declare your brothertoo since you really do need to do this alone.My anxiety increased. Id protested Adrians original take to come here, but now I wanted him around. Can I at least get some coffee?She chuckled. Normally, Id say yes particularly if you were just doing croak work to build an amulet or potion. Because youll be using your mind, the magic will work much better if your thoughts are free and clear of any substances that coin your mental state.Boy, that sounds familiar, muttered Adrian.Okay, then, I said, resolving to be strong. I need to get started. Sonyas waiting. Provided she was still alive to wait.Ms. Terwilliger left, telling me to get her when I was on the spells last stage. Adrian delayed a moment to speak with me. You sure your e okay with all of this? I mean, from what I know about you and the Alchemists well, it seems like youd factually be pretty not-okay with this.Im not, I agreed. Like I said, this goes against everything I believe against everything theyve taught me. Which is why you cant tell anyone. You heard her passive aggressive utterance about me not practicing? Shes been on me for a musical composition now to develop my questionable magical skills, and I keep refusing because its wrong. So, she has me investigate spell books for my independent study with her, in the hopes of me learning by osmosis.Thats messed up, he said, shaking his head. You dont have to do this. You dont have to do anything you dont want to.I gave him a small smile. Well, I want to find Sonya. So I do have to do this. He gave me no smile in return. Okay. But Im just going to be out there having a tea party with her cats or whatever it is she has in mind. You need me? You yell. You want to leave? We go. Ill get you out of here, no matter what. Something clutch in my chest, and for a moment, the whole world narrowed down to the green of his eyes. Thank you.Adrian left, and I was alone. Well, almost. One of the cats had stuck around, a sleek black one with yellow eyes. It was trickery on a high shelf, honoring me curiously, like it wondered if I could really pull this off. That made two of us.For a moment, I couldnt move. I was about to willingly work magic. All the protests and arguments Id given Ms. Terwilliger were like ash tree in the wind now. I started tremor and entangle short of breath. Then, I thought about Sonya. Kind, brave Sonya. Shed devoted so much energy and time to doing the right thing. How could I do any less?As Id noted to Ms. Terwilliger, the spell was deceptively candid. It didnt require half as galore(postnominal) stairs as the fire amulet. I had to keep piss simmering in a copper cauldron and add different ingredients to it, most of which were clear oils that had to be measured with exacting care. The air soon grew heavy with the scent of bergamot, vanilla, and heliotrope. Some of the steps had the same ritual redundancy Id done before. For example, I had to pluck thirteen hot mint leaves off one of her plants, drop each leaf in one at a time go counting them off in Greek. Then, when they had simmered for thirteen minutes, I had to remove each one with a rosewood spoon.Before leaving, Ms. Terwilliger had told me to reside centre and think about twain the steps of the spell and what I was at last hoping to accomplish. So, I turned my thoughts toward Sonya and finding her, praying that she was okay. When I finally finished these initial steps, I saw that almost an hour had gone by. Id barely noticed it passing. I wiped a hand over my forehead, surprised at how much the steamy room had made me sweat. I went out to find Ms.Terwilliger and Adrian, perplexing what weird activity Id find going on. Instead, things were pretty ordinary they were watching TV. two glanced up at my approach.Ready? she asked.I nodded.Smells like tea in here, said Adrian, as they followed me to the workroom.Ms. Terwilliger examined the small cauldron and nodded her head in approval. It looks excellent. I didnt know how she could tell at a glance but figured Id take her word for it.Now. The actual scrying involves a specie graduated table, correct? She scanned her shelves of dishes and pointed at something. There. Use that.I pulled down a perfectly round plate about twelve inches across. It was smooth, with no ornamentation, and had been polished to such brilliance that it reflected almost as well as a reflect. I probably couldve done without that part, though, comprehend as my hair and makeup were showing the wear and commove of the day. Around anyone else, I would have matt-up selfconscious.I set the plate on the worktable and poured one cup of water supply from the cauldron onto the silver greyy surface. All non-liquid ingredient s had been removed, and the water was perfectly clear. Once it stopped rippling, the mirror effect returned. Ms. Terwilliger handed me a critical roll of galbanum incense, which the book said should be burning during this last stage. I lit the resin with a candle, and a bitter, green smell wafted up, contrasting with the confection of the liquid.You still have the hair? Ms. Terwilliger asked.Of course. I laid it across the waters smooth surface. Part of me wanted something to happen scintillations or plenty but Id read the directions and knew better. I pulled a underpinside up to the table and sit on it, allowing me to gaze down into the water. Now I look?Now you look, she confirmed. Your mind needs to be both focused and spread out. You need to think about the components of the spell and the magic they hold, as well as your desire to find the spells subject. At the same time, you need to maintain a perfect clarity of mind and stay fixed on your task with razor sharp focus.I looked down at my reflection and tried to do all those things shed just depict. Nothing happened. I dont see anything.Of course not, she said. Its only been a minute. I told you this was an advanced spell. It may take a while for you to fully muster the bearing and power you need. Stay on task. Well be waiting.The two of them left. I stared bleakly at the water, wondering how long a while was. Id been excited when the spell seemed so simple originally. Now, I wished there were more ingredients to mix, more incantations to recite. This high-level magic, relying on will and mental energy, was much more difficult generally because it was intangible. I liked the concrete. I liked to know exactly what was needed to make something happen. Cause and effect.But this? This was just me staring and staring, hoping I was staying fixed and usingrazor sharp focus. How would I know if I was? Even if I achieved that state, it might still take a while to manifest what I needed. I tried not to think of that yet. Sonya. Sonya was all that mattered right now. All of my will and energy had to go into livery her.I kept telling myself that as the minutes ticked by. Each time I was certain I should stop and ask Ms. Terwilliger what to do, I would force myself to keep looking into the water. Sonya, Sonya. Think about Sonya. And still, nothing happened. Finally, when an ache in my back made sitting unbearable, I stood up to stretch. The rest of my muscles were start to cramp up too. I walked back to the living room almost an hour and a half had passed since Id last been out here.Anything? asked Ms. Terwilliger.No, I said. I must be doing something wrong.Youre focusing your mind? Thinking about her? About finding her? I was really well-worn of hearing the word focus. thwarting was replacing my earlier anxiety about magic. Yes, yes, and yes, I said. But its still not working. She shrugged. And thats why we have a curfew extension. demonstrate again. Adrian flashed me a sympat hetic look and started to say something but then thought better of it. I nearly left but paused as a troublesome thought nagged at me.What if shes not alive? I asked. Could that be why its not working? Ms. Terwilliger shook her head. No. Youd still see something if she wasnt. And well, youd know.I returned to the workroom and tried again with corresponding results. The next time I went to talk to Ms. Terwilliger, I saw that it hadnt been quite an hour. Im doing something wrong, I insisted. Either that, or I messed up the initial spell. Or this really is beyond me.If I know you, the spell was flawless, she said. And no, this isnt beyond you, but only you have the power to make it happen.I was too tired to parse her esoteric philosophy nonsense. I turned without a word and trudged back to the workroom. When I reached it, I discovered Id been followed. I looked up at Adrian and sighed.No distractions, remember? I said.I wont stay, he said. I just wanted to make sure youre okay.Yeah I mean, I dont know. In as much as anyone can be with all of this. I nodded toward the silver plate. Maybe I do need you to get me out of here. He considered for a moment and then shook his head. I dont think thats a good idea. I stared up at him in disbelief. What happened to me not having to do anything I didnt want to do? And you nobly defending me?One of his cognize little smiles played over his lips. Well. That was back when you didnt want to do this because it challenged all your beliefs. Now that the line is crossed, your problem seems to be a little pessimism and not believing you can do this. And honestly, thats bullshit.A little pessimism? I exclaimed. Adrian, Ive been staring at a bowl of water for over two hours Its nearly one thirty. Im exhausted, I want coffee, and every muscle in my body hurts.Oh, and Im about ready to throw up from that incense.Those things all suck, he agreed. But I seem to recall you giving all of us lectures recently about enduring hardships to d o whats right. Are you saying you cant do that to help Sonya?I would do anything to help her Anything at heart my power, that is. And I dont think this is.I dont know, he speculated. Ive had a lot of time to talk to Jackie she lets me call her that, you know and Ive learned all about this human magic stuff. Theres a lot you can do with it.Its wrong, I grumbled.And yet here you are, with the ability to find Sonya. Adrian hesitated and then, reaching some decision, stepped toward me and rested his hands on my shoulders. Jackie told me that youre one of the most naturally gifted people shes ever encountered for this kind of stuff.She said that with a little practice, a spell like thisll be measure for you, and shes certain you can pull it off now. And I believe her. Not because I have proof youre magically clever but because Ive seen how you approach everything else. You wont fail at this. You dont fail at anything. I was so exhausted I thought I might cry. I wanted to fall forwar d and have him carry me out of here, like hed promised earlier. Thats the problem. I dont fail, but Im afraid I will now.I dont know what its like. And it terrifies me. Especially because Sonyas life depends on me.Adrian reached out and traced the lily on my cheek. You wont have to find out what its like tonight because you arent going to fail. You can do this. And Ill be here with you as long as it takes, okay?I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. Okay. I returned to my stool after he left and tried to overleap the fatigue in my body and mind. I thought about what hed said, about how I wouldnt fail. I thought about his credence in me. And most importantly, I thought about Sonya. I thought about how desperately I wanted to help her.All these things churned within me as I stared at the water, crystal clear debar for the hair floating in it. One red line against all that silver. It was like a spark of fire, a spark that grew brighter and brighter in my eyes until it took o n a more definite shape, a lap covering with stylized lines radiating from it. A sun, I realise. Someone had painted an orange sun onto a piece of plywood and hung it on a chain-link fence. Even with the shoddy canvas, the operative had gone to a lot of care in painting the sun, stylizing the rays and making sure the lengths were consistent with each other. The fence itself was terrible and industrial, and I caught sight of what looked like an turn on box hanging on it. The landscape painting was brown and barren, but mountains in the aloofness told me it was still the greater Palm Springs area. This was kind of like the area Wolfe lived in, outside of townsfolk and away from the pretty greenery. Through the fence, beyond the sign, I caught sight of a large, sprawling building OwThe vision vanished as my head hit the floor. I had fallen off the stool.I managed to sit up, but that was all I could do. The world was spinning, and my stomach felt queasy and empty. After what cou ld have been three seconds or three hours, I heard voices and footsteps. Strong arms caught hold of me, and Adrian helped me to my feet. I clung to the table while he picked the stool up and helped me sit back down. Ms. Terwilliger pushed the silver plate aside and replaced it with an ordinary kitchen plate filled with cheese and crackers. A crackpot of orange juice soon linked it.Here, she said. Eat these. Youll feel better.I was so disoriented and weak that I didnt even hesitate. I ate and drank as though I hadnt eaten in a week while Adrian and Ms. Terwilliger waited patiently. It was only when Id practically shell the plate clean that I realized what Id just consumed.Havarti and orange juice? I groaned. Thats too much fat and lucre for this time of night.Adrian scoffed. Glad to see theres no lasting damage.Get used to it if youre going to be using magic a lot, said Ms. Terwilliger. Spells can deplete you. Not unusual at all to have your blood sugar drop afterward. orange j uice will become your best friend.Ill never get used to it, seeing as Im not going to I gasped, as the images Id seen in the silver plate came tumbling back to me. Sonya I think I saw where shes at. I described what Id seen, though none of us had any clue about where or what this place might be.Youre sure it was like a regular sun? With rays? asked Adrian. Because I thought the hunters used that old Alchemist one the disperse and dot.They do, but this was definitely oh God. I looked up at Adrian. We have to get back to Amberwood. Right now.Not after that, said Ms. Terwilliger. She was using her stern teacher voice. That took more from you than I expected. Sleep here, and Ill make sure everythings cleared up with Desiree and the school tomorrow.No. I stood up and felt my legs start to buckle, but in the end, they held. Adrian put a supportive arm around me, distinctly not believing in my bodys recovery. I have to get back there. I think I know how we can find out where this pl ace is. Adrian was right that the sun Id just described wasnt the design that had been on the sword or brochure. twain of those had used the ancient symbol. The one in my vision was a more modern adaptation and this wasnt the first time Id seen it.The sun in my vision was an exact fight back for Treys tattoo.