Feirn tilted his head, eyes going up and to the left as he considered his words.“They say a woman matching her description came through Bangkok a week ago; she was traveling with the Brotherhood.”
“So they are all here in Thailand.”
“Yes.Your mother had supporters among those loyal to the former Master.She seeks revenge on Connor.That is the rumor.”
“Nothing new there,” Sophie said.“The former Master was her lover.She was displaced when he died.She has been on the run ever since, and not happy about it.”
“But she always lands on her feet.”Feirn remounted his horse.“Like a bad cat.”
“A bad cat.”Sophie had to smile a little.“An evil one, actually.That is exactly what she is.”
They crested a final ridge.Feirn led them on a side path to a clearing large enough to see past the trees surrounding them.Below them, a valley opened up, mist clinging to its depths like pale, filmy scarves.Along one side, the Yam Khûmk?n stronghold rose from the jungle.Its ancient stone walls were topped with modern steel watchtowers; traditional wooden buildings mixed with barracks.It was a fortress between worlds, between times.
“There,” Feirn pointed to a cleared area near the center.“The challenge ground is in the middle of the complex.”
A man with a shaved head dressed all in black approached Feirn from the jungle.Four others, heavily armed, accompanied him.Feirn slid off his horse to greet the man.They briefly embraced and exchanged an update in rapid Thai.
Sophie paid no attention.She had a pair of binoculars to her eyes, and from atop her horse, she could just make out figures moving, forming a circle in the courtyard.Drums began to beat, their rhythm carrying across the valley and up the slope, primal and demanding.
“We’re too late to stop it,” she said.She’d known that; still, the reality was terrifying.“When does it begin?”
“We could never have stopped it, and the challenge begins at dark.”Feirn returned to Sophie and mounted his horse.“We will watch from the surveillance tower.This is Kamon, my contact and liaison to the Yam Khûmk?n.”
Sophie nodded to the man as he bowed.“We are honored you chose to support the Master,” he said in halting English.
“No, it is my honor,” Sophie returned in Thai.“Thank you for your help and invitation.”
“The Master knows you are here.He told me to tell you he is thankful you came.You can call briefly before the contest.I will give you the number,” Kamon said.“But keep it short.We do not want to alert any enemies to your location.”
Sophie nodded in acknowledgement.She and Feirn nudged their horses to follow Kamon and his men as he led them into the trees.
Sophie reflected on the passage of the past five years as the mare moved through deeper shadows under the jungle canopy; the closest she’d been to this place was that many years ago, when she came to Thailand following Pim Wat, who had stolen Momi as an infant.
She’d done her best to walk away from this world and build a safe, normal life for her children—but some part of her knew she might have to return and face the ghosts and demons of her past.“And now that time has come,” she whispered.“Please, God, may Connor win quickly.”
25
CONNOR
Connor feltSophie’s presence before he saw her.
Six months since he’d left her, and suddenly the air felt different—charged, life-giving.He didn’t turn toward the surveillance tower hidden in the jungle canopy.Didn’t acknowledge what his every instinct screamed.
Sophie was here.Sophie was watching.
But the knowledge settled over his bones like armor.
His satellite phone vibrated—the encrypted one only three people had the number for.He stepped away from his men, into the shadows of the teak pillars.
“Sophie.”Not a question.
“How did you know?”Her voice moved through him like an energizing elixir.
“I always know when you’re near.”He closed his eyes, memorizing the sound of her breathing.“You’re in the north tower.I’m glad you’re here.”The words came out raw.“Whatever happens tonight, I’m glad you’ll witness it.”
“Connor—” Her voice broke.“I came to support you.Nothing more.”
“I know we won’t be together again.I understand.”He watched the sun sink toward the horizon, painting the compound in shades of blood and gold.“Your children, your life in Hawaii—that’s where you belong.And I belong here.”
