“You know Rune is powerful, right?”
She nods.
“Whoever has him mentioned a war. What if they use his powers against the greater good by force? What if your help could be the thing that prevents it?”
She perks up slightly. “What war?”
“I don’t know yet. His captor said the war is coming, and we can only assume that’s why he was taken. If there is a war, wouldn’t it be better to be with Rune rather than against him? I know my answer.”
“I could defeat him if I wanted to.”
“I’m sure you could, but at what cost? Who else could be hurt? What if there’s an attack on our entire existence?”
She exhales slowly. “You’ve made your point. I’ll help on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“You will never bring that man here.”
“Deal. I don’t plan to return. No offense.”
“None taken.” She turns but pauses, glancing over her shoulder. “Actually, one more thing.”
“Okay.”
“Make sure he knows I’m the one who helped. Make sure he knows, Atlas.”
The prideful arrogance in her tone is obvious, but I nod. “I will.”
“Alright then. Give me a moment.”
Kallis moves to a small table and sits down, raising her hands, palms upward, and closing her eyes. After a moment, she gestures with one finger for me to sit next to her. When I do, she places one of her hands over mine. Her skin warms and mine tingles in response, as if I can actually feel her clawing through my veins.
“America,” she mumbles as her eyes roll back, her gaze nothing but pure white now. Her body trembles. “Home. He’s home.”
“No, he’s not. He’s in a prison far from his home.”
Kallis shakes her head. “He’s home. Ah. Thank you,” she says softly. “New Orleans, Louisiana.”
“He’s in New Orleans? But I was there and… Wait. He’s hidden away?”
“A house. Burnt ocher. There’s a church across the way.” Suddenly she squeezes my hand.
“Ouch.” Pretty strong grip to affect a gargoyle.
“There you are, mage,” she whispers, rocking back and forth. “Spirits, show the way.”
Her hands warms again, sending rays of light through my arm and straight to my chest.
“Focus,” Kallis says. “Focus and you’ll find him.”
I close my eyes and do as directed, until Rune’s face is clear in my mind. I see him sitting on his cot, leaning against the wall, staring off into space, but I still have no indication of his location.
That is, until the room turns hazy around me and I feel myself slip between worlds.
“Don’t forget your promises,” Kallis says, sounding distant.
I open my mouth to reassure her, but I’m stunned silent by the journey I’m on. It feels different from my normal travels. The air is thicker, like it’s resisting me, pushing me back to prevent my entry, but then I break through and my feet land on a cool, damp dirt floor.
