“Because he’s mine.”
Fighting with Justin hurt my heart. To hear him claim me eased some of the pain. It still didn’t excuse him.
I didn’t bother saying goodbye, it would only make them more nervous. I took a deep breath, then walked through the archway.
Two steps later, I was on the other side and let the air out of my lungs.
“Huh.”
That was…anticlimactic. After the buildup to walk into the silvery mist, I had expected an epic battle or at least a monster of some kind, mechanical or otherwise.
The complete lack of haunting spirits or mechanical misfortune had me stumped. The archway on this side appeared the same as on the other. The silvery light filled the gap between pillars. Further examination would have to wait.
I was standing at the edge of a pretty courtyard. A stone fountain dominated the space formed of the same material as the arch. Curious, I peered inside the fountain’s water-filled base. Tiny multicolored mechanical fish swam around inside. Each bit of articulated metal helped the creatures propel through the clear water. Dozens of them scurried about. Had they multiplied or had Torren spent ages creating so many little fish. I couldn’t even imagine how many hours it took to make one. Strange-colored waves swirled through the water. I dipped my fingers inside and gasped when my entire hand tingled from contact.
“Magic!” Somehow Torren had infused the fountain water with his magic. Whether this was to get the fish to move or protect them from rusting I couldn’t tell. I’ve never attempted anything water based. Another gap in the knowledge of a self-taught magic user compared to a true master. I made small birds and bunnies with the occasional other project thrown in. Gear Master Torren had created fire-breathing dragons, living humanoids, and creatures that could propel through water. My meager talent dimmed in the light of his genius.
What would I discover next? What other creations, or plans for them, would I find in the small white house on the opposite side of the courtyard? A wide smile crossed my face as anticipation filled me. With reluctance, I turned to let the others through.
I placed a hand on the arch. “I give Octavius Stalk, Hawthorne Smith, and Lord Justin Lear permission to enter.”
The arch pulsed with white light for a few seconds before the three men joined me one by one.
“We figured the glow meant you cleared us,” Oss said. “Or that the arch was going to eat us. I was interested to see which it was.”
I laughed. “Come see this.”
I showed off the fish and smiled as they all exclaimed over their skillful design. Maybe one day, I would have more than a fraction of this skill.
With one last admiring look at the fountain, we headed for the house. We didn’t rush and we kept a careful eye out for anything that moved. The sole tree in the middle of the courtyard was bare of any of the mechanical birds I would’ve draped it with.
“Other than the fountain this is rather stark,” Oss commented.
“I expected more after the weird arch,” Thorne piped up.
Justin remained silent. A quick glance showed, like me, he was keeping a wary eye on our surroundings.
We reached the house without incident only to discover the front door consisted of a marble slab with no doorknob. “Huh.”
“I got this.” Oss raised his hand.
I grabbed his wrist before he could touch anything. “I don’t think you should do that.”
“Why not?” Oss frowned.
“Because if this is indeed Torren’s workshop. He probably has a trap for anyone who isn’t a Gear Master. Let me try first.”
“Fair enough. I’m not trying to steal your thunder, Marbrey. This is your show all around.”
“Thanks.” I tried to hide my possessive vibe. I wasn’t very successful if the sideways glances were any indication. I placed my hand against the cold marble and braced myself.
“I am Marbrey Small, Gear Master, asking for entry.”
Nothing. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks. Maybe the door knew I was a fraud.
The others didn’t speak. I could feel them watching me. My face hot with shame.
“I’m an idiot.”
