The trees rustled behind us. Turning around, I caught a glimpse of whirling fire before it sailed over my head.
Seraphim’s blood scythe impaled itself by Phaedrus’ feet. She marched toward us, a second scythe gripped in her off hand. “Here you are,” she growled.
Holding up his hands, Phaedrus glanced at the scythe. “Two scythes are a bit much, sister. It’s not practical.”
The scythe by Phaedrus’ boots flew from the ground,returning to Seraphim’s outstretched hand. “We’re out of the trials—there’s no more reason to keep you alive.”
Percy chased after Seraphim, clutching his hat to his head. “Who are we attacking? What’s going on?” He glanced first at me, then Phaedrus. “Never mind. Carry on.”
“Wait.” I stepped in front of Phaedrus. “We could use his help, Seraphim.”
“We don’t need it,” she snapped.
“But we do. You heard Seth—the entire country is going to bar our path. We’d be idiots to turn away aid.”
Phaedrus put a hand on my shoulder, stepping out from behind my guard. “I was going to suggest the same. We share a destination—and will face the same opposition.”
Grip on her scythe wavering, Seraphim narrowed her eyes. “Why should I trust you? So you can slit our throats in the night?”
“I’m not an idiot, Sera. I could never get you all before someone woke up.” He spread his hands. “How about this? I’ll keep my mind open for your psyche. Would that be enough?”
Percy shifted from foot to foot. “He has a point. Chthonicsarenice to have around.”
Seraphim furrowed her brow at him. “Didn’t you once say one chthonic was more than enough?”
“Well, Seth is my friend, so he doesn’t count. And you’reyou, so you don’t count.” Percy tapped his fingers. “That only adds up to one.”
I chuckled softly. Percy was simple.
A fifth voice joined our argument. “I think an alliance would be prudent.”
Colors splashed to life beside me as a canvas formed above the sand. The Oracle stepped from its embrace, waving a hand to dismiss the portal behind her. Clasping her hands on the stomach of her silken gown, she smiled at me.
Dropping her scythe, Seraphim lowered her guard. “Forgive my earlier insults. You came through.”
“I don’t blame your hesitance. I need the crown to believe I am one of them.”
“Why?” Percy asked.
“Because she’s working with the insurgency,” Seraphim said. “She’s their ally on the inside.”
The Oracle smiled. “For now, everything is going to plan. No witnesses saw my canvas. They presume escape was one of your doing.”
“Good,” Seraphim said. “We could use your help.” She grabbed her injured arm, as if only just remembering it. “We’re much further north than before.”
“We’re near the city of Ma’at. I thought it would be the safest place to regroup.”
“I sure hope so.” Percy rubbed his elbow, flinching. “We haven’t stopped to rest since . . . since we started walking, back in Ikaria.”
Worried, I tilted my head, listening to Percy’s thoughts. His illness was acting up, and he hurt more than he let on. Without proper rest and care, his degeneration would accelerate.
“Wait.” I studied Cerys’ face. “Where are Aethra and Seth?”
She sighed. “I had to dismiss my spell before someone saw. Seth’s subconscious affected it before the magic faded. I think it took them to Naunet.”
“Why?” Percy asked. “Seth like that place or something?’
“Because his dog was there.”
