“We weren’t,” Severn said.
“Terrano has been. But they are all facing different tests in their attempt to move forward. And we can’t know for certain that those who failed the test did so at the hands of the Adversary. It is possible they were trapped—are trapped—within the Tower itself, unable to either move forward or go back.”
This had never occurred to Kaylin, and she didn’t like the odds.
The wall beneath the Consort’s hand was no longer a wall. It was, as Kaylin had suspected it would be, a portal.
Spike whirred, but the warning wasn’t necessary. No one moved to enter the portal itself, not even the Consort, who had, in theory, opened the way. She glanced at Kaylin. Kaylin transferred the silent question to Hope, whose wings were spread and high.
“You suspect that this is where the breach occurred?” he asked. Kaylin repeated his question, wondering why the squawks were audible and the words were not. She lifted a hand before he could answer. If there was an answer, now was not the time for it.
“If it is possible for infiltration to occur here, we are in far more danger than even I realized,” the Consort replied. “But I know of no other way to reach the Adversary. Those who have already passed the Tower’s test can return to its end—but it has been our belief that the permission of either the High Lord or the Consort is explicitly required. And this,” she added, “is the proof of that requirement.”
“It’s a portal,” Kaylin not very helpfully pointed out.
“Yes.”
“Sedarias’s sister—”
Teela cleared her throat.
“Sorry. The Barrani who attacked Alsanis in an attempt to stop the cohort from taking this test. Better? Those Barrani didn’t attack from the front door, or even the back door, if there is one. They came to Alsanis through the portal paths, and they entered thosefromthe outlands. If they’ve figured out how to do that...”
“Yes.”
“Was there no other way to confirm thisbeforethey started their test?” If Kaylin could have unsaid the words, she would have—practically before she’d finished them. Of course there was, but it involved great risk to the Consort, and a very clear signal to the Adversary—or his allies—of the Consort’s intent.
“We cannot be certain now.”
You can, a familiar voice said. Nightshade’s. It was grim, as grim as Teela’s had become.They have been searching the outlands for a way into the High Halls.
Kaylin didn’t ask him how he knew. Instead, she said,And you’re in the outlands.
Perceptive. I will attempt to meet you.
Annarion was not going to be happy. Kaylin thought the Consort, however, might be. “Spike.”
“Lord Kaylin.”
“Where does this path currently lead us?”
He whirred and clicked, processing the question, or at least processing the answers, most of which might not be relevant for people who weren’t Spike or Hope. When he finally answered, he was as hesitant as Kaylin had ever heard him. “It leads to the Adversary you wish to face. You cannot see him?”
“I can see a dark, black splotch surrounded by pale, luminescent gray.”
“That isallyou can see?”
“Yes. I’m human. Severn?”
“I see what you see.” So did the rest of the Barrani. Only the Consort failed to answer the implied question.
“I do not believe,” Spike said when he had processed the answers, “that you will be safe. Ah, no. I do not believe that you are the only beings of your stature to occupy this passage or this space. Do you wish me to scout?”
Kaylin said yes. Hope, however, said no. Spike stuttered as Kaylin changed her answer, aware of the fact that everyone was now waiting on her, some less patiently than others.
“There’s a possibility,” she finally said, “that Nightshade will join us.”
Silence.
