He exited the platform and reclaimed his weapons and bag. “Why would Clymene send us to an abandoned station?”
I bit my tongue to keep from reminding him it would not be her first mistake. That was not important now. “I only hope we can leave.”
Tyrin turned in a circle. “The station is unmanned?”
“And vacant for some time.” I crossed the room to the terminal.
“Perhaps the Peace Council restricts its hours of operation since the location is so remote. I cannot imagine this station sees many visitors.”
The screen flickered to life as I approached. The crack that spider-webbed across the bottom left corner did not appear to affect its functionality. I scrolled through stations, wondering where to go next. Without seeing the sky, it was impossible to determine the direction the artifact pulled me.
A warning blazed across the display:Portal fatigue detected. Service unavailable for 10 hours and 36 minutes.
I swore.
“What is it?” Tyrin hurried to my side.
“We are stuck here until the fatigue wears off.” I stepped back, frustration clawing at my chest. The artifact pulsed in my awareness, taunting me with its distance and my failure.
“What exactly did Clymene say about this place?”
“I see a city. A city poisoned by man’s technology. That is where you will find your second chance.”
Tyrin stared at me, doubtlessly waiting for more, but I had nothing else to offer. “Second chance?” he asked.
I shrugged. It was not my problem, and I could not risk my life to uncover the mystery spoken by a seer who had previously failed my family.
I frowned at the machine, wishing I could force the location of the wolves from it. “It does not matter. We cannot tarry here any longer than necessary.”
“No.” Tyrin’s gaze roamed over the space, taking in the machines connected to teleportation platforms. They looked far older and more rudimentary than the equipment in the Seattle station. “I see no evidence of the Peace Council’s involvement with this station. There are no posted reminders that this is neutral territory.”
“Come, then.” I headed for the stairs that led up to theground level and the windows. “Let us find somewhere safe to bed down until the fatigue passes.”
We emerged from the edifice to survey our surroundings. Moonlight illuminated barren trees, crumbling structures, and an immense half-cylindrical metal construct in the distance. The air bore the taste of decay, and radiation clung to the back of my throat like a foul taste that refused to dissipate. Snow crunched beneath our bare feet, shattering the uncanny silence of the forsaken city. I would have ascended above the tree line to conduct a more thorough reconnaissance of our surroundings, yet I could not muster sufficient magic to even elevate myself from the ground. With a start, I realized that was not my sole limitation.
“Can you shift?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“No, m’lord. My magic is thoroughly depleted.”
“As is mine. What is that building across the way?” I pointed through the barren trees.
He squinted. “A tower block.” My expression must have revealed my ignorance, because he added, “Living quarters for several families.”
“It would provide an acceptable view of the portal station.”
“Indeed.”
Weapons in hand, we moved with deliberate care, our steps as light as we could manage, avoiding the frozen snow wherever possible. Some Tricari possessed the gift of soundless passage across any terrain, but neither gargoyles nor dragons were blessed with such stealth. Through patience and considerable effort, we reached the tower block and ascended the stairs without incident. With each floor we climbed, the stench of decay and mold grew more oppressive. Fearing for the structural integrity of the edifice, we dared not venture beyond the third story.
Each dwelling consisted of a kitchen, living quarters, and two bedchambers. By the time we selected the one affording the finest view of the portal station, exhaustion had so thoroughly claimed me that I feared I might collapse where I stood. It seemedunbelievable that I had awakened well-rested mere hours past. Portal lag was proving to be quite the formidable adversary.
Tyrin and I dug into our rations, desperate to recoup a modicum of energy.
“I’ll take the first watch,” he announced once we finished.
I opened my mouth to argue, but he dipped his head and added, “M’lord.”
My duty weighed heavily on my shoulders. I required rest. My people depended on my safe return, but the matter extended beyond mere obligation. The wolves had teleported elsewhere, and it was imperative that I divine their location. I could conceive of but one method to do so.
