Page 102

And then we’re falling.

We hit hard stone and we’re surrounded by mostly darkness.

“Where are we?” Dorothy asks.

Judging by the stillness, we’re alone, and when I sit up and my vision adjusts to the lack of light, shapes start to solidify, and I recognize the archway and the balcony beyond.

“You brought us back to the West’s castle.”

Dorothy rolls over, groaning. “I need to get better at sticking the landing.”

“You won’t hear me arguing that.”

I go to the nearest window and scan the castle’s surroundings and find it desolate.

“How long do you think we have before they figure out where we went?”

“The West’s castle isn’t exactly an inconspicuous place.”

“No. I suppose it’s not. I don’t even know why I brought us here.”

“You had a split second to make a decision using a power you barely understand. I’m not surprised you chose it.”

She climbs to her feet and straightens out her armor, then goes to the nearest chair and drops into it. There is defeat and exhaustion in her body language.

“Do you need to rest?” I ask her.

“I don’t know. I’ve barely slept. In Kansas, I went to bed at ten most nights knowing I needed good sleep to work on the farm, but I never questioned that. I should need sleep based on the hours I’ve been awake here, but I don’t feel physically tired. Mostly it’s mental fatigue and the crushing weight of what’s at stake.”

“Do you want to go after him?”

I don’t specify who, but really it could go either way: Blue or my brother.

“Yes,” she says quickly, and I admire how determined she is, despite the cost.

“He wasn’t lying about the spectacle.”

“He wants Oz to see his might.”

“Yes. And taking Blue, I think he’s baiting you to join the show.”

“I know but I don’t feel like I have a choice.”

“So how do you want to do it?”

She rests her elbow on the arm of the chair and places her head in her hand. “Do you think he’s keeping Toto at the Emerald Palace?”

“Probably? As valuable as your dog is, I imagine he’d keep him close.”

“And Gabriel?”

“Harder to say. He’s the baby of the family. I can see Glinda wanting to take him with her, but the Wizard has more say these days and he made it clear he wanted Gabriel.”

She turns her gaze to me. “I notice you don’t say his name.”

“Who?”

“Rook. But that’s the name I gave him. What’s his real name?”