Adriana had likewise brightened and dipped her head regally. “Good morning, Mage DeLuca.” She didn’t thank him for the compliment because, as I said, she expects them.
Bruno squatted down by the two shells and carefully ran his hands over the small casting circles that still vibrated around them. “Honestly, I was going to call you back and cancel because I thought you were overreacting … until the news report. Now I’m glad I rented a fast car.”
He must have seen my brow furrow, because he motioned toward the television with his chin. “You should probably take a look while I get these shells ready to travel.”
I hadn’t realized we were taking the shells with us, but I reached for the remote. Adriana turned in her seat with raised brows. A click of the remote made sirens blare and filled the room with flashes of red and green lights. The camera was trained on the rift, which had tripled in size and was pressing against one edge of the barrier.
Oh, fuck a duck.
“That’s the scene at the prison this morning, Tamara. Federal, state, and private mages from all over the world have begun to arrive to shore up the hastily crafted barrier around the rift.”
Bruno let out a little grumble. “It was
“We spoke with the FBI situation commander earlier today.”
Rizzoli appeared on the screen.
“Agent Rizzoli, can you explain what we’re seeing?
I could tell he thought it was a stupid question. I mean, one look and it was pretty obvious what we were seeing. But his facial expression remained calm and blank.
“David, the situation is getting critical. We’re working on solutions to close the rift, but right now our goal is to keep the public safe. The governor has activated the National Guard to keep the curious away and I’ve been informed the vice president is on her way to be briefed by the mages and warrior priests. We’re doing all we can and we would continue to ask the public to stay clear of the area so our people can work without distraction.”
The microphone was pressed closer and Rizzoli backed up slightly. “Are any evacuations planned for nearby cities?”
Crap. That was just what we
Adriana dipped her head but kept her eyes on the screen. I wondered if she was seeing the fall of Atlantis again as the details from the scrolls she’d read started coming to life. “Yes. Fortunately, once I explained my vision to Mother, she agreed it was best for everyone involved for Okalani to aid us. She’ll be here shortly.” Hmm. Adriana had had to appeal to the queen for Okalani’s services? I wondered if Okalani’s mother had petitioned the queen to stop using her daughter as a royal taxi service. Couldn’t really blame her, but teleportation is a damned handy ability. I bet Adriana had spent a good part of the hour before Bruno arrived talking to Lopaka.
I turned my head back to the television, realizing I had missed whatever Rizzoli had said about the cities. “What did he say about evacuations?”
“None planned at this time.” Bruno had lowered the circles around the shells and was putting them into a thin nylon duffel bag he must have pulled out of a pocket, because he hadn’t walked in carrying it. “But they’re keeping their options open and asked people to keep the radio on for further announcements.” He stood up. “So who’s Okalani? Helicopter pilot? That’s probably the only way we’re going to get to Arkansas in time.”
Adriana and I both smiled, but I answered, “Of a sort.”
And that was the cue. There was a knock on the door and I got up to answer it. I was surprised to see both Okalani and her mother standing outside. Normally, Okalani pops directly into the room. I opened the door and waved them inside. “Good morning, Okalani. Good morning—” I realized I didn’t know her mother’s name. Well, crap.
My cousin came to the rescue. She stood and walked over to touch the woman’s hand. “Thank you for allowing us to utilize your daughter’s time, Laka.”
Laka didn’t seem happy about it. “The queen explained we have little choice. Is it true what they say about another demonic rift?”
I pointed toward the television. Both newcomers’ eyes went wide and they were drawn into the living room to stare at the black, star-filled gash against the bright blue morning sky. Creatures with wings and horns and various colors of scales and fur were prowling inside the barrier—occasionally throwing themselves against the magical border only to be thrown back or burned up by the holy magic. “Merciful waters…,” Laka whispered with both terror and awe in her voice. “Is there no stopping it?”
Adriana was standing beside her, likewise staring at the screen. “We have found what we believe are the Millennium Horns and our hope is our trip today will uncover the instructions on how to use them. You can see why speed is critical.”
Laka’s awed face turned slack jawed. Her voice trembled when she spoke: “You’ve found the horns? May I see them? My grandmother twice removed was born on Atlantis and lived there for a few years before her family moved to Serenity. We have stories handed down of Queen Eris the Just.”
The way she said it was like “King Richard the Lionhearted”—a description so strong, so revered, it became part of the actual name.
Bruno unslung the duffel from his shoulder. “Don’t see why not. In fact, it might not be a bad idea for you both to try blowing them. Especially if you come from an Atlantean line.”
That was a really good point and Adriana’s eyes lit up. “Your mind is sharp, mage. I should call my mother and have her put out the call for those of Atlantean lineage. It may be that one of such birth is required to sound the king conch.”
I raised a finger. “How about we go onto the porch for that?”
Bruno looked a little chagrined as he headed toward the door with us right behind. “Really, we had no idea that would happen, Celie.”
“It was as much my fault as yours, but I don’t see any reason to repeat the mistake. It’s going to be a bad enough day without burning down the house.”
* * *
It turned out to be overreaction, because not a sound was produced. I could tell that frustrated Laka. I think she would have liked to be
“It is time,” Adriana announced as Bruno was putting the shells back in the bag. “We must go. Now.”
“Except we still have no idea
She walked the few steps until she was next to Okalani and touched her arm. The girl’s eyes looked vacant for a long moment and then she nodded. “I think so. At least, I can get us close.”
Bruno said, “Okay. I’ll drive. Where are we go—” My stomach lurched violently and I felt woozy. “—ing?”
The scenery had changed. We were standing on a narrow sidewalk several feet off the ground. On my right a chipped and worn staircase led down to a paved road, and on my left I saw a row of turn-of-the-century brick buildings. I turned to Adriana. “Fool’s Rush, Arkansas?”
She nodded. “I used the computer in your room to look at world satellite images. I couldn’t see the precise building, but there weren’t many restaurants in town. This seemed the most likely.”
The sign painted on a wide, pale blue wood panel read:
Cute. And probably true in a town this small.
Bruno sounded seriously impressed when he looked down at the pretty teen: “That’s a serious talent you have, young lady. There aren’t many people who can teleport groups. Every agency in the world will want to snap you up when you’re old enough.”
Okalani beamed, but Laka lowered her chin and raised her brows. “
Bruno rushed to mollify the older woman: “Of course. She’s too young right now. But I do hope you’ll find someone to help her develop that ability. I could give you a few names of instructors.”
Okalani touched her mother’s arm with excitement. “Could I, Mom? I’d love to know more about how my gift
