A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne…until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

chapter four.

2

Brie,

3

as I storm down the trail, I'm

so angry, it's hard to see, and

4

I'm forced to stop, calm down.

5

I command myself.

6

You've got to make it to

Vita's without being seen.

7

Slipping through the woods is something

I'm good at, but I can't do it like this.

8

After a few calming

breaths, I make a decision.

9

I'll stay off the trail.

10

It's slower but safer.

11

Resigned.

12

I set off again.

13

Still not believing.

14

I'm about to leave the Norwood.

15

I step over a log and jump a route.

16

Nona never considers how I feel.

17

It's like I don't exist.

18

I glance at the sky hoping to

see grim, but he isn't there.

19

On a normal day, he would be, but

this isn't a normal day, he it.

20

I begin to pick up speed.

21

My foot is tender, but I welcome the pain.

22

Anything to divert my attention

from what's happening.

23

moving so quickly isn't wise.

24

While I can do it for the short term,

if I keep it up, my foot will swell

25

and walking will become painful.

26

But right now I don't care.

27

I've been scrambling through the

undergrowth for a good distance.

28

When I stumble over a vine and

fall putting a gash in my knee, in

29

frustration, I rip up the offending

plant and begin shredding it.

30

After a moment, I stop realizing

I've never seen the vine before.

31

It's really quite beautiful with delicate

red veins running through bright leaves.

32

I drop what's left.

33

It's not the plant's fault as

usual, it was my own pathetic foot.

34

I start to feel sorry for

myself, not because I'm lame,

35

but because I feel so alone.

36

It's my same old lament.

37

How different would my life

be if I knew my parents?

38

I've begged Nona to tell me about them,

but I always get the same stubborn answer.

39

I promised not to say until you were 18.

40

As the familiar reply comes to

mind, I blink realizing I've

41

missed something important.

42

Since we are leaving the Norwood

early, does that mean Nona will tell

43

me about my parents early as well?

44

The inkling of hope gets me

to my feet and moving again.

45

The sun is overhead When I

arrive, I rush past the gem pit

46

where Vita's Sun Gray is working.

47

He waves, but as usual, I

don't acknowledge his presence.

48

He has the essence of a mole.

49

At one time, I thought of him

as a laughing sheep dog, but

50

two years ago I changed my mind.

51

His father, big Zach, has

called him Gray from the day

52

he was born, owing to his eyes.

53

He could have called him

red on account of his hair.

54

But gray's eyes are, well, They

make me think of rain clouds

55

with sunlight around the edges.

56

They snort in disgust.

57

Mole eyes are useless.

58

At the dugout, I burst through

the door Vita, whose essence is

59

that of a mother hen is seated at

the largest loom in the Norwood.

60

The wunk of the harnesses sliding

past each other and the Zeus

61

of the shuttle and the thunk.

62

Thunk of the beater bar reminds

me of the years I played

63

with gray in this very room.

64

Hard to believe.

65

I don't even speak to the mole anymore.

66

I must look harried as I stand in the

doorway because Vita jumps to her feet

67

and demands to know what's happened.

68

before I can speak big,

Zach steps in behind me.

69

Zach has the essence of

a grizzled black bear.

70

Without hesitation, he puts

his arms around my shoulders

71

and I relax into his embrace.

72

I wish not for the first

time that he was my father.

73

A moment later, gray enters the

room, mumbling about knowing there

74

was trouble by the look on my face.

75

So he presumes to know me so well.

76

Does he?

77

Everyone waits for me

to speak, but I can't.

78

Big Zach seeing my distress

leads me to a chair.

79

I drop my staff on the floor and sit.

80

with a stride across the dugout.

81

Zach fetches a kettle from the hearth

and pours a mug of chamomile tea.

82

Take your time.

83

He says, handing it to me.

84

I close my eyes and breathe in

the soothing scent while the day's

85

events flash through my mind.

86

I'm startled as I remember the ruby.

87

with all that's happened.

88

I actually forgot about it.

89

The really distressing

part is I never told Nona.

90

But when did I have time?

91

Everything happened too fast.

92

embarrassed to share my folly.

93

I skip any mention of the stone

and start my story with finding

94

the dragons in the forest.

95

Vita cries as I explain

what happened to Fremont.

96

Big.

97

Zach tries to comfort her.

98

Grace sits on the floor,

head on his knees.

99

Shoulders shaking when I'm done.

100

It's silent Eventually Vida

wipes her apron across her face.

101

And stands when will Nona leave?

102

She demands I am surprised

by her abruptness.

103

I'm not sure.

104

As soon as we get back,

I suppose we'll tell her.

105

It will take us a day to settle

our affairs here, Vita says, but

106

assure her we'll be on our way soon.

107

Where are you going?

108

I ask in surprise.

109

It's all part of the plan.

110

Nona will explain.

111

Vita puts her hands on my shoulders.

112

I want you to listen to me.

113

I know you think of yourself as

a little bird, but I'm of the

114

opinion that you are a Raven.

115

Ravens are known for

their smarts and daring.

116

She drops down before me.

117

I've seen you do anything

you put your mind to.

118

You can make this trek.

119

I glance away knowing I'm no Raven.

120

Avita goes on.

121

If anyone gives you flack about

your foot, you tell them to stow it.

122

Do you understand?

123

I nod.

124

Weekly, she throws her arms around

me and squeezes hard before rushing.

125

Out of the dugout.

126

Big Zach stands and clears his throat.

127

Tell Nona that Gray and I will

be up to dig Fremont's grave.

128

But if she wants anything said over

the body, she'll need to do it herself.

129

I'm not one for words.

130

With a pat on my shoulder, he

follows his wife out the door.

131

It takes me a moment to realize

I've been left alone with the mole.

132

The last time we spoke

was over two years ago.

133

That was the worst day

of my life until today.

134

Of course.

135

The Mole is 18 and I've known him for as

long as I can remember When he grew out

136

of pulling my hair and otherwise torturing

me, we became friends, best friends.

137

We used to meet up in the woods

whenever we could escape our chores.

138

He frequently brought me gifts, wild

berries, a butterfly, a small crystal.

139

The last day we spoke, he tucked

a pheasant feather into the end

140

of my braid, sending a tingle

of happiness down my spine.

141

At the time, I thought, well, I thought

our friendship would go on forever.

142

Then things changed.

143

Nona pulled gray aside and told him that

we were growing up and that he should go

144

home and not come back until I was 18.

145

18.

146

I was shocked and expected gray to argue.

147

But he didn't.

148

Instead he said things, things I never

thought my best friend would say.

149

I ran when I heard his words ran and ran.

150

Finally, my foot gave out

and I fell to the ground.

151

I ripped the feather from my

braid and shredded it while I

152

swore never to trust him again.

153

Since that day, I ignore gray

whenever I see him though.

154

I did notice how he flirted with the

other girls at the fall gathering.

155

but I don't care.

156

He stands now and I'm surprised

at how tall he's gotten.

157

His red hair almost touches the rafters,

and I'm reminded of a puppy that's

158

grown into his paws without warning, he

pulls me out of the chair into a hug.

159

I stand stiff smelling

wood smoke and sweat.

160

The sprout of hair on his

chin brushes my forehead.

161

Hey Raven.

162

I'm sorry we haven't seen

each other for a while.

163

He says into the top of my

head, but you know how Nona is.

164

It's too much.

165

Everything that's happened today and

now Gray acting like, like he never

166

said those things and calling me Raven.

167

I know he just got it from his ma.

168

Still, it's too horrible to bear.

169

I break from his grasp and reach down

to pick up my staff, but running so

170

hard has caused my foot to swell.

171

I stumble and fall to my knees.

172

Gray tries to help me, but I push

him away using my staff as a walking

173

stick, I stagger out the door.

174

Raven Gray calls after me, but I hurry

across the yard without acknowledging him.

175

When I get to the woods, I'm

shaking with humiliation.

176

Why did my foot act up in front of gray?

177

I should have known better than

to trust the wretched thing.

178

I try releasing my boot for

support, but it doesn't help.

179

This is going to be a painful walk home.

180

It's mid-afternoon and my

pace has slowed to a hobble.

181

By the time I reach the

dugout, Nona won't be happy.

182

I could have pushed it and gotten

home faster, But Nona is the one who

183

always insists I take care of my foot.

184

Not doing so could lead to infection

or possibly amputation a fact.

185

I'm never allowed to forget.

186

As I enter the yard, I notice two

large bundles next to the door.

187

The chicken coop is open, and the

goats Nona tried so hard to save,

188

have been scattered, things that

were once important don't matter now.

189

Everything has changed.

190

The realization makes my heart ache.

191

I leave my staff in its customary

place over the door and step inside.

192

As usual.

193

It's dark except for a few

embers in the fireplace.

194

I can just make out a quilt

in the middle of the floor.

195

My knees go weak when I realize

that Nona has sewed the quilt

196

closed around Fremont's body.

197

How does she always know what to do?

198

You are home.

199

I jump at the sound of Nona's

voice coming from the darkness I

200

was about to go looking for you.

201

And don't you think I

can take care of myself?

202

Nona doesn't answer my question.

203

Instead, she asks one of her own.

204

Where's the stone?

205

Chapter five, Brie.

206

The stone, my shoulder slump, and I

resolved to tell Nona as fast as possible.

207

I found the ruby while looking

for the crock of lineman.

208

I say I just wanted to see what it was.

209

I planned on putting it right back.

210

Nona's brows go up and my

heart sinks to my knees.

211

I stepped towards a stool to sit down,

but almost trip over Fremont's body.

212

I gasp.

213

How could I have forgotten he was there?

214

Go on.

215

Nona says her voice soft but resolute.

216

I blurt what happened?

217

Nona's face changes from its usual

stoic expression to a look of despair.

218

She drops into a chair

and rubs her temples.

219

After a moment she speaks

we'll stay until morning.

220

When Grim comes for his breakfast,

we'll follow him back to his roost.

221

There's a chance we'll

find the ruby there.

222

I'm flooded with relief.

223

If anyone can get the

stone back, it's Nona.

224

I drop to my knees before her.

225

Where did the Ruby come from?

226

No size after all these years.

227

I'd like nothing better than

to tell you child, but I can't.

228

Why I groan.

229

You know why?

230

Just as I promised not to speak of your

parents until you turned 18, I also

231

promise not to say how I came by the ruby.

232

My promise is a solemn vow.

233

I drop my head to Nona's knees,

tired of never getting any answers.

234

She strokes my hair and I relax some.

235

Of course, you already know

where the Ruby came from.

236

My head shoots up.

237

I do not.

238

Don't you remember your lessons

about the jewels of Tambor?

239

Yes.

240

I say tentatively it's tradition for

the queen to wear a crown adorned

241

with special jewels on her coronation.

242

Nona nods.

243

that's right.

244

For centuries.

245

The queen of tambor have been

crowned with a woven circlet of gold.

246

The jewels dangle from the circlet on

golden cords, Nona trails her fingers down

247

the side of her face to her shoulders.

248

This is to remind the queen to listen.

249

She touches her ear with compassion.

250

She touches her heart.

251

horse feathers.

252

I mumble.

253

How can a queen listen with her heart?

254

Nona goes on.

255

When the queen is in tune with the jewels,

she is the link between the hesperian and

256

the people, but things have gone awry.

257

I squirm at the mention of the hesperian.

258

I'm convinced the whisper, as I call

it, doesn't exist over the last century.

259

Nona says The historian's priestesses

have been driven from the land, but at

260

least the various queens have always

worn the circlet with its dangling gems,

261

preserving the historian's influence.

262

Unfortunately, the late queen

was so enamored with the latest

263

fashions that she didn't bother

to wear the outdated circlet.

264

Nona shakes her head.

265

Now, there are only a handful of us

who remember the Hesperian at all.

266

Most people have turned their attention

to the blood rituals of the snake gods.

267

She pauses.

268

When I first came across the Ruby,

I didn't know what it was, but

269

I had an insatiable urge to find

out, so that's why you accost.

270

Every traveler that walks our coast,

I say you're fishing for information,

271

known as eyes twinkle.

272

I don't accost anyone.

273

You wouldn't let the last traveler

sleep until he told you some legend

274

about a golden city where children

played with gems in the street.

275

I remember because I sat

wrapped in a rabbit skin blanket

276

wishing I could go to bed.

277

Nona nods.

278

Yes, there are many

versions of that story.

279

I listen to them all because once in a

while I find a glimmer of new information.

280

She holds up a finger, but

this is the important part.

281

The people didn't live in a golden

city because they were rich.

282

They were rich because everyone in the

city was in tune with the hesperian and

283

they were in tune because they heeded

the gentle vibrations of the jewels.

284

That's why the whole province was

eventually lifted into the heavens,

285

away from the cares of this world.

286

Nona looks me hard in the face

as if willing me to understand.

287

the eight most powerful stones were left

behind to teach those still on earth

288

how to become in tune with the hesperian,

thus leading them to joy and prosperity.

289

And you think these eight stones were

passed down in the queen's crown?

290

Yes.

291

Nona says, then she looks pensive

As if deciding how much to say

292

there are certain influential

people working in secret who

293

don't want anyone to feel the his.

294

They call themselves the order.

295

Their greatest desire is to rid

the country of light and goodness.

296

All that truly makes people happy.

297

As darkness increases, so does their

ability to dominate and control.

298

Thus they yearn to destroy the

jewels, but since that's impossible,

299

they've locked them away.

300

This tactic has all but succeeded

as tambor is slowly being

301

enveloped by a vine of darkness.

302

I'm sure no one would ever see the jewels

again if it weren't tradition for the

303

queen to wear the crown at her coronation.

304

Now I'm confused, but if

the gems are locked away.

305

How did you end up with one?

306

Nona lifts her chin.

307

They were pride from the crown and slipped

from the castle without anyone knowing.

308

I wait for her to go

on, but Nona is silent.

309

I know she won't explain more,

so I ask my next question.

310

If you need the jewels to

hear the whisper, why are you

311

always harping on me about it?

312

I don't have them.

313

Nona gives a tired exhale, and I wonder

if my mind was off wool gathering while

314

she was trying to teach this lesson.

315

You don't need the physical stones.

316

She says you only need to

understand their vibrations.

317

I was taught to hear the historian by my

mother, and I've tried to teach you, not

318

that you've come to appreciate it yet.

319

Her eyes bore intently into

mine before she goes on.

320

The problem is if we continue

passing down the lessons from

321

person to person, eventually the

meaning will become distorted.

322

That's why the actual

stones are important.

323

If people aren't constantly

reminded of the true vibrations, the

324

intent of the stones will be lost.

325

But.

326

Nona holds up her hand to stop me.

327

The jewels were left behind as a

means of recording the qualities.

328

Each person must tone in

order to feel the hesperian.

329

Unfortunately, not everyone is

able to sense the subtle vibrations

330

that requires a special talent.

331

Thus, the royal bloodline was

chosen to take the throne.

332

They have a natural ability

to feel the jewels and pass

333

the lessons onto the people.

334

That's why it's imperative

the queen wear the crown.

335

But Nona, what does any of

this have to do with us?

336

Nona looks at her hands before speaking.

337

Without the Hesperian

evil is enveloping tambor.

338

I believe Lord Reagan, thorn

as a zealous member of the

339

order is spreading that evil.

340

If he isn't stopped, the Norwood and

all of Tambor will be under his control.

341

Slowly, the reality of Nona's

words sink in If I hadn't just

342

witnessed Reagan thorn's handiwork,

I wouldn't have believed it.

343

Now for the first time, I understand why

Nona planned our trick through Tambor.

344

You want us to find the jewels, don't you?

345

Nona leans forward exactly.

346

But how will we know where to look?

347

The Hesperian will guide us.

348

Nona says, with conviction,

I stare at her in disbelief.

349

That's it.

350

All we have are some feelings from

the Hesperian, Nona frowns, If that's

351

all we had, it would be enough.

352

But as it turns out, I've

been gathering information.

353

She picks up a large leather

envelope, resting on the table

354

beside her, and releases a loop of

sinew from an abalone button gently.

355

She opens the flap and

removes a worn parchment.

356

I recall she bought it

from a Banjara pedler.

357

It took every last shackle we had

earned from selling goat cheese.

358

I was furious.

359

What good is a parchment

written in the ancient language?

360

It took Nona a month even

with her LXi glass of word

361

translations to decipher the thing.

362

This holds the most information I found.

363

Nona says, running a hand lightly over

the ancient text, it explains the power of

364

the jewels and how to hear their message.

365

They speak, I ask Sarcastically

no, Nona says with a pointed look.

366

Each stone radiates its

own essence, if you will.

367

They help you hear the His by Nona

looks around as if searching

368

for a suitable explanation by

adjusting your heartstrings.

369

I roll my eyes, Nona ignores me.

370

It's like Fremont using a

pitch pipe to tune his fiddle.

371

And you think the whisper, I mean the

hesperian will make Reagan thorn go away.

372

I ask with a scoff known as eyes flash,

it'll take some work on our part.

373

But yes, I believe the Hesper can root

out the evil plaguing this country.

374

I cross my arms.

375

No, no.

376

Looks down at the parchment.

377

Brie, I'm sorry.

378

This isn't the way I

planned for things to go.

379

She shakes her head.

380

We should have gone on this search

months ago, but I wanted you to have

381

more time to strengthen your foot and

of course to finish your education.

382

I'm still trying to take this

all in when Nona goes on.

383

With the queen dead, I'm certain

Reagan Thorn has realized

384

that the stones are missing.

385

We've got to find them and get to ultan.

386

Before the coronation of a new

Queen, Reagan thorn can't be allowed

387

to put a puppet on the throne.

388

With the jewels in proper hands, the

order will shrink back to obscurity.

389

Tambor will be safe.

390

What if we can't get

the ruby back from Grim?

391

I ask there's concern on Nona's

face, but she purses her lips.

392

if we can't retrieve the ruby, we'll

just have to remember how it feels.

393

Will that help?

394

Of course, Nona closes her eyes

and holds her hands out before

395

her as if the ruby rests in them.

396

The essence starts in your chest and

radiates outward with a red hot light.

397

It's about passion and a zest for life.

398

It balances the concerns of the heart and

gives you confidence in your convictions.

399

When her eyes open, there's a

sparkle that wasn't there before.

400

I know she won't like my next

question, but I have to ask,

401

What did the jewels have to do with

my parents known as Face Falls?

402

Oh, Brie, do you have

to make this so hard?

403

I feel a P of guilt, but don't take

back my question known as size.

404

You know more about your

parents than you realize.

405

She places a palm to the side of my face.

406

Think on the things you were taught

with time you will understand.

407

I blink in confusion.

408

That's not true.

409

I don't know anything.

410

I'm about to demand an explanation.

411

When shouts echo from the

forest, I jump to my feet.

412

The dragons have returned.

413

Chapter six, Brie known as stands as she

listens to the sound of men in the forest.

414

I think they're coming this way.

415

She whispers

416

With a step to the door.

417

She cracks it just enough to

let in the late afternoon sun.

418

It's clear.

419

Let's go.

420

We each grab a staff and a

bundle, then run for the woods

421

like rabbits, dashing for safety.

422

I start down the forest trail,

but Nona grabs my arm and

423

points to a giant cypress.

424

I can't imagine what she's thinking.

425

Then it dawns on me.

426

She's holding out for the ruby.

427

I hurry to the weathered

trunk and pull myself up.

428

I'm good at climbing trees, though I've

learned the hard way that I'm lousy at

429

climbing other things such as C Cliffs?

430

Nona scrambles up behind me.

431

Most people would think an

old woman couldn't climb so

432

well, but they don't know.

433

My Nona.

434

In the crook of a wind warped branch,

we find a secure place to sit.

435

The scaled needles of the

old Cyprus envelop us.

436

It's only by leaning forward and peering

through a small hole in the foliage that

437

I can see the yard below creeping up.

438

The trunk next to me is a

tendril of the same red vine

439

I tripped over earlier today.

440

How strange that I've

never noticed it before.

441

We haven't been seated

for more than a minute.

442

When Reagan thorn comes over

the hill, he is followed by

443

two dragons and four soldiers.

444

Nona tenses beside me.

445

it's all right.

446

I tell myself there isn't any

reason for them to look up,

447

and if they do, it's doubtful.

448

We could be seen through the greenery.

449

Without so much as a knock three of

the soldiers barge into the dugout.

450

There's the distinct sound of

crashing books and a volley of curses

451

After a moment, a soldier calls.

452

No one's here.

453

My Lord

454

Reagan Thorn is scowling.

455

When grim arrives flapping to a tree

on the far side of the yard, I catch a

456

glint of red in his beak and almost gasp.

457

Does he still have the ruby?

458

It's rare, but he has returned with pilfer

objects before Nona and I exchange a look.

459

A foul smile spreads across Reagan thorn's

face I want to yell at grim to fly away,

460

but of course I don't make a sound.

461

Find me some food.

462

Reagan thorn commands, one of the

soldiers hurries into the dugout

463

and returns with a braid of garlic.

464

Reagan Thorn doesn't look

impressed with the man's choice,

465

but he waves the garlic at grim.

466

Nonetheless, grim clucks deep in

his throat, making a sound akin

467

to a stick, hitting a hollow log.

468

It means he's curious.

469

You want it?

470

Come and get it.

471

Reagan thorn throws the braid

towards the base of the tree.

472

Grim flies down to look it

over, and I see the ruby.

473

I wonder if he'll drop

it, but he holds it fast.

474

While hopping around the garlic, I

watch Reagan Thorn watching Grim.

475

Find me something we can use as a net.

476

Reagan thorn calls one of the

soldiers scrambles to obey.

477

A minute later, he returns with the

quilt off our bed, the commotion sends

478

grim fluttering back to his tree.

479

I give a silent cheer.

480

Ile Reagan, thorn, bellows,

glaring at the soldier.

481

The man goes pale and the reddish

brown ink on his neck stands out like

482

a raven caught in a chicken coop.

483

Reagan thorn turns away with a quivering

lip, get the blanket ready to throw.

484

He orders Removing his jacket.

485

Reagan thorn tosses it over a garden

stool and rolls up his shirt sleeves.

486

my eyes are drawn to

the ink on his forearm.

487

It looks like a moon symbol,

but not one of the standard 12.

488

I'm familiar with Two smiling lines found

in all moon symbols look like nesting

489

bowls and denote the crescent moon

490

Within the bowl is usually a

motif such as a lightning bolt for

491

August, or a flower bud for April.

492

But this symbol has two lines

drawn in a V with a jewel wedged,

493

like a chalk stone in the middle.

494

I can't think of anything it could

represent while I squint at the symbol.

495

The four soldiers tie rocks

in the corners of the quilt.

496

Reagan thorn tries again to entice

grim out of the tree with the garlic.

497

But grim isn't interested.

498

At length, Reagan Thorn reaches

into a pouch at his waist and

499

removes a gold coin with a grin.

500

He flashes the coin in the

sun, grim clucks deep in his

501

throat, and Reagan thorn snes.

502

You like this, don't you?

503

He flashes the coin again.

504

Are you ready?

505

Reagan Thorn asked the men behind him.

506

Yes, my Lord.

507

Good throw on my command.

508

The soldiers look apprehensive,

but stand prepared.

509

Each man holding a corner of the

quilt, Reagan thorn, tosses the coin.

510

It spins through a shaft of sunlight.

511

Grim flies for it at the same instant.

512

Now.

513

Reagan Thorn shouts.

514

The soldiers fling.

515

The quilt Grim makes a gallant swerve.

516

For a moment, I think he'll escape,

but the quilt catches him within

517

inches of freedom and forces

him to the ground horrified.

518

I slap a hand over my mouth

to keep from crying out.

519

Reagan thorn strides to the base

of the tree and collects the

520

ruby from where Grim dropped it.

521

He examines the stone and his

lips curl without warning.

522

He throws his arms in the air.

523

On the next full moon, I'll

become the great Corvex Corona.

524

What is he talking about?

525

Corvex Corona sounds like a word

from the ancient language, though

526

I've never heard it before.

527

Nona leans close and whispers in my ear.

528

We've only a month to find the stones.

529

I blink somehow.

530

Reagan thorn's announcement has

told Nona when the coronation of the

531

puppet queen will take place, find

the woman and the girl Reagan thorn,

532

snarls, and secure that bird as well.

533

Nona puts her mouth to my ear.

534

We will run at the first chance we get.

535

I can't help feeling guilty.

536

Nona and I should have left just

after I returned, and we would

537

have if I hadn't lost the ruby.

538

This is all my fault as a soldier.

539

Ties grim.

540

Tightly in the quilt.

541

Reagan thorn marches into the dugout.

542

Books began to fly out the door.

543

I assume he's looking for more jewels.

544

The men scatter searching

the forest for us.

545

Nona and I sit motionless After an

eternity, Reagan thorn exits the dugout.

546

His eyes are furious.

547

He didn't find what he was looking for.

548

Grim still struggling to escape the quilt.

549

Lets out a Squawk.

550

Reagan thorn's, lips turn to a hard smile.

551

You've done well my friend.

552

I only need one jewel to prove my power.

553

The rest will come with a

dramatic sweep of his arm.

554

Reagan thorn scoops up grim

and marches over the hill.

555

I.