Page 33 of The Princess of Portals

“What is it?” I asked Ansel.

“My graduation project,” he replied.

There was a flash of pride in his tired eyes. He’d obviously been working overtime on this project.

“What does it do?” I asked.

“It’s a surprise.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

I glanced back at Kato. He stood there, framed inside the door, looking very menacing. At least he didn’t have his helmet on, but he did have it ready, along with his sword. Just in case.

Ansel stole an anxious glance at Kato, apprehensive, then whispered to me, “Is he going to stand there the whole time?”

“Yes, of course. That’s what he does.” Killjoy joined us from one of the back rooms, looking totally relaxed.

Ansel looked at Kato again.

“Don’t mind him,” I said. “He’s not here for you. He’s here for the bad guys he’s convinced will burst out of the walls to attack me.”

Killjoy chuckled. “Does that sort of thing happen to you a lot, Savannah?”

“More than I’d like.” Kato and I both said the words at the same time.

Killjoy chuckled again. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“We need to speak to you.” Kato’s gaze cut past Killjoy to Ansel and he added, “Alone.”

Ansel didn’t need to be told twice. “I’ll finish up later. Thanks for the help, Killjoy. See you around, Savannah.” Ansel dipped his hand to me, then expertly pivoted his wheelchair around and coasted out of the room.

Now it was just Kato, Killjoy, and I.

Killjoy turned to me, smiling. “What can I do for my favorite Apprentice?”

I showed him my knee.

His smile faded. “You just can’t stay out of trouble, can you?” He pointed at one of the cots. “Sit.”

I sat. Killjoy traced glowing magenta symbols over my leg with his finger. Magic sang in my ears, like ocean waves gently rolling up on the beach. The symbols pulsed a few times, then dissolved through my skin. The pain faded.

I sighed in relief. “Thanks.”

“Oh, we’re not done yet. Healing wounds takes a lot out of the body. I’m going to get you a tonic to replenish your energy stores. Wait here. A bunch of supplies were delivered to the infirmary this morning, and everything is completely out of order. It will take me a while to find the tonic. I’ll bring it to you when I’m done. Hold tight and try not to get attacked again before I’m back. Oh, and see if you can get Kato to relax.” Killjoy winked at me, then stepped into the supply room.

I glanced at Kato. He stood at the doorway to the infirmary, vigilant, like a sentry on a castle wall.

I eased myself off the cot. “I think you’re making Killjoy nervous,” I teased him.

“He’ll be fine. Knights have nerves of steel.”

Kato adjusted his stance, standing up even taller. I kind of got the impression that he actually enjoyed being intimidating. I guess it was a useful quality in a Knight.

“Your friend Ansel is very clever.” Kato’s statement was stilted, even a little awkward, like he wasn’t used to filling the silence with smalltalk. “He will be a powerful Alchemist.”

I approached him. “Can you always tell how powerful someone’s going to be?”

“Not always,” he replied. “But often. I knew with you right away that you’d be a powerhouse. There’s something about you, Seven. You’re different from anyone I’ve ever met.”