Page 38 of The Princess of Portals

Kato didn’t even flinch. “How did you get in here?”

“Through the door. Just like everyone else.” Conner winked at him.

“Everyone isn’t allowed into the Castle,” Kato replied.

“Ok, so I snuck in.”

“You can’t sneak into the Castle. There are security measures in place.”

Conner laughed. “You say it like that’s supposed to keep me out. It never has before. Really, I’m offended you don’t have more faith in my abilities, Kato.”

“Security’s been upgraded. Before the General left, he tasked the Alchemist Knights with adding layers of magical wards around the Castle. Those wards are strong enough to keep out even you, Conner.”

“Apparently not.”

“How did you get past the wards?”

“Nah, I don’t think I’m going to tell you.” Conner’s eyes twinkled with mischief when they met Kato’s glacial ones. Sapphires versus blue diamonds, chaos versus order.

“Did you have any luck catching the Templar?” I asked Conner.

The playful spark in his eyes hardened, like lava cooling, turning to stone. “No. He got away.”

“Perhaps we can find him again,” I said. “We could use magic to track him.”

Conner shook his head. “I tried that already, Red. He’s using something—some kind of magic powder—to mask his trail. Whatever it is, it’s powerful. Very powerful. I couldn’t break the spell.”

“You alone couldn’t break the spell,” I said. “But maybe together, the three of us can.”

“You, me, and Kato? Combine magic?” Conner said. “Is that even possible?”

“Well, I’ve combined magic with you. And I’ve combined magic with Kato. So why not combine magic with both of you at once? The magic of three Polymages…we’d be pretty powerful, don’t you think?”

Kato and Conner both spoke at once, but neither one answered my question.

“You combined magic with Conner?”

“You combined magic with Kato?”

“Yes,” I said.

The exact same expression was on both of their faces, but I couldn’t read it. They were definitely surprised, but there was more to it. Were they happy? Upset? Embarrassed? I just didn’t know.

“This will work, guys,” I told them. “I’ve linked with each of you before, so I know I can do it. Together, we should have enough magic to break through the Templar’s spell and find him. I even have a piece of his armor.” I pulled a chunk of metal out of my bag. “That should make it easier to track him, right?”

Kato took the chunk of broken armor from me. “It will definitely help. Ok, let’s do it.” He looked at Conner.

“Take the lead, Red. We trust you.”

Conner’s words reassured me, but they also kind of terrified me. I was supposed to take the lead. I, who was, out of the three of us, the least experienced magic user. It was a lot of responsibility, and I hated failing.

“Ok.” I drew in a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

We formed a tight circle, holding hands. Then I closed my eyes. I pictured my magic sliding down my arms, my hands, my fingertips—until it found their magic. Kato’s magic was cool confidence, powerful but subdued, smooth and precise, an orchestra of parts beautifully balanced, complex in nature but perfectly in sync. Conner’s magic was playful and explosive, pulsing with dramatic notes and mischievous melodies. It tickled and danced and chuckled. Their magics felt so different—and yet so alike.

My magic blended easily with theirs, like it remembered them well, like it was reliving a fond memory.

“Your magic blends well together.” I opened my eyes and smiled at both of them, triumphant. “It’s because you’re such good friends.”