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“There are plenty of options,” Gen said, his pitch rising. Clearly, this was a topic that excited him. “We could conjure wings to make a flying horse…enchant a carpet…summon birds to carry us.” He frowned. “But that would require great magic, magic even greater than what’s available here in the Tears of Emuri’en.”
Kiki poked me. In her driest tone, she said, You know the answer, Shiori. Aren’t you going to say something?
I didn’t respond. Unease stirred in my chest as the image of six flying cranes flashed once more to mind.
“What about a spell the pearl has cast before?” I whispered.
“That could work,” Gen allowed. “If the pearl is already familiar with it, and the formerly enchanted objects are still in your possession…. Think of it like rereading a book.” He chuckled at the metaphor, then raised an eyebrow. “Pray tell, what are you thinking?”
I bit my lower lip. There had to be another way. I couldn’t involve my brothers again. Couldn’t put them in danger again. But it didn’t seem I had any choice.
“Gen,” I said, my voice so small I barely recognized it, “you get some rest. Let me speak with my brothers.”
* * *
I found them congregated in Benkai’s chambers. Since Raikama’s curse, the princes were together more often than not. That was our stepmother’s gift to us. Through our trials and through all we had endured, we were closer than ever. Even Qinnia was here, engaged in a chess game with Yotan.
“Aren’t I much more likable than Reiji?” Yotan was asking her. “I think the khagan’s daughter would have liked me the best.”
Reiji snorted. “Yes, you’re so charming you’d spill all of Kiata’s secrets after one week in A’landi.”
“Better than starting a war with that perpetual grimace.”
“Shiori!” Qinnia said, looking distraught that I’d arrived. We hadn’t spoken since the incident at dinner.
At the sight of me, my brothers rose and all began speaking at once:
“We heard what happened in the mountains, how you were nearly killed! Are you hurt?”
“How could you leave like that, and after what happened last night! Father is beside himself with worry.”
“You should have at least told someone.”
“She did tell someone,” Wandei observed. “Look who’s outside the door.”
I’d asked Takkan to wait outside, but little escaped Wandei’s notice. As he steered my betrothed inside, I spoke up. “I needed to see the breach.”
“That was impulsive, sister. You—”
“Don’t tell me I should stay in my room,” I warned Andahai, “or that there’s nothing to worry about. You won’t defeat Bandur without my help.”
At the mention of Bandur, Qinnia’s entire body tensed. She touched Andahai’s sleeve, whispering something into his ear.
“Takkan, my wife is feeling ill,” said Andahai stiffly. “Would you kindly escort her to our apartments? Last door down the hall.”
Takkan acquiesced with a bow and followed the princess out. Qinnia was clutching her sash even as she left, and I eyed Andahai worriedly.
“Is she—”
“She’s fine,” he interjected. “Nothing to worry yourself over. Did you learn anything at the breach, or was the visit for naught?”
I glowered at him, but I did have news to share. “I think I’ve found a way to defeat Bandur, and I need your help.”
“You have it,” said Benkai without hesitation. My other brothers nodded in agreement. “What can we do?”
I swallowed hard. If only it were that simple.
“I need to go to Lapzur,” I said. “It’s an island west of Tambu, forgotten by all but enchanters and demons. There is a half dragon there imprisoned as guardian of the city. He is the true owner of Raikama’s pearl.”
