It was the wrong moon. Part of her mind registered that as she loped across the grass. It shouldnt be full. It should be in its last quarter, waning toward the new moon, and the end of her four weeks.
The end of her quest.
But here the moon was full, swimming in a black glass sky over the shadow of Warriors Peak.
She slowed to a walk, pressed a hand to her side to ease a stitch.
There was no white flag with the emblem of a key flying from the tower. There were no lights gleaming gold against the windows. It would be empty now, she thought, but for the busy spiders and the skittering mice.
Because that was how Jordan had written it.
She was in the book, walking through the pages of his book.
“Youve a very strong mind.”
She whirled. Kane stood behind her, just at the edge of the woods.
“This is false. Just another fantasy.”
“Is it? You know the power of the written word, the reality created on the pages. This is his world, and was real to him when he built it. Ive only brought you here. I wondered if your mind would hold up to it, and I see it has. That pleases me.”
“Why should you be pleased? Im only that much closer to the key.”
“Are you? I wonder, do you remember what happens next?”
“I know this wasnt in the book. You werent in the book.”
“A few changes.” He rifted an arm, swept it out in an elegant gesture. “That will lead to a different ending. You can run if you like. Ill give you a sporting chance.”
“You cant keep me here.”
“Perhaps not. Perhaps youll find your way out. Of course, if you leave, you lose.” He took a step closer, held up a hand that dangled a long white scarf. “If you stay, youll die. Your man made death in Phantom Watch.”
He gestured toward the great house that Jordan had called the Watch in his novel. “How could he know it would be yours?”
She spun toward the Watch, and ran.
“WE have to get her back.” Helpless, Flynn rubbed Danas cold hand between his. Theyd laid her on the bed, tucked blankets around her.
“If this is what shes meant to do,” Brad began, “she shouldnt have to do it alone.”
“Shes not going to be alone.” Seeing only one choice, Jordan got to his feet. “Were not bringing her back. The contact, calling her, being here. None of its bringing her back. Brad, I need you to go get Rowena. I need you to get her here, and fast.”
“Thatll take an hour.”Zoe , standing at the foot of the bed, now moved to the side. “An hours too long. Malory, Rowena came to us before. We have to try to make her come to us again. Danas not supposed to be alone. Thats what he does. He separates us, isolates us. We dont have to let him get away with it.”
“We can try. Were strongest when were together.” Malory reached across the bed forZoes hand, kept her other clasped around Danas. “Well ask her to come.”
“Not this time.”Zoes fingers tightened, and the light of battle shone in her eyes. “This time we tell her.”
“How do they intend to order a god to make a house call?” Flynn said.
Brad laid a hand on his shoulder. “Its going to be all right, Flynn. Were going to get her back.”
“She looks like the portrait.” His throat burned as he stared down at his sisters face. Her white, empty face. “Like the daughter in your portrait. After…”
“Were going to get her back,” Brad said more firmly. “Look, Ill head out right now, get up to the Peak. Ill bring Rowena orPitte , or both of them back if I have to do it at gunpoint.”
“That wont be necessary.” Rowena stood in the doorway, withPitte behind her.