“I couldn’t help overhearing,” Ferrin said, approaching the conversation. “We know a way to the Beyond, but Maldor is aware that we know. In my efforts to ferret out what Maldor suspects, I learned that the investigation surrounding your escape led trackers to the cave. The entrance will now be sealed and guarded. There will be walls and locks and numerous redundancies. Maldor knows the secret is out, which means that from now on he will rely on strength to protect his gateway to your world. The cave lies in the shadow of Felrook, where he can access nearly limitless resources to protect it. The day may come when we could go there, but it would require significant reconnaissance and preparation. Otherwise we’ll march straight into captivity.”

Jason felt some of his hopes wither. Ferrin was right. As the most wanted criminals in Lyrian, they couldn’t hastily travel to the center of Maldor’s power and expect to access a heavily guarded location. Glancing at Rachel, Jason could tell she had reached the same conclusion.

“Don’t lose heart,” Galloran said. “I vow that when the time is right, I will do everything in my power to get you both back to the Beyond. In truth, the biggest obstacle was finding a way. The only remaining hurdle will be formulating a workable strategy.”

“If our rebellion succeeds,” Chandra said, “they would have easy access.”

“Perhaps even before then,” Galloran said. “For now, we will try to survive until we reach the Seven Vales. One crisis at a time. Chandra, I want you and Rachel to spend every waking moment together. Teach her all you know about Edomic. Help her continue to develop, and make sure she understands the danger of failed commands.”

“It will be done,” Chandra said.

“Jason, I want you to start learning to use that sword. You are surrounded by superior tutors.”

“I’d like that,” Jason said.

“I’ll mentor him,” Ferrin pledged.

“Off to it then,” Galloran said. “Let the others set up camp.”

The next morning, not long after the nine riders left the valley, Nedwin found them. Ferrin had been scouting ahead, and he returned to the group with the lanky redhead riding close behind.

“Nedwin!” Galloran welcomed. “I thought we were to meet at Three Peaks.”

“I came south from there, hoping to intercept you,” Nedwin replied. “A massive ambush awaits near Three Peaks, staged across all four southern valleys.”

“You made it to Whitelake?” Galloran asked.

“Yes. The lake was taxing, but I crossed.”

“Malar?”

“I discovered his lifeless head in a pool of cold water. He had been drowned. He would have been defenseless. I doubt he died more than a day or two before my arrival.”

Galloran’s expression tightened painfully. “Tell me more about the ambush. Were you spotted?”

“I avoided detection. They had a massive host entrenched, cunningly disguised, as if certain of our imminent arrival. Archers, manglers, cavalry—you name it.”

“We would have arrived by late afternoon,” Galloran said numbly.

Holding a finger to his lips, Ferrin guided his horse over to Galloran. “A lurker must have been eavesdropping. We’ll loop around to the west. We may want to consider revising our entire strategy. Who knows what plans have been compromised?” He reached out and squeezed Galloran’s shoulder.

“Very well,” Galloran said decisively. “I’ll need some time to strategize. Perhaps we can make for Port Hamblin, try to solicit allies in Meridon. We’ll still want to send some messengers elsewhere. Give me time to mull this over.”

Ferrin dismounted, a finger still to his lips, and tugged Galloran’s sleeve. Galloran dismounted and accompanied Ferrin. Dorsio followed them silently. They moved into the trees out of earshot, and did not return for several minutes.

When they came back, Ferrin motioned for Jason to join him. The displacer kept a finger to his lips. Jason remained silent.

Once they were separated from the group, Ferrin combed probing fingers through Jason’s hair, then meticulously inspected his face. Ferrin pulled Jason’s eyelids uncomfortably open and peered into his mouth. After miming for Jason to take off his shirt, Ferrin closely and carefully examined his body, like a doctor giving a physical.

“You’re not the problem,” Ferrin finally said.

“Can we talk now?” Jason asked, putting his shirt back on.

“I inspected Galloran and Dorsio,” Ferrin said. “Neither of them had invasive graftings either.”

“Graftings?”

“Meaning that no displacers had attached unwelcome body parts to them. Replaced an eye. Added an ear. There is a risk that any prisoner of Maldor could end up with a secret grafting. If a displacer’s eye were exchanged for one of yours while you were unconscious, the eye would function and feel just like your own. Except the displacer would see through it as well.”

“It might not be a grafting,” Jason said. “You may have been right about a lurker overhearing us.”

“Galloran can sense lurkers,” Ferrin replied. “After I checked him for graftings, he confirmed that none have come near us. Besides, lurkers aren’t known for sharing detailed information. Either somebody has a grafting, or we have a deliberate traitor among us.”

“Nedwin was imprisoned at Felrook.”

“Galloran just told me Nedwin has a grafting. An eye on his hand, under the glove. Supposedly the glove has not been removed since he first met you. But he could always have another.”

So that was what Nedwin had kept hidden under his glove! A grafted eye. “Tark?” Jason said.

“Doubtful. He was only imprisoned at Harthenham. Nobody would have expected him to leave, so a grafting would probably not be wasted on him. But I’ll check everyone to be sure.”

“I’m clean?”

“Yes,” Ferrin said. “I’ll check Nedwin next. Keep quiet about all of this for now.”

“I will.”

Jason returned to the group, and Ferrin led away Nedwin. Ferrin returned alone and consulted quietly with Galloran. One by one, Ferrin led away the others, and one by one they came back. At the end, Ferrin gave Rachel a cursory exam without leading her away. Nedwin still had not returned.

“Nedwin has a false ear,” Ferrin reported at last. “It’s an almost perfect match in shape, size, and skin tone. Terrific work. Anything less than a thorough exam by a trained eye would miss it.”