Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #4)(48)

“It could be a test subject,” Blur suggested.

“Or it could be a Panakes,” Calla breathed.

For a second Sophie thought Calla had said “Pancakes” and found herself picturing a tree made of fluffy griddle cakes drizzled with syrup and butter.

“What’s a Panakes?” she asked.

“Nothing more than legend,” Squall said.

“That is what many believe,” Calla agreed. “But I’ve never been convinced either way. There are so many songs, all telling the same story of the Brave Ones—the Trees of Healing that grew along the shores of the Eventide River during our years in Serenvale. Some say the trees were lost when the river ran dry and we were forced to flee our homeland. Others claim they never existed beyond the stories. And still others claim the Panakes thrive today, imprisoned behind the gates of Ravagog.”

“The last myth has never been confirmed by any who’ve visited the city,” Mr. Forkle reminded her.

“Yes, but hasn’t their access been severely limited?” Calla asked. “I’m not a fool. I know the possibilities are slim. But until I have proof either way, I will not completely abandon my hope.”

“Do you know what the Panakes look like?” Sophie asked.

“Only my imaginings,” Calla said.

“Well,” Mr. Forkle said, shattering the silence that followed. “These are all certainly things we must investigate. But first, we have bigger issues.”

He rose from his beanbag—which required quite a lot of thrashing and flailing—and moved to stand over Calla. “You acted without orders.”

“I did,” Calla agreed. “But I will not apologize.”

Sophie wasn’t sure if she wanted to give Calla a high five or hide her from the furious Collective.

Calla, meanwhile, remained remarkably calm. “Have you ever wondered why moonlarks do not bring their hatchlings back to their nests?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Wraith asked.

Calla ignored his question. “They leave their hatchlings alone because they know their young need to be strong. Moonlarks face more predators than most other creatures. So even though the parents follow their eggs across the ocean and are never far away from the babies, they do not make contact, and they do not bring them to the nest. Their instincts know that if they did, they would shelter the younglings and weaken their ability to survive.”

“So if I’m understanding you correctly,” Granite said, “you’re implying we’re overprotecting our moonlark?”

“Have you put her—or her friends—to use since bringing her here?”

“It’s only been a few days,” Squall argued.

“And we’re giving them in-depth training,” Granite added.

“Plus, we’ll be putting them in major danger when we rescue Prentice,” Blur finished.

Sophie wasn’t sure she loved that emphasis on “major danger.” But she also knew Calla was right.

“The mission we went on today,” she said, “was no different than any of the other places you’ve sent me with your notes and clues. How many times have I almost died?”

“All the more reason why we’re taking only calculated risks,” Mr. Forkle said.

“Which is what this was,” Calla insisted. “You’ve known me for centuries. You know that endangering Sophie—or any of these children—is the last thing I would ever do. But you also must accept the reality that sometimes we’re going to need their help.”

Mr. Forkle walked to the fire and stared at the flames so long Sophie felt twitchy.

“Perhaps you’re right,” he finally said. “We have not been utilizing their talents to the full. And in light of today’s developments, it’s crucial we attempt to discern what the Neverseen are planning. So I think it’s time we attempt Mr. Sencen’s plan.”

“My plan?” Keefe asked, looking as confused as Sophie.

Surely the Black Swan weren’t implying they were going to go barreling into Ravagog.

But then she remembered that Keefe had suggested another plan—one Mr. Forkle had even said had its merits.

Mr. Forkle confirmed her suspicions when he said, “Tomorrow the three of us will pay a visit to Gethen.”





TWENTY-ONE


WHAT DO YOU mean by ‘three’?” Fitz asked the Collective. “There are five of us—six if you include my mom.”

“I’m aware,” Mr. Forkle said. “But I only need Miss Foster and Mr. Sencen for this.”

“But I’m Sophie’s Cognate!” Fitz argued.

“Cognate-in-training,” Mr. Forkle corrected. “Besides, Miss Foster will only use her abilities if I decide it’s safe. And Mr. Sencen is only going to be the ruse.” He turned to Keefe. “You’re confident you can mimic your mother’s voice?”

“You have no idea how many detentions I’ve talked my way out of.”

Mr. Forkle didn’t find that as reassuring as Keefe intended. But all he said was, “Be ready at sunrise.”

He met them in the bridge’s gazebo the next morning, wearing a long black cloak with the Neverseen’s symbol on the sleeve. To say the costume triggered panic was an understatement.