“They’re in Bain’s tower,” Zitora said.

Valek spun around.

She cradled the messenger like a baby. Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “They’re both alive!”

A relief. While the intel on the status of both the masters was fairly recent, there had been no guarantee that they remained alive.

“You were right,” she said. “I’m so sor—”

“Don’t apologize. Otherwise I’d have to apologize for not getting to the Citadel in time to stop you from entering in the first place, and a whole list of other transgressions.”

She laughed. It was a light, sweet sound.

Bain’s tower was located in the northeast corner of the Keep. As they trudged up four flights of stairs to the living quarters, he asked Zitora what she’d told Bruns about the chase.

“I told him I’d lost you. That it was pure luck that I’d sensed you in the first place. He has watchers stationed all around the Citadel now, but they aren’t aware that you’re wearing a disguise.”

Good to know, especially considering their plans for tomorrow night. They retrieved the thick file of Ellis’s notes from Bain’s night table. Then they crossed the campus to the Keep’s library.

Yelena sat at a table in the middle of the reading room. Sunlight streamed in from the skylight above, illuminating the open book before her. Two piles of tomes were stacked on both sides of her.

She glanced up when they entered and shot to her feet. “What—”

“Relax,” he said. “She contacted Bain.”

She blew out a breath. “How?”

He filled her in, then pointed to her book. “What are you reading?”

“When I didn’t find Ellis’s journals, I pulled books that mentioned plants, hoping to find a reference to the Harman trees.” She swept her hand over the piles to her left. “Nothing so far.”

“Keep looking while I read through the journals.” He placed the file on the table. They were safer here than in the apartment. Valek turned to Zitora. “You can stay in the Keep until the big rescue. We’re going—”

“I’m not leaving.”

“Why not?” Yelena asked.

“I’m going to stay with Bruns and play along, like Bain and Irys. I’ll be in the perfect position to help you when you stop the Cartel.”

Such confidence.

“How will we contact you?” Valek asked.

“Here.” She gave him the super messenger.

Magic pulsed inside, and the vibrations traveled up his arm.

“You can contact us all,” she said.

“I don’t—”

“It’s not hard to use. I can teach you.” She took back the glass cube. “Let down your mental barrier and reach out to me with your magic.”

He did as instructed. At first, he hit a solid brick wall. Zitora? he thought.

An opening appeared. Welcome to my mind, she thought. Sorry about the mess. I’ve had an interesting couple of days.

Same here.

She smiled. All right, now you know how to knock on another magician’s shield. Now I want you to reach out to Irys and tell me when you’ve hit your limit.

He sent his awareness to the northeast, toward Irys in the Featherstone garrison. A few people traveled on the road outside the Citadel. Then he picked up on the thoughts of those living in Owl’s Hill before he was unable to go farther—although he was shocked he had managed to even reach that far. I’m at the end.

Zitora placed the messenger in his hands. Use the magic inside to propel you further.

It was like a concentrated piece of the power blanket. As the extra magic infused him, he flew over the miles, seeking Irys. Then he slammed into a stone barrier. Dazed, he needed a moment to collect his wits before knocking. Irys?

Valek? What are you doing here?

Long story, but I can access the power blanket now, and Zitora’s teaching me how to use your super messenger.

A pause. Ah, good. Contact me again when I’m needed. Remember those messengers have a limited amount of magic. Once used up, it can only be recharged by Quinn.

How can I tell how much has been used?

I could send a dozen messages before it’s depleted. Since you aren’t as strong, it would be less for you. Maybe eight total.

He calculated. It’d been used three times—twice by Zitora, who was stronger than Irys. Six left?

Yes. That’s probably right. Good luck. Give Yelena my love.

He retreated, returning to the Keep’s library. Not that he’d ever left. Odd. Both Yelena and Zitora stared at him expectantly.

“Irys sends her love,” he said.

They both grinned.

Yelena gestured to the messenger. “That’s a game-changer for our side. I told you your magic would come in handy.”

“Yes, love, you were right.”

Zitora slapped him on the back. “If you keep using those words, you’re going to have a long, happy marriage.” Then she sobered. “I’d better head back before Bruns gets too suspicious. Good luck with the big breakout.” She turned, then stopped. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She pulled a locked wooden box from her pocket. It was about six inches long and two inches wide. Zitora handed it to Yelena. “Give this to Opal when you see her.”

“What is it?” Yelena asked.

“Opal will know what to do with it.”

* * *

They spent the rest of the daylight hours reading. Valek quickly realized that his knowledge of magic and all things magical was rather limited, despite his years countering it, so they swapped tasks. Now he scanned pages of text and botanical drawings, seeking any sign of the Harman tree.