Read Online The Emerald Mask by H. K. Varian - Free Book Online Page B

careful in the future. Your training has barely begun, and your magic should only be used in emergencies.”
    â€œThe lightning didn’t hurt them. They chased us through campus.”
    â€œThey were working for Auden Ironbound, weren’t they?” Fiona asked. “Trying to find Circe’s Compass, and us, too.”
    â€œWe have to assume so,” Sefu answered. “Auden’s servants are too close for my liking. Think of it— The Compendium in the hands of Auden Ironbound.”
    â€œYou worry too much,” Yara chided him. “ The Compendium can protect itself. It has defenses that not even the most powerful warlock can crack.”
    â€œWe hope,” Sefu muttered darkly. “But let us not forget that the book was lost when the warlocks attacked and burned the safe house at Tareth. With the way it conceals itself, it can just as easily be lost again. But The Compendium aside, what about the children? You cannotdeny that they were in danger today. Auden Ironbound is like a wounded animal—and one must never corner a wounded animal.”
    â€œIt seems the children can take care of themselves,” Yara shot back. “I remember you were quite capable as a youngling, Sefu. Be careful that you do not underestimate them.”
    â€œI think we can all agree that Dorina is teaching them well,” Mr. Kimura spoke up suddenly. “They were our first line of defense against the Horn of Power.”
    â€œAnd Auden still has the Horn,” Yara added. “They are the only ones immune to its call.”
    â€œI don’t like this,” Ms. Therian said. “It’s not right. We should put ourselves at risk first and foremost—not them. Never them.”
    â€œDo not let your affection cloud your judgment,” Mr. Kimura said gently. “I have full confidence in your tutelage, Dorina. Remember why we are here. Remember what we were born to do.”
    â€œNo, Akira,” Sefu said firmly. “I have lived many centuries. Their lives have just begun. I may be an old man, but I know my place in the great circle. We must protect them at all costs.”
    â€œWe are all bound to protect our cause!” Yara exclaimed. “Young and old united against whatever danger the dark powers deliver to us.”
    Then all the First Four were talking at once, their raised voices echoing off the walls of the Ancillary Gym.
    No, Fiona thought, remembering what Ms. Therian had told them before the battle for Willow Cove. Auden Ironbound wants this. He wants us distracted—and if we’re arguing with one another, that’s even better.
    She noticed then how tense Darren was, sitting beside her. His fingers lit up with crackling sparks, but he didn’t seem to notice as he stared at the First Four, worry written all over his face.
    This has to stop, Fiona said. And no one was more surprised than Fiona herself when she spoke.
    â€œExcuse me,” she said. Then louder: “Excuse me!”
    All eyes turned to her.
    â€œDo we get a say?” she asked, astonished by her boldness. Was it possible that she was challenging the First Four, the greatest Changers alive?
    Apparently, it was.
    For half a second, Fiona thought she saw a hint of asmile flicker over Mr. Kimura’s face, but it disappeared too quickly for her to be sure.
    â€œOf course you do,” he said.
    â€œAny decisions you make must be fully informed,” Ms. Therian spoke up. “I want you to know that Auden Ironbound is angry. Without a doubt, he is determined to have his revenge. He is perhaps even more dangerous after defeat than he was before.”
    For the first time in her life, though, Fiona didn’t need to think carefully about it. Her mind was already made up. She rose to her feet and said in a clear, steady voice, “I want to help find the compass. If Auden is after us, I want to be part of the fight to stop him.”
    Darren stood up too. “So