Fly by Midnight (22 page)

“We take them out. That was the plan all along.” Honora fought back tears as she clutched her knife. “Let’s finish this.”

“I really hated that ghoul,” Jenny said. “But I hate traitor Hexers even more. That turncoat is all mine.”

“We’ll go for the elves.” Honora spoke for herself and her mother.

“Looks like your friends have taken down the professors,” Elspeth observed. The distraction had given Ren and Rosalyn the upper hand. Ren had Marvin on the ground, a pair of glow cuffs binding his wrists. Sky was gagged, and Rosalyn was in the process of tying her to the back of one of the snowcrafts.

Honora lifted off the ground, silent as a light breeze, circled around, and located the elves. She rustled the branches, sending a shower of snow across the clearing, drawing everyone’s attention upward so her mother and Jenny could sneak closer.

The Hexer had managed to crawl from underneath the tree branches that had fallen on him, but he wasn’t fast enough to avoid Jenny, who pounced on him in seconds. She made a running flip over his head, swept up behind him, and grabbed the wands right out of his hands. “Did you really think it was going to be that easy to get rid of me?” she asked.

But Honora didn’t wait to watch what happened after Jenny had the Hexer covered. Elspeth skirted the clearing and approached the arch, where two of the elves had taken up defensive positions. Seeing Elspeth approach, one elf ran at her with a glowing magical knife raised, but she cunningly knocked it out of his hand with a small round shield that she pulled from her cape. After absorbing a series of rapid-fire jabs and strikes, the elf hid behind the arch.

Honora raced forward to help fight the second elf, who was advancing with a ball of crackling energy in his hand. But before Honora got close, a flurry of arrows launched from above hit the ground at Elspeth’s feet. She pulled up a glowing magical shield and deflected a dozen arrows that bounced uselessly to the forest floor. Honora was impressed, but her mother wouldn’t last long without taking down the third elf lurking in the trees. Elspeth waved her wand, and a glowing orb protected her as she took cover, unable to get close to the rune-covered pedestal to close the arch.

Honora darted to her side. “I can handle the one shooting arrows from above. Can you deal with the two still on the ground?”

“I’ll have to. We must get the arch closed.”

Honora tracked back, searching for the third elf, who was firing arrows down on them from a tree. Silently flying up behind him, she found him with his bow raised, the glowing arrow aimed at her mother. He pulled the string back and cocked his elbow just as Honora used her knife to slice the bowstring. A snap sounded. Before he knew what happened, Honora threw her shoulder into him, and he crashed to the forest floor in a painful thud. She peered down at his unconscious body lying in a snow.

From a hidden position on the ground, one of the other two elves showered Honora with a hail of silver arrows. One grazed her thigh, and a searing pain tore through her leg. She gritted her teeth but was able to get her shield up before an explosion of sparks surround her. A shock spell rumbled through the air and pounded into the elf who’d shot her. His body convulsed, jerked forward out of his hiding place in a clump of trees, and collapsed to the ground. Honora clutched a tree limb for support and looked down to see her mother with wand raised. Her heart welled with relief, knowing Elspeth had her back. It felt a little like being watched over by a ferocious and highly opinionated tiger. Elspeth nodded and advanced on the dazed elf.

Honora wiped the sweat from her brow and inspected the gash on her leg. Between it and the one on her arm, she’d had two near misses in one day. She scanned the trees, searching for the silverdale that Ren had used to stanch his wound. A clump was growing up the side of a nearby tree, so she flew over and used her knife to cut a hunk loose and apply it to the cut. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the desired outcome. A shooting pain pierced her leg, and she yelped, cursing the fiery moss remedy. Honora made a quick emergency landing, doubling over. She’d expected the silvery moss to magically soothe her wound, not burn through her body like she’d poured Rosalyn’s winter pine whiskey down her leg. She leaned her back against the tree trunk and breathed as the pain slowly dissipated.

The deep baritone sound of a horn filled the clearing. It was the Woodsman’s horn, but it couldn’t be him. Honora crawled to her feet and lifted her body into the air, giving her a view of Ren and the Woodsman’s pack of wolf familiars approaching. Ren and the wolves immediately advanced on the three elves, so Elspeth could try and shut down the arch. A wolf stared down one of the elves. Realizing his dire situation, the captured elf held up a small silver whistle to his lips and blew, sending a high-pitched tone into the woods.

The elf who’d absorbed Elspeth’s shock spell responded immediately to the sound by rushing to the arch and diving through, returning to the Otherworld. The elf who’d blown the whistle sneered angrily as he pulled something from his coat pocket, uttered a strange spell, and threw a handful of sparkly white dust into Ren’s face, momentarily blinding the wizard. Honora flew to Ren’s aid, but it was too late. The elf lifted his unconscious kinsman over his shoulder, rushed forward, and charged into the arch. Throwing a blinding flash of light at the wolf pack, he dove through the magical pool in an acrobatic escape. Suddenly, as quickly as they’d come, the elves were gone.

Honora warmed some snow in her palm to rinse Ren’s eyes. The wolves prowled the area. Once the clearing was secured, Jonathan returned from the station to help Elspeth secure the arch. They worked frantically at the pedestal. “One more second and it’ll be down!” he yelled.

The light emanating from the crystal flickered. Sparks flew. The portal wavered and then vanished. The arch went dark and quiet. No one else was getting through. The wall was secure for now. Relief washed over Honora, and she dropped to her knees.

A scream rose up. Honora recognized the Hexer’s voice as Jenny shoved the bound wizard into the clearing. “Big baby,” she said. “I just took you into custody. I could have done a lot worse.”

A welt was forming under Min’s eye and a trail of blood dripped from the corner of this mouth. Jenny had gotten a few hits in for good measure. Honora didn’t feel an ounce of pity for the traitor Hexer. He had it coming.

One major crisis had been averted, but the station still buzzed with activity. A call had been placed to the sheriff of Rawlands. The professors and Min were bound and ready for transport back to Stargazer City. Ren and Rosalyn were guarding them until reinforcements arrived. The wolf pack was lounging around the stone steps of the arch and station building. Their mere presence was reassuring. Honora could relax, almost.

Now she had to face her mother.

22

T
he forest was dense and cold. Snow fell in huge, heavy flakes. Honora rubbed her arms, but it did little good, since the chill seeped through her suit and gloves. Her muscles tightened with every passing second. She should go inside the station before she froze to death. Part of her was eager to speak with her mother and try to understand what had been going on the past ten years, especially concerning the current events, but another part of her wanted to avoid that conversation entirely. Maybe she was afraid of learning what she already suspected—her mother thought Everland was more important than her daughters.

She sucked it up and walked into the station. The real Jane reclined on the sofa while Alexis tended to her. Her eyes were closed, and she had a damp cloth folded over her forehead. Jonathan was by her side, holding her hand and staring lovingly at her. They’d been given a second chance. Seeing them together was heartwarming. Honora nodded to Alexis and walked toward the sound of voices coming from a room at the back of the station.

Jenny leaned against a wall off to one side. A huge table was positioned in the center of the room, where Elspeth hovered over a map. The Woodsman rested in a chair and stared down at the map. He smiled and nodded when Honora entered the room, giving her an approving grunt. His coloring had returned, and so had his gruff demeanor. He looked much better now that his wounds had been tended to. His arm was in a sling and his shoulder was caked with silverdale and some of the stinky herbal mixture Alexis had used to heal Ren’s wound.

“The elves are not to be trusted. They’re a cold, self-serving species,” Elspeth said, her gaze intently focused on the map’s rough surface. “They also believe they’re superior to all other magical beings.” She glanced up at Honora. Obviously, she didn’t think her work was over. “We need to assess their next move. The conflict with the Otherworlders isn’t over.”

What’s going on?
Why was her mother talking strategy with the Woodsman? She didn’t even stop talking to acknowledge her daughter’s presence. Well, at least not in the way Honora thought she should. Where was the warm family reunion, the tight embrace, and flood of tears? Her faced warmed. Tension coiled in her stomach. Honora’s mouth hung open to speak, but Jenny grabbed her arm before she could get a word out. “Let’s talk in the hall,” she said, and yanked Honora out of the room.

“What’s going on in there? Why is my mother in charge?” Honora paused and took a second. Harping on Jenny wasn’t going to help. “Sorry. Do you want to start by telling me what happened when you and Min left the office? I was really worried about you.”

“Let’s just say we hit a little turbulence. The first interview went fine, but when we went to meet the naturalist, things got crazy. First, as you can see, she’s your mom, and second, she’s working undercover for Hex Division.” Jenny raised her brows for emphasis.

“What?! That’s impossible!” Honora blurted out. “You’re kidding!”

Jenny leaned against the wall and continued, “No, I’m not. Can you believe it? From what I was able to gather from the showdown between her and Min, she’s been working for the Hex Division for a long time. That’s one of the reasons she went to the Otherworld.”

Honora paced the hall, her mind racing. “She was working with Min? I should have trusted my instincts. I knew it was weird that Min didn’t have partners in the Otherworld, but I didn’t follow through. I didn’t push to find out why,” Honora said. “If my mother is in Hex Division, then it makes sense that she was one of his partners.”

“Yes, I was.” Elspeth stood in the doorway and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you and your sisters sooner. Come inside and sit down. You should hear all this from me. You deserve that, at least.”

For some reason, Honora wasn’t completely shocked. Perhaps the events of the past few days had left her expecting anything, but her mother had always been brutally independent and strong. She knew her mind, and though she was a kind witch, she was also fiercely devoted to Everland and the witching community. Growing up, Honora remembered witches coming to their back door at all hours, needing help or guidance, and Elspeth always welcomed them into their home. She never turned away a witch in need, and Honora could imagine that kind of selflessness led her to work for the council. Honora cringed. She’d never been a big fan of Hex, but maybe that would change.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Honora said, joining her mother in the room where the Woodsman still studied the map. “Why didn’t you tell us? And don’t hide behind the council. We’re your daughters. You should have told us.” She put her hand on her hip, and the Woodsman took his cue and left the room so they could talk privately.

Elspeth slumped into a chair. The day had taken its toll on her, also. “Shock, really. I never planned to join Hex, ever. But prior to leaving for the Otherworld, they approached me. My assignment was to gather as much information on the creatures who lived there and the ones who might do us harm.”

Honora still couldn’t accept her mother’s reasons, but she didn’t want to argue with her about it now. “What will the council do now that one of their own is the real traitor?” Honora asked. “And why didn’t you tell them it was Min after you returned?”

Her mother shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I couldn’t tell anyone. When I returned, I didn’t know who to trust or how deep the betrayal went. Min was my charge, my teammate. I felt that I’d let him down. He was too young, too easily impressed by the Otherworld and the seductive ways of Otherworld magic.” She cupped her hands in her lap and stared at her palms. “I’ve sent word to my division commander, and a convoy is in communication with the sheriff of Rawlands. The council will see that Min is dealt with properly and that the wall is secured.”

“I’m sure you did your best, but sometimes doing your best isn’t enough,” Honora said, realizing the Hexer bond was strong. “What about the third Hexer on your team?”

“Gone. Min saw to that. He thought he eliminated both of us. I escaped the trap he set, but our partner was not so lucky.” Elspeth’s face was filled with sorrow.

“That wicked Beatrice must have known you were in Hex, and she never told me.” Honora shook her head in disgust. “She’ll be in for a rude awakening when she finds out her precious Min was behind the plot all along. He fooled her completely.” 

“Min fooled a lot of us, I’m afraid. I wish I could have done more when I returned. I should have reached out to you girls.” Elspeth brushed a strand of hair from Honora’s face. Honora wanted to pull away. She was angry, confused, and elated all in one whirl of emotion, but she smiled. For now, her happiness at having her mother back won out.

For the next hour, Elspeth filled Honora in on what had been happening since she’d returned to Everland. Honora could hardly believe the things her mother told her about being deep undercover and investigating Min without the council finding out she was alive. Honora’s brow arched as she studied her mother, who looked older yet much stronger than Honora remembered. She was proud of her, but also afraid. Events were happening so quickly. So much had been kept from them—from her and her sisters, but also the entire witching community—and now they were on the brink of a larger problem. “What can I do to help?”

Her mother smiled. “I’m glad you understand the severity of what’s at stake. We’ll need all of Everland to get us through what’s happening. Our world is changing. With additional wardens and security measures, Jonathan will secure the wall for now. The four stations will be safe.”

“Well, that’s good. Then no one can get in.”

“Honora, they’ve already gotten in. We’ve taken Min and the two professors into custody. A transport will arrive within the hour to transfer them back to the council. But we have no idea if more Otherworld creatures have slipped through.” She shook her head. “This complicates things.”

“Why are the elves doing this?” Honora asked. “I never knew them to have any conflict with witches.”

“It’s just a rogue faction. But their numbers are growing. Times have changed, unfortunately for the worse. We must be vigilant,” Elspeth said, like a true Hexer.

Honora found Jonathan sitting off to the side in a leather chair by the fire. He was staring aimlessly into the flames. A bruise had formed under his eye, and a large bandage was attached to his head. Honora rested her hand on his arm and kneeled down to his level. “How are you doing?” she asked.

His face was filled with a relieved anguish, his eyes brimming with tears that he quickly brushed away. “I’m fine. Exhausted, but fine. My wife has been returned to me, but I’m not sure what’s real and what’s a dream. I’ll sort it all out in the days and weeks to come. I’m very grateful to you, your friends, and your mother. You’ve done us all a great service.”

“I don’t know about that, but I do know how the exhaustion part feels.” Honora smiled. “You’ve devoted your life to protecting Everland. The witching world needs to know about you and all of this.” Honora motioned around them.

He grunted. “So the failures of the wall can be made public.” His brow creased.

“No! That’s not what I meant at all. What I mean is that everyone needs to know the sacrifice you and others are making on a daily basis. We need to realize the dangers that our world faces and the amazing witches and wizards who risk their lives, who give up so much to protect us. For too long we’ve been kept in the dark, and I understand why, I really do, but how can we appreciate what we have if we don’t realize how precious it is and that at any moment it could be gone?”

“That creature so easily duped me, and I didn’t even realize it wasn’t my real wife until it was too late.” Jonathan rested his head on his arm. “Was I so wrapped up in my own world, my own
persuasion,
that I didn’t even realize my Jane was gone?”

“It’s not your fault
entirely
.” Honora elbowed him kindly. “In your position, with all the stress you’ve been under, you need more support from the council and the rest of us. That’s why it must go public, so the council isn’t busy keeping everything hidden and can focus on building a stronger network. This can’t happen again.”

“Maybe you have a point,” he conceded.

“Oh, I do. Plus, I’m very opinionated, so even when I’m not right, I kind of am.” Honora wiggled her eyebrows at him. “We’ll make this right. I promise you.”

“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

Jenny bounded into the room. “Are you guys ready to go back to civilization as we know it? The hover transport vehicle has arrived to take us back to Stargazer City. Personally, I can’t wait.”

Two three-man teams with Hex Division spread out, securing the station and loading the prisoners into the truck. Honora said her goodbyes to the Woodsman. They made promises to see each other again. Alexis tried to convince Honora to join them at the wall and be one of them, but the woods would have to wait for another day. Ren and Rosalyn saw them off with well wishes and plans to meet up again.

The rest of the group boarded the hovercraft. Jonathan and Jane were returning to Stargazer City, where they’d be kept safe. When Jenny took her seat next to Elspeth in the passenger section, Honora was forced into the back with the traitor Hexer and the professors, who were kept in separate compartments with the Hex Division on guard. Honora got a glimpse of Hexer Min when they were loading him in the back. His cocky veneer seemed to have dimmed, and underneath, she saw anger and fear. She didn’t have an ounce of sympathy for him. He would get what he deserved.

He stared at her, trying to catch her attention. “I know the names of the others,” he whispered, serious as a stone.

Honora repressed her disdain for Hexer Min. “The others?” Her expression didn’t waver. She wasn’t about to let Min get to her.

“The others who got through the wall. You don’t think that the ghoul was the only one, do you?” A cruel light flickered in his eyes. This was the witches’ biggest fear—that there were more Otherworld creatures in Everland, waiting to strike—but claiming to have such information was Min’s only chance at survival. Desperate for a deal, he would say anything to avoid punishment.

Honora stepped as close as she could to the barrier that separated the prisoners from the passengers. “You’re lying. Have you stooped so low you would betray anyone and everyone just to save yourself? The council will deal with you.” She returned to her seat and turned her back on him.