Page 130 of The Stone Initiation
“What?” Sharniza asked. “What does that even mean?”
“It means I have to go out there.”
She stared at me in horror. “What. No.”
“Listen to me. The ward is failing. Is there another way out of here aside from the obvious? Think. Anything.”
“There’s an old hatch in the basement leading to a network of tunnels. But we don’t use them. It’s too dangerous. The tunnels are unstable and we boarded up the hatch years ago.”
“We’ll take the risk,” Sharniza said. “Where do the tunnels lead?”
“Several places,” Jude said.
“The old library route is the least damaged,” Bertie supplied. “Jude, isn’t there an old comm unit in the basement there?”
“Yes!” Jude perked up. “If we can get to it, we can radio the nearest outpost for help.”
I nodded. “Good then we have a plan. You take the tunnels, and I’ll stall.”
“No way,” Sharniza said incredulous.
“Yes. You know it’s the only way. I need to buy you guys some time.”
Sharniza looked like she wanted to argue but then her shoulders slumped. “Dammit.”
Jude pulled a map off the wall. “Here’s the old post office. You can get into the tunnels through there.” I took the map and tucked it into my pocket.
The phone rang. Final call. I answered. “I’m coming out.”
* * *
A man dressedin a suit stood in the middle of the street, slender, wiry, looking like any average human.Thiswas Ignus? This guy was working for the Graynites?
A grotesque stood either side of him, like stone bookends waiting for instruction.
He stared at me for long seconds that made my skin itch in discomfort. There was something too probing, too familiar about the way he was looking at me.
“Nice to put a face to a name,” he said finally.
“I wish I could say the same for you.”
He pursed his lips. “Ooo, sassy. I like it.”
I shrugged. “I have my charms.” Had they gotten into the tunnels yet. Was it safe to run?
“I’m sure you do, and now you can come with me, and we can explore those charms together.”
Ick. “I’ll pass on the exploration, thank you.”
“You don’t get to decide that, Walker.” He held out his hand. “Come to me.”
Did he think I was a dog to be ordered about?
I tensed, ready to make a break for it. The skies were clear of threat but three grotesque were stationed on the street and two on the roof of the building opposite. I wagered they needed me alive, so they’d chase me, but if I kept close to the buildings it would be hard for them to fly down and grab me.
“Come, and we can go,” he said.
My feet itched to run. “Go where?”
