Part 13 (1/2)

So, um, where are we? Lough asked, looking around. Some of the other paranormals around us were filing to the many doors lining either side of the stairs, while others were trudging upward.

Were on the Conclave, said Sip. The safest place for paranormals.

Public is the safest place for paranormals, I said. I have a bad feeling about this place.

Come on, said Sip. Its only for a night. Tomorrow well be back at Public. Tonight we get to feast and listen to the Conclave.

Thats what we get to do, said Lough, craning upward to stare at the ma.s.sive chandelier in the middle of the foyers ceiling. Youre going to start a fight with the President of the Paranormals.

Sip shrugged. Only if I dont like what he has to say.

Im sure h.e.l.l find that to be a relief, said Lough. Meanwhile, how do we know where were staying?

Were staying in the galley, said Sip. All the teenagers and college students are.

This place doesnt have a galley, said Lough. It isnt really a s.h.i.+p. What s.h.i.+p looks like this? Its twice as big as it looks.

Actually, its three and a half, said a voice to my left. I felt pinp.r.i.c.ks of anger as I recognized it.

Suddenly standing next to us was Michael Mound, a short, plump pixie with a wide mouth and bright red cheeks that gave him a deceptively jovial air. He held a black cane and looked like he thought of himself as very important.

I reacted on instinct, grabbing Sip just as she lunged forward. Mound, who did not appear to be expecting so strong a reaction from a paranormal so small, took a quick step back, his eyes widening in surprise.

You, Sip snarled, clenching her hands at her sides. I held onto her upper arms as tightly as I could without hurting her.

Mound raised a quizzical eyebrow. It is a mark of just how young and unformed you are that you would react so strongly to me. Shouldnt we be able to have an honest and productive discourse?

Your discourse is neither of those things, said Sip heatedly. Im fine, Charlotte. If I kill him I wont do it when there are witnesses around.

Thats not really comforting, said Lough, folding his arms and glaring at Mound.

Mound gave a small chuckle. Such big words.

You must be Lough, said Mound, extending his hand. I dont know that weve had a formal introduction.

Lough stared at the outstretched hand, beefier than his own, and didnt move.

Mound finally dropped it. Very well, he said.

Other paranormals were streaming past us, some looking at us curiously while others were too busy finding their way around. Mound held onto his cane more tightly.

I had wished, Ms. Quest, that we could have a respectful discussion. I see thats impossible.

Stop accusing Lisabelle of things she isnt doing, and Ill think about it, said Sip through gritted teeth.

Mound shook his head. Im afraid Im not wrong about the darkness mage. Its a sad truth that her darkness is overwhelming. Theres just nothing else for it.

Theres no truth to that at all, said Sip, sounding appalled, which is exactly why we cant have an honest discourse.

Mound shook his head. As the leader of the Sign of Six, a fledgling organization if ever there was one, you really should learn to treat your enemies better.

Are you my enemy? Sip demanded.

I a.s.sumed you thought of me as such, said Mound, shrugging indelicately.

Yes, said Sip slowly, as she started to turn away. Im just surprised you noticed, buried under all the lies that youve heaped on top of yourself.

With that the three of us walked away.

Id really like to run into some friends now, said Lough. First Dobrov and now Mound. Next thing well see Camilla.

I would love to see Camilla right now, said Sip, cracking her knuckles. That would feel good.

Lough and I raised our eyebrows at each other. I had never seen Sip get so angry, or react so strongly to being challenged. Lisabelles being gone was hard on me, and I knew it was hard on Lough, but I had to remember that Lisabelle was Sips roommate, and Sip had stayed in that room at Public all summer without her friend.

Now her shoulders were shaking with anger. How dare he say such things about Lisabelle? she demanded.

Sip, said Lough gently, Lisabelle went over to darkness. Its not something these paranormals can understand.

Sip stuck out her chin. I dont need their understanding. I need their cooperation. And theyd better not hurt Lisabelle.

I think its pretty clear none of us can hurt Lisabelle, I said. Thats what has everyone so worried.

Sip ignored me.

We went down to the galley, which was one ma.s.sive room that looked the way the floor of Astra had when I arrived back after Golden Falls: covered in sleeping bags. Sip sighed, led us to an empty corner, and stared around darkly.

Trafton and Rake were already there, and they waved when they saw us.

Im going to go say hi, said Lough. Ill be right back.

Well get stuff set up, said Sip, sighing.

As I watched my friend, I could see the struggle clearly reflected on her face. The lines were etched in sadness.

Are you okay? I asked.

She didnt answer, she just unpacked some objects that looked like miniature sleeping bags from a small sack and tossed a bit of dust on them. I had no idea what she was doing, but as I watched, the bags grew to normal size.

Increase powder, she said, seeing me looking. Its a pixie thing, usually used for tricks, but they figured out it was useful for packing too, so they make a mint selling it.

Cool, Ill remember that. Then I repeated my question: Are you okay?