Sea Glass

“To neutralize him, but not kill him?” Walsh asked.

“Yes.”

“Exactly how? Because the last time I heard, the only way to defuse a wild power was to terminate the person.” Walsh’s gaze slid to the orb in my lap.

“We have discovered a new way, but the Master Magicians are keeping the specifics quiet for now,” Leif said.

“Interesting. Were you staying with the Stormdancers on the coast?” Walsh asked me.

“Yes.”

“Quinn’s confession last night included a variety of events he’s been keeping from me. Go on, Quinn, tell them about the sea glass in case they find it on their way back.” Walsh’s anger flashed at the young man before he smoothed his features.

Quinn kept his gaze on the floor. “I…collect sea glass.” He swallowed. “And I did something to my collection with my…uh…wild magic. When my…brothers began fighting over them, I tossed them into the sea.”

“Did something?” Leif asked.

He grimaced. “I think I made them more…desirable. My brothers used to make fun of me for collecting it, but they were…crazed by them.”

That’s why Quinn felt so familiar to me.

“The glass is dangerous,” Walsh said. He pressed his lips together, controlling his fury. “With the currents and tides, they may wash up onshore near The Cliffs. The Stormdancers should be warned.”

Leif glanced at me with a question in his eyes. I nodded.

“Thanks for the warning, but it’s a little late,” Leif said. “One of the Stormdancers found most of the pieces, and when she brought them back to the cave…well, crazed is a good descriptor.”

Quinn looked horrified.

Walsh asked if anyone was hurt.

“Minor bumps and bruises. But if Opal hadn’t broken the magic, people would have died.” Leif swept his hands out to emphasize his point.

“I didn’t mean…” The poor boy put his head in his hands. “I’m so sorry.”

Walsh, however, focused on me. “You seem to have an affinity for glass. How did you manage to break the spell?”

Leif saved me from answering. “It’s complicated,” he said. “Hopefully, Quinn won’t do it again.”

“Of course not,” Walsh said. “I guarantee it.”

Quinn shuddered.

I wanted to ask Quinn about the markings, but held my tongue. It was probably a way for him to keep track of his collection, and I had an odd feeling it might get Quinn into more trouble.

With nothing left to discuss, we returned to our cottage to pack. As soon as we were alone, Leif said, “That manipulating sack of seagull droppings!”

“I assume you’re referring to Walsh,” I said.

“Yes. I feel sorry for that boy. He should come with us.”

“Why didn’t you force him to?” Skippy asked. “It’s within your power.”

“There wasn’t a good enough reason. Quinn’s control with the teacup was impressive. Master Bain wanted him to come to the Keep, but he respects people’s right to choose how they live as long as they’re not a danger to themselves or others. The whole incident with the sea glass was an honest mistake. Since Quinn said he’d rather stay, I couldn’t force him. But I can rescue him.”

“What do you mean by rescue?” I asked.

“I gave him an out. He can pull a big hunk of power and alert the Masters.”

I had trouble following Leif’s logic. “But then we siphon his powers. How’s that an out?”

“The danger of flameout is gone. If he yanks on the power blanket, it’s because he needs our attention.”

“And you think this boy is smart enough to pick up on your offer?” Skippy asked.

“Time will tell.”

After we left Walsh’s compound, my mind kept returning to the Bloodrose family. The family’s bland faces haunted my sleep. Nothing they did or said raised a red flag of warning, but their resignation and apathy still left a rancid taste in my mouth. It felt as if they’d given in, letting Walsh decide their lives for them.

Perhaps the bad flavor resulted not from the Bloodrose family, but from my own worries. I had given in to the Council’s wishes, allowing Skippy to guard me and producing enough messengers to earn permission to leave the Keep.

Quinn stayed because of his sense of obligation and guilt from Walsh. Was I doing the same thing?

At least Quinn had control of his magic. I clung to the one positive result of the whole trip, hoping it would drive out the unsettled feeling.

We headed north toward Stormdance land. Skippy protested that there was no need to return to The Cliffs, but I wanted to ensure the orbs would hold a storm’s energy before I left the Stormdancers.

The trip south had been seven days of almost nonstop riding and six days searching the small costal towns for Quinn. Even though we pushed the pace, it took us eight days to reach The Cliffs.

Along the way, I found a few pieces of sea glass. They were scattered over a wide swath of beach. I managed to spark them before Leif or Skippy could fall under their spell. My hands throbbed for a while afterward.

We arrived two days into the heating season. The bright sun warmed the air during the day, making us sweat. But I still used my cloak to keep the chill off at night.

Kade and Heli greeted us first. They had been hiking on the beach seeking treasures. I dismounted with the utmost speed and crushed Kade in my arms.