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Expression intent, she asked again, “Can you track it?”

“Of course,” he said, wanting to sayno, but unable to deny the seriousness of the situation. The Wendigo was a powerful creature if loosed upon an unsuspecting population. Every conflict in the history of Azlandia and Earth Realm, including two World Wars, had been started by the Wendigo before it had been captured and imprisoned. “Question is — why can’t you?”

The question was a valid one.

Her magic fueled unprecedented power. She should be able to run it down herself. No need to call on him at all.

“It’s no longer here,” she said, looking as though admitting it gave her stomach pains.

“Impossible.”

“And…” she continued, ignoring his incredulity, “where it’s gone, I cannot follow.”

“Earth Realm.”

“Exactly,” she said. “I cannot cross theEcotonewithout damaging my magic. And you’re the only one with enough skill to track it.”

A compliment instead of the usual insult.

Incredible. Mark the occasion.

“How did it get out?”

An excellent question.

He needed the clarification. All the portals between Azlandia and Earth Realm lay closed. Bricked up by the very queen he stared at with growing impatience. Her assertion made no sense. Only a magic-wielder of equal power could open rifts between worlds. Lyonesse didn’t own that skill, only a Door Master born on the human side of theEcotonepossessed the ability.

“The Wendigo escaped through a doorway.”

“How is that possible?”

“That is the question,” she said, standing on the threshold between the door jambs. “One I will have answered by you. Recapture the Wendigo, Slayer. Bring me the one responsible for opening the doorway between our world and Earth Realm.”

Westvane indulged in a few quick calculations. “What’s in it for me?”

She scowled. “You will be a hero to your people, you —”

“What do I care? I’ve never wanted titles and don’t need fanfare.”

“I cannot allow the Wendigo to run free.”

“Then allow me to run it to ground, but…” he said, gaze boring into hers. “If I do this for you, you grant me my freedom. No double-crosses or tricks. I want a normal life with my own kind.”

“There are no others like you.”

True enough. As a hybrid, he existed outside the norm. “You want the Wendigo recaptured and the Door Master dead?”

“Yes,” she said through clenched teeth.

“Then freedom is my price.”

Her hatred for his ultimatum hung between them. Dark pink feathers rustling, she stalled, refusing to answer in haste, searching for a way out. He refused to give her one. If she wanted him to hunt, she needed to make it worth his while.

Kicking at a pile of straw, she turned to face him. Rage ignited in her eyes as she stared at him. “Agreed.”

He growled in triumph.

Looking sick to her stomach, Lyonesse raised her hand. Magic rippled from her palm. The iridescent wave hit the stone wall, tearing in half the illusion she held together. The scales fell away, revealing a vortex of clear white light, allowing him to perceive the doorway beyond the prison cell.