The Will of the Empress - By Tamora Pierce Page 0,122

her lip or her agonized throat.

What is the time? When will Fin come back? She had no idea of the hour. She wasn't sure that much time had passed, but it was impossible to tell with her magic loose and floppy, and Tris and Daja both unavailable. He could be on his way back here now. Sandry wasn't sure how much longer she could endure this tiny, dark space and be sane. If she was going to be in any condition to rip him to shreds when she was free, she had to escape.

That left Briar, who had not allowed her back into his mind. Her tie to him was dull grey. Too bad, Sandry told herself. This is no time for niceties.

She reached into the pouch at her neck and took out her precious thread circle. She found Briar's lump in it easily. It blazed green in her magic, with filaments of Sandry's, Tris's, and Daja's powers mixed in. Plunging through it, Sandry shrieked silently, BRIAR!

Images shot through her mind: lace-trimmed skirts, Caidy's wild eyes, a thud on the floor, Briar helping a livid Caidy to her feet.

I told you to keep OUT! he roared at her down their connection. Oh, cowpox, he said, recognizing the thread circle as it blazed in her mind and her hand. You're using the string. I thought you said you'd never make us do this. "Your own free will, "that's what you said. So just shut.... He slowed, spreading himself through her mind. Say, what's all this? You're in a box with magic in it.

No, do you think so? demanded Sandry, fighting to keep her mental voice from shaking. Here I was thinking it was the empress's chambers. No wonder I feel so cramped.

Don't bite my nose off, he said absently. How did you get into this thing? Where's your night lamp?

I jumped in. For good measure, I pulled the top on and put locks on the outside. I decided I needed a challenge!

What's the matter with you? Briar asked, so caught up with Sandry that he barely felt it when Caidy slapped his face. It's Tris who's the grouch, remember? "Good-bye," he called absently as Caidy walked away from him.

Sandry made herself take a breath. If I'm grouchy, it's because I need rescuing, she said reasonably. Losing her temper, she cried, And I hate needing rescue!

I guess so, Briar replied, walking outside into the gardens. Rain soaked him instantly. He ignored it. Now, where are you?

He said the room was plantless so you couldn't find me, Sandry replied, fighting not to sound forlorn. He left men to guard me, or help him smuggle me out of here, wherever "here" is

I don't need plants — I can follow our tie. Who's "he, "any way? Briar set off down a promenade through the rose garden, keeping an eye on the thread that shone silver through the dark and the pouring rain.

Fin. He was supposed to be my escort, and he lured me into a very well-laid trap. He was ready for this, Briar. He had drugs to put me to sleep and there are binding signs for my thread magic on this box as good as anything we could make. His mage uncle helped. Fin said he's got a house that's the same. A tear dripped from one of her eyes; Sandry ignored it. At least talking to Briar helped her keep the dark from overwhelming her, barely. He said Berenene didn't know, but that she admires boldness in a man.

The Sandry-thread led Briar back inside, through a side door with freshly oiled hinges. He found himself in an older wing of the palace, where the thread took him to a small back hallway. The good news is that you're still in the palace, I think, he told her. There were signs of neglect everywhere. Human footprints marked the dust on the floor tiles, leading him to a small door. You said you're guarded? I'd better get reinforcements.

They're blocked off, Sandry replied glumly. Probably Daja and Rizu are together. Tris was playing with lightning. I think I have a scorch mark on my power.

Briar grinned at the thought. Well, the stormy part's over. He reached out along his newly strengthened connection with Tris.

What? the weather mage demanded. Briar got the impression she was back in her chambers, changing into her nightclothes. I was busy —

Briar opened his mind, trusting her to know what to look at and what to leave alone. It took Tris