A Crystal of Time (The School for Good and Evil The Camelot Years #2) - Soman Chainani Page 0,113

see the world clearly. But you’ve grown more than you know. Most born into entitlement wither under adversity. You’ve admitted your faults and not only seek redemption, but are willing to put in the work to achieve it. You’ve earned the right to fight for your crown. How long and hard that fight will be, we cannot know. But I will help you in every way I can.”

His eyes glowed like stars, bright enough to light the darkest night.

Tedros hugged Agatha to his side, wiping her tears.

“But I’m afraid storytime is over,” said Reaper.

Out of the audience, two gnome guards ambushed Sophie, hoisted her off the ground by her hips, and held her upside down—

“EEEEEYYIII! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Sophie shrieked.

A gnome whipped off her shoe, pulled the necklace off her toe with its gold vial, and tossed it at Reaper, who caught it, before the guards dumped Sophie on her buttocks.

“I’d say I’m sorry that you were the only one to get wet as you came in,” Reaper said to Sophie, twirling her Dean’s necklace. “But that would be a lie.”

Sophie gaped at him, soaked through. “You did it on purpose!”

“All hail the king,” Tedros murmured.

The cat pulled open Sophie’s vial and spread the golden liquid into midair, which congealed into the familiar Quest Map, floating over his throne.

Only one name and figurine still remained on the map, positioned over Camelot’s castle, a name Tedros was surprised to see on the Quest Map at all. . . .

RHIAN

“Looks like the king’s still alive, despite your best efforts,” said Reaper. He brought the map down, spreading it in front of him. “Which means whatever we do next . . .”

His eyes lifted to his audience.

“It will have to be better.”

THE STUDENTS AND teachers of the School for Good and Evil sat in a circle around the map, which floated in the center above the blue-velvet floor. Reaper paced back and forth across the levitating parchment, pondering everything Sophie, Agatha, and Tedros had just told him.

“So Rhian seeks the powers of the One True King,” the cat said. “How close is he to securing them?”

Tedros could hear Yuba whispering to Agatha: “Why would Rhian’s name be on a Dean’s Quest Map? He wasn’t a student at the school!”

“I had the same question,” Agatha whispered back. “Speaking of students, how did you get the first years here?”

“After the Sheriff took you to Camelot, I received a message from King Teapea,” said Yuba. “I’d never met the new Gnome King, so imagine my surprise! He said we must unite against Rhian and ordered me to bring the teachers and students here, with instructions how to use old Flowerground tunnels to arrive undetected.”

Thup. Thup. Thup.

Tedros saw Reaper tapping his claw impatiently.

The prince cleared his throat. “Uh, what was the question?”

“How many leaders still possess their rings?” said Reaper, glaring. “Gnomeland never had a ring, since it was a domain of Camelot. And Camelot no longer has a ring, since your father is said to have destroyed it before he died. Which means we need to know how many rings are left that can prevent Rhian from claiming the Storian’s powers.”

Tedros and Agatha exchanged glances. “Not sure,” the prince admitted.

“Only one ring needs to survive,” the Sheriff grunted. “All that matters.”

Reaper gazed at him thoughtfully. “Indeed.”

Tedros waited for the cat to elaborate, but instead Reaper nibbled on gourmet mushrooms his guards had brought, his eyes still fixed on the Sheriff. Then he began pacing once more.

“To put Tedros back on the throne will be no easy task,” said Reaper, padding past kingdoms on the map. “All of us will have to do our part.” He stopped over the realm of Borna Coric. “Witches?”

The coven perked up.

“Yes, Your Highness,” said Hester.

“Give us a mission,” said Anadil.

“Anything you need,” said Dot.

“You’re to go to the Caves of Contempo and rescue Merlin,” Reaper ordered.

“Anything but that,” said Dot.

Hester and Anadil scowled at her.

“It’s thousands of miles away and surrounded by a poisonous sea!” Dot argued. “There’s no way to get to the caves!”

“I’ll go,” Tedros declared, puffing his chest. “Merlin is my friend—”

“Wait a minute,” said Nicola, locked on Dot. “Aren’t you part of the Coven of Room 66? Witches of legend, who’ve battled undead villains, murderous pirates, and were entrusted by the Dean of Good herself to find a new School Master?”

Dot twiddled her thumbs. “Yes, but—”

“Merlin needs your help,” Nicola clapped back. “Merlin, the greatest wizard of Good, who has saved you and your friends many