Iron Crowned Page 0,33

to detect there. Following - and spying - would be easy.

"We're done with this," I said. Power coursed into the wand. Still, she didn't flinch.

"The Iron Crown," she repeated. "I know where it is. I can lead you."

Again, I paused the banishing and recalled something Dorian had said. "The way is blocked to spirits."

"Yes," she agreed. "But I know the starting point. You don't even know that. I can take you there, and you can go the rest of the way on your own."

"I don't believe you. I have no reason to. You could just get me mucked up in your little investigation and then disappear."

This finally brought about emotion. Anger flickered in those pale eyes. "'Little investigation?' This is my family! Their lives! They mean everything to me."

"Meant," I corrected. "You need to cut your ties to this world."

Her lips flattened into a straight line, as though she fought to control her temper. "I'll take you there first. After you have the crown, you'll help me. I'll be the one taking you at your word. You have nothing to lose."

"Nothing except my life," I muttered. "A crown that does nothing except lead me on some lethal journey is a big gamble. I don't even believe Masthera's crazy logic."

"Other spirits say it can do what she says," the ghost said. "They're old. They remember it."

Well, that at least answered one of my questions. The dubious nature of the crown aside, I understood how a ghost like this would know about something so ancient. The grief that bound her to this world might make her strong, but she struck me as a new ghost, one that would hardly know about some legendary artifact.

"It's all ridiculous," I said. "It's time for you to go."

"It is," she agreed. "Think about my offer. Summon me when you're ready. My name is Deanna."

And as easily as she'd come, she disappeared, beating my banishing. Admittedly, it had less to do with my skill than with my own doubt. Her words had struck something in me. A tiny spark of wonder, wonder that maybe there was some wacky way to end this war. If the legends were true. If Deanna wasn't lying. If I didn't die setting out alone on a treacherous journey.

Shaking my head, I once more chastised myself for letting her go. Next time. Next time I'd banish her to the Underworld as soon as I saw her face. For now, I had to go to Dorian. I'd wasted too much time. Hastily, I repacked my bag and went on my way.

Tim and Lara still sat in the living room. Recognizing what the bag meant, Tim again muted the TV, an uncharacteristic look of concern on his face.

"Eug ... don't you think going over to Never Never Land is a bad idea after getting your ass kicked tonight?"

"You should see the other guy." I shifted the bag, careful to keep it on my good shoulder and away from my back. "Besides, sad as it is, I think I'm safer there than here."

He sighed, and I couldn't help a smile. I glanced at Lara. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Her face was as grave as Tim's. "I don't think we're charging enough."

I laughed. "Probably not."

I left them for a gateway that opened up near Dorian's. I had an anchor in his castle too, and crossing over nearby pulled me to it. I appeared in a small, empty chamber that he reserved purely for the anchor. Even injured, I'd had no difficulty making the transition. A long time ago, I couldn't even cross in human form. I'd come over as my spirit's totem: a dark swan. Now, coming here was as easy as stepping through a door. My power had indeed grown, something that Kiyo and my parents feared.

I didn't get very far down the adjacent hall before I was spotted by a servant. "Your Majesty!" he sputtered, managing a clumsy bow. "The king has been expecting you."

"Then take me to him," I said.

Dinner had long since ended, and Dorian was in one of his posh sitting rooms, surrounded by a handful of counselors and generals. To my surprise, Masthera sat there too, off in a corner where she observed rather than participated in the meeting. Dorian's face was calm and collected as he spoke to the others, but his expression broke a little when he saw me.

"Eugenie!"

In a few strides, he was across the room. Something cracked inside of me too, something that was