by Ilana Waters
An idea crept into my head, tapping like spider legs at the back of my mind. What time did Victor take Stone’s class? What period was it? I wracked my brain till it spit out the answer. It was the same time as my free period. The one that mysteriously got switched after only a few weeks. The same time several crimes took place.
Victor had never been here in Stone’s classroom. At least, not more than a few times. And it was the perfect place to plant a body double. Nothing new ever happened in that class. “Professor Drone,” as she was nicknamed, would have gone on and on, talking and talking, and never notice anything amiss. A student could drop dead, and she wouldn’t even blink, so long as it didn’t make any noise. I didn’t know how, but I had a feeling I knew who had switched my free period.
It was the perfect plan. Victor had made a hologram of himself to get out of taking Stone’s class. This way, it would seem like he was in attendance, when in reality, he could be anywhere. Doing anything. Hiding spell-cleanse to hurt Oliver. Poisoning sword tips to kill Colleen. And once my gym-cleaning duties with Colleen ended, Victor knew I’d never have an alibi. Never have anyone who could account for where I was supposed to be every day in the afternoon. When Cerridwen was defaced. When the storeroom was broken into.
But why would Victor want to blame me for things he did? It had to go beyond his usual sadism and vindictiveness. He needed a straw man, a distraction. But for what? It still didn’t make sense. I didn’t have long to figure it out. And I certainly couldn’t do it on my own.
I looked out the window at the hourglass and the setting sun. Only twenty-five minutes left now. I had no time to lose.
Miles, Pen—wherever you are, listen to me. I need you now. Get somewhere private where we can talk. But not face-to-face. I needed to mind-speak with them; somewhere it wouldn’t be obvious we were having a telekinetic conversation. I sent the message as strongly as I could, then waited a few agonizing seconds.
Slowly, my friends’ faces came into view. Pen was by herself, searching for the Chalice among beakers and Bunsen burners. And I could see Miles clearly in my mind, under the bleachers.
Josh, mate. Miles scratched his head, looking around to make sure he was alone. We got your message. What in crap is going on?
Pen, where are you? I asked.
Searching in one of the labs, she replied. Had to get the okay from Victor first. Why?
We have a problem. I pretended to look around the hallways, in order to fool any spectators who might be watching. Of course, there was always the off chance I’d actually find the Chalice this way, but it wasn’t my priority.
A problem? Miles raised his eyebrows. I’ll say. You know you’re not allowed to communicate with members of the opposing team—or spectators—once Tournament starts. Mind-speak or otherwise.
Trust me, Miles. I made a great show of checking behind a picture frame, for the sake of the spectator spell. This is an occasion that calls for tossing protocol completely out the window. I told them what I’d seen in Stone’s classroom.
So, you’re saying it was Victor who switched your free period, leaving you alibi-less. Pen’s face looked wobbly as it passed through a long row of test tubes. He also broke into the storeroom, stole the hologram potion, and used it to fool Stone so he could commit other crimes, which he then tried to pin on you.
Let’s say—just for the sake of argument—that all that was true. Miles ducked to avoid a packet of crisps that fell between the bleachers above him. It doesn’t explain why he did any of it. Like, what did he have against Oliver? Or Rosemary, and Colleen? And what about the ghost those two saw?
No one saw a ghost. I moved down another corridor, pretending to check inside keyholes and under rugs. That was Victor’s hologram. In Rosemary’s case, she saw it last just long enough for her to reach for it, then disappear.
A hologram? Pen went through several drawers in the lab. Yeah, that could be it. Do you think he did it on purpose?
I thought for a moment, then shook my head. No. But not out of kindness. I’m sure Victor would find an old lady falling down a flight of stairs hilarious. But he had no reason to target Rosemary. I think Victor was practicing in the stairwell with the hologram. He assumed that, at such a late hour, the hallway would be deserted. He didn’t expect Rosemary to show up. Really, when has he ever given any thought to those he considers beneath him? Except to torture them, I mean. I think he wanted to get the hologram to last longer, but couldn’t. That’s why it disappeared when Rosemary tried to grab it. Her fall truly was an accident. Of course, it never would’ve happened if Victor hadn’t been experimenting with illegal potions.
What kind of magic doesn’t leave a trace? I’d wondered when I first tried to determine who the malefactor was. A hologram was the answer. I was right: a specific spell hadn’t been performed at that spot. It had been projected from somewhere else. Victor could’ve been anywhere at Equinox—or on earth, for that matter—when his image appeared in front of Rosemary. If I’d examined where he’d been physically at the time, no doubt I’d have sensed the magic he used. But I wasn’t, and so, I didn’t.
I have to admit, it makes sense. Pen closed the last drawer, and floated up to look at a high shelf. And Victor could just as easily have used a hologram to drive Colleen into the swords. After poisoning and positioning them outward, all he had to do was make it look like he was about to run into them. He knew Colleen, with her protective instincts and concern for others, would rush to him without a moment’s thought.
Miles let out a low whistle, then quickly looked around to see if anyone heard him. But the sound had been swallowed up by a sea of noise from the spectators above. Used her own kindheartedness against her, then. Bloody hell.
I clenched my fists and felt my teeth grind. God, how I hate that kid. But you’re right, Miles. I moved down a different hallway. I still don’t know how hurting Oliver fit into his grand plan. However, I do know what that woodsy scent around the spell-cleanse was all about. It must’ve been the ground oak root Victor made into a potion to strengthen the hologram spell. To get it to last as long as he needed. He probably had some just before he glamoured the wheelbarrow, too. I could have kicked myself. That was what Victor’s inquiries in potion class had been about. He’d been trying to figure out how to make the hologram stay on.
But what about Cerridwen? Miles asked me. The anger you felt surrounding her. Are you sure that was Victor?
Well, I’d already shown him up several times at that point. Almost killing him in the courtyard when we’d first met, and later, when I nearly beat him to a pulp during Tournament tryouts. Me, the abominable half-breed. Of course he’d be enraged.
In my mind, I saw Miles’s face crinkle in confusion. But how did he deface Cerridwen when he was supposed to be in Stone’s class? he asked. He hadn’t stolen the hologram potion yet.
Remember when we first learned Cerridwen was smashed? I stopped to examine a suit of armor on display. No Chalice. I kept walking. Victor mentioned passing her on his way back from lunch. Let’s assume he was telling the truth, or at least part of it. He said she looked fine. But he could easily have committed the crime then. Wrecking Cerridwen wouldn’t have taken long. Then, he’d just continue on to Stone’s class, or wherever he was supposed to be at the time, as if nothing had happened.
But what about the break-in? Pen floated down from the shelf she’d been examining. That happened during your free period too, when Victor was also supposed to be in Stone’s class. But he didn’t have the hologram potion at that point, either, so he couldn’t have pretended to be there.
I snapped my fingers. I’ll bet he had Dirk or Mason do it. I’ve been so obsessed comparing Victor’s and my free periods, I didn’t even think about theirs. It would still explain the abundance of fire magic at the scene. After all, they’re both fire witches, too. But everything up till now has just been practice runs for the main event. For tonight. Especially that hologram potion. Tournament would be t
he perfect time to sneak off and cause trouble. All you’d need is a hologram spell to fool the spectators.
Pen placed her hands in front of the lab’s supply closet, trying to feel, with her magic, if the Chalice was inside. Are you sure? she asked. Maybe the spell’s already served its purpose: getting Victor out of Stone’s class. Or trying to kill Colleen.
If he is, in fact, the one who tried to kill her, Miles added.
My jaw dropped. I stopped walking mid-stride. What are you talking about? Of course he is! This is my—our—one and only chance of getting to the bottom of this. Of clearing my name. And possibly preventing Victor from truly killing someone. You have to help me. Silence.
Oh, come on! I said. You know it was him who did all those god-awful things. He nearly murdered my girlfriend, for Christ’s sake! You have to believe me. Or do you really think I’d kill the woman I love for no apparent reason. Well, do you?
There was a long pause. Please, I begged. Miles, Pen. If you won’t help me, I’m done for. Another pause that seemed to last forever.
He’s right, Pen finally said. She lowered her hands from in front of the closet. No matter what we thought Joshua did before, he’d never hurt Colleen. Everyone knows that. He’s crazy about her.
You have no idea, I thought to myself. To Pen, I said, Thank you. I kept moving through corridor after corridor.
But what if he is a criminal, and we help him? Miles grabbed fistfuls of his hair. We’ll be tried as accomplices.
But what if Josh is innocent? Pen asked. Do you really want him to be tried and convicted by the Council for crimes he didn’t commit? One of which is attempted murder?
After a few seconds, Miles let go of his hair and heaved a huge sigh. All right, then. It has to be Victor. But how do we prove he did all those things? Or that he’s about to do something worse?
Pen’s features tensed in concentration. What would he want to do during Tournament that would require a hologram? Where would he go? Maybe he wants to sneak off somewhere and look for the Chalice on his own, though I can’t see why.
Maybe to ensure he’s the one who finds it, so he can be the Chalice Master. I was almost at the main hall, and running out of places to look for the Chalice, or pretend to. Maybe the House of Fire winning as a whole isn’t good enough for him.
But the spectator spell would still be on Victor during Tournament, said Miles. He couldn’t do anything illegal without everyone seeing him, even with the hologram as a decoy. Blimey. Miles closed his eyes. We’re completely in the dark here. Maybe we should just call it quits right now and go to the headmaster.
And say what? Pen’s eyes scanned the professor’s lab desk. “We feel strongly that Wright’s a wanker”? We can’t even prove the hologram potion Victor used in Stone’s class is the same one that was stolen. We’ve no real evidence of anything.
Yet, I said. Which is why we need to get some. To catch him in the act—whatever act that is. To confront him.
And what’s to stop him from killing us the way he tried to kill Colleen? Miles wrung his hands. What if he’s planning something big? Who knows what kind of dark magics he’s gotten his mitts on?
The element of surprise, I said. That’s what will stop him. Remember, Victor excels at devilish planning. So much my father would admire him, actually, I mused. But you saw him during the play-offs. He can’t think on his feet. He doesn’t know we’re onto him. That’s our advantage. We’ve got to catch him before he completes whatever it is he needs to.
Miles buried his head in his hands. This is going to be a disaster. Victor’s going to come out on top again. You’ll see.
Figures, Pen grunted. Victor. Even his name means “winner.”
Yes, I said, and his last name means “correct.” But that doesn’t mean he always is. Pen, is there any place the fire team hasn’t checked for the Chalice yet?
Well, we’re all still rummaging through the laundry. I mean, except me. But I don’t think fire searched the administrative offices yet.
I gave a sharp nod. Good. Neither did air. I looked around; I’d reached the main hall. Dammit. I’m in the wrong place. I’m nowhere near those offices. I glanced at a clock on the wall. Only fifteen minutes left. But I’ll bet my life that’s where Victor’s headed. It’ll take me forever to go there the long way around. I need a shortcut. My gaze fell on the long row of Victorian artwork. Miles, quick—is there really a secret passage behind that last portrait in the main hall?
I think so, he said.
Where does it come out?
Well, that whole wall runs along the northwest side, so the only place it could go would be . . . In my mind, I saw Miles close his eyes and mouth to himself. The hallway leading to Specs’s office, he finished.
Well, no point in going there. I stood with my hands on my hips, trying to decide what to do. Specs would never hide the Chalice in a locked room.
What are you talking about? Miles asked. The headmaster’s office is never locked during Tournament.
My eyebrows shot up. Specs leaves his office unlocked?
You know the rules, Josh. Pen opened and closed the professor’s desk drawers. She waved her hand over each one, sifting through the contents with her magic. The Chalice can be hidden in any public place, including classrooms and offices.
Never mind. I shook my head. The secret passage is perfect, actually. I just realized that hallway is right across from the rest of the administrative offices.
Miles’s face froze in alarm. Mate, you can’t use that shortcut.
I don’t have time to argue with you, Miles. I strode up to the last portrait. I have to get there before Victor.
But the spectator spell doesn’t work in restricted areas. Pen stopped searching through the desk drawers and stood up. It wouldn’t be cast inside the walls. And you’re not allowed to go anywhere the spell isn’t in force.
In that case . . . My eyes scanned the wall of portraits. Miles, do you think you can extend the spectator spell no-zone?
Maybe, Miles said hesitantly. Where, exactly, do you want me to extend it?
To wherever I am.
Joshua! Pen exclaimed.
That way, whatever Victor has up his sleeve, neither you nor Pen will be in any danger, I said. It’ll all be on me. Victor will see that the spell’s not in force around me. He’ll think we’re truly alone. Then, he’ll drop his guard. Make his move.
Miles’s face clouded over with worry. You’re taking an awfully big risk, mate. And not just with your safety. I mean with the plan failing. If I make the spectator spell go squiffy, everyone in the stands will know something’s up.
Yes, but they’ll think it’s a glitch at first. I went from frame to frame among the portraits, still making a show of looking for the Chalice. Spells go awry all the time. By the time they figure out what’s really going on, I’ll have the evidence I need to confront Victor and prove his guilt. Hopefully.
Pen shook her head. Miles shouldn’t work that spell alone. I’ll help.
No, Pen, I said. I need you to go back to the fire team and keep them occupied. Make sure they’re looking anywhere besides Specs’s office. Besides, the spectator spell doesn’t apply to well, spectators. And Miles is a spectator. They won’t be able to see him. But if you or I try to mess with the spell, everyone will know right away, because they can see us.
Riiight. Pen nodded. Plus, it’s illegal. We’d both be out. Our houses might even be disqualified. Tournament will be over, and Victor will never try to pull off . . . whatever he’s trying to pull off. We’ll never prove he’s guilty of anything.
Well, when you put it that way . . . Miles blew a puff of air out of his cheeks. Okay, I’m on my way to you, Josh. He hurried out from beneath the bleachers and snuck in a side door. But speaking of illegal, you do realize we’re breaking every rule Equin has and then some, yeah?
Well, Equinox is all about balance, I said. And rules were made to be broken. I grimaced and ran my
hand through my hair. And . . . look, just think of a wise, pithy saying about this situation and pretend I quoted it. Okay?
Works for me. Pen headed toward the lab door. Are you sure you don’t want us to come with you, Josh? What if Victor tries to use some sort of lethal magic on you?
No, Pen, I said firmly. It’s better if he and the spectators think you’re still preoccupied with the game. And I’m not about to risk Miles getting hurt.
What about you? Miles argued. I thought you said the element of surprise would prevent him from killing you.
Er, it will. This is just a precaution. Miles, you’re coming here, working the spell, and going right back into the stands. I called the same steely resolve into my thoughts as I had into my speech for House of Air. And that’s final, I added.
All right, all right. Miles raced down the halls. But how will we know if you got the proof you needed from Victor? And that you’re still alive?
I’ll message you the same way I’m doing now. My foot began to tap up and down, the same way it had before Tournament began. Now hurry, Miles! I have to get going.
What about your own team, Josh? Pen exited the lab and closed the door behind her. Won’t they come looking for you?
I sent them off to search Burgess’s classroom, plus a few others. That’ll still take a while. And I can always mind-message them to meet me somewhere else.
Well, I’ve got to get back to the laundry room, Pen said. Or House of Fire will wonder why I’m taking so long. Good luck. Her image melted away in my mind. It wasn’t long before Miles was at my side. He was out of breath from running, but still managed to swiftly work the spell. We took one final look at each other and nodded. He started jogging back to the bleachers.
Like Pen said, he thought as he disappeared around a corner, good luck. And good magic, Captain. I think you’ll need plenty of both.
I gripped the edge of the last portrait frame with both hands. With great effort, I pulled it away from the wall. It groaned and creaked to reveal a stone passageway behind it. A cold draft blew gently from within. I had no choice; I stepped behind the portrait and pulled it closed after me. All was chilled darkness. As I made a magic ball of light above me to guide the way, Oliver’s words at Tournament practice came back to me:
