Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty-seven

I WOULD HAVE GAPED IF I were thither, both from the shock of seeing Sydney and at the sight of a human on Court grounds. Humans, actu in ally, because t here were two others with her, a man and a woman. The man was young, that a s cannistert(p) senior than Sydney, with deep brown hair and eye. The woman was venerableer and wore the tough, seasoned look I associated with Alberta. This woman was dark-skinned, still I could still see the gollair stain she and the other humans had. All Alchemists.And it was translucent these Alchemists were not happy. That older woman was putting on a great show, provided her darting look made it polish off she wanted to be somewhere e rattlingwhereelse. Sydney and the twat didnt hide their fear at all. Sydney power boast gotten used to me and Dimitri, tho she and her associates had exclusively walked into a den of evil, as far as they were probably concerned.The Alchemists werent alone in their discomfort. As soon as theyd entered, the g uardians no longer regarded Eddie as the rooms threat. Their look were all on the humans, scrutinizing them as though they were Strigoi. My friends have the appearance _or_ semblanceed more(prenominal) curious than afraid. Lissa and I had lived among humans, precisely Christian and Adrian had had very little exposure, other than feeders. Seeing the Alchemists on our turf added an extra element of intrigue.I was certainly astonished to see Sydney there so quickly. Or was it quickly? Hours had passed since wed escapismd Jills house. Not large time to drive to Court but certainly adequacy to fly. Sydney hadnt throwd clothes since Id last seen her, and there were shadows chthonic her eyes. I had a feeling shed been grilled to no end since her capture. The mystery was, why bring the Alchemists here to the meeting closely Eddie killing the un accreditn Moroi? There were two completely different issues at stake.Lissa was opinion the same thing. Who are these guys? she asked, alt hough she had a pretty good idea who Sydney was. Shed heard enough description from me. Sydney gave Lissa a once- all over, and I suspected she had guessed Lissas identity as well.Alchemists, give tongue to Hans gruffly. You k at present what that means?Lissa and my friends nodded. What do they have to do with Eddie and that guy who attacked me? she asked.Maybe something. Maybe zip fastener. Hans shrugged. But I know theres something strange going on, something youre all mired in, and I need to figure out what. She Hans pointed at Sydneywas with Hathaway in Detroit, and I still have tussle learn none of you know anything virtually it.Adrian crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, the perfect picture of indifference. Keep believing that, but I dont know any of these people. Dont Alchemists hate us? Why are they here? Adrian, ironically, was the only one of my friends who knew I hadnt been in West Virginia, but youd neer give notice (of) from his demeanor.Because we hav e an escaped murderess to passel with and needed to question her accomplice in person, was Hanss crisp response.A denial of my guilt was on Lissas lips, but the older Alchemist jumped in first. You have no proof that Miss sharp-witted was an accomplice to your criminal. And I still telephone its ridiculous that you wouldnt let us do our own questioning and leave it at that. In any other situation, we would, Miss Stanton, replied Hans. Ice was forming between the two of them. But this one, as you can imagine, is a secondment more serious than most. Our queen was murdered.Tension ramped up yet more between the guardians and the Alchemists. Their working kinship was not a happy one, I realized. It withal occurred to me that even if Sydneys superiors estimation shed committed some crime, they would never admit as a good deal to my peoplewhich meant Hanss paranoia wasnt entirely unfounded. When none of the Alchemists responded, Hans seemed to read this as approval to be pay bac k interrogating Sydney.Do you know these three? He gestured to my friends, and Sydney agitate her head. Ever communicated with them?No.He paused, as though hoping shed change her consequence. She didnt. Then how did you wreak involved with Hathaway?She studied him intently, fear in her brown eyes. I wasnt sure if it was because of him just. Really, she had a lot of things to be nervous about right now, standardised being here at all and the eventual punishment the Alchemists would dole out. Then, of course, there was Abe. Technically, he was the reason she had gotten ensnared in this mess. All she had to do was tell on him, say hed blackmailed her. Itd get her off the hookbut incur his wrath. Sydney swallowed and forced a obstreperous look.I met Rose in Siberia.Yes, yes, state Hans. But how did you end up helping her escape here?I had nothing to do with her escaping this place say Sydney. It was a half-truth, I supposed. She contacted me a few old age ago and asked for help to get to a house near Detroit. She claimed she was innocent and that this would help prove it.The Alchemists knew by because she was a fugitive, pointed out Hans. Everyone had orders to look out for her. You could have cancelled her in.When I first met Rose, she didnt seem like the murdering typeI mean, aside from killing Strigoi. Which isnt murder at all, really. Sydney threw in a little Alchemist disdain. It was a nice touch. So, when she state she was innocent and could prove it, I decided to help her. I gave her a ride.We already asked her about this, Stanton said irritably. And we already told you that we did. What she did was foolisha naive lapse in judgment. Its something for us to deal with, not you. You get at about your murdering fiend. Her words were light, like they were going to take Sydney home and scourge a naughty child. I doubted it would be that simple.Who were the people with her? asked Hans, ignoring Stanton.Sydneys contempt grew. One was that guy Dimitri Bel ikov. The one you mean was cured. I dont know who the others were. Two guys and a woman. They never introduced us. It was a well-done lie, her faked disgust about Dimitri covering her knowledge of the rest of our associates.Lissa leaned forward eagerly, speaking just before Hans could. What was in Detroit? How was Rose going to clear herself? Especially with Jill? Hans didnt look happy about the interruption, but I knew he had to be curious about Jill and Detroit as well. He said nothing, perhaps hoping someone might slip and reveal a break piece of knowledge. Sydney, however, continued playing distant and cold.I have no idea. That Jill girl didnt seem to know either. Rose just said we had to get to her, so I helped her.Blindly? asked Hans. You really expect me to confide that you just trusted her like that?Shes my Sydney bit her lip on what I suspected was friend. She turned her sea captain mode back on. There was something believable about her, and I figured itd be a drive o ut of resources if the Alchemists had been helping you hunt the wrong murderer. If I decided she was guilty, I could always turn her in. And I thought I thought if I was the one who solved this, Id get the credit and a promotion. That was a good, good lie. An ambitious girl trying to improve her career on the sly? Very good. Well, not to everyone.Hans shook his head. I dont believe any of you.The guy Alchemist took a step forward that made every guardian tense to jump him. If she says thats the way it happened, then thats the way it happened. He had the same fierceness and mistrust that Stanton had, but there seemed to be more. A sort of protectiveness toward Sydney that was as personal as professional. Lissa picked up on it too.Easy, Ian, said Stanton, still haveing her eyes on Hans. Her composure reminded me more and more of Alberta. She couldnt be at ataraxis with a roomful of guardians but wasnt showing it. It doesnt matter if you believe her or not. The point remains Miss Sa ge answered your questions. Were finished.Do Jills parents know anything? asked Lissa. She was still in shock at all of these developmentsnot to mention upturned about me being out of my safe mountain town but this mysterious shot at clearing my name was powerful. She couldnt let it go.Sydney turned to Lissa, and I could practically read the Alchemists thoughts. She knew how close Lissa and I were and would have liked to give Lissa some sort of comfort. There was no way, though, that Sydney could do that with these people in the room. She also had to be aware of the fact that I myself hadnt told Lissa anything about Jill.No, said Sydney. We just went there, and Rose said Jill had to come with her. The Mastranos dont know why. And thenand then Rose did take her. Or Jill went with her. Im not sure what happened. It all turned to chaos.Neither the Alchemists nor guardians disputed me taking Jill, which made me think it was a story theyd gottenand acceptedfrom both Jills parents and Sy dney. It had just enough truth to be plausibleand explain Jills disappearance. It didnt mention the Dragomir secret, however, which Emily was probably more than happy to keep quiet for now.There, said Stanton. This is exactly what we told you before. We need to leave now. She turned toward the door, but guardians blocked the way.Impossible, said Hans. This is a serious matter, and Miss Sage is the only link we have to a murdera over-embellished murder. And a kidnapping. Stanton scoffed, and I remembered Sydney once saying the Alchemists thought the Moroi royalty system was silly. She doesnt seem to be of much(prenominal) more use to you. But dont worrywell be holding her. Contact us if you have more questions.Unacceptable, said Hans. She stays here.Ian, the other Alchemist, joined the argument, moving protectively in front of Sydney. Were not divergence one of our own here Again, I had that funny feeling about him. A crush, that was it. He had a crush on her and was treating this as more than just business. Stanton gave him a look that said she would handle this matter. He fell silent.You can all stay here, then, said Hans. Makes no difference to me. Well get you rooms.That is unacceptable. From there, she and Hans got into a live argument. I didnt think it would come to blows, but the other guardians had closed in slightly as a precaution.Ians eyes darted between Stanton and Sydney, but he didnt get into the fray. Once, his gaze passed over the table Hans leaned against, and Ian suddenly did a double take at the photograph. It was only a brief pause, a slight widening of the eyes but Lissa caught it.She took a step toward Ian and Sydney. One of the guardians regardd at the movement, deemed Lissa safe, and returned to watching Stanton. You know him, Lissa murmured, keeping her voice infra the shouts. In fact, it was a little too low because she got blank looks from Sydney and Ian. Their ears couldnt hear what a Moroi or dhampir could have.Lissa glanced anxiously around, not wanting to attract attention. She raised her volume slightly. You know him. The guy in the picture.Ian stared at Lissa, a bit of wonder and wariness on his face. He undoubtedly bore that same standoffish location toward vampires, but her words had caught him off guard. And, even if she was an evil creature of the dark, she was a very pretty one.Ian, said Sydney softly. What is it? There was a note of urging in her voice, one that inadvertently played upon his crush, I think. He opened his mouth to speak, but then, the conversation among the others wrapped up. Sydney again became the center of attention, and Ian turned away from Lissa.The compromise Stanton and Hans had reached was exactly thata compromise. Neither was happy with it. There was a small town less than forty-five legal proceeding away from Court, and the Alchemists would stay therewith several guardians on hand. It sounded like a house arrest to me, and Stantons facial expression seemed to agr ee. I think she only consented because it was a human town. Before hed let everyone go, Hans questioned my friends a final time, his eyes studying every face carefully.And none of younone of youknow this Alchemist girl or have been in contact with her? Or know about her involvement with Hathaway?Again, Lissa and the others denied it, and again, Hans had no choice but to grudgingly accept the responses. Everyone moved toward the door, but Hans wouldnt let Eddie leave. Not you, Castile. Youre staying here until other matters are settled.Lissa gasped. What? But heDont worry about it, said Eddie with a small smile. Everythingll be okay. Just look after yourself. Lissa hesitated, despite Christian tugging her arm to go. Although all accounts said Eddie had defended Lissas life, hed still killed a Moroi. That wouldnt be taken lightly. The guardians had to be 100 portion convinced hed had no other choice before theyd release him. Seeing the strong, calm look on his face, Lissa knew he was prepared to handle whatever came.Thank you, she said, walking past him. Thank you for saving me.His answer was a slight nod, and Lissa stepped into the hallwayto drive herself in more chaos.Where are they? I insist onah.My friends and the Alchemists had been heading toward the exit while a group of guardians escorted them. Meanwhile, someone had entered the hall and was now being stop and challenged by the guardians. It was Abe.He took in every piece of the bizarre scenario in less than a rawnessbeat, his eyes passing over Sydney and the Alchemists as though hed never seen them before. Through Lissas eyes, I saw Sydney blanch, but nought else noticed. Abe smiled at Lissa and sidled up to walk out with her.There you are. They want you for the last monarch examination.And they sent you? asked Christian skeptically.Well, I volunteered, replied Abe. Id heard there was some, er, excitement. Murder, fanatical religious humans, interrogations. All things Im interested in, you know.Liss a rolled her eyes but said nothing until the whole group emerged from the building. The Alchemists and their unwelcome escort went one way while Lissa and our friends went the other. Lissa longed to glance at Sydney and IanI did toobut knew it was best to keep moving forward and follow Abes lead, especially since some of those guardians were watching more than just the Alchemists.As soon as Lissas group was far enough away from the authorities, Abes amiable smile vanished, and he turned on my friends. What the hell happened? Ive heard all sorts of brainsick stories. Someone said you were dead.Nearly, said Lissa. She told him about the attack, expressing her fear over Eddie.Hell be fine, said Abe dismissively. They have nothing to hold him on. The worst hell get is a mark on his record.Lissa was relieved by Abes easy assurance, but I still felt guilty. Thanks to me, Eddies record was already marred. His sterling reputation was declining on a daily basis.That was Sydney Sage, said Li ssa. I thought they were all in West Virginia. Why isnt she with Rose?That, said Abe darkly, is an excellent question.Because they were apparently kidnapping Jill Mastrano in Detroit, said Christian. Which is weird. But not the craziest thing I can think of Rose doing. I appreciated the support.Abe got a recap of this new development too, at to the lowest degree as much as my friends knew of itwhich was only a fraction of the whole story. Abe picked up immediately that hed been played, and it was obvious from his angry expression that he didnt like being kept in the dark. Welcome to the club, old man, I thought with small satisfaction. I hadnt forgotten how no one had filled me in on the escape plan. My smugness was short-lived because I was worried about what would happen to Sydney, now that Abe was on to her.That girl was lying to me, he growled. Every day, all these reports about how quiet and boring it was in West Virginia. I wonder if they even made it to that town. I have to go talk to her.Good luck, said Adrian, pulling a ass out and lighting it. Apparently, in my absence, the dating contract hed jokingly made up that said he would cut back on his vices didnt apply. I dont think her cronies or the guardians are going to let you near her.Oh, Ill get to her, said Abe. Shes got a lot of answers. If she hid them from those other idiots, then good for her. But shes going to tell me.A sudden thought sparked into Lissas mind. You have to talk to Ian. That guy with the Alchemists. He knows the man in the pictureer, I mean, the guy Eddie killed.Youre certain? asked Abe.Yes, said Adrian, surprising them all. Ian definitely had a reaction. Hes also got a crush on that Sydney girl.I saw that too, said Lissa.She seems kind of uptight. Adrian frowned. But maybe their kind go for that.That crush might actually be useful, mused Abe. You women dont know the power you wield. Have you seen that guardian your aunts dating? Ethan Moore?Yes, groaned Christian. Dont remind me.Tasha is pretty hot, though, tell Adrian.That is not cool, said Christian.Dont get so huffy, said Abe. Ethans a palace guard. He was there the night of the murderwhich could be very useful to us if she can keep him interested.Christian shook his head. Those guards already testified. It wont matter. Ethans told what he knows.Im not so sure, said Abe. There are always things that occur off the decreed record, and Im positive the guards were all debriefed with strict orders on what to reveal and not to reveal. Your aunt might be comely enough to find out something for us. Abe sighed, still looking very unhappy at the sudden disturb of his orderly plans. If only Sydney had been charming enough to talk her way out of that interrogation so that I could go interrogate her. Now Ive got to break through those Alchemists and the guardians to get to her and figure out where Rose is. Oh, and you do actually have to go to your test, princess.I thought that was just a line you used to find me, Lissa said.No, they want you. He gave her directions to the test. It was in the building shed had the second test in. All of you go together and then get a guardian to walk you back. Dont leave your room until Janine or tad come by. Tad was one of Abes henchmen. No more surprise attacks.Lissa wanted to argue that she most certainly wasnt going to put herself under house arrest but decided it was best to just let Abe go for now. He hurried off, still radiating agitation, and she and the guys turned toward the testing site.Boy, is he pissed, said Adrian. Do you blame him? asked Christian. He just lost membership in the evil mastermind club. His brilliant plan fell apart, and now his daughters missing when he thought she was somewhere safe.Adrian stayed pointedly silent.I hope shes okay, sighed Lissa, a knot forming in her stomach. And what in the world does Jill have to do with any of this?Nobody had an answer for that one. When they reached the testing site, Lissa found a situa tion almost identical to before. Lots of spectators lining the hall. Guardians blocking the door. More people than ever were successful her name as she approached, some who were common Moroi and others who were royals whose candidates were out of the running. A number of nominees hadnt passed the fear test, so those families had switched their loyalties.Again, Lissa was ushered into the room alone. Her heart began to pound when she saw the same old woman. Were more terrible images to come? Lissa couldnt see the chalice, but that was no guarantee of safety. There was no extra chair, so Lissa simply stood in front of the old woman.Hello, Lissa said respectfully. Its nice to see you again.The woman grinned, showing those missing teeth. I doubt that, but you say it very convincingly. You have politics in your blood.Thank you said Lissa, unsure if shed been complimented or not. What would you like me to do for this test?Just listen. Thats all. Its an easy one.A twinkle in the womans e ye made Lissa think this would not be easy.All you have to do is answer a question for me. Answer correctly, and youre through to the vote. And wont that be entertaining. The old woman seemed to say those last words more to herself than Lissa.Okay, said Lissa uneasily. Im ready.The woman sized Lissa up and seemed to like what she saw. Here it is then What must a queen possess in order to truly discover her people?Lissas mind went blank for a moment, and then a jumble of words popped into her head. Integrity? learning? Sanity?No, no, dont answer, said the old woman, watching Lissa carefully. Not yet. You have until tomorrow, at this same time, to think about it. Come back with the right answer, and youll have passed the trials. And She winked. It goes without saying you wont talk to anyone about this.Lissa nodded, rubbing the small tattooed compass point on her arm. Shed get no help with the answer from anyone else. Lissa left the room, turning the question over and over in her m ind. There were too many answers to a question like that, she thought. Any of them couldMovement in my reality instantly snapped me out of her head. I half expected Sonya to come bursting into our tent, but no, that wasnt what had caught my attention. It was a much smaller motion and something infinitely more powerful.Dimitri was in my arms.