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"So you see, my dear, we are stuck with each other after all."
I am too bitter to cry. My very blood is diseased with hate. "So it would seem," I say, fury a coiled snake in my belly.
"You possess extraordinary gifts, Gemma. Under my wing, you shall learn a great deal. But first, remember, you must bind the magic in the name of the Order." Miss McCleethy smiles, and I am reminded of a serpent. "I have waited twenty years for this
moment."
I will die first."I have to know the truth," I say.
She nods. "Very well. Fowlson!" she calls out. Moments later, he enters with Kartik. Above us, the chamber fills. The floor is alive with the soft sounds of discreet footsteps. Then, all is still in the room except for the flickering candlelight.
"Kartik," I ask, and my voice bounces off the walls. It is a smaller room than I realized. "What was your task from the Rakshana? Not the one about finding the Temple,"I say, my voice filled with hate. "The other one."
" The . . . other one?" he says, stumbling over his words. "Yes. Once I'd found the Temple. What was your task then?" I have never looked at anyone this way before, with a rage that could kill. And I have never seen Kartik frightened like this.
He swallows hard. His eyes glance upward to the faceless men in the shadows.
"Careful now, brother," Fowlson whispers.
"It was to help you find the Temple. There was no other," Kartik says. But he does not look me in the eyes as he says it, and now I know. I know that he is lying. I know that his task is to kill me.
"Liar,"1 say. This forces him to look at me, and just as quickly, he looks away."I'm ready."
"Very well," Miss McCleethy says.
I take hold of Miss McCleethy's strong hands and close my eyes. It's so easy to faint. Women do it all the time. They dose their eyes and fall to the floor.
"Ohhh," I moan, and do just that.
I am not as graceful as my friend Ann. Instead, I crumple forward, so that my hand is inches from my boot. My fingers find the hilt of the blade hidden in Megh Sambara. If ever I needed protection against my enemies, it is now.
"What now?" Fowlson sighs.
"She is masquerading," Miss McCleethy says, kicking me. I do not move."I tell you, it's a deceit."
"Get her up!" the great voice booms out from above.
Kartik hooks his arms under mine and lifts me up, carrying me to the door, which opens for us.
"Fetch the salts," Fowlson orders.
"She's bluffing," Miss McCleethy snaps. "Don't trust her for a moment."
I keep my eyes lightly closed, peeking through narrow slits to see where Kartik is taking me. We're in a dim hall. From somewhere far above I hear men laughing, muffled talking. Is it a way out? My fingers hold fast to my totem. I push Kartik away and pull the blade, threatening everyone.
"You won't get away. You don't know which door leads out," Fowlson says.
He's right. I'm trapped. Fowlson and Jackson step closer. Miss McCleethy stands waiting, looking as if she could cheerfully eat me for supper.
"No more of this foolishness, Miss Doyle. I am not your enemy."
Which door leads out? Kartik. I look to him. For a moment, he wavers. Then, his eyes travel to the door on my left. He gives a tiny nod, and I know he has betrayed them and shown me the way.
"Wha' are you abou' over there, boy?" Jackson shouts.
It is enough of a distraction that I am able to push through the door with Kartik on my heels. He shoves the door closed.
"Gemma! The blade--hurry! Through the latch there!"
