Two hours later, I was back in comfortable attire—except this time, it was elven garb. Soft brown trousers, a patterned blouse with short sleeves, and a snug-fitting vest of blue-dyed leather was my uniform tonight. Add to that a wide, heavy brown belt and durable, calf-length boots that were far more comfortable than I initially expected. A light, stylish silk green cloak embroidered with oak trees completed the ensemble.

My still-unnamed Ságha mare had a new addition to her saddle—a soft pad made of wool covered the leather seat. No one claimed responsibility for this little gift, but I was appreciative all the same. In addition to Kesio, Leihalani, Rachael, myself and General Whitesword, a full compliment of Everfell guards—plus three Tsolas—would be joining us. There was also an earth mage present: a bronze-skinned, black-haired woman in long green robes. She sat on her horse in the middle of the guards, picking at one sleeve of her robe and chatting away with the man next to her.

While I had anticipated some sort of quiet for a mission such as this, I was taken aback by how conversational everyone was. I guessed this wasn't a stealth operation after all.

A soldier in white and green plate armor eased his Ságha next to Rachael's and mine. "This way, my ladies," he said.

We were led into the middle of the squadron, situated right behind Kesio, Leihalani and the mage. Everywhere I looked, there were elves, armor and horses. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was dreaming.

There was no way any of this could possibly be real—but it was. Every breath I took, every shift of the horse beneath me, ever ache in my bones and heart was proof enough. I was currently in the middle of an island that had, until a few weeks ago, simply been a myth. There was a greater magic out in the world ... one that we humans were woefully unprepared to accept.

My hands tightened on my Ságha's reins, jaw set in determination. I started this journey and I would see it through to the end.

We set off at a fair clip from Everfell less than twenty minutes later. Unlike in the courtyard, no one spoke. That didn't quite bother me, but by looking at my cousin, I knew that the silence proved difficult for her. She was surrounded by handsome elven men and she couldn't even awkwardly attempt to flirt with any of them. I was too preoccupied with trying to keep my seat and control my horse.

Any elves that we passed on the road to Hyelion simply stopped and stared, taking in the polished armor and swords, the gleaming horses and tack. It was all rather surreal.

We paused once for about an hour to rest the horses and grab something to eat. Rachael and I sat off to the side, shoving some sort of elven hardtack into our mouths and drinking water from flasks allotted to us. Nearby, Kesio, Leihalani, the earth mage and General Whitesword stood in a tight circle, talking in a low tone that human ears couldn't catch, but one that my leopard ears would be able to—if I were stupid enough to attempt a shift. But my parents didn't raise a fool.

"How much longer do you think it is?" Rachael asked, crumbs spilling from her lips onto her lap.

"Don't know. Hopefully we get there before nightfall." Propping my chin upon one hand, I watched the soldiers half-heartedly. Honestly, if we ever got separated from the squadron, Rachael and I were screwed. I had no idea how big Atlantis was, nor the Summer Kingdom's position within the island. We were dependent on Leihalani to activate the Gate and return us home.

Comforting thoughts.

By the time we were back on the road, twilight was upon us. Suddenly, bright white lights shot up around the squadron, illuminating the highway. Their appearance jolted me out of my daydreaming state and I gripped the mare's reins tightly, causing her to toss her head and snort.

"Whoa," I cried out as she slewed sideways, bumping her hindquarters into a soldier's larger, ram-horned mount.

A gauntleted hand snaked out and caught hold of the mare's bridle, bringing her head around. "Easy there, my lady," the soldier murmured, his voice deep and echoing due to the enameled helmet.

"Sorry," I whispered, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

The only visible part of his face were a pair of dark green eyes that crinkled in amusement. "We're nearly there," he said, letting go of the bridle. The mare shook her head, but settled and resumed her normal pace.

"Thank God," I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

And he was correct. Less than five minutes later, the entire contingent swung left and entered the village of Hyelion. Townsfolk, no doubt already aware of the Crown's presence due the nearby garrison's occupation, came out of their homes or leaned out of second-story windows to watch us pass through.

As we trotted along the dirt road, my stomach began to tie itself in knots. Had they found Jimmy in the several hours it took for us to get here? How was he doing? Was ... was he even alive?

The farm where the cultists secluded themselves was on the edge of the village's borders. In the distance was a large mansion perched high upon a hill, all of its windows ablaze with light. Down below, there was a different sort of light illuminating the farmhouse and its surrounding outbuildings—fire.

General Whitesword signaled to a soldier. "Find Captain Genthana and let him know that we are here." The soldier snapped a salute, dug his heels into his horse's sides and shot off into the firelight.

It didn't take the soldier long to find the garrison captain. The two men came riding back on galloping horses, pulling their mounts to a sliding halt.

"Your Royal Highnesses, General," the captain said, jumping off of his ram-horned grey mare. He bowed, then saluted.

"What of the situation, Captain Genthana?" asked General Whitesword, resting gloved hands upon the pommel of his saddle.

"We believe that we have all of the residents under arrest, General," he replied. Soot marred his high cheekbones and white and green armor. Part of his uniform even appeared to be singed.

"And the humans?"

"We have about fifty of them, General. There are still several buildings and tunnels to go through."

"Tunnels?" Crown Prince Kesio repeated. He shifted in his saddle, frowning.

The captain turned to the prince. "Yes, sir. According to several of the prisoners, beneath each cottage is a network of tunnels. We believe these were used to ferry the humans from one place to the other unseen."

"And what of these crystals the woman we captured in Valderon spoke of?" Kesio asked.

The captain's lips pinched. "We have yet to find them, sir. Much of our time has been spent dealing with the inhabitants' refusal to cooperate and, to a lesser extent, the release of the humans."

General Whitesword shifted in the saddle. "Understandable." He turned around and gestured to one of the men who had been in Kesio's study with us. "Ácculár."

"Sir."

"Take half the men and assist Genthana in finding these crystals. Bring the lady wolf shapeshifter and Mage Móinárne with you. We will continue the search for any remaining humans."

What? Oh, hell no ...

"Yes, sir." Captain Ácculár saluted the general, then reined his horse to the right, calling off names.

"Now, wait a moment!" I found myself shouting. The general turned around, fixing me with a steely look. I gathered every scrap of nerve I could summon and stared back at the elven man. "Rachael isn't going anywhere without me."

General Whitesword kneed his horse and pulled up right next to me. He stared down at me from that great height; I stared back, purple eyes to green. "We are here because you kidnapped a Summer Princess and manipulated her into searching for a human boy. Everything that you see around you is due to your influence," he snapped, gesturing around us to the burning farmland. "So if we require one or both of you for a mission, it would behoove you to acquiesce."

The leopard's fury returned, clawing at the back of my mind.

Rachael touched my leg. "It's okay, Aly."

Anger swelled in my chest and I whirled on her. "You're sixteen!" She was just a kid; I had to protect her.

"And a wolf who can track, remember?" she shouted back. Taking a deep breath, she sighed and looked at me, sincerity pouring out of every pore. "I've got this, cuz. You've got to trust me."

Silence.

I sat in the saddle, contemplating my cousin's determination. On one hand, I couldn't coddle her; on the other, I was risking her life and my aunt and uncle's wrath.

"Trust me," Rachael repeated, pleading.

God. She was here because she wanted to be; because she wanted to make a difference. We were similar in that respect. And though I worried for her safety, I knew that she had to be allowed to try.

"Be safe," I told her, reaching out across our horses to grip her by the forearm.

Rachael beamed. "I will!"

General Whitesword gestured with one gloved hand. Captain Ácculár pulled his stallion up along side Rachael's grey mare. "This way, my lady."

I watched as they rode off and prayed that everything would turn out all right.

"Lady," General Whitesword said sharply, dragging my attention back to him. "Do you want to find this boy or not?"

Pulling myself upright on my mare, I nodded. "Yes."

"Then there is no time to waste."