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During the stunned pause that followed, Kendra felt her insides sink and shrivel They were doohted nets started falling fros and the hiss of blowguns Hoarse shouts echoed from all directions Soh power to rival the roar of any dragon A of Mirav the wizard

The ht in vain to flee, tangled in nets, drugged by darts, and hampered by spells Frozen with terror and despair, Kendra watched as the others fell She gli a net with a short sword She heard Grandpa growling with effort, dragging hi into unconsciousness

Dazedly, Kendra realized that she remained unscathed Perhaps her inaction aeting her Perhaps she was perceived as the least threatening ly wondered if she could be enjoying soical protection No, they were trespassers here Their protection had been secrecy, and the dwarf had betrayed theround, Kendra faked unconsciousness Maybe if she was sneaky, she could crahile the others were being rounded up Nobody could see better than she could in the dark If she could slither free, she ht be able to find a way to help

She heard rapid footsteps approaching, voices whispering, bushes rustling Should she move? Should she wait?

"This one is awake," said a dry voice above her

Kendra opened her eyes and found herself staring up at Mirav Reaching out a long-nailed hand, he sprinkled glittering powder in her face

Kendra felt an insistent tickle, as if she had to sneeze, but the sneeze refused to come Instead, the world rocked, then spun, then darkness enfolded her

Kendra awoke reclining against a plush, squarish cushion The Sphinx sat opposite her, cross-legged on a ht They were on a wide, tiled, torch-lit balcony A glorious e," the Sphinx said pleasantly

Kendra felt surprisingly alert No grogginess lingered from her unconsciousness Here she sat, alone with the ed her life and stolen her farandparents are in my custody," the Sphinx said "As are your parents, as is your brother, as are ht?" Kendra asked

The Sphinx offered a kind, white smile "None of the to fight Only Warren has not yet been captured, but Tollin told us where he left him We will have him soon"

She despised his smile She hated his friendly demeanor "The dwarf betrayed us"

"Do not blame the dwarf," the Sphinx said "All of this was orchestrated The dasto bring honor and comfort to his people"

"You saith the Oculus?"

"When your grandfather Hank sent his first e to his wife, your cause was ruined I am very, very slow to trust, Kendra My assistant caretaker was a co any real credibility Steve, as Hank called himself, was constantly monitored I cannot describecanister A spy who does not realize his cover has been blown can be ainto his past and discovered he was a desperate spy, eager to rescue his relatives Using the dwarf to spoil your incursion was siained I did not expect you to be joining theaze strayed to a nearby low, round table croith food and beverages

"No, thank you"

"The figs are exceptional"

"I just had a bunch of Italian food"

"Water, perhaps? Juice?"

"I’ to do with us?"

The Sphinx folded his hands in his lap "Your only task in the near future will be to relax Your role in the co to open Zzyzx?" Kendra asked

The Sphinx fingered his grin "It was inevitable There is a to destroy the world"

The grin faltered "You and your loved ones have fought hard because you believe that is the case I bear you no malice In the end, you will be released"

Kendra looked around the balcony, noticing the potted ferns and inhaling exotic fragrances "Why have you brought me here?"

"I showed your brother the same courtesy You children fascinate me Your potential is extraordinary Are you sure you will not have soeon is not quite so fine"

"Is that where you’re keeping us?"

"Consider it a erous opponents The stay will be te fruition"

Kendra walked over to the table and sat down on a mat "Maybe I’ll have some water"

The Sphinx joined her at the table "Try the pear juice It is very light" He removed a chilled carafe frooblet

Kendra saht The cool liquid had a subtle, fresh flavor

"Have you any questions for me?" the Sphinx asked

"Not that you would answer," Kendra huffed

"Try me I made a similar offer to your brother This is finally over Soame is done I , Kendra It relieves me to finally lay down the burden of my secrets"

"Okay, then tellan answer