Page 19 of Castle of Nevers and Nightmares

“Unless they attack first.” The captain’s tone hints at trouble. “Then we’re free to use any means necessary to eliminate the chaos.”

“She cannot participate in the exhibition if she’s one of us,” the grump points out.

The captain squints at me. “Well, which is it?”

Confusion batters my mind, but I understand one thing well enough. Winning the prize in this tournament will allow me to kill the Six in one fell swoop...ifI align myself with mortals.

“I have no magic,” I reply vaguely, hoping that will be enough for them.

“How did you procure the means to step between the realms if you are mortal yet also of the Folk? Are you a changeling? Have blessings already been bequeathed by the noble gentry? Or are you playing the trickster with your clever countenance?” His eyes crinkle, and he waggles his finger at me. “That’s it. Isn’t it? You’re a tricksy pixie to kick off the festivities. I must say, it’s a remarkable mask then. Who sent you? Was it Glen? That scallywag.”

My blank face causes his expression to drop with disappointment. I almost feel like Ishouldbe pranking him as an apology.

He clears his throat. “So then, what is your explanation?”

When conning a mark, my mother always told me that a version of the truth was the best lie. Not that she’d be happy I still use these lessons from my childhood. But she can’t take them back.

“I used a magic stone,” I answer.

His eyes narrow. “Show me.”

“It’s somewhere back there.” I point to the spot down the path.

The grumpy guard hunts through the grass and finds the spent stone. He tosses it to the captain, who inspects it and says, “Ah. ’Tis an enchanted charm. So, you are a friend of the gentry?”

“Um . . .”

“A charmed protégé? A Shadow apprentice seeking fame and fortune?”

“Sure. Let’s go with that.”

“Tremendous news!” The captain’s excitement sounds like I’m a riddle he’s solved. His mood has set the other guards at ease. I guess I’m not enemy enough to worry about. He glances down at his clipboard and checks off a few boxes.

I ask, “Is the prize truly something I dream come true?”

He licks his thumb and peels away a flyer from his clipboard. He hands it to me and answers, “If your dream doesn’t break the Old Code, then yes. Before arriving at the Nexus, please cast your eyes over that at your earliest convenience.” He stares at me as if waiting for something else. When I remain silent, he sighs. “Fair traveler, what is your name?”

Fair?Now, I’m sure they’re being patronizing. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I briefly consider a pseudonym, but I’m not here to make friends.

“Willow O’Leary-Nightstalk.”

The Six should know I’m coming for them. So be it if signing up for this tournament is the only way I can get through the gates. I’ll have more time to ponder the merits once I study this flyer.

He hums in acknowledgment as he notes my name, making eyes at Briar. “O’Leary is quite the mortal name.”

“She’s one of theFolk,” Briar insists, gesturing at my ears again.

“Very well, good friend of the gentry, Willow O’Leary-Nightstalk. I assume your purpose is to enter the exhibition tournament?” His brows wing up.

I thought we just went through that. Is this a trick? “Um. Yes, that’s right.”

He scribbles something down and says, “Once the honorable Briar has inspected you and cleared your person of any objectionable items, you may proceed to enter. Hurry along to the gate platform and take the carriage along the Whispering Wind line. Briar, kindly accompany this fine guest so we may all begin our Gentle Interlude celebrations in earnest.” He rubs his brows nervously. “None among us desires to bear Goodfellow’s wrath for being a tardy heartbeat.”

I allow him to pat me down while the other searches my rucksack. He finds my bone sword and dagger.

“For the tournament?” he confirms.

“Yes.”

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