Page 123 of The Tribes of Magic
“There’s also an anti-invisibility, anti-teleportation field around the whole Black Obelisk. The Alchemists installed that today.”
“But there aren’t any defenses on the outside of the building itself?” I asked Kato.
“No.”
“So that’s our way in.”
Conner laughed. “I’m all for crazy plans, Red, but if we can’t teleport in and we can’t make ourselves invisible, we might have a problem getting to the General’s office. I mean, unless you’re suggesting we get someone to airdrop us onto the building and we climb over to the General’s office and enter it from the outside.”
“That isexactlywhat I’m suggesting.”
“That’s an insane plan.” Conner laughed again. “I’m in.”
We looked at Kato.
“You’re right, Conner,” he said. “It is an insane plan.”
“But it will work.”
“It’s dangerous, and it will be tricky finding something suitable to airdrop us onto the building. Not to mention what will happen if anyone sees us.”
“But it will work.”
Kato sighed. “Yes, Conner. I think it will work.”
“Then it’s settled.” Conner headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” Kato asked.
Conner glanced back at us. “To arrange transport.”
CHAPTER 6
THE CONCOURSE
Kato and I went to the Concourse, the large complex in the Magic Emporium where Portia would perform tonight. The two of us and Conner would be performing a very different scenario ourselves, but first we had to make sure the General had indeed left the Black Obelisk.
It was six in the evening, but sunset wouldn’t come for another two hours. The hot summer sun shone down on us as we traversed the neatly-tiled outside space peppered with plants, restaurants, and an assortment of buildings across numerous tiers. We ascended the large, open staircase. It was so wide, hundreds—if not thousands—of people could gather on those steps. At the moment, there weren’t nearly that many people. Only a few hundred guests had been invited to Portia’s show, and of those, only a couple dozen were still outside.
Kato and I followed the procession inside. The doors to the performance space hadn’t opened yet, so people were waiting in the lobby, chatting as well-dressed servers flitted to and fro, delivering champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and tiny desserts.
The Court delegates were regal in their fine silks and satins, laden with gemstone crowns and necklaces that sparkled under the artificial ceiling lights. The Knights had dressed up too.They’d left their armor behind in favor of suits and evening gowns. The Apprentices were dressed in a similar manner. So similar, in fact, that for once, you could hardly distinguish between Knight and Apprentice.
Kato and I had dressed the part too. Kato wore a sleek black tail-suit with a white shirt and bow tie. I wore a blue spaghetti-strap dress with a tiered chiffon shirt that kissed the tops of my open-toe, high-heeled shoes. We’d have to change later for Operation: Black Obelisk, but for now, we looked like just two people enjoying an evening out.
My gaze panned across the room. “Do you see the General?”
“Not yet. I’ll see if I can find him.” Kato walked off.
Nevada found me soon after. “You look great.”
“You too.”
She was dressed in a long, flowing turquoise gown that conjured up images of mermaids and oceanic paradises. She wore a pair of gold slippers and flowers in her hair.
“Your date looks nice too.”
“He’s not my…”
