The Finisher

And done so by their choice.

“ ’Tis okay, Vega Jane,” Delph said into my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin. “ ’Tis okay,” he mumbled again.

I touched his hand to let him know I’d heard. But it would not be okay.

Nothing again would ever be okay.

236 But come what may, I was going to leave this place.

Because I had come to learn that while Wormwood was full of many things, the truth was not one of them.

And the truth was what I needed.

I had nothing else left.

237 V I G I N T I S E P T U M The Last Duelum When i left for Stacks one light, there it was. The cloth banner was strung across the High Street in Wormwood, connected by metal hooks and stout ropes into the fronts of two buildings facing the cobblestones. It read: greetings, all wugmorts. the next duelum will be held in a fortnight at the pitch. first prize five hundred coins. all eligible male wugmorts between fifteen and twenty-four sessions old must compete.

Underneath this was a statement that a meeting would be held in the village square this night where more information would be provided, along with a directive that all Wugmorts attend.

Duelums were twice-a-session competitions pitting strong males against each other on a broad pitch on the edge of Wormwood proper. And even though he was only sixteen sessions, Delph had won three of them, including the last.

The coin prize was startling enough. For as long as I could remember, the only prizes one got when winning a Duelum were a metal figurine of a male Wug holding another male Wug over his head and a mere handful of coins.

I wondered if Delph would win again. He and Duf could certainly use five hundred coins.

I stared up at the banner for a few moments. I would have thought, with all the work on the Wall, that it would have been postponed. Male Wugs were working hard enough without having to stop and beat one another’s brains out. Yet it had little enough to do with me.

I headed on to Stacks, arriving one sliver late, but no one said anything. I changed and went to my workstation to begin my tasks. I looked around at the few other Wugs left at Stacks.

I could sense in the muttering, the stealthy looks, and one Dactyl flexing his impressive muscles that they had heard of the Duelum and were sizing up the competition. I was the only female there, so none of them was looking at me.

In the locker room later, when work was done, I changed into my regular clothes after the males had left. I lifted my shirt and looked down at my flat belly. Parts of the map had faded so badly that I had had to ink them back in several times now. And because Delph also had to memorize it, I had decided to copy the map back down on parchment. It was actually a little embarrassing having him stare at my bare stomach and legs. I could see sometimes that his attention was wandering more to the skin than the marks on it.

As I was passing Domitar’s office, the door opened and he stepped out. This was fortuitous because I had been think- ing of a question and decided that Domitar might have the answer.

I said, “Morrigone told me that her grandfather served on Council with my grandfather. I didn’t know my grandfather was on Council.

” 239 “It was a volatile time in our history.

” “Volatile. You can’t mean the Battle of the Beasts I was told about at Learning? That took place long before my grandfather was even born.

” Domitar looked angry for his choice of words. “Let sleep- ing canines lie. That’s the better policy.

” “To Hel with sleeping canines, Domitar. I want the truth.

” He turned and went back into his office, like a rabbit into its hole. Or a rat down a drainpipe.

Later that night, with Harry Two at my side, I trudged to the village center and joined the crowd massing there. A wooden platform had been set up with stairs made from rough-hewn planks leading up to it. I was not surprised in the least to see Bogle and the carriage already there. I was also not surprised to see Thansius and Morrigone seated on the platform. But I was flummoxed to see John sitting next to them. And he wore the black dress tunic of Council! Someone whispered in my ear, “ ’Tis John.

” I turned to see Delph standing there.

Indeed ’tis John, I thought. And indeed ’tis not John.

Pretty much every Wug was here. Roman Picus and his Carbineer mates, Cletus, Non and Ran Digby, were standing at comical attention with their knives and long and short mortas. I was thankful to be downwind from Digby. The niff that bloke sent off would have me barfing. As a female, I had thought about skiving off this meeting, but I was too curious to stay away.

The one Wug missing was Jurik Krone. I scanned the row of Council members seated in front of the platform, but he was not there. It was not like him to skip a public event 240 where he could preen for the audience. I wondered when he would challenge Thansius for Council leadership. I also won- dered what the other far more senior Council members thought about John sitting up there while they were relegated to being down with us average Wugs. Julius Domitar was there with tiny Dis Fidus hovering beside him. Ezekiel occu- pied a solitary corner of the square, resplendent in his white tunic. The Loons residents were clustered like chickens on the far side of the square.

I was startled to see Ladon-Tosh, armed to the teeth, guarding the steps up to the platform. He looked as maniacal as ever. I made sure not to lock gazes with him. For some insane reason, I thought I might disappear if I did.

All the males looked tired and dirty. All the females, while a bit cleaner by comparison, looked even more knack- ered. They had to work on the Wall as well, but they also had to take care of their families, cooking, cleaning and being mother Wugs. Despite all that, I sensed excitement in the crowd. And the reason was obvious. Five hundred coins. The desire for it was palpable. No one had collected the reward on Quentin Herms. But some Wug had to win the Duelum and with it the coins.

Thansius cleared his throat and stood. He raised his hands above his head. “Greetings, fellow Wugmorts. We have asked you here this night to announce the latest Duelum. It will begin at the second section of light a fortnight hence.

The reward for the champion, as you no doubt already know, will be five hundred coins.

” Whispers and murmurs zipped through the crowd. How- ever, my gaze held steady on my brother. He was seated next 241 to Morrigone and the two of them seemed to be having a conversation about something. John seemed happy, content.

And Morrigone, well, she appeared to be like a proud Precep- tor with her prize prodigy. Then Thansius said something that made my attention snap back to him.

“This Duelum will be different from all the others.

” He paused, seeming to gather oratorical fortitude. “This Duelum will also include all females between the ages of twenty and twenty-four sessions.

” And he added the stunner. “The females’ participation is mandatory as well.

” Now the whispers went up a thousandfold. Most males were guffawing. Females were looking confused and fright- ened. That included myself, although I was not old enough to have to participate. I was afraid for the females who were. I shot a glance at Delph. He wasn’t laughing at the idea of females in the Duelum. I next eyed Cletus Loon. He was snickering with two of his loutish friends.

Thansius cleared his throat and asked for silence.

We Wugs quieted down. Of course there would have to be two champions, male and female, because there was no way they could expect females to fight males.


Thansius cleared this up with his next comment. “There will be only one champion.

” I looked up at him, stunned. He continued. “We Wugmorts have to accept the fact that there should be more equality between males and females.

” Okay, I thought, if they wanted equality how about hav- ing more than one female at Stacks? Or telling males that they could cook and clean and tend to the very youngs just as well as females? Somehow, though, I didn’t see getting one’s brains 242 smashed in by a far stronger male Wug as resounding evi- dence of a forward-thinking society.

Thansius continued. “And now here is Morrigone to more fully explain the reasoning behind this decision.

” I supposed the “reasoning” behind that was it took a female to explain to other females why it made sense to get your brain smashed in. I watched along with every other Wug as Morrigone rose and glided to the front of the platform. She was perfectly composed and took a sliver to look over the crowd and let them feel her presence. Well, I would be com- posed too if I were her. She was certainly older than twenty-four sessions and therefore would not have to pit her- self against males. But then again, she might be able to win against them.

Morrigone said, “No doubt many of you, particularly the females among us, are wondering why this decision has come about. First, let me state that all females within the age require-ment who are mates with males, or mothers, or who are currently with child, or had a child within the last full session, will not have to compete.

” A collective sigh of relief flowed through the crowd.

There were a great many females who would qualify for these exceptions, I knew.

Morrigone continued. “As well as any females with physi- cal disabilities or other weaknesses or infirmities. This last exception of course will apply to males as well.

” I looked around the crowd of Wugs and saw a good many females who would also qualify for this exception, along with about a dozen males. They too looked greatly relieved.

243 She added, “But all others must fight. They will be pitted against the males. Some may say this is unfair. But times have changed in Wormwood. The Outliers surround us. They do not care who is male and who is female. They will attack us all. Thus the able-bodied and younger females among us must be prepared to fight. And the way to do that is to train to fight. To learn how to defend themselves. That is why a fort- night has been given for all eligible females to learn these skills. And professional fight Preceptors will be available for all, males and females, who desire to be trained up. I would recommend that all females competing in the Duelum avail themselves of this opportunity.

” I gazed up in disbelief at her. Time to learn these skills? In a fortnight? Was she serious? When females were already killing themselves building the Wall? The males wouldn’t have to waste time training, just the poor females. They couldn’t suddenly put on ninety pounds of muscle. They couldn’t very well turn into a male. Not that they would ever want to.

Thansius nodded at one of the Council members down below. The Wug stood and held up a cloth bag. Thansius said, “The prize of five hundred coins.

” Wugs made a great fuss over this great bag of wealth.

And then Thansius added, “In order to make things a bit more enticing” — he paused for effect — “if a female were to win the Duelum, the prize will be increased to one thousand coins.

” There was no cheering over this from any females. They obviously could see that no female would claim it, so what was there to get excited about? Thansius then told us that the competition rounds would 244 be posted soon, showing who would be competing against whom in the first round. He said that they had already calcu- lated the number of eligible competitors, and five rounds would be necessary to declare a champion. He wished us all good luck and then told us the “meeting” was over.

As Wugs started to slowly drift away, I made a beeline for the platform. I wanted to see John. However, before I could get there, someone blocked my way.

Cletus Loon looked me up and down, a murderous expression on his face. “It’s a good thing you’re too young to fight. I might draw you in the first round,” he said.

“It is a good thing I’m too young to fight,” I replied. “A good thing for you. Now get out of my way, you git.

” I tried to brush past him, but he put a hand on my shoulder. Before I could react or a growling Harry Two could take a bite out of him, Cletus was flying backward and landing hard on the cobblestones, his morta and knife fly- ing away.

Before he could even attempt to get up, Delph put a huge boot on his chest and held him down.

Cletus yelled, “You take your filthy foot off me.

” One of Cletus’s friends came up and said, “Look at Da-Da-Da-Delph.

” Delph grabbed him by the shirt, hoisted him full off the cobblestones, and held him close to his face. “The name is Daniel Delphia to you, you little prat. And next time I won’t be so polite in reminding you. Now shove off.

” He let the Wug drop, and he ran off as fast as he could.

Then Delph removed his foot from Cletus, who was staring up with an amazed look.

245 “Y-you’re not stut-stuttering,” said Cletus in a quavering voice.

“But you are.

” Delph knelt down so he and Cletus were eye to eye. “You best hope I don’t draw you first, Loon. And if you lay another hand on Vega Jane, you’ll pray for death by garm once I get ahold of you. Now clear off!” Cletus scrambled to his feet and raced away.

“Thanks, Delph,” I said, my face full of the deep gratitude I was feeling.

“You could have taken care of that git yourself, Vega Jane.

” “Maybe. But it’s nice to have help.

” Then I remembered where I was going. John was almost at the carriage. “Good luck in the Duelum, Delph,” I said. “I hope you win the five hundred coins.

” I turned and sprinted down the cobblestones and reached John just as he was about to climb aboard after Morrigone.

“John?” He turned and smiled, but the smile was . . . forced. I could tell that instantly.

“Hello, Vega,” he said stiffly. But I still sensed my little brother inside. Although, maybe I just wanted it to be so.

Morrigone leaned out the door. When she saw me, she said, “John, we must go. There is last meal and then we must work on your lessons.

” “It’ll only take a sliver, Morrigone,” I said hurriedly.

She nodded curtly and sat back in her seat. However, I suspected she was listening intently.

“What is it, Vega?” asked John. He looked down at Harry Two but made no move to pet him or even ask about him. My 246 brother’s hair was even shorter, shaved very close to his scalp.

He was very nearly unrecognizable to me.

“How are you?” I said. “It seems like our last visit was a session ago.

” “I’ve been very busy with the Wall and my lessons,” he said.

“Yes, the Wall is keeping every Wug busy,” I replied, hoping he heard my emphasis.

“But we’re still behind schedule,” John said. “The official timetable will not be met. We need to work harder. The Out- liers may strike at any time. We must have a sense of urgency.

” His strident tone caught me off guard.

“Uh, you look well,” I said, changing the subject.


He seemed to calm, but all enthusiasm drained from his face as he focused on my simple observation. “I am very well.

And you?” “Fine.

” It felt like two strangers meeting.

“Have you been to the Care?” asked John.

I flinched and then my gaze darted to the carriage. “Not recently, no.

” “I’ve wanted to visit our parents, but Morrigone says I must stay focused.

” I hesitated. I was trying very hard not to jump into the carriage and have a personal Duelum with Morrigone. But I had given her my word. “I’m sure she does,” I said loudly so that Morrigone was certain to hear.

Morrigone poked her head out. “We must go, John.

” “Just one more sliver,” I called out, staring directly at her.

“And don’t worry, Morrigone, I’ll keep focused on what needs to be said and what doesn’t.

” 247 She gave me a piercing look and then withdrew into the carriage once more.

“ I miss you, John.

” Then I stepped forward and hugged him. I could feel him tense under my embrace.

I felt him mechanically patting my arm. “Things will be fine, I’m sure, Vega. You have a canine now, I see.

” I stepped back and looked down at him. “I’m living in our old house.

” He looked startled by this.

“Our old house?” I nodded. “Loon won’t allow canines. But it was good to go home. Very good. Reminds you of how important fami- lies are.

” Morrigone looked out of the window and glared at me.

“I hope you have been enjoying your time, Vega.

” I did a bit of a double take, as I focused on the emphasis she had placed on the word time.

“I’m not sure what you mean.

” “You will,” she said cryptically.

And for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw great sadness on Morrigone’s features, but it happened so fast that I could not be sure.

She looked past me and said, “Come along, John. We have things we must accomplish this night.

” John boarded the carriage.

Morrigone and I stared at each other for a half sliver lon- ger and then Bogle whipped up the sleps and they were off.

I spun around on my heels and walked off pushing my way through huddles of Wugs who were lingering to talk about the Duelum. I felt a sharp pain in my side and looked 248 over to see Cletus Loon running away with what looked like a rock in his hand. I called Harry Two back because he had started to tear off after Cletus. I took a deep breath, stopped thinking about the pain and hurried on. Harry Two snorted twice and glanced back at Cletus, obviously miffed about being called off.

I reached my digs, pulled out the Adder Stone, waved it over my hurt and thought good thoughts. The hurt instantly vanished, as did the swelling.

It was the last time I would ever really be pain free.

249 V I G I N T I O C T O Valhall Late that night, I heard Harry Two bark. That was actually the second noise I heard. The first was my door crashing inward.

I sprang off my cot, my heart pounding painfully in my chest.

I saw Harry Two fly backward and strike the wall next to my cot. He lay there stunned even as I looked around and saw what was happening.

Jurik Krone stood before me. Behind him were Non, Ran Digby, Cletus Loon, and Duk Dodgson, at twenty-four ses- sions old, the youngest member of Council. They all carried either long- or short-barreled mortas and they were all pointed at me.

“What is going on?” I shouted as I ran over to Harry Two and made sure he was okay. He lay there, his tongue hanging out and his breathing heavy, but nothing seemed to be bro- ken and he did lick my hand.

“We are here to take you to Valhall, female,” announced Krone.

“You are not taking me anywhere, you git. I’ve had quite enough —” Krone held up the book of the Quag that Quentin Herms had authored.

His smile was as triumphant as it was cruel.

I made the mistake of glancing at the floorboard where I had hidden it.

“This was taken from your digs earlier this night during the meeting at the village square,” said Krone. I winced at the utter glee in his voice. That explained why he was not at the meeting. He had been here, searching.

Krone continued. “It appears to be a book on the Quag.

An illegal thing if ever there was one. Was it the Outliers that gave it to you, Vega? Does it show the routes they will use to attack us? How much are they paying you for your treachery? Or have they simply taken over your puny mind?” I looked at each of them, my heart pumping so fast I had to steady myself by holding on to the wall. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not a traitor. And I’m not working with any Outliers.

” Krone drew closer and pointed his short-barreled morta at my head. With his free hand he held the book close to my face. “Then explain this book. Where did you come by it?” “I found it.

” “You found it!” exclaimed Krone. “Then why did you not report it to Council?” “I . . . I was going to,” I said lamely.

“You lie,” he snapped, his features twisted into an ugly ball of fury.

He looked at Digby and Non. “Take her.

” They came forward and seized me by the arm. Harry 251 Two started to attack them, but I ordered him back. Dodgson had taken aim at my canine’s chest and I was terrified he would shoot him.

“Don’t,” I screamed. “He won’t try and harm you. I’ll come with you. I won’t fight. Harry Two, you stay here.

You stay!” I was hustled out of my home and down the Low Road.

All the noise must have woken up the village, because many Wugs in their night clothes were out on the cobblestones as we reached the High Street, the buildings behind them ablaze with candle and lantern light.

We reached Valhall. Nida had evidently been forewarned and placed back on duty, because he had the cage door open.

The shuck stood next to him, its ferocious eyes on me, its nostrils quivering as though it was taking in my scent in case it had to run me down and kill me later.

I was thrown inside the cage, and the huge door slammed shut behind me. Nida securely locked it.

Krone stared at me through the bars. “Formal charges will be brought against you this light. And those charges will be proved. And the penalty for treason of course is beheading.

” I looked at him in disbelief. Beheading? As he turned away to speak to Nida, my mind raced.

It was stupid for me to have kept the book, but it did not detail attack plans against Wormwood. It was information about creatures that existed in the Quag. My spirits sank as I thought about this. How could I explain having such a book without revealing that I had taken it from Quentin’s cottage? And how could I explain him even having such a book? I glanced down at my arm. I thanked Steeples that I had fallen 252 into an exhausted sleep this night and not bothered to take off my clothes. If they had seen the marks of the Quag map on my body, they would probably tear me limb from limb here and now. I pulled my sleeve down farther and made sure my trousers were securely fastened and my shirt tucked in them.

Krone turned back to me. “You can spend the rest of this night thinking of your sins. And the punishment to come.

” He drew closer so that his mouth nearly touched the bars.

“And not even Madame Morrigone can get you out of this, Vega.

” He cackled, turned and left.

I yelled at him and reached through the bars in a futile attempt to hit him. Then I jerked my hand back as the shuck snapped at me with his teeth. I came within an inch of losing my fingers.


Nida’s club hit the bars with a powerful whack. He roared, “Never reach through the bars, female. I will not tell you this again.

” I crawled to the center of the cage and sat there, dazed by what had happened. I was hoping this was simply a night- mare from which I would soon wake. But as the darkness deepened and I lay there shivering in the chill, I had to accept that this was real.

For a time, I watched Nida and the shuck patrol up and down the cobblestones. Then Nida went into his little shack, and the shuck became the sole sentry. If I moved even a mus- cle, it would stop its pacing, turn and make such a menacing growl that my arm and neck hairs rose heavenward.

253 I cried a bit because I could not help myself. Then I grew angry, thinking of how many ways I would tear Krone apart.

Then I thought of what my defense to the charges might be. Then real depression set in, because I could think of no plausible explanation, not even a lie that I could carry off.

I didn’t have my tuck with me so trying to pick the lock was not possible. Even if I had, the shuck would just bite me in half. I lay down on the dirt floor and ran my fingers along the ground. Prisoners before me had left their marks here in the form of holes and burrows in the dirt. I could under- stand that. One would want to dig into the dirt just to hide from the shame of being here.

I fell asleep three times but awoke with a start each time, either because Nida, who returned periodically to his patrol, slammed his club against the bars, or else the shuck howled at something. I wondered if this was how things usually were — the guards instructed to never allow a prisoner a sound night’s sleep? I watched the black of night turn to gray and then deep- ening red and then brilliant gold as the sun began its climb into the sky. I was dreading the light, for obvious reasons.

Thankfully, I fell asleep again, which allowed my exhausted mind and body a bit of a reprieve. When I awoke, the sun had brightened Wormwood. I stared at the blue sky and calcu- lated it was nearing the second section of light. My belly grumbled and I wondered if food was served here. I would not be going to Stacks this light. I hoped someone had told Domitar. I supposed this meant I was going to be sacked from my job.

And then I recalled Krone’s words.

254 My punishment could be death. And here I was worried about not having gainful employment or food in my belly.

I blinked heavily as I saw him near the cage.

It was Delph, and he had Harry Two with him. The shuck instantly started to growl. Nida came forward and stared up at Delph.

“You will move along, male,” said Nida. “And the canine too.

” “I want to talk to Vega Jane,” said Delph forcefully.

“You cannae talk to a prisoner. Now move along.

” Nida slapped the club against the palm of his hand.

“I saved your life once, Nida. And you will not grant me this?” said Delph sternly.

Nida stared up at Delph. I could see the conflicting thoughts racing across his small, brutish features.

“You have five slivers, no more. And our debt will be settled.

” Nida stepped aside and whistled at the shuck, which stopped growling and drew next to his master as Delph and Harry Two passed by to the cage door.

I flung myself against the bars. “Delph, you have to help me.

” “What be the charges against you, Vega Jane, rubbish though they must be?” I couldn’t look at him as I said in a low voice, “They found the book on the Quag.

” He sucked in a breath and looked nervously over at Nida.

I said, “Krone is saying I’m a traitor. That the book is a way to help the Outliers attack us.

” “Bollocks.

” 255 “I know, Delph. But Krone said I could be put to death for this.

” He paled, though I’m sure he wasn’t any paler than I was.

If it was possible, I was more scared than I had been with the jabbits. I knew Krone would take great pleasure in wielding the ax on me himself.

“How did you know I was here?” “Word got round fast, it did.

” “H-how did you save Nida’s life?” “He was out on patrol with the Carbineers one night.

Stupid Cletus Loon mistook him for something and took aim with his morta. I was walking past and saw what was happening. I grabbed Nida and threw him down a moment before Loon fired. Blew a hole in the side of a tree instead of Nida’s head.

” I nodded, but my mind had already moved back to my dilemma.

“You ain’t guilty of nothing, Vega Jane. And you’re going to be out of here in a sliver.

” “I’m really scared,” I said.

He reached out a finger and touched my hand.

An instant later, we had leapt back because Nida’s club had come down on the bars, nearly crushing our fingers.

Nida barked, “Talk, not touch. Har! And your slivers are almost up, Delphia.

” I looked down at Harry Two. He looked alone and scared. I said, “Delph, can you look after Harry Two?” I swal- lowed a huge lump in my throat. “Just while I’m in here.

” He nodded. “O’course. What’s one more beast to the 256 Delphias?” He tried to smile at his little joke but couldn’t manage it.

I looked at Harry Two. “You’re going to go with Delph, okay?” Harry Two, I thought, shook his head, but I pointed my finger at him and told him again. He finally lowered his head, and his tail tucked between his hind legs.

“I have to get on to Wall building,” Delph said. “I’m already late.

” I nodded.

He glanced over at Nida. He was busy adjusting the shuck’s spiked collar.

Delph reached in his pocket and handed me a hard roll, a bit of meat and an apple.

“I’ll be back soon as I can.

” I nodded again. With one more look back at me, Delph and Harry Two disappeared down the cobblestones.

I retreated to the far corner of the cage, squatted down with my back to Nida, and had my meal. My belly was hun- gry, but my mind refused to focus on the food in front of me.

The full Council would be meeting to decide my fate. I couldn’t believe they would kill me for merely possessing a book. But the more I thought about it, the worse my thoughts became. It wasn’t simply any book. It was a book that described the creatures of the Quag. They would want to know how I had come by it. Would they accuse me of actu- ally going in the Quag to learn this? Should I tell them I had nicked it from Quentin Herms’s cottage? Then they would want to know why I was there. What would my defense be? 257 That I believed the idea of the Outliers was a load of hooey? And that the Wall was being built to keep us Wugs in and not Outliers out? Oh, yes, that would go over very well with Council. They might give me a bloody medal.

I was about to take a bite of the apple but instead I put it back in my pocket. I felt sick to my stomach; cold waves of nausea swept over me. I was not going to leave Valhall this light. I might never leave here until they took my head clean from my shoulders.

The light swept to the third section and the sun beat down on the metal roof of the cage, making it sweltering inside. I remembered the Wug McCready, who had asked me for a cuppa water when I had passed by here. I could under- stand his request as my throat felt like it was closing up. It was fortunate, I knew, that no Wugs had come by to see me here.

Or to hurl spit at me. Or call me a traitor. How long would that last? I looked over at Nida. He was watching me closely now, perhaps wondering how well I would handle being locked up.


I thought of several smart remarks but didn’t have the courage or energy to deliver any of them.

As the light wore on, I heard the wheel before I saw the carriage. Only it wasn’t a carriage. What turned the corner and headed to Valhall was a simple wagon with a cage set in the back. Two Wugs who I knew worked for Council were in the driver’s box. A single old slep was pulling it, its head and tail drooping in the heat.

They stopped in front of the cage door and one of them jumped down. His tunic was not black, but green. He handed Nida a parchment.

258 “The prisoner is wanted at Council,” he said.

Nida nodded, glanced at the parchment and then unhooked the large key from his wide belt. He unlocked the cage door and said, “Come, now!” I stumbled forward and the Wug shackled my legs and hands. He had to lift me into the back of the wagon and I was forced into the cage, which was bolted after me.

The Wug got back in the wagon, and the other Wug whipped up the slep.

And off I went to Council.

Off I went, perhaps forever.

259 V I G I N T I N O V E M The Council The council building was located at the very end of the High Street. It made all other structures in Wormwood, except Stacks and Steeples, seem but a clutter of old boards and cracked glass by comparison. It was that grand. I had no idea who had built it or when. I had always admired it, if from afar.

It was constructed of stone and marble with soaring col- umns out front and grand steps leading up to it. The doors were made of iron with intricate scrollwork that, as a Finisher, I had long loved to gaze at. It was said that the lights in the Council building were never extinguished and that despite the heat or cold outside, it remained the same temperature inside at all times.

As the head of Council, Thansius maintained his living quarters on the second floor. I had never been inside. I had had no reason to — until now. And I wished with all my heart that I were not here.

They did not bring me in the front entrance. I supposed prisoners were not given that privilege. A rear entry sufficed.

I passed other Wugs who worked at Council as I shuffled along in the chain bindings. Most of the Wugs didn’t look at me. Those who did were fiendishly hostile. I hoped they were not part of the voting process here; otherwise I would be dead before this night.

I was led into a chamber that was nearly as large as the main room at Stacks, but far nicer. The floors were marble, the walls of stone, the ceiling a combination of the two, with enormous old worm-pitted beams crisscrossing the high space.

On a raised dais behind an intricately carved wooden waist-high wall sat the full Council. Thansius was seated in the center. He wore his robes of bloodred, which I did not take as a good sign. To his left was Krone, dressed in his usual black. To his right was Morrigone. She too was dressed in red.

Red and black would never again be favored colors of mine.

I was led to a small table with one chair. Next to it was a lectern, which the Preceptors at Learning had used when teaching us youngs.

“Remove her shackles,” ordered Thansius.

This was done immediately by the two Wugs who had brought me here by wagon. Then they retreated and I heard the door close behind them.

Now it was just me and Council. I looked up at them.

And they looked down at me. I felt like a mouse quivering before a garm.

“Sit down, prisoner,” said Krone, “while charges against you are read.

” I sat, surreptitiously tugged down my shirtsleeves and 261 tried to stop my heart from bursting out of my throat. From the corner of my eye I saw Ladon-Tosh seated to the side of the chamber. He was not looking at anyone or anything. I couldn’t understand why he was here, but then my gaze drifted down to his waist.

There was an ax held there in a special sheath fitted to his belt.

I turned back to look at Council while tendrils of cold dread formed around me.

Jurik Krone stood with a scroll of parchment in hand.

He looked triumphantly at his fellow Council members.

His victorious gaze, at least it seemed to me, lingered longest on Morrigone.

“This female, Vega Jane, has long been skirting the laws of Wormwood. I have statements from Cacus Loon and his son, Cletus, as well as from Non and Roman Picus, that shows she has broken laws without consequences for some time now.

” “We are here for other matters this light, Jurik,” said Thansius. “So let us focus on them.

” Krone nodded and glanced down at the parchment. “We found in the possession of Vega Jane a book.

” He reached in front of him and lifted it up for all to see. “This book gives a detailed description of the creatures living in the Quag with, in certain circumstances, ways around said creatures. It also identifies species in the Quag that may be of help to those seeking to traverse the Quag. Like —” He paused and I knew exactly what he was going to say next. I mouthed the word before he spoke it.

“Outliers,” finished Krone.

262 On this the Council started murmuring among them- selves. I noted that only Thansius and Morrigone held their own counsel and did not look at the others.

Thansius stared at a spot just over my head, although his gaze occasionally flicked to me.

Morrigone never once looked at me. I did not take that as a good sign.

Krone continued. “The only possible reason for this female to harbor a book like this is to aid the enemies of Wormwood. For such treasonous acts” — on this he gave a significant glance in the direction of Ladon-Tosh — “execution is the only appropriate punishment.

” Krone looked at each of the Council members in turn and then saved his most scathing look for me.

Thansius rose and said, “Thank you, Jurik, for your, uh, typically energetic parsing of the facts.

” He then picked up the book and turned to me.

“How came you by this book, Vega?” I looked around, unsure of what to do. Finally, I stood.

“I found it at Quentin Herms’s cottage.

” “You were never inside his cottage,” protested Krone.

“I was,” I said. “And I saw you there.

” “Rubbish. Lies and more lies.

” “ ‘What is the tie that binds? They were not that close’ were your exact words, Krone,” I said. “I was hiding behind the cabinet in the front room. You weren’t there alone.

” I hesi- tated, and then my instinct told me to go for it. “Would you like me to say who you were there with?” I didn’t know who that was, at least not for certain, but Krone couldn’t know that.

263 “Enough,” shouted Krone. “So you were at the cot- tage? That merely proves that you knew of the book and took it.

” “I did —” “Did you help the traitor Herms create it?” “I am trying to —” “Do you expect us to believe your pathetic lies?” “Jurik,” Thansius’s voice boomed.

The entire Council seemed to shudder collectively.

Thansius said, “She is trying to tell us her side of things.

Your interrupting before she does so is not especially produc- tive or a good use of Council’s time.

” There were murmurs of agreement on this point and Krone sat down and looked off as though he would not bother to even listen to what I had to say. I noted his crony, Duk Dodgson, sitting next to him and doing the very same thing.

Thansius looked at me and said, “Go on, Vega.

” “I didn’t know about the book. I went to the cottage because of the reward.


” A lie plus a truth was far better than two lies, at least in my estimation. In fact, it was pretty close to the truth.

I looked around the room. “That many coins means a lot to a Wug like me. Domitar told us about the reward at Stacks.

Every Stacker, I’m sure, did his best to collect his reward, so why not me? I went to the cottage to see if I could find any clues to where Herms had gone.

” “He had not gone anywhere,” countered Krone, who was now once more staring at me. “Outliers took him.

” 264 “But I didn’t know that at the time, did I? It was only announced later and then explained at Steeples to all Wugs.

” “Then why did you keep the book?” asked Krone, a tone of triumph in his voice. “Why did you not turn it into Council?” “I was scared,” I replied.

“Of what?” snarled Krone.

“Of Wugs reacting just like you’re reacting now!” I shot back. “Even if I turned it in, I knew you, Krone, would find some way to twist it into a verdict of guilt. When you came for me last night, you said I would be executed. You’d obvi- ously already made up your mind before the Council hearing.

Where is the justice in that?” My statement had the desired effect. Instantly, there were mutterings among the Council members. I saw two of the members give Krone harsh looks.

Morrigone stared at the wall across the room. Thansius kept his gaze on me.

Krone sputtered, “I did no such thing.

” My heart was still pounding and I was still terrified, but my anger was overriding my fear.

“Then why did you take me from my digs in shackles?” “He did that?” We all turned to look at Morrigone, who was now staring at Krone.

“He did,” I answered.

“You said you were taken last night, Vega,” said Thansius.

“To where were you taken?” 265 I stared at Krone when I said, “Valhall. I was there until I was brought here. And no food or water has passed my lips.

” Well, I had eaten some of what Delph brought me, but I was still starving.

“Then you must be very hungry and thirsty,” said Morrigone. She clapped her hands and an assistant instantly left the chamber. He came back a sliver later carrying a plat- ter with bread and cheeses and a carafe of water. He set it down in front of me.

Morrigone said, “On behalf of Council, Vega, I apologize.

No Wug goes to Valhall who has not first been convicted.

” She added in a withering tone with a scathing look at Krone tacked on, “As my colleague Krone well knows.

” Krone had said nothing this whole time. As I attacked my meal and drank down the water, I shot glances here and there at the Council. I saw Krone looking down at his hands and no doubt wondering where his advantage had gone. I was think- ing that I might even be let go in a sliver or two when I noticed the carafe had a slight crack in it. Water had dribbled out of it and onto my sleeve. A puddle of dark liquid was pooling on the table.

I stared at it for a long moment, wondering what its source was. I wasn’t that dirty.

I didn’t even know he was beside me until I looked up.

Krone was staring at the dark pool of water. Then he looked at my arm and then he looked at me. Before I could stop him, he had ripped up my shirtsleeve, exposing the marks I had made from the map of the Quag that Quentin Herms had left me.

266 “And what in the name of Steeples is this, I ask you,” he roared. He twisted my arm and I cried out in pain.

Thansius stood. “Krone, stand down this instant.

” Morrigone was on her feet too and hurrying over to us.

She stopped next to me and her gaze ran down my arm. I saw her attempt to say something but then it was like the words froze in her throat.

Krone had let go of me when Thansius ordered him to, but he still held up my sleeve.

Krone said, “Unless I am much mistaken, fellow members of Council, what I perceive on this female’s arm is nothing less than a map of the Quag.

” I wanted to yell back at him and ask how he knew it was the Quag, but I was struck dumb by the looks on the faces of the Council. Thansius alone held me spellbound. He slowly walked over to me and looked down my arm. He gently pulled up my other sleeve and looked there as well.

“Are there any other marks on you, Vega, other than these?” His voice was filled with disappointment and, even worse, betrayal.

My eyes clouding with tears, I found I could not lie. “On my belly and legs.

” “And where did you come by them?” I looked at Morrigone. She had not taken her eyes off the marks. Her expression of profound surprise was crush- ing to me.

“Quentin Herms left them on parchment for me,” I said.

“Before he disappeared.

” “And did he tell you it was a way through the Quag?” 267 “In a way, yes.

” “And where is this parchment now?” “I burned it.

” Krone broke in, “But not before copying the marks on her skin. And why do that if she were not planning to use it somehow, and no doubt against her fellow Wugmorts.

” “I was not,” I cried out. “I was never intending to use it at all.

” “Then why keep it on your skin?” This query was from Morrigone. She was now look- ing at me.

I forced myself to meet her gaze. And in holding that gaze, I decided to tell the truth. “Because it showed a way to a place other than here.

” “A confession,” shouted Krone. “The female has as good as told us she is working with the Outliers.

” Morrigone was still staring at me, great sadness in her eyes. She looked at Thansius and said, “I believe that we have heard all that is necessary. We shall deliberate and then ren- der our judgment.

” I wanted to scream at her not to do this. That I was inno- cent. That they needed to hear more from me. But I said nothing. I knew beyond all doubt that I could say nothing else that would matter to them now.

She looked at Krone. “But she will not be taken back to Valhall. She will be taken to her lodgings and a guard placed over her.

” Krone looked mortified at the idea. “She is a traitor. She will attempt to escape and thus avoid justice on this most 268 serious matter. She has the map of the Quag on her. She will use it to —” “To what, Krone?” interrupted Morrigone. “To go through the Quag? A fourteen-session-old Wug? She will be dead in two slivers. We all know what lies in there, Vega, as well.

” She looked at me when she said this. “And she has other reasons not to leave Wormwood. These she knows as well.

” Krone was about to say something, but Thansius fore- stalled another outburst.

“I am in agreement with Madame Morrigone. Vega will be taken to her lodgings and a guard placed there. However, before this is done, a female assistant to Council will see to . . . to the washing away of the marks on her . . . self.

” Krone said, “I want a guard with her every step of the way.

” Thansius looked like he wanted to strangle his colleague.

“I highly doubt Vega can escape from the Council build- ing, Krone. But if you wish, you may go stand outside the door while the necessary, uh, organizing of the washing up is done.

” Krone looked very put off by this suggestion and made no indication that he would accept this offer.

Thansius walked back to the dais and used the hilt of an enormous jewel-encrusted sword lying there to smack the wood.


“Council will take up the matter of Vega Jane immediately.

” 269 As I was led out, I looked back first at Thansius and then at Morrigone. Neither one of them would look at me.

My heart and spirits in my boots, I was led from the chamber and taken to a loo where all the marks were washed off me with such energy that my skin was reddened and pain- ful. But I didn’t utter a sound as the marks I had kept hidden for so long disappeared from my skin. Afterward, I was taken back to my lodgings, where a very happy Non stood guard outside my door.

Delph had brought Harry Two around to me, and my canine stayed right by my side.

It was quite dark now and I lay on my cot and wondered what my fate would be.

Would they execute me? Would they place me back in Valhall? Perhaps for many sessions? Would they let me go free? But I kept coming back to: Would they execute me? I had only witnessed one execution. It was when I was ten sessions old and a male had killed his female for no cause other than he was a vile Wug. It had been intentional, or so Council had found. This Wug had also nearly beaten his youngs to death and probably would have if other Wugs had not intervened. All of Wormwood was required to attend the execution, which had taken place in the village center.

He had been led up a short stack of steps to a platform, forced to kneel; a hood was placed over his head, which was set on a block of thick wood, and the executioner, himself hooded — but who I now strongly suspected was Ladon-Tosh — had raised his ax high and with one blow had 270 cleanly severed the head from the rest of the Wug. It had dropped into a straw pouch set in front of the wooden block.

The blood had poured down the steps and I thought poor John was going to faint. I had clutched my mother’s hand and felt sick. I had swayed on my feet, yet a great cheer had gone up from the crowd because justice had been served and a wicked Wug was no more.

Was that how my life was to end? With Ladon-Tosh sepa- rating my head from the rest of me? With Wugs cheering my bloody death? I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but it was impossible.

Until I knew my fate, there would be no rest for me.

271 T R I G I N T A Do Or Die It was the first section of light when I heard the knock at the door. Despite my anxiety over my fate, I had finally fallen asleep. Harry Two started growling and sniffing at the door.

I staggered up, still half asleep, waves of cold dread mak- ing me feel unbalanced and sick to my stomach.

Did they carry out executions immediately after Coun- cil’s decision? Would I open the door to find Ladon-Tosh there to drag me to a newly constructed platform at the vil- lage center? I opened the door.

It wasn’t Ladon-Tosh. It was Morrigone. She looked deadly pale and tired, her exhausted features neatly matching my own. Her cloak even had a few spots of dirt on the hem.

I looked over her shoulder but did not see the carriage.

She must have walked from the Council building to deliver the news.

“May I come in, Vega?” I nodded and moved out of the way to allow her entry.

She sat, or rather fell, into one of the chairs. She stifled a yawn and rubbed at one of her eyes.

“You haven’t slept?” I said.

She slowly shook her head but didn’t really seem to have heard my query. She looked at Harry Two and held out a hand to him. He cautiously approached and allowed her to rub his ears.

“A fine canine,” she said.

“He would do anything for me,” I replied, sitting on my cot across from her. “Will he be denied that opportunity?” I asked cautiously.

She looked up. “You will not be executed, if that’s what you’re asking,” she said bluntly. “Krone fought long and hard all night on that point, but Thansius and I made Council see reason.

” “Why does Krone hate me so much? What have I ever done to him?” “It’s not about you,” Morrigone said quietly. “Krone actu- ally hated your grandfather.

” “What?” I gasped.

“It was before my time on Council of course, but as I told you before, my grandfather was Chief of Council back then.

He resigned and Thansius took his place when my father suf- fered his Event . . .

” Her voice drifted off; she sat there for a moment and then refocused. “Krone was only a mere assistant at the time, but his ambition was to be a full-fledged Council member. And I have no doubt he has his sights set on being chief when Thansius steps down.

” “Steeples help us all if that ever comes to pass,” I said fiercely.

“Well, he does have his strengths and he is fiercely devoted to the preservation of Wormwood. But I do not think he would make a very good Chief of Council.

” 273 “That doesn’t explain why he hated my grandfather.

” “As Virgil was leaving Council, it was rumored that Krone would take his spot. Virgil did not think much of Krone, and the two Wugs had a terrific row in the chamber in front of the entire Council. It was humiliating for Krone, I am sure, for your grandfather had an imperious manner about him that would brook no opposition, and his tongue and mind were far more advanced than Krone’s. It was an oratorical slaughter of historic proportions. Another Wug was appointed to replace Virgil based, I believe, solely on that verbal dustup. And though Krone did eventually become a Council member, it was several sessions hence. I am certain he held your grand- father responsible for this delay in his career. And his hatred for your grandfather seems to have been transferred to you.

” “And to my brother?” I said, looking worried.

“No. I think just to you. He was also not hateful with your parents.

” “Why just me, then?” I said in a bewildered tone.

She cocked her head and looked at me with a bemused expression. “You really have to ask such a question?” “Yes, why?” She smiled. “It is because you are so very much like your grandfather, Vega. So very much.

” “You liked him?” I thought back to Delph’s description of the pair arguing right before my grandfather had left Wormwood.

“I respected him, which is even more powerful, Vega.

Virgil was a great Wugmort. He has been . . . he has been sorely missed since his . . .

” She did not seem able to finish the thought.

274 “I miss him too,” I said. “I wish he were here right now, to be with me.

” Morrigone reached out and gripped my hand. “I see you have drawn the symbol he carried on your own hand. It is a strange mark, is it not?” I had not let the female at Council wash it off. I had told her it was not part of the map and she had relented.

I had been giving this symbol a lot of thought lately.

“Three hooks,” I said. “Not one, or four, but three.

” She stared at me, her eyes wide. “Yes, three,” she said sadly. “Three can be a very powerful number. A trinity of sorts. But you don’t know what the mark means?” “I do not.

” I paused. “What is my fate, then? If not execu- tion, then it must be Valhall.

” “It is not Valhall.

” I looked at her, puzzled. “If not execution and not Valhall, then what?” “I will not mince words with you, Vega. The discovery of the marks on your skin was very damaging. It took all my resources and gathering support from other Council mem- bers to dissuade them from either beheading you or putting you in Valhall for the rest of your sessions.


” I drew a deep breath, letting this sink in — how close I had come to dying.

I looked at her. “So what, then? What is my pun- ishment?” She gathered her own breath. I had never seen her look so exhausted.

“You must fight in the Duelum, Vega. You must fight your heart out. You cannot surrender or go down easily, for if 275 you do, you will be put in Valhall for the rest of your sessions.

That is the vote of Council and it is final.

” “But I’m only fourteen sessions old!” I said. “I’ll be fight- ing against fully grown males.

” She rose and rubbed at her eyes again. “The fact is, Vega, they don’t care. They simply don’t. If you fight valiantly, all will be forgiven, your life will return to normal, and you will owe nothing else. If you won’t fight, then you will be taken to Valhall immediately. And in truth, I cannot guarantee that Krone will not push for your execution. And this time he might succeed.

” “Then I will fight,” I said. “I give you my word that I will fight my hardest.

” I paused and then asked, “What happens to me until the Duelum starts?” “You are the only Finisher left at Stacks. You can return to your work on the straps next light.

” “And when I’m beaten to death in the Duelum?” “I’m sorry, Vega. That is the best I could do. At least this way you have a chance.

” “A chance,” I repeated without enthusiasm. But really how much of one? Morrgione held up a cautionary hand. “Krone and his allies are convinced you will attempt to flee Wormwood and use the map you had to lead you.

” “The marks are gone from my skin,” I said.

“You could have memorized them. In any event, do not think of doing so. If you were to attempt to flee, Delph would take your place in the Council’s eyes. And it would not simply be Valhall.

” She paused. “They will take his life.

” She paused 276 once more and studied me intently. “And I would do nothing to block it.

” “Why, Morrigone? What does Council care if a Wug goes into the Quag? If he makes the decision and dies, it’s his life.

” “It is not that simple, Vega. Council’s job is to protect all Wugmorts, and ensure the survival of Wormwood. If Wugs started going into the Quag and dying, it would embolden the beasts there to perhaps once more take up battle against us. We might not survive a second war with them.

” “And then of course there are the Outliers.

” I thought it enlightening that she had forgotten to mention them since we were building a bloody gargantuan wall supposedly to keep them out.

If I was expecting some barbed retort, I was to be disappointed.

Morrigone looked at me with a bittersweet expression that resembled one my mother would sometimes give me, but then her features grew hard. “I was very serious, Vega, when I said I admired you. I have no wish to see such a promising life snuffed out. But there are limits to even my feelings for you. Please do not forget that. I have my duty and I intend to carry it out. For the good of all Wugmorts and the survival of Wormwood, I cannot and will not play favorites.

” With that ominous statement, she left me.

277 T R I G I N T A U N U S Practice Makes Imperfect Delph arriVed at my digs right after he finished work on the Wall.

“Wotcha, Vega Jane,” he called out through the door.

I opened the door and looked up at him while Harry Two jumped around our ankles.

“What is it, Delph?” I asked.

“I heard ’bout things,” said Delph.

“What did you hear exactly?” I asked. I searched his face, looking for the least little hint of doubt.

“You got to fight in the Duelum.

” “Yes.

” I slid back my sleeve and showed him the clear skin. “They found the map on me.

” “We need to practice, then.

” I looked at him, dumbfounded. “Practice what?” “Practice for you to win.

” “Delph, I’m not going to win the Duelum.

” “Why not?” “Because I’m a female. And I’m only fourteen sessions old.

” “Very nearly fifteen,” he amended. “So you’re not going to even try? Don’t sound like Vega Jane to me. Flying and throwing that spear thing so good-like.

” “That’s different.

” “Is it?” he said, staring at me.

I took a step back and considered this. “How would I practice?” “You showed me how to fly and throw. I can show you how to fight. Morrigone said females should train up. And if you have to fight, you’re entitled to get trained up proper just like any other Wug. Preceptors ready to help. Well, I think I’m just as good as any Duelum Preceptor.

” “I know you are. But where do we do this?” “At my digs. Lots of privacy there.

” “When?” “Now.

” It was dark as we approached the Delphias’ cottage. The usual sounds associated with a beast trainer’s home were no longer in evidence. There were no new beasts, as I was sure Duf had no slivers to train them. All his time was spent on the Wall.

But there were sounds, because the adar had seen us approach. “Hello,” it said.

“Hello,” I said back.

“And who might this be?” the adar asked.

“This might be Vega Jane,” I answered.

It stood very tall and its great chest swelled. “Ooohhh, Ve-Vega Jane. So pr-pretty, Ve-Ve-Vega Jane. So be-be-be- beautiful, Ve-Ve-Vega Jane.

” It sounded exactly like Delph.

Delph roared, “Shut up, you great pile of feathers, before you end up in the pot for me sup!” “Be-be-beautiful, Ve-Ve-Vega Jane,” the adar said one last time and then gave Delph a surly glance before tucking its head under a wing and going back to sleep.

279 I was stunned by this outburst, but there was also an odd tingling sensation at the back of my neck. The thing was, adars only use words they’ve heard. I had no time to think about it really because as I looked over, Delph was charging straight at me full speed. I only had time to cry out and put my hands up before he had collided with me. He lifted me off the ground, raised me over his head and was about to crush me against a tree when he stopped. He looked up. I looked down.

“What in the bloody Hel are you doing, Delph?” I gasped.

He slowly lowered me to the ground. “At Duelum, there’s no stopping. No rules really, neither fair nor foul. There’s no point not being ready to fight at all times. Blokes come at you right from the first clang of the bell, Vega Jane. Charge, pin your arms to your sides, lift you up, and smash you against the hardest thing they can find. Then you won’t be getting back up. Trust me. I did it to Non last Duelum. He got careless- like, the big oaf.

” I looked at the tree and then back at Delph and shivered.

“Okay,” I said. “I get the point. So what now?” “So we fight.

” He backed up a few paces and went into a crouch. “Now, with Ladon-Tosh —” Delph began.

“Ladon-Tosh!” I exclaimed. “He’s older than twenty-four sessions. He won’t be in the Duelum.

” Delph shrugged. “Well, the bloke says he’s twenty-three sessions.

” “Bollocks,” I blurted out.

“He’s in the Duelum, Vega. Just the way ’tis.