Crystal Doors #2: Ocean Realm (No. 2) by Rebecca Moesta & Kevin J. Anderson

Author:Rebecca Moesta & Kevin J. Anderson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: JUV037000
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2008-07-31T21:00:00+00:00

18

THE NEXT MORNING AFTER the glowfish were uncovered, Vic noticed that the merlons began to treat the five friends differently. They were no longer just captives, but slaves and playthings, as well. After spending a restless night in the submerged tower prison, Vic was separated from his companions, including Gwen.

The new female merlon general, Goldskin, seized Tiaret and Gwen for what she called a “fighting practice.” A pair of merlon guards dragged Lyssandra away, saying that she was needed to attend to the anemonite scientists. Blackfrill, brandishing the teaching staff stolen from Tiaret, took Sharif to labor at the lavaja cracks.

Which left Vic alone with Azric. Cringing at the smile on the dark sage’s youthful face, Vic crossed his arms over his chest as the others were taken in separate directions. “If you hurt my friends, I’ll never help you.”

“Dear boy,” Azric answered mildly, “who said anything about hurting them? We intend to expand their horizons, make them more well-rounded.”

“Yup. I’ve heard that sort of speech before. But the strategy to separate us is obvious — divide now, conquer later.”

“Why, we only separate you for your own protection. I fear that if you are all together you might be tempted to . . . do something unwise. Bear in mind that I really need only one seal-breaker, whether it be Gwen or you. The two of you together are more useful, of course, but it would be unwise to try my patience. Now come with me. I have much to show you about the wonders of the undersea world.”

Vic refrained from commenting that Gwen was the one more interested in studying the ocean realm.

As if in response to a silent command, two sharks swam up to the tower openings. Azric held onto the sharp dorsal fin of one and motioned for Vic to do the same. Soon the aquatic predators streaked away, carrying them along.

The dark sage spoke in a friendly, conversational tone. “You know, you could learn to control these sharks.”

“I’d rather control a sea serpent,” Vic said.

“That’s possible. It’s only a matter of degree.”

Vic gave the wizard a false smile. “Then I could have it bite your head off.”

Azric actually chuckled. “Now, that would be a waste of your talents. You have so much to offer. Not only could you help me control the entire merlon kingdom, but once I open the sealed doors and unleash my armies, you could rule any world you chose. Imagine what you could do with an entire population at your beck and call.”

“Sheesh, the bad guy tempting me with promises of power, while trying to turn me to the dark side. Do you have any idea what a cliché that is?”

“It’s a valid offer, Vic,” Azric said, unruffled. “You did well yesterday in repeating the spells, but I didn’t sense your wholehearted participation. I do not reward insubordination. If you don’t cooperate, then perhaps your cousin will. If you both defy me, your friends will begin to die. First Lyssandra, perhaps. Or

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