Crystal Keepers by Mull Brandon

Author:Mull, Brandon [Mull, Brandon]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: Aladdin
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

19

BLAKE

“You mean Blake is here?” Cole asked.

“In this building,” Datapoint said. “You can see him after we finish.”

“But he was a slave,” Cole said. “The High King bought him.”

“He came to Zeropolis as a slave, yes,” Datapoint said. “He was assigned to an undercover task force meant to spy on activities here in the old city. Some of the other organizations in town caught on and . . . dismantled the operation. I helped reveal their presence, and as part of my payment, I got to keep Blake. Are you aware of his abilities?”

“I knew him in my world,” Cole said. “We were separated soon after coming here.”

“His talents are unique,” Datapoint said. “The Unseen should thank me for getting him away from City Patrol.”

“Now he’s your slave?” Cole asked.

“Technically he remains a slave,” Datapoint said. “I can’t change his mark. But he’s not my slave. Here in Old Zeropolis, slaves get the same treatment as anybody else. He’s my employee. It has been strongly suggested that he work for me for two years in return for sparing him. He gets fair wages, plus room and board. After that, he’s free to stay on here, or take his chances elsewhere.”

Since Blake wasn’t supposed to leave for two years, Cole thought it sounded like he was still kind of a slave. But this didn’t seem like the right moment to argue the point.

“I can see him now?” Cole asked.

“Sure,” Datapoint said. “I take it you would like sanctuary here?”

Sidekick stepped closer to her. “If you’re not sure where we can find Googol or Nova, a day or two here would help us.”

“I’ll keep watch for news of Googol, Nova, and the wanted children,” Datapoint said. “I’ll also watch for word of you two reaching my lair. If they’re onto you, I’ll kick you out immediately.”

“Understood,” Sidekick said. “I don’t believe we were followed.”

“I don’t believe so either, or else we wouldn’t be talking,” Datapoint said. “Anything else you need at the moment?”

Cole glanced at Sidekick. It didn’t seem like the right time to bring up Constance. It would almost certainly give away the whole secret.

“No,” Sidekick said. “Thanks for hiding us.”

“My pleasure,” Datapoint said. “Given the magnitude of the secret our Stevie here is guarding, I don’t want the government getting hold of him. Are you ready to see Blake?”

“That would be great,” Cole said. Blake had never been his favorite guy. He was the sort of kid who hogged the ball in soccer and talked himself up too much. But at the moment, seeing him would be heaven. Annoying or not, Blake wasn’t just someone from home, but someone Cole knew fairly well!

“My husband can take you to him,” Datapoint said. She raised her voice. “Lunk! I need you!”

A hulking man entered the room from behind a curtain, his black shirt stretched tight over beefy shoulders and a powerful chest. He was the physical opposite of Datapoint—as tall and thick as she was short and slender.

“Lunk, dear, can you take Steve here to meet with Blake?” Datapoint asked sweetly.

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