"Later, Alexandra figured out a way to power the stone by somehow involving Avram. She tried to get word to Peter, but the bandits got to him first. Not knowing who else to turn to, she went into hiding."

"Why did she need my father?"

"They said it was because both the lacarnians and the Protectors trusted him, and that he wanted the lacarna freed as much as she did."

Max bowed his head. "So my father really did help her." He raised his head. "Did you know any of this Mr. Penna?"

"Not in detail. I knew your father wanted to free the lacarna, in fact, many humans did, including myself. However, Peter decided to actually do something about it. He did not want to involve me, but I told him I had already managed to make my own trouble. He never told me what he had done; only that he had betrayed Lord Avram."

"Why didn't you tell me this, Mr. Penna? I've spent all this time trying to join the Protectors, like my dad, not knowing he had turned against them."

"Your father did not turn against the Protectors, Maxwell, he turned against Lord Avram. He believed they could be brought back to their purpose, but it would take someone who believed in those ideals, someone who saw no difference between the lacarna and the humans. That is why he made me promise not to tell you the truth about the Protectors, or about himself. He hoped you would take his place by your own decision and not anyone else's influences."

"How am I supposed to do that when I barely know what is really going on?"

"You will have to do as your father intended, Maxwell, and go with what you believe to be right."

"I don't know what that is or what my father had intended to do. Lysander, is Alexandra awake? I want to talk to her."

"No, not for a few more hours."

Mr. Penna stood. "Then I suggest you rest, Maxwell. You have had enough thrown at you for today. In fact, we should all rest. I have a feeling the next couple of days will push everyone to their limits."

Max stood. "As much as I would like to sleep, there's too much to think about. I'm going to wait for Alexandra. Lysander?"

"She's this way."

Lysander led Max to where Alexandra lay asleep under the watch of Lycoris. The others followed curious of what Alexandra planned. They took seats around her and waited for her to wake. When she opened her eyes a few hours later, she seemed unsurprised to find them waiting for her.

"I a.s.sume you all are not here to see how I am doing."

Max shook his head. "You had me worried earlier, but now I only want to know what you and my dad had planned."

Alexandra sat up, her skin no longer bone-tight and the color, what little she had in the first place, had returned. Not all of her strength had yet returned; however, as she pointed a shaky hand at Eve.

"I am going to destroy those accursed Controller Stones."

Eve gasped and unconsciously took hold of her collar. "How?"

"The Lifestone created them from a single ma.s.sive stone, so they share a link. By using the Lifestone to destroy one, I can destroy them all."

Max grew angry. "If that is all it took, why did you involve my father? Why didn't you do it yourself years ago?"

"When it first came to my mind, I wanted to, even though I knew releasing the lacarna with Lord Avram at the head of the Protectors would lead to another war. The lacarnians would win in the end, but the inevitable loss of life on both sides stayed my hand, for a while. I had almost given in when I met your father. He is the one who found a way in which, if done right, only a few will die."

"Only a few? Who?"

"Avram and those foolish enough to protect him."

"All of the Protectors will come to his aide!"

"Not if they are prevented from reaching his side."

"How do you plan to do that?"

"Avram has taken care of that for me. I know what he intends to do with the stone and where he intends to do it. The place is perfect for separating him from any help."

Max paced back and forth. "Even if you can pull this off, what of the chaos that will follow? Won't the lacarna attack the Protectors for the years of mistreatment?"

"I have already spread the word of what I am attempting to do among the lacarna, asking for their patience. Also, those in my camp will spread out in the city to quell any disturbances."

"But how can you be sure? What about the Protectors, who will stop them from attacking the lacarna?"

"Most of the Protectors are away from the city, the rest will not likely take action so outnumbered."

"They will return sometime, and without a leader."

Alexandra sighed. "Unfortunately, that is where your father was supposed to come in. The Protectors, and many humans, trusted him. He had planned to take over as leader once I had taken care of Avram."

Mr. Penna nodded. "So that is the betrayal Peter spoke of."

Max stopped and stared at Mr. Penna. "My father would really have done this?"

"Yes, Maxwell, I believe he would have. He cared for both races, believing them to be equal. He wanted the lacarnians free."

Alexandra stood and walked over to Max. "The Immortals founded the Protectors as mediators between the races; their members consisting of both lacarnians and humans. Your father wanted to uphold that principle. The only person he would have betrayed is Avram, a murderer of many."

"And now he is dead."

"Yes, but, you are not. Maxwell, you are young, but you are Peter's son. Your name carries more weight than you could know."

Max froze in disbelief. "You think they'll listen to me, let alone follow me? I'm only a kid."

"Really? Maxwell, look around you, people have already begun to follow you."

"What are you talking about? No one is following me."

Eve's hand shot up. "I am."

"Eve, quit fooling around."

Melody raised her hand too. "I told you earlier, anyone that calls me a friend, I'll help. Lady Metis also believes in you, which means you have the Children of the Immortals behind you as well."

"But..."

Mr. Penna stood, giving a slight bow. "Your father honored me with his friendship, I will do no less for his son."

Lysander remained seated as he scanned Max from head to toe. "Kids are idealist fools who run away when things get tough. You, on the other hand, have done whatever you could, despite the rules and the danger, to stay true to your friends. I can only hope to do the same. Lord Avram has led the Protectors astray. I want to try and restore their purpose. I know many others who feel the same way."

"Lysander?"

"Max, that story I told you of the Spirit Leech, that woman survived because a lacarnian healed her. Other lacarnians offered to help my wife and child, despite my distrust of them. I have been unsure for some time, but watching Eve has cleared much in my mind."

A rare smile formed on Alexandra's lips. "I knew you had more to you than big muscles, Lysander. You see, Maxwell, people will listen to you. I saw your father in you that night you entered my camp. With Lysander next to your side, you will give the other Protectors something to consider, at least long enough for us to explain what has happened."

Eve bounced up and down. "Besides, Maxy, we'll be there to help you."

Max looked at everyone again, then nodded to Alexandra. "I really don't know about this, but I want the same thing you do. "He sighed. "Why not, at least I'll have Eve to get me out of trouble, again."

Alexandra's smile broadened. "I will never compare you to your father again, Maxwell Laskaris, for that would only lessen who you are. Now, tell the others to be ready in the morning, I still need to rest."

Everyone began to find a place in the camp to sleep except for Eve who took hold of Max's arm before he could go.

"You know, I never did explain the clothing. You see, the problem with changing into my panther form is that my clothes get torn up. When I change back, I have nothing to wear."

Eve let go and walked away, looking over her shoulder as she did so. "I haven't run around completely naked like that since I was a little kid."

Max watched her walk off, the troubles of the coming events, for the moment, forgotten.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE.

At dawn, Alexandra called everyone to the center of the camp where they waited anxiously. Rested and healed, she began giving out orders.

"Those remaining here will spread the word of our actions to the lacarnian in the city. If we succeed, lead them to the forest. If any attempt is made to harm a human, you are to do whatever is necessary to stop them. We cannot give the humans any more reason to fear us if this is to work. Lycoris?"

The old lacarnian came forward. "Miss?"

"Please, do what you can to lead the lacarnians from here out, whether we succeed or not."

"Yes, Miss."

"Dismissed!"

The majority of the lacarnians left the camp and entered into Moenia while three remained standing beside Mr. Penna along with two large panthers. Alexandra turned to Max and the others.

"Avram will reach the outcropping within the next few hours. We need to leave now."

Max shook his head. "I think you skipped something. What outcropping?"

"It extends from the base of the Mountains at the south end of the dead lands."

"The southern mountains? It would take over a day to get there by horse, three by foot."

"Two by horse and four by foot to be exact."

"Then how are we supposed to get there in time?"

Alexandra smiled mischievously. "We are not. We are getting there before they do."

Max snickered. "I think your head is still a little fuzzy."

"I am fine, Maxwell. You see, Mr. Penna's foresight has brought us another option."

At hearing his name, Mr. Penna walked over to the group, followed by the lacarnians and panthers. Max crossed his arms. "So what have you been doing?"

"If only you had been this inquisitive during my cla.s.ses."

Eve giggled beside Max. He tried to elbow her, but she easily dodged out of the way. Mr. Penna cleared his throat.

"If you are ready?"

Max straightened, forgetting for the moment that this wasn't one of Mr. Penna's cla.s.sroom lectures. He waited for Mr. Penna to continue.

"I am sure Evangeline told you that, years ago, I helped many lacarnians escape Moenia, many of whom came from the forest of Urania. I did my best to find them good homes and kept records of their placement. I had hoped that, one day, things would change, and I would have the opportunity to reunite them. The events that transpired during our trip here led me to believe the change I had been waiting for was coming. So, with records in hand, Neysa and I set out to track down any I believed could help in the challenges that might lie ahead. The ladies before you are those we could find in the short time we had." Mr. Penna indicated to each of the lacarnians in turn. "Meet Lalita, Effie, Anemone, and our four legged friends, Callie and Ca.s.sia. They are how you will reach the mountains before Lord Avram."

Max shook his head. "I don't understand."

Effie spoke. "Though we seldom care to do so, we can carry a rider when in our panther form."

Eve bounced up and down. "You can change too?"

Lalita, Effie and Anemone all nodded. Max's eyes widened as he pictured a saddle on their backs. "I'm not sure I can do that."

Lalita smiled at Mr. Penna. "We were given a nice home and will do what we can to repay that favor, especially if it means a chance for freedom for our brothers and sisters."

Max shook his head. "Even if we do this, we still won't arrive in time."

Mr. Penna smiled. "Have I never mentioned a lacarnian in panther form is the fastest animal on Velrune? I must be slipping in my old age. Now, Lysander, you will ride on either Callie or Ca.s.sia. They are the strongest and the only ones capable of carrying you. Remember, Lysander, they are ladies, treat them that way."

Lysander bowed slightly. "Of course, but, um, how do I..."

A wry smile formed on Alexandra's lips. "Unfortunately, they are not as suited for riding as a horse. Basically you straddle them, lay flat against their backs, wrap your arms around their necks and hang on for dear life."

For the first time, Max saw Lysander nervous. "Uh, huh."

Effie stepped over to Melody. "I'll take the acolyte."

Anemone came over to Max. "Then I will take the boy."

Eve's ears laid back. "Wait." Eve shoved herself between Max and Anemone. "I'm taking Max."

Alexandra took Eve by the hand. "No, Evangeline, he is too heavy, you will take me."