Catalyst(29)

But Cynder could be tricky. “Do I have your word?”

Cynder snorted. “Do I look like a human? I'm a dragon, the most trustworthy and honorable of all the gods' creations.”

I just stared at him.

“All right,” Cynder said. “If it pleases you, I give you my word.” He lifted his foreleg and held out a massive talon. I grabbed it with both hands, shaking it until he flung me off. I landed on my feet near the tunnel entrance. “Get going and let me know what you find.”

----

Later that morning, when I was sure Master Stradus had left the garden and was well away from me, I exited the library, cutting my studies short. I tiptoed down the hall, looking over my shoulder as if Master Stradus was going to appear at any moment.

I got to the door and let out a breath I didn't know I held. I forced myself to take deep, normal breaths. Master Stradus had taught me to use my magical senses to peer beyond what a person normally saw. Up until then, I had been sensing magic by instinct, such as feeling the webs in his chambers and the magic of the mountain.

The strong web held the door in place, shining with the brightness of multiple manas. I gazed at the bright colors, watching them move and glisten across the door while I tried to figure out how to begin. There were so many strands, and they were so intricate. They overlapped, and the colors kept shifting.

And there was something else. Something about the web that bothered me and made me hesitate to undo it the way I had planned. I had learned that the strands could be woven in many ways. The more you took your time with them and created complex patterns, the stronger they were. Most webs were rushed and easy, since the magic wasn't intended to be permanent, not like an enchantment. But this web was different. Master Stradus had taken his time with this one, and the weaving was more complex than any I had ever seen. It was meant to last a long time, and keep almost anything out. Or in. I didn't know if I believed that we weren't alone in this mountain. Master Stradus clearly did, judging by this nearly impenetrable safeguard.

Getting rid of all the magic that bound this web was going to take a lot of time—far more time than even Cynder thought. I only hoped he would be able to keep Master Stradus's attention.

I started with the magic I knew best—fire. I extinguished the fire mana in the web, making sure not to accidentally touch any of the other manas. The other manas called out, trying their best to entice me. I ignored them, not tapping into any of their power. If I did, it would set the web off.

The fire in the web dimmed until it disappeared. I smiled, thinking I was finally getting somewhere. The problem was going to be with the other magics. While I could access them, my ability to use them was still limited. But I thought about impressing Master Stradus with my progress, and riding Cynder through the autumn sky, and I kept going.

I thought I had finished with the red mana in the web. I was wrong. The fire reasserted itself, flaring once more into life. The rest of the web brightened in response, and the magic came alive. The colors swam and danced. It moved so fast, I couldn't get my defenses up.

The magic leapt from the web. Pain raced up my arm, as if my bones had turned white-hot. A force struck my chest, like a blow from a dragon's tail. It hurled me into the air, and I slammed into the wall, the rough rock gouging into my back. I slid down and collapsed, my face smacking against the cold floor.

I tried to move before Master Stradus found me. I couldn't. The magic seized control of my muscles, forcing them in place. My whole body went numb, like when I had climbed the mountain to get here. Only my eyes weren't affected. I stared at the web, seeing the colors lessen from their bloom until they were dim again. Their ferocious movement stopped. The magics went back to their designed places, traveling in their methodical ways.

My jaw loosened, and I muttered, “I knew this was a bad idea. Stupid dragon.”

“Quite right.” Master Stradus towered over me. His beady blue eyes glanced at the door before resting on me. “I warned both of you we weren't alone in this mountain, and that it's dangerous down there. Did you think I was lying?”

I shrugged, still slumped on the ground. “Cynder convinced me he hasn't seen anything while he's been here.”

“Is that all?”

I hesitated. “He also promised to give me a ride on his back.”

“Did he now?”

I nodded.

“It's a wonderful feeling, soaring high up in the clouds.” Master Stradus's face became wistful, and he gave a half-smile. When he looked back at me, he became stern again. “Instead, what you're getting is punishment.”

I frowned.

“The both of you. Cynder should know better. Let me help you up.”