“Oh, ya think?”

“Last year we collected a Channeler from Lancaster—older, like you—and he seemed genuine. His memory was tested and appeared untouched. But he turned out to be a plant, prepared by the prince as an assassin. He didn’t know that’s what he was. They’re like time bombs. After only a few weeks, his buried instructions were tripped, and he killed five soldiers before we could stop him. One of them was Captain Seonu’s Compatible. He was also Mason’s best friend.”

The chunk of sandwich I’m chewing dries in my mouth. No wonder they don’t trust me.

“Shit. That’s really heavy. I’m sorry.” That prince must be a sly nemesis. Not surprising those two are edgy.

Laasya sighs. “I don’t think Seonu has smiled since. And Mason does whatever Seonu does.”

“What’s a Compatible,” I ask, taking a fresh bite.

“Evenly matched Channelers. Grounders help Wielders handle their Flame through Sharing. What the commander was doing for you in the van. So they tend to pair up. When the pair’s strength is equal, they’re called Compatibles.” Her cheeks color. “Apparently, this can make them, um, irresistible to each other. But it also makes them a perfect team for the battlefield.”

I think about that as I chew. The craziness at the steelworks. The crackling streaks of Flame. I feel like it was yesterday, not days ago.

“Do the Guardians fight that many Blood Servants every time they find a new Channeler?” I ask.

“Gosh, no.” She adjusts her glasses, which seem to tip to one side. “The Guardians haven’t had a battle that fierce in years. Certainly not with Anlu’kyr present. And the prince rarely makes an appearance.”

No wonder Flanagan and the soldiers doubt my ignorance. I’m pretty sure the prince only turned up to make the Guardians think he was making an effort. He had no intention of taking me that day. The crafty bastard wants me here at Blackriver for some reason. But he can’t have changed my memory. I’m sure of it.

I devour the last bite of the best sandwich I ever remember eating, then finish off the rich, nutty coffee from the flask. It’s delicious. I can taste caramel undertones.

Laasya watches in silence. When I’m done, she says, “Councilor Quinton’s office is on the other side of Blackriver. He can’t see you here because the iron bars interfere with his abilities. We’ll go the back route, but I can’t promise we won’t meet anybody on the way.”

I clap my hands. “Bring it on.” I’m just glad to be getting out of this cage.

She unlocks the cage door to let me out, then hunkers down to unfasten my ankle chain. That’s a relief. I’m still left with the manacles weighting my legs, but I had visions of my face meeting the stone floor when I tried to walk any distance.

She leads me out to the stairwell where we’re joined by four guards, all in black Guardian garbs: hard leather vest and suede trousers with heavy boots.