He opened the GuideBook and read passage after passage to back up his claims. I nodded, fascinated at this perspective.

“I must go now. Don’t delay. Marcus has told you of windows of opportunity. You have such a window of opportunity now. Strength and passion are qualities of the King’s great leaders. The others need your leadership and your love. Do not hesitate to give them both. You owe it to them and to yourself.”

He smiled warmly and disappeared, just as Marcus had.

I sat by the fire a long time. Planning. Strategizing. Choosing the steps I would take the next day.

As we walked in the morning, I beckoned to Victoria to come up alongside me as I led. I looked at her. So elegant and beautiful and alive. I wondered what it would be like to hold her again. I put my hand on her shoulder.

“Victoria.”

“Yes, Nick?” She smiled, her white teeth shining.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

“Yes, beautiful,” she said. “The King is an artist. He paints each day new.” I saw the look in her eyes.

“Last night I sat under the stars, after the fire had burned low. Talk about artistry. It was breathtaking.”

She smiled again and nodded.

“Victoria, I was thinking. After everyone’s gone to bed tonight, how about joining me out under the stars? You’ll love the view.”

She looked down, her face flushed. “I’m not sure. I …”

“It’s all right. We’ll talk about the King.” I felt movement in my chest, the soaring bird within, I told myself.

“Okay. Sure,” Victoria said.

“Then it’s a plan. After everyone’s turned in, come out and join me by the fire.”

I kept watching her and thought about how young she made me feel, about the way she looked at me. All I could think about was being close to her. A flood of images and sensations warmed me, stirred me. I could hardly wait for tonight.

I picked up Frodo, lifted him up to my chest. For some reason he growled and insisted on being put down.

“That’s a first,” I said. “What’s wrong with you?”

He looked up and continued to growl, as if at some lurking enemy.

“Lighten up, fella,” I called down to him. “Trust me, there’s no danger here.”

21

AS I LED THE WAY in the midafternoon, the sky turned ashen gray. Then darkness descended like a falling rock. I turned, and my comrades were gone. I called back to them but heard no answer. I stood alone on the road, on the fringe of a valley. A frigid wind blew from the east—none of my garments or blankets could keep its icy searching fingers from touching my skin.