But either way, Wad knew that both boys would hear and understand whatever he said, even if Enopp was the one who would speak for them.

“That’s a Great Gate you came through, isn’t it,” said Enopp.

“You’re speaking the local language very well,” said Wad, “but you should speak to me in Icewegian.”

“You understood me,” said Enopp. “Because we gatemages are very good with languages.”

“I only have a few minutes here,” said Wad. “And if Danny North shows up, I’ll leave immediately, because the Belmage has possession of him.”

“Is Danny the enemy now?” asked Enopp.

“The being who’s controlling him is the enemy. If Danny somehow gets free of him, he’ll be a good friend to you again. But for now, he can’t be trusted.”

“Bummer,” said Enopp.

“I came to tell you that something very bad has happened on Westil. Your mother was surprised by Queen Bexoi.”

Enopp immediately grew very serious. “Why didn’t you gate her away?”

“She knew I was busy. I warned her that I couldn’t watch over her, but she insisted on going anyway. She was sure she’d be safe. By the time I knew she was in trouble, it was too late.”

“What does ‘too late’ mean?” asked Enopp.

“Queen Bexoi is a firemage,” said Wad. “Your mother was consumed by fire.”

Enopp regarded him steadily. “You’re telling me the truth,” he said.

“Yes,” said Wad. “I would never tell you something like that if it wasn’t true.”

“You think that Mother is dead,” said Enopp.

“I know she is,” said Wad. “Her friend Keel saw her die. There’s no mistake.”

“Eluik says that she’s alive,” said Enopp.

“Eluik isn’t part of this conversation unless he talks to me himself,” said Wad.

“That’s a poor excuse for not listening to someone who knows things that you don’t know.”

“I have no evidence that Eluik knows anything. How can she be alive? Keel saw her body consumed in a flash of fire. I saw the ashes. Boys, your mother is truly dead. I’m deeply sorry and I would have prevented it if I could. But that’s the truth.”

“No, it isn’t,” said Enopp. “Mother is alive.”

“There’s no way you or Eluik could know one way or the other,” said Wad.

“Just because you don’t know of such a way doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” said Enopp. “When we were in the cave, Eluik came to me. Came into me. He helped me calm down and not scream or cry. He also helped Mother.”

“So even though the three of you were in separate caves, Eluik made contact with you and Anonoei?”