Agnes bit her lip. “Past, present, and future together, it says . . . and the power she found is tied to Culinnon somehow.” She looked up at her uncle. “Did she ever go back?”

“No,” Matthias said, running a hand over his thinning hair. “And she disappeared trying to find the island again. In our family it has long been known that she was searching for a Lost Island. It was just never known which one.” Then he frowned. “What is this tether you mentioned?”

“It’s . . .” Agnes debated how much she should tell him. “I can’t really explain it, except it’s the thing my friend needs to get home. It’s on Braxos—that’s why we need to get her there.”

Matthias sighed. “Agnes, it is valiant of you to want to help a friend, but I do not think anyone will ever reach Braxos. The waters are too dangerous, the fog too thick. Even Agata could not find it again.”

“We’ve got a navigator,” Agnes said. “He’s certain he can get us to the island.”

“How much have you paid him?” Matthias asked warily.

Vada grinned. “Not a single aurum.”

“He doesn’t need paying,” Agnes said. “Not that way. Besides, until we get Sera and Leo back, we aren’t going anywhere.” She paused. “What does Agata mean when she says gifts?”

Matthias opened his mouth but was interrupted by his own name.

“Matthias Byrne!” The voice that echoed through the library was rich and full of authority. Matthias started.

“Stay here,” he hissed. “Stay out of sight.”

Then he hurried out of the archives. Agnes and Vada crept forward at the same time, slipping through the doors and staying hidden behind the shelves. They peered over a row of books and saw an attractive, imposing woman standing in the central area, her sleek black hair unadorned, dressed all in maroon with a soft gray cape draped over one shoulder and pinned with a bronze brooch crafted in the shape of five stars.

“Nadia,” he said, making a hasty bow. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Did you know?” Nadia demanded without preamble.

“Know what?” Matthias blinked at her.

“What your mother was planning to do.”

“My mother does not share her confidences with me.”

“Ambrosine was here, though.” Matthias’s face flushed a blotchy red and Nadia pursed her lips. “Don’t try to deny it, Matthias; you’ve always been a terrible liar.”

“Yes, she was here. She wanted to see the archives. I let her. The archives are open to any who asks to visit them. You know that better than anyone.”

Nadia gave him a wry smile and shook her head. “Let us sit,” she said. “The news I carry has wearied me.”

They took a seat at one of the tables. “What news?” Matthias asked. “How can I be of service to the Lekke?”