“Oh, a very good one,” said Thor. “If we have the greatest Gatefather in history fighting beside us.”

“Don’t count on it,” said Danny.

“Well, then, our chances aren’t so good,” said Thor.

“See what Father and Mother can do with the machinery of war,” said Danny.

Thor seemed puzzled.

“Tanks and fighter planes, Thor,” said Danny. “I don’t think any other mages know how to deal with them. What Father can do with machines, what Mother can do with electricity—that’s where you put your money, Thor. The Norths get there first, and if you play it right, the others won’t have any hope of catching up.”

Thor grinned. “You care about us after all,” he said.

“You’re my damn family,” said Danny. “Even if you never made me glad of it for a moment.” Danny turned away.

“What will you be doing, Danny?”

“I’m creating a public gate to take you back to the farm. But it’s a one-way gate. Once you leave here, you aren’t coming back, at least not by gate. There will be no gates leading to this Great Gate. But for anyone who tries to come here without my permission, there’ll be plenty of gates. They just won’t go to desirable places. Understand?”

“Danny, do you know what war means?” asked Thor. “Do you understand that someday you’re going to have to kill somebody?”

“I’ve had a man killed before,” said Danny, “and I’ve seen death.”

“When?” asked Thor.

“I’ve had a busy time since I ran away from home.” He paused. “Here’s the gate back to the compound. Get people back there before they eat up everything Stone has.”

Then Danny went back to Buena Vista. He had missed a whole day of school. He was exhausted. But he had to make sure that Hermia, who knew all his friends, was not arranging some kind of mischief. The Mithermages could take care of themselves, now that they had passed through a Great Gate. But Danny’s friends would be easy targets for his enemies. So far they were safe—he had checked on them several times through the night and day just passed.

Now, though, Danny had to sleep. He would be safer if he slept here at the cabin, and the Great Gate would be better protected. But if Danny was in Buena Vista, alone, then any attack would probably come against him personally. That’s what he wanted. He could take care of himself. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to Pat. Or any of them.

Worries

20

WORRIES

“In so many ways the boy is the opposite of me,” said Wad.

Anonoei was brushing her hair in front of the mirror. “You mean he’s tall? Or he’s a terrible lover?”