“I know this is the right way to the center,” Garret insisted. “The next bridge is just a level or two up or down, that’s all. I’ll find it.”

“Brother Garret,” Dex said. “We need to rest. Perhaps afterward I could help to find the way?”

“I’ve got this under control.” He frowned. “And I don’t want to stay here any longer than we have to.”

“I’m not sure I can cross another bridge,” Dex said.

“She’s right,” Ellen said. “And we’re getting sloppier. If we keep pushing, somebody is going to get badly hurt.”

“All right, all right,” Garret said. “I’ll see if I can find the next bridge. The rest of you just . . . wait here, all right? This should be safe enough. Don’t wander off.”

“I’m coming with you,” Ellen said.

Garret seemed too tired even to argue. The two teenagers mounted the stairs leading to the next level up. Isaac, who had been lurking by the doorway, circled around the mound of books until he was out of view and then thumped to the ground. Dex shifted to a cross-legged position, hands resting in her lap, and closed her eyes. Soranna looked as though she was already asleep.

Alice, in spite of her weariness, reached out for her threads. Her grip closed around the black line linking her to the Dragon.

You can hear me. I know you can.

There was a long, empty silence. Then, with a sigh, the Dragon’s mental voice answered.

I can hear you. But you are deep within the labyrinth now.

We should be only a little ways from the keep, Alice thought. It’s changing around us, isn’t it? That’s why Garret is getting lost.

Yes. The connections of a labyrinth are under the control of its guardian. He shifts it to bring you into conflict with the resident creatures.

We’re holding our own so far.

Alice was honest enough to admit, to herself, that Garret and Ellen had been holding up more than their weight in that respect. Her initial irritation at Garret’s arrogance had faded a little as the extent of his power became obvious. His shadow-waves were accurate and deadly, and his magical strength seemed to be limitless.

He is toying with you, the Dragon said. If he wanted to destroy you, it would be simple.

You say “he.” Do you know who the guardian is?

I believe so. The Dragon hesitated. He is a labyrinthine named Torment. A cruel, vicious creature.

So what do I do now? Garret and Ellen won’t turn back until we’ve found Jacob.

I do not know. It’s possible you may be able to save yourself, if Torment is distracted by the others.

I’m not going to just leave them.

Then you will die. The Dragon’s voice vanished abruptly.