Rogue Seers, he announced, projecting his voice across the vast expanse. It was met by rapt silence from the onlookers. Those who have turned to the dark side.

There was a collective gasp, followed by murmuring and hubbub. The head teacher cast his eyes downward. He looked ashamed, Oliver thought, as if he perceived the Seers turning rogue as a personal failure. It made his own determination to stay on the right path grow even stronger.

They were trying to steal the Orb of Kandra, Professor Amethyst continued. In order to destroy the school. The crisis was averted thanks to our fearless security personnel and teachers. That, and the actions of our brave students sounding the alarm.

He looked directly at Oliver and Esther. Oliver squirmed in his seat.

The headmaster continued. I have sealed the tear in the invisible wall that protects us. But were not out of danger yet. For the rogues to have even found the school to enter in the first place, they must have been aided. I fear that amongst our midst there is a traitor. A spy.

There was another large gasp. Oliver looked over at his friends. Ralph in particular looked very troubled at the news. Simon had turned an even paler shade of white. Esther grabbed Olivers hand for comfort and Oliver squeezed it reassuringly.

Your timetables will be disabled for the next forty-eight hours, Professor Amethyst added. To give the faculty and myself time to strategize. Id like everyone to rest, eat healthy meals, and get lots of sleep. Normal classes and schedules will resume in two days time.

Oliver checked his timetable and saw that it was completely grayed out, with no coordinates or ticking clock. For the first time since coming here, his every move was no longer predetermined. It left him feeling strangely unmoored.

With the announcement over, everyone filed out of the atrium and headed toward the F hall. Esther was now more or less back to normal, but Oliver hung closely by her side just in case. Everyone was silent and solemn as they clipped into a table.

The table rose and clicked into place. The food chutes moved into place, displaying a vast array of colorful foods. No one took anything. They were all too stunned. Finally, Simon broke the silence.

I know I ought not admit this, he said, but I for one am rather scared.

Me too, Hazel agreed with a nod.

It was too close a call, Ralph commented. For people to penetrate the invisible wall. It makes me feel very unsafe. What if they come back?

Do you think the school is still in danger? Simon asked.

Professor Amethyst said he closed the rip, Hazel reminded him.

But he also said there was a spy! Walter exclaimed.