They were two or three miles from the house in question, the clues leading them in a direct course away from the ocean, toward the east. Jackie’s group had been assigned a small neighborhood that seemed a perfect spot for someone who wanted to break into a house for a night’s sleep or simply to hide. One of the houses, up on a hill at the very end of the main street, had a three-foot-high brick wall encircling the yard—which had long ago given up its fight against weeds and bushes.

Someone had used a rock to scrawl a surprisingly large message across the bricks, right beside the little gate at the front of the yard. There could be no doubt as to who had done it, especially because it looked so fresh:

ISAAC THE BLACKSMITH WAS HERE

ALSO, SADINA THE WISE

“Does that say what I think it says?” Jackie asked, just to make sure she hadn’t lost her mind after hours of relentless searching. The day had been very hot and every inch of her clothes stuck to her skin.

“I think it says what you think it says,” Miyoko responded, her voice full of glee.

No one had to put words to the reason for her joy. They were alive. They were alive.

“I’ll get the others,” Dominic said; he took off running down the hill.

That’s when Jackie noticed Trish, who’d wandered a few feet away. She had her face covered with both hands, crying, shoulders shaking with each silent sob. Miyoko saw it as well and moved to embrace their friend. Trish allowed it, and Jackie joined in the hug.

After a good long cry, Trish pulled away and stared at the words sketched across the brick.

“I can’t even describe the relief I felt seeing that,” she said. “Even though I’m scared they’re hurting her or whatever. But oh man, at least we know she and Isaac are alive. I mean . . . this obviously can’t be a coincidence, right?”

Jackie saw that she was already losing her renewed confidence from the message.

“No way,” Jackie said. “It was obviously done in the last few hours—look how fresh it is. And I think that’s why Isaac included the ridiculous ‘blacksmith’ part, so there’d be no doubt if and when we saw it. Even I know about his obsession with your Forge.”

Trish let out something that was close to a laugh. “Yeah, he’s a little weird about it.” She sniffed and visibly gathered her wits about her, standing straight and tall. “You’re right. This was definitely from them and now we know we’re on the right path. That’s the best news we’ve had all day.”