Outlined by the light, its antlers huge and terrifying, was the Archon, Cernunnos. Shadows of wolves’ heads danced on the walls.

Sophie woke up with a scream, shining silver armor winking into existence around her body as her aura sparkled over her flesh. Josh’s eyes snapped open and he scrambled to his feet, his left hand automatically reaching for Clarent. The stone sword hummed and hissed as his fingers closed around the hilt, the blade crackling, a sheen of colors running along its length.

Palamedes’ smooth black armor grew over his body and he dragged his enormous claymore sword off his shoulder and positioned himself in front of the twins. Gilgamesh silently reached over and pulled the curved shamshir sword from the knight’s belt. “Where’s the Alchemyst?” Palamedes demanded.

“I can smell mint,” Sophie said quickly, breathing deeply. The distinctive odor permeated the night air. She was aware of the solid thumping of her heart, but even though she knew what was outside, she was not frightened. They had defeated the Archon once already, and that was before they had the Magic of Water.

“That light is the same color as Nicholas’s aura,” Josh added. “He must be outside.”

“We need to get out,” Palamedes said urgently, “we can’t be trapped in here.” He turned and launched himself at a wall. Rotten wood gave way in a burst of splinters, sending him crashing out into the field.

“Go!” Gilgamesh shouted, catching Sophie’s arm and pushing her through the ragged opening ahead of him. “Josh, come on!”

Josh was turning to follow when the barn doors were ripped off their hinges. Cernunnos ducked its head to peer into the barn, only its huge rack of antlers preventing it from coming through the doorway. The beautiful face smiled and the voice buzzed and trembled in Josh’s head. “So, we meet again, boy. I’ve come for my sword.”

“I don’t think so,” Josh said through gritted teeth.

“I do. And I came prepared this time.” Cernunnos drew back its right arm, and Josh saw that the Horned God had a bow and arrow in its hand. Josh heard the twang of a bowstring and he caught the flicker of an arrow arcing through the air directly toward him.

Clarent moved, coming up and across Josh’s body, blade flat over his heart.

The bone-tipped arrow shattered harmlessly against the stone blade, but with enough force behind it to send the boy staggering back. Cernunnos bellowed in frustration. He notched another arrow and fired.

Clarent shifted in Josh’s hand, blade singing as it cleaved the arrow in two.