“Kill Lochmordra?” Barclay repeated, aghast. But before he could question Tadg further, Orla and Murph emerged from the fog. Orla moved her arms in slow, steady waves, and the mist swirled around her and her Beast.

“You’re all here, are you?” Orla asked sharply, her eyes trained on Barclay. “Hasu brought word to the Guardians just in time, and now they’re gathering on the cliffside. You should evacuate with the rest of Trowe. There are ships waiting there prepared to sail everyone to Munsey.”

“But we might be able to help,” Tadg said.

“I know you put out the fires in Munsey, but don’t overestimate yourself. This is Lochmordra. You’ll only get in the Guardians’ way.”

Even though Orla hadn’t singled Barclay out, it felt like she had. His control over his Lore still might’ve not been perfect, but it was far better than before. He’d never have a chance to redeem himself if Orla sent them away just as danger neared.

“We faced Gravaldor!” Barclay protested. “We could—”

“Yes, Runa told me. Just like she told me that you’d argue with me about this. But I’m the High Keeper here, and as Guild apprentices, you must respect my orders. You may finish evacuating the town, but you will evacuate with them.”

Viola sighed and tugged on both of their sleeves. “She’s right. Let’s go.”

Tadg ripped his arm away and stomped off to the next door, as though he was going to do what Orla instructed, but he wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t happy about it.

Thankfully, since Orla’s mist had draped over the town like an eerie shroud, everyone in Trowe knew that something was wrong, and word had spread quickly of the weeping tide’s arrival. Nearly all the next houses the apprentices visited were already abandoned, and the streets had grown crowded as people ushered their families, Beasts, and livestock down the roads.

EEEEEEEEIIK!

A raspy, bloodcurdling shriek tore through the air, so loud and piercing that Barclay swore the mist around them rattled. Screams rang out in the distance. Barclay knew that the fog was meant to protect Trowe, but he wished he could see more than a few feet in front of him. It felt like anything could be out there, stalking them. His Mark twitched painfully.

“Let’s go!” Viola called, and Tadg paused outside the door he was about to knock on.

“What if there are still people here?” he asked.

“Then they heard that! And we need to get out of here like Orla told us.”

“Barclay, you can run faster than us,” Tadg said, which was the first time that Tadg had admitted Barclay could do anything better than him. “Hurry and see if there’s anyone who needs help up ahead. Then we’ll turn back.”

“Wait! That’s still not—” Viola started, but Barclay had already taken off.