He expected Dai She to throw another of his tantrums, but was surprised when he calmly grinned in response. “What is it you think happened back there? Do you think I enjoyed torturing those miserable lowlifes?”

Markhor sensed where this was going and remained silent.

“You think you are a Wand Master. That one day, history will revere the deeds of the infamous Markhor.” The grin spread to a malevolent sneer. “You are nothing compared to me. My power is without limits! Last night was to give you a taste of what true power can do. And … to give you ample warning. Don’t mess with me, Markhor.

“Do you think I missed the significance of your name? The snake eater? Ha! I am a snake unlike any other. I will strike without warning or mercy at those who oppose me. I will strangle all who step into my path. And I will crush the life out of you if you dare to get in my way.”

The two glared at each other. Seconds ticked by and the silence grew until Markhor shifted gears and pulled the car back onto the road.

Markhor was growing weary of his irritating traveling companion. He glanced again at his image in the rearview mirror. His connection with young Henry was strong—built on a foundation of love, no doubt. Perhaps it was time to have a little fun. No father should be denied the opportunity to play games with his son. Even if those games contained a certain element of … danger.

A test, then. Something scary with a bit of a bite to it.

Are you ready, young Henry?

The train arrived in Kansas City almost two hours late due to mechanical delays. The conductor announced repairs would take about thirty minutes, which gave them time to stretch their legs and get some fresh air before resuming their trip to Winslow, Arizona. It was just past midnight and Henry should have been tired, but sitting for hours on a train being tutored made him antsy. He jumped from the train and sprinted the length of the platform, then back to Coralis.

“Is that all?” the Wand Master asked.

Henry seized the moment and sprinted again, returning breathless and sweaty. “Okay, that felt good.” He smiled.

“As will a hot bath someday.” Coralis led them to a row of vending machines, where Henry selected several candy bars and a large plastic bottle of soda, and a granola bar for Brianna. Coralis settled for a mix of nuts and dried fruits. No one seemed to take notice of Brianna, who was perched in the upper pocket of Coralis’s trench coat.

The twenty ounces of soda Henry consumed in record time ran right through his kidneys.

“Come back straightaway, Henry. You don’t want the train to leave without you,” Coralis teased.