Crystal Doors #3: Sky Realm (No. 3) Read Free Page A

syllables. The yellow-clad Vir of Resources showed interest in anything that could benefit Elantya.
    Vic saw Ulbar’s ugly, earnest face relax as some of the tension flowed out of it. “Then you agree to an alliance? We will help you in your struggles to safeguard your citizens, this island, and all of the crystal door worlds if you, in turn, pledge to help me protect my people.” Ulbar’s scarlet headfin rippled as he thought for a moment before he then said, “We can assist your anemonites in locating the remaining lavaja bombs in the catacombs Barak’s people created beneath your island. We can post scouts underwater around your island. I will also send a few of my most trusted men to Goldskin to pretend that they have deserted our city and wish to fight with Barak’s army. My men can send us word when the forces of Oo’regl plan to attack.”
    Helassa’s deep indigo eyes narrowed. “Or perhaps your plan is to infiltrate Elantya while posing as our friends. And then, when the battle with Barak’s merlons begins, you will turn against us and defeat us from within.”
    “Classic strategy,” Vic whispered to his friends.
    Ulbar stiffened at Helassa’s accusation, then seemed to force himself to calm down. His colorful fins retracted. “It is true that our people have no reason to trust one another. Merlons have attacked your ships, and humans have killed many merlons. The anemonite warned us that this would be so. Therefore, we brought the anemonite with us so that you may verify what I have said. We also brought a peace offering. If Azric were to learn what we have stolen from him, he would destroy Oo’sqibl down to the last minnow.” He turned slowly, blinking his lamplike eyes at the hushed listeners in the rotunda. “To receive this gift, I ask that you come with me to the harbor.”
    RIPPLES FROM THE APPROACHING thunderstorm made the harbor waters choppy. The assemblage from the Pentumvirate Hall gathered on the shore.
    “What do you think he brought, Doc?” Vic said to his cousin. “What if it’s a sea serpent? Wouldn’t that be cool?”
    She gave him one of her please-grow-up looks. “You would think so.”
    Not far away, Vic’s father and Sage Polup tested several new weapons, including an improved version of the anemonite scientist’s Grogyptian Fire cannon.
    At the merlon ambassador’s request, the wary Virs had temporarily dropped some of the defensive spells at the mouth of the harbor. Doctor Pierce and the jellyfish scientist were ready to respond with force, however, if the merlon showed any sign of treachery.
    At the edge of the water, Ulbar raised his hands without further ceremony, summoning his comrades to deliver the mysterious “gift.” Not far from the end of the docks, the water began to churn and bubble with activity. Moments later, the head of another merlon broke the surface. Then another and another, until there were at least a score of the aquatic people swimming slowly toward the shallows.
    Gwen gave an involuntary gasp of alarm, but soon everyone could see the jellyfishlike anemonite scientist on her kraega steed leading them. Dripping and hissing as they emerged into the air, the merlons guided something large and vaguely human shaped. When they were waist-deep in the water, the merlons parted ranks. Ulbar splashed into the water to draw attention to the priceless peace offering they had brought.
    A beautiful, delicate form, enveloped in an impenetrable cocoon of ice coral.
    Vic called out, while with a strangled cry, his father ran forward.
    “Mom!”
    “Kyara!”

3
     
    EVEN ON AN ISLAND of wonder and magic, the main chamber of Rubicas’s laboratory held more marvels than a pair of highly curious teenagers could absorb. The walls, floors, and soaring columns of the broad, oval chamber were made of richly veined, polished marble. Prismatic skylights that encircled the lofty central dome let in plentiful daylight. Sun crystals embedded in the ceiling — laid out