The Mapmaker's Sons Read Free Page B

disbelief. It was impossible that Umbrey had known about this.
How
had he known about it?
    A spark of approval lit Umbrey’s rugged features. “You’ve been up there looking for something, haven’t you, lad? During storms, I’d wager. You remember.”
    â€œNonsense, Umbrey. He can’t remember,” Lost returned dismissively. “It isn’t possible.”
    â€œRemember what?” Tom stared from one man to the other. “What can’t I remember?”
    Mortimer Lost continued as though he hadn’t heard Tom. He pulled out an enormous leather-bound ledger and set it on his desk. Opening it with a flourish, he rapped a gnarled knuckleagainst the worn pages. “The punishment for breaking the rules—”
    â€œDoesn’t matter,” Umbrey interrupted. “Tom won’t be here to receive it.”
    â€œOf course he will be. The rules are very clear. Very clear, indeed. Written down in precise detail so there can be no misinterpretation. If the purpose of your visit this evening is to undermine the structure and order of this academy—”
    â€œKeegan has the stones.”

    Mortimer Lost paled as though he’d been slapped. Although his gaze remained fastened on Umbrey, his eyes took on a faraway look. “I see.” In a voice that was little more than a hoarse whisper, he asked, “All of them?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAh.” Lost sank down into his chair. He swallowed hard and gave a tight nod. Tiny beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Trembling fingers toyed with the edge of his desk. “That is distressing news. Most distressing indeed.”
    In all his years at the Lost Academy, Tom had never seen Mortimer Lost like this. Lost was cold, harsh, and stern, almost to the point of cruelty. Thoroughly unlikable in all respects. And unlike the rigid headmasters depicted in movies and books, no heart of gold beat within his withered chest. But at that moment, he didn’t appear intimidating at all. He looked utterly deflated, like a plastic pool toy that had been popped and left to shrivel in the sun.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Umbrey said gruffly. “There’s no easy way to tell it. And there’s more. Worse, I’m afraid.”
    Lost turned to Umbrey, his face a mask of bewilderment. “Worse? How can anything be worse?”
    â€œKeegan’s men were here tonight.”
    â€The Watch? No. That’s not possible. They could not have found us.”
    â€œThey did.” Umbrey looked at Tom. “Tell him what happened in the belfry.”
    â€œWait a minute,” Tom said, his head spinning. “What’s going on? Who’s Keegan? What stones are you talking about? And what does any of that have to do with those two freaks in black capes who tried to grab me tonight?”
    Professor Lost regarded him steadily. “Black capes with a red eye affixed thus?” he asked, indicating his left shoulder.
    â€œYes, but … how did you know?”
    Lost exchanged a look with Umbrey. He let out a long breath and rose to his feet. He still appeared shaken, but he was rallying fast. “If I could have a moment, gentlemen. I should like to collect my thoughts.” He moved to the window and parted the drapery. Outside, the storm had finally broken. Lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, rain poured down in sheets. The clock quietly ticked off the minutes. After what felt like an eternity, Lost spoke. “I believe, given the circumstances, that allowances can be made for this evening’s unbecoming spectacle.”
    Umbrey smiled. “I thought you might see it my way.”
    Lost returned his smile with a disapproving scowl. His gaze moved over Umbrey’s person. “I suppose you brought it with you.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œWell,” said Lost, waving his bony fingers impatiently. “What are you waiting for? Get on with it.”
    â€œAll right,