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Lorkon came back. Gallus was working with Coren and Kevin, building new armor and repairing what had been damaged during the last attack. Mom was sorting through things in the house, hiding her valuables just in case the Lorkon army got that far again. Onaly was helping Hayla with clothing needs for those fighting. Dad and many others were getting ready to lay siege on Fornchall. The Fat Lady and Aldo were extracting fresh sap from the silver trees. Every Makalo was with Kenji, Ebony, and Sweet Pea, receiving last-minute training on archery and fighting. And even the Wurbies had tasks to complete, though Jacob didn’t know what they were.
    He took a deep breath and turned to Akeno. Fubble stood nearby. They both smiled at him, as if to encourage him that things would be okay.
    Early was already on his shoulder, ready and waiting. Jacob made sure he had his sword and pole and that his armor was tightened before opening the link to Gratitude City.
    Akeno went through first. He immediately walked to a tree and put his finger on it.
    “We’re still alone,” he said.
    Akeno would be checking frequently, making sure no living dangers were approaching. Jacob had the Key so they’d be able to leave easily. Actually, he had both keys, but the Key of Ayunli wouldn’t really help in an emergency situation.
    Fubble was coming too because the Fat Lady and Aldo wanted him to rummage through the empty houses, looking for any books, anything magical, and whatever caught the Wurby’s eye.
    Jacob rubbed his face. Being a Wurby, Fubble was sure to find tons of interesting things. Like rotten food and clothing.
    Dad had Tani guard the door—they wouldn’t need anyone stronger, not with Akeno checking so frequently for living creatures. Tani was happy to sit by with a book. She waved to Jacob as he walked away.
    The city was creepy. Like many of the cities Jacob had visited in Eklaron, it had the dead-people feel, but it wasn’t anything like what he’d felt before. He shuddered, looking at the trees and the empty buildings and houses. Even though Jacob knew they were alone, he felt like someone—or something—was watching them.
    “You’re sure there aren’t any tarri here?” Jacob remembered the last time he felt like someone was watching, but couldn’t see anything. Small bushes had surrounded them on their way to August Fortress. Those bushes had actually been dangerous, vicious creatures called tarri.
    “Positive. You’d know it,” Akeno said. “They stink really, really badly.”
    Something fell with a crash behind them and Jacob whirled, nearly tripping on his feet.
    Fubble ducked his head and started cleaning up the shattered pottery he’d dropped. “Sorry, I is sorry,” the Wurby said, then dashed through the open link.
    “I think I know what we feel, though,” Akeno said. “They’re not alive, but I can feel the presence of the Makalos who lived here before. It’s like they’re waiting, watching. Wanting to protect their city.”
    “Great. Just great.”
    “We’re not here to do damage, you know.” Akeno turned and looked at Jacob. “We’re doing what Onyev wanted us to do—they won’t stop us. They won’t do anything.”
    Jacob wasn’t as positive as his Makalo friend.
    “How are we supposed to find the Kaith tree?”
    Akeno shrugged. “Your dad said I’d know when I got close to it.”
    Jacob nodded. He for sure wouldn’t recognize it. Almost all the trees in Gratitude City looked like Kaith trees.
    Neither said anything as they continued forward. Finally, after a gazillion tree tests, Akeno made a noise of triumph.
    “Found it!” He pointed.
    Jacob looked. He couldn’t see anything where Akeno was pointing. “Where?”
    Akeno didn’t answer, but strode forward, and Jacob was amazed when the negative spaces between the trunks turned into trees. And the trees Jacob had been staring at earlier became the negative space.
    “Whoa . . . How’d that happen?”
    “Not sure,” Akeno said.