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an aunt who held long conversations with her flowers.”
    â€œI helped defeat Morgassa,” Cole said. “She damaged my shaping power.”
    â€œTo have challenged Morgassa and lived, you must know the Pemberton girls,” Sando said with awe. “You are helping them, I take it?”
    â€œTrying,” Cole said.
    â€œI have discovered a young celebrity,” Sando said. “You must have some connection to Honor. You’re aware that she came here not long ago?”
    Cole decided he might as well come clean. “I’m looking for Destiny and Honor.”
    â€œHonor is kept, not found,” Sando said with a sly grin. “And need we search for destiny? It tends to find us whether we like it or not.”
    â€œI’m talking about the princesses,” Cole clarified patiently.
    â€œYou want to help the Pemberton girls?” Sando asked.
    â€œYeah,” Cole said.
    â€œHow did you become involved?”
    â€œLong story.”
    â€œYou were not born in the Outskirts,” Sando said. “You came from Outside.”
    â€œYou can tell?”
    â€œExperience.”
    â€œI hope to get home someday.”
    Sando hooted with laughter. “No small tasks for you, young sir.”
    Cole felt his cheeks warm up. “It won’t be easy.”
    Sando pointed at him. “That puts it mildly. You interest me. You are no ordinary boy. Tell me your name.”
    â€œCole.”
    â€œYou must sleep lightly these days,” Sando said. “A knife under your pillow, and a rope by the window. I discern that Stafford Pemberton is not your friend. Nor is Owandell or Nazeem. Who do you serve?”
    â€œThe princesses,” Cole said. “I got involved with them directly.”
    â€œI see now why you desire knowledge of Nazeem,” Sando said. “A shadowy subject. His precise origin remains unknown. We’re aware that in mortality he was a shaper of extraordinary power. From his place of confinement in the Fallen Temple, he has reached out to humans and taught them shapecraft and has recruited many echoes as well. For an imprisoned being, he wields considerable influence in the echolands and across the five kingdoms. Like you, he intently wishes to find Destiny Pemberton, and her sister Honor as well. He is also searching for a young man who fits your description. Are you aware?”
    Cole’s mouth was dry. “Yeah,” he managed, sick dread coiling in his gut.
    Sando held up a hand. “Do not be alarmed, giver of silver. I trade in information but am happy to guard your secret. Others may not extend the same courtesy. You cannot hide for long. Not in Necronum, where so many echoes prowl. They will notice your deformed shaping power.”
    â€œHow can I avoid Nazeem?” Cole asked.
    â€œThe real question is how to avoid the mortals and echoes who serve him,” Sando said. “Nazeem is trapped in the Fallen Temple. You are beyond his physical reach.”
    â€œUnless he gets free,” Cole said. “Can he come back from the echolands?”
    Sando’s eyes flashed with interest. “How? It would defy nature. But Nazeem seems convinced he has found a way, and so do his followers. Who am I to name anything impossible? The whispers suggest he expects freedom in the near future. But what does that mean to a being who has been imprisoned for so long? Is the near future later this century? Or next week?”
    â€œFrom what I heard, it sounded closer to next week,” Cole said.
    â€œThis could be,” Sando said. “I know little more about Nazeem. I suspect you have more intimate knowledge of him than I do.”
    â€œIs the Fallen Temple far from here?” Cole asked.
    â€œVery far,” Sando said. “If you desire a long and prosperous life, may I suggest you keep it that way? In fact, you might consider departing Necronum. I understand Zeropolis has many conveniences.”
    Cole shook his