The Pillars of Ponderay Read Online Free PDF Page A

secret is forever safe.”
    A crackling noise drew Albert’s eyes from the PathHider. It was Leroy, unwrapping a piece of red candy.
    â€œReally?” Birdie laughed. “You’ve been here five minutes, and already you’re eating?”
    Leroy shrugged. He looked at the Path Hider. “What do you eat down here? Besides coffee, I mean.”
    The Path Hider leaned farther back in his recliner and propped up his feet. He wore old leather boots, the same kind Albert and Birdie and Leroy had, as well as everyone else in the Core. But his were worn and tattered. It was time for a new pair.
    â€œI eat what they send me,” the Path Hider said. “But enough about me. I want to hear about the great Calderon First Unit.” His blue eyes fell onto Albert. “Is it true?”
    â€œIs what true?” Albert asked. “If you’re talking about what happened in Calderon last summer . . .”
    â€œNo, not that.” The Path Hider leaned forward, hands on his knees. His eyes flitted to the cord around Albert’s neck, where his Tile was concealed beneath his shirt. “The rumor that you hold the Master Tile.”
    â€œTotally!” It was Leroy who piped up to answer. “Albert’s a pro now! He can do anything. Show him the Tile, Albert!”
    Albert’s face grew as hot and as red as a bowl of tomato soup. “It’s just a Tile, guys.”
    But his friends were excited to show him off, pride on both of their faces. Albert lifted the cord from his neck, revealing the Master Tile. It was different from allthe others in the Core, a shiny black color with a white symbol on it. The symbol was shaped sort of like an old scale, the kind with two arms that levered up and down, depending on the weight placed on each side.
    â€œMagnificent,” the Path Hider breathed. He reached out, eyes wide, almost as if he wanted to touch it. But at the last second, he drew his hand back and gave Albert a glittering smile. “I’m proud, Albert Flynn. I’ve watched you for years, as I do all the Balance Keepers. I knew you’d be a special one, considering your family’s bloodlines. But I never suspected the Master Tile.”
    He was looking at Albert like he was royalty.
    â€œUm, thanks,” Albert said. “That means a lot, I think.”
    The Path Hider nodded, then went on to ask Birdie and Leroy about their Tiles, too. Birdie’s was a Water Tile, while Leroy’s was a Synapse Tile. The Path Hider looked impressed with theirs, too. “I’ve seen lots of Tiles come through here over the years. The ones you three hold are rare. Quite rare, indeed.”
    â€œYou should see Leroy in the Tiles tournaments,” Birdie said, folding her hands in her lap. “He’s a whiz! No one can beat him!”
    â€œOr so you think.” The Path Hider nodded. “Someday, Leroy Jones, I will challenge you to a game of Tiles.” He winked and stood up, seemingly done with his questions. “I guess I should send you on your way. The path tells me stories, and secrets. But I wonder”—the PathHider rubbed his chin—“if you could ask that shopkeeper Lucinda to come and visit me soon?”
    Birdie smiled knowingly. Lucinda had a major crush on the Path Hider. “She talks about you sometimes. I’m sure she’d love to come visit!”
    â€œVery well, then,” the Path Hider said. “Farnsworth?”
    The little dog came tearing across the room with a chunk of copper wires in his mouth. The Path Hider yanked the wires out and shook off the slobber. “This will take days to repair. Ah, well. Lead the way, old friend.”
    Farnsworth barked, then set off down the dark tunnel that led to the gondola. Albert, Birdie, and Leroy followed, but just before they were out of earshot, the Path Hider whispered a warning.
    â€œWatch your backs, young Balance Keepers. I sense trouble brewing in the