All four of us,” Tridan continued after a moment, “we’re products of Endor, but that doesn’t mean that we have to be like those who came before us.” Each of his friends met his serious gaze, and he could tell they were in agreement. “Someday, we’re going to change this kingdom,” Tridan told them. “Someday, we’ll show Endor that we can be more than conquerors.”
The column of sand spun high into the red sky, growing larger as it pulled more and more sand into its vortex. But then more columns sprung out of the center column, as if it were growing arms and legs—and a head. Two bright beams of light radiated from the head shape—like eyes, zeroing in on Levi and Brianna.
As the skipping rope hit the pavement, so did the ball. As the rope curved over the head of the jumping child, the child with the ball caught the ball. Down came the ropes. Down came the balls. Over and over again. Up. Down. All in rhythm. All identical. Like the houses. Like the paths. Like the flowers.
“The current is so strong,” she whispered at last. “How could anyone get across? How could anyone survive?” “I asked the sisters at the castle the same question,” I said, “after reading about this river in the Book of Blood.” “What did they say?” I took a deep breath. “They told me no one does.” “What?” “No one survives.”