Crystal Doors #1 by Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta

girl still wore her spotted pelts, but they were clean and dry now. Bandages covered wounds on her arms, legs, and cheek. Though she tried to be strong, she had obviously not recovered yet from the dehydration and exposure from her ordeal.
    “I do not require further assistance from the healers,” she said. “Master Kundu wanted me to study at the Citadel. I will not disappoint him. I intend to begin immediately.”
    “Wow — and I was impressed when you were just kicking shark butt. You’re welcome to join us,” Vic said. “There’s plenty of empty rooms.” Gwen and Sharif had poked their heads out of their cubicles now.
    Tiaret started toward them, leaning on the heavy teaching staff. “There is little time to rest if the merlons intend to attack. Tomorrow I meet with the Pentumvirate in an emergency session.” She took another step, then hesitated, swaying dizzily. “I must—”
    “Whoa.” Vic caught Tiaret before she could collapse. “Okay, I think you might be overdoing it just a bit.”
    “Don’t push yourself, Tiaret,” Gwen said. “Nobody will think less of you if you give yourself some time to recover.”
    Sharif gestured to a vacant chamber, and the two cousins helped Tiaret onto the empty bed. The injured girl grudgingly lay back. “This is most embarrassing.”
    “But not surprising. Think of everything you’ve been through,” Vic said.
    Sharif brought Tiaret a cup of water. “My people have a saying: Self-pride is the enemy of wisdom.”
    “Perhaps you are right. I should sleep. It would serve no good purpose if I were to collapse in the midst of battle.”
    Vic laid the teaching staff next to the bed’s stone riser. “It’s right here if you need it. I’m counting on you to keep us safe if any monsters attack in the night.”
    “I will protect you, Viccus.”
    When the crystals dimmed and all the students settled down to sleep, Vic heaved a long sigh and lay back, exhausted. They were in a strange, new environment, and so many unbelievable things had happened to them that he hoped Gwen would not lie awake and restless all night.
    “I sure hope nobody snores,” Vic muttered. Before he knew it, he fell asleep.

14
     
    GWEN KNEW SHE NEEDED to rest and clear her mind so that she could begin solving their problems in a logical and organized fashion. Finding a way home, communicating with Uncle Cap… after that, maybe she could relax and enjoy all the remarkable sights of Elantya.
    At dawn, when the novs got out of bed and went through their morning routines, she and Vic fumbled through the unfamiliar activities. Vic hovered close to the girl from Afirik, making sure she was recovered. Tiaret seemed much stronger, however, and Vic seemed disappointed that she didn’t need his help. Tiaret was already talking about improving the island’s defenses. Gwen felt sorry for any merlons the dark-skinned girl might encounter from now on.
    With the rolled carpet tucked under his arm like a treasure map and the glowing sphere of Piri hanging at his chest,Sharif joined them. He smiled at Tiaret. “I trust you need no further rescuing this morning?”
    “I am quite safe at present,” she said.
    Vic volunteered to go with Tiaret to meet with the Pentumvirate, but Gwen reminded him that they were supposed to go see Sage Rubicas again. “We’ve got our own mystery, Taz. Let’s figure out how we got transported through that crystal door. Lyssandra is probably already at the tower waiting for us.”
    Vic frowned, as if the decision was difficult. Obviously, he wouldn’t have minded spending time with either Tiaret or Lyssandra.
    Sharif broke in, “I will escort Tiaret to the Pentumvirate.”
    “That is not necessary. I have a very good sense of direction.” The lean girl grasped her teaching staff and headed off toward the government buildings. Sharif hurried after Tiaret anyway, pretending to show her the way.
    While the students went to lessons in the Citadel buildings, Gwen and Vic made