Island of Shipwrecks by Lisa McMann Page B

get to work on the oil problem and will return with a solution after your work on the wall is done.”
    The general, his eyes narrowed and the wound throbbing at his neck, nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”
    Aaron glared back at him. “Not for long, I assure you,” he said. “So be ready.”
    The general laughed. “I give the orders, High Priest. ”
    Aaron scowled. He turned, Liam followed, and they walked out of the house and across the Quillitary grounds, back to theroad. They climbed into the vehicle and chugged back up the dusty road to the palace.
    As the barbed-wire ceiling’s shadows rolled across Aaron’s cheek, his mind whirled with the overwhelming promises he’d made. Not only did he promise to tear down the wall, but now he had to fix the oil problem—a problem that had existed since Quill began over fifty years ago. What had he gotten himself into? His breath came out in short bursts as he tried to control the panic that welled up inside him. He was so tired of this feeling. Would it ever end?
    Liam looked at Aaron curiously but said nothing.
    When the vehicle came to a rest in front of the palace door, Aaron and Liam climbed out. Aaron paused in the driveway as the vehicle pulled away, and looked at the forty-foot wall. His moving gaze stopped when he reached the filled-in spot, where he’d once opened a window to the sea. How strange it would be to see the water again. Despite the heat, Aaron shivered.
    Liam paused at the door and stood uncertainly, waiting for him.
    â€œSend someone out to collect all the cashew fruit and other nuts growing in the Favored Farm,” Aaron said brusquely.“Every last one. And deliver them to my office. Oh, and tell the Farm guards to plant more immediately. We’ll need a constant supply.”
    Liam knit his brows. “Yes, sir.”
    â€œAnd then make sure the Necessaries understand their instructions from the Quillitary so they can get moving on the teardown.”
    â€œYes, sir,” Liam said again. He hesitated, and added, “Are you sure about this? The wall coming down, I mean?”
    Aaron looked sharply at Liam. “What do you think? Of course I’m not sure! This plan could ruin me. And it could ruin you, too. So if you do not wish to participate, you may gladly take yourself back to the Ancients Sector once and for all, and you’ll be dead by morning.”
    Liam stood, mouth agape. He couldn’t stand Aaron’s arrogance and considered walking away. But then he closed his mouth. If he left, there would be no hope for Artimé. For the sake of Eva and for the hope of Claire’s forgiveness, he uttered the words as Eva had taught him. “You have my utmost loyalty.”
    â€œI should hope so,” Aaron snarled.
    As Liam turned to go, Aaron grabbed his arm. “Wait. I’m not finished,” he said, his voice strained.
    â€œI’m sorry. What can I do for you?” Liam could see the fear in Aaron’s eyes. It was there all the time now. For a moment, he almost felt sorry for the high priest.
    â€œI want you to steal as many magical components from Artimé as you can get your hands on, and bring them to me. I need to know how they work, and the words you have to say with them, so you’ll have to find somebody over there who you can torture for secrets. I don’t care what you do or how you get them—just get it done.”
    Leaving Liam speechless as he had done so often lately, Aaron fled into the palace, wondering if he was making an extremely dangerous mistake, and hoping with everything he had in him that his reign—and his life—was not about to end.

Underwater Exploration
    W hen the figure disappeared behind the rock, Sky ran back toward Alex. “What do we do? Go after him?”
    â€œIt depends,” Alex said, thinking frantically. What would Simber do? Alex hated not having him around to consult with. The wind