The pool erupted. Water rose in a perfect column, twisting into the shape of a tree. Its branches spread across the ceiling, and its roots curled around the twelve chairs.
The third child emerged from the water.
He stood on the surface as if it were solid ground.
His pale cloth hung around him like a small robe.
He looked at Sol.
"You remembered."
Sol stepped backwards.
The child smiled.
"Now remember the rest."
The older Jude moved in front of him.
"No."
The third child raised his hand.
The roots tightened.
The twelve chairs began sliding towards the pool.
Jude grabbed the nearest one.
The chair marked LAYLA struck the floor.
A small silver object fell from beneath its seat.
A key.
Jude picked it up.
The moment his fingers closed around it, the pool stopped moving.
The third child looked at him.
For the first time, his expression changed.
"You found it."
Jude examined the key.
It was made of dark wood, with a silver crescent carved into its handle.
