Salamaine's Curse (30 page)

“Yes, sir.”

“And while we're there,” Umbrey put in, “we might as well take a peek inside that map room of yours, Morty.”

“Do not call me—wait. My map room? What business could you possibly have in my map room?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just wondering if there might be another way to Terrum that didn't involve the Bloody Passage. Gets a little messy taking that route, you know.”

Lost glared down his nose at Umbrey. “And why would you need to go to Terrum?”

“I'm afraid that's a long story.”

“I thought you told me not to worry about it,” Tom said.

“Aye, I did. Worrying about it won't help. But preparing for the journey there? Now that's something else.” Umbrey gestured toward the boat, then brought his hands together and rubbed them briskly. “But first, the Professor gave you a job to do.”

“Yes.” Tom climbed in the boat and took a seat.

“Hurry back, lad. We've work to do!”

“Got it.” Tom dipped his oars in the water. As he did, his gaze locked on Lost and Umbrey. A look of silent understanding passed between them.

Umbrey smiled. “Just watch you don't row out too far,” he called. “That first drop's a doozy.”