Sir Alric took over. ‘You have to understand that Jake’s survival, and the means employed to achieve it, are very controversial indeed. He’d be a major target – and a very easy one.’ He shot Jake an apologetic smile, but Jake only nodded. ‘Jake has done a lot to thwart some very evil Few – vengeful ones. I wouldn’t want the Svenssons or their allies taking revenge on Jake, or coming after him to get at you. They’re more than capable of doing that. Besides, Jake knows far too much about the Few – we’re all aware of that, just as we’re aware how hostile he’s been towards us. If even a small percentage of Few knew he was still breathing, things wouldn’t go on that way for long. And if they knew the Tears had been used to save him … ?’ Sir Alric tailed off, shaking his head grimly. He seemed a little incredulous at his own actions, Cassie thought.
Isabella took a scared breath and hugged Jake even tighter. ‘But surely, his parents—’
‘If Mom and Dad knew, that would make them a target too,’ said Jake flatly. ‘They’d never be able to fake it; I know them. They’d let it slip somehow, and the Few – some of them – would use them to get to me.’
‘Even before this, I had already heard mutters that Jake’s parents ought to be in the Confine because of all that they know,’ added Sir Alric. ‘And that was from perfectly respectable Council Elders.’
Cassie nodded, silent, twisting her hands together as she thought it over. What Jake and Sir Alric said was true, and she couldn’t in all honesty be angry with either of them, however bewildered she felt. The enormity of the risk being taken here was finally catching up with her.
‘Wow. I … I really can’t believe you did this,’ Cassie murmured to Sir Alric. Jake and Isabella had returned to silent embrace.
‘Well, those two seem sufficiently grateful, wouldn’t you say?’ He gave a small smile. ‘Speaking of romance and deathless love, Miss Bell, I’m a little surprised you haven’t asked me yet.’
She blinked. ‘What?’
He studied her face keenly. ‘You haven’t asked me how my hunt for Ranjit is progressing.’
‘Oh.’ Cassie said. ‘No, but … ah, have you heard? Anything?’
Tilting his head a little, he continued to watch her. ‘Well, I daresay this business with Jake could have driven even Ranjit Singh from your head.’
She could hear the suspicion in his tone, and was indignant despite the fact that he was right in his insinuation that she’d been looking on her own. ‘Well. I assumed you’d let me know if you’d heard. Wouldn’t you?’
Sir Alric eyed her for a moment. ‘The fact is, I haven’t found anything. But I am continuing to search, Cassie, in every way I know how. I want you to know that. And I especially want you to continue to leave this to me.’
‘Of course,’ she said innocently.
He frowned, and then turned his attention back to Isabella and Jake. ‘I appreciate how happy you all are to be reunited, but we need to talk seriously,’ he said.
Jake was instantly attentive; Cassie was almost amused by the American boy’s change of attitude. He’d obviously found a new respect for his former headmaster, but that, she thought, was as it should be, after what Sir Alric had done for him.
It didn’t mean she had to be an obedient and respectful pupil, though …
‘Jake has to remain in hiding, Isabella,’ said Sir Alric. ‘As we’ve said, his appearance would raise too many awkward questions, might bring some very unpleasant creatures out of the woodwork. And for the same reasons, his family must continue to believe him dead. I know that’s difficult, but it’s unavoidable, for the moment. Besides,’ he said, turning to Jake, ‘you’re still weak. You will need to stay here, in this room and under my supervision, until you’re completely recovered.’
‘Absolutely not!’
They all stared. For the first time, Isabella had jumped up, fired with anger. It did Cassie’s heart good to see her friend back to her normal, sparky, positively terrifying self. ‘I’m not letting Jake out of my sight again! Not even to stay in this room. I’ll look after him! Do you hear me?’
‘I expect the whole school can hear you,’ muttered Sir Alric, taken aback.
‘And I will not go calmly back to my classes while he’s stuck here. I will not!’
Sir Alric sighed deeply, and allowed himself a small smile. ‘But you speak of going back to your classes, Isabella? That at least is very good news. I’d hoped you would stay at the Academy.’ He looked from her to Cassie and back again. ‘To be brutally honest, it’s the only reason I was forced to tell you both about Jake.’
Yes, thought Cassie cynically, that makes sense. And a good way of ensuring she’ll stay under your supervision, what with everything she knows.
‘Of course I go back to my classes!’ Isabella was spluttering in fury, tossing her hair. ‘Of course I will stay at the Academy now. My Jake is here! How could I leave? How?’
‘Still, Isabella, you have to accept that he mustn’t—’
‘No! I said not out of my sight! Ever! You cannot expect to separate us now?’
‘I’ve got to say, I agree,’ said Cassie, grinning.
Silenced, Sir Alric looked helplessly around all three of them.
‘Very well.’ He took another deep breath and nodded. ‘I can understand that you do deserve some time alone, you two. It’s not as if Isabella’s, ah … emotional state has escaped my notice. It’s hardly fair that you have grieved for so long under false pretences.’