Chapter 55

“Ilixo will decide their fate.” Ollie shrugs. “He’ll try to find Frank and the Gilen, probably not very hard, and then he’ll decide.”

“Cold,” Randy comments but there’s no censure in his tone.

Ollie snorts. “I guess Unax really was right—I can’t be objective about the subject. I can’t wish any of them well.”

“Unax does seem to care about his creations for what it’s worth,” Wes says, but he doesn’t disagree.

“He’ll make it, anyway,” Ollie says. “Ilixo won’t kill him. Unax is too strong and too useful for that. Ilixo will find a way to turn it all to his advantage.”

“Then why did you give him over?” Mica asks absently while reaching for the water skin. The movement of the clockwork horse, Doodoo, smooth though it is, makes it difficult for somebody who’s not used to riding but she has it after a moment. “You think they sacrificed unwilling people, don’t you?” Mica waits out Ollie until he makes an agreeing noise then says, “It was your decision. Why did you do it?”