Henry racked his brain, mentally going over all the medicinal stores. He had quite a lot now, but what a waste it would be if they used it all on Karkinos and it didn’t work. Plus, after all Artimé had been through, Henry didn’t ever like being without enough medicine. But if it could somehow save the crab’s life . . .
Henry’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a breath. “Wait a second,” he said. His hand went to his component vest, to the special pocket with a spell-protected lock, and felt the container that he’d kept there ever since Ishibashi had given it to him.
“Alex,” Henry said, his voice measured, “what’s the absolute fastest way to get a single person to the Island of Legends?”
Alex frowned, thinking of all the options. “Either Simber or Spike would be faster than the boat or the ship.”
Henry tapped the container through his vest thoughtfully. “And Spike can talk to all species, right?”
“Right,” said Alex. “But neither one of them can carry all the creatures here to Artimé, so we need a boat. Why?”
Henry set his jaw and nodded firmly. “We don’t need a boat. Get Spike ready.”
“What? I don’t understand,” said Alex.
Henry’s eyes gleamed. “I’m saying I’ve got the right medicine, Alex. I can keep Karkinos alive . . . but only if I can get there in time.”
Planning a Journey
That’s an awfully long ride on the back of a whale,” Alex said to Henry. “And what if the medicine doesn’t work? You wouldn’t be able to save everyone.”
Henry stared out over the sea, thinking fast. Was the small container of seaweed enough to save such a large creature as Karkinos? Ishibashi had only used the tiniest pinch of it to heal a sea turtle. Henry’s container was packed full. He wouldn’t have time to go all the way to the Island of Shipwrecks for more . . . but he didn’t think he’d need to.
“Henry?” Alex prompted.
“What?”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Alex said again. “You wouldn’t be able to save Talon and the others.”
“Well, do you have any other options?” Henry asked impatiently. “You said the pirate ship can’t get there in time. If Karkinos is drifting toward the waterfall, all the inhabitants are going to get pulled down it and their lives will be in danger if they can’t get everyone tied down in time. To stop that from happening, we need speed first of all. And I’m telling you I’ve got the right medicine. I’m sure of it! I just need to get there.” He jiggled his foot, ready to spring into action as soon as Alex gave the word.
Alex studied the young man. Henry had grown up fast by necessity. He was one of the most responsible and selfless people Alex knew. He’d been by Alex’s side in the gray shack when all was lost, and he’d stayed loyal and focused ever since.
“All right,” Alex said. “I believe you. But you and Spike aren’t going alone. Let’s go talk to Florence and see what she recommends.”
“Great!” said Henry. He started toward the mansion while Alex thanked Spike and told her what was happening. “I need you to swim as fast as possible. Can you do that?”
“I can swim like a bullet, the Alex!” said Spike, sounding extremely happy to be chosen as the fastest ride in Artimé. “I will go tell Pan and return shortly to take Henry to the Island of Legends.”
Alex watched the whale swish through the water in search of Pan. He’d never witnessed her top speed before, but it was true—he’d instilled great speed in her when he’d brought her to life. Now it would come in handy.
He jogged to the mansion, finding Henry and Florence deep in conversation, with Simber standing silently by.
Florence’s face wore a pained expression. “I want to go,” she said softly. “I have to.” She and Talon had grown very fond of one another during their visit to Karkinos, and had made plans to see each other again once life in Artimé settled down. And now she feared she might never see Talon again if Henry’s plan was unsuccessful.
Henry looked to Alex for help.
“Hi, Florence,” Alex said, coming up next to Simber. “You heard?”
“Yes,” said Florence.
“Obviously Henry can’t go alone with Spike,” said Alex.
“I want to go,” Florence said again.
Alex pressed his lips together, perplexed. “I know,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “I’m sorry, Florence. I just can’t see how that’s possible without slowing Spike down considerably. And speed is of the utmost importance.”
Florence lifted her chin and looked away, trying to hide her feelings. Her heavy ebony body had been a benefit in so many ways, but it had its drawbacks, too. She knew what Alex said was true. But how she wished there was a way. She blinked and looked at Simber. “If only I could borrow your wings, my friend,” she said.
“Talon has wings,” Simber reminded her. “He doesn’t need to go down the waterrrfall with the rrrest of the island.”
Florence laughed bitterly. “Do you really think he’d stay back and watch everyone go over the edge?”
Simber looked down. “No. Of courrrse he’ll stay with them, just as Alex chose to do with ourrr ship.”