The Ratfolk and Demons had joined forces?
Annan could see no reason for it. It would be like Olmedo joining forces with him to wipe out the Bandits... when Olmedo could have done the whole job alone.
The McKinnon Rat had fought its way from the Obiris Strait across the Northern Frontier. It needed no outside help.
In his Study, Annan opened a drawer and took out the Life Casket beside the Magic Mirror. "The Rat Tide is unleashing the Demons in the North... The Royal Capital is watching it happen. What are they plotting?"
"The Rikaner Kingdom is crawling with Ratfolk and Demons!"
"Your people are being slaughtered!"
"The Monte family has betrayed humanity!"
But the Second Prince, now reduced to a Wooden Box, gave no answer.
Annan left the Study and knocked on Lilith's door. After whispering something to her, he brought her back to the Study as a hostage. "If you don't speak, I'll kill Lilith!"
As if in response, an aged, spectral face appeared before the Life Casket.
Annan and Mr. Asimov stared at each other. Then Annan hurriedly released Lilith.
"Teacher Asimov..." Longing and sorrow crossed Lilith's face. There was no sign that she was a Tower Spirit.
Annan did not ask how Asimov was still alive. He went straight to telling him about the deaths of the two Holy Grail Knights, the Ratfolk's incursion into the Northern Frontier, their rush toward Snow Mountain Fortress, and the Demons' attack from the other side.
"Mel is dead too?"
Understanding dawned on Asimov's spectral face. "So that was their plan."
"What plan?"
"All of this... because they are the Montreal Family..."
"Because the Family has Betrayer blood in its veins?"
Fortunately, Asimov, who might vanish at any moment, did not leave Annan guessing. He began with the