Luna healed her wounds, then Jayces by the time she got to Tristan his wounds were beginning to close.

“We can't rest here,” he said.

“Where is it?” Jayce asked.

Tristan looked at him. “What?”

“The gem,” said Jayce. “It was right here on this rock.”

They searched the water around the rock and eventually they gave up.

“You smell that?” Luna asked.

“I don't want to smell anything down here,” said Jayce.

“Something spicy,” said Luna. “I know that smell.”

“We all do,” said Tristan as he caught the scent of cardamon and smoke. “We smell it everyday in the Great Hall.”

“What is it,” asked Jayce who was now sniffing the air.

“I don't know but I'm going to find out,” said Tristan.

The smell was stronger in the corner of the room. Tristan lit the candle and the three found a small door.

“We’re not going through that,” said Jayce, who was the largest of the three. “I hate cramped spaces.”

“We don't have much choice,” said Tristan. “We're lost down here and we have no food or water and what do you think is going to happen when the candle runs out or Luna’s too exhausted for magic?”

Jayce gulped. “Ok, I get it.”

Tristan blew out the candle and took the lead and the rest followed him on hands and knees. The tunnel criss crossed all the time with many smaller paths shooting off of the main path leading in all directions. The squad stuck to the main path and eventually the tunnel widened and opened up into a large room with a ceiling high enough for them to stand.

“It's hard to breathe down here,” said Luna.

“Don't talk about it,” said Tristan. “If I start thinking about it, I'll get a panic attack.”

“What is this place?” asked Jayce as he stood up and stretched.

Tristan lit the candle and held it up revealing a chamber with piles of shining objects all along the walls.

Something clinked underfoot and Tristan bent down and picked up a silver object. “It's a button,” he said.

He handed the oval disk to Jayce who took it and examined it.

“It's my missing button,” said Jayce. “The one that vanished in the Great Hall. What's it doing here?”

“You guys come look,” called Luna.

In the corner of the room was a pile of green gems.

Tristan laughed. “So this is what happened to them all,” he said. “You know something must have gathered these?” said Luna, as Jayce stuffed gems into the satchel until the bag was full to bursting.

From the corner of Tristan’s eye he watched a gem lift off the ground.

Tristan nodded towards the door and Luna’s eyes widened as she saw the gem floating towards the exit.

Tristan motioned for them to keep talking. He drew his sword and flung it across the room pinning it to the wall and blocking the exit.

Something yelped in fright and Jayce dived and snatched at the air.

His hand grabbed hold of something furry. The creature became visible and Jayce lifted the creature by the scruff on its neck.

“What is it?” he asked.

It had red fur with long white whiskers and a beard sprouted from its long chin.

“Please no hurt,” said the creature as it wriggled to break free.

“Are you a ratkin?” Tristan asked. It looked similar but it was smaller and its nose was more pig-like than the ratkins.

“Kobold,” said the creature. “Not ratkin, ratkin bad. Kobold good.”

“What are you doing here?” Luna asked.

“Magic academy me work,” said the kobold. Headmaster kind to kobolds, he give us work to do, he give us shinies too.”

“You stole these gems,” said Jayce as he put down the wriggling creature.

“Headmaster says we can. We haves whatever sparkly we sees as payment.”

“What is your name?” asked Luna.

“Karf,” said the kobold.

“We are students at the academy, Karf,” said Tristan. “Can you lead us back to the castle?”

The kobold scratched its chin, its eyes flicked to the exit and back again.

“Don't be scared little fella,” said Luna. She held out a handful of gems. “We will make it worth your while if you help us. Shinies all for yourself.”

The kobolds eyes glistened as it smiled greedily at the gems.

***

Karf led them over bridges, through winding trails, and up steep cliffs. He spoke continuously as they walked, either pointing out rocks he found interesting or telling jokes that nobody understood.

They stopped and drank from a stream. Kalf picked a mushroom that grew on the underside of a rock and nibbled on it as he studied the three.

They continued their journey in silence and soon they heard the dull melodious noise of something clattering together. It reminded Tristan of the sound the branches of the great tree made as they blew in the wind.

It was strange to think that at that moment they were somewhere below the marketplace. People were going on about their day without a clue of what was happening far below them.

As they got closer they saw skulls tied to ropes hanging from the ceiling. There were hundreds of the grim ornaments spread across the tunnel creating a curtain.

“We should leave,” said Jayce.

“Where are you taking us, Karf,” Tristan asked.

“This way, come,” said the Kobold as he waded through the curtain. The three followed in silence, they glanced at each other nervously. The skulls clattered together like horrific chimes as they made their way through them. Tristan’s skin crawled and he fought the impulse to run.

A smoky haze filled the small cramped room that they entered.

“Son of a biscuit,” said Luna as she bumped into a low lying table.

Small strange objects and glass jars rattled on the table and Luna quickly averted her eyes not wanting to know what was in those jars. A fire burned in the corner of the makeshift room and as they drew nearer Tristan realized there was an old woman sleeping in the chair beside the fire.

“Hello,” he said nervously. There was no reply.

He walked up to the woman. “We just want to talk,” he said.

He bent down and looked at the old woman.

“I think something's wrong with her,” he said.

“Let's get out of here, Kalf,” Luna whispered. “Kalf?” Luna looked around. “The little bastard’s gone.”

“What?” asked Jayce. “He was just here a moment ago.”

Tristan moved up beside the old woman and peered at her. Her eyes were wide open but white and lifeless. It looked like she was staring into nothingness.

“I think she's dead,” he said. He held up the candle to have a better look.

The old woman's face looked frozen in time. Her lips were cracked, her skin was pale with wrinkles that crisscrossed every inch of her face. He hovered his hand over her mouth to see if she was still breathing.

Her eyes fluttered like moths wings and then they shot open and stared at him.

“What the hell,” Tristan yelled as he leapt back. He bumped into the table and a bottle shattered onto the ground.

The old woman stared at the roof and then slowly those lifeless eyes turned and looked him dead in the eye.

“Did I give you all a fright,” said the old woman, in a voice so dry and raspy it sounded like a crackling fire. “Mama Yaga was just resting her eyes for a minute.”

Her head tilted to the side as if she was listening to something and then her face split into a broad smile.

“So quiet, young ones. Come stay awhile and talk to an old feeble woman.”

She turned her head and stared blankly at a skull that hung nearby. “We miss visitors, don't we,” she said.

“Sorry,” Luna spluttered. “I think we took the wrong turn. We will be going now.” she was mumbling.

Everything about the old woman screamed bad news.

Tristan felt the warm touch of Luna's hand on his arm. He looked at her and saw the same fear mirrored on her face. They slowly backed away from the old woman and the skulls clattered behind them as they bumped into them.

“Dragon’s balls,” cursed Jayce.

“Going so soon?” said the old woman.

Skulls and ropes tangled around Tristan’s arms and he battered them aside as they backed further away. He was too afraid to take his eyes off of the old woman. Her hands rose slowly and her long fingers pointed in his direction.

Tristan bumped into something solid, he turned around to see a giant man looming over them.

Luna swung her sword at the man but the weapon bounced off of the man with no effect.

The old woman laughed. “Cinder is half giant,” she said. “No measly sword can cut through his hide.”

The giant man flared his nostrils. He pushed the three forward inch by inch until they were standing right in front of the old woman again.

“He doesn't say much. Our Cinder is more the strong silent type now aren't you.”

The man grunted something Tristan didn't understand and then he stepped back blocking their only way out.

“Sit down here beside the fire young ones,” said the old woman in a soothing voice.

They didn't budge from their spot. Fear had frozen them in place.

“You came at the right time, we were just getting ready for dinner now weren't we.”

She picked a skull up from the table and ran a finger along the eye socket.

“It's a very special day isn't it Cinder.”

She tapped the skull with a dirty chipped nail.

“It's the great migration. The day when sweet little things migrate past our home on their way, who knows where.” She spread her fingers and chuckled hoarsely. “We always make sure to catch one or two to see us through the winter.”

From the corner of Tristan’s eye he saw Cinder edging towards them.

“Fresh meat,” he said in a slurred slow speech.

“Be still, boy!” the old woman snapped at the big man. “Don't want you scaring our guests.”

The giant stopped moving but his eyes stared at them unblinking.

“Sorry about him,” said the old woman. “He doesn't get out too much. He'd scare the living daylights out of you common folk.”

She nodded as if the three’s silence confirmed what she was saying.

“The land dwellers would kill him on sight if they got the chance,” she continued. “But he's a good boy, ain’t you Cinder.”

The big man stepped closer again, a wicked looking knife in his hand.

“On three,” Tristan whispered.

Jayce and Luna gave the smallest of nods.

“One,” he said softly.

“Two.”

“What you say sweetie,” said the old woman as she stroked the skull in her hand.

“Three!” Tristan yelled and spun around.

The old woman dove forward snatching at where they just were. Tristan yanked Luna out of the woman’s reach.

He spun around and faced the giant. He drew his sword and yelled as they plunged towards the big man.

Cinder raised meaty hands to stop them but at the last minute Tristan dropped and slid between the giant’s legs. “Ignis,” he shouted and blue flames leapt across his sword. He slashed at the giant’s legs and felt his sword slice into the man’s calf muscle. Cinder howled in pain then screamed a curse as he made a snatching motion at Tristan’s head. Jayce and Luna jumped over the bent over giant and the three made a mad dash for the exit.

“After them you idiot,” screamed the old woman.

Tristan snatched a hanging skull off of a rope as he ran, he twisted around to hurl it at the giant man but as he threw the skull gossamer threads of silk shot appeared in thin air covering the giant man’s face. Cinder raised his hands and tore away the spider webs, he stumbled but he continued to lumber after them.

“They're getting away, granny,” he cried. He sounded like a child that had lost his favorite plaything.

“Cut ‘em off at the pass,” she screamed.

Tristan turned again but the giant man had disappeared.

“Did you see that,” he shouted at Luna and Tristan.

“Just keep running,” said Luna.

The flickering candle light cast dramatic shadows on the wall as they sped down the red bricked broad tunnel.

“What pass was the old bat talking about?” Jayce asked.

Tristan was too out of breath to answer him. His legs were giving out.

“I see light ahead,” said Luna.

“It could be a trap,” Tristan said through gritted teeth.

“We don't have a choice,” said Luna. “We need to get out.”

Tristan’s heart pounded in his chest as they raced towards the light.

The sound of bones cracking alerted him and he looked right in time to see Cinder lumbering towards them from a path hidden in shadow. The man was enraged. He screamed something unintelligible when he saw them. His face was red and his legs were covered in blood.

Cinder lowered his head and plowed towards them.

“Faster,” Tristan shouted. He tried to cast the spider web again but nothing happened.

“Damned unreliable magic,” he cursed.

With each step he took his legs grew less steady and his feet felt heavier. Jayce overtook him and shouted at him to keep going. “There's a doorway,” said Luna. “We can make it.”

Tristan couldn't go on much further. His legs wobbled. He managed to right himself and carry on but Cinder was gaining on them.

Tristan looked over his shoulder and saw Luna lagging behind. He slowed down and waited for her to catch up but instead of overtaking him she shoved him forwards with all her strength.

Tristan twisted around to see what was happening and saw Cinder just behind Luna. His arms were outstretched towards her.

Light glinted off of a steel chain hanging on the inner side of the door and as Jayce and Tristan passed through the doorway Tristan knew what he needed to do. He reached for the chain and tugged on it with all his strength.

The stone door shuddered and began to drop shut. Luna dove forward, just out of reach of the giant man's hands. She slid through the bottom of the door and at that moment Cinder caught hold of her leg and slowly began pulling her back.

Tristan quickly pulled the chain again and the door screeched to a halt inches above Luna.

Tristan dove towards the door and plunged my sword into the back of Cinders hand. The giant screamed and Luna kicked Cinder in the chest. Jayce grabbed Tristan and Luna by the legs and pulled them back through the door.

Cinder fell to his stomach. He was too large to fit his whole body through the entrance.

He stretched out his bloody hand and grabbed at them from under the door like a cat clawing at a mouse under the stove.

The door shook and fine cracks appeared around the edges of the door frame as Cinder repeatedly threw his body against the door.

Tristan and Luna held each other tight as the pounding on the door continued.

Eventually the noise stopped. Cinder breathed heavily on the other side of the door. He banged against it one final time then realizing his prey had escaped, he stood up and wailed like a child as he walked away.

They laid on the ground side by side out of breath and exhausted. Tristan’s hands and knees were bruised and bleeding and his head spun from dehydration.

“Where are we?” asked Jayce.

Tristan looked around, noticing for the first time that they were in a large chamber. Oil lamps burned on every wall and the air was cool with a musty earthy smell.

“Give me your hand,” Tristan said to Luna.

She groaned.

He reached out and pulled her up.

“Your hair smells nice,” he said.

“You’re such a creep, Tristan,” she said with a playful smile.

“What? It was a compliment.”

“I'm sure it was,” she said sarcastically. “I'm covered in sweat, blood and dirt. Only you’d like that smell.”

“Well I did live in a fishing village for the last few weeks,” he said. “So my standards aren't very high.”

“You horrible horrible person,” she said.

She punched his arm playfully and then laughed.

“When you guys are finished flirting,” said Jayce. “You might want to come and look at this.”

***

The walls of the chamber were shaped like a massive star with tapestries on the walls and a large double on the far side of the room. Oil lamps, ornately decorated, cast pools of pale light about the mosaic patterned floor. The walls were so smooth it looked like they had been carved by machines.

“A room perfectly preserved from the ancient city beneath Aressea,” said Luna. “They had more advanced technology than ours.”

“What happened to them all?” Tristan asked.

“Did you really sleep during every history lesson?” asked Luna.

“Come on, hoa,” said Jayce. “Even you should know about Albion’s fall. It was the first city to fall to Malice during the Ten year war.”

Jayce stopped in front of a tapestry and studied it for a moment.

“He looks just like you,” he said as he turned to Tristan.

Tristan stopped beside Jayce and looked up at the tapestry of a blonde man with golden light surrounding him. “How’s that possible?” asked Tristan.

Could the hero be his father, he thought. His father had disappeared in London ten years earlier. Could it be that for each year that passed in his world ten years passed in Umbra.

“What was the hero’s name?” he asked.

Jayce shook his head. “He’s always been known just as the hero. For someone so famous, not much is actually known about him. There are paintings and statues of him similar to this, always with white hair. Some say he married and had children. Other's say he lived in Umbra only for a short time but in that time he brought much change and sealed away the dragon before vanishing himself.”

“We need to go,” said Luna, as she walked over to the door. “I’ve lost track of time down here for all I know the Masters could have sent a search party after us.”

***

The door swung open and they stepped out of the darkness and into the light of day.

Tristan’s eyes blurred, coming in and out of focus. Someone stood over them. A winged woman all in gray with hands folded and pointed towards the sky. He stared at her and squinted at the bright sunlight.

“We’re in a graveyard,” said Jayce.

The winged woman was a statue. They had emerged from a crypt.

Tristan looked around. “I know this place,” he said. “It's close to the castle.”

“Why were you in a graveyard?” asked Jayce.

“I met the Headmaster here,” said Tristan. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it as we walk back to the castle.”

***

A group of sullen students greeted them as the three friends arrived back at Tempest academy. It felt like the aftermath of a battle. Some students nursed wounds, some sat on the floor staring into nothingness and others slept on stretches.

A student from Korcha squad leant against a wall with his face buried in his face.

“Jasper,” said Luna. “Are you ok?”

The boy lowered his hands and Luna stepped back from him. The boy had roots coming out of his face and arms.

“What happened?” Tristan asked.

“Qu- Quinby went mad underground,” Jasper stuttered. “He attacked us. Giant plants rose out of the ground. I was the only one that got out alive.”

“Tristan Bell, Luna Ward, Jayce Proudfoot,” said Master Marrick as he strode towards them. “I'm glad you made it.”

“What happened?” asked Tristan. “The ratkin tried to kill us.”

The Master looked at Jaspin and shook his head. “Something went really wrong down there. We are still investigating. Two jinn possessions and ratkins numbers higher than expected. It’s strange the ratkin usually hide from humans but for some reason they were organized. They hunted the students. We have been having problems in the castle with kolbolts rebelling, Master Wraithen was forced to expel the lot. For now anyone with a healing ability is needed in the Great hall. The rest of you stay close, we don't need students wandering off.”

Jayce dropped the satchel full of gems. “What do we do with these?” he asked.

The Master smiled faintly. “You’re the first squad to find any gems. That makes the Misfits rank one, not that it means much under these circumstances.”

The three entered the Great Hall and saw Madame Myrtle, the nurse, finish wrapping a bandage around a boy’s arm. She looked up at Tristan. “Any injuries?” she asked.

“We are fine,” said Tristan. “Luna’s a healer.”

“You were lucky,” said the nurse. “Many were not so fortunate. We could use your help Luna.”

Luna nodded.

“Get something to eat first,” said the nurse. “It's going to be a long night.”

***

Students lined up for food. Cookie the chef slapped a scoop of mac and cheese on one student’s plate after another.

“Is there any meat in here?” asked Luna.

“I wish,” said the chef. “We are out of most basic goods. All we had left were a couple packets of spaghetti and a wheel of cheese.”

Jayce tossed the satchel full of gems on a table and the three sat alone and began shoveling down their food in silence.

A few moments passed before Ambrose, Pyson and Sylvia walked up to their table.

“Are you ok, Luna?” Ambrose asked.

“Yes thanks, Ambrose,” she said. “I'm glad to see your three made it out unharmed.”

Sylvia smiled but the smile didn't reach her eyes as she glared at Luna.

Ambrose looked at Tristan and Jayce as if he had only just noticed that they were there and then he saw the bag full of gems.

His face went red. “How did you do it?” he asked.

“Do you mind?” asked Tristan. “We’ve just been through hell, could we have a moment to eat.”

Ambrose banged the table and gems scattered across the floor.

“Are these gems real?” he shouted.

“Calm down,” Tristan said. “There’s more serious things going on then some class rank.”

Ambrose glared at Tristan for a moment.

“I know what you are,” said Ambrose.

He looked at Luna. “How can you stand being in the same squad as a cheat and a liar?”

Ambrose slammed an envelope down on the desk and stormed out of the room with Pyson and Sylvia following behind.

“That was a bit dramatic,” said Jayce as he shoveled in another mouthful of food.

Tristan picked up the envelope. He recognized his own handwriting on it.

Little Timmy has the withering cough.

He took the envelope and crumpled it into a ball.