As futile as we both knew it would be, Galleytrot and I spent the next several hours searching for the Gate. I let Shaylee have full control, prodding her out of her fearful hiding only with the help of my angry demon. But even she was honestly baffled, leading us in circles from one end of town to the other.

I parked Minnie in the square and stared at town hall. "Let's think about this logically," I said, not feeling logical at all, just angry and frustrated. "The protection ...