THE SECRET CHAMBERThe air in the belfry was thin and cold. I sat huddled against the Great Bell, listening to the wind howl through the stone arches. Below me, the Citadel was a hive of activity. I could see the flickers of torches moving through the courtyards like angry fireflies.

"Just breathe, Esme," I whispered to myself. My voice sounded small against the stone. "Just breathe."

I reached into my tunic and pulled out the talisman. It was a heavy silver disc, etched with symbols of a sun ...