I back into a strong arm. Of course, I knew that wouldn’t work either, but still it’s worth a try. Especially since they’re being so calm about the Shadow Fox of Zutaom literally in their quarters.

Altikua grabs me by my scruff and holds me up, “You haven’t answered any of our questions. And if you want any chance of leaving here alive, you’re going to start answering them. And you’re going to be more respectful to our rulers.”

I try to ignore the searing pain of his warm paw pressed against my neck. I hadn’t really been paying attention. The Great King had been so quiet— which I’ve been told is usually what he does— but it seems that at the taunting of his son, his face had slowly started to turn into one of anger.

Before I have a chance to think about it too long—

Altikua says, “Let the stonewalls of Jatali stand forever. Let no brick be so weak that it makes the rest of us collapse. Honor your comrades, and speak truth no matter the cost.”

A strong, golden glowing energy takes over and completely surrounds me.

You see the problem we’ve had trying to infiltrate their ranks is the fact that Altikua has the Virtue Power of Honesty. It’s something that can only be used by a being with pure heart and intentions. It forces others to speak the truth no matter how they feel inside or whether they want to tell the truth at all.

I expected it but if I blab the truth here— it’s safe to say our mission is over with for good.

I feel every word being torn from me like pages out of a book. I writhe against Altikua’s grip but it’s useless. Between his brute strength and the magic there’s no way I can pull free.

I start blathering on about all of Zutaom’s secrets— even though I doubt these things are secrets to the Prince or King— they always seem to know everything somehow—

I struggle against his grip, “It was the Taoah-lut Glove. One of the thirteen relics. That’s what my partner came to get. I know if she’s been successful, she’ll be so far away from here by now. You’ll never catch her.”