The Iron King steps aside to dodge Kerri's attack. Machina regarded Claire silently, then gestured behind him. A loud clanking began, and something rose out of the ground beside his throne, as if it was borne on an elevator. A large, wrought-iron birdcage came into view. Inside

Ethan gripped the bars of the cage, peering out with frightened blue eyes. His voice rang shrilly over the courtyard.


"Linny!"


Behind her, Ash growled a curse and tried to stand.

She has vines holding Ash down in a second, stopping him from wounding himself any further. She looks at Ethan, her eyes wide with worry.

She stares in shock at her brother. Kerri growls and again attacks him.

Ash growls in protest.

"My dear, you misunderstand me." Machinas cables waved threateningly, moving Claire back. "I did not take your brother because I wanted him. I did it because I knew it would bring you here," he said, seeming to read their thoughts.

She frowns, suddenly starting to understand.

Kerri silently stalks towards Ethans cage and begins to quietly try to free him.

Machina's cape turns into the cables again and blocks Kerri's way. Machina smiled. "You were well protected, Linna. Robin Goodfellow is a formidable bodyguard, and I could not risk taking you without drawing attention to myself and my realm. Fortunately, your brother had no such protection. Better to draw you here, of your own volition, than risk the wrath of Oberon and the Seelie Court. Besides" Machinas eyes narrowed to black slits, though he still smiled at her. "I needed to test you, make certain you were truly the one. If you could not reach my tower on your own, you were not worthy."

She suddenly backs away, keeping Lin with her. "How would you test her?"

Kerri tries to get around the cape, growling at it.

Machina's cape makes sure Kerri doesn't. "Well, you and the kitsune were supposed to be gone a long time ago, but somehow you survived. Of course, I would be glad to give over Ethan. For a trade. Make a deal with me."