Lise looked back at them but didn't say a word.

She turns and walks away, trying to find Ash.

But the sounds of a struggle interrupted them. The crowds shifted, looking around, then stepped out of the way as a trio of faeries came through. Ash and Puck, bleeding, grim faced and dirty, dragging the spiky frame of a Thornguard between them. Staggering into the circle, they threw the faery at Mabs feet.

Panting, Puck straightened, wiping blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. "Theres your proof."

Oberon raised an eyebrow. "Goodfellow," he said, and that one word made Puck wince. "What is the meaning of this?"

Mab smiled. "Ash," she purred, but it wasnt a friendly greeting. "What a surprise to find you here, in the company of both Summer girls and Robin Goodfellow. Would you care to add anything more to your list of crimes?"

"My queen." Ash stood before Mab, breathing heavily, his expression bleak and resigned. "Rowan is a traitor to us. He sent his elite guard to bolster the armies of the Iron fey, he allowed them access into the palace, and he is responsible for the death of Prince Sage. Were it not for Robin Goodfellow and the Summer princesses, the scepter would be lost, and the armies of the Iron King would overwhelm us." Mab narrowed her eyes, and Ash stepped back, nodding to the moaning Thornguard. "If you doubt my word, my queen, just ask him for the truth. Im sure he would be happy to tell you everything."

Lise was relived that Puck was alive. And Ash too.

She glances at Ash.

"Screw it," Puck snapped, stalking past them. "Or you could just do this." He pounced on the guard, driving his knee into the faerys armored chest. The Thornguards arms came up to protect himself, and Puck grabbed one of his gauntlets, ripping the glove away and holding up his wrist.

The sharp tang of metal filled the air, and the circle of curious onlookers leaped back with cries of horror. The Thornguards entire hand was blackened and shriveled, the skin flaking off like ash. And on his long, gnarled finger, the iron ring gleamed brightly against the withered flesh.

"There!" Puck snapped, throwing the arm down and stepping away. "That proof enough for you? Every one of these guards has one of those rings on, and its not a fashion statement. If you want more proof, check the brambles at the top of the hill. We left this one alive to explain his little coup ambitions to his queen."

Mab turned her cold, cold gaze on the Thornguard, who cringed and started babbling.

"My queen, I can explain. Rowan ordered us to. I was acting on his command. He said it was the only way to save us. Please, I never wanted to...please, no!"

Mab gestured. There was a flash of blue light, and ice covered the guard, encasing him in frozen crystal. He drew a breath for one last scream, but the ice closed over his face and smothered it.

"He will tell me everything later." Mab smiled coldly, speaking more to herself than to them. "Oh, yes. He will be begging to tell me." She looked up, her eyes as terrible as her voice. "Where is Rowan?"

"He was riding some random dragon. I think he fell off before it got thunderbolted."

Lise stared down at the Thornguard.

As the crowds began muttering and looking around, the dead wyvern lying several yards away, smoke still curling from its open mouth, it was obvious Rowan was gone. They wouldnt find him in the Nevernever; he would flee to the Iron fey, continuing his quest to become like them. After a long moment, it became clear that Rowan was no longer on the field.

"Lady Mab," Oberon said, drawing himself up. "In light of this newest revelation, I propose a temporary truce. If the Iron King does plan to attack us, Id prefer to meet him with my forces strong and ready. We will speak on this later, but for now I will be taking my people back to Arcadia. Girls, Goodfellow." He nodded to them stiffly. "Come."

But Mab wasnt about to let them go just yet. "Not so fast, my dear Oberon," she purred, and the smug satisfaction in her voice was clear. "I believe you are for getting something. The laws of our people apply to your daughter, as well. She must answer for turning my son against me." Mab pointed the scepter at Isiea as angry murmurs went through the crowd. "She must be punished for tricking him into helping her escape Tir Na Nog."

"How many times am I going to have to tell you that I didn't trick him before you understand it?" She huffs, rolling her eyes.