Brandt said with an ugly sneer as we rode back to camp. Quick as a snake, Uncle Mike got right in Brandt’s face. “Let’s get something straight, Captain—we’re all on the same team, whether you like it or not, so no more comments about Matt. And since you have time to complain, I’ll add one more thing to your list. From here on out, I’m taking over as mission commander and Matt’s lead wielder, no objections allowed.” I watched the scene without passion. My mind was still reeling with the idea that I held the fate of the human race in my hands. I’d heard this before, more than once, but seeing my older self in Ahmatku’s sketchbook made it more real. There’s no use worrying about this now. The wielders’ roles were set before any of you were born. We’ve been waiting for you longer than Zenka’s people have. Longer even than the Maker’s people. We’ve waited for all the ages of the world, since dark arrived. All the ages of the world? “Why so long?” I whispered, scared to hear the answer.
