The cubs were getting ready to leave when I returned to the garden. Nana rushed over and babbled.

"The boys are going to ride horses." She looked at me worriedly. "What about your mission?"

"It worked."

"It did?" Nana's eyes widened. "But the cubs..."

If the cubs went to the back of the palace, there was a chance the guards would go there, too. Elijah could get caught! What was I going to do?

I ran straight to Michael, who was organizing the children. I leaned in close and whispered to him.

"King Elijah got away, but we have to go now, Michael!" I urged. "I took out two guards;...