“Behold!” Blitzen said. “The nexus of the universe!” Hearthstone knelt reverently. I glanced at Sam, who had joined us after a daring escape from first period physics. She wasn’t laughing. “So…” I said, “I’m just going to point out that this is the Make Way for Ducklings statue.” “Do you think it’s a coincidence?” Blitzen demanded. “Nine Worlds? Nine ducks? The symbolism screams portal! This spot is the crux of creation, the center of the tree, the easiest place to jump from one duck—I mean one world—to another.”
