Chapter Four

Toa Matoro, Makuta in the body of the robot Maxilos, and the reanimated Toa Tuyet swam away from the long-abandoned prison and into the open ocean. Matoro’s mind raced. What did Makuta plan to do with the Nui Stone if he recreated it? What was the Staff of Artakha, and why did Makuta believe the Toa Nuva would help him get it? More importantly, how could Matoro stop this?

“Matoro!”

The Toa of Ice turned. Toa Hahli was swimming toward him. In the background, Matoro could see what looked like an ocean full of manta rays.

“Where are you going, and who is that Toa with you? She looks, uh… Matoro, what have you done?”

Matoro could hear Makuta’s voice in his mind: We have a meeting to attend, or have you forgotten? One of my Brotherhood waits near Mahri Nui, but he will not wait long… you wouldn’t want to make us late, would you? And Matoro — breathe a word to Hahli, and neither of you will live to see another tide.

“Hahli, don’t worry, everything’s fine — just trust me.”

“I do trust you, but I think you have become a little too used to keeping secrets, brother. And I’m starting to wonder if you trust me, or any of us.”

Matoro looked Hahli right in the eyes. “It will all work out. Everything is going just as planned. As smooth as that time Nuparu used his Mask of Flight to transport you over the chasm. Remember? Now I — we — have to go.”

The three figures swam off, leaving Hahli disturbed and not a little angry. Then a memory suddenly came to her. Wait a minute — when I flew with Nuparu, he dropped me. I almost got killed! Matoro was trying to send me a message — he’s in trouble, and I wish I knew how to get him out.