"Back you go to the convent! Devil's sp.a.w.n!"

Round blue eyes appeared between errant curly locks, pleading for mercy.

Shayla gasped and stepped between the raging woman and small child-her mother. "I didn't know," she said, breathing heavily. "Stop this instant!" she yelled, expelling an elemental breath and swinging her arm as though to thrust the woman away.

Roaring projected from a wide-open mouth as the woman was flung across the room. A large mirror shattered, sending reflective shards everywhere.

Young Claire Brinawell scampered across the braided rug on thin spindly arms and legs, and then escaped through an open door.

"Mom!" Shayla yelled and stepped forward.

The room vanished into nothingness.

Shaken by the vision and its abrupt end, Shayla stood immobilized. Blackness shrouded her.

"EVEN IN DARKNESS, LIGHT MAY PENETRATE," CIARANLEXISS said, vibrating with potent energy.

She tightened her fingers around his soothing presence. "I never realized how awful it must have been for her. Your magic spans time, is that why the woman flew across the room? Or was it mom's magic?"

"YER LOVE SAVED HER IN THAT MOMENT. IT DID NOT END SO WELL THE FIRST TIME."

Shayla swallowed the heavy lump in her throat. "We can't change the past."

"ONLY ITS ESSENCE."

"Gagh! Enough! How do I get out of this black hole?"

CIARANLEXISS chuckled. "OPEN YER EYES."

The simple movement sent Shayla into a spiraling fall. Birl. Not again. Enough already. Shayla spun back to the present, landing in the maze corridor with a grunt.

Neveous, still doing battle with Syther, reached out and touched her sleeve. Syther's anger was the last thing she heard before a solid carved oak door appeared. She inhaled sharply. "What was the point of all that?"

"YOUR MOTHER IS WORRIED ABOUT YOU. CAN'T YOU FEEL HER PULL ACROSS THE ENERGY LINES?" Neveous eyed the door as he spoke. "T HE CHAMBERS OF YOUR SOUL-FILL THEM WITH LOVE."

A sigh rose from her belly. "Yes. I never knew how bad it was. I do love her," She added, and then stepped closer to the door. "How do we get Meekal out? Are you all right, babe?"

"Aye. I'm fine. Syther has the lantern of Ignis Fatuus. We have to get it from him. Be careful because if he sucks you into it, I don't know how to get you out."

Neveous pointed the staff at the door. "We cannot penetrate the castle magic. Syther has been weakened enough that the Staff of Life can. Don't worry about the lantern, Meekal. I know how to handle the foolish wielder of illusion."

"If you say so," Meekal answered.

The lion head gargoyle on the head of Neveous' staff moved through the heavy oak. Black sparks shot from the staff's end. Neveous clasped it, his knuckles white. "Be ready, Shayla."

"Ready for what?"

Bang!

The loud explosion propelled her through the air. She was only vaguely aware of landing on a stone. "Ouch!" How did I get back here? The Rune of Perth rippled black water beneath her. Then she fell. Ugh. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l. Not again.

The motion of the air picked up around her. As though she were in the center of a tornado, everything spun while gravity propelled her downward. Visions of more memories flashed by like a movie. She tried to ride the wind. It didn't work. Instead, she sent her hands out like wings.

The red feathers of a cardinal brushed her cheek. Amazement pushed the chaos of movement away. Somehow, she knew this bird. It frequented her backyard feeder and chattered at her often.

The power of home, her mother's love, and the loyalty of friends wove a tapestry of protection and security around her. It melded with her pendant, pooling heat at the base of her throat.

The cardinal sang its song, blinked its black eyes and took flight toward the wild wind rushing past. The red feathers disappeared, blending with the web of power.

Shayla stared, mesmerized. As if a single thread connected it all, everything melded into one. That was what she saw as memories flew past. Some were vague recollections. Others, fierce reminders. She sobbed when Onyx pa.s.sed. Her black lab, pet from early childhood to late teens barked happily and lunged for her. On impact, they landed abruptly in a wooded grove.

The air around her felt light against her skin like the touch of b.u.t.terfly wings. Thoughts of the divine love she experienced at the Vesica Pisces Pool comforted her. This time when she landed, it was a floating sensation. She turned, surveying her surroundings.

A placid loch, surface skimmed with iridescent moon light, stretched into the black night. Highland craighs stood in silhouette to the backdrop of sky and stars. The beauty around Shayla astounded her with its magical essence. She witnessed the miracle of seeing the universal magical power with her own eyes.

Surrounded by soft floating lights, similar to the ones depicted in highland folklore, a beautiful, black haired woman sat on a stone next to the water's edge. The moonlight glistened, pinpoints of movement upon the rippling water. The unknown woman smiled at Shayla.

"h.e.l.lo. I've been expecting you."

"You have?"

"Aye. While Syther is knowledgeable about runes, he failed to take into account your bonding with Naias and Prester. For most, the Perth rune would prove a formidable obstacle. That's why he used water as a block to the path of his power. He projects his own fear upon those who attempt to thwart his plan."

"How do you know about Naias and Prester?"

Musical laughter graced the glen around them. The woman opened her palm and guided Shayla's gaze to the loch. Whispers emitted from the surface. Understanding washed over Shayla. "They've told you to expect me. Where are we?"

The black markings upon the woman's face moved, revealing a touch of sadness in her pearly features. "Once, this was my home. I don't come here often. In fact, it is your power that mingles our magic here. Syther cannot penetrate the wards of this place. So, even though you traveled through his magical rune, your subconscious chose our meeting place. Your power grows by the moment."

Shayla stepped forward. Onyx whimpered. "Shush. I'm fine." She surveyed the blackness around them. Eyes now accustomed to the dark, she made out several outlines of buildings. "This is Raven's Gate?"

"Aye."

"Meekal told me a little about it. That must make you Brenna."

"Aye," Brenna said, a soft smile gracing her full lips. "It is safe to go back, Shayla. Meekal has returned to the maze. Syther is there doing battle with Neveous." She gestured toward CIARANLEXISS. "Be prepared. You have come into contact with the Unknowable. Go forward into this fray with confidence. You have now funded the power to avert blockage and defeat."

"Funded?"

More laughter. "Yes. Conquering two of Syther's runes weakens him. Like divine grace, a gift from above, you now have the power to defeat him. Go now. You and I will meet again soon." Phoenix song filled the glen as the woman transformed and took flight toward the silvery moon.

Onyx nudged her hand. She knelt and hugged her neck. "I've missed you," she whispered into a black silky ear.

A rumbling noise came from Onyx's throat. Its sound had always amused Shayla because it soothed. Now, after her magical attunement, she understood the words. "I'm always by your side, even in spirit."

Shayla moved away, grateful and torn between the past and future at the same time. "I must go. Thank you for showing me the way."

A laughing bark was Onyx's only response as she took off, running into the underbrush, most likely after a rabbit.

The wind transported Shayla into the midst of battle. A strong body made impact with her, propelling her to the floor. A spell, casting a steel weapon end over end, just missed her, whistling past. The air pushed out of her lungs in a grunt. Going into instant defense, she didn't realize at first who was on top of her. They struggled, her fist made contact with flesh. Then through the haze of confusion, scent took over. "Kal?"

"b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, why'd you hit me?"

She saw another curse coming their way. Like an electrical charge, it vibrated through the air. She rolled, pulling Meekal with her. They landed against the wall.

"Oops."

The battle blended away. She could see it as though looking through the end of a tunnel, and then there were only stones. They arrived in a courtyard surrounded by high walls shimmered with moonlight.

Meekal laughed and tugged her to stand.

A jagged sensation rushed over her. "Kal?" She reached to his hair. Silver wings, shining in the moon's brilliance, graced his temples. "What happened?"

He sent exploring fingers. "What do you mean?"

"Your hair. It's silver."

He shrugged and pulled her around. An angry roar exploded on the scene. Syther raised his wand and yelled, "Malleolus!"

Meekal deflected the fire dart and lunged toward another Thyrza. Shayla, CIARANLEXISS drawn, paused. "Ranger Rick?"

Rick grunted and rolled under Meekal's landing. They tussled amidst more flying fireb.a.l.l.s and angry calls.

"Whoa!" Shayla, still unaccustomed to magical combat jumped backward to avoid a flying star meant for killing.

"Bout time you got here, b.i.t.c.h!" Dragar reached forward, wand at the ready even as he remained in constant movement.

"I've been here, all a long." Shayla spun fast and kicked the wand from Dragar's hand. It flew against the stones and vanished.

He roared and jumped for her, missed and landed head first in a fountain. She couldn't resist smirking. "Naias."

The water trapped Dragar, sputtering and struggling, he was unable to climb out of his wet prison. Water formed bindings around his arms and legs. "Get me outta here!" The words came through wet and garbled.

Syther, reached in to pull him out muttering under his breath. "Moon glow. How's that happening?" He yanked hard. Dragar, dripping like a wet rat, came up out of the water, landing on his knees.

"You're worried about moon glow?" he growled. He stood, shook himself off, and pulled a dagger from his belt.

"Power, you fool," Syther said, sending his eyes around the courtyard.

"Syther, your runes were easy," Shayla said. "That's why the moon is shining in your umbra. May the light shine forth. You are weakened."

A low cackling emanated from the wall. "Wisdom in simplicity," Neveous said.

Screams of panic pierced the night. Dragar began flailing. He froze, eyes wide, and then collapsed in a sodden heap on the cobblestones. As though having completed a task, Ranger Rick's spider strutted from the wet mess and began a trek across the courtyard to freedom.

Everyone watched, mesmerized by the eight-legged journey. Then, anger flared. Ranger Rick bristled. "You have failed!" Eyes locked on Syther, he pulled a gun and aimed. A shot rang out in accompaniment of more yelling. "Weak fool! Your incompetence is your downfall!"

"Bullet!" Shayla stopped the speeding projectile midair. "Gun!" The weapon appeared in her hand.

In the confusion, Syther tried to leave. Shayla caught him by the sleeve, binding him to the earth with her hemat.i.te. For added security, she held CIARANLEXISS against his heart. It was over.

"Well done." Neveous stood next to them, sharp blue eyes glistening.

Meekal approached, dragging Rick bound in magical restraints. "Well, Neveous, what do you think we should do with this?" He sneered and gave his prisoner a rough shake.

"The Staff of Life will hold them securely until they appear before the Brehons. Then justice will be done." He pa.s.sed a look between their captives and lifted the staff from the ground.

The lion head grinned eerily. Ranger Rick, eyes wide with panic, began a slow absorption into the staff. The red hair on the top of his head danced in a night breeze just before disappearing.

Syther went in next, silent, yet radiating hatred.

"Will the Staff change them? I mean, will it make them less evil?"

"No," Neveous said. "That will never happen. It serves to hold them. I will turn them over to the Council. From there, a trial date will be set."

Relief spread over her. "Okay." Meekal's hand on her arm was comforting. She leaned into the sensation. "Now, are you going to tell me what happened to your hair?"

Instead of Meekal answering, Neveous chuckled, and looked at him with approval. "Meekal has grown in power and wisdom. His sojourn into the walls of the castle taught him much. From this day forward, he wears the wings of a Mage."

"Oh," Shayla said. "Will we be seeing you again?" It wasn't until that moment that she realized the sun started its lighted journey in the eastern sky. Moonset past, a new day had begun.

"Always. Meekal, don't you think we should see to your guests inside? I'll meet you there." Eyes twinkling with the reflection of the morning sun, Neveous laughed. Magic glowed white around him as he winked, spun on his heel and blended into the morning sunrays.

[23] Ascians: The Rarest Wizard "Awaken, my child," Neveous said, giving the tapestry wrapping a gentle shake.

Myra groaned and began to struggle against the confinement. "What's this?"

He chuckled. "You have been captured."

Myra swiveled her head to get a better view of him. "When did you get here?"

"Oh, I have been here for quite some time. Are you reasonably comfortable?"

"Get me out of this rug."

"Technically," Meekal said, entering the chamber. "It's a tapestry-not a rug."

Neveous gave his head a brief shake and nudged the tapestry with the end of his staff.

Her wide violet eyes stared up at Meekal.

"You are under arrest," Neveous said firmly. "Your crime is conspiracy. Meekal, please see to your gentleman friend over there."

"With pleasure," Meekal said, smirking down at Steve. He snapped his fingers. Steve groaned and moved as though to sit. "Not yet. Easy," Meekal said, reaching behind and pulling a small vial of elixir out of a back pocket. "Drink this. You injured yourself when you tried to wind-ride out. That's why I turned you to stone. The magic held the pain and injury in a time loop."

Steve glared ineffectively, but accepted the healing potion. He swallowed roughly, and then pulled himself up with a groan. "Where are we?"

"You're still at Shadow Run," Meekal said, pocketing the empty vial. "Soon you'll be transported to Bierton Crossing to await trial."