Chapter One – The villain and protagonist are introduced. The villain is mysterious wizard bent on revenge. Twenty five year old Lauriana and her two brothers and two cousins find a secret room. Smoke fills the room and they lose consciousness.
Chapter Two – The five wake up in a parallel world where they find themselves physically altered. Lauriana is taller and stronger, her brothers a dwarf and combatant, her cousins an elf and magic tyro. A wizard (Zeke) offers to help them figure out why they were brought to his realm and a place to stay. We meet Ash, a sorceress and expert on prophecy.
Chapter Three – The five learn they can’t leave the realm until they complete a quest. We meet Dagreth, a dragon.
Chapter Four – Trainers arrive to train the five companions. Lauriana meets her trainer, Mikell and is disturbed because he acts like he already knows her. Marcus her older brother is suspicious.
Chapter Five –Lauriana grows finds out that Mikell has dreamed about her for the last twenty five years and was in love with her before they met. They almost become intimate, but Lauriana does not want to be unfaithful to Ari, her serious boyfriend at home.
Chapter Six – After reliving the execution of his parents for unlawful use of magic in a nightmare, The Master goes to a small room in his lair and stares at a portrait of a strange woman. Lauriana decides to move forward with her relationship with Mikell since she realizes she may never get to go back to her world again.
Chapter Seven –Ash discovers a prophecy saying that the future of world will depend on the union of Zotara’s worthy heir (Lauriana) and the king who refused his crown (Mikell). Lauriana is nearly killed by a cross-bow arrow.
Chapter Eight –The Master insists Martika work for him. Knowing she has no choice and greedy to get rewards she agrees. It’s decided that the trainers will accompany Lauriana, her brothers, and cousins on the quest. Lauriana admits to Zeke that she would consider staying in his world with Mikell if they complete the quest.
Chapter Nine – Lauriana takes a fall in training and keeps the injury to herself. Winnie, Jenessa, Marcus, and Sheridan all have mysterious training accidents.
Chapter Ten –Marcus and Mikell come to an understanding. The Master visits Lauriana in her sleep, but she unaware of his presence. She later collapses. She is healed by the wizard, but needs rest for a few days.
Chapter Eleven – Martika, arrives at the Keep claiming to be betrothed to Mikell. Mikell tells Lauriana some secrets of his past. He was betrothed to Martika and was set to rule his kingdom. He broke the betrothal with her and turned the throne over to his younger brother.
Chapter Twelve – Lauriana punches Martika before the woman leaves. Mikell and Zeke share suspicions about Martika and decide to keep the threat from Lauriana. Lauriana meets The Master.
Chapter Thirteen – Lauriana awakens from a nightmare about The Master. He leaves the imprint of his hand burned into her arm. Mikell also had a dream involving The Master. The Master is shaken by the encounter with Lauriana. The party leaves for the quest.
Chapter Fourteen – Lauriana has a close encounter with ogres. Mikell and Lauriana’s dreams are invaded by The Master. The words “You Are Mine” are burned into Lauriana’s arm. The Master can track them by the burn.
Chapter Fifteen – The Master stares at a mysterious portrait of a woman who died 800 years ago. Lauriana’s wound continues to get worse and needs treatment soon. They decide to go to Tandril’s home. (An elven village). Lauriana takes a knife with her to bed and stabs The Master in her dreams.
Chapter Sixteen – The Master is angered by Lauriana stabbing him, and he makes her sicker. The Master Healer at the elven village hates humans and refuses to allow the healing. Heartbroken the party prepares to leave and is stopped by Maurenthia, a young elven healer who offers to heal Lauriana. After the healing Lauriana must fight The Master in her dreams to drive him from her mind. After three days she’s still unconscious. Petrick has an idea that might help and enlists Jenessa’s help.
Chapter Seventeen – Lauriana fights her way out of The Master’s dream world and wakes up free if the poison. She discovers The Master wants her to have his child so he can become invincible. Petrick doesn’t return from the dream world in time and Zeke frees him. Lauriana and Mikell argue and later come to an understanding. Mikell has a surprise for Lauriana.
Chapter Eighteen – Lauriana rests a few days in the elven village. Mikell decided to ask Lauriana to be his wife. Ash discovers that The Master needs an heir before the fall of the next year. If she can stay out of his clutches by the winter solstice she’ll be able to go home. Lauriana agrees to marry Mikell, and then has a fight with Marcus. Zeke says the planet are aligning in such a way tonight that he can send Lauriana home, but she will never be able to return. Unable to decide Lauriana runs from the hall.
Chapter Nineteen – Lauriana decides to stay because she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t help Mikell’s world. She finds out the Ari was going to propose the day she was transported to this world. Because she doesn’t think she’ll ever see Ari again she marries Mikell. The elven healer acts suspicious and insists on leaving with the party. The party sets out for the Arcane Mountains. Tandril questions the healer’s behavior.
Chapter Twenty Part One – The party stops at Traverse City to pick up supplies and are forced to stay in town because of a snowstorm. Two people from Mikell’s past are in town, Selina, who had wanted to marry him and Kesar who wants to kill him. Kesar finds Mikell and forces him into a fight by having one of his men grab Lauriana. Mikell is seriously injured and near death. He can only by save by Zeke. But, Zeke is in a meditative trance and can’t be awakened until morning.
Chapter Twenty Part Two – Lauriana waits by Mikell’s bedside for Zeke to awake. Master Hartford visits Ash (his mother) and the reader discovers the Ash is really Lauriana’s Aunt, but hasn’t told her yet. Zeke heals Mikell in the nick of time. Mikell goes after Kesar wanting to end the feud once and for all. The Master explains to Martika why he hates Lauriana and Mikell so much. He loved one of Lauriana’s ancestor’s and she left him for an ancestor of Mikell’s. The Master ended up killing them both. Lauriana waits in her room with her cousins for Mikell and the other men to return. The door crashes open and three large men burst in.
Chapter Twenty-One
The Master has delusions that Lauriana could love him. Mikell kills Kesar in a final showdown. Lauriana and her cousins battle three of Kesar’s men. Mikell rushes back to Lauriana to try to stop Kesar’s men.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Winnie catches Maurenthia, the elven healer in suspicious behavior. The Master appears Lauriana and tells her that if she doesn’t leave the camp and come to him, Mikell will die. Martika appears to Mikell offering to save his life in return for marrying her. Lauriana grabs her pack and leaves the camp. She doesn’t get very far before she decides she can’t go threw with it. She had promised Mikell she wouldn’t go off on her own. Tandril finds her and then gets Mikell. Mikell convinces Lauriana to come back to the camp. The next morning after Mikell gets up and leaves the shelter, Lauriana awakes to find The Master next to her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Master leaves a red handprint on Lauriana’s breast. He used a projection spell and Lauriana will need someone with her at all times to prevent The Master from returning. Maurenthia admits she wants revenge against The Master for the death of her brothers. Tandril realizes Maurenthia is his cousin. He was with her brothers in the pass to The Master’s lair. Mikell discovers they are being followed. They make camp and wait for Kesar’s men to arrive. Marcus and Sheridan battle a group of men, but one gets through into to camp. Lauriana leaves the fire to find her missing necklace. Hector grabs her and puts a blade to her neck.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The party fights off the rest of Kesar’s men. Lauriana kills Hector. Mikell and Lauriana have words about why she left the fire. Lauriana confides in Tandril. Lauriana and Mikell make up. The party finds the cave. Lauriana finds a secret door and walks through a force field. Mikell tries to follow but is thrown back.
Chapter Twenty-five
The Master has been and is still leading Lauriana and the others into a trap. Lauriana meets the spirits of Zotara (her ancestor) and Andries (Mikell’s ancestor.) They give her encouragement and clues to finding The Master. Zotara also gives her an amulet to be used in dire consequences. Sheridan recognizes the pass that leads to The Master’s Lair on the map as one that is guarded by the mountain dwarves. On the way to the dwarves underground city they are attacked by rebel dwarves. They reach the city and convince Gertie to take them to the pass entrance. As they get closer to the pass the handprint on Lauriana’s breast begins to glow and burn.
Chapter Twenty-Six
-1-
Lauriana found a quiet place at the edge of the clearing and sat on the ground. One look into the pass to Mount Death was enough to ruin her appetite. Her stomach twisted and churned. Every time she looked at the pass, her vision turned to a dull gray blue.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
She looked up and saw her husband looking down at her, concern in his eyes. She found his presence comforting. He had a way of making her feel like she could do anything. Maybe he was right, and she could accomplish anything she set her mind to without him. But he was her confidence. When doubts crept into her mind, he had a way of uprooting those doubts. She shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not sure. There’s something in the air here. Can you feel it?”
“I don’t know what to make of it either.” He dropped to the ground next to her.
She shuddered. “Whatever it is, I don’t think I’m going to like it.”
He slid behind her wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever it is we will face it together.”
“That’s it.” She turned and looked at Mikell. “I know how to defeat The Master.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Together, that’s the only way to defeat him.”
“I’m not following you.”
“What has The Master been trying to do since day one?”
“He’s been trying to capture you.”
“No, I don’t think he has. Why hasn’t he sent his minions after us or come himself? I think he has been trying to separate us, because together he’s afraid we’d be too strong. I think he sent an assassin knowing you would save me. He sent Martika to the Keep pretending that you were about to get married. He invaded our dreams. He had us so worried about each other that we stopped working together. We went behind each other’s back trying to protect each other. That was what The Master wanted. He wanted us so afraid that we would work against each other.”
“You’re right.” Mikell rubbed his chin. “The dreams made me so afraid for your safety that I couldn’t think straight. I wanted to protect you, keep things from you to keep you safe. We are stronger when united.”
“My dreams caused me to react the same way. The Master had me ready to give up everything to ensure your safety. No matter how much we fear for each other we will have to stick to our plan.”
“What plan is that?”
“I will let you know when it comes to me. Right now, I think we should tell the others. Suddenly my appetite has come back.”
-2-
After grabbing a quick bite to eat Lauriana explained her theory as the party sat around the fire.
“Yes, that would explain The Master’s actions.” Zeke stroked his beard.
Ash lit her pipe and puffed on it as she spoke. “Lauriana’s insight also fits with what I just finished translating. The section said that Lauriana, Mikell and their four companions will enter the pass to The Master’s lair. Each will be put through a test. If the test be failed even by one, all will be lost.”
Lauriana ran her fingers through her hair. “The tests are designed to separate us, to drive us apart.”
Ash nodded. “It would seem so.”
“We have to make a pact. No matter what The Master says or does to us the six of us must stick together. I wish it were as easy as it sounds, but who knows what The Master has planned for us.”
“I’m sure he will play on your worst fears,” Zeke said.
“I am getting sick and tired of being afraid.” Lauriana slipped her hand into Mikell’s and looked up at him. “I can face anything with you by my side. You give me strength.”
Mikell kissed her hand and smiled. “We strengthen each other.”
-3-
Tandril tossed a twig into the fire. “What about the rest of us? Will we be able to go into The Master’s lair?”
“We may be able to go in,” Zeke said, “but it’s their fight. We can continue to help them and train them until they confront The Master. They will have to fight on their own. I will not know who can enter the lair until we get closer.” He poured a cup of tea.
“That is too bad.” Sledge shook his head. “I would have enjoyed fighting The Master.”
“I hope you will be with me in spirit,” Marcus said.
Sledge slapped him on the back. “That I will be.”
Petrick pushed his glasses back up on his face. “Why does Mikell get to fight?”
“Because it was my ancestor that was betrothed to Zotara. He was meant to help her the day she was killed. Something made her leave without him that day. It may be what indirectly caused her death.”
Jenessa poured a cup of tea. “You mean if Andries would have been there that day, he may have saved her?” Mikell nodded.
Winnie looked up from sharpening one of her daggers with a stone. “Then maybe The Master did the same thing to Zotara and Andries that he is trying to do to you.”
“I think that may have been the case,” Mikell said.
Jenessa swallowed hard as she tugged on her braid. “I sure don’t like the idea of facing my worse fears. I’m not even sure what they are.”
“Good luck to The Master, if he thinks I have any fears,” Sheridan said crustily. “I am a dwarf now, and dwarves fear nothing.”
Lauriana stared into the fire. “I think it might help if we stay here this afternoon.” The others looked at her, puzzled. “I think it will help us to be well rested before we face The Master and we should all spend time thinking about our fears. If we can get an idea of what The Master might try to use against us, it may be a little easier to fight it. It will give our trainers one last chance to prepare us before we enter the pass. Once we enter the pass we will be in The Master’s realm, we will need to be prepared and focused. He will try to weaken us before we get to his lair.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan,” Zeke said.
-4-
Mikell sat in the shelter studying his wife as she reorganized her pack. She looked radiant under the soft glow of the lantern. “You’re always surprising me.”
She glanced up at him and then back to her task. “How’s that?”
“The way you have taken over this quest. I knew you were capable of leading, but watching your abilities unfold is impressive, a huge leap from that wide-eyed young girl I saw walk into the Great Hall the first day.” He smiled. She blushed and looked away. “You’re never going to get used to compliments, are you?”
Lauriana closed her pack, set it aside, and changed the subject. “How should we spend this afternoon?”
“I definitely think it should be spent alone with you.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“Shouldn’t you be training me or giving me last minute advice or something?”
Mikell grinned. “They can train their way. I will train my way.” He pushed her back on the blanket, rolled over on top of her, and kissed her.
“Can I come in?” Zeke poked his head in the shelter.
“Your timing is terrible, but come on in.” Mikell rolled over and sat up. Lauriana blushed as she smoothed out her clothing and sat up.
Zeke gave one of his most disarming smiles. “Sorry, to disturb you.”
“It’s okay.” Lauriana said. “We know you wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t important.”
“I was thinking about what you said about not knowing what we will run into after we enter the pass. I remembered some stories I heard long ago. I do not know if the stories are true or not. Some said entering the pass is like having The Master inside your head.”
She swallowed. “That would mean the battle would start the moment we step into the pass.”
“I’m afraid so. Ash has heard the same stories.”
Maurenthia poked her head in the shelter. “May I come in?”
Lauriana sighed. “Come on in. Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure, but I think it was the trip through the pass that made my brother go mad and that cost the other two their lives. I don’t know exactly what happened. I thought I should mention it.”
“I know what happened to your brothers,” Lauriana said quietly.
“How could you know?”
“Well, I don’t know exactly, but I have a pretty good idea. Zeke was just telling us that he had heard that traveling through the pass was like having The Master inside your mind or living in your nightmares. I have had these nightmares. If you are hurt or killed in the nightmares you die or are hurt in real life. I think the pass is like a nightmare world. Some of us will have to face our worst fears to get through it.” She swallowed hard. “The question is, are we strong enough to face our fears?”
Mikell squeezed her hand. “We are all strong enough.”
“I think I would like to get some rest now. Suddenly I feel tired. Do you mind?” Lauriana asked.
“Not at all,” Zeke said. “I will prepare the others.”
Lauriana gave him a tentative smile. “Thanks, Zeke.”
After wizard left and elven woman left, she laid down. Mikell joined her and put his arms around her and felt her body tremble. “You’re shaking.”
Tears started flowing down her cheeks. “I just thinking about what having the nightmares about The Master was like. I don’t want to go through that again.”
Mikell kissed the top of her head. “This time we’ll do it together.”
“I know. Tomorrow I’ll be ready. I’ll be strong, but I can’t today.”
Mikell tightened his arms around her. “It’s okay I’ve got you covered. I have you in my arms and I’m not going to let go.” He buried his face into her hair and inhaled her scent. He had to find a way to keep her safe.
-5-
Winnie stared at the bank across the stream. All this time the quest had never seemed real to her. The Master was after Lauriana, not her. She’d never see him or heard him speak. Now she would have to go into the pass. Would she have to face The Master? She swallowed hard. “Are any of you guys nervous about going into the pass?”
Jenessa tugged on her braid. “I am. I can’t imagine what those nightmares must be like, but if they were enough to shake Lauriana, they must be bad.”
Sheridan snorted. “Well, I’m not nervous. All we have to do is stick to our plan, no matter what happens in the dream, just stick to our plan.”
Marcus threw a rock into the stream. “That’s easy for an ornery dwarf like you to say.”
Sheridan jumped up. “Who are you calling ornery?”
Marcus pulled his brother back down. “Relax, it was a joke.”
Sheridan continued to mutter under his breath.
Winnie shuttered. “I’m not looking forward to entering the pass.”
“Just remember, we will be with you.” Tandril squeezed her hand. “I’m not sure what I can do, but I’ll do anything I can to help you.”
“Same goes for me,” Petrick said. “I will do anything I can to help.”
Jenessa smiled. “Your support means a lot to me. I just wish I was a powerful enough in my magic ability to not be effected by the pass.”
“Only a few wizards are that powerful,” Petrick said. “I am not sure that I am one of them. I know Zeke and Ash will not be effected, but I am not so sure about myself. I guess I will find out tomorrow.”
“At least we have some idea of what to expect,” Marcus said. “I can’t even imagine how we would all react had we hadn’t been warned.”
“It looks like Zeke and Ash are making dinner,” Winnie said. “I’m starved.”
Jenessa jumped to her feet. “Let’s go help.”
-6-
The party ate in silence, huddled close around the fire to guard against the bitter wind. Mikell knew they were all thinking about the same thing – entering the pass in the morning. His wife’s voice cut through the silence.
“We should enter the pass in pairs. Mikell and I will go first. We are going to be the primary targets anyway. The Master will want to stop us more than any of the rest of you. Winnie and Tandril should go next, followed by Jenessa and Petrick, Marcus and Sledge, Sheridan and Maurenthia and that will leave Zeke and Ash to bring up the rear.”
Lauriana stood up. “No one should walk alone. The Master’s main objective will be separating us. He wants each of us to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the others. No matter what he tells you or how he threatens you, don’t give in. You may be terrified or think your sacrifice will be for the greater good, but it won’t be. We will be strongest if we stand united.”
“I agree.” Mikell rose and stood next to Lauriana. “Don’t sacrifice yourself. Remember you are not just fighting for your lives here in this world. Some of you are fighting for your lives in your own world as well, for a chance to return there.” He frowned. “Excuse me a moment.” Mikell walked off to the edge of the clearing to be alone. As relieved as he will be when the quest ended, part of him wished it wouldn’t. When it did, he would have to face the possibility of losing his wife.
“I think there is a good chance she will decide to stay here with you.”
Mikell turned around. “What?”
“I think there is a good chance Lauriana will decide to stay here with you,” Tandril said.
Mikell looked out at the night sky. “Am I that obvious?”
The elf shrugged. “The future is not what you need to be focusing on now, is it?”
Mikell sighed. “It’s just the more time I spend with her, the more I know how much it will hurt if she leaves. I wouldn’t blame her if she did. I don’t have much to offer her in this world, not compared to the things she could have in her own world.”
“You could offer her a whole kingdom.”
Mikell shook his head. “No, I turned my back on that life a long time ago. It’s not who I am.”
“Her sun rises and sets around you. I find it hard to believe that she could give that up so easily. Besides, I don’t think material things are important to her.”
Mikell looked at his friend. “That troubles me too. Her choosing to stay here will make me happy, but for Lauriana any decision she makes will cause her pain. Either way, she will have to give up an important part of her life.”
Tandril slapped him on the back. “Lauriana will make the right decision, one that will make her happy.”
“I think my ears are burning,” Lauriana said. “You two weren’t talking about me were you?”
Mikell’s felt his face light up at the sound of her voice, turned around and put his arm around her. “What makes you think we are talking about you?”
“I make for interesting conversation.”
Mikell turned to Tandril. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that.”
“No, I don’t think you can.”
“Is there a party over here that no one told me about?” Winnie asked approaching.
Tandril grabbed Winnie by the hand. “Come with me.”
“Where are we going?”
“Just for a walk. I have a feeling this may be the last time we get to have a normal evening together and I don’t want to waste it.” Winnie grinned as Tandril pulled her away.
-7-
Zeke took a deep breath and let it out. He did so enjoy getting out of the Keep and embracing the elements. He just wished it were under different circumstances. Despite the bitter wind, the rush of the water was calming. In another month, the stream would freeze over. He smiled as he watched the young ones. Despite what they were about to face they were having a light moment. Petrick performed small acts of magic by the stream. He waved his hand and Jenessa’s braid floated in the air. She laughed and clapped. Marcus and Sheridan sat still as stones as Sledge reached the most exciting part of his tale about one of his greatest battles.
Zeke and Ash walked along the stream away from the others. “Things will change tomorrow.” Zeke took Ash’s hand. “I hope we have done enough to prepare these young people for what they are about to face. I wish I could battle The Master for them.”
“I know, wizard.” Ash squeezed his hand. “But ye have done the best anyone could have done. It be now up to them to rise or fall to the challenge. Lauriana be an intelligent young woman, a natural leader. I think she will make the right decisions. I just hope it will be enough.”
“If this is going to be the end, I am glad I am spending it with a good woman.” Zeke kissed her hand.
Ash smiled a rare smile. “I feel the same way, old man.”
-8-
Lauriana looked out at the sky, such a beautiful night with a million stars in the sky and each one looked close enough to touch. The air was crisp and cold. She shivered and pulled her cloak tighter. “Are you ready to turn in?”
“Almost, first I want to kiss my beautiful wife under the stars.” Mikell took her in his arms and thoroughly kissed her. She swayed on her feet.
She looked up into his face. “Sometimes, I can’t believe I am your wife.”
Mikell caressed her face. “Why is that?”
“I don’t know how I got so lucky to find you. I want you to know that whatever happens the time we have together will always be precious to me. No matter what, being with you will be worth it.”
Mikell studied her face. “When Zeke first asked me to train you I was going to refuse. But then I saw Zotara’s portrait. He had told me you looked just like her. Then I knew that you were the woman from my dreams. I couldn’t wait to meet you. I felt like a boy again. Our first meeting exceeded all my expectations. Still I had made up my mind not to get involved with you, not to complicate things. But every time I saw you and looked into your eyes, I fell deeper in love with you. I finally couldn’t stand it any more; I had to have you. If I couldn’t, I’d have to leave. It would’ve been too hard to be near you and not be able to have you.” He paused as he looked out into the night. “The first time I met you, seems like a lifetime ago now.”
Lauriana wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He picked her up and carried her back to their shelter. She knew that this might be their last night together. Tomorrow all the rules changed. Once they stepped into the pass, there would be no turning back. They would be playing by The Master’s rules.
-9-
The Master entered the throne room in high spirits. His plans were complete. Now he could sit back and watch his plan unfold. He had all the information he needed to use against the girl and the ranger. Invading their dreams had proved to be fruitful. He had not had time to find out all he wanted to know about the others. The party found him quicker than he had expected.
The Master poured himself a glass of wine and settled on the black throne. He wasn’t worried. If the girl or ranger didn’t fail his test then surely one of the others would. Only one failure would weaken the party enough. Then he could finally be free of this prison.
-10-
Lauriana gazed off into the morning sun just off the horizon. She couldn’t remember seeing a more perfect Fall morning. Beams of sunlight bounced off the yellow, red and orange leaves. How ironic, that this perfect day could lead to their demise. She believed they had a chance to beat The Master, but she wouldn’t kid herself. If they made it through the pass, it would take a great toll.
She knew what The Master wanted and how he intended to get it. Knowing his plan did not make her feel any less anxious about stepping into the pass. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away her fears and doubts and focused on her convictions. The lull of the nearby stream helped her focus. She had to be strong for the others. They had no choice, but to let her lead. As much as she didn’t want to, she had accepted that responsibility. What she feared more than anything else, was letting the others down.
“You’re up early.” She turned around and saw Zeke smiling at her.
“Once I woke up I couldn’t get back to sleep. I started thinking about what we were going to do today and my mind started racing.” She looked out at the entrance to the pass and swallowed hard. “I just hope I make the right decisions.”
“You will,” Zeke assured her. “I have every confidence in you. You will make the right decisions.”
“What do you think we’ll find in the pass?”
“I am not sure.” He scratched his head. “But I am afraid there will be dangers there besides The Master. If the pass has been taken over by the Dark Realm, there will be dangerous creatures. I suspect those creatures are The Master’s first line of defense. If we see any creatures, we must kill them. We will not be able to use combat magic in the pass. The pass is a place of unknown magic. The use of the wrong spell could cause the whole pass to become unstable.”
She nodded. She expected as much. “Do you think Maurenthia is okay? She has been more quiet than usual.”
“I think she’s trying to come to terms with facing The Master. Even though she spent so many years wanting revenge, I don’t think she ever thought she would see him face-to-face.”
A rustling of branched drew her attention. Mikell slipped out of the shelter with a worried look on his face. When he saw Lauriana standing with Zeke, he sighed with relief. “Don’t scare me like that. When I woke and you were gone I thought … I’m not sure what I thought, just don’t do it again.”
She hugged him. “Sorry. I needed a little time alone and you were sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
The camp began to stir. Party members left their shelters and started breakfast. Lauriana’s time for solitude and thinking was over.
-11-
Lauriana studied each face around the fire. She knew they were all trying not to think about going into the pass. She also knew that try as they might, they were still thinking about it.
Her voice cut into the endless chatter. “I think it might be better to leave our horses here.”
Jenessa stared at her. “And walk the whole way?”
“We don’t know how far it is. Every time I bring Spirit anywhere near to the pass he goes crazy,” Lauriana said. “The horses fear the pass. We can’t afford to be thrown by our horses or to spend time chasing and calming spooked horses.”
Mikell poked a stick into the fire. “She’s right. We’ll be better off on foot. If we lose our horses in the pass, we’ll never get them back. If we leave them here at least we will know they will be waiting to take us back to the Keep.”
Winnie jumped up. “We might as well get a move on and get this over with.”
-12-
The air rippled like a pool of water around Mikell and the others as they stepped into the pass. The bright and clear they had left behind, had a complete change of ambience. A dark and gloomy sky pressed down on the party. Shadows covered the path as they walked for hours. The dark dismal sky made the party hesitant to speak.
Mikell had one hand touching his wife at all times and the other hand on the hilt of his sword. He felt her muscles tense as she scanned the path ahead. She was waiting for something to happen. He felt just as uneasy as she did. After all his time fighting and tracking in the woods, he knew when something was not right. In fact, nothing seemed right about the pass to Mount Death.
Mikell scanned the path ahead looking for anything that might alert him to any danger. Lauriana looked up at him, squeezed his hand, and gave him a tight smile. The ground opened beneath her feet, and her hand slipped out of his. He tried to grab her and yelled her name, but in an instant she disappeared, and the ground closed up again, leaving no sign that she had even been on the path.
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