Jordan nodded. He handed a leather-bound book to the Grandmaster.
"Trevor, this book contains the writings of the great prophet Dostranamus. We believe it foretells our current troubles with time and magic. Magic is working a little better now that Professor Schrom here understands his role."
Trevor looked at Jordy, who shrugged shyly. “Evidently I'm in charge of magic.” He lowered his voice. “The Wizard of Magic, or something. But it doesn't work very well without Time moving the right way."
Trevor shook his head in confusion. “The Wizard of Magic? What the hell does that mean, Professor?"
Jordan shrugged. Grandmaster Frank opened the book and ran his finger along one page. Finally, in a croaking voice, he read.
"When the moon is in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars..."
"No, Grandmaster.” Andrea hurried over and turned the page for him.
"Oh, quite so. Here it is, ‘and in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventh year of the seventh decade of the seventh age'” Frank broke off and looked up. “That would be about three weeks ago. Blah blah blah, yada yada, yes, okay. ‘The Twelve will falter. Reason, Peace, Plenty, Sound, Light, Movement, Intuition, Determination, Honor, and Humor remain unblemished. Magic and Time falter, and all the world falters with them. The beast known as self-doubt devours The Wizard of Magic. The beast known as bitterness devours The Wizard of Time.” Frank looked up. But it was Andrea who approached him.
Trevor's skin crawled, for he knew what the Mistress of Intuition was going to say. He was the cause of all of their woes. What had Morgan said? That she heard someone call out his name, call him the Wizard of Time?
"When one Wizard finally passes, his powers pass to another, although not through blood. We now understand that since old Woody died, Jordan Schrom controls magic. He seems to have struggled recently with some emotional issues and come to some fairly healthy decisions about his life.” Andrea nodded her head regally in approval. “So magic should be in good shape. It is not, however. Why do you think that is, Mr. Rains?” Andrea pursed her lips and Trevor felt his blood turn to ice water.
"Maybe it's not me, Mistress. Perhaps it's Tony over there ... or..."
"Tony is the Wizard of Humor, as well you know. I am Intuition. Spencer is Plenty. Need I go on? Perhaps you would like to show the Council your chest, Mr. Rains."
Trevor looked at Andrea with despair.
"No? Then let me read on.” She grabbed the book from Frank. “Look for the Lily Flower, which marks those destined for great power, for good or ill, those who will decide the fate of the universe.” Andrea pulled aside her collar to reveal the tip of a tattoo on her chest.
"I always thought it was our family crest. I thought mum was joking when she said I was born with it...” Trevor felt his knees go wobbly. Somehow he was going to destroy the Universe. And he was responsible for Gideon being a lizard. That somehow was the worst part, failing Gideon.
"Again, Mr. Rains, I ask you, why have you let the ‘beast known as bitterness’ poison the Wizard of Time? Have you not listened to me? My voice, through the years, screaming at you to freaking let it go!"
Trevor covered his face with his hands and felt the truth in her words, the bitterness raging through his veins. He had spent his adult life using women, throwing them away, punishing them for not being Morgan. Obsessed with vengeance. Bitter, poisoned, twisted.
Pain clenched his gut and he held back tears.
"No, Trevor. Not just the girl. Think. The day you decided to run off, leave your mother. Think, Trevor."
Trevor tried to shut out her words, but Andrea could never be silenced. Ignored, but not silenced. The day came flooding back, and he was thirteen again. Furious. Morgan had humiliated him, and all he wanted in the whole world was to talk to his father...
No. Da?
"I wanted my father. But he was gone."
Andrea nodded, a gentler look on her face. “Indeed, gone. Gone forever.” She walked to Trevor and knelt beside him. “You were grieving, lad. Or at least, you should have been. But instead..."
"I left. My mother and Tessa. And I blamed Morgan for all my pain."
"Sometimes our aim is not true. Unfortunately, for our world, you must be whole. And somehow, in the last month, you have grown in bitterness."
"When I went back to Castle Borough and saw her. It brought it all back. And I...” He pushed his hand through his hair. “I exacted my revenge."
"But it didn't help, did it?” Andrea put her hand on Trevor's shoulder and he felt warmth pulse through his veins. “Come here, Trevor.” She pulled at his arm and he stood.
Andrea leaned in closely and whispered softly into his ear. “Something's wrong at Castle Borough! The King and Tessa, they're in danger! And Morgan, she'll die if I don't reach her. Even if Time moves forward, Magic is already damaged, and the Castle will crumble, and the river will change course."
Trevor turned to Andrea in horror. He clutched at her arms and shook his head.
"They will die,” she whispered.
"Die? My sister? The King?"
Morgan? NO! I love her, please don't let this happen. I'll die without her. Oh, God, I've loved her my whole life. Please help me.
"I have to go. I have to go to them. Please, all of you, help me!” He turned to the Council and each looked at him in pity.
Andrea smiled softly. “We cannot help you, Trevor. You are in charge of Time, and Magic will not work without you. We are useless without Magic."
"But I love her!"
"I thought you wanted her to feel pain?"
"Andrea, you can shut the hell up now, I get it, okay?” Trevor ran out the door of the lodge, wondering how he could reach Castle Borough in less than two days’ time. It was too late, he thought. How many would die because of him? You stupid selfish son of a bitch!
"Aaargggh.” Gideon dropped onto the stairs of the lodge, writhing in agony. Trevor watched in helpless amazement as the lizard grew in size and changed shape, sprouting wings that grew and turned iridescent, shimmering in the sunshine. Light suffused the area around Gideon until Trevor couldn't look directly at him without hurting his eyes. And when Gideon was nearly as huge as the lodge, the light dissipated.
And the world's most beautiful being looked down upon Trevor Rains and smiled, one huge golden tear slipping from his gorgeous luminescent eye.
"Hey, look at me! Yippee!” Gideon grinned and blew a huge curl of fire and smoke from his nostrils. “Cool!"
Trevor smiled at Gideon. “If I could have had one wish before I die, Gid, this would be it."
"Nah. But thanks for saying so. You'd have another wish. The same one you've had since I met you. Still have a chance, Trev."
"It's too late. I can't get there."
Gideon arched a brow and snorted, a bit of fire slipping out and nearly singeing Trevor's hair. “Oops, sorry.” He lowered one massive shining green wing and looked at Trevor.
"I've been waiting a long time for this, Trevor. Climb aboard the Gideon express."
Chapter Ten
Morgan studied her image again. She had to admit the dress flattered her, a gossamer-thin white sheath, hugging her pale skin. She unbraided her hair and let it flow around her shoulders. Morgan snapped her fingers, finishing her preparations with jewelry and a touch of make-up. Dressed to kill, she thought. Dinner at the palace, the promise of a glamorous evening. Magic was behaving, and Morgan wondered for the hundredth time if Trevor had brought about the healing. And for the hundredth time, she pushed the thought away lest it bring on the crushing pain that brought tears to her eyes instantly.
Enough. He doesn't deserve your tears. You'll enjoy this evening if it kills you.
"Living well is the sweetest revenge, living well is the sweetest revenge...” she repeated aloud. A light tap on the door made her heart jump.
But it was only Gordon Smatherwood. How long will you wait for him to come to you?
"Hey, Gord
y.” Morgan noticed the bulky young man eyeing her body. He looked up sheepishly.
"How'd the game go?” Morgan smiled and Gordon relaxed a hair. His uniform was filthy, a sure sign he had slid into one of his signature infield saves.
"The Knights won, Morgan. I ... I've never played better. I'm sorry, I owe you an apology. Guess your potion's working again."
"That's okay, don't worry about it. Things were really messed up there for a while. I'm glad you won. Goodnight, Gordon.” Morgan closed the door before he could get another word out. In truth, the tears were threatening to fall again, and she couldn't bear for anyone to see her in this state.
Morgan took a deep breath, threw her cloak over her arm in case the lovely spring evening turned chilly, and opened the door.
"You're all right.” Trevor whispered.
Morgan felt her blood turn cold at the sight of him. He ran his gaze down her body and then looked into her eyes.
Morgan heard his thought drift onto the breeze. He thought she was beautiful. Stunning was the word he used. She snorted a bit at the irony. Her powers were back, Trevor thought she was stunning, and her heart was in a million pieces.
"Go away, Trevor. Have the decency to leave me alone. You practically stalked me when we were kids. Do the right thing now."
Oh, Trevor, hold me, kiss me, don't leave, I'm begging you.
"I can't go away. I need you."
Morgan didn't answer, terrified that the hope trickling into her brain would be crushed instantly. It was.
"The castle, Art, is in mortal danger.” Trevor ran his hand through his hair in despair. “It's my fault. I need your help, Morgan, your powers."
"Magic is working, Trevor. No one is in danger. What are you talking about?"
"No, the damage is done, the castle will crumble and the river will change course and all of Castle Borough is in danger. And Tessa is missing!"
"She's with Art. Has been for the last four days.” Morgan managed a brief smile. “They're kind of cute together, strolling through town, tavernhopping, sneaking kisses at ball games when they think no one is looking. Your plan worked."
"Crickey. It did?"
Morgan nodded. “Now, calm down, Trevor, I assure you, magic is fine. There's no damage to the castle's foundations, the Squoog is flowing the same way it has for years. Hey, the Knights won today's game. You've been misinformed."
"But Andrea's never wrong. She said that you were in danger, that you would die. I ... I thought you might die. And Tessa, and Art."
"Oh, I've known Andrea to lie. Why, she once told me to try going red with some blonde highlights, and let me tell you, that was one of the worst mistakes I've ever made. I looked like a pink skunk for weeks."
"Why would she lie to me? Scare me like that...” Trevor looked at Morgan and sighed. “Oh. I see."
Morgan shrugged and pulled the door closed behind her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Trevor reach out to grab her arm, but she ignored the gesture. And then she stopped cold on the path.
He was huge and green and for a moment blended into the field near her house. Then he moved slightly and the setting sun set his scales shimmering. He smiled and blew a little puff of fire.
Morgan laughed and clapped and ran to Gideon. She looked up at the beast and then fell to one knee and bowed her head. “Great one, I am your servant. Please do not harm me."
Gideon giggled a bit. “Morgan, it's me! Gideon!"
"Yes, I know. I'm so happy, Gideon, I can't tell you how happy I am for you.” Morgan's tears flowed freely and she rubbed Gideon's wing tip.
"Thanks! Got any candy?"
Morgan laughed. “Sure!” She snapped her fingers and produced an enormous mound of candy. Gideon sighed in satisfaction and began to sort through the pile with his snout.
Then she felt Trevor close behind her, very close. “Morgan, can I talk to you for a minute?” His breath set her nerve endings on fire and she felt the pain start around her heart at the mere sound of his voice.
"Sorry, running off to a dinner date. Bye Gid.” Morgan clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. Get away from him now. Do not let him in. Because he's broken your heart once. And men never change.
She snapped her fingers. When she opened her eyes, she stood on the great stairwell of the palace. Morgan looked out at Castle Borough for a moment, brushing away the tears. You did the right thing. You did the right thing.
In the distance, she saw a massive green dragon dip and swirl over the treetops, playing with the last rays of the setting sun. Morgan smiled. At least someone was happy tonight.
Morgan returned hours later, tired and lonely. Art's party had been lovely enough, with enough handsome male suitors at her beck and call. And she couldn't have been less interested in any of them, watching the clock for the best moment to slip away.
She gasped when she saw the envelope tacked to her door with Trevor's short sword. Morgan's hand shook as she struggled to pull out the sword. She finally dislodged it and threw it on the group, clutching onto the envelope. She hurried inside and sat at the table, spreading the note out flat. Nothing he says can change what he did. Nothing. She pulled on her glasses and bit at her lip in fear and excitement.
Dear Morgan,
Nothing I say will change what I did. I intended to hurt you. You are an exquisite woman in every way a woman can be exquisite. You don't deserve what I did to you. I will remember our one night together for the rest of my life. Funny, I guess we're right back where we started. Me in love with you, wanting to do anything to prove I'm worthy. But now I'm a man, and it's a little late to try to carry your books or ask you to the prom. I don't know if you have it in your heart to forgive me, but I'd strongly advise you to try for your own sake. I've learned that lesson the hard way. Gideon says hi. We're leaving for the Academy, so I'll say goodbye here. I love you.
—Trevor
Morgan ran her hand across the page and then clutched it to her chest. She whispered aloud, “I love you, Trevor. I forgive you.” And she put her head on the table and sobbed.
"Phew, that's good!"
Morgan stood quickly, knocking the chair onto the floor. She spun around. Trevor sat on the couch, one arm stretched across the back.
Her heart pounded in her chest and she wiped her tears away quickly. “You son of a bitch, what are you doing here?"
"That doesn't sound much like forgiveness.” He was smirking!
She balled up his letter and threw it at him. It bounced off his chest and he laughed. He threw it back at her and it bounced off her chest. She picked it up and went to throw it again. His brow was arched in amusement.
"This is mature.” He grinned and his eyes lit up and the lines appeared around his full lips. Morgan squeezed her eyes closed.
"Leave now."
"Nuh-uh."
"Uh huh."
"Nope. Tried. Packed up, ready to go, shut up the house. Couldn't do it. Can't go without you. Not going anywhere."
"Well, you can't stay here!"
"No, I've picked out a place. Well, created it—a castle of our own. And I put in near a cave so Gideon could have a proper spot of his own. He is my dragon, you know."
"What the hell are you babbling on about? Get the hell out of my house!"
And to Morgan's utter amazement, Trevor stood, walked to her, and fell to one knee. He removed his emerald ring and took her hand.
"You'll be needing this.” Trevor slipped the ring onto her index finger.
"I said, get out of my house! Can't you hear? Why are you ignoring me?"
"Oh, darling, I'm not ignoring you tonight. Have no fear.” His smile was sweet but his voice was loaded with intensity.
Trevor stood and looked at Morgan carefully. He glowed slightly and she could feel the heat radiate from his hands. Yes, he was a powerful Wizard. And the most exquisite man in the world. And if her mind wasn't playing tricks on her, he was proposing marriage. He snorted and Morgan realized he had probed her thoughts.
"You really think I'm exquisite, Morgan?"
Morgan nodded slowly. His smile broadened.
"And you're in love with me?"
She nodded again.
Trevor squeezed his eyes shut and Morgan saw him shiver slightly. A mist of blue light circled him. A single tear fell down his cheek. He kept his eyes closed.
"And you'll marry me, stay with me forever?"
Morgan felt his magic circle her feet and swirl up her legs, heating up her body as it moved higher. He enveloped her. Powerless. You never had a chance.
"If this is some kind of trick, Trevor, I'll die. I won't survive another night like the last one."
"Come here, darling.” He pulled her in close and she sighed at the feel of him, the smell of him. “I swear on all that is holy to me, on my father's honor, on my word as a High Council member ... on my life, Morgan, on my life. I love you. I always have, as you'll remember. I never stopped loving you. I don't want to spend one more day without you by my side."
Trevor brushed his lips gently on hers and Morgan wrapped her arms around his neck.
"It can't be. This isn't real."
He smiled and held her tightly. “Hang on, we're going home."
Chapter Eleven
Morgan felt the pulse and shimmer of the floor and clutched desperately onto Trevor as he brought his mouth more firmly onto hers. She floated in his arms, head spinning from his kiss, from the taste of him, his hot tongue exploring her mind and body.
Morgan felt her feet touch down lightly and opened her eyes. Trevor was glowing, pale skin glistening in the moonlight, dark hair shimmering and blowing gently around him, hazel eyes glittering with gold and silver.
"You're a god, Trevor."
"Just a wizard.” He smiled and motioned at their surroundings. The full moon dimly highlighted the entrance to a dark cave, where Gideon was curled up, tail twitching in a dragon's dream. Near the cave was a bridge shrouded in mist. A narrow stone staircase wound up from the far side into the pines. And high above, Morgan saw the outline of a grand, dark castle.
"It's a bit moody, Trevor."
"Hmnn. Wizard stuff. Thought I'd better do it by the book."
The Wizard of Time Page 7
