by Alison Pensy
Faen's eyes moved under their lids. Slowly they opened. He blinked a few times before focusing on the one who had brought him back.
“You're alive!” Faedra cried.
“You're glowing,” Faen said in a hoarse whisper.
Faedra choked on a laugh, her face lighting up with joy, making her glow even brighter. “I know. Isn't it incredible?”
Faedra flung her arms around her Guardian as he pushed himself up to sit. “Oh, Faen. I'm so sorry,” she sobbed. “I should have told you what I was planning. My stupid plan nearly got you killed. Actually, it did get you killed. Oh, God. I'm so sorry.”
Faen took hold of Faedra's shoulders and pushed her back until he could look into her eyes. She turned her head, too ashamed to look him in the eye. He coaxed her face towards him with his fingers.
“Look at me,” Faen whispered.
Faedra did as he asked and raised her tear-soaked eyes to meet his soft gaze. The light around them now was dissipating like the sun burning through a morning mist.
Faen did a quick glance around at the people encircling them, smiling as he did an inventory of bodies. “It looks to me like you got everyone out of there alive. I would call your plan a success.”
“I nearly lost you.”
“But you brought me back,” he said with a smile. “And discovered that Savu's powers can be used for good instead of bad.”
Faedra threw her arms around him again and buried her head in his neck. Faen reciprocated, wrapping his arms around his Custodian; he held her tight. Unfortunately, the moment didn't last long.
“Whoa, what's going on?” The startled cry from Alyssa had everyone turning their attention towards her and Vivianna. The body Vivianna was occupying now lay motionless on the floor in front of the young Lightbender. Alyssa held her hands up to the onlookers, most of whom were scrunching there eyebrows in question.
“I swear I didn't do anything. She just went limp and I wasn't expecting it, so I couldn't keep hold of her before she hit the ground.” Alyssa explained.
There was another thud. Everyone's attention turned back to see Allora had also collapsed beside Todmus. Faen and Faedra released each other and looked from one unconscious form to the other.
Todmus leaned over the body Allora was occupying and gave it a cursory once over before standing up and shooting a knowing smile at the group. “I suggest someone take hold of this one before she wakes,” he said, looking at Etyran with an air of expectation.
“Todmus, what is happening?” Faedra asked.
“Arawn's life energy just expired.”
Faedra answered his reply with a bemused expression.
“When a sorcerer's life energy expires, so, too, does his magic. Vivianna and Allora will awake in their own bodies.”
Faedra smiled.
“You killed Arawn?” Faen asked.
The circle of friends, who had been standing over the pair, effectively blocking Faen's view of the castle, parted to either side.
Faen's eyes grew wide when they fell on the pile of rubble that occupied the space that was once a castle.
“Oh, my! You were busy.”
Faedra smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Let's just say I got a little angry when he killed my boyfriend.” Then she turned back to Todmus, and with a sheepish grin said, “Sorry, I wrecked your house, Todmus.”
Todmus gave a dismissive wave. “With a power like yours, miss, I dare say you will help us rebuild it.”
Faedra's grin widened.
There was a groan from the body on the floor, which procured a quick response from Etyran. He leaned down and grabbed Vivianna's hands, holding them behind her back before she had a chance to fully awaken. A moment later he was hauling her off the floor to stand in front of him. She looked behind her and gave him a glare of pure malice.
“Unhand me you wretched oaf,” she spat.
“That's not what you said last time we were together,” Etyran said with twinkle in his eye. “As I recall, unhanding you was the last thing on your mind.”
Vivianna gasped. “How dare you?”
“Oh, I dare, Princess. Just try me.” Etyran glared back at her and tightened the grip around her wrists. “In fact, I dare to throw you in a dungeon where no one will ever lay eyes on you again.”
Vivianna looked affronted but said no more.
Another groan a few steps away garnered a different response from the group.
“Todmus?” A small voice murmured.
Todmus ran over to his wife and helped her off the ground. “Allora, my love,” he said, cupping her face in his hands. “I have my beautiful wife back.” He pulled back from her slightly, soaking in her features before throwing his arms around her and hugging her to within an inch of her life.
Skylar stood behind her daddy and peeked out from behind his trouser leg. “Mama, is it really you this time?” she asked.
Allora let go of her husband and scooped her daughter from the ground and swung her around.
“Yes, darling. It is really me.”
Todmus put his arms around his wife and child and turned and addressed the group. “Thank you. Because of you, I have my family back, and my home.”
“So, I guess that means you won't be coming back to Azran?” Faedra asked.
“No, I'm afraid not. This is my home, my kingdom. My people need me; we have a lot of rebuilding to do.”
Faedra addressed the rest of the group. “I guess that means we're stuck with Mr. Grumpy Britches as our ‘people greeter’.”
Jocelyn, Etyran and Alyssa wrinkled their brows.
“Oh, that's right. You haven't had that pleasure, yet.” Faedra looked up at Faen and grinned. “They are in for such a treat, aren't they?”
Faen shook his head and laughed.
“Well, evil half-sister of mine, let's get you back to your nice cozy dungeon, shall we? And no mirrors this time.”
Vivianna scowled.
Faedra pulled the cypher wheel from its pouch and handed it to Todmus. “Do you know a more direct route to Azran? I really don't think the guide at Dragon Hall could handle any more people materializing from his treasure chest.”
Todmus smiled and took the device from the Custodian. He busied himself with the dials on the wheel before handing it back to Faedra.
She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Todmus. We'll be back to visit soon. I owe you a castle.”
Todmus lay his palm on her cheek. “You will always be welcome in Drofoz, miss.”
Faedra stood and joined her group of friends. “Okay, everyone ready?” She felt several hands grab onto her clothing. “Let's go home then, shall we? I have a wedding to plan.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It takes a lot of people to bring a book to life and mine is no different. With that in mind I am going to mention each and every one of the wonderfully supportive network of people who helped me. So, if you are sitting comfortably, I shall begin.
The inspiration for this book came from Frank Phelps, creator of the real Cypher Wheel. Find out more about it at www.cypherwheel.com
My wonderful beta-readers (in alpha order). Alyssa, Andi, Carina, David, and Jos. Your feedback and ideas helped me mold and shape the story into what it is today.
Marisa Wagner, my awesome editor. Your attention to detail is amazing. You took my words and made them sing.
The following people who took me on private tours when researching this book: Joan Smith and Maureen Eastman at The Great Hospital, Norwich, England. Jo Archer from Norwich Heritage who showed me around The Guildhall, Norwich. Richard Matthew – tour guide at Dragon Hall, Norwich.
And last, but by no means least, my soul mate. Your never ending love and support knows no bounds. I love you.
Thank you to you all.
In Memory
Gypsy
1989-2012
About the Author
Alison Pensy was born and raised in England. She grew up near a medieval city, which is where much
of the inspiration for her books comes from. Moving to the States in 2001, she eventually settled near a small town in mid Missouri with her menagerie of animals.
Alison also runs her own tax and accounting business and started writing when she became so fed up with the real world, she decided to create her own.
Please visit her website at www.alisonpensy.com. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to leave comments or ask questions.
