On the beach she quickly rearmed herself and when all were ready, she led them up the small path that at first led away from the castle until it reached the top of the bluffs, where it split, one path heading into the heart of the island, the other toward the castle.

No one hailed them and no sign was given they had been observed in their landing, yet Sandreena knew that Pug would know she approached, or if he was not home, whoever was in charge would. She was tired to her bones, but energized by at last reaching her goal.

When she entered the courtyard to the ancient-appearing castle, she found a familiar face in the form of Jason, a young magician she had met on her previous visit to the island. “Sandreena,” he said with a warm smile. “I am to see to your needs.”

“These two need food, clean clothing, and rest,” she replied, introducing Farson and Keandar. “I need to speak to Pug at once.”

He inclined his head and with a wave of his hand summoned another young magician who had been standing at the door of the keep. He took Keandar and Farson in tow and led them into the keep while Jason said, “Are you certain you wouldn’t rather rest, yourself? If you don’t mind me saying so, you are looking a little in need of it.”

She smiled. “I look like I need a lot of it, you mean.” She shook her head. “No, talk now, rest after.”

He turned and said, “Very well. Follow me, please.” He led her into the keep and then across the main floor where she could see Samantha hard at work over a massive kettle of stew. The plump woman smiled and hurried over and threw her arms around Sandreena’s neck, almost knocking her over.

Sandreena was so tired she could barely laugh, but she hugged her old friend back and said, “I take it this means Brandos is still here?”

“Yes,” said Samantha. “And Amirantha.”

“Good,” said Sandreena, to Samantha’s obvious surprise.

“Good?”

“He may be a right bastard, but we need his knowledge. I’ve got to go. I’ll catch up with you later.” They hugged once more and Sandreena found Jason waiting. He led her through a door and up a winding staircase to a tower. “Through there,” he said.

Sandreena opened the door, expecting to see Pug and perhaps Magnus and Amirantha waiting, but instead the room was now empty. “What?” she asked.

“Step through that portal,” said Jason from behind.

That’s when she noticed there was a tiny ripple in the air, like a distant heat shimmer. She nodded and walked into it.

Suddenly she was someplace else. The room was huge, well furnished, and there were two dozen people sitting around a semicircle of benches. Facing that semicircle was a table behind which waited Pug, Magnus, and Amirantha.