Presently, a pale blue aura began to crackle around Ian, gradually extending itself from his head, down his body and legs, along his arms, and into his hands. Nor did it stop there but continued to engulf the head of the guard. He shuddered as the sparkling net of light touched his head, as though to make one last effort to break away from the unholy bond that was being formed, then relaxed as the aura extended itself over the rest of his body. When both men were engulfed in the pale fire, Ian spoke.

“Charissa?”

There was no sound but the breathing of the two men for a moment: Ian’s light and controlled; the guard’s quick, shallow, labored. Then the man’s lips began to tremble.

“Charissa, do you hear me?”

The man’s voice whispered, “I hear,” but it was not quite his own.

Ian smiled slightly and he spoke again in a low, conversational tone, his eyes still closed. “Good. I’m afraid I have some disappointing news. Our Council ploy failed, as we feared it might. Kelson declared himself of age, appointed a new Council lord to fill Ralson’s place, then broke the ensuing tie by royal prerogative. There was nothing I could do. And I’m sure you know the Stenrect attempt was unsuccessful.”

“I felt it die,” the man’s voice replied. “What of Morgan now?”

Ian pursed his lips wistfully. “I’m not sure. He and Kelson have retired to Kelson’s apartments for the night. Our young princeling appears to be taking no chances of anything else happening to his champion. But just so they don’t get into any mischief, I’ve a few diversionary tactics planned that should occupy some of their valuable time and energy between now and tomorrow morning. Agreed?”

“Very well,” the man’s voice whispered.

“Aren’t you even going to ask what I have in mind?” Ian persisted.

For the first time, there was a trace of emotion in the man’s voice as Charissa answered, “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Sarcasm edged the question. “Another chance to boast of your cleverness, no doubt.” There was a pause. “No matter. If you have things to do, you’d best end this communication before you tire yourself and drain your subject beyond recovery. He can’t keep this up forever, you know.”

Ian smiled once more. “As you wish,” he said calmly, “though I don’t really think your concern will help our medium, here. I have special plans for him. Good hunting, my lady.”

“And you,” the voice replied.

With that, the light surrounding Ian and the guard died, and Ian dropped his hands to his sides, shook his head slightly as he opened his eyes. His subject slumped slightly against the wall as he was released, but he still could not seem to force his eyes to stay open, for Ian still maintained control.