“Very well. As soon as the four of us have linked minds, I shall guide all of us through the Portal-setting process. It will not be particularly pleasant—we must pull and focus a considerable amount of energy—but we can do it. I shall do what I can to shield you from the worst of any fluctuations. Any questions?”

There were none. With a short nod, Arilan reached out his free hand to grasp Duncan’s and Kelson’s, then bowed his head. A breath of wind stirred through the tent, making the candles gutter and flare, and then a pure white light began to grow around Arilan’s head. The light brightened, becoming gradually diffused with swirls of crimson and green, and the three in thrall shuddered as power was drawn inexorably from minds and bodies.

Mists swirled and surged around the seven, beginning to spin in an ever-widening vortex as the light crackled and arced, until finally a blinding flash filled the entire tent for just an instant and then was gone.

Kelson cried out, and Morgan swayed near fainting as Duncan let out a moan. But even then the moment was past, the white light gone. As the four Deryni shakily opened their eyes, they felt the faint tingle of a viable Transfer Portal beneath their knees—a sensation familiar to all of them. With a satisfied sigh, Arilan got to his feet and began to pull Cardiel back and away from the circle, motioning for Duncan and Kelson to do the same for Nigel and Warin. Soon the circle was clear except for the hunched form of Morgan kneeling still in the center with bowed head. Biting at his lip, Arilan dropped to his knees beside Morgan and again put a hand on his shoulder.

“I know how tired you are, but I must ask one more favor before I go. The Wards must be extended to protect the whole tent. All of you are seriously depleted, and when I come back for you and Kelson and Duncan, we shall want to leave the others protected. They should sleep until midnight or so, but they might not rouse to defend themselves if someone were to come upon them unawares.”

“I understand.”

With a faint groan of fatigue, Morgan lurched to his feet and spread his hands to either side, palms up. He drew in his breath and exhaled heavily, marshalling new strength from somewhere deep within, then began the low words of the appropriate spell. As he spoke, he turned his hands to make a slight warding-off gesture, as though pushing back something with his palms. Then, when the net of light had extended to the tent walls, he turned his hands palms-up once again, lowering them slowly.

“Is that what you wanted?” he asked dully.

Arilan nodded carefully and motioned for Kelson and Duncan to help Morgan sit beside the circle.

“I shouldn’t be gone for very long,” he said, stepping into the center of the figure. “In the meantime, the two of you might try to help Alaric replenish his strength, insofar as that is possible at this time. Try to be ready to move as soon as I return, though. The Council is not going to like this at all, and I don’t want to give them time to think about it.”