The day began like the last few had, but Therelin knew it would end differently. He made small talk with Kren over breakfast, but he couldn’t help but watch Maia out of the corner of his eye. There had been much excitement at Tempest Tower since the summit two weeks past, but much of it had been lost on Maia. She quietly awaited the next bit of news from Saanazar, dreading the tidings and feeling ultimately powerless to do anything about them.
Her grandfather’s home within the city could be lost, and her parents—with their home in an outlying village—was just as much at risk. Therelin had already talked to his friend about it, but Maia confirmed much what they all knew—hurrying back to the city would more likely endanger themselves than bring about any safety for loved ones likely already dead or living beneath the pirate scourge.
After breakfast, the trio reported to Telan for their upcoming mission. Telan was another familiar face from the Isle of Dusk. Though not a master, the experienced, middle-aged man had been the chief administrator for those who had come and gone from the Isle. Therelin had had little more reason to talk to him than in passing, until he reported to Mistress Lathien and her peers. He wanted to move on from research—he had learned much about Tarro but felt lacking in lives saved. This time, Therelin had volunteered his friends for a reconnaissance mission. Maia was eagerly onboard, for Saanazar was their ultimate target.
As Telan explained it, they were to Journey to Eastpoint, check for news, and then press closer to Saanazar by land. Accompanying them were two more magicians—Crenth and Leda. Crenth had studied for many years at Tempest Tower and mastered many warrior arts, while Leda was a younger combat mage, new to their ranks.
The six-person group gathered amid the tents that crowded the Tower courtyard with packs and supplies ready for departure. As Therelin and his friends approached, Telan spoke up: “Kren, Therelin, Maia. We have the go ahead from the Council—they wish us a speedy return. Ready?”
“As ready as we’re going to be,” Therelin said, quietly.
Kren softly nudged Therelin in the side. “What have you gotten me into?”
Therelin smiled, but said nothing.
“We should be on the same page,” Telan said, before they departed. “On foot to Sheld, wait as long as needed for a ship, and then we sail all the way to Eastpoint.”
Therelin nodded. There was no need to hold hands or anything if they resolved to never leave one another’s sides. It was easier to travel with a group, like this—there was less chance that a single, personal issue might distract from their seeking the shared destination. After all, the saying was well-known among magicians: “Journeying is more fickle than the sea.” It would take less time than sailing, certainly, but it could take much more. Of course, in order for them to go together, only one would initiate the spell.
With a nod from the others, Telan took that responsibility. It would be his focus on their destination that guided them. He bowed his head and concentrated for a moment. Therelin always found it uncomfortable to be teleported by another—just as Nolicrin had once done to him. They were just waiting, standing in a circle, until Telan’s mind worked the magic. It was too hard to gauge when the spell might take—