"Wake up Phyn," her voice rang in my ears, strong, clear. A voice I thought I'd never hear again. It can't be… I cracked my eyes open, my body stiff. Her long dark dark brushed my shoulder, sympathetic eyes staring down at me.

"Freya?" I called hoarsely, everything aching. She wrinkled her nose, rust-toned skin darted with freckles. She's dead, I saw her die, it can't be.

I moved to get up. Freya pushed me back down. "Don't move, you're still in rough shape," she commanded, pointing a strict finger at me.

My head spinning, I blinked up at her. She's not a ghost, she takes up space. "How are you here?" I whimpered, memorizing her face. This is too good to be true. My hands shaking, the tremor traveled through me. This can't be happening.

Freya laughed, a warm smile on her face. "What do you mean, silly. I've been here the whole time." She rubbed my arm, standing up. "Someone's getting feverish." Freya paced to the other side of the room.

This place...I know it. The tiny bungalow was sparse with furniture, a fireplace in the center wall. A whittled down carving of a monkey on the mantle, a key around his neck. I never got a straight answer about that. Our lunch was still on the table, dishes scattered. It's exactly the same...just as it was. I don't know how I ended up here. I blinked at Freya.

Gathering plates, she sighed, "You need to stop using your gifting so much, you're making yourself sick." I frowned, lifting my head. This feels too familiar. She shook head at me. "You always push yourself, and then I gotta deal with this." She walked back, setting a cup of tea beside me. "I worry about you." I took it in my hand, hesitating to take a sip. Freya tapped the cup. "Go on, drink up, It's an old family recipe, something my grandmother picked off a healer. It'll ease your stomach."

My heart fell to my stomach, tears stinging my eyes. That's not the first time I've heard Freya say that. The tea shaking in my cup, I held tight. This isn't real, Freya isn't alive. I took a gasp of air, trying to curb the tears. This is a memory.

"What's wrong?" She rubbed my arm, blinking at my teary eyes. I can't tell her...I gaped in horror, my voice lost. I can't tell her that today is the day she dies.

I shook my head, sniffling back a sob. "I don't know."

Freya smiled, wiping away my tears. "It'll all be alright Phyn I promise."

"I know," I whispered, burying my head in her shoulder. Another lie. I held on tight, knowing that it would have to let go. I can't save her.

She laughed, brushing the top of my head. "You're really in rough shape aren't you." I stifled a cry, sniffling back the tears. In this moment she's here, I have her back…I have her with me. My heart shattered in a million pieces, because I wish it was me. If I could only give up my life to save hers.

"No more tears." She wiped my eyes. Horse hooves stomped past the house, raised voices, coming closer. The sound shattered Freya's smile. She lifted her head, slipping out of my arms. "Are we expecting anyone?" She peeked through the curtains, light reflecting off her eyes. She stepped back, drawing them back over the window. A twitch of fear in her face, she turned away. "Who did you tick off now, Phyn?"

Panic flooding my veins, I fought to stand. This is happening too fast. I crawled after her, everything heavy. "Get away from there," I cried from the floor. "Don't let them in, I'll get you out of here. I promise."

"You’re in no shape, you'll kill yourself trying," she snapped, an intensity in her brown eyes. She crossed the floor, opening up the armoire. "Quick get inside," she hissed, dragging me towards it.

I fought her arms, skidding my heels. "Wait, no, no, no!" I pleaded through my tears, "What about you?" My hands moved to block the door from closing.

She glared at me, peeling my fingers back. "I can talk my way out of anything, don't you worry about me." She pushed me back inside, slamming the door shut. She turned the key. I shoved my hands against the door, the latch staying.

The air was stuffy inside the chest, the oxygen feeling like it was slipping away. I gasped, my stomach twisted up. I can't watch this again, I can't. Light peeking through the keyhole, I peered outside. Freya leaned against the door, holding it shut. Fists bashed against the dood, shouts growing louder.

The door broke open, red and black armoured knights pushing into the house. The last knight had his helmet off, decorated in metals. A smug look in his dark soulless eyes. Freya was tossed aside, stumbling into the center of the room. She got back on her feet. The other guards drifted to the corners of the room, the last man leaning on the table. He picked up an apple off of it, taking a slobbery bite.

"Spinner of tales and teller of lies...it's been a long time, Freya." He smiled, chewing his bite.

Freya's eyes wide, she spun over her shoulder. "Not long enough from where I'm standing, Whinnie," she hissed.

He sighed, hopping off the table. "I'm not here for you. I'm here about the girl."

Freya blinked at him, her face twisting up in confusion. "What girl?"

Whinnie laughed, "I know you well enough not to take your word. So where is she?"

Freya crossed her arms, giving a fierce glare. "I can't tell you what I don't know."

He nodded, tossing away the applecore. "I can make it worth your while, more gold than you can even carry."

She darted her eyes between the guards. "This is a lot of effort for one girl…why are you looking for her?"

Whinnie shrugged. "There's a problem Augustine needs her help with, nothing extreme." He turned on his heel. "It's in everyone's best interest that we find her."

"Not just Augustine's?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Your snarkiness is noted, but Augustine's best interest is everyone's best interest. Don't be stupid, Freya."

"I'm not really in need of gold," she hissed, pointing at the door. "And I don't remember inviting you here, so if you're done."

Whinnie sighed, pouting to his soldiers. "She doesn't respond to the carrot. How about the stick?" Two of his men grabbed Freya's arms. She winced, holding her head up high.

"Where's the girl, Freya." He took a deep breath, crouching to her height. "We don't need to hurt you."

Sweat on her forehead, she lifted her chin. "I don't suppose you'll accept I know nothing about this girl."

Whinnie laughed, "Not really, sorry."

Fighting with the door, I pounded my fists against it. Hoping they would hear, that they would stop. The world outside the armoire didn't react to the racket.

Freya's voice shook, "No matter what I tell you, you'll never believe me."

Whinnie frowned, tapping his chin. His crew waited for an action. "Hmm…that is an interesting point." Whinnie turned, pacing back and forth. The room was silent.

I clawed at the door, tears streaming down my cheeks. I wiped them away. I have to break through, I have to save her. I have to. I slammed my palms into the door, trying to force the latch. Fighting with every ounce of my being, the door wouldn't budge.

Whinnie spun, a smirk sliding on his lips. "You know what, Freya, you might be right." Freya's face fell, her eyes lost. He sighed, "That's the trouble with liars, even on pain of death, you can't trust a word they say. We're just wasting our time here." He tilted his head, walking back. "Kill her." He snapped his fingers, his men moving quick to action.

Freya's eyes grew wide. "Wait! Can't we negotiate!" she cried, trying to free her arms.

Whinnie's face, cold and unmoving. "This is your fate for such a vice." He tossed a stone in the air, catching it. The soldier raised his sword, running with a wild swing. I shut my eyes. Her scream rattled through my ears. No...no I took a gasp through my tears, my body shaking. The blade twisted as the soldier pulled it from her stomach. The room spun.

"Search the place, maybe we can find her," Whinnie ordered, Freya's body falling limp. I broke a chip off the door, splinters in my nails. I didn't care if they were looking for me, I kept slashing at the relentless door. This isn't working. I closed my eyes, trying a new tactic. Building up the scene in my mind, I crashed to the floor beside Freya.

The room was gone, so were the soldiers, Whinnie. I was alone with Freya. Blood pooling on the floor, I tried to put it back inside her. Choking on my sobs, I held her dead body in my arms. They were looking for me, for me. Her hollow eyes stared back at mine, once so vibrant, so alive. I should be the one who's dead. Hyperventilating, my voice raw from crying. Blood all over my hands, I gagged, having nothing to throw up. A mess of blood and tears. "Don't leave me again," I sobbed, knowing very well she already was. I let her die twice.

Red and black armor stayed in my mind, Augustine's name burned hatred inside of me. It's them...they did this. This new anger pounding like a drum, I rose to my knees. They have Diggery too. I clenched my fists, my vision blurring. I don't care what it takes, I won't let them kill him. I have to wake up from this.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

A roar from my chest, I yelled with the air left in my lungs, "I'm coming for you Augustine of Arcane! You and every idiot who stands with you!" The fury in my heart was so intense it scared me, rattling like a wave. I really wasn't anywhere at all. Surrounded by darkness, the blood fading away. Freya's body disappeared, my arms empty. Alone in the darkness...

Or maybe my eyes are just closed. Cold and in a terrible sweat, I was laying on something hard. My eyelids stuck, they wouldn't open. A tune carried on the air, something light and folky. Water dripping, a cloth wrung out, a damp sensation moved across my forehead.

The humming slowed, a gentle petite, bird-like voice spoke, "She's having a poor time." The wet-cold feeling slipped off my head.

"Are you concerned, Valerie?" another voice, like steel.

"No, she's coming back...Aren't you, Wander girl?" she whispered in my ear. Shivers attacking my spine, I cracked my eyes open an inch. My gaze at first was blurry, the light blinding me.

Valerie sat by my bedside, with the cloth. Long blond hair draped over her shoulder. Delicate features, like she could be toppled by a strong wind. She didn't have eyes, a strip of burlap bandaged across where they would've been. I gaped at her, trying to crawl back.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, moving to the wash bin, throwing the cloth down. Her steps, effortless, like a dance. She unscrewed the lid, mixing solutions into the basin.

Large stone arched windows, high vaulted ceilings; the room was a circle. Cool light poured in from the windows, the stones a duller shade of grey than the castle in Mirth. I'm not in the North Tower.

I sat up, lifting myself from the wooden table. "Where's Diggery?" I whimpered. Valerie ignored my question, stirring her mixture.

A voice came from over my shoulder, "Your friend is safe and quite comfortable. You can leave with him after you hear me out." That same metallic voice from earlier, merciless and steady.

I slowly turned my head. A scar over his eyebrow, a piercing stare. He's the man from the street. In front of the window, a dark cloak draped around his shoulders. I gave a piercing glare, staring down his stern expression. This must be Augustine.

He stepped closer, unfolding his hands. "First, I would like to apologize for the unorthodox way we brought you here. This seemed the similiest way-"

"You don't look sorry." I growled, Freya's dead eyes still in my mind.

Augustine scoffed, "No need to be hostile."

There's every need. I moved to the edge of the table, keeping my voice steady, "I need to know he's safe."

"Patience, you will in time," he said, his face allowing no room for negotiation. I kept the glare, a tired ache in my limbs. I'm trapped. A slight curve on his lips, like he knew I was cornered.

"What did you do to me?" I bit back, my body still trembling.

Valerie set down her mixture, lifting head. "It's a basic immobilization spell, nothing complex. You shouldn't experience any lasting harm, but I wouldn't teleport for a while," she muttered.

This is bad. I frowned at my shaking hands, my head still foggy. "No harm?...I relived one of the worst moments of my life."

"But physically you're fine," she gave a slight snicker. I scowled, opening my mouth to respond.

Augustine raised a glare. "We have more important things to discuss, Wanderer."

"And what would that be?" I coughed, struggling with my voice. There's nothing I want to discuss with him.

A shadow moved across his face, something sinister in his eyes. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Isn't that how the phrase goes?"

I blinked at him. "What does that mean?"

"We both have a common problem, a problem that's solvable if we help each other." He started to pace, resting his hands behind his back. "I'm sure you're aware of a particular wizard who's taken on a bird-like transformation." His smile soured, a hint of disdain.

He wants my help with Birdman? ...That can't be right. I shook my head, hopping off the table. My legs nearly buckled under the weight. "I can't help you with him," I stuttered.

"You're the only one who can, Wanderer," he said, taking in a deep breath. This guy's delusional.

I took a step back, inching my way around the table. "How do you know Birdbrain anyway?"

He scratched his chin. "I heard you like stories, Wanderer, so how about I frame this as one."

I'm not staying for stories. I turned, making a break for it. Valerie caught my wrist, yanking it back. "Stay awhile," she hissed. I stood frozen, she loosened her grip my arm.

Augustine continued his circle, lifting his arms. "Once there were two friends fighting for the same cause. This cause was noble and right, but it came at great cost." He spun, his cloak giving a swoosh. "Both fed up with the losses, they reacted oppositely. One took a more proactive approach, working harder to make the losses count for something. The other abandoned the cause and even sought to tear it apart." He slowed his steps, humming, "One builds and the other destroys, in a seemingly endless struggle. The once good friends became bitter enemies…and I need to bury my enemy."

"I get it." I yanked my arm from the witch. "What does that have to do with me?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Nothing, but our mutual friend is a hard one to find."

I scowled at him. I've never thought of Birdman as hard to find. Augustine raised his chin. "Our attempts so far have failed."

He stepped closer, towering over me. "Seemingly the one thing he shows his face for is you."

My eyes went wide. "You wanna use me as bait!"

"You'd be perfectly safe," Valerie cooed, moving in to corner me. "Merle may be an advanced mage, but Augustine is certainly his equal."

Augustine shrugged. "He's skilled, but he's also isolated. Once we find him it won't take long to take him down."

I shook my head, stumbling back. "If you guys can find me, you don't need my help finding him."

Valerie laughed, " Merle knows how to avoid our gaze, you do not."

"Ya? Then how come he can't find me?"

Augustine sighed, pacing close. "Like I said, he's isolated. We have resources he doesn't." He stopped in front of me. "This is why our partnership is so necessary. We can't find him and he can't find you, but we can find you and use you to lure him out."

I tighten my fists. "I won't do it."

"I'm not asking Wanderer," he growled, another swoop of his cape.

Valerie tilted her head. "We can always put her to sleep again."

"You wouldn't dare!" I stepped back, hitting the edge of the table.

Augustine shook his head. "I wouldn't test me, Wanderer. We still have your friend."

A sick feeling in my gut, I shook my head. "...If you touch him."

He laughed, "You'll do nothing, you're too weak to challenge me." He loomed over. "You're out of options, Wanderer."

I gritted my teeth, holding back the well of fury building. Like it or not...I'm at his mercy.

A flash of light sailed past the table, all eyes turned. The flaming ball of herbs fell as a heap at my feet. Uh oh. Klevengers warnings played off like a siren.

I ducked under the table, sliding across the floor. A short pop rang out, light scattering in wayward sparks. Augustine and Valerie clutched their throats, gagging on noxious gases. I took a gasp for air, holding my breath as I clawed for the door.

Stumbling to my feet, I turned back. Augustine collapsed to his knees, reaching for me with a shaky hand. His eyes burned with wild fury.

I shuddered, yanking my pack from the floor. I scrambled for the exit. Slipping out the door, I bumped right into Wren.

He grabbed the bag from my hands, pulling me along "We have to go," he hissed.

My legs barely held up as we bounded down the corridor. Almost crashing into the wall we turned, skidding down a staircase. "Where are we?" I stammered.

He looked back, wiping the sweat on his brow. "It's a castle outside the city. As soon as they knocked you out they moved you here. I tried to follow the best I could." His face twitched. "But I had to figure out where your friend was first."

"You did? Is he safe?" I sputtered, running to catch up.

Wren pointed to the floor. "He's waiting below, I wanted to give him a running start if this didn't work."

My heart pounded, a smile slipping out. Diggery's okay. He's not hurt, I have him back. I can keep him safe.

We swung around the staircase, bounding down the steps below. My feet finding new energy, I reached the door before Wren, running out into the hall. Diggery jumped back, his bright green eyes landing on me. That goofy grin slipping across his face, he scratched his head. "Hey, Phyn-"

I wrapped my arms around him, giving his ribs a big squeeze. "Don't do that to me again." I shut my eyes, breathing easier. "I was so scared they'd hurt you."

He chuckled, twisting my grip looser. "I'm fine, really. They were very civil kidnappers, just a bit strange."

I stepped back brushing that golden hair out of his eyes. "You're sticking close to me," I said. The image of Freya's dead body left my stomach in knots. I won't lose him too.

Diggery bumped me with his elbow. "You couldn't get rid of me if you tried."

Wren scrunched up his face, walking forward. "Sorry to interrupt your little moment, but if you want to live, we should go."

"We're coming," I hissed, trasping after him down the hall. Diggery at my heels, I kept my eyes on Wren. "Your charm didn't work," I started my complaint.

“It was a long shot anyway." He looked over his shoulder, back down our path. "We should be more worried about getting out of here.”

I nodded, shrinking back at the fear in his eyes. "...You don't have a plan do you."

Eyes low, he shook his head. "I'll figure something out I promise."

Diggery stepped between us. "Um, why doesn't Phyn just beam us out."

Wren sighed, "Because, they'll just come after us, we need to make sure they can't." He slowed his steps, frowning at me. "And Phyn is in no state to teleport, least not to take all of us."

I chewed on my lip, avoiding their eyes. Valerie said something about that… By the weakness in my steps, I knew they were right. I've pushed myself far enough to know my limits. I lifted my head. "If we get trapped maybe I can manage it."

Wren shook his head. "It's okay, kid. You don't need to."

Diggery darted his eyes. "Are they really that bad? Maybe Phyn should help them."

There is no world where that happens. I went to open my mouth, Wren stepping in. "These are not people you can trust," he said.

"What are we supposed to do then?" Diggery raised his hands.

Wren took a deep breath, another twitch. "I know what we gotta do but it's risky."

I rolled my eyes, walking past both them. "Let's go then, I'm too angry to be afraid."

Diggery's jaw fell. Pulling me aside, he lowered his voice. "Phyn, think about this." He narrowed his eyes on Wren. "I know you want to trust this guy, but what do you really know about him? We could be walking into a trap."

I pushed him away from me. "We'd still be in Augustine's clutches if it weren't for him."

"And let's keep it that way," Diggery whispered.

He has no right to treat Wren like that. I shook my head, stepping around him. I ignored Diggerys frown, marching up to Wren. "Tell me what to do and I'll do it."

Wren gave a snicker, "I like the attitude, kid. Time to give our wizard friends something to chew on."