Magecraft: Daynor

By D. K. Lange

The master glanced up, calm emanating from every pore. Except his eyes. Eyes the color of the Pool of Darkness reflected lights of excitement. His tall, skinny frame was encased in a robe the color of ruby, the color of a master mage, which stood in stark contrast to the white beard and hair that flowed down both sides of the robe. Many of his students often wondered how many years it had taken to grow his beard that long. His wrinkled face gave no indication of the excitement he was feeling as he shuffled toward the gate of a home that housed his favorite student. Toren. The Guild has need of your services.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546230434

D. K. Lange

D.K. LANGE grew up on a farm in rural Missouri. Her love of writing came from her English teacher who encouraged her to let her imagination fly. That advice has stayed with her all her life. Married to the same loving husband for 42 years she has three children, and five grandchildren. Her family's support and encouragement in her talent for writing has allowed her to publish several books. She has embraced her Native Heritage with pride. She frequented powwows, became friends with shaman's and those of different tribes. She served in the Army and holds great pride and honors those who serve today.

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© 2018 D. K. Lange. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/26/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3044-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3042-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3043-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018902335

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Prologue

ANOLA TOR

The Master glanced up, calm emanating from every pore. Except his eyes. Eyes the color of the Pool of Darkness reflected lights of excitement. His tall, skinny frame was encased in a robe the color of ruby, the color of a master mage, which stood in stark contrast to the white beard and hair that flowed down both sides of the robe. Many of his students often wondered how many years it had taken to grow his beard that long. His wrinkled face gave no indication of the excitement he was feeling as he shuffled toward the gate of a home that housed his favorite student. Toren. The Guild has need of your services.

Toren a’Mogion stretched with a smile of amusement on his face. As a Sixth Knight of the Guild they often had need of his services. Some of his assignments had been fascinating, many on other planets and all were dangerous. Kneeling before the Master, Toren bowed in respect. How may my services be used?

The Master smiled knowing the question of servitude would be forthcoming from Toren. Of all the knights he had trained, Toren a’Mogion never refused. He was a unique person even among the other Sixth Level knights. Toren’s six-foot six-inch frame was well muscled from the work he did for the Guild. The Master heard one female describing Toren’s shoulder length blonde hair and bronze skin as having been kissed by the sun. The thing the women talked about most when speaking of Toren was the deep blue of his eyes. He had never seen anyone with such deep blue eyes before and Toren’s was speckled with silver. Walk with me, my son.

Toren waited until the Master, Solvate, turned and indicated the way before rising. This is a quest of utmost importance. There shall soon be a ripple in the fabric of our history. It will come from the northernmost section of our universe. Solvate walked beside his student through the gardens of wildflowers that grew profusely within the Forest of Stone. The Guild wishes you to investigate. It must be decided if this ripple shall endanger our people.

Toren released a deep breath. How soon shall the ripple occur?

That is unknown. Solvate shook his graying head, folding his hands behind his back. For some reason the cause of the ripple has yet to be seen. All the Guild can determine is that it shall occur very soon.

Toren watched his mentor through narrowed eyes. Never had he seen Solvate this concerned or excited. That is unusual for the Guild. Are they concerned with the fact that they are unable to determine the cause of this ripple or the fact they know not why it shall occur?

The older man shrugged his shoulders. Neither is my concern. My concern is that you arrive in time to protect whatever creates the ripple. It has been foretold that one of our own shall return in time. As with any ripple that occurred in the past, this also must be investigated. The others have proven false for the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Toren knew the prophecy. It was the first lesson taught to a First Knight of the Guild even before he learned the basic skills of magecraft. Although he doubted the prophecy would be fulfilled he tried to give encouragement to the one person who seemed desperate for it to be. I hope this is the Princess you seek, Master.

Do not be snide, Toren. I believe someone who does not understand there is even a prophecy shall fulfill the divination. I fear the Princess has been too long in exile and that with time, the prophecy shall be forgotten in her line. It would not be the first time history has denied the use of their kindness.

Even though Solvate’s tone of voice never changed Toren sensed that a great sadness filled his master’s heart and it disturbed him greatly for he admired the elder mage. He knew how much this prophecy meant to the sorcerers who lived on Anola Tor. He also sensed he would get no further information from Solvate. My sword is, as always, ready to serve the Guild.

I had no doubt, my son. The Master’s gaze slowly roved the water lapping against the shore. The stone they stopped upon was a cliff overlooking the Sea of Quay. The deep crystalline blue matched the color of Toren’s eyes. The sun glinted white stars upon the water as the wind slowly mingled the fragrance of flowers with the scent of salt. There is something I have seen which the others have not. This shall be a dangerous trip for you and both Santor and Rufo must go with you. I shall open the gate to the twelfth star when you have returned with your possessions. Haste is important.

I shall return soon. Toren bowed his head in respect before leaving. Apprehension tingled up his spine and he forced it to the pit of his stomach. Never had Solvate warned him of danger on any of the previous assignments although all were fraught with hazards.

The Master watched Toren’s retreating back and a rare smile slid across his face. Toren a’Mogion’s destiny was about to be fulfilled. The danger would not come from that which Toren knew. It would come from within. Solvate heaved a great sigh, once again watching the surf. It took you long enough.

You call at the most inopportune times, Master. The voice came from behind Solvate. You have little consideration for I was with a beautiful woman.

You heard, of course. Will you accompany the Guild’s most noble knight to the northernmost regions?

However much I love to travel you well know I hate the north.

That may be however you are the only connection to your fellow elves in that region. I feel they shall be needed and shall play an important part in this mission. It is imperative you go with Toren.

Is the Guild ready to acknowledge?

You know they never will, Rufo. I am not asking as part of the Guild. I am asking you to accompany Toren as his friend and as my friend.

It surprises me that you, Solvate, being the greatest sorcerer among the Guild readily acknowledges the magic of the elves yet the other mages do not. You have even encouraged young Toren to learn our ways, much to the disapproval of the others. Why then does the Guild refuse to acknowledge they have done us an injustice?

Solvate shrugged his shoulders. Why do elves disappear when they are the bravest of warriors as well as the best of thieves? Another shrug. Instead of watching the life forces of those around them they watch for ripples in the fabric of time. Solvate’s voice, filled with sadness, became very soft. They are blinded to the fact the prophecy shall never be fulfilled as it is written.

You sound as if you have seen far more than the danger you warned Toren about.

Solvate heard the sound of grass being disturbed behind him. If you wish to sit you could at least have the decency to invite this old man to sit with you.

Old man? Rufo laughed gleefully. If the old man wishes to sit it is not for me to invite.

Although Rufo had yet to appear Solvate knew well what he looked like. The elf was very short and usually rode on Toren’s shoulder. His white hair stood in contrast to the dark green skin of his race. Pointed ears flicking back and forth told of his excitement when something sparked his interest, yet his black eyes told no secrets or revealed his emotions. He wore leather armor and across his back was slung his bow and poisoned tipped arrows to which the elf was very skilled in using. Toren brought Rufo back to Anola Tor after the elf had gotten injured helping the lad escape a trap set for him. A small, dense cloud appeared when Solvate swirled his finger toward the ground. I dislike sitting on the flowers. It ruins their fragrance. He stated, sitting cross-legged on the cloud.

A derisive snort. I have apologized to them. Tell me Master, what do you expect young Toren to find? Why have you only this time warned him of danger?

The Guild believes he shall find the Princess. I know he shall find his destiny. I fear he shall not see it as plainly as I.

The Guild believes the Princess is returning?

I hear the shock in your voice. All the signs are there.

You do not believe this is true.

A slow grin spread across the Masters’ face. I have seen what creates the ripple in time. The Guild shall be sorely disappointed.

So be it. Many have been disappointed by the Guild. It is about time they received some of what they have dished out over the years.

Shall you go? Solvate could feel unseen eyes watching him and waited. Rufo would make his decision known when he was ready. Time meant as little to elves as it did to sorcerers.

Ready Santor. Tell him not to bite me this time or I shall use some of my magic on him. I shall return before Toren does.

Thank you, my friend. Solvate whispered to the wind knowing Rufo was already gone. The legend shall be fulfilled, my friends. A princess is not the one who shall fulfill it, however. There is another that shall fill that position and more. It shall take all your strengths combined before this quest is over.

Chapter One

D aynor, come here child.

Daynor looked up from where she was practicing for her upcoming trial. On the morrow she would take her sixth and final test. She struggled many years under the tutelage of her grandfather and hoped her hard work would finally pay off. I am coming. She smiled. Her grandfather was as ageless as all the sorcerers who taught her. His gray hair hung in a long braid down his back and his arms were covered with tattoos showing the various cultures he came into contact with over a lifetime. It still surprised her that she was accepted into apprenticeship with the Master of Kryton Four. Never had she known any other which her grandfather taught since she came to be.

He was considered an ancient by most people of Kryton Four yet Daynor knew him as Grandfather. He was shorter by several inches in comparison to her six-foot frame and his eyes were as gray as his hair. Apprehension skipped up her spine for the elderly mage seemed more stoop-shouldered than ever. She had never seen the elder look so old before.

Walk with me child. I have something important to tell you.

Daynor knew by the sound of his voice that, at this time, he was Master and not Grandfather. Kneeling, head bowed in respect, she waited until he rose from his seat. Is there a problem with my testing?

Grandfather groaned as he stood. No child. Hands behind his back he started off toward the woods. This is about something entirely different. I have seen something that disturbs me greatly. Something you can do nothing about and I shall do nothing to stop. Tears gathered in his gray eyes.

Daynor walked silently beside him, confused.

I must tell you of your mother. The words, spoken softly into the silence, speared Daynor with icy tendrils. She forced herself to remain quiet as she followed behind her grandfather. I know you have many questions. I also know you get angry and frustrated when I fail to answer them. This has been hard for both of us, my child. Every time I hear you call me Grandfather I wonder… A deep, sorrowful sigh escaped him.

Daynor glanced into the beloved face of the only family she had ever known, heart troubled. Today he seemed to have aged eons. Grandfather, if this distresses you so, you need not speak of it.

He looked into the deep blue of Daynor’s eyes and knew she was distressed by the brilliant color of the gold that speckled the blue. Often Daynor’s eyes reminded him of the night sky with stars piercing the midnight blue. Her silver-blonde hair stood in stark contrast to her golden tan. She was barefoot as all students on Kryton Four. Only the masters wore the soft shoes of leather.

It is time you know of your past. Your mother was sent through the northern world gate when she was with child. When she arrived on our planet I found her and brought her back to Kryton Four. She had such power I feared the only place for her to find safety was here on this island. The mainlander’s would not have understood. A worried frown crossed his face. When she first arrived she talked about another planet from which she was exiled.

Mother came through the Gate of Never? Daynor gaped at her Grandfather. Of the four world gates, three were known to lead to other lands which were visited freely by the mages. The fourth world gate had been breached by many, yet none ever returned and no connection could be found to indicate that it led anywhere.

She has been the only one in the fifteen hundred years I have been alive to do so and it has been a marvel to all on Kryton Four how she survived. Yes child, she came through the Gate of Never. You had only been just conceived before she arrived. She never spoke of your father, so I can answer no questions concerning him. Your mother, however, was a great sorceress. She taught me much while we waited for your arrival. Many of those things I have passed to you as she requested.

Was she pretty?

Very pretty. Grandfather’s features softened and a smile lit his face at the memories. Her eyes were green and sparks seemed to fly from them when she was angry or full of mischief. Many of the mages here had trouble meeting her eyes. I did not. I loved her as a daughter and she accepted the love I had for her. On the day you were born, and the day she died, she made me promise to raise you in the ways of mage.

Sadness emanated from the old man, seeping into Daynor. She laid her hand on his arm in an attempt to pull the sadness from him. I am glad she knew of your kindness and love just as I am proud to call you my Grandfather. I know she must have been happy here.

Grandfather patted her hand absently as they sat upon the teaching stone. The teaching stone was a huge, flat, granite stone, which appeared as if someone had picked it up and settled it amidst the great forest. It was large enough for master and student to sit upon comfortably. Your mother saw into the future and knew you held the key to a special destiny. She made me promise to keep things for you and give them to you when I felt you were ready to know the truth.

He reached under his ruby colored robe, withdrawing a torque. This was around her neck and she asked that I remove it the moment of her death. I was to give it to you and warn you never to release it to anyone. Carry it with you at all times, my dear. Wear it if you wish. Remove it only around those you trust not to steal it. He slipped it around her neck. It has some kind of special powers, my child. Your mother never explained. She said your mage sight would help you understand and when the time came you would know how to put the power of the necklace to use.

Daynor fingered the torque. It was cold when Grandfather put it around her neck but warmed instantly when it touched her skin. Not hot yet not cold. The stone, she saw when he withdrew it from his robe was deep blue and shot sparks when the sunlight reflected off the stone just before Grandfather slipped it around her neck. The metal was not of gold, iron or steel. As she fingered it she found it impossible to name the element from which it was made. A heart shaped drop holding the stone hugged her neck to end in the hollow at her collarbone.

There is more. Grandfather reached beneath the folds of his robe again and withdrew what appeared to be a dagger, smaller than a sword yet larger than a knife. The hilt was made of gold. The handle appeared to be the image of a dragon’s head like one she saw in the archive books, the crossbar its wings. Strange words appeared on the double-edged blade. I do not know what it says. Your mother never told me.

It says, ‘Go bravely into the unknown and meet your destiny.’ I cannot explain how I know the words, yet I can hear them repeating themselves in my head. Daynor fingered the blade in amazement.

Your mother had three traveling pouches with her at the time. He withdrew them from their hiding place. She said to tell you these pouches would hold everything and anything you put into them. A sorcerer on her planet made them. She carried all manner of things. Clothes, food, water bags, books, leather armor, just about everything imaginable. It appears they are bottomless. Whenever your mother wanted something she simply thought about what she wanted and then reached into one of the bags. It was in her hand when she withdrew it.

What is in them now?

That is for you to find out. When your mother died I hid the torque, dagger and pouches. I shall leave you now while you explore the bags. Tomorrow shall be a big day for you. Impulsively, Grandfather leaned over and kissed Daynor’s cheek. I raised you as best I could child, always interspersing your mother’s teachings with my own. I pray I have done justice to both worlds.

Daynor’s fingers itched to explore the contents of the pouches yet the sadness in the old sage’s voice tore at her heartstrings. Reverently she set them aside and slid his wrinkled hand between hers. Grandfather, you have always given me love and I know you loved mother. That is obvious by the care you have given the gifts and me. Why are you so sad? You sound as if I shall leave you now that I know my mother was not of this planet. Do you not realize you are the only person who has shown me love? If not for you I would never have known that emotion? That beside you is where my place in life is?

Kryton Four is not your destiny, my dear.

You have always taught that destiny is what you make it. You are my destiny, grandfather.

Sadly, the grandfather shook his head. No child. I am an ancient and have seen the day of my death. You are destined for something greater however the path to that destiny is filled with pain. This is the legacy I leave you. Your mother left you with hope. I leave you with only pain and sorrow.

Daynor knew better than to try to change his mind. They sat in companionable silence for several hours. Only when the sun slid below the towers protecting Kryton Four did she finally ask the question uppermost in her mind. Grandfather, what was my mother’s name?

A deep sigh echoed in the gathering shadows. I do not know child. She never told me. When she first arrived, she seemed not to know our language and communication was difficult. I called her Emerald Dawn because the dawn was cresting when I found her and reflected the sparks in her emerald green eyes. Within hours she was able to speak as freely as we do now. When I asked her name she simply smiled sadly and stated the name I gave her would do since she was starting a new life. Never once since I met your mother did she speak her name.

How did you come by my name?

Another deep sigh. "Your mother named you before you were born. I sense you wish to know what it means however I do not know. Your mother was a woman of great mystery, my dear. She learned our ways quickly, teaching only what she wanted you to know. She never spoke about her past, where she came from or why she was sent through the Gate of Never.

I tried to get her to talk about it once for I knew you would have questions. She simply smiled sadly and said that the child’s destiny will not be tied to the past. Her destiny was in the future. When I asked about your father, her face became murderously angry and she refused to allow me to ask any more questions stating only that the child would be free of all encompasses of parentage when destiny was fulfilled. Freedom can only be won when not hampered by other people’s expectations, she told me. She never answered another question.

I fear our time of solitude is about to be disrupted. Daynor wrinkled her nose in distaste. Kandor approaches.

He is angry I have not met with the Council to declare my successor. He prides himself the next leader of Kryton Four.

He is too full of himself to become a good leader. Kandor thinks he should be advanced to Level Six Sorcerer just because he is. Daynor snorted in disgust. He shall drive many good apprentices away if he becomes leader over Kryton Four.

He shall do worse than that. Came the quiet reply. Let us return. You have a big day ahead of you child. Regardless of what happens, remember always the teachings of your mother and mine. You have been taught special things in addition to what the other apprentices have learned and I pray those teachings shall help you in your future. As the dagger says, go bravely into the unknown and meet your destiny for you shall not find it on Kryton Four. Daynor pulled Grandfather from where they sat, noting again how he seemed to age this past day. Her six-foot frame towered over him, her quick reflexes catching him as he stumbled. I welcome death Daynor. She heard him say through mind speech. I am sorry you shall be left behind to suffer the pain.

You are dying, Grandfather? She replied in mind speech, fear of being alone in the world racing up her spine. Swallowing hard, she forced the fear to her feet. Shall it come soon?

Yes child. That is why I gave you these things today. Do not let anyone know you have them or let anyone see what is in them. That point cannot be stressed enough. Whatever is there is for your eyes only to be used in your future. Hide them well. He cautioned. Another deep, shuddering sigh escaped him. I dread this confrontation with Kandor. Leave me quickly child, else he shall begin asking questions I am in no mood to evade.

With a quick kiss to his weathered cheek she faded quickly into the darkness. Mage sight allowed her to see perfectly, as if it were midday with the sun blaring down upon her. Drifting into the shadows she was determined not to allow her Grandfather to stay in harm’s way alone.

There you are old man. Kandor stated sharply standing before the elder with hands on hips, anger emanating from his every pore. The Council has been waiting for hours for you to proclaim me as your successor. I should have known you would wander away from the tower and forget an important event such as this.

The elder looked at Kandor with disgust. The mage was only five-foot six-inches, his black hair always appeared oily and unkempt. Dark eyes reflected the darkness of his soul. His nose was long and slightly distorted his facial features giving him a sinister look. He paid little attention to his studies and took his anger out on the other apprentices. Many, instructors as well as students, either avoided him or quaked when he was around. All had learned to hate Kandor for the scars he left behind.

I did not forget. I have been busy with other matters. The elder mage stated softly. I was preparing Daynor for her test on the morrow.

Kandor snorted, anger flaring in his eyes. Daynor shall never become a Sixth Level Mage, old man. I have talked to the Council and told them she is not one of us. She should never be allowed to advance before your chosen successor. You have only to speak the words and they shall acknowledge me as a Sixth Level Mage.

You have not studied. Grandfather reminded him with a frown.

Another snort sounded from Kandor. I have no need to study. Being chosen your successor is proof enough I deserve the advancement.

Daynor’s anger seethed like molten lava within her and she concentrated on keeping it well hidden. Kandor was not a skilled mage yet he could very well detect her presence by feeling her wrath. She slipped deeper into the darkness to keep her anger from reaching him. If he intended to injure her Grandfather, she wanted to be close enough to stop any attack.

She was assured that a special tester would arrive on the morrow to guarantee a fair test. This, apparently, was something Kandor was not informed of. As quickly as it flamed within her the anger cooled and she smiled. She would become a Sixth Level Mage and there was nothing Kandor could do about it.

If you are ready the Council has only just retired. There is still time to call them together, so you can make your announcement.

The Elder’s spine stiffened at the words. What shall you do if I declare Daynor my successor? Only your brash assumption has assured you that position.

The anger emanating from Kandor was almost touchable. Do not threaten me old man. His voice was low, filled with warning. I am willing to overlook your lack of memory, but you must declare me your successor. You know that bastard child shall never succeed you.

She shall if I declare her deserving.

For the first time in her young life Daynor felt anger radiating from her Grandfather. Why was he putting her in the middle of this? He knew she wanted nothing to do with ruling over Kryton Four. Was it to assure she would proceed to seek her own destiny? He said he was dying. Was he deliberately trying to avoid naming a successor until after he ceased to exist? That would put everyone on Kryton Four into panic.

Only once had a leader ceased to exist before naming a successor. The Council debated for almost a century before naming her Grandfather. For over a thousand years he ruled justly, never shirking his duties. Now he was stalling. The action was so obvious Daynor almost giggled. As insignificant as Kandor was in the fabric of history no one else seemed willing to succeed Grandfather. Where others hesitated Kandor used the excuse to grab what he wanted and bullied any who disagreed.

I shall consult the forces of the realm before I declare anything to the Council. You are still a Fifth Level Mage and therefore ineligible to succeed me. Grandfather walked tall around Kandor without a trace of his earlier unsteadiness. Let the Council rest tonight. There was much to be discussed today and they are tired. I shall let you know my decision in the early morn.

Kandor’s hand snaked out, clamping hard on Grandfather’s arm. Listen to me, old man. You had better decide in my favor or suffer the consequences. I shall be successor. Do you understand?

We shall see. Grandfather pulled his arm through Kandor’s hand, leaving him clasping thin air.

Chapter Two

D aynor awoke to the early rays of dawn. She stretched tiredly, having been too excited about the upcoming test and worried over her Grandfather’s words to have easily fallen into sleep. Dressing quickly in her robes of brown, the sign of a fifth level mage, she checked to ensure the things given her last night was still well hidden before she hurried to the training room.

Surprise and a descending feeling of dread enshrouded her when she failed to see her Grandfather. Shifting her conscious awareness, she tried to search him out with mage sight only to encompass cold and darkness. Not surprising. He often challenged her in this way when he felt her searching for him. Sighing, she settled to the floor to review her teachings. Everything must be correct today especially since a visiting sorcerer would be challenging her.

Stringing a necklace of light, she once again searched for her Grandfather. Something was not correct. The cold seemed to be gaining strength. The stench of death hit her with force. Dropping the string of light, it fizzled out before she gained her feet. Rushing from the room, up the stairs, tears blinded her before she reached his door, but the heavy oak door was barred, forcing her to use magic to unlock it.

The sight before her made her scream. Grandfather was lying across the bed, her knife buried deep within his chest. Rushing to the bed she prayed the truth she feared to be wrong. No heartbeat pumped beneath his chest. No air moved within his lungs. The only person she ever knew as family was dead. Wailing, she flung herself across her Grandfather, fingers closing over the hilt of her knife. Pulling it from his body she flung it across the room as if it were a living, evil thing.

She was vaguely aware of others coming into the room yet still she tried to force his life-giving blood back into his body. Death had been unkind to the ancient sorcerer. His face twisted with pain, torso covered with blood that seeped to her as she tried to deny death. Grandfather, why? She cried over and over as she pressed against the wound. Why?

What have you done? Growled Kandor, pushing his way between the other mages and apprentices. You have killed him before he was able to name me successor. Kandor flung his hands in her direction. A whip of light, five tails wide, flashed across the room, ripping Daynor’s clothes and flesh alike. Grab the murderess and throw her into the dungeon. He screamed at the others.

The other mages moved back into the hall, fear emanating from them. Kandor had spread his evil among them all. The apprentices moved to pull the weeping girl from the body of their leader. They were afraid also but not from what they had seen. They feared not to obey Kandor for they had already felt the bite of his whip. Many still had scars from the last encounter with his type of justice and did not wish to experience it again. Kandor was well known for his wrath, taking his anger out on anyone near enough for his whip of light.

Daynor stumbled between two of the apprentices, tears blinding her. Her heart felt as if it was breaking in two, her grief was so great. Although Grandfather warned her about his impending death she never realized it would be this