TBC: Chapter Forty

Brogan opened his eyes and smiled in relief. "It worked, Sir Malik. I think she is unconscious again, but I felt her pain disappear." He wiped the back of his hand across his eyes as several tears slipped out. "Thank you."

Malik nodded and stood to put a hand on Brogan's shoulder. "Akila will not hesitate to harm her again if she has to and will not keep her alive for long once she no longer has use for her, so we must move forward with a plan quickly."

"Why her?" Brogan asked. "It seems as if she sought Valora specifically."

"That is what we were discussing before your arrival, Master Brogan," Syam answered. "We think it may be because of her charisma."

"My speculations are that Akila is attempting to combine Pandian and warrior blood into a potion for Mordán's army," Malik suggested. "Since Master Valora is a Sensan, the properties in her blood may fuse best with Pandian and Vaznaun."

"Could someone without magical ability withstand consuming a potion like that?" Gyan asked.

"Not in a significant dose," Malik said. "Even taking a drop can be problematic. She will use test subjects to experiment with the effect until she gets it right."

"She is ruthless," Faelán stated.

"Which is why there can be no delay in retrieving Master Valora from Akila's clutches," Malik said gravely. "We must go tonight."

"How does she know what our gifts are?" Tarak asked.

"She doesn't know all the specifics, nor does she know what they can evolve into, but she possesses an ability to conjure visions that help her intuitively gather clues about your power," Malik answered.

"Let's begin our session formally, so we can move forward quickly," Syam stated.

The warriors took their place around the large oval table and the Order members cited the warrior philosophy in unison before seating.

The group was brought up to date on all events that had transpired since the teams separated, along with a report on the new charismas that had developed in Hoshi and Jarek.

Tarak looked at Aderes pointedly. Are you going to tell them that you can control someone's thought without touch?

Aderes avoided Tarak's stare. At the right time, he responded.

Tarak cast Aderes a skeptical glance but remained silent.

"Keep reaching beyond where you currently stand with your innovated insight," Malik said encouragingly. "There is no end to the power that resides within you or in the ways you will be able to combine your power with those of your team."

"If there is no more to report, we will now discuss a strategy for the assignment to retrieve Master Valora," Syam announced.

"She is in his palace somewhere," said Faelán.

"How do we know for sure?" Brogan said.

Jabari pointed to a large screen over them that displayed a holographic projection of the outside of Mordán's palace. A single blinking red light appeared several yards in front of the palace. "Fane embedded our suits with a tracking device in case one of us is ever in danger or separated from the group," Jabari said. "Our guess is that she is being held in the dungeons beneath the small lake that sits at the back of his castle."

After open speculation, it was decided that all new masters and Jalena were to accompany Malik on the main mission to retrieve Valora. Jabari and Shamira would remain in Gawl Forest for additional assistance.

"The castle faces southwest, so the forest will provide you coverage until you reach the northeast side of the palace grounds," Faelán stated.

"There will likely be Vaznaun already positioned in the forest," Jabari added, "which is why you will be needed there, Master Shamira."

Shamira nodded.

"How do we know that Mordán will not be waiting for us with ships at the borders of Androsa?" Gyan asked.

"Mordán understands that the Order's objective is to avoid bringing harm to innocent people and that we desire to avoid conflict whenever possible. He also wishes to keep the effects of the war away from Androsa for as long as he can," answered Jabari. "So, he will make his defense as discrete as possible."

"You must not underestimate Akila," warned Zareb. "If you encounter her, remember that she will not easily fall for distractions and will not hesitate in using her power to kill you."

"You also must not fear her," Malik reminded the masters. "She is powerful, but she can still be defeated. Remember that whatever you find yourself facing, you have the power to meet the challenge."

"You have two hours to rest and eat before the day stars set," Syam said. "You leave after dusk. All your belongings have already been moved from the domusé to your quarters here. Sorda will show you the way."