The Stair Of Time (Book 2) Read Free Page A

sufficient to keep an animal conscious.  It seems plausible, anyway.
    But keep in mind, what seems plausible and what is are often two very different things.  Indeed, in many cases what seems most likely is in actuality least likely.  For example, until yesterday I would have considered encountering a spell within a spell within a spell to be highly unlikely.  And yet today, here we are.  I didn’t even detect the faintest suggestion of an encryption until after delving beneath several protective enchantments, the complexity of which was surprising.
    Some wizards can be t erribly clever with their spell-weaving, forming an elaborate tapestry from stitches that cross, switch back, and cross again, all when you least expect it, each designed to mislead whoever is trying to unravel them.  The spells don’t even have to be that powerful to keep from being undone—provided they’re clever enough.” 
    Ashel laughed with what sounde d suspiciously like utter indifference.  “Of course, it’s just as likely that there is only one wizard involved and that time-space is merely trying to right itself because Mandie doesn’t belong in this now.   I simply don’t know yet, Andaris.  I don’t believe she is in any immediate danger.  This is something that could take months to run its course, leaving her in a state of suspended animation until either complete dissolution or complete integration is achieved, the latter only being possible if we succeed in finding a solution. How long we have all depends on how hard she fights.  I will see what I can unearth, but you must be patient.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back.  I’ve been gone too long as it is.”
    As Ashel turned and walked from the room, he began muttering to himsel f.  “I don’t know.  I told you that!  All three places at once would be my guess.  Maybe there’s something in the tower that can help.”
     
    ***
     
    “I’ve heard Ashel mutter under his breath before,” said Andaris, “but something about this made my skin crawl.”
    Gaven rubbed his thumb across the edge of the tabletop where some sap had begun to ooze out, examining it with a pained expression on his face.  “Yeah, me too.  Probably because it sounded like he was actually talkin’ to someone.  Well…damn.  I’m sorry, Andaris.  She deserves better.  And so do you.  If there’s any way I can help, any way at all, just say the word.  She’s my family, too, ya know.”
    “I know.  And you know how she feels.”
    The big man’s expression turned hard, countenance donning the same stony mask he wore before battle. “Don’t lose hope,” he said.  “If Ashel told you he would see to it, he will.  Regardless of the way he’s been acting.  And rest assured, if there’s anyone who can sort this mess out, it’s him.  I just wish there was somethin’ that I could do.  I feel useless.”
    “That’s the problem,” Andaris agreed.  “That’s what’s so frustrating.  There’s very little any of us can do except Ashel and….  I don’t know.”
    “What?”
    “I’m just not sure how much I trust him right now.”  Seeing Gaven’s lips part in protest, Andaris raised a hand.  “I know how it sounds, especially after everything he’s done for us, but you didn’t see the way he looked.  If you had, you might feel different.”
    T he big man shrugged with apparent nonchalance, only his eyes betraying uncertainty.  “I know how you feel.  But like I said, it’s just his way.  It doesn’t mean anything.”
    Andaris sighed.  “ I hope you’re right.  Rodan knows, I haven’t been thinking very clearly of late.  A good night’s sleep would do me wonders.”  He stood and walked to one of the two windows overlooking the sea, peering down at the moon-ghosted water crashing against the cliffs.  “It’s just not fair.  After everything she’s been through."  His hands clenched into fists.  “After everything we’ve all