Page 37 of Within the Flames
She tried to focus on all the positive things she knew about Wind. When she'd first met the guys, Cam had created mini tornados that had whirled around the palms of his hands. Even though they should have been threatening, she'd thought them incredibly cute. She smiled and focussed on that memory. Cam, his laugh, his enthusiasm for his magic.
Slowly, a breeze began to blow, gently kissing Macey's hair, but she didn't flinch away. She was still held by Air, and Wind was just another playmate, not a threat. They were going to be a fun pair to hang out with. Air, the steady one, Wind, the turbulent one.
She raised a hand and felt for the Wind. At first, nothing happened, just the same breeze tousling her hair, but then, something gripped her hand. She squeezed, her eyes not seeing anything but her magic feeling the new, strong power she was now holding. She was touching Wind, even though that was supposed to be impossible.
Suddenly, without any warning at all, she was thrown back into her body, looking at Luc in bewilderment.
"We need to go," he said urgently, grabbing his hand and pulling her out of the room.
She was far too shocked to resist, her mind still trapped halfway between her inner, peaceful loch and the harsh reality.
He led her out of Malan's house and into the fog where everyone was staring at a strange glistening cloud. It was about as big as a large van, bright blue, and pulsating in a steady beat, its colour increasing every time.
"What is that?" she gasped, her expression mimicking that of all the other onlookers: a mixture of wonder and fear.
"That's our path out of here," the daimon explained just as the other Wardens reached them. "You've opened the portal, now you have to step through it."
"It worked?" Cam asked in surprise. "I thought I felt something but wasn't sure what had happened."
"Yes, yes, she did amazingly, now shush, let her gather herself. She needs to be completely focussed to lead all of us through the portal."
Macey was having trouble following the conversation. Focusing? That seemed impossible. If only Luc hadn't brought her back from her out-of-body experience this suddenly. She'd be fine then, but now, she was confused. Everything was happening so quickly.
Hands grabbed her shoulders and squeezed until she looked up, right into the daimon's fiery eyes.
"You're the only one who can lead us through that portal, Macey," he said, his voice serious. "You need to concentrate on your destination as hard as you can."
"But we don't know our destination," she protested. "I have no idea where the Mahoun is."
"You remember his castle?" he asked and she nodded, wondering how he even knew about that.
"Think of that. Remember as many details as you can. It's not the exact place that's important, it's the essence of his home. Think of the Mahoun, think of his castle, think of all the evil you'll be able to prevent by defeating him. Can you do that?"
His expression had changed to something almost desperate. She wondered how many of his charges had failed in the past. How many he'd lost during impossible quests.
She grit her teeth and nodded.
"Okay, I'll do that. Will you all follow or how does this work?"
Luc smiled at her, his entire face lighting up.
"Good girl. Yes, we'll be right behind you. Once you've arrived, keep your focus until everyone is through, or the portal will collapse. Remember, you're the one controlling it."
"Why is she suddenly so special?" Izban muttered in the background, but Macey ignored him. There were more important things to think about.
She looked around at her allies. Kelpies, kabouters, her fellow Wardens, and in the distance, she knew that the na fir ghorma were waiting as well, ready to help if needed. It wasn't a massive army, but it was better than just the eight of them. Seven, if she didn't count Air, which nobody ever seemed to do.
"Are you ready?" she shouted, hoping everyone would hear her.
A resounding 'yes' echoed back to her. Good. They were still feeling the effect of her earlier speech. No need to make another.
"Follow me!"
She took a deep breath and stepped towards the pulsing blue cloud.
"Do I just walk into it?" she whispered to Luc.
"I believe so."
