Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series by Aderyn Lonigan

spent with her. She used to tell me stories of her childhood growing up on the eastern side of the Kirlapian Mountains. Her words touched every detail. Theway she spoke, it made me feel that I was with her running in the fields of frotil and lupines, the wind blowing our hair from side to side, the sun warming our faces.”
    “Where exactly did she grow up?” asked Kaitra.
    “I believe it was a place called Dotali, in the west of the province of Dhoya.”
    Kaitra was surprised. “She never told me she was from my homeland.”
    “She probably felt it would interfere with your relationship. She told me about you, though. Said you had magical talents the likes of which she had never seen.”
    “I don’t know about that,” Kaitra was humbled and her ego fluffed a bit on hearing that her mentor thought so much of her.
    “Of course you do, child. However, Cliona tells me that she has seen darkness on the path you have chosen.”
    Kaitra was surprised and a little offended.
    Cliona explained, “I have seen glimpses of what may lay ahead for you. Your magics are very powerful and others may try to take advantage of your abilities without your consent.”
    “We do not need to tell you this,” the old woman noted. “You have already seen it yourself.”
    “I’m not sure I understand.”
    “Put your hands in mine,” Nemainn requested.
    Kaitra looked at Cliona, fearing to trust.
    “Do it, girl,” Nemainn commanded.
    Cliona nodded encouragement to Kaitra. The young one placed her hands atop those of Nemainn, who then closed her hands tightly around hers, hanging on with surprising strength. Within her mind, Kaitra felt as if she was instantly transported to another time and place. Unfocused images that she had seen in meditations before became crystal clear. People and places became real and alive in her mind. She could feel and smell all that surrounded her.
    She found herself chained to a wall in a dark place, her hands above her. Her head was pounding from an injury sustained in her capture.
    “Will she be pliant?” asked the man in the red cloak. He was holding a cup in his hand.
    “Yes, my lord Satreka,” was the response from the man in the black robes. Two other men in the background were circling around a fire pit, chanting words unknown to her.
    Satreka walked up to her. She tried to kick out at him, but her ankles were also chained to the wall. “So you thought to defy me?” he remarked. He nodded his head to his assistant, who pulled her hair forcing her head back. Satreka closed off her nose and commanded, “Drink,” as he forced the liquid down her throat. She really had no choice but to comply. He stood back and smiled.
    “You better kill me now,” she warned.
    He tipped his head slightly to one side and leaned in, putting his face directly in hers, “Why would I do that? You will now become the one that empowers me to destroy all you hold dear.” He smiled at her as he backed away.
    She felt a force begin to take over her spirit. She shook and shuddered and collapsed in the chains, unconscious.
    Kaitra was instantly thrown into a new vision, watching a Valtyr standing in a large circular wooden tub full of water. She screamed unimaginable screams as a handful of people try to assist in her efforts to give birth. She ripped at the flesh of one of the servants with her claws, gouging a large wound on her arm. One last push and the child was shot into the water. It was immediately retrieved by one of the servants. The shock of the cool water caused the baby to begin crying.
    The servant held the baby up and announced, “My lord, it is a boy.”
    Satreka took Kaitra’s hand, “Thank you, my dear friend, thank you.”
    “It is my honor to serve,” she replied.
    A vision jump again, into a bedroom. Kidreyli was standing over the baby with her sword poised for the kill. Soldiers were protecting Satreka and his consort.
    Kaitra raised her left hand, directing her magics to hold Kidreyli in place.