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

If we can prevent that, then this problem never exists.”
    “How would I do that kind of spell?”
    “Maybe a talisman, something you have on your person that defends you from immediate peril,” she posed.
    Nemainn smiled, “Yes, yes, that is good. We could also empower it to help prevent your mind from being taken over.”
    “I’m not sure I understand.”
    Cliona explained, “It should be something that helps bind you to the here and now, because here you’re safe. I suggest a small pouch tied to your belt or clothing at your waist, preferably over your birth node. You need to fill it with things from here, which would tap into the wards that protect us, such as a small piece of the root of a tree, a feather from a bird that lives with us here, and a personal object of one or more of the villagers, such as a fingernail or small crop of hair.”
    “Yes, excellent,” remarked Nemainn.
    Cliona continued, “You should include personal items of yours and Kidreyli’s. This will tie the two of you back to us and help bind you together in difficult times. Once complete, use your magics to seal the pouch from all outside influences. You need to create this talisman yourself. The act of creation will make the talisman a part of you. Do you understand?”
    “Yes,” Kaitra replied.
    “Good,” Cliona concluded.
    Nemainn said, “I understand that Kidreyli’s Katrion speaks to you now.”
    “Yes.”
    “She is very special,” the old woman continued. “She has been around a long time and has seen many things. If you find you need counsel, she would be an excellent resource.”
    “I had no idea.” Kaitra was surprised. She thought Tyral was just a horse with a special gift.
    “Trust in her,” Cliona reinforced Nemainn’s comments. “Now, to a discussion of your defensive magics. Those you are about to face have many weapons, some conventional and some magical. I have asked Destri to join us. We should test your abilities and provide some insight. Would you be willing to meet us by the large stone on the north side of the village in about twenty minutes?”
    “I would appreciate anything you are willing to impart. Of course,” the sorceress responded.
    “Very well,” Cliona said.
    A humbled Kaitra said, “Nemainn, I must apologize for my earlier outburst.”
    “Dear girl, you need not. You face difficult times. The burden you carry would weigh on anyone.”
    Kaitra knelt down next to her and gave her a firm hug. “Thank you for all you have done.”
    “Know that you are always welcome here.”
    The young woman stepped over, hugged Cliona and said, “Thank you.”
    “You are most welcome.”
    Kaitra closed the door gently as she left. The two elders paused quietly for a few moments to allow her to walk out of earshot.
    “She’s not going to survive, is she?” Cliona asked.
    “I’m afraid the fates are against her,” Neimann replied.
    “We need an alternative plan if she becomes lost to us.”
    The old woman stated, “The Valtyr have the experience and the warrior instinct. Focusing our efforts with them might be more beneficial. Besides, much of the problem we face is spawned from their culture. They are the ones with the most to lose.”
    “You’re probably right,” Cliona noted with a distant feel in her voice.
    “What are you thinking?” Nemainn could sense that something was conjuring in Cliona’s mind.
    “I believe that a cunning plan has taken shape within me.”
    Nemainn smiled, “Oh, please enlighten me.”

he twenty minutes or so had passed. Kaitra had looked for Kidreyli, but she was nowhere to be found, so she stood leaning on the great old stone, letting its warmth caress her. Off in the distance, Cliona and Destri approached, he carrying a sword, some knives and a crossbow. Destri was the strongest man she had ever seen. No wonder, he being the village smith. He was a young man in his twenty-second year and he stood tall at six feet. The muscles in his arms and shoulders