Chapter 3

They approached a place where the passage became very cramped. Only a short distance farther, the floor of the passage rose to meet the ceiling. They had reached a dead end. Here, the dragon stopped and drew in her will. FireQueen spoke a Word and the ceiling gave way to open sky. The dragon, framed by moonlight, said "Quickly," and moved out into the night. The three witches followed. They had surfaced at the edge of the copse adjacent to the Towers. As the ground settled back to conceal the exit, no one noticed a remaining shadow cast back down the passageway.

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The group was met by Albera shortly thereafter. Khyrhyelle gave each a hug and then helped them secure their scant belongings to FireQueen's back. Lhynette, Qelharre and Albera climbed onto the dragon. The High Witch walked around to the front of the dragon and softly placed her hand on the side of FireQueen's face. "Goddess watch over and return all of you to me," she whispered. The dragon gave a slight nod and Khyrhyelle backed away. The mighty wings began to flap and soon they were airborne. Khyrhyelle saw FireQueen become a distant shadow against one of the moons as snowflakes fluttered in its light.

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She knew she did not have much time. The party to rescue the wizard would be leaving very soon. She wound through the underground passages at a dizzying pace. I cannot get lost, she thought. Minutes sped by. She was no longer sure she could return to her room in time. Still she pushed on. She was still deep in the dungeons when she passed an empty room. She stopped. This will have to do. She entered the room and immediately began drawing symbols on the walls and floor. The witch sat within the magic circle she constructed and began the process of telepathically communicating with the Dark Master.

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