Chapter 8

"Yes, you are right." Khyrhyelle joined her daughter. "I will send another healer to continue restoring your energy level. When you next awake you should feel much better." Mother and daughter turned to leave, then stopped. "Consider what you would wish from us, Uriel. Anything within my power I will gladly give you. Again, thank you so very much."

"Yes, thank you," Arhyvhynne added. She impulsively came back, hugged and kissed him softly on his forehead. But Uriel was already deep in slumber.

§

Khyrhyelle tossed and turned in her bed. It was the third straight night that she had difficulty sleeping. The first night was a natural reaction to the ordeal with Arhyvhynne. The second sleepless night was brought about by the telepathic arrival late in the evening of the summons from King Nherycyn requesting Uriel's presence for questioning. The High Witch had been up most of the night trying to decide how she would approach the Council with it. Tonight, her insomnia stemmed from the Council's reaction to her decision and her second-guessing herself on if she made the correct choice.

Relinquishing the fight, Khyrhyelle got out of bed and put on her robe. She took a candle, lighted it and left her room. She informed the night Guardian of where she would be and walked down many silent corridors, the shadow of the candle flame dancing on the walls. She reached her destination and entered the Council Chambers. Shivering from lack of heat, she immediately went to the fireplace and started a fire. She sat in front of the fire, staring into the yellows, oranges and reds, searching for warmth and serenity. The former came willingly but the latter was much more difficult for the High Witch to entice. She was just beginning to reach a level of tranquility when she heard a knock at the door. Khyrhyelle sighed heavily and without turning called out for the person to enter.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."