Legends of the Dragonrealm, Vol II - By Richard A. Knaak Page 0,172

the fading of the forest and her father’s last desperate attempt to escape his fate. The familiar had broken contact with her moments after Gerrod had reached her, emphasizing that it would reestablish the link. Sirvak distrusted the Tezerenee—all Vraad, in fact—more than even Dru had.

Alone, mistressss?

Yes. Is Father—

The creature silenced her with a mental hiss. No, mistressss. Masterrrr issss still away. Sirvak apparently refused to accept the possibility that its master was dead. Sharissa wondered if there was an even stronger link between the magical beast and her father than the one of blood between Dru and herself. Come home, mistresss.

What is it?

Hesitation formed a silence that stretched Sharissa’s nerves taut. When she could wait no longer, the young Vraad asked again, this time with more emphasis in case the familiar was forgetting who she was.

May be a way to find masterrr, mistresss.

She almost shouted out loud, so overjoyed did the startling announcement make her. Sirvak, however, was quick to dampen her spirits before she grew too happy.

May, mistresss! Not certain! Need your guidance!

I’ll come instantly! There’s no need to wait!

Must not! It was as if her father himself had scolded her. Must take care. Never trust a Vraad, master always said.

They’re busy with their own problems, she retorted.

The familiar let loose with a mental sigh. Do as you must then, mistress. Take care, though.

Sirvak broke the link.

Rising, Sharissa stepped over to the doorway and leaned outside. The hall was empty. The young Vraad stepped back inside and moved to the sole window of her chambers. Her view overlooked the courtyards where the Vraad still gathered, talking and attempting to outshine one another. The coming had spread to the surrounding lands—as her father had said it usually did, and she could see some of her more flamboyant counterparts showing off. There was now a mountain of glittering diamond beyond the northern walls and a vast lake of water—truly a difficult spell, she acknowledged silently—on the eastern edge of the mountain. Beyond, there were flashes and sounds, none of which Sharissa could identify with anything that she had learned.

Dru had spoken of the subdued manner of this, the last coming. Only those with long-standing grudges, like Silesti and Dekkar, were likely to stir things up. Such massive displays of sorcery, however, spoke for the confidence of the Vraad race in the Lord Tezerenee’s plans. Everyone understood, at least somewhat, that the more sorcery unleashed, the worse Nimth grew. Already, the sickening green covered the murky sky. It saddened Sharissa to think of what her kind would be leaving behind and she hoped that the new land would not suffer the same.

That was if they ever succeeded in migrating over there.

No one would miss her for some time; Sharissa was certain of that now. Lord Barakas would have his entire clan working to solve whatever disaster had befallen his dreams. He would have no time for her or her father’s disappearance. Other than Gerrod, they probably thought he was dead by now, not that she had not thought of that herself constantly. With great effort, Sharissa once again pushed the ugly vision from her mind. Sirvak’s confidence bolstered her. It had to; it was the only thing she had to lean on.

Sharissa gazed down at the throngs one last time and her eyes caught on a lone figure seeming to watch the rest with barely constrained amusement. She leaned forward, not thinking to adjust her sight accordingly.

As if feeling the eyes upon her, the single Vraad looked up. Sharissa was greeted by a vibrant smile that washed away the terror and distress of the last few days. It was such a wonderful feeling that she could not help being caught up in it. She smiled in return.

In the next breath, Sharissa was no longer alone in the chamber. The other female was with her, reaching out to take her in her arms, ready to comfort the younger woman. Sharissa went to her gladly, knowing that she had found someone with whom she could share her problem.

“You look both distraught and beautiful, dear sweet Shari! What has that beast Barakas been doing to you? Why are you here instead of with your father?”

“Father’s in terrible trouble!” Sharissa burst out. It had been so long since the two of them had seen each other, but the feeling of safety and assurance she felt now washed away the years of absence.

“Why don’t you tell me all about it,” her companion said, smoothing Sharissa’s wild,