Mage Storms

Disclaimer: If you are reading this then hopefully you can figure out hat is mine and what belongs to Tamora Pierce

Neither of the travelers was expecting such a horrid storm. When they had left New Hope they were expecting smooth traveling to Steadfast. But as their journey progressed, more and more clouds came into view. After an hours ride the sky was littered with dark storm clouds and the sun as blotted out. Freezing rain poured down on the travelers' heads and they knew that they must find shelter at least until the rain stopped.

They found a cave nestled upon a small hill. They preyed to the gods that they were its only inhabitants. As one struggled to build a fire the other cared for the horses

"They'll be worrying about us," Neal remarked once they settled by the fire.

"I think they will know that we were forced to stop," Kel replied glancing at her sparrows huddled under Hoshi. If she could send them out to alert those awaiting them she would, but the wind was too strong and she did not want to risk any of them getting hurt.

"You're probably right. I just want to get back there and see Yuki as soon as possible"

"Don't worry. We'll be there soon enough. The storm can't last forever," Kel tried without success to comfort her friend. As time passed the sky gave no sign that the storm was going to stop or at least calm down.

There was something unnatural to this storm. It didn't stop and there was something in the air that just felt wrong. Kel couldn't explain it but there was something in the air that felt unnatural.

'What if it is unnatural," Kel thought. She quickly dismissed the thought. Everyone knew it couldn't be that. No mage was stupid enough to tamper with the weather. "Though I'm sure some must be power hungry enough to try," part of her said.

After long hours of waiting and passing the time by playing a game of chess on a board Neal had packed for his games with his cousin, Dom, the two decided that they had better get some rest. This decision was made with some reluctance on Neal's part for he wanted to get going to see Yuki, but in the end Kel convinced her friend it would be better- not to mention safer-to wait until morning.

"Surely the storm will have past by then. I promise that we will leave as soon as that sun hits the sky in the morning," Kel assured him.

The two set out their bed rolls and settled don for a good nights sleep. But the sleep was any thing but a good. In the middle of a wonderful dream Kel was awakened by a crack of thunder and a horse's scared scream. Once she and Neal had calmed their mounts and the sparrows had recovered from almost being crushed by flailing hooves, Kel and Neal returned to their makeshift beds.

Kel hoped to return to her dream of a meadow filled with beautiful flowers and… Dom, but that dream did not return. In its stead was a nightmare.

'You cannot help them now, Protector of the Sssmall,' a woman's voice hissed.

A misty figure pointed to her friends in the corner of a dark room. They looked like they had been tortured, put through terrible pain. Many of Kel's friends- Neal, Merric, Owen, Cleon, Tobe, Raouli, Dom. All were in chains and strung up on a wall to a dark cell wit the exception of Dom who lay on a table. A figure loomed over him with a torture device in its hands. He bent down close to Dom and Kel could see the fear in h friend's eyes.

Dom looked directly at her and she could see him mouth the words 'Help me.' The image faded and she could not see him but she could hear his scream.

Kel jolted awake. There was a wet substance on her pillow and shirt and with a great deal of surprise she noticed that she was crying. She had never cried since, well she couldn't even remember

Suddenly a searing pain in her hand made her look down. It began to get hotter and hotter until there was a mark left. Kel had to bite her tongue to keep from shrieking.

'Just ssso you won't forget,' A voice told her. It was the same slithery voice from her dream. If you don't want thisss to happen…come to me you know the way…'

Kel was immersed in a trance and she could not control her actions. She blindly stumbled out into the now snowing and freezing cold night.


A/N:

So, was it good? Was it bad? Please tell me!!! Review (or not) I could use the pointers and they would be extremely helpful! I hope to post again soon based on my reviews!!! Oh, by the way I do know that the there is more than one s when the woman is talking to Kel. It's supposed to be that way (I think it gives it a bit of a slithery, snake-ish, essence).