Disclaimer: as much as I wish I did, I don't own the Black Magician Trilogy or any of it's characters, I am simply borrowing them for my own enjoyment.

For any of you who have read my story Secrets, it is currently on hold because of a sever case of writers block. This story however has been all planned out, the only problem I may face is finding time to actually write. Rated M because I'm Paranoid. I will try my best, hope you enjoy :)

High, bright chimes of laughter ring throughout the vast garden, putting smiles on the faces of maids as they hurried about their duties. Two children, one a girl several years younger than her brother, hurtled round a well trimmed hedge, minding not to tread on the immaculately kept flower beds lining a small pebbled path. The young girls long, straight, black hair whirled around her wildly, the delicate pink ribbon, which had previously been set neatly at the back of her head, fell, drifting slowly to the floor. The older boy, now right behind his sister, caught her up in his arms and ran full pelt down the rest of the path to under the old tree, her delighted scream causing him to laugh even harder.

The older boy set the young girl down on a cushioned swing, which was bound by thick ropes to one of the lower branches of the tree.

'Hold on tight,' called the boy, waiting patiently until his sister obediently clung with her small hands to the ropes on either side, before pushing the swing forward.

Gradually she flew further and further above the ground, the pretty white cotton and lace dress she wore flapping around her legs.

'Higher,' the young girl squealed.

Complying with his sisters request the boy sent her sailing up towards the sky. Her little eyes widened in awe as she took in the endless sea of blue that stretched above her through the gaps in the leaves, not a cloud in sight, just the blinding fire ball that was the sun, a glowing centre piece in the sky.

Slowly the image started to fade, the colours twisting and morphing together to create another sky entirely. Night, a sky unnaturally dark, made so by the thick, black, clouds of smoke which rose to cover the only source of light, found in a sliver of the moon. The squeals of delight from the young girl were replaced by panicked yells and screams from the nearby village, closer than them was the creaking and groaning, which sent vibrations through the ground, of a vast and old building, struggling in vain not to give way to the fire which consumed its frame. A pink flower petal floated by, flames licking at the edges, slowly working their way to the centre, destroying and turning the once vibrant colour to black, the crisp edges curling before breaking away. They fell down, down into a black hole, an endless abyss of nothingness.

'Sonea.'

Startled I looked up to see the compassionate smile of Lady Vinara. Moving the book that lay on my lap onto the bench beside me, I rose, giving a small bow I asked, 'Lady Vinara, how can I help you?'

' I'm sorry to disturb your reading, but I have noticed in the last couple of days you have not been to visit the herb gardens or healers quarters as usual.'

The shallow wrinkles creased slightly on Lady Vinara's brow as she frowned.

'I would not usually enquire with other students, but it is so unlike you Sonea, have you not been well?'

I glanced away guiltily as the objects of my distraction floated to mind. The diary of Lord Coren containing the discovery of black magic, had recently consumed a surely unhealthy amount of time in my thoughts. It was true that I had given up my usual trip to see the healers in favour of reading the same book over and over again.

'I'm sorry Lady Vinara, I have just been rather busy with school work lately and sadly unable to visit.'

A look of understanding crossed her face, 'ah, yes, how could I have forgotten, I remember when I use to have to sacrifice my social life for hours of studying, never mind dear. I commend you for your hard work. I wish I could say that I had nearly as much focus as you at your age.'

I smiled slightly at the compliment.

' I understand that your education is what matters the most at this moment in your life, but do if you have any spare time, come and see us. I'll let you return to your reading now Sonea, goodbye,' with a small curving of the lips and incline of the head, she continued on her way.

'Goodbye,' I called after her, sitting back down with a sigh, I resumed reading.

After half an hour of unsuccessfully trying to gather enough concentration to finish reading one page and actually taking in the information, I closed the book. Slightly harder than necessary in irritation, the loud snap drawing several novices and magicians curious gazes as they walked by. Stuffing the book unceremoniously into my bag, which then found itself slung over my shoulder, I made my way onto the path that led to the High Lords residence. It would have been ridiculous to try to continue to read anyway, the little light left was disappearing rapidly with the sun as it sunk below the horizon.

The last few leaves quivered on the end of the branches they determinedly clung to, as a sudden gust of wind whipped past them, its icy breath battering my stinging cheeks till they were numb. A shiver ran down my spine causing me to create and increase the temperature inside a small warming bubble I now held around me, to ward off the chill settling into my bones. The intimidating building, that was the High Lord's residence, loomed in front of me as I entered the dark shadow it cast. There were the same grey walls, bland and unwelcoming, the small garden always perfect and neat, with not so much as one of the thousands of fallen leaves, which littered the ground, finding their way near the residence.

Bare skeletal branches, thorns like tiny, sharp claws reached out, trying to snag my robes, as I passed them up the frost covered pebble path towards the entrance door. Reaching out towards the door I stopped short of my face coming into contact with the wooden surface, as the door did not open, standing tauntingly shut. I blinked in surprise, as for the first time since my discovery in the basement with the High Lord, so many months ago, I was refused access. The rough wood felt harsh to my knuckles as they grazed the surface, the beginnings of fear made my heart sped rapidly and my breath catch in my throat, as all thoughts raced. What if the reason he wasn't answering the door was the same as before?

I was startled out of my little panic attack when the door swung open to reveal the apologetic expression of Takan.

'Sorry to keep you waiting Miss, please do come out of the cold.'

Stepping through the entry I scanned the room to find that the High Lord, like I expected, was not present. The door clicked softly shut behind me, Takan's reassuring voice flowing round the room as he walked towards the kitchen door.

'The master is currently busy and sends his apologies, I must leave now, do not hesitate to call if in need, Miss, Goodnight'

So with a small bow, he exited the room, leaving me on my own in a place that felt strangely empty without the High Lords dominating presence.

Later I sat crossed legged in the centre of my bed, a thick night dress and gown engulfed my small body, Lord Coren's diary lay closed in front of me, running a finger down the old leather bindings, I frowned slightly. Flipping open the book I traced the faded words, hiding so many secrets, gently, aware of the fragile state of the parchment that held them. He had changed his mind; saw the evil in what he had discovered and stopped, taking steps to make sure no one else ever found out. All for nothing. Our supposedly wonderful High Lord had not stopped; he continued to use black magic and showed no intention of ever doing otherwise. What did he wish to prove by giving me this book? Was this some strange method to try to make me see black magic in a different light, to doubt my belief in him, that perhaps he was not as bad as I presumed him to be? Or maybe just some sick game he was playing for his own amusement, confusing my mind.

Closing my eyes I cleared my head of these troubling thoughts, forcing my body to relax and finding it quite had to open my suddenly heavy eyelids. It was late, several small globe lights were scattered across the room and a candle burnt low by my bed side were the only sources of light. Slipping off my bed I hurriedly padded across the cold floor to my book shelves. Shifting a couple aside I hide Lord Coren's diary behind them, covering them with a few sheets of parchment just in case. Quickly hooking my gown over the back of a chair, I dashed back to the warmth I knew my bed would supply. Globe lights flickered and died as I leaned over to the stumped candle by my side. A drop of wax ran down the side as I drew breath and quickly blew the remaining light out. Darkness enveloped my vision, pupils dilating as I lay down, a thin, curling wisp of smoke just visible. Curling up in a small ball of sheets, I created my own warm cocoon, the lingering scent of smoke from the candle accompanying me in a whirl of multicoloured mists, into the realm of sleep.