This starts from half of chapter 31 from the High Lord when Lorlen failed to contact Akkarin

I have always taught of how things would work out if Lorlen worked with Akkarin to ensure that the guild will be as protected as possible. Of course at the same time making sure that both Lorlen and Akkarin are alive.

Disclaimer: The Black Magician Trilogy and its characters belong to Trudi Canavan.

Two hours after the mindstrike from the Ichani Lorlen is back in his office making the final preparation. Osen have just left informing that Lord Jerrick and Lord Jullen have put away some of the most treasured books and records in the underground store and sealed the door off as requested in hope to save as much history and knowledge as they could for the future of the guild.

Lorlen then absentmindedly put the ring back on as he was going to attempted calling Akkarin again. Before he called he decided he needs to use a little healing power to clear away the headache that the mindstrike had cause a few hours ago and in the same instant he remembered the past when they were still novices. "No matter what happen we will always be there for each other my friend. You will be the best healer and I will be the best warrior there could be in this guild." Akkarin had told him once while they have skipped Lord Makin's class and talking about the future and which discipline they will be joining.

'Akkarin… My friend? Why didn't you tell me? We could have worked something out together I am so sorry I could not do anything after you were exposed and I did not believed you.' Lorlen's after thought. Then he remembered the ring he was wearing and sighed. Deep in him, Lorlen had believed that after not wearing the ring for so long the blood gem must have lost its power to communicate but he decide one last attempted as he closed his eyes and concentrated. "Akkarin… Akkarin … please do answer if you could hear me… Even if you do not wish to come back" tears start to form in the Administrator's eyes, "I just wished to know if you and Sonea are fine and am there anyway we can do to fight the Ichani please for the old days you own me that much."

Back in Ceryni's guest house Sonea was looking at Akkarin when she saw hinted of distress and sadness. She gently squeezed his hand and gave him a questioning look as Akkarin shake his head and explain "Lorlen, he has putted on the ring again and is trying to contact me but we can't let him know we are here or the whole plan may be jeopardized. No one from the guild can know we are here…"

Sonea saw the pain in Akkarin's eyes and remembered how he has always regard not able to include Lorlen and forcing him to wear the ring in the past as she carefully think about how she was going to start the next conversation. "Akkarin, don't you trust him to keep a secret now that he knows you are telling the truth and believed in you again? Speak to him let him know what we are planning to do and how he can help. We need to make sure that all the magicians leave before Kariko and his people can kill everyone so that there will be hope for the future. Do not let yourself stay in regret forever" as her memory of Rothen surfaced and remembered that she has lost the chance to explain and really talk to the only 'father' figure that she knew.

Akkarin saw the tears in her eyes and realized for the first time in a long time he really needed to speak to Lorlen as a friend and work things out…

'Lorlen… How is the preparation going?' Akkarin send

'Akkarin… is that you?" with that he send and mental image of what the guild and guards are doing to help wasted the enemy's power. Then he asked, 'Why didn't you answer me the last few times I have been calling to you? How is Sonea...? Is she….'

'Lorlen, Sonea is…. Hmmm good. She is with me all the time' Lorlen could sense some hint of ... protectiveness, uncertainties and something else…Is that Love coming from Akkarin as he said her name. 'I couldn't answer the last few times when you call as I do not wished for anyone to know of our plans to help the guild as Sonea and myself is not strong enough to kill all the Ichanis so we need to remain in hiding to get them one by one. Lorlen it is very important that you let no one know of our plan please. As for what the guild can do is to pick only one Ichani to attack at the same time as they do not know how to work together.'

'Where are you now? Is there any thing I can help you with?' Lorlen prompted.

'I regret that I can't tell you where but I promised you I will not leave the family to be slaughtered by those Ichani even if it means losing mine in the progress. However can you promised me 2 things, one to be careful and two if anything were to happen to me can you looked after Sonea and make sure that no hurt will come to her.' Akkarin replied.

A sudden knocked on the door break Akkarin's link with Lorlen as Ceryini came and noted that it is time to leave. Akkarin gave a quick nodded and looked at Sonea as she stood up to leave the room.

'Keep the ring on Lorlen I will try and contact you later.' Akkarin send.

As Lorlen sat back behind his desk he can't help but to recall the whole conversation again. This time a slight smile came as he felt light hearted as he has never been for the last 2 years. The truth from Akkarin, their friendship return but then sadness came back to the days ahead and the discomfort of the last request from Akkarin indicate that he will not live through the war.