ATTN: This story is my spin-off from the Circle of Magic series. If you have never read those books, this might not make sense to you, but if you have read them, this is wonderful. This story takes place when they are all older. The main character I have created is named Mind-Teller. He reads minds—need I say more? Some day I will get around to completing the amazing story of Mind-Teller when they are younger, but I haven't had the time or inspiration yet. At the start of this story, Sandry has gone off on her own exploring a new town, but she has not told anyone. Most of the things that don't make sense now will explain themselves further on in the story, so don't give up on me. Enjoy.
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As Sandry drifted along the side of the wall, she began to wonder what had possessed her to come out of the inn. It had just gotten dark and strange shadows were cast around her feet. She sensed a strange magic ripple and someone called her name. She paused and looked quickly around. Seeing no one, she continued her walk.
"Sandry!" a voice hissed. She stopped again and looked around. She gasped as a dark figure crept out. When he moved close enough, she could see that he was dressed in peasant clothes, walking silently on bare feet. The only thing that set him apart from any other peasants was the flowing black cape he wore wrapped around his shoulders. A white stripe glowed on the bottom, casting a strange light on the ground near his feet.
"Mind-Teller!" she cried, recognizing him instantly.
Magically, he said to her, "Quiet, we must leave quickly, danger is lurking." He took her hand in his and they ran, swift and quiet, through the dark woods. They came to a clearing and hopped into the back of a cart, Mind-Teller shouting at three men waiting there. The cart lurched to a start and set off down a rough trail.
When they finally stopped, she crawled out of the cart, breathless from running and excitement. Mind-Teller reached out to her and said, "Sorry I had to take you away so suddenly, but if you had stayed one moment longer, they would have gotten you."
"Who--?" she began, but was cut off by one of the men saying, "Are we going to stop here for supper, Mind-Teller?"
"Sure," he replied, "it's ok, right Eric?" He turned to another man.
"Plenty of animals—friendly," he said.
Mind-Teller smiled at Sandry as she studied the three strange men. Each of them was dressed in plain clothes and sported a cape like Mind-Teller. Watching her eyes, he said, "Lady Sandry, I am honored to introduce you to my crew. Here we have Eric." He motioned to the one wearing a green cape. "And Marcus." He motioned to the one wearing a red cape. "And last, but not least, we have Charlie." His cape was a shimmering blue. Mind-Teller looked around and asked, "Where is the boy?"
"Here I is," said a small voice. Sandry turned to see a small, light-skinned child with pretty blond hair. "Did I hide good?" The boy held out his arms and Mind-Teller scooped him out of the cart.
"Of course you did, Leo," Mind-Teller said. He put the boy down. "Leo, meet Lady Sandry."
Leo bowed, small as he was, and sloppily kissed her hand. "Puesed to meet you, Wady Sandry."
"And it is an honor to meet you, Sir Leo."