A/N: finally a new chapter next weekend. I predict that the 'bond' is really just the maternity spell and that it will be the best episode since 'Fever'. And congratulations to my beta for actually writing something, which is in the Yu Gi Oh section. It makes me look better.

Chapter 8

Already Home

It was nearing dusk when Nicci reached the Dominie Dirtch. She pulled the cotton balls from her ears, as a number of men surrounded her, spears at the ready. A familiar face walked up.

"Kadar…" the name rolled off her tongue like mercury. He was a devout man who asked the Creator to watch over those he had killed. He snarled at her just like the dog he was. A bit of drool came down from the corner of his mouth and disappeared into his 'devil' beard.

"So you are Nicci. Jagang told us you'd be coming." He turned to a couple of his men. "Put her in the wagon with the 'Mirror Man' and that blind witch. They have a…date with him." One of them grabbed her rear, hard. A war raged in her head over if she should retaliate. Retaliation could mean death, and that wasn't in prophecy.

She was tossed into the wagon headfirst. They then shut the door and left for Fairfield. Nicci took in her surroundings. There was no hay or anything else than wood and metal. Then she saw Tom.

"Tom, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to Aydindril!"

"I never did. I've been following you, until two nights ago when I hastened for this place." He then turned his gaze towards the floorboards. Nicci looked at him, startled.

'He had been following me?' "Why did you lie to me?" He looked up with fear-filled eyes.

"That's my job. I'm an agent for the House of Rahl. Richard had me trail you after your sudden departure from the People's Palace. It's nothing personal."

"Then how did you? I'm very aware of my surroundings."

"I used a magical mirror to appear as the guard you met in Renwold and later in Winmoor." He ran his hands through his hair. "We are going to die, aren't we?"

"That be a lie." They both turned to the old lady in the corner. Her pure white eyes stared back at them.

Tom looked at her questioningly. "What did you say?"

"I said that be a lie." She looks at Nicci. "She will slay the beast we are being taken to."

Tom returned his attention to Nicci. "Do you know this?"

"Yes. It is written in prophecy. It is my destiny; my burden."

He smiled at her like he had the first time they met. "I then put my life in your hands." He looked over at the elderly lady. "What is your name?"

"I be Adie." She replied. Nicci's mouth opened wide.

"You are a sorceress like me, aren't you? You must then use the gift to see." Her face lit up with happiness, but was cut short by the wagon stopping. They all paused as a guard grumbled from outside. He opened up the backside of the wagon.

"Come on, you heathen trash." They all were dragged out and kicked onto the ground. Nicci looked up first.

"Where's you leader…what is that thing?" She was looking at a light blue streak in the air, connecting itself to the ground. Kadar came walking by, smiling.

"That, Nicci, is a rift in time and space. We can go to another universe, similar to this one, but different. Jagang rules that world." Three soldiers armed with spears came walking through the rift. One of them walked up to Kadar.

"These are the prisoners?"

"Yes. You can take them away now. Long live the Order."

"Long live the Order." He then turned to his men. "Take those three through. I'll follow once I'm done." They then grabbed Nicci, Tom and Adie and forced them through the rift. They landed in a brightly lit golden room. Walking through the gap, they came upon a giant city, with a bald man overlooking it.

"Welcome to Altur'Rang, Nicci."

A/N: you probably can guess who he is, but I'll let you try. The rift will be vital for this story's sequel, which will be a sequel to Her Decision that is way overdue. Review!