(a/n: of course none of these characters…Wren, Connor, Tyron, Teresa, and Andreus belong to me…wish they did though…except for Andreus…they all belong to Sherwood Smith.)

Thank you for all those who reviewed! It makes me feel really happy! =) Hope you like this chapter…sorry it took a while for me to post it…writer's block is evil! Well HAPPY READING!!!

Chapter 8

*A Cry for Help*

Vaughn's mind swirled as he read the parchment upon his father's desk. Never before had he ever considered himself a magician. That was the territory his father occupied. What set him apart from his father was his lack of magic. He did not want to inherit it; the more diverse he was from Andreus the better. But the fact remained, he indeed possessed some magical ability and it scared him more than anything else in the world. The magic within him had given Andreus the edge he needed to return to him is former glory. Shuddering, Vaughn realized it was because of him that Wren and her friends were in serious danger. This thought was paralyzing. It is because of me that Wren is here, hurt, tired, and in jeopardy. What will she think of me when she learns the truth? Will she resent the fact that Andreus' blood runs through my veins? As these fears coursed through his mind, his hatred for Andreus only increased.

When he was finally able to compose his thoughts, Vaughn grabbed the ancient parchment and fled from his father's chambers.

~*~*~*

Wren was content as she finished the last scene in Vaughn's play. It had an interesting plot, a young man's adventure through the forest of enchantment. At some point reminded her of her new friend Vaughn. She smiled as she put the book down. The strength she had lost before was rushing back to her and her small excursion from her rampant thoughts gave her enough energy to concentrate. Yes she needed her strength and concentration for what she planned to do. But she was afraid, of what she could not really say. It could have been the possibility that Andreus was has been able to trap her so easily or it could be that her friends were in trouble and she was here sitting idly. The world had become so much more complicated. She hated being a prisoner and hated that she was powerless to change things. Well maybe not so powerless. For she had already begun to formulate the actions she would take get out of this wretched place, be free of Andreus and be home again. All she needed right now was for Vaughn to return.

~*~*~*

Connor needed some time alone. He could not trust himself to be calm in front of others. His thoughts always lingered towards her and the dangers she may be in. But all he could do now was sit her and wait for a sign from her, calling him to help her. But all this seemed useless her whereabouts and conditions were a mystery. Looking up he saw Tyron coming up the slope in his direction.

"We're all worried about her," Tyron immediately said, "It's not up to you to save her alone. Tess and I are here too."

Connor peered at his friend's worried expression. "I just can't help think the worst for her," Connor found himself saying, "The fact is that Andreus has her and we don't have a clue as to where she is."

"Return to camp with me and we can figure something out."

"What's the point? Here. There. It's all the same. We get nowhere." The anger in Connor voice startled Tyron.

"We need to formulate some kind of plan of action. We may not have much now, but together our chances are greater."

Connor did not seem to be listening. He stared at the wooded area around them. In a quieter tone, he said almost to himself, "What if she's alone and hurt? What if Andreus has left her to a slow demise?"

Tyron stared at him. Choosing his words carefully, he replied, "I understand your concerns for Wren. She is an important friend to me, and I am doing all in my power to locate her. But we shouldn't forget that Wren is like no other girl; she has resources to help herself, and the experience of dealing with Andreus. Don't underestimate her." But Connor still displayed no reaction to his words. But the heartbreaking expression on his face was enough for Tyron. "Wren is special to all of us." And in a quiet whisper that Connor almost missed added, "To some maybe even more."

At this Connor bowed his head for he knew his long time friend had guessed his true feelings. He was embarrassed to have been so easily read, and kept his gaze level to the ground.

Tyron gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We need to be ready for any type of action. You just can't sit here, Wren is going to need us and I want to be ready when she does."

Nodding, Connor rose and walked with Tyron back to the camp.

~*~*~*

Andreus felt like he would gain all he wanted in a matter of weeks. All his plans were following along nicely and he could not have been more content. The memory of unlimited power was fresh in his mind. For the past couple of days he had to resist the urge to consume every last drop of Vaughn's powers. The spell had indicated that prolonged usage for several weeks yielded a much stronger and powerful leech. Therefore Andreus had to fight himself from taking more and more. But gaining this magic was like nothing he felt before. It was new, strong and he could do what he wished! He needed it more and more and if it was taken away again, he knew his sanity would go along with it. Nothing can interfere now. Everything is happening as it should. He walked throughout the manor in high spirits. Tonight he would need his son's energy once again, but soon he would possess enough magic to no longer need him.

~*~*~*

Vaughn practically ran through the hall, making his way to Wren as quickly as possible. He prayed that his father would not suddenly have the urge to suck more of his powers and render him immobile. When he reached the door of Wren's cell, his breath was ragged and he could hardly stand. Bursting into the room he found Wren looking at his book. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile. But finally seeing the state he was in, her smile disappeared. "Vaughn, what's the going on?"

He tried to communicate the best he could while trying to get air in his lungs. "Andreus...steal powers...must stop him...get away...here...fast." He could not read her face at this moment and it seemed as though the world was about to lurch again. The story was too complex at this point to tell, and both he and Wren needed out of the fortress.

"Steal what powers? Andreus? Who's powers?" Wren's voice demanded with an alarming tone.

Finally able to breath normally Vaughn responded. "I found this spell in his chambers," he said handing her the parchment, "I don't know how or why but I understood it! It is a spell allowing one magician to steal another's one's powers. But the bond needed in order to accomplish it is one of blood…" his voice trailed off. It was suddenly hard to breathe again. But she needed to know the truth. "You see Wren…he is my father." After these words left his lips, he could not look at her. Now she would know that he was of the same lineage as Andreus. Such a secret could not fare well with any company. The words seemed to hang in the air. In a quiet voice he continued, "I don't know how...but I know what he is doing. He is stealing magic... from me."

The look on her face was hard to distinguish. In a quiet tone she whispered, "I knew you had magic within you." Vaughn looked at her slowly, puzzled. She remained in the bed watching him with her sharp cerulean eyes.

Finally to tear away from her gaze, Vaughn said softly, "Yes, it is a strange discovery for me." But his tone was suddenly cold and bitter. "He has been using this spell to carry out his evil plans. He used me to get you here. I'm sorry."

She was silent for a moment. Vaughn felt a sudden pain in his chest, but it was not because of his father's draining spell.

He watched her slowly shake her head. "Sorry…? How could…? You think I hold you responsible?" she asked quietly, the confusion on her face evident, "It was not your fault you didn't know about your magic. The blame of all this craziness does not lie on your conscience. It was Andreus…your father…I will never attribute you for this turn and I never will."

Vaughn felt the tightness in his chest ease a bit. She isn't angry at me. Wren had become such a fast friend to him; he feared that his relation to Andreus may have affected it. The pain disappeared when he noticed that she looked at him not with hateful eyes, but ones filled with concern.

"You cannot remain here if he is stealing your energy. There is no possible way for you to withstand that for a long period of time."

These words struck a new fear in Vaughn. He had not given much thought of the consequences of such actions, he suddenly felt afraid. "No, I guess that is true. We need to get out of here and now."

"I have been thinking of such a plan while you were away."

Raising his eyebrow, Vaughn looked at her. "What kind of plan?"

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to attempt this. I have a skill in the art of scrying. I used to before over long distances to my friend Tess, when she was Andreus's captive. But he was able to sense my presence and trace me. But since I am already here," she said waving her hand, "there doesn't seem to any other choice."

Vaughn was thought over her words. It was true that his father had gained some of the former powers he used to have, but it was not up to the level as it once was. If he was not sick or fatigued, it must be that he was at a low point of power. Vaughn could not understand how he knew of this information, but it all seemed logical in his mind. Turning to Wren he said, "I think now would be the greatest opportunity for you to go through with this plan."

Leaving the room to fetch the mirror, Vaughn hoped that his certainty would not fail him.

After Vaughn has left, Wren sat frozen in her place. The enormity of his previous statements still lingered in her mind. So his features were not coincidence. It was a strange thought…Andures having a son, almost unbelievable, something that would have occurred in another dimension. It was a miracle that Vaughn did not possess the same kind of ambitions as his father. But how could she really be sure? It was suddenly a gamble to trust him. The thought of betrayal entered her mind; it certainly was Andreus' style, to con her in trusting Vaughn. Yet at the same time it seemed fruitless for Vaughn to reveal his true relations with Andreus. The more she thought about it, she found that there were too many inconsistencies with this theory. She made up her mind right then and there; she trusted Vaughn. As she finished this silent conclusion, Vaughn had retuned with the mirror.

Walking up to her, Vaughn handed her the glass. "Ready?"

Carefully taking the mirror into her hands, she replied, "For both our sake, I hope I am."

"I have complete faith in you and your abilities." he said with such seriousness that Wren looked up at him.

"You do?"

"Trust is not a one sided concept. A few minutes ago you found out who my father was and yet you continue to trust me. I doubt I could ever find another like you."

The faith he had for her warmed her heart a bit. She gave him a smile and focused her energy and concentrated on an image of her long time childhood friend.

~*~*~*

Tyron and Connor returned to a quiet camp. Kai sat by the small fire and was quietly stirring a pot. As they approached, the aroma of porridge hung in the air.  

"Been waitin' for ya." Kai immediately said. "Made this myself. My own special recipe."

The two young men looked at each other. The eagerness Kai had to help in the current situation surprised them both, for what they knew about him was that he had only known Wren for a short while, yet he was extremely loyal and concerned for her. It was refreshing to have him around; he was the optimism they all needed, as well as his helpful demeanor.

"Smells wonderful Kai, can't wait to try it" Connor replied stopping in front of the pot. The smile on Kai's face showed the pride he had. Connor smiled in return.

"Where's the princess?" Tyron asked, scanning the campsite.

"Fetchin' water. I think she needed alone time."

The two wore worried expressions on their face. However the current situation had them all scared. Time alone to collect oneself was crucial. Sitting down, the three waited silently for Tess to return from her errand.

~*~*~*

Tess was unsure how to convey her feelings to the others. Her fears and thoughts replayed in her mind again and again. She could still remember the frightening time she was in Andreus's castle and the horrible nights of cold and unrest as well as the despicable treatment he had bestowed upon her. That is nothing compared to what he must be doing to Wren. It was all too much.

Settling down the jug she carried, she slowly set to work filling it up with the cool, running water. A cool breeze blew threw her light brown hair and she looked up at the bright stars. More than anything she wished for Wren to be by her side, enjoying the serene scene before her.

Suddenly a strange feeling ran through her body. A soft familiar voice called her. Tess

Frantically Tess looked around her. Tess…it's me…Wren. Can you hear me?

"YES!" Tess cried. "Wren, where are you?" Her frenzied state caused her to drop the jug into the stream. Scrambling to pick it up, she looked into the stream. With the light of the moon behind her, Tess was able to see a face she longed for, Wren. She stared at the pale face and fought herself from reaching out to touch the image. Instead she listened carefully to the fragmented sentences.

There's little time. Andreus has captured me. Will attempt escape… If I am successful in escape…I will use my summons ring. Please try to locate me.

"Where and when?"

Will try tonight for escape…unsure of location, but not in Senna Lirwan. I feel close to you. The faint voice was growing softer. Until then…and the voice was gone.

This was the sign she was waiting for. Wren needed her now. But the vague responses were reassuring; Wren was alive, though ill and time was short. Tess knew what needed to be done. She grabbed the half full jug and raced back to camp.

~*~*~*

Woo! Wonder what is going to happen next huh? Heehee…sorry to leave it like that! Hope you aren't too mad to leave me a review! Thanks for reading! =)

~Charmgirl