A/N: I promise, I haven't abandoned this story! I apologize for the lack of updates over the past few days (I've been slogging through midterms), but now I'll be posting new chapters more frequently.


Chapter 6: Prelude to a Kiss


Deniau paced nervously across the plush carpeting of his Admiral's quarters. He turned to the stormwing who sat on a perch near his desk.

I don't like this, Ozorne, he said. The Black Robe should be dead. The girl too. They're going to be trouble for us, I can feel it in my bones.

You got what you wanted, snapped the former Emperor Mage. The barriers between the Immortal and Human realms have be broken. Tortall is ill-equipped to handle the havoc the freed immortals will bring. Jonathan of Conte will fall, and you, my overly zealous associate, will have everything you've ever wanted.

Deniau's eyes filled with glee as he considered this. Yes. Once Tortall's heroes crumble, Uusoae will be reinstated as mistress of the Human realms, and we shall rule by her side.

Ozorne smiled at his companion's gullibility. My strength shall return in time, Your Highness. And when it does I shall be more than pleased to do away with Draper and his student.

********

The rosy rays of dawn woke Daine from a dreamless sleep. She yawned and looked down at the sleeping man who lay in her embrace. Smiling softly she kissed Numair's forehead and disentangled herself from his arms. Pulling on her boots, the young woman stepped out of the cave and into the hazy sunlight.

Daine climbed down the short cliff the cave was embedded in, and walked silently to the sandy beach. She sat just beyond the reach of the gentle waves and absentmindedly drew patterns in the damp sand. Thoughts of the previous twenty-four hours flooded her mind. Thoughts of the attack on the palace and of Stefan's death. Of her capture by the stormwings and the brief glimpse of a dark-skinned Copper Islander she thought she'd recognized before she'd passed out. Thoughts of Numair. Of the heat of his mouth pressed against hers.

She'd always thought him handsome. Those dark eyes and full mouth were enough to make any woman stop and do a double-take at the powerful-looking mage. It would be accurate to say that she'd felt jealous of Varice Kingsford during their stay in Carthak. Perhaps it would even be plausible that Daine had always taken a bit of a shine to her tall friend.

But when she'd witnessed the raw emotion in his face when she'd regained consciousness the previous night, when she'd felt the thunder of his heart through their rain-soaked shirts, everything became clear. The sudden realization of her own heart's true purpose rendered all the danger surrounding them harmless. She loved him. She loved him completely.

Long arms suddenly snaked around her waist and Daine found herself being pulled against a broad chest. You really should warn a fellow when you plan on skipping out on him, a warm, sleepy voice said against her hair. It will save him from unnecessary abandonment fantasies.

Daine chuckled and snuggled deeper into Numair's arms. I don't plan on abandoning you any time soon, Master Mage. she whispered.

His hug tightened.

They sat there silently on the sand for a few moments, enjoying their closeness. Then Daine sighed regretfully and turned to face the mage. What happened?

Numair's face grew somber as he looked down at her. I think it's safe to say that I know whose behind the raider attacks on Tortall. And I fear they will only get worse.

Why? Whose behind them?

he said grimly. He has an accomplice, though. I believe it's Prince Deniau, the youngest son of the King of the Copper Isles. Daine nodded slowly as she placed a name to the familiar-looking Copper Islander face she'd seen with the stormwings. Prince Deniau had been present at a Tortallian ball the year prior. He had stuck in Daine's mind because she'd witnessed him scowling profusely during a speech King Jonathan had made.

Numair took a breath and continued. They've somehow managed to obtain and perform a very complicated incantation called Ithradil's Curse. he paused as Daine looked at him expectantly. It's a spell to dissolve the barrier between the Human and Immortal realms.

You mean...?

he said. Every immortal creature in existence is now headed here. Ithrandil's Curse is a spell of vengeance, and since Tortall was the focus of Ozorne's anger when he performed the ritual, all immortals of violent nature will attack us.

Stunned, Daine's gaze turned to the ocean. What does this curse have to do with us? Why kidnap me and let you in on the plan?

Ozorne and Deniau hadn't planned on performing the incantation themselves, Numair replied quietly. They'd hoped to... persuade me to do the spell myself.

And I was the preferred method of persuasion, wasn't I? she asked angrily.

Numair's arms fell away from their position on the girl's waist and Daine felt him slowly stand up. Quickly, she rose as well and tried in vain to meet his eyes, tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

Daine, I- he choked on his words, his face white and eyes downcast. I'm sorry I- I failed you- but I couldn't-

Her hands gently cupped his face and she made him look at her. No. Oh no, sweet. she said softly. You have never failed me, do you hear? Ozorne thinks he can control you through me- he can't. No one could ever break you, Numair. I know you. You'd never give in to such evil. Such weakness. Her fingertips began to stroke his temples, trying to ease away the tension there.

I hate that Ozorne tries to use us as pawns in his stupid game, but that is not your fault. You have always protected me, Numair. You've dedicated your life to defending Tortall. She looked into the still-troubled eyes of her friend, teacher, and love. I am honored to know you.

Awestricken and humbled, Numair took Daine's hands in his own. If I am half the man you believe me to be, he said. It is only because I have you by my side.

She stepped forward and closed the space between them. His hands slid up her back and held her close. In the second before his lips descended on hers, Daine's face broke out in a grin. Damn right. she said.