A/N: I am so sorry people. Really, really sorry. Things have been so hectic that I had no time to update. There was school, and finals week, and the whole finding a job for the summer thing (which I have yet to achieve). Plus there was another story that wouldn't leave me alone until I put it on paper (or the computer). But hey, school is over (good grades for me) and I have plenty of time to be a faithful writer and update without the huge month long gaps in-between. So please tell me what you think and the next chapter will be up within the next week. Scouts honor. By the way, if you see my muse tie her down and tell her I need some help. Enjoy.

Oh, and many thanks to Hazza123 for the great tip. I tried it before but I guess I was too stupid to realize it worked. I owe you one, thanks a million.

Chapter 14

"So how does it end?"

"Well...it really ends with this," Sara said as she pulled an amulet out from her pocket, "and you." Chris

She passed it to me and I looked it over. It was the size of my palm and shaped like a bird. It was silver and had red jewels for eyes that gave the animal a life-like expression. Celtic knot work was etched in its outstretched wings. A small chain was threaded through a hook at the back of its head so that it could be worn as a necklace. It wasn't giving off any magical vibes but I had learned that looks could be deceiving.

Sara had been moving through the kitchen cleaning our plates as I studied the small figure. She finally stopped and urged me to put it on.

"How do you figure this is for me? And what exactly does it have to do with the story?"

She sat back down at the table and simply said, "Because you rescued me."

"And how do you know that I'm the one to give it to," I argued, "Maybe it was supposed to be someone else. Maybe it was coincidence that put me in that alley."

She frowned at me, "Do you really still believe in coincidence?" I thought about it and finally shook my head. In the magical world, there are no coincidences.

"It has always been told in our family that one day we would be granted unasked for aid by a stranger. We were to pass this on to that person and tell them what we knew of our history. Now, I've given that to you and told you half of the story, all you need to hear now is the rest."

As she spoke I absent-mindedly turned the amulet in my hands. Sara smiled at the nervous gesture. "The story really has no resolution. All stories continue in one form or another. This one was waiting on you to complete it."

"The brothers lives in relative peace for several more, learning to control their powers, until the warlock reappeared. They defeated him and survived to tell the tale. Their powers had grown and passed on to their children. They were the first of our line," she smiled at him, "not nearly as long as your own. But that's besides the point."

"Soon after they defeated him they found that amulet and were confronted by the force that opposes the warlock's master, who gave the brothers the instructions that I told you. That one day someone would come and help the family and we would need to give them shelter and tell them this story."

"And here you are, centuries later about to fulfill a legend that has been passed down since the beginning. Oh, one other thing, the amulet. We aren't sure what it does but we do know that it should help you to find something that will 'help you on your journey.'"

I sighed, "Exactly how it this supposed to help me?" I hadn't put it on yet, better safe than sorry.

"Apparently there's something hidden that you'll need and this will lead you to it," she shrugged, "That's all I know."

"And what makes you think I'm on some sorta journey?"

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes, "You found me in the middle of a deserted alley, you obviously had no place to go and were perfectly happy on taking me up on my offer of a place to stay, and you're clearly very worried about running out of time."

"How did you..."

"It's the pacing. You haven't stopped since you got here."

"Oh...ok."

"Well, that said, I think I'll leave you alone to make your decision about what to do with the amulet."

She left the room and left me to my thoughts. I really wanted to trust what she had said but I couldn't be sure about anything. I couldn't afford to. But still, would I have really received a premonition to rescue somebody just so they could turn around and stab me in the back? I needed more time.

I orbed out and into the attic of the manor. It was quiet in the house and when I looked out the window there were no cars in the driveway. With the knowledge that I was alone in the house I walked over to the book with the amulet in my hand hoping that there would be something about it in the book. I knew that the chances of there actually being anything were slim but I had to start somewhere.

Several frustrated minutes later my doubts were justified. The book had nothing on the amulet, I figured that it was because it had remained in the same family since its discovery no one else knew about it. I sighed and looked the amulet over and came to a decision. It was risky I knew, and the consequences could be bad, but I had no choice. I turned it over in my hands, looking it over once more trying to conquer the fear that had settled in my stomach, took a deep breath, and slipped the chain over my head before I changed my mind...

...and felt like a fool for expecting a great event to happen. After several frightened moments when nothing happened, I released the breath I had been holding onto and laughed at the fear I had felt. Chuckling at my foolishness I moved to sit on the couch. But as I turned something caught my eye. The book was once again opening to a page.

The fear that had been slowly leaving came back full force as I cautiously moved over to the book and looked at it in confusion. It had opened to the spirit guides page again.

I don't unders-

Chris!

What the hell!