Tully snapped his fingers. In theory, the pile of straw was to turn into a bunch of beautiful flowers. In his reality, nothing happened. He let out a frustrated sigh and let his head fall, the mass of ebony braids obscuring his face. There were so many times he wished the old druid still roamed the Sanctuary. After all, what good was being a magician's apprentice when there was no one to teach you the magic? He thought back many years ago, when he first asked the druid to help him learn to be a magician. The old wizard's face, care worn and wrinkled, lit up, as it always did when the boy approached. Tully was the closest thing Galen had to a son, and Galen, the closest Tully had to a father.


"Well," the boy had said impatiently, "When will I be old enough to learn? As old as you?"

"No... Not that old," the druid laughed.

Galen sat down on a nearby rock and motioned for Tully to sit next to him. The boy sat and pulled his legs up underneath him.

The druid picked up a handful of dirt and slowly spoke the ancient spell. He threw the earth into the sky. It glittered like starlight and gently fell down to the ground.

"Fairy dust!" the boy said with delight.


Tully was pulled back into the present by the rustle of approaching footsteps: Fergus, by the sound of it. He did not turn, he merely called out.

"What is it, Fergus?"

The big warrior stopped in his tracks. Tully hadn't turned to look at him; he just seemed to know who was there.

"How'd you know it was me, lad?"

Tully turned to face Fergus and let a slightly smug look cross his face.

"Magic."


Catlin was nearly out of breath. She and Conor had run the entire way from the ruins of his old home. Unfortunately, neither had made the journey out with a horse. Both had decided it was a nice day to walk. Both had had many things to think about. Now all Catlin could think about was getting back to warn the others. She looked at Conor. His face bore the serious cast of some impending trouble. The burden of leadership wore heavily upon him. Catlin knew he would alter his expression the moment they entered the confines of their cavern home.

Just ahead Conor saw the hill that partially shrouded the Sanctuary's entrance. He slowed his all out run to a brisk walk, as did Catlin, following his lead. There was no need to start a panic. He glanced over at Catlin. She had momentarily closed her eyes. She was taking deep breaths to try to calm the signs of their run. He could also sense her worry.

Catlin felt his gaze, protective and concerned. She opened her eyes.

"I'm alright," her hoarse voice cracked.

He gave her a quick smile and put his hand on her back. He needed reassurance, too. The thought of losing his second home-and his duty to stop that from happening, weighed heavily on his mind.

They entered the Sanctuary. Conor called the sentries to his side. He calmly explained their situation. Catlin stood by and watched the leader. He knew how to alert them with caution but not blind them with fear. The gravity of the situation was obvious, but the guards knew their important role and returned attention to the task at hand.

Catlin and Conor ventured farther into the Sanctuary. They passed the waterfall and stepped over the rocks across the stream. For a moment, Conor stopped to realize how beautiful this place was. Only now, when it was possible he might lose it, did he notice its magnificence. A few yards further along, they ran into Fergus and Tully. It was a scene they'd come across often: the younger man, trying to astound the older with feats of magic; the older man scoffing at the younger man's "nonsense".

"Ah," Fergus said turning to face the new arrivals, "it's about time the two of you showed up."

"Fergus..." Conor said dejectedly, "Catlin and I came across a group of Longinus' men..."

"Are you alright?" the warrior asked worriedly.

"They didn't see us... But they're looking for the Sanctuary."

"Sweet Brigid."


The four set off to work. Conor called a quick meeting and explained their situation to everyone. Again, he was able to calm what could have been panic. The faces of their friends bore the look of quiet resignation. These people had all known fear, loss, pain. They had also, recently, known happiness, security and pride. A little girl Niamh walked over to Catlin and gently tugged on her sleeve.

"Do we have to leave, Calin?" she said missing the 't' in her name completely.

The woman kneeled down and looked the youngster in the eyes.

"No, Niamh. We just need to be very careful..."

"And quiet?" the big green eyes peered at her.

"Yes, that too." She smiled at the pink-cheeked cherub.

"I'll make sure we're quiet," the little one said fiercely.

Catlin leaned over and whispered in her ear, "With you on guard, there's nothing to fear."

The girl beamed proudly then walked back to her parents.


Later that evening, the four sat down at supper. The gravity of the situation covered the room like a cloak.

"Are we canceling the journey North?" Tully finally asked what was on their minds.

"I think we'd better," Conor said, "Now that Longinus is hunting for us."

"Maybe we should still go," Catlin proposed. "Longinus is gathering more troops every day. We need to get there before he does."

"She's right, lad," Fergus agreed.

"We can't leave the Sanctuary undefended..." Conor said, "I'll go alone."

"Conor, that's madness," Fergus said.

"Well, do you have a better idea? Because I would love to hear it," he said in frustration.

"You and Catlin go. Tully and I will stay here. We'll post sentries along the perimeter and lie low for a while."

Conor looked at the big man and smiled. "Are you sure you don't want to be leader?" As much as he hated to admit it, the old man had a point.

"Then it's settled," Catlin said as she got up from the table.

"Where are you going?" Tully asked.

"To get some sleep, "she smiled. "I'll need all my strength to put up with him for three days journey."

She casually nodded her head toward Conor. He smiled at her and watched her leave the room. A slightly dazed look spread across his face. Three days. Alone. With Catlin. This should be interesting.

Tully laughed and stood up. "I'll go help pack your supplies." He slipped out of the room.

Conor sighed and glanced over at Fergus as he tore a piece of bread.

"I hope you're right."

"Ah, don't worry about us, lad. You have to figure out a way to get Ian to join the Confederation."