Chapter Five

High atop his snow-covered perch in the Mystic Mountains, Zodak sat in his chair, deep in meditation.

Zodak, said The Sorceress of Grayskull telepathically, her voice bearing an edge to it.

Teela-Na, Zodak replied telepathically, acknowledging The Sorceress's presence.

Did you REALLY think you could keep this from me INDEFINITELY? said The Sorceress angrily.

She went of her own free will, Zodak protested.

That is a lie, Zodak, The Sorceress countered. You and I both know that.

She'll do fine, replied Zodak telepathically.

Mark my words, Zodak, said The Sorceress darkly. Should anything happen to Teela, you WILL answer … to ME.

Is that a THREAT, Teela-Na?

That … is a PROMISE, The Sorceress replied icily.

I suppose I should've expected this reaction from you, Teela-Na, said Zodak. Motherhood seems to have … changed you.

That was over twenty years ago, Zodak, said The Sorceress. And you're right … it HAS. The Sorceress paused. I'm not the same person I was back then.

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"I don't get it," said Teela to the Spirit of Grayskull as she walked through the cave. "Why are my powers now working all of a sudden? For months and months, I've willed and pushed them to work. They haven't done ANYTHING … until NOW."

"My Lady would be a better person to answer that question," The Spirit replied. "I quote, 'What was true before … is just as true now. Your will, your expectations … are EVERYTHING.' " The Spirit paused. " 'The Power of Grayskull can only magnify that which is already within you. If you're strong, bold, confident …The Power of Grayskull will reflect that. By the same token, if you're weak, nervous, and hesitant … ' "

"… The Power of Grayskull will reflect THAT as well," said Teela, finishing The Sorceress's sentence.

" 'Exactly,' " said The Spirit, quoting The Sorceress of Grayskull.

"I see what you mean now," said Teela.

" 'What I told you before was the truth,' " said The Spirit, quoting The Sorceress. " 'As an officer and Captain of the Guard, you EXPECT your soldiers to obey your orders.' "

"So it seems the solution all along was to just let me … 'act naturally', so to speak? "

"My Lady is speaking," said The Spirit. " 'If we define … acting naturally … as being an officer and the Captain of the Royal Guard … then Yes.' "

"What I wouldn't give to hear your voice again," said Teela with a sigh. "I never did like going through a middleman." Teela paused. "No offense, Spirit," she said apologetically.

"None taken," said The Spirit. "My Lady is speaking." The Spirit paused. " 'This is as frustrating for ME … as it is for you.' " The Spirit paused. " 'The magic arrayed against us is powerful. There is only so much that even I can do about it.' "

"Well … I'm glad you're both here," said Teela. "If it hadn't been for you two, I'd still be in that chamber pinned under a slab of rock."

"My Lady is speaking," said The Spirit. " 'Take heart, Teela. It isn't too much farther now.' "

How would she KNOW that? Teela wondered. There's something going on that I'm not being made aware of.