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Side Story Three

Two Years Ago

Hannah Six

The next morning, Hannah sat with Matthias and Sarah in a large room at the Storm Palace while the Life Warrior examined the Key and the strange bond it seemed to have formed with Hannah.

Valeria hadn’t been there to greet them when they got back but Matthias had told her about the terrible events at Esen Peak so she wasn’t surprised.

“This thing is really extraordinary!” Sarah said after a long moment. “Our ancestors had some remarkable skills.”

“I suppose that’s one way to put it,” Hannah said sourly.

Sarah nodded understandingly. “Yes, I can see why you would think it was evil, but I don’t think that’s quite right. It’s just a tool; it has no volition of its own. The stuff you’re picking up is just embedded in it. Its maker, on the other hand…”

“Whatever.” Hannah sighed. “It’s still not comfortable. I want to get rid of it. It’s dangerous and as long as I have it, I’m a target for that dragon and his human servants. It makes me feel like I have a gigantic target pinned to my head.”

“That’s true, Sal, and while having bait for the enemy has its advantages, it’s far too risky,” Matthias said. “I took it back to Earth last night in order to protect it, but it vanished overnight and reappeared under her pillow. From what I can tell, it’s resonating with her aura.”

“So I can see.” Sarah pursed her lips thoughtfully. “It’s interesting. Let me try something.” A moment later, Hannah felt a gentle tug on her aura, followed by an equally soft push – both of which came from the key. Sarah tutted quietly. “How in the world did it tangle itself up like that? And why? I might be able to separate you from it, but it would be the work of weeks if not months.”

“But-“ Hannah began.

“I know.” Sarah patted her shoulder. “We don’t have time. If we can’t separate you yet, we’ll have to hide the fact you have it.”

“Can we do that?” Matthias asked.

Sarah tutted again and nodded. “I think so. I’ve been playing around and trying to work out how our ancestors did this sort of thing. I couldn’t make something like this, but I think I can make a container to mask it and possibly even something that feels the same to act as a deco–” She broke off as there was a knock at the door. and

“Can I come in?” A storm sprite poked her head in. Her yellow eyes were rimmed red from weeping and there was a greyish tinge to her golden skin.

“Of course, Val,” Matthias said. “But are you sure you should be up? Did you sleep at all?”

She shook her head. “There’s too much to be done. The dragons might attack here next. I have to be ready to activate the throne. And the fu-funeral must be arra-” She broke off with a sob and sank to her knees. Matthias got up and strode over to her.

“Come and sit down, Val.” He helped her to a seat. “You need to take time to grieve. Isn’t there someone who can hold the fort while you get yourself together?”

She wiped at her eyes and looked at him. “I suppose…” She glanced at Hannah and straightened slightly. “And you must be the new Earth Warrior?”

“I am,” Hannah said. “I was sorry to hear about your husband, your majesty.”

“Thank you,” Valeria gave a wan smile. “It’s you I’m here for. Your heart friend has just arrived from Caerdu, so I came fetch you. Come on, I’ll take you to her.”

CHECK OUT THIS POST ABOUT THE LAUNCH DATE FOR THE HAVENTON CHRONICLES IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET!

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