“Carr,” Diana asked for the third time before she managed to command the sorceress' attention from the cloth she was avidly studying. "The barrier they found. Are Mark and Lisa behind it?"

Carr smiled wearily. Her once smooth and ruddy brown skin was ashen from sleeplessness. She was thin and drawn from exhaustion, and her temper was worsening daily. "Yes, Diana, along with an army of incalculable size. That is why we are trying to penetrate the area.”

"Is that why Lauren spends so much time near the barrier?"

Carr stiffened slightly at the mention of the princess. She inwardly kept certain doubts concerning the Olenteas Princess' loyalties but knew better than to voice them to Diana or even the King. "She gives Alaeric the first reports," then to change the subject added, "How are your studies coming along?" She leaned back in her chair tiredly. "We haven't had much time for review this last week.”

Diana's face broke out into a huge grin. "Today I was able to put a freeze on Maril Zan for an entire minute. And I got Alaeric's sword to summon a breeze. I used the green crystals.”

"Well done. I see a fine potential for crystal manipulation in general. I must say, you are doing quite fine for one so new to this world."

Diana's grin faded and she sighed before sitting down next to her. "Carr, are we ever going home? Our parents must be frantic. They must have been home three weeks already. Probably called the police and they're dragging Lake Erie by now."

Carr looked confused. "An eerie...lake?"

"Oh, no, it's called Erie. E-R-I-E. It was quite eerie in its day, with fires and pollution and such. It's a bit better these days."

The sorceress shrugged. "Well, if it bothers you staying here, Tarq can send you today if you like.”

"But without Lisa and Mark, right?” Diana sighed sadly. "I can't do that. We have to get them back." She looked hopeful. "I don't suppose time is passing more slowly there than here is it?”

"No Diana, it is the same.”

"So, it's really been a month?"

"That is right." Carr smiled placidly. "But rest assured, Diana, Tarq is doing all he can."

Diana nodded and forged ahead with something that had been troubling her. "Why are you and King Tarq here and not in Tadia?"

"He has gone back several times since your arrival. But to do so he has to use the Tal and take it with him." Carr pointed to the cloth she had been studying, showing what looked like military positions and unique lines drawn throughout. "Only Tarq can fully use it and right now it keeps Sindelar from strengthening these barriers. For the rest of us to use the Tal, Tarq has to be here to release the power.”

"I keep hearing about this Tal, but I never really get a straight answer as to what it is and what it does. All I know is that magic is harder to do without it.”

 "The Tal is a stone containing enormous power. It is a conduit for all the King's needs. It can pinpoint a path and translate its bearer and his or her chosen to an exact location. It can enhance the power of the other lesser crystals and increase the scope and purpose of spells. At the coronation ceremony, the ruler is consecrated to a Tal and its total array of powers are revealed to him or her. While others can use a Tal to the upper limits of their abilities and enhance their powers somewhat, only one consecrated to a Tal can tap its total potential."

Diana nodded. "So, this Tal...it belongs to Tarq?"

“Right. Each world has a Tal. It's a gift of the Gods. Some Tals are in use, others lost,  others not yet found. But all of them hold immense sources of power. Dal Ryeas' Tal is old and focused. Dal Ryean sorcerers can share in its power through the King's bounty. So, the Tal is the foundation for all our power. Because Tarq is generous with sharing that power, Dal Ryean wizards have been able to increase their skills. Other places and even other rulers in Dal Ryeas history, keep the power solely for personal uses.”

"What if it's never found?" Diana asked. “I mean, you said that there were places where a Tal has never been found.”

"Then a vast power exists for the taking of whoever finds it,” Carr smiled. "But not to worry, as long as Tarq holds Dal Ryeas’ Tal, we're fairly safe.”

"What if Sindelar were to find a Tal or somehow steal Dal Ryeas' Tal?"

"Then we are all in a lot of trouble. Sindelar learned much from King Philos on using a Tal. He could effectively cut us off from Tadia, even without consecration of the stone to Killia.” Carr sighed and got up. "It is late. Let us eat some supper and then see what the captains have to report.”

As they arrived at the King's pavilion, they saw only the King and Prince Alaeric. There was evidence of a hurried meal, pushed half-eaten to the side of a large table, while the two men poured over a map of the area. The map was a scaled drawing of the northwest quadrant. A barrier had been drawn, and Sindelar's camp was depicted in full detail on the far side of the barrier. Diana overheard them quietly arguing the best strategies to breach the barrier and take the camp.

They broke off as the King acknowledged Diana. "I'm glad you are here, Mistress Diana. It is to you that I particularly wish to speak.”

He sounds very formal tonight, Diana thought. This can only mean trouble.

"We are on the verge of battle,” Tarq indicated the map, "and I cannot ensure your safety. Therefore, I wish to send you home.”

Diana, having sensed this was coming, had her answer prepared. "I'm sorry, sir, but I can’t go home without Mark and Lisa. My family would never forgive me.”

Alaeric rumbled, "And we'd never forgive ourselves if anything were to happen to you, We are very fond of you and we want you safe.”

"Not without them,” Diana objected. "My parents-"

"Exactly," Alaeric went over to her. "Your parents must be sick with dread by now. It's been weeks.”

"Only one, sir,” Diana interrupted. "They just got home. Maybe they haven't even noticed?”

Alaeric looked at her in disbelief. "R-Really? Do you know your sister, Lisa? They'd notice."

Tarq cut in gently. "The Prince is right. I cannot deprive them of all their children. I must send you back.”

Diana stood straight. "With all due respect, sir, I can’t go home without Mark and Lisa. I'd rather be here in battle with you than try to explain to my folks that I left them here to some terrible fate. They'd never believe me.”

Tarq offered, "If you are worried about being believed, Carr will accompany you to show your parents the veracity of your claims. Although,” he looked at her kindly, “you'd be surprised what they'll believe.”

"Even more reason for me not to abandon them,” Diana was near tears. "I was raised to stand by our own. Mark has always been there for me. He’s my twin. When we were young, Mark defended me against anyone who would've bothered me. As long as he's in danger of being held against his will, I can't leave him.”

"And Lisa?

"She's my baby sister,” Diana brushed her eyes, "And I've always taken care of her. She may be spoiled and somewhat cocky, but to leave her here, to abandon her or Mark, I can't. Even if I never go home again, I can't leave them…”

Tarq looked at Alaeric and gestured for his war leader to say something. Before he could say anything, however, a new voice entered the discussion.

"Very eloquent, Diana,” Everyone turned to see Lauren still dressed in her midnight blue scouting leathers, leaning against the front tent post. "I'm glad to see that you are realizing your responsibility. It's important to understand this.”

Tarq stood up and tried to sound casual, "We did not expect you back so soon, Lauren. Come in. Tell us how you are faring in the forest.”

Smiling, Lauren strolled across the tent. Diana was reminded of the elegant movements of a wild cat as she approached. She realized suddenly that this woman was not the same as the one who had lived next door to them on the edgeworld. Even her smile, which once was so wistful and sad, now radiated confidence and triumph.

Diana understood that this side of Lauren was the one that she always hid at home. This was the true Lauren, the suppressed one, the mysterious one. The Lauren of the junk-food suppers, the games, and the fancy costumes was only a facade. Instead, she was a sleek, powerful woman of authority and wisdom. Seeing Diana's troubled expression, the old Lauren, who was only a tiny facet of the regal woman before her, smiled and gently patted her shoulder. This familiar gesture lightened the girl's expression although her words did not.

"Although I agree, she should be sent home,” she said, pretending not to notice Diana's mutinous look. "I don't think we can afford the luxury. Sindelar has been waiting for Tarq to use the Tal so he can order a sneak attack and steal it.”

"How did you learn this?" Alaeric demanded.

"Oh, well, we are now in possession of a double agent,” she replied, a little uneasily.

"Who?"

"Merrick Dracos Olenteas.”

"Merrick?!" Alaeric snorted.  "But his father is one of our father's loyalists.”

"Was. The father died in exile four years ago. Merrick and his younger brother, Ferrel, were with him. One of Sindelar’s rift winds trapped them about two years ago at Morsea. When Sindelar came here, he brought them along. Merrick doesn't know why. But Sindelar holds Ferrel as surety for Merrick's behavior and loyalty. Ferrel now shares a tent with Mark. Lisa has been adopted as a pet to Killia. According to Merrick, it amuses her to have a living doll and it keeps her from active interference with Sindelar's activities. He says Killia is beginning to deteriorate, so he guesses that Sindelar will have to move quickly.”

"How can we believe him?" Carr was amazed at the amount of information Lauren had obtained.

"You mean you don't trust your own nephew, enchantress?" Lauren replied snidely. “He gave me his blood-oath. Merrick is now mine and will do my bidding.”

Carr gave Lauren a cold look. "So? That may be of some benefit to you but since we are not certain of your loyalties, what benefit is it to us?"

"Enough!" Tarq shouted, startling everyone, especially Carr, who squirmed uncomfortably. "Enchantress, you made me doubt Lauren's loyalty to the crown once, but you'll never be able to do so again. I know of Merrick Olenteas' oath and have given my approval.”

Lauren continued her report as if the entire interchange with Carr had not occurred. "He will try to get word to Mark and Lisa that you're here, Diana, and that they should try to come to us. I only wish he could get Ferrel out as well. Maybe he can.”

Even without his assertion that he knew of the agent, it was clear none of this was news to the King. On the very night, she had sworn Merrick Olenteas to the cause, Lauren came to his tent, well after midnight, not for the reasons he would have preferred, but to tell him of this new spy. It was a triumph for her. Not only had she turned a traitor's son into an unquestioning ally, and found the missing pair's location, but she had gained a spy in Sindelar's camp.

Thus, she had performed her duty to her Kingdom and had proved her loyalty to the crown. But the cool, formal way in which she had delivered her news to him, even in the dead of night, had dampened his excitement over her presence in his tent and had effectively thwarted his hopes of discussing other matters closer to his heart.

 "Why are you trusting this man?"' Diana asked, still upset. "You said he was working for Sindelar.”

"Under duress, Diana. They are holding his brother hostage.”

"Well, he could be lying, right?”

"Not if he willingly gave Lauren an Olenteas blood-oath,” Tarq interjected.

"I don't get it.” Diana declared. "Why should he swear on blood and not be lying?"

"Olenteas' is the only clan who uses this oath," Tarq explained, "and it is given only when there is no choice.” He looked at Lauren steadily as he spoke. She seems so pleased with herself, he thought, I have not seen her smile like this in so long. "What else does Merrick report?"

"There seems to be an unusual type of activity near the barriers. Not ours, and certainly not Sindelar's work. Whoever is there is very good at placing barriers within barriers.”

"Wonderful, now we have an unknown to deal with,” Tarq grumbled.

"Don't worry, my King," Lauren answered blithely. "It can't be any worse than the known.”