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The Linkens had retreated without reason. Everyone was baffled but nobody questioned their luck. Everyone was just glad that they did not have to face the prospect of a winter war but could instead return to the safety of their warm homes. The brief three months against the Linkens had changed Nova. Somehow Seretus and Atiivar had managed to maintain an uneasy truce. In fact official diplomatic meetings between the two nations were being organised with hopes of reopening trade routes, collaborating in the defence and commerce arenas and other further negotiations were being set up. However while peace reigned Nova everyone was still deeply aware of its tenuous hold on the world. War might still easily break out between the countries Seretus and Atiivar despite the rulers' now seemingly willingness to make amends. The countries had been enemies for so long that nobody was quite sure if they would be able to handle being friends. Then of course was the Linkens. While the people were not ungrateful for their retreat it was still highly suspicious. The Linkens had not been losing the battle but had appeared to have the advantage over the Coalition of Nations. Although many of the people had relaxed considerably, everyone was still watchful and wary of another possible return. Guards had been set up at the border of the Wastelands and Whybrow ready to alert the Coalition of the Linkens' return. So far it looked like they were unlikely to return. Several matters had been left unanswered in the aftermath of the Linkens' retreat. Some that included the mysterious disappearance of Princess Josephine Potter and Blue Mage Omyn. Atiivar had been devastated and Seretus sympathetic when the King discovered his youngest son's affections for the Princess. Nova recognised that the Prince had changed dramatically, he was no longer the same carefree, young Prince the people had admired and the women sighed over. He was but only a shadow of himself. Strangely enough he had found a new companion, a tawny wolf that refused to leave the young Prince's side and whom the Prince demanded remain with him. When Pacey demanded that he be allowed to travel the world of Nova, King Witter had been reluctant to comply but something in his son's steely gaze had made the King agree. Both Jack and Jen had offered to go with him but Pacey had outrightly refused and they could not convince him otherwise. Andie had secretly tried some of her magic on Pacey but had failed miserably - he could not be made happy, not even an artificially magically induced happiness. None of them knew the full story although both Jack and Jen held some suspicions. Abby who did seem to know something had pointedly ignored any interrogation and was now off travelling the various courts to create her own special brand of havoc and destruction. The Isle of Guawyn was now quiet. Once again a place devoted to learning and the promotion of magical abilities. While Andie had decided to move back to Seretus and enjoy the court life both Jack and Jen had decided to stay, armed with Jen's inside knowledge that one day soon they would need the full use and extent of their powers.
Pacey stared at the scene before him. The beach. The special sanctuary for Joey and himself. Now he stood here alone save for the presence of the tawny wolf Gilk. He threw fireballs and laser bolts at the sky while trying to use his control over the elements to rip apart the fabric of the universe, trying desperately to will the molecules and atoms to separate and somehow open a gateway to where Joey was. His attempts were futile. Pacey watched as one last fireball exploded into nothing creating an image of red, orange and yellow behind a background of pale blue sky - a sky so pale it was almost white. Like the white of the Linken who had taken Joey. So now he was on a quest. Somehow he would find a way to bring her back to him. It was the only thing to do because Pacey knew there was no other way for him, no life, no meaning without her. His only comfort was he was not alone in his quest. Jen and Jack would help if they could as would Andie. Then there was the wolf by his side; both of them bound by one purpose making them inexplicably linked. He stared at the scene before him again. The beach. Pacey closed his eyes picturing her in his arms, their kisses and embraces...he could almost hear her, smell her, taste her even. He kept his eyes closed because Pacey knew what he would be faced with when he opened his eyes. Empty air. |
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