A Night of Hope

           I jumped once more over a log and ran, my short hair flying into the wind, as my feet pounded on the way to my child hood home. Behind me I heard my younger brothers heavy boots crash in the under bush. Where my well oiled boots, had made whispers of sound. My breath was ragged and sharp pains like needles were in my side. But I kept running, over the now uneven ground of our families fief.

          Dusk was falling quickly, and I knew my father would angry if I was not home for the evening meal. My brothers footsteps slowly gained on mine, soon I saw his dusty blond hair in a streak as we dashed into the town's gates. The villagers all laughing as we past.

I smiled and took a short cut, with one hand and a twist I flipped over a railing and kept running, the black smith's sons watched as I flew past, my hair as short as theirs. I often heard the villagers say it was disgraceful to have a daughter like me. A daughter who know how to fight, steal, run, or and other boyish things. But then, I didn't are back then. Nay, nor did I believe in other worlds or the future. Nothing mattered in my young seventeen year old mind.

I only fear was marriage. That a man would come and take away my freedom. I feared the children that would come. That I, the wildest of creatures would be put to a bed, to bear a man's children. Have little feet scamper behind me.

I ran harder with those thoughts and quickly reached the castle, just as the bells of the church rang the evening meal. My brother panted and wheezed behind me. His bride to be looked up at him with wide round eyes. I myself winced. My brother didn't care what his wife did, as long as she handled the castle and my father didn't raise hell for him.

I chuckled silently as I took my place at the table. My breaches, and tunic letting me sit comfortably in the hot summer sun. Where my brothers soon to be bride sat in her layers and layers of skirts and tried not to faint with the heat. I smiled and raised my head after the blessing, looking at my Father for the first time. Instantly I knew I shouldn't of had a smile on my face.

Music chimes sounded my door bell as I looked up from my keyboard. "Coming" I called as I left Mysterahe in the dark ages, and walked to the door. Opening it to my best friend Michelle. "Hey!" I said letting her into my small apartment. "How's it going?" I said as she clasped on my couch. "Still having trouble at work?" I said as I went to the small kitchen to get her a drink of soda.

"Hi. Fine. Yes, the bastards still giving me hell about my earring." responded Michelle in a dry and tired tone. She fingered the offending earring and I smiled. Walking over I gave the glass of diet coke to her and popped open my own can of Coke. "I don't understand where they get off telling me I can't wear it if It shows. It barely does.. Hey, what's this?"

I watched her scroll up my story and read the first couple of paragraphs. "Another novel? or short story?" she said in a more lively tone. "Myst? What a cool name. " she said turning away from the computer to face me once more.

"Mystery" I told her looking at my poor attempts at getting Myst's hair to come out right on paper. I carefully side stepped over the novel/short story question. "Scott will be home soon, unless they make him work late..." I looked up at my sighing friend. "What?" I asked, sipping my coke.

She looked at me and muttered something, then out loud "Nothing, just wondering how I caught such a babe." I chuckled and shrugged. I picked up a magazine and started fanning myself. "Texas heat sucks, it's almost as bad as it was when we were in California" she said as she too picked up a magazine and fanned herself with Bill Clintion's face on it.

I nodded my agreement, and bumped up the A.C. The balcony curtain blew into the apartment. I looked up five minutes later to fine Michelle almost asleep on the couch. I myself thought that was a good idea and let my heavy eye lids close.

My father told me later, he had been searching for a mate for me, when a strange pale man came and asked for my hand. I of course would of refused, but I was way past the marrying age and my father, against my grandmothers wishes, agreed. He was breaking the news to me when I threw a temper tantrum

"No!" I cried as I stood up, faster then I could imagine something clamped down on my mouth. A hand, a white, pale hand. I looked up and faced the most beautiful set of green eyes I had ever seen. The man's long white hair set of his eyes with startling accuracy Fury rose faster and faster in my stomach.

But before I could utter another word; I found myself on a saddle, bond and gagged. The rope cut painfully on my wrists, and I was bumped painfully down a dirt road. For days I sat like that only to relive myself and eat where my hands unbound. I watched slowly my child hood home disappear into a thing of a myth, my life turned to upside down.

I snapped awake as the front door opened. Michelle rolled over and fell on the floor with a cry of surprise. I wanted to laugh, but Mich was already up and at the door before I even have sat up. I wondered how someone so tall could move so fast. I smiled over at Scott and his friend Dave coming into the living room. Scott smiled and swept Michelle into his arms. Tracy, Dave's fiance' followed in after the boys.

I sighed, I like Myst had no other in my life, though I was a bit past 18. Scott and Michelle finally came up for air and said hello. I grinned as Dave and Tracy tried to out do Scott and Michelle in the longest kiss award. Though I had no one of my own, those two couples kept me on my toes. Our small apartment, yes our those wackos shared it with me, could barely hold the two couples and a strange "younger sister." I still laugh at the thought of us crowded at the small kitchen table eating our Saturday night pizza.

I watched the man who had ripped me from my home. I sat in those blasted skirts. I shifted once more, in what seemed like hours since we had sat down. I hands were neatly placed in my lap, though still bound. The white haired man, who's name was Janus, smiled sympathetically. I'm sorry I must keep thee bound M'lady. But I have heard of your reputation, and do not wish thee to leave before it is time.

I called you here, for the purpose of magic. I am a mage, in need of a apprentice. You are that apprentice. I heard drums pounding in my head. "You have mage talent and a good mind. I will only show you if you will it. But you have nothing holding you at the home of yours. Your brother will inherit, not you. You are a girl that's true but no one here will care as long as you study the art.

I nodded, not knowing what else to do. Suddenly the ropes binding my hand disappeared. Janus smiled and nodded I stood. "First lesson, string magic." I smiled, already he taught me as equal not something inferior. I knew we would get along after this.

Scott snapped his fingers in front of my face to bring me back into the present time. I smiled up at my elder brother. He grinned impishly, and I held back the urge to make a whipped cream pie, and throw it straight into his face. But I did smirk at the thought. He pinched me and sent me to call the pizza man and get dinner.

As I called the pizza in I watched the two couples laugh and tease. I felt a pang of loneliness Once upon a time Scott had been my boyfriend. But then he had meet Michelle and "POOF", out of the picture he went. I sighed lightly, so they wouldn't notice. Michelle always felt guilty, so did Scott. But it was all right with me. I just hated being the odd member of the five. I just wish there was a six member.

Oh sure, for months they had offered every guy they had known on a platter. But I would rather be lonely than have them hunt down a boyfriend down and hog tie him. I had never sunk that low and never planned on doing so. It was just a weird lonely place to be. Ah well, pizza will get here soon and I can go for a walk.

As I waited for the pizza I did dishes, careful not to go back into the living room. Every time I got in a funk, I felt horrible because it would wear down on Scott and the others. As I finished the dishes and left the whole kitchen sparkling I started all the curses I could say. The pizza finally got here a few minutes after I had started to repeat myself in curses.

Janus guided my hands over the design. I had worked all day on it and his voice praised me, warm with pride. I couldn't stop smiling, it had been five months since I had come to the tower. Janus was like the father I never had, encouraging me and sending me onto greater and greater spells.

I still couldn't believe I had dreaded coming to the tower. Sure Janus was old, but even the servants treated me with respect and held me on a high standard. I liked being a sort of princess. Janus and I were great friends. I was very happy. We often had other mages and wizards at our manor/castle.

On one such night Janus had collapsed in one of his, now frequent, phases. One of the four visiting wizards and I took him up to his room. I gave him his herbs and soon I thought he was sleeping. "Daughter, Mysterahe', please... Bring me my magic crystal... Hurry I do not have long..."

I quickly got the crystal and gave it to Janus. The other wizard was kneeling by the bed. My heart stopped as Janus looked into the crystal and sent runes, words of power, dancing around the room. A wolf, large and black, stepped from the shadows and walked though the runes to stand and my side. Shivers racked up and down my spine as runes danced around and placed themselves on me and the wolf.

I skipped down the street.I was free. Not that my apartment was a hell hole. I just didn't have to watch my actions as closely. I heart sung as I rounded a corner, right into a tall man.I hit the ground, biting back a sharp reply. As I looked up I saw a hand and heard a murmured "I'm sorry, need a hand up?"

I nodded and grasped the hand. I looked up to face a wonderful set of green eyes. Blushing furiously I looked around to see if anyone had seen our collision. He smiled at me. "You okay? I should watch were I'm going. I was so deep in thought I didn't even think of looking around the corner..."

He grasped for words and I smiled back. "I'm fine, thanks. I should watch where I'm going to..."

He picked up my wallet, which I hadn't even noticed, had fallen out of my Jean jacket pocket. "Here, you dropped this. My names Derrick. Nice to meet you... Or should I say run into?" he said as he handed my wallet. "Um, Can I buy you a soda?"

I nodded mutely, wondering if this was yet another of my friends attempt to get me a boyfriend. He certainly was one of us, with that long black hair. I blushed as he offered me his arm.

Then he blushed. "Sorry, that's a custom I forget not all women like. I guess I'm too old fashioned."

I took his arm quickly, before he could withdraw it, and tried to give him my best smile. "It's okay, I'm surprised you used it though. My name is Caroline. I live across the street." I found myself babbling and shut my mouth. If this was one of their ploys I was not going to be... dragged... under... To late. I smiled up at him. We walked to a small cafe near by, my heart thumping, skipping a beat, then thumping again.

Janus looked at the wolf and then at me. I shuddered. Being that close to a wolf's mouth wasn't my idea of fun. I didn't notice that the other wizard had disappeared. Janus grasped my hand and I felt the onslaught of power rush though my veins, beating though me with my very heartbeat.

Janus smiled as he drew his last breath. I saw angels lift his spirit up to join my mothers. Tears streamed down my cheeks, as I sat in despair. The wolf standing by my side, though I barely noticed it's massive jaws in my sorrow. I stood stiffly after a few hours. I closed Janus's eyes and placed his crystal over his chest. I kissed his cold forehead, wishing him peace in the afterlife.

Then I turned to see a man standing were the wolf had stood not a minute before. His dark hair fell over one eye, he stepped toward me. The vision vanished and I was left staring at the wall, and a large, black wolf. I nodded to myself and prepared myself for the journey home. Back to my father, brother and his bride. Back to the place were I belonged.

I danced into the apartment., my heart singing. Scott looked up over Michelle's shoulder and looked at me strangely. I slammed the door shut and danced circles around Scott. "I'm so happy! Thank you so much! He's perfect!" Scott looked and Michelle then they both stared at me.

"What the hell you talking about?" asked Michelle. "Who?" Tracy and Dave came out of their bedroom, hair tousled.

"What's up women? You woke us up. Some people don't have tomorrow off you know!" complained Dave as he dumped his body onto the couch.

"Sorry Dave, Tracy. One of you have got to have set me up with Derrick. There is no way we ran into each other by accident!" I said looking back and forth at the four friends. "Come on! Who ever did it tell me so I can give you a big kiss!"

Dave stood up. Tracy grabbed his arm and shoved him back down. "We didn't do it Caro." she said as she looked at me. "What does he look like?"

I laughed lightly. "He's tall like Dave. He has long black hair, green eyes, nice build. And one of the most handsome men on earth!" I looked and Scott and Dave's hurt looks. "Just barely surpassing my amazing brothers of course!" I said hurriedly.

Michelle kissed Scott's pouting face and winked at me. Tracy shoved Dave back toward their bedroom. Shouting over her shoulder above Dave's protests, "We want to meet him! When are you going to see him again?"

"Tomorrow night." I smiled and ran to my own bedroom. "Night Tracy, Dave, Michelle and Scott! Church in the morning, no excuses!" I kissed my teddy bear and dived into bed. It sunk in and cuddled around me. It was over seven years old and sprigged out.

As I packed up my stuff for the journey home, butterflies danced in my stomach. It had been a half of a year since I had been carried off by Janus. Janus... Tears sprung into my eyes and I quickly whipped them away. My books lined the chest I was taking. Clothes and a light chain mail filled the rest of the chest out. Along with presents for my family and money for the trip, the chest went out into the cart.

As I walked out of the castle/manor the servants all waved good bye and said safe journey. Michael the castle keeper wished me good journey and safe return. Soon I found myself on the way home. I looked at the wolf trotting by my horses side. My stallion didn't like the waist high wolf, but obeyed my commands as usual.

Michelle, Tracy and I laughed as we walked home. The boys were at work and we had gone shopping. Though I loathed shopping, I had gotten a Phoenix pendant, and was very glad I had gone with them. Michelle waved a hand in front of my face. "You alive Caroline? We want to go get something to eat. Want to come? Or are you just going to day dream all day?"

"Sure..." I said smiling up at my tall friend.

"I bet she's day dreaming about the guy she met last night!" teased Tracy to Michelle. "I wonder if he holds a candle to Dave..."

"Yea well he won't even get close to Scott." defended Michelle.

"Guess you guys will have to..." I started as we crossed the street to go to the Arbor.

"Yummy!!!" cried out Michelle. "He's so cute... Scott... Scott."

"Where?" asked Tracy looking around.

I started laughing at Michelle and Tracy. Then looked around for the guy Michelle had freaked over. Only to see him waving at me. "Derrick!!!" I cried out. Michelle hit my arm, hard. "Ouch Mich, what the hell was that for?"

I smirked at her face as Derrick walked up to us. He bowed to the girls and bowed deeper to me. "Good evening ladies. May I escort you?" Michelle almost blew a gasket.

"We were on our way to Best buy." Michelle butted in. "You're welcome to come with us..."

I tossed a glare over at her. Scott worked at Best buy. Dave was going over there about now to meet up with Scott, seeing Dave had the car today. I didn't really want them to pounce on him yet! "I would be honored to go with you. Caroline, may I have the pleasure of your arm?"

I blushed beet red at Michelle and Tracy's knowing looks. I folded my arm into his and we walked down the street. Michelle and Tracy whispering all the way. Derrick bent his head closer to mine and whispered. "What's up with those two girls? Big sisters?"

"Yes and very concerned about my well being. The tall one is Michelle, the other one is Tracy. Scott, my adopted big brother, is Michelle's soon to be husband, and Dave, Tracy's soon to be husband, are at Best Buy, we are going to see them. Beware they are very protective of their little sister. And want me to have a boyfriend/husband."

"Well we'll see about them when we get there. Good impression on the girls though?" I laughed and nodded, my eyes twinkling in amusement. "So you're the baby of the family, as it were. Very important to know." He winked at me and I blushed.

As I entered the fief, I heard whispers. Whispers I never had heard before. Whispers that spoke of danger and suspense I had been away too long, I had almost forgotten the children's laughter. Or was that tears? I looked around the barren fields. It looked like the fall harvest had suddenly dried up and blew away.

I heard a child's cry, a baby's wail and a mothers scream of death. I turned my horses head toward the scream. The wolf bounding ahead of me. As I came upon the spot, I saw a little girl not more then five holding a baby. My heart leapt to my throat as two big burly men, dressed in my fathers colors raised their swords to strike down.

The wolf jumped onto one of the men's backs and ripped his throat out. The little girl screamed and struggled to run away with the baby. The wolf ignored her and attacked the other man. Who flung him of with his arm and raised his sword to kill him.

I cried out my brother's battle cry and sent a water elemental at him. He disappeared into a funnel of water. The elemental's head came out, grinning happily. Her long blue hair falling over half of her face as she looked over at the child. I banished her before the water sprite out of our world before the child became desert.

And I was left facing one of my worst fears. A child, no two Children in need of someone to take care of them. But I couldn't leave them here, poor little babes. My wolf looked up at me with his green eyes and wolf grinned, knowing my heart would never let them stay in this place.

I unceremoniously fell of my horse and ran to the poor girl's side. My woman's side finally caught up with me as I held that trembling little girl and small baby. Tears streamed down my face mixing with the child's. I had killed a man, to protect my greatest fear. All I needed now was a husband...

I looked over at the wolf and smiled shakily. I picked the little girl up and put her and the baby in the cart. I looked up at the horizon A blood red sunset painted the sky, framed by my fathers castle.

I walked down the street I had walked down a year before. When I was a freshman in college. I smiled at the man I held by the arm. He smiled back, his dark hair framing his green eyes. I looked at my left hand, bringing it to the light. A ring sparkled gaily in the light, my engagement ring. I looked up once more at Derrick.

Age old fears rumbled in my stomach. Fears that I still couldn't face totally. Derrick patted my hand encouraging me to face my fears. Though I shoved them down once more, I knew he would wait for me to face them. My rock... "Derrick, you remember this spot?" I said placing a daisy and pink rose on a corner.

"Yes, of course. I'll never forget that night." He smiled at the flowers we had bought not five minutes before. "But we really should hurry, the wedding will start and the Maid of Honor will be late." He smiled and brushed a leaf from my hair. It was longer now, past my shoulders, down to my waist. Though I usually keep it up, the wedding called for it down.

"Of course Sweetie. But this is the first year anniversary of our first meeting..."

"And the wedding of your brother and sister. in which we have waited forever for. And we are now LATE for!"

"Oh no! Michelle will have my head on a platter!!!" I said slipping out of my high heels. I grabbed them quickly and started running in the direction of the arbor. Music started playing and I knew I was dead... Derrick swooped in a whisked me off my feet and carried my, just in time to the wedding.

"Derrick! My shoe!!! I lost one!"

"You'll have to go barefoot them love, that or face Michelle's wrath!"

I smiled grimly. This was becoming a habit. Barefoot at weddings, what next? This was three times in a row I had lost a shoe somewhere and gone barefoot. I smoothed out my tight black dress. Derrick offered his arm and whispered. "Next time my dear you will be the bride and I be the lucky bride groom." I winced and started walking before Derrick could say another word.

I watched Kay playing with the wolf. My little ward seemed to like it at my fathers castle. The wolf never left our side. I heard footsteps and Kay came running to hide behind my skirts. The baby sniffled in my arms as my father came walking into the courtyard. "Good evening father, what do we owe this pleasure?"

"Evening daughter, you have been here four days and we have not discussed what happened between you and Duke Janus." responded my father, noticing Kay's little hands grasping my skirts. And Joran, the baby, sniffling in my arms. "What the devil is this? You were only gone five bloody months! And all ready I have two grandchildren! What did the warlock do to you?"

"They be mine father, but not by foul sorcery They be orphans I found on my way home. So they are only mine by love, not body. The little girl is Kay and the baby Joran. Those are their new names, their old a past memory." I looked straight into my father's eyes daring him to try and take them from me.

He nodded, looking down at Kay. "Hello, princess, do you like your new mother? Better watch out or she will turn you into a boy." He laughed cruelly into Kay's face. His foul breath making her start to cry.

I quickly bent down and whispered "It's okay just be brave daughter of my heart. You are brave, just pretend this man is a horse, he needs to be gentled before you can ride him." I smiled behind my hand at her little face's blooming understanding.

My father looked at me and smiled greedily. "There is one thing daughter, I heard you inherited Janus's land. Well done! We will soon find you another husband. More land, wealth, power. Our family will have more power under the throne."

"No." I said looking at my father in a new light. He was a greedy pig. That's why our land is suffering He had be could a greedy man in his old age. Grandma had died and left him her land. Now with a taste of power he was growing hungry for more. "I will not wed again. Nor lay in any man's bed. That is one part of my vow I will not break!"

My father's face turned purple in fury. As he rose his hand to strike me, the black wolf came and growled by my side. It's hackles up, it stood at my waist with no problem. Even in Fury my father wasn't a dumb man. He backed off and bowed snidely. "From now on Lady, ye are not a part of this family. Ye are welcome in this castle for as long as thee want, but make sure that wolf attack no one."

He turned on his heel and left. I sagged to the floor. Joran cooing in happiness, as if my father had been the only thing wrong in his world. I smiled as the wolf licked my face. "Hey you, back off! What happened? I told you no taste tests!"

The wolf grinned and licked my bare arm. I smiled at the wolf and could of swore he was laughing at me. I shrugged and stood up, Kay looked at the wolf and climbed on his back. "You know, now that you're in exile from the McDonald clan, you're part of the family ! SO what shall we name thee? Something regal? Or plain?"

"Magus!" giggled Kay hugging the wolf's neck.

"Magus?" I asked the little girl carefully. "It does sound nice. Very well..." I smiled and stood up. My hands falling upon the short sword I wore at my waist. Drawing it from it's sheath I tapped his shoulder's lightly. "I dub thee Magus.. Magus... Well we shall think of a last name later."

Magus bowed down on his front paws. I smiled and Kay clapped her hands happily. Even Joran giggled happily. I smiled over my little family, we didn't need that greed ridden old man. A tear slipped down my cheek, noticed only by Magus. Magus licked my hand and whined. I smiled carefully struggling to regain control.

I turned away from my computer smiling. Derrick sat across from me reading the newspaper. A shivered and pulled my blanket closer around my shoulders. The tower, as I called it, was very drafty. And in Minnesota weather it was freezing. I almost found myself wishing to be back in Texas. I heard pounding on the front door. Derrick looked up at me, with big puppy dog eyes. Though I still refused to marry him, we lived together, he and I were still engaged. Had been for three years and I was afraid of losing Derrick, though I still couldn't face my fear of being married.

I stood, and crossed the cold room. I opened the door to face four frost bitten friends. They glared at me. "Took long enough" came Michelle's sharp reply as she shouldered Scott into the Tower. "On second thought, I think outside was warmer!"

Chuckling I hugged her. "Come on Mich, you know the heats out. Just think, it's better for cuddling!" Michelle grinned wickedly over at her husband. I laughed, so did Tracy and Dave. Scott blushed and shrugged. Derrick just sat, newspaper hiding his face.

"What's up with Derrick? You two were the perfect couple! What happened in two hours?" whispered Mich as I took her coat and walked with her toward the fireplace.

"He thinks it's high time we got married..."

"So do I! But when ever we bring up weddings you change the conversation in a heart beat!"

"I don't know Mich... It's just, I don't know... I pulled out Myst's story... Did you know it's been years since I had even looked at it?" I said, attempting to change the subject.

"It's about time! Am I in it yet? But that was a terrible way to try and change the topic... What's so bad about him? He is cute, though not as cute as Scott. He's waited four years, you want him to wait more? I'm surprised he hasn't walked!"

Her words stung like knives. I tried to shrug, but instead a tear slipped down my cheek. "i just don't want to have that sort of responsibility! What if something happened to him? What if something happened to me?"

"Come on! You always told me to stop worrying! So listen to your own advice! We grown ups now! Derrick loves you, you love him! So marry him! Take one bloody step at a time. Me and Scott still fight and we've been married for three years!"

I sighed and nodded. She yanked me onto my feet and shoved me into Derrick's arms. "Hi dear." I said smiling. "Let's go talk eh? Mich and the others know the way around the tower..." Derrick nodded and followed me out into the den. I smiled awe sat down to talk.

I looked up as my daughter crashed though the underbrush to our tower home. Janus's castle stood over the ridge, as stately as ever. I smiled, after all these years I finally could think about him and not cry. "Mother! Joran is stuck again. Magus sent me to find you..."

I sighed and went to look for my youngest. Joran, who climbed tree's like a gypsy, was stuck for the fifth time this week. "Joran? Magus?" I called walking though the forest. I was answered by a howl and set off north. I smiled as I caught sight of my five year old son caught by his breeches in a old oak.

"Joran, what did I say about climbing trees without me around?" I summoned a air elemental and sent it up after the wayward boy. As she set him the ground I gave her a ring as payment and she disappeared.

"you told me never to climb tree's unless you were their in case I fell, or got stuck. But mother,Magus was here! He's just as good as you!" cried out Joran as his five year old hands and arms clasped around my waist. Magus shrugged his wolf shrug.

"Joran, dear one, as much as Magus protects us, he can not be of much use if you fall and hurt thy head."

"But he can mother! He used magic! I told you he did..."

"Of course sweet heart... Of course he can..." I said stroking the ash blond hair. Joran and Kay both said that Magus used magic. Though never in my presence.

"You don't believe me do you mommy?" asked Joran as his face peeked up form my skirts.

"I..." I started.

"MOTHER!" screamed Kay from a distance. Both Magus and I were off in a flash. as we came around the corner I saw two men. Dressed in wizard robes holding their ears. I almost fainted in relief. I had been imagining a bear or a mountain cat.

"Daughter, please. I'm sure these Gentleman did not need to have their ears screamed off." Kay blushed at my reprimand.

"Sorry Mother." she apologized as she stepped to Magus's side. She was almost dwarfed by the wolf.

I turned to the two men in wizard robes. "May I help thee?"

"Yes M'lady, I am Lord Gasterl. My companion is Sir James. We are in search of a "witch" by the name of Mysterahe' McDonald. I heard she lived up in these parts and wondered if thee had heard of her?"

"Oh 'ye M'lords. I be she, trained by the late Duke Janus. Why does thou search me out?" I looked over the one who said he was a knight. I cursed myself for not seeing the mail under his robes. Magus growled and tugged on my dress hem. I looked up as Joran entered the clearing. He ran straight for my skirts.

"We are in need of your help. It is said you had a wolf. Large and black, we are lead to believe it's one of our missing order. We are also wanting you to join the counsel of Wizards. It is a great honor, and by thyne reputation it is well worth the trek into these mountains." Sir James said, easing into the conversion.

I looked up, my hands cramped over a book. "Michelle, I don't know what I'm going to do..."

"Well you could go to the club..." Michelle smiled grimly. The boys were away in the Third World War. Me, Michelle, Tracy and my foster daughter sat at home. Dreading the news that would sign our worst fears.

"You could tell us what happens to Myst." chirped up my foster daughter. "You never finished her story. I want to know what happens to her. And Magus, is he really a wizard? Why did he turn into a wolf? Why didn't you finish it?" Her questions flowed over me as I sat.

It had been years since I had thought about Mysterahe. She was a part of my past I never pulled up. "I never finished it because I changed..." I saw smiling at the memories that flooded back into my head. "But if you want me to tell you..."

"Yes!" Smiled Michelle. "You still owe us that much. Besides we will see if it takes our minds off of the war."

Tracy just sat quietly, her fear for Dave's safety echoing mine and Michelle's. I watched my daughter's head find my lap. As I sat stroking her silky hair I stared into the fire.

I sat, watching my friend Magus. James and a few more of their order sat chanting over his wolfen form. My heart pounded, all these years and I never had guessed Magus had been a man. All the things I told him... I blushed and hid my face from the world, though layers of hair.

I looked up at a hand on my shoulder. "Janus?" I squeaked looking at my old friend. But he was different. But yet so much the same. "Janus is that you?"

"Hello Myst," said the black haired man. "My name is Magus. I am the apprentice that helped you the night Janus died. When he died he and I merged. We are one in the same now, Forgive us for putting you though this..."

I bit my lip, drawing blood as he lifted me into his arms. "I forgive you!" I said hugging him tight. He held me as I cried tears of happiness having my good friend back. It was later that night i realized how much I like being held in his arms.

My engagement ring sparkling in the fire light as my voice trailed off. Derrick had left for the war, angry at me and my stubborn head. My foster daughter, Angel, was a dead friends daughter. Her little brother Joel started to cry from the back room. I looked up and whipped tears from my eyes.

As I left the room the door bell to the tower rang, piercing the night and silence. As I picked up the baby and walked back into the room, Michelle was walking slowing to the door as if in a dream. "Make sure it isn't those men from the other night..." I said in warning as she looking though the hole.

"OH MY GOD!" she screamed and flung open the door. I stood numbly as Scott and Michelle embraced. Scott had a new scar cross one cheek. Dave walked in behind Scott and took up Tracy in a wild embrace. I waited, but no Derrick came though the door.

As the two couples embraced, Angel and Joel cling to my legs. I smiled as well as I could at Scott's and Dave's hugs and welcomes My body and mind frozen in fear, Derrick wasn't here. He didn't come back, he didn't come back. Tears threatened to over flow. Angel started to cry. She had never meet the boys before and was frightened.

"Hush little Angel, these men are Aunty's husbands. Who went away in the war with your mother. They are back home, and we are a family once more." I cooed in her ear, bending down on my knees. She hugged my neck as Joel cling to the other side. Gently prying them off my neck I lead them upstairs.

I smiled at the peaceful faces of my adopted children. The looked like cherubs when they were asleep. I sighed and walked out into the hall. Gently shutting the door. I walked to the balcony door. Opening it I slipped outside, from the open windows downstairs I heard the laughter of my friends. A small smile played on my lips. But then the feeling of hopeless hurt and despair without Derrick washed over me.

I stared up into the stars. The full moon lit up my garden, a dark figure crept along the fence. "Who's there?" I whispered sharply. The figure looked up, a cowl hiding the features of his face. My hands flew to the dagger I kept with me. We had had lots of robbers around lately."Don;'t move, or you'll find a dagger in your breast.

The figure straightened. Broad shoulders, tall and long hair escaping from his hood. But his voice.. "Would you treat a would be suitor like that M'lady? " He drew back his hood, the moonlight revealing a pale face, green eyes and black hair. A streak of white blazed down one side of his hair.

"Derrick?"

"Did you think of another? C.J. it has been awhile..."

"Yes, I thought you would never... Come back... Things have changed, as they always do..."

He stepped forward toward me and the tower. "Then you will except me for a mate?" his voice sounded so hopeful. Tears slipped down my cheeks. I didn't hear the children come onto the balcony. Nor did I hear Michelle and the others exit the tower and smile foolishly, watching me and Derrick. "Oh, I see.. Where is the lucky man then?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" I nearly screamed looking at his sad face. My happiness slipping away as quickly as it had come.

"Why, those kids. Surly they are too young for either Michelle or Tracy... They must be yours... Who's the lucky man?"

I started to laugh. Giddy with happiness that acted like cheap wine. "You fool, they are mine only by spirit. My friend died in that fool hardy war." Angel and Joel stepped forward, their faces pressed between the bars of the railing. "I waited for you. Though it wasn't until this night I realized you are the only one for me. Unless you are taking back my ring?"

Derrick smiled just as fool hardy as the rest of us and ran into the tower. To appear a few minutes by my side. He took me in his arms and kissed me. For the first time in all of my life, I had a family. A family of love and spirit. Derrick let me go and picked up Joel. Putting him on his broad shoulders Derrick smiled. Joel gurgled with happiness. Angel found her way into my arms. As we walked down stairs, our friends smiled foolishly over us.

Michelle leaned over and whispered "Things change. I never that you would accept that you love him. It's about time! Ten years... Any older and we'd have to use walkers to get down the isle." I laughed and hugged my best friend, sandwiching Angel between us.

I danced at my wedding feast. Magus whirled me around and around. Kay and Joran did their best to copy their parents. We were a family, now and forever. My brother and his bride laughed as they danced past us. My father had died a few years before.

My three nieces and four nephews stood by the apprentices of our mage school. We were going be very happy I predicted. Magus smiled and I smirked as we danced. It as the worth the wait, I had my mate, and equal and friend, rolled into one.

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