The Search for Blackthorn

Skye pounded on the doors of Castle Amber, calling out for her brother-in-law. Ian had been gone for days, and there was no more waiting. Her decision was made, she had to find him.

"Corwin, without him, I am one already dead. No word? No missives? He's just... gone. There must be a reason why."

"Skye," Corwin tried to ease her fears. "If Ian were hurt I would know it, I have not felt him in any pain."

It was her next words which convinced him, "Aye, Corrie, but can ye feel him at all? I cannot reach him, and 'tis not Ian to be gone without such word to either you or me. It seems as if something larger and more powerful than Ian, or either one of us is keeping him away."

Corwin nodded, and a short time later they were off. Skye rode safely upon the back of Asgorath, Amaris along with them. She felt vaguely guilty about dragging the expecting Mari with them, but the younger woman had insisted, and besides, her expertise with armaments would be needed, Skye was sure.

They had camped in a cave, dining on dried meat, bread and cheese, discussing the strategy for finding the missing man. After a fitful doze, Skye departed as day broke. She struck out on instinct, trying to feel him close, asking those she met along the way. No one had seen him, or maybe they had, but they couldn't be sure. There were many who were elven in this part of Britain. Skye grew frustrated, Ian was half-elven, and at six and a half feet tall, was not likely to look like any of the other inhabitants. Still, she continued, doggedly searching, and calling out to him with her mind... hoping to hear him... feel him nearby... anything. She was to be disappointed each time.

It was cold... a misting rain falling around her. Skye walked on, deeper and deeper into the wooded area. The wind kicked up... howling now, and the rain began to pour. Night had now fallen, and Skye looked for any type of shelter from the wind and rain. Pulling her cloak around her, Skye found refuge inside the hollowed trunk of one of the giant trees deep in the wood. As the storm intensified, she was reminded of the story of Huney... and that storm.

Was this it then? Another one? Was she to also be lost in a violent storm, meeting with the same fate as Ian's first wife? If only he were here... if only he could hear her... all would be right again. The giant oak trembled in the massive winds of the storm. Skye drew herself deeply inside, keeping herself as sheltered as she could. The winds continued to howl... and then a massive *CRACK* split the air as one of the tree limbs was torn from its trunk. Skye sent up a prayer, and then, mustering all the will she could... she concentrated hard... screaming not with her mouth, but with her mind and heart, she called his name before everything went black.

Back home, a young woman was torn from a deep sleep. Sitting bolt upright, she awoke her fiance by calling out her sister's name... the tears wet upon her face.