And not all the visions in the world could have prepared Merrill for the sight of Callie shrinking......transforming into a nine year old child standing in front of him.

He stared at the child, his eyes widening in surprise and shock.

[b]”Your magic....”[/b] he began to speak, before shaking his head.  [b]”We need to find out how to control it, find someone to teach you....”[/b]

His voice trailed off at his own ridiculous statement.  There was no one else left alive to teach magic.  Those few who had survived the ravages of the plague had been hunted down and brutally murdered by the many magic haters left alive.  Wizards, spellcasters alike had all been exterminated by those who had believed, rightly or wrongly, that they were responsible for the plague.

Between her unstable magic and his own abilities of divination.....the two of them would be killed for what they had and what they knew.  

Merrill’s brow creased in fear and frustration.  They were alone.  Both alone now.  They could turn to nobody, trust nobody....and here he was standing in front of a nine year old, looking up to him.  He held his head in his hands.  Things were spiralling out of control.  He didn’t know what to do....where to go.

Despite everything, despite the visions.....he wasn’t ready for this.

And then the roar could be heard.  Emanating from the village, yet it was getting closer.

In the distance Merrill could see a winged silhouette against the silvery radiance of the moon, blotting out the smoke that billowed upwards from the ruins of Edhel.

[b]”We.....we don’t have time,”[/b] he held his hand out to her.

[b]”We must run!”[/b]

His voice had a slight tinge of panic as he looked to the unicorn, his eyes reflecting his desperation.

[b]”Can you do anything to help us?”[/b]