Arn held the lovingly worn book in his hands.  He could tell by the usage that Uilles had been truthful regarding spending countless hours looking at its contents.  The mage looked at the leather but did not dare to open it.  He knew or felt that once the journal was o pened that it would start a new chapter in their lives that would not be easily closed.  

His steps took him through the house.  He was so lost in thought that he did not question how his body just headed in the direction that Eilis was.  Almost as if he was following the proverbial string out of the maze.  Ironically, the master mage was actually pondering the value that Eilis possed to the ones trying to retriever her. 

She had revealed she was a force mage.  The same attribute that the infamous Sorceror King had possessed.  As far as he knew, the similarities ended there.  However, perhaps this journey, cursed as it may be, would reveal more.  It was dangerous thing digging for information.  One could very well be entombed in the hole.  

Still, it made his logical and studious mind wonder.  Could his immediate connection and pull towards her have anything to do with her attribute?  His heart saddened a little at this theory.  Perhaps it had been her strong connection to the Weave that had so readily connected them.  Perhaps there was nothing truly special about Arn other than his own strong connection to the Weave due to his magical ability and aptitude.  Or was there? 

There is a romantic and spiritual notion about soul mates.  Could it be possible that the dark being interwoven with Eilis’s thread exploited the probability of Threads intertwining?  What would happen to the first if a second threat was trying to weave itself together?  

Then another thought crossed his mind.  Was his need to be close to Eilis also driven by this theory he was formulating?  This could explain why the dark sisters wanted her back.  Perhaps, the connection would weaken the longer those woven together were apart.  The dark haired witch had revealed that her master used the life force of those they had woven with.  Perhaps being apart would weaken his hold on her.

The mage gritted his teeth.  If this was the case then why not just take his protegee as far from Viem and Sensaridh as possible?  But what if his gamble was wrong?  Sometimes trying to avoid danger would often put you in more dangerous situations.  He sighed exasperated.  There needed to be a concrete plan he could present to Eilis.  After all, he was asking her to return to the place that had damaged her so.  Not only her but her family.  Indeed, if she was captured again, it could be possible that countless other lives would be at stake. 

Uilles’s warning played in his head.  It had been two people already who had asked him to end her life.  He was not a fool.  His logical mind knew how dangerous returning such an asset to the enemy would be.  However, he was not an idiot in thinking that ending her life was the only way.  His eyes steeled and even an air of frosty conviction encircled him.  No, the other option was to end any other life who would use her.  A weapon is harmless if you cut off the hand which would use it. 

He entered the gardens just as the first cannon boom was heard.  He looked at Eilis and Tyrhallan.  The scene gave off the appearance of two nobles enjoying the garden.  Arn knew that he could never offer her such a life.  But if they were able to succeed in their impossible mission, what then?  Despite Tyrhallan’s offer, the master mage would feel hard pressed to just live his life living off the Knight Captain.  However, he knew that the lovely lass would need a life that would make up for all the harshness she had felt.  He sighed.  He would cross the bridge when he came to it. 

Arn walked up to the pair.  He nodded his greeting to their benefactor and then turned to Eilis. [color=0054a6] “I want to put your mind at ease.  Uilles did not discuss anything secretive that I would not be able to discuss with you.  He offered me this book which should help us navigate.  But first thing is first.  As I told you. Nobody, not even I, will force you to do something you do not wish.  There are always options, some harder than others.  One of those options is following the plan that Lord Venray suggested.  Please know that whatever path you choose, I will always be there by your side.  I will be your arrow and you will be my bow.  All you need to do is point me in the direction you wish and I shall carve a path for you.”[/color]  He smiled at her.  There was tenderness in that smile.  Encouragement too but in the mix, there was a bit of fear.  He was uncertain of the future but he would face it with her. 

More booms could be heard.  His face showed some irritation.  [color=0054a6]"As fates would have it, there is not much time to deliberate." [/color]