Arn returned the stare of the shadow man who had identified himself as Troumaline.  The master mage’s eyes were devoid of any feeling though in the inside of him he there was confusion.  History had recorded the man before him as a hero.  There were a myriad of books in the library at the Academy that detailed exploits and even assumptions on the life of this mysterious mage who had appeared out of the shadows to become basically the savior of Ith. 

The men who stood before him, however, felt nothing like the merciful hero that he had read about and even had courses on.  One thing the master mage could not deny was the fact that the power that emanated from the shadow man lived up to the legends and stories. 
The pressure he felt on the Aether was tremendous.  It was almost as if the Thread itself was trying to escape from being too close to the man.  What kind of fools or demented people would bind such a powerful being to a fragile girl like his Eilis, no matter how brave she was?  He needed to find out more. 

Arn did not need the ancient mage to tell him that they could not easily liberate his  protégé.  The warning regarding the danger of attemptin such a procedure weight heavily on the Mage’s heart.  But he knew that perhaps it would be best for his blonde companion to die and be free than continue this life of slavery.  She had on many occasions begged and had him promise that he would not allow her to become a tool of destruction. 

He shook his head, no there had to be a way to ensure not only a successful transfer but also keeping the young girl alive.  “Master Tourmaline”  The battlemage said respectfully. Not because he wanted to sweet talk the shadow man but because regardless of the current situation of the man causing harm to his charge, Arn truly felt respect for the shadow figure in a professional level, especially if the shadow figure was truly Troumaline. [color=0054a6] “I will do all I can and all I must to see Eilis free…”  
[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I fear we have no more time to converse…for the now at the least…your presence is required as the Empire is closing in on its victory. Take my advice…take the girl and leave…there will be nothing but death for you and her here in this land.”[/color]

Arn was cut short by the shadow man.  He nodded understanding and agreed that this chaotic battle sky was not the place to strategize or figure out how to proceed with liberating Eilis. [color=0054a6] “Very well, but you have my promise that this will not be our last talk and do not worry, I would not burned Eilis with worrying about the decision I already have made.”[/color] 

It would hurt him to keep his lovely charge in the dark about transferring the shadow man unto himself but like Tourmaline had said, she would never allow it.  Sometimes, it was more merciful to leave such things unsaid. 

Through his connection with Eilis he felt the powerful presence slowly fade.  The Thread stopped throbbing and instead resumed its even hum almost as if it was taking slow deep breaths after being frightened. 

Regaining his senses, the din of battle was deafening.  The mage even had to shake his head to shake of the shock.  He felt the body of Eilis go a little limp.  It made sense as the pressure that Troumaline had placed on not only her Thread but her body must have exhausted her.  When she came to, her screaming reaction was understandable. 

Arn leaned in close as she spoke directly into her ear.  [color=0054a6]“Eilis, Eilis, its ok.  You are safe.  We need to get out of here.”[/color]  The mage helped her sit back down and tried not to touch her open wounds.  [color=0054a6]“WE need to get you healed up. 
 I know you are probably weak but are you able to draw power from me to heal yourself.”[/color]  He looked around not only to identify any threats but looking for specific people.  [color=0054a6]“Where the hell is Tobi and Tryhallan…”[/color] he muttered under his breath as he prodded this mount towards the part of the sky that looked like it had the least amount of fighting on it.