Barhan sat up in the bed because Deneve insisted that he rest for a few days. His mind was running with what he saw and the strange but powerful man Deneve had words with. In addition to healing him, she insisted upon healing any injured among the guards.

He shifted in the bed anxiously. What did this Lord Red mean when he said, “Good information is hard to come by in this world?” What are these strange powers she used to save him? It was like she had the elements at her fingertips, she danced, and destruction came down on their enemies. Yet, at the same time, her kindness and compassion were palpable, as was her anger at this Lord Red.

She summoned strange creatures that seemed to help her. She really wasn’t from this world, Barhan realized with a start. He always had just thought perhaps she was from a land far away. The thought that she was from another world entirely just seemed too strange but now…

Deneve entered the yurt. She looked exhausted. Perhaps healing took energy from her. Barhan gave her a worried look.

“I took the liberty of getting some food.” She said, placing a basket on the table.

“Thank you,” Barhan replied. He was curious but wasn’t sure how to initiate the conversation, especially as it was apparent she needed to rest.

She quickly put a plate together of dried meats, vegetables, fruits, and bread, before filling up two mugs with fig wine. Barhan moved to the side of the bed, intending to sit at the table, but she surprised him by bringing everything to the bed. Deneve placed the platter between them on the bed as she sat opposite him.

“I know you have questions.” She said. “Ask them.”

He considered carefully before asking his first question. “What did Lord Red mean when he spoke of this world?”

She smiled ruefully before answering. “I don’t have many memories from before I woke up here. I know this much though, Lord Red and I come from the same world. We were both scholars of our respective schools of magic. I’m unsure how we got here, though.”

Barhan considered her words. “Does that mean you will be going back?”

Deneve shrugged, “I don’t know. I’m not sure how I got here. My memories were taken by what you people call the Black Spirit. I guess I would leave once I remembered or figured out how to do so.”

“Was Lord Red affected too?” He asked quickly as everyone knows how the dark energy can affect the mind of the weak-willed.

“Yes and no,” Deneve explains, “he was affected. We were working with the Secret Guards in Mediah. He took off with the Token of Edana and the Token of Cartian and destroyed his black spirit after cheating it out of the deal he had made with it.”

The sorrow for Lord Red’s actions was evident in her voice. Barhan felt confused by her pity for the black spirit but at the same time realized that it was just her.

“He always thought we were too powerful to concern ourselves with the needs of others.” She explained. “We disagree on that. He wants to know how I worked with the creatures in your world.”

Barhan looked at her curiously. “What do you mean?”

Deneve took a deep breath and snapped her fingers. Barhan started in shock as a giant skeleton appeared in front of her. The creature seemed to look kindly at Deneve before laying a tender hand on her head. She smiled gently at the beast before gesturing with her hand. It disappeared immediately.

“You’ve heard of the Skeleton King that Illezra took control of in Mediah?” she asked.

Barhan nodded speechlessly.

“The creature is similar to the Summons of my own world.” She explained. “I was able to summon and speak with it. However, it chose to stay with me. That is the biggest difference between Lord Red and me. He wants to exert his control and force creatures to use their power to serve him. So although he still has his summons Marg and Arne, they had chosen to protect me, even when Lord Red tried to use his powers on me.”

Barhan sat thoughtfully for a moment. “Will he come after you again?”

“If he doesn’t figure out how to utilize the summons of this world, I would say it is likely,” Deneve said honestly. “I’m unsure as to why he stayed his hand in the canyon. I know I may seem strong, but Lord Red is not one to be brushed aside. He is quite powerful.”

The thought of this man coming after Deneve bothered him. Shaking off the feeling, he asked, “He is the type of person who craves power?”

“Yes,” Deneve replied, “The power that the black bead represents is something Lord Red would want to make his. It would be a powerful boon for either of us. I would expect to see him again about it.”

Barhan nodded. He had considered using the power himself for the Katan Army but realized that it was too much power to control. Deneve had worked with powerful creatures. But she was not the type of person to just take something that didn’t belong to her. Barhan knew she hadn’t forced the summons into helping her. Nevertheless, it was obvious that they had genuine affection for each other.

He wondered briefly what would happen if Lord Red got the bead. That was an alarming thought. But, as the man didn’t seem to have any reservations about using his power as he felt fit no matter the consequence, even his helpful departure was his whim.

“What would happen if I was to give the bead to you and you… befriended the black dragon? Barhan asked curiously.

Deneve looked shocked and took several minutes to collect her thoughts before she spoke, “That is a generous offer but not as simplistic as you would imagine. There must be a summoning spell explicitly written to the entity. Then once the creature is summoned there are tests of its choosing to gain its trust. I could easily be killed by the tests. Not to mention the blending of our psyches that needs to happen to make the communing complete. That alone could drive you mad. And what if the Black Dragon isn’t agreeable. I will not force any creature to submit to me. “

Barhan found he was speechless again. Deneve surprised him. She didn’t crave power but would take help if it was offered.

“It isn’t something to be taken lightly,” she chided gently.

Barhan hid his smile at her tone as he replied, “I guess not.”