by Linda Palmer
****
We landed near the same brook as before, but in better shape, around one p.m. Balmythran time. In fact, Matt and Kenny landed on their feet, quickly exchanging grins. Tirafalen stepped from the Stream in dragon form, as predicted, but wearing a huge belly button ring. And from the waist down her scales were amazingly like blue denim.
Within seconds, she transformed to her usual shape and summoned a nearby herd of unicorns. The beautiful creatures agreed to transport the younger orphans to the forest, accompanied by Tirafalen, Ashley, Skye and Raine. The twins, though weak, seemed better with every passing minute away from Mad Matilda. Before she left, Tirafalen promised to join me and the others at the cavern as soon as her companions were safely deposited with the Nayderloest.
Now in charge, I quickly decided that psiflying would be the best way to get where we needed to be. The four of us touched. I aimed for some brush cover just outside the cavern.
Seconds later, psifly completed with no one the worse for it, we peered through the verdant undergrowth at our destination. Knowing the Stream's aftereffects would shield us, it was easy to think how serene and beautiful everything appeared. I drew on the strength of my ancestors as I closed my eyes and reached outward with my mind. In a heartbeat, I realized there wasn't a soul in sight or out of it. Things couldn't be any better. Not only did no one know we were there, the entrance to the cave stood open.
I opened my eyes and scanned the faces of my companions. "Ready?"
"More than," Matt said.
Our two friends added solemn nods.
Swallowing my fear, I broke cover and crept forward with three determined boys right behind me.