November Dawn

Toran sat staring out the window, at the dismal clouds that hovered over his estate. Nearly a fortnight ago he got the news of Matayas' capture and also of Layna's accident. This was typical weather for Clairelionne, but still there was an eerie vail of silence that hung throughout the air. Something big was about to happen, but what? 1

"Katya!" Toran called down the hall, "Katya come quickly!" Within a few seconds time his youngest daughter was standing in the doorway, breathless and confused. "What 'tis it Papa?" she complained, "Have you news of Layna or Matayas, or is there something else?" Toran turned his steel gray eyes on her, a look of trouble shadowing his face. "I fear there is much worse to come my child, but what I cannot say." Toran shook his head gently and asked of his daughter, "Katya where is your mama?" "She's gone to town, something about needing herbs for a potion or spell, I can't remember which." she said raising a questioning brow at the look of sudden satisfaction on her father's face. "She should be back in an hour or so, do you want me to send for Maria and have her bring you some Dragon's Tea?" Katya asked. At her father's nod she raced down the spiral staircase that led to the study and rang for Maria. 2

Layna had been on the road for nearly two weeks, and all she seemed to be doing was driving in circles. What she needed to do was find a way to get back to Clairelionne and her father's estate where Cuja and Hepshia would be waiting. They were her dearest friends and owed her more than one favor. Her sister Katya would be willing to help as well because she held an unnatural fondness for Matayas. Brushing her hair out of her eyes she pulled the car to the side of the road, glancing out into the field beyond. Slowly she drew up an image of Matt in her mind and called to him, silently praying that he would hear. Right now what she needed was Isabella, a friend and someone who she could trust to deliver a message to her father and her family. 3

Matt opened his eyes not quite sure what he was hearing. He thought he might be dreaming, but he could have sworn he had heard Layna's voice. Slowly he cleared his mind of all thoughts, it was much to early for Daiquiri to be awakening from her so called "beauty sleep", so he had a clear passage of thought. There with his mind cleared he heard it again, and he was certain it was Layna, but what was she saying? That was the part that he could not understand, which meant she was fairly far away. "Worry not dear friend." Startled he jumped and looked frantically around, prepared for the ultimate of dangers, but instead he found Isabella sitting on the ledge of the window peeping down at him. "Oh Issy, don't scare me like that! Thank the Creation that you're here! I have a mission for you." he said. Isabella tilted her head as if to ask what it was and watched him intensely until he answered. "I think Layna needs me to send you to her. I couldn't quite understand what she was saying, but use your skills and find her, find out what she needed." Issy nodded and fluttered off to achieve her task. As his only connection with the outside world fluttered off into that November Dawn, Matayas instantly regretted sending her, but only for a moment. Drained of energy and with everything weighing on his mind, he slid down the wall to await his little messenger. 4