Andy carried Ann to their room followed by Kith’s mother. She was a mage of course, like all dragons, but he could see she was a healer too. From what he could tell, she wasn’t as strong as Shunati but stronger than Mila. Pt’this said to let her help, but how do you trust a woman who abandoned her own son? She did seem concerned though, and he didn’t know what other choice they had. Shunati and Mila hadn’t come, yet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name,” she said. “I’m Andy.” “Andy, that’s an unusual name, but most human names are unusual to me. My name is Areantor, but most humans call me Tor. What’s her name?” “Ann.” “You said she’s your mate. So you’re bonded as well?” “We are, though I can’t feel her right now.” “No, you won’t, but the bond will help make this easier.” Andy stopped before their room and waited for her to open the door. Inside, he lay Ann on the bed. “Is she always this pale?” “Yes.” “Odd.” Tor brought two chairs to the bed and indicated for Andy to sit. He did so, putting the bag behind him in the chair. “Would you like to put that away first? She’s in no danger,” she asked. “No, thank you. I need to keep an eye on it.” “When a mage is in a trance you can reach them through the bond.” “I tried that. It didn’t work.” “That is because she’s not in a wizard’s trance. She’s in a protection trance. Mages can go deep inside their mind to separate themselves from severe pain. It’s similar to a wizard’s trance but there are no terrors, and the mage controls the environment. So it can be harder to reach her. We need to convince her to come out.” “Are you going to be in there with me?” Andy asked. “I’ll help you find her, but then I’ll leave. If she’s Pt’this’s niece, she won’t trust me.” Andy nodded. He just had to hope they found Ann rather than Drepal. In Ann’s mind what Andy saw was similar to when she was in a trance. He looked around some. Where was she? “Use your mage sight,” Areantor reminded him. “I am.” He didn’t mention he always was, even in here. Then he saw a glow. It was a tiny dome but large enough to hold her if she curled up. He pointed it out to Tor. She nodded but then gasped. “What is that?” There was a similar dark dome close by. Andy frowned. “A memory best forgotten,” he said. Tor nodded. “I should go now. Good luck,” she said and disappeared.