Part One: The foreshadowing
I have been here before. Many times.
I have been here. So often that I could describe every inch of the scene laid out before me with my eyes shut. Which is apt. For each visit has been in my dreams, beneath a blanket of warm, re-assuring sleep.
Behind me is the city. Here I was born, grew old. Through slow and painful teaching I learnt the secrets of the Guild. From a simple twisting of light to create illusion and entertainment I progressed to shaping, then creating matter. Finally, as my Mistress, my mentor and friend prepared to part this world, I became proficient in the opening of the cosmic portals: corridors connecting here to there across all of space and time.
To me, and to a handful of my classmates, the Guild surrendered its knowledge. At last, the day arrived when I, too, put on the white mantle, signifying ultimate achievement. For I, alone of my year went beyond: learnt that in channelling power for good one also created a force that might serve in defence of my world and all those that depended on it.
Before me, the spring sun illuminates with cheerful optimism a clearing at the opposite edge of the bridge. Its brightness belies the slight chill that still permeates the air. Winter is not quite gone: yet there are hints of returning life. A scurry of…
