CHAPTER 3

After walking for no more than five minutes, the woodland opens out into a clearing and Mandalee declares that they have arrived. Releasing her hold on Daelen's arm, she at last removes her mask so he can see her face. A face that appears about ten years older than when he last saw her an hour ago. "You're from the future!" Daelen realises. "You're a future M–." He catches himself. "A future version of the woman I know." Mandalee pulls a face. "That is a very crude description, Daelen. The reality has to do with the true nature of Time and its relative spatial dimensions, but I can't tell you about that." "Why not?" "You're not ready for it. Your entire home plane of existence isn't ready for it yet." "Are you really so advanced in your time?" Daelen breathes in awe, trying to imagine a future where the knowledge of mere mortals might surpass that of his people. It's hard for him to imagine how such a thing is possible. "Yes," Mandalee agrees, "as a matter of fact, we are. In some ways, at least." "If you are so advanced, how come you need help from someone as primitive and backward as me?" "Now, now, Daelen. Be nice," Mandalee chides him gently. "Sorry," Daelen apologises. "That was uncalled for, wasn't it?" "Yes, actually, it was. To answer the essence of your question, though…well, for now, let's just say the danger we face is unique to your own experience. Will you help us?" Daelen gazes around the clearing in which he is standing. It surely reminds him of Catriona's Meadow, except he knows it's entirely the wrong world for that. He feels there's something else about it, something strange – it's been nagging him since he first entered, but he can't put his finger on what it is. That's making him irritable and stubborn. "In case you've forgotten your history, I'm in the middle of something important right now." "Not from my perspective, you're not," Mandalee counters. "Look, if you help us and we succeed, I shall return you but a moment after we left, and you can get back to fighting Kullos. It won't affect you in any way." "And if we fail?" Daelen asks, fearing the answer he knows is coming. "If we fail, my friend, nothing you do here will matter." "It doesn't seem like I have much choice," the shadow warrior grumbles. "Of course you have a choice," Mandalee counters. "But within the parameters of who you are, I agree – there's no other you could make." "You've changed," Daelen observes. The assassin shrugs. "Happens to the best of us, dear."