Andrea Abandons the Quest

Andrea bristled at his words and she felt a shock of hatred well up within her. It came like a sudden gust of wind, out of nowhere. And though it surprised her, it did not frighten her for it came from the wolf, it came from that part of her that she had willingly bound herself to some time ago. She bared her teeth at the blind boy. "Don't even think it, mage," she hissed. Jarlath cocked his head and stared at her. She knew that he was sightless and yet the way in which he stood and faced her... could the mage see her even without the use of his eyes? The idea made her hackles rise on end. For not the first time Andrea found the company of this queer young man unsettling and unpleasant. But this time she could barely keep herself from striking him. "Whatever witch's tricks I might have are buried deep inside of me. Even if I could control them, I have no desire to. I did not ask for them, I do not want them, I will not use them. If I could, I would kill the black-hearted bitch who put them there."

"I don't think your maidservant had anything to do with putting the magic within your soul," Jarlath responded calmly. "She just happened to recognize it and did her best to protect you and guide you."

Andrea spat at Jarlath's feet. "I don't need to be protected anymore! I don't need this magic and you can't make me use it. So don't try or I'll rip your heart out!"

"But then what of our agreement with Mahmoud?" Jarlath asked. "Without your cooperation we will not be able to put an end to his life or the lives of his brother giants. And that would disappoint Mahmoud to no end. And a disappointed giant is a most dangerous giant."

"Pfah on the giant and all his kin!" Andrea replied. "I made no agreement with him. He trapped me in his prison hole against my will and if I ate his food it was because I was hungry. I asked nothing from him and he can expect no more in return. If he has a problem with that then he will have to take it up with you. As for myself, I intend to leave this cold, ice bound hell and return south where I can run free and not concern myself with ancient vendettas or madmen on impossible quests like you!" And then Andrea stalked away into the snow leaving Jarlath far behind her.

As she moved along a white-powdered path Andrea felt giddy and exhilarated. She had made a stand against the blind boy and he had failed to catch her with any of his tricks. It was she who was now in control and she would no longer simply follow where he led, like a dog on a leash. Whether it was madness or magic that led him on, she would have no more to do with him. She knew what she wanted now and what she didn't want, and the sightless mage could no longer prey on her confusion. For the first time since this had all begun Andrea felt confident and sure of herself.

It was so clear to her now. She was finally free, and it was all because of the wolf. But there was an evil inside of her that if left unchecked would enslave her and steal her freedom. The witch's magic. And only the wolf could save her from that evil. She didn't know what the magic was or how it had gotten inside of her but she knew it was a threat. The wolf did not fear it, but it burned with hate for it. Andrea wished that she could be rid of the magic, but she didn't know if that was possible. If not, then she would simply have to ignore it and let it sleep. And if it tried to raise its head she would fight it and keep it down. And if anyone, Jarlath or anyone else, tried to force her to touch it she would kill them.

Andrea rushed through the snow and clambered onto a jumble of large blocks. She jumped from footing to footing, rising higher above the plain of ice. And when she reached the highest perch she raised her face to the sky and howled. She and the wolf were one.

1. Mahmoud's part in this predestined play was over, so Jarlath moved on to the next act
2. Behind Andrea a huge shadow glided across the blocks of stone

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