Why did she have to be so frightened all the time? She sighed into his neck while she held onto him. His arms also tightened around her body, and soon their flight was slowing. She glanced down to see the ground coming up fast and squeezed her eyes shut. He landed gently and set her on her feet. “We are here, pretty one. There’s no need to fear.” She released his neck and looked around. They were in the courtyard of a large stone castle. Torches lined the walls, brightening the early morning gloom. A door banged open and another Master strode out. “Nel! Brother, you have been found.” Nel turned to face the man and they embraced briefly. “Yes, Kephas. I am back where I belong. And I’ve brought a guest.” He turned and held out a large stone hand to Phaidra. She didn’t even think to hesitate before placing her much smaller hand in his. After the initial shock of seeing him turn to stone and grow in height and girth, she no longer feared him. His brothers she would reserve for later judgment.
