Chapter 6

"I have communicated with Ieir. He knows all, including what has happened to the two of you. Though, I suppose I could say hello to you as well Madian." Paetir sipped his tea, watching the girl over the edge of his cup. "I also know why you have come."

"Then," Maddy started, "Can you help us?"

'Of course he can help you.' Maddy didn't like the annoyance in her other self's voice.

"Yes. Please, drink up." Paetir didn't continue until Maddy began to take a small sip. "If either of you were more experienced with Traveling, this whole ordeal would be simple to fix. You would be returned home in a matter of minutes. As it is, however, there is very little I  can do."

'Didn't he just say he could help?' Madian's angry thoughts barely reach Maddy's ears as the tea reaches her throat. It's warmth was not just a comfort, but seemed to awaken something from deep within her. 'Maddy? What is going on?' 

"Madian, please relax. You will just make the process more complicated." Paetir stands once more, gathering supplies.

'You-- of course you can hear me. What are you doing to her?'

When he returned to the table, Paetir's face looked different. Madian knew him well -- she had always wished to Travel and took any and all teachings he would give her to heart -- and in an instant every technique Paetir had ever taught her about confirming if someone was truly who they said they were was brought into the forefront of her mind.

"Please. Calm yourself. I am not your Paetir, nor am I Paetir from a different world. My name is Tyr. I  was sent by my own Vena, Peonor." He lays both palms on the table with a knife above them. "One of you will overpower the other. Draw my blood, and I will be yours to command."