He smiled with confidence, squeezing my hand. “You’re a problem solver, Opal. I’ve no doubt you’ll solve this one, as well.”
His comment about solving problems reminded me of our first encounter. I had to chuckle. “If you always trusted me, then what about when you first met me and stormed off in a huff?”
He laughed. “All right, maybe not always, but very, very close. In my defense, you looked twelve years old, and we were desperate for help.”
When Kade felt we were far enough from the station, he stopped. I moved away as he cradled Kaya’s orb. My thoughts turned to my sister Tula and how I wished I had a chance to say goodbye to her.
Cold air blasted, sending snow into the air to swirl around us. Kaya’s joy filled the air. She spun around me for a moment. Her gratitude pulsed in my heart before she vanished. When the snow settled, Kade crouched in the drifts. Remembering my lecture to him about having others to help hold you together as you heal, I embraced him.
He clung to me for a while. Snow thawed under us and soaked into my pants, but I felt warm in his arms.
“You could always try to bribe the Council,” Kade said.
“What are you talking about?”
“Give your diamonds to them and maybe they won’t lock you in the Keep’s cells.”
“Being selfish again?”
He nodded.
“They’re not my diamonds,” I said.
“Really? Then whose are they?”
I didn’t have an answer for him. We remained silent for a moment.
He was inches from me. My desire to kiss him pushed away all other thoughts, so I pressed my lips to his. He pulled me closer and heat spread throughout my body. More snow melted underneath us, but I didn’t care.
Eventually an icy wind intruded. I broke away from his embrace.
“Shall we continue our conversation inside?” Kade asked with a wide grin.
We trudged through the snow, holding hands. “I wish we could just freeze this time together, and all the—” I waved, indicating the future problems that waited for me “—would disappear.” It was quite a list, finding Ulrick, switching his soul, convincing the Council not to arrest me, discovering how my new powers would affect Sitia.
Kade kept quiet for a while. “This calls for a glass analogy.”
I groaned, but he ignored me.
“Life is like molten glass. It flows, it’s flexible, it can be molded and shaped and…what do you say? Ah, yes. It holds vast potential. You have a number of uncertainties in your melt right now. But they will always be there in one form or another. Always. Unlike molten glass, life can’t be fixed or frozen into a pretty vase and placed on a shelf to gather dust.”
“I wouldn’t mind a little coating of dust instead of facing the Master Magicians and the Council. What if they just lock me away?”
He stopped and drew me into a tight hug. “They won’t. Because you’re smart, Opal. You’ll figure it out.”
“You said the same thing in the storeroom and I almost killed us.”
“But you didn’t. And that reminds me. What exactly did I promise you?”
I thought back to his description of me, arriving like an unwelcome squall when all he desired was to be left alone. “You promised me that the next time you decide to languish in the sun, you’ll take me with you. I’m in desperate need of a vacation and I’m sure you know the best beach for languishing.”
He laughed. “There is this beautiful little cove along Bloodgood’s coast. White sands, crystal-clear water, but it can get hot during the day.”
“Perfect. I hate the cold.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks go to my husband, Rodney, and my children, Luke and Jenna. For being patient when I need to finish a book, and for not complaining (too much) when I travel to book signings and conventions. Without you three, there would be no books to write.
A special thank-you goes to my critique partner, Kimberley J. Howe. She rose to the challenge when I hit a dead end and dumped three hundred pages of this book on her, crying for help. Your encouragement, phone calls and comments helped pull this book together.
Huge thanks go to all the hardworking people at Harlequin Books. Your enthusiasm and love of books has made working with you a joy. Special kudos go to my editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, whose expert comments greatly improve my stories. Thanks to Elizabeth Mazer and the PR goddesses: Michelle Renaud, Marleah Stout, Amy Jones, Heather Foy and Diane Mosher for all the extra effort!
Thanks to my agent, Robert Mecoy, whose help has been invaluable, and to his daughter, Dash, for her wonderful support. Many thanks to Michael Alberstat, Photography, and Allan Davey, Retouching, for this beautiful cover.
For this book I once again enrolled in a variety of glass classes at the Goggle Works. I would like to thank a quartet of teachers and artists who helped me: Helen Tegeler, Sandra Kaye, Karen Lesniak and Louise Mehaffey. I think I’m addicted to glass.
And a continuing heartfelt thanks to my army of Book Commandos! Your efforts in the field are greatly appreciated! Special mention to those who have gone well above and beyond the call of duty: Suzanne Ledford, Alethea Allarey, Patrice de Avila, Elizabeth Darrach, Jeff Young, Heather Tebbs, Megan Knight, Jamie Perry and Jen Runkle. The Commander would be proud.
Map of the Magician's Keep
For those who love maps, I have added a map of the Magician's Keep's buildings. I had drawn a rough sketch to help me when I write, and Chris, my tech-savvy brother-in-law converted it to a nicely labeled map.
Map designed by Christopher Phillips.
Interview with Maria V. Snyder
Who are your main influences?
Ever since I can remember, I've loved to read. My mother introduced me to the mystery genre and I quickly went from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to Agatha Cristie, Dick Francis, Ed McBain and Robert B. Parker. Dick Francis is my favorite mystery writer, and, I've been told by many that my fast paced, page turning, and cliff hanger chapter endings remind them of Dick Francis' books. I also enjoy writing stories from the first person point of view.
What made you turn to Fantasy?
When I was in high school, my sister, Karen started dating her future husband. Chris introduced me to fantasy and science fiction. He lent me Ursula K. LeGuin's The Lathe of Heaven and, while I still enjoy a good mystery, I've been hooked on fantasy and science fiction ever since.
Where do you do your writing?
In my home office. My husband enjoys woodworking and he has made me a beautiful desk, cabinets, and built-in bookcases all made from cherry wood. The wood is from his father's farm so it has special significance to both of us.
Do you have a particular routine when writing?
Yes. After the kids go to school in the morning, I procrastinate on the computer by answering email and blogging. Then about 10 a.m., I get a fresh cup of tea and write until my kids come home around 3:30 p.m.
What's the most challenging aspect of writing?
All the little details about setting and emotion and description. If I could have it my way - my stories would be all action and dialogue!
If you were to have one special magical power, what would it be?
The ability to heal. I always feel so helpless when someone I love is sick or in pain. And quality of life just isn't good when you're sick. The cliché about health versus prosperity is true for me. I'd rather my family has good health than millions of dollars.