*Well. This may be the one of my mistiest chapters yet. It's very late, so I cannot do much better--con crit welcome, of course.*

*It’s been at least three months since the last post. What can I say? I’m really, terribly sorry! Though it seems that every time I apologize for my delays, I take longer the next time. Anyway, here it is…constructive criticism not only welcome, but politely requested.* 

Jenna found herself dragged along a wizard portal, shops and streets flying past as Andy walked forward determinedly. Jenna hated portals – wizards always seemed to use them when there was no need. The subway would have worked just as well, she mused. Heck, walking was preferable to whipping through the streets, her heart jumping in her chest as they seemingly passing through people and cars and buildings. The first time she’d been through a portal she thought it was kind of fun, like riding the walkway at the airports. Now she recognized portals as a waste of energy and magic.

“Hey there stinky. I’m glad you’re awake. When Carl brought you through the house portal he said he’s never seen anyone black out as fast as you from a little bit of mind reading before. You oughter be more careful, you’ll get the suits more interested in us than they already are.” Jeb’s voice, deep with an occasional odd high-pitched crackle, jabbed sharp stiletto pains into Jenna’s skull fiercely in time with her heartbeat.

Jenna knocked timidly at the door of the upstairs room. A muffled call told her to wait half an hour. She fidgeted and sat down in the hallway outside the door, picking at the dirt still lodged beneath her fingernails. Only newly arrived, she still wasn’t accustomed to meeting the wizards, and this was the first time she’d dared to interrupt a meeting. The wizards were an odd assortment – mostly wealthy business executives and the like. Not what first comes to mind when you think wizards, Jenna mused. Still, they didn’t seem to be a bad bunch.

In the middle of a typical New York City day, street performers play a dangerous alternative rock song with a tango influence, filled with missed notes and attitude. The sounds drifted along, bringing a suitable backdrop amidst the clang of cars and construction for a slender, petite figure hunched in the shadows of an historic building. Passing close on a bus, Drenan failed to notice the figure. He gazed up at the tall city buildings, overwhelmed by the feeling of greatness, somewhat alienated by their total lack of anything natural.