Luminary (Expanded Edition)

  Chapter 22: Soul Mate No. 3

 

  "WICUS!" screeched Waxine, nearly breathless. She zoomed into the office so quickly that the flames which normally sat atop her invisible candles were about four inches behind her.

  "Waxine, please... can't you see we're not finished," he scowled, grumpy that she was disturbing them. Remembering the guest present, he replaced the grimace with a poised mask.

  He and Ozel were examining the subsequent candidates that would need to be retrofitted as a result of creating a new primary and secondary for Emily Wren. Every decision had its consequences. Wicus had not planned on having the guidance of his former mentor. Surprised and delighted, he welcomed Ozel warmly when the council member portaled unexpectedly into the office an hour ago.

  “You have to see this,” Waxine insisted.

  “Not right now I don’t,” Wicus objected irritably.

  The candelabra ignored his comments and instructed Plug to create a portal on Emily Wren. She looked back at him, "Can’t you hear the event alarm?"

  "Waxine... I have faith in you to monitor any pairing happening right now," he said, struggling for patience, not bothering to disguise his annoyance. Even his considerable forbearance had its limits.

  She snorted.

  "Really, and who might that be... at this very moment Wicus? I know you keep a schedule in your head. What two soul mates are supposed to be meeting RIGHT NOW?" Her tone becoming indignant.

  He considered the options for less than a moment before anxiety set in. "None…are…scheduled," he replied slowly in a flat monotone, stunned. Wait, who had Waxine just instructed Plug to locate by portal? Part of his mind jolted to a halt.

  Plug finished the hastily constructed portal.

  Waxine abruptly turned to it.

  Ozel got up from his seat by the desk and crossed the room with him. Both stood by the magical window.

  Wicus sucked in his breath sharply as Emily's face appeared on the other side.

  "That's not possible..."

  Then he spotted Josh Taylor. "NO!" He shouted at the portal, "He's not ready...neither of them are."

  Wicus started to climb through the portal, he wanted to protect Emily. A calming hand, clamped down on his wrist, physically restraining him.

  "You can't just walk into the middle of this. You're not even cloaked," cautioned Ozel.

  Everything was happening too fast. All eyes in the room were now glued to the portal.