The thought of her father snapped her back to reality and she wondered if she would have a father when this was all over, but quickly chastised herself for having such thoughts. Master Malafar was the greatest mage in Omunga and no simple raiding party could kill him. Lyra wondered how the three of them could help in some way and for the first time in her life she berated herself for her lack of attention in class. She knew that her father had taught her much, but she was too frightened and excited to think of what to do. Pressing her palms over her ears to shut out the noise, Lyra tried to calm herself and mentally walk through her lessons. By the time Lyra had calmed herself and brought her ragged breathing back to normal, the horses started to come back out of the castle.
Once again the drawbridge reverberated with the sound of pounding hooves and the dirt began falling once more on the three students. After what felt like hours, the thundering hoofs were gone and voices could be heard. Syman and Antello started to stir and Lyra gently touched each of them to remind them where they were. A loud conversation was taking place not far from the drawbridge and the three youngsters listened alertly for any clues they could pick out of the discussion.
“Your men are fools and bunglers,” shouted an angry voice. “I wanted them both alive. He will never cooperate alone. The only chance we have now is to find that fool of a girl he calls a daughter. I want her found alive. Alive! Do you understand?”