“This is Aakuta,” the dark mage said softly into the air tunnel. “I have been absent for a long time, and I may not communicate again for a while, but I will still try to determine the time of the invasion if I am able to. I must report that Vand has discovered my purpose here on Motanga. That is the reason that my reports may become sporadic, or even stop at any time,” he added.

Aakuta paused as he wondered how much the Khadorans really needed to know about his personal situation. He did not want any Khadorans coming to the island to rescue him; therefore he could not admit the trouble that he was in.

“As a security precaution,” Aakuta continued, “I will always use the word Motanga in the first sentence of any future reports. Vand is keen on discovering the mechanism of the air tunnel, and he may eventually try to use it to confuse you. Be wary. I will try to contact you again soon. I hope that Rhoda made it home safely. I wish her well.”

Aakuta dropped the air tunnel and stared out over the ocean waves. He was not sure how long he remained silently pondering the future, but the noise from the jungle behind him startled him. He whirled around to see Lady Mystic retreating through the foliage. Aakuta raced after her and caught up to her before she could exit the jungle.

“You were spying on me?” he asked accusingly.

“What if I was?” shrugged Lady Mystic. “You seem to think that spying is a noble pastime. Why complain when others do it?”

“It does not need to be like this,” Aakuta sighed. “Can’t we be friends without letting this war come between us?”

“Not when you continue to work against my father,” Lady Mystic shook her head. “What more must he do to you to make you understand?”