Snippet #2635822

Jacob paid attention to words about this Gatekeeper. It sounded like something out of pure fantasy. A creature that never died, and knew all there was to know about magic, including all who wielded it. He wanted to scoff, but ended up squirming. Many secrets he kept buried in his heart to avoid pain, and rarely if ever released those caged birds of his thoughts, and dreams, and fears, even to his closest companions. If what she said was true, that creature would know some of those secrets without his consent.

Jasper watched his brother curiously, despite his previous warning to the man in question not to stare. "Jacob?" he asked and moved forward.

As was his habit, the other grey user pushed his twin away again. "Don't come near me," he said hoarsely. Strange things already happened to him in his brother's presence and he couldn't trust what would happen if he touched him. Besides a stranger or monster knowing secrets about him was frightening enough.

"How can this be true? How can a creature know secrets that no other does? How can all of magical history be recorded in one place? What great power could be hidden there that so many chase it? Is that what you're really after in the Fortress?" He met Wyatt's eyes on the last question, cold again as ice, but the questions were honestly asked.

The healer only wondered what about this monster had caught his brother's attention. Sylvana already said it was a creature of nightmares, which held him back from asking questions about it. He admitted to himself he'd be interested in finding the place, but did not speak of it. He could barely handle his own magic, and certainly had no chance against a monster of ancient history, not to mention all the other hunters at the door. "Dangers assail at every turn. Is there no hope?" Immediately he felt guilty for the complaint as Sylvana and Wyatt actually lived through these events. He did not, but he felt the weight of them added to his burden for his family and his weaknesses.