Cover design by C. A. Trant

Amulets designed using Knots 3D, v3.42a,

by Steven Abbott, http://www.stevenabbott.co.uk

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the work of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

The Messenger Series:

Prime

Pentagonal Rooms

Emissary

The Eye

Western Kingdom

Visio

Mount Crith

Pestilence

A Pearl

The Balancing Stone

Beauly

Circles

Go confidently toward your dreams.

Henry David Thoreau

To Elaine, for her love and support

The nightly attack thundered.

“He’s done?” Teacher said.

“Just fell away,” said the Tester.

“Tobias is next.”

The Tester laughed.

Teacher turned his ruined face and raised an eyebrow.

“You’re serious?”

“His birthday is next.”

“The Council will have our heads.”

“And?”

“He’s not ready.”

Another explosion rocked the castle.

“Get him ready.”