The Virian Chronicler

The sound of loud knocking on the door woke River.   She leaped off the bed and ran to open the door, hoping that it would be Andreas.   Rita Micario stood there, dressed in expensive-looking lilac silk pyjamas and a matching robe tied with a sash. “I heard ye were back.   I missed ye.   Can I come in?” River smiled and nodded.   Rita bounded into the room and sat on the bed, babbling away about recent events at the Donovan Institute, interspersed with the odd complaint about lessons and teachers.   River listened, giving the occasional nod or laugh where appropriate.   Rita came to an abrupt halt and stared at River for a moment or two, as if pondering how to continue.   “Lady Anwyn said I shouldn’t pester ye for details, but I be all eaten up with curiosity.   What happened to ye?   First I thought ye’d been called back to Corttann but no-one knew where ye’d gone”. “It’s a long story” River projected, reaching for her book and pen. “I don’t mind” Rita replied a

“Look out!” Ewan warned.   “Something’s happening!” The others ceased their conversations and stared at the sparkling mist forming in the room, apparently coming from nowhere.   It solidified into three distinct figures, each clad in robes made from the same sparkling mist. One of the robed figures stepped forward and spoke.   “The High Council of Chronomages has made a decision regarding Morgan Shadowbinder.   He will be taken to the Donovan Institute on Malvania for reconditioning and balancing.   The Elders be satisfied that none of you had anything to do with his actions and therefore you will be returned to your correct place and time”. Daren stood and gave what he hoped was a respectful bow.   “I’m probably speaking out of turn, but I request that I be taken to the Donovan Institute as well.   My wife is there, along with her sister, who’s being treated in the infirmary.   I promise that when my sister in law is well enough, we’ll go home”. The three Chrono

“River, can ye hear me?   Tis Andreas”.   The telepathic transmission jolted River out of her melancholy musings.   “Sorry I had to rush off, but the Chronomages ain’t exactly the most sympathetic of people.   I couldn’t leave Morgan alone with them.   I hope ye understand and don’t think too badly of me”. As on many previous occasions, the Spy Master seemed to have picked up on her concerns.   “I’m not sure what to think anymore.   Everything’s all messed up and we’re trapped here”.   She knew that she sounded ungrateful but she no longer cared. “Ah, River, me dear”.   Andreas sounded genuinely regretful.   “Ye should know I’ll never abandon ye.   Tis why I be talking to ye now.   Did Apollo manage to get that collar off ye yet?” “I took it off myself” she replied.   “After Morgan killed the Doctor, it stopped working.   But it makes no difference.   We still can’t get out, not even with our full powers restored”. “Aye, I know” he admitted.   “Ye won’t be able t