Vernia had indeed sensed Brin’s presence while she was speaking to Lakin, but thought it best to keep it to herself. Under her own spell, she watched as Lakin escorted Brin to the lower levels. They would be down there for the rest of the day, she was certain. It would give her plenty of time to go through Lakin’s study. Something wasn’t sitting right about everything, and she needed to figure out what it was.
Slowly Vernia made her way back into the study. She opened the door and moved in. It was apparent Lakin hadn’t put up any warding spells, but then why would he. No one here would dare question his methods, or go through his things. He had nothing to fear in this place. Of course, Brin had warned him to be cautious, especially in the tower. Vernia started with his desk, but found only the expected papers. Books on the shelves were real, no spells of any kind. Then she moved near the mirror he used to communicate with Malena, and sensed something odd.
In behind it was another bookshelf, this one contained the exact things Vernia did not want to see. There were books, all written by Lakin, maps of every corner of the Central Lands and beyond. The books contained Lakin's exact plans for the entire world of Melarandra. It all appeared to revolve around a magic school and Holison. Slowly she read the books. The more she read, the more worried she became. Vernia decided to contact Malena and let her know.
“What is it now, Lakin?” came Malena’s annoyed voice.
“It's not Lakin,” responded Vernia.
“Then what do you want?” Malena asked.
“I have found some of Lakin’s things. His plans go deeper than what I ever thought.”
“What do you mean?” asked Malena, concern creeping into her voice.
“Apparently Lakin has something against all the wizards. He wants to find a school of magic, take it over and bring demons to help. I don't know what it means, but I do know he has a plan all worked out. Once he is in charge of this school, he plans to take over the rest of Melarandra and hand it over to the creatures from Holison.”
Malena sank further into her chair. “This is ill news.”
“Do you know what he is talking about?”
Malena nodded. “The school is a place for all beings of magic to go. Bad or good, they may attend but are not allowed to do harm once inside. If Lakin tries to take it by force, the results could be catastrophic.”
“How will he even be able to find this school? None exist here.”
“One does exist, but it is not on your plane. It is on mine.”
Vernia was stunned. She had suspected Malena was in the Void, but now knew for certain. “The Wizards School.”
“Yes,” said Malena. “When the twins succeed, the school will again be visible. There are only a few wizards within it now and although they are quite strong, they will not be able to fight off an attack. If Lakin can get enough wizards trained, there will be no stopping him.”
“And with Brin at his side, he will have a royal claim to the Central Lands,” stated Vernia.
“If the twins succeed, we are doomed. If they do not succeed, we are also doomed. It is quite a predicament,” said Malena, sighing. “It was my dream once to take over the school and destroy those who had put me here. Now it would appear I am going to have to protect them.”
Vernia felt saddened for Malena. It was not until that very moment she realized who Malena really was, and it made her heart ache. “Being trapped for nearly forty years must have taken its toll,” she said calmly.
Malena looked at the woman, wondering how it was she knew. The spell Gillock cast made it so no one knew her true identity. “Yes, it has. All these years I have done nothing but plan the demise of those who put me here. Make them suffer as I have. Now that must change.”
“We must do what is best for Melarandra, Malena. What can we do?”
“My deal with Lakin is now void. He has taken my plan and turned it into something beyond even him. He does not realize what will happen should he take this action against the school. I will try and talk to Mordekai. He and I may be enemies, but in the end, we want the same thing. Magic returned.”
The mirror went dark and Vernia was alone again. She quickly piled up all of Lakin’s things as she had found them and move to leave. The door started to open so she quickly made herself invisible. Lakin and Brin moved into the room, so while the door was open Vernia moved herself out. The only thing she heard was Lakin stating, “and now our deal is sealed with this kiss.” For a moment Vernia wanted to move back into the room, but decided against it. She felt she was taking too many chances this day so she made her way back to her room. Her sleep was filled with horrible visions of other world beings taking over her precious lands.