The Master's Reach — S.K. Randolph

The fountain Elcaro's eye ripples into stillness. On its surface The Unfolding continues to race toward its conclusion. Pictures flash into view and steady, one replacing the other in rapid succession: Esan and his friends, pursued by the Mindeco from RewFaar and a creature from the planet of TreBlaya, stumble over knee high roots of giant trees in an effort to escape. A rumbling howl pushes them faster. If only they could, teleport. The raven Karrew sits on a makeshift perch, his injured wing taped to his side. Around him, ghosts of DerTah's most violent criminals hover, empty eyes staring. Distantly, he remembers the life he once led . . . distantly . . . Wolloh, the High DiMensioner od DerTah, lays in an unconscious stupor. Only Relevart, the VarTerel of the Inner Universe, has the knowledge to help. But where is he? Will he arrive in time? Nissasa Rattori holds the crystal he has renamed Souvitrico up to the light. No one must know it is in his possession . . . The Mocendi and The MasTer least of all. What if they discover its whereabouts? What if . . . Flames fill the fountain's bowl. A long hiss echoes through Veersuni. The fire fades. The red eyes of death search. "Almiralyn, come to me." Water spills from alabaster palms erasing the image, but not the evil intentions of The MasTer."