CRITICAL POINT/ THE BLACK KING (MAGIC CHRONICLES #1)

Prologue Of Jaime Morir:

"He that can work is born to be king of something." - Thomas Carlyle

"Jaime... Jaime..."

The voice was quite familiar, though I could not place it yet. My eyes were closed, and all I could hear was her voice. It was soothing, beckoning me in the midst of this darkness.

"Come on, Jaime Morir. Open your eyes."

In this dreamless sleep, it was quite irresistible. I opened my eyes, and the first thing that greeted me was the setting sun. I was lying on the beach, my head resting on someone's lap. I turned to see who it was. The long shadows obscured her face, but it was all right. I knew her very well. There was no mistaking her fifteen-year old features. It has been a long while, but this beautiful child was still the same. She was stroking my hair, her expression amused.

"Hey, nice to see you again," I said, "Theresa."

"Me, too, sort of," she replied, "considering that you have another job."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, and that queen's going to give you a headache again."

"Let me worry about her myself," I said, "That's part of my job, right?"

Theresa looked at me and then sighed. Worry now creased her young face.

"Once again, a sister of mine is in danger. Please protect her."

"Don't worry," I clasped her hand, "I'll take care of it as soon as I wake up."

"Thanks, I knew you could do it."

"Isn't that the reason why you love me?"

"Idiot!" Theresa laughed.

I smiled at her and closed my eyes. As the darkness covered me once again, I could hear her voice calling out, soothing as an evening breeze amidst a sweltering night.

"See you next time, my love."