Jenna found herself dragged along a wizard portal, shops and streets flying past as Andy walked forward determinedly. Jenna hated portals – wizards always seemed to use them when there was no need. The subway would have worked just as well, she mused.

“Hey there stinky. I’m glad you’re awake. When Carl brought you through the house portal he said he’s never seen anyone black out as fast as you from a little bit of mind reading before.

Jenna knocked timidly at the door of the upstairs room. A muffled call told her to wait half an hour. She fidgeted and sat down in the hallway outside the door, picking at the dirt still lodged beneath her fingernails. Only newly arrived, she still wasn’t accustomed to meeting the wizards, and this was the first time she’d dared to interrupt a meeting.

In the middle of a typical New York City day, street performers play a dangerous alternative rock song with a tango influence, filled with missed notes and attitude. The sounds drifted along, bringing a suitable backdrop amidst the clang of cars and construction for a slender, petite figure hunched in the shadows of an historic building. Passing close on a bus, Drenan failed to notice the figure.