Disclaimer: Black Magician trilogy belongs to Trudi Canavan

The only warning she had was a faint scattering of rocks on the path behind her. Certain that it was Akkarin catching up with her at last, she sighed in relief and turned around. But it wasn't him and her blood turned to ice.

Akkarin!

Sonea shouted in her mind, her panic caused her to project her thoughts louder than usual, and the man before her chuckled as he heard her.

"Ah, Akkarin's apprentice," his leer became more pronounced. Suddenly, Sonea felt powerful magic surround her, binding her arms to her sides and pushing her forward. "You're quite a darling," he scanned her appreciatively and licked his lips obscenely. "Yes, Karriko will have to do with your master. I deserve a perk for all the trouble I went to looking for you."

As he grabbed her, his large dirty hands groping under her clothes, Sonea struggled. It was to no avail, however, he was too strong for her and his magic was making her harmless. Dread and panic rising, Sonea searched her thoughts for some way out of this nightmare, but her mind was blank. The only thoughts in her head were her panic and despair that Akkarin would die now because of her incompetence. No! It can't end like this!

Fight him!

Akkarin's mind voice was commanding and seemingly unemotional, but Sonea detected an undercurrent of dread in his projected thoughts.

How? He's too strong!

Sonea couldn't concentrate on Akkarin's orders with the Ichani's foul breath in her face.

With magic, Sonea!

Oh.

His incredulous and angry retort was a stimulant enough to bring her back from the verge of despair. She created a shield around herself and pushed the Ichani back. He was too busy exploring her undergarments to pay any attention to her exchange with Akkarin, so he didn't expect her to show any resistance now. He glared at her with disdain and eager cruelty.

"You wish to battle me, wench?" he sneered and assaulted her with powerful strikes. Sonea retaliated with her own barrage, but even as she did she knew she would fail. Her magical strength was dwindling at a frightening pace. The Ichani chuckled as he watched her shield weaken and crumble away. "What a pathetic thing you are!" Sonea sagged against the stone wall, exhausted, her breaths coming in gasps. "A Guild magician indeed!"

The Ichani approached her again, confident that she wouldn't cause him any more trouble. She was barely managing to escape unconsciousness. He dragged her towards him, his eager hands tearing her shirt. The last surge of adrenaline gave Sonea enough energy to kick him in the bend of the knee. She threw him off and backed away before he had time to collect himself. She didn't make it far, however. After few shaky steps she encountered a barrier. Sonea turned around and met the gaze of the Sachakan man. His eyes sparkled with loathing, and she instantly understood his intentions. A flicker of silver caught her eye, she glanced at his hand and her heart sank. The Ichani was holding a glittering silver dagger. Sonea knew he wouldn't stop to play this time. It was over.

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