News from the Ancient One

Three days later, just as the four of them were working out the details of their summer trip, Lin Hai's phone rang.

He answered, and Hamil's steady voice came through. "Lin Hai, the Ancient One has returned to Kamar-Taj."

After the call, Lin Hai put down his phone and looked at his three friends. "Looks like we'll have to put our trip on hold for a while. The Ancient One is back."

The news was simple, but it instantly stilled the cheerful holiday mood in the living room.

Gwen stood up. "I'll go to Kamar-Taj with you."

She was not only Lin Hai's girlfriend but also a mage of Kamar-Taj. Now that the Sorcerer Supreme had returned, she ought to pay her respects.

Peter and Harry exchanged a look. They knew there was nothing they could do to help for now.

Peter, who was usually restless but never lost his head over important matters, blinked and accepted it. "All right. Harry and I will stay here and pack."

Harry did not seem disappointed either. "Right. We need to pack either way. If we can take the trip, we'll be ready to go. If not, we still have to head back to New York."

Lin Hai and Gwen said no more. They opened a Portal to Kamar-Taj, where Hamil was already waiting for them.

"Mage Hamil," they greeted him together.

"Come with me. The Ancient One is waiting for you in her courtyard." Without another word, Hamil turned and led the way.

They passed through the familiar corridors and arrived at the Ancient One's quiet private courtyard.

The Ancient One's gaze went first to Lin Hai. She nodded slightly, approval in her voice. "It seems this experience has done you a great deal of good. I can sense that you've taken