Karandiel turned back to the concentrating Mara. It looked like the dragonling had barely noticed what had been about to happen to her. Karandiel had seen what happened to Ackster after he got it. It wasn't a pretty sight, and it wasn't something that either of them could endure.
Karandiel wondered how Mara could be so at ease when leaving herself defenseless. She hadn't known any of them for longer than a few weeks or months. Kargas was even a natural enemy.
'Does she trust Brian that much?'
Eventually, Karandiel concluded that Mara didn't trust any of them. She trusted and obeyed Ackster. If he told her to prepare magic, she would. If he told her to trust and cooperate with the others, she would.
Karandiel reflected on herself after noticing Mara's dedication and loyalty toward Ackster. She was lacking.
Karandiel closed her eyes for a quick prayer. At the same time as she opened her eyes again, Mara was ready.
