Free Hearts in Cups by Candace Gylgayton

Dacara, a city of mystery to Hollin. The
subjects of the ring, the council and the missing prince were left aside as
they became better acquainted with each other. It was only after dinner, when
they sat looking out over the city, that Colin inquired as to how she was
progressing with the ring.
    "I have an idea,
maybe more of a feeling, about where the prince is and how to get to him,"
she began. "Something or someone is definitely linked to the ring but I
can't see him. There is no picture in my mind. Is that how it should be?"
    Colin nodded. "How
deeply have you probed the ring?"
    "As far as I dare
at this stage. I have not used my powers in this way before and I still feel
constrained when I am in rapport with the ring."
    "But you can
achieve rapport with it?"
    She nodded
affirmatively. "Yes, that part is easy. It's exploring the ring that
becomes difficult. There is an enthralling quality to it that is sometimes hard
to break away from."
    "If it is as old
and powerful as Percamber hinted, then that is not too unlikely," Dinea
told her. "Would you be uncomfortable if Colin or I tried to link minds
with you to see what you do in the ring? We might be able to help interpret the
information you are receiving."
    "How do you link
minds? Hollin asked.
    "It's a fairly
simple procedure. We did it the other night with Percamber. The light trance
you were in when we performed the energy transfer is the first step. What we
would do is have you enter into a rapport with the ring, then one of us would
reach our minds towards yours and mentally join you in the ring. It would be a
very surface connection, just within the ring."
    Hollin looked slightly
ill-at-ease. "I have always understood mind-linking to be something only
arcane adepts are able to do."
    "It is an ability
that is refined at the Scholastium, but many people experience brief instances
of it, especially those that are very close and perceptive to one
another," Dinea explained smiling.
    "I am willing to
try," was Hollin's answer as she held up the ring to begin the rapport.
Dinea came and stood behind her, placing her finger-tips on Hollin's temples as
she mentally extended herself. Almost at once she drew back, perplexed.
Breathing evenly she forced her own mind to a deeper level and reached out
again. As before, her hands leaped back and she was out of her trance.
    "What's
wrong?" Colin asked as he came around the table to where his wife stood.
    "There is a
barrier." Dinea was plainly confused. "You try," she suggested.
    With Dinea standing
beside him, Colin performed the same movements and received the same response.
His mind sought out his wife's and drew her to him. Together, working as one
mind, they reached for contact with the duchess and were met by the
unassailable image of fire. The mental picture of fire completely surrounded
Hollin, allowing nothing to enter, keeping her mind totally hidden. They
withdrew and stood looking at Hollin.
    When Hollin dissolved
her own trance it was to ask, "Where were you? I thought I would be aware
when you joined me?"
    Colin laughed.
"You would have, if we could have. Your mind has a rather unique defense
system."
    To an equally surprised
Hollin, Colin explained the image of fire. "Fire is the House Gift of Langstraad.
It is logical that it should protect you. I have known of mental barriers to
prevent contact but yours is the strongest that I have ever encountered. There
is no way for us to get through. My suggestion is for you to continue on your
own. I suspect that your House Gift is sufficient protection from enthrallment,
but I can teach you some techniques that might make working with the ring a
little easier for you."
    "I would be
appreciative of any help." Hollin looked at the ring on her finger and shook
her head in wonder.
    "I have thought of
another way in which I might aid you..." Colin put forward his suggestion
with a glint of humour. "Dinea and I have talked it over and I wish to offer
my assistance on your journey.