Cadillac stared at her in surprise. 'So... that evening, when the two
of us were on the shore of Lake Mi-Shiga and I saw the sea burning, it
was you and not Steve ' '- who saw you trapped underwater and about to
drown. Yes. From that moment on I knew you were both approaching a
point of extreme danger. I didn't have the full picture, but I kept my
mind open - ready to receive and act upon Steve's call the minute he
came through."
'Amazing..."
'No more amazing than the gifts you and Clearwater possess. I'm glad I
was there to help. Otherwise you and I wouldn't be here now."
'No. This other power Steve spoke of..."
'Ahh, you mean this... ?"
Cadillac found himself looking at Clearwater. And then, as he reeled
back in astonishment, Clearwater became Steve Brickman, and then,
before he could react fully, Brickman became Mr Snow!
'Old One!" cried Cadillac, stumbling forward.
Mr Snow, his blue eyes twinkling, reached out to steady his young
protege, and chuckled mischievously.
'Did you think I had abandoned you? Why do you think I brought you
together with this young girl?"
It was incredible. The voice! Every detail of his face!
The odour of the skins that made up his long cloak. The bony hands,
attached to sinewy arms full of vigour! He could not be imagining
this, it was far too real! Mr Snow had not died on the wagon-train.
He had come back!
'Don't go, Old One,' he begged. 'Stay with us!" Mr Snow met his plea
with another throaty chuckle.
'Fear not! As long as you keep my memory alive in your heart, I shall
never be far away from you. The powers that were gifted to me by
Talisman now dwell within her and will protect you both in times of
danger! Love her and cherish her and - above all - be valiant! There
are perilous times ahead!" So saying, Mr Snow turned on his heel, his
outstretched arm describing a great sweeping arc on the ground and, as
he turned full circle, Cadillac found himself surrounded by a ring of
D'Troit warriors, armed to the teeth and baying for blood. His stomach
turned over and his mind went numb. It was like being thrown into a
pit with the Hounds of Hell.
