*** Early the next morning, before heading to the airport, I had one more important preparation. Slipping away from the others, I went back home briefly. Packing my luggage was necessary, but I also needed to use the scrying pool one more time. Kneeling by the pool, I closed my eyes, gently passing my hands over the clear water surface, channeling all my mental focus to summon an image of my mother. I needed to know her precise location in New York, to ensure we wouldn"t run into her the moment we arrived. Ripples stirred on the water"s surface, gradually forming a blurry image—the interior of what looked like an ancient, grim Gothic building. I didn"t dare to scry deeper, letting the image flash by quickly. Through a narrow window, I could just barely make out the distinctive spire of a f
