He was unaware of the rarely used road that ran out behind the estate. A small driveway off of this road led to an out of the way garage. In actuality the garage concealed the entrance to an underground tunnel that eventually led to the vehicle's normal parking spot adjacent to the Hunter's Lair.
At the moment, Muskateer didn't really care about such things. The Enchantress was missing and all he cared about was that he had to find her. The separation was tearing him up inside. He hadn't slept properly in days and it was an effort to control his inner rage. Muskateer had already gotten into a shouting match with Black Diamond, leaving the heroine confused about just what was going on. (Editor's Note: As shown in Avengers #32)
Once out in the night air, Muskateer was able to better control himself. Right now he had to find Gwen and to do that he needed information. His search through the Avengers database hadn't turned up anything promising. He suspected that Ryker's Island was somehow involved in all of this, but could not yet provide solid information to support his suspicions.
While the Avengers computer couldn't help him, Steven reasoned that the one in the Hunter's Lair might be a different story. Hunter had built back doors into many different nets and systems, and Muskateer hoped that Ryker's Island was one of them. If they were not going to be forthcoming with information, then he'd just have to get it himself.
Muskateer was coherent enough to realize that he was going to need help, in spite of what he told Black Diamond. First he contacted the Sorceress of the Superior Six, the hero team that operated out of Dallas, Texas. The Sorceress was the best friend of the Enchantress. The two even forged a special mental rapport that allowed telepathic communication over short distances. Once alerted to Gwen's disappearance, Tanya promised to be in New York in just a matter of hours.
The second phone call went to the Scarlet Sabre. Muskateer was going to need her computer expertise and hoped that Jaime would be able to worm her way into the Ryker's Island system. Jess was a friend to both Gwen and Steven, so he hoped that she would be willing to undertake this dangerous and illegal search.
Hunter's Corvette screeched to a stop and Muskateer emerged. The Sky Sabre sat a short distance away. Standing before it was the owner and pilot, the Scarlet Sabre. The heroine was dressed in her traditional red and black outfit.
"What's this about Gwen being captured?" Scarlet wondered. "When? By whom? For what reason?"
"That's what you're going to help me find out. You and Jaime, that is. Do you know how to get into the house? Or do I have to kick the damn door down?"
"That won't be necessary," Scarlet quickly explained. "Hunter used to hide a spare key in the garden."
Scarlet led the way along the back of the house. She paused to grab a concealed door key hidden under a birdbath. Scarlet opened the door and quickly disarmed the security system. Helena had kept the same codes that her father had installed and these were also known to Scarlet.
The Kirby Mansion was mostly dark, but that was not surprising at this early hour. In fact, both heroes knew that the house was currently empty. The Huntress was recovering from her injuries on Sanctuary with her mother Felina by her side. Scarlet hoped that Helena wouldn't mind another intrusion into the Hunter's Lair. She had just been here a day and a half ago in her search for the White Dragon. Such a thing wasn't even a consideration in Muskateer's mind right now. (Editor's Note: Scarlet also visited the lair in Avengers #29.)
As the pair moved through the house, Muskateer better explained the situation to the Scarlet Sabre. "Lightbutt sold Gwen out. He sent her to Ryker's Island on some pretext involving Lady Darkness and no one has seen her since. RI has been giving me the run around and they never even called the Avengers for help. So, Lightbutt must have been in on this as well as some people at RI. I cornered the rat and he admitted his guilt, but the scumbag got away from me before I could run him through. I want to check those guys out and I need your help to do it."
"I'll do what I can," Scarlet promised. "We'll get her back."
The heroine opened the entrance to the secret stairs that led down to the Hunter's Lair. Being more familiar with the Lair than Muskateer, Scarlet led the way. "Fortunately, Hunter told me about the key hidden in the garden years ago just in case I needed to get down here in an emergency."
"That's odd," Muskateer snorted. "What kind of emergency would bring you out here?" Muskateer couldn't imagine anything that the lair held that Scarlet couldn't get elsewhere.
Scarlet started the boot up process on the main computer before turning to answer Muskateer's question. "It's a secret, but one that I want to share with you just in case you ever need to know."
Puzzled, and yet intrigued, Muskateer followed Scarlet into one of the side chambers that held spare gadgets. The sword-wielding heroine touched several bricks in a specific sequence. Once finished another brick popped out. Scarlet grasped the brick, pulling it away to reveal a small hidden compartment. She reached inside and pulled out a CD-Rom jewel case.
"This is it," Scarlet explained, handing it to Muskateer for inspection.
"It's a disk," Muskateer grunted. "So what?"
"It's a partial back up copy of Jaime that holds some of her memories and data files. Just in case something happens to either one of us or should Jaime get partially erased or suffer some other type of data damage. In short it's a recovery disk for Jaime."
"So you stored it out here, far away from your labs or computers. Otherwise, if something should happen there, then the recovery disk could be damaged as well," Muskateer reasoned.
"Precisely." Scarlet accepted the case back and returned it to the hidden compartment. The brick was slid back into place, concealing the precious disk once more. "I pray that it is something that I never need to use, but it's here in case of an emergency. Now let's see what we can find out about Ryker's Island."
Walking back to the computer station, Scarlet sat herself down in front of the keyboard. Muskateer took a position behind Scarlet and to her left. "Ryker's Island, like most sensitive government installations, has highly protected computer networks. Getting inside would be a daunting challenge to most any hacker."
"But you're not just any hacker," Muskateer added.
"In this particular case, I do have an unfair advantage. PRIMUS and the Strongholds exclusively use specially designed Henderson Electronics computers and software for their installations. Software and operating systems that I, in fact, helped design. So, this should be quite easy to pull off without notice. In fact, Jaime is already inside the installation."
"Then let's go snooping."
"You do realize that this could be very big trouble should we get caught?"
"If I'm right, then there are bigger things to worry about than someone hacking into Ryker's Islands computers," Muskateer countered. "Like all those villains we thought were locked up being gone."
"A valid point. Let's get busy." Scarlet sat back in the chair and closed her eyes to better concentrate on Jaime's progress. This was a tricky operation and she didn't want to be distracted.
Muskateer was able to follow along visually on the monitor. "Nothing appears out of the ordinary so far. Let's dig a little deeper."
Scarlet continued to concentrate on her task and remained silent for several moments. "This is a bit trickier than I first thought. Key systems are randomly swept for unauthorized users. We've managed to borrow an access code that was stored in a cache to get around these sweeps. Hopefully, this user had high enough access to get the data we're looking for."
"Try prisoner information," Muskateer suggested.
"All present and accounted for. At least that's what the files say."
"Why don't I believe the official records?," Muskateer answered sarcastically. "Maybe we can see for ourselves. Have Jaime access the security cameras."
"Good idea," Scarlet agreed. "We'll have something in a second."
A moment later, a corridor of what Muskateer presumed to be the Ryker's Island complex appeared on the monitor. The sword-wielding Avenger had never been to the prison before. There were several metallic cell doors on either side of the concrete reinforced hallway. A guard nonchalantly walked past the camera.
"Do they have copies of the security camera records?" Muskateer inquired hopefully.
"I believe so," Scarlet answered. "I see what you're getting at. Jaime's trying locate Lady Darkness' cell and which camera will provide the best view."
Long moments passed while Jaime carried out her task to find the desired video data. Muskateer couldn't help but pace. He wanted to scream to make things go faster, but managed to control himself. It was probably a good idea that Scarlet was working the computer as he might have taken his frustrations out on it by now.
"Here we go!" Scarlet finally announced. "Jaime's found something very interesting during the time frame you specified."
The image on the monitor changed once to a camera mounted in the middle of a corridor. Two security guards, a man and a woman, were standing before one of the cells door. The video picked up with the Enchantress and three others walking into camera view. One of them was a man in a suit; the other two were security guards. Muskateer didn't recognize the man in the suit.
"That's Warden Kowalski himself," Scarlet whispered.
"Of course." At the warden's direction, the cell door was opened. The Enchantress stepped inside the cell and out of the camera shot, followed by the warden and the two guards stationed at the cell door. Several moments later, an unconscious Enchantress was carried out by a man Muskateer suspected to be the mysterious Chameleon. While he still wore a guard's uniform, his facial features were a blank white. Trailing behind was Lady Darkness and another woman. This second woman was wearing a prison uniform and had also jet-black hair.
The Enchantress peaked inside the cell through the observation window and then turned back to the warden. "May I go inside?", the Enchantress inquired. "I will need to be closer to determine what has transpired here."
"Well, that pretty much confirms LD is behind this," Muskateer noted, his eyes sending a hateful glance towards the black clad woman on the screen. "She must be controlling 'Butt too."
"That could explain a great many things," Scarlet agreed.
"As you command, Mistress," the Chameleon intoned as he started down the corridor with the comatose sorceress cradled in his arms.
"Quickly, Blaise, let us return to the estate at once. There is much yet to do and precious little time to prepare the sorceress for the Joining." Lady Darkness followed closely behind the Chameleon. The sound of her high heels clicking on the floor echoed about the hallway. "I shall begin her preparation as soon as she is properly attired."
"Immediately, Mistress," the woman in the prison uniform responded obediently. "We shall be away once we are clear of the defense field."
After a few more steps, the procession was out of sight. The screen went black once more.
"Be gentle with her Chameleon," Lady Darkness commanded. "I need her whole and unharmed for the Joining. Soon I will be ready to accelerate my plans of conquest!"
"I knew it," Muskateer growled as he stalked towards the Lair exit. "There's my proof! That bitch has got Gwen and I'm going to get her back! Time to pay a visit to this 'estate'."
"Hold on there a minute, Musky," Scarlet called out. "You're getting a bit ahead of yourself. We don't know where this estate even is. Seems to me that we need to find out more about what this Lady Darkness has done to Ryker's Island. Perhaps we can find other clues in these video records that will help us find Gwen?"
Grudgingly, Muskateer returned to Scarlet's side. "Yeah. You're right. I haven't completely been myself since this all started, I guess. Whatever that witch is doing to Gwen, it seems to be somehow affecting me as well."
"Jaime is scanning the records for any relevant data right now. Given the sheer bulk of data she's shifting through, this may take awhile." Scarlet turned away from the keyboard and focused her attention back towards Muskateer. "How it is possible that what's happening to Gwen is affecting you?"
"There's some kind of link between Gwen and I. I really can't explain it. It might be magical in nature. Gwen feels it more intensely than I do though."
"Thus why you assume it to be magical in nature. Gwen would naturally be more sensitive to such a thing. That's really interesting. What does this link between you do?"
"I really don't know," Muskateer explained. "It's not telepathy or anything like that. It's like this connection between us. But it's more than that. I don't know, I can't rationally explain it. But what bothers me is just what is this Joining LD spoke of. I don't like the sound of it one bit."
"Without the proper context, it would be difficult for us to guess exactly what she means," Scarlet reasoned. "It might mean Lady Darkness mentally enslaving Gwen like all those Ryker's Island staff. I always did hate mentalists."
"Perhaps. Maybe she's siphoning off Gwen's magical ability? Or drawing upon it? Hell, I have no idea. All I know is that she's hurt both me and Gwen and I'm going to run her through when I get the chance!"
Scarlet suddenly turned back towards the computer in alarm. "I'm afraid that it gets worse. Jaime located another portion of video. Our worst fears have been realized. It's a bad guy family reunion. Time index is nearly three weeks ago."
Minor scuffles had broken out among the prisoners while they waited and wondered what was happening. The more forceful of the assembled personalities managed to keep order. Strangely enough, those guards present did nothing to hinder the prisoners. In fact, they obediently opened the doors allowing the prisoners to reach the recreation room facilities!
One of the doors to the large chamber opened and Lady Darkness strolled in, a look of arrogance and total confidence on her exquisite face. Flanking the villainess were Ogre and Thermax.
A new image came into view on the monitor. It showed a small gathering of individuals, both men and women, all dressed in standard prison uniforms. The view was from above and behind, looking down on the prisoners below. Clearly, the inmates of Ryker's Island were confused about what was going on. Bits and pieces of dialog that could be heard supported this conclusion.
"Boy, I can't wait to wipe that smug smirk off her face." Scarlet couldn't help but grin at Muskateer's comment.
"I am Lady Darkness," Thermax's mistress announced arrogantly, "your new master. You will serve me or else face the consequences of your folly."
"Like hell!" The speaker was one of the inmates, a man whose identity was not immediately recognized. He had short and straight black hair, graying at the temples. "Deathsinger doesn't serve anyone, let alone some woman! Let's get her boys!"
Lady Darkness smiled malevolently at the defiant Deathsinger. As she did so, psionic energy gathered about the Stone Crown on her head and then shot forward into the sonic villain. The effect was astounding as Deathsinger fell to his knees from the onslaught, his hands vainly trying to protect his mind.
"You were saying?", Lady Darkness inquired with a chuckle after the psionic energy had faded.
The crowd of criminals had gone silent in shock during the display. They waited for Deathsinger's response. Deathsinger remained on his knees. He slowly gazed upwards to look directly upon Lady Darkness. "I live to serve you, mistress," was his reserved reply.
"As will you all," Lady Darkness vowed as she peered out over the small group. "As shall all beings."
"Silence, dogs!", Thermax called out as he shot a jet of flame over the gathered throng. Thermax succeeded in getting everyone's attention. "Your new mistress would now speak!"
"Pretty full of herself, don't you think?"
"Pretty damn scary, if you ask me," Scarlet responded, concern full in her voice. "If she can control this many minds at the same time, then she might very well be the most powerful psionic in the world. I never thought I'd see anyone outclass Menton and Mentalla."
"At least the Ravager wasn't invited to this party."
"So, the possessor of the Iron Crown finds the nerve to speak. Backed by the power of the Stone Crown you will find that Lady Darkness is hardly a mere mortal. With the power assembled here I can reclaim my throne and enslave my enemies. I shall become even more powerful by adding the Iron Crown to my collection. Surrender it to me willingly, Seraph, I may allow you to retain your free will. Cross me and your punishment shall be most severe."
Dark Seraph let out a deep and hearty laugh that chilled even the vilest of criminals in this chamber to the bone. "You are welcome to try, wench!"
Psionic energy lanced out from the Stone Crown, striking the wearer of the Iron Crown. Dark Seraph endured the assault much better than Deathsinger had. He remained standing, but it seemed to be an effort to do that.
The deep voice of Dark Seraph rang out once more. "In the name of darkness, lightning strike! I command it!" Upon completing his command, the Angel of Darkness started to flap his ebony wings and rise into the air.
"All save Dark Seraph!", a deep voice countered Lardy Darkness' decree forcefully. All eyes focused in on a man with dark charcoal gray skin. He was completely hairless and had impossibly black wings emerging from his back. A crown, similar in appearance to the one worn by Lady Darkness was on his head. This crown was dark gray in color. "I shall never call any mortal master."
I've heard that song and dance before," Muskateer noted gleefully. "There's a whole bunch of folks who are not going to be happy in just a sec."
"Unhand me!", Seraph growled in annoyance.
"Look, I don't want to be her slave any more than you do, so you gonna waste time arguing with me or fly us out of here?" By now, the pair had flown above the security camera's line of sight.
"Stop him!", Lady Darkness commanded at the top of her lungs. "Don't let them escape!" A burst of fire from Thermax and weapons discharged from the dominated guards were sent towards a target outside of the security camera's view.
There was a momentary flash of black lightning and then the recreation area exploded! The inmates were flung violently outwards from the epicenter of the blast. Most were rendered senseless from Dark Seraph's attack.
Lady Darkness was knocked off her feet and was not happy. "You stupid fools! You're letting that cretin escape! I command that you stop him! The Iron Crown must be mine!"
While the brutish Ogre helped his mistress to her feet, Thermax took off skyward in pursuit of Dark Seraph. "As you command, Mistress!" Propelled by the armored suit he wore, Thermax rapidly flew past the security camera and departed the scene.
"Now to deal with the rest of these buffoons," Lady Darkness muttered as she regained her footing. Her Stone Crown lashed out once more, downing a pair of inmates that had remained conscious from Dark Seraph's attack. The pair silently collapsed to the floor.
The anger over the escape of Dark Seraph and Esper quickly faded from Lady Darkness's face. Instead, a pleased look came over her features. Another step in her plan had been completed. These Earthly criminals would make excellent troops.
"Gather up this rabble and let us take our leave of this place. I shall bind each of them to my will. They will be useful tools in my plans for conquest." Lady Darkness spun and sauntered out of the chamber, leaving Ogre to pick up the unconscious criminals.
As Dark Seraph spoke, another of the inmates ran towards him. It was a gorgeous woman with silvery blonde hair and glowing yellow eyes. She was instantly identified as the mental criminal Esper. The psionic villainess leaped at the last moment and grabbed Dark Seraph around his left leg and held on for dear life.
"That certainly changes things," Muskateer muttered. "We can pretty much figure on running into any of these guys where ever they're holding Gwen. Maybe we should try to prepare for them as much as possible and beat them with their own weaknesses? I'm sure there's plenty of stuff here in the Lair we can use to make our job a hell of a lot easier."
"That's a very good idea," Scarlet agreed. She was out of her seat like a shot. The scarlet clad heroine made a beeline directly towards where previously Hunter and now the Huntress stored their spare gadgets. Muskateer casually followed behind her. "Fortunately, I've got a pretty good idea just what's available here."
"Is there anything you don't know?"
"A great deal unfortunately. You see, Tyler Labs builds this stuff and bills the Avengers," Scarlet explained as she rummaged among the shelves. "Hunter used to just give me the order and I'd pass it on. A very simple arrangement."
"Handy too."
"Here we go." Scarlet indicated several small containers holding pellets. They were the same kind Muskateer had observed the Huntress use in the past. "Sleeping gas pellets and smoke pellets. These'll even the odds significantly."
"How do you use these things?" Muskateer pocketed a mixed handful of the pellets.
"They activate upon impact. Just throw them hard enough and they'll do the rest. Oh, you'll probably need these as well." Scarlet held up a pair of goggles and handed them towards Muskateer.
"What do I need those for?"
"Night sight goggles," Scarlet explained. "You'll be able to see right through the smoke pellets with them. I already have a pair, so you're going to need one as well."
"Makes sense. I just wish the Sorceress would get here already. I'm itching to get this show on the road. I need to smack someone and fast."
"Jaime's found something new for us to watch." With that Muskateer and the Scarlet Sabre returned to the computer screen. "Maybe this will lead us to where they are holding Gwen."
The sound of the cell door opening was heard and the footfalls of several people approaching followed. The shadows of the approaching individuals could be seen before they actually moved into the camera's range. The first person to come on camera was the prison warden.
"Here is the Ravager, Mistress," Kowalski stated aloud. "Long may he serve you."
The image changed once more. This time it showed the interior of a high security cell. The dominant feature was a large coffin-like container. It was somewhat familiar to Muskateer, as it resembled the security box he had seen the Ravager placed inside. All was silent and still. The only detail of note was the blinking controls on top of the security box. The controls indicated that prisoner held inside was currently unconscious.
"Oh crap," Muskateer mouthed. "This is not good. Better tell the rest of the Avengers about this part."
"Jaime will handle it," Scarlet added. "In fact, we've got a plan on how to handle the Ryker's Island situation." (Editor's Note: The results of which can be seen in Avengers #33.)
Two more individuals entered the frame. The first was instantly recognizable as Lady Darkness. The second was a shorter woman with glossy black skin and shocking white hair. This small woman wore a purple and dark green outfit. A dark green cloak surrounded swirled behind her. She was unlike anything that either hero had ever seen before.
"What the hell is that?"
"Search me," Scarlet answered with a shrug. "Never saw anyone look like that before."
"Can the beast be controlled, my Empress?", the strange woman inquired in a most unusual accent. "Such a being could be a danger to you as well as your enemies."
"Of course I can dominate the beast," Lady Darkness arrogantly announced. "Backed by the power of the Stone Crown no one can resist me! Behold, my loyal general."
Psionic energy lanced out from the Stone Crown. It passed harmlessly through the security box's viewing port and struck the man beast himself. Several long moments passed as Lady Darkness struggled to bring the awesome Ravager under her mental thrall. Finally, the onslaught ceased and Lady Darkness leaned on the security box itself for support.
"The will of this one is strong indeed," Lady Darkness remarked in a weary voice. "Binding him to my will is more difficult that I first suspected. I will need to use additional enchantments to bring him under my power."
"Perhaps, we should take the beast home with us?", the dark-skinned woman suggested. "Back to Shadowhold where your magical might is unparalleled?"
Lady Darkness slowly strolled up to the security box. She ran her vinyl clad hands over the container and peered in through the observation port. "Yes, I can almost sense the power possessed by this so-called Ravager. A primal force of destruction. Chaos itself unchained! How delightfully delicious!"
"Any idea where this Shadowhold place is?", Muskateer inquired.
Scarlet shrugged in response. "None. Maybe it's the name of this estate they mentioned earlier? Jaime's running a check on that angle."
"Excellent suggestion, Vilsimbra!" The malevolent grin returned to Lady Darkness' lovely face. "My sorcery combined with the power of the Stone Crown will be unmatched on our home world! We shall depart for Shadowhold immediately!"
"Oh, great," Muskateer muttered. "Sounds like she's talking about another planet here. This could get complicated."
"No, not planet-- dimension! Yes, it's all starting to make sense!
Muskateer regarded his companion with a puzzled glance. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'll explain in a minute. Let's see what happens next here."
Lady Darkness began to cast an enchantment and upon the completion of her spell, her, Vilsimbra, and the container holding the Ravager were gone. All that remained was Warden Kowalski, who stood there as if unsure what to do without his Mistress' direction.
"As you command, your imperial highness," the woman identified as General Vilsimbra said as she bowed deeply in respect. The small woman joined Lady Darkness beside the security box and waited.
"You want to explain this other dimension stuff to me now?"
"Certainly," Scarlet answered excitedly. "A whole bunch of things just clicked for me. I'm starting to get a handle on the sheer scope of what's going on here."
"Which is what?", Muskateer asked in an irritated voice.
"Remember when you asked me to look into those high tech thefts while we were going to get your scooter? Jaime realized that the parts could be used to construct a device that would create gateways between dimensions! Theoretically, anyway."
"But, if LD could simply teleport herself back to this other world, then why make this portal doohickey you're talking about? Although, it does explain why we couldn't figure out who robbed the CII and why the request for Avenger's assistance went unheeded. Lightburst, working for LD, deliberately ignored the request and removed it from the official records."
"And there were several villains we both crossed off our list of possible suspects because we thought they were incarcerated in Ryker's Island!"
"You're right, Red," Muskateer agreed. "This is a lot bigger then I ever imagined!" (Editor's Note: The robbery at CII was investigated in Muskateer #19 and Scarlet Sabre #3.)
"Let's get ready for the upcoming rumble," Muskateer suggested after a short pause. Finally he felt like he was making some progress. A great mystery was slowly unraveling before his eyes. It was only a matter of time before one of those strands led him to Gwen. "We should bring up Hunter's files on the villains under LD's thrall. Maybe we'll pick up a few extra pointers."
"Good idea. We've got some time to waste before the Sorceress arrives anyway."
The next half hour passed slowly as Jaime brought up all the known data on the villains now serving Lady Darkness. It was an impressive list. Even worse, most of them were criminals that had been captured by the Avengers. Among the villains were Deathsinger, Arrowhead, and Frost of the Destroyers. Power Crusher, Sparkler, and Thunderbolt from the first battle the reformed Avengers had participated in at a Henderson Electronics Warehouse. Esper had also been captured, but according to the video had escaped with Dark Seraph. (Editor's Note: The Avengers battled the Destroyers in Avengers #6 & Power Crusher and his cronies in Avengers #2.)
Finally Jaime announced that the Sorceress had arrived. The mage of the Superior Six was traveling in one of the numerous vehicles developed for the Dallas-based hero team. This particular one was a small long-range transport called the Double J, which was short for Jump Jet.
Muskateer was outside by the time the Double J had landed next to the Sky Sabre. Scarlet followed the Avenger at a slower pace, securing the Kirby Estate behind her as she went. It was early morning by now and dawn illuminated the entryway.
The Sorceress powered down her craft and exited the cockpit. Muskateer greeted Tanya as soon as she touched ground. Tanya Chamberlain wore her traditional dark green heroine garb. A large dark blue cloak gently fluttered behind her on the light breeze. Her eyes were sparkling green and her hair was red in color.
"I'm grateful you could make it, Tanya. I could really use your help."
"Of course, Steven," Tanya said as she hugged Muskateer. "All you need do is ask. What can I do to help find Gwen?"
"Here's what we've uncovered," Muskateer started to explain. He laid out the current situation to Tanya as best he could.
While Muskateer was explaining the recent developments, the Scarlet Sabre joined them. Quick introductions were made between the two. This was the first time the two women had formally introduced, although they were aware of each other by reputation.
"That's about all I know right now," Muskateer said in closing. "We're still no closer to actually finding Gwen though."
"I should be able to help rectify that difficulty," the Sorceress explained. "I've been mentally trying to contact Gwen through our link, but she has not answered. It's possible that she may not be able to answer or that I am not close enough."
"Can you find her?" Muskateer asked in urgency. "Can you do some kind of hocus pocus that will lead us to her?"
"Yes, I can." The Sorceress stepped away from Muskateer and the Scarlet Sabre. Tanya needed room to weave her magic. Next she spoke strange words and moved her hands in exotic gestures. Upon the completion of her spell, Tanya turned to her right. "Gwen is just a short distance off in that direction."
Muskateer was a blur as he drew his sword. "Then let's get her!" He started to run off in the direction indicated.
"Musky, wait," Scarlet called out. "We need a plan of attack given the number of villains we're expecting to face. We can't go blindly charging in!"
Muskateer did come to a stop, but he didn't turn around to face his associates. Instead he continued to stare straight ahead. Several beats passed and it became clear to the women that something was wrong. Cautiously, they moved towards the Avenger.
"Muskateer?", Scarlet asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"Are you still detecting Gwen?"
"Yes I am, Steven," Tanya answered, a slightly confused look on her face. "Please tell us what is wrong?"
"I don't feel her anymore."
"Gwen?", Scarlet wondered aloud.
"Yes, Gwen!" Muskateer spun and yelled his response. "The link we shared is gone! It's broken! I don't feel her anymore!"
