Resurrection of an Empire: The Magic Within (The Magic Within Series Book 2)

by Sharon Gibbs

  Unable to sleep, Elle’s eyes burned and she lay in the furs listening to the clicks the horse’s hooves made as they travelled over the stony ground until eventually she nodded off. Within minutes she was again woken by the snorting and snoring her brother and his companions made as they slept on the journey. She couldn’t blame them; they too had been up all night, organising the horses and packing equipment they would need to carry down the mountain. There’d been food stores to pack and organise and with no wagon to carry what they needed, they’d been limited to the bare necessities. Shuffling to the front of the wagon, Elle peered through the flaps, as they continued to bounce along the rutted track. She chatted occasionally with the driver before she relaxed and was lulled to sleep by the movement of the wagon as it rocked along the road.

  Stopping in the late afternoon, the group ate a simple meal. Stretching their legs and seeking some momentary privacy, it wasn’t long before they set off again. Elle returned to the wagon with Clarence to rest as the miles sped by.

  Christopher shifted his position in his saddle. Jack had been watching him and rode up to his side.

  ‘We’ll be there as soon as we can.’

  Christopher nodded and settled his position again.

  The miles rolled by as the group made its way to The Dale, stopping only to rest the horses and make camp for the night. Early the next morning they were on their way again, and with each day that passed the sun shone brighter and the snow began to fade.

  Christopher’s eyes flickered as the sun penetrated his sleep. Awake, he rose from his bed and set about camp. The mornings were warming and rising was no longer a chore. He could tell there was the hint of spring in the air. As he wandered the outskirts of the camp searching for wood, he noticed the swollen buds on the trees. Leaves would soon burst forth and unfurl in a spectacular display as they readied themselves for the endless days of sunshine to come.

  Returning with an armload of wood, he noticed others up and about making ready for the day’s travel. Elle poked at the ashes in the fire and added some straw from the wagon. She blew on the coals to breathe life back into the dying embers, and as soon as the straw caught she added small twigs. Christopher dumped his armload of wood near the fire.

  ‘Good morning, my love,’ he said as she rose from lighting the fire. Taking her into his arms, he brushed his lips against hers sending sparks of warmth through her body.

  ‘Good morning yourself,’ she said as she smiled up at him. Wrapped in each other’s arms they held on for a moment before breaking apart.

  ‘With any luck we shall be there this afternoon,’ Christopher said, and he rubbed the back of his neck to release the tension in his body.

  ‘They’ll be all right, Christopher. Albert’s a smart man and won’t have taken any unnecessary risks.’

  ‘I’ll feel better when we’ve arrived,’ he said, and Elle nodded her agreement. ‘I’ll see to the horses,’ he said. ‘There should be enough wood for the fire this morning. As soon as we’ve eaten we’ll be on our way.’ Christopher walked over to the line where the horses were tethered and began readying them for travel.

  ‘Morning, Henry,’ Elle said as the wizard approached to warm himself by the fire. He rubbed his stomach, and Elle heard it grumble and groan.

  ‘Yes, the morning is good. I feel a warmth in the air that wasn’t there when we left the Keep.’

  ‘So I guess you’re looking for breakfast?’

  Henry smiled. ‘Well, now that you mention it. I am a little hungry.’

  ‘If you tend the fire I’ll bring the food from the wagon.’

  Henry helped Elle set the last of the food over the flames, before he set about packing up their hastily made camp.

  As the sausages cooked the fat dripped onto the coals causing the fire to flare up and lick at the skins. The smell wafted through the camp, making Henry’s mouth water. He turned to watch Elle as she rotated the sausages so they would cook evenly. He rubbed his stomach. It won’t be long now, he thought and headed over to the fire to ease his hunger.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  The cold winds of the south abated as the season slipped into spring and Doran approached the abandoned village of Alden. As he continued on through the village he was met with a firsthand account of what Athena had conjured. The tall, twisted vines blocked his passage and, not knowing which way to go, he turned right and followed the barrier hoping an entrance would be revealed. Hearing movement from within, he called out hoping to attract someone’s attention. After hearing a flurry of movement, followed by yapping and snarls, he kept his distance while travelling along. His horse snorted and danced and Doran was forced to keep a firm grip on the reins to control his steed. As the sun melted beyond the horizon, he came upon the passage which led to the Dome. Staying in the centre of the path, his eyes darted towards the undergrowth as he heard the scamper of movement in the dense cover. Making no sudden movements, he urged his horse on at a steady pace until he passed through the eerie forest and on into the yard.

  ‘Doran!’ Merek waved to his returned companion, urging him towards the barn.

  ‘Merek, it’s good to see you again,’ he said as he dismounted.

  ‘It’s getting late. Hurry and put your horse in the barn. We must get to the house.’

  ‘What’s all the rush?’

  ‘The light is fading, and soon they will take to the skies,’ he said as he motioned towards the darkened interior of the forest.

  ‘What is with the wall? I found it hard to find a way in.’

  ‘Athena has conjured it with her magic, and within lurks beasts the likes I’ve never seen before. They have bright red eyes which glow in the night and they fly out after dark to feed on whatever they find. We must be in the house before night falls or we’ll be stuck in the barn until morning.’

  Screeches and yaps could be heard from within the barrier’s confines as the light slowly faded and the creatures dashed back and forth as the evening drew in. With the anticipation of feeding, the beasts snapped at each other causing a ruckus, and hearing their noise Athena walked out into the yard.

  ‘Soon, my pets, soon you will fly out of your cage, but not just yet,’ she said as she approached and entered the path which split the forest in two. The beasts settled and in the dim light Doran saw something partly emerge from the trees. He couldn’t quite make out its shape. It seemed large like a hound one would use to hunt boar, but just as Merek had said its eyes glowed red in the dim evening light. Athena reached out to pat the creature, and Merek gave Doran a shove.

  ‘We must get into the house now, before it’s too late.’ But Doran wouldn’t move. He was fixated on the creature with Athena. Merek left Doran and dashed for the house and just as the front door closed, Athena lifted her arms up to the night’s sky.

  ‘Fly, my pets. Soar above me and govern the skies. Our master will be with us soon.’

  The last rays of light disappeared and darkness enveloped the land, and the beasts crashed from within the growth to take to the skies. Doran watched the dark silhouettes steal out into the night flapping their wings and soaring above the forest as they gathered into a flock. When the group had amassed, they shot off in a northerly direction. Athena turned to see Doran standing in the middle of the yard.

  ‘I see you admire my pets. I hope you have good news for me, Doran.’

  Doran dragged his eyes from the darkened skies and stared at her. ‘Yes, Athena, I do.’

  ‘Come and tell me all,’ she said as she waited for him. Then placing her arm within his, they walked up the steps and entered the house. Athena led Doran into the study where the warmth of the fire permeated the room. Leaving his side she sauntered over to a chair to sit down. Catrain was standing in front of the hearth. She wore one of Athena’s gowns and the firelight danced off the dress.

  ‘Moved up in the world have we?’ Doran mocked her openly. ‘Shouldn’t you be down in the kitchen?’

  Catrain said nothing and looked to Athe
na.

  ‘Leave us,’ she said to the girl. With her head held high Catrain sauntered towards Doran. She smiled as she passed him and walked out of the room.

  ‘Doran, you have found the tree?’

  ‘Yes, Athena. It wasn’t where I thought it would be,’ he said as he joined her before the warmth and took a seat. ‘But yes, it exists.’

  ‘I wish to leave in the morning,’ she said. ‘Make the arrangements.’

  ‘So soon?’

  ‘What do you mean so soon?’ Athena leant forward and glared at him. ‘I’ve waited long enough.’

  ‘I hardly think two months is that long,’ Doran said as he eased back in the chair.

  ‘You dare to mock me!’ She rose and the magic within her shimmered. ‘You mistake your place in this house. There is much you do not know. Now leave me and be about your task.’

  Doran was taken aback. He had mistakenly thought to be an equal with her. ‘Yes, Mistress,’ he said and he took his leave.

  Doran made his way to the kitchen and slammed the door on his way in. The cook, frightened at the sudden noise, dropped her spoon.

  ‘You’ve returned, Doran,’ Foreman said, worried to see the man so soon.

  ‘Yes, only to find that I’ve been replaced by that kitchen slut,’ he said as he stormed into the cellar and helped himself to a jug of ale. Pulling out the cork, he swilled the contents down. Ripping the jug away from his lips, he gasped for breath. He’d get back at her. Catrain would soon know her place in his house.

  Athena paced back and forth in front of the fire. Who did he think he was? First questioning her about the girl and now this. The corners of her mouth turned up into a grin. For now she would do nothing. She needed him to take her to the tree.

  <><><>

  Ready to leave, Athena shielded her eyes from the sun as she made her way down the steps to the carriage. ‘Foreman, I’m leaving you in charge until I return.’

  He nodded to Athena. ‘How long will you be gone this time, Mistress?’

  This time? Doran listened intently to their conversation.

  ‘I don’t know how long, but I expect you to do what’s right.’

  ‘Yes, Mistress,’ he said. ‘I always do the right thing.’ He held the carriage door open for Athena and Catrain. The girl would accompany her Mistress on her journey, seeing to her needs, while Doran drove the team on to their destination. Merek and four others from the house followed in a farm cart packed with supplies. As the group pulled out and headed away from the barrier the howling winds whipped over the bluff.

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Jimmy sat at his desk and scanned the reports once again. The months he’d been ensconced as Governor in The Dale had flown by, and while his time had previously been spent rebuilding the village, he now had to find a way to protect it. The clatter of hooves outside caught his attention, and he looked up from his papers to stare out the window as the force from Canistar pulled into the square. His worries eased just a bit as the contingent flowed into the market. Finally, help had arrived. He rose from his desk and headed outside. ‘Christopher.’ He waved and walked over to greet him.

  Christopher jumped from his saddle to land firmly on both feet. He handed his reins to the soldier next to him as the Governor of The Dale strode over. ‘We left as soon as we received word about the attacks. Are Albert and Rose all right?’

  ‘They’re fine and are staying with Joseph and his boys.’

  Christopher breathed a sigh of relief.

  Jack and Goodwin approached and shook Jimmy’s hand in turn.

  ‘I don’t mind saying it’s a relief to see you here,’ Jimmy said.

  ‘So what’s going on?’ Christopher asked.

  ‘I have no idea. I’ve heard many stories, but one thing I do know is it began not long after the night the ground rumbled. Some say it’s an invisible beast that sneaks through the darkness. Others tell stories about wild dogs with eyes of fire, but I have yet to see anything myself. Initially the attacks went unnoticed. A few animals lost here and there isn’t out of the ordinary for a farmer, but when herds were found massacred people brought their remaining animals into the safety of their barns. The attacks did cease for a while and we thought whatever it was had moved on. Until the beasts attacked Winterness and killed several people. Others have loved ones missing as well. We’ve confined ourselves indoors at night for fear of what the darkness will bring.’

  ‘Where are they coming from?’

  ‘Out there,’ Jimmy pointed towards the outskirts of the village, ‘in the Barroborough forest.’ The forest was a few miles from town. It stretched from the east and twisted its way past many small villages heading in a north-westerly direction before weaving a path through the mountains. It grew beyond and extended far into the north, ending where the dry desert sands curbed its passage.

  ‘The attacks only happen at night and never in the same place twice.’

  Christopher’s gaze roamed over the people in the square. They stood watching him as he spoke with their Governor. ‘How many animals are involved in these attacks? Could it be a rogue pack of wolves?’

  ‘Some say four or five, but in Winterness they say the numbers were greater, twenty or more. One thing they’re sure of, it’s no wolf pack.’ Jimmy hesitantly looked over to a man near the bakery before looking back at Christopher. ‘It’s said they roam on four legs but have wings as well. No one will enter the forest to locate where they’re hiding. For within its depths, the forest is as dark as the night and the creatures are free to roam its secluded interior.’

  ‘I’ll organise my men,’ Jack said to the Governor. ‘We’ll do a preliminary search.’

  ‘Don’t enter the forest, Jack. Others have done so and never been seen again.’

  ‘I’ll meet you at Joseph’s when you’ve finished. Be careful,’ Christopher said.

  Jack nodded. ‘Always. We won’t take unnecessary risks.’

  ‘We won’t be too long.’ Goodwin returned to his men and selected a dozen to travel out with Jack and himself. Within minutes they’d headed out the far side of town to begin their search.

  ‘I tell you, Christopher, I’ve never heard of the likes of these creatures before. Who knows where they’ve come from,’ Jimmy said as he rubbed his hand over his unshaven face.

  Christopher placed his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder, reassuring the man. ‘Have you heard anything from those who live beyond the forest?’

  ‘In the past week we’ve not heard from anyone.’

  ‘Once Jack returns we’ll hopefully have an idea as to what we face. I’ll be over at the Gala’s if you want to stop by later.’

  ‘I’ll come by when I’ve finished up here, but I’ll have to be home before it gets dark.’

  Christopher shook Jimmy’s hand and headed over to the wagons to speak with the driver.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Henry poked his head through the canvas of the wagon.

  ‘Jack and Goodwin are doing a preliminary search out by the forest. They’ll met us at Joseph’s when they’ve finished. Albert and Rose have been staying with him and the boys. We’ll head there now.’ Christopher walked towards his steed. Taking the reins from the soldier, he hoisted himself up into the saddle and set off.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Athena’s carriage bounced along the track as it headed north, following the outer edge of the Barroborough forest. The wind seemed to ease the further inland they travelled. No longer battered by the ocean winds, the party removed their furs.

  Doran steered the horses towards the stony glades, away from the forest and across the shifting desert sands. Athena stared out the carriage window and her gaze fell upon the arid landscape. The withered trunks of the grey trees contrasted against the red stone, and she knew the beasts would only be able to stay this far from the shelter of the forest for a short while until Zute returned to reclaim his lands.

  Doran pulled the carriage to a halt after passing through the rock wall archway. He clim
bed down from his seat and opened the door for Athena.

  ‘Doran, why have we stopped?’

  ‘We have arrived, Athena. Come see for yourself.’ He extended his hand to help her out from the interior, and as she stepped outside she was greeted with a view she never expected. Before her lay lush grass that spread like carpet as far as the eye could see. As her gaze roamed up the valley and into the distance, she saw the Tree of Life. It stood proud against the blue of the sky, its branches reaching out as if to caress the clouds.

  ‘You’ve found it,’ she said. ‘Take me there now.’

  Doran pulled the carriage to a halt near the tree as Terrin watched them approach.

  ‘Doran, I thought you’d never return,’ he said as he sauntered forward, welcoming him. Athena opened her door and Terrin became lost for words. She walked under the lush growth of the mystical tree and looked up to admire its size.

  ‘Now why wouldn’t I return, Terrin? The Mistress would not have sent us to search for a tree such as this without coming to see if for herself.’

  ‘Mistress, this is the tree,’ Terrin boasted as Athena walked towards him.

  ‘You’ve done well,’ she said. ‘Now help the others set up our camp. Tonight, our Lord will be with us and we need to be prepared.’

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Silent and still, the servants waited under the Tree of Life for their mistress. Their shadows flickered as the cool of the night air caused the candles’ flames to dance. Whispering softly, the breeze flittered around them to playfully lift a curl or the hem of a skirt. Everything had been made ready. A circle surrounded the tree filled with the symbols needed to bring the Lord back to the realm.

  Earlier that day, Athena had carefully drawn each one with the ingredients she’d mixed in the soft leather pouch. The silver bowl waited within the circle near the base of the tree, and as the clouds drifted away in the night sky the moon again flooded the area with its luminance. Athena stepped out of her tent and made her way forward. As she moved, the beads on her dress twinkled in the moonlight and cascaded down to caress the grass, concealing her feet. Doran watched as she floated towards them. He wore the black linen robe Athena had given him, and behind her, Catrain followed carrying an old wicker basket. As she walked towards him the glass bottles clinked against the blade of the dagger which lay upon the leafy herbs inside. Nestled amongst the greenery was the stone which contained the Lord’s soul.