The Curse (The Windore Series Book 2)

by Valya Boutenko

  Wendell was silent.

  “How many?” she demanded.

  “Ten,” he answered finally. “But it doesn’t matter, I would do it again in an instant—” he began, but was abruptly cut off because it was at this exact moment that Ausra pressed her warm lips against his and kissed him with a fierce passion.

  Chapter 5

  The Fallen

  Wendell held Ausra close, he could not believe she had kissed him after everything he had told her. She knew the truth, and still she was there, returning his embrace. How sweet it was to be enveloped in her love! He wanted to stay there in the glade with Ausra forever. He leaned his cheek against her shoulder and breathed in her sent. She smelled of cloves and cinnamon. He could feel his heart opening and growing warmer. He saw that if he let himself, he could fall in love with Ausra, but he didn’t know if that would be good for her. Perhaps it could even ruin her entire life! Yet the more he thought about leaving, the harder it was to let go of her hand.

  “My master is expecting me back,” said Wendell. “He will be wondering where I have gone.”

  Ausra looked unhappy at the thought of him having to go.

  “Come with me?” invited Wendell, and Ausra broke into a beautiful smile.

  Still holding her hand, he grabbed the pail of water and led Ausra in the direction of the cottage. Wendell wondered how Master Dellwen would react to her presence. He mentally resolved to explain that Ausra did not hate wizards, and that she would keep their location a secret. Still, he knew that her presence endangered Master Dellwen and himself, since her absence from home could instigate a mob to come for them at any moment. Wendell looked behind him at Ausra. She was so graceful, placing one small foot in front of the other on the narrow path. She had on simple fitted slippers sewn from the same yellow leather as her corset. Wendell thought hard. What choice did he have? He could not just leave her in the glade to become some horrible monster’s supper. He would find a way to make Master Dellwen understand.

  They approached the cottage, and Wendell’s heart began to race. What if Master Dellwen was furious? What if he cast them both out? Master Dellwen appeared at the front door, and Wendell’s heart froze. The man was holding a pitcher of milk, and when he looked up and saw Wendell and Ausra, he accidently dropped the pitcher. The ceramic cylinder smashed against the ground, exploding milk across the small porch. Without looking down, Master Dellwen stepped over it and moved toward them.

  “And who might this be?” he asked smiling at the girl.

  “This is Ausra,” said Wendell.

  “Ausra,” repeated the old wizard happily. “Welcome! You two are just in time for dinner.”

  “I’m delighted to meet you,” said Ausra politely. Master Dellwen smiled and gestured for them to come inside. Ausra glanced shyly at Wendell. He nodded at her approvingly and stepping over the spilt milk, they went inside together. Wendell was surprised that Master Dellwen had prepared a huge dinner, and that the table was set for three. Wendell wondered how he had known they would have company.

  The three of them piled food onto their plates and conversed cheerfully as they ate. Wendell and Ausra rushed to tell Master Dellwen how they had met, and Master Dellwen listened with sincere interest and was deeply happy for their meeting.

  “I have some news of my own,” said Master Dellwen finally when the company had grown quiet. He looked at Wendell. “It is rumored that Prince Airyallen has announced his engagement to Aleafia Goodlin.”

  Wendell paled. He was not ready to hear that name again.

  “But Aleafia is a commoner,” said Ausra. “And was the marriage of the Prince not prearranged at birth with Princess Wisteria of the Coalsmith region?” asked the girl.

  “It was, but the people say that upon recovering from his journey to the Pillar of Dominance, Prince Airyallen has insisted that it be this way,” replied Master Dellwen.

  “How will it affect our region politically?” asked Ausra.

  “I expect the Coalsmith region will not remain on the friendliest terms with the Sapphire Kingdom for much longer,” said Master Dellwen with a frown.

  They both looked over at Wendell. The young wizard was silent.

  “What is it?” asked Ausra.

  Wendell looked at his hands, and Ausra remembered that Wendell had accompanied the Prince on his journey to the pillar. She put her arm around Wendell’s shoulders. “It’s going to be alright,” she whispered, not wanting to say too much. She did not know for sure what Master Dellwen knew about Wendell.

  As if reading her mind, Master Dellwen stood and collected the empty dishes from the table. He went to the kitchen to wash them in the dish basin. The man made sure to make lots of noise so as to let Wendell and Ausra have a privet moment to talk.

  “What is it?” Ausra asked Wendell.

  “It’s just, Aleafia was my first love,” the young wizard admitted. “And it still hurts.”

  “I’m a little jealous, but I understand,” said Ausra.

  “It went horribly,” sighed Wendell.

  She took his hand. “This won’t.”

  Wendell smiled. His fingers still interlaced with hers, he kissed her hand. Her skin was warm and soft. He wondered how it was possible to love someone’s hands so much. They were just hands after all, but they were also her hands.

  Master Dellwen walked into the dining room just in time to catch Wendell casting a spell to conjure a flower for Ausra. The flower was purple and blue. The velvet petals had wavy, light-colored edges and a yellow glowing center. The flower lightly perfumed the air, and trailed a sparkling spiral of pollen above it as it gently rotated, floating in the air before the girl. Ausra gave Wendell a reproachful glance for using magic, which the young wizard ignored. The girl took the slender green stem of the flower. The instant she touched it, the flower ceased to float, landing gently into her hand. Wendell smiled, enjoying Ausra’s amazement. He discreetly tucked a small black sphere into his pocket, and wiped the blood from his palm on his pant leg. Master Dellwen looked down at his young friend disapprovingly.

  “Ausra, come with me,” said Wendell, “let me show you the library!” Wendell took Ausra to the circular room and explained how they had saved the books from being burned. Ausra turned around slowly taking in all the different covers. She found the books fascinating and she wanted to see and read them all. Wendell pulled out all of his favorites, including the big silver book of family trees. Ausra grew serious upon seeing his name at the end of the last page.

  “Looks like you are the last wizard alive,” she said.

  “I suppose so,” replied Wendell.

  Master Dellwen came into the library to join them. “Ausra, it is getting late, you must be expected at home,” he said.

  “Yes, I need to get home,” she said.

  “Can’t you stay a little longer?” asked Wendell.

  “You are always welcome here, Ausra” said Master Dellwen. “However, we must not worry your family, for that would be most ungracious.”

  “But it is getting dark,” protested Wendell.

  “I will accompany her home to ensure her safety,” assured Master Dellwen.

  Wendell reluctantly walked them to the door. He was worried that Ausra’s parents would forbid her from seeing him again. He hugged her goodbye, hoping with all his might that it was not for the last time. Wendell watched Ausra and Master Dellwen disappear down the path before closing the door. He sighed and leaned heavily against the door with his back. How long would it be before he saw her again? It was all happening so quickly. Complex feelings swirled around inside him. Dare he be happy in a time of such hardship? Hardship that was his fault, his mind reminded him cruelly.

  Wendell decided to finish organizing the library. Master Dellwen was gone for what seemed like an eternity. The young wizard had long finished the task and was tired of waiting when at last he heard Master Dellwen’s sturdy footsteps on the porch. Wendell raced to greet him at the door.

  “Well?” he asked.
“How did it go?”

  Master Dellwen’s face was difficult to read.

  “Were her parent’s upset?” asked Wendell.

  “Her mother was asleep and her father was out,” said Master Dellwen

  “Out where?” asked Wendell.

  “Hunting.”

  “Hunting at night?”

  Master Dellwen sighed heavily. “Ausra’s father has organized a group of master hunters to seek out the evil wizard who determined the red era and kill him.”

  Wendell felt weak in the knees. He sank into a chair.

  “Her father is a great huntsman,” Master Dellwen went on, “he is well respected in the village and is a master of his craft.”

  Wendell placed his head in his hands.

  “She won’t tell him about us,” said Master Dellwen, “if that’s what you are worried about. That was not what Wendell was worried about. “And even if he tries to find us, the protective spells I have cast upon this cottage and its surrounding land is enough to keep him walking in circles right past us for the rest of eternity.” Master Dellwen looked at Wendell’s slumped shoulders and fallen face. “I assure you, as long as you are here you will be safe.”

  “And Ausra?” asked Wendell.

  “The spells do not apply to her,” said Master Dellwen. “She will be able to come and go as before.”

  “That’s not what I mean,” said Wendell.

  “You wonder how you can keep her in your life?” asked Master Dellwen.

  “Well, yes,” said Wendell.

  “She seems like a strong young woman,” said Master Dellwen, “I think she will not be easily swayed from wanting to be with you.”

  “She told me she was in love with me.”

  “And you?” asked Master Dellwen.

  “I fear I am quickly falling for her as well.”

  “Then I wish you a soft landing,” said Master Dellwen. “Since there is nothing else to wish for the fallen.”

  Chapter 6

  Too Soon

  The next morning when Wendell awoke, his first thought was of Ausra. He felt that while his crush on Aleafia had been painfully extinguished forever, the feelings that were developing for Ausra were far different than anything he had experienced before. He felt as though his affection for Ausra could never be put out, and that his love for her was gradually taking a hold of his heart and growing deeper and more powerful with each passing hour. Wendell was surprised at how strong the feelings were already, and that kiss! He would gladly die for another! Ausra was restoring his hope and faith in humanity and all that was good. He wondered how he had lived, or even breathed without knowing her. Wendell dressed and came out to the kitchen. Master Dellwen was already flipping pancakes.

  “What are we working on today?” asked Wendell.

  “I finished the windows this morning,” said Master Dellwen indicating to the newly set diamond-shaped windowpanes winking before them in the sunlight that streamed in through the kitchen window. “Today, let us make a writing desk and a chair for the study.”

  Wendell nodded, happy to learn more about building furniture. He enjoyed that kind of work more than he would have ever guessed. There was a knock on the door. Both of the wizards looked at one another. Wendell ran to the door and tore it open.

  “Good morning!” said Ausra, standing in a red dress and matching scarlet shoes. The skirt of this new dress was less full then the one she wore before, and the design was simple and comfortable-looking. “I hope I am not too early,” she said.

  “Ausra!” cried Wendell, picking her up in his arms and whirling her around. “You are never, never, never too early, or too late! One as lovely as you can only ever be flawlessly on time, all the time—every time!”

  Ausra laughed and kissed his cheek.

  “Welcome Ausra,” said Master Dellwen, handing her a plate of pancakes with cream and strawberry jam on top.

  “Thank you Master Dellwen,” she smiled accepting the breakfast plate and joining the two wizards at the table.

  The three of them ate breakfast and then got to work on the desk. Master Dellwen showed Ausra and Wendell how to prepare the wood, and make clean cuts. The three of them worked happily together, joking and feeling entirely carefree. Many hours later, they set the finished writing desk and matching chair into the office. Taking turns, they each carved their initials into one of the legs of the desk to commemorate the completion of their masterpiece.

  Afterwards, Wendell and Ausra went to rest in the library. Together, they took their time looking through the enormous number of books. There were many that were still new to them, and they did not rush, knowing it would be months before they were familiar with them all, and years before all the books and scrolls were thoroughly studied.

  “Look at this one,” said Ausra, pulling out an ancient looking, leather-bound book. She sat in Wendell’s lap, and propped the book open upon her knees. Wendell put his arms around her waist.

  “It’s written in an older language,” she said, tucking a lock of ebony hair behind her ear. “It looks like it is a book of spells from the Amethyst era.”

  Wendell looked up at her adoringly.

  “Here is a spell for fixing sea-sickness,” she smiled. “Sluth-anith-gweneth—” Ausra began but was cut off.

  “Darling, no!” Wendell rushed to stop her. “You must be very careful! Besides, that is a spell for causing sea-sickness!”

  “Oh no!” laughed Ausra, “I’m so sorry, I must have misread.”

  Wendell looked down at the page. “That is a very nasty spell,” he said.

  Ausra giggled and trailed her finger further down the text.

  “What are you laughing at?” teased Wendell. “You almost gave me permanent sea-sickness.”

  “Here is a spell for giving someone pig hooves,” said Ausra dissolving into a sea of giggles.

  “Can you imagine—?” laughed Wendell, “Me—with pig hooves?”

  “You and me both!” snorted Ausra, and “Master Dellwen too, since we are an us.”

  “We are an us?” said Wendell, pulling her in a little closer.

  “Yes,” smiled Ausra.

  Wendell kissed her shoulder right on the sleeve of her scarlet dress, “I like that,” he said.

  Ausra turned the page and abruptly grew quiet.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “Look at this,” she said, suddenly serious. “Cro-lack-ro-lite,” she read the title slowly.

  Wendell looked down at the book. There was a hand-drawn illustration of a wizard standing and holding a small, perfectly round, black stone. A second wizard lay at his feet, and appeared to be wreathing in pain unable to rise.

  Wendell took the book from her hands and read the passage out loud. “Forbidden within six of the seven regions, this curse is used to steal another wizard’s powers. Upon pronouncing the incantation, the cursed wizard will thereafter form a crolackrolite stone every time he uses magic and will be forced to keep the stones on his person. To steal his power, one need only take a single stone from the cursed wizard. As the stone is removed even a short distance away from the cursed magic wielder, it begins to draw out his life force, capturing all of his power inside the single stone. He who holds a crolackrolite stone containing another wizard’s life force shall wield that wizard’s power as his own. Once cast, the curse is irreversible. There are no counters or remedial spells for this curse. Upon the removal of the first stone, the other crolackrolite stones made by the same cursed wizard will turn white and loose most of their potential for hosting magic, but will retain traces of magic that can be used for granting simple wishes. The longer the stones were carried, the more power they will retain. The incantation for this spell is—” Wendell broke off without uttering the incantation.

  Ausra stood, “I’m sorry, Wendell,” she said.

  Wendell scanned over the passage a second time. “It cannot be,” he whispered.

  “That is a long forgotten spell,” said Master Dellwen in a hollow
sounding voice. Wendell and Ausra looked up to see him enter the library from the other room. The man adjusted his eye patch. The stitches in his cheek had healed, leaving a barely visible scar. “It is a book of ancient war spells,” he said leaning heavily on the doorframe. “The Amethyst era was a time of much violence and turmoil.”

  “This is horrible!” cried Wendell, casting the book aside so that several pages were crumpled. “Who would create such a terrible spell?”

  Walking over to them, Master Dellwen knelt to recover the book, and after gently brushing it off, replaced it on the shelf. Wendell was surprised that Master Dellwen knew exactly what shelf it belonged to, having yet to spend a single hour in the library reading the books for himself.

  “I wish that book had been burned!” said Wendell.

  “Come now, in time you may need to reference this book if not to find a protective spell or potion, then at least to better understand one of the many incantations you already know.”

  “I will never touch it again,” swore Wendell. He was deeply shaken by what he had read.

  Ausra came to sit beside Wendell. She could see that the young man was beside himself. “Walk me home?” asked Ausra, hoping to get some time alone with Wendell so they could talk about all they had learned.

  Wendell nodded and the two of them walked to the door. Master Dellwen looked troubled. He watched them leave and after they closed the door he began to pace the living room floor. It was now his turn to stay up late waiting for Wendell’s return. At long last, late in the night Wendell came into the cottage looking even more agitated than before.

  “What happened?” asked Master Dellwen.

  “I met her parents,” said Wendell sinking down into a chair.

  “And?” prompted Master Dellwen.

  “They were furious!” said Wendell. “They pulled her inside and told me to leave at once! Her father shouted at me and swore that no wizard shall court his daughter while he still lives! He said that Ausra was never to see me again, and that I was lucky to still be breathing.”