The Emerald Staff

by Alison Pensy

  After just a few seconds, Faen pushed her back a little to which Faedra’s joyous expression changed to one of hurt, until she noticed the sweat pouring down his face.

  “I need to take this coat off or you will have baked Guardian on your hands.”

  Faen removed his thermal clothing discarding it to the floor and hauled his Custodian into the hug of her life, then angled his head and gave her another passionate kiss.

  “Okay, you two get a room.”

  In response to the unannounced visitor, Faen and Faedra pushed each other apart as if they’d just been discovered doing something they shouldn’t.

  “Dad!” Faedra exclaimed when she recognized his voice. She moved across the room to where Henry was standing, holding the emerald staff, with a smile that split his face in two.

  He laid the staff on the floor and held his arms open for his daughter. She slammed into him, nearly knocking him backwards.

  “You’re okay,” Faedra said when they finished their hug and she stepped back to look him up and down.

  “And so are you. Thank goodness. I’ve been worried sick about you, young lady. What did you want to go pulling a stunt like that for?” Henry said. “Next time, you need to listen to your Guardian.” He looked over at Faen and gave him a wink.

  Faedra then realized that her dad knew Faen as Frederick.

  “Um, yeah, about that,” she started.

  “Don’t worry. Faen had plenty of time to bring me up to speed over the past few weeks. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear your side of the story.” He gave her a cheeky grin.

  Henry threw a fleeting glance around the cavern “Well, I don’t know about you, but I think it’s about time we got out of this place. What say we all go home?” He bent down to pick up the emerald staff and took hold of his daughter’s hand.

  Faen grabbed the ruby staff and walked over to Faedra. He slid his hand around her waist. “Home it is.” Then he rapped the ruby staff on the floor and the three disappeared, leaving the cavern empty once again.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  It takes a lot of people to bring a book to life and mine is no different. With that in mind I am going to mention each and every one of the wonderfully supportive network of people who helped me. So, if you are sitting comfortably, I shall begin.

  My wonderful beta-readers (in alpha order). Alyssa, Andi, Artemis, Carina, David, and Jos. Your feedback and ideas helped me mold and shape the story into what it is today.

  Marisa Wagner, my awesome editor. Your attention to detail is amazing. You took my words and made them sing.

  The talented Lindsay Mercer, who stepped up to the plate last minute, when I needed a black dragon and did an amazing job with the cover art. Thanks also to Ginny, who found her for me.

  Some of the names, both character and place, were the creation of Whitney, Micayla, and Morgan. Who came up with some totally original words in response to a competition I ran. So original, in fact, they can’t be found on Google…not yet anyway.

  Jen, who let me use her library of books, once again, so I could make the magical elements as factual as possible.

  The Interpretation Team at Norwich Castle, England. Team manager, Ian Flint paired me with the very knowledgeable Marilyn Taylor, who took me on a private tour of the dungeons and keep, and answered all of my wacky questions without batting an eyelid.

  And last, but by no means least, my soul mate. Your never ending love and support knows no bounds. I love you.

  Thank you to you all.