by HC MacDonald
I hoped she would not bring Nezra’s wrath on us with her stunt. Then we heard one more thunderous clasp and the land shook again. All was silent. I looked to my team. We ran past the dead and fallen comrades and enemies. Shifters, Raiders, Pixie’s, Men, all stained the ground with their blood. Finally we reached the edge of the wastelands. In the distance, the fortress could be seen. I scanned the area, searching for signs of raiders. Signs, of the wounded.
I could see in the distance Gregory and his team, no longer transformed. Further off, Erebos was huddled around a mass with other men. There were no others in the field or on the grounds that led to the fortress. I stood in my human form, watching the two groups of men, while my scouts came and reported to me. Raiders defeated to the North. Raiders retreated to the caves. Three teams going after them now. I continued to watch as I relayed back my instructions. Gregory began to pick something up. I waited to see what it was. When he turned, I could see he was carrying the girl. He transformed, then took off with her on his back headed toward Ladow. His team, close behind. A scout came to me then.
“We think we have Nezra.” He said panting.
“What?” I was busy watching Gregory slip out of sight and wasn’t really paying any attention to the scout.
“We think we have Nezra.”
“Who has Nezra?” I took a step forward.
“Erebos, we think it is really him.”
“Is he alive?”
“Barely, Erebos is debating what to do.”
I took off running, transforming as I did. I ran faster that way. I was to Erebos in no time. Hunched over in a pile was laying an old feeble man. His long beard tied in an elegant leather strap. His fine velvety robes, scorched and damaged. On his hands, branded symbols. He was barely breathing. I looked at Erebos.
“What are you waiting for? Be done with him.”
Erebos looked at me, eyes wide with confusion, “I remember. How was she able to do this? He took my thoughts. I wanted to destroy you.”
“Who, what are you talking about? End him now or I will.”
Erebos stepped away shaking his head. I could see the remorse in his eyes. Then fear took him over. “She’ll come for me! She knows what I did!”
“What are you talking about?” I was tired and exhausted. The speed and strength from the talismans we all wore could only go so far enhancing our abilities. Its magic was now wearing down. With them we ran faster, had more energy, strength, and stamina. Fighting all day, running about, still took its toll. I was bruised and cut. Maybe even a few broken bones. The adrenaline coursing thru my veins had not worn off. Keeping my pain at bay for now.
Erebos was now talking gibberish. No one could make sense of him. I turned my attention back to the man lying at my feet. I grabbed a rock from the ground and ended the man’s life. His body lay limp, his heart no longer beating. A pool of blood spreading out from his head onto the ground. Nezra was dead. As I thought the words, his body disintegrated into dust.
I looked to Erebos. He was hysterical. Two men grabbed his arms to keep him from hurting himself. I could see the madness creeping into his face. They dragged him all the way back to Ladow.
It was a slow walk back. Our potions and talismans powers completely used up. We had little casualties from our village, but many wounded. I signaled our victory and the howls went out to announce our return of glory. We had scouts stationed from Ladow to the coast. Word would get back to all it was safe to come home.
I hoped that our families would be returning. My thoughts went to Sanna. They should arrive the same time as we would. If they were not trapped in an elaborate scheme. I let my mind focus on a plan to find them. It helped make the time pass on the long walk home.
After four days of walking, we finally reached Ladow. We were all headed to the healing chambers for recovery. Erebos was still hysterical and they had to bind and cage him when they returned to keep him from causing more harm to him and others. He had gone insane. Another mystery to uncover.
I was helping escort people inside when I heard Sanna calling my name.
“Over here!” I yelled to her. Relief filled me. They were safe, and here. No tricks. No rescue needed.
She ran through the crowd and into my arms. Hugging me with all her might. If my ribs weren’t broken before, they sure were now. Ethan wasn’t far behind. A smile on his face.
“Thought we might have lost you all there for a while. The sounds of the battle reached all the way to the western coast.” He gave me a good pat on the back.
“How long have you been here?” I asked a bit confused.
“Almost a week.” Ethan replied now holding Sanna.
“Almost a week? Then you didn’t go very far. So much for her taking everyone out of harms way. Figures.”
Sanna slapped me in the arm. The pain from my wounds intensified and shot thru my body. I tried to rub out the pain.
“Ow, why’d you do that?” still rubbing my arm.
“You don’t know what you are talking about. We were out of harms way, in the village of Nanton. When victory was sounded, we all appeared back here at home. So keep your comments to yourself if you have nothing kind to say. Do you hear me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I saluted her.
Ethan shook his head. “It’s true. The minute the victory howl hit the coast we all were transported back from where we came. Amazing actually!”
“I’m glad your both home and safe. Did everyone come back?”
“Well, some asked to return to other places. So we have less refugees. All our people are back in Ladow. Gave us time to prepare for your homecoming.”
I didn’t really understand this gesture from the girl. She was still not to be trusted. I could feel my arm throbbing with pain. The line up to enter the healing center had ended. I stood outside the door with my family.
“I need to tend to my wounds. We’ll catch up later?” I turned to walk thru the entrance.
“Where is Raina?” Sanna asked. We haven’t seen her.
I turned to look at her, “If you're talking about the girl, Gregory took her. I don’t think she made it.” I could see Sanna was troubled by my news. Her eyes glistening with tears. She turned into Ethan. The two of them walked away. I don’t know why she would care. I wouldn’t let it bother me. Into the center I went, looking to be helped.
Chapter 18
Raina
I awoke on a wooden table. Raoul tending to my wounds. I shifted my head and smiled at him as he turned to look at me. Then fear hit me at my last memory.
“I don’t think I got him. I need to go back out.”
“Rest, Nezra is no longer alive.” Raoul replied.
“No, it could have been another trick. I need to find him.” I could barely move. I could barely feel my own magic. I tried to find him in my mind and could not.
“Raina, you were able to wound him greatly. Leon and the others finished him off. He is dead. You are safe. Rest.”
I laid my head back down on the hard surface. My body still in pain from the fall. “Is everyone okay?”
“If you mean Sanna and Ethan, then yes. If you mean Leon, he will be fine. You on the other hand need to rest. Let Robyn’s potions do their job aiding your recovery.”
I let my eyes drift around the room and realized I did not recognize this place. The walls were made of solid green marble with decorative carved pictures. Above me danced woodland creatures carved onto the rafters. It was breathtaking to look at. Gave me a feeling of calm and peace.
“Where are we?”
“You are in my home.” A tall old man with eyes as blue as the depths of the sea walked into the room and leaned over the table I laid on. Memories flooded my mind.
“Grandfather.”
Sneak Peak
Part 3
The Contestant
Chapter 1
Plans
Raina
It had been three years since Nezra had died. Peace befell onto the land. I should have been h
appy. I wasn’t. I was still heartbroken over Leon. Alastair said it would take time. Our kind loved deeply. Having my family around made it easier. My only reminders, were when Sanna would visit. I loved our gatherings, but the gossip, Leon. Would prove to be to much sometimes. Making me ache all over for him.
I spent most of my days learning from Alastair. He shared his story with me. When I was in my mother’s womb, he had traveled to the Island that gave his father magic. He asked to have it taken away. The magic was released from his grasp. He watched as the magic burst into rays of light then traveled out into the distance. He didn’t realize then, what had happened. In releasing it, the magic needed to find a new vessel. I was chosen. When my mother gave birth to me, I inherited not only my grandfathers magic, but a new line of magic was formed.
Alastair traveled back to island asked that I not be given this burden. He would take it back. It was to late. The magic was bound to me. He asked to able to retain his knowledge on the workings of using the magic. For years he begged and pleaded with them. They eventually granted him the favor. When he returned back again from the island, we were gone.
My recovery was slow. My fight with Nezra had altered my magical abilities. My broken bones and battle scars were not affected by the many potions and healing lotions applied. I had to let my body heal naturally. I was covered in scars from head to toe. The brands on my leg and arm were altered as well. Not even Alastair new what they meant. We tried removing them again, but had no luck.
Magically, I could do nothing more than parlor tricks. I could change my appearance. I could see the true appearance of anything magically altered. That was about it. No more levitation, or moving about the land in a blink of an eye. No more spoken or silent spells cast. No more protection walls, or bubbles. I no longer dreamed of visions of my mother or the future. This was frustrating.
With my slow recovery, I was also unable to look for my mother. Alastair had sent scouts around the land to look for her. The relayed to them of my visions of her in a cave by the seashore, as well as the other visions I had of her.
They searched the entire shoreline of all of Thamaturga. No sign of her. Robyn had tried many times with her potions to receive a vision. She also had no luck. We only felt she was still alive. Alastair said that our instincts would know.
Now, after three years, I was stronger. Almost completely back to my old non magic self. I would run every morning to build my strength. Then I would continued to train and perfect my battle skills. The afternoons I spent with Robyn and Alastair. Trying to bring back my magic. I was frustrated, depressed and my heart was not in it. I put on a good front for everyone’s benefit. I was tired of them asking if I was okay or how I was feeling. I missed my mom. I missed Leon. I even missed my magic. I was depressed. There was nothing anyone could do about it.
I needed to get away, and wanted desperately to help search for my mother. Alastair had told me of the islands of magic. I had a plan to search for her there. I was saving up enough money for buy passage to the islands. I was having troubles finding anyone that would go. There were to many superstitions about the islands. Sailors were spooked. At the rate I was making money it would be another few years before I would have a large enough amount to bribe them to go. This just depressed me more.
I worked in the evenings and weekends at the village market, watching over Robyn’s booth of potions and powders. Taking orders, selling goods, making deliveries when required. It was a tedious and mind boring job. If I was to look for my mother, a necessary one.
The children were all in school now. With Alastair and Robyn’s help, easy to manage and care for. They were happy and carefree. The way a child should be.
I sat at my small wooden booth, hiding from the sun. Staring at the people walking by looking at the wares available in the small market. My thoughts lost in my head. My eyes had been focused for some time on a loose string in the seam of my skirt, when I heard the clearing of a throat. I stood and lifted my head to see a tall broad sandy haired young man looking at me. He was holding a bottle in his hand. He had a chiseled face, and soft blue eyes that sparkled when he smiled. I could feel my cheeks heat up. I quickly looked down again.
“What does this do?” He asked in a husky voice.
“That one is used for animals, settles there stomaches when sick.” I answered shyly. I looked up at him again. His smile wide on his face, eyes looking straight at me. “What are you in need of?” I asked trying to stop myself from blushing.
“Do you have anything for scars?” He asked.
“Not today, but I can have some made for you and bring it tomorrow.” Hopeful I would see him again.
“Sounds good. What time should I come by?”
“After four and I will have it.”
He smiled again and winked this time. “See you then.” I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. My hands moving up to cover the red I could feel. What was happening? I sat back down watching as he sauntered away. A smile lifted the corner of my lips. What was I thinking? Then again, maybe it would be a good distraction from my misery. He was so different from Leon. Leon?! I could feel the depression and guilt nudge at my mind. I looked down the street, the man no longer in view. A smile lit my lips. I let hope sneak in to nip out the depressing thoughts.
I let myself daydream about this stranger till the market closed. Happy to have something else to think about.
I headed home, stopping off to give Robyn the orders for tomorrow night. She eyed me from the side. “Something’s different about you?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I don’t know, you seem lighter, happier. I can’t quite put a finger on it.”
I knew what it was, but wasn’t about to share. I quickly made an excuse and left for grandfather’s. The night was uneventful. Sleep was hard to come. My mind wondered from Leon to the stranger and back again.
Morning came. I took the children to school than began my jog. I needed to let out my anxiety and let my mind relax. I ran for hours. When I got back to the house, Alastair was waiting.
“Your late for your practice!” He scolded. He was more worried than angry. I could see. I gave him an apologetic smile and began working on my spells. I would repeat words with Alastair, working to move objects. Nothing would happen. We spent a good hour at it. Then we shifted to potions. Again, mixing, casting, nothing would work. It reminded me of my attempts to mimic my mother. At that thought, my heartache would return.
It was time to head to the market. My shift would be starting soon. I practically skipped all the way there. Eager to engage in another encounter with the man from yesterday. Robyn was waiting for me. That curious look on her face.
“I got it.” I almost sang. Not catching myself fast enough.
“You sure you're okay.” She looked at me suspiciously.
“Yes, now I know you have things to do, so go on. I got this. Do it everyday, remember.” I realized I was talking to much. I couldn’t help myself. The harder I tried to look normal, the worse it was. After close to twenty minutes, Robyn finally walked away. Looking over her shoulder a few times before she rounded the curve in the path towards her home.
I waited anxiously, a giddiness to my impatience. I don’t know why I was so nervous, I had fought Nezra, been in the arena with a Snapper, fended off all sorts of beasts. Here I was nervous. I kept wiping my hands on my skirt. The sweat building up making my palms clammy. It was now four in the evening and my anxiety was bubbling over. I kept watch up and down the street.
As customers came, I hurried them along, not giving in to conversation. I wanted the booth to be empty when he came. Give us a chance to talk without interruption.
I saw him at the top of the street. He was in a group headed my way. I ran my hands down my skirt to straighten it, then did a quick flip of my hair. I hoped I looked all right. He came to the booth and gave me a smile. I could feel my cheeks blush as I smiled back at him. I reached for the potion. Holding it out, “Here is your req
uest.”
“How much do I owe you?” He reached out and placed his hand on mine for longer than needed when taking the potion.
“Ten dafners please.” I couldn’t meet his eyes. My cheeks still heated from his first smile. I watched his hands as he pulled out the money and handed it to me. As he did, he held my hand for a moment. I looked up to his face.
“Thank you, my wife and I thank you for your help.” He winked once more and turned to leave.
I felt my body sag. Married. I should have known better than to get my hopes up. That was my life. Those that knew me before, distrusted me, looked at me with anger and hate. Those that didn’t know me, saw only my scars and marks. They looked at me with pity. I, for a moment, thought he would like me. The depression came back. He was showing me pity. In that moment, I felt ugly and worthless.
I spent the rest of my shift sitting on my stool feeling sorry for myself. When the time came to close, I gathered our things and walked dragging my feet to Robyn’s to drop off the orders. I went straight to bed when I arrived home. Here I wanted to stay. Locked in my room.
Chapter 2
Invitation
Raina
Life was bleak and grey to me. I began sleeping in later and later everyday. My runs longer and longer when I did go out. I wanted to be left alone. I no longer worked on my magic. I didn’t see the point. At the market, I kept to myself. My hope, to be as invisible as possible.
One evening when I was headed to my room after work, Alastair mentioned Sanna would be coming for a few days. I felt my stomach flip. I had mixed feelings about the visit. I didn’t feel like seeing anyone and at the same time, I wanted her to come. Most of all, I didn’t want to hear about Leon. I had wanted to tell her it wasn’t a good time, but grandfather already insisted she come.
I spent the next few days in bed. Not even getting out to go to work. I was dreading the visit. The day was here for Sanna to arrive. The kids were playing at a neighbors. I had gotten up with them in the morning and now lay in my bed taking advantage of there absence. I heard the knock on the door and the muffled sound of voices. Then my door burst open and Sanna plopped herself onto my bed slapping my leg as she did.
