Rule of Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran (The Leira Chronicles Book 4)

by Martha Carr

  Correk put out his hand to stop Leira as her eyes started to glow from anger but she stepped away from him.

  “You’ve apparently never gotten to know a Texan from America before but let this stand as your one and only lesson about this. Our loyalty to where we stand runs deep and we don’t let any goddamn interloper run up on our territory without a fight. You came here because you need my help. Ask for it, don’t demand it.”

  Turner Underwood smiled and rested on his cane. “I love the smell of a rousing speech in the morning! Well put, my young student. My Queen I believe the ball is in your court. Are you willing to be humble enough to ask for help? Close your mouth, Correk. I’m an old Elf. I say what I want and always with respect. By now, the king and queen know that.” He tilted his chin and arched an eyebrow. “Well, my queen?”

  The queen drew herself up taller and laced her hands in front of her, breathing deeply. “We may never be close friends but we can be warriors in this battle. Will you fight alongside all of Oriceran? For Earth?” She bowed her head as Correk’s eyes widened.

  “Chill, Cousin.” Leira rolled her eyes and gave a crooked smile. “Shake on it.” She put out her hand to the queen. “After all, you’re not in Oriceran right now. We have a deal.”

  The queen smiled, determined to win the coming fight, and took Leira’s hand, shaking it. “We have a deal.”

  “Come on everyone, don’t be left out. You know you want to. Pile on.” Leira held the queen’s hand tight, waiting for the others. Turner slapped his hand on top, followed by Correk and then the king. “To Earth and Oriceran and the end of Rhazdon,” said Leira as symbols rolled across each of their hands, spelling out their intention.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  None of the prophets had returned to their room behind the post office since the Gnome was revealed as Rhazdon. The room’s location was exposed to the world and besides, they could feel their influence slipping. There were murmurings throughout the town about what the prophets knew and too many questioned their loyalty.

  “How could they not know that wasn’t really a Gnome?”

  “Come to think of it, she never really acted like a Gnome, anyway.”

  “Did you hear about the Gnome’s doings with the Dark Market? My cousin told me and he said everyone knew. They figured the prophets were in on it, making cash on the side.”

  “You think the prophesies are true?”

  “No one can find Rhazdon. I’ll bet they know where she is.”

  No one thought they were blameless.

  The Light Elf turned in his robe and asked forgiveness of the royal family. Still, he held back the one secret he hoped they would never know. I will take that to my grave but I will fight with everything I have to save Oriceran. A living amends. It’s all I can offer. He convinced himself it was for the best, for everyone. No need to cause further pain.

  The others met one last time at a tavern by the Rodania sea to the north of the Light Elves kingdom, near the Land of Terran.

  “May the Light Elf king and queen never know of our involvement,” said the Wood Elf.

  “We should tell them everything, clear the air.” The Kilomea pounded the wooden table with his fist, shaking the tankards.

  “It wouldn’t clear the air. Quite the opposite.” The Pixie stood on the table sipping from a small thimble.

  “We need to decide what our strongest intention is in this present moment. That will rule. Our efforts were all aimed at saving the beings of Oriceran from destruction when the last prophecy by the seer is fulfilled. The gates start to open soon.” The Crystal sipped his beer, frosting the glass.

  “He’s right,” said the Wood Elf. “Coming clean will splinter the king and queen’s focus. We must find ways to repair our reputation and lead everyone to safety on Earth. There’s still time.”

  “We will need to go home to our own villages for a while. Live in exile for a short time.” The Kilomea growled, angry at himself. “I will take it under advisement that we say nothing for now, but I will not promise to stay silent forever. I’ve caused enough harm with secrets for more than one lifetime. Too many have been hurt.”

  The Crystal sighed, as a spray of snowflakes floated to the table, melting as they landed. “I agree with my friend. My silence may be temporary, at best. And I will spend the rest of my days making up for what I’ve done, whether anyone else ever knows or not. May I restore my family’s honor someday.”

  “May we all,” said the Pixie, rustling her wings. “To Oriceran and her people.” She raised her thimble as the others raised their tankards.

  “To Oriceran and her people.”

  ***

  “I’m going back to Oriceran, just for a little while to help the royal family and to see if I can track Rhazdon.” Correk saw the disappointment in Leira’s face but he was determined. The king and queen were ready to travel back through a portal and go home. “They’re ready to go. Thank you for agreeing to fight with us, in your own style, of course.” Correk gave her a crooked smile and put his hands on her shoulders. “I will return as soon as I can.”

  “Make sure you do. I’ve gotten used to hearing you snore in the next room, and Yumfuck will be beside himself if you’re gone too long. Gather all the energy you can. We can’t pick the battle place or even the day this time. Rhazdon has a complicated plan in play and it’s hard to say what she plans next. From the stories of her Lady Godiva moment in the post office she wasn’t broken up about being literally exposed. She sounded relieved, inspired even. Like the next phase of her plot was underway.”

  “Open a large portal and somehow keep it open. I’d swear that was impossible until I heard that an eight-hundred-year-old ghost had returned as a young looking woman.”

  There was a crackle behind Correk and sparks as a portal opened.

  “Your ride is here. You better go. Don’t hug me that’s not necessary.” Correk ignored her and hugged her anyway, smiling.

  Leira patted him on the back. “Okay, okay, we’re not fighting off anyone today, hopefully.”

  “If only to annoy you before I go so you don’t miss me too much.”

  “No need to miss you. You’re coming back soon. You gave me your word.”

  “Indeed. Keep up with your studies with Turner and tell the troll everything. Mara may be right. He’s smarter than he’s letting on and if he has all the information he can make better decisions if Rhazdon decides to make the next appearance on Earth first.”

  “A smart troll who’s been playing the long game with us.”

  “Here’s one thing I do know about trolls. They bond with whoever saves them but out of choice. It’s not a guarantee. I know, I know, I left that out but you got on my nerves more back then.”

  “A million years ago and a few adventures. Does this mean I don’t get on your nerves anymore?”

  “Far less…Ow, don’t punch. Use your words. Ow!” Correk laughed as he held his arm. “At least take off that ring before you hit me. You have a pretty good right hook.”

  “I’m bringing Hagan and the Feds into this. Not a discussion.”

  “Wasn’t going to argue. Earth has just as much at risk and without the knowledge of Rhazdon’s history with violence and war. They have a right to know everything and make their own decisions.”

  “It will be interesting to see what the magical beings who’ve lived on Earth for generations decide to do. Earth or Oriceran.”

  “It was easy for you. It may be for them as well.”

  “In the end, I’m fighting for the ability to choose for myself and give that same right to everyone else. It’s ironic that the part of Rhazdon she cherishes most, the half of her that’s Atlantean is from Earth originally, not Oriceran. You’d think this would feel more like home to her. I know, the same could be said of me. I suppose there’s something to be said for where you’re raised and what you know.”

  “In the end, it doesn’t matter. Rhazdon has betrayed everything she’s ever known and for her ow
n ego. Beware an Atlantean of every stripe. They are rarely magnanimous.”

  “I’ve met one myself and there’s room for improvement but they can be persuaded. You better go.”

  Leira gave Correk a small push toward the portal. “Those things don’t stay open for long and the last thing we need is for you to fall through some crack into the world in between. The dark mist isn’t strong enough to tear open a hole just yet.” All those teenagers and a dark Wizard. That’s not justice. Leira gave a small shudder but shook it off.

  Correk gave her a nod and turned to go, helping the queen back through the portal and shaking hands with Turner Underwood before he stepped through and closed the portal.

  “Back to work, young lady. Let’s see if this artifact works after all. Just because we know who we’re seeking doesn’t mean we won’t find valuable information. I have a feeling being able to disguise your magic so Rhazdon doesn’t see you coming may yet still prove to be very useful. Now focus…”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  The queen and king walked into the library’s outer room ahead of Correk. The king patted Correk on the back. “They’ll probably throw a few books at your head but Gnomes are not known for holding resentments. They tend to deal with things and move on.”

  “They’re too busy devising a new vault, anyway. Rhazdon broke in far too easily. We all got lazy, thinking she was dead. Even if she was, we acted like no one just as strong could ever come along. Leira is living proof that was wrong.” The queen held up her hand to silence Correk. “Thank the two moons she fights alongside us. But if there’s Rhazdon, and now Leira there may someday be more. We need to prepare better than we’ve bothered. I’m tired of losing and reacting.”

  Correk stepped fully into the room, his muscles tense, fully prepared to duck. The Gnomes were busy filing books and sending out late notices or working on the vault in the very back. A poppy on a bowler near the front noticed him first and blew a raspberry, baring its teeth.

  “I deserve that one, given the Willen and the late book…”

  Several more poppies noticed and joined in a chorus of growling. The Gnomes noticed the chatter from their hats and turned, peeking around corners and coming out from behind the stacks to see what was the bother.

  “Let’s get this over with…” Correk pulled in just enough magic to reflect any flying objects headed his way.

  The queen came and stood at his side, crossing her arms and glaring at the Gnomes. “I’ve had enough for a lifetime of any pettiness. Get it out of your system, Gnomes and surrender it.”

  The Gnomes glanced at each other, waving to the Gnomes in the back and came forward standing in a crowd at the edge of the library.

  “This is new,” said the king. “Correk, how late was that book?”

  “Just a week or so, I’m sure of it. This can’t be because of a Willen,” he said, incredulous.

  “Someone has to go first.” The queen scowled at the Gnomes as the poppies drew back and closed their petals.

  “No need to encourage them.” Correk wondered how many he could fight off at once. Steady, steady…

  The Gnomes, in unison, all doffed their bowlers, holding them in one hand as they went down on one knee bowing their heads.

  Correk hesitated, looking through the crowd of Gnomes all huddled around the front, some in the aisles between the stacks. “What’s this?”

  An older Gnome lifted his head and put his bowler back on top. “We have a common enemy now. Rhazdon has killed at least two of our kind. That much we know. And he sullied our reputation breaking into the vault.”

  “She broke in…” said the king.

  “Really?” said the queen. “Take a beat.”

  “Right, right.”

  The Gnomes looked up, confused.

  “Rhazdon is really a woman,” said the queen, lifting her chin. She took a deep breath. “It’s a lot on top of a lot of secrets and lies. You were saying?”

  “We are one of the oldest magical beings on Oriceran dating back before anyone can remember. Light Elves were not around when we were great warriors and fought to protect our kind. We are ready to do so again. We will leave a skeleton crew to guard what’s left of the library. The rest of us are going with you to find Rhazdon and justice.”

  “Not necessary…”

  The Gnome shook his head. “Queen Saria, we are of service to the Light Elves but we are not indentured or subjects of yours. We choose to be here. We choose to fight. We’re not asking for your blessing. We’re going.”

  The Gnomes stood up, forming straight lines, pushing into the outer room.

  Correk and the king bowed and the queen gave a curtsy. “We are honored to have you by our sides. It seems I’m to learn a thing or two about working as a team today.” The queen straightened out the folds in the front of her long dress.

  Correk stepped forward and put out his fist for the Gnome to place on top in the Oriceran custom. Several of the Gnomes rushed forward and placed their hands on top, letting out a battle cry. “We fight with honor and to the end!”

  As the noise subsided the elder Gnome leaned closer to Correk beckoning him with a finger. Correk leaned closer.

  The Gnome harrumphed and gave a hard nod. “A month’s ban on checking out a book.”

  “Seems fair.” Correk straightened back up, doing his best not to roll his eyes.

  The king was moved by the Gnomes’ gesture. “Our forces are growing. Go back to Earth and help them organize, Correk.”

  “There are groups that we still need to make sure are with us.”

  “I’ll talk to Perrom, myself. You have my word,” said the king. “Help Leira spread the word on Earth among the magical community at least that Rhazdon lives and help them prepare. Not all may live but we must finally find peace for both worlds.”

  “Especially since the gates will start to open soon and the humans are growing increasingly aware of us. Go, the king is right. The prophets have meddled in Earth business already and many may have seen through their antics. That was bad enough. At least the celebrity lived and was healed quickly. If Rhazdon creates mayhem on Earth it won’t matter if we point out she comes from their planet. They’ll see it as a lie and fight all of us. Go. We know how to inspire others here to join us. Rhazdon has made that fairly easy.”

  “Of course,” said Correk, reluctantly. “As you wish.”

  “Gather as many as you can. There may not be much time. I can feel the energy from Prince Rolim’s necklace right here.” The queen held her fist to her chest. “Every time someone tries to use it, I know and the energy is stirring. Whatever Rhazdon has planned, it won’t be long now.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  “Clever of you to hide the necklace where there’s no kemana and the altitude saps energy. Harder to tell where it is. Harder… but not impossible.” Rhazdon stood menacingly over the cowering Wizard. She had managed to trace the necklace to his house but not the exact room. “I’m kind of short on time, your lucky day.”

  They were in the Wizard’s large living room by the roaring fire on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado. The tentacles on her head were rolling in waves over her shoulders, warming themselves. The Wizard sat in his leather wing chair contemplating his options. Measuring his own dark magic. First people in our clan start disappearing, now this. He wasn’t sure what to do.

  “You can see how much sense I’m making, right?” Rhazdon smiled, her eyes an icy black. She was dressed in thigh-high suede boots and dark brown leather pants with a sage green tunic belted at the waist. Her old clothes from her days on Oriceran centuries ago, altered to fit her curves. Finally able to take them out of storage.

  The only concession to being on Earth was the long mauve winter coat, held open by her hands on her hips. “You hand over the necklace your family took from me and fight by my side. Or you die here and now and I tear this house apart looking for it. Your choice, of course. I like to be fair.”

  A Witch appeared at the doorway,
holding out the necklace.

  “Wise woman. Part of the decision has been made. Now the rest.” Rhazdon tilted her head. “Fighting with me or dying to stay home?”

  The Wizard swallowed hard. “We fight with you, of course. I’ll see to it that the other families understand.”

  “There you go.” Rhazdon took the necklace, feeling the current of magic pass through her. “Beautiful,” she whispered, admiring the diamond shape with an O cut in the center.

  The Wizard stood up, gripping the chair. “Rhazdon…”

  His wife shook her head but he had to know.

  “What is it? Let him speak.”

  “There are plenty of stories about you. Legends, passed down through my family.”

  “Flattery, not a bad start.”

  “All of them talk about how you wanted to form alliances. You were interested in building a new kind of world for magical people. You wanted us to have respect. Your followers mattered to you. Has all of that changed?”

  Rhazdon clenched a fist at her side, gripping the necklace tighter as the energy flowing through her head mixed with the pulse of dark magic that filled her veins after so many years of waiting to come out of hiding. It made her feel lightheaded, almost giddy. Almost. “It’s all I ever wanted,” she said between clenched teeth. “We deserve at least that much. Recognition for who we are, what we can do! I always had the best of intentions…”

  She looked into the fire, lost in memories over eight hundred years old. “There was a time when Atlanteans were everywhere on this world. They were respected by everyone on Earth. We advanced technology beyond where the humans have managed to take it to this day! But no one cared.” She shook her head, looking back at the Wizard. “They wiped out my kind. The only safe place to live was on Oriceran… in hiding.” A smile came back to her face, curling her lip into a sneer. “But today’s a new day. There are new followers in the magical communities around Earth and some on Oriceran. We can let the past go and rebuild. Find some closure.”