by R A Lindo
Witching Games
The Fire Witch Chronicles: 1
R.A. Lindo
Copyright © 2021 by R.A. Lindo
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
Welcome to a Magical Universe
1. The Fire Witch
2. The Winter Quarter
3. The Shallows
4. Unfinished Business
5. A Changing Cendryll
6. A Helping Hand
7. Familiar Visions
8. The Touch of Love
9. Society Matters
10. Night Rangers
11. Shifting Winds
12. Duets & Duels
13. A Question of Intent
14. Drandok
15. Taming Fury
16. Cursed Flight
17. Subtle Sorcery
18. A Shower of Ice
19. Night Visions
20. Romance & Reflections
21. The Royisin Heights
22. A Strange Welcome
23. Passage to Danger
24. The Hidden Few
25. Healing Visits
Teaser Chapter Book 2
About the Author
Also by R.A. Lindo
Welcome to a Magical Universe
Welcome to the secret, magical universe of The S.P.M.A. (The Society for the Preservation of Magical Artefacts.)
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You can also join my private Facebook group where all things S.P.M.A. are discussed.
1
The Fire Witch
Society Square buzzes with activity as the hordes of shoppers stare in a mixture of puzzlement and wonder at the array of buildings: all linked to a secret, magical Society of course, but the above-ground world remains none the wiser.
I stand on the church roof, hidden from view, smiling at families approaching Leaning Lane famous for the way its buildings decrease in size. A small, powder-blue bird buzzes near my shoulder; a special bird with the ability to shape-shift. It’s called a Williynx and can breathe ice, but more on that later.
The children drag their parents towards Wimples sweet shop: the sweets people drive across the country to get their hands on … strange sweets that leave impressions on the tongue … moving illustrations of the figure on the packets. The names of the sweets are another draw for the kids … Codswollops and Core Blimeys … all part of the wonder of Wimples sweet shop, causing howls of laughter from crowds of children gathered outside.
The laughter fills the air, reminding me of a time not so long ago when that was me: an innocent girl having no idea of the wonders hidden beneath the sleepy, English town of Bibsley Corbett.
That was before my mum dropped the bombshell on my brother’s eighteenth birthday … that she worked in a place called The Cendryll: a faculty in a vast, magical universe known as The Society for the Preservation of Magical Artefacts. I remember bursting out with laughter at the news.
“Magic doesn’t exist,” I recall saying in my particularly insolent manner.
My mum didn’t respond to my comment, only that we needed to get ready. She wasn’t the warmest of people then and has gone through a pretty big transformation since. Needless to say, I found out magic did exist and, before long, met a girl called Kaira. We became firm friends and went on a magical, mystery tour through all the amazing buildings and magical realms, soon realising that all was not well.
My brother, Jacob, joined us on our adventures, becoming the voice of reason to manage our madcap plans. Well, mainly my madcap plans. Conrad’s arrival took things to another level: the lost boy who discovered a particular gift whilst capturing the heart of a certain girl: me.
Me? I’m Guppy Grayling. 16 years old, 5ft 5inches, brown hair, all-black attire. Not your average Night Ranger but, then again, my entrance to this magical world was out of the ordinary, to say the least. Night Rangers are Society soldiers tasked with keeping law and order. Weapons are important for the role, my weapon of choice being swords formed from a special type of morphing steel known as a Vaspyl: steel that can form into any object imaginable.
Friends call me Guppy but most people know me as The Fire Witch, mainly because of the way I appear when trouble’s brewing. I like to burst through a ball of fire, reminding questionable figures that I survived the curses of one of the most feared wizards in our magical universe.
My dramatic arrival normally does the trick, but there’s always someone lurking in the shadows who needs more persuading. That’s where the magic of battle comes in: all hidden from above-ground eyes, of course.
Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of all the strange names after a while. Being a magical Society, there’s a name for everything, including all the charms. Along with my swords, I’ve got plenty of charms at my disposal: investigative, protective and defensive charms, not to mention the ability to counteract dark magic (Gorrah).
There’s been little evidence of dark deeds since the recent war, but no-one in the S.P.M.A. is naïve enough to think malevs aren’t roaming in the shifting realms beyond The Society Sphere. Malevs are the ones I keep an eye on — ex-communicated members usually up to no good. More mischief than malice because they’ve learnt where betrayal leads: a trip across Quibbs Causeway to send them mad or, worse, into the bowels of The Velynx where they rot in slime-filled cells.
As I stand on the church roof, hidden by an invisibility charm, I think about Kaira. Kaira’s my best friend, by the way, the daughter of the all-powerful Casper Renn who remains in charge of The Cendryll. Kaira will be forever linked to wild adventures and the destruction of a dark wizard and an evil artefact, but she’s chosen a quieter life for now, journeying through the more serene places of the S.P.M.A., deciding Society duties can wait.
My brother, Jacob, has taken on a teaching role in The Cendryll, tasked with educating The Fateful Eight in all things magical. The Fateful Eight is the name given to the eight children chosen to join each faculty: a trial agreed by the Society elders to honour the principle of beauty and unity many fought and died for. Until my arrival, no under eighteens were allowed and the S.P.M.A. was all about secrecy.
Needless to say, that backfired when the secret hunt for the most evil artefact in existence gathered pace, leading to a sudden crisis in the Society, and a realisation that secrecy and marginalisation were counterproductive. In the end, it took a group of kids and the marginalised species in the Society to defeat evil, restoring peace.
Beauty and unity has become the S.P.M.A.’s motto ever since, meaning you’re as likely to see a young wizard as you are an ageing giant. You’ll also find magical creatures in all faculties: spectacular, shape-shifting birds along with tiny, luminous insects known as Quij.
The sky urchins are still learning the ropes, refusing to replace their black rags covering their scar-ravaged bodies for something more fitting. Their scars are marks of war, they argue — wars fought for the Society’s survival and something that should never be forgotten.
The morning mist rests over Society Square, washing Founders’ Quad with muted light. It’s my favourite vantage point, partly because it’s a reminder of the old days when innocent wonder dominated, but also because it’s become a meeting point for romantic flight.
The romantic part is linked to Conrad — the boy I s
lowly fell for on our journey towards a maelstrom of danger two years ago. I remember how quiet he was at first, appearing in The Cendryll with a sullen expression, struggling with a sadness hanging over him.
He didn’t have the best introduction to the S.P.M.A., bumping into Erent Koll in his first few days: the evil wizard who came unstuck in the final battle. Conrad’s a different prospect now: tall, confident and handsome — the mild scars running across his chest and arms adding a reminder of what he’s lost: a father’s sacrifice to save the Society.
He’s learnt not to dwell on the past too much, realising the importance of appreciating the wonder of the magical world we’re blessed to be part of. From my vantage point on top of the church roof, I’m reminded of the life I once had, walking with the crowds through the streets of Founders’ Quad, grasping for moments of excitement to counterattack the boredom of my life.
The eight children selected for entrance to each faculty are about to experience the same awe and wonder, soon to be stunned by the impossibility of the universe they’ve been granted entrance to — a universe that is multi layered, offering portals to all things magical. Portals are called Periums in the S.P.M.A., and I wait for the boy I love to arrive through one hidden in the sky.
Conrad is about to appear in the sky on the back of a beautiful, turquoise, bird: a majestic, shape-shifting creature called a Williynx. Like me, he’ll be hidden from view with an invisibility charm, knowing the consequences of using magic above ground. Conrad’s a sky rider now, joining me on my evening pursuits as a Night Ranger.
We keep an eye on things from the skies, the trick of invisibility is created by the Verum Veras charm: a glimmering curtain of protection, allowing undetected movement. As I wait behind my curtain of invisibility, I feel my bracelet vibrate on my right wrist — my penchant allowing me travel through a world of wonder.
Conrad appears seconds later, spinning through the sky above me as a glittering curtain of gold light surrounds him, gliding down on his turquoise Williynx for our morning rendezvous. The burning sensation inside returns every time I see him: the boy with copper-blonde hair and a dazzling smile.
I barely noticed boys before Conrad but, then again, I barely noticed anything until I stepped into The Society for the Preservation of Magical Artefacts. My mum mastered the art of neglect a long time ago, so it was just me and Jacob keeping ourselves entertained at home.
Now, there’s entertainment at every turn from, a simple utterance of word generating showers of light or a vanishing act to another spectacular space. Night Rangers need their fun too, though, the reason Conrad and I meet here each morning. The morning meetings give us our ‘alone time’ before duty calls, ready to transport us to other magical realms.
“Hey,” he says as his Williynx touches down on the church roof — the shimmering curtain of protection keeping a unique vision hidden from view. After all, a boy appearing out of the sky on the back of a huge turquoise bird would be pretty hard to explain.
I give Conrad the once over, always drawn to the scar lining his neck … the scar I know runs diagonally across his torso … gained from an attack of vampiric birds in a land once housing evil. We survived that battle, recovering in our own way, ensuring every available moment is spent experiencing new wonders.
I’ve got my own scars, decorating my wrists and lower legs. Conrad says he likes them ... that it reminds him of how we met and the unique things we’ve gone through. I doubt that, but it doesn’t matter. He’s here and he’s mine and, for now, that’s all I need.
“Where to?” he asks, running a hand through his hair. The white T-shirt, grey coat and jeans do little to protect him from the cool temperatures, but he’s long been conditioned against the elements.
“You choose,” I reply, kneeling to place my right hand on the ground, whispering ‘Expandeus’ as I do so. The charm causes my invisibility charm to stretch outwards and upwards … the glimmering, golden curtain of protection expanding with my powder-blue companion … the small bird buzzing near my shoulder now shape-shifting into a glorious form more fitting for a Williynx.
I climb on as my Williynx settles, resting its head on the concrete floor of the church roof. With a shimmering curtain of golden dust hovering around us, I glance at Conrad, signalling the race is on.
“I might let you win this time,” I offer with a flirtatious smile. We’ve got time for a little closeness before the morning mist gives way to a clearer light, illuminating the wistful and wayward.
Looking up at the tunnel of glimmering light lining our way to the portal in the sky , Conrad returns the smile. “First one above the clouds gets to choose where we visit.”
“Fair enough,” I say, placing my face in my winged companion’s powder-blue feathers. The feeling of flying is infinitely better with your eyes closed … the exhilaration rushing through your body as you ascend at speed … made even better with the boy you love beside you.
“Then we free fall into the place we’re visiting,” Conrad adds with a sly grin, knowing he’s the master of this particular trick. “Don’t worry,” he continues, “I’ll catch you if you lose control.”
I study his face and lean torso, fully planning to lose control to make the most of our morning rendezvous.
“I’ll give you a head start,” I add before he leans in for a kiss, and then he’s gone, darting upwards through the golden tunnel of light, hiding us from above-ground eyes … a vision of love I race to catch as my powder-blue Williynx swirls silently upwards, acutely aware that any display of magic outside of our secret world comes with severe consequences.
As I fly through the sky, keeping my body pressed to my Williynx, I turn and look down at the dots moving through Society Square. The above-ground crowds have no idea of the magical universe hiding in plain sight, existing in the fabric of the very shops they’re visiting now — too conditioned in the mundane to question the bizarre offerings in shops like Wimples and The Spinning Shoe.
Feeling the buzz of my penchant as we near the spinning portal in the sky, I smile at how lucky I am: an ordinary girl in an extra-ordinary world about to embark on another day of adventure.
2
The Winter Quarter
We glide through the portal in the sky, spinning through the glittering tunnel of multi-coloured light until we re-appear, overlooking The Winter Quarter. This part of The Society Sphere is famous for its gentle light and endless snow. The light washes streets and buildings forming the above-ground section — the snow a strange wonder for those lucky enough to access magical spaces.
We’ll make a dramatic arrival in the next few minutes, appearing to track a certain person is making a few too many trips to The Shallows: a place where a certain evening witch is said to hanging out. For now, though, I enjoy the feeling of the snow falling on my face as Conrad itches to begin our romantic ritual.
His intensity is one of the most attractive things about him … an intensity I feel every time he makes eye contact, as if he’s studying something deep within me. He wasn’t always this adorable, by the way, and it would be fair to say I found him a bit limp when he first arrived in The Cendryll, but I was less trusting then and he’d recently lost his mum.
He’s now lost both parents, adding to his brooding energy, but somewhere along the way he decided to park his grief and immerse himself in the wonder at his fingertips.
As the wind lifts my long, brown hair, a single powder-blue feather falls from my Williynx followed by a turquoise one from Conrad’s feathered companion: a sign our romantic ritual is about to begin. We arrive in the magical realm of The Winter Quarter, snow falling softly on our faces as we glide side-by-side.
“Ready…?” Conrad asks.
I nod, lowering my face into my Williynx’ coat of powder-blue feathers before a tap of my feet causes an explosion of feathers, marking the beginning of the race. With the snow falling onto the Williynx’ colourful coats, we spin in tandem as we dart through the sky, Conrad staying low on his
turquoise companion, urging it forward.
The vision of the snow falling in gentle patterns is one I never tire of, savouring the tranquil beauty of the space we fly within. Not too long ago, we were journeying in unknown territory, hunting evil things and evil people. Now, it’s more about fun with the odd journey to strange realms.
With the race on, I whisper to Laieya — the name of my Williynx - as I edge ahead of Conrad, blowing him a sarcastic kiss as I do: a reminder that the girl he’s fallen for can more than hold her own.
With the race over and me victorious, we glide lower until the buildings come into clearer view. The sight of vast, colourful creatures carrying Society members isn’t anything out of the ordinary in Society spaces, The Winter Quarter being no exception.
This can’t be said for free falling … the art of spinning off your Williynx in a rapid, kamikaze descent. The Society elders frown on such elaborate acts, but Conrad and I agree we’ve earned the right to bend the rules. We got dragged into a war we helped to end, eradicating significant threats for the Society’s benefit, so a little bit of drama in the sky should be allowed.
“Remember to hold on if you spin out of control,” teases Conrad, preparing for the rapid descent.
I feign helplessness as my powder-blue Williynx lets out an almighty squawk and then I’m gone, spinning free from Laieya as I hurtle towards the ground. I know how to regain control of my spinning body but enjoy the sensation of syncing with Conrad as we fall … a simple act of alignment beginning with hands connecting before our legs entwine.
