Resurrection of an Empire: The Magic Within (The Magic Within Series Book 2)

by Sharon Gibbs

  When he had cleared the majority of debris he heaved on the length of chain again until it pulled taut. Straining to lift it clear of the remaining stone, he was again forced to release the chain and a puff of fine dirt rose up from the floor. Eager to find out what the chain was connected to, he pushed aside the rubble. Brushing the dirt and fine debris from the floor, he smiled as his fingers touched the heavy steel plate. ‘I think you will be pleased, Mistress,’ he said as he stood and heaved on the chain and the last of the shale and dirt slid down the plate and the hatch opened with ease.

  ‘Hang the chain on the hook, up there on the wall,’ Athena said to her burly servant. He did so and then peered down into the dark hole. Athena moved forward and stood next to him. Conjuring an orb, she held it out so the light would fill the dark void ahead and they could make out a set of stairs which descended into the depths of the structure.

  Moving cautiously, Athena stepped down into the hole and as she descended her orb of light illuminated the area below her. Stepping off the last stone, into a chamber below, she held the orb high so she could view the room. The light reflected off the many relics hidden in the crypt but the thing that interested Athena most was the stone altar on the far side of the room.

  ‘Over here, Brom,’ she said as she moved forward to inspect the ritual table. Holding the orb in one hand, she slid the other over the cold stone which had not seen the light of day for a thousand years. ‘Bring me the chassel.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Mistress. What was it you wanted?’

  ‘The chassel. The iron stand next to the entrance,’ she said and motioned towards the steps.

  Brom brought his mistress the tall stand and Athena placed her orb of light upon its plate so it could illuminate the room. With both hands free she inspected the altar. Her hands slid over the slabs, feeling the slickness of the cold stone. When she had found what she searched for, she pulled the lever and a compartment near her shins clicked open. Bending down, she pulled the heavy stone doors open. Unable to see inside the dark alcove she conjured another orb. The light shone from her hand, filling the small hidey-hole.

  Reaching into the compartment, she removed a wooden box and placed it on top of the altar. Depositing the light on the altar’s surface, she applied pressure to the edges of the lid and it snapped open. Inside the box, upon a bed of silk, lay a black, oval-shaped stone. Taking the stone from the box, she held it near the bright flickering light of the chassel. Markings were etched upon its smooth surface, but she couldn’t understand what the carvings said.

  ‘Brom, come over here and tell me what these marks mean.’

  Brom moved to her side and eyed the object she held. ‘I’ve never seen such markings before, Mistress. I couldn’t say what they mean.’

  ‘Hold the stone, Brom.’

  He stared at her, thinking her quite strange before he extended his hand to comply with her wishes. As he reached for the dark object she held, its black surface seemed to flicker and swirl. His stomach tightened and he didn’t know why he felt uneasy. Was the stone changing, or was it the light from the orb dancing upon its surface? he thought as his fingers reached to touch the cold, smooth stone. Athena released the hard rock into the burly man’s hands and he held it up to examine it.

  ‘I’m not sure what you want me to—’

  A beam of brilliant light shot from the stone and seared a hole in Brom’s skull. He collapsed on the floor, the stone falling from his grasp.

  ‘That’s what I wondered,’ Athena said, and she stepped over his dead corpse and picked up the stone. If one’s intentions are not to preserve and protect the essence held inside the stone, it will prevent itself from being removed. Athena thought about the passage she’d read in Isham’s diary and knew she stood in his place of worship. ‘My love,’ she said. ‘I have found your soul.’

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  The trip back to the Dome had been tedious. Catrain had never driven a carriage before and it had taken some time for the girl to get used to holding the reins and steering the animals home. She had run out of Godsblood as they neared Alden and the spell of the warming elixir had vanished from her body. Her fingers had grown numb and the horses had taken their head, eager for the warmth of the barn. The barrier surrounding the Dome was eerily quiet as they approached and returned through the passage. Catrain slumped in the driver’s seat almost frozen to the bone, and it had been left to Merek to lift the girl down and carry her into the house.

  Athena had ordered a bath be placed in front of the fire in her quarters and as she lay in the warm water she watched the young girl huddle by the fire. ‘Come over here, Catrain,’ Athena said as she sat forward, her breasts bobbing in the ripples her movement had created. Her long blonde hair had been piled up on top of her head and a clip held it securely so it would not get wet.

  Still cold, but no longer numb, Catrain reluctantly moved away from the warmth to sit at the side of the tub on a small stool.

  ‘It shan’t be long until Doran returns with news of the tree and then we can bring our Lord back home.’ Athena reach over the rim of the tub to hold Catrain’s hand. ‘You’re freezing, dear Catrain,’ she said as her fingers enclosed the girl’s. She stood up in the bath, still holding the girl’s hand, rivulets of water twinkling in the flickering light as they rushed back into the tub. Catrain stared at Athena’s skin. Her silken flesh glowed and radiated with warmth, enticing the girl to stand. ‘Come, sit in the bath with me and let the water warm you.’

  Athena undid the ties that secured the girl’s dress and as she peeled back her clothing she let them fall to the floor. Standing there naked, Athena held Catrain’s hand as the girl gingerly stepped into the water. The searing heat scalded her skin but as she stood a little longer her flesh soon warmed. Athena had already returned to the warmth of the water and she relaxed back as she watched the girl become accustomed to the heat. Slowly, Catrain lowered her willowy body into the water, making sure she didn’t splash any of it over the sides.

  ‘It won’t be long now until our Lord returns to us,’ Athena said again, and she squeezed out the sponge, letting the heat of the water cascade over her breasts. ‘We must be ready when he does.’

  Catrain nodded her acknowledgement. ‘What happened to Brom?’

  ‘He was not devoted to our Lord. He is easily replaced, so do not worry yourself. Come over here and let me wash your back.’

  Catrain swivelled in the water so her back faced her mistress, and Athena dunked the sponge then lifted it, squeezing the warm liquid over the girl’s back. ‘Zute will return, and when he does things will change. From now on you will stand at my side. You’re not to return to the kitchen.’ She gently pressed her lips against the girl’s back. ‘Now let me wash your hair.’ Dunking the sponge again, she held it over the girl’s head, soaking her locks, and then with her own personal fragrance she lathered the flaming red hair and soothingly massaged the girl’s scalp.

  ‘Tip your head back.’ The girl did as she was told, and Athena rinsed away the soap, leaving her hair fragrant and clean. Standing up in the tub, Athena stepped over the side, gathering a linen to dry herself. Catrain moved to follow her Mistress. ‘Stay there, sweet one,’ Athena said. ‘The water’s still warm.’

  She stood in front of the hearth, allowing the heat to evaporate the moisture from her skin. Adding logs to the coals, it wasn’t long before the flames greedily licked at the tinder and they crackled and popped as they burst into flame. ‘Catrain, you will wear better clothes than the rags you’ve had on.’

  ‘I’m sorry to say I have nothing better,’ Catrain said as she stepped out of the water, wrapping a cloth around herself. She moved over to the warmth of the fire to dry in front of the flames. The material soon soaked the water off her skin and the damp cloth clung to the girl’s slender form.

  ‘I will select a few gowns for you to wear, and when we can, we shall have some more made.’ Athena walked over to her closet and returned with two robes. She handed
one to the girl before slipping the other on.

  ‘Thank you, Mistress. Would you like me to dry your hair?’

  They sat on the rug in the light of the fire and Catrain combed her fingers through Athena’s golden strands that had dampened with the steam. When her hair parted easily, Catrain fetched a brush and stroked her mistress’ locks until they were dry.

  Yawning, Athena covered her mouth with her hand. ‘Until our Lord returns you will sleep here with me.’ Rising from the floor, she walked over to her bed. ‘Come, Catrain. It’s late,’ she said as she waited for the girl.

  Disrobing, they climbed under the covers and with a flick of Athena’s hand the room became dark.

  Chapter Thirty

  The wagon lurched as they moved over the arid landscape. The stony glades were true to their name. Rocks jutted from the earth, their red russet formations the only colour amongst the lifeless grey of the petrified trees. This once lustrous forest had been frozen in time. Their arid branches, bleached by the sun, were now solid as stone. A stark contrast against the brilliant blue sky.

  ‘I see it, Doran,’ Terrin said, and he reached into the covering of the wagon and shook Doran to wake him.

  Doran had driven the wagon for most of the night and when he and Terrin had traded places, he’d fallen asleep as soon as he lay down in the furs. Terrin shook him again. ‘I see the tree, Doran. Wake up.’

  Doran woke from his slumber with the gritty feel of sand in his eyes. Unsteadily he climbed from his bed onto the seat next to Terrin. He held up a hand to shade his eyes and help block out the brightness of the day. Staring ahead he couldn’t focus, his eyes still clouded and raw from lack of sleep. Blinking rapidly, he peered through the gloom and gradually his vision cleared. As they passed through a formation of rocks leaning haphazardly, creating an arch, he saw in the distance why Terrin had woken him.

  Travelling towards the carpet of green grass, the land again flourished with life. Birds darted from tree to bush, and not far in the distance was an enormous tree. A-one-of-a-kind tree that seemed to glow with a life of its own. As they drew near, the branches towered overhead and they could see the trunk was scared by deep crevices. Beneath the tree no sticks, leaves or branches littered the grass, and Terrin thought it a curious thing.

  ‘Have you ever seen a tree such as this?’ Terrin said, awed at the vibrancy the tree exuded.

  ‘No, I haven’t, and we don’t know for sure if it is the tree we are looking for,’ Doran said as Terrin pulled the horse to a halt underneath the shade of the monstrous species.

  ‘So how will we know if it’s the right tree?’

  ‘Nothing can be taken from the Tree of Life. Only what is given freely can be used,’ Doran quoted from the scripture he’d read.

  ‘Oh?’ Terrin said more confused than before.

  ‘Yes,’ Doran said as he reached out and snapped a thin branch from the tree. He held it by the stem and the leaves twisted and turned in his grasp. They rapidly raced through the colours of autumn, from the deep green they had been to a dark crimson red and then lightening to orange and yellow. As the colour faded the leaves dried out and fell from the branch which had also began to wither and dry. Within an instant the twig crumbled in Doran’s hand and fell to the ground to mix with the earth.

  ‘What happened?’ Terrin still couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed.

  ‘Nothing can be taken from the Tree of Life. Only what is given freely can be used,’ Doran repeated as he brushed the grit from his hands. ‘We shall stop and make camp. Tomorrow I will return home to inform Athena we’ve found the tree and this silly quest of hers will be over.’

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Elle and Shyla sat in front of the hearth. Warm and snug inside the Keep, they darned socks from the ever growing pile in the basket. Every so often tremors vibrated through the stone and Elle smiled to herself. Christopher was below them somewhere deep in the mountain practising his craft.

  ‘I wish they’d ease up,’ Jack said as he stared up towards the stony ceiling. He trod towards the warmth of the fire and settled in a chair near his sister.

  Goodwin followed closely behind, brushing the dust from his sleeve. He stared up at the stone above him. ‘The building is strong, my friend, a little dust will not harm us.’ He laughed and sat down by the fire.

  ‘Evening, sirs,’ Shyla said as she reached forward to retrieve her basket of mending.

  ‘There’s no need to leave,’ Elle said to the girl.

  ‘I need to be off to bed anyway. There’s plenty that needs to be done in the morning. Besides, I like to look in on Finch and make sure he’s all right.’

  ‘Is he sick?’

  ‘No, Miss. He just tends to be a restless sleeper.’

  Goodwin noticed a man dressed in a thick cloak enter the hall. ‘Is that Clarence?’

  ‘It can’t be Clarence. He’s in the village,’ Elle said.

  ‘No, I think Goodwin’s right. That is Clarence.’ Jack rose from his seat to follow the man but he’d already slipped down the passage towards the kitchen.

  Christopher took the steps two at a time, leaving Henry behind him to catch up. He stopped and spoke with Clarence and then continued down the hallway and into the lobby. He spied Elle and the others by the fire and hurried over to them. ‘Jack, organise your men. We need to leave in the morning. There’s been trouble not far from The Dale. I need to make sure Albert and Rose are safe.’

  ‘What kind of trouble? What’s going on?’

  ‘We’re not exactly sure. Some kind of beasts have been targeting the area.’

  ‘The men can be ready within the hour. But how will we get down the mountain?’

  ‘Henry will open the pass.’

  ‘Can he do that?’

  ‘Yes, but it’s dangerous for the common below, so the path we will make will only be wide enough to allow one horse to enter at a time. Henry, Clarence and myself will see that it is done before daylight. Organise your men. We’ll collect wagons when we reach the village.

  Clarence walked over to speak with Christopher. ‘Okay, son, were ready to start.’

  Elle hugged her friend. ‘How did you get here?’

  ‘I told you I saw him,’ Goodwin said.

  ‘There’s a seldom used passage, hidden by overgrowth, in the common where the stream meanders through the base of the mountain. It winds its way beneath the Keep and is a treacherous journey even in the finest weather. At the moment the path and most of the stream are thick with ice, but it’s the only way back to the Keep when the road is iced closed.’

  ‘I must tell father we are to leave in the morning,’ Elle said.

  Jack took hold of her arm. ‘I wish you to stay here.’

  ‘I’ll not stay while there are loved ones at risk.’

  ‘Elle.’ Christopher stared at her, his eyes pleading for her to give in and remain home.

  ‘I’ll not stay, Christopher.’ And with that she walked off to find Atlas.

  Christopher shook his head. ‘I tried, Jack, but you know how she is.’

  ‘Yes, I do. Come on,’ he said to Goodwin, ‘there’s much to be done.’ They left the two wizards and went to inform their men.

  Henry finished his mouthful of food. Wrapped in a thick mantle of fur and warm fur-lined boots, he headed towards the portal. ‘The front door needs to be opened.’

  Henry stood in front of the heavy double doors and cast forth a warm light which would melt the ice and snow. The steel creaked and groaned as the door heated, and it wasn’t long before it was able to be opened. ‘Rug up, it’s cold out,’ Henry said as he adjusted his fur.

  Working side by side the three wizards targeted their magic. Its glowing warmth ate at the frozen bank, etching a passage through the hardened snow. They heated each section with care, just enough so it would trickle through the outlets they’d created and run off away from the common. With cast iron tubs behind them to drive away the cold, they still had to stop often and return to
the warmth of the Keep. Drinking hot mugs of soup and invoking their essence, they rewarmed themselves so they could again venture out into the icy night.

  Finally, as the sun lit the morning sky, they had finished the frozen tunnel and returned to the interior of the Keep to recuperate before they left on their journey.

  ‘When we’re down from the mountain and have gathered what we need, we’ll be able to rest,’ Henry said to the others. ‘Until then we must keep moving.’

  Their small bags had been packed and placed by the door, ready to be taken with them.

  Goodwin entered the lobby with several soldiers. ‘We’re ready to leave when you are. The captain and his men have readied the horses and are waiting for you in the stable.’

  ‘Good, I think it’s time we head off,’ Christopher said.

  Atlas hugged his daughter. ‘I wish you would stay, but I know that you won’t. Just take care of yourself.’

  ‘I will, father, and before you know it we shall be back.’ She kissed him tenderly on the cheek and held him again before she walked off towards the portal. Picking up her sword she slid it into the scabbard around her waist before retrieving her pack. Christopher gathered his things, including the sword Albert had given him, which he secured to his back, and after picking up his pack he too followed Elle outside to the stables.

  Atlas stood in the open doorway and watched as each in turn led their mount into the icy tunnel, the light from their torches eventually fading from view. Closing the door, he sighed and slowly trod back to the warmth of the fire.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  The wizards had stayed awake all night, and now in the back of the wagon they slept as it travelled swiftly over the icy roads. As the sun rose to its highest point in the late winter sky, Christopher woke from his slumber. Still groggy and wrapped in thick warm furs, sheltered under the canvas covering which stretched over the bars on the back of the wagon, he didn’t bother to rise until the fog cleared from his head.