The Amulets (An 'Amulets of Andarrin' tale)

by Michael Alexander Card-Mina

  “Argh!” he said aloud as he saw the ‘Preston 20 miles’ sign. A few mumbles and grunts came from the others as they returned to consciousness.

  “Where are we?” Frankie said scratching her head.

  “Just coming into Preston now.” Jack said with anger and despair in his voice. “How you feeling Lily” Jack said hoping that somehow she’d remember.

  “What happened” she said “I can hardly remember a thing after setting off back down that mountain. Apart from drinking endless amounts of alcohol.”

  “Yeah same here” Aaron said gazing out of the window.

  Jack hated himself for saying it but had no choice. “Yeah well we did have quite a lot to drink.”

  “Uh I feel like someone spiked me” Frankie groaned, “you better not have put drugs in my drink Aaron.”

  “What! I don’t have drugs, you crazy fool, but I know how you feel, my heads killing.” Aaron replied sympathetically.

  Jack spent the rest of the journey lying about what had happened. He told them that they ended up in the hotel bar, drank till the early hours of the morning and more or less continued like that for the next twenty four hours. After a while they started to join in with the fabrication. With the lack of any evidence to the contrary, and with Delaius’ spell working in their minds, what else would they think? Jack was beating himself up mentally but he had to stay with the story.

  He dropped Lily and Frankie off at Frankie’s house; leaving with only a hug from each. Before Lily left she realised she was wearing a pendant around her neck. “Where did this come from” she asked. Frankie and Aaron shrugged their shoulders.

  “You bought it from the hotel yesterday” Jack lied.

  “Oh right” she laughed as they walked towards Frankie’s front door. Jack heard her say “it’s beautiful” before she disappeared into the house. The moments in the woods and at the festival had been completely forgotten by Lily. Jack couldn’t bear it. He dropped Aaron off and headed home.

  Jack pulled up outside his house, walking in; he was welcomed by his brother. The last thing he wanted was to talk to anyone, even if it was James.

  “How did it go?” James asked as they stood in the kitchen.

  “Yeah it was ok. Just ended up walking and then got drunk,” he lied. “What have you been up to?” he said trying to change the subject.

  “Not much. Just chilled out and watched TV” he explained. “What about that girl you fancy” he asked as Jack poured a glass of water. This was the last thing Jack wanted to talk about. “Nothing!” Jack muttered. “Anyway, I’m knackered and starving. I think I’ll get myself something to eat then I’m going to go to bed mate.”

  “You’ve only just got in” James persisted.

  “Yeah but I’m tired, I had to do all the driving. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, yeah?”

  “Yeah alright mate. I need the car tomorrow so don‘t be taking it” James told him.

  “Yeah sure. I’m not doing anything anyway, well apart from uni revision.” Jack replied as he headed up the stairs with a butty and his water. As soon as he got to his room he shut the door. He got undressed to his boxers and got into bed. He had no appetite for food but forced himself to eat, after which he lay down to try and get some sleep. Hours passed and still he lay awake. It wasn’t the magic or the vampires that disturbed him; the only thought on his mind was Lily. How could this happen. He felt like he was being spat on. He had it all and then it was taken from him so easily. He couldn’t believe his luck. He spent most of the night rolling around in his bed trying to get her out of his head but it was useless. It was gone four in the morning before he finally fell to sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The Council

  A statue of a man riding a black horse on a plinth stood in front of the ancient building which was in the centre of the square, less than half a dozen stone steps led up to the front of the building and upon the top step stood ten stone pillars framing the entrance way.

  A number of circular neon lights were built into the ceiling and emitted a luminescent blue glow illuminating the entrance.

  This building was the Gallery of Modern Arts and was used daily by the city folk and visitors alike. However, unknown to the vast majority of users of this museum, it was the meeting place of the council who were tasked with protecting the Earth from any evil that entered from Nanantharim. The museum had been built by a member of the council and it had been the residence of the council throughout its existence.

  In the curators office was concealed a door leading to a short corridor at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs. Here was the magically warded entrance to the council chamber.

  The council had been called into session to review Delaius’ task, the finding of Kalerum, and was of the upmost importance.

  Delaius entered the large oval room where a chandelier hung from the ceiling for illumination.

  Three backlit stained glass panels filled the centre of the room’s ceiling above the chandelier. The items depicted in the stained glass were of a black wand, a brown staff and the final panel was of a human hand with its palm facing out.

  Underneath the magnificent ceiling the walls were draped in white, blue and red banners. Two white ones sat tied at either side of the arched entrance like curtains. Leading down from the door were four meter wide semi-circular steps made of a glistening white marble, they led down from the door to a floor of the same material. Another banner, only this one blue, hung from the bottom of the beams on the left of the room in the center of the wall. It hung between two flaming torches which were mounted on the wall. Another blue banner, with two torches either side of it, hung on the opposite side of the room. A heavy wooden table rested in front of each blue banner on which was a small stone statue of a lion.

  Walking to the center of the room, Delaius stood with Helena to his right and William to his left.

  They faced a large oak semi-circular table which stretched most of the width of the back of the room. The open end of the horseshoe was facing the entrance. There were thirteen chairs which were all black leather with the exception of the center chair which was a lustrous red.

  Twelve of the chairs were occupied. The people who occupied the chairs were dressed in similar cloaks made of a silky, thick material. The only differences in the cloaks were their colours.

  At the far left, two aged males were wearing dark blue robes, their hoods over their heads, partly hiding their faces. They had paper in front of them and each had a quill and ink pot.

  Delaius knew exactly who they were; every time the council was in session they would have scholars who would act as stenographers and write everything down for the records. It would usually only take one but this council meeting was of great importance, not just to the council on Earth but also to the council on Nanantharim. Everyone present knew that they had met to discuss the criminal Kalerum, whose capture was of highest priority, and so a scholar had been sent by the council on Nanantharim to return with details of the proceedings.

  To emphasise the importance that the council on Nanantharim placed on the situation, the male and female who occupied the two chairs next to the scribes were both from that council and, although they looked human, they were Elves. Both were draped in a dark green cloak with the hoods hanging against their backs.

  Delaius felt more relaxed as he recognised the female elf; her hair was a lush brunette which she wore in a ponytail, revealing her large pointed ears. Her young face showed that she might have been in her thirties, though Elves could live for centuries, much like the Fenverau, and they aged very slowly. But she was a close friend of Delaius’ and he knew he had someone on his side, for this was Aria.

  The man next to her also had elvish ears. The creases on his face showed that he was much older than the female. He wore a thick beard underneath his long nose.

  The next chair was empty, adjacent to which sat a man dressed in black. His face was pale and had a chiseled shape to it. Underneath his thin eyebrows
sat a pair of dark green eyes looking out with antagonism at the three stood in front of him. The man looked as though he’d had a few fights in his time as his entire face boasted both large and small faded scars. His strong jaw played host to a wide but thin lipped mouth. This man’s name was Larcus Bracken.

  He was an ambitious man and wanted to climb the ladder of the council, his goal was to be its head. He had been appointed to the council at the end of the rebellion when Delaius had resigned and several others had fallen in battle. Some among the council believed that Larcus only got his place because Delaius had left and that Larcus had been reluctantly accepted. They hadn’t been reticent in letting their views be known and so Larcus had grown to hate them, and ‘the paragon’ Delaius, and ever since he got his seat on the council he had schemed and bullied his way up the ladder, eventually becoming fourth in line. After the unfortunate death of the third in command of the Greymir council, Larcus had been offered the deputy leader’s position on Guinevere’s council on Earth, with the clear understanding that he had no choice but to take it. This caused even greater resentment within him as his plans did not include being sidelined as a watch keeper on this overcrowded barbarian world.

  Next to him sat Guinevere, head of the council of Earth, she was a stern faced woman wearing a red cloak that matched her chair. She had short white hair flattened on her head and appeared to be in her fifties. Those on her left were members of Earth’s council, four wizards and two witches, each had on coloured robes and the wizard sitting between the two witches was Andrei Evansten, resplendent in his violet cloak, waiting patiently for the council to begin.

  His eyes wore a concerned look as the woman in the red spoke. “This council has been brought here today due to advancements in the finding concerning the one they call Kalerum. This has been a grave matter ever since the incident in Greymir one year past. I would like to welcome Aria and Farnir who are here from the council of Greymir” she said and every one nodded their respect to them.

  “Delaius, you asked for an audience, now you have one, please tell us what you have discovered.”

  “Yes Delaius do tell us?” Larcus said in a deprecating tone. The woman in the red shot him a sharp look.

  Delaius ignored his remark and looked at the woman. “Members of the council,” Delaius started “I appreciate your invitation and I would not come without good reason”

  “Get to the point Delaius.” Larcus interrupted again.

  “Contain yourself Larcus” The woman said waving a hand at him. “Continue Delaius” she said encouragingly.

  “I would like to start by informing you that I came across the Fraeir known as Sabula. I believe you were searching for him.” Delaius smiled.

  Guinevere looked at Delaius with curiosity “these problems are not yours to have and yet here you stand. Your help is well appreciated Delaius but I assure you that we can handle these matters.” she said sternly.

  “I meant no insult Guinevere.” he stated “I found him skulking around the highlands to the North.” he said gently. “Though I do find it strange why he would lurk so far from Nanantharim.”

  “I agree. His motives should be brought to light. What have you done with Sabula.” she asked.

  “He is secure until the council determines the outcome of his trial. I can bring him before you when you’re ready.”

  “How nice” Larcus interrupted. “You are something to be admired Delaius. You can keep the Fraeir in this secure place.” he sniggered.

  “I agree. Bringing him here will only provoke the Fraeir. We cannot risk an uprising and if Sabula is confined by us then they will only assume we intend to execute. This is a delicate matter Delaius and I thank you again. We will deliberate on Sabula’s crimes over the next few days. It should not be long before we come to a decision. Let us hope we can find one that does not lead to all-out war.” Guinevere said, clearly concerned at the possibility.

  Delaius smiled at her supportively “take as much time as you need.”

  “And what of this Kalerum, I presume you have located him, we did not gather here for the Fraeir.” Larcus said, hurrying Delaius to get on with it.

  Delaius quickly deliberated the best way to word it without giving too much away, he’d rehearsed it over and over but now he was stood before the council he seemed anxious. The last thing he wanted was for them to find out about Jack. He chose his words carefully.

  “The Fraeir does have something to do with it” he started. “I believe he is working for Kalerum. Being so far out of Nanantharim, and it’s not just the highlands, or even Britain, there have been sightings all over the Earth, and I hear you’ve been quite busy these past six months”

  “Yes, while it’s true there has been increased activity in the last six months, I fail to see how it has anything to do with Kalerum.”

  “It’s not only the Fraeir that I think are in line with him, I fear he is directing Banshees through into this world, an attack by the Banshees occurred just three nights past” he said cautiously.

  “The Banshees.” Farnir, the elf in the green cloak said in surprise. “their numbers are few and they are too afraid of the consequences of such an act.” he said with confidence.

  “I am well aware of that” Delaius assured “and it is with great concern that I find myself here today.” he said grudgingly. “For many weeks now the banshees have been moving further inland. Three nights past, three of them attacked a group of humans just south of the Trossachs.”

  “Impossible” one of the female wizards shouted.

  “Banshees attacking norms.” Farnir the elf cried. “How can this be? They haven’t the ability to focus on them” he said, shocked.

  “Where is your proof of this so called attack?” Larcus asked.

  “Helena and William are my proof” he glanced at both “they disposed of them. One of the humans was hurt badly and I fear if we had not been nearby he would have suffered a terrible fate.”

  Larcus interrupted him again. “Are we really to believe this?” he asked and, without waiting for a response, continued “Delaius has been out to rid the banshees ever since the part they played in his sister’s death and now we’re to believe the words of his cronies.”

  William shot him a sharp look and muffled growl. Larcus stared at him without fear “keep your pet on a leash” he said “before I have him thrown from the council.”

  Delaius ignored the comment and continued. “Elysia’s death is irrelevant. The Banshees are out of control. This has nothing to do with past events.” His voice became more forceful as he pressed his point. “Attacking us is one thing but now they’re attacking humans. We must do something.”

  “Why did you not bring these humans before us” The woman in red said.

  “As they fled from the Banshees they somehow crossed over into Nanantharim, fairly close to the festival in fact. It was there I found them, they were injured and I took them into the festival. It was there I ran into Aria and Andrei and they can vouch for me.”

  The members of the council were discussing their thoughts amongst themselves and looking towards Andrei and Aria.

  “Is this true” Farnir, asked Aria.

  “It is, one of the men had a large banshee wound on his upper right arm leading across his shoulder.”

  Andrei interjected, “Yes, it is true. I had the pleasure of meeting them, they were quite shaken up, and I told Delaius to send them on their way. After all, I believed my word was sufficient and I wasn’t about to hold the humans prisoner until the council was brought together, they’d been through enough.” He told them as if a parent would speak of a son.

  Guinevere had no choice but to let it go “Very well.”

  “He’s lying!” Larcus exploded. “They attacked no-one. It’s all just a plan to exterminate them.”

  “You have my word on the matter, as a high council member on the council of Greymir, I suggest you accept it Larcus and take a seat.” Aria said sharply.

  Larcus wanted
to continue his ranting but he knew he couldn’t win. If he disrespected someone of her standing it wouldn’t bode well for his chances of becoming head of the council.

  “Guinevere.” Delaius said staring at her “I have never lied to you in all the years we’ve known each other. You have my word and that of these esteemed council members.”

  “I do believe you, all of you, however there is the matter of the banshees inability to focus on humans and the fact that humans cannot see or hear banshees.” Guinevere said gently. “Could they have been like us?”

  “No!” Delaius insisted “they were out walking. They were lost in the woods when they were attacked. Don‘t you see something is stirring the banshees. They should not be able to see humans and yet clearly they saw this small group. And it’s not just the banshees. Borlin Fraeir have been sighted around the north west of England and even more further north into Scotland”

  “The Borlin Fraeir live in caves and only come out at night, they have been on Earth for centuries.” A male wizard started.

  “Yes but they are coming out more and more now.”

  “Perhaps food reserves are short” Larcus joked but Guinevere ignored him and moved on.

  “And you believe Kalerum has these creatures under his command, how?”

  “I do not. Perhaps he is using the Fraeir to send the banshees through.”

  “For what purpose?”

  Delaius knew they were struggling to believe him and he knew he’d failed, coming here was pointless but he’d had to try.

  “I can only postulate, but I’m guessing you have all heard the rumours of Kalerum being the son of Grakel Redmond?”

  “Rumours.”

  “Ridiculous.”

  “Children’s stories.”