Spellbound: Book One (The Spell Series)

by Herndon, Brittney

  They landed on cold stone in an open corridor. Alec helped Irene to her feet as she dusted herself free from the dirt and moss.

  “Where are we?” she asked, her voice echoing down the dark tunnel.

  “I don’t know, but there’s no way we can climb back up,” he said glancing upward. “We’ll have to go where this tunnel takes us.”

  “But we can’t see.”

  “I can see,” Conner interjected. “Just let me lead the way.”

  “Alec, wait. Conner said we should follow him.”

  “Conner? The cat? I think you hit your head harder than I thought,” his eyebrows furrowing in worry.

  “Just trust me.”

  He stared at her before shrugging in defeat.

  “Go ahead, Conner. We’re right behind you.” Irene whispered as she grabbed Alec’s hand and the pair followed the cat into the darkness.

  They traveled deeper into the black abyss, their footsteps the only sound echoing.

  “Conner, are you still there?” Irene asked.

  “Just keep moving straight ahead.” Irene translated for Alec who could only hear little meows. “It looks like we’ve come to the end of the road,” Conner finally announced.

  “What do you see?” Irene asked.

  “Stairs.”

  “What did he say?” Alec asked.

  “He said we’ve reached a flight of stairs,” she answered.

  “Well, I guess there’s only one thing to do.” Alec said as he moved past Irene to climb the marble staircase.

  The darkness gave way to the bright streaks of light that began to emerge from above them. The decrepit doorway was barely standing, but still sturdy enough to withstand Irene’s attempts to push it open.

  “Move aside,” Alec commanded and with one kick ripped the door from its old hinges and it fell to the ground.

  Bright sunlight caused them to shield their eyes from the penetrating rays showering down inside the ancient, stone ruins of some long forgotten castle.

  “Where are we?” Irene asked, nearly stumbling over the head of a marble statue that lay among the rubble.

  “I can’t believe it. I thought this place was on old wives tale.” Alec stared at the ruins at his feet.

  “You know this place?”

  “If I’m not mistaken these are the ruins of the Old Kingdom. I never would have thought any pieces would have survived this long.”

  “The Old Kingdom?” Irene had never heard tales about an old kingdom and instantly became enraptured in every word that flowed from the prince’s mouth.

  “Centuries ago the Kings and Queens of our land resided in this castle. It was the original home to our kingdom’s rulers. According to the legend the kings became greedy and heartless, sacrificing their own people for their own selfish desires. A rebellion arose and the people stormed the castle, destroying it, and in the process killed the king. A new king was chosen and thus a new line of royalty was established.”

  “Your ancestors,” Irene answered and he nodded.

  Pulling the map from her bag, she tried to find their location. “We’re lost,” her voice rose in a panic. She would never be able to retrieve the ingredients and return in time.

  “Irene, come look.” It was Conner, who was standing several feet away looking down the side of the hill.

  “Is that…?” she asked coming to join him.

  “The Valley of Alba,” Conner happily chimed.

  Below them a valley stretched out for miles, and inside were the dark black speckles of Black Lilac.

  “Alec, we made it!” she exclaimed.

  “So that’s the Valley of Alba. It doesn’t seem very dangerous.”

  A bright flash caught Irene’s attention and she halted, the source of the unusual gleam lying at her feet. She gently scooped the object up from the rubble to stow it away in her bag and, making a mental note to investigate it later, followed her friends into the valley.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The high grass tickled her knees as they made their way through the lush valley. With new found excitement and hope she bounded in front of Alec who was continuously scanning the areas for any danger. The sky was the bluest she had ever seen as white rolling clouds illuminated by the sun lazily rolled overhead. It was a warm, fresh day, the kind of day that could lift even the most downcast spirit.

  “Irene, wait. Don’t get too far ahead,” he protested.

  “What’s wrong?” Irene teased. “Weren’t you the one who said it wasn’t dangerous?”

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t dangerous. I said it didn’t seem dangerous,” he sternly answered.

  “He’s right, Irene,” Conner meowed. “You should stay nearby.”

  Alec was the first to respond to the sound. Pulling his sword free from its sheath, he approached the swaying grass. The soft growling intensifying as he inched closer.

  “It’s just a fox,” Alec breathed and it was indeed a luxurious, white fox. Its silver fur stained with blood. Alec brought his sword above his head, ready to swing.

  “What are you doing?” Irene screamed.

  “Putting it out of its misery, he’s not going to survive with those injuries,” he plainly said.

  Irene flung herself over the fox’s shaking form.

  “Leave him alone, Alec. He can make it. I know he can.” Her eyes were pleading and Alec lowered his sword.

  “What happened?” she softly asked turning to the silver fox, but he did not respond. “I know you can understand me,” Irene declared as she opened her bag to pull out a roll of bandages and healing herbs. Conner came to sit beside her, the presence of another animal somewhat calming the fox. Irene carefully reached for its wounded leg and the fox snapped. “Calm down and let me help you.”

  The fox growled, but allowed her to proceed. She finished wrapping the wound and tightly tied the bandage. “Still not talking to me?” she asked. She moved to scoop up the defenseless animal, but not before receiving a nasty bite on her hand. Irene stiffened in pain, but forced herself to relax. The fox squirmed, trying to break free, but Irene would not let go. “Just tell me where you want to go and we’ll take you,” she warmly offered. The fox went still, looking into Irene’s face, its dark black eyes shimmering. “Such a stubborn creature,” Irene softly whispered. “You remind me of Prince Alec,” she giggled and the furry creature squeaked.

  Alec, hearing his name mentioned, became suspicious. “What did you say?”

  “Nothing,” she quickly answered.

  “You’re not taking that thing with you,” Alec spoke. The statement was more of a question than a demand.

  “We can’t leave him here. He wouldn’t make it.” She responded with an air of authority that left no room for argument. Alec grunted a response, but dropped the subject.

  They trudged onward, deeper into the valley. The heat from the sun was intensifying as they day wore on and Irene tugged at the wet fabric sticking to her chest. They were now standing in the center of the valley, Black Lilac as far as the eye could see.

  “Can you feel it?” Irene asked.

  “Yes,” Alec answered. “The magic in this valley is so thick it’s almost hard to breath.”

  Irene gulped, looking down at Conner whose fur was standing up.

  “They’re here,” he whispered. “The fairies are everywhere.”

  Irene grabbed Alec’s arm. “Put your sword away.”

  “Are you mad?” Alec asked in surprise.

  “Do it! I don’t want to frighten the fairies,” Irene quickly answered.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The fairies that guard this valley do not take kindly to humans and it may be because they show up with weapons and swords. Please, just put it away!” she pleaded. Alec gritted his teeth, but obeyed as Irene crouched next to Conner. “If we explain to them why we are here, would they allow us to pass?”

  “I don’t know,” Conner answered. “One act of kindness cannot undo hundreds of years of betrayal and s
elfishness.”

  “Alec, I don’t know--” She turned to face Alec, but found he had vanished. “Conner, what is happening?” Irene fearfully asked.

  “I don’t know, but it’s no doubt the fairies.”

  A soft breeze blew across the field and Irene suddenly found it very hard to keep her eyes open. The wind became more violent and Irene fell to her knees, the fox jumping free from her arms and disappearing into the grass. With her head tilting back, she fell against the soft earth as the wind gently danced across the valley. She was barely aware of Conner’s voice calling her name as she released a content sigh and fell into a deep sleep.

  Irene stirred, feeling a weight on her chest. Opening her eyes, she was greeted not by Conner, but by the dark black eyes of the silver fox.

  “I have spoken to the fairies on your behalf,” his voice was deep and smooth, just the way Irene would have pictured it. Conner, too, jumped on her chest causing her to release a grunt.

  “Where is Alec?” she asked. Conner flattened his ears in worry and the fox answered.

  “He has been taken. The fairies have agreed to free him, but only under one condition, if you can find him. They are quite fond of games, you know. Take this as a blessing, if you are able to locate the human male, you all may leave this valley safely.”

  “What about the Lilac?” Conner asked. “We came to retrieve some for a healing potion.”

  “If you locate the boy, you may also take with you all the Black Lilac you will need.”

  “What if I cannot find him?” Irene hesitantly asked, not sure if she wanted to know the answer.

  “Then the human male shall remain trapped inside the valley and you will leave here empty handed,” the fox answered.

  Irene looked up at the darkening sky. It would be sunset soon. The second day of her journey was nearly over. Her fingers began to trace the cold metal around her neck.

  “I guess we don’t have a choice. Let’s go, Conner.”

  “Do you not want your hint?” the fox asked. Irene could almost see the smile grace his regal features.

  “I cannot be tamed.

  I cannot be stopped.

  Although you try to catch me,

  I cannot be caught.

  Through your fingers I do slip.

  You cannot hold me in your grip.

  In my bed I rest and lie.

  In your eyes, I cannot hide.

  Only ‘til I fight my fate,

  Then your hand can I take.”

  The fox slipped away leaving Conner and Irene alone.

  “Great a riddle,” Conner outwardly groaned. “Of course they couldn’t even make the hint easy.”

  The forest became denser and stranger as sunset approached. The forest was full of life, odd creatures flying in the air and scurrying on the ground, moving so fast Irene could only catch a small glimpse of them as they fled from her feet.

  She screamed diving for the ground as a monstrous bird burst through the trees, screeching. Irene lifted her head to see the beast take to the air and circle around the mountain side.

  “What was that?” she breathlessly asked, rising to her feet.

  “I don’t know, but I can guarantee you that this valley is full of all kinds of magical creatures who are seeking protection from the human world.”

  Irene nodded, noting to stay cautious, wishing Alec were by her side. He could always tell when danger was close. They searched under every rock and inside every hole, but much to their dismay, Alec remained hidden.

  “Looking for s-s-something?”

  Irene froze, not sure whether or not she wanted to turn and face the sinister sounding voice that had just emerged. Summoning the courage, she brought her eyes up to meet the yellow snake dangling from a tree branch above. It moved closer, its slender muscles slithering like rippling waves.

  “Well?” he asked, repeating the question.

  “I am searching for a friend.”

  “Another human?”

  Irene nodded, “Have you seen him?”

  “Can’t s-s-say that I have,” he smirked, winding around Irene’s head to flick his tongue, “but I can tell you that you are looking in all the wrong places-s-s-s-s.”

  The snake began to slither away, retreating into the orange leaves.

  “Wait!” Irene exclaimed. “Where should I be looking?”

  The snake merely chuckled as he glided away.

  They came to a fallen tree, its massive rotting exterior lying across the green valley floor. Irene and Conner hid behind its torn trunk as they tried to collect their thoughts. They still had not solved the cryptic message. Irene brought her knees to her chest, fearing she would never be able to outsmart their opponent and recover their stolen comrade. She repeated the riddle in head, hoping maybe this time she would uncover something she did not understand before, but her effort was in vain and she released a frustrated cry.

  “I can see you have not gotten far,” the fox teased, sitting slyly on the dead oak behind them.

  “How is your wound?” she asked as she went to touch his leg, but he moved making sure to just barely brush against her fingers as he did so.

  “Healed, thanks to a little bit of fairy magic.”

  “What are you doing here?” Conner asked, his words clearly laced in irritation.

  “I came to help you, but if you do not want my assistance…” The fox turned to leave, but Irene stopped him.

  “Wait! Please stay, we do need help.”

  “Irene,” Conner wined. “How do we know he’s really here to help us? He could be here to make sure we fail!”

  “And purpose would that serve me?” the fox retorted.

  “Why do you care if we succeed?” Conner angrily countered.

  “Why have you come to help us?” Irene’s question was sincere and full of curiosity.

  “My reasons are irrelevant. What is relevant is that I am here to help you find your friend. How much of the riddle have you deciphered?”

  Irene shifted uncomfortably. “Not much.”

  The fox jumped from the tree and scurried away, Irene and Conner chasing after him.

  “What is your name?” Irene asked when she had caught up to the fox.

  “Why is that significant?”

  “I’m Irene,” she smiled.

  “I gathered that much,” he answered.

  A pond came into view. Its depths so clear that Irene could see the glittering fish lazily swimming around the bottom and she caught not resist stooping down to retrieve a hand full of water. Her eyes widened and she nearly choked at the sight of her own reflection. It had come and gone so quickly, Irene wasn’t sure if it had been real. Instead of her own green eyes staring back at her, she could have sworn she had seen…

  She looked to her hand, watching the water trickle down her fingers and she had a revelation as the crystal droplets glittered in the sunlight. Through your fingers I do slip, you cannot hold me in your grip.

  “Water,” she shouted with joy. “The answer to the riddle is water!”

  The fox’s tail abruptly jerked, his response confirming what she was hoping. Conner came to stand beside her as they studied the water’s blue depths. After several moments of silence, Conner finally voiced what he and Irene both were thinking.

  “Now what?”

  “I don’t know,” she awkwardly confessed as her eyes darted back to the fox listening. Understanding her silent plea, the silver beast slowly bowed his head before answering.

  “I can no longer aid you. I’ve lead you here, but I’m afraid you must figure out the next step.”

  Leaving Conner on the bank, she gently waded waist deep into the cold waters. Her eye was no longer swollen, she absent mindedly observed as she stared at her reflection, but a small bruise had already started to emerge. What if couldn’t find him? What if she failed? Not only would she have failed Alec, but she would have failed his father who would surely die. Her eyes began to water and she released a shaky breath. She closed her e
yes to calm her heart before opening them to find a pair of brown eyes staring at her.

  “Alec?” Irene breathed before his reflection zoomed off further downstream. She darted off, running through the cool waters trying to chase down his moving image.

  Several minutes passed as Conner watched the young woman race through the pond in vain. She was red faced and panting, her hair and clothes completely soaked and she angrily beat her fist in frustration.

  “What am I supposed to do?” she screamed.

  “I think you’re going about this the wrong way,” Conner began. “Water is a tricky element. The harder you try to grasp it, the quicker it escapes through your fingers.”

  Irene sat down, leaning backwards onto her hands as she caught Conner’s eyes. She nodded her head, signaling she understood. Irene sat motionless for some time, allowing the slimy fish swimming around her to gently bite at her fingertips.

  Finally, it appeared, the familiar face softly swaying and rippling in the waves. Only this time, she did not lunge for it.

  “Alec, can you hear me?” Irene softly asked. She saw his lifeless eyes suddenly light up with a spark of recognition. She repeated the question again, but this time louder.

  “Irene?” he hesitantly asked as she watched his hand slowly come toward her. She wasn’t sure what to do until she saw the fingertips of his hand materialized from the ripples. Irene quickly clasped them, his rough calloused skin wrapping around her hand.

  Mustering all her strength, she pulled as she came to her feet. Alec released a grunt as he came crashing up from the water, knocking Irene onto the soft bank. His large form fell on top of her as she struggled to breathe, but she didn’t mind. Her heart leapt with joy knowing she had succeeded. She had rescued her friend.

  “Alec?” she whispered in his ear and he rolled onto his back, his breathing was deep and even as if he were sleeping. Before she could stop herself, Irene was blushing at the thoughts that popped into her mind. He was quite handsome with his dark unruly hair and masculine features. Her eyes drifted from his jaw line to find him staring at her. She brightly blushed as his eyes strain to focus on her blurry figure. Alec shifted as he groaned, struggling to regain his composure. Irene watched him pull at his wet clothing before wiping his eyes.