Spellbound: Book One (The Spell Series)

by Herndon, Brittney

  “Irene, why am I so wet?” he softly mumbled causing her to burst into fit of laughter.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The sly fox had disappeared. Irene searched the fields hoping to see the curious creature once again before leaving the valley and heading to their next destination.

  “He’s gone, Irene.” Alec repeated for the third time.

  After explaining to Alec the trials of recovering him and outsmarting the fairies at their own game, she had desperately wanted to find the silver fox and thank him.

  She released a disappointed sigh and fell in line behind Alec as her eyes fell on the satchel around her arm now full of Black Lilac. The fairies had kept their promise, allowing Irene to pick as much Lilac as she needed and safely depart.

  “What’s our next destination?” Conner asked as he trotted alongside Irene’s feet. She gave the map an intense look before replying.

  “We need to head toward the River of Tears,” she answered.

  “I’ve been there. My father took me there on one of his scouting trips when I was a boy.” Alec softly spoke the words as if he were describing a dream. “What could you possibly need there?”

  “We need the feather of some bird,” Irene replied. Alec spun around so quickly that Irene stumbled backwards, a shock expression on his face.

  “You don’t mean the Red Raven, do you?” Irene glanced down at her list and nodded as Alec released a laugh. “Compared to the Red Raven, what we just encountered was nothing but child’s play.”

  “You’ve heard of the Red Raven?”

  “The sailors would often speak of the Red Raven that haunted their ports and ships. Several sailors have disappeared from their post and never heard from again and, of course, the townspeople contribute this to the Red Raven. Local legend describes them as a mysterious bird with not only red feathers, but also piercing red eyes that can suck the soul from any unlucky traveler who crosses its path.” He turned to look at Irene who had grown pale. “But I‘m sure it’s utter nonsense.”

  “Did you ever see one?” she asked.

  He did not answer right away, but Irene saw his eyes narrow in concentration. “I thought I did once while I was there, but it may have been just hopeful thinking. I was a young lad consumed with the ancient legend and I wanted to see one so badly before my father and I left.”

  “If I’m reading the map correctly, it should be about three days travel southward on foot.” She could feel her excitement fall as she realized three whole days would be wasted before she could even retrieve the next item on her list. Irene began to doubt she would be able to complete her mission before time ran out.

  “I think I have better idea. Follow me!” Alec exclaimed as he turned and headed toward the eastern side of the forest.

  Before long a quant village came into view, located on the edge of a river. The smell of fish and dirt hung heavy in the air and Irene’s heart began to beat faster with anticipation.

  “Why are you so excited? This place reeks of dirty water and dead fish.” Alec wrinkled his nose to emphasize his point.

  She almost didn’t hear his question as her thoughts became consumed with the stories she had read in books about all the adventures one could have in towns and villages. She wondered, would there be thieves? Crooks? Wealthy duchesses or dukes? Would the tales she had read in her storybooks be true?

  “I’ve never been to a village before,” she softly answered and Alec stared at her in disbelief. “I told you that Sora never let me leave the cabin.”

  “I thought you were exaggerating!”

  She grabbed his hand to hurry him along, conveying she was not content with his current pace. They heard a gruff yell before a speeding cart flew past them, Irene coughing as the two stampeding horses pulling the cart created a cloud of dust behind them.

  “Watch out!” The gruff voice shouted again and Irene watched as the cart disappeared inside the town’s main entrance.

  “Seems like a friendly fellow.” The statement was wet with sarcasm as it left Alec’s tongue.

  A sea of people nearly swept them away in a furious current when Alec and Irene stepped onto the cobbled street.

  “Hold on to me,” Alec awkwardly said and he blushed as Irene held on to his hand tighter.

  Little stands and shops confronted them from both sides, calling Irene to come and examine their “one of kind” and “unique” inventory. She was just about to pull Alec in the direction of a very expensive fabrics stand when a small cry caught her attention.

  “Irene, help!”

  She turned to find Conner being assaulted by two young children who were pulling on his tail and petting him a little too aggressively. He meowed in pain and, without thinking, Irene released Alec’s hand and hurried to Conner’s aid. Seeing the stranger swiftly approaching, the children fled.

  “Did you see what those little monsters were doing to me?” The outraged cat huffed.

  “Calm down, they’re not monsters. They were just a little over excited.”

  Irene looked up to a mass of unfamiliar and blurry faces. The streets were even more crowded now that it was midday and she could no longer make out Alec’s broad silhouette. She tried to make her way back to the fabrics stand she had seen earlier, hoping to find her traveling companion where she had left him.

  “Are you lost?” a voiced asked. It was deep and masculine, similar to Alec’s but not quite the same. Her eyes found his, and she retreated backwards a few steps.

  “Oh no, I’m not lost,” Irene hesitantly answered. The stranger was about her age, perhaps a few summers older, with dark bronze skin. He apparently was a sailor or farmer and one who was accustomed to many long hours toiling away in the blazing sun.

  “Have I seen you before?” she asked.

  He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I was on the cart that nearly ran you over earlier. I came to find you and apologize. My uncle can be bit rough sometimes. You are new to this town, aren’t you?”

  Irene nodded and he smiled, “I’m Trenton.”

  “Irene! You stupid girl, didn’t I tell you not to let go of me.” Alec was behind her in a flash, a furious expression on his face.

  “Irene, that’s a lovely name.” Trenton declared causing Irene to stammer awkwardly and Alec to give him a murderous glare. “Is this your brother?” Trenton asked, eyeing the richly dressed man across from him.

  “I am not her brother,” Alec roared.

  “Well, I hope you will give me the honor of joining me for some cold ale at the Richman Inn.” Trenton asked Irene who smiled at his generosity. She had heard horror stories from Sora about the heartless people that would often occupy the overcrowded villages and woods. It was nice to see that not all of them were as nasty as Sora entailed.

  “We are here on an important task and do not have time for such idleness. I am here to find a boat to take us to the main port located on the River of Tears,” Alec flatly answered.

  “What luck!” Trenton exclaimed. “Destiny smiles down on me today! I happen to be a captain with my own ship and would be glad to escort you to your desired location.”

  “That would be wonderful!” Irene excitedly chimed. “Isn’t that wonderful, Alec?”

  “Oh yes, very wonderful,” Alec responded, but his face conveyed something else other than gratitude. “But I am sure you have more pressing matters to attend. We will find someone else.”

  “That will be quite difficult considering most of the town’s ships have left for a major shipment overseas. I’m afraid it’s me or no one.” He turned to Irene and winked. Alec was in front of her in a flash.

  “I guess we have no other choice,” Alec said. “We need to set sail immediately.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Conner was not happy, that was apparent from his constant grumbling and low growling. Irene shifted him in her arms as they approached the weather beaten dock where Trenton’s ship was softly swaying in the murky water. It was much smaller than she imagined, but Tre
nton fervently assured her it was quite sea worthy.

  “We should reach Longfellow's Port by late afternoon. I hope that dock will suffice for your needs. She’s set and ready to go.” Trenton gestured to Irene and Alec who began their ascent onto the vessel. Conner clung to her tighter as Irene began to cross the wooden bridge to the ship’s deck.

  “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Conner nervously choked. “I mean, what do we know about this guy? He could be a real nasty fellow. Let’s head back and travel on foot.”

  “It’s too late,” she teased. “Besides, I’m sure this has nothing to do with the fact that you are afraid of water?”

  “I am not afraid of water!” he exclaimed. “I don’t like it. There’s a difference between fearing something and hating it.”

  Irene began to laugh, but choked down her amusement when she realized that Alec and Trenton were curiously watching her. She stumbled onto the ship’s deck and Conner flew from her arms, both not use to the constant swaying rhythm set by the river’s rocking tides.

  The crew, consisting of only four men, fell silent when Irene caught their attention. Their heated gaze was merciless and Irene’s hands clenched at her sides.

  “Please do not take my men’s attitude to heart.” Trenton said in an apologetic tone as Irene moved to hide behind Alec. “They’re just a little worried. It’s bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship,” he playfully teased.

  “Is it really?” she asked.

  “Of course not! But try telling that to a group of superstitious, old fools.”

  Irene giggled, but Alec was not amused.

  The captain gave the command and the sail was released, catching a strong gust of wind and they slowly set off. Before long, the ship’s keel was cutting through the water like the edge of a knife and Irene watched as the quaint, bustling village melted into the horizon. It was a new feeling altogether, watching the forest and isolated houses steadily pass by them. She felt like she was flying.

  “See, aren’t you glad you brought me along?” Alec playfully asked.

  “It wasn’t one of my worst ideas,” she smiled as a light spray of water touched her face. Suddenly, Irene’s cheery expression disappeared and was replaced by a more solemn stare.

  “Is your father doing any better?”

  “My father is too stubborn to die,” Alec blankly answered.

  Somewhat taken back by his remark, it took her a few minutes to recover. “That’s not what I asked.” Irene mumbled as she watched Alec from the corner of her eye. He was deep in thought. “It scares you, doesn’t it?” she asked and he turned to face her, “becoming king, I mean.”

  “I am not ready to be king. Fear has nothing to do it. Not only do I not have any experience in being the kingdom’s leader, I’ll be forced to quickly marry and produce an heir. I knew this was coming. My path was mapped out for me long before I was born. I guess I just always hoped my father would live forever.”

  “Who is handling the kingdom now?”

  “Alden has stepped in to temporarily govern our council in my absence. I told him when I returned it would be with my father’s antidote. ”

  “What if your father dies--”

  “I told you he’s not going to die!” Alec hastily interjected before Irene could finish her question.

  They both fell into a comfortable silence, each lost within their own thoughts. Irene realizing that Alec’s life was not as easy and free going as she had originally been inclined to believe. She watched a flock of seagulls ride the winds next to the sails, catching any fish that dare travel close enough to the surface. Irene softly stroked the necklace around her neck, her fingers tracing its cold metal. Her mind was jerked from its meditation when Trenton called her name and she headed toward the helm of the ship where Trenton was waiting.

  “I thought you may want to take a go at steering the ship,” he said, gesturing her closer.

  “Really?” she asked, but she prayed he would say yes.

  “It’s my ship, so I can do what I want.”

  She moved to stand in front of the massive wooden wheel, rising on her tip toes to get a better grip on the smooth handles. Trenton was behind her, standing so closely she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

  “Just hold it in this position,” he instructed. “Are you ready? I’m going to let go now.”

  He released the handle before Irene could reply and the unexpected weight nearly pulled her to the ground as the wheel violently began to spin. Trenton laughed again, grabbing the helm and situating it back into its original position.

  “It’s much heavier than I’d thought it’d be,” Irene laughed.

  “Would you like to try?” Trenton turned to ask Alec.

  “I know how to steer a boat,” Alec sharply answered. He did not like the close proximity of Irene and their overly friendly captain.

  Trenton’s smile widened, “I get the feeling that you do not like me.”

  “I don’t.”

  “Alec!” Irene angrily whispered.

  “It’s all right, Irene. It is a wise man who keeps his guard up,” he winked and Irene relaxed. A sailor dangling from the shrouds announced the arrival of their destination.

  “Longfellow's Port, about three leagues away, Captain!”

  The port was empty as the dipping sun cast shadows along the deck. Irene watched the anchor drop, her excitement dwindling to worry as a result of the eerie stillness.

  “Where is everyone?” she asked Alec.

  “Get down!” a voice shouted and Irene watched the crew scatter as a screech broke through the air. “It’s the Red Raven!”

  A red streak appeared among the sails only to resurface above their heads. Alec drew his sword as all chaos erupted. Screams and yells filled her ears as a cloud of blood descended onto the ship. The Red Ravens taking to the air with crates, barrels, and even sailors in tow.

  “Trenton, Alec! Help them!” Irene tried to scream while grabbing the foot of one of the poor souls who was locked inside a Red Raven’s massive talons. He broke free, falling down and nearly crushing her. She clutched his arm to help him when he viciously ripped his limb free from her grasp.

  “It’s this woman’s fault! The Red Ravens have never attacked us before now. It’s because she’s here that this is happening!” His eyes were wide with rage as he stepped closer. “We have to get rid of her!”

  She screamed for Alec as he dragged her away, heading for the ships edge, the maddening confusion masking her own screams and pleas.

  “Wait, please! I haven’t done anything!” she frantically yelled, but he would not listen. He picked her up and, in one painful heave, threw her overboard. She fell, hitting the water’s hard surface where the darkness consumed her.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  I guess we should just kill her, shouldn’t we my pets? Although the object she has is very interesting.”

  Irene shivered as the voice stirred her from her sleep. She was cold and wet, her blurry vision trying to focus on the rocky earth below. She was in a cave somewhere. The rank smell of musty water and dirt hung heavy filled her senses.

  “Where am I?” she asked.

  “Is that what you really want to know?”

  Her eyes were still growing accustomed to the lack of light when they fell on the silhouette of someone sitting before her, situated on a throne. The cave was full of chests, gold, rugs, and treasures from all around the world. The old man staring down at her was dressed in nothing less than a king’s wardrobe and beside him sat a Red Raven, its piercing red eyes shining.

  “I do not envy you, that is a very cruel spell, indeed.” He waved his hand and a fire burst to life in the hearth at his feet. “Here, come and warm yourself.”

  Irene’s heart leapt at the mention of her spell. Wondering how this stranger knew of her current predicament, she inched closer to the licking flames. A grey beard fell in to the old man’s lap as his dark gray eyes twinkled with amusement. She wanted to question him furth
er, but could not so openly reveal the desperation she felt when it came to the horrid curse. She knew full well he could easily use it as way to control her.

  “Where am I?” Irene repeated her question, but this time with more urgency.

  “You’re not the least bit curious of how I know about your spell?” his voice sounded surprised.

  “I am on a very important mission.”

  He reclined and released a deep breath. “I’m sorry, but I can’t disclose this location. You have to understand, people would be very upset if they discovered my secret.”

  Irene moved closer to the warm flames. “You’ve been using the Red Ravens to steel from merchant’s ships,” she said, eyeing him suspiciously.

  “You’re a smart girl. Do you like my collection? Impressive, isn’t it? ”

  Irene picked up a silver coin and threw it aside. “What do you plan on doing with all this treasure?”

  He brought his finger to his lips as he stood, disappearing further into the darkness. “What is your mission?” he asked.

  She was not sure what compelled her, but she felt lying to the mysterious stranger would only worsen her situation. “I came for a Red Raven feather.”

  The man reappeared in front of her with a solemn look plastered across his aged features. The wrinkles in his face were tense with a mixture of shock and curiosity. “And what would you want with one of those feathers?”

  “It’s for a healing potion,” she answered.

  “A healing potion?” he softly repeated. “Is that what you’ve been told?” His statement surprised her and it showed on her face. “Who is the feather for?” he asked.

  Irene’s mind began to form a particularly interesting plan that may hold the key to not only her escape, but to gaining possession of a Red Raven’s feather.

  “It’s for King Lander,” she briefly paused. “He’s fallen greatly ill and I’m sure whatever kind soul was to aid us would be handsomely rewarded.”

  “Rewarded?”

  “Oh, yes! I’m sure he’d give his saviors anything they wanted--anything.” She emphasized this last word to make sure her point was understood. “You could have yourself a real one of kind collection.”