Taken by Magic: a New Adult Fantasy novel (The Baine Chronicles Book 8)

by Jasmine Walt

  Panting, I looked toward the horizon, trying to guess where I was. Most likely somewhere off the coast of Manuc, and the position of the setting sun told me that I was headed west. East and south were my best bets, but I had no sail, and the storm was too strong for me to attempt to propel the boat in any direction other than where the current was pulling me.

  As the waves continued to pummel my little vessel, I poured more magic into the shield to keep afloat. I wasn’t a weak mage by any means, but I couldn’t keep the shield up forever. Panic began to set in as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. Darkness would descend soon, leaving me with no visibility out here at all. An orca or a shark could come out of the water and try to make a meal out of me. I could only hope the water here was too cold for sea monsters.

  Stop that, I ordered myself as I began to shake from the cold. Our high metabolisms meant that shifters didn’t get cold easily, but I’d been out in the freezing water for too long, and I didn’t dare take any magic away from the shield to try and warm myself up. There must be something I can do.

  I took stock of the contents of my magical sleeve, hoping to find something that could get me out of this predicament. Unfortunately, I hadn’t exactly packed in preparation for a stormy sea voyage, so there wasn’t much. The novel I’d been reading would be soaked if I pulled it out, as would the blanket, and my weapons weren’t going to do me any good against Mother Nature. I did find a water canteen, which was useful since Fenris knew a desalination spell to make sea water drinkable, so I filled it up. I also found a sturdy rope, which I used to lash myself to the boat just in case the shield spell failed and I was thrown overboard. There was also half a bar of chocolate and a crushed muffin, which I devoured immediately.

  I need to pack more food in the future, I resolved once I’d swallowed the last mouthful. Back when I’d been an enforcer full-time, I had always kept a pouch full of snacks for when I needed quick energy. But living at the palace, with access to warm meals and unlimited snacks at any hour, had caused me to neglect to take emergency provisions.

  Sitting back in the boat, I touched my serapha charm, wondering if Iannis knew I was missing. I reached for the bond between us, but to my alarm, I couldn’t sense a thing. Had Ta’sradala somehow severed the connection when she had ruined my gulaya, destroyed the sliver of his essence contained in the stone? A surge of anger filled me at the thought—who did she think she was, interfering with Iannis’s and my life like this? It was one thing for her to want to meet me, but to cut me off from him completely?

  Would Iannis even know yet that I was missing? As busy as he was, he might not realize anything was amiss until he came to bed and I wasn’t there. But no, the girls would have reported that I’d disappeared and raised the alarm. Maybe one of them had even seen what had happened. Someone had to have alerted Iannis by now.

  I only hoped he was able to guess where I’d gone. Because if I didn’t figure out how to pass these so-called tests, I was in big trouble.

  9

  Hours passed, with no end of this torture in sight. For a little while, the waves abated, and I was able to let the shield down long enough to dry myself, refill my canteen, and attempt a few spells. A location spell told me that I was indeed west of Manuc, but much too far from the coast. If the current kept dragging me in this direction, I was going to be hopelessly lost at sea. I attempted to redirect the current with another spell, but I couldn’t do much—such magic required multiple mages, like the anti-storm spell that Iannis and I had used along with eight other mages during our voyage to Garai.

  I did manage to lure some fish close enough to catch them, and I shifted into beast form so I could eat them raw. They helped keep the gnawing hunger at bay for a while, but even so, I was exhausted from my magical exertions. Putting the shield back up, I curled up inside the bottom of the boat and did my best to get some sleep. The sun rose and fell again as the endless hours passed, and I dozed uneasily, unable to sleep for fear that another storm might strike, or that I might actually come close to some land and miss it. Though from Fenris’s geographical studies, this part of the ocean was too deep for any islands—the closest one was a thousand miles to the south.

  Part of me wondered if crying uncle would end this madness, if the old Tua would hear me and transport me back to Manuc. But no, she would probably let me suffer out here until my magic was depleted and the sea ended up drowning me. That old crone was as vindictive as they came, and for whatever reason, she had it in for me.

  Besides, it wasn’t like me to give up. I might be miserable, but I wasn’t desperate yet. I wasn’t going to give in just because I was afraid, and I damn sure wasn’t going to drown out here like an unwanted kitten. If I was going to go out, I would do it fighting, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to give that bitch the satisfaction of hearing me beg for mercy.

  Several hours passed, and the weather gradually worsened again. Just as I was about to resign myself to yet another day at sea, I noticed a weak, far-off light. It flickered and disappeared several times, but it was definitely there. Could it be land? Or another boat?

  Gathering what energy I had left, I rose a little into the air using the levitation spell to get a better view even as the waves drove the boat from under me. Squinting, I saw it was a fishing vessel just close enough to make out in the foggy dimness. Its sails were furled to ride out the storm as it bobbed up and down on the open water. My heart leapt in my throat as I realized my boat was being carried in the wrong direction by the currents, and the fishing boat would no longer be visible within minutes. As I tried to decide if I had enough magic left to reach the boat with levitation, a huge wave slapped into me from behind, dragging me back into the icy water.

  “Fuck!” I sputtered as I came up for air. I looked around desperately for my boat, but it was no longer in sight. Grimly, I struck out in the direction of the fishing boat, hoping like hell I was going the right way. I couldn’t hold out against this storm for much longer.

  The waves were tossing me up and down like a toy, and my arms and legs burned as I fought against the strong current trying to push me backwards. Twice, I swallowed mouthfuls of bitter seawater. Only sheer determination kept me going, even though my body was crying out for me to stop, to let go. The actual distance wasn’t too far, but for a soggy, exhausted swimmer, getting there was beginning to seem impossible. The cold numbed my muscles and fogged my brain, whispering that it might be easier just to give up. But I couldn’t do that—Iannis would never find me if I let the waves drag me under.

  When I was so cold I could no longer feel my arms and legs, the fishing boat finally loomed before me. But the deck was too high up for anyone to see me struggling in the waves, and the winds were too loud, so it would be useless to scream or pound on the side of the ship. Gathering the last of my strength, I levitated myself onto the deck, then collapsed, my heart galloping in my chest as I gasped for breath.

  But there was no time for me to lie there on the deck, which was slick and reeking of fish guts. A sailor rushed toward me, eyes wide as he brandished a cutlass, and I had to roll out of the way to keep myself from being impaled.

  “Wait!” I cried, springing to my feet. “I’m not here to hurt you! I just need some help!” By Magorah, could my luck be any worse? Instead of sanctuary, I had found more danger.

  “Help?” The man narrowed his eyes. Thankfully, he seemed to speak Northian, though his Manucan accent was quite thick. “What manner of creature are ye, then? A sea witch? You won’t fool me. Begone!”

  I stared at him, noting that he was trembling despite his defiant words. “I’m not a monster,” I said tiredly, leaning against the railing. My legs were shaking, and I had to hold onto it to keep myself upright. Playing up my exhaustion, I sagged, and tried to make myself look as helpless as possible. “I just want to go home,” I said in a pitiful voice that I wasn’t exactly faking. “An evil mage banished me here, and I nearly drowned. I’m so c-c-cold…” My teeth rattled, and I wished like he
ll I could conjure a flame to warm myself up. But I had no magic left, and that would only scare the sailor, anyway.

  The sailor stared back at me for several long moments, weighing his options. “Wait there,” he said in a wary voice. “I’ll get the captain.”

  I sank to the deck, leaning my head against the wall and closing my eyes. If these guys wanted to gut me, then so be it. I had no strength left to fight back.

  A few moments later, I heard footsteps, and I opened my eyes to see another man, presumably the captain, climbing up the wooden steps. He must have dressed hastily, from the state of his jacket and unbuttoned breeches. He held a mug of something hot in his hands, while the sailor came up behind him with a blanket over his arm.

  “Well, I’ll be,” the captain said as I took the mug from him and he got a good look at my face. “A shifter, out here in the high seas? What kind are ye?”

  “A panther,” I gasped, taking the mug from him. It was some kind of tepid tea mixed with rum, but it was warm, and I sighed gratefully as I took a sip. “Thank you,” I said as the sailor wrapped the blanket around me. My shivering was finally beginning to subside.

  The captain opened his mouth, no doubt to ask what the hell I was doing out here on his boat. But before he could speak, an invisible hand gripped me, and I was unceremoniously yanked away. I screamed as the world streamed by in a blur, wind howling in my ears so loud I worried I was going to go deaf.

  Suddenly, I came to a halt and found myself standing inside a living room. Iannis’s three relatives were seated on the couch and armchairs, warm and comfortable, looking up at me with mixed expressions on their faces. My hands curled into fists, and the impulse to beat the hell out of Ta’sradala surged through me. If I wasn’t as weak as a newborn kitten, I might have actually acted on it.

  “Well, well,” the Tua woman said, rising from her seat. She didn’t look at all happy to see me. “It would appear that you survived after all.”

  10

  “Gee, thanks for the praise,” I said sarcastically.

  “That wasn’t praise,” Ta’sradala said tartly. Apparently, she had no sense of irony. “You still look like a drowned rodent, and you stink like one too.”

  “Well excuse me, your highness,” I sneered, giving her a mocking bow. “I’m afraid I didn’t have time to change my clothes after nearly being drowned at sea for two days.” Or had it been three? I’d honestly lost track of time—for all I knew I’d been out there a fucking week.

  “Don’t test me, mortal,” she said, her eyes flicking over me in a brief perusal. “You should count yourself lucky that I brought you back at all.”

  “Well of course you did,” I said sweetly. “How could you test me again if you didn’t?”

  “I think Sunaya passed with flying colors,” Deryna said before the Tua could lash out at me again. “She made it through the storm with her life, and relatively unhurt, too. That took guts and perseverance.”

  “She cheated,” Ta’sradala said coldly. “If she hadn’t come upon that fishing vessel, she likely would not have made it.”

  “How is that cheating?” I protested. “You never said I couldn’t use outside help.” Of course, if she’d bothered to spell out her “rules,” I’d have told her I refused to play her ridiculous games. How was I supposed to win against brute power like hers?

  “I think we should consider it a draw,” Ennartha said. “I have to admit she did better than I thought. She has a poor grasp of magic but showed an undeniably strong will to survive.” She regarded me with cool violet eyes that seemed to pass right through me, and I had to subdue a sudden desire to stick out my tongue. I felt like I’d been dragged into the principal’s office.

  “While you guys decide whether or not I lived up to your ridiculous standards,” I interrupted, “is there anywhere I can grab a shower and a change of clothes? Or would you prefer I continue to drip all over your carpet and make it stink like a ‘drowned rodent?’”

  Ta’sradala gave me a cutting glare, but Deryna stepped forward with a soothing smile. “Of course there is,” she said, taking me by the arm. “Let’s get you cleaned up a bit.”

  Deryna led me to the bathing room, where I was allowed a few moments of privacy to soak in the magically filled tub and wash all the salt and grime from my body. As much as I hated my circumstances, I had to admit the hot water felt amazing, and for a few moments I let my troubles slip away as I let the bath do its magic. Maybe I could even raid the larder before Ta’sradala sent me off to whatever new hellhole she’d devised for me. I’d make damn sure I stuffed my magical sleeve full of as much food as I could carry.

  After I finished with my bath, I donned the dress that Deryna had left—a shapeless cotton frock that was at least warm, though not exactly flattering. I considered magically changing it into something more stylish, but my energy was still low, and I needed to conserve it for something more useful.

  With a growling stomach urging me on, I snuck back down the stairs to loot the kitchen. Thankfully it was not near the sitting room, and I was able to slip in without alerting Ta’sradala or the others. I had no doubt that the bitch would try to starve me if she knew I was going after food, simply because it would increase my chances of failing.

  How in Recca could this awful woman be related to Iannis? She was one of the most vindictive, heartless people I’d ever had the misfortune of meeting. And her daughter didn’t exactly give me the warm and fuzzies either. Iannis, while stern at times, still had a heart. He had compassion, and more often than not tried to do the right thing. He didn’t toy with people’s lives simply because he had nothing better to do.

  As I approached the kitchen, I heard the sound of a knife chopping against a cutting board and scented two people inside. Pushing open the door, I saw a wizened old cook with a large apron over her gown. She was slicing bread, while the little boy I’d spied earlier in the garden was sitting on a stool, gnawing at a slice of that bread and a hunk of cheese. The kitchen was old-fashioned in a charming sort of way, with garlands of dried herbs and garlic hanging from the ceiling, faded wooden cabinets, and even a wood-burning range stove. The pantry door was propped open, and my mouth watered at the smell of dried meats and cheeses.

  “Can I have something to eat, please?” I asked as I closed the door behind me.

  The cook lowered her knife and regarded me with suspicion. The boy was staring at me, wide-eyed and fearful. His throat moved as he swallowed, and I scented his anxiety. I wondered once again who he was—unlike the old ladies, he wore simple clothing, and yet he didn’t seem to be a servant either. He had sad, lonely eyes and was far too skinny for his age and height.

  “I’ll have to ask the mistress first,” the cook said. “Let me check with her.”

  I stifled a groan as she left the room—couldn’t she have given me a bit of bread, at least? Were her hands really tied that tightly? I wondered which of the women was the “mistress” here. Was it Deryna, or Ennartha, Iannis’s mother? Surely it wasn’t his grandmother—she’d made it clear that she didn’t actually live in the human world. She probably had a grand mansion or castle in the Tua realm and considered this country house little more than a hut.

  With nothing to do but listen to my stomach growl, I approached the boy. “Don’t worry,” I said as he shrank back. “I’m not going to hurt you. My name is Sunaya. What’s yours?”

  “Drawe,” he mumbled, looking up at me through lowered lashes. His eyes were blue, like Deryna’s, but he had a mop of dark red hair, like Iannis, and there was something in the shape of his nose and chin that reminded me of him too.

  “Who are your parents?” I asked, a little suspicious now. Could it be that Iannis had a son that he’d never told me about? But no, he wouldn’t keep something like that from me. We were about to be married. I didn’t expect him to tell me everything about his life, not when he’d lived for nearly eight hundred years, but surely he would have divulged something that important. Besides, he wasn’t the kind
of man to leave a child behind, out of sight and out of mind. He took his responsibilities seriously.

  Right?

  The boy merely shook his head and went back to his hunk of cheese. I tried to coax some information out of him, but either he was too afraid to speak to me or he’d been ordered not to. Sighing, I gave up and went to raid the larder. The cook had been gone for several minutes, and if I didn’t eat something soon, my stomach was going to devour itself.

  Drawe watched with wide eyes as I made short work of a large ham, several sausages, and an entire cherry cake. I offered him a piece of the cake, which he took after a brief hesitation, though he still wouldn’t speak to me. That was fine. I would find out the truth about him eventually, from Iannis himself, or perhaps from Deryna if I could get a moment alone with her. In the meantime, I replenished my canteen, then tucked some dried meat, bread, and cheese into my magical sleeve without even a shred of guilt. Since they’d abducted me, I reasoned, the least these women could do was feed me.

  I was just screwing the cap back onto my canteen when the door banged open and Ta’sradala stormed in. “Who gave you permission to eat?” she thundered, her face red with anger. Before I could answer, she immobilized me with a slice of her hand, then used her magic to yank me into the living room. The little boy cried out behind me, but there was nothing he could do, and I hoped he stayed in the kitchen. The last thing I needed was for him to face this old biddy’s wrath.

  Ta’sradala stared down at me for one long, terrifying moment, and for a minute, I thought she intended to leave me standing like a statue in the middle of the room all night. The other two women were absent—nobody was here to naysay her if she decided to choke me again, or worse. Helpless rage filled me as I glared up at her—I hated feeling so powerless, especially in the face of a bully like this. Wasn’t there anything I could do? I strained against her magic, but it was far beyond my strength.