Firemancer Collection (Fated Saga Box Set Book 1)

by R. H. D'aigle

  Juliska Blackwell’s composure faltered slightly. The pitch of her voice went up as she spoke.

  “Were you aware of this?” she aimed her question to Jae’s shocked parents.

  “No, of course not,” said Sheila, adding, “Our son would only do what he thought was best, I’m sure.”

  “Our boy knows the rules, Banon Blackwell!” announced Irving Mochrie. “Whatever punishment you see fit, we will take as a family.” The disapproval of Jae’s actions was apparent in his voice.

  “Jae Mochrie, you have put me in an uncomfortable position,” said the Banon. “You have broken strict rules put into place to protect all Svoda. However, their world is our world, so by an off chance, you have found two lost among us.”

  They waited, breathlessly. Two Balaton remained near the Banon awaiting her orders. She stood tall and in charge, pacing back and forth, weighing her decision. Colin began to feel faint, as if his energy was being sucked away. Finally, the Banon turned to Mr. and Mrs. Mochrie and made her proclamation. Colin’s energy returned and he shook it off as fear.

  “I try to imagine myself in Jae’s position, questioning whether I would make it home or not, and how best to defend myself, and it comes to mind, would I have not done the same as Jae, knowing that strict rules are being broken. This brother and sister coming to live with us is the result of a tragic accident, a completely unplanned event.”

  Colin thought she was taking an extremely long time stating her decision, and that it was on purpose, to scare them further; he disliked Juliska Blackwell very much.

  “And so I come to this conclusion. By some blessed miracle, two lost souls have returned to us, through a difficult path, yes. But home none the less.” She leaned in, pretending to touch Colin’s cheek in a loving manner. She added softly, “And yet, the rules should never be broken,” she glanced at Jae. “My ruling is this,” the Balaton braced themselves to fulfill her punishment.

  “Meghan and Colin Jacoby will enroll in school beginning tomorrow. Jae Mochrie shall be demoted from junior learner back to elementary learner. He will start his lessons over again since there are rules he needs reminding of!”

  Jae’s parents, humiliated, but thankful to still have a home, humbly thanked the Banon. Irving seized Jae, dragging him home.

  ##

  ##

  Colin followed the Mochries, simply to avoid any more questions from Juliska Blackwell; once he noticed she was gone, he slowed. The argument going on up ahead was ugly. He decided it was a bad idea to head to the Mochrie home and decided to find Meghan.

  Colin arrived at the hospital a short time later, after asking for directions. A woman advised him that Meghan was on the fourth floor, last room on the left. He found the room, no problem. However, it was not his sister lying in the bed.

  Colin’s heart skipped and his face reddened. A young girl approximately Colin’s age lay asleep; she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her hair was long and silver and she smiled as though looking straight at him.

  “Can I help you?” a voice snapped behind him.

  Colin’s nose sucked in the smell of mothballs as he turned around.

  “Sorry,” he jumped, spooked. “I was told my sister was in this room, Meghan Jacoby.” It was Viancourt member Tanzia Chase. She flipped through a chart.

  “She’s not even on this floor, down a level, room nine.” She stood guard by the door and watched him leave the floor. Colin noted that she locked the girl’s room.

  “Poor girl. She must be very sick,” he thought, “and to have Tanzea Chase as her nurse.” Colin shivered.

  He located Meghan’s room, but slowed before entering, hearing the voice of Juliska Blackwell. Colin hoped she wasn’t fishing for information, and decided to listen, tuning into his sister’s mind.

  “It’s hard to describe, and so messed up that fire does not burn me. Not that I want it to.”

  Juliska laughed lightly, replying in a motherly voice.

  “You know, Meghan, I sensed it in you right away.”

  “You did?”

  “I was not positive, let’s say it was a hopeful feeling. It has been too long since my people have experienced such a thing. It is a good reminder that the world goes on, outside of our small little daily world. Plus, to find a lost one with such talent! I’m afraid Firemancy is a dying form these days.”

  Colin cringed. He felt Meghan’s growing love for this woman surging through her mind.

  “Sight is both a blessing and a curse,” the Banon continued. “One I have also managed many years myself. However, your journey is just beginning, so please remember, Meghan, you are welcome to visit me anytime, to discuss questions you have about your visions, or school, or, anything. I realize you are here alone, and since I have the sight, too... I’m always available to you, as I am to anyone needing my help.”

  Colin’s mind reeled. What was she doing being so nice, when only minutes ago she was so ill tempered?

  “At least I have my brother,” reminded Meghan.

  “Yes, of course. How could I forget?”

  “Actually, I can’t believe he’s not here yet, although…” she stopped, taking a sip of water.

  “Although…” Juliska prompted thirstily.

  “He may not want to see me. We had a pretty big fight,” she finally admitted.

  “I see,” said Juliska, leaning in with eager anticipation.

  Colin decided he had heard enough. It was time to make his presence known. He let himself into Meghan’s mind; she smiled at the door. Simultaneously, Juliska’s gaze followed.

  Colin’s figure appeared, acting as though he had just arrived. His acting was poor.

  “Hey, Sis.”

  Juliska glided toward the door as Colin came in.

  “I must take my leave, Meghan, things to do, people to order around,” she winked mischievously. Meghan smiled and then Juliska was gone.

  “I hope you didn’t tell her too much,” Colin said accusingly.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Uncle Eddy. The Magicante.”

  “Of course I didn’t tell her that, although, I honestly don’t think it would matter. I think I could tell her anything.”

  Colin wanted to gag. “You may change your mind once I tell you what happened after your little stunt earlier!”

  Meghan huffed.

  Colin continued.

  “Jae made up a lie so we wouldn’t get kicked out! He’s in a lot of trouble. He’s home, right this second probably getting killed by his parents.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Colin explained how they had come running to the wharf, the Svoda preparing for battle, only to find her in a fireball.

  “After they took you away, the Mochries stayed behind while Juliska questioned me on whether I’d ever done magic before. Jae answered before I could stop him, saying, ‘Yes, but it was me that showed him how’.”

  “But that’s not true,” said Meghan with heightening unease.

  “Banon Blackwell then made us all wait, while she weighed her decision.”

  “What decision?” asked his sister, looking to what Colin concluded was more properly horrified.

  “As to what the Mochrie’s punishment would be.”

  Meghan squirmed, trying to piece it all together.

  “She would have to, you know. Decide on a punishment. Picture your whole job is to keep these people safe and someone breaks a law that could ruin all that. She would have to do something in order to save face from the other Svoda.”

  “Are you sticking up for her?” asked Colin too loudly, getting the nurses’ attention in the hallway.

  “You gotta see it from both sides, Colin. What was the punishment, anyway?”

  “She decided to only punish Jae, not his whole family. She demoted him in school. I guess it’s like being held back a grade or something, plus, we’ll be joining him!”

  Meghan was thoughtful for a minute.

  “It
could be worse, Colin. At least our magic is out in the open, less to worry about. It sucks that Jae had to take such a blow, I’m sure it’s totally humiliating. And it doubly sucks that we have to go to school, too.”

  Colin knew she was being genuine and agreed with her there.

  “Honestly,” she continued, “I think Juliska did the only thing she could do. She would have to dole out some form of punishment, but if you think about it, it’s not that bad.”

  Colin could see her point, but had a strong feeling that things were not that easy for Jae, or his family.

  “How long they keeping you here, anyway?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Overnight I guess.”

  “Okay. Tomorrow I’m going to see Uncle Eddy and explain what happened, and that we won’t be able to visit as much,” said Colin.

  Meghan brooded. One second she felt on top of the world; she was Firemancer, like Juliska Blackwell; someone who could teach Meghan how to control and use her abilities. However, in the next moment, all her fears overwhelmed her, throwing her into an instant panic.

  “I’m tired, Colin. I guess I’ll see you when they let me out of here.”

  Her thoughts were clouded, but he sensed the tug-of-war going on between them.

  Colin decided to leave her and return to the Mochrie house. As he neared, passing the wharf entrance, a shadow stepped toward him so he slowed. The shadow sped up, as if intentionally wanting to run into him. Colin searched for a place to hide; it was too late. Daveena Troast’s scowling face towered in front of him.

  “I’ve got a message for you,” she gurgled. For a tough kid, she had a funny voice. He waited, assuming the message would be a knuckle sandwich, or something of the sort, but she stood, staring, her arms folded.

  “And the message is?” he choked out.

  “We’re still watching you.” Her pudgy face scrunched up as she said it. After staring at Colin for an entire silent minute, she plodded away. Colin raced the last few steps to the Mochrie house, but stopped, afraid to go in. When he did finally dare to enter, it was quieter than he expected. Sheila and Mireya calmly sipped tea. There was no sign of Jae or his father.

  “There you are, expect you went to see Meghan. How is she, the poor dear?” asked Sheila, with no indication that anything out of the ordinary had happened.

  “Fine,” Colin said, questioning why they weren’t all yelling at each other. “She should be home tomorrow.”

  “Jae and his father are out. Life must go on you know, and he’ll have to work harder now that he’s been sent back to the beginning,” said Mrs. Mochrie. Her eyes stared blankly at a wall.

  Mireya smiled weakly and announced she was going to bed. Though hardly sleepy, Colin followed her, so he wouldn’t have to talk any more.

  “Is Jae in a lot of trouble?” Colin dared to ask, before Mireya got into to bed.

  Her already weak smile faded.

  “This is the second time he’s been sent back to the beginning. Dad is none to happy about it and told him he wasn’t leaving his sight this week.”

  Colin nodded.

  As he lay down his thoughts twisted between right and wrong. Perhaps Juliska, realizing she had to dish out some kind of punishment, ordered the least possible, knowing what Jae had done was not all that bad in the end.

  Still, Colin did not trust Juliska’s cunning nature; he was positive she did not trust the twins, and worried deeply his sister could not see it.

  He also thought it odd that Sheila Mochrie did not question him after he had come home. He reached out for Meghan to say goodnight. She was already sleeping.

  Tomorrow, before school, he would tell Uncle Eddy. Perhaps he would have some answers.

  Chapter Three

  “I have to say this is a little unexpected, so soon at least,” said Uncle Eddy. “They’ve accepted you, though. That is good.”

  “I’m not so sure they have actually accepted us.”

  “If their leader has, then they will, too. Not that I don’t still have things to teach you, though.”

  Colin was pleased that their uncle was not angry or worse, leaving, and reached out for his sister but she was blocking him.

  “When do you want us to come back, Uncle Eddy?” he asked.

  “Whenever you can, Colin. I will be here waiting.”

  Timothy came floating in, talking to something neither Colin nor his uncle could see.

  “C’mon, almost there, a little bit farther,” coaxed Timothy. “Look what I found!” he exclaimed. A kitten followed him, meowing softly.

  “Where did you find that, Timothy?” Colin leaned over to have a closer look.

  “In an alley searching for food. Poor itty bitty.”

  “He does look hungry,” Colin said, picking up the kitten, noticing the tuft of white hair on top of its tiny head.

  “Searched all over for its mother, no luck though,” said Timothy, looking worried about the kitten’s future.

  “I don’t see why I couldn’t keep him, or her. Which is it? asked Colin.

  “It’s a her,” pointed out his uncle. “Curious, though,” he added. “Wonder how she got here?”

  “I’ve seen plenty of Svoda with pets,” said Colin. “I guess I would have to okay it with the Mochries.”

  “I am sure they would not abandon a poor little kitten,” said his uncle, proud that Colin would be so quick to take in the little thing.

  “Look at this,” said Colin. “She’s got two different colored eyes, one green and one white!”

  “Huh. So she does,” replied his uncle. The kitten snuggled up in Colin’s arms and fell to sleep, lightly purring.

  “Guess I better go. I’ve got to get this little thing home, meet up with Meghan, and then, off to school.” His voice did not sound confident in the least. “Bye, Timothy. Bye, Uncle Eddy.” They both waved and floated away.

  By the time he reached the Mochrie house, Mireya and her mother were welcoming Meghan home, Jae was asleep on the sofa, and Ivan and Irving were already off to work. Jae’s father had changed his mind and not taken him to the office that morning.

  “Hey, Sis,” Colin said.

  “What’s that?” she asked, pointing at his stirring pocket. Colin took out the fury little mass.

  “Found it in Grimble, lost, hungry and no mother.” Everyone huddled around it, oohing and aahing. Mrs. Mochrie went to the kitchen to retrieve some milk.

  “Timothy really found it,” he sent to his sister, adding, “Uncle Eddy wants us to come back when we can, say’s he got more to teach us.”

  Meghan was relieved he wasn’t leaving them yet, too.

  After feeding the kitten and pointing out its different colored eyes, which Mrs. Mochrie ogled at as inquisitively as his uncle had, she announced it was time for them to be off to school.

  “Lunches are ready. Grab one on the way out!”

  Colin reached for the kitten, which had made a home on Meghan’s lap. It hissed at him, hiding under Meghan’s arm.

  “That’s it then!” decided Sheila Mochrie. The four children feared she had decided against keeping the kitten.

  “Mom, it’s only a baby,” cried Mireya.

  “Don’t worry, honey. I don’t think its going anywhere,” her mother clarified. “The kitten has made its choice.” The four gawked at Mrs. Mochrie as if she had lost her senses.

  “Mom, what on earth are you talking about?” asked Jae.

  “That’s no ordinary kitten you’ve found Colin Jacoby, that there is a Catawitch. You can tell by the tuft of hair and her eyes. They always have one white one, just the females you know, no male Catawitch’s.”

  Colin, Jae, and Mireya backed away. The only stories they had ever heard of Catawitchs warned of their evil tendencies.

  “Oh, it’s fine kids. Meghan is a good girl, she’ll raise it well.”

  “Me,” squeaked Meghan.

  “Yes, it’s chosen you. You’re its master now. Or mistress if you like.” She said it matter-of-factl
y. “I’ll go add some milk to your lunch. Strange, I wonder how it came to be in Grimble?” she mumbled as she walked away.

  “I’m to take it with me?” Meghan said, not understanding.

  “Of course,” Sheila said, disappearing into the kitchen.

  The other three stepped closer.

  “I can’t believe it,” exclaimed Jae. “A real Catawitch, here, in my house.”

  Mireya, leaving her fear behind, bent down and gently stroked the kitten’s pointed ears.

  “What am I supposed to do with a cat?” asked Meghan.

  “It’s considered a great honor in the magical world to be chosen the master of one of these,” said Jae.

  The kitten nestled into her soft sweater pocket.

  “This is weird,” said Meghan, shaking her head, as they departed for school.

  “You know what I love?” started Jae, “about the Catawitch choosing you, Meghan? Almost any Svoda would die to be chosen. Man, people are gonna hate you!”

  Meghan frowned, beginning to understand.

  “I meant that metaphorically speaking, of course,” Jae clarified, seeing her reaction. “They’ll be extremely jealous.”

  “But everyone’s afraid of them,” she said.

  “I think it’s because the only ones you ever hear about are the bad ones. They’re actually rare creatures, and I think their magical abilities have created an evil mystique about them. But they’re only evil if their masters are, so we’ve got nothing to worry about, do we?” He grinned.

  The twins thought this was the happiest they had seen Jae in a long time. Meghan almost wished that the kitten had chosen him instead.

  “I think I will keep this to myself, for awhile,” said Meghan. “I don’t need anything else making me stick out right now.”

  “It’s going to get out, good chance my mother’s already told someone,” Jae informed her. “We don’t get much news to spread around, especially anything juicy.”

  Meghan listened to the kitten purring softly in her pocket.

  “I guess Kanda was right,” she whispered.

  Colin overheard. “About what?”

  “That I need to accept I can no longer control anything,” she sighed.