Cursed: Legend of the Grimoire, Book One

by Leah Ross

  “I’m not sure,” Shana replied. “We were supposed to meet up after dinner, but I couldn’t find him. Sean said he’d seen Will head into the woods. I found him up there.” She pointed to the top of the rock face overlooking the school.

  “Godsdamn it, Hannigan!” Guinn ran faster, calling back to the girls, “Stay down here! I’m going up for him!”

  As they approached the base of the cliff, Laria gasped, “Is he crazy?”

  Shana gulped air into her aching lungs. “Yes.”

  Laria tipped her head back to look at the summit of the sheer expanse of rock. It had to be at least a hundred meters from the ground. Sure enough, she could barely discern William’s legs dangling off the edge. She covered her mouth with her hand. Please get there in time, Guinn!

  Guinn’s lungs burned as he raced up the steep path to the top of the cliff. He let adrenaline fuel his body as his mind wandered. He knew that William had been in some kind of monumental funk lately, but what could possibly have happened to lead him to this? As the path finally leveled out and he approached the summit a final vengeful thought stole through his mind. If we survive this, I’ll wring his bloody neck!

  Raising his arms over his head and sucking air desperately into his body, Guinn approached William cautiously. “Hannigan… what the… hell?”

  William didn’t even turn around. “I knew she’d go fetch you. Shana’s such a drama queen.”

  “The only… drama queen I see… around here… is you.” Guinn blinked furiously at the spots crossing his vision as his body began to recover.

  “Too bad she sent the only person at this asylum who couldn’t possibly understand.” William glared over his shoulder at his best friend. At Guinn’s uncomprehending expression, William continued. “Guinn McCabe, the only one who arrived here five years ago knowing exactly what he wanted to do, did what he needed to get there, and will graduate to go on and actually do it. Obligation is a completely foreign concept to you. It must be truly grand to only have to answer to yourself.”

  “What the devil are you talking about, Will?”

  “Graduation, my friend. That hallowed rite of passage when students become faceless members of the collective mob, doomed to a mediocre existence of unrecognized effort and under-appreciation. Then death comes to claim us, and we have nothing to show for our long years of toil except desolation and regret. I’m simply foregoing the decades of impersonating a doormat and saving death the trouble of looking for me.”

  Guinn frowned, trying to follow his friend’s logic. “That’s all fascinatingly cynical, but you’re not making any sense, mate.”

  “I can’t do it, Guinn.”

  “Do what?”

  “I don’t want to go be a slave in my father’s firm.”

  “Ah,” Guinn said, realization dawning at last. “You seemed fine with it up until now.”

  “That was before the prospect of actually having to fulfill that obligation arrived and loomed over my head like a guillotine.”

  “Is there some quota of macabre imagery you have to reach today?” Guinn cracked a smile.

  “Laugh it up, McCabe. The only way I’m coming down from here is thirty stories straight down. Being trapped in my father’s prison is akin to a death sentence anyway; I’d rather just get it over with now.”

  Guinn walked slowly to the ledge and sat next to William. “Well, what do you want, then?”

  “I want… to be an architect.”

  Guinn cocked a brow and heaved an exasperated sigh. “Now I know you’re daft, Hannigan. You want to be an architect, you’re trained as an architect, you have a job waiting for you as a bloody architect! What the fuck is the problem here, Will?”

  “You don’t get it! My father doesn’t want me to be an architect! He wants me as another one of his mindless drones! He wants to leech the creativity right out of my soul and take credit for any spark of innovation! I won’t sell my soul to that puppetmaster!”

  Guinn snorted with amusement. “Will, you think I can’t relate to your problem? You’re so wrong. Not only did my father and I fight about this very same issue, I was actually forced into my father’s prison for years after he died. I hated every godsdamn moment of it!”

  William frowned. “You’re not running his business now, though.”

  Guinn smiled with smug satisfaction. “Exactly. I didn’t accept that mantle of mediocrity with blind obligation. I’m the only one in charge of my life. So, the question, my dear William, is what is it that you want?”

  “I want to build great things. I want people to look at something I built and say, ‘look at this masterpiece that William Hannigan created!’ I don’t want to be a part of the mass-produced dearth of imagination that churns out the doors of my father’s company stamped with cheap metal plaques that read, ‘Another shithole brought to you by the assholes at Hannigan Architecture, Inc.’”

  Guinn’s bark of laughter echoed across the ravine. “Remind me never to buy anything built by your father’s firm. No way in hell do I want anything with a plaque that says that!”

  William lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile. Then his face fell. “I can’t do it, though.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  “That would take resources in which I’m sorely lacking.”

  “So, you can’t abide working in your father’s sweatshop, but you can’t strike out on your own either. Where does that leave you, Will?”

  William spread his arms wide. “It leaves me hanging off a damn ledge contemplating suicide like a vagrant with no options.”

  “You’re the only one letting your fear determine your options. Take a page from McCabe’s Secrets of Success and take a chance, Hannigan! Take a chance on yourself for once!”

  William snorted. “McCabe’s Secrets of Success? You’re advising me to follow your questionable example? Bloody hell, I better jump now and put myself out of my misery!” He flashed a quick grin at his friend. “Seriously, though, with no firm and no reputation, who the hell would take a chance on me?”

  “I would.”

  William blinked. “Wow. You didn’t even think about that or anything. Now who’s daft?”

  “I’ve seen your work, Will. It’s fantastic. So much of your skill and creativity could so easily be applied to shipbuilding.”

  “What are you saying, Guinn?”

  “Become a shipwright.”

  William contemplated the thought with renewed interest. “I suppose then I could get some use out of the naval architecture courses I took. I’d need a little more in-depth education on the subject, though. I never thought about building ships.”

  “Would you like to build mine?”

  William’s eyes widened at the prospect. “You’ve spent years achieving your dream. I wouldn’t want to be the one to screw it up.”

  Guinn clapped his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m confident that you won’t. I was going to need to hire a shipwright in Terracova anyway. I’d much rather work with someone I know. Will you do it? It’ll give you the capital you need to start your own firm, and with your name as builder on the most famous Annali pirate ship on the seas, you’ll never want for business again.”

  William grinned. “You’d share your adventure with me?”

  “Only if that’s what you truly want.”

  “I accept your challenge! Retrieve your gauntlet, sir, and let us begin this fool’s journey!”

  Guinn laughed heartily. “With the two of us strolling into town, Terracova won’t know what hit it!”

  William laughed. “Thank you, Guinn. You’ve given me hope.”

  They stood and embraced warmly. “Welcome back from the brink, my friend.”

  Chapter Nine

  Graduation

  “All ready,” Laria declared, brushing a microscopic piece of lint from Guinn’s shoulder.

  He turned to look in the mirror. “I look ridiculous.”

  She grinned. “You look just like everyone else will. Besides, you ca
n lose the cap and gown as soon as the ceremony is over. Then I can enjoy looking at you in that perfectly gorgeous suit.”

  “You know I hate to dress up.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view when you do.”

  His grey eyes darkened as he smiled. “And what do you call this entirely too delectable frothy creation?” His gaze leisurely traveled the length of her body.

  Stepping back, she twirled in front of him, the shimmering pale peach organza and delicate creamy lace layers of her skirt flaring out around her. “Do you like it?”

  “You look like some kind of dessert.”

  Her lip jutted in a pout.

  He grinned and traced his finger along her pouting lip. “I didn’t say that was a bad thing. I quite enjoy dessert.”

  “Until later, then?” She grabbed her wrap and then his hand. “We’ll be late if we don’t get out of here.”

  “Later indeed,” he rumbled, taking a good look at the curves of her ass and shapely thighs.

  At the ceremony, Laria sat with her parents. A stage had been erected on the long, sloping lawn outside the school, with rows of chairs for the graduates and bleachers for the audience. After the requisite lofty speeches and tearful reminiscing, it was time to hand out the diplomas. Laria applauded and cheered for all of her graduating friends. As the middle of the roster approached, her pulse quickened.

  “Guinn Tobias McCabe!”

  He couldn’t keep his face from breaking out in a triumphant grin as he strode quickly to the center of the stage. He waved to his contingent of friends who were all cheering and making a ruckus for him. Then he blew a kiss to Laria.

  Headmistress Layne handed him his diploma and a velvet box containing the tiny gold pin that signified his official status as a licensed mage. “Congratulations, Mr. McCabe. I wasn’t certain we would be meeting on this stage, but you proved me wrong.”

  He grinned. “I like to do the unexpected, ma’am.”

  “A trait that will serve you well in your chosen profession… Captain.” She raised a brow at him and the corner of her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.

  As he left the stage, he smiled with satisfaction as his heart pounded in response to being addressed by rank. Damn, that felt good! Finally, he could start the life he was meant to live.

  ~*~

  “Congratulations, son,” Joran said, clapping Guinn on the back before pulling him into a hug.

  “Thank you, sir.” Guinn grasped Laria’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It’s all her fault. She kept me honest.”

  “We’d like to take the two of you to a late lunch before we have to head back to Callinar,” said Rienna.

  “Besides, I’m sure you have a long night of celebrating ahead of you, and you’ll need some food to keep your stamina up.” Joran winked knowingly.

  “Thank you both,” Guinn replied with a laugh. “That would be great.”

  After a delicious meal, Guinn and Laria shared a decadent chocolate mousse. They chatted about their plans for the term break and when Guinn was leaving for Terracova. Laria listened to Guinn’s enthusiastic chatter with no small amount of sadness; she didn’t want to think about his leaving quite yet. The fact that he was taking William along with him only depressed her more. They’d have a blast together while she was stuck at school alone. She sighed, shook her head, and smiled despite her melancholy. Tonight was about Guinn. Besides, they still had a whole four months to themselves before he had to leave.

  “I have a gift for you, Guinn,” Joran announced.

  Guinn cocked his head with interest. “You do?”

  Joran handed over the fine leather tube carrying case that he’d had slung over his shoulder earlier. He smiled, gesturing at the younger man to open it.

  “What is it?” Guinn untied the cap and pulled it off, then slid the sheaf of rolled paper from the tube. Unrolling it, his jaw dropped in surprise. “Blueprints for my ship! Are you serious?”

  Joran grinned. “I took the liberty of having them registered with the Annali Naval Authority. You’ll see the registration number at the bottom. They’ve been certified and approved, and you can begin construction immediately. Your permits are waiting for you at the Terracova shipyard.”

  Guinn ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes wide and his mouth trying to form coherent words. “I… I… just don’t know what to say. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t seem like nearly enough.”

  “Don’t mention it, son.”

  “Joran, you’ve saved me months! Thank you so much!”

  “You gave me years, Guinn. The least I can do is give you back a few months.” Joran smiled warmly. “Keep those safe. You’ll need them.”

  Guinn rolled the stack and gently slid them back into the tube. His heart pounded with excitement, and his mind hummed with all the next steps in his process now that he didn’t have to worry about filing his plans and waiting for approval. He couldn’t wait to get started!

  ~*~

  That evening, there was a huge party that roved about town so that it seemed the whole place was one gigantic celebration. There were drinks at every establishment, and before long, Guinn, Laria, and their friends ended up at the new tavern, everyone sitting at a single large table.

  A round of drinks was dispensed and Sean stood with his glass. “A toast!” he cried as he swayed slightly on his feet, “To Holystorm! May we never have to cross the threshold of hell again!”

  Laria looked at Guinn as the group yelled their approval. He rolled his eyes, lifted his glass in support, but did not take a drink.

  Gage, the largest guy in the group, known for his fierce looks and even fiercer reputation, stood and raised his glass. “Where are the young lovers in the room?” he called to the whole tavern. Several people looked his way. “Damn you all to hell!” He took a swig of ale and sat down. Laria flashed a smile at him, and he winked in response. She knew he wasn’t nearly as intimidating as he seemed.

  William took a turn. He pointed at Guinn and Laria. “Look no farther than our own damn table to find the two most vomitously-sweet young lovers in the whole of the Annali Republic! A toast, I say, and doubly deserved! Firstly, to the untimely demise of Captain McCabe’s impressive and hard-earned record of one-night stands. May his notched and battered bed posts be treated as the holy idols they are and give us poor wretches something to which to aspire!” The men all stood abruptly, hands over their hearts, and hummed a solemn funeral dirge. The girls giggled, and Guinn shook his head in disbelief, glaring murder at his best friend for the blatant lies he was spouting. William grinned without shame. “Secondly, to Laria—divine intervention personified, savior of wicked men’s souls, pariah of her gender for daring to lay claim to the object of so many women’s feverish fantasies. For putting up with this temperamental, surly, hot-headed, no-good asshole…” He pointed to the still glaring Guinn. “…I commend thee, and I pray to the most unholy heathen gods that he can find some way to offer due tribute to such an untouchable sex goddess.” The corner of Guinn’s lip lifted, and mischief gleamed in his dark eyes. William raised a brow at him. “Or perhaps my bodily sacrifice will not be necessary after all. Tell us, young sir, do you plan to steal away poor Miss Laria’s innocence this fine evening?”

  Guinn stood and clanked his glass against William’s. “Too bloody damn right, mate!”

  “Oho? Indeed?” William raised his eyebrows at Laria, then grinned.

  “To Laria!” the whole table shouted at once.

  Laria’s face blazed crimson. She wanted to crawl under the table, but Guinn sat back down and kissed her embarrassment away. She knew the teasing was all in good fun. The group soon turned to another victim.

  “I can’t believe you said that!” Laria whispered, mortified.

  He shrugged and smiled. “I have something to make you forget it, if you’d like.”

  “Not now, Guinn!” she hissed.

  He reached into his pocket. �
�I guess I’ll just put this away, then.” He pulled out a little box and opened it. A brilliant diamond winked from a gold filigree ring nestled in the satin within the box. “Marry me, Laria.”

  She looked from the ring to his beaming face. “I still have three years of school, Guinn.”

  “We can marry after you graduate.”

  “You don’t want to wait around here for me,” she reasoned.

  “I’ll come see you whenever possible. I just want you to be mine forever,” he said.

  She grinned and nodded. “Yes, Guinn.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  He jumped up on the table, pulling her up with him. He kissed her long and hard. “SHE SAID YES!” he yelled, spinning Laria around in his arms.

  The group roared their approval. “TO GUINN AND LARIA!”

  ~*~

  It was the end of the night. They’d both had too much to drink. The wandering group of revelers was slowly dwindling as people reached their limit or found something else to distract them. Laria distinctly remembered giving Shana a hug and wishing her goodnight, but she couldn’t for the life of her discern how long ago that had been. William had likewise disappeared; Guinn had mumbled something about the blighter discarding them for a willing wench, and Laria left it alone.

  Pretty soon, Laria realized that she and Guinn were by themselves and he was steering her toward a nice little inn. “Where’re we going?” she asked, cocking her head a little more than she’d intended, then grabbing onto his arm to keep from toppling over.

  His smile was lazy and completely adorable. “Got a surprise for my girl, er, my fiancé.” He chuckled. “My fiancé… I like that.”

  She grinned and rested her head on his shoulder.

  He wagged his finger in front of her face and tried a thoroughly unconvincing stern frown. “No sleeping. I have plans, ye know. Blow ‘em all to hell if ye fall ‘sleep.”

  She giggled as he slurred his words. “‘Nother round, Cap’n?”