The Forgotten Spell (Legends of Green Isle Book 1)

by Constance Wallace

  “Unfortunately, my sisters and I cannot help. That sea territory belongs to the Selkies and is out of our care, although we can call upon them to escort your vessel and help to guard you towards Black Isle.”

  Saille leaned forward. “We are here for another reason. Our mission is to bring the Wand to its chosen guardian.”

  Keltrain and the others looked at one another in confusion. “I thought you were its guardians.”

  Huathe shook her head. She pulled a dark box from beneath her cloak and held it up for her brother. “You must get over our small prank,” she insisted with urgency, holding the box towards her brother. The leprechaun glared at her. “It’s time for the Wand to be presented.”

  “A gift is being presented to you, my friend. You shouldn’t reject it.”

  The leprechaun shrugged away. “Aye, why do ye be wantin’ me to carry the thing? I be no wizard or warlock.”

  “You helped create the Wand for Prince Finley out of the most ancient of Fir trees. Prince Finley entrusted this day to you. Don’t you remember?” Huathe inquired sweetly.

  Saille caught her sister’s forearm. Whispering in Huathe’s ear, she pointed to Thomas and Matt guarding Miranda. Huathe smiled and nodded at her sister.

  “Saille noticed the young girl is carrying King Balorn’s Sword. May we talk with the sword’s Champion?”

  “Before you be talkin’, give me the Wand’s box.” Lamfada impatiently grabbed the box from Huathe.

  “You know what must be done with it,” she said. Her blue eyes gazed intensely at Lamfada before turning away.

  Keltrain stood, allowing the three women to pass. As they grew closer to Miranda, the girl’s face softened. “I know ya’ll,” she stated joyfully. “You were talkin’ to me in my dreams the other night.”

  Huathe drew Miranda under her arms. “Yes, we did. Do you remember our conversation?”

  “Only some of it. The rest is blurry.”

  Trinne gently untied a blue-green ribbon from her hair and held it out for Miranda. “You will with this.” She wound the shimmering material around strands of Miranda’s blond hair.

  Recognition filled the pupils of Miranda’s eyes. The listless expression she had had since their journey from the tombs faded. Matt felt a weight lift from his body. Finally, he had his Miranda back.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The four females spent the remainder of the night locked in intimate conversation, unaware of the curious glances from the others. One by one, the weary friends slipped off to bed. The discussion between the women and Miranda ended only when Bressly extinguished the lanterns. Latching the shutters, Gorta and his wife were the last to drift upstairs, leaving only Sonya and Ned in the main room.

  Matt tossed and turned, watching shadows appear and disappear in the crack under his door as Gorta and his wife went to bed. After some time, he finally drifted off into a fitful sleep. His dreams were filled with the howls of the wind and the blinding snowstorm outside. And then of Sonya.

  Her thoughts invaded his sleep, as did her image. It made him uneasy, as he could see her sitting on the table downstairs, cleaning her whiskers. Somewhere in the dark corners of his nightmare, he heard her thoughts. ‘How could she have managed to be stuck in such a position?’ The cat’s voice echoed in his mind. ‘Three thousand years of contemplation, and still, it didn’t do much to resolve the fact that she tread dangerously close to being discovered and her plans unraveled.’ Matt twitched and frowned in his sleep. What were her intentions? He woke with a start. The sky was still dark and the wind still blowing. He relaxed a little and closed his eyes. It was only a Moment before he began to dream again.

  Sonya was sitting in the windowsill, watching the storm, despite the freezing temperature. Matt knew in his dream that she was waiting for something. Occasionally Ned, slumped over the table and sound asleep, would mumble or adjust himself, filling the quiet of the inn with his movement. It made Sonya jump. It was only as the howling winds subsided and the sky cleared that her alert ears moved. Matt could hear what she heard. It was a small scratching sound from the exterior of the building.

  He mumbled in his sleep. He knew this was a dream, but it felt real. Sonya popped invisible and whispered a spell to unlock the door. She ventured over the threshold to the silence outside. A black shadow flashed around a corner and disappeared into the alley. Sonya padded carefully to where the black entity stood.

  “So...you were successful in retrieving the sword?” it hissed from the folds of darkness when it sensed her.

  “Yes,” she replied shortly, coming out of her invisible state.

  “And what of the Wand? Have you found it yet?”

  Sonya hesitated for a brief Moment. “No, it’s still missing.”

  Matt jerked fearfully. He stared at the moon. The storm had subsided finally. He remembered the images from his nightmare. Was Sonya really some sort of spy after all? Or was his dream just something his mind made up because he didn’t trust her? He couldn’t be sure, and lay there the rest of the night trying to figure it out.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  At dawn, Gorta poked the fire into a blaze, warming the tavern while Bressly tiptoed amidst the tables as she prepared the morning meal. Ned gradually stretched and fell onto the floor as he turned sideways in the wooden chair. The thud of his body woke him and he sat up in bewilderment. “What...where am I?” he muttered, blinking in sleepy confusion before standing up and dusting off his clothes. “Where is everybody?” he asked Gorta.

  “They slept upstairs. In beds,” Gorta replied, smiling, as he stoked the flames in the fireplace. “I’m surprised you didn’t join them.”

  “Beds? And I slept in a chair?” Ned arched his back and moaned. “Is there a place I can...I can...use the? You know.”

  Gorta pointed to the tavern door, laughing softly. “Behind the stables, you’ll find what you need.”

  Ned fumbled with the latch as he let himself out of the warm inn. Still half asleep, he stepped out into the newly fallen snow. He wrapped his cloak around his body and surveyed the stillness of the town. His gaze flitted over the deserted streets. Content he was alone for the time being, he trudged his way to the back of the building towards the stables. The outline of the outhouse was a welcome sight.

  When he passed the alleyway, a small patch of dark burgundy on the new snow caught his eye. He stopped, unsure of what he saw. It was out of place in the vastness of white and ice. Timidly, he drew closer. His chest filled with fear when he saw it was a pile of blood-soaked fur. A dusting of snow half-covered the mangled body.

  “Sonya?” he cried. There was no mistaking that it was the cat. Quickly closing the distance to her crumpled body, he sank into the wetness beside her.

  The cat cried pitifully, pain evident in her ragged breathing. A large gaping wound in her chest oozed blood and the enchanted collar lay torn at her side. She meowed faintly.

  “Help me.”

  Ned scooped her up and ran to the tavern. “Gorta, somethin’ happened to Sonya,” he cried when he crashed through the door.

  “Over here.” Gorta cleared a place on one of the tables for him.

  “She’s all covered in blood.” Ned gently laid Sonya on the wooden surface.

  “What could be causing so much trouble this early in the morning?” Keltrain asked as he came down the stairs. Wiping his glasses, he placed them on the bridge of his nose and looked at the bloody cat on the table.

  “It's Sonya. She's really hurt,” Ned exclaimed.

  Coming to the table, the wizard tenderly examined the cat, his fingers moving over her body with care. Gently, he wiped the blood away from her fur and cleaned out the wound. Ned watched with concern.

  “What happened?” Matt inquired, his dream Momentarily forgotten, as he and Thomas entered the room.

  “I went out back to...to...and, I saw red on the snow...and there she was...hurt,” Ned explained. He felt his words came out all jumbled.

  “You did a go
od job bringing her in,” Keltrain stated quietly. “I can’t find any broken bones, but the gash on her chest is deep. I’m afraid she may not make it.”

  “Don’t give up on me yet.” The words were barely audible, but Ned was glad she was awake.

  In a few Moments, the others had gathered around the table where the cat lay. Keltrain was making small bandages out of something from one of his pockets. Ned watched as he pulled out a similar container to the one he had been given when he twisted his ankle. Soon, the wizard had the wound covered and the blood temporarily stopped.

  “We should use the Wand to heal you.”

  “NOOOOOO!” Sonya howled in terror. “Don’t use the Wand. Its magic can be felt... and they’ll know we have it.”

  “Where did this cat come from?” Huathe inquired. “What is going on?”

  “That’s Sonya. Remember I told ya’ll about her last night and all,” Miranda said as she came to stand next to her. Bending down to Sonya, the girl whispered, “Who did this to you?”

  “I can’t explain right now,” Sonya replied, her eyes closing against her pain.

  “I’m most embarrassed. I hope you can forgive me,” Keltrain said. “Last night we were unsure if you were friend or foe. Sonya was once an...an acquaintance of mine and is gifted with special powers. One of which is to become invisible. We sent her ahead of us yesterday to gather information about you. Seeking only to understand your intentions, not to harm you.”

  “I understand. It would have been expected. You did not know we were coming. Protecting the sword’s Champion is an important and dangerous undertaking.” Huathe touched Sonya gently. “No need for an apology.”

  “Use the healing power of the Wand,” Trinne implored. “It will save her life.”

  “You can’t,” Sonya pleaded with the last of her strength. “They’re looking for it. You’ll give its position away and then we are done for.”

  “Who’s searching for it?” Miranda asked firmly, her eyes flashing with impatience. “We can’t help you and all, if you won’t help us.”

  Keltrain shook his head as the cat remained silent. “If she wanted us to know she would have answered you. That cat’s very stubborn.” He patted the girl’s arm, reassuring her. “Go sit by the fire. I’ll take care of Sonya.”

  Once Miranda was by the fire, he turned to the cat. “You’re being foolish by not letting us use the Wand to heal you.”

  “There’s much more at stake then you realize,” Sonya whispered.

  Ned bent closer to the table, as did the others.

  “This isn’t a simple quest to free five young children or to stop an ancient spell. There are webs upon webs of deceit and power struggles. Those you view as your friend just may be your enemy, wizard.”

  “What are you talking about?” Keltrain asked quickly. “What foolishness have you aroused?”

  “Promise me, wizard. If I don’t make it to Black Isle, watch after Miranda. She holds the key to everything.”

  “I know she’s the key. She’s the sword’s Champion.”

  “It’s not just the sword; she’s the key to everything.”

  “You’re not making sense. Maybe you’ve lost too much blood.”

  “Ask the inn keeper to stitch the cut.” Sonya’s eyes closed as she lost the fight to remain conscious.

  Keltrain shook his head as he pulled a needle from his pocket. He gently stitched the injuries with magic thread and re-bandaged her. Ned watched. He didn’t understand what the cat was talking about. In the past few days, he had seen more blood than he cared to. He looked at his brother, then Matt, and finally Miranda. Were they going to end up like Sonya? He hoped not. The thought of death was stuck in his head and no matter how hard he tired, he couldn’t make it go away. He was scared. He wanted to go home to his Mom and Dad.

  “I think our position’s been compromised. We need to leave as quickly as possible.” Keltrain motioned for Gorta. “Can you help us find a vessel still seaworthy?”

  “There are only two ships left in the harbor that haven’t been destroyed by Bera. I think one of them is the Queen’s. It should be big enough to pierce the ice and withstand the harsh wind and waves surrounding Black Isle.”

  “We won’t need the horses any longer. Will you take those for payment?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Gorta smiled.

  Keltrain motioned for Lamfada and instructed him to get the remaining bags. “Make sure we don’t forget poor Quert’s mangled remains.”

  When Lamfada left, Gorta approached the wizard. His head bent, he cleared his throat uneasily. Ned could see he was uncomfortable.

  “Thank you again for the horses, but I really don’t require any payment,” the innkeeper finally said.

  “Then how can I express my gratitude to you, my friend?”

  “I only ask that you complete your task. Rid us of the evil at Crag Cairn. I’ll keep the horses here for your return journey home. But may I ask one favor?”

  “Yes, anything,” Keltrain responded lightly.

  “Take my boy with you. He’ll die here, if he doesn’t leave. At least with you, his chances are better.”

  The wizard was silent for a Moment. Finally, he looked at Gorta with compassion and nodded his head. “I’ll take him with us. It’s about time for me to acquire a new apprentice anyway. Lug seems bright and intelligent. He’ll make a fine pupil.”

  Gorta shook the wizard’s hand eagerly. “Thank you. Thank you. I’ll get him ready.”

  Keltrain watched as the man left, before turning to the others. “Lily, please go outside and see if you spot any sign of DaGon. I don’t want to leave without him.”

  The fairy complied, zipping out the door.

  Bowing slightly, he smiled briefly at the Wraiths. “Thank you for the gift of the Wand. Please speak with the Selkies. Ask them to help us and ensure our safe passage to Black Isle.”

  Huathe nodded. “My sisters and I will speak to Azasha, their Queen. Good luck to all of you. May the waters bring you safely home once your task is complete.” Waving their goodbyes, the Wraiths gracefully fitted themselves in the folds of their cloaks and gradually disappeared, their essence shimmering into nothing.

  After the Wraiths were gone, Ned sat down beside Sonya. He petted her tail gently. Moisture filled his eyes when he saw a small red stain begin to soak through the material covering her wound. He wished he was home. How could he even help them fight? The sight of blood made him sick. When he laid his head on the table, something clinked against the edge. He straightened and saw that his silver key had fallen out of his tunic. He picked it up and looked at it. There was something different about it. He rubbed the silver and the images. A soft glow quickly came and went with the warmth of his fingers. He rubbed it again. This time the glow stayed a little longer and the silver shone brighter. Maybe he did have a purpose in this journey after all.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Matt looked at Miranda. She shone this morning. Her blond hair was tied with the blue-green ribbons that the Water Wraiths had given her the night before. She seemed different. Almost back to her normal self. Seeing Matt staring at her, she smiled, her eyes filling with the recognition of her friend. Matt returned the smile and his urge to protect her overtook him. He knew then that his love for her would never die. He turned away before he acted on his desire to kiss her.

  Walking over to the wizard, he began to help pack their belongings. “Do you think Bera will attack us as we travel to Black Isle?” he finally asked.

  “I don’t know. Sonya said some things that have me wondering if we’re walking into a trap. Something’s shadowing us. I’m confident we were being watched last night. She must have seen them, their assault on her an effort to keep her quiet.”

  “If the Wand could help her, then why don’t we use it and all?” Miranda asked.

  “Because she asked us not to. She knows the gravity of using the Wand’s magic. She’s protecting it...and us,” Keltrain replied gently. “I must sa
y that I feel some remorse for judging her so harshly.”

  Matt looked at the wounded cat on the table. He couldn’t say that he felt as remorseful as the wizard. There was still something in the back of his mind that made him cautious when it came to that cat. Especially after the dream he had.

  “Let’s wrap her and get down to the harbor. We need to get a ship and make the tide.”

  Miranda gently picked up the cat and wrapped her in a linen sheet that Bressly brought. “I hope she’ll be all right.” She quickly covered Sonya with her cloak. Matt followed behind her. He became aware that his new position would always be by Miranda’s side.

  Lamfada put out his pipe when he saw the others walk out the door. “I be thinkin’, which I don’t do too often, on a question. Why would they not be killin the cat?” he asked. “Especially if she be with us? Do ya think they be tryin’ to flush out someone or somethin’?”

  Keltrain scratched at his beard for a Moment. “That’s a good question.”

  “Maybe they didn’t kill her because they’re trying to find out if we have the Wand,” Matt replied. He knew what the leprechaun was thinking.

  “Possibly. They may not know that we have it. Healing Sonya would’ve confirm that it was in our possession.”

  “If Sonya lives through tomorrow, we’ll ask her. Right now, our main concern should be getting a ship and on our way. Too much time in one place will give Babda time to find us.” He motioned to Lily. “Any sign of DaGon?”

  “No. No sign of my dear dragon yet,” she said, shaking her head.

  Gorta and Lug approached from the direction of the stables. The innkeeper clenched his jacket tighter at the collar, seeking to keep the morning chill from his skeletal frame, as his other hand rested on the shoulder of the young boy.

  Lug seemed uncertain about joining the group for the journey to Crag Cairn. He gripped a small bag tightly in his fist. His gaze moved from Gorta to Keltrain, unsure of what was transpiring.