The Forgotten Spell (Legends of Green Isle Book 1)

by Constance Wallace

  “Here’s my son. Your new apprentice,” Gorta said. He pushed the boy in front of him. “The tide is high now. You need to leave. In a couple of hours, the boats will be useless.”

  Keltrain bent to the boy, his face softening at the terror that seem to overtake the young lad. He extended his hand. “It’s nice to have you with us.”

  Grasping the outstretched fingers, Lug nodded slowly in confusion. “Thank you, sir, for my employment.”

  Gorta smiled a fatherly grin, patting the boy on his back. “He will do you well. He’s a good boy and bright. I’ll walk down to the harbor with you and show you the Queen’s ship.”

  The innkeeper smiled at his son. Matt could see his eyes watering. He knew it must be hard for the man to send his son away, but he understood a father’s need to protect his child, even if the situation he was sending him into may not have a better outcome. Hope. That was the base emotion for why Gorta was doing it. It was a father’s hope that his son would survive. Matt thought about Toby. He carried that same basic emotion. It was his own hope that had become the driving force behind his continued journey towards Uthal. That, and Miranda.

  As the group made their way through the empty streets, birds floated on a cool breeze above them. They squawked in discontent at those that disturbed their morning. The call seemed out of place in the abandoned city. Matt’s eyes lingered on the creatures as they maneuvered on the chilly breeze blowing in from the churning sea. Their dives and plunges to the earth were mesmerizing in the pale light.

  “At least there’s no blood,” Ned said. He pointed to some lumps in the snow.

  Matt could see frozen bodies, half covered in ice. The corpses lay where they died, locked in positions of pain, the flesh curled away from the teeth like silent screams. It made his stomach churn and he looked away from the ghostly faces. Would they end up like that, he wondered?

  “Gee. They didn’t even bury their dead,” Thomas said. His voice was soft.

  “The ground’s too frozen; they didn’t have much choice,” Matt responded.

  “Why didn’t they cover them up or something? Gee. It’s just kinda pitiful.”

  Matt shook his head. He felt uneasy about the exposed bodies also. They seemed to be a reminder of what he and his friends were facing. He realized that they had entered this world so foolishly. They came through the portal with so much false bravery, thinking they were invincible to destruction.

  “Look. That’s gotta be the palace.” Ned pointed to an ice-encrusted castle in the middle of the city. “Queen Ethniu’s in there.”

  “We could end up like her,” Matt replied softly. He looked back at Miranda. “It’s not hit me until now. We’re so close to Black Isle. What’s gonna happen when we get there?”

  “I don’t want to be frozen forever,” Ned whined.

  “Any way you look at it, we’re gonna face death,” Matt told his friend. “All I know is that I don’t want to fail.”

  “Then we don’t fail. Gee whiz. We took a pact, ‘member? Nobody gets left behind. We’re all gonna come home.”

  Matt felt control slipping from his fingers at the realization of how naïve they had been. “We must protect Miranda at all cost,” he stated suddenly, determination setting his jaw. “Without her, our world’s in jeopardy. Not to mention those here on Green Isle. And, I think...if it means I die protecting her...or fighting for them...then so be it. Our quest is to see Uthal conquered, and those kidnapped children rescued.”

  Thomas puffed out his lips in contemplation at Matt’s words. He looked at his friend in confusion. “Gee. Why the sudden change in our pact, Matt?”

  “Because it was foolish to think someone might not get hurt or injured. I shouldn’t have brought you guys here. This is war. Real war. Not something make-believe. We may not make it home. I just didn’t see that. I’m sorry I asked you to come along.”

  “War like back home?” Ned asked, his chin quivering.

  “A much more important war. The outcome affecting not only the people of Green Isle, but people in our world,” Matt replied solemnly.

  The boys were silent for a Moment. Thomas finally threw his arm around Matt’s shoulders. “Don’t be sorry. Gee. I’m glad we came. I doubted the decision at first, but now...it gives me hope kinda knowin’ we’re supposed to be here. Ya know, the legend of the four and all.”

  The boys’ conversation was interrupted by a yell. “There’s the Queen’s boat.” Gorta pointed to a large vessel anchored at the far end of the pier.

  Matt followed the others down towards the harbor. It was a mess. Most of the boats were half sunk, held down by frozen chunks of ice. Only one ship seemed upright and undamaged. The Queen’s ship. It was as if it refused to succumb to the same fate as its owner. It bobbed in the water, regal and proud, unwilling to bend to the force of the winter witch. Creaking and moaning under the weight of the frozen water on its deck, the Amabrar, as she was named, rocked to and fro.

  “Queen Ethniu’s ship’s strong and will hold against the onslaught of Bera’s powerful chill. It was constructed from the hardest wood found on Green Isle.” Gorta stepped aside to allow Keltrain onto the deck.

  “She looks good.” The wizard carefully treaded the length of the ship, his touch bringing the warmth of his spell, dislodging the ice and freeing the imprisoned boat.

  Ned viewed the tallness of the main mast. “Thomas and I never sailed before.”

  Matt was suddenly glad he endured the many lessons from his father over the years. “I sailed a bunch when we lived in Chicago. There’s five big lakes up there. I can help,” he volunteered.

  Keltrain nodded. “Wonderful. I was beginning to worry that Lamfada was going to be my first mate. Would you give the others a small lesson on some of the seaman’s words and their meanings?”

  Squinting, the leprechaun scowled. “I be sailin’ many years on Half Moon Lake, just not on a boat this big.”

  “My point exactly,” the wizard replied.

  Lily flew past, circling the ship, her cry caught in the wind from the sea. “We can’t leave yet. DaGon hasn’t returned.”

  “If he survived the storm, then he’ll see us from the air,” the wizard stated, examining the ropes. “The tide is in our favor and any further delay will be to our disadvantage. Whatever’s lurking out there in the shadows won’t wait for his return either.” Seeing the lost look in Lily’s eyes as she stopped above his head, he softened his voice. “It’ll be all right. DaGon promised he would get to us before we reached Black Isle’s waters.”

  “I hope he comes soon. I couldn’t imagine life without my dear dragon.”

  Matt helped Miranda aboard. She cradled the sleeping cat with care.

  “Any change in her?” he asked.

  “No. Nothing. I hope she gets better and all. We need her, ya know.”

  Matt brushed a wisp of hair from her cheek. He wanted to kiss her and tell her everything would be fine. “I’m sure that whatever magic Keltrain used will help. Don’t worry, okay?”

  She nodded. He watched as she made her way across the deck and disappeared into the interior cabin.

  Laying out a quick instruction on the particulars of sailing to Ned and Thomas, Matt pulled the ropes from their mooring and helped to push the boat away from the dock. Jumping quickly over the railing, he landed with a thud. The familiar rock of the boat under his feet renewed his determination.

  At the wizard’s signal, Matt and Lamfada unfurled the sails, letting the fabric escape the ties that held them down. Fluttering briefly, the material suddenly found the wind and billowed outwards, jerking the ship forward. Matt smiled as the bow ripped through the water, leaving the pier behind. As the wind continued to fill the white canvas, the remaining ice that clung to the upper layers shattered, and the boat was freed completely from the shackles of winter.

  “Good luck, my friends,” Gorta called from shore. “We’ll be watching for your return.”

  Lug hung over the rail, waving. His eyes w
ere sorrowful as he watched the shoreline diminish. “Bye, Father. Good-bye.”

  Matt headed towards the helm. “When do you think we’ll reach Black Isle?” he asked, positioning himself at the wheel.

  “If the weather holds, we’ll be there in a couple of days,” the wizard answered thoughtfully.

  Sitting on the steering box in front of Keltrain, the fairy shuddered. “That storm last night was violent. It didn’t die down until early this morning. All I could think about was my poor dragon out in it.”

  “DaGon knew the risk. Have faith. He’ll be here.”

  “We’ve never been apart all these years,” Lily said, trembling. “I don’t know what I’d do, if he doesn’t come back.”

  At the front of the boat, Thomas leaned over the rail. “Look. There.” He pointed to the sea. “In the water in front of us.”

  “Aye. Those be Selkies. Me sisters sent them.”

  “Gee whiz. They kinda look like seals.”

  “Aye, seals be one thing. Selkies be another. Seal by day. But at night, like you.”

  “You mean human?” Ned’s eyes lit up.

  “Kinda of. I be sayin’ that Earth folks call ‘em Mermaids. That be their magic.”

  “There’s gotta be at least twenty of ‘em. Gee they’re fast.”

  “Huathe said she was gonna speak to them about escorting us and all,” Miranda said as she emerged from below. Pulling her white cloak tighter, she approached the side of the ship and peered over. “Aren’t they beautiful,” she exclaimed.

  Lug waved at the one in the lead. The Selkie waved back with its flipper. “I know that one,” he said to Miranda. “It’s Azasha, their Queen. We’re lucky she’s here with us.”

  Matt felt a tightening in his chest when he saw Lug stand next to Miranda. He frowned. “How will they help us?” he asked. He didn’t like the feelings erupting in him.

  “They’ll keep our course straight. You know. Guide us to Black Isle. Give us warning should Bera’s magic conjure up the evil things that reside in the depths.”

  Matt nodded at Lug. “Okay.” It was all he could manage. He didn’t like it when the boy turned around and inched closer to Miranda.

  “How’s Sonya?” Keltrain called out.

  Miranda turned towards the wizard. “She’s sleeping. Your magic thread helped and all. She’s got a chance, ya know?” After a Moment, she moved closer to the helm. “What do you think attacked her?”

  “I saw some strange footprints beside her in the snow,” Ned offered.

  “I’m afraid I don’t know at this point. I’ll be anxious to speak to her about it when she’s better.” The wizard grew quiet. Soon, he moved to the wheel. “I’ll take over for a bit. Why don’t you rest?”

  Matt nodded. He was happy to comply, especially since Lug seemed too interested in Miranda. He walked down the steps and stood next to his friend. It was several minutes before either one spoke.

  “Miranda...” he finally said.

  “Ya don’t need to say anything,” she quickly interrupted. “The Water Wraiths explained a lot to me last night and all.”

  “But, it should’ve been me.”

  “Ya know that sword’s my destiny and all. This isn’t your fault. None of it.”

  “I brought you here...”

  “You asked, and I came. Silly. Didn’t ya know I would go anywhere with ya?”

  “Yeah. I think I figured it out.” He smiled when she wrapped her arms around his.

  “We just didn’t realize the difficulties we’re gonna face. I don’t think any of us wanted to admit that we may not make it home and all.”

  “Except Ned. I think he understood everything. Which is why he didn't want to come in the first place.”

  Miranda laughed softly, burying her face into the soft material of his cloak. “I think you’re right.”

  “I’m sorry you haveta be the one to carry this burden.” Matt wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “If I could, I would do it.”

  Miranda faced him, her eyes clear and determined. Instead of confusion, Matt saw strength. “I know ya would. But I’m happy that you’re right here with me and all. It makes it better. Hopefully, Morrigana was wrong. ‘Bout everything. And all of it will turn out okay.”

  She kissed him suddenly. Her mouth lingered for a Moment on his lips. Matt’s heart beat faster as he felt the heat of her body when she drew closer to him. He became cold when she pulled away. He smiled at her. She touched his face gently, then headed back to the cabin where Sonya rested. Matt wished the Moment had lasted longer.

  “She’s your lady?” Lug asked from the railing.

  “Yes.”

  “You’re a lucky man.”

  Matt watched as Lug went into the cabin, too. It didn’t bother him as much as before that the other boy was around her. Her kiss confirmed what she felt about him, and that strengthened him.

  “Ya wee lassie’s changed,” the leprechaun whispered and lit his pipe.

  Matt leaned over the railing and watched the Selkies skim the water. He pondered the recent events, wondering at the changes in them all. Especially the ones in himself. His thoughts were soon interrupted by a large thud on the frame of the ship. The boat lurched sideways, throwing everyone off balance. Matt pulled himself up and looked around.

  “Gee. What in the heck happened?” Thomas asked. He pushed Ned off him.

  “Did we hit an iceberg?” Ned straightened his leather tunic.

  “I don't believe so,” the wizard replied.

  Ned let out a whoop. “It’s DaGon,” he shouted, pointing to the dragon lying on the deck.

  Seeing her friend, Lily darted to his side, swirling around his head. “Are you all right? Are you hurt? Did you make it to Black Isle? Did you see any of Bera or Uthal’s army? Did you...”

  “Enough questions.” DaGon laid his head down. “I’m exhausted.”

  “Are you okay?” Matt knelt beside him.

  The dragon drew several large breaths of air before replying. “The storm was difficult to navigate. I met a few of Babda’s ravens. They made a nice snack.”

  “Did ya encounter any other strangeness in the storm?” Lamfada inquired.

  “There was something else out there, but I don’t know what. I could feel it, though. Shadowing me.” He sighed loudly, catching another deep breath. “It seemed to fly with me for a short distance and then disappeared. Why do you ask?”

  “Sonya was attacked and badly wounded last night,” Lily replied. “We don’t know what, or who, hurt her.”

  “Would it be appropriate for me to be happy about that?”

  “Dear. We shouldn’t wish such terrible things on people. Even if they aren’t very nice.”

  “Ned be seein’ unusual tracks in the snow.” Lamfada motioned to the youngest brother.

  “Maybe it’s what was in the storm. Whatever this thing was is heading to Black Isle. I’m sure of it.” The dragon lay quietly for a Moment.

  “Did you find what you were looking for, my friend?” Keltrain inquired gently.

  “Yes, there’s an inlet on the west side of the isle. The cove is sheltered and the beach is clear of ice. I saw what appeared to be a path along an abandoned sea wall and pier. It’s on the other side, away from Crag Cairn, so our arrival will hopefully go unnoticed.”

  “Good. We’ll head west then, once we reach the peninsula. Rest, my friend. I’ll call you when we need you.”

  DaGon nodded and took shelter by the cabin door. Within seconds he was snoring loudly, his body relaxing.

  Keltrain motioned for Matt. “I need your eyes. Let me know the first time you see anything unusual.”

  Matt nodded and settled at the bow behind the carved form of a beautiful woman. Staring at the wooden figure, he imagined her as Queen Ethniu, standing watch with him. He scanned the skies and the sea in front of him. The time was coming. He could feel it. Soon, every one of them would be facing their greatest test.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

&nbs
p; “How ya be holdin’ up, lad?”

  Matt, unaware he had been dozing, was startled as the voice of the leprechaun woke him. “What? Oh. I musta drifted off. Sorry.”

  “Ya been here all day.” He broke apart a piece of bread Bressly had packed for them and held it out to Matt. “I saw ya nodding off, which is why I be comin’ with food.”

  Matt took the bread. Watching the waters in front of them, he swallowed uneasily. The force of the sea battering the hull sent a salty spray up over the railings. The icy wetness seemed strange. “The wind seems to have changed direction.” He took another bite. “Do you have anything to drink?” His stomach churned as he tasted the salt water on his lips.

  “I brought some cheese and some ale.” Lamfada unwrapped several slices from a cloth and held one out to Matt.

  “I’ve never had beer before.”

  “Then ya be missin’ out on some delightfulness. Take ya a swig. It’ll warm ya bones.”

  Matt cautiously took a swallow from the jug the leprechaun offered. The taste was bitter and he choked briefly.

  “Always happens the first time.” The leprechaun nudged him with his elbow. “Darkness be comin’. Are ya stayin’ here all night?”

  “Keltrain wanted me to keep watch. But he didn’t say for how long.” Matt devoured the yellow wedge. He wanted to get the taste of beer out of his mouth. “All I’ve seen are Selkies and a couple of large icebergs.”

  “I be wantin’ to relieve ya for a while. It’s almost dark. Queen Azasha and the others will be changing soon.”

  Matt touched his chest where the broken charm was. “I don’t know why I wear this. It’s not even protecting me.” He took off the broken emerald and tossed it into the sea.

  The leprechaun said nothing for a Moment. “Lad, it not be yer fault.”

  “Yeah. But if I had been watching my steps...”

  “Was only misfortune. Can’t be erasin' what’s already been done. Ya just go forward and work it out.”

  Matt didn’t respond. He couldn’t make Lamfada see the disappointment in himself for being so clumsy. The two remained quiet as the sun’s last rays dipped into the sea. The water seemed to extinguish the light as it swallowed up the tiny bit of warmth it offered. With it, their escorts disappeared too. “The Selkies are gone,” he stated. “Maybe I should tell Keltrain.”