Magic Invitation: Kalendra Chronicles Book One

by Barbara Ferrier

  “Um, yeah, it started to hurt yesterday. It’s getting hot.”

  “You need help. The Blue Montis burns badly. It’ll make you sick and spreads poison through your body. Tell Kelne right away. He’ll know what to do,” Shannon said. “I wish I could help. I can’t be seen anywhere near Kelne or Beacon. My father forbids me from participation in the village. I avoid his house, especially if Charles is over. I don’t talk to my sister much either, but I did want to check on you. Maureen said she blew magic on that stone to protect you and gave you a Moon Catcher, to keep you safe in our father’s house. Blue Montis is very poisonous. You’ve got to deal with it right away. Once the burning starts, it builds momentum.

  Chapter 14

  “Tahendra we better go talk to Kelne,” Kassara said as they walked back to Beacon’s Village.

  “Let’s see what Jaime’s doing first,” Tahendra said.

  “I’m talking to Kelne right now. What if it’s bad Tah?” She nodded Kassara, then walked over to talk to Jaime. Kassara ran to Kelne’s house.

  “Hello Kassara,” Kelne said when she arrived breathless.

  “Today we were with Shannon in the cave,” Kassara said. “We were looking at the carvings and there was an earthquake. Shaman Moon appeared. She asked us for help, but none of us knew how. Shannon said we heard her because we had moon energy. Is that right? We do?”

  Kelne nodded. “Yes, that is correct.”

  “We found out Tahendra had a marble of Blue Montis thrown at her the first night. Maureen protected her from the full impact and blew magic on it to protect her. Tahendra flicked it back to Charles, at his insistence, and now her hand burns. Shannon said you would know how to help. “Tah said it burned her thumb and forefinger.”

  “Oh dear. Thank you for telling me, Kassara. I had no idea. Where is she now? Is she weak?” Kelne stood up.

  “She’s with Jaime. Shannon said to let you know immediately. She doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone or make a big deal, and I was worried. Today after the moon body visited the cave, Tahendra said she’d talked to the moons before, that they acknowledged her arrival and asked for help; They had isolated her in the cliffs below Maureen’s house.”

  “Thank you for telling me,” Kelne said. “Please go and stay with Tahendra. She should not leave our sight. I didn’t realize I had put her in so much danger.”

  “Will you please explain. She seems okay, except her hand burns a little.”

  “Blue Montis is a dangerous poison but not for most people. Tahendra was born on the full moon of the Shaman Moon. All the moons were full. She has exceptionally powerful moon energy in her blood, so that poison will become dangerous once it reaches her blood stream. Of course, none of you would have known. I didn’t even think to mention it. Let’s go.”

  Chapter 15

  Sam stared into the crystal. Blues, greens, pinks, and purples emanated from the large crystal that filled the cave. He gazed until his feet hurt. He moved around the large orb-like structure and was once again mesmerized.

  The day had passed, the orb all-consuming. The large crystal inside this cave must have been here for eternity. He stared, feeling warm and full of wonder, so many facets of light to investigate. Nothing else occurred to him until the sun streamed in through the door. It was dull by comparison but somehow interrupted his gaze. He made his way to the doorway and walked outside.

  Sam remembered nothing.

  He sat on a rock outside of the crystal space and stared as if in a trance. He looked down at his hands. He didn’t recognize them. His body, his legs, and feet. Nothing was familiar. He had no questions. No sense of urgency. No meaning in his mind. He just was. More time passed. He began to hear rustling and birds, sounds that were new to him.

  Jaime finished preparing for the four-day hike through the Waterlands, after spending the afternoon drawing Beacon’s Village in his own journal.

  “Hey Jaime,” Tahendra said.

  “Hey.”

  “Have you seen Sam? I thought he’d be back by now,” Tah said. “I think we should find him. I have a weird feeling. Do you think he got lost?”

  “Are you kidding? He’s Sam,” said Jaime, suggesting Tah was acting like a mom. Then with concern, he said, “Right. Sam. Let’s make sure he’s okay.”

  The two walked up the hill. Tahendra’s instincts said he was on the plateau. They walked towards the crystal seating area and saw Sam sitting on a rock in the middle of the valley. They called to him, but he did not respond. They ran. It was nearly sunset; the sun was large and red in the distance.

  “Sam,” they called.

  When they got there, he was staring into space, nearly frozen in a trance.

  Jaime knelt. “Hey, man, how are you?”

  Nothing.

  Jaime touched Sam’s arm to see if he’d respond to touch.

  Sam blinked.

  Tahendra looked around the valley. She saw a cave and the light coming from the inside. She went to explore and saw the orb.

  Tahendra walked up to Sam and put her hands on his shoulders as if to give him a massage. Again, he blinked and stared. “I think he was in there. There’s a huge magic crystal orb thing. I never saw it before. I think we should get him to Beacon right away.”

  “How are we going to get him there?” Jaime asked.

  Tahendra’s hand burned. She felt weak but didn’t want to make a fuss. They had to take care of Sam.

  “We can’t carry him on those stones,” Jaime said. “We could probably get him to the steps, though.”

  Tahendra pulled out her Moon Catcher, made sure she saw the moon in the clear center of the stone and spoke, hoping it would work. “We’re by the cave with the orb. Sam isn’t here mentally. Doesn’t recognize us. Can you help?”

  Kelne arrived in an instant. “Did you—” He looked at Sam. “Oh dear.” He knelt by Sam and pulled the crystal from the long chain on his neck. “Dearest young man, the orb has borrowed your mind. You may have it back now.”

  Sam stared into space.

  Kelne said a few words under his breath. Beacon arrived a moment later. “Is there a problem? Oh, Sam, my dear fellow. He must have been in there for hours. I thought it was locked. Let’s see here.”

  Beacon ran his crystal down Sam’s back and neck, then laid it on his head. “Erasing some memories, were you? It takes skill, my lad. That is very advanced and not for you.”

  Kelne then came and stood by Sam. “Please return this young man’s mind, dear orb. You may keep his worries if you’d like. He could certainly use less of those.”

  Sam blinked. Then he looked around at the five people surrounding him.

  “Do you recognize us?” Kelne asked.

  Sam looked up from where he sat. “Um, I think so.” He blinked several more times, a blank expression on his face.

  “When was the last time you saw him?” Kelne asked the others.

  “Kassara and I were in the valley looking for carvings,” Tah said.

  “I was packing food and planning our route,” Jaime said. “Drawing the village.”

  “I see. Hours in front of that crystal orb. Perhaps I’ll go have a word,” Kelne said. With that, he walked into the small cave with the bright shiny orb of colors now emanating in the darkness.

  Beacon continued to look into Sam’s eyes. He was beginning to come to slowly.

  “He’ll be okay,” Beacon said. “Let’s see if Kelne can get a few more memories back from that big crystal. It takes them, you know. Holds them for you. It must have hypnotized Sam. From the looks of it, he was there all day. Can be useful under limited circumstances. Clearly not for the amateur.”

  Sam moved his hands and feet. Then he stood up. Still the expression on his face was blank.

  Kelne returned from the orb. “It must have felt so good to be relieved of some of his old memories. He was simply mesmerized. The less he knew, the more he stared. He’s not the first.”

  Again, Kelne rubbed his long crystal necklace along Sam’s
back and neck, then placed the crystal on Sam’s head. “Here you go, young man.

  Sam stood up. He looked around at each of them. “What are we doing here?” he asked.

  “Taking a walk to my place,” Beacon said. “Do you remember how to get there?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Do you remember our names?” Beacon said.

  “Tah. Jaime” Sam got a big smile on his face and pointed. “You’re Beacon. I remember you. You stood up to your wacked-out auntie who wanted to relive her life through your cousin. You deserved your own life. I decided I’m going to have my own life too. Feeling bad doesn’t change dad’s temper. I used to think it was my fault. It wasn’t,” He shook his head.

  “Nice. Sounds like you learned something here,” Beacon said. “Let’s go back to the village right away.”

  Tahendra grabbed her burning hand. “It’s worse. I-I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a bother.”

  “This is serious indeed,” Kelne said. “Kris is on his way, to take you to someone who can help.”

  The travelers and their advisers went back across the floating stones to Beacon’s home.

  Chapter 16

  “Tahendra and Kassara,” Kelne said. “Here’s our new plan. You,” he said, pointing firmly at Tahendra, “are not going back into that home of Joe’s ever again. I am sending you straightaway with Kassara and Kris to Ivy’s Healing Sanctuary in the Waterlands. You need to be examined about that Blue Montis poison from the first night. How do you feel now?”

  “It’s worse since the earthquake and Shaman Moon speaking to us earlier today,” Tah said. “I’ve been trying to look strong. I guess that’s my habit of hiding. I didn’t want to let anyone down or be an inconvenience.”

  “It’s a funny kind of poison,” Kelne said. “It seeps into your skin. You wouldn’t even notice it, except it might begin to burn after a bit. If you had caught the stone outright from Charles, it would have burned you on contact. I’m eternally grateful Maureen intervened. Between that episode and your encounters with the moons, let’s just say you need some rest. It’s been hard on the body, yes?”

  Tahendra nodded.

  “Ivy is my most trusted healer,” Kelne said. “She awaits your arrival and has contacted a specialist to help you.”

  Kris opened the door. Outside were horses to take Kassara and Tahendra to Ivy’s Healing Sanctuary of the Waterlands. Kassara saw her belongings were packed. They left immediately. Kris took Tahendra on his horse. No sooner had they left than he opened a large round messenger trail that was yellow on the interior with a deep purple rim around the edge. Soon they arrived on the misting platform of the Kinizar waterfall.

  “This is the most healing mist in all Kalendra and is known to heal deeply, all the way through your soul,” Kris said. Tahendra felt revitalized. She was more awake and alert than she had been for hours and realized how weak she had become. When Kris determined she’d gotten the most benefit from the mists, they took a Messenger Trail to Ivy’s.

  Beacon, Sam, and Jaime went back inside.

  “Jaime,” Beacon said firmly, “do not let Charles, Joe or Maureen know anything. Simply say Tahendra needed to help Uncle Kris. Thank them graciously on her behalf. And Jaime, thank you.” Beacon had a proud smile on his face. Jaime nodded.

  “I’m excited you and Sam will hike into the Waterlands tomorrow to enjoy yourselves,” he continued. “Our training here has been challenging, yes? I want you both to spend a day or two in the most powerful and soothing place known to man. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. The weather looks perfect. There will be beaches to play on and plenty of food.

  “When I need to get away,” Beacon said, “I always go to the Waterlands. I have a favorite camping spot on one lake. Your job is to explore and relax. Find the Kinizar Waterfall. It will help Sam recover his memories. Both of you should stand in the mist of that magnificent fall. It will be good for you, I promise. You arrived at Kris’s home to go camping in the forest, yes? You have reached your goal. You’ve earned a well-deserved break.

  “I suspect you’ll meet my good friend Flanders,” Kelne added. “He means well; always remember that. I make it a point to spend as much time with him as I can, especially when I’m puzzling on things. He a wonderful confidant. A beautiful blue heron.”

  Beacon then raised his glass. “Thank you for coming here and putting up with us.” He smiled and laughed. Jaime, Sam, and Kelne raised their glasses also. They drank a toast to the unknown ahead.

  Jaime left to get Tahendra’s things. Maureen was home alone when he arrived.

  “Uncle Kris needed Tahendra’s help. She loved spending time with you. I’d like to get her things if I may.”

  “Sure.”

  They walked into Tahendra’s room. Jaime was surprised to find her belongings completely packed and ready to leave. He grabbed her journal from the bed and picked up her pack.

  “Is everything okay?” Maureen said.

  “As far as I know. I’m just the nephew errand boy.”

  Maureen nodded her understanding.

  “Take care of her for me. She’s a good person,” Maureen said. “I’m sorry about how I treated Kassara.” Maureen then whispered, “I didn’t think she was safe around my dad or Charles, and especially after the Blue Montis stone was thrown at Tahendra. I had to keep her away in case she had moon blood. I know I was ridiculous. I’m sorry.” Jaime nodded.

  “Thank you. I’ll let her know.” With that, Jaime raced back to Beacon’s.

  Chapter 17

  Jaime and Sam left the small village, packed for days. Sam looked across the plains that lay ahead, ready to explore the craggy, steep cliffs. The two had butterflies in their stomachs and smiles on their faces.

  Jaime had nearly memorized his uncle’s book and wondered what his own journal would be like. He was excited to draw the most breathtaking of views here Uncle Kris loved the Waterlands and most of his stories were from there.

  Coming over the final ridge high above the fields, Jaime turned around. He could barely see Beacon’s Village in the far distance. Tall spires marked the village. The large red crystal orb by the seating area glowed in the sun and reminded him of incredible conversations with Beacon and Kelne. It was refreshing to hear kind men talk about their lives. It was an experience he’d never had before. He turned and hiked down from the ridge.

  Water flowed everywhere. Waterfalls with rainbows in the mist. Lakes. Rivers. More shades of green than he’d ever known. Colors filled the valley. Jaime pulled out his own journal and pens. He couldn’t believe it. This was the land of healing, of course. What could be more healing than an abundance of clean and clear water?

  Jaime drew a quick sketch of the big views from the top of the ridge to keep his sense of direction. He quickly sketched out the hills, with waterfalls below. Where did all the water come from? He looked forward to finally go camping with Sam.

  They hiked past waterfalls, and over bridges. The valley was filled with lakes, streams, lily pads, flowering plants, and leaves of every shape and color.

  Sam and Jaime sat down, made lunch, and got out Kris’s journal. A label on Kris’s map read Messenger Trail. Jaime turned the page to the back of the book and saw the words with a brief explanation. The journal index read: The Messenger Trails are ancient shortcuts. Not available for everyone. Reserved for Messengers. You need a guide to get started. You must be on a mission. Once familiar with them they become easier to access.

  Sam got down on his hands and knees. “Are you sure there’s supposed to be a passageway down here?”

  Jaime reread the passage in his uncle’s journal. “I think...it’s nearby. It says beneath the brush. What’s that mean? It’s overgrown? How could we find that?”

  “Excuse me,” said a voice. “Over here. Perhaps I can be of assistance to you.”

  Sam and Jaime looked around, trying to find the voice.

  “Excuse me. Right here,” he insisted.

 
; This time Sam saw a blue heron standing in the weeds.

  “You?” Sam asked. “Are you talking to us?”

  “I am Flanders, at your service!” the tall bird said, spreading one wing and taking a bow.

  “Do you live here?” asked Sam.

  “I spend plenty of time here. As a bird I can live in more than one place. I take my time in each place I go.” The heron paused and looked around. “Are you looking for something in particular?”

  As Sam went to ask another question, Jaime said, “No.”

  Flanders looked from one to the other.

  “You’re either looking for something, or you’re not. It can’t be both.” Flanders looked at Sam. “What is your name?”

  “Sam.”

  “Very pleased to meet your acquaintance. What exactly are you looking for?”

  “Some kind of a hidden trail,” Sam blurted out before Jaime could stop him.

  “Oh. A mystery, is it? An old mysterious trail to the ancestors perhaps?” replied Flanders.

  “Do you know of such a trail?” Jaime said in a hopeful voice.

  “I’m not sure,” Flanders said. “It’s a puzzle, really, isn’t it? How do you find a trail that has been grown over? And yet the scent of old leaves a path, doesn’t it? It left a trail.” Flanders began dancing in a circle, repeating himself. “The scent of old leaves a path. It left your trail.”

  Jaime was getting uncomfortable with Flanders. He hoped this heron might lead them to the opening of the Messenger Trail. He had mixed feelings about his guide.

  “What is the old trail like?” Jaime said.

  “Time leaves trails. Sometimes they are packing trails with lots of people. And sometimes not so much. Sometimes they have been forgotten. And sometimes they are remembered.”

  “Okay. What about this path, then?”

  “Where are you going? It all depends. If you are going ahead in time, you will most likely take a different trail than if you are going into the past.”