Mazy (Protectors of the Elemental Magic Book 3)

by Marnie Cate

  “Dunn would like it here,” I told the balls hovering above me.

  I stood up and the orbs gathered, rising high into the sky above.

  “Where am I? Please don't leave me,” I called to them as they grew further away from me. “I don't know what to do. I don't want to give up my magic.”

  Searching for anyone, I saw nothing but miles and miles of lush green grass. I noticed that I was still translucent. Gasping, I realized that I was not only transparent but I had no clothes on. Touching my arms and legs, my hands felt tingly.

  “I hope my decision means I can put clothes back on,” I said. “I am not solid but I wonder if….”

  Resting my hand on the ground, I called Earth. The blades of grass began to grow long. As the sprouts poked out of the rich soil, I carefully broke them off. When I had a large pile, I began to weave them. I called flowers to fill in the spaces. When I had enough to cover me, I slipped into my creation. I probably looked ridiculous but being covered in my element made me feel more comfortable. The connection made me even more confident that I would not give up my Earth magic. I would find a way to hide from Kinema. In the distance, the air began to grow thick with a dark haze. You are not safe, my internal voice screamed. I was exposed. There was nowhere to hide. I needed to disappear. If they couldn't find me, then they couldn't take away my magic.

  Calling Earth, I began to grow trees, bushes and flowers. Vines grew, weaving themselves into a wall of green until all spots the darkness could peek in were closed. Inspecting my work, I worried it was not enough to block them out. I rested my hand on the ground. It began to shake and split open as a large piece of stone rose. If I called more rock with the trees and vines hiding me, they would never find me.

  “You have created such a peaceful world,” a young woman said. “I wish I had your talent.”

  My heart stopped. I had already been found.

  A blonde girl stepped out from behind a tree. She put on a brilliant smile as she walked towards me. I eyed her suspiciously. She didn't look familiar. The hag had chosen a glamour of someone I loved. Was this another trick? Or, could she be someone waiting for death to take her, also? Focusing on every inch of her, I could not see any changes to her appearance. No don't trust her.

  “Go away,” I yelled. I bared my teeth and wildly shook my first.

  “Oh,” she said. She inched back preparing for my attack. “I just wanted to welcome you.”

  “You've welcomed me. Now go.”

  The girl choked back a sob. Her body hunched and she began to walk away. A twinge of guilt hit me. You were so mean. Maybe she knows how to help you.

  “Wait, come back,” I said.

  “Not if you are going to be rude,” she said, sniffling.

  Oh, Meg, you made her cry. Gram would be so ashamed of you. She taught you to look for light, not darkness.

  “Come back. We can start over”

  She touched my dress. “How creative. I would never have thought to make clothing to cover myself when I first arrived here. My name is Rebecca. What's yours?”

  “I'm Meg. Have you been here awhile?” I questioned. “How did you hide from them?”

  “I have my ways,” Rebecca said, touching the flower in my hair. “You will be so pretty when you regain your form.”

  “Do you know how I can get my body back?” I asked.

  “Of course, didn't they tell you?” she asked, touching my arm.

  “No, they told me I had to make a decision,” I said, stepping away from her.

  “What kind of decision?”

  Being nice didn't mean I had to tell her anything. I shrugged. “Doesn't matter. I refuse to make any decisions today or ever,” I said.

  “Good idea. Ignore their demands,” she said. “Can you make me a dress like yours? I am tired of this old thing.” She wore a simple dress with a faded flower pattern. Even in her plain clothing, she looked beautiful.

  “I can but why would you want a silly plant dress. The one you have on is much nicer than what I will make you,” I said.

  She sat across from me and watched as I called my element to gather the materials. With her no longer asking questions or touching me, I let my magic calm me. No matter what worries I had, it always released my fears. I embraced the warm tingle of my gift and let myself connect with the Earth.

  When I finished the dress made from vines and flowers, she exclaimed, “I love it. You should make these for my friends.”

  “You didn't say there was anyone else here,” I said.

  “Oh no, I am definitely not the only one here.”

  “It doesn't matter. I am going home eventually.”

  “Why do you want to go back to the world you came from?” she asked.

  “I have a family I love there. I have an older sister and she is having a baby right now. I don't think that my father would survive losing someone else he loves,” I said.

  “Why is that?”

  “My father died when I was a baby and my mother disappeared before my fifth birthday. I lived with my sister and my grandmother. Even with my parents gone, I never missed out on love. Gram taught me to dance when I was little and it became my passion. When I was nine I performed my first solo at the Lunar Dance. It was also the night I found out my father was alive. Later in the night, my mother stole me from my bed as I laid sleeping. She brought me to her mansion on the hill. She had married a horrible man. I was so scared and alone until my sister saved me. I was so happy to see her. My sister really is the best. She threw a surprise party for me for my fifteenth birthday. The courtyard had been decorated with strands of twinkling lights and the food was amazing. I danced and danced until I thought my feet would fall off.”

  Rebecca yawned. She looked bored.

  “You've had such a sad life,” she said. “Everyone seems to leave you, Meg.”

  “No, my life has been really good. My mother left me but Gram always took great care of me. There have just been a few moments of sadness,” I said.

  “But, you were devastated when your grandmother died. She was your world,” she said, taking my hand.

  “How did you know my grandmother died?” I asked, removing my hand from hers.

  “You told me,” she said. She picked one of the flowers. “These are such a pretty color.”

  “I didn't. I am positive I didn't tell you she died,” I said.

  “Of course, you did. How else could I possibly know that?” she asked sweetly. “This place can confuse your mind. Tell me more about the day your grandmother died.”

  “I don't want to talk about that. I will tell you about the day my little sister was born,” I said, narrowing my eyes at her.

  “No, don't skip ahead,” she said.

  “When my sister was born, she had a full head of red hair. We were so happy to—”

  “Don't skip ahead! You were telling me about your horrible mother killing your grandmother. We have time to hear about babies later,” she said, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

  My mind began to race. I didn't tell her any of those things. She wanted to hear sad stories. She wanted me to cry.

  “Would you rather I only tell you my sad stories, Ladarsha? You seem to already know everything. Why don't you tell me about the day my sister died?” Standing up, I backed away from her.

  “What are you talking about, Meg? Your sister is alive. Why did you call me that name? You know my name is Rebecca,” she said, furrowing her brows.

  “Well, you're one of them if you're not her,” I said.

  “One of who?” she questioned. Her eyes fill with pity for me.

  “Your lies won't work. You're not going to trap my soul here with you,” I said

  The clouds covered the sun. A shadow fell over us. The vines I had called to block out the darkness parted. Black tendrils slithered through the opening.

  “Don't be cruel, Meg. I just want a little bit of your soul,” she said, licking her lips. Her beautiful face became lined and aged. “I know you have mor
e pain to share. Just a little bit more to ease my pain. We have not even got to the part about your sister leaving you. How did that make you feel?” As she spoke, a darkness began to pool under her, oozing out.

  The vines of the dress roughly twisted around her wrists and ankles. More vines grew from deep in the earth, pulling her to the ground. When she was pinned, I stood over her.

  “You will not feed on any of my sadness now or ever.”

  She struggled against the Earth magic but I had trapped her. The darkness of her magic turned to long, smoke like hands as they fought against my bindings. She began to scream. Tendrils from the sky entered her open mouth. Flesh began to melt and drip from her exposed skin, turning into black ooze. One arm broke free and she grabbed my leg.

  “You can't hide from us!” she shrieked.

  The Earth bound her arm again. It held her tightly to the ground but it would not hold her for long. The ooze had pooled under me, licking at my skin. I ran. I did not look back as I ran as fast as I could to get away from her. I reached the edge of the barrier I created. The vines parted for me. Stepping through it, I cocooned the sanctuary I had created. I could hide from her but for how long?

  Chapter 38

  The area I stepped into was barren and snow-filled. Looking down at the snow before me, I gazed at the blue sparkles coating the white powder. I couldn't decide if it was safe to cross over. Out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention. In the distance, there was a frosted pink willow swaying in front of a fence with a black iron gate. There was something about it that called me. When I reached the tree, I placed my hand on the trunk.

  “Please tell me which way to go,” I whispered.

  Kinema's green eyes appeared and slowly a face developed. This time her features were not gnarled bark but smooth skin. “Have you made your decision?”

  “No, please just let me go home. I can't pick either of the choices you gave me. I just want to find my way home,” I said.

  “There is no way for you to go back. You can only move forward. Which direction you choose is up to you.”

  “If you're forcing me to decide, how will I know which is the right one?” I asked, putting my hands on my hips and glaring.

  “Search yourself for the answers.”

  She blew the scent of lavender and vanilla at me. The fragrance was intoxicating. The gate before me blurred in and out of view. I felt an urgent desire to go through it.

  “May I pass?” I asked, my vision clearing. “I think I need to go this way.”

  “Do you think or do you know?” Kinema asked.

  The fence glowed a dazzling blue and white. Whatever was behind it, I needed to see for myself.

  “I know,” I said, confidently. “Please, may I pass?”

  The gates opened and a silver path shimmered, guiding me. Hesitantly, I passed through. I turned back to ask Kinema if I would be safe from Ladarsha but she was gone. Closing my eyes, I took a deep, cleansing breath and followed the trail.

  I felt a strange calmness. An aura surrounded me. Its pulsing touch brushed my skin. This magic felt like my mother's harsh magic with its persistence but soft like my grandmother's touch. The further I walked, the stronger the magic became. The cold air became stronger. The chill of the wind licked at my skin and I shivered. Suddenly, I felt unbearably cold, bone chilling cold. The cold grew stronger, as if my body was freezing.

  Is this what Winter feels like? I definitely don't want this.

  I continued to walk and my thoughts began to play with the thought of accepting my choices. I never wanted to be Winter. My gift of Earth held life and connection. I didn't want to be eternally cold and cause things to wither and die. It was cruel.

  My feet became difficult to move, as if I had cement shoes on. Looking down, I gasped. They were frozen solid. My fingers looked like long icicles, my hair now crystalized strings.

  Chapter 39

  As I walked along the path, it became steeper. Above me, silver sparks lit up the sky. When the path became too slick for my ice feet, I found myself needing to dig my nails into the icy ground to keep from sliding backwards. Slowly hand over hand, I struggled to climb the hill. When I finally reached the top, I was completely out of breath. My muscles burned under their icy wrap. Collapsing, I fought for air.

  How does my body ache if I am just a soul?

  As I watched the puffs of frozen air leave my mouth, I heard a soft childlike voice behind me. Dragging myself into a sitting position, I could see a little girl building a wall of snow bricks. The child looked to be around five years old. She was bundled up for the cold weather – puffer jacket, thick black pants and snow boots. She hummed as she scooped up snow, formed a brick, stacked it and repeated the process, smiling the entire time.

  She set another brick onto her wall and turned to me. “Are you here to help me?”

  “What do you need help with?” I asked, standing up.

  “I am going home as soon as I open the portal. Can you help me?” she asked Her blue eyes were wide and innocent, surrounded by thick black lashes, just like my brother. When she looked at me, I could see Miles in her face, helpless and full of hope. This couldn't be a trick. There could be no evil in her. “If you show me how, I will try.”

  “It is easy. Watch me.” Taking a mound of snow, she carefully patted each side until she held a perfect brick. “All you have to do is push it really hard together and it makes this.” Pointing at the snow, she said, “Now you try.”

  My first attempt was a misshapen triangle which sent her into a fit of giggles.

  “No, like this,” she said, demonstrating again.

  The bricks I made were not like hers at first but soon I could make my own. She hummed and softly giggled while we continued to add to her wall. It was so comforting being with this small child after my escape from the darkness. She didn't question me and I didn't feel the need to talk. There was nothing she wanted from me except my help to build her wall.

  When she placed the last brick, she said, “Now I just need one last thing.”

  Taking a mound of snow, she formed a ball and stuck it on top of one of the middle bricks. The earth began to shake and crack. I took her hand to protect her as a house burst from the ground destroying her creation. She looked on with wide anticipating eyes.

  A lavender painted house towered over us both. A heavy light flowed from the white trimmed windows. The shape of the building reminded me of somewhere I had been; I just couldn't quite remember where.

  Letting go of my hand, she beamed at me. “It's time for me to go now. Thank you.”

  I pulled off one of the purple flowers from my dress. “Here for you,” I said, gently placing it into her hand.

  “It is so pretty,” she said and hugged me tightly. Breaking away, she whispered, “I better go. They are calling me.”

  “I don't hear anything,” I said.

  “You don't? She is so scared. I need to go and tell her everything will be fine,” she said, wrinkling her brows.

  “Who's scared?” I asked as she walked towards the house.

  “Goodbye.”

  As she opened the door, I was blinded by the light emitting from it. As it softened, I could see her inside the building, twirling around as thousands of colorful bubbles covered her.

  “It tickles. Can you hear them calling my name now?” she giggled.

  “No, I can't. What is your name?” I asked, stepping closer.

  She curled into a tight ball, mimicking the orbs surrounding her. “They are calling me—”

  I could no longer see her.

  “Wait,” I called.

  It wasn't safe for a small child. She could get hurt. I entered the room to stop her but the orbs and the girl disappeared. Everything faded. My vision blurred and panic set in. I turned. The door was gone. In desperation I felt for the wall, pounding on the wood. It had all been a trick. I had trusted my instinct and it led me into a trap.

  Chapter 40

  I closed m
y eyes tightly and began to count. “Be brave, focus your energy, breathe slowly and remember I love you,” my grandmother's words filled my mind. I would be ready for whatever was before me if I just remembered everything my grandmother had taught me.

  On ten, I opened my eyes. I was standing in front of a lake. The blue water lapped against the shore creating white foam. A trail formed before me in the shape of stepping stones, stretching across the lake.

  I stared into the distance. At least I wasn't trapped in a room filled with soul stealers but I was not sure that my new path was safe.

  “Why are you waiting?” a young boy said. “The water won't bite.”

  “Are you a soul stealer?” I asked.

  “Ewww, one of those? No way,” he said, puffing out his chest. “I have chased them away from my lake.”

  As I considered his bright blue eyes, I recognized the boy. There was no doubt in my mind that I was standing before Cole Sands. It was a younger version of my brother-in-law but it was definitely him. It didn't make sense for him to be here. He needed to be with Mara.

  “Cole? Why are you out here?” I asked.

  “I am watching over my water. I have to protect it,” he said. “You're dripping all over the place. Did you already go swimming?”

  Examining my body, I was surprised. I was no longer a frozen piece of ice. Running to the edge of the water, I knelt down and stared at my reflection. My skin was peachy, my body solid again. My brown hair was lighter but the rest of me had returned.

  “No, I am great! My body is back,” I said.

  Cole raised his eyebrows as if he was questioning my sanity.

  “Really, I am fine. Now tell me why you're here,” I said.

  Cole sat down on the edge of the lake and began to splash the water with his feet. Sitting next to him, I decided to let him tell me why at his own pace. We sat in silence while he stared into the waves. Suddenly, his face paled and he shivered.