Enchanted Bookstore Legends (5-book complete epic fantasy romance box set)

by Marsha A. Moore

  “What are our weaknesses? Can they be bolstered?” asked the Unicorn.

  “When we bargained for the pestilence cure, those who helped only had supplies to make enough potion for the six drinking water wells. People remain at risk through the livestock and crops watered from the agriculture wells,” Cullen replied.

  “Those wells could be sealed off,” suggested the Tortoise.

  “He’d only find another way to come after us.” Unable to contain his flames any longer, Oasth handed the scroll to Cullen. “We need to block him on a bigger scale, undermine his power,” the drake said through a sputter of sparks hurled onto the ground.

  “We must brace for battle.” The Unicorn pounded the dirt with a hoof.

  “I’m not prepared for warfare,” the Imperial Dragon replied. I don’t possess enough power over the Dark Realm. Before the death of his heir, the Black Dragon outbalanced me. Now, although we are more equal, he has a personal reason fueling his anger. I have plans in place to overthrow him, but they are far-reaching and may not be quick enough.”

  Quiet fell over the group.

  “I have an idea.” Lyra broke the silence and took a step forward. “We talked with the pair of Malificates who made the potion for us. They are advanced magicals in Terza. In trade, we gave them…I gave them a rough draft of my bloodswear quest report. They wanted our magical jadestones, but I couldn’t give those up since they helped me save Cullen’s life. When the son read—”

  “You gave them the account of you killing the heir to the Dark Realm?” The Tortoise gasped, his neck craned out, eyes bulging. “Do you have any idea what they might do with that knowledge?” He shook his head.

  The Phoenix flew to the center, glaring at the Tortoise. “Let her continue. She has saved lives over and over again.” After he partially withdrew into his shell, the Lady of Peace hovered next to Lyra.

  Lyra shook inside, hoping her action didn’t bring more problems. “When the son skimmed that manuscript, he recognized a reference to the title of the Book of Dragonspeir. I had written that there were three missing books, all copies of each thought to have been lost or accidentally destroyed. If somehow discovered, possession of the entire set would give the Alliance power to overthrow the Dark Realm. The son shared that he had seen the title on a book in the collection of a Malificate leader, a friend of his, and encouraged me to return and offer a trade for that missing volume.”

  The Tortoise popped far out of his shell, but that time his lower jaw dropped open.

  “Lyra, a wonderful stroke of luck.” The Unicorn lifted his horn to the sky, long wisps of his aura dancing around him.

  “Not luck. Her scribal aura guides her instinctively.” The Imperial Dragon sat before her, tucking his tail to one side.

  “Every bit as remarkable as what is recorded about Elisabeth.” The Tortoise edged nearer to her. “Please accept my apologies for mistrusting you.”

  “It’s fine, but I don’t feel like I’m powerful. I’m certain Elisabeth was a leader, but I’m just me, doing my best. And it was her book they claim is in Terza, the very first—”

  A collective gasp interrupted her.

  With his horn, the Unicorn traced a viewing circle on the ground, showing a massive fire from some past time. “We accepted that all copies of that book had been lost centuries ago in a fire.” He looked to the Tortoise. “Is it possible one still exists?”

  “Considering that Elisabeth did travel to Terza on a bloodswear quest, which could only be performed after she wrote the first Book of Dragonspeir, it is,” the eldest Guardian replied.

  The Imperial leader’s pupils glowed a brilliant blue-green. “Since you’ve both survived the trip to Terza once, it seems possible you could again…if you are willing. The validity of the word of those Malificates is substantiated by the success of their cure.”

  “Does each book add power, or only when the entire set is unified?” Cullen asked.

  “Each volume possessed by the Alliance will slightly increase the Guardians power, but the sum is said to have tremendous impact. That knowledge is among the written orders of the Alliance from past leaders, but has never been tested. The entire collection of five books should solidify our ability to overthrow darkness in Dragonspeir in favor of fairness and good. The missing books were written by Scribes Elisabeth, Sorcha, and Nareene in the Dragonspeir years of 1,200, 1,400, and 1,600, respectively. Many copies of the books written by Scribes Brigid and our Adalyra are in existence, but the earlier three were assumed lost. If copies exist, they are exceedingly rare. Many have searched unsuccessfully, but this possibility seems worthwhile.” The Imperial Dragon leaned forward as if waiting for her acceptance.

  Lyra looked around from one to the next, reading anticipation in each face: the Warlord’s determination; the hope of the Phoenix; the dedication of the Imperial Dragon; the Tortoise’s eyes filled with awe; the sincere respect and honor of the Unicorn. But, it was Cranewort’s expression, beaming with pride that brought tears to Lyra’s eyes. She turned to Cullen and blinked back the watery film. “Will you go with me?”

  A wide smile lit his face. He leaned in and gently kissed her lips.

  The Phoenix darted in all directions, almost burning the Tortoise with her tail flames.

  Oasth spun the Tortoise out of her path and let out a happy roar to the sky.

  The Unicorn shook the length of his mane.

  The Imperial Dragon took hold of the wing tip of the Phoenix and danced with her until flames surrounded them both.

  Cranewort scooped Lyra into his branches for one of his fatherly hugs.

  Lyra leaned away and held out her hand to Cullen, pulling him into a group embrace. Over his shoulder, she noticed leaves moving at the portal to Terza and wondered if the wind or her tired mind played tricks on her vision.

  Chapter Eight: One Woman Strong Enough

  Lyra noticed a claw-like hand reach the top step of the connector to Terza. “The portal!” Lyra spun away and pointed to the far side of the Crossroads.

  Cranewort acted fast and swept one of his heaviest branches above the passage. Leaves blew away, revealing an opening of about two feet, much smaller than what Lyra and Cullen had passed through. “Eradico!” the ancient tree bellowed so loud, Lyra felt his breath lift strands of her hair. He grimaced and forced the end of the branch down the tunnel. Reaching, he leaned his thick trunk more forward than she thought it could possibly bend.

  The Phoenix whipped into a fireball and shot away from the Crossroads. The remaining Guardians joined Lyra and Cullen around the hole.

  “Almost got him…no, slipped away.” The Gatekeeper’s face contorted into deeper furrows. He withdrew the branch, its end twigs scaled of bark. “Felt like just a rat, by the scrawny tail. Nasty rodent gnawed off my new bark.” He dipped his bare twigs into a shallow bog beside a trail.

  “Only a rat. Good thing,” the Tortoise said.

  “A bigger sort than the likes of those we have here.” The ancient tree pulled up his branch, the tender tips repaired with shiny, smooth new bark.

  “The species in Terza is extremely large,” Cullen said, then looked at Lyra. “Hopefully, it wasn’t a Rotter.”

  She nodded.

  The Imperial Dragon removed the pair of Axiolite Obsidians from a rocky depression at Cranewort’s base. “I sense some unsettling energy. I’m going to seal this portal for the evening, so we may all get some rest. It’s been a long day, my friends.”

  The stones, resting side by side in his foreclaw, pulsated in unison with brilliant white light.

  He leaned down and placed one on the rim of the portal, while he kept the other and circled it above the opening. Lines of radiance cut the air between the stones. Boulders and soil moved and cemented in place. “Done,” he proclaimed, and covered the one obsidian with leaves and dirt.

  “What happens if that stone you left is taken?” Lyra asked. “We need to be able to get back there and get that book.”

  The leader g
rinned, exposing a row of sharp teeth. “It isn’t able to move or be moved without its mate. He opened his claw to expose the other of the matched pair. “And I keep that one secure among my personal instruments in my lair.” Raising his long neck, he addressed the group. “Who will remain in the Meadow to keep watch through the night in case a medical concern arises?”

  “I accept, my lord.” With a sweep of his tail, Oasth stood at attention.

  “And I will relieve you promptly at dawn,” added the Unicorn.

  “Very well. Sire Drake and Lady Lyra, please strengthen yourselves for this journey since no lives are in immediate danger. Your safety is paramount.”

  “When should we leave for Terza?” Lyra asked.

  “Take at least a full day to rest,” the leader replied.

  Cullen nodded. “We’ll plan for dawn the day after tomorrow.”

  “Good. Now, let us each find some much-needed rest.” The Imperial Dragon unfolded his wings.

  “Indeed, very needed,” added the Tortoise. He methodically expanded his aura and transported from a silver cloud.

  Cranewort’s leaves whipped when the two dragons and the Unicorn took flight.

  The couple said their goodnights to the Gatekeeper. They transported the short distance to Cullen’s cabin in the nearby woods.

  ***

  As soon as their mist settled, Lyra spotted Cullen’s tiger owl assistant. Kenzo perched on a low branch overhanging the entrance to the porch steps. She gave a wave, and Cullen nodded.

  Kenzo spread his wings, the silver stripes shining in the rays of the setting sun. “You two look spent. Rumors are spreading fast about the Black Dragon’s new message.” He blinked one eye, then the other, and hopped closer to them. “Any hints from the High Council meeting?”

  Cullen held up a hand. “One moment. I need to secure the cabin first.” He directed them onto the porch. “Contego!” he declared, waving his wizard’s staff across the expanse of the entry. He took a seat on a twig rocker and lowered his voice. “We’ll be going back into Terza very soon.”

  The owl quick-stepped along the railing to stand directly across from his master.

  After a pleasant March day, the night brought a cool breeze. Lyra sunk into the nearest rocker and pulled her cloak closed.

  “Was Terza as bad as the nursery rhymes?” Kenzo asked.

  “I’m afraid so.” Cullen reclined into the chair and ran a hand through his hair.

  “Were there really Vizards and scorpents?”

  Lyra nodded. “And rat people called Rotters.”

  Kenzo rotated his head 180 degrees, checking the woods and lake. He snapped it forward and whispered, “What do you need to do this time?”

  Cullen leaned up. “Get Elisabeth’s Book of Dragonspeir.” His voice was so low, Lyra strained to hear.

  The feathers ruffled on the owl’s neck. “Master, may I go along to help?”

  Cullen glanced at Lyra as if he was reading her mind. Her brain felt tired, unable to process after the happenings of the past day. If he discovered her opinion, she hoped he would share it.

  Kenzo turned his neck to face one then the other.

  “Thank you for volunteering. That is very brave of you.” Cullen stood and stroked his owl’s neck. “We’ll let you know after we rest. Right now, I think sleep is in order.”

  “I’ll keep watch here on the porch through the night,” the owl announced, lifting his head high.

  Upstairs in the loft bedroom, Lyra changed into a conjured nightgown and relaxed against the featherbed, pulling the down comforter up to her chin. The crisp white linens held the chill of the unheated cabin, and she reached for Cullen when he came to bed.

  Lifting the covers, he peeked underneath. “Long sleeves rather than skimpy lace? You must be cold.” He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her.

  “Brr. Yes. Did you—”

  “I already started a fire and placed an incantation to spread the warmth up here.”

  She snuggled closer to his side. “Spread some this way.”

  After a few minutes, Lyra wiggled her toes, freed from the chilly stiffness. A different warmth spread from her heart—the magical heat of their love. Then, a thought from Cullen flashed into her mind. He actually considered taking Kenzo along, but worried he couldn’t use his magic well enough there to protect his assistant.

  Lyra lifted up on an elbow and stared at Cullen. “You didn’t send me that thought. I just read your mind. I wasn’t even looking into your eyes to guess like I usually do. What has changed?”

  He caressed one of her curls that hung down. “Interesting. I wonder…try it again with space between us.”

  She scooted a foot away and avoided his gaze. “It’s not as clear, just fragments.”

  “You’re channeling through the bond of our magical love.” He pulled her to him again. “Do you read me now?”

  “Oh yes!” She laughed. “That’ll have to wait until morning. I’m way too tired.”

  He pointed toward where their cloaks lay draped over the back of a wooden side chair. “Look at our jade brooches.” The paired lovers’ jadestones radiated pale green light, directed to each other.

  “This must mean I’ve gained some afflation,” Lyra said, brushing hair aside for a better view of the gems.

  “Yes. You’ve accomplished much: your recent bloodswear quest, gaining the second bookmark from completion of sorcery studies, and now a journey into Terza to help the Alliance. You’re unlocking more of your inherited scribal powers.”

  “I can tell that a lot of my power comes when I connect to my birthmate star, Hamal, the main star of Aries. All the Scribes were born under fire signs. Since I can’t locate my star underground in Terza, I’m going to take along some of the celestial dew I collected earlier.”

  “Good idea. That should allow you to use the star’s power there.”

  She lay back and snuggled under the covers.

  He pulled her close. “It won’t be long and you’ll have enough afflation to become immortal. We’ll be able to join our lives.” He pressed his lips to her cheek and soon found her mouth for a gentle kiss.

  “Treating all those pregnant women made me think of us and our future…maybe having a family.” Lyra hesitated, not sure if he wanted to have children.

  “I don’t know if it’s possible…I’m so old, over 220.” He squeezed her hand, but said no more.

  She channeled her aura closer to the tingling warmth at her heart, hoping that might improve her ability to read his thoughts. Probing his mind, she found it filled with images of playing with a baby. She smiled and watched his thoughts until they intertwined with her dreams.

  ***

  Eyes still half closed, Lyra lifted off the comforter and swung her feet to the worn planked floor. As she stood, she noticed her cozy flannel gown had been replaced with a sheer black nightie, and the other half of the bed was empty. Smells of eggs and toast floated up from the kitchen.

  Cullen carried a breakfast tray as he stepped into the bedroom. “Some pampering before another hard day.” He placed it on the foot of the bed, picked up a muffin, and pulled a chair alongside.

  “This is so nice. Thank you.” Lyra settled next to the tray and took one of the two plates filled with omelets.

  “I’m thinking we should depart before dawn tomorrow to keep our exit as secret as possible. We’ll stay at the lair tonight and leave from there, so gather what you need from here.”

  Lyra nodded as she forked a few bites of the cheesy eggs. “I think we should take Kenzo. He was a big help to me on my last quest. I couldn’t have made it through Versula without him.”

  “I agree. Anyone else? Noba?” Cullen moved forward and picked up a plate.

  “I love the little guy, but won’t we be continually watching out for him?”

  “I’m concerned about that. However, pseudodragons are rumored to have originated in Terza. Perhaps that will be to our advantage.”

  Lyra sat up straighter. “
I didn’t know. All right, but let’s ask the Guardians for their opinions.” She replaced her empty plate onto the tray and finished with a few swallows of juice. After removing the napkin from her lap, she raised an eyebrow. “Why am I wearing a different nightie?”

  The corners of Cullen’s goatee lifted into the sly grin she loved. With a flick of a finger, he made the tray vanish and took a seat next to her. He ran a hand lightly over the bare skin of her thigh. “If you’re cold, I can help.” He found her lips for a soft kiss.

  As they caressed and intertwined, tingles shot across Lyra’s skin, so intense she caught her breath. Like her enhanced ability to read his mind, the magical sensations of their love had also increased. Tracing her hands across the edges of his firm muscles, she shivered and felt grateful, once again, they had survived another hardship and were still together.

  During their intimacy, she momentarily pushed aside her passion in order to read his thoughts. One clear idea wove through a blur of ecstasy—a pure feeling of love for her. She let go to the waves of pleasure, allowing one to crash over her body and mind.

  ***

  As Lyra dressed and prepared to leave, she thought about the new sensations of their lovemaking. She wondered if living over two centuries left Cullen infertile. She hoped not, but they’d been together many times without her becoming pregnant. Elisabeth gave birth to a baby with her lover, an Alliance alchemist. He must have been much older than her, but how much Lyra didn’t know. She hoped Elisabeth’s Book of Dragonspeir held some answers.

  “Ready?” Cullen asked, pulling her out of deep concentration. She was glad to see his smiling face. It seemed he didn’t read her recent thoughts. She loved him regardless of whatever happened in their futures and didn’t want him to misunderstand.

  Lyra nodded and fastened her cloak with the jade brooch. She picked up her pack and added an amber bottle of celestial dew she had made last winter when Hamal shone high in the sky.

  Out on the porch, his bowl of grain pecked clean, Kenzo stretched his wings to their full four-foot span. He opened his beak wide into a yawn as he turned toward them. “Morning to you both. Have you decided?”