Sometime later, Lyra stirred to turn and felt the warmth of Cullen’s body next to her.
Kenzo snored softly at his perch.
“You’re awake.” Cullen rubbed a hand along her leg. “I slept so much on the drive home, that’s not what my body needs. But, it’s pleasant watching your lovely face and how your hair spills over the pillow.” He lifted her hair away from her neck and let it fall through his fingers.
Pleasant shivers brought goosebumps along the skin of her arms.
“Your complexion is luminescent with the increased aura you’ve gained from your ancestors.” He waved a hand to a tray of food on a buffet table across the room. “Dinner was delivered some time ago, but I didn’t want to wake you. Your healing is important too.”
She padded to the table. After filling a plate, she rejoined him. “I’m starved. What time is it?” she mumbled through a mouthful of roast beef.
“About two hours after sunrise.” He rubbed a hand over her back while she ate. “That butterfly might have tipped off the cimafa rider. But I think we can exclude Tarom from the list of possible men who continue to chase you on that cimafa.”
“I agree. He doesn’t want my power. He didn’t even try to take it after he wounded me. What does he want though? He confuses me.”
“Independence. Peace. Exactly what we want. He’s just trying to find it along a different path.”
Lyra met Cullen’s gaze. “Did you know he wouldn’t kill you when you called his bluff?”
He nodded. “Yes. Just like he said…I could never kill him either. I hope I’m never in a position that requires me to do so.”
A rap on the door interrupted their conversation and jolted Kenzo awake. The Imperial Dragon entered, a wide grin exposing his teeth. “I couldn’t wait longer. I hope I’m not too early.” He bowed his head low. “I am in debt to your efforts. Thank you. I trust you have the last book with you?”
Cullen fished in his bag and pulled out the copy by Sorcha, handing it to the leader.
He gingerly turned it over and opened the cover. “I’m eager to hear the events of your journey and make some future plans, but I’ll wait until the Unicorn and Phoenix arrive. They should be here very soon.” He looked from Lyra to Cullen. “Are you each restored enough to join in celebrations?”
“If there’ll be ale, I’m ready now,” Kenzo said as he stretched his wings wide.
“Indeed, well enough for that.” Cullen looked to Lyra.
“I’m fine, just groggy. I’d like to clean up before any big party.”
“We shall meet with the Guardians now. Later today, the residents of the Meadow of Peace are organizing a large welcome. There, I intend to decorate all involved, including Noba, and Yasqu for their bravery.” He nodded to Lyra. “When you’re finished, we’ll go to my study.”
After a last bite of roast potatoes, she replaced her plate on the buffet. “Ready.”
***
The other three Guardians were present in the Imperial Dragon’s private office when they arrived.
The Imperial Dragon held up Sorcha’s book for display.
The Unicorn lifted his horn and snorted, while the Phoenix flew around the room, her tail blazing golden light.
After the leader placed it on a library table, the Tortoise raised up on his hind legs to take a closer look.
“Let us join together and hear the account of Scribe Lyra and Sire Drake’s quest. I hear Sire Kenzo also played a role.” The Imperial Dragon motioned them all to settle.
Lyra and Cullen sat on a bench with Kenzo perched on the back between them. They took turns recounting their adventure, receiving many startled looks when Tarom relented and offered his aid.
“A very surprising and revealing quest,” the Tortoise reflected. “Lyra, we will use that information as we work together with these recovered volumes.”
“The Tortoise is correct.” The leader cleared his throat. “There is work yet to be done, mostly by him and Lyra. But the rest of us may be needed as aids.”
“Doesn’t possession of this collection safeguard the Alliance from wrongful acts by the Black Dragon and his Dark Realm? What is left to be done?” the Unicorn asked.
“Yes, in part. This restores my powers to monitor his whereabouts and any energy transfers throughout Dragonspeir. We will essentially be a step ahead of any actions he may take against us. However, to completely overthrow his power there is one more task.” He faced Lyra. “In your account of what happened the past few days, your power increased once each missing Book of Dragonspeir touched your hands.”
“Yes. It feels as though my power has doubled,” Lyra replied.
“That transfer is automatic through your inheritance. With work, the power in that set of books can also strengthen the collective of the Alliance.” The leader nodded to the Tortoise. “Please continue since this is your area of expertise.”
He extended his neck and cleared his throat. “In journal entries, it has been recorded that the content of the books together reveal a single method. Each supplies a piece of the puzzle. When employed, the method will overthrow the rule of an opposing realm. Lyra, it is your job to read each book carefully. You alone have the insight of a Scribe to read between the lines written by your ancestors. I will serve as your chief aide, supplying supplemental references as needed.”
Lyra nodded. “The task makes sense to me. I read Brigid’s quickly, without knowing to look for clues, and stumbled upon many. One led us to where she stored her copy of Sorcha’s book. The few pages of Elisabeth’s book I read are packed with hidden meanings. I understood those while the literal meanings of the words didn’t convey nearly the same content.”
“We’ll begin our studies after you take a day or two to attend to your home and job in the other world,” the Tortoise replied.
“Very good. I’m glad you two have already sampled the task ahead. Upon completion of that work, you will become fully afflated and gain the last of the golden bookmarks,” the leader said as he walked to the main door.
Lyra’s heart soared. Compared to her previous dangerous quests, the scholarly assignment seemed a lot like her years at college and as a literature professor. One easy step, then she and Cullen could live together in one world.
The Imperial Dragon spoke to someone in the corridor. When he returned, the gemmator, Faber, followed him. “Scribe Adalyra, for your outstanding service to the Alliance, the Guardians wish to present to you a sorcerer’s staff.”
Faber opened his knapsack and produced a diminished staff. With a wave of his hand, he proclaimed, “Cresco!” The staff enlarged to a length of five feet. With a wide smile, he handed it to Lyra. “When we met last, I sampled your aura. Let’s hope I matched you well enough that this will align properly.”
Lyra accepted the staff, and the gemmator bowed low. “Oh. I…I’m honored. And it’s lovely. It has a quartz orb like Cullen’s, but the top crystal is gold. What stone?”
“It’s a rare golden sapphire.”
Cullen leaned in and kissed Lyra’s temple. “I’m very proud of you. And now I have the chance to return your favor by helping align your new staff.”
The Imperial Dragon led them all into his observatory. “Like we did for Sire Drake, you will locate the brightest star present in your fire element. Pull its power toward you. We will do the rest.”
Lyra found Regulus, the main star of the fire sign Leo, beginning its path across the sky. “I’m ready,” she said, wrapping her fingers around the smooth carvings of the shaft.
The Guardians and Cullen held onto each other, forming a circle. Their energy rotated in a circular pattern through her. Sparks formed as it crossed from one to another. The staff vibrated with electric current. Slowly the quartz lit first from the center, then spread to illuminate the entire globe. The sapphire flashed once before it burst into a blaze, shooting yellow-gold lasers in all directions around the circular observatory.
The Unicorn snorted loudly and cheered. “Miraculous
staff!”
“Perfectly aligned!” Cullen called out, with a nod to Faber, who stood grinning in the doorway. Turning back to Lyra, he said, “Now you get to make the first test.”
They all stepped back, faces lit with smiles.
She scanned the staff from base to apex and gave it a slight twirl. The metal hummed with vibrations next to her skin. A moment later, a halo of golden light draped the perimeter of the observatory’s ceiling. “It’s so easy to channel my power where I want it. Thank you all for this gift.”
“No thanks are needed, Lyra. You earned it, laying peace at our feet,” the Phoenix sang sweetly.
***
That afternoon, Lyra and Cullen rode toward the Meadow of Peace on Yord, surrounded by the Imperial Dragon, Yasqu, Oasth, and dozens of blue dragons. They landed at one side of the large clearing, amid cheers and happy cries from thousands.
Tables were laid with fixings for a party that would last long into the night.
She waved to Kenzo and Noba perched and waiting for her on the speaking platform. The little pseudodragon hopped when he saw her. His crooked smile warmed Lyra’s heart.
Before she dismounted from the dragon’s back, she looked over the sea of joyful faces. In their expressions, she saw the same hopes and dreams she felt touching each of the ancient books. She imagined the faces of each Scribe peeking out at her between members of the crowd. She looked at each one. I will finish what you gave your lives to begin. I will overthrow the Dark Realm.
*** The End ***
Back to series contents
~*~
STAUROLITE
Enchanted Bookstore Legend Four
by
Marsha A. Moore
~*~
Staurolite: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Four
An epic fantasy romance novel by Marsha A. Moore
Lyra McCauley, current Scribe of the Alliance, is the only one who can decode magic hidden in the recently retrieved ancient texts written by her ancestors, the first four Scribes. Information in those writings can help Lyra locate the four missing keystones, which will restore power to the Alliance and allow overthrow of the Dark Realm. With peace restored, she and her beloved, Cullen, could finally marry.
Time is short with the Black Dragon’s Dark Realm increasing attacks to avenge the death of his heir. Many innocent lives are lost. Alliance residents are forced into hiding. Magicals and blue dragons follow leadership of the Imperial Dragon and the other three Guardians into battle to defend the Alliance.
While Lyra unlocks the ancient magic, she opens herself up to scribal powers from her ancestors. She alone can fight the deadliest of the Dark Realm’s forces—the cimafa stealth dragons—but at a cost. The energy flux threatens her health and ability to learn where to find the missing keystones. Can Lyra overcome this shrewd tactic of the Black Dragon to decimate the Alliance?
Cast of Characters
Aunt Jean: Lyra’s aunt who died recently, during Lyra’s first quest when she wrote her Book of Dragonspeir; also a descendant of Scribe Brigid; lived in cottage on Lake Huron in upper Michigan, passing the property to Lyra.
Bear-asp: a guard in the lair of the Dark Realm during the time of the first Scribe, Elisabeth.
Black Dragon: leader of the Dark Realm; succeeding his father to his position of power; although small compared to the golden, blue, or bronze dragons, he is vile, evil-tempered, and abusive, obsessed with death and takes comfort in the sickening-sweet aroma of drowned, rotting carcasses; his body is grim and skeletal, with eyes lying deep in their sockets between two great horns that curve forward and down, the flesh of his face is partially deteriorated or burnt from his acidic drool; his method of attack is spitting caustic acid; lives in a mountain lair at the edge of Silva Nocens, the dark forest.
Brigid: fourth Scribe, who wrote her Book of Dragonspeir in the year 1800.
Cimafa: a type of small evil stealth dragon, whose aura is invisible; covered in black shimmering scales with two pairs of horns that extend back from its elongated head; flames ring its nostrils and eyes; the only obvious sign of its approach is the chilling shriek echoing from the gaping mouth, through rows of pointed teeth; lives to steal and feed on auras from others, leaving them soulless; some higher magicals have bargained with portions of their own auras to command and ride these beasts for evil purposes.
Circutamina: tree spirits who live inside specific tree species; protect their trees; less than two feet tall with thick, wrinkled skin; emit white light.
Draora: a powerful witch who was a friend and relation to Scribe Brigid in Nawbone, Indiana; now a ghost who protects the family keep, a honey tree where valuables are stored.
Eburscon: present status unknown after being exiled by the Guardians of the Alliance, a consequence of his attempt on the lives of Lyra and Cullen; previous position was Imperial Alchemist of the Alliance; haughty demeanor earns him few friends.
Elisabeth: first Scribe, who wrote her Book of Dragonspeir in the year 1200.
Etes: the Matan pseudodragon owned by Kon in Terza.
Faber: gemmator craftsman who enables gemstones to store magical energy for the Alliance magicals
Fire drakes: minions of the Black Dragon.
Garrett: Sire Garrett, the Imperial Alchemist and beloved of the first Scribe, Elisabeth.
Gatekeeper Cranewort: tremendous magical tree who guards the Crossroads of paths which lead to all places in the Alliance; he raises his roots as barricades to those who pass; also responsible for monitoring deaths and release of souls throughout all of Dragonspeir in order to send his giant cranes to assist their passage; expert in clairvoyance; kind and fatherly, he remembers Lyra from when she was a young girl and takes pride in her accomplishments.
Gea: Yasqu’s mother; a huge golden dragon with wingsails that ripple along the length of her flanks; kind, fair, and intelligent.
Guardians: the governing council of the Alliance faction of Dragonspeir; all four wear sapphire pendants which help the Head Guardian, the Imperial Dragon, to communicate with them; each possesses a magical aura of silver, white, or blue that can surround their bodies when called upon; these represent the colors of the Alliance.
Hanish: the elderly Alliance lapidist at the time of the first Scribe, Elisabeth; more powerful than a gemmator, he could alter magical properties of gemstones.
Heilia: she possessed unusual, advanced magical power as a seer for the Alliance during the time of the third Scribe, Sorcha; an ancestor of Kessa.
Imperial Dragon: the Head Guardian of the Alliance; a huge golden dragon, the largest type in Dragonspeir; fair and intelligent, he has inherited his position from his father, also a gold; lives in a mountain lair at the edge of the Steppe of Ora, the great plain dividing the Alliance and Dark Realm; all Imperial Dragons are guided by Air elements..
Kenzo: silver-striped tiger owl wizard’s assistant to Cullen; has ice blue eyes and a four-foot wingspan; an overachiever since his sole magical talent is extraordinary swift flight; a jokester with a penchant for ale and given to puffing his feathers over his own achievements, but enormously dedicated.
Kessa: the ten-year-old crippled girl brought to the Alliance lair by her mother, Nillea, during outbreak of war in the village at the Meadow of Peace.
Kon: the Head Elder of the Malificates of Terza; met with the first Scribe, Elisabeth, over eight hundred years ago; hungry to regain the power he once had before the Vizards overpowered the Malificates.
Lyra McCauley: thirty-five-year-old woman who discovers her destiny to be the fifth Scribe of the Alliance of Dragonspeir; she accepts her position and serves the Alliance with efforts to overthrow the Dark Realm of Dragonspeir; engaged to marry Sire Cullen Drake once she gains enough magical afflation to become immortal and bring peace to Dragonspeir; guided by the Aries Fire element.
Mimio: sorceress and assistant to the Tortoise; a tall older lady with gray hair gathered under a light blue headband; she carries a wand with stars dangling from its tip rather
than a staff common to other high order wizards.
Nareene: second Scribe, who wrote her Book of Dragonspeir in the year 1400.
Nillea: overly protective mother of Kessa.
Noba: pseudodragon wizard’s familiar to Cullen; stands three feet tall with tiny clawed wings, resembling a true dragon; does breathe fire, but his best defense is his poisonous barbed tail; naïve but lovable and loyal, possessing a true heart that melts others.
Oasth: warlord to the Imperial Dragon’s Alliance; a burgundy fire drake with a flighty, aggressive nature; born in the Dark Realm, he was too good-natured and forgiving to remain, but could not tolerate the magic required to turn his scales a shade of Alliance blue.
Raylene: distant cousin to Lyra; lives in Nawbone, Indiana where Scribe Brigid once lived; distant grand-daughter to Draora, a powerful witch who was a friend and relation to Scribe Brigid; possesses limited magical ability.
Rotters: rat-people of Terza.
Scorpents: dragon-size, fearsome creatures of Terza; controlled by the Vizards; have heads of a cobra, mid-sections bearing jointed appendages, and tails in two parts: snake rattler and scorpion stinger.
Sire Cullen Drake: Imperial Sorcerer of the Alliance of Dragonspeir; 220 years old and made immortal by use of Alliance power; sworn to serve as protector of the current Scribe of the Alliance, Lyra McCauley; fiancé to Lyra; lives a double life as the owner of Drake’s Bookstore in the human world; guided by an Earth element.
Enchanted Bookstore Legends (5-book complete epic fantasy romance box set) Page 84