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

by Marsha A. Moore

  “I recognize the auras, ancient Alliance magic.” The Tortoise peered over her shoulder. “These must have been in Nillea’s family for a long while. Interesting.”

  “I’m curious but must get to work again.” She nodded to the Tortoise and took her seat at the table littered with books and notes. “I’ll be putting in some long hours tonight.”

  “After that seizure, you might need some short sleeps.” Catching the grimace Lyra shot him, he added, “I’ll work as long as you do.” He lifted his shell onto the table edge and pushed his eyeglasses higher on his nose. “You have briefly overviewed each of the previous Books of Dragonspeir. To speed our studies, I think we should note highlights of each and scrutinize them for commonalities. Logically, that should help us quickly piece together the clues or code to unlock the combined power.”

  “Good idea. I jotted down notes of key ideas as I skimmed.” She pulled the pages out of her notebook and arranged them side by side. “I know one common thread already. Each of the Scribes before me came across a magical gemstone. Some were sought on their quests or others were discovered by accident. The similarity stood out to me, since I only received magical gems as gifts.”

  Lyra touched the brooch that fastened her collar. “The lovers’ jadestone brooches Cullen and I share were from you and Mimio. Fastened onto its pin is my opal invisibility ring, a gift from the golden dragon, Gea.” She fingered her scrying stone. “And the heliodor from the Unicorn. The others were given as honors: my bloodswear dragon ring with golden sapphire eye sets; my staff with quartz and golden sapphire at the top.”

  “If you wish, I may be able to assist your studies since one of my areas of expertise is mineralogy,” Mimio said as she moved the dinner tray into the hall.

  “Yes, please join us,” Lyra replied.

  “By all means, share your knowledge.” The Tortoise pulled a cushion out from under the table for the sorceress. “Lyra, explain your findings.”

  Mimio took a seat and peered over the notes.

  Lyra turned them around for her to see. “During Elisabeth’s primary quest, she was expected to learn if the Black Dragon in power at that time actually possessed the Emtori Ruby. He did. Later, on her bloodswear quest, she was asked to destroy that gem. This took her into the underground world of Terza, where it was originally mined, to learn about the dark properties of the stone. We have her written account of that journey, which I haven’t had time to even skim yet.”

  “Yes, those basic facts about Elisabeth are well known. How do the other Scribes tie in to your theory?” The Tortoise reached for the rest of Lyra’s notes.

  “Two hundred years after Elisabeth, Nareene became the Scribe during hard times. The Black Dragon controlled the Alliance as well as much of Dragonspeir. The Imperial Dragon in power asked her to find any way possible to bring energy into parts of Dragonspeir that still stood against the Dark Realm. She gave a copy of her Book of Dragonspeir to the King of Aria. The power in her book allowed him to establish reciprocating energy trades with the silver forest of Silva Caliga. The strength from that union enabled the forest to remain a neutral stronghold against the Black Dragon.”

  The Tortoise nodded. “Many Alliance residents took refuge in that bordering woodland, which allowed them to stay safe and rebuild defense.” He tilted his head to one side. “I’m confused. No gemstone was needed for Nareene’s deed that I’m aware of.”

  “There was a moonstone involved. Nareene received it when she went to Aria. I need to read more to know how she used it.”

  Mimio lifted one of her eyebrows. “Tell us about the others.”

  “The Imperial Dragon, the father to the one who leads us today, appealed to Scribe Sorcha to restore balance to the Sea of Cogadh. She was expected to find the magnificent Pearl of Pendola in—”

  “The enchanted tide pool,” the Tortoise interrupted.

  Lyra pushed back from the edge of the table. “Were you the Water Guardian then?”

  He chuckled. “I’m the oldest Guardian but not that old. My predecessor told me tales of how peaceful the Sea once was, before the Black Dragon stole the Pearl of Pendola from the Elementum Arcesso. I didn’t know Scribe Sorcha was involved.”

  “There’s a pattern developing.” Mimio turned the past page of notes toward her. Her finger moved down the lines, and a smile lit her face. “The elements! Each located a mineral corresponding to one of the four elements.”

  “Ruby is a fire stone.” Lyra recalled the heady power she felt holding a small ruby in her hand at Tarom’s retreat in Versula.

  “Yes.” The corners of Mimio’s eyes crinkled into deeper wrinkles, and her eyes sparkled. “Moonstone contains energy of the air signs, a pearl embodies the water element, and fluorite contains power from the Earth.”

  “Fluorite? I see that term here in your notes, Lyra. What is that? I’m not familiar,” replied the Guardian.

  “It’s purple and translucent,” Lyra explained. “When Brigid went home to Indiana to be with her dying mother, she wrote about a fluorite crystal that her cousin, Draora, gave her. Draora was a witch.”

  “So it’s not of Dragonspeir. And neither is moonstone, which is from Aria. Hmm.” The Tortoise rubbed a toe against his chin. “What types of powers did Draora possess? Like higher magicals?”

  “From what I saw of her ghost when Cullen and I were on her property, her power wasn’t anything like what sorcerers use here. Hers seemed to be tied to nature—bees and plants.” Lyra looked down at the table and envisioned the four gems—ruby, moonstone, pearl, and fluorite. The image of them together seemed like something she had seen before, a shred of a distant memory. She stacked the five books of Dragonspeir, placed her hands over them, and closed her eyes. The faded thread of the memory still lingered out of reach. Suddenly, a small flash of power shot through her fingers and into her brain, illuminating the mental image. Her eyes opened wide. “The Elementum Arcesso—those are the keys!”

  Chapter Four: The Emtori Ruby

  By the wide-eyed stares of the Tortoise Guardian and his assistant, Mimio, Lyra knew she caught them off guard. Anxious for their reaction, she twisted the end of her braid around a finger.

  Mimio shifted in her seat and faced the Guardian.

  Unable to wait, Lyra blurted out, “Is this possible? What does it mean?” Her gaze jumped from one to the other.

  The Tortoise cleared his throat. “Restoring use of the Elementum Arcesso to the Alliance would be miraculous. That device would certainly give us the ability to ward off all attacks on our people. This hope is worth celebrating. However, knowing those four key gemstones exist is one thing.” He lowered his voice and spoke more slowly. “Collecting and installing them on the pans is beyond the power of the Guardians. Much has been recorded on that topic.” His eyes met Lyra’s. “You may indeed possess an aura which is sufficient for the task. We don’t know your full capabilities. However, the seizures, which you’ve experienced while processing vast power, indicate this would pose enormous risk to your health.”

  “I’m going to try my best.” Lyra clamped both hands onto the table edge. “I need to find each of the stones.”

  He nodded. “I know you will. It is your destiny. On behalf of the Guardians, I pledge our support to you.” The Tortoise reached his front foot across the table.

  Lyra placed her hand on top of his. “Thank you.” The three looked at each other in silence for what seemed like a whole minute before she pulled Elisabeth’s book in front of her. “Clues to their locations must be hidden in these texts.” Lyra paused before she opened the cover. “Something confuses me. Why didn’t I have a key gemstone to add?”

  “I don’t have an answer,” he said, shaking his head.

  “I think the stones you were gifted will help us understand.” Mimio gave a knowing smile and pointed to Lyra’s half of the paired lover’s jadestones, set in the brooch at her collar. “That is an Earth gem, although less capable of storing elemental energy than fluorite.”
>
  Lyra fingered the carved leaves of the silver setting and caressed the smooth surface, sensing it sending and receiving calls from its mate that Cullen wore.

  “Your opal invisibility ring and golden heliodor scrying stone, which hangs from the brooch, are also lesser elemental stones. They correspond to water and air, respectively. And the necklace you wear to absorb dangerous strikes of magic attacking you—the black amber butterfly—is a minor gem of fire. I don’t think it was coincidence that you received a lesser member of each element.”

  The Tortoise peered over his eyeglasses at the gems as Mimio pointed them out. “So you think together these might have a unique function? Can they operate together?”

  “Most definitely their properties can unite when on the common field of Lyra’s aura. I feel certain they have increased your powers. Perhaps also made you more receptive. It’s my guess that they permit you to read the magic of each of the previous Scribes. Let’s hope they can help you locate the major elemental stones.”

  Lyra took all four stones at her throat into one hand. She waited, watching for any sensation. “I don’t feel anything from skin contact.”

  Mimio gave a slight smile. “We should have spent more time with our mineralogy lesson. All gifted gems I have seen imprint on their rightful owners. Proximity is helpful, like with your jadestone, but no direct contact is necessary.”

  “I hope you’re right that they will help me find the keystones. I’ll get started reading for clues.” Lyra opened the first Book of Dragonspeir.

  “Mimio, you’ve been most helpful. Please continue to aid us with your mineralogy knowledge,” the Tortoise said, stepping around the table to sit beside Lyra.

  ***

  Lyra scanned introductory chapters of Elisabeth’s book, looking for details relating to the Emtori Ruby. Passages often contained bits of interesting magic and pulled her attention to linger over a few expressive lines. Gathering her resolve, she pushed herself to read on with the promise to go back and fully enjoy those sections later.

  In the middle of the third chapter, she pointed a finger to the top of a page. “There. The first mention of Elisabeth’s gem. She waited for the Tortoise to read the scene.

  He peered over the upper rims of his spectacles at her. “This seems matter-of-fact. The Head Guardian is instructing her about the basic characteristics of the stone and her task of learning specifically what aid it provides the Black Dragon.”

  “Oh, with all the details I’m looking for, I forgot you read the text literally. Let me read aloud while you follow the words. That way you can understand the magic coded behind and between Elisabeth’s words.”

  “Yes. Please do.”

  Lyra ran her finger along the lines as she read.

  In the expansive outer chamber of his gallery, the Imperial Dragon bowed low. The long whiskers of his magnificent head grazed my feet. I stood in awe at the intensity of his aura. When he rose, he motioned to a large, shallow marble basin resting on a tall pedestal near a wall. It was filled with a most curious shimmering liquid, emitting vapors that cascaded over the edges and onto the floor. He looked at me squarely and said, “This Lacunna Ales, the grand augury pool, revealed to my father that a Scribe, the first of a familial lineage of powerful females, would come to the Alliance from a foreign land. She, and those who later assume her responsibilities, would work to maintain peace for the Alliance. I bow before you, Elisabeth, our first Scribe. I revere the power you have demonstrated thus far and am honored to have your assistance.” Again, he bowed his head.

  I returned his gesture while attempting not to betray how my limbs trembled with his solemn formality. If this indicated the importance of my destined task, I doubted whether I possessed the necessary skills. My chores at home, helping raise the young ones in our family once my mother passed, were demanding but intuitive. I prayed my inherent nature would guide me here as well.

  The leader rose and looked at me as if to continue his speech. Abruptly, he turned and paced a well-worn path along the wool carpet in the central aisle, glancing my way as he made his turns. His rippling golden scales reflected light from the window and wall sconces as he passed.

  His nervous manner made me eager to be relieved from my dreadful anticipation about what it meant to be a Scribe—the first of many women descendents. I swallowed hard, realizing I would mark a path for the daughters of my daughters.

  Finally, he continued to address me. “From the time those elemental gems were pilfered, the Guardians have worked tirelessly to thwart many attacks by the Black Dragon and his Dark Realm. The peoples of this land live watching the sky, ever worried about imminent attack. This is not acceptable. The elements of fire, air, earth, and water that govern us have destined you to serve the Alliance, the peaceful state of Dragonspeir.”

  He took a deep breath, his exhale slowly escaping through wisps of smoke ringing his nostrils. “I entreat you to locate the most dangerous of the keystones, the Emtori Ruby. Common belief holds that it is in the possession of the Black Dragon himself, stored deep within his lair in the mountainous caves on the far border of the Silva Nocens forest. Your duty to the people of our land will be to locate the stone and determine how the dark leader utilizes its powers.”

  I looked beside me to my guide, Sire Garrett, for additional insight. I leaned into him slightly, just enough to brush the skin of my hand against his and felt a trembling sensation, which did not offer any reassurance of my safety. I realized everyone in the room—the four Guardians, a few aged wizards, and three battle-scarred blue dragons—stared at me, waiting for my response as though some question had been posed. The severity of need, coupled with the irrefutable evidence I had been destined to this job, made the request feel more like an appointment. I nodded, and voiced words of affirmation I somehow cannot recall, despite how slowly it took my tongue to form them.

  As soon as I agreed, Garrett clasped both of my hands into his, sparking a wave of comingled magic and attraction that swept to my toes, like nothing I had experienced. In turn, others bowed to show their sincere appreciation. Wearing both smiles and furrowed brow lines, an odd mix of relief, hope, and fear showed in their faces. An icy chill slid down my spine—the fear of the unknown striking me with a delayed response.

  A hand stroked along my back, imparting tingling warmth I knew to be Garrett’s. “Elisabeth, don’t be afraid. I shall be with you at every step,” he whispered in my ear.

  I spun to face him, wanting to see if his eyes confirmed his words.

  “I’m happy to pledge my life to keep you safe.” His brown eyes glinted, and the corners crinkled. No one had ever spoken to me with such a pure spirit, filled with sincere conviction.

  I let out a sigh and trusted in him. I would find strength within me to help these people.

  Lyra exhaled slowly, matching Elisabeth’s action, and closed her eyes for a moment. “This scene is descriptive, but there is more to know hidden in the magic of her words.”

  “You were correct, Lyra. The Scribes were originally intended to restore the keystones to the Elementum Arcesso. What did the hidden magic reveal?” the Tortoise asked as he and Mimio leaned back and refocused on Lyra’s face.

  “At the beginning of the passage, the Lacunna Ales, the same one we still use today, did much more than shimmer and send up steam. The surface of the liquid reflected Elisabeth’s face, first as she appeared at the moment, then in a series of expressions she’d make during her quest. She was too afraid to report this observation, fearing what events would soon cause some of the horrible looks on her face. There were also blissful images of her smiles, reflecting more warmth than she had ever known before. She pulled her gaze away from the basin, worried that others would question how she was able to read it. Her magical powers frightened and confused her, just like I’ve felt many times.” Exhausted, Lyra propped her elbows on the table and cradled her head with her fingers massaging her temples.

  Mimio rose and started around the table. “Are y
ou all right, Lyra?”

  “I’m fine.” Lyra lowered her hands and took a deep breath. “While reading, I experience Elisabeth’s actual feelings. Those magnify my own. It’s pretty overwhelming and leaves me tired.” After allowing the sorceress to monitor her health signs, she continued. “The image of that ruby was strange. Its power caused Elisabeth to experience a painful tightening in her chest, which I felt, and she couldn’t even blink, let alone look away. Its control frightened her. And me too. She eventually made a clumsy effort to gather some of her aura and moved it behind her eyes to release her gaze. Curiously, no one else seemed to be looking at the image. All this made her wonder what dangerous powers the keystone possessed.”

  “Interesting how strongly it attracted her.” Mimio rubbed a thumb over the silver star on her bracelet as she often did while deep in thought. “I would expect some pull, since it’s a fire gem, but not that much. Did the Guardians during that era give her any information about the powers of the ruby?”

  “I think so.” Lyra thumbed forward in the text. “I remember skimming through another scene where she was having a lesson with the Imperial Dragon and an old wizard. They were preparing her for the quest. Here it is.” She paused, her eyes passing along the lines. “I’ll read again and try to include as much hidden meaning as I can pick up. Sometimes, I don’t grasp that until after I’ve read the scene.”

  A high-backed wooden chair, which the Imperial Dragon motioned me to take, engulfed my entire body.

  Garrett sat across the width of the carpet, too far for any easy communication. He perched on a bench, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. His head craned upward, the ends of his blonde pageboy haircut battled folds of his hood as he followed every movement the leader made. His anxious manner made me fidget, tracing my fingers along the carvings in the chair’s arms.

  Hanish, the elderly Imperial Lapidist, sat hunched at the other end of the bench. He seemed even more stooped than when I had met him the last time I was in the lair. Before, his skin sparkled with what Garrett told me was an ingrained layer of gemstone dust. Now his complexion resembled translucent alabaster, the fragile skin drawn tight over his eye sockets and jaw line.