House of Enchanted: The Revelations of Oriceran (Soul Stone Mage Book 1)

by Sarah Noffke

  The muttering witches and wizards trotted forward like zombies, trying to remember what they were about to say. Azure and Monet made it through the crowd that was spilling out of the house and onto the grounds.

  They got to her room and Azure unlocked the door. “My mother knew I was half human! Of course she did.” Azure struggled with the lock. “Thought you could keep it a secret! Even from me! Now everyone knows I’m different.” The door finally swung open as she marched into the room. She stood in the center, defiant. “I don’t feel any different. I’m still a witch. I still do magic. No, I say who I am and what that means.” She was breathing hard.

  She squeezed the gem in her hand. It was the perfect size and the perfect color. How can it mean something is wrong with me? “I decide,” she said, setting her jaw.

  “So you’re half human?” Monet remarked, a smirk on his face.

  She’d almost forgotten he was there. He liked to lurk.

  “Yeah, what the fuck is that about?” she said. “I can’t be half Terran. No…” She felt a pulsing in her palm, like the stone wanted out. She squeezed tighter.

  “Makes sense, because you’ve always thought you were better than me,” he teased.

  “I am better than you,” she countered simply.

  “All right, you shut yourself in here. I’m going to go spread rumors around Virgo about how I always knew you were half human because you’re magic is lame,” he said with a laugh.

  “Thanks,” she said sarcastically. “This is going to take some adjusting. I am half human. Aren’t we natural enemies? Can’t be.” Azure threw herself down on her canopy bed. I need answers, and fast.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The ancient clock in the hallway chimed the hour, as the door to Azure’s room slid open. Her mother kept her eyes low as she closed the door behind her and stopped, her hand resting on the glass knob at her back. She was ready to sprint from the room at any moment.

  Azure had configured a sunburst-fire dragon, and although small, it was prancing across the expanse of her room, its forked tongue flicking in the direction of the queen’s shoes.

  “Configurations are extremely difficult for young witches,” the queen commented, angling her wand at the yellow and orange dragon. It disappeared with a growl.

  Azure scowled at her mother. “I named him Zeppy,” she said, still angry and confused.

  “I realize this day has been a big shock.”

  “What? Gigantic jolt works. Oriceran quake works. Or even world-shattering. Mother, first you tell me you’re sick and now—”

  “I know, my little witch. I’m sorry. This is a lot to take in,” Emeri interrupted, sweeping across the room to the bed, where Azure was perched on the end. She took a seat next to her pressed her lips to her daughter’s forehead, surprising Azure.

  “My father is a human. It was a lie that he was a wizard from another land, wasn’t it?”

  Emeri nodded, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She was ready to face the truth.

  “You told me my father was dead. Was that a lie too?”

  A guilty smile appeared on the queen’s lips. “I might have just wished he were dead.”

  “Mum! There’s so much I want to say…to ask… But you’re sick and I can’t…”

  “Azure, your father and I made a mistake. We were in love, and I became pregnant with you. However, the queen mother found out. She told me if our people knew my child was half human, then you would never inherit the crown. Your father and I didn’t think it through.”’

  “I’m a mistake?” Azure asked in a shameful hush.

  “No, no, no, honey. The mistake wasn’t having you, it was thinking that it wouldn’t matter to the people of Virgo. And your father had other obligations. It was never going to work out. We decided he wouldn’t be a part of your life.”

  “What’s going to happen now?”

  A pained look crossed the queen’s face. “I fear you’ve lost the crown for now, but I’m fighting it. You’re my true successor, but I have to convince our people of that. I’ll keep the crown at this point, but in the end, it must go to you or we will have lost it for good. Our family has ruled for over ten thousand years.” The queen looked out the window. “But loyalty may prove to be fickle. I have to believe that’s not true. They will stand behind you. I will do my best to see to it.”

  “A half-human can’t rule the Virgoans under the present doctrine. Ironic that you did all this to ensure I got the crown, and I’m still going to lose it.”

  “You’re not going to lose it. I’ll do everything I can. In the meantime, you have to earn the favor of your people.”

  “Mother, I’m half human. They will always hate some part of me. It will not be an easy task, and it won’t be fast,” Azure cautioned.

  “See that human part of you as a blessing, an opportunity. You may prove to be the bridge, yet.”

  “Or the last straw.”

  “Daughter, I’m losing my magic. If the Virgoans learn about that, and…”

  “And what?”

  “The virus, it doesn’t just take away my magic. It’s been… Well, I’m losing energy. I don’t feel quite the same.” Queen Emeri lifted her chin and looked at Azure.

  “What are you saying?”

  She hesitated. “I’m saying I don’t know what the long-term effects of this virus will be.”

  Azure learned long ago how to read between her mother’s words. “This virus, it could be fatal?”

  “Azure, there’s no reason to—”

  “Answer me!” Azure demanded. She already knew the answer.

  “Yes, there is that potential. The alchemists need more time. There’s so much we don’t know.”

  “What? No! What can we do?” Those damn Terrans are going to fucking pay!

  “We will find a solution, but in the meantime I have to ensure the people accept you. It’s crucial that I crown you.”

  You’re preparing for death. You’re acting as if the end is in sight. “What can I do to help, Mother?”

  Emeri’s arm slid around her daughter’s back, pulling her into an embrace. “You must find a way to earn the trust of the Virgoans. A lasting trust based on how you rule instead of who you are.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Azure had slipped down until her head was resting on her mother’s lap. She couldn’t let her go. Not that night, not ever. I’ll give up my crown if I can just find a way to save you.

  Disappointment swelled in her chest when the queen gently pulled away, letting Azure’s head drop to the bed. Half asleep, she felt herself floating as her mother levitated her into place on the bed. Once her head hit the pillow, dreams crashed down on her, pulling her into a world where things weren’t real and her life wasn’t turned upside down.

  When Azure awoke the next morning, she was wearing a white nightgown. Beside her a clacking sound got her attention. She raised her head, her blue curls falling into her face. It took her eyes a moment to adjust before she could make out the woman sitting next to her bed. Her gran tapped her heel on the floor impatiently, arms crossed on her chest.

  “Well, it’s about damn time you woke up. It’s nearly sunrise,” said Sari.

  Azure closed her eyes, remembering the night before. Her mother’s confession. Her own secret. The crown.

  “Sunrise, huh? So sorry to keep you waiting. Didn’t realize I was late for a meeting,” Azure quipped, pushing into a sitting position.

  A strange look came across Gran’s face.

  “You knew and never told me,” Azure said.

  “You weren’t supposed to know. Ever,” her gran replied evenly.

  “But my soul stone?” Azure turned to the dresser where she’d left her amethyst the night before. It was gone. She looked around the room.

  “Never mind that now, child.” The old woman was rocking back and forth.

  “Do you know who my father is?”

  “I do not,” the old woman said, still rocking, a hard look on her face. She was
just biding her time.

  “Well, what do you know, because you’re obviously here for a reason.”

  “I know that your mother is getting sicker. More than she’s letting on.”

  “Yes, she told me. Everyone who’s sick is suffering more than the loss of their magic,” Azure said.

  “Wrong. The cabinet members are losing their magic, the same as your mother. However, they aren’t suffering from any other symptoms yet. The virus might still be fatal but we don’t know for sure.”

  “They aren’t as sick as mother. Why?”

  “Azure, have you ever wondered where Emeri’s soul stone is?”

  Azure shrugged. “She says she keeps it hidden for safety.”

  “A lie. The truth is, it’s not in Virgo. I finally got that much out of your mother. She traded her soul stone.”

  “Why would she do that?” Azure couldn’t hide her shock.

  Gran’s tone softened, surprising Azure again. “Dear child, she traded her soul stone for you.”

  “What?” Azure sprang to her feet, her blankets tangling around her waist. She tore at them, disbelief flooding her head. “A witch would never part with her soul stone. It’s a death—”

  “Yes, it can be a death sentence,” Sari said, cutting her off and rocking harder. “Your mother is suffering more than the others because she doesn’t have her soul stone to draw on magic. Our amethysts rejuvenate us. They protect us. They give us immunity when we’re faced with disease. And your mother doesn’t have it. But Azure, she gave it up for you, willingly.”

  “But why? Who has it?” Even as Azure asked, she already knew the answer.

  “I believe she traded the stone to your father in order to keep you, but honestly, Emeri won’t tell me.”

  “Well, I’ve got to get the stone back,” Azure declared, reaching for the wand on her bedside table.

  “I agree,” her gran said. “A quest.”

  Azure pointed the wand at her armoire that took up an entire wall. The doors opened and a pair of hiking pants and a black top flew through the air, landing on the bed.

  “Mother has to tell me who he is.”

  Sari laughed dryly. “I’ve been trying to get that information out of my daughter for almost a hundred years. I’d say you would have better luck asking a Gnome to tell you what’s in their vault. Those creatures are more willing to spill a secret than Emeri.”

  “Fine. I’ll find him without her help. I’ll use a detection spell. He’s my father. We’re naturally connected.”

  “Now you’re thinking, child.”

  “Maybe the Light Elves will have some information. He could be on Earth. I’ll need to find a spell that can help me…” The tentative look on Sari’s face made Azure pause. “What?” Azure slipped her hand through her sleeve, buttoning her shirt.

  “I can help. I do know one thing about your father. It’s the only piece of information Emeri let slip.”

  “Tell me,” Azure demanded.

  “Your father was from the Land of Terran.”

  Azure’s heart beat with a new intensity. Her father was from Terran, the place responsible for infecting her mother. She’d find him and murder the man. Blood or no blood. She’d find that soul stone and burn down the realm. I stand with my people. They’re still my people.

  “Okay, I’ll start there,” Azure declared, sitting on her bed and pulling on her boots.

  “You could take the three-day route through the mountain pass,” Sari explained.

  “Or?” Azure said, lacing the boot tighter than her ankle liked.

  “Or you can take the shortcut—”

  “Through the Dark Forest,” she said, completing the thought.

  “It would save you a full week’s journey back and forth, and your mother—”

  “Doesn’t have that kind of time. She needs her soul stone. And she’ll have it.” Azure promised, standing and slapping the side of her leg. “Don’t worry about me, Gran.”

  “I’m not worried about you. The magical side of you is part of my line of witches. You will stand strong on your journey. Never doubt yourself.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Let your mother know...”

  “I’ll leave her a note. She would try to argue me out of it. I’ll need supplies.” Her eyes trailed to a bag stationed by her door. “Is that…?”

  “Yes, in that bag is everything you’ll need for the journey. You’re welcome. I told you, you’re part of my line. We don’t back down from a challenge. Any challenge. Hurry now. Go on foot. A horse may not be useful in the Dark Forest.”

  Azure put her hand on her hip and pursed her lips. “You’re one crafty witch. You must have been a great ruler.”

  “I like my free time, what can I say?”

  “You know I don’t believe that story. I’m not asking, not yet. Thank you, Gran. I’ll be back soon.”

  “I’m sure you will, but two things. The first is, retrieving the soul stone will stop your mother’s illness, but won’t save her magic. There may be a cure but I have no idea what on Oriceran that could be.”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “You still need to earn the approval of your people. Your mother can’t remain queen for long. The crown belongs to you, but you’ll have to earn their loyalty first. You’ll have to do something no one has ever had to do to take the crown. You’ll have to fight for it.”

  “And the second thing?” Azure asked. The sun was coming up and she was running out of time to get out of the House of Enchanted undetected.

  Sari stood and held her hand out, fist closed. “I had this made for you. Take it. I think you now know how important it is.”

  Azure placed her hand under her gran’s as something light fell into her palm, warming it. She pulled her hand back to find the blue stone winking at her. Her soul stone was encased in a gold setting, attached to a chain. She put it on, settling the stone against her chest.

  “Thank you.” She ran her hand over the stone. It felt as if it were a part of her, holding her intuition, source of her power. I have to find my mother’s soul stone. It’s her protection.

  “You’re welcome. And lastly—”

  “You said only two things.” Azure cut her off with a nervous smile.

  “I lied.” Her gran looked at her steadily. “Azure, you hold great power as both a witch and a human, but it’s up to you to discover what that means. Assimilating those two parts of you won’t be easy, but if you can accomplish it, I suspect you’ll find a brand new kind of magic. A powerful kind of magic.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Azure hurried down the steps of the House of Enchanted as the morning fog rolled over the grassy green hills. She turned back to look at the place where she was born. I’m half human, she thought, trying and failing to wrap her mind around that idea. How can I feel so much like a witch, feel the power of my people flow through my veins, and not be one of them? It’s not right. I will return from this mission and show all of you.

  First the soul stone.

  Her stone pulsed at the base of her throat as her fingers brushed against it.

  Azure froze, sensing she was being followed. “You can’t come with me,” she whispered, gazing down.

  The black and white feline rubbed the side of his body against her calf, staring up at her. “Very disappointed in you,” he muttered.

  “I know I’m always saying that, but this time I have a supremely good reason. I need you to stay here and watch over things. I’ll feel better if I know you’re spying for me.”

  Her life-long familiar sat back and looked at her, stubbornly. “Try again,” he purred.

  “Okay, fine, that’s not the truth. Fin, it isn’t safe for you in the Dark Forest. It isn’t safe for me. I’ll worry less if I don’t think I’m leading us both to our deaths.” Azure knelt, offering her hand to the cat.

  He blinked his green eyes, a contemptuous expression on his face. He slid his head under her fingertips.

  Azure was
grateful for the bit of affection.

  “I’ve got to go. Catch a lizard and drop it in Gran’s bed, will you? It will make her laugh.” Azure gave Finswick one last look before hustling away, quickly crossing the expansive yard.

  She headed for the path through the cemetery, empty at this time of day. It led to a route that traversed the Dark Forest. Not the ideal path, but was there ever an advisable way through the forest? Not how I pictured my first trip out of Virgo.

  Azure had never gone more than a stone’s throw from her land. It was safer for a witch still new to magic, and now she was going to trudge alone through the Dark Forest.

  For my mum, she thought. “For her I can do anything,” she declared, negotiating her way between the headstones. Many were ancient, dating back to when the portals were open between Earth and Oriceran thirteen thousand years ago. That was the place her father’s people came from—Earth.

  The tombs toward the back of the cemetery were closer together. Azure had to wiggle between the tightly packed stone structures. A mausoleum caught Azure’s attention. She read the engraved words that ran across the top of the mausoleum.

  “The Tomb of the Vladar Family.”

  Her grandfather was the last person who had been buried inside the vine-covered stone building. This structure had seemed so much bigger when she was a child. She used to jump from the weeping willow’s trunk to its roof. From there she’d climb over the other tombs, hiding from Monet on the ground. The crown had been in the Vladar family for millennia. I can’t lose it now.

  “You sure know how to waste precious time.” Azure spun around to find Monet leaning against a tombstone. She caught her breath.

  “What are you doing here?” The morning mist surrounded him, cloaking the tombs around him.

  He flashed a grin and shook his head. “Naturally I’m here to ensure that you don’t end up in the family plot any time soon.”

  “You want to go with me to the Land of Terran. How did you know I was going? Never mind. Thank you. No one should ever call you lazy.”

  “Thank you, and true, so true. Did you think I was going to let you have all the fun in the Dark Forest? Fuck that,” he declared, strolling past her. The fog veiled him as his robed figure became less distinct. Azure ran in his direction, catching up with him at once.