Esther Anna and Phillip looked at each other in disbelief before they heeded the command of the captain and walked out of their cell to follow her. They were led to her quarters, and once they arrived, she offered the two of them a seat at her dining table, where there were drinks and hot meals already waiting.
Captain Michelle leaned forward in her seat and folded her hands in front of her. As they ate, she spoke. “So, say I believe you. Perhaps that’s why you’re sitting in here dining like royals instead of in that cell. Tell me, what’s the plan? Where do we go from here?”
The queen looked up in between mouthfuls, as it seemed that her appetite had returned with a vengeance. “First, to find the Lamp of Light. It’s a key component to prove my innocence. Then, we can stop the princess once we have the backing of the people. I know I’ll have help from my father’s army.”
The captain arched an eyebrow, intrigued at the pan as she smiled and poured herself a drink. “Well, you were right earlier. The lamp isn’t in my possession, but I do know where it is”
“Shaanti Bay, Shaanti Bay.” Peggy squawked and Phillip smiled, swallowing his food.
“Quite the owl you’ve got there, captain.” Phillip mused.
Peggy erupted in a loud squawk as Captain Michelle struggled to calm her down. After a moment, she settled, but kept an angry stare at the fairy prince who returned his focus on his food.
“Ahem. As my parrot rightly said, the lamp is at Shaanti Bay, and it’s guarded by a sea creature and don’t worry… I already told the lads to set a course for the bay.” Michelle nodded at them before she stood up from her seat. “Eat up, and in a moment, someone will come to show you to your quarters.”
“Why did you believe me?” Esther Anna looked up from her plate.
The captain stopped mid-stride and looked at the queen for a moment. Her thoughts might have drifted briefly before she spoke. “The artefacts. The knife, the necklace. That…mirror. I’m the one who retrieved them for her. I didn’t know it at the time but I was helping a would-be tyrant and that’s just something I won’t stand behind. I’m a part of this now, and I swear to you, she will be stopped.” With that, she exited the room.
Shaanti Bay loomed off in the distance, with an ominous mist hovering over it.
As Esther Anna looked at the bay, she felt a small sense of foreboding. They were finally close to their goal; The lamp was within their reach and they would soon be able to confront the princess. She looked at Phillip, who smiled at her reassuringly. She took solace in his confidence. We’re going to be fine.
As they moved, the captain’s eyes stared out over the water. She was on alert, and searched for any signs of the sea creature she’d warned them about before. They landed ashore unharmed and unhindered, and made their way towards the cave that housed the Lamp of Light. Captain Michelle led the way. Phillip and Esther Anna were close behind her, followed by four of her best men. The rest stayed on the ship to keep watch, anxiously waiting for their return.
They carefully walked through the damp and dingy cave, in an effort to make as little noise as possible, since at any moment, they could come face-to-face with the guardian. Peggy flew beside them, and her eyes shone in the darkness of the cave as she scanned the area. They made their way into a large opening in the cave and arrived at a large platform and stretched in front of them was a long, sturdy bridge, with water flowing in underneath.
“Lamp. Lamp.” Peggy squawked excitedly.
Everyone turned to her location and gasped. The Lamp of Light was there, indeed. It shone brightly, seated perfectly centred on its pedestal.
“Perfect. I’ll go across. The rest of you, stay here.” Captain Michelle offered. She was already moving towards the bridge, when Phillip stopped her.
“No. Let me go. I’m much faster.” He insisted.
The captain was about to respond when they were interrupted by a large swoosh.
Suddenly, a large creature emerged out of the water below and landed with a heavy thud on the bridge, and it shook everything inside the cave. Luckily for them, there wasn’t damage to the bridge. The beautiful sea creature stared at them with an expressionless gaze. It appeared to be female, and stood at an impressive height of eight feet. It had scales for skin, with flowing hair that was at a length that reached her backside. “No one is going anywhere!” Her melodic voice resonated through the cave. “I am Tishana, the guardian of this lamp. As long as I am alive, no one shall get near the Lamp of Light!”
Esther Anna stepped forward. She had come too far to give up now.
Tishana peered down at her, and she scowled at the queen.
“My name is Queen Esther Anna Lapointe of Tibethia! I’ve come here to retrieve the Lamp of Light…to clear my name of the wrongful accusations made against it, and save the kingdoms from evil.”
The guardian closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. “I am sympathetic to your cause, young queen, but my purpose and existence is to guard this lamp. I’m afraid I cannot let you have it.”
“Fine. Then we’ll take it by force.” Captain Michelle said, as she signalled her men, and they quickly rushed towards the guardian.
Tishana sighed and raised her hands. Spouts of water rose from below, and from those streams, the water hardened, solidifying into ice blades. As the first man reached her, she evaded his attack and impaled him through the chest. The second man struck hard and fast, nearly getting her, but she blocked the attack with her second blade and kicked him down on to some jagged rocks below. Two more men charged and attacked her simultaneously. Tishana threw her blades into the air and caught the men by the neck. They wriggled in her grasp as she lifted them up and smashed them into the bridge before throwing them to the side. As she straightened up, she caught both blades and assumed combat stance.
“Stay back.” Phillip said to Esther Anna and she took a few steps back the way they’d come. He nodded at Michelle, and in one smooth motion, he unsheathed his sword and readied it in front of him. “Shall we?”
“Fairies first.” She replied smiling and he raced forward towards Tishana.
The sea creature tossed her sword towards the prince and he flipped in the air, evading the attack. As he landed, he rolled towards her, feeling the blade make contact with her flesh as it nicked her calf. Tishana let out a cry and Michelle slid towards her, to attack the other calf. Both Phillip and the captain were successful in getting past the sea creature, and started to run for the lamp. Tishana emitted a loud shriek that shook the entire cave, and it stopped the pair in their tracks. They reached up to clutch at their ears, which were throbbing in pain at the piercing sound. The guardian sprinted towards them and picked them both up in her grasp, and in one heave, she threw them back across the bridge and they hit the cave walls. Tishana summoned the blade that had been embedded in the cave wall and it flew into her hand. She charged at the duo.
The prince and the captain scrambled to their feet and as the guardian ran toward them, they nodded to each other. Together, they bolted towards her, and he leapt Tishana to tackle her with all his might, causing her to lose her grip on her weapons. Michelle raised her sword high and swiftly brought it down, aiming for the guardian’s chest. The blow was deflected however, as Tishana flung her arm out, sending Michelle over the bridge.
Prince Phillip moved quickly to catch Michelle, and he helped her to her feet as Tishana called her weapons back to her hands again. Michelle scanned the room and saw Peggy perched on some rocks a short distance away, which caused a sigh of relief that her pet was safe. Michelle spotted a length of rope looped and attached to Tishana’s belt, and immediately got an idea.
Without any warning, Phillip charged the sea creature. He let out a battle cry at the top of his lungs, and instead of using his weapon, he sheathed it. He feigned left and dodged as Tishana swung in that direction. He was quick on his feet, and at the last second took off towards the right side where he caught her off-hand.
“Peggy! Fetch!” Michelle screamed.
>
Tishana caught sight of the owl flying towards the lamp and realised her mistake. She turned to reorient herself, but she couldn’t with her legs tied. She cried out in frustration against the bindings as Captain Michelle pulled tighter on the ropes. The guardian struggled against the force, but Michelle’s pull proved too much for her so eventually she toppled over. At the same time, Phillip wrestled the blade from her hand and successfully disarmed her, and it fell to the ground. By some miracle, her blade fell at just the right angle that the guardian fell onto her own blade. She shrieked as the impaled her through the shoulder, and the ear-piercing cry startled everyone present. There was a loud thud as she hit the rocks and she rolled over in pain, subsequently tumbling into the dark waters.
Without another thought, Peggy flew out and relayed the lamp to Esther Anna who was running as fast as she could out of the cave. Michelle reached to Phillip, and helped him up and once on their feet they took off after the runaway queen. They weren’t out of danger just yet, and in case Tishana decided to return, they didn’t want to be there to face her again.
Esther Anna was ecstatic. I have it! I have the lamp!
It was finally in her hands, and she could feel the power radiating from it. As she ran towards the boat, a puff of black smoke appeared in front of her. Once it cleared, her heart jumped and everything in her body felt cold with shock. The towering figure of the ghastly creature, the woodsman Damien, appeared in front of her, with that same chilling look that had plagued her dreams. She screamed as he grabbed hold of her and the lamp. Her struggles were futile as he held her against him with his amazing strength.
“Esther!” Phillip shouted, as he raced towards her.
Damien scoffed at his effort and laughed as he took Esther Anna in his arms. “Come, my queen! Now you will be with me in Grimora!”
Phillip lunged towards them, bringing his sword down heavily. He struck thin air as Damien vanished carrying Esther Anna and the lamp with him. “NOOO!” Prince Phillip stared, wide-eyed and defeated as he fell to his knees. He felt the tears stream down his face and made no attempt to stop them.
Esther Anna was gone.
Epilogue
The large pirate ship sailed steadily, moving with the waves that guided it towards their destination.
“You’re certain that this Mystic Manny can help us save Esther Anna?” Phillip asked. The anger raged within him and there was no stopping it. His face had taken on a hard expression as he envisioned the things he would do to Damien when they met again. The Lamp of Light had taken a back seat to Esther Anna’s safety, since that was what mattered most.
Captain Michelle looked over at the fairy prince. “You heard him say Grimora, right?”
Phillip nodded, solemnly.
Michelle gently ran the back of her forefinger over Peggy’s back as a grin formed on her face. “Then yes. If anyone can tell us how to get to the underworld…Grimora, that’s Mystic Manny.”
Phillip nodded again, with a little hope in his eye, though the mention of the underworld unsettled him. If he was going to find and rescue Esther Anna, he had no choice but to follow her lead.
“Alright then. We’re off to Cambogi Isle. We’re going to find her.”
About the Author
Alex H. Singh is an easy-going & youthful writer devoted to creating the best experiences for his readers by letting his imagination paint a picture step by step which then gets translated into words, worlds & wonder.
Alex has been writing since the age of 18 & is interested in all genres, especially Horror, Thrillers & Sci-Fi. He hopes that everyone will enjoy his “Nubara” series,
Upcoming for 2017 are the following “The Second Husband”, “Fallen Kingdoms Book 2: “Shield of Reflection”, “Fallen Kingdoms Book 3: Sail of Enchanted Threads” Marked, Something Sinister, Fayeted and much more.
2017 brings a plethora of novels releasing within the year on a variety of platforms & Print.
Connect With Him!
FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.Com/AlexHSingh
TWITER: @AuthorAlexSingh
WEBSITE: www.alexhsingh.com
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MORE READS BY ALEX H SINGH
Nubara (A Sci Fi Fantasy) series about Atlantis, a Fallen Kingdom & a calamity set in motion to destroy the world! A group of individuals unknown to one another are brought together by fate only to discover that they are linked by a destiny to thwart an evil that is about to rise once more. A heart pounding series, will the heroes prevail? Will Earth be destroyed? Read Book One: Destiny Awaits to start your journey.
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Welcome to the world of a lonely single mother who is trying to make sense of her life after divorce. With an acting career and a caring sister by her side Demure searches for what she truly desires, what she finds is FINN; a young man who loves for her, or could this be a simple infatuation from a one night stand. Will Demure give in to her feelings? OR will poor Finn pine over DESIRING DEMURE?
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Graphic, a story that features an angry spirit, a town full of occultists, a curious girl and a handsome police officer.
Daniela Savan is a young woman trying to start over in a town that hides a terrible secret. As Daniela uncovers a truth that could lead to solving a mystery she is also trailed by an evil spirit of a girl who just does not know how to let go.
Will Daniela survive what’s coming for her or will curiosity kill the girl?
Warm Spirits
S. E. Walker
For those who believed even when I had my doubts.
* * *
And in memory of Mom.
Warm Spirits
Following a lead in the antique jewelry box that is her only link to her family, Ariel arrives at 101 Borden Street, looking for answers. What she finds is more questions and trouble when her ex-boyfriend shows up, intent on renewing their relationship. With the help of her new friends, both of this world and the next, Ariel overcomes her past while finding that her family ties run a lot farther back in time than expected.
Prologue
Ariel patted the necklace Mama had put on her. Mama had said to keep it safe while she was gone. Then she had hugged her and disappeared into the evening crowds walking around the park. Holding the special box where Mama always kept the necklace in her lap, Ariel waited and waited. But Mama never returned.
“Mama?” Ariel called softly. “Mama?” But Mama did not return. Curling up on the bench, Ariel drifted to sleep, still waiting for Mama’s return.
“Hey there, sweetheart, are you lost?” A large warm hand shook her awake. Opening her eyes, she looked up at the stranger. He was younger than Mama with brown hair and dark eyes.
Ariel shook her head, but didn’t speak. Mama always said don’t talk to strangers, unless she was around.
“Are you here all alone?”
Ariel shook her head and scrunched farther against the park bench.
“My name is Officer Mark. What’s your name, sweetheart?”
Ariel didn’t answer. She curled into a ball instead. Finally, she decided that this man would help her. “Ariel,” she said softly.
“Where’s your mother, Ariel?”
“Gone.”
Officer Mark stood and looked down at the little girl. “How about we go down to the police station and see if we can find your mother, okay?” He held out his hand but didn’t make a move otherwise. Ariel nodded as she climbed down from the bench and took his hand.
At the police station, he lifted her to sit on the counter. “Hey, Sarge, look what I found over in City Park. She says her mama left her.” The other man also wore the uniform of the Asheville Police Department. Ariel always thought Asheville was a silly name for a town. Ashes came from a fire, not a town.
“Hello, little one, what’s your name?” The other man with no hair on his head and funny glasses asked as he pulled out a p
iece of paper.
“Ariel.”
“What’s your last name, honey?”
Ariel shrugged. This man with his deep, growly voice scared her.
“What’s your mama’s name?”
That was a silly question to ask. “Mama’s name is Mama.”
“Well, how old are you, honey?”
Ariel held up four fingers. “That’s four,” she explained.
The man name Sarge turned back to Officer Mark. “You call Social Services?”
“They’re sending over their on-call person now,” Office Mark said as he patted Ariel’s shoulder.
Ariel looked around for the potty. She didn’t see one. She really had to go. “Gotta potty.” She stated loud enough for everyone in the room to turn, look at her, and chuckle.
“Okay, sweetheart, let’s go find the potty.” Officer Mark lifted her from the desk and led her to the bathroom. Once she finished, he took her back to the man named Sarge.
“I’m hungry,” Ariel declared when Mark returned her to the place on the counter.
“I have a sandwich in my locker. I’ll be right back.” Officer Mark disappeared down a hall.
“What’s this, honey?” Sarge lifted Mama’s necklace and looked at it.
Ariel grabbed the necklace with both hands to keep him from taking it. Mama had told her to keep it safe. “Mama’s.”
Just then a young black woman walked in. . “Rebecca Bunn. You called about a little girl? Well, who do we have here?” she asked, bending over to look Ariel in the eye.
Magic and Shadows: A Collection of YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romances Page 112