Soul Stone Mage Complete Collection Boxed Set

by Sarah Noffke

  The temperature dropped as soon as they entered the cave. Azure pulled her robes tighter around her throat and made sure that the hood hung low over her face. The pair hiked in silence for several minutes, focusing their senses on their surroundings. Bats’ wings flapped overhead, but thankfully the creatures stayed attached to the ceiling where they belonged. Azure appreciated all creatures, but there was something about bats that felt unnatural. Like, literally they were unnatural. The animals had come over from Earth, and when magic was used on them by a witch or wizard, as had happened several times, the bat disappeared and the person transformed into a bloodthirsty monster.

  Currently there weren’t any known vampires on Oriceran because of the scare that happened several centuries ago when their population grew and they savagely attacked witches and wizards. Bats had been cursed to live in the caves after that, and most knew not to risk magic in their vicinity.

  “Are the bats making you nervous?” Ever asked, breaking the silence.

  Azure drew in a long breath, her wand now clenched between her teeth, light radiating from its end to illuminate their way. The climb had quickly turned steeper, requiring that she use her hands to help pull herself upward. “No, but if something does happen to me, I expect you to put me out of my misery.”

  “Then you’re not of the mind that vampires can be rehabilitated?” Ever’s voice had a teasing quality.

  “If there ever was a case, it wasn’t documented,” Azure said, panting. Ahead a light shimmered. And there was a sound…

  “Is that a bird singing?” Azure asked.

  Behind her Ever paused, listening. “Yes, that does sound like a songbird. Also, I hear a few other animal noises, but farther away. In the city, I think.”

  “We’re in the right place then,” Azure said, feeling confident. Just then a bat dove for her face and she screamed, losing her footing and sliding down several steps. Her feet rammed into Ever’s head, and he grabbed her leg and pinned her to the rock before she fell farther down.

  Ragged breath heaved in Azure’s chest. She kept her face close to the rock under her, aware that there were several bats above her. If she used magic in their presence they could swoop down into the magical force, which would bind the bat to her, making the two one. And poof! She’d be a blood sucking vampire who could infect her people. That story never turned out well.

  “Are you okay?” Ever asked, his voice quiet.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. We’re almost to the top, I think,” she said, pulling herself up with her arms before securing her feet back on the ground. Once she had climbed a bit, she pulled herself closer to the rock wall, using her legs more and moving faster than before.

  Azure’s hands searched above her for a hold. They were almost vertical now and the light and sounds were more intense, which meant they were almost to the kingdom of Lancothy…hopefully.

  A sharp rock found its way under Azure’s fingers. She secured both hands on it and pulled herself up, climbing using her hips. Her chin rose over the surface of a flat rock at the top of the path. Azure scrambled upward, not stopping until she was resting on the flat surface. She turned, holding out a hand to Ever, who gladly took it.

  She tugged hard, and Ever flew up and rammed into Azure. She fell back, knocking her head into the other side of the cave wall. A cluster of bats bolted off the ceiling high above them, flying down through the cave where the magicians had come in. Azure buried her head in her arms, aware that it was bleeding from the contact with the wall.

  When the sound of flapping wings had died, Azure lifted her head to find Ever staring at her from only a few feet away. The light of her wand had been extinguished, and now it lay beside her. She picked it up, noticing that there was a new light. Ever’s eyes were resting on something at Azure’s back. She turned around, and the sight before her stole her breath.

  Stumbling to her feet, Azure realized they were at the mouth of the cave. They stood on a rocky cliff overlooking a sprawling city below. Large regal buildings sat in the middle of the city while smaller buildings and pathways circled the center. Around the edges, similar to the layout of Virgo, were cottages and farms. And on the far side were sharp green ridges. The light that filtered through and illuminated the city came from overhead as well as the far side of cavern.

  “We’re inside a mountain. Why does it feel like we’re not?” Azure asked, staring at the city several hundred feet below them.

  “It appears they built their city inside the mountain, but its peak was blown off by a volcano. I bet that’s what hollowed out the mountain,” Ever said, studying the city.

  “And the light over there?” Azure pointed to the far side of the city where strange light streamed in through several large slits.

  “It looks like they’ve carved out different light sources.”

  “And that sunlight must be why the inside walls of the mountain are now covered in green grass,” she said, observing the ridges on the far side of the city.

  “It’s like they’ve created their own ecosystem inside this mountain. Pretty incredible.” Ever was studying the ledge they stood on.

  “Is that a ladder?” Azure asked, gesturing at the indentions carved into the cliff next to their ledge.

  “I believe so. Apparently there’s no easy way into the city of Lancothy,” Ever said, crouching.

  “Unless you have wings.” Azure pointed to the gigantic hole above the city where a few winged creatures soared. They were as large as harpies, but not as grotesque. They had the head and wings of an eagle, but the large body of a human. They glided through the air, back and forth, flying lower to the city.

  “Wereeagles,” Ever said, his voice full of astonishment. “I’d only ever heard rumor of them before.”

  “I’m thinking we’re about to see many things that were only rumors before today.” Azure angled around Ever, finding the first rung of the ladder. She should go first, although the idea of descending this ladder while completely vulnerable was her least favorite idea in a hundred years. Still, there didn’t seem to be an alternate route into the city, and she needed to go first, since this was her mission. Ever was here to help if things went awry.

  Azure chanced a glance up and instantly regretted it. From where they hung upside down on the ceiling near the cave’s mouth, several beady-eyed bats stared back at her. Azure took the ladder faster, aware that the shadows of the wereeagles overhead intermittently shrouded them with darkness.

  Ever descended as well, but like her he often stopped, gauging their surroundings. When they reached the bottom of the ladder there would be another challenge. Azure saw that the ladder ended in a lush green pasture where animals of many sorts seemed to be grazing or gathering. From this distance she wasn’t able to make out details; she was mostly concerned with getting to the bottom before being picked off by a wereeagle. Maybe they were the guards for Lancothy?

  “We’re almost there,” Azure said in a reassuring voice to herself and to Ever.

  “Yes, but I’m less worried about entering Lancothy than exiting it,” he said.

  Azure realized what he meant immediately. Getting into the city was one thing, but to escape after stealing a book, they’d have to climb this long ladder back to the cave mouth. Talk about being a sitting duck for capture! Even though she was Queen of Virgo, she wouldn’t be pardoned for stealing from a protected city.

  Relief flooded Azure’s chest when her boot hit the firm ground. She backed away, making space for Ever to disembark from the stone ladder.

  “We came a long way,” he said breathlessly, staring up at the ledge several hundred feet above them.

  “And we have quite a way to go.” Azure turned and stared at the city center far in the distance. The library would no doubt be close to the middle of the city.

  The pair glanced at the animals in the pastures around them. They resembled goats, cows, and horses, but there was something off about them. Azure tried not to stare, afraid that they’d charge her. Ever seemed
to agree, and intently kept his focus on the path under their feet.

  After a few minutes they reached a cobblestone walkway that led to the city. When she looked up, Azure noticed wereanimals in the distance. Some stood outside their cottages, beating dust out of rugs or collecting firewood from the sides of the houses. Azure saw the clothed furry bodies, long snouts, and sharp teeth of the surrounding citizens. She kept her eyes forward, trying to go unnoticed as they bustled along.

  In a yard in front of a cottage, two children were playing with a ball. They threw it back and forth, their bushy fox tails flying in the wind as they ran and caught the ball in their mouths. However, they moved like people, homo erectus. They were human, and yet animal. They were both at once, not wholly one or the other that switched between forms, as she’d expected.

  “They’re so strange,” Azure said, her voice barely audible.

  “Now we understand why they live underground and are afraid of prejudice,” Ever said, his voice just loud enough for Azure to hear it.

  The smells and sounds of the bustling city grew stronger, and Azure soon saw the low wall that surrounded the outskirts of the city. She held her breath as they came to an archway where a weretiger leaned against the brick wall smoking a pipe. Azure and Ever brushed past the tiger, who was dressed in a ragged t-shirt and frayed jeans. The tiger growled as they passed him.

  “What’s under the hood, Little Miss Riding Hood?” the weretiger called to them, making Azure freeze.

  She kept her back to the weretiger, aware that she’d held her breath. “I’m…” Her voice trailed away as she caught Ever’s eyes. His face was mostly covered by the hood of his robes, but she could make out his gaze. It was intently directed at an open-air market ahead. Stalls stood side by side, circling the city. The cluster of dealers with their tapestries and racks of clothes would make a good place for them to hide. Azure gave him a curt nod.

  “You’re what exactly?” the weretiger said. “Because you smell like a witch.”

  Azure could take down her hood and announce who she was, but it was too early for that. She needed to get closer to the city center. Drawing attention now might reveal Ever’s disguise. Besides, she didn’t like the tone in this weretiger’s voice.

  “I’m…” Azure couldn’t come up with a believable enough lie.

  “She’s wearing one of my new essential oils,” a voice said beside Azure. She felt a hand grab her forearm, nails piercing through her robes into her skin.

  Azure sucked in a breath and looked down into the bright green eyes of a werecat. They were human eyes like hers, surrounded by the hairy face of a cat. She was gray-and-white-striped, and wore a long black toga over her body. Her pointy ears were pierced by silver rings.

  “Yes, dear. I apologize, but that scent doesn’t mix with your chemistry. Come along to my stall with your companion. I’ll make you a new batch,” the werecat said, her eyes encouraging. She stood a foot shorter than Azure, but had a bold confidence that made her appear larger.

  “Laurel, what are you doing?” the weretiger asked, his voice hot.

  The werecat flipped her head around and hissed. “I’m helping one of my patrons. You know as well as Lorde that I’m losing business, just like most of the other vendors in the market. Why don’t you leave me be so I can ensure my customer goes away happy?”

  “Lorde will hear about this,” the weretiger said, his tone punishing.

  “I’m sure he will.” The werecat whirled away, her claws still in Azure’s arm. “Come along, Miss.”

  Azure, with zero choice in the matter, followed the werecat. Ever gave her a look of reassurance as his blue eyes studied the wereanimal.

  “Where are you taking me?” Azure dared to ask the werecat.

  “Shush now, witch. You aren’t safe here.” The werecat dragged Azure through the market, where normal-looking people stood selling and buying various items alongside wereanimals of every species. They sped down rug-lined aisles, ignoring the calls of vendors offering samples of lotions, soaps, breads, and fruits. “My booth is just up here.”

  Azure nodded as the werecat’s claws retracted and released her. Continuing to follow her, they entered a stall where low tables were covered with squat bottles marked with different emotions. “Happy,” “Inspired,” and “Energized.”

  The werecat pulled open a drape at the back and ushered Azure and Ever through to a small closet enclosed by more cloth. The voices and smells of the market trespassed easily into the space.

  “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” the werecat asked, turning and pressing her back to the opening they’d just came through.

  “I’m Queen Azure of Virgo. I’m allowed into the kingdom of Lancothy. And this is—”

  “Yes, technically you’re allowed here and should be protected. However, we’re having a revolution. It isn’t safe for you here right now. You must leave immediately,” the werecat told her, drawing her paw to her mouth and biting at her claws.

  “Wait! A revolution? What’s happening?” Azure slid her eyes to the right, giving Ever a curious glance.

  “Our current government is being overthrown by Lorde and his gang.” She dropped her paw, frustrated. “Neither is correct. The government is meek and only wants us to live safely inside this mountain. However, Lorde is seeking to overthrow them and wants to battle anyone who isn’t a wereanimal. Whereas the current government is afraid of prejudice, Lorde wants to fight it.”

  “But the treaty!” Azure said. “He can’t.”

  The werecat nodded, seeming to understand, but the pained look on her face said it didn’t matter. “I’m Laurel, and I sell essential oils in the city of Lancothy.”

  “Thank you for rescuing us back there,” Azure said and held out a hand to Ever, who lowered his hood. “This is my friend, who is not a wereanimal either.”

  Laurel drew in a gasp, shock making her eyes widen. “Not a wereanimal? I never would have guessed. You smell authentic to me.”

  Ever turned and winked at Azure. “Looks like I still got it.” He looked back at Laurel and bowed. “Ever, at your service.”

  If the werecat could have blushed, she probably would have. Instead, she batted her long eyelashes. Regaining her composure, she cleared her throat. “What are you two doing here? If Lorde or one of his cronies catches you, you’ll be dead.”

  “Laurel, we need to get into your library. There’s a book we need to…borrow,” Azure said, choosing her last word carefully.

  “I knew there was a reason I was late to the market today,” Laurel said, a small smile on her cat face.

  “Does that mean you’ll help us?” Azure asked, aware that a great disturbance was happening in the market outside.

  “Yes, of course I’ll help. I know our library well, having spent every spare second there. What book are you looking for?”

  Azure chanced a glance at Ever. There was something too easy about this. Seeming to read her hesitation he stepped forward. “Why are you so willing to help us, Laurel?”

  “Because, well, if I don’t then you’ll be murdered. And also because, unlike those in my city, I don’t believe that witches, Light Elves, or humans are inherently bad. I think that if we’re given half a chance, we might all get along. Embrace our differences.”

  “You know what species we are?” Ever asked, intrigued.

  “Yes, I can smell it on Queen Azure, and as a cat I can see past the glamour the witch did on you,” she said.

  To this Ever turned and pursed his lips at Azure. “Told you I should have been the one who fixed my ears.”

  “We need to move now or risk being found,” Laurel said, cutting in. “We can get to the library, but stay close. Hopefully we’ll arrive there in one piece.”

  Laurel went to the fabric wall on the far side of the closet stall and gathered the hem at the bottom in her hand. She turned her cat face up and stared at Azure and Ever. “Each vendor has a private area like this at the back of their stall. They are conne
cted and divided by cloth. We’re going to squeeze through until we are in the city center. Then we will run like hell. Got it?”

  Azure and Ever nodded.

  “Okay, hoods up. And if you see a large werebear you should run for your life, but it’ll probably be too late,” Laurel said, yanking the fabric up and dashing underneath.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Azure ducked under the fabric, with Ever just behind her. Each stall had differently patterned fabric sectioning it off, as well as strange smells and noises. At least a few were occupied.

  “Excuse me! Coming through,” Laurel called, sprinting to the other side of the closet space, pushing around the vendors enjoying croissants on a break or taking a nap in a chair.

  Azure offered an apologetic smile when a werelion or weresnake pivoted its head to watch her trespass across their stall.

  There were sounds of a growing disturbance in the market. Azure pretended that the yelling and sounds of booths being destroyed had nothing to do with her, but she knew that was a futile attempt at innocence.

  “We’re coming to the end of the market,” Laurel said over her shoulder.

  Azure swallowed and tried to imagine what dashing through the open paths of the city would feel like. Maybe she should throw off her hood and declare she was the queen of Virgo, visiting to ensure that order was being maintained. However, based on what Laurel had told her, she didn’t think that the intimidation would matter much to this Lorde guy.

  The light from the city shone through the last curtained wall. Laurel held it up and Azure and Ever crouched to slide under it, then straightened as Laurel joined them. They sprinted along a busy path, trying hard to slide around wereanimals of all types. Twice Azure turned back in the thick of the crowd to find Ever not there. Each time he appeared a moment later with a look of relief under his hood. Azure grabbed his hand the last time, pulling him in close to ensure they didn’t lose each other. They squeezed through the crowd toward a set of shops that were a stark contrast to the market they’d just escaped through. The buildings had straight lines, real walls, and a starched appearance.