Soul Stone Mage Complete Collection Boxed Set

by Sarah Noffke

  Azure sucked in a sudden breath, not having expected the request. “You want me to work with you?”

  Payne Springs shook her head. “Actually, I want to work for you. We keep our eye on everyone in the forest, and few have crossed the Dark Forest with a confidence like yours. We’ve watched you save many and never harm except in defense. Our mission is to protect the forest, but we need guidelines. Rules. And I respect your judgment. I ask that you help us construct these guidelines, and in return, our observations in the Dark Forest will be lent to you at times.”

  “Tree Lady wants to be our spy. Sweet! I’m looking for this bloke named Michael. He—”

  “Not spies, and certainly not for you,” Payne Springs cut Monet off, her tone forbidding. “We cannot guarantee information, but if you request information about the Dark Forest, Queen Azure, at times we’ll try and accommodate.”

  “You’re about as helpful as Shorty over there.” Monet threw his thumb in the direction of Gillian, who was standing by Azure’s side, his attention focused on the current conversation. “I’ll help you, maybe, sometimes, if I feel like it,” Monet said, impersonating the gnome.

  Azure shook off his comments. “Thank you, Payne Springs. I’d be honored to advise you on policy, and I would be grateful for any information you would provide going forward. Having allies in the Dark Forest will be very valuable.”

  “Then we will meet in the future.” Payne Springs bowed low to Azure, a sort of smile on her dark face when she rose.

  “So, no info on Michael then?” Monet asked her, never giving up. “He’s got brown hair, glasses and is about yay-tall.” Monet held his hand even with his own head.

  Payne Springs didn’t offer a reply, but instead faded until she’d disappeared completely.

  “Man, I’ve got to figure out how to do that. I’m sure it’s a pretty easy vanishing spell since you can do it, Big Nose,” Monet said to Gillian.

  The gnome opened his mouth to say something but then slammed it shut, fire simmering in his eyes.

  Azure turned her attention to Ever, who still had his gaze on the spot where the portal had been. He’d been in a daze since his father left. It had been a short reunion, and even though she’d urged him to return to Earth with Kiran, Ever had refused. He had reiterated that his commitment was to Virgo, and helping those plagued by the virus. Azure didn’t know when her kingdom had become home to so many outsiders, but she was desperately grateful that so many were willing to protect her people and their land.

  “Are you all right?” Azure asked Ever.

  He hesitated before pulling his gaze around to her. “Yes, I’m fine,” he said with a curt nod. In the open area of the garden the sun was permitted to shine down on him, making his black spiky hair glisten. Soon they’d be under the canopy of the forest where Ever blended in better than most in the group, save Gillian.

  Azure didn’t believe the Light Elf, but accepted his answer. “Okay, well, it appears our job is done here. Let’s head for Virgo. I have a feeling that our trip home will be as easy as it was to this place,” she said, sensing the rogue dryads drifting around them in the distance. They were protecting the group, but Azure was sure their protection wouldn’t last forever. It was nice to have it now, though, since her thoughts were monopolized by the virus and how she’d try and stop it once she reached Virgo.

  Stepping out of the Dark Forest, Azure’s heart lightened at the sight before her. It wasn’t the Orcs standing along the perimeter who warmed Azure’s chest and sent tender sensations through her core. It was the rolling grassy hills behind them, flecked with young wildflowers and cottages. Virgo had never looked as good as it did at that moment, but then few things are more healing than the sight of one’s home after a long journey. Battle scars are miraculously forgotten when a soldier crosses the threshold of their home into the sanctuary of warm memories and loving arms.

  Azure sped up, leaving the group behind. She didn’t halt until she was face to face with the chief of the Orcs. He peered down at her, questions on his flat face.

  Breathless, Azure sputtered, “The threats from the harpies should all be gone. We’ve put an end to the Duke of Terran.”

  The chief checked her out and then scanned the three at her back. “Where is it?”

  Azure spun to see what the chief was referring to. “Where is what?”

  “The Duke’s head,” the chief said with a deep grunt.

  Azure winced. “Why would I have the Duke’s head? He was turned into a statue by the rogue dryads.”

  “Statue?” The chief growled with disapproval. “You have a strange way of defeating your enemies, but then it appears to work. We haven’t battled any harpies in quite some time.”

  “That’s good news. I’m guessing without the Duke around to feed them they flew off, and won’t be a problem for us any longer,” Azure stated, waving to Drago, who had joined the chief. “Good to see you, Drago.”

  “She’s lying. No one was ever happy to see that ugly face,” Monet joked to the Orc, who didn’t laugh.

  “Speaking of food, can I interest you in a wizard for your dinner?” Azure said to the chief.

  The Orc eyed Monet, his wide nose scrunching up. “No, that one would taste rancid, I’m certain.”

  “Pssh, I’d be delicious,” Monet argued. “Especially with a side of roasted potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. Mmm-mmm-mmm, good.” He licked the tips of his fingertips in an exaggerated manner.

  The chief swung his bow over his back, straightening his shoulders. “Queen Azure, we are happy to stay for longer, if you worry that threats might return.”

  Azure pulled in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air laced with lavender. “Thank you, Chief, but I think that we all are anxious to return to our homes, you included. I thank you for protecting Virgo, and please call on me if you ever need anything.” She extended a hand to the Orc, who towered over her. He eyed it and then finally wrapped his enormous hand around hers, nearly pulling her to the ground as he shook it.

  “A day will come when I take you up on that offer—I’m sure of it. Oriceran is full of dangers that plague us all, and the Orcs especially suffer from time to time at the hands of our many enemies,” the chief said, removing his hand from Azure’s.

  “I’m always happy to help, although creating peace is more in line with my objective than fighting wars,” Azure said proudly.

  “Young Queen, one day you’ll realize that fighting wars is inevitable. We must fight to survive.” Many of the Orcs around them grunted their affirmation of this statement.

  “Fighting for peace is counterintuitive, Chief. However, I’ll admit that my experience is limited. You might indeed be correct.”

  “When it comes to protecting your people and your land, you’ll discover that any fight is worth it.” Again the Orcs in the area grunted their approval.

  “My people aren’t just those in Virgo or its land. We are all on Oriceran, and we should be mindful of protecting each other. I fear that when we create too many borders and focus on separateness, we wage wars no one can win,” Azure said, confidence heavy in her words.

  “The half-breed queen has many ideas that won’t be popular,” the chief observed.

  “That might be true, but maybe that’s why we formed an alliance,” Azure said, noticing two small figures approaching from behind the chief.

  “We have an alliance for the simple fact that you earned our trust and loyalty. Orcs aren’t as uncivilized as it is rumored. We get a bad reputation because we don’t make friends, due to the fact that most who call themselves that will stab us in the back. If I ever sense that will happen due to our alliance, then you, Queen Azure, will soon take your last breath.” The chief tucked his chin, his beady eyes staring down at Azure.

  Unflustered, Azure smiled. “I don’t fear that I’ll perish anytime soon then.”

  “No, me either. I believe you have many more centuries on Oriceran,” the chief stated, bowing slightly to her.

&nb
sp; “Thank you, Chief. I must return to Virgo now,” Azure said, tipping her head and ambling in the direction of Blisters and Manx, who had cleared the pasture as she spoke with the Orcs.

  Blisters wore a strange expression. It looked all wrong on his usually cheerful face. His bright blue eyes were dull, and his mouth was slack. He was sad. Manx, who was in the form of a black stallion with eyes like rays of light, looked as he always did—slightly on the verge of mischief.

  “What is it?” Azure asked, kneeling and stroking Blisters face.

  The unicorn let out a long wail. “It’s V-V-Virgo,” he stuttered. “When you left things were bad, but now they are so much worse.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The streets of Virgo were empty, devoid of the usual witches and wizards bustling along the lanes and chatting as they passed each other. The entire kingdom would have felt deserted if it weren’t for the smoke wafting from chimneys.

  “Everyone is inside,” Blisters supplied as Azure’s gaze searched the town.

  “Why?” she asked, a cautious glance at Monet by her side.

  “Who goes outside when they are sad? I know I don’t want to leave Monet’s bed when I don’t feel good,” Blisters said.

  “Wait, they’re depressed? That’s what you’re telling me?” Azure whipped her hand over her tired face, trying to push away the confusion.

  The unicorn shrugged. “I don’t know what else to say.”

  “That’s a first for Blisters,” Monet said, but his voice didn’t carry its usual lightness. His eyes were heavy with worry as he stared at the empty lanes around them.

  Azure hurried over the lawn of the House of Enchanted and up the steps. The House didn’t look different than she remembered, but it felt different. Colder. She pulled open the door to find the foyer empty, not full of witches and wizards as usual. Handing her staff to Monet, Azure sprinted up the stairs in the direction of the Queen’s Chambers. She halted abruptly, nearly running into her gran, as she cleared the last step.

  “Gran!” Azure exclaimed, throwing her arms around the old witch. She felt the same as she remembered, slight but sturdy. Azure pulled back and looked her over. Nothing was different, not that anything had changed about her gran in centuries. Still the same short lavender hair and ornery expression on her wrinkled face. “What’s going on?”

  “I saw that you stopped the Duke,” Gran said, her lips pursed. The witch would have been watching Azure using her scrying bowl.

  “I did, and the statues in the garden have been released. But what of Virgo? Where is everyone? I didn’t see anyone when I passed through town.” Azure spoke so fast she nearly tripped over her words.

  “Yes, I saw that Reynolds awakened. You should have kept that good-for-nothing wizard as a statue. That would have been a better use for that lying cheat,” Gran said, her eyes narrowing.

  “Can we discuss your feuds later? Why is nobody out?” Azure asked, now frantic.

  “Well, there is Finnegan. I don’t usually call him a nobody. Depends.” Sari pointed over Azure’s shoulder.

  She turned to find the ancient farming wizard moving like a ghost up the stairs. His usually vibrant turquoise hair and beard had dulled to a muted shade of green. He could barely lift his feet to clear each step, his eyes low and his mouth muttering.

  “Finnegan?” Azure exclaimed. “Are you all right?”

  The wizard lifted his gaze and stared straight at Azure, then pressed around her like he didn’t actually see her. He continued to mutter to himself as he hobbled down the long corridor.

  “Gran, what’s happened?” Azure asked as the rest of the group came to stand at her back.

  “I think it’s pretty obvious, dear.” She shook her head at Finnegan before turning back to face Azure. “Almost all the witches and wizards of Virgo have lost their magic.”

  “But this is worse than what happened to Mum,” Azure argued.

  “Oh, yes. The virus was fast-acting this time, and stole their magic immediately. Now it’s taking their spirits as well. What is a witch or wizard without magic, after all?” Sari mused.

  “But they have their soul stones. Don’t those help?” Azure asked.

  “Yes. They are still alive, but have lost hope, my dear.”

  “Well, I’ll help restore that,” Azure said, plucking the staff from Monet’s hands. “I had this made, and Seraphina said that it could heal Virgo.”

  Gran lifted an eyebrow at her granddaughter, doubt heavy in her expression. “I think we both know that staff doesn’t have enough magic in it presently to clean that closet right there.” Gran pointed a finger at a door.

  “Well, I have to at least try,” Azure insisted, sounding defeated.

  “I agree,” Gran said simply.

  “Did you find anything out? Anything that could help cure those infected?”

  “Of course I did. I have the cure, and have just been sitting on it while I watch my daughter wither away,” Gran said, her tone sharp now.

  “Wait, Mum? What’s wrong? I thought she was better now that she had her soul stone,” Azure said.

  “I think we all knew that wasn’t going to be a long-term solution. It’s slowed the virus, but that thing was meant to do more than just steal our magic. It was meant to kill,” Gran said, venom in her words.

  Azure’s eyes widened in shock. She tore forward, sprinting through the corridor in the direction of her mum’s room. At her door she found someone guarding the space.

  “Richard!” she said, her voice low. Her father stood with his head down and back against the wall next to Emeri’s door.

  He lifted his head, his tired eyes springing to life. “Azure,” he said, relief in his words. A moment later he bounded forward and wrapped her in his arms. The movement was full of hesitation and at first Azure’s arms stuck out awkwardly, but then she folded them over his shoulders. She pressed back, shaking her head.

  “Mum? What’s going on with her?” Azure asked, her eyes on the door.

  “She has taken a turn for the worse.” Richard twisted his fingers together. He didn’t look so good himself. Dark bags hung under his eyes, and he looked to have aged a great deal in a few short days. Sari would have told him about Frederick from her scrying. The unknown fate of his son and the Land of Terran wasn’t the cause of his stress. It was the uncertain fate of the woman who lay in the next room.

  Azure grabbed her father’s hand, which got his attention. He drew his blue eyes up to stare at her. “I’m going to fix this. I don’t know how, but I’m going to save her…” Azure’s voice trailed off. She couldn’t go in there right then and see her mother dying. She had to focus on her being alive. She had to keep her strength, and use it to find a solution. Maybe she was being a coward, but she knew her limitations and her biggest was time. It was running out.

  “Go be with Mum. Take care of her. Reassure her. Tell her I love her, and that I’m going to make her better. I’m going to save Virgo,” Azure said, pressing her fingers into her father’s hands.

  He shook his head. “She doesn’t want me in there. I’ve already tried.”

  “She doesn’t want you to see her weak, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want you with her,” Azure said, and realized how true that was. All the lingering looks between her mother and father made sense. So many things made sense now, but it wouldn’t matter if the virus stole her mum’s life.

  A tender pain surfaced in Richard’s eyes. “I know that if anyone can save her, it will be you. I’ll go be with her. And you go and do what you need to.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Azure, out of answers, strode for the one place she thought she’d find a clue. She pushed open the giant door to the library, the smell of dust tickling her nose at once. The large library was open to all of Virgo, offering them access to thousands of volumes. Presently, however, no witches or wizards were to be found browsing the aisles. Only one other was in the library, and her cat-eyes spied Azure immediately.

&nb
sp; “You’ve returned,” Laurel said, closing the book in her hands. She wore a long black robe over her fur-covered body. The werecat didn’t have a heavy expression like Richard, but her condolences were written on her face.

  “Yes, and not a moment too soon,” Azure said, scanning the shelf opposite Laurel. It was the first section she was going to check: Horticulture. Azure pulled down a book at random and began scanning through the pages.

  “I’ve already read through all those books, and there doesn’t appear to be an answer in them for your problem.”

  Azure ripped her gaze up. “All these books? You’ve been through the entire section?”

  “Yes, and some of them twice,” Laurel stated.

  “But you don’t know potions, do you?” Azure questioned.

  “That’s true, but I know herbs and their various properties. Essential oils work much the same way as potions,” Laurel told her.

  “With all due respect, potions are incredibly complex. You might have missed something that a witch would find useful.” Azure’s tone reeked of her frustration and stress. She hadn’t meant to be so direct with Laurel, but time was running out.

  “That’s true, I might have. Are you a potions expert?”

  “No, that would be Monet. However, I sent him to the potions shop to scour for ingredients and see what he can mix up,” Azure said.

  “Yes, and thank you for allowing me to use the shop. I was able to catalogue and create many essential oils,” Laurel said.

  “Good, good.” Azure felt the nerves buzzing in her chest. She didn’t want to be rude, but she didn’t need the werecat distracting her. Scanning the books’ spines, she waited for one of the volumes to jump out at her.