Volume 1: Bailex, #1

by Erin Everleigh

  As he neared the edge of the forest, he recalled the line of trees that he passed through the prior day to reach, The Cottage. Kieran thoughts immediately focused on Giuseppe.

  I really hope he’s okay.

  Kieran shook away his worry and guilt for having left Giuseppe.

  After 218 years, I’m sure he can take care of himself. He doesn’t need my help.

  But there was a heaviness that weighed on Kieran’s heart and was hard to ignore.

  His path was not the only one in the meadow; rather, it was one of many paths that merged together to lead the way through the trees. He turned back; making sure to remember which path he had traversed. His breath caught. Arching in front of him, as far as he could see, were identical doorways. Mounted above each doorway was a unique sign.

  He was barely able to make out the letters on the sign above the door that gave way to his path. “Kamfrid Road.” The door to the right read, “Harling Street,” and the one to left read, “McGallen Ave.” Kieran couldn’t read them all from where he stood, but he had a pretty good idea what now stood before him.

  Portals.

  He adjusted his backpack on his shoulders, tucked the sprig of lavender into his pocket, and switched his duffle to his right hand.

  I can do this.

  He turned back around and continued walking to the trees.

  This tree line was denser than the one that lead to Giuseppe. Kieran wondered what he would find on the other side this time. As he walked though the four rows of trees, the scent of lavender dulled and a crisp summer breeze blew across his skin. Other than the thick trunks and the deep green covered branches of the evergreen trees, there was nothing else to see. But it wasn’t dark like the nighttime. There just wasn’t anything else there—he was in a place of nothingness. Somewhere in-between. Kieran raised his hands in front of his face and admired how his fingers and palms glowed.

  Riya did say that I glowed.

  Kieran’s other trips across the tree line were much quicker. All he had ever been able to see was an instantaneous flash of light. He slowed his pace to allow time for his gaze to move down his arms, torso, legs and finally to his feet—all exhibiting the same incandescence.

  The scenery went from nothing to something, as Kieran emerged onto a lush green field.

  At first glance, this place didn’t look much different from what he thought a summer camp would look like. But then again, he wasn’t even sure what he was expecting…to see people flying through the sky on broomsticks? He let out a small chuckle. He didn’t think he was a witch or a wizard. But he didn’t really know what he was. He knew he was a Charmyn—a possessor of abilities—but wasn’t sure what that meant.

  My answers are here.

  Kieran again reminded himself why he was there and walked further into the field. A distinct charge could be felt permeating the air.

  He slapped his wrist in response to rapid movement he had seen from the corner of his eye. He turned his head, expecting to see a squashed bug. There was no insect. Instead, he saw the minute hand of his watch had begun spinning clockwise. He tapped his fingers on the face of his watch, but the hands would not stop moving—not until they reached their intended position. 4:37pm.

  Ok then…Looks like it’s 4:37pm.

  Kieran surveyed the activity around him. At the edge of the perfectly manicured, emerald-coloured grass, a group of boys tossed around a baseball. In the opposite direction, Kieran saw a group of girls huddled under a tree. Other kids of varying ages were scattered about—some casually engaged in play and some occupying themselves on their own. He walked further into the field, not sure of where he was headed. But he was curious.

  As he approached the group of boys, it became clear to Kieran that this camp was unlike any other summer camp. Excitement swept through his body, causing a wide grin to spread across his face. Even though he had yet to speak to a single person, Kieran felt like he belonged.

  Kieran stood off to the side and watched as the group boys continued to play. What Kieran had initially thought was a game of catch, wasn’t that at all. The boys were arranged in a circle, their feet were spread out just enough so the edges of their shoes were touching. They had their arms stretched out, each clasping behind the back of the boys immediately next to them. They all stood incredibly still—only their eyes moved as the baseball moved from one boy to another without so much as the slightest bit of contact. Kieran couldn’t help but stare, careful to keep his mouth from gaping. He was never one to gawk or bring undo attention to himself. However, none of the boys seemed to notice him.

  A loud pop drew Kieran’s attention from the boys to the group of girls that were sitting quietly under the tree. A large puff of a cloud suddenly appeared over their heads, and raindrops began to fall. They cheered and jumped to their feet, twirling around in the rain that they had apparently just created for themselves. Beaming faces pointed up to that singular cloud that hung above them. Raindrops dripped down their cheeks as their faces beamed with pride as bright as the late afternoon sun.

  I can definitely do this.

  A piercing siren cut through the air. Kieran dropped his duffel, and his hands shot up to cover his ears.

  The baseball fell to the ground.

  The rain stopped.

  After a short pause and some concerned exchanges, the kids began running away from Kieran toward the other end of the field. All sorts of people began emerging from different directions—adults, teenagers, and kids closer to Kieran’s age. Some ran in from a distance, and others seemed to appear out of thin air. But all of them were headed to the same destination.

  Kieran’s eyes followed the herd of people. His hands were pressed against his ears as he tried to shield himself from the continuing shrill of the siren. His duffel bag sat at his feet. Distraught faces whirled past him. Snippets of conversations carried through the wind.

  “We had a drill yesterday.”

  “Is this for real?”

  Realizing that he was quickly being left on his own, Kieran picked up his duffle and hurried to catch up with the crowd. When he reached the back of where people began to congregate, he slowly turned on the spot, gripping his duffel. He felt caught up in the chaos and confusion. A feeling of uneasiness settled in his stomach like a pile of rocks, replacing the excitement he had felt only minutes earlier.

  “You must be Kieran.”

  Kieran jumped and quickly turned toward the voice. A boy, about Kieran’s height, but who looked three or four years older, greeted Kieran with a friendly smile. However, one look into the boy’s eyes and Kieran could see that the boy was concerned. Kieran simply nodded.

  “I’m Donato. I’ll be your Guide this summer. Welcome to Akawald.” He flourished his arms in mock fervour.

  “Nice to meet you,” Kieran responded, although he wasn’t sure Donato could hear him over the ruckus.

  An unexpected hush fell over the crowd, and all heads suddenly turned forward. Kieran followed suit.

  How did I miss this?

  His eyes grew wider as his gaze focused beyond a man that had captured everyone’s attention. The man stood tall and with purpose at the peak of a small hill. Behind him—spanning the width of two football fields—was a stone-grey monstrosity of a building. With three distinct peaked roofs, it looked more like three buildings welded together. Pointed archways lined the base of the building, framing stained glass windows that spanned almost the entirety of the first floor. Kieran looked on in awe, examining the characteristic features of medieval architecture. He recalled learning about that in school that year during a unit on the Middle Ages.

  Donato whispered in Kieran’s ear, “That’s my father, Alto. He’s Head Charmyn.”

  Alto slowly raised his outstretched arms toward the crowd. The large sleeves of his white cloak hung in a manner that reminded Kieran of an angel. The sun reflected off of the gold embellishments that covered Alto’s cloak, creating a glowing aura around h
im.

  Kieran raised his eyes and observed an oversized white flag that hung at the top of a thick metal flagpole. Thick burgundy lines crossed this way and that way about the flag. When the flag stretched out in the wind, Kieran recognized the unmistakable symbol from his dreams—the same symbol that was on the back of the letter that his mother left him all those years ago.

  Alto’s voice echoed to break the eerie silence. “Everyone is to return to their bunks immediately, and roll is to be taken. Should anyone be missing, please report it via intra-communications. Do not leave your bunks until further notice. Inter-communications have been shut off until further notice. Only communications within Akawald are functioning at this point. All communications to the outside have been suspended.” A low murmur coursed through the crowd. Alto continued, ignoring the obvious expressions of disappointment. “This is not a drill. As soon as we have more information, it will be broadcast to you. Leave your Coms on Station 3 for further instructions. All Guides, please stay behind.”

  The crowd quickly began to disperse. Kieran felt uneasy on his feet, as a wave of dizziness overtook him. He gripped his duffle with both hands to keep from swaying.

  What did I just walk into?

  With eyes wide and perplexed, Kieran looked up to Donato.

  “We’re in BUNK 22.” Donato pointed to an interlocked path about 20 metres to the left of where they were standing. “Follow that path until you reach an intersecting path, and then turn right. It’s the second bunk on the right.”

  “Got it,” Kieran nodded. He was trying to give the impression that he was holding himself together. But he knew full well that he was failing miserably.

  “I’ll be there shortly. The others are expecting you.”

  BAILEX: volume 2

  COMING SOON…

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  Instagram: @erineverleigh

  Email: authorerineverleigh@gmail.com

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I started writing this story over 4 years ago at the request of my daughters. They wanted me to write a book that I would allow them to read (my previous titles were part of the adult genre). Writing a story for them has been such a blessing. What I thought would be short story, quickly transformed into a 400-page (proof that the second book is already written and will be in your hands very soon) tale of fantasy, adventure and personal growth. My imagination has run wild, and it has been so much fun!

  Thank you to everyone who helped me get this book out into the world. A special thank you goes out to my TEAMS (comprised of youth ages 9-16+). Your insights and contributions have been invaluable. This would not have been possible without you.

  BETA TEAM:

  Alexis, Donnie, Lielle, Samara, Leila, Carmel, Emily, Lila, Sadie, Alexis, Lauren, Vance, Lily

  RELEASE TEAM (ADVANCE REVIEWERS):

  Alexis, Claire, Zoey, Madison, Vance, Emmanuella, Maya, Nevaeh, Chase, Allie, Kai, Jack, Dominick, Ben, Isabella, Andrew, Emilia

  MEDIA TEAM:

  Vance, Alexis, Maya, Leya, Claire, Nathan, Nevaeh, Zoey, Sadie, Allie, Saania & many more, you know who you are.

  Last, but certainly not least, thank you to my wonderful husband. Your unwavering love and support means more to me than I could ever put into words. Even after all these years, you continue to make my dreams come true.