Forgotten Magic (Elementals Book 1) Read online

It took another eleven long days amid the harsh winter conditions until they were finally gazing upon the impressive, stone walls of the city of Olai. The gatekeepers recognised Vala’s uniform and immediately allowed them entry, pushing open the huge, heavy doors to let them pass. They made their way slowly through the narrow, lightly snow covered streets, among tightly packed buildings and towards the large stone castle that rose beautiful and intimidating before them.

  As they dismounted in an almost deserted market square, the twins gazed in awe at the towering pale walls of the castle. Several large flags flapped gently in the icy breeze, proudly displaying the Eriban emblem of a large bird. Its prominent hooked beak was sharp and threatening, the large brown wings were spread as if to take flight and the long tail feathers were splayed into a beautiful gold and silver fan.

  As they were about to leave the market, a woman to their left let out a piercing shriek; Vala spun round and grabbed instantly for her sword. The once screaming woman slumped silently to the ground, staining the crisp white snow deep red. Next to her, his bloodied weapon raised and a menacing grin on his face, was one of the feared mingual.

  Chapter 2

  Vala stared at the beast, trying not to show the fear she felt; he was close to seven feet tall and far broader than herself, with impressive muscles dominating his bronzed body. The face was humanoid with a thick, shaggy beard and a long mane of dark, tangled hair. He bared his teeth while growling like some wild animal and Vala noticed two very large canines. The mingual swung his bloodied battle-axe round his head using large clawed hands and Vala readied her own weapon in anticipation. He wore no armour, only a tattered shirt and trousers and was completely barefoot as if the cold didn’t affect him. He stared at Vala with bright red eyes and continued to grin at her. Then he screamed and ran towards her.

  The few people that still littered the streets yelled and scrambled away from the pair in terror. Carts and stalls were overturned in the process as citizens were shoved to the ground by their neighbours who tried desperately to escape the foul creature in front of them. Vala motioned for the twins to hide as she pulled her shield from her back and threw herself into a defensive stance.

  The mingual swung downwards towards her head and Vala raised both sword and shield to block but fell to her knees from the force of the strike. A sharp pain ran down her arms – he was far stronger than she expected – and she dropped low and rolled to the side. Vala scrambled quickly to her feet and swung at the beast’s legs; he jumped but her sword sliced his calf and he let out a blood curdling scream as he staggered, swinging his axe with even more fury.

  Black liquid oozed from his wound but he ignored it and aimed for her neck; she blocked with sword and shield, and being more prepared for the impact this time, pushed away as he swung his fist and smacked her jaw. She spun from the force of the impact, dropped her weapons and fell on hands and knees to the frozen ground. Her head swum as she flipped onto her back and looked up; the mingual stood over her, battle-axe raised and grinned. Vala kicked sharply with both feet as the creature moved to attack and he let out a yell as her boots collided with his wounded leg and she heard a faint crack. He stumbled back but remained standing despite his calf bone jutting from his torn flesh. He growled.

  Vala grabbed her sword, jumped to her feet then swung forcefully towards him; he blocked easily retaliating by aiming another blow at her head. She ducked and turned to the left, out of his range and hacked wildly at his non-weapon holding arm. He screamed as black blood splattered across Vala’s face and the arm hung useless next to him. Vala jumped back but felt a sharp pain shoot through her thigh where the mingual's weapon had grazed her.

  She looked down to see a dark patch of red spreading slowly across her beige trousers. She cursed, ignored the pain and grabbed for her discarded shield, throwing it at her enemy where it hit him full force in the face. He fell back with a thud, dropped his weapon and while he was fumbling to right himself she leapt towards him, bent down on one knee and stabbed her sword deep into his chest. He let out one final ear piercing screech before vanishing in a burst of fire and a cloud of thick, black smoke, which caused Vala to fall back into the snow and shield her eyes.

  She rose to her feet and stumbled; the twins ran to help her and Tom put her arm round his broad shoulders to steady her. She was breathing heavily, sweat trickled down her forehead and she was limping. Kiræ stared in shock and amazement at the melted snow and scorched ground where the creature had been only moments before. She came to her senses when several warriors ran into the market place, their weapons raised. With them was a tall, bronzed man, who wore no armour.

  “Are you okay?” he asked in a deep, rough voice as he signalled something to the warriors, who instantly ran off as he walked towards them. Kiræ looked at the man who had shoulder length mousy hair and a thick layer of stubble coating his chin and into his pale blue eyes, which were full of worry.

  “Vala’s injured,” she said, pointing to the bloodied patch on Vala’s trousers. Kiræ watched as the strange man, whose strong handsome features felt so familiar to her, walked towards Vala and began to examine her wound.

  “It’s not bad, Vala, nothing vital was hit. Come.” He took Vala’s other arm and helped to support her weight.

  She smiled gratefully, “Thank you, King Asmera,” Kiræ jumped in surprise, bumping into Tom, who grunted in annoyance.

  “You’re the king?” she asked in amazement adding an awkward bow at the end.

  “I am,” he said with a chuckle, “come, I suggest we move from this tainted place, Vala needs medical treatment and we have much to discuss.”

  That evening at dinner, Vala and King Asmera were anxiously discussing the event in the square. Tom and Kiræ, although sitting apart from the two adults, were eavesdropping on their conversation.

  “The warriors searched the city, they counted ten in the end but there were at least five more casualties. I don’t understand how they got in, I mean, how did they get past the guards?” King Asmera asked.

  “They must have slipped quietly over the walls somehow,” Vala replied as the king looked back at her, shock etched on his face.

  “But how?”

  “I’m not sure,” she replied, “there’s still so much we don’t know about them. It might be wise to double your patrols from now on.”

  King Asmera nodded in agreement, “I’ve already got the guards on high alert, so if any more show up, we’ll be ready,” he said, his face firm, “I don’t want to lose any more of my people.”

  “I think the city should be safe for now,” she replied, “our intelligence suggests Bælana is sending these mingual as a test, to see how well defended we all are. Tresin and Denward have also reported finding these ‘scouts’.”

  “Vala,” Tom said timidly, edging over to the two concerned adults, “what are the mingual exactly?” Vala and King Asmera exchanged a look, silently debating whether or not to allow the twins to join them.

  “We’re not sure,” Vala began, “we believe them to be magically created creatures, based on the human form.”

  “It looked like it had fangs and claws,” Kiræ said looking across at Vala, who nodded.

  “There is definitely something primal about them, which is why they are so ferocious.” King Asmera said rising from his seat and walking across the large stone floor of the dining room.

  “Did Bælana make them?” Kiræ asked edging closer to where Vala sat; she nodded.

  “We’re not sure how but the old texts imply it takes a lot of dark magic to create something so independent.”

  “What about the fire and smoke?” Tom asked trying to mask his obvious interest.

  “I don’t know, I’ve never actually witnessed one of their deaths,” Vala admitted.

  “Quite possibly it’s a residue of the magic that was used to create them,” King Asmera said, “but that’s just a theory.”

  “Do they have magic too?” Kiræ asked nervously.

  “We’
ve had reports that one of the mingual warriors, known as Ziqua, has been seen using some form of magic. He also seems to talk unlike the others.”

  “Why did Bælana choose to take over the Holy Land?” Tom asked thoughtfully, “it’s barely inhabited and doesn’t have any defences.”

  “Which is exactly why she chose to have her base there,” King Asmera explained almost before Tom had finished asking his question, “she met with little resistance so she could build a fortress as she wished.”

  “Has anyone attempted to enter the Holy Land since?” Tom asked.

  “Fjord, the Yutshan army leader tried it soon after Bælana took over but he reported that the borders were impassable,” Vala explained.

  “How is Bælana the only one with magic?” Kiræ asked in confusion, “and where does it come from?”

  Vala sighed and leant back in her chair. “From what we know, magic is connected to everything in our land, it’s a part of everything. Our history books state that at one time magic was common and it was used to assist with daily life. Then several hundred years ago those with the gift were wiped out.”

  “What happened?” Tom asked, unable to contain his interest any further. Vala gazed across the room to one of the large rectangular stained glass windows and watched as the dying light filtered through, creating faint coloured shapes on the floor. Her expression altered, becoming sorrowful.

  “The records state there was a growing darkness across the land, and with it came a great illness, a plague of sorts that targeted those with magic. It caused them to fall into a deep sleep they never woke from. And then, as quickly as it arrived, the darkness lifted. Those that survived mourned the loss of their loved ones but life went on, only this time, without magic to help them.”

  “Or so we thought,” King Asmera said, “somehow Bælana has the gift and no one can understand how,” he slammed his fist on the table in fury which rattled the crockery. Silence fell and with the conversation seemingly over Vala and King Asmera retired to a large study to discuss the ever more realistic threat of a full scale attack, leaving the twins to curl up by the fire in the library next door.

  Kiræ sat, watching almost hypnotically at the dancing flames in the fire, and chewed her lip thoughtfully. She turned to her brother who was reading.

  “Tom,” she said getting his attention, can I talk to you about something?” he looked up from his book.

  “Sure,” he said placing a marker between the pages and closing it carefully.

  “I thought the way Vala fought today was amazing,” she said as she put her feet onto the large armchair she was sitting in and wrapped her arms round her legs.

  “So?” he asked looking puzzled, “you’ve seen her in combat training loads of times.”

  “I know,” she said dismissing his comment, “but this was different, this was real life and it’s made me think about my futu-”

  “What about it?” he looked at her intensely as if he could tell what she was going to say.

  “Well,” she began slowly, “when we return to Caan…I’m going to enrol…and train to become a warrior, like Vala.”

  “What?” Tom said in surprise. He stared at his sister for several minutes trying to absorb the information. “Have you thought this through? You could get yourself killed, you saw that thing today, it was huge, even Vala struggled against it.”

  “I know,” she replied curtly, “but this is something I want to do, I’ve been thinking about it for a while now and after what happened today I know it’s what I want and it makes sense! I want to be able to protect people, Tom.” She looked at him pleadingly, “I was hoping you would support me.”

  He snorted and turned away from her, “Do you really think you have what it takes?”

  “Yes,” Kiræ said, rising from her chair, “I’m going to do this Tom and no amount of talk is going to dissuade me.” He looked as she turned to leave the cosy, dimly lit room and felt a stab of guilt and envy as she slammed the door behind her.

  A stony silence hovered between the twins at breakfast the next morning causing an uncomfortable atmosphere.

  “Is everything okay,” Vala asked while looking between the twins.

  “Of course,” Tom lied, “why?”

  “Because you seem angry at Kiræ.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing,” Tom answered and forced a smile.

  “We had a slight disagreement,” Kiræ explained.

  “About what?” Vala asked folding her arms.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Kiræ said waving a hand, “the important thing is that I won,” she grinned at Tom who returned it with a scowl.

  “Well if it’s nothing then perhaps you could stop acting like children in the presence of the king,” Vala said sternly while inclining her head to a laughing King Asmera. She placed a hand on her forehead and sighed.

  “I’m sorry Vala,” he said trying to compose himself, “they remind me of myself and Amma when we were young.” He turned to the twins, “so, what was it you were arguing about?” Kiræ opened her mouth to reply but Tom, a sly thought crossing his mind beat her to it.

  “Kiræ and I have decided to start warrior training when we return to Caan, and we disagreed on when would be the most appropriate time to tell you.” Kiræ stared open mouthed at her brother in surprise as Vala and King Asmera began to fuss over them. Tom grinned at his sister who scowled at him and stalked out of the room.

  Chapter 3

  When the first hint of spring eventually arrived, timidly coaxing plants out of hibernation, the start of the training year was drawing nearer. Tom woke early one clear, crisp morning, the warm sunlight streaking through his window. After some time spent trying to ignore the nervous feeling inside, he dragged himself out of bed, dressed slowly and went to rouse his sister. He found her already dressed and sat on her bed apparently deep in thought. She looked up as he entered and grinned nervously.

  “You okay?” he asked sitting next to her; she nodded slowly.

  “Just nervous,” she replied twirling a strand of red hair round her finger.

  “Don’t worry,” he said putting an arm round her, “we’re in this together.”

  “You’re right,” she replied, feeling herself calm a little. They headed towards the kitchen for breakfast, but Tom couldn’t shake the knot of worry in the pit of his stomach.

  They reached the tailor’s workshop later that morning after they had officially signed in at the training ground. Tom, who had been reluctant to sign his name at the training ground, paused again before following his twin. Kiræ raced ahead into the small building. It was cramped in the workshop. There were shelves stacked full of clothing and the tiny window by the door was covered in a thick layer of dust that seemed determined to stop any attempt the sun made at breaking through and brightening the place. Kiræ noticed a pretty girl about her own age, hovering by a small battered wooden desk that seemed to be hiding beneath stacks of fabric. The girl was slim and a bit shorter than Kiræ with pale skin, blue eyes and exceptionally pale blonde hair, which in this light looked the colour of ice.

  “Hi,” she said politely walking over, “I’m Kiræ.”

  The other girl smiled somewhat nervously, “I’m Aurora, are you getting a learner’s uniform?” Kiræ nodded enthusiastically. “Same here,” Aurora said, “that’s if I can get the attention of the tailor.”

  Kiræ giggled, “You must be new to the area,” she said while searching the desk for a bell.

  Aurora nodded, “My family are from Balim,” she explained, “it’s strange being away from home, but I think it will be fun once I’m settled.”

  “I can’t wait!” Kiræ said grinning broadly, “my guardian’s a warrior here and I always thought it seemed like a really rewarding job, you know protecting people.”

  “Your guardian? She’s not your mother?”

  “No, we’ve never known our parents, Vala took us in when we were little and has looked after us ever since.”

  “Who’s we?”
>
  “Myself and my twin brother Tom,” Kiræ replied finding and ringing a small bell, “here he is now.”

  Tom trudged into the workroom and smiled at them, “Hi,” he said unnaturally quietly.

  Whether he had heard the bell or not, a short, stout man with thin greying hair, a large bald patch and thick round glasses appeared through an almost invisible door behind the ravaged desk. He beamed at them and adjusted his glasses.

  “Here for uniforms are you?” he asked in a cheery voice while pulling a long measuring tape from his pocket. A small, thin woman with thick curly white hair appeared behind him as they nodded slowly. “Excellent, excellent,” he clapped his hands together. “You two can go with Yana.” He looked at the girls and gestured to the small woman. “I’ll sort these two,” he said as a timid looking young man walked into the building. Kiræ and Aurora followed Yana through the hidden door and into a spacious well lit room with several large windows and more shelving stacked with clothes. A short stool stood in the centre of the room and Yana beckoned for one of them to stand on it. As the woman began taking measurements the girls continued their conversation.

  “Do you know many people here?” Kiræ asked and Aurora shook her head causing Yana to scowl at her movement.

  “I only arrived a few days ago,” she explained, trying to remain still, “you and your brother are the first people I’ve met. Do you know anyone else training here?”

  “There are several boys and a couple of girls from my old school, we didn’t really speak though.”

  “Am I right in thinking training starts in seven days?”

  Kiræ nodded, “And I think we can move into our rooms in two or three.”

  “You’re not staying with your guardian then?”

  “No, Vala thought it would be better if we were amongst others who were training.”

  “That makes sense, I’m definitely feeling less anxious now I’ve met you,” she smiled.