Resurrection of an Empire: The Magic Within (The Magic Within Series Book 2) Read online

  Together they’d hunted and fished and as they roamed the wilderness they’d fallen in love all over again. As if it were the first time they’d met. With words shared from their hearts and the passion in their souls, they’d committed their love and lives to each other under the full moon in a forest glade.

  On their return to the Keep their families had been overjoyed, but they still had to tell Christopher’s aunt and uncle when they returned to The Dale.

  Elle took the papers from Christopher and scanned a few of the paragraphs. She glanced up at the wooden clock on the wall and jumped to her feet. ‘Can I take these with me? I’ll read them later,’ she said. She’d be late again if she didn’t hurry, and her brother Jack would hound her for her tardiness. Elle gave Christopher and Clarence a kiss farewell and then dashed from the room.

  ‘By all means…take your time,’ Clarence said as she disappeared out the door.

  Christopher laughed. ‘He won’t be happy with her if she’s late again.’

  ‘I feel Jack’s too hard on her,’ Clarence said.

  ‘Both siblings are as headstrong as the other. I’m sure they’ll work it out.’

  ‘What did you want to see us, about? Surely not these scriptures you found.’

  ‘You’re right, son. I just wanted to make sure you both are happy here. If there’s anything you’d like to talk about, Henry and myself are always available to you both. Life just seems to be drifting along faster than we’ve time for. I know we’re all busy with our various work, but if either of you needs us, there’ll always be time to talk.’

  ‘Thank you, Clarence,’ Christopher said and he rose to shake the wizard’s hand.

  ‘I know you’ve had to cram in your studies, along with everything else, but I just wanted you both to know I’m here for you. Now I’m sure you have much to be getting on with. So I’ll see you later this evening at dinner.’

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  Christopher traipsed down the path from the mountain and entered the common. As he approached the far end, the sound of steel clashing against steel rang out, carried on the cool breeze for all to hear.

  When Jack had first arrived to settle at the Wizard’s Keep, he’d begun to design the arena. Progress had been slow and as the icy drifts of winter snow blocked passage to and from the mountain, all construction ceased. The erected timber piers stood steadfast in the fields against the howling winds, and as the temperature dropped the land became carpeted in a crisp blanket of white. The raw wooden posts were merely a glimpse of what Jack had envisioned, but as with all things in life, time changes everything, and as the wheel continued to turn the time for challenge drew near. The Brothers of Time rode with haste into the glade of Enoria, to once again meet and battle for supremacy. The victor would gain rule over the realm, while the defeated retreated home to lick his wounds and regenerate his strength to fight another day.

  As the days turned to weeks and time flittered by, the inhabitants of the Keep remained isolated upon the mountain. Locked away from the world outside, they kept busy and practised the crafts of old.

  But as the two brothers fought over who would rise and take rule, the snow continued to fall and cast the land in its icy web. The Oak King, Miason, having rested and rejuvenated over the past few months, finally defeated his twin the Holly King. As the sun returned to the mountain and the mighty oak tree on the plateau sprouted with new growth, the people of the Keep knew the deity of the winter Solstice had regained rule over the land.

  The Oak King’s twin, Dalfenor, retreated to his palace to tend his wounds. Over the months he would wait until his strength returned and as the Summer Solstice drew near he would venture to the glade of Enoria, to once again fight his brother and regain his Season of Time, leading the land into the Yule tide celebration.

  But for now the land had fallen to the Oak King, and each day as the weather grew warmer it melted the frosty blanket which hid the land. Fresh green buds burst from the warm earth to cover the landscape in a plethora of colour. Work began again in earnest and as the training arena rose it paid homage to those who had fought for freedom.

  The villagers were happy to have the wizards return home, and they helped wherever they could to restore the ancient building. There was much also to be done in the village, to re-establish the basic needs of the people. So when new faces arrived to settle and call Canistar home, the people benefited fourfold. Enriched by these added skills they prospered.

  Not all newcomers came with families. Many travelled north alone, lured by the promise of work and a home. Some merely came for a new beginning and they’d been given a warm welcome in Canistar. Henry had been able to employ various tradesmen to work both in the village and at the Keep when they first returned home as he and Clarence had come upon Arnak’s horde of wealth stashed in the chambers beneath the Keep. They’d had no idea how they’d return what had been taken from the people of Solencia. Many were no longer alive, and it had taken a great deal of planning on the wizards’ behalf to decide on how to dispense the money. Finally, after much scrutiny, they’d decided to invest the money in the people’s future. Scriptures were posted in every town and village near and far and the people there were required to nominate a governor to oversee their interests. The Governor would be accountable for every penny allocated and spent. Even before Christopher had arrived home, Henry had set plans into motion and, once the warm spring rains returned to melt the snow, the date was fixed for the voting.

  The wizards had already begun work in Canistar, and soon the Keep’s grounds would again flourish and support the village as it once had many years ago.

  Standing in the shaded arch of the arena Christopher watched Elle train. Although she’d tied her auburn hair back, an unruly strand escaped here and there and she pushed them back as she concentrated. Her locks gleamed bright against the back of her stained white shirt, and that day she had chosen to wear the cool, simple cotton pants the same as the men. Christopher watched her feet dance over the ground in soft simple leathers and eyed the way her brother, Jack, loomed not far away supervising her training. Shouting out instruction when she missed her opportunities.

  ‘Elle, you need to keep an eye on Goodwin’s movements. Watch his eyes, see how his shoulders move. They will tell you where he’s planning his next attack. No! Move to the right. Now pivot and return. Work harder or you’ll feel the bite of his blade.’

  Frustrated with his constant barrage to move here, turn there, stop, pivot and return, Elle let down her guard and then it happened. Her opponent, Goodwin, Jack’s First Man at Arms, had been too quick for her and she’d faltered. He hadn’t pulled his sword back in time and he’d nicked her on the arm. Blood seeped through the linen of her shirt leaving the tell-tale sign of a fumbled move.

  ‘Damn it, Elle! You need to watch him closely.’ Jack walked over to his sister with a piece of linen and wrapped it around her arm to bind the wound.

  Goodwin sheathed his sword in his belt. ‘I’m sorry, Elle. I should’ve halted my weapon sooner.’

  ‘Why should you be sorry, Goodwin? She’s your enemy. Do you give pause to your enemy? No. You fight.’ Jack finished tying a knot in the makeshift bandage. ‘Now start again, and this time, Elle, use caution. Watch and learn what his body reveals.’

  Elle ignored the sharp sting of the wound and steadied herself. Goodwin nodded, signalling he was ready and her head bobbed in reply. The First Man at Arms knew her brother wouldn’t let up and so he changed his plan of attack.

  ‘Son,’ Robert said. ‘I wouldn’t watch for too long if I were you. Jack will have you in the ring with her next.’ He leant against the opposite side of the arch from Christopher.

  Robert had travelled to Canistar before the winter had set in and, over the frozen months that followed, he and Jack had made plans to build the Keep an army. Their numbers had now increased to a sizable battalion. Men who’d fought in the battle to rid Arnak and Athena from the lands had journeyed to Canistar and committed themselves t
o the protection of the realm. Jack had been pleased. Robert was the man he needed by his side, to train and guide the men into a force that could protect their homeland.

  ‘He’s hard on her, Robert.’

  ‘Yes, lad, but if she wants to hold a sword, she’d best know how to do it properly. He was against it from the start, but you know how she is, headstrong and all. Well, it would kill him if anything should happen to her because he’d been lenient with her training. There’s no point in holding a weapon if one is unable to do anything with it.’

  ‘Agreed,’ Christopher said.

  ‘Don’t worry about her injury, lad. I’ve seen worse. Henry will tend to her soon enough. He daren’t rush and favour the lass. Neither of them would be happy to gain extra attention from the captain.’

  During the time the ring was active, a wizard was always near to heal any injuries sustained during training. As each man or woman became proficient, the wizards weren’t required as often to heal these minor wounds. Elle had inspired the women of the surrounding villages to take up arms and learn to protect themselves.

  It had happened one night not long after she and Christopher had returned to the mountain. The Keep was having a celebratory feast and everyone from the village and nearby farms had attended. A select group of soldiers from the barracks were providing entertainment for the crowd and Elle had stood with her family to watch the festivities. She had voiced her desire to learn how to wield a weapon and fight as they’d been entertained by the display. Jack had cut her short and changed the conversation. Not in arrogance of her gender, but because he knew the dangers it would involve. He just wanted a life of peace for his baby sister. She’d already struggled enough over the years and he no longer wanted to worry about her safety. But as luck would have it, her father, Atlas, had overheard his son’s curt intrusion and had intervened.

  ‘Jack, lad. ‘All who come will be taught.’ Those are the words from our wizards. A woman must also learn to protect herself from danger. When we were invaded and the men were slaughtered and others enslaved, who was left to protect the women? No one,’ he said. ‘I know you worry about your sister, but shouldn’t she and others have the right to protect themselves?’

  Jack sighed. ‘Father, it’s dangerous. The weapons are far too heavy for a woman to wield, and she would be putting herself in danger. Not to mention the injuries she may suffer.’

  Atlas thought upon his son’s words. ‘What do you think, Henry?’

  ‘My, my. Yes, a sword is much too heavy for a woman of Elle’s size to swing around,’ he said as he slashed an imaginary sword through the air. ‘But, you know, we do have our very own swordsmith right here at the Keep.’

  ‘We do?’

  ‘Yes, yes. Christopher has worked all his life crafting fine weapons. I’m sure he’d be able to think of something she and the ladies could wield. Why there he is now. Christopher! Over here, lad.’ Christopher made his way to his grandfather’s side. ‘We’re just having a discussion about Elle and the ladies of the village. Would you be able to craft a weapon they could use to train with? The men’s swords are far too heavy for them. They need something much lighter,’ he said as he continued to wave his imaginary blade. He stopped his duel and held his finger up to make his point. ‘But it still needs to be strong enough to withstand a heavier blade.’

  ‘There are a few lighter rapiers but they’ll not stand up to some of the weightier swords. But I’m sure I could come up with a weapon that will do the job and, besides, the ladies could also learn to use a shield for protection,’ he offered.

  ‘There you have it! I knew he’d think of something, Jack.’

  Jack looked from Christopher to Henry. ‘Alright, I’ll cede, but Elle, I expect you to train every day. I’ll not give allowance for your gender or the fact you’re my sister. You’ll adhere to all instruction and do as I say when I say, and never question my authority. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yes, Jack.’

  ‘While you train you’ll refer to me as Captain, nothing else.’

  ‘Yes, Jack.’ A smile gleamed on her face. She longed to hug him, but knew to do so would raise his ire even more.

  Henry made his way across the ring towards Elle. The deep claret stain had seeped through the linen bandage and as he approached her he caught sight of his grandson and Captain Robert, standing beneath an arch in the shade. He waved to them and proceeded to undo the crude bandage Jack had administered.

  ‘There, my dear,’ he said as he pressed the edges of the wound closed. ‘It’s not so bad.’ He applied a thick salve to calm the site, before he placed his hand over the top. Uttering a few simple words he wrapped Elle’s arm again in a clean dressing. ‘There, that should do it. Soon it’ll be as good as new.’ Then he left her and ventured over to join his grandson.

  ‘Afternoon,’ Henry said.

  ‘Afternoon, Henry,’ Robert replied. ‘Well, I best be away. There’s still much to be done before the sun goes down.’

  ‘Don’t worry, son. It’s not so bad.’ Henry smiled at Christopher. ‘It’s just a small cut. She’ll be fine.’ Leaving the shelter of the arch they walked away from the arena. ‘So what are you up to?’

  ‘I’m headed down to the village to check on the restoration of the infirmary. The lumber should have arrived this morning,’ Christopher said.

  ‘Oh good. The sooner the building is finished the better, so we can open the clinic. By the way, lad, tonight when we gather for our evening meal we need to finalize our plans. The voting will soon be upon us and we need to send out the poll boxes for the counters so they can oversee the process. We don’t want any disputes about the results. Clarence and I would also like to take you to the Wizard’s Enclave. It’s about time we began our own preparations for the future. You need to develop your craft. I know you’d like a little more free time, but we need to nurture that essence of yours. If it’s left unattended it’ll weaken. It’s a constant task for each of us to strengthen the ties to our inner selves, but once you get the hang of it, it’ll become part of your daily ritual.’

  Christopher nodded. ‘I’ll see you later tonight,’ he said as they parted ways.

  Chapter Four

  Christopher enjoyed the warmth of the day as he helped the carpenters unload the wagonload of timber. When completed, the building would service the people as it had many years ago. Elle was keen to continue developing her craft. In her lineage the medicinal art had been passed from mother to daughter. Each one had added to the knowledge of those who’d come before, and while Elle knew how to mix many of the simpler remedies, her mother had died before she’d been able to pass on all that she knew. The wizards would tend to the seriously ill, and she would be able to learn from them.

  Christopher had plans to employ men and women from the village to care for the sick. The building would be a haven for recuperation, allowing the sick to stay while they recovered and ease the burden on their families. The accommodations would be bright and airy. With the flow of natural light and fresh air, Christopher believed it would help speed recovery. His heart warmed as he looked around the building, marking the progress that had been made. Skilled men whose talents had been wasted over the years, during Arnak’s rule, had settled in Canistar, and they had taken pride in the infirmary’s construction. As the people of the village pooled together, they watched the building erupt from the soil and their hearts soared. For them to construct a place, for the people, built by the people, their spirits rose and they rejoiced in their newfound freedom.

  With their faith in the wizards, the people again flourished. United in one goal to rebuild what they’d lost. For so long they’d been governed by a harsh tyrant and now they were free to make their own choices and again use their skills.

  Christopher walked over to the builder in charge of the construction.

  ‘You’ve made amazing progress, Edwin,’ he said. ‘At this rate the clinic will be finished well before the winter snows arrive.’

  ‘The m
en are of one mind to see it complete. Every day they watch the progress made and are proud to be involved in its construction. It won’t be long now before we thatch the roof.’

  ‘In a few weeks another load of timber will arrive, if you need more wood.’

  ‘I think we’ll have ample to finish the interior with the cart load that arrived today.’

  ‘Good,’ Christopher said as they continued on through the construction site. He noted the care the men took and greeted them while they worked. When he’d finished his inspection, Christopher farewelled the overseer and continued on his way to meet up with his friend who had settled in Canistar.

  As Christopher walked back through the village he noticed many of the gardens now flourished. Vegetables grew in abundance and small leafy pockets were visible as the people who lived there worked to build themselves a new beginning. When he’d first travelled through Canistar with Elle, the village had been dilapidated and the conditions they’d found had been worse than any other place he’d seen. Christopher’s heart rejoiced at the sight of the transformation that was taking place. Freedom to make their lives their own had been what the people needed. It had been what he’d needed as well, and although the realization had at first been overwhelming, he’d learnt to kerb his doubts as he saw the happiness of the people evolve.

  ‘Christopher!’

  He turned to see his friend, Saul, splattered in whitewash, wave to him from the front of his shop.

  ‘I must say, the shop is progressing at an amazing pace,’ Christopher said as he strolled over and shook his friend’s hand. Saul Winters had left his father and brother behind in The Dale, and now at the age of twenty-two, he’d decided to strike out on his own. He knew Christopher and the others had plans to restore the Keep and return Canistar into the thriving community it had once been, so he’d packed up his belongings and relocated to the village. It would be hard work, but every town needed a butcher and Saul knew this was his chance to seize the moment.