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the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen wagged his tail voraciously and did as Faedra asked. She pulled the door closed and carried on down the driveway towards the cottage while Faen panted his hot breath in her ear. Upon turning a sharp bend in the driveway, the cottage came into view. She never tired of its beauty, or the warm feeling it gave her just to look at it. The cottage was many hundreds of years old and had been handed down through the family for generations. Her dad had completed many restorative projects on it since her mother inherited it before Faedra was born. This, in itself, was a sad thing because that meant she had never known her grandparents. They both died in a car accident before she was born. After living with the pain of loosing her own mother, Faedra felt full sympathy for what her mother must have gone through, losing both her parents in one fell swoop. Although, her mother had been much older than Faedra when it happened to her. She was already married to her father, Henry, and pregnant with Faedra. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The cottage had cream walls with an array of black oak beams that were exposed both on the outside and on the inside. A beautiful climbing rose crept up the wall on a trellis and was in full bloom, exhibiting an abundance of bright sunny yellow petals. Her mother had planted it the year Faedra was born. She had watched her father carefully tend the plant ever since. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her father had also added a few more rooms on the back of the cottage, making it twice the size of the original dwelling. The living room, dining room, and two of the upstairs bedrooms were original and they were Faedra's favorite rooms. You almost had to duck when you walked into the living room, the ceilings were so low. People had been much smaller in stature when the cottage was first built. But the living room was a complete contrast to the dining room that Faedra had lovingly named 'The Great Hall'. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The dining room was a cavernous room with an imposing brick fireplace at one end. A ceiling that towered two stories high was handsomely finished with exposed black oak beams running parallel to each other for the length of it. A staircase ran up one side of the room to a door at the top that led to her bedroom. She made sure she kept the front bedroom for herself, even after her father had finished a beautiful new room for her towards the back of the house. She had resisted, and with sensitivity, declined. There was something about the history in the old section of the house that she didn't want to be parted from. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra pulled her car in beside her father's. He worked from home; he had ever since her mother died. For that, she felt blessed. His job enabled him to stay at home so she did not have to be shipped off to a childcare provider every day. This turn of events had also made them very close. She loved her father with all her heart, and he felt the same about her. She smiled when she saw the other car parked next to her father's. It belonged to her uncle Leo. He'd been an integral part of her upbringing, too, and she always enjoyed seeing him when he came around to visit. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She opened the door to let Faen out and reached in to grab her bag that had been thrown precariously on the back seat when she left work earlier. Faen waited by her side until she closed the door. He looked up at her and wagged his tail. "Thank God that week is finished with," she told him. "I'm not sure I could've taken much more of Mr. Thompson. I honestly don't know why he's got it in for me." Faen barked, as if agreeing with her. "You know, boy, sometimes I could swear you understand every word I say." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She walked the few steps it took to reach the front door, kicked off her shoes inside the front porch, and lifted up the old-fashioned, black wrought iron latch on the door that led into the living room. The latch made its familiar chinking sound, a sound full of history and memories. It must have been lifted many thousands of times over its history, sometimes to welcome people in, and sometimes to bid them farewell. The memories it held seemingly endless. The quickening of a heartbeat when someone, patiently awaiting a loved one to return home, heard the latch chink. The relief, when an unwelcome or irritating visitor exited. Faedra's memories of walking through this door had always been happy ones, except for one solitary entrance, the day her mother died. She knew it would never welcome her mum home again. She let out a sigh. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | As she swung the door open, she felt the need to duck, even though the ceiling was at least a foot taller than she was. She looked around the cozy living room. There was a fireplace, also. Actually, there was a fireplace in all the original rooms of the cottage, as back in the day, that was the only way to heat the house. She listened for signs of life and could hear voices coming from the kitchen. "Come on, boy. They're in the kitchen." She closed the living room door and wandered through to the contrastingly spacious dining room. The kitchen was located on the other side. Faen followed at her heels. He very rarely let her out of his sight when she was home. "Hi, guys," she called as she reached the kitchen. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her dad, uncle, and her uncle's wife, Nicki, were all seated around the kitchen table, situated in the center of the room. They had their hands wrapped around cups of tea, and a plate of cookies sat in the center of the table. Faedra strode over to where her dad was sitting, and planted a kiss on his forehead then leaned past him to grab a cookie. "Hey, Dad." "Hello, darling. How was your day?" "Oh, you know, the usual." "Mr. Thompson still treating you badly?" "I don't know why you put up with his crap, Faedra," Uncle Leo chimed in, "I would have told him where to stick his job a long time ago." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Thanks, Uncle Leo, but I need the money and it's not for much longer, I'll be starting college soon." Faedra made her way around the table to where her uncle sat, and leaned over to wrap her arms around his neck. "I'll survive, I promise," she smiled her cheeky grin at him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Well, you have the patience of a saint, that's all I can say," Leo continued. "Hey, Nicki, what are you doing this weekend?" Faedra asked, quickly changing the subject of her dire working arrangements. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her uncle had met Nicki not long after her mother had died and Faedra had taken to her straight away. Although Nicki was a good ten years older than herself, she had treated Faedra like a sister and taken her under her wing. She was happy that her uncle had found such a wonderful person and wished that her Dad would do the same. It had been nearly twelve years since that fateful day, and her Dad had never been interested in meeting anyone else even after all these years. She worried all the time that he would be so alone when eventually the inevitable happened and she moved out. "We are attempting to take your Dad out on the boat tomorrow, get him out of this house for a change," Nicki replied. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra watched as her father raised his eyes heavenward. She knew her uncle had been trying to get him out to meet new people, mainly of the female variety, for a while. She sympathized with her dad after he had confided in her that he felt like a prize bull being paraded around a judging ring. "That sounds like fun, Dad. I'd go with you if I didn't already have plans. I was going to invite Nicki to come with us to Strawberry Fair tomorrow." "Thanks, Fae, but you're already taking Amy and Zoë, and Faen, no doubt. It would have been just a little squashed in the back of your car." She had a point, Faen let out a little whine. "Don't worry, you're still coming," Faedra told him, and he wagged his tail. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Since he had turned up that day of the funeral, they were virtually inseparable apart from when social decorum dictated. He could not go with her to school or to work, but waited patiently each day until she came home, and then didn't leave her side until the next morning. "It's a good thing Zoë loves you almost as much as I do," she told him kneeling down to rub his velvety soft ears. "You can ride in the back with her, she'll love that." She turned to her family. "Well, excuse me, everyone, I'm going to get changed and run out to the barn. It's a beautiful evening for a ride." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hey, young lady," her dad called as she was headed in the direction of her bedroom. "You still haven't told me what you want to do for your eighteenth birthday. It's just around the corner, or have you forgotten?" There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Faedra raised her eyes at Faen, who was looking at her excitedly. "Dad, I've already told you, I would like a small dinner here with you guys, Amy and Zoë, and I will be in seventh heaven. So don't go planning anything big for me, will you, I don't want any fuss. Promise?" Her father let out a sigh. He would love to give his little girl a big birthday bash, but knew she wouldn't enjoy it. He had to be satisfied with a small, family and friends get together instead. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Okay, Darling, I promise." his voice was laced with disappointment. CHAPTER TWO Faedra sprinted up the stairs to her bedroom, followed, as usual, by her faithful friend. She drew up the latch on the door, which was also of the original old wrought iron variety, and entered her room. Throwing her bag clumsily on the bed, its contents fanned themselves out all over the comforter because the clasp was not closed securely enough. She gave the mess a look of nonchalance and shrugged her shoulders. It was the weekend and she didn't care, it could be tidied up later. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her room was spacious and located above the living room, but unlike the room below hers, this one had tall vaulted ceilings. Another fireplace stood on the same wall as the door. She assumed it connected to the imposing fireplace in the dining room below. The walls were painted in a muted yellow and the windows were dressed with floral drapes that looked completely at home in the old cottage. On the opposite wall to the fireplace, stood her dresser with a beautiful antique vanity mirror and an array of toiletries and cosmetics. The type that adorned most of the dressers owned by seventeen year old girls. On the other side of the window was a desk. It was more modern and looked very out of place in her quaint bedroom. A beautiful heirloom doll's house stood on its own platform opposite her bed. Her mother had given it to her when she was a child and had told her the story behind it. She had treasured it ever since. Her grandfather had built it with love for her grandmother, who passed it to her mother when she was a child. Her grandfather also made all of the furniture inside the house. She often stared in awe at the intricate detail of the tiny pieces, wondering how two big human hands could have created such delicate objects. There was an old wicker chair next to the doll's house with a fleecy pale green bathrobe draped over it. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | On the wall next to the fireplace there was a small built-in closet that she had renovated, adding a glass door and shelving, to be a showcase for her spectacular collections of fairies. Her favorite, Arianne, taking center stage. She'd been collecting them ever since her mother had given her the beautiful figurine of a fairy on a stunning black horse, the day she died. "You don't think I'm being mean, not letting Dad throw me a big birthday bash do you, boy?" she asked Faen as she opened the door to her collection, reaching in and carefully picking up the figurine of Arianne. "But it's just too close to Mum's anniversary and I can't bring myself to celebrate when it's that close." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra never felt compelled to celebrate her birthday at all, as it fell just a few days after the anniversary of her mother's death. Faen leaned up against her leg and let out a small whine. She admired the figurine for a moment with sadness. It was the most beautiful fairy she possessed, but it was linked to the saddest memory she possessed, also. "Ouch, here it goes again," she winced, and replaced the fairy in her showcase and looked at her palms. "I wish I knew why they did that," she stated, blowing on the palms of her hands in an effort to cool them. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | For the past few weeks the palms of Faedra's hands had intermittently seared with a burning sensation, but there was never a rash or any redness. She couldn't understand what was causing it. She was starting to get concerned about it as the intensity and frequency was increasing. She made a mental note to go and see a doctor; though, she wasn't sure what he would say when there was no visible sign that anything was amiss. "He'd probably just think I was crazy," she thought out loud. Faen barked, distracting Faedra from her reverie. "Okay, okay, I'll get ready, just hold your horses." She smiled at him. She knew he loved going to the horse barn with her and jogging alongside when she took her horse out on a trail ride. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She opened up her clothing closet on the other side of the fireplace, and pulled out her jodhpurs and a t-shirt, then discarded her work clothes to join the disarray already building on her bed. She wiggled into her jodhpurs - it was a good thing she was slim, as they didn't leave any room for expansion - pulled on her t-shirt, and wandered over to the dresser. She scooped up the mass of curly red hair that was tumbling down her back and tied it in a ponytail at the nape of her neck then turned and headed for the door. "Come on, boy. Let's go." She popped her head in the kitchen doorway on her way out. "Be back later, Dad. Bye, Uncle Leo. Bye, Nicki, see you soon." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Choruses of have fun and ride carefully resonated from the table, but she had already turned and was heading for the front door. "Love you guys." she called over her shoulder as she exited into the living room. Once inside the porch, she pulled on her riding boots and marched out the front door. Faedra wandered round to the right where the climbing rose bush was blooming in all its glory against the front wall of the cottage. She carefully picked one stem with a bud that was just about to open, then strode over to the car, opening the back door for Faen first, who jumped in wagging his tail. She got in and laid the rose with care on the passenger seat as if it was the most delicate thing she had ever handled. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her horse was stabled at a barn just a short drive away on the other side of the village. It only took a few minutes to get there by car; before she could drive, she had ridden her bicycle there come rain or shine. The boarding stables were another of her favorite places, not only because it was home to her horse, but because it, too, was a historic building. It used to be an old farm and the section that housed the stables dated back to when they had to pull the plough by draft horses. The stables lay abandoned for the longest time until the owner decided to retire from the farming business and renovated them to rent out. The buildings were full of character. Faedra often found herself imagining what it must have been like to see the heads of all those big draft horses leaning over the stall doors, before the advent of tractors had made them all redundant. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She pulled into the small car park that was set aside for the boarders, picked up the rose from the passenger seat and hopped out of the car, opening the door for Faen so he could join her. She took a deep breath and looked across the road to where the village church stood proudly amongst the headstones that were dotted about all over the church grounds. The vicar once told her that the original part of the church was built in 1160. That was old by anyone's standards, and the two bells that hung in the square bell tower were thought to be the oldest in England. One of them was from 1350 and the other from the fifteenth century. It never ceased to amaze her that something that old could still be standing. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Come on, let's go say hi to Mum," she said to Faen and looked both ways down the narrow country lane before crossing. She wandered up the little path that led to the church. Upon reaching the door she veered off to the right and followed the path that led behind it. There, spread out before her, was the main part of the graveyard, the section where her mother had been laid to rest nearly twelve years prior. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | An odd sensation washed over her and she snapped her head to the left in the direction that it came from. This had been happening more frequently on her recent visits to the churchyard. Yet again, there was nothing there except the familiar figure of a black and white border collie, who upon seeing Faedra, came bounding over wagging her tail so vigorously her whole body wiggled in synchronization with it. She assumed the dog belonged to the vicar, but had never seen them together. When the dog reached Faedra, she sat down in front of her, looked up and gave her a definitive smile. The first time she had done this, Faedra thought she was baring her teeth in a vicious way and had been quite unnerved. But it became apparent that the dog was 'smiling', and it was the funniest thing she had ever seen. When the dog 'smiled' she also squinted her eyes in an 'I know something you don't know' fashion. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen growled faintly at the other dog as he always did, and, in response, the collie rubbed her head under Faen's chin just as she always did. "Be nice, Faen, I think she likes you," Faedra giggled. If a dog could go "urmph", she swore Faen would have. The look of dejection on his face was priceless. It was as if he were an older sibling being forced to play with a younger brother or sister. She bent down to pat the friendly hound, and when she was finished, the dog got up and trotted back to where she always sat, in front of the northwest corner of the church. Faedra stepped off the path onto the manicured grass and meandered her way through the headstones until she reached her mother's. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hi, Mum," she said, placing the rose she had picked earlier on top of the stone, replacing the one from a few days before that was now shriveled and dry. "Just thought I'd pop by and say hello before I take Gypsy out for a ride." "Good evening, Faedra." A voice called from behind her. She turned. "Oh, hello, Vicar. How are you this evening?" "Very well thank you, my dear. I see you are off for a ride this fine day," he replied, taking note of Faedra's clothing. "Sure am. It's a beautiful evening for it." "Well, you have fun, my dear," he said before heading towards the vicarage. "Excuse me, Vicar," Faedra called out after him. "Yes, dear?" "Does that black and white dog belong to you?" "Which black and white dog, dear?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "That one..." Faedra's voice trailed off as she noticed the empty space in the direction she was pointing. "The black and white collie that always sits over there." "Can't say I've ever noticed one. Must be a stray; we don't have a dog." "Oh, never mind then," she said, drawing her eyebrows together as she watched the vicar walk out of sight. She looked over to where she had just pointed, and, sure enough, the dog was sitting there again like she'd never left. "Hmm, that's odd," she said, looking down at Faen and shaking her head. "Come on, let's go get Gypsy tacked up. Bye, Mum, I'll be back soon." She kissed her fingertips and pressed them against the headstone, letting them linger for a moment, before turning toward the path and heading back in the direction of the horse barn. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | When she walked back over to the barn, she noticed her friend getting out of a car and wandered over to greet her. "Hi, Lisa, going out for a ride tonight?" she asked. "Haven't made my mind up yet. Which trail are you thinking of taking?" "I thought I would go through the woods; it's warm and the shade would keep us cool." "Nah, then I'll have to say no, Fae. Those woods give me the creeps," Lisa replied with a shudder. "They do? Why?" "I can't explain it. I just get a weird feeling in there, freaks me out." Faedra raised her eyebrows at Lisa's descriptive distaste for the woods, but that wouldn't deter her. She had always loved riding through the woods and never felt anything weird, must be Lisa's overactive imagination. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Okay, no worries. We'll catch up for a ride somewhere else another time then?" Faedra said as she made off in the direction of the paddocks. "Sure thing, Fae. Catch you later," Lisa was already across the car park and heading toward the stables. Gypsy was grazing at the far end of the field when Faedra and Faen reached the gate to her paddock. "Gypsy!" Faedra called. "Come here, girl!" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Gypsy's head popped up and looked in Faedra's direction. It was obvious she recognized her voice. Her horse turned and started to walk toward the gate, then the walk turned to a trot, which turned to a canter, until the thunder of her hooves could be heard on the ground. Faedra grinned. She loved that sound. It was a sound she always associated with a feeling of freedom. That's just how she felt when she was on Gypsy's back going that speed. The wind in her face, the thunder of hooves below her, and the countryside zipping past in a blur as they flew like the wind along the trails. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Gypsy was a striking beauty in Faedra's book. Her coloring was classed as blue roan, she had a black coat with white flecks all the way through it that gave her a bluish tinge from a distance. She had a black mane and tail, and a white blaze down the length of her face that had an odd crescent shape to it just below her ears. Three of her legs had white socks that went almost up to her knees and one back leg had just an 'ankle sock'. Gypsy slowed as she neared the gate and walked calmly until she was standing just before it. Faedra leaned over the gate and held out a treat for her. Gypsy nuzzled the palm of her hand, gently picking the treat from it. "Hi, girl," Faedra whispered, rubbing her hand down Gypsy's face. "Ready to go for a ride?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She climbed up and over the gate and reached up to put the halter over Gypsy's head. When the halter was fastened, she unbolted the gate and led Gypsy through. Once they reached the stables, Faedra tied her to the ring on the wall just next to her stall and proceeded to groom her. She paid special attention to getting the knots out of her mane and tail. It didn't take long after that before Gypsy was saddled up and ready to go. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra put on her helmet, mounted her horse, and rode out of the yard towards the trailhead, Faen keeping pace behind them. She would have to ride a few yards down the road to reach the entrance to the trail that was on the opposite side of the lane to the barn. The farmer had opened up all of his land to the riders after renovating the stables. He'd created several trails that went off in different directions. Faedra's favorite was the one that followed a stream and then led into and through a thick stand of trees. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The sun was starting to dip in the sultry evening sky; yet another reason she loved the woods. Her ride started out heading towards the sun. The woods made a handy shade so that she didn't get blinded when the sun dropped to eye level as it was setting. She considered its position in the sky and made a mental note that she had about an hour of riding left before it got too dark. Although Gypsy was very adept at finding her way in the dark, she knew her father would worry and didn't like to give him any reason to. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She always let Gypsy warm up first by walking her for a while. Faedra drifted off into a daydream as she watched the sparkles of light dance in the water of the gently flowing stream to her right. When she was ready, Faedra squeezed her calves and made a soft ticking noise with her mouth to ask her horse to move forward into a trot, which Gypsy did quite willingly. The sun was getting brighter by the minute and Faedra was relieved that the opening to the woods was just up ahead. "Okay, girl, slow it down," she asked, and with a squeeze of her hands on the reins Gypsy responded by coming down into a walk again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They were at the mouth of the woods and Faedra wanted both of them to adjust their eyes to the decreased light before increasing their speed. She was glad she slowed them down, because as soon as they entered the trees, Faedra, at least, was blinded for a moment while her eyes adjusted to the darker surroundings, but she put her trust in her horse to keep on the path until she could see clearly again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The chinks of light from the sun poked their way through the foliage, creating shards of illuminated, see-through swords, which rained down from high in the branches to the ground below. As they rode through them, the shards were distorted, contouring around their bodies. Faedra squeezed Gypsy's sides to push her up into a trot again; she enjoyed picking up the pace in the woods. After a few strides in trot, she asked for canter and looked round to check and make sure Faen was keeping up. He was right there on Gypsy's tail, and hardly even panting. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra wondered when Faen was going to start showing his age. He must be nearly thirteen years old by now because he was full-grown when she had found him, or rather he had found her, and that was getting old for a dog. Yet, he still kept up with Gypsy and didn't show any signs of slowing down. She looked forward again, not having to worry about guiding her horse through the trail that led through the woods. They had cantered down this path so many times before, but she enjoyed watching the trees fly past. Faedra thought they must have been half way through by now. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | In a split second, everything changed. Gypsy came screeching to a halt, throwing Faedra forward and forcing a plume of dust up from the trail. Faedra caught hold of her horse's neck and clung on for dear life until she managed to regain her balance. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she sat up straight in the saddle and repositioned her feet in the stirrups. She looked all around her in desperation to see if she could spot what had made her horse react so out of character. She could see nothing unusual, but Gypsy continued to be agitated. Her horse started neighing and pawing at the ground, which was creating quite a dust cloud. Faedra became more and more unnerved the more agitated Gypsy became. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "What is it, girl? What's wrong?" she whispered, trying to calm her, but Gypsy just kept getting more and more disturbed. "Steady, girl. Steady," she took a shorter hold on the reins and attempted to turn her horse around so they could leave. It had become evident that Gypsy was not going to move forward another step. Just as Faedra thought she was calming Gypsy down, her horse spun and reared all in the same move. There was nothing Faedra could do. She had lost her footing in the stirrups. It was such an explosive movement that she was thrown violently from the saddle, hitting the ground with so much force, making a loud 'oomph', knocking all of the air out of her lungs. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She could hear the thunder of hooves grow softer and softer as the distance grew between her and Gypsy. She couldn't move to lift up her head and watch as her horse fled the woods in terror. She couldn't catch her breath either. There was no air getting into her lungs. She grasped at her chest, partly in desperation, partly in fear. _Oh, God, I can't breathe. What happens if I can't breathe? I'll die._ The terrifying thought swam through her head and she could feel herself starting to panic. Her lips started to tingle, and her fingertips followed suit. She opened her eyes and could make out the shards of light raining down on her but couldn't focus completely. "Faen?" she gasped. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A menacing growl resonated from deep within her dog, who she could sense was standing close beside her. She unclasped her arms from her chest and searched with her hands either side of her body for her faithful companion. Relief filled her heart, which was pounding wildly within her ribcage, when she felt his soft fur with her fingertips, and, at the same time, she was able to catch her first breath. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her breathing was very shallow at first, but steadily became stronger as the moments passed. When she was able to take a deep breath, she did so, and promptly coughed it back up again. She had taken a lung full of the dust that Gypsy had kicked up during her chaotic panic attack and subsequent departure. While lying on the ground, she did a mental inventory of bones, moving each limb with caution to see if anything was broken. Nothing seemed to be, so heaving a sigh of relief, she pushed herself up into a sitting position. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, good grief, I'm a mess," she groaned, glancing up and down her legs and arms that were now covered in muck and dust. Her clean white t-shirt was more of a khaki color now. There was a tear in her jodhpurs and her shiny black boots were scuffed and dusty. She sat still for a moment to check and make sure she did not have any searing pain, she didn't. "Well, I don't think anything's broken, boy," she stated to Faen. He looked around at her and allowed one wag of his tail in response. Then he turned back to what he was staring at intently in the trees and continued his ominous growling. Faedra took more notice of it this time because she could see his posture, too. If he were not her dog, she would have been pretty darned frightened of him right at that moment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen stood in a stance that would allow him to pounce at any second. His hackles were standing tall on his back and his tail was held rigid. He had all his teeth bared. Faedra could hardly recognize this dog as being her Faen. His growl was menacing and it sent chills up her spine. "What is it, boy?" she whispered, as she looked into the trees where he was staring. Her eyes widened with fear as she caught sight of what Faen would not take his attention from and gave an involuntary gulp. "Please tell me those aren't eyes," she stammered. She wasn't sure if she was expecting Faen to reply, but he did with another menacing growl. There, hiding within the shadows of the trees, were not one, but two sets of what looked like yellow eyes glowing hideously in the darkness. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | _They could be cats. No they were too tall for cats, and cat's eyes were more rounded. Not dog's eyes either_ , she pulled in a sharp breath; they looked like smaller versions of human eyes. "What are they? Who are they?" Faedra asked. Again, Faen growled in response. The eyes turned to look at each other, then moved up and down as if the owners were nodding to one another in agreement. They then turned back to look again in Faedra's direction. Faedra felt like a wave of ice cold water had just splashed over her, and she froze where she was, still sitting in the dirt. Run, Faedra! A familiar voice bellowed in her head. Where had she heard that voice before? Faedra, get up; you have to move, NOW! |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She looked all around her, half expecting someone to be hovering above her. Could she get up? She hadn't tried yet. She was feeling very stiff. FAEDRA RUN! |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | That did it, pain or no pain, she was listening this time. As if someone had just grabbed her by her shoulders and lifted her off the ground by her bra straps, she suddenly realized she was running as fast as her legs would carry her in the same direction that Gypsy had fled just minutes earlier. Faen followed closely at her heels. She could hear rustling behind her and it sounded like it was getting closer. The adrenaline coursing through her veins gave her just enough extra energy to speed up, just when she believed she had nothing left. Faedra and Faen burst out of the woods and were bathed in the light of the setting sun once again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra and Faen both ran several yards away from the woods before they looked back. Nothing seemed to be following them now, so they slowed down until they were at a walk. Then it hit her, a stabbing pain in her hip. She stopped and leaned forward, putting her hands on her knees to steady herself while she caught her breath. "Oh, great, I did get hurt," she groaned as her breathing leveled out. She forced herself to stand up and start walking, which quickly turned to a limp. Up ahead, several people were walking towards them. Faedra recognized one of them as her friend Lisa. As they got closer, she could see the worried expressions on their faces. Lisa broke into a run to get to them sooner. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Are you okay?" Lisa fussed as she reached Faedra. "Gypsy came charging into the yard like a bat out of hell, sans you, what happened?" "Something in the woods spooked her. She reared and I just couldn't hang on." "I told you those woods were creepy," she replied, somewhat too smugly for Faedra's liking. "Yeah, but we've never had a problem before," Faedra rebutted, "but, I dare say, I won't be going back through there anytime soon." She looked back towards the woods and shuddered. Just what had she seen in there? CHAPTER THREE Gypsy had calmed down by the time Faedra put her back in the paddock. She trotted off to join her field buddies, seemingly, without a care in the world. "Fickle!" Faedra called out after Gypsy, before limping back to the car and driving home. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She did her best to play down the limp as she walked into the living room upon returning home. Her dad was relaxing in his chair by the fireplace when she entered, his legs outstretched, his feet resting on a footstool. It was summer so there wasn't a fire burning that night, but it was her father's favorite place to relax. He diverted his eyes from the television to look at her, a smile forming on his lips as it always did until he actually _saw_ her. Faedra's face fell as she watched her father's smile vanish, his eyes widen with horror, which then changed to a look of worry. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She could only imagine what she looked like. Covered from head to toe in dirt, clothing torn, and bruises now appearing on her arms. She had a feeling the bruises were going to cover her body much more extensively when she got around to peeling off her clothes. "What on earth happened to you?" he cried. "I'm okay, Dad," she lied. In reality, she felt like she'd just gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxer. Her body ached all over. "Well, you don't look okay. Are you going to tell me what happened?" Faedra shuffled over to the sofa, plunked herself down rather unceremoniously, and winced as she made contact with the cushions. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Something spooked Gypsy in the woods. She reared and threw me," Faedra explained with indifference. She thought it best to leave out the bit about the glowing yellow eyes and Faen's distinct aversion to them, at this juncture. "Well, that's not like her. She's never thrown you before and you've been through those woods hundreds of times." "I know, Dad, but I have myself to blame for becoming complacent with her. She's always so sensible, I forget that she is still an animal and, therefore, unpredictable." Faen barked. "Okay, boy, apart from you. You are definitely the least unpredictable animal I have ever met in my life." She sensed that he seemed satisfied by that remark as he sat down beside her. "You know, Fae, I could swear sometimes that dog understands every word you say." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You've noticed, too? I thought I was just imagining it. Anyway, I'm going to take a bath," she eased herself up off the sofa with yet another grimace. "There's some Epsom salts in the cabinet. That should help ease some of the soreness, but I think you're probably going to be a bit stiff for a few days." "Thanks, Dad." "Fae?" "Yes, Dad." "Take it easy, darling, I don't want to lose you, too." His poignant statement was not lost on her; she had always been very conscious to avoid doing anything that would make her dad worry. "You won't, Dad, I promise," she said with a reassuring smile. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra made it to the bathroom rather more slowly than usual, reached over to turn on the taps, and sprinkled the Epsom salts under the steaming flow of hot water. She lifted her t-shirt over her head with care and peeled off the jodhpurs, discarding them in the laundry basket. She wasn't sure if they were salvageable, but it was worth a try. She turned her attention to the mirror. "Oh, my goodness," she gasped as her battered reflection stared back at her. Nearly her entire body was covered in patches of red, the first stage of a bruise, and she thanked her lucky stars that she was sensible enough to wear a helmet; it could have been a lot worse. "Those bruises are going to be sore," she groaned. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | After a few more minutes of closer examination, her bath was ready. She slipped out of her underwear and dipped her toes in the water to make sure it was not too hot. It wasn't, so she eased herself down, letting out a sigh of comfort as she sank up to her neck in the warm, steamy water. She could feel the healing warmth envelope her body, seeping into her muscles. After several minutes the soreness ebbed away. The candle she had lit when she started the bath was flickering in front of the mirror giving the appearance of there being two of them. She watched the glowing flame send a soothing warm light throughout the bathroom. A few more minutes passed, her mind drifted, and her eyelids grew heavy. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | In an instant, she was back in the woods again, fear coursing through her veins. Her eyes under their lids darted about erratically and her breathing quickened. Faen, who was laying on the other side of the bathroom door, could sense something was wrong. He sat up with an urgency and scratched at the door. She was once again staring at the frightful yellow eyes, glowing with ominous intent, hiding in the shadows of the trees. Her body turned ice cold with trepidation once more. Faedra, Run! Her eyes flew open and she pushed herself up in the bath sending water splashing over the sides. Disoriented, she looked around with trepidation, then sighed with relief when she realized she was still in the security of her bathroom. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Mum," she whispered to herself. "It was Mum's voice in the woods." Faen scratched on the door again. "It's okay, boy. It was just a dream." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She hefted herself out of the bath. After drying and dressing into her pajamas, Faedra trudged down the hall. It was odd how her bedroom was located within the cottage. After the renovations there was no entrance to her room from the new part of the house. To access it, one had to walk down the back stairs, come through the kitchen and dining room, and walk up another set of stairs that led only to her bedroom. The other original bedroom, next to hers, would have been accessed through her room when the cottage was built, but that door had been sealed off long ago, and had its own access from the new side of the house. Usually this would not have been an issue, but tonight, as stiff and sore as she felt, it was. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It took Faedra ages to hobble down one set of stairs and then up another. When she opened her door, she let out a loud groan. She had completely forgotten about the mess on her bed that had been dumped there earlier. Scuttling over to her bed, she pushed it all onto the floor; she'd deal with it tomorrow. She flopped on the bed, sore and exhausted. "Night, Faen," she whispered, and was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The sun shining in through the window woke Faedra the following morning. Her curtains, although pretty, didn't do anything helpful to keep the room dark once the sun had decided to peek over the horizon. She opened her eyes and stretched; a smile crept across her lips when she realized what day it was. It was Saturday, and she was taking her two best friends, make that three best friends, if you included Faen, to Strawberry Fair. As soon as Faedra had passed her driving test, she bought a car; albeit, a bit of an old banger. She was so excited at the prospect of being able to drive herself to Strawberry Fair that she'd been marking the days off on her calendar. When she'd mentioned it to her friends, they wanted to go with her, so she had been looking forward to this day for months. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Strawberry Fair was held in Cambridge, about an hour and a half drive from her home. It was the largest one-day festival held in Cambridge and had been held annually for over thirty years now. It was first started as an 'alternative' festival, a bit like a renaissance fair, she imagined, but now it was very much like most other festivals held around the country. Although, she was secretly hoping there were still some vendors of the more 'mystical' variety, something that had always interested her. Maybe she could get her palms read. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | There would be all kinds of arts and crafts, music, food, and shows. Thousands of people from all over the country converged on Cambridge for that single day a year, and this year she was going to be one of them. Eager to get going, she threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. Then something struck her as odd. She didn't hurt. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She scanned both of her arms, no big ugly black and blue bruises, just a little redness in some areas. She walked around for a few steps. There was a very faint aching in her hip, but nothing like the throbbing pain of last night. Confused, she walked to the mirror and pulled her top up to reveal the skin beneath; nothing but patches of a reddish tinge reflected back at her. Could Epsom salts do that? She wondered as she kept checking for bruising and finding nothing. Coming to the conclusion she wasn't as badly bruised as she first thought. She put it to the back of her mind and wandered over to her closet, rummaged around for a moment, and grabbed a pair of shorts, and a sleeveless top with thin straps. It was going to be a warm day, and now that there were no hideous bruises to hide, she could dress accordingly. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Once dressed, Faedra skipped down the stairs and into the kitchen. Her father was leaning against the counter waiting for his toast to pop out of the toaster. He looked at her in astonishment. "Must have been the Epsom salts," she gave as explanation to answer the obvious confusion in his expression. He raised his eyebrows. "I guess so." She grabbed a slice of toast that had just popped up out of the toaster. "Hey, that's mine, young lady!" Henry exclaimed. "We're off, I'll see you later tonight. Enjoy yourself on the boat and give my love to Uncle Leo and Nicki." She grinned her cheeky grin and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Love you." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Have fun and drive carefully," he called after her, but she was already halfway to the living room. Henry shook his head with a big smile on his face. His daughter was growing up fast, and turning into a fine young lady. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra pulled up outside her friend, Amy's house. She had arranged to pick Zoë up from there, too. Zoë lived close to Amy, so it was on the way. She honked the horn to let them know she was there. A couple of minutes passed. Just as she was about to honk again, the front door opened and her two friends appeared. Amy was a little shorter than Zoë, who was about the same height as Faedra. They were all roughly the same build, but had very different features. Amy had white blonde hair, cropped into a short spiky style. She had blue eyes and pale skin, but unlike Faedra, not a freckle to be seen. Something that Faedra couldn't help but be envious of. Amy was a party waiting to happen; there was never a dull moment when she was around. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Zoë on the other hand, had long sleek dark brown hair that flowed down her back and shone in the sunlight. Her olive toned skin complimented her warm green/brown eyes and she always looked great in anything she wore. Between the three of them, they had all the hair colors covered: blonde, brunette, and redhead. Faedra could see the excitement in their smiles as they made their way down the garden path to the car. "Hi, Fae," Amy chirped as she took her assumed position in the front passenger seat. Zoë didn't hesitate jumping in the back seat beside Faen. She loved Faen almost as much as Faedra. It seemed to Faedra the feeling was mutual. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "How's my boy today?" Zoë said as she mussed Faen's ears and planted a big kiss on his nose. Faedra was watching her in the rearview mirror and a big grin spread across her lips. "Hi, guys," Faedra said. "Well, we've got a great day for it." The journey to Cambridge flew by. They fell into the usual girlie chatter and didn't stop talking for the entire drive there. Amy told them in great detail about her latest conquest. Faedra had to admit he did sound rather nice and was looking forward to meeting him. Zoë was already in a relationship and she was perfectly happy. They had been together since the beginning of high school, and at this point, it didn't look like that was going to change any time soon. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra hadn't yet met anyone she felt any connection with. Although, she had been asked out on numerous dates, she had always politely declined. She had a feeling that when the right person came along, she would know in an instant. She just didn't want to waste her time, or his, when she knew it wouldn't go any further than the first date. Cars started to slow several miles out from Cambridge with all the festival traffic trying to make its way into the city. They sat in traffic for what seemed like half the day, but was, in fact, only about half an hour until they were eventually ushered into a huge field. They followed the line of cars in front of them until they found a parking space. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The girls and Faen got out of the car and mingled in with the crowd of people heading towards the entrance to the festival. The deep bass of music off in the distance resounded all around them. As they got closer to the festival, the music became more distinctive and the crowd got larger. Faedra couldn't help but get completely caught up in the atmosphere. She soaked it all in, observing with interest the people in the crowd surrounding her. Every age range, from babies in pushchairs to older retirees, were present. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It seemed to her that there were three categories of people attending the festival. Those who dressed in ordinary clothing, like her and her friends. Those that were dressed somewhat hippie-ish, with long hair, beards, and psychedelic t-shirts emblazoned with the 'peace' sign. And those who were just all out eccentric, wearing anything from renaissance clothing to cross-dressing. One couple that walked past her was dressed in silver clothing, wearing pink wigs, with one sporting devil horns and the other a tiara. Faedra guessed they were using the 'good versus evil' take on their costumes. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Finally, they were through the gates and the festival spread out in all its enticing glory before them. There were hundreds of tents, housing vendors of all descriptions, and, from this angle, they could see at least two stages where bands were playing live music. "Where do we go first?" Amy asked, looking in all directions. "Well, we could start off in that direction and make our way around. We've got all day," Zoë responded. "That sounds like a plan," Faedra agreed. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They headed off toward a stage where a band was playing some type of folk music. The band called 'Hogwash' had attracted quite a crowd. People were standing around watching, as well as, sitting down in the grass. Most were drinking beer. After watching them for a while, Faedra grinned at her friend Amy who was wiggling her hips in time with the movement. It had always been virtually impossible for Amy to keep still if music was playing. Even in the car she jiggled about in her seat to whatever song was blasting from the radio. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A few songs later they decided to move on, and spent some time glancing at the vendors as they walked past. There were arts and crafts of all types. Faedra was interested in the handmade jewelry. Zoë was more into the candles and incense vendors while Amy was attracted by anything pink. "I'm hungry," Zoë mentioned after they had been window-shopping for an hour. "Can we find a food tent?" "That one over there looks fairly innocuous," Faedra said, pointing in the direction of a hotdog and hamburger stall. She was starting to get a little disappointed; she'd been hoping to see lots of 'mystical' stalls, but not a _Gypsy Rose Lee_ was to be seen so far. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They wandered over to the food stall and tucked into some not-too-awful hamburgers. Faedra always thought it was a bit of potluck, putting your digestive health in the hands of a food vendor at an outdoor event. After they finished eating, Amy wanted to find another stage and listen to some more music. They all headed off towards the sound of music blaring behind a few more of the vendor's tents. Then it caught Faedra's eye; a sign that read _Runes read by Rose, Let the stones guide you._ "Hey, I'm just going to go over there," she pointed towards the tent she had just spotted. "Oh, Fae, don't waste your money. Everyone knows they are all frauds," Zoë cautioned. "It's just a bit of fun, I'll catch up with you. I've got my cell phone with me if I can't find you." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Okay, we'll see you in a bit, but your wasting your money," Zoë said, as she and Amy started off in the direction of the music. Faedra wandered over to the tent. Most of the vendor's tents were only enclosed on three sides, but this one was enclosed on all sides, allowing privacy to the person getting a reading, she assumed. She wasn't quite sure what to do when she arrived at the tent. It wasn't as if there was a door to knock on before she entered. She didn't want to be rude and burst in on someone if they were having their runes read. She stood outside the tent for a moment contemplating the situation, and then decided she would just call out. If anyone was in there, they would hear her and let her know if they were busy or not. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hello?" Faedra called next to the material that made up one of the tent walls. "Is anyone in there?" "Hello," came the voice from inside, "please, come in." Faen whined. "It's okay, boy. You stay out here. I won't be long." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra did as the voice said and pulled the material aside to enter. The inside of the tent was exactly as she would have imagined a _Gypsy Rose Lee_ tent to look like. There was the strong smell of incense burning, which she saw was coming from a little table in the corner that also housed the obligatory crystal ball. Rose was seated at a small card table in the center of the tent that had a purple, crushed velvet cloth edged with fringe draped over it. The chairs were just ordinary plastic folding ones that probably came in a set with the table. Faedra smiled, Zoë was more than likely right, but she thought it would be good for a giggle, so she decided to stay. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Rose got up from the table and held her hand out for Faedra. Faedra had to admit she was slightly surprised because Rose did not fit the _Gypsy Rose Lee_ stereotype she had created in her mind. Yes, she was dressed in a gypsy-ish way with a long floating skirt and billowy white blouse, but she was younger than Faedra had imagined. She had expected a much older woman, possibly with her fair share of wrinkles, but the lady facing her right now didn't look much older than thirty. She had a fresh rosy complexion with beautiful green eyes and long, wavy, dark hair hidden partially by a deep red headscarf. "Hello, I'm Rose," she said brightly as they shook hands. "Please don't tell me yours," she continued as Faedra opened her mouth to return the greeting. Faedra clamped her mouth shut. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Rose gestured for Faedra to take a seat. She then picked a small sign off the table that read _Reading in session_ and hung it on a hook that was on one of the tent posts. Once she returned to the table, she made herself comfortable and picked up a small black velvet pouch that was lying in the center. "Now, I want you to think of a question or a situation you would like guidance on. You must not tell me what it is; then pick out six Rune stones and hand them to me," Rose explained as she opened the pouch and held the open end to Faedra. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra thought carefully for a moment before dipping her fingers into the pouch and pulled out the first stone, handing it to Rose who placed it onto the crushed velvet tablecloth. She did this five more times until all six stones had been extracted from their pouch. Faedra watched as Rose carefully arranged them in the shape of a cross. Rose then pulled the strings on the pouch to close it, and placed it to one side. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra watched as Rose examined the Runes intently, and stifled a giggle when she thought back to Zoë's remark. Rose was certainly putting on a good show, umming and ahhing for several minutes, but Faedra began feeling a distinct shift in the once pleasant, if not slightly kooky, atmosphere in the tent. Suddenly, there was a very tense sensation surrounding her, and she drew her eyebrows together in a frown. Rose's eyes widened. "No, this can't be," she mumbled to herself, "it's just a legend." Then she drew her burning gaze from the Rune stones to Faedra. Faedra shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "What do you see? What's just a legend?" she asked. Rose didn't speak for a moment. She was contemplating something important. "You," she stated bluntly. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra laughed, it escaped before she had a chance to stifle it. "I'm sorry, but I think my friend was right. I'll not waste any more of your time." She started to get up to leave but Rose beat her to it. Before Faedra even got her butt off the seat, Rose stood up, rounded the table, and was standing behind her. She let out a gasp. "What?" Faedra demanded, turning in her seat to see Rose eyeing the back of her neck. "It's a birthmark, what of it? Look, this is ridiculous. I'll give you ten out of ten for the dramatics, but I was hoping for a serious reading," she stood up and spun around so that she was now facing Rose. "You have no idea who you are, do you Faedra?" Rose whispered. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I know exactly who I am, thank you very much," she stated obstinately, "and I know who you are; you are a fraud... Hey, how did you know my name? I never told you my name." An uneasy feeling started to well up in the pit of her stomach. "How old are you?" Rose asked. "Seventeen," Faedra snapped. Rose closed her eyes, dropped her head, and let out a heavy sigh. She had already said too much. "Tell me how you know my name," Faedra demanded, "and why you're so interested in my birthmark!" "I can't, you are not of age yet. I've already said too much." "Not of age yet? What does that mean?" Faedra demanded again, starting to get annoyed. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I never imagined I would be in this position. I thought it was all just a myth, but our people have a pact with yours. You will find out soon enough. Sorry, Faedra, I can say no more, you must go." She moved over to the entrance and held it open. Faedra glared at Rose as she brushed past her. "Faedra?" "What?" Faedra snapped. "Good luck." Faedra looked at her and shook her head. "Come on, Faen, let's get out of here." She stomped off in the direction of the music to find her friends. She was almost too angry to notice the burning in the palms of her hands until it got too unbearable, so she stopped at a drinks stall to ask for some ice. "I don't know who I am, indeed," she muttered as she held a couple of ice cubes that melted instantaneously. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Who did she think she was anyway?" she grumbled to Faen who was keeping very close to her side, much closer than usual. He was always with her, but most of the time kept several feet away. At the moment, he was glued to her leg. Faedra continued her mutterings until she found her friends dancing in a crowd that had gathered in front of a stage playing modern music this time. "How'd it go?" Amy shouted above the music when Faedra reached them. "Zoë was right, she was a fraud." "Well, I hope you didn't give her any money," Zoë shouted. "Didn't get a chance to, she kicked me out before I even got a reading," Faedra complained. "What?" Amy and Zoë shouted in unison. "Why did she do that?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "She said something about me not being of age and not knowing who I was." It sounded ridiculous to Faedra even as she said the words. "See told you," Zoë chimed in, "frauds, the lot of them. Well, don't let it spoil your day, Fae." Faedra decided she wouldn't and joined her friends in a dance. The rest of the day passed without incident and they arrived home safe, but exhausted. After dropping her friends off, she pulled into her driveway. Her Dad was still out, and she hoped he was enjoying himself with Uncle Leo and Nicki after a day on the boat. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She darted up to her room, ran around the bed to her dresser, and grabbed her small hand held mirror. Holding it up in front of her, she turned her back to the vanity mirror on her dresser and examined her birthmark. She'd never paid it much attention before because it was at the nape of her neck between her shoulders. It wasn't easy for her to see, and, as her hair usually covered it, she forgot it was there most of the time. Today she had put her hair up because it was so thick; it was like wearing a scarf on a sunny day. Now she could see it clearly in the reflection in the mirror. She leaned closer to get a better look and her eyes widened with surprise. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Wow, it must have grown. I can't remember it looking that big before. What does it remind me of?" She drew her eyes away from the mirror to look straight ahead at her collection, and then reverted them back to her reflection again, narrowing them as she did. "It's a fairy." CHAPTER FOUR The next couple of nights Faedra did not get much sleep, it was fitful, at best. The events of the past few weeks, and more recently the past couple of days, kept repeating in her dreams. She would wake often, usually in a cold sweat. She dragged herself out of bed as she had done the previous morning, and all but crawled over to the dresser. She thought about calling in sick, but integrity fought against her and won. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Urgh," she groaned when greeted by her reflection in the mirror. Dark circles framed her once sparkling eyes that were now dull and lackluster. "If this carries on too much longer, I'm going to have to steal some sleeping pills from somewhere," she croaked to Faen. She fiddled with her makeup and after applying a healthy dose of concealer and foundation, started to look a little less like the monster from the deep. Faen, who was sitting beside her, looked up at her with what she considered was a look of concern. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "It's okay, boy, I'll be fine. Not sure what's going on, but I'm sure it will pass." She said it more as reassurance for herself than anything else. After she was done putting on the finishing touches of her 'disguise', she wandered over to the closet and picked out something smart but casual for work. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She had a job at a company that shipped freight all over the world. It was located at the local airport. It wasn't a large airport but did have flights to Scotland, Ireland and various European countries. She had flown out of there herself in the past, on holiday to Spain. The view from her office almost made the abuse she was dealt worth it. Her office looked over the entire airfield, and she could see the planes take off and land all throughout the day, but she hated her boss. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Jerry Thompson was the most unpleasant person she had ever met. It wasn't just his very poor attention to personal hygiene, but he also seemed to go out of his way to make her life a misery, and, quite obviously, enjoyed doing so. She often wondered why she put up with it and didn't just leave. She wasn't a quitter, that was why. Dressed and caked in make up, she almost stumbled down the stairs to the dining room. Her Dad was already sitting at the table in the kitchen having his breakfast when she walked in. "Cup of tea, Fae?" he asked. "God, you look awful," he continued when he looked up to see his daughter. Faedra groaned inwardly, her attempts at applying make up hadn't had the desired effect. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Yes, please, and, thanks, I love you, too," she replied testily to his question and subsequent observation. She was never her best when tired. A bear with a sore head was an apt comparison. Henry poured her a cup of tea as she joined him at the table. "Are you okay, darling? Maybe you should call in sick today," he suggested. "I haven't slept very well the past couple of days. I'll be fine though, I'm not about to give Mr. Thompson any more reasons to pick on me than he already feels he has." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She ate her breakfast in silence. Today was not going to be a good day and she could already feel herself wishing it were over. Apart from the fact that she felt like a zombie, and probably looked like an extra from the _Thriller_ video, it was also the anniversary of her mother's death. She closed her eyes for a moment and gave herself an inward pep talk. Come on, Fae, pull yourself together. It's only twenty-four hours and then it will be over for another year. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She always spent some time at her mother's grave on the anniversary of her death. It was a tradition of hers that she started some years ago now. She would take a blanket, a small picnic, sit down next to the headstone, and talk to her mum about anything and everything. Somewhere deep inside she knew her mum was listening. She had to believe it, it was one of the things that kept her sane. "Morning, Faedra, you look like crap," Mr. Thompson greeted her as she walked in the office dead on nine o'clock. "Another minute and you'd have been late," he continued in his smarmy voice as he looked down at his wrist and tapped his watch. She took a deep breath and bit her lip. "Morning, Mr. Thompson," she sighed as she took her seat behind her desk. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Mr. Thompson was a greasy looking middle-aged man. He was fat and balding with a shiny head usually covered with a sheen of sweat. He had beady little eyes that were positioned far too close together on his face to be natural, and, for some unknown reason, he decided it looked good to have a beard. Faedra had felt her stomach lurch on several occasions when he had come back from lunch with bits of greasy food stuck in it, and imagined him in his office picking bits off for an afternoon snack. She stifled a shudder. His clothing was always dirty, especially his shirts, that, more often than not, had splotches of spilled food on them. It was as if he didn't know what a washing machine was, or cared. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Everyone in the company hated him, but they were relieved when she started working there because his attention was now directed completely on her, as it was on all the new employees before her, and would be until some poor soul was hired in below her. Something that wasn't likely to happen, as her position was the lowest on the totem pole. |