title
stringlengths 10
69
| data
stringlengths 24
144k
|
|---|---|
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Could sibling love and rivalry be the same for fairies as for humans, she wondered. Faedra laughed, and Faen narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, that growling thing you do with her makes perfect sense now," she responded to his frown. "My friend's little brother gets on her nerves all the time, but she still loves him, even if she can't stand him sometimes." He didn't respond. "Wait, you said she guards the portal. There's a portal at the church?" "Yes." "Wow, we can get to your world at the church?" "Yes." "So how come the vicar couldn't see her that day when I asked him if she was his?" "She used glamour to hide herself." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Ooh," Faedra shuffled excitedly on the swing, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I know what that means! It means you can choose to make other people see what you want them to see, doesn't it? I remember that from an episode of _Charmed_." Faen gave her a martyred look, he remembered that episode of Charmed, also. Along with all the others in the seven seasons he had watched with her. It was her favorite show, and she never missed a single one. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra practiced using her power for several more hours, watched by Faen as he relaxed against the ancient oak tree. He was impressed by how swiftly she was becoming adept at focusing her thoughts and creating balls of light in her palms, but she had not yet mastered, apart from that very first time, the art of being able to throw them at a target. They dissipated into sparks just a few inches from her hands, and he could tell she was getting tired. It was, after all, her energy she was throwing away each time, and she had to replenish it with something to eat or she would get weak very quickly. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I think you have had enough for one day, Ms. Faedra," he said as he rose in that fluid motion of his and was, in the blink of an eye, standing before her. "You need to eat, you are growing tired. Remember, this is your energy you are expelling. You need to replenish it often." "Just one more try?" she asked. He didn't answer. Before she even had time to comprehend it, he was gone and her dog was sitting in front of her. She heard a noise and looked up to see her dad's car coming down the driveway. CHAPTER SEVEN Faedra and Faen strolled over to where her dad had parked his car, and greeted him as he opened the car door. "Hi, Dad. Did you have a nice time with Uncle Leo?" she asked. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Actually, we had a very nice time," he replied with a smile as he got out of the car and planted a kiss on his daughter's forehead. "How about you? Did you go for a ride on Gypsy?" She'd forgotten all about her horse and the ride she was supposed to take that day. "No, I didn't in the end," she said, playing for time until she could come up with an excuse as to why she hadn't. "I just ended up relaxing in the garden. I didn't want to wear myself out and be tired this evening." He gave her a thoughtful look. "Well, I'm not sure how much relaxing you did, darling. You look exhausted." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Do I?" She feigned ignorance and made up another excuse. Truth was, she did feel exhausted after using up all that energy practicing with her power for most of the day. "I'm just hungry. I was going in to get myself a sandwich when you drove up." They all headed to the front door. Henry opened it and gestured for Faedra and Faen to enter first. "What time are your friends picking you up this evening?" "They're coming around about seven." "I know I haven't really mentioned this before because you are always so sensible, but I feel, as your father, I need to say something." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra smiled. She had been expecting the 'I know you are legally old enough to drink, but don't over do it' speech. "Don't worry, Dad, Amy is designated driver tonight, and I promise I'll only have a couple. I have no intention of waking up with a throbbing headache tomorrow morning." Henry looked visibly relieved by her response. Faedra wandered through the dining room towards the kitchen to make herself a sandwich and caught a sideways glance of her reflection in the mirror hanging on one of the walls as she walked past. She stopped dead and reversed back a few steps until she was standing in front of it. Faedra looked with surprise at the person staring back at her with a shocked expression. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, my God, I'm nearly gray," she gasped as she took in her features. Her skin had taken on a pallid grayish tinge and there were dark circles developing under her eyes. "No wonder Dad thought I looked exhausted. I look like I've got one foot in the grave." She rushed into the kitchen and made herself a plate of sandwiches, wolfing them down as if it was the first thing she'd eaten for days. "Steady on," Henry said as he walked through the door and caught Faedra stuffing a whole sandwich in her mouth giving her chipmunk cheeks. "You'll get indigestion if you eat that quickly. Anyway, wanted to let you know that I'm going out with your uncle tonight, so I'll be leaving around six thirty." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She acknowledged him with a nod of her head, her mouth still full to overflowing with the sandwich she had just stuffed in there. She looked over at the clock on the oven. She had a couple more hours to go before her friends arrived; that should give her plenty of time to get ready, and hopefully, to re-energize. Faedra certainly didn't want to go out looking like she was on her last leg. She prayed that the sandwiches would do the trick. They did. A half hour later she dared herself to look in the mirror again. Her usually radiant skin and sparkling eyes stared back at her. She heaved a huge sigh of relief and made a mental note to take snack breaks while practicing with her power in the future. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She went to her room, grabbed her bathrobe, and made her way to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for her evening out with friends. She was looking forward to it. When she had finished with her shower, she wandered back to her room, her hair piled on top of her head, wrapped in a towel. Faen had waited patiently outside the bathroom and was following her up the stairs to her bedroom. When they got to the top of the stairs he lay down and didn't attempt to enter her room this time. "Thank you," she whispered as she closed the door. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She padded over to her dresser and commenced her ritual of putting make up on and drying her hair. The former didn't take long at all; she had almost perfect skin, so just a dusting of powder, a little eye shadow, mascara, and lip-gloss, and she was done. The latter took considerably more time, as her hair was so long and thick. She leaned forward, turned her head upside down and continued on with the arduous task. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A while later when her hair was dried and styled, her face glowing, and natural, she wandered over to her closet. Due to the fact that she hadn't done what most teenage girls do on their eighteenth birthday and go shopping for a new outfit, she looked with deliberation at the clothes that already existed there, and decided on a pretty royal blue dress with thin straps. It had a fitted bodice that nipped neatly in at the waist flowing into a full skirt that skimmed her hips, and came to just above her knees, accentuating her figure perfectly. The color complimented her skin and hair, and she felt really good in it. "I'm off now, Fae," she heard her dad call from the bottom of the stairs. "Okay, Dad, have fun tonight." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You, too, darling. Hey, did you know Faen was out here?" he asked in surprise. "Yes, Dad, I'll let him in a minute." She heard her dad mutter something about never knowing Faen to be shut out of her room before as he walked out of the dining room. She sighed. She had to admit it did feel kind of odd not having him in with her, but that dynamic had completely changed now, and would never be the same again. There was a heavy feeling in her heart at the thought. Her dad's car door slammed. She watched from her window as he drove up the driveway and out of sight. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She wandered back to the closet and took one last look at her reflection in the full-length mirror that was attached to one of the doors. That'll do, she thought with a smile and wandered over to her door to let Faen in. She never knew which form he would be in now, but guessed that because her father had left he would probably be in his true form. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She was right. Faen was standing in her doorway when she opened it, all six feet of him. He didn't make her jump this time; she looked up at his face and smiled. She wasn't sure, but as his eyes skimmed over her, his usually stoic features melted for just a split second to reveal something more like warm approval, but then it was gone in an instant. She wondered why he was so loving with her when he was in his dog form. Always wagging his tail, always looking pleased to see her. But in his true form he seemed distant, almost as though being there was an inconvenience. She brushed the thought aside. It seemed like they were stuck together for the time being, whether either of them wanted to be or not. At the very least, until she had learned all she could to defend herself against the Unseelie. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You look very nice, Ms. Faedra," he broke the silence, and pulled her from her reverie. "Thank you." "Where are you going tonight?" he asked. "The Old Brewery House in the village," she narrowed her eyes at him. "Why?" "Because I am going with you, of course," he replied. "Oh, I don't think so," she said defiantly. "It's a girl's night out with my friends. You can't come." "I will be there whether you like it or not," he reiterated with a firmness that was undeniable. "I told you, I will not make the same mistake twice. Do not concern yourself, I will blend into the background, no one else will have to know I am there." She looked him up and down. Blending into the background was not something Faen would accomplish, especially dressed as he was. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She sighed. "Okay, I understand that you want to stay close to me, but you will definitely not blend in dressed like that." And she gestured down his body with her hand as if showcasing something unusual. He looked himself up and down, and returned his gaze to her. "What's wrong with what I am wearing?" he asked. "You look like you have walked straight out of a Disney movie," she replied somewhat sarcastically, then kicked herself for sounding so rude. He looked perplexed. "Faen, what you are wearing is very old fashioned. You have seen how humans dress nowadays. You need to wear something more... modern. "Oh, modern," he replied. "I can do modern." And with one of his blurs he was standing in front of her in a complete change of clothes. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She took a step back and sucked in a breath. She hadn't expected him to look so good in modern clothing. "Ms. Faedra, you look shocked. Are you alright?" "Absolutely fine," she squeaked, as she took in the ultra modern Faen. From top to toe he was dressed in designer clothing. Shiny black boots with a square toe. Jeans that were belted at his waist with a black leather belt, accentuated with a buckle that looked like a silver Celtic rose. He wore a black t-shirt that fit him like a glove, skimming every contour of his torso and upper arms. She swallowed hard, it was an involuntary response. "Will this work?" he asked. "Yes," she breathed, "that will work just fine." Then she noticed the design on his belt buckle and lifted her wrist to examine the bangle her father had given her earlier. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Your buckle, it's the same design as my bracelet." Faen looked at her and the corners of his mouth turned up very slightly in a knowing smile. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" She was distracted by the crunch of gravel as a car appeared coming down the driveway. When she turned back to him he was holding a tiny clay pot with a cork stopper in the palm of his hand. "You will need this," he said, offering her the pot. "What is it?" "Rub a little on your eyelids. You will be able to see all fae now, even if they are trying to hide themselves with glamour." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She did as instructed and rubbed some of the ointment over her eyelids. She figured she could use all the help she could get. A warm buzz lingered on her eyelids for a second, but when she opened her eyes and looked around, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. "Thank you." Faen nodded a 'you're welcome.' Then they both turned their heads when a loud rapping could be heard from the front door. "That will be Amy and Zoë. Stay here until I'm gone. You know where the Old Brewery is; I'll see you there," she made to leave and then thought of something else. "Oh, and Faen, please try to look inconspicuous." "I will try, Ms. Faedra." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She grabbed her purse and almost ran down the stairs. Faen watched from the window as Faedra got in the back of her friend's car. As soon as they were out of sight he was outside. Although the pub was a few minutes down the road by car, he arrived before they did. "Good grief the car park is full tonight," Faedra commented as they pulled in. "It's Saturday, Fae, what do you expect?" Zoë replied. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They got out and looked up at the outside of the pub. Actually, it was more than just a pub. It was a Georgian house that had been built in the late eighteenth century for a wealthy landowner. It had since been turned into a hotel with a very nice bar. The beautiful old building still retained many of its original features. Because of Faedra's love of all things old, she enjoyed coming here, if only to soak up the atmosphere and imagine what it must have been like to live there when it was originally someone's home. "Come on, dreamy," Amy snapped her from her thoughts. "Let's go in and get you your first official drink." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She responded with a smile and they trooped in through an open door way. The heavy oak door had been propped open with an ornamental doorstop. It was such a balmy evening; the owners had decided to let the fresh air in. As they entered the bar, Faedra stopped dead upon seeing Faen relaxing at a table in the corner of the room. She narrowed her eyes at him. How did he get here so quickly? "What's wrong, Fae?" Zoë asked looking over to where Faedra had turned her attention, then looked back at her with a confused expression. "There's nothing there." "What? Sorry, nothing I'm fine," she spluttered, and continued to the bar, glancing back at Faen who was giving her a wry smile. She narrowed her eyes at him in response. "Where'd Amy go?" she asked upon noticing her friend's disappearance. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Probably to the bathroom," Zoë responded nonchalantly. A couple of minutes passed, and they had their drinks in hand. Faedra had decided on a nice glass of red wine. "Hey, you guys, you have to come and see this," Amy said as she burst through the door. "They have a new statue back here, it's so cool." She came over and grabbed Faedra by the arm. Faedra slid reluctantly off her bar stool and allowed herself to be half dragged by her friend through the door towards the bathrooms. "Where? I can't see one," Faedra said when the corridor they were in was empty, except for a row of floor to ceiling windows that ran the length of it to reveal the beautiful courtyard outside, complete with fountain. "It's just through there," Amy pointed to the double doors up ahead. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Amy, I hope you haven't been snooping around again," Faedra said with a frown. "Of course, I have, I always snoop," she was proud to admit. Faedra raised her eyes heavenward. Amy could be so brazen sometimes. Amy and Zoë got to the doors before Faedra; they each took a handle and pulled the doors open. Faedra peered into the darkened room. In a heartbeat the lights came on and a chorus of "SURPRISE!" rang out loud and clear. She nearly jumped out of her skin, and Zoë surreptitiously grabbed her glass of wine, for which she was grateful, otherwise, she would have been wearing it all down the front of her dress. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Sprawling in front of her were friends and relatives, spreading all the way to the back of the large banquet room. They wore excited expressions on their faces. Most were blowing on party horns and throwing streamers at her; right at the front stood the perpetrators. Her father, flanked by her Uncle Leo and Nicki. She should have known. That was what her father had been so busy doing all day, organizing a surprise party when she had expressly told him that she didn't want a big deal made of her birthday. _It was already more of big deal than he could ever imagine,_ she thought derisively. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She stood frozen to the spot for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few seconds. She wasn't quite sure how to react. She felt numb. All these people were here for her, but the one person she wished could have been, wasn't... her mother. She regained her composure. She wasn't about to embarrass her father, or herself, in front of all these people by throwing a hissy fit. She took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face. One she would have to fake for the rest of the evening, of that she had no doubt. Everyone cheered when she smiled. She saw her father heave a sigh of relief. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The music started and everyone dispersed and started to mingle. When she thought no one was looking, she narrowed her eyes at her father and made a beeline straight for him. He flinched, and braced for the worst. Uncle Leo and Nicki stood their ground next to him. "Dad, you promised," she stated when she reached him. "Faedra, it wasn't your dad's idea," Leo interrupted, "it was mine." She shot him a puzzled look. "Why, Uncle Leo? You knew how I felt." She couldn't bring herself to be mean to her uncle, and, surprisingly, she felt hurt, not angry. "I did it for your mother," he stated. She stepped back like someone had just punched her in the gut and continued to look at him in bewilderment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Lillith made me promise to hold a big party for your eighteenth birthday. She was most insistent about it. So if you want to blame anyone, Fae, blame your mum." Obviously, she could never blame her mum for anything. She stared at her dad and uncle, tears pricked behind her eyes. Her mother had wanted her to have a party for her birthday, and she was going to make sure she enjoyed herself. "Sorry," she mumbled at the floor, feeling a little ashamed of herself. "No apology needed, you big goof," Leo said, grabbing her in a bear hug. "Just make sure you enjoy yourself." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra had a good look around the room when her uncle released her from his iron grip. There were banners all over, announcing 'Happy Birthday' and '18 at last.' A long buffet table, filled with food, stretched the length of one wall. Helium-filled balloons tied to little weights, floated above each of the tables that surrounded the dance floor. Streamers hung from the rafters of the exposed oak beams that were holding up the roof. A DJ was playing music at one end of the room, and people were already on the dance floor dancing. "You did all this for me?" she asked her dad, uncle and Nicki. They nodded. "Thank you." She opened her arms for a group hug. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Go on now," her dad said after they were finished with their hug, "go and enjoy yourself." And without further ado Amy and Zoë each took an arm and dragged her towards the dance floor. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra enjoyed dancing to all the latest music on the charts, and some of the older stuff that she liked to listen to, also. It seemed like a constant stream of people came up to wish her a happy birthday. She greeted each one graciously, and thanked them for coming. Although she had told her dad that she would only have a couple of drinks, they kept being put in her hands by friends and relatives who wanted to buy her one for her birthday. She had managed, very discreetly, to dispose of some of them in the various potted plants that were dotted around the edge of the banquet room. But when she'd been caught in conversation with someone, she found it hard not to take a few sips and was starting to get a little tipsy. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The music slowed down and she made her exit off the dance floor. She watched as Amy and her new boyfriend were slow dancing their way around it; Zoë and her long-standing beau were doing the same. They looked really happy and she smiled at her friends who were enjoying the moment with their respective partners. She turned to go and find someone to talk to and bumped straight into Faen's chest. She took a step back in surprise and looked up at him. She hadn't seen him since that time in the bar and wondered if he was still around. To be honest, she'd been so distracted by everything going on, that she hadn't even thought to look. "May I have this dance, Ms. Faedra?" he asked politely. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She squirreled around in her mind for a moment. She'd never danced with a man before, except for her dad, and that was when she was little and stood on his shoes while he twirled them both around. She didn't think that counted in this instance. "Um, I don't know how," she admitted, sheepishly. "I do," Faen replied, holding out a hand for her. "May I?" She felt her cheeks flush and her heart pound. Not only was she a disaster with her power, she was now going to embarrass herself on the dance floor, too. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen took hold of her hand in one of his, placed her other hand on his shoulder, then placed his other hand around her waist. She was too nervous to giggle, but she felt like they should be on an episode of Dancing with the Stars. That image disintegrated almost immediately as Faen led her with grace and fluidity around the floor. The other couples that had been dancing were now turning their attention to her and Faen, and had moved to the edge of the dance floor. She noticed that people who had been mingling all over the banquet room were now forming a circle around them, watching them intently. She also noticed that they were now the only couple dancing. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra couldn't ever remember feeling this alive. She felt like she was floating above the dance floor, it didn't even feel like her feet were touching the ground. She looked up at Faen and focused all of her attention on his eyes that were doing the same to hers. She was locked in a moment of sheer tranquility and wondered if she would ever come down to earth again. She did, with a bump. As soon as the music finished, there was a loud applause that emanated around them. She tore her gaze from Faen's and looked around her. The whole party had been captivated by their dance, and she scanned their faces. On most, she could see pure delight, but when she got to her father, his features screamed concern. On her friend's, Amy and Zoë, pure confusion. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | _Oops_ , she thought, _none of them know about Faen._ Heck, she'd only found out about him just over twelve hours ago; she'd certainly never thought of a story to tell them when just such a thing like this occurred. But then, in all fairness, she hadn't been prepared for a surprise party, either. She had been prepared for sitting in the bar, having a few drinks with her friends, while Faen sat inconspicuously in the corner and kept an eye on her. He'd failed miserably on the inconspicuous aspect of the evening, and she made a mental note to show him what it meant in the dictionary when they got home. She looked at her father like a deer caught in the headlights. As he stalked towards her, her friends followed behind him. She would have to think of something quickly. "Oh, no," she whispered. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Stay calm, Ms. Faedra," Faen whispered back, putting a calming hand on her shoulder. The crowd that had accumulated around them, was now back to mingling and dancing. Faen had led Faedra off the dance floor after their dance, and they were now standing to one side of it. "So, who's the dark horse then?" Amy said to Faedra, while raking her eyes up and down Faen. "Are you going to introduce us?" her father said, with a politeness that was laced with just a hint of venom. He had never seen his daughter with a man, especially one as good looking as this one, and she had never mentioned a boyfriend. His father senses were on full alert. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra scanned their faces again and swallowed hard. She could feel herself starting to tremble. Faen sensed it, too, and gently squeezed her shoulder. Her father was not doing a very good job of masking his concern; her friends were just positively brimming with excitement for her. It was about time she had a boyfriend... she could read it in both of their expressions. "Um, everyone, meet, uh, F-red." she caught herself at the last second. Every pair of eyebrows shot up in unison, including Faen's. "Frederick, I mean. This is Frederick. He is a new boarder at the stables. We just met, recently." Her hands were getting clammier by the second. Faedra didn't like to lie and it wasn't something that came easily to her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Pleased to meet you, Frederick," Amy said as she took hold of his hand and shook it with just a little too much enthusiasm. "Yes, pleased to meet you," Zoë reiterated with a much more graceful shake of his hand. Faen did the noble head bob that he always did when acknowledging people. It was so old-worldly, and so completely Faen. "Frederick," her father said, taking Faen's hand in a firm handshake. He eyed Faen cautiously and gave him the 'you lay one finger on my daughter and I'll swing for you' glare. "You can be assured, Mr. Bennett, my intentions are nothing but honorable," Faen responded to her father's unspoken warning. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra cringed, looked up at him, and gave him a silent 'no one says stuff like that anymore, you'll give yourself away'. He just smiled calmly back at her and it took her breath away, as usual. CHAPTER EIGHT |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen had caught the interest of Uncle Leo and Nicki, too; they now wandered over to meet him. Faedra was feeling more and more uncomfortable with her family surrounding them. They were all very polite, but there was no doubt in her mind, it was a thinly veiled inquisition. She started to relax as Faen charmed the pants off them. Answering their questions without so much as a hint of subterfuge, or annoyance. Faedra thought if she had been questioned like him, she would be feeling exasperated by now, but she was impressed by how quickly he could think on his feet. Obviously, all his answers were lies. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She excused herself to go and use the restroom. She needed a break from the surrealism that was surrounding her at that moment and wandered down the corridor to where they were located. As soon as the door closed behind her, the sound of the music muffled. Once inside the restroom, she looked at herself in the mirror. She was feeling a little tipsy after having one too many drinks handed to her. Wandering back towards the party, she stopped to look out of one of the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the corridor. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The courtyard was lit up with floodlights that cast a warming glow over the fountain. There was seating surrounding the fountain; the whole picture looked inviting. She decided she needed some fresh air to try and clear the fuzzies that were addling her brain and went to sit out there for a moment. She would be on the soft drinks for the rest of the night she told herself sternly. She stepped outside into the welcoming warmth of the summer night air, wandered over to one of the benches, and sat down. The sound of the music was reduced to a muffled beat in the background now. She leaned back against the bench and soaked in the atmosphere of the courtyard. The fountain was very pretty in its own austere way. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It was an uncomplicated structure, but grand in its simplicity. The water trickling from the top tier, fell into the tier below it, which then cascaded down to the basin at the bottom. People had thrown coins into it. The coins glinted in the light from the floodlights that illuminated the water; she wondered if any of their wishes had come true. A noise coming from beyond the courtyard towards the rear vehicular entrance of the hotel, pulled Faedra from her thoughts. It was black as pitch over there, out of reach from the floodlights in the courtyard. She didn't think much of it; it was probably just a guest and there were plenty of people milling around this evening. Although, she noticed now that she was completely alone in the courtyard. "Hello?" she called into the darkness. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Faedra," a gravelly voice responded. She didn't recognize it, but that didn't mean much either. There were a number of the party guest's partners here tonight that she had never met before. She rose from the bench and wandered over to where the voice had come from. "Hello, is anyone there?" she asked again, squinting her eyes, trying to force them to see into the darkness. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She felt a warming sensation on her ring finger and looked down at it. The symbols on the ring were glowing brightly. _Wear it also and never take it off. It will warn you if danger is near._ She remembered what her mother had written in her letter. The fine hairs on the back of her neck raised and goose bumps flashed up her arms. A chilling cold enveloped her, a cold like she had felt in the woods. She turned to leave but was not quick enough. She didn't see it coming; doubted if anyone could have, it happened so fast. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | No longer were her feet on solid ground. They were now dangling at least a foot above it. Something was holding her around the neck and she grabbed at it in desperation, trying to pull off whatever was holding her. Her eyes widened with horror when her hands were grasping at nothing but thin air and realized that nothing physical was holding her. How could she fight against an imperceptible force? She kicked out with her feet in all directions, hoping feebly that she could make contact with something and maybe knock it off balance. But again, she made contact with nothing, no one. A spine chilling cackle erupted at her futile attempt to free herself from whatever was holding her captive. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "We have waited patiently for this moment," the voice spoke again with revelry. Whoever it was, they were certainly enjoying themselves. She looked around wide eyed, trying to see who else made up the 'we'. But she couldn't even see what was holding her, let alone anyone else that may have been lurking in the shadows. Faedra could feel the ring on her finger heat up even more. It didn't hurt, but it was a powerful reminder that she was in very grave danger, a fact that hadn't escaped her attention. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Who are you?" she croaked through the stranglehold on her neck. Her question was answered in an instant, as a pair of eyes glowed in the darkness below her. She felt sick, a deep retching, nauseous feeling resonated from the pit of her stomach. "Oh, God, a redcap," she continued through restrained vocal chords. There was another gravelly cackle and it turned Faedra's blood to ice. The force holding her began to move her over towards the light from a streetlamp that was behind the wall of the back entrance to the hotel. Whatever it was that was holding her, backed her up until the circle of light from the streetlamp illuminated them both. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra looked down, terror-stricken, as the figure holding her gradually came into view. Fear couldn't even begin to describe what she was feeling when her eyes sent what they were seeing to her brain. It was grotesque. One of its long sinewy arms was held upwards towards her. Spindly fingers with yellowed, claw like nails were shaped as though they were gripping something invisible. Then she realized they were... her neck. She was hovering at least three feet up and away from the hand that was held out towards her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The creature couldn't have been much more than four feet tall, but what it lacked in stature, it made up for in repulsiveness. It wore a long, dirty brown leather tunic that came to mid thigh and was belted at the waist. What looked like steel boots adorned its feet and they made a small clanking sound as it walked. She remembered the sound from the woods when they had been running, but hadn't been able to put her finger on it at the time. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It had an ominous looking dagger thrust through its belt that was slightly rusty and stained with blood. Its other hand had hold of a menacing looking weapon with a huge axe blade at the top of a long handle that stood at least a foot taller than the redcap, and was finished off with a spike at the end. It, too, looked well used and blood stained. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Its face was gnarly, like old elephant hide, with black soulless eyes that no longer glowed now that they were in the light. A long crooked nose protruded out morosely from the center of its face, and the jagged, uneven fangs it had for teeth, jutted out from its lower jaw and were yellowed and rotting. On its head it wore the article for which it was named, a red cap. It fit its head like a glove, and although she didn't want to admit to it, she thought it looked like skin, but not its own skin, someone else's. It glistened moistly in the light from the streetlamp. "What do you want from me?" Faedra croaked, scanning the area. She still couldn't see any more of them. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Why, the amulet, of course," the redcap spat back at her in disgust, then turned his attention to the necklace dangling from her neck. "Why?" "I don't ask why, I just get to keep my prize...you," it cackled with delight. In a flash, it had forced Faedra to her knees. She was now almost eye level with the hideous creature as she kneeled in front of it. She wrinkled her nose when it leaned in close to her and wafted a breath over her face. It smelled repugnant; she almost threw up right there and then. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't close her eyes. Faedra stared frozen in time at it, as it examined her closely. "I can understand why she wants you dead," it whispered with spine chilling contempt. "Who wants me dead?" Faedra squeaked. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "That is of no consequence, Custodian," it replied, its gravelly voice scraping at her skin like a rough piece of sand paper. He laid his axe-like weapon on the floor and took hold of the amulet with his free hand. Faedra wasn't sure what happened next, but the creature was flung across the darkness. A howl screeched through the air as it made contact with what she assumed was the dumpster. She made to get up and run for her life, but the creature was back on her in a flash. The redcap held her neck with its actual hand this time; much more violently than before. It held the palm of its other hand for her to see. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "The amulet is warded; only you can touch it. It would seem no one else can while you live. So, it looks like I'm going to have to kill you right here to take it from you. We were looking forward to having much more fun with you than that, but," and it shrugged its shoulders, "needs must." There was a glint in its eyes when it said it. Faedra moved her eyes downward to look at its hand. She couldn't move her head, it was being held too tightly. The palm of its hand had been seared with the pattern from the amulet, burning a permanent brand into its skin. Her mind whirled as the oxygen was being cut off to her brain. She couldn't die, not here, not now. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Faen," she shouted through her constricted vocal chords. Nothing more than a hushed whisper emanated from her mouth. "Faen, help me," she said again, futilely hoping that he could somehow hear her or sense that she was in danger. She looked over towards the courtyard, and her heart sank. It was still empty. She was quickly sinking into blackness; no, she couldn't let this happen. _Do something Faedra_ , she commanded herself. _You need to do something now, or you will die. Right here, right now._ |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The thought of what it would do to her father, to find his only daughter's battered remains, lying lifeless behind the hotel, sparked something deep within her. Her fear turned to anger, which in itself, turned into the searing sensation of energy flowing through her body. The streetlamp above her flickered. Faedra opened her eyes and summoned all the energy she could from her body, then her mind started reaching outside of her skull, searching for other sources. The light above her flickered again, and she took hold of its energy, too, pulling it inside her body and molding it with her own. The bulb in the street lamp shattered, sending a shower of sparks raining to the ground like one of those fancy fireworks she enjoyed watching on Bonfire Night. She looked straight into the redcap's eyes. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Not tonight, you don't," her whisper was barely audible as she channeled all the power she was controlling through her palms and slammed it directly at its chest. The intensity of it threw the redcap violently back against the dumpster again. She couldn't control the immensity of the force she had created and it sent her flying backwards, also. Her whole body was picked up by it and she was hurled into the wall behind her with brutal propulsion. She caught a glimpse of Faen exiting through the door into the courtyard. He conjured his sword from nowhere and was spinning it in his hand as he moved towards her. There was a blood-curdling crack as her head slammed against the hard stone of the brick wall. She fell limply to the ground. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Faedra!" she heard Faen shout, just before everything went black. Faen moved with lightning speed to the darkness of the area behind the hotel. The street lamp was broken now, so the only light emanating there was the dim glow from the floodlights in the courtyard. He moved with stealth over to the redcap. It looked unconscious but he wasn't taking any chances, and ran it through with his sword. Faen mumbled something and the redcap shimmered and disappeared. He stood up alert, his sword held ready for battle. He scanned the area for anything else, but couldn't sense anything untoward. In the next heartbeat, he was kneeling over Faedra's lifeless body that was now lying face down on the ground. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "No, no, no, not again. For the love of the Gods, not again," he cried as he carefully turned her over. She felt limp in his hands, just like Lillith had eleven years ago. He examined her face. She had a gash on her forehead; blood was trickling from it down the side of her face. He gently moved a lock of hair away from the gash so he could take a better look. It didn't look too deep and it started to heal right in front of his eyes. He heaved a sigh of relief. She was not dead if her body was healing. "Faedra, can you hear me?" he asked, his voice soft as silk. She groaned in response. Her eyes flickered open for just a second as she took in his features and could see the agonized look in his eyes. It nearly broke her heart. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I am taking you home," he said, and she felt the ground disappear beneath her. Faedra attempted to try and comfort Faen with a smile, and then sank back into the black abyss once more. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen made it to her home within moments of lifting her from the cold hard ground. He lowered her cautiously to her bed. He had to check and see if any bones were broken because, if they were, they had to be set straight or they would heal crookedly. He took each of her limbs and gently straightened them one by one. He watched as the bruises disappeared almost before they even had a chance to develop. After she turned of age, the healing process her body possessed became even more efficient. He took hold of each hand and examined her fingers. Nothing seemed to have been broken and he rested them down on either side of her body. He leaned forward and coaxed the tangled strands of hair away from her face and waited. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The energy he had just witnessed her expend probably had as much to blame for her state of unconsciousness than her head being slammed against the wall. He went down into the kitchen and rummaged through the cupboards until he found what he was looking for. He filled a large glass with water, then filled it almost half way with sugar, stirring it until it dissolved. He returned to Faedra's room with the glass and placed it on her nightstand. A few more moments passed. Faedra sucked in a deep breath, as if she had been underwater and just come up to the surface for air. Her eyes flew open; wide and scared. She scanned her surroundings and saw Faen sitting beside her; she threw her arms around him. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You are safe now, Ms. Faedra," he said softly, in an effort to calm her. "Here, drink this; you need to regain some of the energy you expended," he said, handing her the glass from the nightstand. "What is it?" she asked. Although, she trusted him implicitly, she still wanted to know what she was putting in her body. "Sugar water," he stated. She drank it without further comment. "Did you see what I did?" she exclaimed enthusiastically, after she had finished the entire glass. "Yes, it was most impressive, Ms. Faedra." She looked around again, a little disoriented. "Wait. How long have I been gone from the party?" she asked, looking down at her torn and dirty dress. "About fifteen of your minutes, I estimate," he replied. "Oh, good grief, I have to get back there." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She pushed herself past him and headed for the closet. She certainly couldn't return dressed like this; her father would freak out. "That is not a good idea." "I don't care, Faen. My dad will be worried sick. I don't even have my cell phone; it's in my purse that is still on a table back at the party." She ran over to the home phone that was sitting in its charger on her nightstand, picked it up and started dialing. Faedra made sure to put in the couple of digits needed so that the number wouldn't show on his caller ID. She hoped he would think she was calling from her cell. She couldn't stand the thought of him worrying about her. "I'll call him from here." "Hello," Henry answered. She could hear the music in the background. Good the party was still in full swing. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hey, Dad, it's me." "Fae? Where on earth are you? I was starting to get worried." "Don't worry, I needed some fresh air and went for a walk in the village." "On your own?" he exclaimed. "No, Faen's with me," she cringed as soon as she said his name, and Faen shot her a strained expression "You went home to get your dog?" her dad asked incredulously. God, she hated lying to her father, and she was hopeless at it. "I thought he may need to go for a wee," she said cringing again. "I'll be back in a few minutes." "Fae, you do the oddest things sometimes. I tell you, that dog knows he has you wrapped around his paw." She raised her eyes to the heavens. _Oh, if only he knew_. His tone changed then. "Is Frederick with you? He disappeared about the same time you did." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Yes, Dad, he's with me. He didn't want me walking alone, so he asked if he could join me." She listened as her dad grumbled something into the phone, but, just at that moment, a loud song started up in the background and she couldn't make out what he was saying. It was probably for the best. "I'll see you soon," she yelled over the din. "You are going to have to be more careful what you say in the future, Ms. Faedra," Faen said, stating the obvious. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She turned to him and squared her shoulders. Whether or not he had looked concerned about her when she was lying in his arms almost dead, he certainly didn't now. He was back to his usual stuffy demeanor, and right now was the wrong time. She had almost been killed tonight, certainly had the stuffing knocked out of her, and she just about had enough of the self righteous fairy that was intruding on her life. "Well, excuse me for not having my brain firing on all four cylinders after having it slammed into a brick wall just a few minutes ago," she snapped. She had been expecting a full-blown throbbing migraine after that incident, but, as yet, nothing had materialized, for which she was relieved. Faen raised an eyebrow at her outburst but said nothing for a moment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Fred, Ms. Faedra?" he looked at her questioningly. "Do you believe I look like a 'Fred'?" Faedra's shoulders slumped. No, he most certainly did not look like a Fred. "Give me a break, Faen, it was the only other F-word I could think of at the time," she said, raising her eyebrows at him. "But I changed it quickly. I don't think Frederick's too bad, though." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen was quiet again, watching with interest as Faedra continued to look in her closet for a suitable replacement. She picked a similar styled dress, but this one was a deep forest green with a cream embroidered trim around the hem. She hoped not too many people would notice. Who was she kidding? This dress looked nothing like the one she was wearing that was now ruined. She held it up and looked over at Faen, eyebrows raised. Faen shot her a puzzled look. "Out," she snapped and looked towards the door. "Oh, yes, of course, Ms. Faedra," he uttered before his swift exit. Faedra mumbled something about 'ungracious fairies' under her breath as she changed into her other dress. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "If you insist we go back to the party, I will not leave your side again," he stated without compromise through the door. "Whatever," she retorted. "Even if you have to go to the bathroom!" he added for good measure. She scowled at the door. "Okay, I'm ready," she said as she opened the door a few moments later to find him waiting patiently, as usual. She had changed into her other dress, tidied her hair, cleaned the blood from her face with a moist wipe, and touched up her makeup, all with such incredible swiftness it surprised even her. There was just a tiny red mark on her forehead where the gash had been, and she covered that easily with a little concealer. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "So, do I get to go flying again?" she asked when they were standing outside. She had missed the first experience due to a lack of consciousness. "If we are to arrive swiftly, yes." "Which brings me to my next question," she paused for effect. "And that would be?" Faen responded. "If I have on this ointment that is supposed to enable me to see through glamour, how come I still can't see your wings?" That particular point was needling at her now. Faen gave her one of his wry smiles. "That would be because, how would I say, I ramped up the frequency of mine, so to speak." "Not fair," she mumbled. He just inclined his head in his annoyingly gracious way and held out his arms. "May I?" he asked. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, go on then, if you must," she replied nonchalantly, trying very hard to hide the fact that she was super excited that she was about to go flying with a fairy. Faen scooped her up in his arms. She wrapped hers securely around his neck, and they glided gracefully across the field to the village. It took her breath away. "What if someone sees us?" "They won't. I have hidden us." Faedra watched as they skimmed above the rooftops of the houses in the village. It was an exhilarating feeling with the warm breeze blowing on her face and through her hair. Although, all too quickly, they were on the ground again, and walking back through the front entrance to the Old Brewery. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra took a deep, steadying breath as they got closer to the party. She knew she had some explaining to do. She had just been for a 'walk' in the village with a man no one had ever met before, and she had changed her dress. "Well, here goes nothing," she whispered to herself as Faen leaned forward opening one of the doors to the banquet room for her. Her father was on her in a flash. "Why did you go wandering off without telling anyone?" he demanded. Then looked down at her dress and narrowed his eyes at Faen who was glued to her side, just like he said he would be. "I spilled red wine on my other one, Dad, so I nipped home to get changed. I didn't want to spend the rest of my birthday in a stained dress." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He didn't look entirely convinced of her story, but didn't say anything more on the matter either. "Well, you're back now. Please just let me know if you decide to go on a walkabout again. You know how I worry about you." "I know, Dad, I'm sorry, it won't happen again." But something told Faedra that maybe it wasn't a promise she was going to be able to keep in the future. She suddenly yearned for the uncomplicated life she had lived until this morning, where she knew exactly who she was and where she was going. CHAPTER NINE |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra was hoping that no one noticed the fact that she had devoured almost half of the contents on the buffet table upon her return. She had no idea how many calories her body literally burned earlier that night, but her body was screaming at her in no uncertain terms to replenish them. She was starving and couldn't get the food down quick enough. "Feeling a bit peckish tonight are we?" Amy said jovially as she crept up behind Faedra, making her jump. "That must be at least your sixth plate of food." _Rats, someone did notice_. "It's my Birthday," Faedra replied blankly; she couldn't for the life of her think of anything else to say. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well, remember, a moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips," Amy said with a smirk. Faedra narrowed her eyes at her friend; Amy just shrugged in response and gave her a wink. The party wound down gradually after that. Faedra said more "goodbyes" and "thank you for comings" than she cared to remember. It was half past midnight before they got home. Faen was waiting in his dog form at the front door when they arrived. He had left as Frederick the same time she and her father had. "That was a wonderful party, Dad," Faedra said as she gave him a hug. "Thanks." "You're welcome, darling. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Well, it's been a long day, I'm off to bed. Goodnight." He kissed her on the forehead and made his way to bed. "Night, Dad." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra and Faen made their way to Faedra's room, too. She was exhausted and looking forward to a good night's sleep. She wasn't going to forget her eighteenth birthday in a hurry, that was for sure. After she changed into her pajamas, she let Faen into her room. He was still in his dog form. She climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantaneously. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen took his usual position on the rug beside her, but he didn't fall asleep. He was on full alert, listening to every creak and groan the old house made at night. He knew that the house was warded and nothing could get to Faedra here, but he was extremely concerned about the blatant attack on her at the hotel. He had no idea why the redcaps were interested in her or who they were in allegiance with, but he was determined to find out. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He was pulled from his thoughts by a noise that Faedra was making above him in her bed. He sat up and watched her for a moment in the glow of a soft light he had created over her head. She was still asleep, but her body was starting to move agitatedly under the covers. Her hairline was wet with sweat, and her eyes, under their lids, were moving about erratically. She was having a nightmare. It didn't surprise him. She had battled a redcap and lived to tell the tale. Not many fae could say that, let alone a human. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He blurred into his true form and stood over her. Maybe he could calm her dreams if he could comfort her somehow without waking her up. He frowned when he realized he didn't know how. Tentatively, he moved his hand towards her face. His fingers hovered above her forehead for a moment, then he drew them away again. He hated to see her in distress, but felt powerless to do anything about it. Her face contorted and she started mumbling incoherently. The mumbling got louder and louder until he thought she was going to scream. It was an automatic response; he put his hand over her mouth just as she did, in fact, scream. He managed to muffle it, knowing that it would have woken her father if he had not. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra was flung from her nightmare by the built in shut-off mechanism that everyone has in their brain to wake them from a nightmare before it gets too intense and you can't escape it. Her eyes were wide with fear again as they looked down at the hand that was covering her mouth, then up at Faen in confusion. "You are safe, Ms. Faedra. You were having a nightmare. You screamed and it would have woken your father," Faen's voice was a soft whisper. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra nodded her head in understanding; he lifted his hand from her mouth. She sat up and looked at him with a blank expression. At first she felt numb, but then it started, a slow tremble from the center of her body that quickly intensified to a violent shake. Her teeth started to chatter and her whole body shook uncontrollably from head to toe. She was suddenly freezing. Her lips turned blue and felt numb, but there was sweat beading on her forehead. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen could see what was happening. He had not witnessed it in the fae, but he had seen it in humans. She was going into delayed shock. He'd been amazed at the resilience Faedra had shown after her attack earlier on, but she'd been so focused on getting back to the party so her father would not worry, that she hadn't given herself time to digest what had just happened to her. Now, several hours later, her brain and body were telling her it was time to do just that. "Ms. Faedra," he whispered calmly. "I believe you are experiencing what humans call delayed shock." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra just stared at Faen, almost like she was looking through him and didn't quite see or hear him. He raised his hand and rested it on her forehead. She felt like ice to the touch. He grabbed her bathrobe from the chair and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Can I get you anything?" he asked with growing concern. "Is there anything else I can do?" She was still shivering fiercely when she looked him in the eye. "I... don't... want... you. I... want... my... dog." Her words came out in a forceful staccato. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He didn't hesitate. In the blink of an eye, he had blurred into his dog form and was sitting beside her on the bed. She looked at her dog for a split second before throwing her arms around his neck and burying her head in his soft welcoming fur. Faedra closed her eyes and held him tight, hoping to get some comfort from him. Hoping that warmth would soon seep back into her soul. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her brain was telling her that the dog she loved so much was still the detached fairy she couldn't quite work out, but she didn't care. Her heart told her that this was her best friend. That he had always been there for her, wagging his tail when she was happy, letting her do just this when she was sad. Right now, she was downright terrified and confused, and her brain was having a hard time processing it all. So burying her face in Faen's fur was exactly what she needed at that moment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She regained her composure with surprising alacrity. Only a few moments had passed before the shivering abated. The shock surging through her felt like it was flowing out through her body and melting into the bed covers. She pulled back from Faen and looked deeply into his molten amber eyes. "Thank you," she whispered and laid a delicate kiss on his cold wet nose. "You can come back now, I need to talk to you." He blurred back to his fae form. The soft amber eyes that were gazing at her only a second before, where now a startling liquid blue, and she drew in a breath. She felt as if someone had just torn her friend away from her. She straightened herself up, ready to get down to business. "It wanted the amulet," she stated. "Why would it want the amulet?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He shook his head. "I do not know what a redcap would want with it. They are killing machines, nothing more, nothing less. As long as they have fresh blood on their caps, they are happy." Faedra cringed. She remembered the way its cap had glistened moistly in the light from the streetlamp and realized that must have been someone's fresh blood. Her body gave an involuntary shudder. "They must be working for someone. Although they are mostly solitary creatures, they have been known to band together and do someone else's bidding, if the prize was right," he continued. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Who else would want the amulet? The letter said it was no more powerful than a pretty trinket without the Book of Anohs, and that's supposedly under immense protection. Can anyone get their hands on the book?" she asked. "The book is bound under heavy protective magic. Only the Keeper of the Book and the king have access to it," he replied. "Did the redcap say anything else?" "Yes," she whispered, and lowered her eyes. "What?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "It said, 'I can understand why she wants you dead'," she spoke flatly, bringing her eyes back up to meet Faen's. She watched a look of concern flash across his face, but then it was gone again. "Who would want me dead, Faen? No one is supposed to even know about me. What could I have possibly ever done to any of your kind that they would want to kill me?" What he did next surprised her. He leaned forward and cupped her face in his hands. His eyes, now just a few inches from hers, shone brightly with their intensity and determination. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I do not know, Ms. Faedra, but I will find out, and I will keep you safe. Of that, you have my word." He let his hands linger for just a fraction more than was needed. Then his eyes flickered as though he were snapping himself out of a trance, and he pulled them away. "There's something else, too," she continued. "In the graveyard I saw three pairs of eyes; tonight I only saw one creature. That means there are still two more of those things out there after me." She swallowed hard. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Tomorrow you will stay within the property boundary. You will be safe here. I will go and try to find out all that I can. Now, you must sleep, Ms. Faedra. Your body needs to rest." He looked at the light he created over Faedra's pillow and it disappeared, throwing the room into darkness. Fear gripped her by the throat. "No, don't," she cried as she grabbed for his arm. The light came on again instantly, shining a soft glow over her features. Her eyes were frightened and pleading. He looked at her with understanding and nodded his head. "As you wish, Ms. Faedra," he said with a warm smile. He could hardly blame her for being scared of the dark now. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She lay her head back down on the pillow. She didn't know if he spent the rest of the night watching over her as man or dog. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. The morning came far too quickly for Faedra's liking. She rolled over to look at her clock. "What time is it?" she mumbled to herself as she stretched. "Ten o'clock in the morning, Ms. Faedra." She nearly jumped out of her skin, and looked to the end of her bed. Faen was sitting there, dressed in his fae attire once more. Her shoulders slumped. "It wasn't just a bad dream after all, was it?" she asked dejectedly. "No, Ms. Faedra, it was not." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She could hear the muffled sounds of the television coming from the living room below her. Her dad had probably been up and around bright and early and let her sleep in. He likely thought she would be suffering from a hang-over this morning, but she was pleased to be feeling surprisingly clear headed. She heard the latch lift on the living room door. "Fae, are you awake?" Henry called up the stairs. "Just about," she called back. "You have to come and see this. Something really weird is happening." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra looked at Faen with a 'what now?' expression plastered all over her face. Extricating herself from the bedcovers, she threw her bathrobe on over her pajamas. Faen blurred into his dog form and jumped off the bed to follow her out the door. She stopped dead at the top of the stairs. He hadn't been anticipating that and bumped right into the back of her legs. She turned slowly to look out of the window. Faen nudged her leg - he couldn't risk changing into his true form outside of her room - to ask her what was wrong. She looked down at him then back out of the window. "Look," she pointed out the window. He stood on his hind legs, rested his front paws on the windowsill and looked in the same direction as her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "The leaves are turning. It's still summer, they shouldn't be turning for another couple of months yet." They looked at one another, turned, and nearly fell over each other going down the stairs in their haste to get to the living room. Her dad was sitting in his chair, cupping a mug of tea in his hands. He was glued to the television, completely mesmerized. "It's the same thing on every channel," he stated, tearing his eyes away from the screen for just a second then returning them directly. "They thought at first it was a group of activists spraying weed killer. Like that time, a few years back, when the activists burned fields of genetically modified crops in protest. But now it's happening all over the world, and no one can explain it." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra perched herself on the edge of the sofa. Faen sat by her feet; they were both very still. They watched while the news anchor described the phenomenon unraveling all over the world. It had started last night in England, but quickly spread throughout Europe, then to Asia, Australia, and now America. Crops were dying. Huge swaths of agricultural fields were being wiped out. "If this continues, the world will be facing a famine of global proportions," the newsreader's grave voice told the viewers. Faedra's jaw dropped. She caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye and turned to look outside. The leaves were starting to fall. Something was very very wrong. |