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the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra brought her focus back and looked at Faen. "Dad thinks I've gone riding. I've been gone all day, and now it's nighttime. He'll be worried sick; he has no idea where I am." She spoke with fear and desperation in her voice. It was breaking her heart to think of her dad panicking over her disappearance, and there was no way to let him know she was safe, cell phones didn't work between realms. "Do not worry, Ms. Faedra," Faen responded reassuringly, "your father will not know you are missing. The time in Azran ticks differently than in the World of Men. We can spend much more time here if needs be. You will still have only been gone a few hours." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Are you sure?" she asked, not quite being able to believe what he was telling her, and imagining her father's panic stricken face on the phone to the Police. Faen gave her a warm smile. He knew the great lengths she had gone to over the years to prevent giving her father any cause to worry about her. A quality he admired and respected. She cared more about those she loved than she did about herself. "I am sure," he replied. "Your father is blissfully unaware of your whereabouts and I will make sure it stays that way. We will return to the World of Men in plenty of time before he would start to wonder where you have gone to." She heaved a sigh of relief and the color returned to her face. "Thank you," she whispered. He inclined his head. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | After they had finished their meal, the two fairies appeared. "We have prepared your rooms for you." they sang in unison and gestured for the three to follow. They all got up and continued behind them. Faedra was looking forward to being able to flop onto a bed and finally get some sleep. She was exhausted and imagined that what she was feeling must be similar to jet lag. She had never been on a long haul flight but her friends had, and how they had explained it to her, it had sounded just like she felt. They followed the fairies up umpteen spiraling stairs, along what seemed like miles of corridors until they eventually stopped. The fairies pointed to three doors that were adjacent to each other. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You will find everything you need to make your stay comfortable," they sang. "If you find you need anything further, you only have to ask. One of us will attend to your needs directly." "Thank you," Faen, Faedra and Jocelyn replied together. The fairies disappeared around a corner and they were alone in the corridor. "Well, goodnight," Faedra said. "Goodnight, Ms. Faedra." "Goodnight, Faedra." Jocelyn and Faen exchanged their goodnights. They all entered their rooms in synchronization, as if the move had been choreographed. Faedra closed the door behind her, leaned back up against it and sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh, wow!" she breathed as she scanned the room that sprawled out in front of her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The room was easily the size of the entire ground floor of her house and was furnished with the finest ornate, elaborately detailed furniture that she had ever laid her eyes on. At one end of the room, an immense marble fireplace took center stage, filling nearly the entire wall, and was complete with a blazing fire crackling within it. A deep burgundy chaise trimmed with gold, sat in front of the fire just waiting to invite someone to sit there. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Wood paneling stretched all the way around the room to about half way up the walls. Above the paneling, rich wallpaper lined the walls and elaborate gold sconces with opaque glass lampshades protruded, a soft glow emanating from each one. She looked above her as she now noticed she was drenched in a soft glow. A small chandelier bobbed above her head, showering her with soft sparkling light. She stepped to the side, it followed. She stepped forward, it followed. "No way," she gasped, as she realized where she went the chandelier followed, lighting a path for her every step of the way. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | On the other side of the room was a four-poster bed that she imagined to be the size of her entire bedroom. It was made of rich mahogany and the posts were carved with intricate spirals. It had sumptuous, velvet burgundy drapes the same color as the chaise. A gold satin comforter covered the bed. Faedra wandered over to it and ran her fingers along the heavy velvet material, and then onto the soft satin comforter. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A pair of cream silk pajamas had been laid out for her on the bed. She held them up to her to determine if they were the right size; they were. She smiled, why ever would she have thought otherwise? She wandered past the bed to a pair of glass doors that stood the height of the wall, at least ten feet tall. They were framed in gold with gold handles. She opened them and walked through onto the balcony where they led. She looked down to one side and saw the city below that was lit only by the silvery light of the moon, casting its eerie light on the buildings it watched over. She looked in the other direction and could see the valley stretch out until it met with a mountain range that loomed in the distance. She wondered in which direction they would travel tomorrow to reach the pine forest. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A shiver ran through her and she walked back inside. There was a chill in the air and she was only wearing a t-shirt and jeans. The doorway next to the glass doors led to a lavish bathroom. Mirrors lined one entire wall. The rest of the room was made out of marble and accessorized with gold fittings. Steam rose from the water filling a sunken bath that had quite obviously been run for her. Fluffy towels were stacked in a neat pile next to the bath and a toothbrush had been placed next to one of the two basins. They weren't kidding, they had certainly thought of everything to make her feel comfortable. She undressed and slid into the warm water. A sigh of epic proportions escaped as she submerged herself up to her neck. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Once she had bathed she dried herself. With a towel wrapped around her torso, she wandered back to the bedroom and dressed into her pajamas, laying her clothing neatly over the back of a chair that was placed next to the bed. She had to wear them again the next day so she made an effort not to get them too crumpled. She lifted the covers and slid between the sheets that felt like pure silk. The sconces turned themselves off and the chandelier above her head dimmed to blackness. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She sat up with a start. "No, please do not go out completely," she said with an urgency that surprised even her. She'd never been scared of the dark before and cursed the redcap for making her feel this way. For a split second, she wondered who she was kidding. The lights weren't intelligent; they wouldn't respond to a spoken request. But all the lights came back on in an instant, then dimmed to a soft glow. "Thank you," she spoke to the room as a whole and lay her head back down on the pillow. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Unfortunately, instead of falling asleep as soon as her head touched it, she was wide-awake. She lay motionless for a few minutes with her eyes closed trying to will herself to sleep. She moved to one side then to the other. Nothing. She was still wide-awake. After about an hour of tossing and turning, she threw back the covers and sat up in exasperation. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | _This is not fair,_ she thought, _why can't I sleep? I'm so tired._ She went through a list of possibilities. The bed was comfortable, that wasn't it. It wasn't dark, that wasn't it either, then it dawned on her and a light bulb came on above her head. And it wasn't the chandelier. She had not slept on her own since she was six years old. Faen had always been right there sleeping on the rug beside her bed, every night, for more than eleven years. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She turned, hung her legs over the edge of the mattress and slid her feet into the slippers that had been left for her beside the bed. She made her way through the door and wandered down the corridor. Faedra stopped in front of the next door down, put her hand up to knock, hesitated and pulled it back. She did this several times, until finally, she tapped lightly on Faen's door and opened it. She poked her head through the opening and peeked around the door. It was dark inside, no sound of movement. "Faen?" she whispered as she entered the room and clicked the door shut behind her. "Faen?" she whispered again. She heard a rustle coming from her left and turned her head just as a soft light appeared over Faen's head as he sat up in bed. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She noticed he did not have a shirt on and there was a catch in her breath as she let her eyes scan his perfectly formed torso. He noticed her gaze and looked down at himself. Almost instantaneously, he materialized a soft cotton shirt from nowhere to cover his chest. He looked back up at Faedra who was standing over by the door looking rather uncomfortable. "Ms. Faedra? Is something the matter?" Faen asked in response to the look of sadness on her face. His features were soft, his expression welcoming, and his hair mussed. He ran a hand through it to try and smooth it down. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He had such a presence here in his home, somehow different to when he was in her home. Faedra wondered if he felt as much of a fish out of water in her world, as she did in his. She took a hesitant step forward. She was eighteen now, an adult. Not to mention Custodian to a very powerful fae element. Faedra's brain was telling her she should feel silly not being able to sleep without her dog, but the dreadfully lonely sensation welling within her was overwhelming. She swallowed hard and looked down at her feet. _He's going to think me stupid and childish._ "Ms. Faedra, whatever is the matter?" he asked again. "I, um, I'm so tired, but I can't sleep," her voice cracked with emotion, "then I realized why." She looked up at him, tears pricking behind her eyes. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Why?" he prompted. "Because for more than eleven years now, you have slept beside me and I... err... miss you." His expression changed to one of compassion that Faedra had not seen on his face before, but had seen in the eyes of her dog many times. He patted the bed beside him. "Come," he simply said. She breathed in with relief. She hadn't realized until that point that she'd been holding her breath. She moved swiftly to his bed and climbed up to sit crossed legged to the side of him. "Would you like me or your dog?" The question took her by surprise. She thought about it for a second. "You, please," she whispered and smiled at him sheepishly. Faen returned her smile with a warm one of his own that he didn't hand out very often. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Very well then, I shall stay," he said with an incline of his head. The soft glow of the light above illuminated just the two of them in the immense bedroom. Everything else was shrouded in darkness. Faedra leaned forward and carefully picked up the talisman hanging around his neck. She noticed a catch in his breath as her fingers brushed against his skin, and brought her gaze up to meet his. His eyes were full of emotion. They locked onto hers, not letting them go. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | After a silent moment, she managed to tear her gaze from his and looked at the talisman she had laid in the palm of her hand, moving it under the light. She had noticed it before, but never really looked at it closely. It was round, and looked like it was made of ivory; although, it had an iridescent quality to it that she had not seen in ivory before. A leather thong threaded through a hole at the top, held it around Faen's neck. The center of the talisman was carved with a beautiful Celtic design and a band around the outer edge had lots of symbols carved into it. "This is beautiful. What is it made of?" "The horn of a unicorn." "Wow, really?" she shook her head in amazement as he nodded. "I recognize these symbols, but I can't think where from." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "They are runes. You probably saw them when you were at the festival." She nodded her head. That was where she had seen them before; when Rose had seen something of her destiny in them, but refused to tell her what. "Of course." She lay the talisman gently back against his skin. "Can I ask you a question?" she said. "Of course," he replied. "Are you immortal?" Faen chuckled at her question. "No, Ms. Faedra, I am not. Although, fae do live much longer than humans, so that is where the myth probably stems from. We die of old age just like you do. We can be killed, but not very easily, and not by human hands." Then he thought about his last comment and rephrased it. "I should say, not by human hands, present company excluded." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra's eyebrows shot up. "You mean I can kill a fairy? Not that I would want to, of course," she added hastily. "Well, there is no point having a power if it does not protect you and the amulet against the very creatures who are likely to come after you to get it." "Good point," she agreed. "So how old are you then?" He raised an eyebrow. "You said a question, Ms. Faedra." "Oh, come on, Faen, you know me inside and out, and I hardly know anything about you. Apart from what dog food you prefer and that you like to be scratched behind your ears," she gave him a wry smirk. He conceded. "Very well, you may ask me some more questions. What do you wish to know?" "Your age?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, yes, hmm let me see now. We age much slower than humans do, about ten times slower I believe, so that would make me about two hundred and three of your years." "No way!" Faedra exclaimed. "You only look about twenty." He smiled. "So how long do you live then, bearing in mind that you don't get killed by a rogue Custodian?" "Oh, about a thousand of your years, give or take a few," he smiled again. Faedra gaped at him in disbelief and he nodded his head to reiterate his statement. She shuffled up the bed and turned to lie down on top of the covers next to where he was sitting. She looked up at the soft glowing ball of light that was bobbing gracefully above them. "Tell me about my mother," she shifted her attention from the light to Faen's face. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | His smile faded and sadness filled his eyes. "What do you wish to know?" "Well, I was only six when she died. It was so long ago that I can't remember too much about her; I get scared that, given a few more years, I will forget everything about her." "I didn't actually know your mother very well," he started. "I was only assigned to her a few months before she was killed." He dropped his eyes and Faedra could tell he still carried much regret over what had happened. "What I did know of her was that she was a very caring woman. She loved all living things and adored the ground you walked on. She would have gone to the ends of the earth for you, Faedra. She loved you that much." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "She was also very dedicated to her role as Custodian and took it very seriously. She had spent many years training in the sword skills, and, as I said, she was one of the best sword fighters I have ever seen. I know for a fact, she would have been very proud of how you have grown and matured. You have taken to being Custodian very much in your stride, a natural she would have said. She was a natural; very capable of looking after herself. As I said before, I was only assigned to her so that she could teach me, and I failed her." He looked with determination into Faedra's captivated eyes. "I will not make the same mistake twice." Faedra gave him a knowing smile. "Thank you." "You are very welcome." "Faen?" "Yes." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You have to stop blaming yourself for my mum's death. It wasn't your fault. I don't blame you. I blame the redcaps, and one day I will have my revenge on them." He gave her a weak smile. Faedra sensed that he wasn't about to stop blaming himself for the death of her mother, but, in time, she would convince him that he was not to blame. A loud yawn escaped before she could stifle it, and her eyes grew so heavy she was fighting to keep them open. "Ms. Faedra, you are very tired, you need to sleep." "I know, but I don't want to go back into that big empty room..." She was asleep before she finished her sentence. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen looked at her for a long moment and sighed a contented sigh. He brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek, then leaned over and grabbed some of the excess piece of comforter that hung over the edge of the bed, wrapping it around her. He lay down beside her watching her breathing steadily in and out for a few minutes as she slept soundly next to him. Then he couldn't help himself; he wrapped a protective arm around her before he fell asleep with her safely tucked up against him. Making sure to leave the soft light glowing above them in case she woke up in the night. She didn't. CHAPTER THIRTEEN |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra opened her eyes and stretched. She couldn't remember sleeping that well for a very long time. She turned her head to see Faen looking at her. He was lying on his side, propping his head up on his arm. "Good morning, Ms. Faedra," he greeted her with a warm smile, "I trust you slept well." "Morning, Faen. Yes, I did thank you," she answered, returning his smile with one of her own. "Well, we better get moving. We have another long day ahead of us today," he pushed his covers back and gracefully slid off the bed. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra was still lying on top of the covers. She looked down at the piece of comforter she had been cocooned in and peeled it back. She smiled; he had allowed her to fall asleep next to him and made sure she didn't get cold. The sound of water running from the bathroom caught her attention. She better get a move on and go back to her room to wash her face and get dressed. "I'm going back to my room to get changed," she called as she slid off the bed. Faen poked his head around the bathroom door, he was brushing his teeth. Faedra couldn't help herself, she laughed. Faen frowned. He couldn't speak, his mouth was full of toothbrush. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I'm sorry," she chuckled. "I just never pictured that fairies brushed their teeth, or needed to do any of the mundane personal grooming that we humans have to, for that matter." He smiled around his toothbrush and shrugged his shoulders. "Meet you out in the corridor in a few minutes?" He nodded and disappeared back into the bathroom. When she arrived back in her room, she noticed that the bed had been made and her clothes were neatly laid out on it. They had been cleaned and pressed, and her boots polished and set beside the bed. She quickly changed, then went into the bathroom to do the mundane personal grooming that humans do. Several minutes later, she headed out the door. Faen and Jocelyn were already waiting there for her. "Hi, Jocelyn. Did you sleep well?" she asked. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Yes, thank you, Faedra, and you?" Faedra glanced at Faen who was watching her intently. They exchanged a subtle smile. "Yes, thank you, I did," she responded. "Come," Faen said with a sweeping motion of his arm in the direction of the kitchen. "We must eat first, then begin our journey to the pine forest." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Luckily Faen seemed to know where he was going because, without a doubt, Faedra would have gotten herself hopelessly lost in the maze of corridors in this seemingly endless castle. After a while, they made it to the kitchen and Faedra was ravenous again. She had noticed her appetite had increased substantially since she acquired her power, but she hadn't used it for more than a day now and was wondering if it was normal for her to be eating as much as she was. Maybe it was still residual energy conservation from when she had had to use her power to fight off a redcap. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They ate a hearty breakfast and were each given a knapsack full of food, and an oilskin pouch full of water, which they slung across their bodies. They made their way through the castle to the main entrance. Faen rapped hard on the door again and it swung open gracefully. They walked through it and were greeted by a handsome fairy in uniform. "The king has given you these horses," he told them, holding out his hand in the direction of where three beautiful horses stood. They were black as midnight with thick silver manes and tails that shimmered in the sunlight. Faedra was speechless, she had never seen such stunning creatures. Their immaculate coats shone with a luster not from her world. One of them snorted and pawed at the ground. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I'll take him," she said as she walked past Faen and Jocelyn. She had no doubt in her mind that she was about to have the ride of her life. Faen raised his eyebrows in surprise. "What? You think I can't handle him, don't you?" "On the contrary, Ms. Faedra. I have seen you ride. I have no doubt that you are perfectly capable of handling that stallion," he replied. "What is it then?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him. "It is nothing, Ms. Faedra." Truth was, he was starting to see the little girl he'd watched growing up, turn into a tenacious young woman with just a hint of vulnerability about her, and he thought that she every bit deserved the title of Custodian. If he didn't know any better he would imagine that it was pride seeping from his every pore right at that moment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The uniformed fairy gave Faedra a leg up, and as soon as she was on the horse's back he reared, then came back to the ground and pawed again. Faedra felt an electric excitement surging through her as she felt the intense energy of the beautiful beast she was sitting on. "Come on you two, what are you waiting for? We have a Lord of the Woods to find." Faen and Jocelyn glanced at each other with a look that said 'oh, dear, what have we unleashed'? They mounted their horses. All three galloped off through the courtyard, out of the city, and headed in the direction of the pine forest. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They rode for hours across the dying landscape. Although Faedra was saddened by the devastation around her, she had never felt this alive before. The horse beneath her was a powerhouse of muscle and speed, and they flew like the wind. Her legs didn't turn to jelly this time. Instead, she embraced the power she was feeling from the magnificent beast she was riding. To the point she could feel her whole body was tingling with electric energy. After a few hours of riding, Faedra could see a browning forest loom up ahead. They all slowed down to a trot and, gradually, a walk. They came to a stop at the edge of the forest and gave the trees a long hard look. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, Brother, even the evergreens are dying," Jocelyn's voice rang with sadness as they all looked down at the thick carpet of brown pine needles that had fallen from the dying trees. "We will find the book, Jocelyn. We will reverse this," Faen promised her, his voice sounding almost as sad as his little sister's. "Come, we must find Kernunnos." He moved his horse forward. Faedra and Jocelyn fell into line behind him as they all entered the forest. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra found the forest eerie, and, after a while, she realized why. There were no sounds of life here. No birds were singing in the trees, no wildlife scuttling about on the ground, or squirrels chasing each other along the limbs, jumping from one tree to the next. There was nothing, just an unearthly silence, except for the soft hoof falls the horses were making as they ventured deeper and deeper into the forest. They followed Faen for about another hour until they came across an opening between the trees in the heart of the forest. They stood on the edge of the clearing for a moment. It was almost a perfect circle, and right in the center stood an ancient, gnarly pine tree, much taller and wider than any pine tree Faedra had ever seen. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They dismounted and left the horses. Faedra wondered if they should tie them up but Faen assured her they would not go anywhere. He told her the horses were 'assigned' to them and would not leave until they were permitted to. She wished Gypsy were so obedient, thinking back to that day in the woods when her horse left her there without so much as backwards glance. Faedra and Jocelyn followed behind Faen as they cautiously made their way towards the huge pine taking center stage in the clearing. He stopped about ten feet away from it, closed his eyes, and held his hands out, palms facing upwards, and started chanting. "Open glade in dark wood, fertile tree in clearing stood. Lord of the Woods, your help we need, respect and honor, ours to heed. Appear to us, this we plea, |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Kernunnos hear, we summon thee." Faedra held her breath. Nothing happened. "Was something supposed to happen?" she leaned over and whispered to Jocelyn. Jocelyn shrugged her shoulders. "I do not know. I have never seen an invocation before," she admitted. "Quiet," Faen turned his head and snapped at them. "This will only work in absolute silence." Faedra mouthed a sorry to him and closed her lips tight. Faen repeated the invocation again, a little louder this time and with a lot more passion. Still nothing, but Faedra kept her mouth shut this time and just looked all around her, having absolutely no idea what to expect. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Again Faen repeated the invocation, with yet more emphasis and passion. This time it worked, and Faedra realized at that point that she had watched The Wizard of Oz far too many times. She'd been expecting the tree to grow limbs that looked like arms, and a big gnarly face to appear in the bark of the trunk and start shouting at them, but that couldn't have been further from what actually did happen. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It suddenly grew darker, not a pitch black dark, but a setting sun through the trees kind of dark, causing an ethereal glow to cloak the clearing. A mist appeared from the trees surrounding the clearing. It smelled strongly of a musky essential oil that she recognized as being patchouli, and crept low to the ground in tendril-like wisps until it had filled the entire space. Faedra scanned the perimeter of the clearing but could see nothing but the mist encircling them. Her attention turned back to the ancient tree in the center when she heard a creaking sound that seemed to be coming from within. An opening appeared in the bark, narrow at first, but then expanding into an archway, from which an incredibly self-assured looking man walked, with a stunning white stag at his side. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra swallowed hard. She didn't know what she was expecting the Lord of the Woods to look like, but the man walking towards them was definitely not it. He glided with ethereal grace to stand in front of Faen, who kneeled before him. He was tall with dark brown, shoulder-length hair and neatly trimmed beard flecked with gray. He had dark olive skin and deep forest green eyes. He looked wise beyond his years, and Faedra didn't even want to hazard a guess as to how old he actually was. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He wore robes that flowed around him with a fluidity that reminded Faedra of when she used to watch the rock pools at the beach. Every time a wave would come and recede away again, it would leave the water in the rock pool swirling around until the next time. His robes were colored with the various hues of woodland, including russet, deep forest green, and autumn gold. "Rise, Guardian," he commanded, and Faen did as he asked. "You summoned me?" "I did, My Lord," Faen responded, and bowed his head with respect. "Someone has stolen the Book of Anohs and we need to find it before whomever it is destroys our realm and the World of Men, and possibly many other realms, too." "And how do you think that I may help, Guardian?" Kernunnos asked. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I believe that because the book controls nature, and you are in essence, Lord over an immense part of nature, I was hoping you may be able to sense where the book is located." "Hmm," Kernunnos rubbed his chin and walked over to Faedra, who gulped again. "And you, my child are not from this realm," he caught sight of the amulet. "Ah, a Custodian. Well, now I understand why you stand before me." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra swallowed hard. The King of Azran didn't hold a torch to the presence that Kernunnos exuded. He finished scrutinizing Faedra and walked back to stand before Faen. Then he closed his eyes and held his arms outstretched. He stood there in silence for a few moments, and when he opened his eyes again they were completely white, no eyeball, nothing, just white. Faedra took a step back as she sucked in a breath and covered her mouth with her hand. "I see giant white horses several hundred feet tall, a hill that is perfectly round, near a spire so high it touches the sky. A circle of stone surrounded by A's is where the book can be found." He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again they had returned to their normal color. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "But what does that mean?" Faen asked, confused by the cryptic clue. "I can only tell you what I see, Guardian. My powers do not give me a road map." "Do you know in which realm we may start to look?" "I do not. I am sorry I cannot give you clearer directions." "Thank you, My Lord. You have, at least, given us something to work with," Faen bowed his head. "Good luck, Guardian," Kernunnos said as he turned toward the tree. Then he paused, turned back to look at Faedra, and inclined his head. "Custodian," he acknowledged, before continuing to walk back into the tree. As soon as the archway in the tree sealed up behind Kernunnos and his stag, the mist cleared and the sunlight once again rained down upon them. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen scratched his head. "I was hoping for more precise direction than that," he said. "There are no horses that large in any realm." "Horses, horses," Faedra mumbled to herself, pacing back and forth as she meandered closer and closer to the edge of the clearing. She was holding her chin in her hand, her brow furrowed. "Surrounded by A's? Why does that sound so familiar?" she continued her pacing for a few more moments, mumbling under her breath, trying to connect the pieces of information to something buried deep in her memory. "Oh, my God!" Faedra blurted. The others turned to look at her stunned expression. "I think I know where it is." "Where, Ms. Faedra?" Faen asked urgently as he and Jocelyn walked over to where she was pacing. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I'll take you there. It's in my world," she said with excitement. "No, it is too dangerous. Tell me where it is, and I will go," Faen insisted. "Like heck you will. I'm going with you." "No, you are not," Faen raised his voice. He didn't do that very often. "Yes, I am." Faedra shot him a warning glare. "No, Ms. Faedra, you are not." "Yes... I... Am!" Jocelyn sighed and sat herself down on a nearby boulder. She could see this was going to take a while. She watched the argument unfold before her, moving her head from Faen to Faedra as if watching a game of tennis. "You are making me angry," Faedra growled several minutes into their back and forth battle. With a glare that could kill, she opened up her palms to reveal two glowing orbs of blue. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen looked down at her hands and scoffed. "You would never use those on me," he said, with a look that oozed arrogance. Who was she kidding? Of course, she wouldn't, and she threw them at a nearby tree where they exploded on impact, shattering the bark, and sending fragments of wood showering over Jocelyn. "Sorry, Jocelyn," she called as she noticed her friend sweeping bits of bark off her dress and picking it out of her hair. Then she turned on Jocelyn's brother again. "I do not need to be wasting my energy on you, either," she scowled at him. "You'll upset Kernunnos," he goaded as he looked over at the splintered tree. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She glared at him again and balled her hands into fists, resting them on her hips, squaring her shoulders as she did. She lifted her chin in defiance, and they stood in silence for a while, a frosty stand-off that neither was willing to concede to. Eventually, Jocelyn broke the angry silence. "Um, you two, the fate of all realms rests with you, and all that," she said with concern. They turned together and glared at her. She put her hands up "Okay, okay, just thought I would mention it." They went back to glaring uncompromisingly at each other, and a few more moments passed. "Sometimes, Ms. Faedra, you can be impossibly stubborn," Faen spoke first. Faedra raised an eyebrow at him. "And sometimes, MR. Faen, you can be impossibly arrogant," she snapped back at him. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They continued staring at each other. Then Faedra noticed a subtle shift in the way Faen was looking at her. The frustrated expression he was wearing melted away and was replaced by one of consideration. He leaned in and cupped her face. Before her brain even had time to react, he had planted his lips very self-assuredly on hers, which sent a tingle of electricity throughout her face, down her neck and along her spine. Her eyes widened with surprise, and she found she couldn't move. She was frozen to the spot, but her senses were heightened to the point that they were almost crackling with their intensity. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Then she surprised herself. She accepted his kiss and kissed him back. Her hands that had been balled into fists just seconds ago were now tangling themselves through his silken hair. After a moment he pulled away, but still held her face in his hands, and a wry smile curved the corner of his mouth. "Very well, Faedra," he made sure to exaggerate her name as he inclined his head, "you may come with us," he whispered. His face was still so close to hers she could feel his warm breath on her face as he spoke. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | In that instant their paradigm shifted. She was no longer his charge, he no longer her Guardian, although, she could sense he would always be her protector. They were now partners with one goal; to retrieve the Book of Anohs and return Vivianna, the king's daughter, safely back to Azran and her father. "Yay," Jocelyn cried, clapping her hands excitedly, pulling Faen and Faedra from their reverie. They both turned to look at her. Faen looked at his sister with a puzzled expression, pulling his eyebrows together. "Well, it is about time, Brother," she stated. He looked back at Faedra who was still reeling from their kiss. They looked at each other and chuckled. Jocelyn stepped down off the boulder, walked over to them and put an arm around each of them. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well, now that we finally have that out of the way, I assume we need to make our way back to the portal," she said with a smirk. Faen looked up at the sky; the sun was sinking and it wouldn't be long before darkness enveloped the land again. "We will make camp here for tonight. It will be dark soon, and not all of Azran is safe to travel at night," he explained. "We will leave at first light." "Come on, Faedra," Jocelyn said as she took hold of Faedra's arm, "let us go and find some firewood." They headed into the trees. "Do not go out of sight of the clearing," Faen called out to them in a protective, big brotherly way. "We won't," Jocelyn called back. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They didn't need to go but a few feet in, as there were plenty of small branches and kindling lying all around them. They bent down and scooped up sticks, holding them in their arms as they did so. "I guess you were right about the 'wings' thing," Faedra mentioned after they had been searching for a few minutes. Jocelyn smiled warmly. "I know my brother better than he would like to think I do," she said. "He still hides them, though," Faedra sighed. "Give him time, Faedra. He has never felt about anyone the way he feels about you, and he didn't even realize that until a few minutes ago." Faedra looked through the trees into the clearing where Faen was collecting rocks to make a small fire pit. "Neither did I," she whispered under her breath. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "It will be worth the wait, Faedra. His wings are the most spectacular that I have ever seen. If you think mine are beautiful, they do not even come close to my brother's." Faedra smiled weakly at her friend. "I think we have enough, don't we?" she said, holding out her arms that were now full of sticks and small branches. Jocelyn looked at Faedra's bundle and then at her own. "I think so." They headed back to the clearing and dropped the wood next to where Faen was placing rocks in a neat circle. He was being extra careful to make sure that the fire could not spread. Everything surrounding them was so tinder dry, the whole lot could catch fire very easily. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The sun sank beyond the horizon, and darkness replaced it. They grabbed the rolled-up bedding that had been attached to the back of each saddle - the king had thought of everything – and unrolled their 'beds' around the campfire that Faen had started with a click of his fingers. They sat down beside the warming flames that licked up into the night. Occasionally sparks would ascend up into the sky when a knot in a piece of wood crackled and popped. Faedra sat peacefully while Faen and Jocelyn spoke in hushed voices to each other. She was trying to see if she could control her energy without the emotion of anger. So far, that had been the only time she had been able to use it, when she was angry. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The first time she had used it, she was feeling anger and frustration at not being able to materialize anything, then wham, there it was. The next time, her fear had changed to anger behind the hotel when she imagined her dad finding her dead on the cold floor. Her power had surged through her uncontrollably that time. Then a little while ago she had been getting angry with Faen but was not angry enough that she hadn't been able to control it. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She tuned Jocelyn and Faen out. She didn't know what they were talking about, sibling stuff she assumed. She was going to get a grip on her power if it was the last thing she did. She closed her eyes and imagined the sensations that flowed through her body when the energy manifested itself, and she tried to recreate that feeling. She wanted to be able to rely on using her power if she needed to; when they met whomever was in possession of the book. She wanted the ability to use it in a skillful way, and not just as a knee jerk reaction. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It took a few times, but after some serious concentration, there it was. She could feel a warm sensation in her hands. Faedra opened her eyes to see two balls of blue light bobbing gracefully just above her skin. The reflection in her eyes from the sparkling energy made them look like they were twinkling in the darkness. She smiled and closed her palms, pushing the sensation back. She opened her palms again and the light was gone. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She tried this several more times, each time feeling more and more in control of the energy coursing through her body. She was elated and stared in awe for a few moments at the balls of energy bobbing above her hands. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic. A warm feeling surrounded her hands and they closed, but she hadn't closed them herself. She looked up to see Faen kneeling in front of her, his hands wrapped around hers, and she gave him a quizzical look. "I have been watching you control your power for a while now. You are learning quickly, but you do not have much food and will burn yourself out." She could hear the concern in his voice and gave him a warm smile. His face glowed in the soft light from the fire. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You're right," she said. Until he had stopped her, she hadn't noticed how hungry she was getting. She leaned over to get her knapsack; retrieving half of its contents, she began eating. She knew how weak she would feel if she didn't eat quickly. Faedra looked over to Jocelyn, who was now sleeping soundly beside the fire. How long had she been doing this, and how long had Faen been sitting watching her? "It's a beautiful night," Faedra said as she looked up to admire the enormous full moon that was pouring its silvery light all over them. "It is," Faen agreed. He looked over at Jocelyn sleeping. "We must rest if we are to make an early start in the morning." He pulled his bedding over, laid it down next to Faedra's, and sat down on it. "I will be right here if you need me." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra returned his smile with one of her own and settled down to sleep. CHAPTER FOURTEEN Faen knelt down beside Faedra and gently shook her arm. He and Jocelyn had prepared the horses and were ready to leave, but he wanted her to sleep as long as she could. Her eyes cracked open and a smile crept across her lips at the sight of him. She sat up, and after stretching her arms upwards, rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She looked for Jocelyn and saw her over by the horses; their things already packed and attached to the saddle, and her smile fell from her face. "Why didn't you wake me earlier?" she asked in dismay. "Faen, I am always a step behind you guys, and that makes me feel inadequate." Her voice was laced with a tinge of annoyance and embarrassment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You needed to sleep as long as possible, Faedra. You used up a lot of your energy last night," he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, his expression one of concern. "I shouldn't have let you, but you were really starting to understand your power and control it, and you may well need to use it today. It will take but a few moments for us to get you packed and ready." "Okay," she sighed. He made perfect sense, using her power drained her beyond belief. "I'll let you off this time," she said with a smirk. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The sun was not yet up, but the sky was glowing with that beautiful light that welcomes the day just before the sun decides to peek over the horizon and has every hue of pastel you can imagine. She rubbed her hands over her face, willing herself awake, and accepted Faen's offered hand to help her up off the ground. He hastily rolled her bedding up and carried it over to her horse. She followed. "Good Morning, Faedra," Jocelyn sang as they approached. "Morning, Jocelyn." "Forgive me for saying this, but you do not look too good this morning." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "No forgiveness needed, I don't feel too good either." She imagined how her reflection had looked in the mirror after the first time she had been trying to use her power. She could envision that her skin must be looking pretty pallid right now, with dark circles framing her eyes. That was exactly how she felt, like something was sucking the life out of her. Having a power like hers certainly had its downside. Faen dug around in her knapsack and held out the rest of her food for her. "Here eat this. You will feel better." He dug in his knapsack, too. "Then eat this. You used more of your energy than I realized. When we get through the portal, you need a proper meal." He looked concerned, so she tried giving him her 'I'm fine, really' look. It didn't work. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She ate while he tied her bedding to the back of the saddle. Jocelyn mounted her horse, and when Faedra had finished her food, Faen gave her a leg up onto hers. She leaned down to adjust her foot in the stirrup, which brought her face level with his. "Just for the record," he whispered, "you are far from inadequate, in every way." "Thank you," she whispered back and gave him a sheepish smile. She was starting to feel better already. The food was taking effect, but she knew the small amount she had eaten wouldn't be enough to sustain her for very long. "How far is it to the portal?" she asked. "About two hours east of here," Faen replied. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "We best get going then" she said, and followed behind Faen as he moved his horse forward. Jocelyn fell in behind Faedra, and she realized she was a fairy sandwich once again. After about an hour of riding, Faedra began to feel decidedly weaker. Why did she have to use that much energy last night? That was stupid when she knew there was nothing much to eat to replace it. The truth was, she wasn't thinking. Her power was so new to her, and food had been so readily available; she hadn't thought about the consequences if she couldn't eat anything to replenish the energy she had expended. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Can we slow down for minute?" she called to Faen who was just a few feet up ahead. He turned to look at her, and she could see the anxiety sweep across his face. He stopped his horse and jumped off. "It's just that, I feel..." He caught her just as she passed out and slid off the side of her horse. "Faedra. Faedra!" He shook her gently, she managed to open her eyes just a crack. "Faedra, stay with me," he coaxed, then looked up at his sister. "Jocelyn, we don't have too much further to the portal, we will have to fly from here." Jocelyn got down from her horse, her face was full of concern, too. "I shouldn't have let her... and for so long," Faen chastised himself. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Brother, you did not know what it would do to her. Do not blame yourself." Jocelyn attempted to sooth her brother's concerns "She will be alright; we will get her some food." Faen scooped Faedra up in his arms and lifted them both from the ground. He turned to the horses. "Return to the castle," he commanded, and they turned in the opposite direction and sped off at a gallop. Faen and Jocelyn flew like the wind towards the portal. "I am sorry, Faedra," he whispered as he looked into her lifeless face. "Todmus," Jocelyn suddenly cried a few minutes later. "Todmus will have some food." "Of course, he will. Sister, you are a genius! Why didn't I think of that? Jocelyn, you can fly faster than me. Tell Todmus we need a glass of sugar water and any sweet food he may have." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She nodded and flew off ahead of her brother. "We are almost there, Faedra. Hang on for just a little longer." When they arrived at the portal, Todmus and Jocelyn were waiting for them with a tall glass of sugar water and a plate of sweet pastry. Faen lowered Faedra's limp body to the ground and sat down next to her, leaning her up against him. He held out his hand and Todmus stepped forward and passed him the glass. "Faedra," he shook her shoulders hard, "wake up, Faedra. You have to wake up for me, do you hear!" He was shouting at her with just a hint of desperation in his voice. "Faedra, wake up!" he yelled. He heaved a sigh of relief when he heard a weak groan. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Drink this," he said, as he held the glass to her lips and tipped some of its contents into her mouth. Jocelyn and Todmus stood over them, holding their breath. Faedra took a few sips, and it felt like the sugar surged through her bloodstream as soon as she swallowed it, like an electrical current running through a piece of equipment forcing it to come alive. It felt as if someone had plugged her in, giving her an energy source, and she could feel her body come to life again. The sips turned to gulps as she regained her strength, and by the time she had finished the glass, her eyes were wide open and their sparkle had returned. Within minutes, the color returned to her cheeks and the dark circles around her eyes disappeared. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Todmus and Jocelyn let out the breath they had been holding, and Todmus stepped forward to give Faedra a sweet sugary pastry. She gave the little man an appreciative smile. "Thank you, Mr. Todmus." Todmus blushed. "Oh, please, Miss, just call me Todmus." A few more moments passed and Faedra could feel her strength was almost back to normal. "Wow, that stuff works really well," she said of the sugar water as she pushed herself up off the ground to stand up after she had finished eating the pastry. "I'm going to have to bottle a load up and keep a supply of it in my car from now on. Let's go and get that book. Thanks again, Todmus," she whispered as she walked past him and followed Faen and Jocelyn into the portal. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He nodded his head and smiled at her fondly. "Any time, Miss. Come back and see us again soon." Then the three of them were gone from Azran and were stepping onto the gravel path that ran behind the church. It was still light. Faedra wasn't quite sure what to expect when she stepped foot in the World of Men again. She only hoped and prayed that Faen was right, and that it was still Sunday; otherwise, her father would be sick with worry, and she would have some serious explaining to do. Talking of explaining, she had to come up with an excuse to not be at home that evening. Where she thought the book might be was several hours drive away. They would be lucky to get there and back before the next morning. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They walked towards her car. The car park was empty now apart from hers. "Are we in glamour?" she asked Faen as they approached the car. "Yes," he answered. "Would you two turn into your furry alter egos and un-glamour us then?" Faen gave her a puzzled look. "The vicar is over there and I want to ask him something." "Consider it done," Faen said as he and Jocelyn shimmered and blurred into their dog forms. The vicar looked a little bemused as he caught sight of Faedra, and he looked around himself. "Good afternoon, Faedra, I didn't see you approaching." "Hello, Vicar. Beautiful Sunday afternoon isn't it?" she asked covertly. "It most certainly is, my dear. I was just getting ready for evening service." Faedra inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. It was still Sunday. Her secret was safe. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Have you got yourself another dog?" the vicar asked, looking down at Jocelyn who was sitting to one side of her and Faen to the other. She had a feeling Jocelyn was going to be spending a lot of time with her from now on and answered accordingly. "Yes, Vicar, I have. She's pretty isn't she?" "That she is, Faedra. Well, you have a lovely evening." He wandered off towards the church, and Faedra headed towards her car with Faen and Jocelyn hot on her heels. She let Jocelyn in the back and Faen in the front passenger side. She knew they would change as soon as she started to drive away. They did. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "How far away is the book, do you think?" Faen asked as they drove down the lane past the stables. They went past a field. A farmer who was standing at the edge of his ruined field of corn scratching his head, momentarily distracted Faedra. "Um, about five or six hours by car," she answered. "So what do you intend to tell your father about your pending absence?" She looked over at him. "I'll think of something." She was an adult now and it's not like it was a school night, she wasn't at school anymore. She wiggled in her seat so she could pry the cell phone out of her back pocket, flipped it open, and dialed. "Hi, Amy, it's me. Hey, I need you to do a favor for me," she spoke urgently into the phone. "Sure, Fae, whaddya need?" "I need you to cover for me tonight." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Why? What are you up to?" Amy asked suspiciously. "Amy, if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," Faedra replied with honesty. "You're sneaking off with Frederick, aren't you? He's really hot, Fae, I wouldn't blame you." Faedra almost reprimanded her friend for her dirty mind, and then thought twice about it. Amy would gladly cover for her if she thought she was having fun. Amy lived to have fun. "Er, you got me, Ames. So I'm going to tell my dad that I'm coming round yours tonight for a sleep over. If he should call, which I doubt he would coz I have my phone, but if he does, tell him I'm in the bathroom or something." "On one condition," Amy demanded. "What's that?" Faedra asked cautiously. "You tell me all about it. I want details." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra cringed. More lying, she hated lying. "Of course, Amy, that goes without saying." "Consider it done then. Have fun, Fae, and don't do anything I wouldn't do." She laughed, and rang off. Faedra shook her head and smiled. She loved her friend to death, but hated having to lie to her and her dad. A few minutes later they were driving down the little dirt road that led to her home. The cottage looked beautiful. She hadn't realized quite how much she had missed it until it came into view. The garden however, was a different story. The flowers were wilting and the leaves still falling. She parked the car and let Faen and Jocelyn, who were now back in their furry forms, out. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hi, Dad," she said cheerily as she walked into the living room. Her dad was still fixated on the television. "Don't tell me you've been watching that all day?" He pulled his gaze away from the screen for a moment. "Oh, hello, darling. Did you have a good ride?" "Yes, thanks," she said. It wasn't really a lie; she'd had two good rides since she'd seen him last. It was just that neither of them were on Gypsy. He looked down and saw Jocelyn sitting beside Faen. "Who's this?" "She is always hanging around the church and she seems to get on with Faen. The vicar said she must be a stray, so I thought I'd bring her home to see if she likes it. You don't mind, do you?" He thought about it for a second. "You're old enough to look after them, Fae, it's fine with me." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Thanks, Dad," she wandered over to give him a kiss on the cheek. "You're the best." "You only say that because I let you have your own way most of the time," he said with a smirk. Faedra ruffled his hair. "Speaking of letting me have my own way. I've been invited to a sleep over at Amy's tonight, you don't have a problem with that do you?" "No, of course not, darling, you go and have fun." "So has anything changed with the situation?" she asked, looking at the TV with him. "Have they come up with any ideas yet?" "Nope, not a thing. All the scientists are completely baffled." "Hmm," Faedra responded, "well I'll leave you to it. I'm going to get ready for tonight." She walked towards the kitchen. Once there she rummaged in some cupboards for the supplies she would need. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Okay, I need bottles of water and a bag of sugar," she talked to herself while grabbing those things, then proceeded to make a load of sandwiches. It was going to be a long night, and all three of them needed to eat. She ran up to her bedroom and grabbed her sports bag from the closet. After dumping the bag's contents onto the floor, she ran back down the stairs again. The bag was the perfect size for their supplies. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "One more thing," she said to Faen and Jocelyn, who were sitting on the kitchen floor watching her industriously assemble the necessities they would need. She walked out of the kitchen and into her father's office. She scanned the shelves, not there. She opened and closed drawers. "Oh, come on, I know there's one in here somewhere." She looked in a couple more drawers. "Yes," she said as she pulled out a road map of England. "Okay, I think we're ready," she announced to the two dogs as she walked back into the kitchen, shoved the map into her bag and threw the bag over her shoulder. All three wandered back through the dining room and into the living room. "I'm off now, Dad," she announced, and planted another kiss on his cheek. "Love you." "Love you, too, darling, have fun." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I will," she lied, and the three cohorts hurried out the door and started loading up the car. They drove for hours and it broke Faedra's heart to see the dying countryside flashing by them. England was usually so green, and it made her more determined than ever to get the book back, but, up until that point, she hadn't given a thought as to how they would actually go about that particular task. Bearing in mind that she had even deciphered Kernnunos' vision correctly in the first place. She prayed that she wasn't taking them all on a wild goose chase. The book had to be there, it just had to be. "Faen, have you given any thought to how we are going to retrieve the book from whomever has it? I mean, they must be pretty powerful to have been able to get it in the first place." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She didn't like the look he gave her; it was not his usual look of confidence. It smacked of 'I haven't thought that far ahead, we'll just make it up as we go along and hope for the best'. "I am afraid that until we know what or who we are dealing with I will not know what course of action to take," he replied. "In other words, you don't have a plan." "No," he agreed. Well, at least he was being honest. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra wished that where they were headed wasn't so far away. Her mind had a tendency to wander if she drove for any length of time, and right now it had far too much time on its hands, and was working overtime. Worst case scenarios were playing themselves out in her head left, right and center, and none of them had a happy ending for her, or her friends. She hated being a worrywart sometimes. She sincerely hoped that she wouldn't have to come face to face with any more redcaps, but considering her history with them so far, she thought it was a bit too much to hope for. At least she knew her powers could knock them out cold. She leaned over, grabbed a bottle, and drank some more sugar water at the thought. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Jocelyn and Faen were eerily silent. She could sense that Faen was trying to figure out some sort of plan, but, as yet, hadn't come up with anything. As for Jocelyn, Faedra now felt horrible about getting her involved in this. She was such a sweet girl, she couldn't bear it if she got hurt. "Jocelyn, maybe you should stay in the car when we get there," Faedra said, voicing her concern. "Are you kidding me?" Jocelyn replied. "I have been dying for some action for eons now, there is no way I am missing this." "Oh," Faedra said with surprise. "Well, just thought I would give you the option." "Faedra, I am not silent because I am worried. I am silent because I am preparing myself," Jocelyn explained after she realized why Faedra was giving her an out. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Some little sister you've got there," she chuckled to Faen. "Yes, she does have her moments," he agreed with a proud smile. The sun was starting to set as Faedra noticed one of the landmarks that Kernunnos had mentioned. "Look," she pointed towards a large mound. "Silbury Hill, 'a hill that is perfectly round'. It is a man-made hill, built about 4600 years ago, and has a perfectly round base. We are getting close." They drove a little further and she pointed to something up on a hillside. Faen and Jocelyn peered out of the windows, and followed where she was pointing. " 'Giant white horses'. There are eight white chalk horses carved into the hillsides around this area," she explained. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | A little further and the next landmark came into view. " 'A spire so high it touches the sky'. Salisbury Cathedral, it has one of the tallest spires in Europe. And just down here a little way we should see it." A little while later she saw it loom eerily into view. It was almost dark now, and the full moon was rising behind it. The magical aura this place exuded was not lost on her. "And there it is, Stonehenge, 'a circle of stone, surrounded by A's'. The A303 and the A344, to be precise," she pointed to the road sign up ahead. "The two roads that run either side of it." "Well done, Faedra," Jocelyn exclaimed. "However did you figure it out?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I've been here before. Mum brought me when I was little. I remember her telling me how important this place was." She sighed at the memory. Stonehenge rose up majestically before them as they drove closer and closer to it. Faedra turned off the road into the car park that was purposely built for tourists. It was empty this late at night. Stonehenge was "Closed". She laughed at the irony of it. How could a mythical ancient monument, thousands of years old, standing in the middle of a field be "Closed". She parked the car and they made their way across the road. Her heart was pounding now. She had no idea what to expect when they actually got to the circle. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, no," she exclaimed as they made it across the road. "It's been fenced off, it wasn't fenced off when I came here before." A tall chain link fence now encircled the ancient monolithic stones, allowing only those who would pay, to see it up close. "How do we get in now?" Faen and Jocelyn looked at her incredulously. "What?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at them. They each linked an arm around one of hers, lifted themselves and her off the ground, and glided effortlessly over the fence. "Oh," she stated as her cheeks burned with embarrassment. CHAPTER FIFTEEN |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They moved towards the standing stones making as little noise as possible. Faedra could feel her ring heating up on her finger and looked down at it. The symbols were glowing in the darkness. Her heart was in her mouth, but they could not yet see anyone or anything. The monoliths grew taller and taller as they approached. Faedra couldn't help but think how impressive the stones were when they were towering above her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Upon reaching the outer circle, they stopped. Faen was scanning all around them, both he and Jocelyn on high alert. He extricated his sword from its sheath and held it in both hands out in front of him. Jocelyn mumbled something that Faedra couldn't understand, and an exquisitely engraved sword appeared in her hands from nowhere. She took the same stance as her brother. Faedra's eyes widened with surprise at the way Jocelyn looked so at ease holding her sword. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They moved with caution between the stones. Faedra was flanked either side by Faen and Jocelyn. They saw nothing, heard nothing, but Faedra knew something was there. Her ring was screaming at her now, and telling her just that. They made it to the center of the circle and looked around them. The moon was high in the sky and bathing the entire area in an unearthly silver glow, causing the monoliths to cast large dark shadows all around them. "I wondered how long it would take you," a female voice, as smooth as silk echoed out of the darkness. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | All three turned in the direction of the voice and scanned the shadows. Faedra's heart was beating so hard she thought it would punch itself right out of her chest. They could still see no one. A second later a scraping noise, like someone running nails along a chalkboard, resonated high in front of them, and they looked up. A woman was walking across one of the lintel stones, dragging a sword on the stone behind her that was sending sparks flying into the air. She was also holding a book, _The_ book. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The woman was tall and slender. Under the silvery light it looked like her hair was raven black and fell half way down her back in a tumble of luscious sleek waves. Her skin was pale and held the same luminescent quality that Faen's and Jocelyn's did. She wore a long opulent blue dress of pure silk that shimmered in the moonlight, and her spectacular wings of snow white were outstretched to either side of her. She was beautiful, regally beautiful. "Your Highness?" Faen questioned with a puzzled expression. "Very observant, Guardian." her voice remained smooth as silk, but her expression wrinkled into a sneer. An awkward silence hovered around them as they all, one by one, digested the scene unfolding before their eyes. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Vivianna?" Faen questioned in disbelief. "You took the book? You tortured Elvelynn? But she was your friend." Vivianna laughed, a cold heartless laugh. "I do not get my hands dirty on such mundane tasks, Guardian," she sneered, "I have my... little helpers to do that for me." Movement among the stones below Vivianna distracted Faedra, and a dozen pairs of glowing yellow eyes appeared in the shadows. She sucked in a breath, and Faen and Jocelyn moved in closer to her until they were almost touching. "But why?" Faen continued his line of questioning. "Why would you want to destroy our world and this one?" "I have my reasons," she replied, her voice still silken, but she shot an icy glare towards Faedra. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra looked up into the dark night sky, for what, she didn't know. Maybe some kind of sign that they would get through this, some kind of inspiration. Although, from where she was standing, the odds looked pretty well stacked against them. Her attention was caught by a streak of luminescent light that wavered ethereally across the sky above her. It was mesmerizing in its beauty and shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow. Then there was another and another until it looked like she was watching the Aurora Borealis. She nudged Faen. "What is it, Faedra?" he asked. His eyes still fixated on Vivianna. "Look," she said, still looking at the sky above her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | He turned his gaze to her and followed her line of sight. A blank expression superceded the one of concern that was previously there. "What is it?" she whispered when she noticed that his look was one of recognition. He had seen this before. He said nothing. "Faen?" she urged. "Valkyries," he responded stoically. More movement on the opposite side of the circle to where the redcaps were hiding in the shadows made them turn and look. Faedra's jaw dropped as she watched seven enormous winged horses maneuver with stealth through the stones and came to a stop just beyond the shadows. Each horse was black as midnight with shining, flame-red eyes that glowed ominously in the darkness. They were snorting fiercely as they furled their outstretched wings to nestle them along their flanks. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Sitting astride each horse was a beautiful maiden. Each of them wearing a silken white dress but their torsos were protected by armor, and they each wore a helmet and were carrying a spear in an outstretched arm. Faedra could see now where the lights in the sky were coming from. Each plate of armor sparkled under the moonlight like the facets of a diamond caught under the halogen lights in a jewelry store. "Valkyries?" Faedra choked. "What are Valkyries doing here?" "I do not know," Faen responded, regarding them with interest and not taking his eyes from them. "But don't Valkyries come to watch over a battle?" "Yes." "And then take the slain back to Valhalla to become warriors?" |