Magic Born (7 page)

W
hile the headquarters
of Magical Games had been impressive, the Armory was pure luxury. We had teleported to the entryway of a grand living space. Rough-hewn stone walls appeared as if they hadn’t changed a bit since the last soldiers had abandoned it so long ago. Despite the cold walls, the space had a remarkably warm and cozy feel to it. To our left sat a living room, and in the far corner a fireplace was carved from the stone and already housed a leaping, crackling blaze. The furniture was all brown leather and inviting with fat cushions. Thick, plush cream carpet covered the floors, and in the middle of the seating area a low maple table sat with intricate carvings all along the top. From this distance, I couldn’t make out if the etchings were some foreign language or artistic in design.

Directly across from us a spiral staircase led to the floor above. An iron handrail with detailed patterns of leaves, trees, and flowers carved into it twisted upward. To my right stood a library. Bookshelves covered the entirety of the walls, overflowing with books whose spines would make a collector’s heart leap, all leather and cloth, nothing appearing to have been produced within the last century. The chairs in this area were the same brown leather except for a giant throne-like chair sitting behind an ornate desk. The throne chair looked as if it had been carved from a solid piece of wood and not a single part of it had escaped the artist’s touch. Rich red velvet upholstery formed a back and seat cushion which were embroidered with gold thread mimicking the designs carved into the wood.

The desk was every bit as imposing as the one in Casper’s office, but in an entirely different way. I could picture a king banging his fist on it as he ordered his men into war. Thick legs were carved in the shape of an animal’s head that was completely foreign to me. It had a nose like a fox, the mane of a lion, and the curled horns of some type of goat. Without being told, I knew this wasn’t the product of an artisan’s imagination: I was seeing a creature from Elustria.

Little balls of light floated in the air, casting a warm glow throughout the space. Three hung suspended above us. When Casper stepped forward, one of the balls of light followed. What an ingenious creation, but I doubted it had much to do with energy conservation, though it seemed like a brilliant solution.

Alex and I followed Casper to the living room, much to my disappointment. The sight of all of those books had driven away thoughts of anything else, and I wouldn’t have minded getting a closer look at the desk’s animal carvings either. In this new environment, I naturally gravitated toward Alex, and we sat together on the sofa while Casper took one of the chairs.

“Now why don’t you tell me exactly what happened?” Casper’s body sat relaxed in his chair, but his sharp brown eyes penetrated me, clearly giving me his full attention. He steepled his hands in front of his face with his elbows resting on the arms of his chair, and I got a better look at the ring I’d noticed earlier. The design was incredibly simple, but I’d never seen anything like it. A thick gold band held a dark red stone, maybe a ruby, in the shape of a pyramid, the edges and point glinting in the light of the fireplace, seemingly sharp enough to cut glass.

“I see you have your mother’s talisman.” He nodded toward my necklace, and in that moment, I knew the ring was Casper’s talisman.

“It all started when Alex here showed up at my door with this necklace. I never knew anything about my mother, never even really wanted to. I put the necklace on and ice starts coming out of my hands. Then I can’t get the damn thing off, and I wake up in the middle of the night to a giant glowing ball that apparently was sent to kill me.” Bitterness infused my voice as the reality of my situation came barreling to the forefront of my mind. I wanted to explore this place, talk to Casper—one of my idols—about the game he created and I’d fallen in love with, not wrestle with an out-of-control necklace or worry about an assassin hunting me.

“The orb was a tracker orb. It didn’t actually attack her, but it had strong defenses,” Alex said. When I’d exaggerated about the orb, Casper’s eyebrows had raised, and Alex attempted to set the record straight. Apparently, these kind of details were important.

“And what happened to the tracker orb?”

“This necklace short-circuited or something. It hit the orb with enough electricity that it cut power to my building,” I said.

“Really?” Casper’s gaze shifted to Alex for confirmation.

“It was a powerful burst of magic. It would’ve been impressive if the thought of her not being able to control it wasn’t so scary.”

Casper pursed his lips. “The talisman is aware of its rightful owner and is trying to defend you. That’s to be expected, but the strength of its protection is unusual. Though, I should say I’m not surprised given who your mother was. Meglana was extraordinarily powerful, one of the greatest mages I’ve ever known.”

“I’m thrilled, but like Alex said, as impressive as it is, it’s terrifying not being able to control it. I apparently almost took out a border guard at the crossing.”

“The talisman started to glow as soon as she got nervous,” Alex said, once again tempering my hyperbole.

“Naturally. You’ll have to learn how to control your emotions and control the power you wield. A mage is normally instructed in magic their entire life, learning it in increments and growing into their powers. To have the power of a full-grown woman and that talisman without the knowledge or skill to harness it is a frightening combination.”

“Hey, I agree with you, so why don’t we figure out how to take it off?” It might be fun to learn how to do magic, but not so much if I ended up accidentally killing myself or someone else.

“I understand, although you are in no danger yourself from the talisman. As long as you wear it, it will not allow your power to hurt you. But, if you like, I can remove it for you.”

The relief that poured through me at his offer had me melting into my seat. Without even realizing it, I’d held my body and muscles rigid with unease. “That would be wonderful.”

Casper stood and I followed suit. The ring on his right hand glowed as he passed his palm a few inches in front of the medallion. “Your mother placed quite a few defensive charms on it. She took great care to protect you.”

He leaned closer and murmured words in a language I did not understand. A powerful energy passed between us as if the magic of both our talismans was a tangible thing. My heart raced beneath the amber stone as I smelled Casper’s expensive cologne and tendrils of magic tickled my chest. His hands came around to the back of my neck, and his fingertips lowered to the chain, but just before they curled around it, with a great whoosh of air, he was gone. A giant zapping noise filled the air as if a thousand mosquitoes flew into a bug light at once followed by a crash. Casper was on the other side of the room, the chair that had been behind him overturned by the force of him flying backwards. He lay huddled against the wall cradling his hands.

Alex came to my side, rubbing my arm in a gesture I was quickly becoming too familiar with. “Are you all right?” The concern in his eyes was palpable.

I hadn’t felt anything at all other than a rush of air as Casper flew backward, but the experience so shocked me that it took a moment to form a coherent thought.

“Of course
she’s
all right. The stone’s protecting her. If you didn’t want me to take it off of you, you could’ve just said so,” Casper snarled, his voice thick and dark.

Alex turned to face him, blocking my view in the process. “There’s no need to get nasty. That’s completely uncalled for. She doesn’t know what she’s doing; you are the trained mage here.”

I took a step to my right so I could see Casper. He struggled to his feet, his face pale as he continued to favor his hands.

“Yes, and I performed my spell correctly. She’s the one who is holding on to the necklace.” Casper’s face relaxed as he pulled himself together, straightening up to his normal, commanding posture. “But you’re right, and I do apologize. It was not right for me to take my anger out on you, Kat. I was simply shocked at the force with which the talisman struck me. It does not want to leave your neck and will not do so until commanded to.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t try to hurt you.” Guilt overcame me. The amber stone had betrayed me, and now it appeared as if I wished harm on one of the few people capable of helping me. With every second that passed, I regretted more and more ever putting on the necklace.

“No, no, of course not. Do not worry about it. We will try again later.” The last traces of distress had left Casper. Other than the overturned chair, no evidence of the mishap remained.

While I could understand Casper’s initial, shocked reaction, Alex appeared unmoved by the apology. “I think we should take her to the Magesterial Council. Perhaps they can remove the necklace.”

“Perhaps. Forgive me, but I must rest and tend to my wounds now. Allow me to show you to some guest rooms so you can rest as well.” Casper gestured to the stairs, and I saw the angry red marks on his hands, much like the ones Alex had sustained after fighting the tracker orb.

Up the magnificent spiral staircase we went, and Casper showed us to two adjoining bedrooms. “Please, rest yourselves. There should be food waiting for you as well. If you need anything, there is a communication orb next to the bed. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Casper nodded his head and left.

Alex followed me into my room, and after having grown used to his comforting presence, I didn’t mind. The room was as comfortable and luxurious as the rest of the house, but a table in the sitting area with a platter of food caught my attention and didn’t let go. Last time I’d eaten had been at that twenty-four-hour diner right after we fled my apartment. Not only was it past time for me to eat again, but after being denied for so long after the feast at the diner, my stomach growled with the ferocity of a bear.

Without bothering to say anything to Alex, I dug in to the platter of fruit, cheeses, breads, and meats. I didn’t notice the taste of the food, only that it filled the cavernous pit of my stomach. Something about that attack on Casper must have drained me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex retreat through the door that presumably connected our rooms. He returned a moment later carrying his own platter and joined me at the table.

“You can have some of mine too. Eat as much as you want.” Alex nudged his food in my direction.

Not needing another word of encouragement, I picked my favorites from among his platter and added them to mine: a hard white cheese, pieces of candied fruit, a hunk of sourdough bread, and some type of smoked meat with a gamey flavor that I couldn’t place. “Aren’t you hungry?”

“Yes, but I’m not picky. I’ll have whatever you don’t. I might shift and go hunting outside.”

The thought of him hunting outside, his black, velvety fur contrasting against the untouched snow was alluring and exotic. “I bet you’re anxious to get back in your panther form.”

Alex shrugged, but I could tell by the way he moved in his human form that he was getting antsy. “I don’t understand why Casper isn’t taking you to Elustria. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“He may know something that we don’t about who’s trying to kill me. Maybe it’s not safe.”

“If that’s the case, then he needs to tell you. You have a right to know.” He took a bite of meat, but that didn’t occupy him long. “I don’t like this. He shouldn’t have reacted the way he did toward you. A mage has been murdered and her daughter is under threat and untrained. You belong with the Magesterial Council, and Casper should take you to them.”

“I’m sure he has his reasons. Besides, I don’t see a better option unless you have one.” I needed something to go right, and I didn’t appreciate Alex poking holes in my situation.

“I don’t trust him.” An irritated, defensive edge entered his voice, as if I was his to worry over. I appreciated the concern. “I hate the thought of leaving you here with him.”

My heart lurched. “Do you have to go so soon?” Anxiety laced my voice.

Alex met my gaze, as if he were thinking of how to respond. After a moment in which I thought my heart would pound out of my chest, he gave me a warm smile and his eyes softened around the edges. “No, I can stay for a while.”

I released the breath I’d been holding. I couldn’t mentally cope with losing the security of Alex’s now familiar presence. My life had changed too much too quickly.

After I’d eaten as much as I could without puking, I climbed into the four-poster bed and snuggled under the covers. Without a word, Alex stood and shifted into his panther form. He paced in front of the bed a few times before settling on the floor, facing the door. My protector.

Between Alex’s protection and the medallion’s, I should have felt like the safest girl in the world, but I couldn’t help an uneasy feeling that true safety would be a long time coming.

A
ball
of light glowed above me, brightening as I fully woke. The light stretched until I saw the empty floor at the foot of my bed. The absence of Alex jolted me upright. The rest of the room remained exactly as I had left it.

A tiny marble sat on the bedside table next to my phone. That must be the communication orb Casper had spoken of. Not having had the best experience working magic, I filed it away as a last resort. I hadn’t the faintest idea how to work it.

I needed to find Alex. He’d talked about leaving me here with Casper, but I didn’t think he’d do it, especially while I was asleep without saying goodbye. He could be out hunting, but again, that didn’t seem likely. Muffled voices came from the other side of the door that connected my room to Alex’s. I breathed a sigh of relief. Now that I thought about it, it seemed obvious that he’d be there.

I used the en-suite bathroom and then grabbed the last few pieces of fruit from the food tray and went to the door. I pressed my ear up against it, trying to get an idea of what I’d be walking into. What little I could hear definitely sounded like Alex and Casper. I don’t know who else I expected, but they sounded neither angry nor particularly happy. When I entered, they both looked up from where they sat talking in Alex’s sitting area.

Alex stood as soon as he saw me. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, I did.” I was surprised dreams hadn’t interrupted my rest, or at least none violent enough for me to remember. “How long was I out?”

“You slept right through the night. It’s early morning now.”

Transforming into a morning person was at least one good side effect of this entire ordeal.

“Alex and I were just discussing how to proceed.” Casper kept his seat and Alex resumed his. There were only two chairs in the room, so I sat on Alex’s untouched bed facing them. The tight tone of Casper’s voice led me to believe that their discussions had been strained at best.

“I’m willing to try whatever. Like Alex said, I don’t know what I’m doing. Whatever you guys think is best.” My only desire was for them to get along. I didn’t need the added complication of a tense relationship between the only two people I could count on.

“Excellent.” Casper smiled, genuinely pleased with my response. “I’ll let you freshen up and eat some breakfast, and then you can join me downstairs.”

When Casper stood to leave, I noticed his attire had changed. Gone was the contemporary power suit he’d worn in his Magical Games office. Now he wore a dark forest-green shirt which appeared to be made from a thick, soft material. The black pants seemed both foreign and familiar at the same time. The material seemed to be some type of leather and could possibly have come from an animal that didn’t exist on Earth. His calves were encased in shiny black boots. The most striking difference was a red robe he wore. Gold thread embroidered it in a similar pattern to the throne chair downstairs. The robe had to have some significance; I doubted he’d wear something that so obviously clashed with his red hair unless it held importance. He turned and left the room, the robe billowing slightly behind him.

“So what were you two talking about?” I took Casper’s vacated seat across from Alex.

“He wants to try some different spells to get the necklace off.”

“That sounds reasonable.” I shrugged, and Alex tightened his jaw muscles and shifted in his seat slightly.

“I’m glad you think so.”

“You don’t?”

“I think your place is with the Magesterial Council. The fact that he hasn’t taken us to Elustria or even notified the Council of your situation isn’t right.”

From what I gathered, this Magesterial Council was the governing body for mages in Elustria. Knowing what I did of Casper, he didn’t seem like the type of man to always play by the rules. You didn’t get to the top of the competitive gaming industry by coloring in the lines. Alex was clearly more of a rules man.

“There might be a reason he hasn’t contacted them yet. It’s been a long time since you’ve been to Elustria. He’s probably just trying to keep me safe. He knew my mother.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just antsy to get moving.”

A pang of loss went through me at Alex’s apparent desire to be done with his mission and therefore with me. We didn’t know much about each other, but he was the one who started this entire thing, and he’d saved my life. The stress of this situation had forced a stronger bond than two people normally made over the course of a couple of days. Logically, I knew all that, but that didn’t make any difference. I’d miss him when he was gone.

“You’ve done what you said you would. Don’t let me hamper your plans.” I wondered if my eyes betrayed how much I didn’t want him to heed my words.

“No, it’s nothing like that. I just…” His voice drifted off, and I realized I wouldn’t get an answer.

“I’m in desperate need of a shower. I’ll go get cleaned up and then we’ll head downstairs together.”

The rejuvenating effects of hot water and soap should not be underestimated. When I stepped out of the shower, I felt like a completely different woman than the one who’d stepped in. An outfit had appeared on top of the chest of drawers for me, nothing fancy, just some loose drawstring pants, suitable for working out, and a tank top. The fresh socks and underwear were heavenly. I tied my shoes and headed to Alex’s room only to be stopped by a fresh breakfast tray sitting on my table. I took it as a good sign that my appetite had reverted to normal levels. The warmth of the shower had lured me to take longer than I should have, so I grabbed a croissant and an orange to eat on the way downstairs with Alex.

Next door, I found Alex waiting at the table, eating an apple. The only sign that he’d showered was his damp hair. He still wore the same enchanted clothes my mother had given him.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist a long shower.”

“No problem. You deserve it. You ready to go down?” He stood and looked me over but didn’t comment.

“Yep.” I walked to the door, and he beat me there, holding it open for me. Having a personal protector was pretty nice. We’d made a lot of progress from our initial impressions of each other.

On the way downstairs, I tried peeling the orange, but couldn’t get it started. Alex saw my obvious ineptness and stuck his hand out in invitation. “Thanks,” I said as I handed him the fruit.

In one swift motion, he carved a line down one side of the orange. If I’d blinked at the wrong moment, I would’ve missed it. I couldn’t believe what my eyes had seen. “Did you just make your nails grow?”

“Shifter trick. If I start to shift and then stop, I can get my nails to shift just long enough to cut something.”

“Handy.”

He finished peeling the orange and handed me one half. Sweet juice exploded in my mouth. In a few bites I had eaten the entire thing, and Alex handed me the second half. I swallowed the last of it as we met Casper in the same living area we’d been in yesterday.

“Good, you’re here.” Casper spread his arms in greeting. “Glad to see the clothes fit. My people had to guess at your size.”

“They’re good.” After a full night’s sleep, refreshing shower, and a normal breakfast, I’d gained some confidence, because I didn’t hesitate to say, “I was actually hoping we could spend some time in the library. It looks fascinating.”

“I’ll show it to you later,” Casper said. “For now, while we’re working with the talisman, I think it best we stay away from the priceless books.”

Casper sat at the end of the sofa, kitty-corner from the chair he gestured for me to take. Instead of taking one of the other chairs, Alex sat next to Casper on the sofa so he could face me.

“You’re welcome to shift if you like. Given that you’re on Earth and don’t have access to a portal to take Kat to Elustria, I assume you enjoy spending most of your time as a cat.”

“I’m fine, thanks.” Alex’s voice lacked genuine gratitude. Everything Casper did seemed to irritate him.

“Suit yourself.” Casper didn’t appear the least bit perturbed by Alex’s attitude. He focused his dark brown gaze back on me. “We’re going to try some different spells to get the necklace to release. The most important thing you need to do is want the necklace to come off. If any part of you wants the necklace to stay on, it won’t release.”

“I want it off.” That qualified as the biggest understatement of my life.

“I know you do, but there might be a part of you that wants it because of its magic or because it’s the only thing you have of your mother’s.”

There could be something to that. While the necklace had caused me nothing but grief, it was undeniably cool. But it was a type of cool best appreciated from afar.

“I’ll keep that in mind, but I definitely don’t want it on me anymore. I didn’t know anything about my birth mother before Alex showed up, so I don’t feel any sentimental connection.” The more I got to know about Meglana, the more that could change. As time passed, it would likely get more difficult for me to genuinely want to give up the talisman.

“All right then, we’ll proceed. Since the talisman has made it clear that it won’t come off willingly, I think you’ll need to perform the spell with me. I’m going to mutter a few counter spells to defend myself, then I’ll place my hands on top of yours and that will be your cue to say ‘talisman, release’ with me. It’s a simple phrase, but you need to say it in a commanding tone. It should obey you.”

“I can do that.”

“Just like with the teleportation ring, it might help to close your eyes and clear your mind so you’re not distracted.”

I nodded and took a deep breath as I closed my eyes.

“Place your hands on the chain at the nape of your neck, where a clasp would be. As we give the command together, picture the chain breaking.”

“All right.”

Casper muttered something in a language that I didn’t understand then placed his hands on top of mine. Together we said, “Talisman, release.”

Nothing happened.

I jerked the chain, but it held tight.

“Don’t get frustrated. This is going to take time. Remember that once we get the talisman off, you can always wear it again. It’s not a permanent separation. Keep that in mind to reassure your subconscious and the talisman.” Casper spoke in a calm tone which helped curb my frustration. I wanted the damn thing off.

“I keep telling myself that if I can get the necklace off, I have options.”

“Good. This time I want you to try to do it on your own. It might not like my interference.”

I closed my eyes and repeated, “Talisman, release.” Still no luck.

For the next few hours, Casper and I tried different commands and spells, some in English, some in a language I didn’t recognize. We tried them together and then just me, and nothing worked.

Exasperated, Casper rose and walked behind me to try it himself. The same snap as the first time sounded. I twirled in my chair to see him against the wall.

“I’m so sorry! I don’t know what’s happening.” Why the stone had to attack one of my only allies in the world was beyond me.

“Dammit! You’re not trying hard enough.”

Alex jumped to his feet and came to my side. His close proximity calmed my nerves and took the edge off the situation. Every time he came to my defense, I felt a twinge of desire I promptly squashed. I wouldn’t be that cliché girl.

“Hey, she’s trying the best she can. This is obviously not going to work. We should go to Elustria and have the Magesterial Council take it from here.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Casper waved a dismissive hand at Alex. “You’re a shifter who’s spent his entire life Earthside. Things aren’t as neat and clean back in Elustria, and it’s certainly not safe for her to travel there. A sorcerer assassin killed her mother and is now hunting her. The sorcerers control the fabric between our worlds. We can’t take her through a portal until I’m assured of her safety.”

“If you’re not going to take her to Elustria, then at least give her a break. She’s been at this all morning. She needs to eat and rest.”

My stomach growled at the mention of eating. While a nap sounded heavenly, I didn’t want to stop or show any sign of weakness. Sure my body was tired, but I was more tired of being beholden to this necklace, held captive to a power I couldn’t control.

“You’re right.” Casper straightened himself. “We should take a break. We’ll try again after lunch.”

A stone capable of devastating harm remained firmly around my neck. An assassin hunted me and may be able to track any attempt at escape through a portal. The only two people capable of helping me were fighting. I was attracted to a shifter I couldn’t possibly have a future with, and I had a term paper due in a week. But I’m sure lunch would help.

Oh how I wish I had never opened the door for Alex.