Marcella, vampire Mage

By Elizabeth Loraine

Marcella longs to help Katrina, the leader of the Five Protectors, in any way that she can. In order to do that she needs to hone her skills and learn every kind of magic that the peaceful races of witches, warlocks, wizards, and elves possess.
Once she reached the magical Kingdom which holds Niranjana’s home, she finds everything is not as it seems; that dark forces have penetrated the protections, and put everyone there in danger. Now Marcella must do something that she vowed she would never do; journey back to the underworld.
Marcella is another exciting, magical journey, by Elizabeth Loraine. New characters are introduced to us along with another new world. Take a taste of Royal Blood Chronicles with Marcella.
Excerpts of E. Loraine’s other works are also included for your reading pleasure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: Jul 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476367026

Elizabeth Loraine

I grew up in Minnesota, married my husband of now over 30 years and had my two children (Matthew now 30 and Andrea 28). In the early 80's we moved from Minnesota to Florida and I've lived on the beaufiful Central East Coast ever since. I've always been creative, and my career life focused on interior design, painting and garden design. I didn't start writing until I turned 52. I loved the Vampire genre and after years of enjoyment found in the pages of other author's books, I decided that I wanted to know more about the characters than was there between the covers. What had these long lived vampires been doing, what had they seen and done throughout history? My two wonderful children were grown and my fantastic husband has always supported my career choices. So, my mind made up, I would take up the challenge of creating what I wanted to read for myself and offer the books to anyone else who loved this genre. Thus began the Royal Blood Chronicles. I am now working on ten book in the series, have written the first book in another series and Phantom Lives, my paranormal series has two books, Collier and Power. I'm writing book three of that series. Look for new books in 2014 Enjoy

Book preview

Marcella

Vampire Mage

By

Elizabeth Loraine

Published by Elizabeth Loraine at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Elizabeth Loraine

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Foreword

The character of Marcella is introduced in the third book of my series Royal Blood Chronicles and she plays a pivotal part in that story.  Sister of Cain and half sister to Damien she is now part of the larger group known as the Protectors. I received many requests to write more about Marcella and hope that this short story will intrigue you. I hope you enjoy this look as her life begins following her escape from Althar and after living for a year at Mormont.

Elizabeth Loraine

CHAPTER ONE

I can’t say that I was raised in the underworld. I really only existed. My brother Cain was my only protection for fourteen years until we escaped the underworld Kingdom of Althar and the veil of evil that surrounded and nearly consumed us.

It was because of Damien, our newly found half-brother, we escaped, survived and now blossomed in the upper world. The shroud of secrecy surrounding the vampire world here was nothing in comparison with what blanketed the dark, red, glowing world below in Althar. Now away from Althar’s influence, I felt free for the first time. Free to choose my own way in this new world. I have skills in magic, something quite rare for a vampire and for the past year have been studying my craft and training with Allwain and Tao.

While magic can be taught, few are truly gifted. So I am proud to have been chosen to perfect my skills in the most magical place of this world; with the High Priestess of the witches, Niranjana. I am excited to be joining the next class at her compound.

~~~~

Marcella, this will be your room.

Thank you, Niranjana. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I won’t let you down.

I know you won’t Marcella. We’re glad to have you, and please call me Nira. Samantha will be back any time now. She’ll be your roommate. I have a full class for the first time in many, many years. So many talented young people. Allwain was right; it’s been far too long.

She smiled, and it lit up her soft green eyes. If you need anything I’ll be downstairs. We start classes in a few days. Until then, I just want you to relax and get to know the others.

How many are in the new class, Nira?

With you, seven.

Just like that I was alone. The new room was spacious. I was still getting used to the world of light. The cocoon of the underworld had released me, but I hadn’t totally released it. Even after a year, I was still looking over my shoulder, expecting evil beings to pounce from every shadow. Old habits die hard and even as I knew I was safe here, I still looked through the room, poking into drawers, behind doors and cabinets.  After looking under the beds, I was satisfied there were no dangers here. 

The room contained two single beds. Both were covered with white frilly, lace ruffled coverlets. Since one had a satchel next to it, and an open book resting on top, I sat down on the other.

I had next nothing to unpack. I wasn’t bothered by my lack of possessions now, since in fact, I really had never owned anything before. The things in my cases had been provided to me by Katrina. Things had always been provided for me in Althar and to say my possessions were meager was to give them a status much higher than they deserved. Having no mother or father to watch out for me, meant that I was largely ignored. But being ignored all of my life had its benefits too. Left to my own devices, I studied magic out of a book that I’d acquired from a powerful wizard, practicing the spells in my room until I became adept. My aunt Luena had been trained in magic by a Dark Wizard and I followed her to each lesson, secreting myself to observe and take notes. She was proficient, but didn’t have my natural talent for the craft. The penalty for spying on my aunt would have been severe, had I been caught. But had it been known that I was actually practicing magic, not even my aunt could have saved me. Girls in the underworld were usually not even taught to read and write, let alone given access to anything as important and secrete as magic. But since my aunt and my mother were of royal blood, from a powerful family, I was deemed worthy enough to be schooled and through exception, allowed some access to what books we had.

Freedom to learn was one of the most exciting things that happened when  Cain and I were brought from the underworld to the world of light and to Mormont by Damien.

Mormont was one of the fanciful castles of one’s dreams and within the safety of its walls there was a library so grand, that even in my wildest imaginings I could not have conjured. There were row upon rows of masterfully written prose in glorious gilded leather bindings. Teachings from every continent, and illustrated texts, oh the beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Even now thinking of it makes me swoon. The scent of it still lingers in my head.

The doorknob twisted causing me to look in that direction. In walked a gangly, young girl. Short wavy, red hair covered her head like a cap. Her round pale face, now set with a smile that curved her lips and crinkled the corners of her golden eyes, was pale and covered in freckles. There was sweetness to her scent.

Oh, hello. Nira said I’d be getting a roommate. I’m Sammy, it’s short for Samantha, but no one but Nira ever calls me that.

Marcella, nice to meet you, Sammy.

She walked closer, she squinted her eyes as she appraised me. I’d call you Marcy for short, but you don’t look like a Marcy. She thought for a moment, tapping her finger on her chin. How about Cella?

Cella…I like it.

She smiled. Cella it is. I was just out gathering mushrooms. I could show you around if you like. It’s just about lunchtime. We can meet the others afterwards.

That sounds nice.

We walked through the magical house together.

The colors change as we walk! The effect was amazing. I smiled in delight.

It reflects your aura. You’re very positive aren’t you? See the walls around us are pink. That’s you. I’m yellow, inquisitive.

You mean nosey, don’t you?

Oh, very funny. Richey, this is Cella.

I’m Richard. Samantha insists on giving everyone a shorter name.

I like my shorter name. Nice to meet you, Richard.

Richard was tall and dressed simply in black pants and shirt. I was used to handsome men. Vampires all tended to be very good looking, but this warlock was really amazing. His sculpted features and copper eyes made me feel weak. His smile created the cutest deep dimples in his cheeks.

Sammy sighed. Come on Cella. Happens every time, she said under her breath. See you at lunch, Richey.

She shook her head, still mumbling as she pushed by Richard.

I guess I better go. I watched her walk away

We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better. I’ll save you a seat at lunch.

All I could do was smile and nod. As my face began to warm, I quickly followed Sammy, so he wouldn’t see how much he had affected me.

You’ll get over it, Sammy said, once we were out of Richards’s sight.

What do you mean?

He has that affect on all the girls. He’s my cousin by the way.

She must have noticed the questioning look on my face. I know, we don’t look anything alike. I’m the ugly duckling of our family. Everyone else looks like Richey.

You are not ugly, and even if you were truly an ugly duckling, it just means your destiny is to be a beautiful swan.

She shook her head again. "Look at the walls, they’re all pink now. We’re going to be really good friends, aren’t we?"

Yes, I think you’re right. Sammy, am I the only vampire here?

Well vampires usually aren’t very magical beings. They have other talents. So yes, you are the only one. Three witches, two warlocks and one high elf, and you of course.

So no wizards?

They have their own school.

CHAPTER TWO

I can’t wait to show you the forest. It’s my favorite place here.

We walked out the door and I turned to see the beautiful Tudor style cottage, with its thick thatch roof, begin to fade from sight. I cast a glance over to Sammy who just smiled.

Don’t worry it’s still there, it’s just blended into the background now. Let’s go down to the lake.

That sounds nice. I’m just happy to be outside in the fresh air with a blue sky overhead.

Sammy stopped and frowned. What color sky did you have?

None; I grew up in Althar. It’s the upper kingdom of the underworld.

Sammy’s mouth dropped open. That’s amazing. Oh you have to tell me all about it.

I will, just not now, all right?

I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that I’ve never met anyone that has been to the underworld before.

Well, not many get out. Which way to the lake?

Sammy started down the narrow path again. It’s not far now.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement behind the large trees just off the path.

I think we’re being followed, I whispered.

Probably one of the Fae, Sammy said dismissively. There are several different kinds that live here. They just watch. I have yet to be able to engage one in conversation. They always run off. Don’t worry, nothing here is dangerous.

I turned and looked again. A young man was peeking around a tree. His large brown eyes met mine, and he smiled mischievously before he disappeared into the protective cover of the forest.

Come on, Cella, Sammy pleaded.

The canopy of trees was welcoming and safe. It felt like the mother’s arms I’d always longed for. As the path twisted through the forest, shafts of light painted the ferns below, a shimmering gold. I took in all the scents, and reveled in the sheer bliss of it. I’d been in the upper world for over a year now, and I was still amazed by the colors, textures and smells of this world.

Finally the lake came into view.

Looks like others had the same idea. Luke, Morna, meet Cella, she’s the newest arrival.

I felt my stomach tense. Hello.

Morna looked up and in typical elf manner, he slowly inspected every detail of me. Luke, however, only glanced over, preferring to concentrate on his fishing.

Why do you insist on doing that? Sammy asked him. Nira conjures all