Cambria, Cambria Series, Book 1

By Theresa Oliver

Seth Roberts is a typical teenager, that is, until his mother sends him to St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, to visit his Great Uncle Herman. In St. John’s, Seth discovers that Herman is a wizard, in fact, the son of Merlin himself. Shortly, Herman asks Seth if he would like to go on an adventure and he quickly agrees. With the help of a strange medallion, Herman sends Seth back in time to the year 1128 A.D. to Cambria, a village founded by Tristan, one of the Knights of Author’s Round Table. In Cambria, Seth meets his father and discovers his true potential, family secrets, and love. Soon, Seth finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime as he races to save Briana, the queen of Cambia, and Cambria itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Write More Publications
• Release date: Apr 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9780985218935

Theresa Oliver

Theresa Oliver is an author of clean contemporary romance, clean historical romance, young adult, middle grades, and children's picture books. Theresa is the author of the Christmas Cove series, the Whiskey River Brides series with Hot Tree Publishing, and much more. She lives in Florida with her husband, children, a persnickety cat, and a very bossy dog.

Book preview

Cambria (Cambria Series, Book 1)

Write More Publications

Theresa Oliver

Copyright © 2012, 2015

Smashwords Edition

First Edition

Published by Write More Publications

ISBN-13: 978-0-9852189-3-5

All rights reserved. The reproduction of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without permission of Write More Publications, www.writemorepublications.com

First Write More Publications Printing 2012, 2015

All the characters in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All work is from the imagination of the author.

All rights reserved.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-Book 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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue

Chapter 1: Great Uncle Herman

Chapter 2: Epic

Chapter 3: Magic

Chapter 4: Cambria

Chapter 5: Home

Chapter 6: Sparing

Chapter 7: Almost Like Home

Chapter 8: Followed

Chapter 9: Intruders

Chapter 10: Truth

Chapter 11: Seth’s Return

Chapter 12: Castle

Chapter 13: Surprise

Chapter 14: The Cottage

Chapter 15: Practice

Chapter 16: Preparation

Chapter 17: Deliverance

Chapter 18: Dragon

Chapter 19: Knight

Chapter 20: Homeward Bound

Chapter 21: Home Again

Chapter 22: Briana

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Dedication

To my eldest son Travis,

who was the inspiration for this book,

and to my sons Troy and Trace.

The three of you inspire me daily.

To my husband Tommy,

and my parents,

Donna Davey and Todd Cranmer,

who always knew I could do it.

I love you all.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success—achieved."

—Helen Keller

1880 – 1968

Prologue

Riding for what seemed like an eternity, they stopped the black stallion in the open clearing, away from the dangers hidden in the darkness of night.

He knew that he had to say it, for he might not have another chance. I love you. I always have. Then he pulled her close to his chest, his breathing coming harder with every beat of his heart.

I love you, too, was the answer she breathed into his chest; then she looked into his dark brown eyes, and I always will.

He knew they only had this minute, this one moment, transcending time.

She turned her chin up to his and their lips met, and passion consumed them like fire. He hungered for her, knowing this might be their last chance.

For they fought not only for their love, but for Cambria. And if they failed, they, along with Cambria, would surely die. They could not allow that to happen. At all cost, Cambria must survive.

As their lips parted, they looked into each other’s eyes, perhaps for the last time.

But at that moment, time was suspended only for them.

Then together, they turned to meet their fate, as the darkness crept slowly and purposefully toward them, with bloodlust in its flaming eyes.

Chapter 1: Great Uncle Herman

Please fasten your seatbelts, the captain’s voice bellowed professionally throughout the plane as Seth Roberts glanced out the window, watching the white billowy clouds, which resembled giant cotton balls. We’ll begin our descent momentarily.

Seth took a deep breath, brushing a lock of warm dark brown hair out of his coffee colored, almond shaped eyes. Seth was relieved that his sophomore year of high school was finally over. Finally, he would have his freedom for the summer, even if he knew that it would be short lived. For now he was on his way to St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada—a godforsaken land, as far as Seth was concerned—to spend the summer with his Great Uncle Herman, whom he hadn’t seen since he was a child. He looked old then. I can imagine what he looks like now, Seth thought to himself. Old, crusty, probably in a wheel chair. But his mother had insisted that he go. Since he was now sixteen, it was time to become a man, whatever that meant. And Victoria, his mother, obviously thought that sending him to visit his Great Uncle Herman was the way to do it.

Become a man, Seth thought sarcastically. Seth’s black T-shirt hinted at muscles beneath, but they were not yet well defined. But even though Seth rarely had trouble with the other boys at school, it was known that he could take care of himself in a fight.

Seth pulled an antique medallion from his pocket and turned it over in his fingertips. His mother had given it to him before he boarded the plane, instructing him to give it to his Great Uncle Herman. Seth took a deep breath as he studied the medallion. It had an ancient mariner’s sailing ship on one side, tarnished and bronzed with age. Seth carefully turned it over and on the other side was written simply the word CAMBRIA, embossed with raise letters. Seth had no idea what it was, and when he asked his mother, she just said to ask his uncle, which confused Seth more than ever. But he quickly pushed the thought aside and shoved the medallion back into his pocket as the plane made its descent.

Seth took another deep breath.

He’d hoped to be able to spend the summer with Sam, his crazy best friend. And Seth had to admit that it would have been a lot more fun. Sam was totally cool. That was the only way to describe him, and rich with a vintage 1963 Corvette convertible—everything that Seth didn’t have. But the money didn’t matter to Seth. What he liked most about Sam was his spunk; his spirit. Sam actually wanted him to skip out on the trip to St. John’s, opting for Vegas instead.

Seth laughed at the memory as a lady across the aisle gave him a dirty look.

But Seth’s mother wanted him to visit his Uncle Herman, so he relented. Seth’s mother, Victoria, was a single parent and worked her tail off as a cashier at the local Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Pooler, Georgia. Seth tried to help out around the house as much as possible, but felt guilty for not contributing more. So, instead of putting up a fight, he relented in an effort to make it easier on his mother, and now he was on his way to St. John’s.

Seth sighed again.

But maybe I can get my driver’s license this summer while I’m here, Seth thought, trying to think positively. Since Seth was now sixteen, he was eligible to get his driver’s license, but his mother just didn’t have the time to take him. She spent nearly every moment of her life working.

Suddenly, Seth felt guilty for leaving his mother to fend for herself back home. But she had insisted that he go. He wondered why it was so important to her that he go. Oh, she told him it was because he wouldn’t have any fun at home by himself because she would be working too hard, but Seth suspected there was something more. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. So Seth bid farewell to his friends, Pooler, and the prospect of Vegas to go to St. John’s and spend the summer with an uncle he barely knew.

Can I get you anything before we land? the flight attendant asked, interrupting his reverie.

No, thank you, he replied politely, then turned to stare out the narrow airplane window and contemplated what he feared would be waiting for him when he landed. What would his Uncle Herman be like? Had he changed much since Seth last saw him? Would he have to spend his summer taking care of him because he was too old and feeble to care for himself? Seth shook his head, trying to free the images from his mind.

As the plane made its final descent, Seth decided to just make the best of the situation. Maybe Uncle Herman wasn’t so bad after all. Not. But it would only be for a few months, anyway. What could happen in a few months? Who knows? It might be a lot of fun.

It sounded good in theory.

A few moments later, the plane made its gradual descent, touching down with repetitive tapings of the landing gear, and with an abrupt thud, the plane’s full weight was safely on the tarmac, sending the plane racing across the runway, when the pilot suddenly threw the thrusters into reverse. A few moments later, the plane came to a complete stop.

Seth waited for the other passengers to leave, not in a rush to begin the boring summer with his Great Uncle Herman. He thought about the possibilities for a moment, then pulled his IPod from his pocket and pushed the ear buds into his ears. Seth was glad that even though he was going to a godforsaken land, at least he’d have his tunes.

Finally, Seth thought that there was no use prolonging the inevitable, so he retrieved his backpack from the overhead compartment and made his way off the plane and down the jetway to the gates, where he knew Herman would be waiting.

As he entered the main body of the airport, Seth looked around the gates. Immediately, he spotted his Great Uncle Herman walking toward him without a smile.

Good to see you, boy, Great Uncle Herman said, extending his hand.

Seth shifted his weight, eyeing his uncle carefully, and tilted his head to the side, taken aback. Seth knew it had been a while since he’d seen him, but the elder man literally hadn’t changed a bit. It was as if he hadn’t aged in the past several years since their last meeting. Uncle Herman had the same silver-white hair around his face falling to his collar, and the same white beard, coming to an abrupt point a few inches away from his chin. Also, he still had the same pale blue eyes that seemed to look right through a person, but it appeared that he hadn’t aged. Amazing, Seth thought as he considered the possibilities, when suddenly Herman’s hand flew up and tugged the ear buds abruptly out of Seth’s ear.

I said, good to see you, boy, Herman repeated in a slight accent that bordered on British and Celtic together, and extended his hand again. A moment later, Seth smiled and shook his hand.

Nice to see you again, sir, Seth replied while shaking his hand. He quickly gathered his head phones and stuffed them into the pocket of his hoodie.

Follow me, boy, Herman announced, obviously satisfied with Seth’s reaction, then turned and walked toward the exit without so much as a backward glance.

My name’s Seth, he corrected as he followed, trying to keep up.

Right, boy, Herman replied, then asked over his shoulder, Do you have any other bags?

Yes, Seth replied. Just another suitcase. Seth was fast becoming annoyed with his great uncle and he had just arrived. It was going to be a long summer. I’m not a boy, you know. I just turned sixteen.

Right, boy, Herman replied, and didn’t slow his brisk pace. To me, you’re still just a boy. You’re not a man yet, but you’re going to be. Now, let’s get your bag.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Seth asked, clearly stunned, following his uncle.

Herman stopped dead in his tracks, causing Seth to almost run into him. Don’t curse. That’s rule number one. I don’t know what you do at home, but I know your mother did not raise you that way. No cursing under my roof.

Seth raised an eyebrow, tilted his head to the side, and followed his uncle in disbelief. How do you know what my mother does or does not approve of? Seth asked, clearly annoyed. This was going to be the longest summer of his life.

I know a lot more than you think, Herman answered, never slowing his pace as Seth struggled to keep up.

Once Seth pulled his suitcase from the baggage carrousel, Herman headed toward the exit, obviously expecting Seth to follow as they headed toward the parking lot.

Although it was June, the weather was much cooler than he had imagined.

Whew, it’s chilly! Seth said, shifting the heavy suitcase into his other hand.

What do you expect? It’s Newfoundland, Herman replied, approaching a 1955 two-toned white Crown Victoria, complete with the big fins on the sides.

Wow! Seth said, unable to stop himself as he inspected the car appreciatively.

One side of Herman’s lips curled into a half smile. So, you like cars, do you, boy?

Seth nodded, his eyes caressing the car appreciatively. My friend has a 1963 red Corvette convertible.

Herman smiled and nodded, but said nothing, as he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car, while Seth slid into the passenger seat.

As they were driving, Seth was struck by the beauty of the land. The sky was a deep blue, gently caressing the lush green landscape. The architecture of the local buildings was reminiscent of the English that founded it long ago. Mountains rose to touch the azure blue skies. In short, the landscape was breathtaking. Prior to his arrival, Seth had researched St. John’s on the Internet and learned that the St. John’s area had the most annual rainfall and snowfall in Canada. Seth was not looking forward to the rain, but now that he was seeing it for the first time, it was obvious that the great amount of rain the area received annually was responsible for the lush, green landscape.

Where are we going? Seth asked for nothing better to say, unable to stand the silence between them.

To the Farmer’s Market, Herman replied, matter-of-fact, never taking his eyes from the road.

Great, Seth replied sarcastically under his breath, looking out the window at the lush countryside. This is going to be a fun summer.

What was that? Herman asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Nothing, Seth replied, turning his attention back to the landscape passing by.

Herman made a few expert turns of the wheel and within minutes, they were at the Farmer’s Market.

Why are we going there? Seth asked, less than pleased that his first experience that St. John’s would be the local Flea Market.

Because it’s open during the summer months, Herman replied, matter of fact. It’s only open on Saturdays and it’s the best place to purchase the items we need. Anyway, you’ll like it.

Seth half grinned and nodded in agreement, knowing that if this visit with his Great Uncle Herman was going to be a success, he was going to have to try to make the best of it.

A few minutes later, the car came to an abrupt stop in the parking lot of the Farmer’s Market. And without a word, Herman got out of the car, slammed the door, and walked toward the entrance with Seth on his heels.

Once inside the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, Seth liked what he saw. There were rows of tables set up with vendors selling their wares on long metal tables, ranging from everything imaginable from A-Z. After a few moments, Seth was enjoying the experience, finding a vendor selling music CDs from every genre and artist. He looked through the selections and found several of his favorite bands. Seth chose one and laid it on the counter, but when Seth reached for his wallet, Herman silently laid a twenty dollar bill on the table.

That’s okay, Seth replied, fumbling for his wallet in his back pocket. I have it. You don’t have to do that.

"I know I don’t have to," Herman said, not even cracking a smile, and said nothing more while he waited for the change. A tall man with dark hair and dark completion—hinting of American Indian descent—gave Herman back his change.

Thanks for the CD, Seth replied to Herman before taking it from the counter.

Herman nodded then walked on. Before long, Herman bought kerosene, matches, large bags of sugar and flour, salt and pepper, various vegetables, and many other items. Soon, both Seth’s and Herman’s arms were filled as they carried their purchases to the car.

Why did you get this much stuff? Seth asked as they walked toward the car, staggering under the weight and awkwardness of the load. After all, it was just going to be the two of them for the summer. Why they would need this much stuff was beyond Seth’s reasoning.

Because we need it, Herman replied matter of fact, and then expertly threw the large bag of flour over his shoulder. Seth was amazed. For his age, Herman was very strong. Seth was struggling with the bag of sugar as it was, but his uncle handled his load with ease. Seth just shook his head at his uncle’s reply and followed as they walked toward the car.

So, do you have a car yet? Herman asked as they walked across the parking lot.

Seth laughed, thinking of his uncle’s question. Herman clearly had no idea about his mother’s financial situation, which was practically nonexistent. They were just barely able to make ends meet for a while now. A car for Seth would be a luxury, to say the least, and out of the question. No. Not yet. But I plan to get one soon.

Is that right? Herman asked, chagrined.

Yeah, Seth replied, noticing the disbelief in his uncle’s voice. When I get back home, I’m going to get a job and start saving for a car. Seth had been thinking of it for a while. He reasoned that it wouldn’t take long to save the money once he had a job.

"You do have a license, don’t you?"Herman asked, as a clap of thunder boomed in the darkening clouds.

No, not yet, Seth replied honestly, although uncomfortably. I’m planning to get one of those soon, too.

When they reached the car, Herman expertly threw open the back door and slung the flour sack into the backseat without much of a struggle. He opened the trunk of the car, took the items in Seth’s hands, and placed them expertly inside. Seth was about to turn toward the passenger’s side, but Herman threw him the keys. Seth looked at them in stunned disbelief.

Why don’t you drive us home? Herman asked, loading the rest of their purchases into the trunk of the car.

Seth looked at the keys resting in the palm of his hand, and then asked, You’re kidding, right?

No, I’m not. I make no jokes when it concerns my car, Herman said, slipping into the driver’s seat.

Seth smiled his half-grin. I haven’t had Driver’s Ed yet.

Herman laughed, and then replied, Neither have I.

They both laughed. Come on, then. I’ll teach you, Herman replied.

Seth grinned excitedly as he slid behind the wheel of the car. Then Herman gave Seth the fine points of driving, and soon Seth was handling the car on his own. They drove past tall, vast mountains protruding from the landscape, and lush forests in varying shades of green. The countryside really was lovely and Seth was just beginning to appreciate its beauty.

Then a soft mist fell, mixing with the oil on the road, creating a slick film over the smooth blacktop. Suddenly, a deer leapt from the verdant forest, bounding onto the road directly in front of the car. Seth turned the wheel sharply and slammed on his brakes. The car skidded, barreling toward a very old tree. Seth barely had enough time to take a breath, close his eyes, and brace himself for the impact, but there was nothing. Not a crash, bump, nor the sound of grinding or bending metal—the sounds usually accompanying an accident. Seth quickly opened his eyes and they were driving down the road as if nothing had happened. The deer was nowhere in sight. When Seth eyed his uncle, Herman looked as if nothing at all had been amiss.

What happened? Seth asked, stunned. I thought we were going to hit a tree! Then he remembered seeing Herman pushing his hand abruptly forward out of the corner of his eye right before he closed them. But it all happened so quick, Seth wasn’t sure.

Not today, Lad, Herman answered with a smile, not a bit ruffled by the experience. Lesson number two: Keep watch on the side of the roadway, not just on the roadway itself. You had a good first lesson, but I think it’s time for me to drive now.

Seth nodded in agreement, and then peeked at his uncle from the corner of his eye, his eyebrows furrowed. He realized that something freaky had just happened, but what? He knew that they were about to hit a tree, he just knew it, but what happened to prevent it? He looked at his unshaken uncle, who was no worse for wear. Surely, his uncle had nothing to do with it. Seth’s hands were shaking as he pulled the car to the shoulder of the road, pushing the thought aside. He didn’t want to try and figure it out right now.

Safely on the side of the road, Herman quickly and expertly took over driving. As they were driving, Seth noticed the architecture, reminiscent of a time long ago. They passed by a street filled with row houses, but most of the homes were free standing, Victorian in architecture, and some were almost colonial. The grass was lush, green, and beautiful. Watering the lawn back home in Georgia night and day for a month would not produce such green results. Driving along, Seth felt as if he had traveled back in time, surprised that places like this still existed.

Soon, Herman made a sharp left onto a long, narrow driveway. There were acres of open grassland with patches of white spruce, balsam fir, and white birch. A mile down the driveway appeared an old, pale yellow Victorian house with pointed gables and a round bay window in the front. It was a two-story house rising from the woods, apart from the rest of the world. The sun was setting on the landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for the lovely Victorian home. Seth was awestruck as they neared the home. Spruce and white birch trees stood ornately on the sides and front of the house; a house separated by time, space, and reality. To Seth, places like this just didn’t exist. Yet, here in this strange land, it stood as a testament against time.

Welcome home, Herman said softly, pulling the car to the side of the house near the driveway’s end, breaking the reverie of the moment.

Seth smiled appreciatively and nodded, then opened the car door.

I hope you feel at home here, Herman said as he stepped out of the car and headed for the house.

Seth walked through the front door into a spacious great room. At the far end of the room was a set of sliding glass doors with a breathtaking view of mountains nestled in a sea of lush, green carpet with coniferous trees that seemed to stretch up and touch the sky. There were large pane glass windows flanking the sliding glass doors, and other unobtrusive windows to the right and left, all inviting nature into the room. The sight seamlessly blended with the interior décor comprised of earth tones. The sight was breathtaking.

Let’s retrieve your things from the car. Then I’ll show you to your room, Uncle Herman said, turning toward the door.

Seth nodded and followed. Together, the two brought in the Farmer’s Market purchases as well as Seth’s suitcases. Then, as promised, Herman showed him to his room.

The room was painted antique white and an old brick fireplace was to the right. On the left was a four-posted mahogany bed, with an old-fashioned quilt spread across the top. Within the squares of the quilt, scenes were depicted. One square was of an ancient ship on the high seas, another a forest, in another square were knights, and a castle in yet another square. The ship and castle looked identical to those on the medallion his mother had given him. Seth marveled at the coincidence.

This looks just like … Seth replied, gingerly touching the ship on the quilt.

We’ll talk about it later, Herman interrupted. I’ll leave you to settle in. Come to the kitchen and help with dinner when you’re ready. And with that, Herman walked out the door, and then leaned back into the room and, grasping the door frame, added, Don’t be long. You might miss dinner. A moment later, he was gone.

But Seth understood his hidden meaning. Translation: If you take too long, you won’t eat. Message received loud and clear. Seth scouted the room again and spotted a mahogany chifforobe serving as a closet, and a matching dresser under a small window straight ahead. The room was of moderate size; however, it was much bigger than his small room in Georgia.

The rain gently padded against the window, echoing his sudden homesickness. Then Seth quickly put away his things and hurried down the stairs to meet his uncle in the kitchen to the left of the great room.

In the kitchen, pots and pans hung from the ceiling, and tall kitchen cabinets flanked the left side of the room. Another great pane of glass served as a window on the far end of the room. An old-fashioned stove was to the right of the cabinets, and a massive center island stretched from one end of the room to the other. Seth seemed to have stepped back to another time as he entered the room. However old fashioned it was, it appeared to be highly functional and much larger than Seth was used to.

Can I help you do anything? Seth asked his uncle, who was at the sink washing a head of lettuce. Then Herman instructed him to set the table.

Seth nodded, helping his uncle, and within minutes a dinner of roast chicken, fresh corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, gravy, and salad was on the table. Once he started eating, Seth noticed that he was hungrier than he thought.

Tomorrow, we’re getting up early, Herman began, dipping a roll into the gravy on his plate. Get a good night’s sleep tonight. We have a lot to do in the morning.

Seth nodded, unable to argue, feeling the effects of the day wash over him. Traveling halfway around the world and lugging everything from the Farmer’s Market took a lot out of him. So much for sleeping in. Herman appeared to be a hard worker and Seth doubted that he would get much rest during his stay.

Seth wanted to ask his uncle about the scenes on the quilt across his bed and of the medallion that his mother had given him to bring along, but he was growing more and more tired by the minute, so he decided to file his questions away for another time.

After dinner, Seth helped his uncle with the dishes then went off to bed. In his room, Seth found his cell phone and called his mother to let her know that he arrived safely. He told her of the beautiful countryside, that it was like no other he had ever seen.

I always liked St. John’s, Victoria answered, suddenly