C.A.M.P. Phoenix Destiny of the Alchemist

By R. M. Wolf

Emma Littleton, the precocious and awkward daughter of a single father is featured in this, the fourth book in the C.A.M.P. Phoenix series. Emma's story is the retelling of the second summer at camp, where the Boar house wizards continue to stretch their boundaries and bend the rules of the only wizard training camp in existence.
C.A.M.P. Phoenix is hidden in the middle of Lake Superior on a "Phantom Island" where the young wizards learn of a threat to both wizards and mankind. Emma arrives for her second summer at camp with a mouth full of braces and a vocabulary that is off the charts. Through a series of magical misadventures she learns that science is not the only method of answering life's mysteries. Emma is taken into other realms of possibility at C.A.M.P. Phoenix where she and her housemates uncover plots and foil plans as they embark on fulfilling the Destiny that awaits them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. M. Wolf
• Release date: Sep 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301542536

R. M. Wolf

R. M. Wolf is the author of C.A.M.P. PHOENIX a magical series written for children ages 9 to 90. She is a certified nutritional herbalist, holds a black belt in karate and is a devout Tibetan Buddhist.Her writing reflects her belief that there is one constant in the universe and that is that everything changes. The ocean of life has both ups and downs. She believes that you can ride the waves or be tossed and tumbled by them.But there's more. There's always more. You don't have to settle for just surfing the waves - you can rise up and walk on top of them. Magic isn't just for kids. It isn't just for fairy tales. There's magic within everyone and she hopes to pass this message along:You have power you can't even imagine. Seek it out. Develop it. Put it to work in your life and be happy!

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C.A.M.P. Phoenix Destiny of the Alchemist

R. M. Wolf

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 R. M. Wolf

Discover other titles by R. M. Wolf at Smashwords.com

This book 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 person. 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.

***

I dedicate the C.A.M.P. Phoenix series to

David and Susan Stumpf

I dedicate this book to

All Teachers

***

At times I will meet bad people,

Tormented by strong bad deeds and pain.

They are hard to find, like a mine of gold;

And so may I hold them dear.

~ Dorje Senge (1054-1123)

***

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Back to C.A.M.P.

Chapter 2 - Joyful Sparks

Chapter 3 - Crystal Netpads

Chapter 4 - Swimming with Mermaids

Chapter 5 - Meanings Change

Chapter 6 - Alchemy Lab

Chapter 7 - Primus Magicus

Chapter 8 - Midnight Forage

Chapter 9 - Potion Brewing

Chapter 10 – Sand Bay

Chapter 11 - Old Friends

Chapter 12 - Gate Guardian

Chapter 13 - Migta Scry

Chapter 14 - Fourth Turning

Chapter 15 - Summoning Astra

Chapter 16 - Fairy Bite

Chapter 17 - Fairy Ring

Chapter 18 - Leap of Faith

Chapter 19 - Eagle River

Chapter 20 - Faerie

Chapter 21 - Jacob Returns

Chapter 22 - Pajama Protection

Chapter 23 – Laughter

Chapter 24 – Archer's News

Chapter 25 – All Is Well

Chapter 26 - Rhyme or Reason

Chapter 27 – Fairy Mark

Chapter 28 – To Dream

Chapter 29 – Free Will

Chapter 30 – Liam the Protector

Author's Message

***

Chapter 1 - Back to C.A.M.P.

Emma finished her studies and placed her work on her father's desk. He had been home-schooling her all of her life and at age 10 she was already doing high school work. He would grade her papers as part of his evening routine. This was mostly a formality. She knew her work would be perfect. She was taught not to settle for anything less. She made a detour into her room to pull her hair back before cooking.

She sat in front of the mirror and almost didn't recognize herself. Admittedly, she was a work in progress. She smiled as she thought that her horse teeth were nicely corralled in a network of metal and rubber bands. She also learned how to control the cloud of blond curls that framed her face with a little product and a lot of effort. Her clear sky-blue eyes sparkled at the thought of summer just around the corner.

She picked up her brush and saw the reflection of her bracelet shining brightly on her wrist as she attempted to smooth the mass of curls. She paused, remembering last summer when they made the bracelets at C.A.M.P. It was during the end of summer field day where she and the rest of her housemates were working frantically to get Tyler back from a band of vampires who had kidnapped him.

The bracelets possessed powers no ordinary human would believe possible. She swiftly looped a tie around the bundle of hair forming a yellow cloud at the nape of her neck and went into the kitchen to start dinner. She had been in charge of cooking ever since her mother left. Her father was not picky about what he ate so he left meal planning to her as well. She would make a shopping list and they'd shop for the food together.

She had always kept things simple because along with cooking and her advanced schoolwork, she was responsible for cleaning the house and doing the laundry. Her father was a professor and could not be bothered with such trivia. She was surprised when he commented on the new items on the shopping list. He usually didn't pay attention to such things. She explained that she was trying new recipes and he raised his eyebrows but simply nodded.

Lately she discovered that she had grown tired of the same old stuff. Today was Friday. They usually had fish. She found a recipe online for baked tilapia. It only took five minutes to prepare and twenty minutes to cook.

Her father could go on eating the same thing day after day. She never put much thought into their menu herself until she went to C.A.M.P. where she found so many choices it made her head spin.

After being at C.A.M.P. she just wasn't happy with the same old meals anymore. She added precise measures of rice and water to the rice cooker and turned it on. She made sure the timer was set appropriately and then turned the oven on to preheat. Next she placed the fish in a baking dish and sprinkled it with oregano. She sliced the zucchini and yellow squash into rounds and placed them in a layer on top of the fish. She separated the rings of two onion slices and arranged them on top of the vegetables. She added the butter, a few dashes of lemon and topped it off with a few sprigs of fresh dill.

By the time she finished with the preparations, the oven was ready. She placed the oven-proof dish inside and set the timer. She set the table and timed everything perfectly so that it would be ready when her father came home from work.

This is wonderful! he surprised her by complimenting the food. So this is tilapia?

Yes it is Father, Emma replied. She was pleased that he noticed and surprised he remembered. She didn't think he ever noticed what they ate.

I'm going to miss you while you are away at camp, he stated. Then he held up a finger, That reminds me; your letter came today. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the long white envelope and handed it to her.

It was addressed to her and had a gold circle with a dot in the center where a return address would normally be. She set it aside and finished eating. She cleared the table and brought her father a piece of apple pie and a cup of coffee.

Go ahead and open your letter, he invited.

"She carried it over to his desk to use his letter opener. She returned to the table and sat down before taking out its contents. She read it through and then summed it up for her father.

It is the letter inviting me back to C.A.M.P. Phoenix this summer. I am to meet the bus on June first at nine o'clock in the morning. There is a form for us to sign that I am to give to the driver.

He held out his hand and she handed the form to him. He read it over with that same glassy stare he got when he read her invitation letter last year. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his pen. He signed the paper and handed it back to her.

I'm glad you enjoy that summer camp, he said. I never would have dreamed of sending to you camp. But when you won that scholarship last year and came home so happy and talking about your friends I realized that peers and physical activities were as important to your education and wellbeing as your curriculum. That's why I enrolled you in dance class when you came home.

I know, but that was so different Father, Emma scowled, remembering. I didn't fit in there at all. The other girls were cruel.

I realize that now, I hope you remain patient with me as I learn by trial and error, his expression shifting between pain and embarrassment. When the others made fun of your teeth I brought you to the orthodontist straight away. He assures me that in no more than two years your smile will be dazzling. Please understand that it is not due to a lack of caring that I have overlooked some of these things in your upbringing. I was simply unaware. You do forgive me, don't you?

Oh Father, she got up and hugged him. There's nothing to forgive. We're both doing the best we can. Now if you liked tilapia, wait till you see what we're having instead of spaghetti tomorrow!

Once she cleaned the dishes and had the kitchen back in order she took her letter into her room to read it again.

In addition to the usual information, there was a note:

This is a reminder to all wizards returning to C.A.M.P. to dress in ordinary clothing and not to mention magic, wizards or anything else that would spoil the first years' surprise when they arrive at C.A.M.P. We look forward to having you back with us this summer.

She smiled, remembering her own first day at C.A.M.P. last summer. The day she learned she was an alchemist. The day her life changed forever.

***

Chapter 2 - Joyful Sparks

The bus appeared at the end of the block on schedule and rolled to a stop in front of Emma and her father at precisely nine o'clock. It looked like any other school bus except that the color was closer to the gold of the alchemist symbol than school bus yellow. While it was ordinary looking enough, Emma knew its destination was very extraordinary indeed. She hugged her father and hurried up the steps, handing the voucher to the driver before grabbing the first seat. She waved furiously out the window but in a flash the bus was moving too fast to focus on anything outside. She sat down and pulled out a book.

Before she knew it the bus pulled off the road and came to a halt. She put her book away as the doors opened and Lady Albright stepped up and called out, Welcome campers! Please collect your belongings and follow me! Emma lifted her backpack onto one shoulder and was first to step off the bus.

They had been deposited on the shore of a great expanse of crystal water. As she crossed the beach a ferry appeared as if emerging from a dense fog except that the day was as clear as the water. Someone call her name. She pushed her glasses up with one finger and looked around to see who it was.

Emma! Hey Emma! Wait up! a blond boy was trotting toward her.

Greetings Aidan, she called back. When he caught up to her, he pointed over her shoulder.

There's Jacob and Lyric! he cried. Then more members of Boar house appeared.

Hi Emma and Aidan, Madison was waving and tugging Abigail's arm. Tyler and Connor were following behind. Emma noticed that Connor was hobbling along on crutches.

They joined the line that was heading toward the ferry. Her friends were all talking at once and Emma was drinking it all in like a cool, refreshing tonic.

Where are your flames, Aidan? Tyler teased.

Oh, yeah, my mom finally stopped coloring my hair, he said and ran his hand over the all-blond spikes lifting them into place.

It looks good, Madison complimented. It's so great to see everyone!

They were all laughing and inching along in the line leading onto the ferry. The boys were punching each other on the arm when they arrived at the dock.

Watch yourselves now, Lady Albright cautioned. They stopped punching long enough to step onto the weathered walkway. The rest of them followed close behind. They made their way around to the back of the ferry and found an empty section of bench. Everyone dropped their bags and scooted them under the seat before sitting down. The girls sat together and the boys hung over the rail looking at the water below.

A horn sounded and the ferry began to shudder under their feet. Seagulls were wheeling overhead as the boat made its way to the open waters.

They had an hour to catch up before they'd arrive at Phantom Island.

Emma! You have braces! Abigail pointed out.

Really? Aidan said turning to look. I didn't even notice.

And you have glasses! Emma said to Abigail.

Really? I didn't notice, Tyler pretended to gawk at her. Everyone laughed, which triggered a round of arm punching amongst the boys.

Your hair got really long, Madison directed this to Lyric.

Lyric blushed and uncharacteristically attempted to shift the attention to someone else by saying, Jacob's hair is longer too.

Yeah, it looks good Jake, and it's so blond! Abigail commented.

My aunt said it's because I spend so much time outside in the sun, Jacob said with a shrug.

Emma thought he looked exceptionally cute this year.

She looked across the deck and noticed a first year boy was looking a little green. She waved to Lady Albright and pointed saying, It appears that he is experiencing a little motion sickness.

Oh, dear! she said rushing over to him. Emma saw her pull a bottle out of her pocket and hand it to him. It looked like ordinary bottled water but Emma suspected it was something more. As soon as he took a few sips, he began to look better.

At least he isn't green anymore, Abigail observed.

Then one of the boys called out, Wizard, what happened to your foot?

Connor was trying to sit down after having almost toppled over the rail a moment before when he was swinging his crutches to avoid a punch. His right foot was encased in a bright red cast.

Would you believe I broke it skydiving? My parachute didn't open.

Lyric's hands flew to her mouth in horror, but Emma scoffed, I find that hard to believe. I am sure you would have suffered more than just a broken leg if that had happened.

Can't get anything by you, he smiled. Would you believe my twin baby sister's did it?

Lyric, not wanting to be fooled twice said, I'm sure two little babies didn't break your leg either.

Well, they're not so little anymore. They're walking now, or I should say running. I was trying to get to Sierra before she reached the basement steps, when Savanna came charging out of nowhere. I tripped over her and fell down the basement steps myself! I had to have stitches in my arm, too. Look! He pulled up his left sleeve and showed them a rather fresh looking scar.

Whoa! Tyler called out, jumping up to get a better look.

It's in the shape of a cross. Hey! It looks like your Destiny symbol! Aidan cried.

Shh! Madison cautioned and nudged him with her elbow. The first years, remember?

Oh, yeah, I forgot, he said but still stared with envy at Connor's scar on his upper arm.

I'm going to see if my dad will let me get mine tattooed on my arm.

Don't be ridiculous, no one let's kids get tattoos, Emma chided, ever the voice of reason.

Well they let us get pierced, Aidan said pointing to a golden stud.

I begged my dads to let me get pierced ears, Madison sighed.

I know, it's rotten that they won't let you, Abigail consoled.

Madison smiled in answer and tucked her hair behind her ears showing off a sparkling diamonds.

How come you didn't tell me! Abigail squealed.

I wanted it to be a surprise.

Just then there were outcries all around the ferry. Phantom Island! Aidan called out, pointing. There in the distance a small point of land appeared. As the ferry got closer the island seemed to rise up from the depths of the lake.

Emma joined the rest of her housemates as they made their way to the back of the line forming around the side of the ferry. Everyone but the first years knew that they'd soon be docking and were preparing to go ashore.

They exited the ferry and continued across the beach and on through the far wall of trees, leaving the small first years huddled around a massive man with long hair, wearing a black cloak.

Who's that? someone whispered behind her.

It looks like Mage Lugh, Tyler answered. But where'd he get all that hair?

Yeah, wasn't he bald last year?

They made their way through the trees and stepped one by one through the open gate and into C.A.M.P. Phoenix. They were passing through the front garden when Tyler burst past them uttering a cry of joy. Brandon was sitting on a bench, waiting for them. Tyler got to him first and made a running jump-hug, the kind only boys managed to pull off without killing someone. Everyone stopped to say hello before they all continued on to the dining lodge.

They were passing through the line just in front of the first years. Emma was following Jacob who was complaining loudly about how hungry he was.

We won't be able to eat until everyone has gone through the serving line, Emma reminded him. He smirked at her and said, How do you eat with all that metal in your mouth?

Emma closed her lips tightly over her braces and ignored him. She didn't know which was worse, being teased for having large teeth or for having a mouth full of braces. She couldn't wait until they were finally removed.

They all found seats and were waiting for the staff to pass through the line. They always come through last, just behind the first years. Finally the Archmage stood and everyone quieted down.

Let us give thanks for the food we are about to eat and for the safe arrival of everyone today. You may begin eating. He sat back down to a chorus of forks striking plates as everyone began eating.

When they had finished their deserts the Archmage gave the speech that would once again change 27 young lives forever.

Emma clapped loudly along with the others as the newcomers learned they were wizards. The seasick boy sat a few seats down on the other side of the table from her and he was grinning from ear to ear. She wondered which Destiny he'd end up in.

Then the Archmage instructed the returning wizards to take their requisition forms to the Quartermaster. The staff waved their wands and a paper appeared in front of Emma. She looked around and saw that everyone was grabbing their papers and were heading out the door. Emma picked hers up and grabbed her backpack. Once she was outside she caught up with some of her housemates. They joined the long line that had already formed going into the Quartermaster's building.

Once she was finished there she went to Boar house, which was in her opinion, the finest bunkhouse at C.A.M.P. As soon