Eyes of the Sorceress

By Mary Catelli

A short story of sorcery, war, and treachery.

Apollonia proudly casts a spell for the king, to aid him in his battles,  a spell that creates enchanted viewing.  But when things go awry, she finds it more useful than she had ever dreamed -- if only she can persuade one and all to listen to her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wizard's Wood Press
• Release date: Nov 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781942564065

Mary Catelli

Mary Catelli is an avid reader of fantasy, science fiction, history, fairy tales, philosophy, folklore and a lot of other things. (Including the backs of cereal boxes.) Which, in due course, overflowed into writing fantasy (and some science fiction).

Book preview

Eyes of the Sorceress

Mary Catelli

Published by Wizard's Wood Press, 2014.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

EYES OF THE SORCERESS

First edition. November 29, 2014.

Copyright © 2014 Mary Catelli.

ISBN: 978-1942564065

Written by Mary Catelli.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Eyes of the Sorceress

Also By Mary Catelli

Eyes of the Sorceress

Sounds filtered in from the army's camp, but Apollonia studied the table instead of the tent's entrance.  She did not want to look a nervous fool in Captain Florian's eyes.  Ever.  But especially not when she cast a spell on him.

The vast tent held only her and the table; the table held a bronze neckring with two opaque blue stones, and a pale blue crystal like a platter.  In the light seeping through the canvas, they gleamed.  Apollonia pressed her hands to her sides, to keep from shifting the stones.  Again.

In here, said Bianca, the Royal Mistress of Sorceresses, her voice low and demure.

A man entered.  He wore the green of the royal army, but also royal violet, and Apollonia felt blood leaching from her face.  Built like a bull, his face set in harsh lines, a man reuniting a kingdom torn by sorcery and swords for a century.  On a crucial campaign—and her spell would help—she hoped.

Her hands feeling like wood, Apollonia made her curtsey.

Which one is this? said King Magnus.

Apollonia, said Bianca, as if it was of no importance.

Given the way King Magnus looked past her, Apollonia suspected the king would not remember her the thousandth time he saw her, though Bianca presented her every time.

Apollonia let her breath out.  He would not see her a thousand times.  Her spellcraft was useful too seldom.  So it befitted her to