The Connors Chronicles, Rise of the Dark Wizard

By C. G. Peltier

Being born a wizard royal has been the wish of many Freedonian children. One could only imagine what it would be like to live in a castle, having your every need taken care of and one day becoming the King or Queen of Freedonia. These are the things that dreams are made of.
The young Connors twins wake to find their clothes pressed and laid out for them as usual, but these days are far from usual. Young Prince Charlie and Kelly are unaware of the evil coming their way. The life they had come to know is coming to an end.
As they head to breakfast, they know that they will be eating alone, again. They understand why their parents, Prince Charles and Lady Catherine, won’t be there. The health of their ailing grandfather, the the king, is declining. He has much to pass on to his heir and not much time left to do it in.
If that is not bad enough, Drake Aldric, the Commander of the Castle Guard and the Freedonian Army has canceled the twin's tenth birthday party, because of a threat made to the royal family.
No one likes this lockdown, but Drake Aldric is following the Guard manual, Section Twelve, Paragraph Four to the letter. Due to the threat to the royals, he has tripled the number of guards and moved the army closer to the village. Access to the castle has been limited. Any royal leaving the royal quarters must be protected by armed security guards at all times.
To make matters worse, even the twin’s three godfathers didn’t come to see the twins on their birthday. The castle staff, Molly and Mick McGruter and Sarah and Patrick Magee know why they didn't come, but they don’t have the heart to tell the twins the reason. Someone had accused their godfathers of trying to kill a pub keeper in the village. Even with finding Russell McIntyre's knife at the scene, the castle staff can't believe these allegation. The victim had no memory of the incident at all. These three were not cold blooded killers. But friends couldn't understand why the three ran away. None of this made a lick of sense.
Then there is the Blackthorn Prophecies, the third one to be exact. Few have ever heard of the Blackthorn Sorcerers or believe they ever existed. Fewer have heard of the three prophecies. It is said they were foretold by the last of these sorcerers, on his deathbed. It would be easy to dismiss them as mere fables or ever changing legends. They very well could be the result of someone's overactive imagination.
What if...the prophecies are real?
With the king's failing health, the twin's father, Prince Charles Connors IV will soon replace his father as King of Freedonia. He will be free to investigate all these mysterious happenings. By then, it will be too late.
Only four enchanted animals are aware of the existence of the evil master plan to eliminate the Connors royal family, but what can four animals do?
With all this, you might want to wish for something other than being a member of a royal family.
What follows is what nightmares are made of.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. G. Peltier
• Release date: Sep 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310662850

C. G. Peltier

About the author: C. G. Peltier is a man of many talents. He has served as a United States Marine, has been a die maker and die designer, a tool room and press department supervisor, a machine design engineer, an experimental department engineer, and an inventor. He had founded and run a small but successful manufacturing company twenty-two years. Now, that the reins have been passed on to his son, daughter, and son-in-law, he has become a YA fantasy author, go figure.Why fantasies? His daughter got him hooked on the books and movies of Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. She lent him her computer and inspired him to use his creative imagination in an entirely new way, as a fantasy author.

Book preview

TO MICHELLE FOR SHARING THE WORLD OF FANTASY

WITH ME, INSPIRING ME TO WRITE AND

LENDING YOUR LAPTOP.

TO CAROL MANTE FOR YOUR HELP

TO MOCHA LISA COFFEEHOUSE FOR

MY MORNING BREW AND TABLE

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter One A birthday to Forget

Chapter Two The Cottage

Chapter Three The Fog

Charter Four The Road

Chapter Five The Return of the Crow

Chapter Six The Mouse

Chapter Seven What can a Fox, Crow, Horse and Mouse Do?

Chapter Eight The Mission

Chapter Nine The Meeting in the Clearing

Chapter Ten The Deception

Chapter Eleven If It Can Go Wrong, It Will

Chapter Twelve Run While You Can

Chapter Thirteen Afternoon in the Clearing

Chapter Fourteen The Search

Chapter Fifteen Night Escape

Chapter Sixteen Strugard Wizard Prison

Chapter Seventeen The Gathering in the Clearing

Chapter Eighteen Back From the Sea

Chapter Nineteen The Experiment

Chapter Twenty Caledonia

Chapter Twenty-One Carlisle

Chapter Twenty-Two The Ice Barons

Chapter Twenty-Three The Rescue

Chapter Twenty-Four Failure

Chapter Twenty-Five Moving Out

Chapter Twenty-Six Settling In

Chapter Twenty-Seven The Fable of Thor Mandrake

Chapter Twenty-Eight Run For Your Lives

Epilogue

Except From Book Two: The Connors Chronicles- The Magic Dome

About the Author

Connect with C.G. Peltier

Other books by C.G. Peltier

Prologue

Few have ever heard of the fabled Blackthorn Sorcerers. Fewer have heard of the three Blackthorn Prophecies, as foretold by the last of these sorcerers. One could search the annals of history and not find mention of either. What you would find, however, are the events foretold by the first two prophecies.

There is cause for wonder. Did these sorcerers ever exist, or are they the creation of someone's overactive imagination?

Following are the chronicles of the last of the Blackthorn Prophecies.

A cautious young witch looked in both directions through the light morning haze. She had been following her instructions to the letter. She made sure that no one had followed her, as she traveled the deserted gravel road. After seeing no sign of anyone on the road, she turned her attention to the farmer’s cart path to the south.

She searched the dew-covered path for signs of recent use. Grass and weeds had taken over the eerie path. Detecting missing dew on a small line of disturbed grass and the direction of its bend, she determined that one- possibly two had stepped over the moss-covered log, which blocked the entrance to the path. The line continued down the path and out of sight. Observing the spider web across the path and seeing the spider’s progress at reworking the web, she figured that whoever it was, had passed less than fifteen minutes ago. Her cunning grandfather had trained her well.

As the slender witch cautiously stepped over the log, she brushed the dew-covered spider webs away and started carefully down the path. The young witch had a sudden sense of eyes watching her. She spun around, but the only living thing she could see was a crow sitting on a branch on the Oak Forest side of the road. It cawed once and sat in silence. She knew that someone was watching her. However, this didn't bother her. She was aware of who was doing the watching, and somehow, she felt more at ease.

She turned and brushed aside a protruding branch, causing droplets of dew to fall onto her arm and the path before her. She walked cautiously away from the main road. In a moment, there would be no sign that she had ever been there.

The humid forest soon gave way to an abandoned cornfield. The remains of last year’s crop lay rotting in the field. As with the passing of time, weeds and tiny seedlings had sprouted. The forest was beginning to reclaim the land. The sight saddened her. She wondered what had happened to the farmer who had planted the decaying crop. She hoped that he had left the country, and didn't want to think of the reason this field had gone untouched. The witch was a prolific young author, and had already written many words of protest about the current condition of Freedonia.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her destination, an abandoned grain shed on the edge of the field. She walked toward it. From the looks of the decrepit building, she wondered if it would be safe to enter. However, those were her instructions

As she opened the large door, the hinges screeched erratically from built-up rust and lack of lubrication. After closing the door with a thud, she threaded herself between the dust-and-cobweb-covered grain wagons stored inside.

At one side of the building was the ladder she was expecting to find. The ladder's rungs led up above to what was apparently a hayloft or bunkhouse. However, she could call to anyone or take take the first step, she heard the sound of a bird landing on the windowsill of the loft overhead.

The crow cawed once, and the young author turned toward the hayloft window. She brushed back her long, dark hair and turned back towards the rungs of the ladder. She suddenly found herself peering into the piercing, blue eyes of the fifteen-year-old wizard prince. It was as if he and his twin sister had appeared out of nowhere.

The sight of the slender twins brought back memories from the past. The royal family had always fascinated the writer, and these two looked like a smaller version of their missing parents, the rightful king and queen of the land.

The young prince motioned and said, Follow me.

He started to climb the creaking rungs of the ladder, nailed to wooden studs at the side of the shed. At the top, he turned to look back down the ladder and said, Please come up. It's safe.

The author followed him up and into the loft, trailed by his sister, the princess. At a nod from the prince, the young writer slid her slight frame onto a seat at a makeshift table set in front of the window. She settled in and prepared to make use of her writing implements.

Even with quill and parchment at the ready, the writer could hardly believe what was happening. After all, the true story of the royal family was just begging to come out, and to be the one chosen to record it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The regal twins now stood before her. The writer knew they had been in hiding and living in the shadows for the past four years, but no one could guess that from their appearance.

The young author was also no stranger to a secretive type of life. She had lost her father at an early age. Her mother, a kind and loving witch, raised her. She, however, took after her grandfather. He was a notoriously persistent journalist who often wrote about things that powerful people would prefer to keep secret.

The shed where the flaxen-haired brother and sister had set up the meeting was located far from the watchful eyes and sharp ears of the dark army, the snitches and those looking to cash in on the reward for turning in the royal Connors twins. Since the writer was aware of the twins being hunted, meeting in this odd, but relatively safe and out of the way place made sense to her. Still, she was curious about one thing.

As a gust of warm morning air rustled through the nearby forest, the writer peered into the warm, azure eyes of the young wizard princess and turned again to her brother. Before we begin, I have a question, she said, Obviously; there are others you could have selected. Why have you chosen me?

There was no beating around the bush. That’s simple, he replied, because of what you have already written. The dark wizard, Drake Aldric has already marked you for death. Unlike, other authors, you will be in no greater danger from writing our story than you already are.

The writer gazed into his eyes. If what you are saying is true, you are not at all interested in my writing ability?

Princess Kelly answered, Why, of course we are, but we also admire your fearlessness and loyalty to our royal parents and to Freedonia. We only hope that you will be around to finish the story.

The young author felt a chill climb up her spine and replied, Me, too. Turning to Prince Charlie again, she continued, I was told that you feel that being a Connors is both a blessing and a curse… What did you mean by that?

Hold on a minute, the princess interrupted, you are forgetting something? For us to tell you the whole story, you must take the pledge.

Oh...yes. I swear on my own father’s grave that your story will be safe with me. I will protect it and my sources with my life. I will not publish a word, unless you both agree, or you are both killed, or Drake Aldric has been defeated.

Princess Kelly cringed slightly and replied, I liked the part about Aldric being defeated, but did you really have to mention the being killed part?

The writer smiled at the princess’ attempt to lighten the atmosphere of gloom. She knew that the royal twins were falsely wanted criminals. For the last four years, Aldric and his men had been trying to put an end to the Connors family. However, with the help of ancient magic, luck, and a few loyal friends of their parents, the king and queen to be, the twins were still able to tell their story.

The author looked from one twin to the other and said, You both know how full of danger life in Freedonia is, but you have survived more than your share of it. Of course, no one knows what lies ahead, but I choose to believe that your story will go on for a very long time.

She knew that the prince hoped to live long enough to see his father, the future King Charles IV, reach old age. Then, if all the wrongs were set right again, Prince Charlie would someday become King Charles V.

Prince Charlie added, You are aware that we are Secret Keepers. For you to be permitted to tell our story, we will require you to keep our secrets, as well.

This I also swear!

Charlie reached for his sister’s hand and asked, Satisfied?

Not totally, Kelly replied, but I do agree with you. No matter what happens to us, the people of Freedonia have a right to know what has occurred and that Father hasn’t forgotten about them.

Charlie turned back to the author and answered her question, We are blessed to have parents and friends which were willing to put their lives on the line for us and our realm. If not for them and for Drake Aldric’s error, we wouldn’t be here today. Of course, on the other hand, if we hadn’t been born with the Connors name, Drake Aldric and his evil mother wouldn’t be trying to kill us.

Then, do you regret being born a Connors? the writer asked.

Don’t get me wrong. We are Connors and proud to be. All I was saying was that being one can be a blessing… and a curse… at the same time. Now, where do you want to start?

The author sat in silence for a while and then said, Let’s start with your discovery of Aldric’s secret plan?

Aldric’s scheme was discovered around the time of our tenth birthday, but we can’t take credit for discovering it.

Kelly added, That was the worst birthday of our lives.

The prince continued, There is a saying, if walls could talk, there would be no secrets, but we have something better. We have a mouse, and his name is Frederick Weaderman.

Frederick Weaderman, the author mused. That’s a familiar name. Wasn’t he once the commander of the Castle Guard?

The prince replied, Yes, he was. He was also Aldric’s first error.

How was he an error?

That question would be better answered by Frederick Weaderman, himself...and the fox, the crow, and the horse. They all experienced it firsthand. Feel free to ask them about it. They are expecting you.

"I hope to interview your entire group of friends and associates, but since you are here now, would you mind telling me about your tenth birthday from your point of view?

Chapter One

A Birthday to Forget

The royal castle is located on the shore of the South Sea. It is not very large as castles go, but with its fortified walls, battlements, well-trained guard, and army units, it had stood the test of time. If walls could talk, they could have told the storied progression of many Freedonian Kings, who had lived here. There had been good times and bad, but none was sadder or more tense than on the day the royal twins were turning ten.

The twins’ grandfather, King Charles Connors III, struggled to sit up in his bed on the third floor of the royal quarters. His eyes darted back and forth between his son Prince Charles IV, the heir to the throne, and the prince’s wife, Princess Catherine.

At one time, the elder king had cast the shadow of a robust wizard monarch, one well respected and revered. At just under six feet tall, he was slightly shorter than his son was, but he had been strong and sturdy, like the walls surrounding the castle. Now, with his health in decline for months, he had become a shadow of his former self.

I know this is difficult, he told his son and daughter-in-law, but you two will soon be the king and queen of Freedonia. There is so much for you to learn and so little time.

Father, we are ready, the prince reluctantly replied.

My son, being a king is more than just sitting on the throne. As king, you will be responsible for your people. They depend on their king to ensure national security, to protect them from their enemies, both foreign and domestic. It is also the king’s responsibility to provide an education for their children and an opportunity for them to prosper. Beyond that, you must not interfere with their lives.

Father, this I have learned from watching you all these years.

You must keep up the good relations with the Nibbits of Vineland to the west, the Dwarves of Gunderland to the north, and the Elves of Woodland to the east.

Father, I have journeyed far and wide on your behalf, and I continue to meet with their leaders several times each year.

You must keep a watchful eye on the Squire Gulch Villages. The east and west are both areas that could explode in violence at the drop of a hat.

Father, I will. I will follow in your footsteps.

No, my son...I’ve watched you in action. You will step out of my footsteps and take Freedonia forward with you into a brighter future.

An abrupt pounding on the large entrance door interrupted the peace and quiet of the second-floor royal quarters.

This startled Sarah McGee as she was passing the needle through her handiwork, causing her to prick her finger. Setting down the sewing, she looked at the small spot of crimson liquid forming on her fingertip and touched it to her tongue. The witch instinctively looked around the room for the royal twins. She knew they had been in the adjoining room with her son, Timothy, but it had been quiet in there for some time.

Once again, the pounding ended the silence.

A muffled voice came through the old, thick door, Open up in there! I need a word with you, said the stern voice.

Sarah stood up and watched as Molly McGruter rushed toward the door. Molly was the witch in charge of the castle’s domestic help.

The two witches couldn't have been more different. Sarah was tall, slender, refined and quiet, while her friend, Molly was of medium height, slightly wide at the beam and not much for social graces... and she always spoke her mind.

In fact, the castle help and the royals were more like family members than helpers and employers. Even Sarah’s redheaded son, Timothy, had been more like a big brother to the twins than a subject, although he was sometimes a tad jealous of all the attention Charlie and Kelly received.

Molly glanced at Sarah and then yelled toward the door, All right! Just hold your horses! I’m coming!

As she covered the distance to the door, she saw Sarah’s gangly, red headed, young son, Timothy, entering the room.

Where are the twins? she demanded.

The blank expression on the eleven-year-old wizard’s freckled face told Molly all she needed to know. He was clueless.

Timothy blurted out, They were reading a book together. I must have fallen asleep.

Molly wondered what mischief the two children had been involved in… this time. Even though the twins were beginning to show independence from one another, when it came to mischief, they were as one. Twins were extremely unusual in wizard-kind, and these two were rare indeed.

Molly reached for the door bolt, slid it open and pulled at the handle. As the large, old-but-sturdy door squeaked open, she came face to face with Drake Aldric, the Commander of the Castle Guard Unit. She didn't like this tall, thin and menacing wizard. She had her reasons. There was something about this wizard, which set her nerves on edge. In addition, his dark clothing and long, black cloak…was that awful thing necessary, or was his cloak worn to intimidate others? Either way, from the stern expression on his sallow face, Molly knew that he was not happy.

I have told you to keep the royal children in their quarters!

Molly looked past Drake Aldric at the commotion on the staircase leading from the main floor below. A big, burly guardsman was towing Charlie and Kelly up the stairway. Charlie was four and a half feet tall and weighed about a hundred pounds, his sister only slightly shorter and lighter, but they looked tiny next to that mountain of a soldier.

Aldric went on in his reedy voice, "And yet … they were found in the kitchen, filling their faces with cake. I thought that I had made it perfectly clear… these two were to stay in the royal quarters unless escorted by my guards. I would imagine that even a silly wench like you could understand.

The sheepish twins knew that they were in trouble. Molly frowned at the two and she reached for their hands. She tried to pull them from the soldier’s firm grip. With the children’s arms stretched straight, the soldier finally let go, revealing reddened wrists where he had held them.

Molly glared at the husky soldier, and she responded to Aldric. You may have told us, but we take orders from our king, not from you.

As Molly released the guilty-looking children, Sarah latched onto them from behind and pulled the two of them backwards into the room.

Charlie turned and glared at the Commander of the Guard.

Aldric took notice of the boy he despised, and returned his glare. We’ll see about that. After I informed King Charles about the threat against the royal family, he was the one who ordered the increased security. I’m only following his orders.

Molly shot back, What threat? The people love our king. They would never think of harming him.

Apparently … not everyone agrees with you. A pub keeper told us of a strange meeting, which took place in his establishment. When we got to the pub, empty mugs and a crumpled piece of paper was all we found. The paper revealed a sketch of the castle layout, including the guard stations. We believe that they had been making plans, which put the royal family in danger.

Molly retorted, Maybe they were castle groundskeepers?

Drake Aldric was getting impatient with the quarrelsome witch and stepped into the room to challenge her. Since you question my authority, we’ll go to see the king.

Molly held up her hand, stepped in front of the much-taller dark wizard, and glared up into his evil eyes. Stop right there! she insisted. You are fully aware that our king is very ill and that Prince Charles and Princess Catherine are with him. You won’t be disturbing them, not if I have anything to say about it.

The dark wizard was becoming angrier, but fought off the urge to cast one of his spells at the petulant witch. A pleasing thought crossed his mind. If everything went according to his plan, he wouldn't have to put up with these pests for much longer.

He scowled at Molly. You impetuous wench, if I were you I would watch my tongue! You may live to regret your words.

He swiveled around and headed for the main stairway.

The dark wizard turned back again to add, Next time … I won't be this cordial.

Molly’s blood boiled. It showed clearly in her red face. She closed in on the door and forcefully slid the bolt into place.

Blunt as ever, she muttered, as she turned away from the door, Cordial, my foot! He wouldn’t know cordial if it bit him in the backside.

Drake Aldric’s voice sounded thin coming through the wall, as he spat out orders in the stairwell, I want guards at every door to the royal quarters! I also want you eleven to report to the guards’ quarters! Klug, I want you to take care of it, be quick about it! Don't make me wait!

They heard the sound of running feet and yelling outside the door as the huge guard hurried to carry out Aldric’s orders.

Molly turned and glared at the nervous twins. After a short silence, she asked, What did you do this time?

Young Prince Charlie hung his head. We...snuck down the spiral stairs...to get some cake.

Charlie, Charlie...you two already had cake. Was it worth all this?

But...but, it was our cake...our tenth-birthday cake. We were supposed to have fun on our birthday, like last year.

Princess Kelly frowned. Even our godfathers were missing. Why didn't they come?

Molly and Sarah exchanged glances. They really didn't want to explain to the twins the real reason their three godfathers hadn't come. Russell, Abner and Marshall had tried to kill a pub keeper in the village. At least that was what the soldiers claimed.

Of course, no one who knew the three wizards believed a word of that obvious hogwash. Evidence found at the pub, including Russell’s blade, pointed to the twin's godfathers, but it seemed apparent, someone had framed them. Knife and all, no one really believed anything of the sort… not even the victim of the stabbing, the pub keeper. He knew them only to be friendly and good customers...and he had no memory of the incident.

Sarah tried to console the children without revealing anything. I'm sure your godfathers wanted to be here and would have if they could.

Molly spoke their names to get their attention, Charlie, Kelly, The twins turned around and faced Molly. I need you to promise me that you won't go anywhere without one of us again. Do you promise?

Shamefaced, Charlie and Kelly answered in unison, We promise.

As Molly shook her head, Sarah instructed, All right, you two. Give us a hug, and be off to bed. she hugged them and said, You know that your mother and father would like to spend more time with you, but they need to be with your grandfather right now. The dear old king needs them. I hope you understand.

They hugged her back, and Charlie said, I’m sorry, Molly. We didn’t mean to make trouble for you.

Molly smiled and squeezed the two extra hard. I know… Now, off to bed with you two trouble-causing- trouble-causers!

As the twins started toward their section of the royal quarters, Timothy said, It was a good cake.

Charlie turned to his sister. He’s right. It was good...but I would much rather have had a red berry fizzlespitch with Grandfather.

Kelly put her hand on her brother’s shoulder and replied, Charlie, you do know that Grandfather will no longer be taking us to the sweets shop, don’t you?

Charlie frowned. I know.

His sister said, Not me, I would have preferred a yellow berry fizzlespitch.

After the twins had gone and their voices had faded, Sarah glared at Timothy. Yes, the cake was good, and it was intended for their birthday celebration, but they still did a foolish thing. Don't encourage them. They are in enough danger, as it is.

I know, but it was just cake. Why is it such a big thing?

Molly interrupted. It’s not about the cake, my dear boy. It’s about them disobeying. You know that they did wrong, Timothy, don’t you?

He replied, Yes, I do, but can’t they have some leeway? Their grandfather is so sick, and their parents have to spend so much time taking care of him. Their godfathers have disappeared, and their birthday party was cancelled. Now, they are in trouble for wanting cake. What else could go wrong for them?

Sarah put a hand on Timothy’s shoulder. This is just one birthday. Let’s hope the next one will be better.

On the way to their bedrooms, the twins slipped into the quiet darkness of their parents’ sitting room. Charlie raised his hand toward the oil lamps to his right, and flames instantly jumped to life.

All I wanted was a piece of our cake, he said. Was that so bad?

Kelly magically lit the lamps on the left with a wave of her hand and replied, It must have been. It made the soldiers mad at Molly.

We almost got away with it, the young prince griped. If that darned cat had not been there, the guard wouldn't have seen us. He is supposed to be hunting mice.

Well, we did get caught, and we can’t do that again.

Kelly, I think those soldiers are up to something. I don’t trust that Drake Aldric!

Kelly added, Me, neither, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

The young wizard prince turned to his sister. Father can… when he is king.

As they separated and headed toward their rooms, Charlie called back, We can keep an eye on them.

***

As Charlie and Kelly was each settling into bed for the night, Drake Aldric paced in the castle guard quarters. While he was waiting for the last of his inner circle of wizards to arrive at the guards’ quarters, his anger grew. The tall, thin wizard scowled when they entered, he complained, It's about time! I don't like to be kept waiting.

He went to the doorway and observed the courtyard to see if anyone else was within listening distance. He stepped back inside to face his fearful lackeys.

Under normal circumstances, those eleven would fear no other wizard, but Aldric was not an ordinary wizard. He had quietly gained the forbidden, dark-magic powers of the ancients, and could easily kill the lot of them, if he wanted to. He was obviously not happy with what had happened moments ago.

He glared at the eleven. Evidently, I didn't make myself clear, he snapped, whenever; any royal leaves their quarters I want them to be with my soldiers. Is that clear enough for you?

Rudemire Klug answered, Yes, master, very clear.

As of this moment, the royals suspect that someone is carrying out a plot against them. They have no idea that I am the one plotting against them... and I want to keep it that way! If everything goes according to my master plan, within a few months, I will be the next King of Freedonia and the Connors will be gone, forever.

The eleven wizards stood still, as Aldric walked up and down in front of them. You eleven will play an important part in this effort.

To do this, you must remain loyal to me. You saw what I did to the others who wouldn't swear their allegiance to me. They died quickly.

You eleven decided to swear your loyalty to me, and are still living. This, however, comes at a price. If I ever find that, you have not been loyal, or if you don't do what you are told, you will not be as lucky. You will die a long torturous death at my hands. Do you all understand?

They all answered in unison, Yes master.

Good... Now, if you were thinking that the Death Alarm Spell would protect you from your fate, you would be sadly mistaken. If you run, I will catch you. If you hide, I will find you. There is no avoiding my dark magic powers. Keep doing my bidding, and you will live. Is that understood?

Yes master.

Aldric glared at his lackeys once again. No one, I repeat, no one is to speak of this plan outside this room. Do you all understand?

Yes, master, we do, they answered.

Good...good. The dark lord looked each of his wizard henchmen in the eye and continued, The Death Alarm Spell will tells us when the king dies. Within minutes, I want the surviving family members magically stunned, hidden in burlap bags and carried to the royal vessel. Now, do you all understand my instructions?

Yes, master, we do.

There is one last thing. If any of the royals is killed, the one responsible will suffer a long and painful death at my hands.

Aldric scowled, while he looked up and down the line of very nervous soldiers. Do you idiots know why?

Klug again answered, Master, their deaths would set off the Death Alarm Spell and all wizard kind will know about it.

"Klug, you have been paying attention! Now, go and carry out my orders. There