The Connors Chronicles, The Incredible Magic Dome

By C. G. Peltier

Hidden deep within the Oak Forest there is a magical place known only to those protected by it. At the age of ten, Prince Charles Connors V (Charlie to his rebel friends) cast the ancient spell activating the incredible magic dome. Almost four years later, this unseen marvel still protects Charlie, his twin sister, Kelly, their three animal godfathers, who were once wizards, two witches, and three wizards from the longest and most intense manhunt in Freedonian history. Separated from their parents and hunted, the twins' rebel protectors must live undetected or parish. As part of the dark wizard, Drake Aldric's deceptive, evil master plan to eliminate the the entire Connors Royal Family, the citizens of Freedonia have been deceived. They think the Regent, Rudemire Klug and his ten Regional Commanders are responsible for Freedonia's downward spiral into despair. The people have no idea Klug and his henchmen are secretly following Drake Aldric's orders, and he wants to keep it that way. Being a deviously clever wizard, Aldric is playing the part of one standing up for the people, while he is secretly trying to eliminate the Connors family behind the scenes. If the citizens knew of his true intentions, they would not accept him, as the next King of Freedonia and he would have to resort to force. To avoid another costly war, he chose deception to make himself the next king. Aldric needs to find and eliminate Charlie Connors, before he comes of age at the age of fifteen, and his birthday is weeks away. At this very moment, the dark wizard from the east knows the boy is no match for his superior forbidden dark magic and protection, however, he and his evil mother can't allow Charlie to enter the Connors' Chest. While under the protection of the incredible magic dome, not Drake Aldric, his army or even the bounty hunters will never find Charlie, Kelly and their rebel friends or sense the presence in any way. That is the true magic of this dome. This little group of rebels could remain within the dome's safety, however, they must risk going into the dangerous world outside. If they are to find a way to be able to stand up to Aldric's dark magic powers, find a way to rescue the twins' parents from Aldric's secret magical confinement at the Strugard Wizard Prison and save the Freedonian citizens from Aldric's evil master plan, they must leave the dome and the Oak Forest. It is out there where Drake Aldric found his dark magic powers. And now, Charlie and Kelly went to their fox leader and demanded to join the others in the search.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. G. Peltier
• Release date: Nov 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310458255

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 EDITING HELP

TO MOCHA LISA COFFEEHOUSE FOR

MY MORNING BREW AND TABLE

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter One....In Search of Answers

Chapter Two....The Morning After

Chapter Three....Following Russell's Instructions

Chapter Four....Squire Gulch

Chapter Five....Aldric's Test

Chapter Six....Yohan's Search

Chapter Seven....The Long Wait

Chapter Eight....Thurmond Wasserman

Chapter Nine....The Valley of the Damned

Chapter Ten....Intruder in the Forest

Chapter Eleven....The Delivery

Chapter Twelve....The Quest

Chapter Thirteen....Abner Brings Good News

Chapter Fourteen....Into the Cave of No Return

Chapter Fifteen....Wake Up Call

Chapter Sixteen....The Cave has Eyes

Chapter Seventeen....The Tales Mud Will Tell

Chapter Eighteen....The Summoning Stone

Chapter Nineteen....Into the Valley of the Damned

Chapter Twenty....Egg Shells, Hard and Crumbly

Chapter Twenty-one....Return to the Oak Forest

Chapter Twenty-two....Meeting at the Table

Chapter Twenty-three....The Birthday Breakfast

Chapter Twenty-four....Party Time

Chapter Twenty-five....Coming of age

Except from book three....The Cross Cupboards

Epilogue

About the Author

Connect with C. G. Peltier

Prologue

The people of Freedonia are just like everyone else. When peace and prosperity become commonplace, they tend to take what they've got for granted, until they no longer have it.

It has been four years since King Charles Connors III had died, the heir to the throne, Prince Charles Connors IV had left the country, Rudemire Klug had been assigned as Temporary Regent of Freedonia and Drake Aldric had resigned his position as the Commander of the Castle Guard and Army.

Since then, the iron, fisted rule and high taxes imposed by Rudemire Klug, his ten Regional Commanders and army have driven the Freedonian economy into shambles and the people into despair. The once respected army is despised and the people feel abandoned by Prince Charles.

If they only knew what has and is happening, but they must never know. A devastating war like the Great Wizard War must be avoided at all cost.

***

A sight seldom seen in nature, a lone, white owl silently soared above the treetops lining the road between New Castle and Oxdale. The sighting of this owl was nothing spectacular. What made it exceptional was the fact it was out in the light of day. Owls are creatures of the night, and are rarely seen in the daytime.

At first glance, one might think this was an ordinary owl. If one watched further, one would find this magnificent creature to be far from ordinary.

Nature had given the magnificent owl feathers shaped to allow for silent flight, keen eyesight for night hunting, talons for catching and holding unsuspecting prey and a sharp beak for tearing it to shreds.

However, this particular owl was not like the others. This very odd night hunter had yet to catch wild prey, had never tasted its flesh or had any inclination for it, whatsoever.

If this is true, and it is, what could possibly explain the owl’s very existence…and what would bring this odd creature of the night out in the light of day?

If it had never tried to catch prey, why would it be gliding above the road, between New Castle and Oxdale, as if it was searching the forest floor for a meal? There had to be a reasonable explanation for this very peculiar behavior. What could it possibly be?

Nearing the edge of the forest, this very strange owl made a half circle and flew back along the road to the east. Then it did something even stranger, it began circling in an ever-widening circle, while it observed the forest floor below.

If it were not searching for a meal, what could possibly explain the owl’s peculiar actions? This was not normal owl behavior.

The large owl returned to the road and landed silently along the edge of the deserted road. The big bird’s head swiveled… as if searching the road in each direction. Once satisfied, it turned to the surrounding forest and searched the underbrush at the side of the road.

The silence in the immediate area was shattered as the birds perched in the surrounding trees set up a high-pitched racket and scattered to the four winds. This was definitely not an ordinary owl.

It had vanished, and a witch was now standing in the very spot where the owl had been.

This five-foot-eight slender witch inherited her build, good looks and kind nature from her mother’s side of the family, but from her father’s side, she inherited her grandfather’s anomalous magic ability, her ability to color change, tenacity and his inquisitive journalistic drive. The ability to change from her witch form to an owl is very rare. Like her grandfather, she keeps this magic ability a closely guarded secret. She has her reasons for this.

The young witch searched the road for any sign of danger one more time. Her actions were those of a very cautious witch. Her vigilance has kept her alive all these years.

This dusty, gravel road is normally busy, but not at this time of the morning. She wasn't concerned about the farmers and other citizens who might be traveling on the road. It was the army and bounty hunters, which had her on alert. As she had found out, she was the only one on the road this morning. There was no one to see, or follow her into the Oak Forest.

Being anomalous, she could change from her witch form to an owl and back again at will. She could also change her color to blend into her surroundings. She had made very good use of this stealthy, magical ability.

Having an owl’s excellent, night vision, keen hearing, and silent flight, she was able to take advantage of the cover of night. She could land unobserved within listening distance of Drake Aldric’s soldiers, dark wizards, window or door. She could watch and listen in on conversations without drawing attention to herself.

Even if someone did spot her, there would be no cause for alarm. After all, she was only an owl, an ordinary owl.

Having this ability made it possible to gather information for her articles and verify what she had learned, without as much as asking a single question. She was persistent.

This was a clever witch. She knew from experience, when someone has something to hide, there is a tendency to avoid speaking of these things in public, especially to a reporter.

Being a good investigator, she was also aware of the one constant about common folk and wizards alike. When they gather together with their peers, away from prying eyes and the ears of others, they will say what they would never tell a stranger, especially to a journalist. This clever witch had a knack of knowing who had the information she wanted, and who had loose tongues.

However, this was not why she had come to this deserted road on this dreary, overcast morning. She had come here for a specific purpose. It was to continue her interviews with wanted criminals. She was here to see the royal Connors twins and the little band of rebels, which they were living with. She was heading for their secret hideaway.

A number of months ago, the royal twins had summoned this young author to a secret meeting by a farmer’s grain shed. Surrounded by the forest and decaying cornfields, it was a perfect place to avoid detection. There would be no soldiers or bounty hunters in the vicinity.

This meeting place was far from the watchful eyes and ears of Drake Aldric’s army, his snitches and reward seekers. Today, she would be going to the very place where the royal twins had called home for the last four years. This was where they had lived ever since they snuck out of the castle and avoided capture.

The young, witch author was aware of the danger the royal twins were under. At the time of their first meeting, it had been about four years since the posting of the first reward for the twins. The price on their heads had increased many times over. The one with information leading to their capture would become instantly rich. This is, if the one seeking the reward was ever heard from again.

The royal twins had been aware of the risk of being captured or worse. If this should ever happen, the twins wanted the citizens of Freedonia to know the truth about what had happened. They needed to know their father had not willingly abandoned the citizens of Freedonia. A book chronicling the Connors story would be the perfect way to get the word out, even if Aldric's plan to eliminate them had succeeded.

The young author jumped at the chance to be the one to quill the Connors story. It was difficult to allow this opportunity pass her by. This was a crucial time in Freedonian history, and she had a ringside seat to the royal’s side of history.

However, there were conditions. In order to chronicle the Connors story, she had to swear an oath of secrecy. She swore she would protect her story and her sources, with her life.

She also had to swear the Connors Chronicles would only be published under certain circumstances, if the royal twins both agreed, if both were killed or Drake Aldric had been defeated. As of yet, none of these things had happened, but not for lack of trying.

To hear the Connors side of the story, the young witch had found out Prince Charlie, Princess Kelly and Timothy MaGee had sworn an oath and had become Secret Keepers. The secrets these three had been keeping played a big part in the Connors story.

If the twins were to confide in her, and tell her everything the Connors family had gone through, she also had to become a Secret Keeper.

She would have liked the freedom to tell the entire account, but this story was much too important. Even if she had to keep secrets, the Connors story had to reach the citizens of Freedonia. She reluctantly agreed to their conditions.

As she had done several times over the last few months, she turned toward the forest at the side of the road, pushed her way through the dense underbrush and weeds at the edge and walked north into the Oak Forest. The underbrush gave way to larger oak trees and the dense shading the tree’s canopy above provided.

The Oak Forest is not a place for the inexperienced visitor. If you believe the stories told in village pubs, some have entered this mysterious forest and never returned. Are these merely… stories?

With the exception of a slight rustling of the leaves overhead and the crunching of the forest floor beneath her feet, it was oddly quiet under the canopy of the large trees. She got a whiff of the pungent odor of rotting wood, as she passed the remains of a downed tree. The walking became easier as she distanced herself from the road.

After a quarter of a mile of brisk walking, she began to sense she was not alone in the forest. She knew a number of eyes were watching her every move, for uninvited intruders.

It was strange; the eyes observing her every move didn't concern her at all. In fact, she seemed comforted by being watched. She knew exactly who was doing the watching and why they were doing it.

She continued deeper into the forest. She soon reached her destination. She stepped into the familiar clearing and glanced at the burnt remains of Frederick Weaderman’s retirement cottage.

Over four years ago, Drake Aldric had come to this very clearing to test his newfound dark magic abilities. He chose this clearing for two reasons. First, no one would witness him experimenting with his dark magic. Second, he despised the wizard who lived here. Afterwards, he had changed Frederick Weaderman into a mouse, left him to be eaten by predators and burned his cottage to the ground.

Before leaving, Aldric went to the stable in the back of the clearing and took Frederick’s horse, Slingshot, with him.

With the passage of time, nature will reclaim this mound of burnt remains of the cottage. However, it remained a grim reminder of the power of the dark wizard’s evil magic.

As the witch had done several times before, she walked to the center of the clearing, stood there and waited.

There was no need for her to be cautious. The young witch was now leaving it in the hands of those who were doing the watching.

She had already taken care to make sure no one had followed her. This was nothing new for her. Much like the Connors twins, she no longer had a normal life. She lived a life in the shadows as well. She wished she could return to the life she had once led, however, looking over her shoulders and avoiding detection had become an everyday way of life.

She welcomed the sight of the crow flying overhead and seeing the red fox, as it came out of the underbrush and entered the clearing. She knew if they had come into the clearing, they had already checked the surrounding forest, and they were satisfied no one had followed her into the forest.

Of course, she had already known she hadn't, but she also understood their caution.

The fox, the crow and the horse were Charlie and Kelly’s godfathers. After Drake Aldric put the twins' parents, Prince Charles and Lady Catherine, in Strugard Wizard Prison, Russell McIntyre, Abner Freeman and Marshall Black were responsible for keeping their twins safe.

Since the twins confided in this witch, their safety was also her responsibility. If Drake Aldric would ever find out where their secret hiding place was, it could be disastrous for the twins and their rebel friends.

The red fox hurried to the witch and wasted no time. Follow me and I will lead you the rest of the way.

His red fur and tail flared out as he abruptly turned and started toward the forest.

The young witch replied, Well, hello to you too, Russell.

The red fox looked back. Oh, I’m sorry, where are my manners? With all of the soldier’s activity lately, I have a lot on my mind. Hello, how have you been and how is your mother and grandfather?

I’m fine and they are also, thank you very much. You may lead the way.

She too, was cautious. Being the author also had a price on her head, she knew Aldric would use, whatever, means he could to find and eliminate her. She knew if Aldric would ever find out who her mother was; her life too, wouldn’t be worth a wooden farthing.

That’s why she pleaded with her mother to close the Sweet Tooth Emporium and get out of New Castle, before Aldric or his men found out she was the author's mother. She is now living a safe, secluded life with her and her grandfather. Drake Aldric and his henchmen will never find them. Now, with her out of immediate danger, the young witch had one less thing to worry about.

She had been to the magical, protective dome a number of times before, and could easily find it without the fox’s help. She could have flown directly to the dome and saved a lot of time, but she allowed the fox to lead the way back into the Oak Forest, while the big black crow kept an eye on the forest from overhead.

There was little need for all the precautions, but if it made these two animal rebels feel more comfortable with her being in their forest, it was well worth the effort. She could relinquish the responsibility of watching for intruders to Abner, the big black crow, and the rest of his feathery friends.

After walking for two hours deeper into the forest, she saw the fox disappear directly ahead of her. This sight would have freaked out normal Freedonians, but not her. This young witch welcomed the sight. She knew within a few steps everyone and everything protected by this magnificent dome would appear, before her eyes. It was a truly magical experience.

Walking into this magical dome was one of her favorite things to do. One moment she was in the forest surrounded by nothing but trees, the next she was in a magical place.

The dome was an enchanted place filled with friendly wizards, witches and playing children. It was also the reason why she had come here today, to interview the wanted royal twins living within the dome's perimeter.

Her eyes glanced between the blue eyes and grinning face of the slender and slightly taller sixteen-year-old Prince of Freedonia, Charlie Connors and his nearly as tall, sister, Kelly. Over the last several months, these three had become good friends.

Charlie reached out and took both of her hands in his, peered into the hazel eyes of the author and said, It’s really nice to see you.

It is very nice to see you as well.

Charlie stood there taking in the moment and said, Come, Molly is preparing breakfast.

He led his slightly, shorter friend toward the three boulders situated against the slope. I hope you like breakfast cakes with honey-lingdon spread.

She got a whiff of the cakes the moment she entered the dome. It’s one of my favorites and sure sounds good to me.

Charlie held her hand and led the way up the hill to the right of the boulders. These large, vertical stones hid the entrance to their cave home. After walking past the boulders, he turned to the left. Next, he walked up the slight incline and opened the wooden door to his cave home.

As the door creaked open, the aroma of the breakfast cakes welcomed her inside.

She followed Charlie through the entrance tunnel into the large, common room with the kitchen and fireplace on the right.

After her eyes adjusted to the dim light within the cave, the author came face to face with the short, stocky bookends, Molly and Mick McGruter. Next came, the taller and thinner, Sarah, Patrick and their son, Timothy MaGee. The healer, Heath Stillwell, was the last in line. She had come to know and like this group of wizards, four animals, and witches very well over the last few months.

These wizards and witches were no worse for wear and looked better in person than the drawings on their wanted posters.

Even though wanted for kidnapping the royal twins and other offenses, they treated her as if she were part of their family. She felt at home here.

She wondered, was it these wizards or was it being inside of this magnificent magical dome, which made her feel welcomed? She suspected it had to be some of both.

Charlie led her to her place at the large table. As he slid onto the chair next to her, his arm intentionally brushed against hers. She turned to him, smiled and took hold of his hand under the table.

She released his hand, as the platter of cakes and spread magically floated around the table. The platters stopped long enough for each to take a couple of cakes and then floated on to the next at the table.

Following the cakes, mugs of hot, brown-seed beverage and conversation filled the cave. She enjoyed listening to the banter around the table. She knew those around the table weren't related to Charlie and Kelly, but from their conversation, they seemed more like a large family than a group of wanted criminals.

Everyone was anxiously waiting to hear from her. They wanted to know everything happening in the outside world. Living a life in hiding, they had limited contact with the outside world. If only she had some good news to tell.

After breakfast, the young witch watched Charlie from behind as he led the way past the row of small bedrooms on the left side of the cave. The first one was Heath’s and the second door was Sarah and Patrick’s bedroom. Next was Molly and Mick’s, followed by Kelly’s bedroom.

Charlie shared the last bedroom at the end with Sarah and Patrick’s, Timothy.

Of course, she wanted to spend some time alone with Charlie, but her time was limited. It was time for listening to each wizard, witch and animal as each added to the Connors story.

As the hours passed, the young, wizard prince and his twin sister were able to move around, but the young author sat at the table with the growing pile of notes. The wooden chair had been comfortable this morning, but with each passing hour, it felt like she was sitting on a pile of bricks.

After shifting on the chair again and paging through the pile of notes, the writer found the correct page and quilled another note or two.

After Timothy finished his last reply, the author turned to the twins and asked another in the long list of questions, It’s been four years since your grandfather died, and Drake Aldric had stunned your parents and had secretly taken them from the castle and confined them at the Strugard Wizard Prison. Aldric’s puppet, Rudemire Klug, had issued rewards for information leading to the capture of you and your rebel friends. There have been roadblocks, cottage-to-cottage searches and arrests of your subjects. Aldric’s army and bounty hunters have been searching for you, and your grandfather blamed for bankrupting Freedonia. If this isn't enough, Drake Aldric’s evil, dark magic power and behind the scenes control over Freedonia is growing stronger with each passing day. With all this against you and the stress you are under, how do you two do it?

It was unclear to the wizard prince if a question was in there, somewhere, or if his young witch friend had been retelling their entire story, he asked, Do what?

Charlie, I think your subjects would like to know, what is keeps you two going?

The author glanced between the blank faces of the prince and princess; neither replied.

I know this has been a long day, but, I would really like to know what drives the two of you to continue.

Kelly glanced at her twin brother who seemed more interested in watching the writer than in her question. She elbowed him to get his attention and replied, We really don’t have a choice in the matter. If we are to rescue our parents from the Strugard Wizard Prison, if we are going to find a way to fight Drake Aldric’s superior, dark magic powers and free the citizens of Freedonia from his evil plan, we must keep going. We have to keep going. What other choice do we have?

Still, that’s quite a burden for someone as young as you two, isn’t it?

This time Charlie answered, Yes, it is, but we are not alone. We have our three godfathers and our friends with us. We wouldn’t have survived this long without them.

The young princess added, Don’t forget about our magical protective dome. Because of it, we continue to hide from the outside world. As long as we are inside of it, we are safe. Aldric’s ancient, dark magic or his men can't harm us…while we are in here. This dome is truly…magical.

Yes, I know what it means to you and your rebel friends, but you two must leave the dome, you have to. Only out there in the dangerous world outside of this dome is where the magic you seek is to be found. Out there, Aldric and his army are growing stronger with each passing day.

Charlie replied, They are, but our fight is not with his army. Defeating Aldric's army is not a goal. Our fight is with Drake Aldric and his evil dark magic, not with his army. As you already know, his soldiers are Freedonian citizens. These men and wizards had a choice, a very difficult choice. They would either lose everything they have worked very hard for, or be forced into joining his army. That’s not much of a choice now, is it?

You’re right, but choice or not, they are still your enemy. If they spotted you, they would immediately alert Aldric, Rudemire Klug or his men. They take orders from Rudemire Klug and the size of the reward is very tempting.

Kelly said, You could be right, but our godfather and leader, Russell, wants us to concentrate on finding the dark magic, which will help us fight Aldric’s superior dark magic. It is Aldric’s dark magic we must defeat, not his army.

The writer of words asked, And how is it going?

The young wizard prince was getting testy at these latest questions. He glared at his author friend for a moment.

She knew her question had struck a sore nerve. She sensed his reluctance, but he answered anyway, If it wasn’t for bad luck, we wouldn’t be having much luck at all. For four years now, we have been trying hard to find out how he had gained his dark magic powers. For all of our efforts, we have found the use of a magic spell here or there, but not the kind we are seeking. Aldric apparently, is a master at covering his tracks.

Kelly