Magic in Kella: Magic in Kella, #1

By Janet Stephenson

A wicked prince, alternate dimensions, and a magical Gift are not what Moira Finn expected on her way to the library, but at fourteen, she has received the Sight. Now, with the help of Elspeth, Kane, and some very wise crows, Moira is the only hope to preserve their worlds from Dael, prince and Master of Dark Arts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet Stephenson
• Release date: Dec 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781386311195

Book preview

For my family and friends, especially for those who read this story in all its incarnations. Your patience and love has meant the world to me!

Chapter One - The Library

In the small town of Kella lived a girl. Her name was Moira Finn, she was in seventh grade, and to all appearances, she led a boring life. However, to Moira, her life was far from boring. She had adventures inside the pages of books, and as she approached Kella Library she felt like she was visiting her best friend. It was an old Victorian home, and the entrance had a cheerful red door framing a beveled glass insert. Light sparkled through the glass, ushering everyone into a magical world. This is where Moira loved to study and dream. The comfortable chairs, worn tables, and cozy lighting invited her to lose track of time curled up in an overstuffed chair reading and going on adventures in other worlds.

Today, she was bundled against fall weather in her favorite dark green sweater and her long, brown hair pulled back in a pony tail. Moira was distracted, thinking of an upcoming test when she absentmindedly took her first step up the stairs to the door. Suddenly, a blinding flash of light turned everything a searing white. Moira froze.

The electric sensation left as quickly as it came. Her vision returned, and she blinked a few times taking in the world around her. Everything appeared normal. She looked around to see what happened, but nobody else on the bustling main street of Kella was reacting. 

Moira rubbed her forehead. Maybe she was studying too much, and her eyes were tired. She climbed to the top of the stairs and reached for the brass door knob.  It wavered and glowed golden when her hand came close. Moira hesitated. She blinked, and the doorknob was plain brass once again. Relieved, she relaxed. It had to be her lack of sleep playing tricks on her, and she resolved to get plenty of rest that night. The door creaked in a friendly way when Moira pushed it open, and a shopkeeper's bell jingled. 

The library part of the building was on the ground floor, and an apartment was upstairs with a separate entrance and staircase outside. Rent from the apartment provided funds to keep the library up-to-date with computers and new books. Moira envied the renters who lived above  all her favorite stories and had such easy access to the library.

She made her way to the center of the bookcase-lined front room, to where the check-out desk was. Mrs. Dee, the librarian, smiled at her. You’re in luck. The kitchen is open tonight.

Thanks! Moira replied, trying to be as cheerful as she could. She still felt wobbly. At the back of the building, which used to be the kitchen, Moira placed her backpack on a wooden table and turned on the green banker’s light. She sat down and soon became engrossed in her homework. 

About an hour later, Moira heard someone playing a tune on a whistle. She looked up to see who could be playing in the library, but as soon as she looked up the song faded away. She frowned, and went back to the problem she was working on. It was probably just kids messing about. Still, she had trouble concentrating, and the tune was now stuck in her head.

After a few minutes, the whistle cheerfully played behind her again. Moira turned to confront whoever it was, but no one was there. Turning back to the table, she jumped slightly in surprise. Standing in front of her was the new boy.

He and his mom recently moved to Kella and they were the lucky ones that now rented the library apartment.  He was in eighth grade and Moira was in seventh, so their paths didn't cross.  She did know that he had a reputation as a loner. No one was able to get close to him, but now there he was, standing in front of her and looking down with an amused smile.  His dark, green eyes glanced past her to the spot where the whistling came from, and then back to her.

I didn’t hear you walk up. Moira said in a low, library acceptable voice.

The boy folded his arms and leaned against a bookcase. No, you didn’t. He offered nothing more.

A little self-conscious, Moira asked, Well, why are you standing there?

He raised an eyebrow, hesitated, then pulled up a chair across from her.

I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Kane Griffin. He held out his hand.

Moira didn’t like the eyebrow thing. She thought people did that to give themselves an air of superiority, but in spite of that, he seemed friendly.  Besides, with his ginger hair falling in his eyes, he looked more impish than superior. She found herself smiling in return, and shook his hand.  I’m Moira Finn.

Silence followed. Kane just looked at her as Moira waited for him to say something.

Impatient, Moira spoke first, Can I help you with something?

Ignoring her question, Kane leaned back in his chair. Just now, did you hear a noise?

I heard some kid playing a whistle in the library.

No. Kane said slowly. That wasn’t a kid. He leaned forward whispering conspiratorily, You might be interested to know that no one else can hear that whistle except for us.

I doubt that. It was pretty loud.  Moira whispered back.

Just then, the whistling started again, this time a cheerful jig.  Moira looked around, but still couldn't see the whistler. A woman browsing for books close by didn't look up. 

The music faded off, and Moira turned towards Kane, "What is that?"

Kane tilted dangerously on the back two legs of the chair, and nodded towards a spot behind Moira. OK, now I think you can see it. Look behind you.

Moira turned, and gasped, startled. The back wall and window of the library had disappeared, and in their place was an apple orchard in full bloom. A warm, scented breeze wafted into the library, and Moira could see what looked like a gnome sitting on a mossy rock playing a penny whistle.  She glanced over to the woman who was still browsing for books, but she took no notice. When Moira looked back again,