The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles-One-The Cimaruta: The Persephane Pendrake. Chronicles, #1

By Lady Ellen

Dare to be spellbound by the first enchanting volume of "The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles"—a spellbinding adventure brimming with urban fantasy allure and witchy vibes. 

 

"When destiny knocks on a teenager's door, it doesn't ask permission to enter..."

 

For young Persephane Pendrake, life swerves into the extraordinary when she's thrust into a quest that could reshape the balance of magic itself. With her loyal sidekick, Thaddeus, and a band of unexpected allies, Persephane must outwit the serpentine witch, Melanthios, in a race against dark forces to find The Cimatura. This ancient Italian talisman, steeped in the legacy of the Strega witches, is the first of Nine Magical Objects that hold the key to either the world's salvation or its doom.

 

In this heart-pounding saga where the whispers of evil lurk in every shadow, Persephane's journey is more than a mere quest. It's a plunge into a world where the flicker between light and dark magic is as thin as a wand's edge. With every spell cast and mystery unraveled, our heroes will not only navigate through the tangled streets of magic and danger but also the labyrinth of growing up.

 

If you're on the hunt for fantasy book recommendations that meld the charm of bygone spells with the pulse of modern urban fantasy, look no further. Perfect for fans seeking the next alluring world after Hogwarts, "The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles" promises thrills, chills, and a ride through the arcane that you won't soon forget. 

 

Your journey through this bewitched tapestry of magic begins with a whisper, grows with the fury of a tempest, and promises to leave you clinging to the edge of your broomstick. Ready for the flight? Persephane and her comrades await your alliance. 

 

Unlock the magic, unravel the darkness, and join the fight against Melanthios' ascent. Will you heed the call?

 

This book isn't just a read; it's an incantation, inviting you to the most perilous, exhilarating witching hour yet. Discover "The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles" and become part of the legend.

 

Grab Your Copy Now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lady Ellen
• Release date: Jan 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781450598170

Book preview

IT BEGINS…

Persephane Pendrake exited the Time-Linx portal a few seconds before her Mom, Angelica. She had only started up the path from the river to her back door when she saw it.

What. Are. You. Doing? Angelica bellowed.

In that split millisecond, Persy had calculated what was happening, immediately going on the offensive. Kyle Dunsmore stood with his back to her, but she knew what he was up to by the pathetic mewling from the kitten: he was spinning round and round in his mean, grubby hands, all the while snickering.

Persy yanked out her wand, coloured sparkles flying everywhere, (as they do with Silent Speak, a Magical’s inherent way to talk to animals, telling the terrified kitten she’d help) and was pointing it at Kyle.

Stor… She was going to maim him.

Persy! No Angelica ran up to her, swooshing her wand and chanting, Liberatum. Releasing the kitten and bringing it to her.

Kyle’s head zipped around, his jaw dropping, assessed these two females waving what looked like sticks and screaming words. He had no idea of what they meant. But he needed no more. Kyle scampered up the pathway and into the woods.

Persy ran up to her Mom, grabbed the kitten and cuddled it in her arms. There, there. That mean ol’ bully won’t hurt you again. Her face was still flushed with anger.

Angelica stepped up and put her arm around Persy’s shoulders. Hon, you just can’t do things like that. Now Kyle has seen the sparkles and witnessed our wands and words he has no comprehension of. That kind of attention will not go well for us. You know that. She squeezed Persy tighter.

I know Mom, and I’m sorry. But that monstrosity of a kid is such a blinking bully. At school, he’s forever picking on the younger kids, pushing them into mud or snowbanks, stealing their lunch money or food. It just goes on and one and no one does anything. Uggghhh. I just want to throw him into a black pit somewhere.

Angelica nodded. Well, regardless, we’re going to have to do a Memory Erase spell or he’ll be blabbing all over about this. She nudged Persy up toward their house. I know it’s hard.. seeing kids act like that and not being able to do a lot about it. Maybe I’ll have a word with Principal Hemmings, not that I’m sure he’ll do much, but you never know.

Benson, Persy’s dragonfly familiar, flitted down to her shoulder. He’d made himself scarce during Persy’s attempt at stopping Kyle, but was back with his two cents.

Oy, Perse, ol’ gal, his English accent surfacing. Ya know, ya can’t let this mundane human world know about your special zips and zaps. Most don’t even fink magic exists. You’d be Princess Lab Rat on toast in a heartbeat! Sheesh!

Persy lowered her head. I know, I know. Now Mom has to do an Erase. But the side of her mouth twitched. Scared the crap out of him, though… didn’t I? She couldn’t help it, the grin sneaked out.

Persy had kept her secret well for all of her twelve years and nine months. But today—today she lost control when she saw what Kyle was doing.

She was an exceptionally talented young witch. Each week, as she grew closer to her thirteenth birthday, her powers became stronger and more plentiful. But that was just it. These powers. This was her secret, their secret. Hers and Angelica’s.

This secret, according to Angelica and her ever annoying stepdad, Robert, was the one thing about her no one could ever know. If it was exposed, she’d risk turning her and her family’s lives into a carnival act, resulting in them becoming some science experiment, and probably imprisoned in a well-hidden location. Here, it wasn’t the Hunters, but the humans or Munz scientists whom they feared.

And that they traveled interdimensionally… well, that would just be the brass ring. They’d be pursued forever. The thought of never visiting other universes again was beyond imaginable. She couldn’t even contemplate it.

Persy followed Angelica up the path to the back of their house and glanced over at Benson. She loved this little twerp. Familiars were lifetime sidekicks and protectors. They show up at birth and attach to you for the duration. Benson had always claimed he was actually a dragon. Some fool bunged on the fly bit when he wasn’t looking. How true that was Persy didn’t know, but he certainly did have the attitude and arrogance of a dragon.

He was a gorgeous little fellow, although Persy never let him know that; all glittering deep greens, turquoise, teal, and silver. The last thing Benson needed was something else to be swell-headed about. When needed, he was an invisible spy because he could fly faster than light. He was also a veritable fount of information on just about anything. He’d lived for centuries, being a familiar to countless witches and wizards before Persy, which she supposed accounted for the flying database he was.

And, my young witch… Stopiare? Seriously? You were going to maim him? They both knew that any kind of injury spells were very tricky. This was the first Benson knew she could cast one. She was maturing quickly, much faster than he suspected—a bit of a shock to him. Not to mention—NO Magic was to be done in this realm.

And WHERE did you learn to do that?

Well, I found it in Mom’s Book of Shadows and kind of, um, read up on them. I thought they could be darn handy without getting me into too much trouble—if I only used it a titch, right?

Blimey, Perse, Benson sighed, his British background rising to the surface. Ah, well, we stopped the maim, so that’s not the hot tamale; it’s the visual fireworks that you’re going to have to explain. He was calming down now, voice at level plus one octave. And I know. If you could use your magic, no one would try any pranks on you. You’d scare the pants off them. Not fair, to give you all this talent and then not let you use it. It’s living in the Munz realm that’s done that. In Bellarya, you’d be home free.

Exactly.

They entered the house together, both wondering what the next steps would be to fix this gaff.

THE SECRET

Persy and Angelica climbed up to the secret attic, where all magic was done. Benson flew up behind them. They knew they had to get this done before Dad came home. Robert was very strict about ‘NO magic’ anywhere, anytime. Which was not only annoying, but to be honest, Persy wondered if he feared them and their abilities.

He’d been in their lives forever. Angelica and Robert met just after she, Persy and Benson Time-Linxed from Britain, 1666. They arrived in Muskoka twelve years ago (but some six centuries later), on the river bank, after finding their way through a Time-Linx portal under a pristine waterfall from Bellarya, their Magical realm.

Robert was fishing, and astounded when they popped out from behind the falls on the opposite bank from where he was frustratingly floating fish bait around, only to see it swiped with nary a fish caught. He was about to throw in the towel on fishing. Hamburgers really didn’t sound that bad, after all.

What in the blazes? His chin dropped and speech was a forgotten skill. A gorgeous woman just walked through the falls with a baby in her arms. Holy Crow!

Angelica was afraid they may meet someone right away, so had prepared a story. Hello, my daughter and I were camping and somehow completely lost our way, winding up by the falls. I’m wondering if you could direct us to the closest town? she quickly queried.

Robert sputtered, Well, of course...I mean, sure...the town is not far...well, goodness,...town, yes,...u-m-m-m-m...I’d be happy to take you. He fumbled with his fishing rod, or rather, his not-so-fishing rod. Robert pulled it out of the water, took it apart, and packed it into its case. He threw it in the back of his SUV after he opened the front passenger door to let Angelica in, holding baby Persy. Robert stared at the dragonfly as it flew through the door and rested on the woman’s shoulder.

Robert drove them to Rockmanor, where he knew there was a restaurant that stayed open late, figuring they were likely hungry. One critical problem was there was no hotel in Rockmanor and it was more than obvious that Robert had no idea where their campsite might have been, so Angelica and her babe had nowhere to go.

After a home-cooked meal, although Robert wasn’t sure Angelica enjoyed it; Robert brought up the subject of her camper’s location.

No, I’m not sure what direction it’s in and it really isn’t in good shape, anyway. I was hoping to rent something in town. Is that possible?

Well, sure, you can rent a room in the daytime, but right now, everything is closed. What do you plan to do for tonight?

I don’t know. Didn’t plan on getting lost, so my first concern is getting ‘un-lost’ and then going from there. Any thoughts?

Persy was out cold in Angelica’s arms. The little strange dragonfly sat on Angelica’s shoulder. His wings slowly fluttered up and down, obviously asleep as well.

Robert scratched his temple.

Angelica continued, knowing a lot of explanations were in order. I, um, I saw someone earlier today who had mentioned a bed-and-breakfast for me to check. But obviously, that would be closed now. I just need to find somewhere for the night for my daughter and me. Angelica looked out the window. A voice popped into her head. Luckily, Robert was looking the other way and so the sparkles went unnoticed.

There was a bear outside named Orsina and she would watch over her and Persy as long as they lived in the Munz world. Angelica sighed with relief, but her lodging situation remained unresolved.

Well, said Robert. If it’s okay with you, I have a guest house on my property. It’s close to here, and I’d be happy to let you stay there until you find what you need. He was so afraid of offending her, but she gladly accepted. Unbeknownst to her new friend, Angelica had scanned his energetics and detected not one iota of harmfulness in this man. It satisfied her he was offering shelter strictly as a Good Samaritan.

Twelve years later, they still lived in Rockmanor with Robert, only now in the house because within a couple of years, Robert and Angelica had married; before Persy was two and a half years old. Angelica silently mourned Andreas, Persy’s father, but had made a choice to come to this safer time for her daughter’s sake, so the new marriage made sense. Robert’s one problem was magic… of any sort. Magic wasn’t something he believed ever in his life… and now this. He feared for Angelica’s and Persephane’s safety. The biggest fear was because of Persy being so young, she could slip up and use magic at a time which would expose them both.

Robert was the only Dad Persy had ever known, and she cared for him, but this hovering doubt on his part was so frustrating to her. It was obvious he didn’t trust Persy to keep their secret. That she had the capability. He was always helicoptering… watching her. He’d be out of his mind if this Mind Erase wasn’t done immediately. Frankly, Persy always felt Robert was a little too strict with the total protection thing, and often wondered what it would have been like to be raised by her wizard father. Why hadn’t he tracked them down? Wasn’t she special enough to seek out? They could have been a family hiding among the Munz, just like she and Mom were doing. She knew the Hunters had pursued him and had to flee, but why forever? It was safe here now. She supposed she’d never know.

Mom home-schooled Persy in White Magic, but included little about life back in Bellarya. Persy knew, however, Angelica chose her name because: 1) Angelica liked the name but more importantly 2) it has a resonance with her future, although Angelica wouldn’t elaborate. They purposely misspelled it from the mythical goddess Perseph—o-ne so Persy wouldn’t have to endure a lifetime of associations with the underworld queen.

Benson sometimes talked a little about the British Times, but rarely; mostly after evening tea and a couple of wee (dragonfly sized) snifters of eighteen-year-old snapdragon wine.

Ah, lassie, he’d say, Ya kin feel the fairy folk dancing around the flowers! Yes, well, that was Benson in his more mellow times and when he became too relaxed, he tended to speak his words backwards. She’d never forget the time after one too many snifters; he turned to her and told her to pis her tea. Problem was, she was visiting a friend who, of course, couldn’t hear him and found Persy’s raucous laughter somewhat misplaced, as the friend was telling her about the death of her favourite parakeet.

Angelica told both her and Robert a little of what it was like back in England during the 1600s. Although witches and wizards couldn’t be killed by fire, the officials would round up anyone they thought was practicing magic and decided whether they were a witch or wizard, sentencing the guilty to be burned. The problem was that no genuine witch or wizard could work under these conditions of constant fear of exposure. Even if they weren’t charged, and of course they had spells to slant the odds that they weren’t, then anyone who worked with them or associated with them in any way was also arrested, interrogated, examined and often burned. It was a horrible time for all, magical or not, and back then they hadn’t fully mastered universe hopping like they could now.

The Hunters took Andreas one night when Persy was just over a month old and was never heard from again. Angelica had an aunt who they arrested and although the officials thought they burned her, she simply did a Vanishing Spell in the middle of the fire and now lives quietly in Argentina.

It was extremely difficult for burned witches and wizards to communicate with left-behind family back in those times, as believe it or not, the Magic Hunters had a few witches and wizards working on their side and these traitorous Magicals could pick up the energetic of communication between family members. They could only hope Andreas is under these constraints and all right wherever he was.

Angelica gathered what she needed and in 1666 their time, and she crossed from their magical multiverse of Bellarya through the Time-Linx with her baby daughter and Benson to start a new life.

Growing up in a Munz world certainly had its challenges for a strongly magical baby. Robert and Angelica had to watch her every move to protect her from being discovered. It didn’t take Persy long to use ‘hither’ charms to command her toys to come to her when she desired. The number of times Angelica swiped floating dolls or stuffed animals out of the air was beyond count.

There was a portal to the dimension of Bellarya in the secret attic which Persy, Angelica and Benson would pass through for Persy’s training. Angelica used a ‘hydros’ spell to turn them into a mist, which would allow them to pass over easily. She preferred teaching Persy there, in a more current time, as the energetics of magic would not be unusual or cause undue notice. They had a favourite woodland area they’d go to in that world, close to Rockmanor in the Munz world. It was secluded from other magicals, and a great hangout for fair folk of all types: fairies, dryads, nymphs, brownies.

Persy trained from the age of three on minor spells, borrowing Angelica’s wand. Also, she learned about the herbs, crystals and various other magical elements to make potions, tonics, and brews.

She was always questioning, wanting to know more, do more, more intense spells. Keeping a lid on her was next to impossible.

Persy? Are you down there daydreaming? I need a black candle brought up here. Remember? Angelica called from upstairs.

Persy grabbed one out of the pantry and sprinted up the stairs to the attic. Persy loved this room with all the magical herbs tied and hung upside down from the ceiling beams, precious oils in decanters on the shelves along with dried anatomical parts, poisons, flowers, gems, crystals and umpteen coloured candles. And this and Bellarya were the only places she got to do magic.

Angelica opened her Book of Shadows, which rested on its wooden stand. She held a paper in her hand with the words My Secret on it, and on the other side of the paper, the actual secret, which was that Persephane Pendrake was a witch.

Angelica lit the black candle and chanted as she rubbed out the letters of My Secret one by one:

"As I erase each letter away

Your memory will lose my secret (the list of people who were told) today,

And after the last letter is erased, and paper burned

My secret in your mind—will never return

As I say, so mote it be!"

She had done a Threading Charm before and found the list of busy bodies that were told of the day’s events, so she could fit the names into the spell. Luckily, there weren’t many.

It was done and Dad was still about fifteen minutes from getting home. He worked as the curator in the Alexandrian Museum in Willington, a small city, about three quarters of an hour away.

Whew! With Mom’s help, Persy certainly dodged a whole mess of trouble. A very quiet Tuesday evening was definitely in order. And while Tuesday evening was quiet, that wasn’t the case for the weekend.

ORSINA

Saturday morning began blindingly bright. Persy finished breakfast and with Benson on her right shoulder, strolled outside to the back porch. After Tuesday’s events, she was glad she wasn’t going to be faced with school and Kyle Dunsmore for two days. Although he had said nothing on Wednesday, she’d been nervous that some memory of the escaped sparkles would return.

The sun and warm spring air seemed to beckon her, and she walked down the steps, out onto the road. Perfect day for the forest.

Five minutes into the woods, they came to the crystal waterfall. She glanced up at the falls then sat on the moss and wildflower covered bank. Peaceful. She looked up and down the river, as often there was a small brown bear and her black cub drinking from the river or catching fish. They never bothered anyone, and she enjoyed watching them.

On occasion, Persy had tried to communicate with the bear, but animals have the right to refuse Silent Speak conversations, and that seemed to be the case with this private bruin.

Benson landed on her forearm and looked up at her face.

Lovely little walk down the road, eh, what? he said. Persy grinned and rolled her eyes. Yes, that it was. He often sounded like a quaint vicar that she’d seen on British TV.

Persy sat back on her elbows and within a few minutes the bear and her cub showed up. Both bears glanced up at her and then bent their heads to the river to drink.

Without warning, Persy heard a voice talking to her, a woman. Persephane Pendrake, my name is Orsina, we need to speak, the voice said. Sparkles floated in the air over the bears’ heads.

Persy’s mouth dropped open and she bolted up straight. Benson shot into the air. What the...? he snapped.

Quiet, Benson, the bear is talking to me!

I know that love, I can hear her! No need to get all batty about it!

Persy shushed him and looked back over at Orsina. She continued to talk to Persy.

"For many years I have been watching over you from a distance. In truth, you know me in the realm of Bellarya, but in Munz, I keep this form. Now that you are within range of the time of knowing...it is time I make contact with you. You are aware that you are an evolving witch, but what you probably don’t know is the depth of your power and the power you are about to gain in the coming years. This information, when appropriate is always passed to the individual witch or wizard by an animal spirit because we have proven ourselves as very reliable keepers of secrets, and also as guardians of young, talented Magical Folk such as you.

Your mother knows I’m here, but has taken a vow of silence on this matter, allowing you to develop properly. It is up to me to tell you more of your past, so listen carefully, Persephane Pendrake, this is very important for you to know, to understand your fate in this life.

The portal your mother brought you and Benson through under that waterfall is a part of the Time-Linx, as you will have been told. The Time-Linx does just that; links all things throughout all of time. It can also be a way to access other magical dimensions and universes. Albert Einstein of this world once proposed that time is not linear; that all is happening at the same time and he was right. It’s through the Time-Linx that talented Magical Folk can travel to anytime, from 10,000 years ago; the times of Atlantis or to Ancient Egypt, at the beginning of their belief in gods, some 6,000 years ago, to eons into the future, and of course everything in between. Although in some cases, the traveling to the future is blocked for magical reasons. There are situations in many eras which will need your help Persephane Pendrake, and these will be made known to you when the time is right.

When you phase from one world to the other you have the ability to land at the exact point you left when you return, so you will never be missed by the Munz around you. The majority of your future will be in your magical world of Bellarya.

It’s time Persephane Pendrake, very soon. You are three months from reaching thirteen years of age, and Magical maturity, which is close enough to begin to time travel. Your mother knows how to prepare you for Time-Linxing. I will contact you again in exactly one month’s time and we shall meet here. Until then, keep learning." The conversation stopped as quickly as it had began.

Persy raised her eyebrows and widened her eyes, her legs were quaking. But… The bears vanished under the falls.

A zillion questions flew through her mind. She blinked quickly, then looked down at Benson. What was she on about?

Benson zipped around her head and shoulders. I’d say love, that your life’s about to take a rather large turn.

THE TIME-LINX

Persy dashed home, both her and Benson fuelled by Orsina’s new information. She was almost of age to use the Time-Linx on her own. Angelica had told her about coming here, and of course they used it to jump to other universes, but never just when or how she’d be using it on her own, even though Persy asked repeatedly. If she heard, ‘all things in good time’, once more she was going to pitch the biggest hissy—ever.

Growing up, Persy experienced varying levels of her talents; talking to animals, insects and even flowers on occasion, but they were particularly resistant to chatting, fairly indifferent for the most part. Benson explained that being rooted in one spot makes them cantankerous, a jealousy thing, something you also have to watch out for in fairies. Jealousy among the Magical Folk could be a major barrier to overcome when you needed to contact or work with any of them. And of course, getting herself into trouble by ‘hithering’ her toys, even when no one was around.

Mom! Persy called, running into the house. I met and had a Silent Speak with Orsina by the waterfalls, today.

Ah, smiled Angelica. So it’s time.

Well I’m a couple of months away from my own time travel, but she said that you would help me prepare. What do I have to do?

"I