The Islander

By HC MacDonald

With a vision directing her of where her mother could be, Raina and Leon set out to rescue her. Fate has other plans, Raina and Leon won't survive the outcome. With them out of the picture, evil takes over. Wyatt is given a single gift of time to change the course of fate. Three days is not much time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HC MacDonald
• Release date: Nov 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781978341364

HC MacDonald

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has moved all over the US with her husband of 21 years. Living in places like California, North Carolina, and Texas to name a few. She has 3 lovely teenagers. They have been living in Canada for the past three years. She has been guest writer for the creative writing high school classes. She has written sales and training manuals for multiple companies.

Book preview

Prologue

Raina, Leon and Keiko had been gone less than a week looking for Raina’s mother. Robyn awoke, in the dark of the night, panicked stricken as sweat dripped from every pore. Her body trembling from the dream. She took only a moment’s hesitation before shaking off the nightmare. Throwing the covers off Robyn got out of bed, she was in such a hurry to get dressed, she forgot to remove her sleeping garment. Grabbing her satchel and filling it with; books, vials of ingredients and potions.

She stood surveying her small studio home one last time as if she knew, she would never return. She stepped out of her home and ran as fast as she could to the Council Chambers. Bursting through the doors and waking up the night messenger. He awoke slowly, as he tried to focus on the intruder. Robyn threw her bag on a table in the foyer. She pulled out her book of incantations and began searching the pages frantically.

Can I help you ma’am? he asked, as he got out of his chair and walked towards Robyn.

Go wake up the council, it’s an emergency!

Who would you like to speak with?

All of them! Go!

The young man frowned at her abruptness. He sauntered over to the large decorative wooden doors and pushed one side open, letting in the chill of the night air.

All of them? He asked again looking at her over his shoulder.

He did not get a reply from Robyn, instead, he received an unknown, ear-piercing screech from the woods beyond. He began to visibly shake.

Hurry! We don’t have much time. Robyn urged.

The young man took off, transforming at his first running step. But, before the door could close, another screech echoed into the hall.

Robyn, turned her back to the door and continued her search. Finding the page, she stopped. Reaching into her bag pulling out vials of ingredients. Combining them all in a large vase she had found, decorating an adjoining table. When the potion began to smolder, Robyn began chanting. The potion slowly turned to a shimmering metallic copper color. Picking up the vase and moved outside the building. Slowly she began pouring the potion around the outside of the entire building. As she did, her chanting began to change in tone and rhythm. Her words moving faster, softer. The liquid glowed. When she connected the circle together, the potion went to work crawling up the walls until the building was completely coated with the metallic shine.

Robyn stepped back into the hall. The sounds of the unknown beasts echoing in the forest beyond. She moved against the table with her supplies and braced herself. Her body began to quiver in fear. "Please hurry’ she thought to herself.

Raoul was the first to arrive, the others not far behind.

What are they? Raoul asked.

I don’t know? I’ve never heard anything like this before, but if my dreams are a correct, we will need help.

We need to find Leon and Raina? Gregory stated as he walked in.

I know of a potion. I only have ingredients to do it once.

That’s all we need. Gregory commented back.

She reached in her bag and grabbed the single Red Thistle Flower and combined the other ingredients. Her chant began. She dipped her finger into the paste, then moved her hand, beginning above her head and down to the wooden floor. From her feet, up in a straight line, slicing the air in half. It crackled and sparked like a wet log on a flame. It glowed a brilliant white light that was hard to look at. Robyn turned and looked at Raoul.

I will need your strength. Coat your hands with the rest of the potion.

He did as she asked.

Push your fingers into the line and tear it open.

He followed her instructions and the air crackled and burned. A hole appeared and began to widen. Raoul could see the ocean for miles around. It was calm and dark as the night was black.

What do you see? She asked.

Water.

That can’t be right? You should see them?

All I see is a calm sea.

That can’t be right! It just can’t!

Raoul called out for Leon, then Raina. The sea sat silent in return.

Wait, there is something. Replied Raoul.

What is it?

Drifting toward them was a burnt, ripped piece of a cloak. Raoul reached through the opening and plucked it out of the water. He turned for her to see.

It’s Raina’s. Robyn whispered. "You don’t think?

Robyn’s face went white and she fell to the floor and began crying.

Your spell must not have worked. We will have to try something else. It will be alright Robyn, this doesn’t mean anything. Raoul said holding up the cloak.

This is just fabric, it could be anyone’s, right? Raoul asked to the group of council members who were now all gathered.

No one answered. The portal sizzled closed. They stood in silence. They looked from one to another. The sound of the unknown beast screeched beyond the walls echoing into the chamber.

I don’t have the ingredients to try anything else. Robyn responded in a whisper.

They are fine, you’ll see. Raoul reassured her.

He offered his hand and helped her up. She wiped her eyes and took in a deep breath.

"Now what do we do? Robyn asked.

We have to act. Raoul ordered.

Send for the protectors, send out the scouts. We need to know what we are dealing with. Gregory ordered.

The Councilmen sprang into action. They had a village to protect. Raoul helped Robyn up to a chair out of the way.

They will be okay.

The worst is yet to come, I fear.

We will survive this.

I hope your right.

For the next three days, they fought mystical creatures and unfamiliar beasts. They had sent runners to find Leon. Back at the village, many of the villagers perished in the fighting. Many more had disappeared, unable to be found. A scout returned with word that Erebos had been spotted with an army headed to the village. They were just south of the border waiting.

Raoul summoned all those able to fight to the south meadow. There, they would wait for Erebos and his army. Raoul stood in the now unrecognizable burnt, blood-stained meadow, his small forces gathered. We were all tired, sore, and damaged but we continued to fight not only for ourselves but for our people.

In the sky above a shadow crossed the open field. Raoul looked to the sky. A cloaked man riding on the back of a Black Fujin soared over the trees. He landed the large bird in the meadow and stepped off it’s back. The chains that bound the beast fell rattling against the hard-burnt grassland that was once a beautiful meadow.

I am giving you a chance to surrender. Swear loyalty to me and you will be spared. The man stated.

No! We will stand against you for as long as it takes! Raoul yelled back.

Upon hearing a noise behind him, Raoul turned his head as the trees parted and out stepped an army of allies, friends and family. Raoul’s faced twitched into a smile, this was the help he needed. Then they all heard the screech of something unholy. The ground shook. The small group moved instinctively closer together.

Surrender to me. The man in the cloak said. A cruel smile crossing his face.

We will not! Who do you think you are? We defeated Nezra and we will defeat you and any army you have! Raoul yelled back.

I am Iago! You will surrender or die? His voice now full of anger and hate as he replied, Where is your guardian? Where is your magic? Who will help you this time?

Raoul didn’t respond. Their allies, and friends stretched out their arms to the sky. Drifting down to them was a wooden plank. As it came to the front of the line it was set on the ground at their feet. On it laid Leon. He was covered in burns and dried blood. His eyes wide open, body bloated and pale. He was almost unrecognizable. Our friends tipped the plank and Leon rolled off into the dirt.

Here is your leader. Iago laughed.

The crowd of friends cheered. Raoul felt the deception immediately. He looked over his small group of protectors, farmers and villagers banded together. With a nod of his head and confirmation from his squad, he squared his shoulders ready to lead this mismatched group against this threat. Iago, pulled a vial from his coat and used it to open a portal. He stepped through with his bird dragging behind him. The portal closed leaving only his army salivating for blood.

Erebos shouted his war cry and the line charged forward. The terrors they had fought the last few days emerged from the trees adding to the overwhelming odds. Raoul looked to Wyatt.

Listen closely Wyatt, go tell the others what you have seen and heard. You must continue to protect the rest of the villagers and Councilmen, at all cost. Wait for us to return. Raoul said as Wyatt nodded his head in confirmation.

Off Raoul ran transforming as he leapt, heading to attack a beast. Wyatt turned and ran to the chamber hall to warn the remaining villagers.

Book 4

The Islander

Chapter 1

Gift for Wyatt

Wyatt laid on his bed staring up at the ceiling. Every day had been the same. Get up, protect the village, come home. The terrors that invaded his home came daily, growing in strength. Ladow village was one of the few villages in the area still fighting for freedom.

The village, if you could call it that was virtually nonexistent. They all lived in the old council chamber building. It had been outfitted to hold everyone. Most of the village had been burned or destroyed due to all the fighting. Now, thanks to Robyn and Juji, the potions they made helped fortify the building and helped hide everyone by using nature. The trees vines and briars encircled our building to the sky. It was so thick and dense not even a rodent could move through the brush. Juji also fashioned a potion to create a protection bubble around the building. Nothing of ill intent would be able to penetrate these walls. Juji had become a master of potions, partly because, she had the ability to control nature. She could get plants to do anything she wanted. She could call on the earth to produce any means of vegetation. Truth be told, they needed her to survive. Even though, Wyatt thought it was only a matter of time before the rest of them would be taken into slavery by Iago and his men.

Wyatt could hear Juji moving around in the adjoining room. It was just her & Wyatt now. Tomorrow would be the ten-year anniversary of Leon, Keiko and Raina’s death. Alastair had gone to search for Raina and Keiko’s bodies. They were found washed ashore on an island. He didn't bring them back. He left them out there on their own. Shortly after his return, he left for good.

That is when we all moved into the councilmen’s chamber building. Having nowhere else to go. No one has seen Alastair since. Come to think of it, it was about the same time they last saw Iago, thought Wyatt. Also, Iago didn’t attack with his army’s anymore.

Wyatt’s thoughts drifted back to that first encounter. He would never forget the way Iago flew in on his chained Fugin. It was Wyatt’s first time seeing the magical bird. Nor, when Iago appeared in the dark of the night outside the chamber halls just after we moved in. That’s when the special protections went up around the building. They were given a choice. Join or die? Wyatt was twelve.

Ethan, Sanna, Robyn, and a few others stood to fight. Wyatt chose to be with them. Maybe it was a mistake, most of them were gone now, what would it matter if Wyatt stayed this course. He let his mind ponder. Then he thought of Juji. He couldn’t leave her. She was his only family. When they discussed about leaving, Juji would dig in her heels and not budge.

Is that what Raina would do? Juji asked him.

I don’t know what she would do? I hardly remember her.

We stay together Wyatt because we are family and what about our friends? she asked.

I don’t know? We can’t keep doing this day after day.

Where do we go? Juji questioned This is our home, anyway every scout that went out all came back saying that it is no different anywhere else.’

What about the haven in the granite hills up north?

You know that’s just a myth. Probably a trap. I still hope Raina is alive and will return. Alastair could have been wrong. Plus, Wyatt if we left, Raina wouldn’t know to go there, if she were looking for us.

Fine, we stay. Wyatt said a little disgruntled.

Time after time, Wyatt would concede. He knew Juji needed to hold onto that hope. Maybe he too, needed hope or an end to all this. The battle was wearing him down. Wyatt was losing the desire to continue. Normally wasn’t that sully, but for some reason, today Raina and Keiko were plaguing his mind.

Wyatt sat up in bed already dressed for the day in clothes he had worn all month. He threw his boots on, picked up his swords and grabbed his cloak and talismans. Juji had made them each their own unique set. If they were caught or killed, they would not work for anyone else. Talented she was. Wyatt grabbed the two vials of transportation serum. Robyn had figured out how to bottle the potion and make it work without the chant before her death. Now, Juji grew the flowers daily to produce enough serum for them all. Wyatt would use one bottle to exit their stronghold, and the other to get back. Stepping over the vines that ran the length of the room. This plant had grown from a picture. It provided the bulbs needed to keep the protection dome strong. Normally it only grew in the coldest regions of the land and produced one bulb every hundred years. Juji made it bloom nightly.

Wyatt plucked an apple off the vine by the door leading out of their room. Today he was assigned to watch over the South part of the village. That was close to Leon’s old home. Wyatt wasn’t looking forward to being there today.

With a squeeze of his hand, he crushed the vial of potion. Wyatt took a step and found himself in the meadow outside Leon’s home. It was quiet. Off in the distance he could hear a squabble of river pixies. They were harmless.

Wyatt knelt in the tall grass which had grown in place of the burnt down trees. Behind him, the burnt remains of Leon’s home still stood as a reminder of what had happened. Wyatt stood and walked toward it. He wondered what life would be like if they had lived. Would their return have made a difference? Would they still be alive today? Would we have done things differently?

He tried hard to get them off his mind and he wondered what they would’ve been doing all those years ago. He stepped over the ruins kicking debris to and fro. Wyatt saw a glitter of metal. He moved towards the flash. Kicking away the wood and ashes. The sparkle was a necklace. It looked delicate and fragile. Wondering if it had been Raina’s or Keiko’s? He tucked it into his pocket and moved toward the meadow again.

Walking across the meadow no taller than the blades of grass was a peculiar deep purple small man. He was covered in striped, pictured tattoos from what Wyatt could tell. He waved at Wyatt to come over to him.

Wyatt didn’t know how to act. One of his talismans made him invisible. This stranger should not be able to see him. Instinctively, Wyatt put his hand around the talisman to assure himself it was there. Again, the strange man waved him over. Even though they were some distance away Wyatt heard him call his name as if he were standing next to him.

Pulling his blades from there sheathes, as he cautiously walked towards the stranger. The purple man took a seat in the middle of the meadow. Wyatt continued to walk towards him while surveying the surrounding area. He heard no other commotions, nor saw any other sign of danger. Curiosity building up in his mind he ventured to the small man.

As Wyatt approached, the stranger continued motioning for him to sit. Unsure of what to do, He glanced around for one more look, just in case it was a trap. The stranger motioned him again, using his name. Wyatt’s hand pulled off the talisman. He would need to get it checked, as he slipped it into his vest pocket.

Sit, Wyatt. The stranger gently ordered.

Who are you? Wyatt asked as he knelt down, still, keeping his distance.

A friend.

I don’t know you.

No, but I know you.

How do you know me?

Raina.

Raina’s dead.

She doesn’t have to be?

That’s not possible.

Do you know what I am?

No.

I am an Architect. One of the keepers of magic. I have been watching you.

Why?

You want something different for everyone. The purple man replied.

That doesn’t mean anything to me.

Wyatt stood ready to leave. This Architect was crazy, and more importantly, a possible distraction to an ambush or attack. Wyatt wasn’t going to fall for this lie, he thought to himself eyes searching my surroundings once more. Taking a few steps back. Turning back to the architect, his body fading from a purple to grey.

Wyatt, why do you not trust me? The architect asked.

You are a crazy man.

No, I am the last of my kind.

Still doesn’t mean anything to me.

I want to give you a gift.

I don’t want anything.

Please Wyatt, it will bring back the balance.

Balance?... your talking crazy.

I must go, but if you choose to accept my gift, you will be given three days.

Three days to do what? Wyatt asked in confusion.

The architect was gone. In his place, a small purple metallic box on top of a pile of grey ashes. What was this madness? What was he going do? Leaving the box, Wyatt surveyed the tree line and searched the area around him. It took hours. When he made it back to the meadow, the box and ashes were still there. Curiosity lurking in his mind, he stared at the box. He did want something different, picking up the box and lifted open the lid.

The day had gone instantly dark. Wyatt was immediately confused and bewildered by his surroundings. Not knowing where he was or how he got there. Yet, here he was, standing against a damp cavern wall. He could see a faint glowing light ahead and began moving toward it. Stumbling around a stalagmite he could see the tunnel opening into an enormous cavern. People were huddled together in this natural rock room, they were using old torn clothes for makeshift tents and housing. Feeling for his talisman he needed the assurance that he could not be seen in this unknown place. Checking his pocket, it was not there, next he reached for his neck amongst the other talismans he wore, and could not find it. Hi mind began to panic. Calm down, he told himself. Blend in.

These people were frail, pasty, curious and fearful. Wyatt scanned the opening. Most of these strangers had gravitated toward a single pit with yellow and blue flames. There in the mist of the crowd he saw them. Reina and Keiko were alive. His breath shortened, and his chest tightened. How could this be? Where was he? When was he? The questions kept rolling over in his mind. Keiko looked as old as she had when she left to chase down Raina. No more than sixteen. Wyatt couldn’t explain it.

Finding himself moving towards the crowd anxious to see the girls. He rounded a cavern rock taller than himself at 6’4" and saw Leon. Leon was talking to a small group of weathered scared men. Leon turned and looked over his shoulder toward Raina. She in turn looked back towards him. They smiled at each other. Could it really be them? Wyatt had made it to the crowd. He moved around to the back and stood less than a foot away from Raina. Keiko was standing in front of her.

Wyatt reached through the gap of people to try and touch Raina's arm. She turned and looked right at him. It was really her! She smiled, and he smiled back. She then turned back to the crowd as if not knowing who he was and continue talking with the crowd.

Taking a few steps back. Unsure what to do? Unsure of what to say? His chest feeling tight, his breath feeling labored, he needed fresh air. An old woman touched his arm.

Are you okay young man? The old woman asked. You’re a long way from home, with a hard journey ahead.

Air! I need air.

The old woman pointed to the opening of the cave and Wyatt could see a brighter light peeking around the corner of the rocks that guarded the exit. Running in that direction he stumbled over rocks and boulders. Stepping out onto the pebbly beach, confusion took over.

Wyatt thought of Juji, he thought of Ladow, his home. He thought of Sasha and the others. Wyatt closed his eyes listening to the waves that crashed on the rocky beach outside the cavern. How could this be? Wyatt took one more deep breath to calm his nerves than ran back into the cavern and almost ran over Leon as he did.

Hey, everything okay? Leon asked. Holding onto Wyatt’s shoulders.

Wyatt wanted to embrace him. Cry, shout, jump for joy. Instead, he took a step out of Leon’s way, then just stood there staring at him. It took Wyatt a moment to wipe the surprise from his face and answer the question.

Yeah, just disoriented.

What happened? Leon asked with a bit of hesitation. Maybe, I can help or direct you?

Wyatt could tell from Leon’s raised eyebrows and the look on his face he knew Wyatt didn’t fit in with this crowd. Leon watched him.

I need to get to the islands beyond. Wyatt gasped out. His relief and excitement not quite under control.

Leon looked over him with a stern and angry look.

What business do you have at the island? Leon asked with resolve. Leon looked at the blades sticking out of Wyatt’s back. The blood-stained clothes. The dirt on Wyatt’s face. The twine around Wyatt’s neck disappearing into his shirt. Wyatt heard Leon’s inner wolf growl.

Someone I care for. They are…. well taken. I think they are there?

Leon continued to eye Wyatt over, then shifted his footing, moved aside and continued out the cavern with the frail man he was leading.

The words from the architect rung in his mind. Three days. This must be what the man had meant. Three days to change the past.