Black Orb of Power: The Alchemist Chronicles, #2

By Joe Carter

Elrik Torstal is an aspiring young apprentice alchemist living with his strict father, hoping to someday take over the shop. Always striving to improve his alchemy skills, but frequently failing, he faces challenges that push his resolve to the limits as he and his companions struggle to survive in the wondrous magical medieval realm known as Teril. With fierce monsters, powerful magic, memorable characters, and riveting stories, readers will surely be entertained as they are transported into a fantastic and believable new fantasy world.

In Black Orb of Power, book two of the Alchemist Chronicles series, Elrik and friends are hired to find a mysterious artifact known as the Black Orb of Power. Facing unrelenting challenges and non-stop disasters, their first quest together puts them to the test. Can they recover the orb and return it before time runs out?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joe Carter
• Release date: Jun 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386180494

Joe Carter

When Joe Carter is not working on his next fantasy novel, you will most likely find him reading 1930s-1940s detective stories, smoking his pipe, or playing the Irish flute. He resides in Japan with his wife and two cats. If you enjoyed this book, please take the time and leave a review. It really helps independent publishers. Thank you. To get on the author’s mailing list for his next book release or promotion, please contact him at:   [e-mail]

Book preview

Copyright © 2017  Joe Carter

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. and international copyright laws.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

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CHAPTER 1

IT WAS A WARM, SUNNY spring day. The long winter was finally over and the snow had melted away. A sea of bright green grass covered the ground and the trees were showing their new leaves. Birds were chirping merrily in the sunshine and Elrik Torstal was feeling mighty good himself. Kalia had not been seen nor heard from since the incident at the Witch Lair last fall. Yes, all was well in the world. Who could possibly feel down on such a fine day?

This one will do nicely, he said to himself as he knelt down and carefully removed an Oyster mushroom from the base of a tree trunk. Placing it into his bag, he began searching for more.

Springtime was always the best time to collect reagents for potion making. Many rare and valuable ingredients could only be found during the spring, making it one of Elrik’s busiest times of the year.

Suddenly a blue glowing Will o’ the Wisp floated out from a group of trees and approached Elrik. He froze, hoping it would just pass by without noticing him.

These mysterious creatures were glowing balls of energy of various colors, and about the size of a large pumpkin. Little was known about them, except that they were usually harmless. But there had been stories of townspeople occasionally following one deep into the forest, only to return days later- having lost their minds and babbling.

The creature paused for a moment and began pulsating, then let out a sad moaning sound. Elrik remained motionless, trying to stay calm as his pulse quickened and fingers tingled. Seconds seemed like minutes, until finally the glowing ball of light continued on its way.

He let a big sigh of relief. Suddenly a high-pitched female voice squeaked from behind.

Hello there, Elrik!

He almost jumped out of his skin. Turning around quickly, he saw it was Miko, hovering there before him with a smile on her face.

Miko, I wish you would not sneak up on me like that. You almost gave me a heart attack!        

I am so sorry. I really am! Please forgive me! I did not mean to scare you like that. She then winked at him. But you did look cute when you jumped.

Miko was a fairy. These small creatures looked like miniature humans, but with pointed ears and transparent wings on their back. They could fly quite fast over short distances, but tired quickly during longer flights. They could also cast a variety of mind spells, such as Charm and Forgetfulness. Fairies were relatively friendly, but rarely lived around humans. They instead preferred to make their homes deep inside forests. Miko was a rare exception. She enjoyed the company of people.

Valoth had hired Miko through a friend a few months before to help to pick up reagents and deliver potions around town- saving both time and money. She also helped around the shop itself, such as using her magic to instantly clean up spills in the laboratory.   

What do you want, Miko? Can you not see I am very busy?

Grif wants you meet him at the Green Dragon right away. He says it is very important.

Elrik scratched his beard. Grif? I wonder what he wants. He should know that I do not have time for his nonsense right now.

I do not know. All I do know is that he said it could not wait.

Elrik groaned and shook his head. Alright, Miko. Go back and tell him I am on my way.

Will do! Bye! She then turned and quickly flew off in the direction of town.

OUT OF BREATH, ELRIK entered the Green Dragon tavern and saw Grif, Lunatiel, and Sora sitting at one of the tables. He made his through the maze of customers and sat down.

Grif jumped up from the table. Finally! What took you so long?

What do you mean? I came as soon as Miko told me. She said it was urgent. This had better be good, Grif. You pulled me away from gathering some very important reagents. My father would kill me if he knew I was in here talking to you instead of out there working.

Grif laughed. Calm down, will you? This really is important- a chance of a lifetime!

Elrik crossed his arms and tapped his foot on the floor. Well, what it is?

Lunatiel impatiently cut in. Will you please just sit down and listen for a moment to what we have to say? Sora and I were serving customers earlier today when a man came in and started asking around about looking to hire someone to do a job for him. See, that is him over there, she said, pointing to an older man who was sitting at the bar counter talking with Holdask.

She continued. "As you know, Sora and I are tired of living in our rented room upstairs and have been looking to get a place of our own. Recently a nice little cottage was put up for sale on the edge of town, and we have