Where Magic Dwells

By Archer Archer

Jason VanLord is on his way to happily ever after. His soon-to-be wife, the beautiful princess Mia, is waiting for him in the castle.

However, Jason does not want to get married. Instead, he is after a life of adventure. With the help of the princess, he and his friends escape the castle and are soon on their way to finding an adventure. But things soon get hairy, and he is flung feet first into a quest.

With time running out to save not only himself and his friends but the world, he has to travel to an island, the home of magic, and right the serious wrong that has befallen it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468504811

Archer Archer

Born in UK Scotland, a graduate of both high school and college. A very creative and imaginative person spending many a spare moment slipping into worlds created by daydreams.

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE CASTLE OF KINDROW

The day was dull and overcast, the bitter chill of winter still lingered in the air as spring slowly began to turn to summer. All across the wide expanse of grassland a strange lull had fallen. Above the rolling clouds danced with the wind, their greys and blues threatening rain. Occasionally as the wind picked up the clouds would part allowing the briefest glimpse of sky and the bright rays of sunshine to glint through.

On the ground below the swaying grasslands had begun to blossom, the little bursts of colour from the wild flowers seeming to glow in the dullness bringing a spark of life to the otherwise dreary landscape. As the wind moaned and cried it carried with it the faint echoes of deer and wild birds that mingled with the sound of the hissing grasses.

Suddenly the lull of the grasslands was interrupted by a horse drawn carriage and its escorts as they made their way over the wide dirt roads. Slowly the little group headed north following the small wooden sign posts that pointed toward the city of Kindrow.

Jason looked out the window and glanced over the fields of swaying grass towards the horizon. Dreamily he touched the window next to him with his finger tips and watched as a mist formed at his touch. He sighed in thoughtful contemplation as he lent back into the cushioning of the carriage and stared at his feet. His attention was then caught by someone’s foot as it tapped the floor in front of him. He looked up to the scruffy, scrawny youth in wizard robes who was smiling at him in his lopsided way. With a frown Jason grunted then slowly looked around the carriage.

Ben, why are you so happy? Ben shrugged.

Don’t know. He watched as Jason looked back out the window and wiped the mist away with his sleeve. "Come on Jason… It could be a lot worse. Your crowned princess could’ve been an old hag with no teeth in her head or a spoilt brat who clung to you every minute of every day and whined constantly in your ear! He threw his hands in the air and his hat slipped over his eyes. Slowly he pushed it back and sighed. What is it about her you don’t like? She’s beautiful, well natured, good sense of humour and well curved and toned in all the right places… He smiled roguishly, very fair indeed." Jason sighed and placed his arms onto his knees.

I don’t know… It’s just… every time I think of her I… I think of Randolph. Ben nodded slowly and gave an understanding nod as Jason sat back and stared at the roof placing both hands over his face. Slowly he slid them to his chin. "I mean, he was meant to marry her before… he was killed." Ben nodded and shrugged.

So… every time you think of her, you think of your brother? Jason’s hands fell to his sides as he nodded.

"Yeah… Also I’m too young to settle down. I’m only twenty. I want to explore this world and see all the mysteries and magic it has to offer. Find treasure, rescue maidens and fight dragons like Orin did and… And do something so great that people will sing about it long after I’m dead. Not settle down early like my father." Ben smiled and scratched his chin.

We’ve the same dream. But I’m your wizard… sort of… and I go where you go. Orin is now your own personal knight after… the incident with your brother… and Adel… Ben whistled. She’s hot… anyway; she’s your own archer. The three of us are here to keep you safe. It’s our jobs; you don’t hear Orin or Adel complain… I only complain on occasion. Jason smiled and he looked up.

You complain about something new every day. Ben frowned then nodded as he began to grin.

"Yeah well it’s my right. Anyway, to look after you is what we do, and you marry a stunner of a princess. Jason shook his head and they fell silent. Slowly a shadow darkened the window as a rider drew close to the carriage the man’s chainmail sparkled in the dim light. Ben emphasized his grin and waved hysterically at Orin as they passed him. He nodded as a hint of a smile appeared on his lips. Ben frowned and turned back to Jason. I know that man can show more emotion than that, but I’m not totally sure… He acts like the dragons he has slain, full of hot air and as angry as a hornet." Jason smiled and laughed slightly then looked out the window and watched as the world passed him by.

*     *     *

When at last they had reached the city night had fallen. As they entered the city through the large gates tall metal posts stood at intervals along the streets. Atop them, in small glass cases, a glowing light lit up the streets with the strength of a dozen candles. As the little group neared the castle gates rows of knights stood on either side of the road in their royal uniform their armour gleaming in the strange light.

Ben smiled and looked out the window as they began to pass the knights.

Wow… they really pulled out all the stoppers here! He turned to Jason in excitement as he jumped on the seat. Look! Look! They’ve even got dancing girls. He pointed with a happy smile as they passed the small group of bards and dancers their skimpy clothing clinging to their bodies. Ben’s smile slowly began to fade as he watched Jason nervously bite his thumb nail as he looked out the window.

All too soon the carriage had reached the front doors and a well-dressed man nodded. Quickly a footman walked forward and pulled open the carriage door. With a click the door began to swing open and Ben poured out his excitement almost too much to bear. Quickly he turned around and waved Jason to follow. With little fuss Jason left the carriage and stood quietly till Orin and Adel had dismounted. As they came close Jason took a deep breath then slowly began to walk to the grand front doors.

The well-dressed man stood his head held high as he watched the other servants that had arrived with the little group take the carriage toward the stables. As Jason approached he turned his head.

My lord VanLord. He nodded in respect then looked at Ben. And… Benjamin. Is he your servant? Ben frowned and moaned as Jason waved him quiet.

He is my wizard… of sorts. The man nodded again.

My mistake. Forgive me wizard Benjamin. Ben smiled.

Call me Ben. The man nodded slowly.

As you wish. Then he looked to Orin and Adel. With a dismissive sigh he turned back to Jason. I am Mathew. I bid you welcome to the castle. I will now show you around the main halls then take you to your quarters where you and your… Friends can stay for the time being. Jason nodded and followed Mathew as he turned and led the way into the castle.

Lush carpets covered the stone floor and large silk banners of the royal crest covered most of the walls. At every doorway a couple of castle guard stood to attention watching the guests, for the upcoming wedding, walk through the halls.

Ben nudged Orin in the side then smiled as he pointed to one of the guests.

See, that’s how you smile. You should try it. Quickly he ducked as a hand swatted the back of his head. Ben turned and he smiled sheepishly at Adel as she sighed.

Leave him be. She hissed quietly at Ben. With a sigh Ben emphasized his frown then ran to catch up with Jason.

Jason he whispered. They’re picking on me again. Jason waved a hand.

You probably deserved it. He whispered over his shoulder causing Ben to fall silent his head lowering to his chest.

After a few more corners and long corridors they stopped at a door. Mathew turned and pushed it open then stepped aside as he beckoned them in. Jason looked around and smiled slightly as Mathew bowed.

Your father had asked the king to decorate it similarly to your home in Imandor so you would feel less… homesick. Jason nodded and Mathew turned away. I will have someone bring you food. Now with your permission I will go. Jason nodded and Mathew left closing the door as he went. Slowly Ben made his way to the windows on the other side of the room his arms folded across his chest. With a sigh he watched as little drops of rain hit the window pain and the distant rumble of thunder echoed through the night air.

Adel stretched and sat in the long chair that ran around the little sunken floor then looked for a place to set her bow. As she placed it onto the table alongside her quiver she leant back into the cushions then looked at Ben with a raised eyebrow.

Why are you so Quiet? Did you bite off your tongue in the hallway? Ben slowly turned to look at her then raised his head to look around.

I’m not sulking. He turned to the window and Orin shrugged.

Who said anything about sulking? Ben frowned and pulled a face at him. Adel smiled and turned to watch Jason as he opened the door to the bedroom that joined onto the large sitting room.

Are you all right Jason? He turned and shrugged.

Nothing to complain about. She watched as he placed a hand onto his neck and sat on a low bench by the wall.

What’s on your mind? He looked around and sighed.

The wedding. She nodded and pulled the sheath from her belt. Jason frowned as he looked at the other doors by the far wall. Slowly he got up and walked across the room and pushed opened the door closest to the outside wall and smiled. Ben! Ben stared out the window. Jason shrugged as he glanced over his shoulder. Still sulking? Fine… Just thought you’d like to know they have one of those new toilet things in here. Ben turned and raised an eyebrow.

A poop shoot? Jason shrugged and nodded.

Yeah… and stuff. Ben frowned slightly.

With one of those towers that has the little door at the bottom? He asked suspiciously. Jason shrugged.

I don’t know. Why don’t you see for yourself? He stepped aside and smiled. I think the whole lot’s there. I know that the water storage thing is. Ben paused then smiled and ran into the bathroom to examine it. With a sigh Jason smiled and walked to the last door. Behind it was an L-shaped room that had three beds one of which was separated from the others by a screen of fabric.

Jason smiled and heard the door to the corridor open. Quickly he turned to see people carrying large trays of food enter the room. Slowly they walked across the floor and began to place the trays onto the table in front of Adel. Jason stared at the whole roast hogget almost drowned in vegetables as it was carried by two men. He coughed in disbelieve as yet more food was placed onto the table the golden dishes gleaming in the candle light. Before long the table was laden with food and drink and the last of the servants had retreated out into the hall.

With a squeak Ben ran out of the bathroom and jumped over the back of the long chair in the sunken area and fell onto the floor by the