Knight School: A Mystic Brats Novel: The Mystic Brat Journals, #1

By Robert G. Culp

When he learned that magic was real… 

 

…he began to trust the mysterious stranger. 

 

But was he ready for the Knight Academy? 

 

At 14-years old, Jason had three problems, his grandfather was missing, his mother was deathly ill, and he had a crush on a 16-year-old girl that was great with a sword. And there was more going on at the school than he saw. 

There are magical dangers hidden in the modern world. 

They must learn to fight the threats. 

 

What they didn't expect was the Soldier of Osiris. With the curse of an ancient relic hovering over the school, three friends must band together, but will they be able to find a solution in time? 

 

The clock ticks. 

 

You'll love this YA Urban Fantasy, because it has the perfect mix of adventure and romance to keep you turning the pages. 

 

Get it now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: STEEL HOUSE PUBLISHING
• Release date: Oct 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393795933

Robert G. Culp

Robert G. Culp was born in the small town of Stuttgart, Arkansas and is the award-winning author of The Mystic Brat Journals, a series of three titles with a fourth in progress. The books follow students at a top secret government school, where teenagers are taught to fight the mythical, mystical, and cursed dangers that surround the world. His two novella series, A Shattered Spell and The Fallen, are also set within the same continuity. In his free time Robert enjoys watching TV shows and films, reading Urban Fantasy books, comic books and online fanfiction, while researching Greek mythology, supernatural legends and Arthurian lore. His greatest achievement is to make his readers happy and entertain them with a few pages of pure escapism.

Book preview

Prologue

Kirk’s Journal

The Call

MY NAME IS KIRK LOUIS.  I was found in an ancient civilization called Skyrick.  Skyrick is located on the highest mountains in Europe.  One of the few kingdoms created by dragons.  It would become home to countless other creatures over the passing centuries.  Only humans who were magically protected could enter without dying.  Then... there was me.

I was inside a dragon's cave when I was discovered by a man named Eddie Stern.  He was in his early sixties.  He had light grey hair and was taller than most men.  Though, I barely noticed any of this during that time because I was half-dead and barely conscious.  The first time I saw him clearly, was seven days later in a US government hospital.  Eddie introduced himself as a member of a secret organization called Legend.  A group of  modern-day knights who were given the task to protect the world from the magical, mystical, and cursed dangers that surrounded it. 

What's your name, son? he asked me.

I... don't remember, I said.

Do you remember anything about yourself? asked Eddie.

No, I said.  I can't remember anything.

Eddie sighed.  Well, you look like you're in your mid-twenties.  I've also done a worldwide search on your thumbprints... there weren't any matching results.  Your DNA scan did provide some useful information.  It appears that you have magic imbued throughout your entire body.  Not just any type of magic, the magic of a Dragon Master.

A what?  I asked.

A person whose soul has been bound with a dragon's, and they can use their body as a vessel for that dragon's magic.  Theoretically, this gives that person the most powerful and magical abilities.  We can use a man like you in Legend.  If you join us, I'll do everything in my position to help you reclaim your memories.

My life of mystery took off from this encounter and I spent the next two years training and studying my new powers.  I was also given the alias, Kirk Louis, the only Dragon Master.  We quickly learned that I could project fire from my hands, transport to anywhere in the world, and punch a hole through solid steel doors, with my bare hands.  The problem was trying to control these abilities.  The harder I tried, the more I failed.  I nearly burnt down Legend Headquarters once on one particularly bad session.  Though, every time that I was ready to throw in the towel, Eddie was there with his wisdom and support.

I can't do this, Eddie, I shouted at him.  It's impossible!

If there is one thing I'm certain of it is that nothing is impossible.  I know this is hard, but anything in life worth having is worth the hard work you put into it!  You cannot get frustrated whenever there's an obstacle!  You must have patience and discipline, or you'll never have control over your life!

It's not that simple, I said.  What if I lose focus, and incinerate everyone around me?  How could I live with myself?

Just give it two more weeks.  I think there might be a way to control your powers and regain your memory, said Eddie.

What do you mean?  Did you find anything? I asked.

There is an enchanted crown that belonged to a mighty king, said Eddie.  The king would use its powers to break any curse or reverse them.  We believe if the curse caused your amnesia, the crown should allow you to regain your memories.

Are you sure?  Have you seen this crown... do you have it?

No, said Eddie, I do not.

Do you know where it is? I asked him.

Yes, I believe it rests inside the tombs of an ancient Catholic Church, said Eddie. 

Then, what are we waiting for? I said, impatiently.  We need to go get that crown!

The church is surrounded by Order members, said Eddie.  We can't move until we get approval from the Council of Representatives.  Each member from each country has to vote for a decision to be made.  I want to find the crown as well.  I'm hoping it will lead me to another artifact of the king's.

Just who was this king, anyway? I asked Eddie.

His name was Arthur Pendragon, said Eddie.  He ruled the kingdom of Camelot.

I never heard of this King Arthur, I said. 

I keep forgetting you haven't been in the Academy, said Eddie, smiling slightly.  Arthur Pendragon was just a poor young man living in the Middle Ages when he discovered a sword stuck in a stone.  After curiosity got the better of him he pulled and out came the sword.  Seconds later, a powerful sorcerer called Merlin appeared before him.  He told Arthur that the sword's name was Excalibur and that it was enchanted to reveal the true heir to the throne of Camelot.   When Arthur removed Excalibur from the stone he proved that he was a worthy king.

That's what you're wanting the crown to lead you to, I said.  You want to find Excalibur.

Yes, said Eddie.  It's always been a dream of mine to find that legendary sword in the stone.  A sword like that could really help us in our war against the Order.  Now, I want you to practice using discipline to control your powers.  When you're done, return to your quarters and get some sleep.

Okay, I replied as Eddie left the room.  

It was nightfall as I crept outside of Legend Headquarters.  I gave the place one last look before teleporting away.  I appeared on a tall, grassy, hill outside the church.  I took out my binoculars and surveyed the area.  There were two Order members surrounding each corner of the holy ground.  I would have to be stealthy if I were to get in and out of this alive.  A twig snapped behind me ― I turned around and saw a man my age with blonde hair pointing a sword at my throat.  He was wearing the same type of armor that I was.  He had to be a member of Legend.

Make one wrong move, and I'll kill you, said the man.

Who are you? I asked him.

I am Officer Travis Williams of Legend, he said.  Now remove your sheath and put your hands up!

Or I could just do this, I said as the fire began to produce from my hands.  Travis jumped three spaces backward, dropping his sword. 

You're a Dragon Master, he said in fear.  I thought that there was only one left!

You're looking at him, I said, putting the flames out.  In moments my hands were normal again. 

Then that means you're Kirk Louis, said Travis.  I thought the Council was never going to send backup.

They didn't, I said.  I came alone to find the crown.

But why? said Travis.  I thought you were on our side.  You are on our side, aren't you?

Yes, I'm still on your side, I said.  The matching armor should have given you a clue.

Hey, I've only been out of the Academy for three years now, said Travis, indignantly.

Something tells me you were a D student, I said, smirking.

You could have been a spy for all I knew, said Travis.  What are you doing here if the Council didn't send you, and shouldn't your handler be with you?

Eddie was my handler and I didn't need him or the Council knowing I was here.  Give me your communicator, and I'll contact him, and he can tell you, I told Travis.

Alright, said Travis, handing me his communicator.

The communicator melted as soon as it touched my hand, little stuff like this I could control.  Travis watched in horror.  That was my only communicator!

Be quiet or the Order will hear us, I said.  I'm going to get that crown, so I can remove my powers and regain my memories!  I don't need you ruining this for me!

You can't, said Travis, trying to lower his voice.  There's too many Order members guarding the place!

Not for me, I said.  All I need to do is teleport into the tombs below the church, grab the crown, and teleport out.

Well, if I can't stop you... then I'll come with you, said Travis, picking up his sword. 

I didn't have time to argue, in any second the Order could find the crown before me.  Then, I would never have my memories back.  Fine.  Take my hand.

Travis and I teleported deep into the tombs, each wall engraved with a different Roman numeral.  Eerily lit torches, provided the only light inside. Look around for any markings similar to the ones in this book, I said, handing Travis an old journal.

What kind of book is this? asked Travis.

It's my handler's journal, I said.  I stole it from his pocket this morning.

That's a breach of rule seven in the Legend Handbook, said Travis in shock.  How could you do that to someone you're supposed to follow?

Listen, we've been trained to basically be mystical spies, I said.  It's in our blood to act like this sometimes.  It's our destiny to be weapons.  So, I might as well use it to my advantage.

But ―

I prefer not to talk about it, I said.

It's not about that, said Travis, impatiently.  Don't you see those markings up there?  On that grave!

Travis pointed to the highest grave built into the wall of the tomb.  It didn't have any name or title carved on the outside.  The only marking was a crown with a sword piercing through, the same symbol in Eddie's journal.  Good going, Mr. D Student, I told Travis. 

Thanks, said Travis, dryly.   I was a C student by the way.

Yeah, that's a big difference, I laughed.  I raised my hand up towards the grave.  I was going to try to teleport the crown to my hand.  I had never mastered this particular move of magic, but it was my only chance of getting it and leaving before the Order showed up.  I began to concentrate...

What are you doing?  asked Travis.

I'm trying to get the crown, I said, irritably.

Are you using magic? asked Travis.  Because I read that most Dragon Masters can ―

His voice drifted away, replaced by an enchanting melody.  I couldn't hear anything else but that tune.  Then I heard someone calling my name like a soft hiss.  Kirk... Kirk...  It was coming from the grave, somewhere inside the crown was calling me.  The crown wanted to be freed.   I don't know how or why it happened, but the crown appeared in my hand and the calling stopped.  Travis looked at me in excitement.  You got it! he said.  Now, teleport us out of here.  This place is really starting to creep me out.

I don't know how I could have accomplished this without your bravery, I said.  Grab my hand and we can leave.  Travis took my free hand and I tried to activate my powers, but nothing happened.

Why aren't we out of here? asked Travis. 

I don't know, I said, my powers aren't working!

Did you use the crown already? Travis asked me.

No, I said, at least I don't think I did.

What do you mean you don't think you did, said Travis in a terrified manner.  You're a freaking Dragon Master!

But even a Dragon Master couldn't teleport out of this cave, yelled a booming voice.   Five members of the Order emerged from the shadows.  The man who spoke was, from what I could tell, their leader.  He wore black armor like the rest, but not a mask, with a skull and crossbones engraved on it.  He was bald and had a hard jaw.  He and his men were all carrying swords.  This is an enchanted tomb, boy, laughed the man.  Merlin did it himself, the only way out is through us.

Who are you? I asked through gritted teeth.

Allow me to introduce myself, said the man.  My name is Ocron Altiver, the man who will be killing you tonight.  But I might be persuaded to make an exception... if you give me the crown.

I didn't know what to do.  I could fight, but I had no idea about Travis.  If I had unarmed him in seconds, how long would he last against five Order members?  I gripped the crown harder in my hand, I couldn't lose my only chance at a cure.  My powers were dangerous.  I didn't know how I could control them in battle.  I felt a sword raise beside me.  It was Travis.  Don't give them the crown, he told me.  We got this! 

Travis charged at Ocron and his men.  This is going to sound idiotic, but I followed his lead.  I unsheathed my sword as Ocron and two of his men surrounded me.  I slashed one in his ribs, another on his ankle, and Ocron's cheek!  Travis ran his sword through both his opponents at once!  We both cornered Ocron, he smiled at us wickedly.  You think you won, Half-Pints?  This is just the beginning!  Ten more Order members came from the darkness.  This was a fight we couldn't win, but just as things seemed hopeless... I heard a call echoing through the crown.  Use me... I can help you... I can break the spell...

I raised the crown in the air and activated my powers, sending all my mystical energies through it.  The crown glowed brighter than a thousand stars and as it faded I saw every Order member who was there laying on their backs except for Ocron.  He was staggering, but not defeated.  I looked beside myself, Travis was on his knees.  Ocron threw his sword directly at Travis!  I covered my partner and teleported us away, hoping the crown had done its job! 

We landed inside Eddie's office.  He watched us get to our feet with a furious expression on his face.  Kirk?  What in the world is going on?

I...

Blood was pouring down my back.  Ocron's sword was sticking out of it.  I fell to the ground as I lost consciousness.  Kirk!  Was the last word I heard...

I felt a warm hand touch my head.  I opened my eyes and saw a girl with golden skin and red hair.  Are you an angel? I asked the girl.

The girl giggled. 

No, she said.  My name is Mary of the Markson Clan.

So... I said, ...I'm not dead, huh?

She shook her head. 

Good to know, I said.  Where am I?

The Isle of Fairies, said Eddie's voice.  I winced as I sat up.  I took a look around and saw that I was laying inside a giant tree.  There were dozens more of the golden people watching me.  They all had silver wings as well.  Travis stood beside me looking nervous.  You saved my life, he said, quietly.

Well, we all do stupid things every once in a while, I replied.  How long have I been out?

Four long days, said Eddie.  You should have followed orders, Kirk... but we wouldn't have the crown if you had.  The Council sees this and has decided to reward you by upgrading your status to Level One.  Congratulations, you're an official Agent of Legend.

I couldn't have succeeded if hadn't been for Travis, I said.  The best C student the Academy has to offer.

Former student, said Travis.  And the Council promoted me to Level 3... thank you, Kirk, for everything. 

Hey, what are friends for, I replied. 

A big smile formed on Travis's face.  "I knew you liked me!  I'm