Fabled Spell

By S. L. Gavyn

Elemental Witch, Twyla Boleyn, has a secret—one she’s tried to hide for more than a century. A spell she created long ago for the leader of the Council of Elders, Lucian Dubois, bound her to a demon, and Twyla has done her best to keep that secret at bay to protect those closest to her.

Recent deaths of two council members have put Twyla in the spotlight as the forerunner to take over as leader of the Elementals. There’s only one problem—Twyla doesn’t want the job. That doesn’t stop other Elementals from giving her their support or prevent her closest competitor from challenging her for the seat. When that competitor turns out to be a Dragon, the fight becomes one for Twyla’s life, and then for control of her life. After all, Dragons play for keeps.

This is book four of The Fabled Series. Book one, The Fabled, is currently free.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. L. Gavyn
• Release date: May 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463457382

S. L. Gavyn

S.L. Gavyn lives in Mobile, Alabama with her husband, three children, two dogs, two betta fish, one guinea pig, and a tree frog that hangs out in her bathroom shower. She tries to write fantasy novels that are funny, interesting and adventurous with just the right amount of romance worked in. You can find her blogging about her books and various other things at slgavyn.wordpress.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Dancing naked in the pale moonlight

I felt the snap of energy as the Head Priestess closed the circle around us. The world went silent, and a weight on my chest lifted. The only time I could relax, the only time I dared to relinquish control, was during these monthly rituals. Unlike the other wiccans in our small coven, I didn’t use this time to earn favor with the goddess. I didn’t need her favor. I used this time to relax.

Following my sisters, I reached my hands toward the night sky. The rhythm of the heartbeats surrounding me created a staccato to which my naked body swayed, allowing the moon’s light to bathe me in serenity. What had started as a way to hide in plain sight, quickly became a sort of therapy for me. As a witch in a coven of wiccans, I found kindred spirits. Although they didn’t know anything about casting spells, at least not the way I did, they did respect the elements surrounding us.

Here, in this circle, I found peace. Here, I didn’t have to fear what I might do, what my curse might do. I could just be one with the forces around me.

I opened myself up, allowing the elements to surround me and move through me. I was at one with them. The early fall wind nipped at my naked body while my toes dug softly into the earth below me. I felt its warmth move up through the balls of my feet and though my veins until it reached my solar plexus, blending there with the magic that could control it.

Lifting my face to match my outstretched hands, I basked in the moonlight streaming down on me as strands of my dark-red hair moved around me. That lunar energy renewed me, calmed me, made me feel loved and welcomed. For a time, I had no thought, only pure sensation. I allowed the elements to control me, and the release of control was soothing to my soul.

When the ritual ended and the circle broken, I donned my simple sundress once more and turned to the sisters of my coven with a true smile. My spirit always felt invigorated after the monthly moon ritual. This full moon being the Mabon Sabbat, the second of the three harvest festivals, only added to the balance I felt now. Samhain, the next moon ritual, is my favorite sabbat of all.

I look forward to it throughout the year, and my anticipation grew as it neared.

Sister Twyla, the sabbat has you absolutely glowing, Laura said from beside me.

I resisted the urge to verify that my skin was not, in fact, glowing.

Thank you, Laura. I feel more alive than I have in some time.

The goddess, she blesses us all.

I just nodded my agreement. I didn’t know about the goddess. I did know about the energy that surrounded us, however, and about the five elements and their uses. As an elemental witch, I could manipulate those forces with ease. Whether my gifts came from a goddess or not, that was still up for debate.

Did the protection spell help? I asked.

Oh, indeed. The negative energy that had been plaguing me disappeared, and I’m happy to say that I blew their socks off at the job interview. I start on Monday.

Her smile was vibrant, and I couldn’t help returning it with a more muted version of my own. Excellent. I’m glad I could help.

Oh, you always do, Twyla. You’re such a gifted witch.

If she only knew. I gave her another smile in response.

After a few more blessings to and from my fellow sisters, I left the meadow high on the hill we used as our meeting place and made my way to my car parked next to the road below. Soon I was bouncing down the long dirt lane that served as my driveway.

The simple cottage I’d purchased long ago wasn’t too far from our meeting place, so the moon was still high overhead when I reached my front door. I called on the element of air to unbind the ward surrounding my home, then unlock and open the door as I approached. The benefit of living in such seclusion was that I could freely use my magic as I pleased without having to hide it from prying eyes. How other Fabled managed to live so close to humans was beyond me. To have to hide who I am constantly would be next to torture. I used my magic so often it had become second nature. So much so that I had to watch myself during the monthly rituals with the coven.

But my magic was a part of me; it defined me. I’d even used it to make a living selling magical satchels, amulets, and talismans on the internet. Of course, I didn’t sell real spells, not the kind I’d use anyway. The charms were a muted version of the real thing. They still worked, just not as obviously. Because the spells did have a small amount of natural magic, they had become quite popular online, and my little witchcraft business was booming, at least as much as a business run by a single, secluded witch could boom.

I looked to the stacked wood in the fireplace and called on fire to spark it to life. I decided on a cup of tea. Plucking some herbs from where they dried by the back door, I added them to a cup before turning on the stove and setting on the kettle. I watched my herbs in the window enjoy the moonlight that streamed in. I could feel their roots as they expanded slightly, giving the stems more stability.

My eyes caught on the amulets and various gemstones laid on the table on the back porch. I would have to bring them in before the sun rose. Not that sunlight wasn’t useful in some spells. Those that required moonlight, however, had to be completed before the sun touched them, or I’d have to start all over.

A knock at the door had me narrowing my eyes. I didn’t want any Fabled business, and given the late hour, I doubted it was anything else. I sent out my senses, feeling the spirit of the person standing on my front porch. A corner of my mouth lifted seemingly of its own accord. I should have known she would be the one sent.

Are you going to let me in sometime tonight? came a voice from the other side of the door.

I rolled my eyes as I moved to let her in. She would likely burst through it if I didn’t. I swung the door widely and just looked at my unexpected guest.

Sunny Dubois stood with both hands on her hips. You could have opened it from across the room.

I nodded. I could have.

I didn’t ask her to come in. She would anyway. Instead, I turned back to my small kitchen and pulled out another cup. While I prepared the tea, she feigned interest in my meager belongings. When I brought both cups to the coffee table and motioned for her to choose her cup, she lifted a brow before choosing one, presumably at random, and sat in one of the chairs close to the fire. I picked up my cup and sat on the couch, waiting.

After sipping her tea, she shot me an expectant look. You aren’t going to ask me why I’m here?

Why ask a question I already know the answer to?

Since I know you’re not psychic, I’ll assume you’ve heard about what’s going on.

I knew my mistress was dead the moment her heart stopped beating.

I didn’t tell her about the relief I’d felt in that moment, but I knew what was to come. It was the reason for Sunny’s unannounced visit. Brisa Quarris, leader of the elementals, had been killed along with the leader of the vampere. While I didn’t know the details of the attack, I knew it was the beginning of something that would take on a life of its own. And I knew that I wanted nothing to do with any of it.

And yet, you’re content to stay hidden away in your cabin in the woods.

She hadn’t worded it as a question, just a statement of fact.

What would you have me do, Sunny?

How about you take some action.

I looked at her questioningly.

She huffed. The leader of the elementals is dead. You don’t think that you should do something?

Why would I? I’m sure someone will replace her soon enough. Whoever obtains that honor will come calling much like you are.

And?

And what?

What will you do then? Will you pledge fealty to the next leader? Or, do you intend to reject the council? You could always choose Lucian instead.

She referred to the fact that while I control the elements, I’m still a spellcaster at heart. Lucian, leader of the spellcasters, would allow me to join his ranks if I wanted.

I looked at her for a moment, but her poker face was unreadable. Is that what this is about? You think since Brisa is dead, I will pledge my loyalty to Lucian instead?

No. I was just reminding you that as a spellcaster, you could choose to follow Lucian. That is not why I’m here.

Why did your father send you here then?

She didn’t bother trying to deny that she was here on Lucian’s behalf. An enemy is at our door. Now is not the time for infighting, but fighting is exactly what is happening.

Have the Caduceus acted?

I thought I would have heard something if they’d attacked anyone, but I did live in seclusion, so word didn’t get to me as fast as some.

She shook her head. No, they seem to have gone to ground, for now.

Good. Let them stay there.

They’ll be back. It’s just a matter of when. And when they do attack next, we won’t be prepared. The vampere are all at war. Over thirty have tried to replace Augustus and died for their efforts. It’s as though the entire vampere nation has lost their damned minds, not that they were all there, to begin with. I’ve been working nonstop trying to keep them from exposing us to the humans, but the enforcers are stretched thin enough. If the Caduceus were to attack right now, we’d be up a creek.

So, you have come to consult me for an answer to your vampere problem? Sure. Let’s see... I pretended to think about it. Oh, I know. How about that thousand-year-old vamp you’re currently shacked-up with? Wouldn’t he make a good candidate?

She feigned offense. Look, let’s get one thing straight. I’m the smartass here. But to answer your question, Roman doesn’t think it would be optimal to take over as leader so soon after taking on a child. Since I don’t want anyone going after Tristan to try to control Roman, I’m inclined to agree with him.

That sounds awfully selfish of you, don’t you think?

Says the woman hiding in the woods.

I gave her my most innocent look. Me? I’m just a humble elemental witch living next to nature.

She made a very unladylike snort. Yeah. Right.

I’m not going to do it, Sunny.

Come on, Twy. You know you’ll have Lucian’s support, and I’m sure we could get the Bruce and Abigail on board. It could keep it from turning out like the vampere.

It might make me just as selfish as her, but I would rather scoop out my eyeballs with a plastic spoon than play politics with the Council of Elders.

The answer is no. I shook my head in disbelief. What I can’t understand is that you know me, Sunny. You knew before coming here that there was no way in hell I’d take Brisa’s place. Yet, you still came.

She puffed out a defeated sigh. I know. I tried to tell my father such. I tried to tell him he was way better at coercing people into doing crap they don’t want to do. I should know.

But he thought you might be able to get through to me because of our friendship, I finished for her.

She nodded. It didn’t surprise me that Lucian didn’t come on his own. We hadn’t parted ways on the best of terms. I’d told him I never wanted to see him again, and he’d done his best to make that happen.

I just looked at her, and she stared right back at me for several minutes. I knew the moment that the devious thought entered her mind, but she tried to keep her expression neutral.

Oh, well. I guess we’ll just have to work with the current top contender.

I wouldn’t do it. Sunny was baiting me, and I knew it. I wasn’t going to let her manipulate me so easily. Oh, Christ on a cracker. Out with it.

She tried for a nonchalant shrug. What do you care? You’ll be pledging your fealty anyway.

Oh, will I? I could opt to go on my own.

She smiled knowingly. Refusing the council was beyond stupid. Anyone who shunned their support didn’t tend to live very long. The Council of Elders didn’t give second chances either. Once a Fabled decided to forgo fealty, they were officially on their own. And it wasn’t something that you could keep to yourself either. Anyone outside the council’s protection was like a beacon for whatever dark creature might be looking for magic to steal. I’m strong, but I’m not stupid.

Who is vying for control? I asked once more.

Her smile remained. You probably don’t know him. Their kind tends to keep to themselves.

I called a handful of the water in the kettle on the stove, added some air to cool it quickly and splashed it in her face, all without leaving the comfort of the couch. She gasped and then coughed as the water went down the wrong pipe. When she regained her composure, she shot me a nasty look.

That was uncalled for, she spat.

So is your posturing. You seem to think that whoever is going to take over the elementals is so foul that I’m going to decide to take the mantle for myself, but we both know that isn’t going to happen. So, get on with it.

You wouldn’t mind lending me a bit of that elemental magic, would you?

She referred to her ability to absorb and then use different types of magic, but I purposely pretended to misunderstand. Oh, I’ll give you some of my magic all right.

She laughed at the threat but held up her hands in defeat. It’s a dragon.

My eyes widened. A dragon? What the hell would a dragon want with the mantle of elemental leader?

Beats me. I guess this one is more power-hungry than most.

I scoffed. They’re all power-hungry. It’s just that they’ve only cared about ruling their own kind before. They don’t think the rest of us are worth their time.

Apparently, this one does. Maybe he’s tired of fighting his kind for power, only to rule nothing.

I nodded. Dragons notoriously fought for power, but while they would steal from anyone, they only fought each other to rule their species. No one, other than dragons, was allowed into the inner sanctum of their weyrs, but speculation has it that so much infighting has dwindled their numbers to less than several hundred worldwide. The couple I’ve met over the last century or two were horrible, vicious creatures who thought themselves above everyone else. They’re known, above all else, for their desire for power. Whether that power was through monetary gain or pure ruthless strength, they were the worst sort.

I will have to give this thought.

Sunny nodded. I thought you might. Now you know why I mentioned Lucian as an option.

I made sure to keep my face neutral as I nodded. I would not swear fealty to Lucian. A dragon wasn’t someone I wanted to pledge myself to either, but Lucian had betrayed me a long time ago. The mark on my forearm flared to life at the thought of that betrayal. I pushed it from my mind as I adjusted my sleeve to assure myself the raised scar hid beneath.

I faced Sunny once more. It was then that I realized how happy she looked. She could complain about vampere fighting and being overworked, but she couldn’t entirely hide the contentment she felt. I knew Roman was the cause of that contentment, and I genuinely felt happy for her. It was a rarity to find someone to spend eternity with, but it was apparent she had found hers.

I am glad that you are happy, I told her with as much sincerity as I could muster.

She smiled a genuine smile for the first time since entering my home. Thanks, Twyla. Her eyes widened. That reminds me of the other reason I came here. Yeah, you just thought Lucian sent me, didn’t you? Well, you would be wrong.

She leaned to the side and slid an envelope from her back pocket and handed it to me. I made sure to make contact with her hand as I took the envelope, ensuring that she would be able to take a small amount of my magic. Her smile broadened, but I pretended not to notice as I opened the envelope to find a wedding invitation.

I thought you were so very busy with enforcer stuff, I teased.

She huffed. I am, but Roman refuses to let a little thing like the entire nation of Fabled going to hell in a handbasket to postpone our wedding.

I laughed.

I, uh, I would really like it if you would come. I don’t really have a lot of friends and, you know...

She let the sentence drop off. I wanted to explain in minute detail how much I would hate to have to spend time surrounded by so many people, but the vulnerability in her voice had me smiling.

I would love to see you and Roman officially join for eternity.

Sheesh, Twy. Way to scare the crap out of somebody. You couldn’t have just given a simple ‘yes’?

Yes. My smile was somewhat devilish.

Bitch.

Chapter Two

Mother, tell your children not to walk my way

After Sunny left, I decided to send out some feelers to gain information about this dragon who wanted to take over as the elemental member of the council. I didn’t want her, and therefore Lucian, to know that I was interested in who took over as leader of the elementals. But, the entire idea of a dragon sitting on the Council of Elders sounded ludicrous to me.

While every other Fabled had sworn fealty to the Council of Elders, the dragons lived outside the council. They were the only ones who did so without worry of rebels and dark spellcasters stealing from them or worse. They were just too damned mean for anyone to mess with them. With that orneriness, came the superior belief that they were not only beyond the council but above it.

Of course, some dragons joined the other Fabled and swore fealty to the council. Of those that did, they almost all joined the elementals. Although they were technically shapeshifters—being able to take both a humanlike and dragon shape—they were bound to the elements. From what knowledge I had about dragon magic, and I would admit that it wasn’t a whole lot, each took on one element to control. They could still manipulate the other four elements, but their one primary element was the one they regularly used until it became a part of them.

Since I wanted to be as discreet as possible, I called the elements of water, wind, and earth and waited for a response. Not fire, never fire. Once again, the mark on my arm flared to life just by thinking of it. I rubbed it absently before I realized what I was doing and stopped. Pulling up the billowy sleeve of my dress, I looked at my arm. Typically, the mark looked like a scar left from a brand, creating the shape of a circle with a series of lines drawn through it. Now, the raised spot was a raw red color. Touching it, I felt the heat it radiated. I quickly pulled the sleeve back down and tried to push it from my thoughts.

It wasn’t long before an undine crawled from my kitchen sink. It hefted its small frame up onto the countertop and shook like a dog. Tiny droplets flew from it, splattering the counter and floor. The undine wasn’t taller than a few inches, with a tear-drop shaped body that was slightly translucent. It looked around my cabin before finally spotting me. I nodded my thanks for its answer. It put its tiny hands on what would be its hips if it had any and just looked at me.

I would ask favor of you, water spirit, I said formally. Most elemental beings liked the pomp and circumstance, at least the ones who hadn’t integrated into human society. Those had taken to humanlike form, though. Since this one kept its original form, I assumed it followed the old ways.

Its body changed into a round drop as it slid down the front of the cabinet, leaving a streak of wet in its wake. When it hit the floor, it continued until it was only a couple of feet away from where I sat in the middle of my living room. It regained its tear-drop shape and eyed me speculatively through two dark orbs centered in the middle of what was its head. I just waited patiently.

Finally, it nodded. What would you ask of me?

Its voice sounded as though it gargled the words, but they were still understandable.

A dragon is vying for the leader of all elementals. I would care to know more about him.

I have heard of this dragon-kind. He is formidable, it is said.

I am sure that he is. What I would like to know is his reasons for taking the mantle of council member. The dragons have never cared about our kind before.

You wish to know his intentions? This will not be an easy task.

I don’t expect you to learn everything. Simply anything will suffice. I thought about my words and corrected myself. Anything that I don’t already know.

And how would it be that I know the full extent of your knowledge on this dragon?

I tried not to huff in impatience. I know the basics about dragons, and I know that this one has some desire to join the council. What I would like to know is why? Short of that, any other information would be greatly appreciated.

The Undine bent in half briefly, and I wasn’t sure if it was a nod or a bow, but I nodded in return. It slithered back to the sink and disappeared down the drain. I sighed as I realized I might be wasting my time, but I couldn’t think of any other way of getting info on this dragon. Other than going and meeting with him and that I certainly wouldn’t do. To actively show interest would make it appear as though I would try for the seat myself. The dragon would definitely see that as an act of aggression, and I would have more than I bargained for. No, I was perfectly content isolated in my little cabin. I just wanted to know to whom I would be pledging fealty.

The truth was that I would pledge myself. I wouldn’t want the hassle that comes with going rogue, and I wouldn’t commit myself to Lucian unless there were no other options. This dragon would have to be one nasty piece of work for me to go that route.

Four more elementals answered my call—a gnome, a kappa, and two ghosts—each with a varying degree of annoyance when I requested that they do my bidding. The gnome and kappa flat out refused, so I thanked them for their time, and they left. The ghosts were more agreeable, but I didn’t hold out hope that they would be able to provide much information. Ghosts had a very short attention span. It came from being trapped between realms. Their minds came and went much like their corporeal forms flickered in and out of existence.

As an elemental witch, I could control the five elements—earth, air, wind, fire, and spirit—and through that, I could force any elemental who was weaker than me to do whatever I want. The only issue I took was that I was stronger than every elemental creature I knew. It was hardly fair for me to boss them around whenever I pleased.

Unfortunately, not all spellcasters who controlled the elements felt the same. Because of that, often, when I requested help, I was almost always met with resistance. I have had many elementals outright refuse to assist me before, but I didn’t take offense. They had their reasons, and since I was the one asking for help, I simply thanked them for their time and found another elemental who was a smidgen more cooperative.

You could have called me, you know.

I smiled at the high-pitched voice that came from behind me as I cleaned my lunch dishes. I turned to see a tiny sprite standing on the back of a kitchen chair. With her wings folded behind her and her arms crossed, she looked like a petulant child. Her hair was redder than usual, letting me know exactly how unhappy she was with me.

I could have, I agreed. But I didn’t want to.

She huffed, and her chest broadened. If her back got any stiffer, it might break. Before she could get too bent out of shape, I added, I need you here with me, Rae, and it would have been stupid of me to send you off on as easy of a task as finding out information about some dragon. Besides, it’s unlikely they’ll learn anything useful.

She released the breath she’d been holding, and her chest deflated some. And I suppose you just expect me to do your bidding because you want.