Daughter of Havenglade Boxed Set Collection

By H.C. Harrington

An Epic Quest Through The Magical World of Havenglade

A sinister wizard.
A mysterious teacher.
A kingdom on the brink of collapse.

In the ancient kingdom of Havenglade, a brutal enemy is ravaging the countryside making his way closer to Gradur Castle. An aging king seeks protection from a council of loyal wizards. A peasant girl finds herself at the center of it all after bonding with a magical crystal and absorbing its magical essence.

After losing her parents, Laurena Blackwood was given the chance of a lifetime to study wizardry under the mysterious and renowned teacher Unai.

Can she learn to harness the powers inside her before it's too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.C. Harrington
• Release date: Aug 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005748395

H.C. Harrington

H.C. Harrington is an American novelist, teacher, and lifetime learner. From Orange County, Ca. he studied Anthropology and History receiving his degree from the University of Nevada. He is the author of the Amazon #1 Best-Selling Daughter of Havenglade Fantasy Series, as well as the Fantasy Murder-Mystery The Inquisitor.After setting aside archaeological digs in the Sierra Nevadas, H.C. moved to Chengdu, China to study Mandarin Chinese. During his writing journey, he has lived and traveled to more than a dozen countries.His hobbies include traveling, playing boardgames, creating constructed languages, backpacking, and reading.

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Daughter of Havenglade

Daughter of Havenglade

Boxed Set Collection

H.C. Harrington

Daughter of Havenglade Boxed Set Collection

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H. C. Harrington

Copyright © 2020

All Rights Reserved.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

File updated 3.20.2024.

Titles by H.C. Harrington

Fiction

Daughter of Havenglade

Black Dragon Deceivers

Blood Cauldron

Daughter of Dragons

The Inquisitor

The Outsider

Havenglade Tales

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Nonfiction

World-Building for Writers

World-Building for Writers: The Workbook

Daughter of Havenglade on Audiobooks!

Delve into the Enchantment: The Daughter of Havenglade Series Now in Audiobook

Immerse yourself in the mystical realms of Havenglade, narrated by the talented Kira Grace.

Whether you're rekindling your journey through Havenglade or stepping into its enchanting world for the first time, the audiobook edition offers a new dimension of engagement.

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Experience the magic. Experience the adventure. Experience Daughter of Havenglade, available now for your listening pleasure.

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Havenglade Map

Contents

Book One: Daughter of Havenglade

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Book Two: Black Dragon Deceivers

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Epilogue

Book Three: Blood Cauldron

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

Book Four: Daughter of Dragons

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

What’s Next?

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About the Author

Book One: Daughter of Havenglade

Daughter of Havenglade Cover

Prologue

Lord Flek shuddered as a booming sound ripped through the night. The storm had been building since nightfall, and the downpour brought with it a thunder that shook him to the core. There was a knock, and the captain of the guard entered looking dour.

My lord, guards Ullman and Baskins have yet to return from patrol. I’ve sent Mattson and Hovrik to retrace the sentry route in case there’s been some accident, Captain Seri reported. 

Probably this cursed weather. See to it they are found. And if there appear to be any irregularities, send them to me immediately, captain, Lord Flek said.

He waved his hand to relieve the captain and let out a sigh. He had a strange feeling about tonight. Something deep in his bones. Perhaps it was the rain, but all the same, a nervousness had taken hold of him.

Being a royal was usually reason enough to maintain a healthy paranoia. Being King Deunoro’s younger brother came with its share of risks. Flek Manor sat just north of Avixglen—a small town between Havenglade and Pax Grati. There had been word of bandits to the north in recent days, so he had dispatched a sizable chunk of his garrison to investigate and round up any outlaws. A necessary action, but it did leave him somewhat vulnerable.

The room felt stuffy. He unlatched the shutters and slowly opened them until he could see the lanterns of the front gate in the distance, obscured by the heavy rainfall that threatened to drown out all other sounds.

Another crackling boom followed a flash of light. The storm was close. He went to latch the shutter when another flash of light filled the night, but this one was blue.

Lord Flek jerked the shutters closed and slammed the latch down before bolting across the room. 

What in the Maker’s name was that? 

His heart raced as he struggled to rationalize a blue bolt of lightning.

There was another knock at his chamber door.

Come in.

The door flew open, and Captain Seri walked in again, his armor dripping all over the wood flooring.

My lord, he called out, his voice shaking as he struggled to spit out the words, Something is wrong.

The hounds began to bark wildly.

Where are the dogs? Lord Flek asked.

Hovrik was planning on taking them with him. It’s too dark and rainy to see much out there. But I don’t know what’s driving them to— Captain Seri was cut off by one of the dogs as it let out a loud yelp followed by whimpering.

What is going on out there? Lord Flek growled as fear began to get the better of him.

I’ll see to it, My lord.

No, you stay inside. Get Tobit and the others and tell them to see to the disturbance. We might have assassins on our hands, and they’ve picked a damn good time to make their move. We’re short-handed… His voice trailed off as he finished.

As you wish, the captain replied, acknowledging the order with a nod before hurrying out of the room.

Who is behind this? He paced back and forth, rubbing his chin as he racked his brain. He couldn’t think of any obvious enemies. The merchants in Pax Grati had been difficult to negotiate with in recent months, but certainly, none of their differences added up to an attempt on his life. And what of the blue light?

The dogs were silent. The thick patter of rainfall filled the background, loud enough to wash out the sound of intruders going down the hall just outside his chamber. The thought made his heart start racing. Perhaps it was time to return to Gradur Castle? There were worse things than living in his older brother’s shadow—like death.

Rays of another blue flash passed through the tiny cracks between the window shutters. His hands started to shake. What manner of sorcery had the night brought to his doorstep?

He heard footsteps bounding down the hall. 

This time the door swung open without warning.

Lord Flek raised his hands instinctively, thinking the worst. Perhaps ghosts from the underworld had come to remove him from this world.

But it was again Captain Seri.

His forehead dripped blood from a jagged-looking cut. He looked around the room until he caught sight of Lord Flek.

What’s happening? What’s out there?

My lord, Captain Seri said, breathing heavily. His eyes continued to wander around the room. It’s not safe here. We have to move you, he said and motioned toward the door.

I demand to know what is going on. What’s out there, Captain? 

Captain Seri took several steps toward him.

They’re all dead. The guards, the dogs, the archers, everyone is dead!

A dizziness came over Lord Flek, and he struggled to keep his feet. Was this going to be it? He reached out to Captain Seri, who closed the distance and caught him before he could fall to the floor.

There’s no time. We need to move. Captain Seri was already dragging him toward the door.

The dizziness subsided, and Lord Flek found his feet again. Soon both men were moving quickly from the room and down the hall. They hit the back staircase at a run, and Captain Seri almost lost his footing as his wet boots met the freshly shined stairs. 

Where are we going? 

I’ll secure you in the safe room and attempt to divert the intruder as best I can, my lord, Captain Seri said.

Lord Flek didn’t like the look on Seri’s face. It was the face of a man who knew he would die tonight. Did you get a look at the intruders? How many of them do you figure there are?

One.

"One? Impossible. Due to one intruder, we have more than twenty dead guards and a pack of dead dogs?" 

A wizard.

The safe room was a secret. Only he and Captain Seri knew of its existence in Flek Manor. Its door was only accessible through a false wall in the wine cellar. He felt safe once Captain Seri had secured him inside and replaced the false wall in front of the solid iron door. 

He had always been wary of wizards. He and his older brother had countless arguments on how to ensure that a powerful wizard wouldn’t usurp the throne and take the kingdom for themselves. Was this a defection? Or a foreign wizard from lands unknown? His brother, for whatever reason, had unwavering confidence in the wizards of Havenglade.

He thought about his wife and children away in Greyglade, feeding poor peasants from a surplus of grain granted from Gradur Castle. He was thankful they weren’t here now. They were safe, or at least he hoped they were.

But then his heart plummeted as Captain Seri’s tortured scream rang through the iron door, a blood-curdling sound that ended unnaturally. And now I’m alone with the wizard.

He could hear someone loudly descending the staircase. He knew then there would be no escape. This wizard was no amateur. This was a wizard of great skill and terrible power. Lord Flek tip-toed to the back of the room, careful not to make the slightest sound.

Everything went silent. Lord Flek held his breath until he could not any longer. He silently let the air escape his lungs and took a deep, slow breath. 

Nothing happened. 

Was the wizard just part of some nightmare brought on by the storm? Or was he fooled by the apparent dead-end of the wine cellar? Lord Flek began to think he might have a chance. The wizard would assume he’d been tricked, and the lord was already on a horse making his getaway. He waited for the sound of running feet bounding up the stairs…but they didn’t come.

A blue light crept through the seams of the iron door. 

And then a booming cackle echoed through the night.

The wizard had found his man.

An explosion knocked Lord Flek from his feet, and his ears rang as tremendous dizziness overcame him. The door had been blasted open by some dreadful magic. He stared through the breach, and a figure filled the opening.

I surrender, Lord Flek cried out, raising his hands and bowing his head submissively.

The figure stepped into the room. As his vision returned, he looked at the wizard from bottom to top. 

He wore light armor over his boots and legs, his upper body protected by a silver chainmail, and a dark cape covering the shoulders. A short grey beard and mustache flowed underneath soul-piercing dark eyes and long jet-black hair.

You shall have whatever you like. As you know, I’m very wealthy and⁠—

I didn’t come for riches, the dark wizard said. His grin widened as he stared at the groveling man. I came to cleanse this world of your line, the wizard said, breaking into another deep and uncontrolled cackle.

A million thoughts raced through Lord Flek’s mind. He tried frantically to think of a way out of this. Why? I can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams. Would you choose to have a mark on your head? I am the Duke of the western territory, Lord Flek said as he pushed up against the wall, leaning against it to help him rise to his feet.

The wizard raised his right hand and removed a black glove; a glowing blue flame encircled his hand.

Lord Flek stumbled away until his back bumped against a shelf, knocking jars of unknown liquids to the ground, where they shattered around his feet. But there was nowhere left to run.

The wizard crept forward, one methodical step after another until he was face to face with his prey. 

Lord Flek felt the wizard’s warm, wet breath. 

Fear had taken complete control, but he made a last effort at defiance.

King Duenoro will find you. And when he does, the council of wizards will destroy you. And somewhere, Maker willing, I will have the last laugh, Lord Flek said as he stared back blankly at the wizard.

The wizard’s eyebrows furrowed, and the muscles in his neck tightened as he let out an enraged grunt and grabbed the duke with his gloved hand. He lifted Lord Flek from the ground and held the fiery hand inches from his face.

Tell the Maker to make room for your brother!

The blue flame shot out from his hand, blasting Lord Flek.

He thought of his dear wife and two young children as a sinister cackle marked the last sound he ever heard as it echoed through the night.

Chapter 1

The woman sat right behind Laurena but spoke like she was a million miles away.

Losing your mother is never easy, especially for a girl of … thirteen. What a shame, the woman said with a grimace. She placed a tender hand on her shoulder. Time heals all wounds.

The coachman nodded in silent agreement.

Laurena didn’t want to think about it, but how could she avoid it? She turned away from the woman and the coachman and hid her face in her hands.

The road was bumpy, and it felt like the old wooden coach would fall apart at any moment.

That would be the highlight of the day, Laurena thought. The three of us stranded on some old, scary road.

But they continued on. Laurena’s head throbbed with pain and ached with each rock struck by the rickety wooden wheels.

A thick light-colored cloth covered the coach, blocking the wind. Some flaps could be tied open to act as windows. She untied one, opened the flap, and tied it at the top. Light flooded in, and the passing trees left shadowy patterns on the opposite side of the coach. She sat in front of the opening and gazed out at the terrain. She focused on the distant mountains with their snow-capped peaks.

I’d like to see a nice snowfall someday. I might have to live closer to those mountains, though. Maybe that’s where we’re going. They could at least tell me if Torba is near the mountains. I guess it doesn’t matter.

The woman touched Laurena’s shoulder again and whispered, Would you like to eat something? You must be hungry. When did you last eat?

Laurena sat up and rested her shoulders against the back of her seat.

If I eat now, I might get sick; the road’s too bumpy, she said, trying to keep her eyes on the distant mountain range. She noticed her hands shaking and pulled her sleeves down to hide them.

She stole a glance back at the woman, who smiled at her too emphatically. Laurena wondered how she felt being tasked with escorting a strange child across the countryside.

Let me know if you change your mind, and I’ll dig out some dried fruits and bread for you, the woman said.

Laurena smiled back at her. Thanks, ma’am.

She stayed quiet for a long time, trying not to think about anything, but it was useless. Her mind kept returning to three days earlier when her mother had attempted to kill her.

Why do you want to do this so late? the old wizard asked, scratching his head.

Laurena’s mother was looking in the opposite direction but turned to face him.

I was holding off on letting her bond with the crystal because I was afraid, her mother said. You know most of us don’t understand magical things as well as you wizards do. I thought about it and didn’t want to hold her back anymore. Her father recently passed on.

Her face was paler than usual, and as she pursed her lips together, she continued, Her father was magically inclined, albeit not enough to learn wizardly things. He could read emotions so, so clearly. She stopped and momentarily turned her gaze into the shadows of the night before returning her attention to the old wizard again.

Laurena thought they must have stood outside the crystal bonding chamber for a long time, or maybe it felt longer because several mosquitos had already bitten her. But she waited for her mother without complaint.

Travild, you’ve been a family friend for years. This can’t wait until tomorrow; I might have a change of heart. It needs to be tonight. Her voice rose as she finished.

Travild paused, and he crunched his thick eyebrows together so that they appeared as a single furry unibrow. He finally spoke up. If I do this, I could be banished. Do you know how serious that is?

She answered, We’ll be fast, don’t worry. No one has been banished from this Maker-forsaken land for years. You should be so lucky.

Laurena had heard Havenglade had several beautiful cities, but living in the countryside, you often heard the adults complain about the kingdom.

Her mother turned toward her. Come on, dear, come inside. It won’t be long now.

The wizard sighed and shook his head. Everyone says they want her to begin the training, and this is the first step. Just be quick and quiet in there. I’ve written the instructions for you. I’m much too old to come into close contact with the crystals for any amount of time. So do it by yourselves or don’t do it at all.

Laurena’s mother thanked him and passed him a small jug she had carried over her shoulder. This is the last mead I’ll make before the changing of the seasons. I want you to have it.

He slowly reached for it but hesitated before finally accepting the gift.

At least take a drink. I’d like to know how it tastes.

As the old wizard smiled, his face grew warm; his cheeks flushed enough to be noticeable even in the evening twilight.

I’ve never been one to turn down good mead. Let’s have a taste, shall we? He uncorked the jug, raised it to his mouth, and took a few deep gulps. Yep, my lady, this is good stuff. I guess I’ll be resigned to enjoying this while I wait for you to finish inside.

Laurena’s mother turned to her and motioned for her to follow.

Laurena’s hands were sweaty, and her stomach felt uncomfortable. She wanted to run off into the night but didn’t know why.

Why is she acting like this? She said she doesn’t like magic, and now, suddenly, she wants me to bond with a crystal. Something’s wrong; I can feel it. I wish my father were here.

Mother, I don’t want to do it. I’m scared.

That should test her. She knows I want to become an enchantress and learn about magic.

Her mother bent down to eye level with her daughter. My darling, you have nothing to be afraid of. I’ll take care of you. And with that, she resumed speaking with the ancient-looking wizard, who produced a key from his robe.

He walked toward the large gate and spoke words Laurena couldn’t understand. He bowed his head and then inserted the key. It turned with a high-pitched metallic click. The gate slowly opened. Light from inside the cave-like structure began to brighten, seeming to beckon their entry. This was what Laurena wanted, but why had her mother had this change of heart?

She thought back to her mother’s behavior after her father’s funeral. It had only been a few hours ago.

Her mother had sobbed as they returned home and seemed bothered that Laurena remained silent.

Laurena didn’t cry, but she felt empty inside. Her father was a good man; he might not have had money or been an important person in the kingdom, but he was honest. He had made his living by making and selling hunting knives, arrow quivers, and bags for meat-packing, and he instructed field-dressing various animals. He’d had some magical essence inside but had never been offered a chance to bond with the crystals. By contrast, Laurena was offered the test in her early childhood, and several locals speculated she would become a powerful woman. Her father had supported this but wanted her mother’s approval, which she always denied.

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It wasn’t until a few hours ago when her mother had sat, staring blankly out a window, and said, Laurena, I think you are ready. We will go to the crystals tonight.

Laurena had bolted up from her chair. Really? Do you think I’m ready now? I wish Daddy were here.

She thought about her father again and started to cry.

The frown on her mother’s face had turned to rage. Now you’re crying? After all this time. Your father died five days ago, Laurena. I hope you’re crying because you miss him and not because I gave in on this issue.

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Laurena continued to cry as she ran to her room. It’s not my fault I didn’t cry. Now I feel it. I can’t control when I cry. She wiped her eyes and let her body fall haphazardly on her thin sleeping mat.

But something deeper seemed to haunt her mother, and she had walked over to stand outside Laurena’s doorway. Put on some fresh clothing. We’ll leave after nightfall.

Now, Laurena felt strange as they approached the gate. There was something different about tonight. Was it just her mother’s change of heart or something else that made her feel this way?

Her mother interrupted her thoughts. You must do as I say inside this chamber. I have the instructions. Everything should be fine—if you listen to me no matter how scared you feel.

Laurena gave her a wide-eyed look as they continued walking through the entryway. Is there anything to be afraid of in there? She looked up for her mother’s reply.

It might be a little painful at first. Then you will feel relief and no more worries, my dear.

They rounded the corner of the light-drenched hallway, which became brighter as they walked further. The magical crystals lit up as they approached.

Mother, I heard that the crystals will bring out my own skills and let me be more like … the real me. Father used to say an enchantress is trapped inside me and wants to be let loose. I think that sounds funny. What do you think? Laurena looked at her mother with a toothy smile.

Her mother rounded the last corner, stared at the crystals, and failed to reply.

Laurena entered the crystal room, and her mouth dropped open. The room was several times larger than their entire home. The vaulted ceiling couldn’t be seen; even with the bright crystal lights, it was clouded in darkness. Crystals were piled all around the chamber. They were of every shade of color Laurena could imagine. It overwhelmed the senses. She closed and rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, she felt a slight strength come over her, and her heart started beating faster.

Dear, the note says first you must choose a crystal, her mother said.

Laurena bit her bottom lip. How do I do that? Do I pick the color I like the most?

Her mother’s forehead furrowed, which made her look much older. It says you will make your choice. Choose the one you feel is best.

Laurena turned toward the crystals. She stepped forward and saw the closest cropping of stones had three small ones, their colors a whitish-blue, a ruby-red, and a deep emerald-green. She had no preference. She closed her eyes and reached forward.

Once she felt one in her grasp, she lifted it toward her face and slowly opened her eyes. Brilliant green shined with remarkable clarity. She could now see through it and stared at the other crystals through this amazing green filter. Most of them looked like different shades of green, but it was still fun to look through.

The crystal began to speak, not in any language but through visions. Shapes appeared inside the crystal. Rain and storms, an angry mob of people, and what looked like a small blue flying animal, then what looked like an older Laurena, but almost as soon as they began, the visions ended.

Her mother called out, Quickly, dear.

Laurena ran to her side. I want this one.

She opened her hand and showed her mother the green crystal resting in her palm. Her mother’s face tensed, and she clenched her teeth, blinked, and then faced her daughter.

Sit down, Laurena. You need to relax.

She took the crystal from Laurena and guided her to the ground.

A large old book caught her eye. It sat near a candle-laden table. Its surface appeared worn entirely away, perhaps by the constant light from the crystals.

Her mother stared at the crystal intensely. She then pulled out a string from her pocket.

Don’t worry, honey. I’m going to attach the stone for you so you don’t have to hold it.

She lifted Laurena’s long gown, braced the stone against her daughter’s bare thigh, and tightly wrapped the string around till it was bound securely.

Mom, I think that’s a little too tight. The wizards never said we had to do this. I thought I was supposed to focus on the crystal?

Laurena’s mother rose from the ground.

This is how it has to be. Now close your eyes and focus on the crystal, no matter how much it hurts.

Laurena’s eyes shot open. Hurt? Why would it hurt? Her heart pounded, and her hands and feet perspired.

Just listen to what I’m telling you, ok? We came here to finish this. Mother had a tired look, almost old.

It was Laurena’s first thought of her mother as old. Wrinkles were seen under the illumination of the crystal chamber and a deep sadness in her eyes. She looked away and off into the corner of the room.

Mom? Are you ok?

An uncomfortable pause followed.

I was just thinking about your father.

Laurena’s mother put her head in her hands and sat quietly.

They sat there, and several minutes passed.

Laurena focused on the stone. The crystal chamber was a quiet place. She first cleared her mind of all the background noise, isolating each sound, starting with the rustling winds from outside. Every sound was quickly nullified in her mind. Then came the hard part. She silenced her own mind. At first, it seemed like an impossible task, as once she tried to stop thinking about one thing, she invariably started thinking about another.

She wasn’t sure how long she concentrated, but she lost her focus when a sharp pain shot up her leg all the way to her neck.

MOM, IT HURTS!

Her mother came close and whispered into her ear, Be strong. It will get a little worse and then start to disappear. Please be strong. This is what your father wanted. Remember that when you feel pain.

Laurena sobbed quietly to herself and endured the pain even as it increased in intensity. The terrible sensation felt like fire. It spread over her whole leg and eventually led to a numbing effect which came as some relief. She slid down her right side and rolled back and forth on the floor, making small humming noises to deal with the pain.

What’s happening to me? This can’t be normal. No one ever said it would feel like this, maybe because they didn’t want to scare me away from taking the magic from the crystal. It’s just the way it is. It’s too much, too much for me. It hurts so bad.

Dizziness overwhelmed her, and her vision blurred. The room and its many crystals and colors fell in and out of focus. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. It was still impossible to see as the room became even darker than before. The crystals were slowly losing their light, their power receding. The crystal burning into her leg was brighter than ever, and the green looked almost white.

Something’s wrong …

She heard voices, but they sounded distant. Unable to see clearly, she rubbed her eyes; her arms felt weak. As her vision came into focus, a strange woman in white garments stared at her with a hand over her mouth.

You’re awake, she said with a dumbfounded look. She came to Laurena’s bedside with a glass of water. You’ve been out cold for nearly three days. How do you feel? she asked.

Laurena felt uncomfortable. Where am I? Who are you? she asked with a rising tone.

My name is Helena. I’m a nurse. Please don’t be frightened, she said, and her kind smile put Laurena at ease, but she needed answers.

What is this place? Why am I here? she asked.

Helena kneeled next to the bed and looked at Laurena face to face. You’re at Doctor Farex’s home. He’ll be anxious to know your condition. I should fetch him. There’s been a lot going on these days. Cedrex, the King’s Healer, came all the way from Gradur Castle to check on your condition, she remarked.

Helena rose again and walked toward the door, then turned around. I’ve heard how your mother was trying to use the crystal’s power to … well, I guess I shouldn’t⁠—

Before she could continue, a man strode into the room, his eyes wide with surprise. Laurena, are you all right? I’m Farex. We thought you had left us, bless the Maker, he said, placing his hand over his heart while taking a deep breath.

He was unfamiliar to her.

Don’t be scared. We’ve been here, watching over you. You must be disoriented. Ah, you must also be thirsty. Would you like some water? he asked.

She was indeed thirsty. Not noticing her dry mouth until he mentioned the water, she nodded.

Farex was short, with long hair covering his shoulders, perhaps the same age as her father. They shared similar traces of wrinkles around their eyes.

He went to a table and poured from a large jug into a small clay cup. He brought it to Laurena, placing it to her lips.

She drank from the cup eagerly. The water rejuvenated her, and she requested a second, which she held in her hands, sipping from it slowly.

You gave us a scare, young lady. You’ll be honored to know that Cedrex, one of the king’s healers, rode from Gradur Castle to see you. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have been much help.

Farex was silent for a moment, unsure how to proceed.

Where’s my mom? Why isn’t she here?

He gazed around the room and then centered on her again. I don’t know how to tell you this. Oh, Laurena. Your mother is with the Maker now. He quickly broke eye contact and shifted his gaze away from her.

What? What do you mean?

She cried and sat on the bed with her back against the bed frame.

I want to see her now. She was with me in the crystal room. I just saw her. She couldn’t have gone away.

Farex took a step forward, raising his hand calmly toward her.

That was three days ago, he said.

Laurena’s breathing slowed, the sobbing halted, and she looked back at him.

My father, and now my mother. How did she die? What happened? Why have I been in this bed so long? I don’t …

Your mother wasn’t well. When your father passed on, her mind became poisoned with impure thoughts. She set out to do something terrible. I don’t know how direct I should be with you, but you’ll hear about it soon enough. I’ll be honest: your mother tried to use the crystal’s power against you and took her own life, thinking the task was complete. She wanted to be a complete family again and thought that could only happen in the presence of the Maker, in the next realm, he said.

Laurena sat in disbelief. Why was he telling her these terrible lies? Her mother would never do that.

I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this. I wish there were another, he said.

No, it’s impossible! Don’t lie to me. She would never … She wept into her hands.

Farex called the nurse back in, who tried her best to comfort her.

She tried to calm herself. To ask one last question. How do you know these things? Maybe it was all an accident, she said with desperation.

Farex’s frown deepened. She left a note which we found resting on your chest in the crystal chamber, he said.

She loved you, but she wasn’t herself in the end. Luckily Travild, whom your mother attempted to drug with a special mead, still had enough faculty to check on you after half an hour had lapsed. He found you motionless and burning with fever. The crystal’s magic was coursing through you. He rushed you on his shoulders down the path to the center of the village to me. His old legs didn’t fail him. We’ve never met, Laurena, but I’m one of the village doctors. This task was far beyond my skills, so Travild and I requested help from Gradur Castle. Not a soul thought you would make it. I was told that no one had ever heard of someone being in contact with a magical crystal for more than eight minutes, and in that particular case, the child was left blind and foolish of the mind. You are indeed a lucky girl. He bowed his head and appeared to have nothing more to say.

Laurena sat quietly. It couldn’t be true; they had to be lying to her. She bolted up on the bed and tried to stand, but nausea and dizziness overtook her, and the room went dark.

She woke up early the following day, just before dawn. Opening her eyes, she realized everything had not been a cruel dream. She was in the same strange bed in the same unfamiliar room. This reality was her reality, and it wasn’t going away.

She felt stronger than the previous day and wide awake. She slipped her bare little feet onto the cold stone floor and shuffled toward the open window. The brisk, fresh air drew her closer to the window, and as she reached it, she placed her hands on its edge and stared out into the darkness.

Stars were still twinkling brightly in their mysterious way. They captivated her. She kept looking, and her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She could distinguish between the faint light green and blue shining from the distant stars. The glimmering lights from far-off realms all had their own stories to tell a million times over, but they made Laurena think about hers.

She remembered the colors of the crystal room and how her mother had brought her there. She thought of a new life, a future, and a happy family. What had seemed like a clear path just weeks before now looked like the end of the road.

Mother … why? I can’t accept this. It seems like a bad dream.

Farex had said she had been in contact with the crystal for half an hour. She didn’t yet know how full her recovery would be, but the pain in her left leg was fierce, and she had limped since she stood from the bed.

The sky showed traces of light, and the stars slowly retreated from the horizon to wherever they went. The sun climbed over the distant White Dragon Mountains. The golden flashes finally peered over the mountain peaks, and Laurena was forced to look away or face the blinding radiance of the sun.

She hopped back into bed. No one else seemed awake, as she couldn’t hear a sound. She dared not exit the room until someone returned for her. So she lay on the bed and thought about her mother and father until she drifted back into slumber.

Later that morning, Farex greeted her with breakfast and informed her that if she felt well, she would leave that morning. An arrangement had been made with her mother’s sister Ula in Torba, a town many hours distant by horseback. Laurena would be looked after by her aunt, whom she had met several times.

More importantly, she would study magic procurement and the development of an enhanced awareness of her surroundings and self under the teachings of a well-known and wise wizard called Unai.

The news scared her. She would be released to see her aunt and be around family again, but all Laurena could think of was the uncertainty ahead.

After breakfast, she climbed into a wagon, accompanied by Farex’s wife and a coachman, and set off to Torba to begin a new life.

Laurena pushed the memories of the last three days from her mind and tried to sleep. She slumbered the rest of the way to Torba and didn’t wake until

The horses came to a stop at the city walls. The coachman jumped from his perch and groaned as he landed on the hard earth.

Laurena rubbed her eyes, then went to the back of the wagon and untied the string holding the cloth covering shut. She spread open the cloth, and the setting sun peered in at her. She held up her hand to block the rays and, along with Farex’s wife, exited the back of the wagon.

A line of people, wagons, and horses stood before a small gate. Laurena took it all in, her eyes glancing in every direction at the activity surrounding her. Children ran around and under wagons. Horses used their tails to swat at flies. A heavyset man counted coins and then slipped them into a pouch hanging from his belt. A pretty dark-haired woman sang quietly to herself as she walked by Laurena.

I wonder why this place has a wall. It was no more than ten feet high. Its stone surface was cracked and covered with dust and various dirty remnants. Such a small wall couldn’t keep out bad people; if a dragon came, they’d be sorry.

Farex’s wife spoke up. So what do you think? Much larger and nicer than our dirty village, right?

Laurena looked through the small gate and saw small shops lining the main road. People standing in front of their shops yelled out, hoping to entice the line of incoming people to buy something. Of course, it is larger than Havoli. Havoli’s a speck compared to this place, she thought. Though, there were no tall structures. She had heard that cities had tall buildings or even castles, but apparently not this one.

Rubbing her chin, she finally said, I think this place is dirty too. Why do we have to wait here? She rolled her eyes and kicked at the dirt.

Farex’s wife sighed. It’s almost nightfall. The gates will close in a few hours. Everyone is rushing to get inside. Morning rush ‘out’ is much easier, I’d wager. Everything gets inspected on the way in. You can go out at your leisure, she said.

Good. We don’t want some crazy people coming in to do terrible things at night.

The coachman is going to handle everything. You’re on a list, dear. They know who you are, and you will work for a famous fellow. No need to worry about anything anymore. She put on the same smile she had given to Laurena for the entirety of the trip and rubbed her hand over her bony shoulder.

They entered the town an hour later and headed down the main road, which, to its credit, had a small stone pathway running down the center, which most of the wagons and coaches were using. The foot traffic thickly flooded on the outer edges where the dirt and mud were pervasive.

They walked on with the coachman holding Laurena’s large bag and Laurena carrying the small leather pouch which contained her crystal. Farex told her not to let it touch her skin unless she needed its magic. She had had a close call; probably best to let her system recover before messing with magic again. Besides, the only thing on her mind was the unthinkable idea of her mother’s attempt at … she shook the thought from her mind.

Her left leg, which had the crystal strapped to it several days ago, was sore, and she limped as they proceeded down the road. They turned left, following the third small alley they came to, and stopped in front of a small door in the side of a building; there were no windows on the front. As they stepped closer, the door opened.

A woman greeted them in the doorway, and Laurena recognized her aunt. Relief rushed over her; her aunt’s warm embrace set off her emotions, and she burst into tears.

Oh, oh, Laurena. Don’t worry; you’re home now. You are going to love it here. I’m going to take good care of you. Bless the Maker; you look just like your mother.

Her aunt began to cry as well, but she was smiling.

Chapter 2

Laurena ran down a dark hallway.

Why do I feel like something’s chasing me?

With fear and instinct driving her forward, she reached the end of the empty hall; looking right and left, she saw two dark corridors.

To the right was a painting of Laurena’s father but with gray hair and an almost unnatural smile.

Laurena shuddered under the flat gaze of the portrait.

She saw a bassinet. Its white decor drowned in shadows.

A sound like something scratching on metal whispered from the darkness behind her. She ran down the left corridor.

She heard soft cries coming from the bassinet and stopped short. There were cobwebs all down its wooden legs, and it rocked back and forth ever so slightly.

---

Why would anyone leave a child all alone? She shivered at the thought. Leaning forward, she saw a large crystal resting on the sheet. It glowed a luminescent green as she stared at it blankly. She reached out to touch it but drew back as a spider crawled over its surface.

---

The scratching noise returned. It sounded closer. Cruel, maddening laughter followed.

Laurena’s body shook with fright. She ran into the darkness ahead. The shadows seemed to reach out to her, enveloping her in musty gloom.

---

Am I being hunted?

A light appeared at the end of the hall. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw a bureau with a large oval mirror. A smattering of melted black candles illuminated the surroundings.

---

Her feet stopped. She raised her head, coming face to face with the impressive mirror. Its surface was like the water of a still pond. It even rippled ever so slightly under her breath. But that couldn’t be right.

Her reflection showed dark rings around her eyes and chapped lips. Her hair was knotted with tangles, and her skin appeared sunburned. She stared back at the reflection in morbid curiosity.

Movement in the background of the mirror caught her eye.

She turned sharply. Her back to the mirror and its flickering candles, she saw her pursuer.

The figure wore a dark brown cloak, its ragged sleeves torn. Spiders crawled freely up and down the garment.

The revenant slowed, raised its hooded head, and looked into Laurena’s eyes. She couldn’t make out anything of its face.

Laurena balled one fist. What do you want? she said.

It glided forward. Its head was suddenly bathed in candlelight. Laurena gritted her teeth and blanched when she saw the face.

It was herself.

The hooded Laurena smiled back at her, its broken teeth and red eyes ablaze with flames of the underworld.

It raised an arm, and the spiders retreated to its shoulder, perching like trained birds. Laurena wanted to rub her eyes or pinch herself, but as her heart raced and her knees shook wildly, she bolted to the deep darkness instead.

Her eyes adjusted to the remaining light. She found herself in another hallway. Another figure stood in the passage in front of her.

As Laurena got closer, she saw the distinct features. Long dark hair. A nose with a slight crook. Long, thin arms. Beautiful brown eyes welcomed her. It was her mother.

She ran faster and flew into her mother’s arms. Her mother gathered her up in a firm hug. They held each other before Laurena broke the embrace.

Breathless, she tried her best to explain. Mother, where have you been? There is another Laurena, and it’s coming after me.

Her mother looked down with an open-mouthed smile. My little Laurena. I’m so happy to see you again. There’s no other you. Don’t worry, dear.

Laurena shook her head in frustration, grabbing her mother’s arm. It felt cold and stiff.

She looked up at her mother and recoiled. In place of the beautiful woman stood a horror. Her mother’s skin hung off her face, and an empty eye socket stared back at her. Blood slowly oozed from her nasal cavity.

Laurena heard the scratching again. She turned, and there stood her twin, the evil Laurena. The other Laurena was holding another crystal which pulsed with a red glow. She dragged her filthy, long, sharp nails across its surface. The shrill scratching got louder.

Laurena raised her hands to cover her ears and let out a whimper as tears flowed down her cheeks.

Her mother clutched her shoulder with a bruising grip. I want you to meet the real Laurena. This is your future. I didn’t want you to learn magic for a reason. I was trying to save you from what you would become.

The monster drew closer, and Laurena screamed as the candles winked out one by one until there was only darkness and the red glow and the terrible screeching of nails upon crystal.

Laurena. What’s wrong? her aunt asked.

Laurena held her blanket tightly. She realized she was in bed. The bed she had slept in since she arrived in Torba.

Another nightmare, honey? Don’t worry. Auntie is here now. No one is going to hurt you. You are safe as can be. Aunt Ula patted her on the back. There are talismans protecting the doors and windows. They won’t allow evil spirits to do their work on you.

Covered in a cold sweat, Laurena started to breathe slower. Her aunt rushed out of the room and returned with a wet rag. She pressed it against Laurena’s forehead and wiped off her sweaty neck.

Laurena took hold of the rag and twisted it into a tight ball. Auntie, I keep having bad dreams of my mother. My father was also there, but he was in a painting and looked much older. I couldn’t understand it.

Aunt Ula softly put her hand on top of Laurena’s. She rubbed them a little with her thumb and smiled. We are going to get through this together. We can’t change the past. I know it’s tough now. I miss my sister, too. She sat down on the bed with her niece, the bed creaking as she did.

Laurena felt a chill on the back of her neck. Looking back, she saw the moon’s glow out the small bedroom window.

The dream felt real. It scared me. I miss my mother, Laurena said.

We spent so much time together, growing up in Havoli. Those were the best times, Aunt Ula said with teary eyes.

Laurena sat up a little more on her bed.

I once was new here too. Uncle Garuk’s family all live here. It’s customary for a woman to live in her husband’s lands. Leaving my family scared me. I left all I knew of the world back in Havoli, just like you, but Torba is bigger and busier than Havoli. It’s alive with traders, artisans, and teachers. It’s an exciting place to be. Torba will grow on you, I promise.

Laurena nodded. I guess I’ll try to sleep. I feel a little better now.

She slid her body back under the warm blanket and turned away from her aunt before she could say goodnight.

She could hear her aunt walk over to the rocking chair by the window as she closed her eyes. The old floorboards creaked as her aunt’s light body moved across them.

She heard a squeaking as the chair rocked back and forth. The sound lulled her, and she slept soundly until morning.

Laurena burped as she finished drinking her milk, wiped the excess from around her lips, and resumed eating Aunt Ula’s huge breakfast. She munched down a plate of poached goose eggs, followed by cinnamon biscuits.

Aunt Ula brought a bowl of fruit and set it on the table. You should try a plum. ‘Juicy’ only begins to describe them, she said, pushing the bowl closer to Laurena before returning to her rocking chair.

Laurena peered at the plums in the bowl. Plump and luscious purple as they were, she frowned again and untied the rope belt from her smock to release the pressure of a full stomach pushing against it.

I think I’ll try a plum after supper if that’s all right.

Laurena placed both hands on the table to stand and carried her wooden plate, cup, bowl, and spoon to the cleaning pot.

Aunt Ula’s cleaning pot was a dark metal color and appeared heavy with its thick handles. It had draining spigots on either side and sat over two open tubes, letting the water flow outside. Laurena, curious to find out, turned to her aunt. Should I bring some water to clean my dishes?

Aunt Ula raised her chin and glanced at the dishes before shaking her head. I’ll take care of those. I have an errand I’d like you to run for me. We need to get you out of the house before you forget what it’s like out there. There’s a big world to see. She smiled at her niece as she said it.

Laurena puffed up her cheeks and then let the air out all at once. What kind of errand do you want me to do?

"I’ve finished three pairs of baby socks for Mrs. Droger. Her husband has a carpentry workshop. I’d like you to deliver them to him. I’ve drawn up a little map for you. The shop is called Droger’s. Everyone you come across along the way should be familiar with it, so don’t worry about getting lost. Torba is a safe place. Safer than most, I’d wager."

Aunt Ula held up a small bag, and Laurena reluctantly took it. She looked inside and saw the map atop the blue wool socks and a couple of bruised apples. She looked up at her aunt, but before she could speak, Aunt Ula pushed the bag to Laurena’s chest and pointed to the door. The smirk on Aunt Ula’s face didn’t go unnoticed, but Laurena didn’t know how she felt about walking around this busy town by herself.

She shrugged, grabbing her cloak from a peg on the door. She covered herself with it and opened the door leading into the bustling city. She looked back once, but Aunt Ula was already working on some other piece of cloth, or she was pretending to work to quell any further discussion.

Laurena entered the doorway and felt the sun’s warmth on her left shoulder and leg. Her shady side felt cold, and an intermittent breeze didn’t help. She noticed dark clouds moving across the sky with a promise of rain before she returned home.

The map was simple enough. Walk down Hanik Street, turn right at the horse corrals, and continue to Droger’s.

Laurena shifted the bag to her right hand. Her limp had not improved, so she carried the pack with its weight on her good leg.

A bunch of dirty, wet, and smelly dogs roamed the path. Laurena didn’t fear dogs but had no interest in befriending them. Aunt Ula had said to leave them alone, and they would leave her alone. That sounded fine to Laurena.

Walking warmed her as she continued down the path. A few dogs followed her for a bit but soon lost interest.

A lady washed clothes in a large bowl near the road, humming happily as she scrubbed.

As the humming faded behind Laurena, a beggar approached. She had nothing to give the man. She just shook her head and looked back at him. He smiled anyway and hobbled past her.

She pondered on Ula’s descriptions of her teacher, Unai—the wizard who would be her guide through the labyrinth of magic. Laurena had asked about him daily, but Ula didn’t have much to say until that morning.

"You’ll meet him soon enough. Do you really think a commoner like your old Aunt Ula would know much about someone as mysterious as a wizard?

Honestly, no one ever sees him anymore. Ever since … She paused, put a finger to her lips, and tapped them a few times. Her eyes lit up. I won’t lie to you, darling. There’s a certain amount of gossip—or perhaps folklore is the right word—for that man.

Laurena tilted her head and scrunched her nose before smiling and raising her shoulders. "Well, Auntie, I would like to know a thing or two before I’m not seen anymore. How do you know he won’t just take me somewhere far away? He could feed me to larpon snakes or something else scary. Wizards do things like that, you know?"

Laurena brought her feet up onto her chair and hid her face behind her skinny knees.

"I’m sorry, Laurena. I don’t mean to frighten you, but the things I’ve heard are hard to believe. They do make for good afternoon chatter between the locals, though. I’ll tell you what I’ve heard, but I wouldn’t take it seriously; it’s just talk.

For example, it’s widely known that he used to live in Havenglade. They say he had his own workshop in Gradur Castle with a secret door that could lead him to the private chambers of King Duenoro.

Laurena twirled her hair in loops and carefully considered her aunt’s words.

I heard he fought dragons, witches, madmen, and even demons. Can you imagine that? I don’t think it could be true, but that’s what people say. Ula smiled proudly before continuing, "I saw him once. I was up in the hills, collecting firewood. I had to go much deeper into the forest than usual because it had been a cold week, there wasn’t much wood to be found, and chopping season hadn’t been declared.

"I had picked up as much wood as I could carry and turned to head home when I heard a voice echoing through the trees. The voice, deep and speaking a language I didn’t know, made me curious. I followed the sound and saw strange lights flashing between the tree trunks.

I crept closer and could make out his shape. A figure, darkly clothed with a hood on his head. He chanted the funny words and raised his hands to the sky.

Laurena had her elbows on the table; her chin rested on her knuckles. She looked as if she might fall onto the table as she leaned toward Ula, her mouth hanging open.

Laurena, I swear I saw a ghost descend from the treetops and circle around him. I became frightened and turned quickly toward home. I didn’t tell anyone what I saw, not even your uncle. Aunt Ula wiped some sweat from her brow and shook her head back and forth.

Laurena jumped to her feet. That sounds like a real wizard to me. Maybe he can teach me to do things like that. I could talk to ghosts and fly through the sky. Wouldn’t that be great, Auntie?

Her aunt laughed and covered her face with one hand before looking back at Laurena through her fingers. Laurena, you remind me of your mother when she was your age. She always had her head in the clouds too. She wanted to travel around the realm and collect exotic plants and animals.

Why didn’t she? Laurena asked.

Those are just wishes we all have, Laurena. Maybe more like daydreams. Who would have taught your mother about such things? We were simple people living in the countryside.

I guess I have a chance to do something interesting with my life.

The horse corral was dead ahead and stinky. As she passed by, Laurena covered her mouth and nose with part of her cloak. Even though her father had kept horses and other animals, Laurena never had gotten used to the smell of stables or bird coops.

A man inside the stable brushed a tall brown mare. He patted the horse on the neck and spoke to it, but Laurena couldn’t hear what he said.

An older horse corralled near the road neighed at her softly. She stopped and looked at its droopy eyes and worn-down hooves. Without thinking, she opened the bag, fished an apple, and reached out to the horse. The horse took two slow steps forward and gently took the apple from her. Laurena laughed and felt good. She remembered the smell again and moved along.

Rain sprinkled down, and people hustled to get inside, but it didn’t rain hard enough to bother her.

Before she knew it, she stood in front of Droger’s shop.

As she walked in through the open doorway, three boys about Laurena’s age exited.

One of them, a tall boy with large boots and the beginnings of facial hair, pushed past her. His shoulder knocked her back, and as she took a step to steady herself, she tripped over a wooden crate and fell backward into the wet mud where several horses were stalled.

All three of them laughed at her.

The large one walked over and reached out to help her. Dazed and embarrassed, Laurena accepted the hand and tried to get up, but as soon as she put her weight into the embrace, he let his hand slip from her grasp, and she fell back into the mud. This elicited fresh laughter from the other two.

She still had her bag in the other hand, and she checked it for damage. Everything appeared to be dry, clean, and secure.

Her clothing was another matter. Caked with mud, her cloak and long skirt also felt wet and cold. Her face took on several shades of red, and she ran into the shop.

"Hey. Where do you think you’re going, little miss? I told you, kids, to stay out