Merlin Ragnarr: The Book of Lies

By Ivan Holiday Arsenault

Merlin Ragnarr just turned 16. For his birthday he got a cool watch. A not so cool magick amulet that he can't get off his neck. Attacked by a Warlock & a Draugr. Rescued by a sorcerer who claims he's the grandson of Thor & must attend Seiðrune School of Viking Sorcery. A high school that just happens to be in Antarctica!
Do remember your first High School Sweetheart?
Albino beauty Frost Blackwell & her dark haired identical twin Raven we're conceived using
Dark Magick. Born with a curse, they must live as one, feel as one, and die as one.
Frost is in love with Merlin & her sister is trying hard not to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098334857

Book preview

1

IN ALBERTA, CANADA, as if triggered by the alarm clock on his nightstand a teenager woke suddenly from a deep sleep. He rubbed his emerald green eyes and gazed at the neon blue 12:00 AM that lit up his 2018 Edmonton Oilers hockey calendar hanging on the wall. He noted that Friday the 7th was circled in thick black ink. Out of the blue, a woman’s voice called his name - Merlin Ragnarr.

Grasping the fact that he was definitely not dreaming, the curious teen got out of bed and followed the voice to the door. At first, he thought it was Sidney, his overly talkative Moluccan cockatoo. But the big white bird was fast asleep on his perch, standing on one foot, eyes closed.

Merlin Ragnarr…the voice whispered as Merlin opened his bedroom door and stepped barefoot out onto the cool hardwood floor of the upstairs hallway. Strangely, the voice seemed to be resonating from downstairs. The teen tiptoed past his grandparents’ bedroom door and down the stairs, ever so quietly, careful not to wake the sleeping household.

At the bottom of the staircase, Merlin heard the voice a third time and hung a sharp left stepping into his grandpa’s semi-dark study. An early September frost tinted the picture window that faced the front yard. The light from the streetlamps outside gave the room with an ominous blue glow.

The beckoning female voice suddenly went silent, as Merlin stared at the large painting of a Viking ship hanging on the wall behind his grandpa’s desk. Then, as if pulled by an invisible string, the big picture slowly swung wide left, revealing a hidden wall safe.

To Merlin’s further amazement, the safe’s combination dial started to magically roll back and forth at a snail’s pace. Merlin listened to the soft click of the moving dial as he crept in for a closer look.

He was only one step from the safe when the door popped open. A radiant glow escaped from the darkness inside. Merlin’s eyes focused on a lustrous jeweled necklace.

Again, he heard the voice. But this time, however, it was telling him to take the necklace. The mystic voice echoed repeatedly in Merlin’s mind as he uncontrollably obeyed the command and reached into the safe.

A blast of energy shot through Merlin’s arm. Like a bolt of lightning, the mystical force powering down through his body like a bullet train, igniting every fiber in his body as it fired through his legs welding his feet to the floor. The last thing Merlin saw was a barrage of black shadows coming at him like gigantic linebackers on a gridiron blitz. The dark tsunami took control and flooded the teen’s mind.

A strange dream placed Merlin on a rock ledge, standing next to a woman facing the entrance of a cave. He opened his mouth to speak but no voice came out. Merlin attempted to touch the woman, but his fingers pass through her like a wisp of smoke.

Merlin decided to follow, as the woman entered the cave. Her flashlight lit up the cavern walls as the solid darkness tried hard to engulf the light’s beam.

The explorer’s breathing was hindered a bit by the stale humid air in the cave. Merlin could hear constant dripping as water droplets fell from the stalactites just overhead.

The sound was like that of a faint heartbeat. The stalagmites that cluttered the floor looked like short miniature mountains, as the duo made their way around them and continued toward what sounded like running water.

Merlin looked down and saw a small freshwater stream carved into the floor of the cave.

It made a rippling sound as it traveled passed his feet, snaking its way along to a pool at the far end. The woman pulled an elastic band out of her jacket pocket and tied back her long red hair.

Merlin and the explorer followed the running water to its abode, a rock basin pool about twelve feet in diameter. Merlin noticed how the cave walls had an ambient glow, with a green florescent moss on the cavern walls absorbing the woman’s light and adding a mystic illumination to the room. The explorer walked over to the pool and investigated its crystal-clear water. The water looked to be about ten feet deep, shimmering ever so slightly as the tiny stream filled it. The woman knelt and touched the surface.

That’s odd, the woman muttered as Merlin walked over and viewed his reflection in the water. The teen bent over and touched the water. Merlin assumed it would be cold, but to his astonishment, he found the water bathtub warm.

From its depths, a glimmer caught the explorer’s eye and Merlin’s at the same time. The woman dipped her waterproof flashlight into the pool, letting the powerful stream of light search the bottom. The penetrating beam soon found the source of the flash.

A sparkling necklace lay on the rock bottom, half covered with volcanic silt. Merlin watched the explorer shake with excitement, making it hard for her to keep the light beam focused on the treasure.

With her eyes locked on the prize, the woman stripped down to her underwear and lowered herself into the water. Merlin’s silent count reached thirty seconds, when the woman broke the surface with the booty in hand. She climbed out of the rock basin and used a spare T-shirt from her knapsack to dry herself. Carefully, she laid the necklace down on the lava rock floor.

Merlin noticed goose bumps on the pale skin of the woman as the cool dampness of the cave began to give her a chill. Once dressed, the woman gently dipped her valuable prize in the small stream and cleaned the sludge from it with her wet T-shirt.

She put the precious necklace around her neck and tucked it under her shirt.

Mystifyingly, Merlin felt the amulet vibrate. He felt the heat against his skin as the enchanted amulet send a jolt of energy through the woman’s body.

While Merlin was trying to figure out what had just happened, the woman put on her jacket, grabbed her knapsack and followed her faithful light beam back the way she came. When Merlin and his female companion arrived back at the entrance, a second woman was waiting.

She had a worried look on her face.

Well if it isn’t the Lara Croft! It’s about freaking time! What happened to ‘I’ll be back in fifteen minutes tops?

The worry wart hugged the explorer with a painful groan.

You’re freakin’ killin’ me girlfriend. Swear to God, I’m getting gray cause of you. Look!

The explorer came back with a tongue-in-cheek reply. And I thought that was your natural hair color.

The caring friend fired back.

Laugh it up funny girl. So, did you find any buried treasure?

The explorer smiled and reached for her jacket zipper.

Again, Merlin felt the amulet send an unexpected jolt of energy through the woman’s body.

A feeling of intense fear suddenly gripped Merlin’s mind, like the cold talons of a dark ominous phantom.

The explorer placed both her hands protectively around the collar of her jacket and pulled the zipper up tight. Her lie came out like a pre-programmed phone recording.

I didn’t find anything.

The woman stared at her friend’s blank facial expression.

A fine Tomb Raider you turned out to be, Heidi Ragnarr!

Heidi Ragnarr… Merlin blurted out and ran toward the explorer. Wait. Wait! His whole-hearted bear hug turned out to be an arm full mist as the forgetful teen passed through the explorer and plummeted off the edge of the cliff. Merlin closed his eyes, as he fell through the darkness.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice calling his name in the distance. Merlin opened his eyes, then quickly slammed shut. Carefully, he eased open his eyes, using the back of his right hand to block the sunlight peeking through a set of half-open curtains.

Standing at his door was his grandma.

Rise and shine, birthday boy. Breakfast is on the table.

She had a big smile on her face and a spatula in her right hand. Thanks, Grandma.

The happy cook turned away and said. I’m making French toast this morning.

Grandma looked over at the large bird cage in the corner.

I’ve got a slice for you too, Sidney.

The Moluccan raised its colored feathered hood and spoke.

Good morning, Sidney.

Merlin heard his grandma’s footsteps head back down the stairs as he hopped out of bed to find his clothes. The birthday boy groggily regarded his faithful feathered friend.

Good morning, turd bird.

Merlin looked around, rubbing the sleep residue from his eyes.

Sid, I had the weirdest dream ever.

The teen grabbed a pair of blue jeans off the chair next to his computer. A reflection in the computer screen caught his eye.

What the heck?

Merlin gazed into the blank screen.

No way. He shook his head in disbelief.

No freakin’ way.

Around his neck was the necklace.

Merlin walked over to the large dresser mirror next to his closet to inspect the amulet further.

The surprised teen slowly reached up and touched the magnificent talisman.

Sidney pranced across the wooden perch in his cage and, as was his habit, asked.

Are you okay?

Merlin looked over at his talkative friend.

Far from it buddy.

Merlin quickly decided to remove the necklace and return it to the safe after school. Hopefully before his grandpa returned home from the office at five.

But the amulet had a different plan.

As Merlin took hold of the gold chain, the charmed choker defensively turned white hot. Owww!

Merlin jerked back his toasted fingers, blowing hard on the blister tips. The pendent was red hot to the touch yet remained cool against his neck.

Sidney put his face against the cage bars.

Cracker. Peanut butter.

I don’t think a cracker or peanut butter is gonna help.

Merlin noticed that the symbol in the center of amulet closely resembled the odd, wine-colored birthmark he always hid under his hair.

Merlin pulled his shoulder length blonde mane to one side and used the hallway mirror to compare the symbol on the talisman with the mark on the side of his neck.

Just marvelous. I get a cursed necklace for my birthday with my dog ugly birthmark on it.

Peeved, Merlin attempted to remove the necklace with two wooden drumsticks. Instantly, the rods burst into flames. Unwavering, Merlin grabbed a pair of steel needle nose pliers from inside his dresser drawer.

Third time’s the charm, Sid.

The testy teen soon found out why the enchanted amulet was called ‘Brísingamen’ - The Fire Jewel of Freyja, when the nose of his pinchers melted like butter and burned a foul-smelling hole in the carpet.

Oh man!

Merlin soaked a sock in Sidney’s water bowl to put out the smoldering carpet.

If I don’t get this necklace back in the safe before grandpa finds it missing…I’m toast.

Grandma Ragnarr called out from the kitchen downstairs. Merlin pulled out a small green bag and gave Sidney two birdie treats. Love ya, buddy.

Merlin grabbed his school rucksack and headed downstairs.

Sorry, Grandma, he apologized as he slid his backpack under the table and took a seat. His grandmother smiled and set a plate of French toast under Merlin’s nose just as his grandpa entered the kitchen. He had a bewildered look on his face as he sat down at the head of the table.

Grandpa scratched his head,

Cindy, I swear to God, I’m getting Alzheimer’s. I thought for sure I locked my safe last night before I went to bed. But this morning, I found it wide open. Grandma poured him a cup of coffee.

The house alarm was on all night. So, I’m sure we didn’t get robbed.

The only thing worth stealing in this house is you, my precious. Grandpa winked.

Grandma smiled.

My Friday morning Don Juan. I take it nothing is missing.

Merlin felt the icy cold fingers of guilt grasp him by the throat as he pulled his shirt collar up tight around his neck.

Nope, everything is there, just like I left it. Oh, and happy birthday, Merle! Bet you thought I forgot your big sixteenth, eh bud!

Marcus slapped his extremely relieved grandson on the shoulder. Damn boy, you’re like a piece of iron! You’re not pumping anything heavier than a bus, are you? Merlin grinned.

Incognito, Grandpa, just like you always say. That’s my boy! His grandpa said with great pride, as he slid a small wrapped box onto the table.

Happy birthday, Merle.

Merlin smiled and opened his present.

Inside was a Citizen Titanium diver’s watch.

Oh wow! This is super nice! Thank you so much!

Merlin’s grandma embraced him warmly and gave him a kiss on the top of his golden locks.

We love you, honey.

Merlin’s grandpa grabbed a piece of bacon off his

plate.

See you tonight. He kissed his wife on the cheek and jetted out the door.

Merlin took a last bite of French toast and got up from the table, Later, Grandma. Love you.

Merlin snatched his parka from the back of the chair and his school bag off the floor, pausing only to peck his grandma on the cheek.

Merlin zipped up his jacket and walked down the driveway. He crossed the empty street in front of his house and started up the sidewalk. He was both perplexed and grateful that his grandpa hadn’t noticed the necklace was missing.

The mystery surrounding the early morning event was troubling. Merlin remembered how he came into possession of the enchanted necklace he just didn’t know the ‘Why’. Why did it pick him? Why can’t he remove it? Did the necklace compel Grandpa to overlook that it was missing? Merlin had his theories and was determined to investigate.

Lost in thought, Merlin crossed a small neighbor- hood intersection just as a kid on a four-wheeler came blasting out of a side street.

Startled, Merlin dropped his school bag as the ATV rider headed straight for him. In a reflex action, Merlin threw up both hands, palms up, to absorb the impact. As he did, Brísingamen came alive around his neck, vibrating with a fiery red glow. An invisible blast of energy flew out of Merlin’s outstretched palms, knocking both the careless rider and his four-wheeler off the road and into the bushes.

Merlin ran over to the dazed rider, who was half buried in the thick shrubbery, his four-wheeler upside down. Are you okay, dude?

The young rider gave a thumbs-up.

Merlin helped the stunned rider to his feet, wiping

the dirt off the shield of his full-face helmet. The two teens flipped the quad back on its wheels. The rider confessed that the last thing he needed was a ticket for riding his off-road quad on a public street. Merlin was cool with that, bearing in mind the last thing he needed was trying to explain to the cops how he became Luke Skywalker and used the Force to blast the kid and his quad into the bushes!

The kid slammed his shield down with a muffled.

Thanks bro, I owe ya one.

Popping a wheelie, he took off like a shot down the alley.

Merlin grabbed his bag and hoofed it double time down the sidewalk toward his school.

Merlin’s second class gave him library access, and he headed there as soon as the bell rang. He went directly to the section that contained books on Norse Mythology. Merlin was an avid reader and he loved Viking folklore and mythology. When he had first seen the diamond design on amulet’s ruby stone, he immediately recognized it as the ‘Thorn’ rune symbol. Similar in shape, perhaps the amulet and his birthmark were connected in some way. Maybe it was destiny that the necklace came to him. Merlin found a few books on Viking religion, Viking Runes and Óðinism. He cross-referenced the books for the rune and its meaning. It wasn’t long before he found it.

Thurisaz (Thor-is-as)

The Thorn – Giants – Strong, one, Resistance, Pain, Fertility

Merlin read quietly under his breath.

"The rune Thurisaz represents the sacrifice that one must make in order to make progress in life. It is the very essence of discipline and wisdom.

This rune references the pain that must be endured for the reward that lies ahead. It may be likened to a long apprenticeship that lies ahead before one becomes a master of his trade. A painful