The Price of Magic: The Druidae Files, #1

By Shannon McRoberts

Nothing is ever free…

Serein was born into a world where you either had the ability to use magic or you did not.  For the longest time, Serein believed she was like any other Mirthless and unable to use magic.  Serein was fine with her non-magic lot in life, until it caused her to have a target on her back. 

Dahlia was an opportunistic businesswoman always looking for a way to make money.  When she found one of her mother's spells that could give Mirthless the ability to use magic, she knew she could find a way to turn a profit with her new service---if she could find a test subject.  

The day Dahlia chose Serein to be her test subject was supposed to be the start of a new beginning for the both of them. Dahlia thought Serein would be happy to finally have magic, but she was not.  Now Serein must live with the price of her magic, which may just cost her everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon McRoberts
• Release date: Nov 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393156727

Shannon McRoberts

Shannon McRoberts writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy books while living in the rolling hills of Kentucky.   Shannon is a lover of all kinds of fantasy but enjoys watching her collection of favorite shows like Xena, Buffy, Firefly, Game of Thrones, and Farscape.  When she’s not busy with taking care of her family, binge watching Netflix, or making fantasy art, she is at her computer weaving myths and magic featuring women of grit and steel.

Book preview

The Price Of Magic

Nothing is ever free...

Serein was born into a world where you either had the ability to use magic or you did not.  For the longest time, Serein believed she was like any other Mirthless and unable to use magic.  Serein was fine with her non-magic lot in life, until it caused her to have a target on her back.

Dahlia was an opportunistic businesswoman always looking for a way to make money.  When she found one of her mother's spells that could give Mirthless the ability to use magic, she knew she could find a way to turn a profit with her new service—-if she could find a test subject.

The day Dahlia chose Serein to be her test subject was supposed to be the start of a new beginning for the both of them.  Dahlia thought Serein would be happy to finally have magic, but she was not.  Now Serein must live with the price of her magic, which may just cost her everything.

Chapter 1

Imperatrix Vesper sat on her ornate throne, twirling her auburn hair.  Vesper fidgeted around in her seat unable to hold still.  Her squirming caused the light to reflect off her silken gown making it glisten like raindrops caught in a spider’s web.  There was no doubt an Enchanted tailor created the garment.  Vesper tried to focus on what the cloaked woman in front of her said.

Many moons ago, Vesper sought Astraea from The Wild Land to find a solution to a problem Nyxus was facing: beings with no magical abilities called the Mirthless had increased and began over-running Nyxus Proper while the number of Enchanted, beings with magical abilities, dwindled.  Ki, a magical energy channeled by the Enchanted, powered Nyxus.  Any significant decrease in the Enchanted population could devastate the town. The increase in Mirthless population was a dangerous situation.  In response to this increase in Mirthless births, Vesper asked Astraea and her clan to find a way for the Mirthless to use Ki so they too could contribute to the community.

Vesper stared down from her throne. Her face showing no emotion.  What you are telling me, Astraea, is that you have not solved the problem I hired you to solve. 

No, Imperatrix, what I am saying is the solution I can offer is temporary. I can modify Mirthless to use Ki, but the magic they can produce is twice as powerful as an Enchanted’s magic. This results in the user’s life force depleting much quicker.  Astraea stood still, her hands grasping the inside of her black cloak causing the silver glyphs woven into the hem to flash in the light.

Vesper gritted her teeth as she took in the information struggling to keep her emotionless state.  Vesper desired to turn all the Mirthless into Enchanted. She did not want to augment the Mirthless to the point of them becoming more powerful than the Enchanted. Is there no way to correct the Mirthless’ inability to channel Ki without them becoming so powerful they forfeit years of their lives?

Astraea chose her response carefully. If it pleases her Imperatrix, I can try additional modifications. Of course, it would be quicker if I were able to test my theories on actual Mirthless.

Vesper’s face darkened as she slammed her fists down.  The echo of the gesture filled the throne room with multiple thuds.  I will not allow any experimentation on the Mirthless. You have until the end of the moon cycle to bring me your updated results. You are dismissed.

As you wish, my liege. I will do my best. Astraea cursed under her breath while bowing to Vesper.

Once Astraea left, Vesper called for someone to bring her next guest into the room. The figure, standing in the shadows of the alcove, moved toward the inner chamber. The person wore a black cloak, like Astraea’s, but this guest remained covered by their cloak.  The person bowed a low bow to Vesper but did not speak.

Dahlia of the Clan Obsidian, I have summoned you here today to ask you a question. Is it true your people can tell who is a Mirthless and who is an Enchanted simply by looking at them?

Dahlia moved inside the cloak but kept the hood pulled up in place. The shadows obstructed her face.  A voice came from under the hood. My people can differentiate between an Enchanted or a Mirthless. With our tools we can see the Ki in an Enchanted’s soul.  Ki burns like blue fire and those without the blue fire are Mirthless.

Vesper smiled a small, wicked smile. She folded her hands in her lap and twirled her thumbs to hide how pleased this news made her.  Excellent! So, you can grab a Mirthless from a crowded square without being detected and without grabbing an Enchanted by accident?

Dahlia bowed.  Her cloak followed her movements never once revealing her face to Vesper.  The tiny, golden runes adorning Dahlia’s cloak sparkled with the light of the room.  If this is what The Great Mistress Vesper wants, and what she will pay for, then it can be done. Clan Obsidian can move any merchandise even if it is living.

Yes, this is what I want. It is for the good of Nyxus Proper. Beings without the ability to use Ki are a burden on our society. They would be better off in their own town. This way, I hope, we can stop the diminishment of Enchanted.

When do you need us to start gathering Mirthless?

I want you to start today. Gather a few Mirthless each day after. Be careful no one sees you in the first few gatherings. Then, in a week’s time, I want you to start a full assault on the city. Snatch as many Mirthless as you can, but I want witnesses to see you when you do this. I also want the witnesses to see your cloaks.

Where do you want us to take the Mirthless?  Dahlia inquired.

Outside the city walls. Once you are on the perimeter, several spelled cages will appear. Put the Mirthless into the cages and the cages will take care of the rest. Take care not to linger too long outside the walls. I want you to put the Mirthless in the cages as fast as possible and disappear.  Vesper instructed.

Dahlia bowed again to Imperatrix Vesper before taking her leave.

Vesper slumped back on her throne as soon as she saw the chamber door close behind Dahlia. She rubbed her face as hunger pains caused her stomach to cramp.  I hope this plan works.  Nyxus can’t support anymore Mirthless and neither can I.

Chapter 2

Keara stood in the market with her husband Lachlan. He told her she could choose any of the silks for her new dress.  The silk vendor had just received several new bolts and Keara took her time examining each one. She stood holding a piece of cloth up to the sun to observe its shimmer.

Lachlan, what do you think of this gold one? Is it too sheer?  Do you think it will clash with my red hair? Keara peered through the fabric towards the sky.  A slight breeze brushed across her cheek causing her skin to tingle. When Keara didn’t get an immediate answer, she tossed the silk down onto the material table and spun around to chastise her husband. Surprisingly, Lachlan was no longer standing next to her. Keara walked up and down the market square hoping to find her wandering husband. When she could not locate him, she shouted his name. Other shoppers looked at her in disdain as her shrieks became more desperate.

Serein noticed Keara becoming panicked in the market from across the way.  Concerned by her friend’s behavior Serein walked towards Keara. Keara, what’s wrong? Why are you out here screaming for Lachlan?

Keara looked up at the mention of her name. Her mouth fell open as she blinked multiple times.  I can’t find Lachlan anywhere. One minute he was with me picking out silks and the next he was just gone. He didn’t say where he was going or even that he was leaving. It was as if he vanished into thin air.  This is unlike him and I have an uneasy feeling about his disappearance.

Serein opened her mouth to speak but paused before a smile broke out over her face. Maybe he went to the pub for a bite to eat. You know how much he likes to eat those sausages they have.

Will you go with me to check? I feel like I am losing my mind.  Tears threatened to spill out of Keara’s eyes while her breaths became shorter.

I would be happy to go with you to the pub to aid you in finding Lachlan. When we find him, remind me to scold him for playing such a cruel game!  Serein grabbed Keara’s hand and led her towards Lachlan’s favorite pub.

The two women walked half a city block hand in hand.  Serein guided Keara through large crowds.  It was a holiday and residents crowded every establishment.

The pub was an enormous building.  It could house most of the city and today it was packed to the brim for festivities. Keara broke away from Serein before scanning the great bar room where Lachlan liked to sit. Mirthless and Enchanted alike gathered by the projection screens to watch a concert by the talented Alafia. When Keara did not spot Lachlan, she began twisting her wedding ring.

Serein noticing Keara’s response, grabbed her hands. Keara, maybe you can have the manager page Lachlan on the system? It is so crowded here we may have just missed seeing him. 

Keara nodded and let go of Serein’s hands.  She needed to maneuver through the horde of concert watchers, and it would be quicker if she went on her own.  An Alafia Holiday concert always brought out an enormous crowd.  Most of the patrons stood in Keara’s path.  Swarms of onlookers strolled up and down the walkways trying to get a glimpse of the concert.  Keara managed to break free to the outer alcove where there were less people.  Once she was free of the crowd, she ran towards the front office of the pub. Keara, lost in her thoughts, almost ran straight into the manger Keturah when both women rounded the same corner.

Hey, there stranger! Keturah smiled.  Realizing Keara was not slowing down, Keturah put out her hands to keep Keara from crashing into her.

Keturah looked at Keara noticing her friend’s gaze appeared distant. Why are you in such a rush, Keara?

At the sound of her name Keara looked at Keturah.  Keara’s voice came out hurried and pressured.  Keturah! Lachlan vanished. I can’t find him anywhere. Can you please page for him?

Keturah nodded. Sure, I can page for him. Keturah walked over to the intercom and pressed a button. Pardon the interruption folks, but if Councilman Lachlan is in the building, would he please come up front to meet his wife.

Keturah returned to stand with Keara to wait.  Reaching over, she patted Keara on the back.  I’m sure he will turn up.  It isn’t like him to simply run off without a good reason. 

Serein rounded the corner and made her way over to the where Keara and Keturah stood.  Any luck? 

The breath Keturah hadn’t realize she was holding rushed out.  Serein, I am glad you are here!  Not yet, but did you hear my page out there?

Yes, the page came through fine, but I’m afraid I couldn’t see Lachlan and it was too loud to carry out conversations with anyone in the room with the concert playing.

Keara sighed as the tears she held back ran down her cheek.  Lachlan had never left her like this.  The pain in her chest tightened as anxiety weaved into her thoughts.  Every person who came through the door brought more disappointment to Keara.  After fifteen minutes, she knew for certain Lachlan was not there.

Keturah bit her lip while trying to ask helpful questions to locate Lachlan.  Where did you last see him?

He promised to take me shopping today since he had the day off for the holiday.  We were looking at silks in the square.  I found a bolt of silk I liked, but when I asked his opinion he didn’t answer.  A breeze blew across my shoulders right before I turned around to see why he wasn’t answering me.  That’s when I realized he was gone. Serein found me wandering in the square.

That isn’t like Lachlan at all. Maybe you should report it to the Council? Keturah offered.

I think that is a good idea. Come, Keara, I will walk you to the Council of Nyxus. There won’t be a lot of staff given the holiday, but one of their members is missing, so I am sure someone will look into his disappearance immediately.

Serein grabbed Keara’s hand before dragging them both out of the door and towards the Council of Nyxus building the next block over. 

Keara followed Serein without question twisting her wedding ring as she walked.  She hoped someone at The Council of Nyxus could help them.  Maybe they would send out a search party.  After all, Lachlan was a main member of The Council of Nyxus, a ruling congress made up of Mirthless working under the Imperatrix. Vesper handled many of the large decisions, but most of the small decisions and enforcement of laws fell to The Council.

The Council was a newer institution formed about five generations after the Mirthless population rose. The Mirthless felt they needed representation of their kind in Nyxian affairs. Vesper was young then and she did not disagree with the proposal. In fact, she embraced the idea and praised the Mirthless for having a vested interest in the city.

Lately, though, Vesper had been in no mood to listen to The Council. No one knew why she was at odds with them, but of the last four propositions made by The Council, she ignored three of those. Lachlan was vocal in his critique of Vesper’s actions over the last few months.

The Council’s building was in the center of the town. It was a small grey stone structure built by Mirthless stone workers who carved each stone by hand from indigenous rocks. Ki building workers created most of the buildings in Nyxus Proper in a matter of days. The buildings were impressive and cutting edge, but The Council of Nyxus wanted something reflective of the population they were trying to represent. It may have taken the Mirthless stone masons a few extra months to build, but after they completed the building, it was something everyone in Nyxus Proper could be proud to have in their town.

Keara climbed the stairs as she had many times before, but with each step her body protested. She felt as if she were on the brink of fainting from the pressure of it all. Serein was right behind her to help her friend climb the stairs. When they entered the main room, they saw an older Mirthless pleading to the secretary behind the desk.

Appolonia would not walk away like that. We were in the square shopping for new chiffon. I turned my back to pick up a bolt of material and when I turned around to show her, she vanished. Tears were forming in the older woman’s dark eyes as she recounted her afternoon.

Ms. Alora, there is nothing I can do at this moment but take your basic report. Appolonia is an adult and we cannot act until she has been missing for three weeks.

Three weeks!  When did they change the action to three weeks?  Keara’s question echoed off the walls due to the building being emptier and quieter than usual.

Startled by the sudden demand, the young girl blinked. She hadn’t noticed the two figures watching her and Ms. Alora.  She was about to lay into the questioning figure when she recognized who it was. Cyane knew better than to cross Keara. Keara, what are you doing here? Lachlan had the day off for the holiday.

Keara, tired from the strain of events, wept.  She tried to explain but couldn’t form coherent words.  Her breathing became shallow causing her to take short breaths.

Serein moved her friend aside. Hello, Cyane. We know Lachlan isn’t here because Keara came to report him missing. We were hoping to have quick action, but it seems the filing time frame has changed for a missing Mirthless report.

"Yes, Vesper changed it a few weeks ago. She said she made the decision based on research The Council conducted on Mirthless disappearances. Our rates are low these days for missing Mirthless. In fact, there is a report attached to the change indicating the Ki