Dragon Trials: The Witches of Elder Wood, #2

By NK Fuller

Reunited with her mother, Marcisse faces a whole new set of trials. Literally.

Marcisse must navigate treacherous tasks carefully constructed by the warlocks in order to free the prince. But are the trials all they seem?

Leaving the realm of Nutrophia to travel to Acremon, Marcisse must straddle both worlds if she is to bring peace. The key to that peace is Prince Sylvio, the rightful heir to the Acremonian throne.

The warlocks will do anything to keep her from getting to him. Can she win against the tyrants that unlawfully stole the throne from the prince's father, the mighty wizard King Salamon?

When her newfound identity leads her to a coven of witches determined to aid her cause, Marcisse has to let go of everything she knew in order to restore the long lost prince. The revelation that she's half warlock makes it hard for Marcisse to accept that her bloodline links her to her sworn enemies.

The longer she stays in Acremon, the quicker her powers grow, and the warlocks soon realise that they need her to join them. Will they succeed? Or will the witches keep her loyalty? For Marcisse, a split destiny awaits, and the very fate of Nutrophia depends on her decision.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nathan Fuller
• Release date: Jun 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201856984

Book preview

Dragon Trials

Witches of Elder Wood Book 2

By NK Fuller

Copyright 2021 © NK Fuller

Please note that the author is English so spelling is in British English.

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CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Shards of the Soul - Book 3

Copyright

Chapter One

Still woozy from the spell that hadn't entirely worn off, Mother clutched my upper arm as she helped me off of the table. Flicking her head between me and the door of the potions room, her bold blue eyes widened. Marcisse, you must get to the protective chambers. Now!

Protective chambers? Whatever was she talking about? I clutched the side of my throbbing head. The choke of the vine spell had really done a number on me. Feeling as if my bones were slowly reforming, I wobbled on the spot precariously with one arm supporting me on the table, the other propped up by my mother. She mouthed more warnings, and as I gradually came out of my mind fog, her words sifted in and out of my ears as if I were bobbing in and out of water.

With a forceful pull, Mother helped me up and out of the room. I knocked into a stool with a crash, wincing with the pain. Not having time to rub my leg, I gritted my teeth as we hobbled back into the corridor.

Mother hesitated as we ran as fast as my groggy state would allow. She talked to herself as if to invoke her memory. I... I think it's this way!

I drew in a dry breath, hoping she was right. If I continued this mad dash much longer, I think I'd fall to the floor before the warlocks even had chance to reach us. My upper vision still a blur, the paintings we passed seemed exaggerated, their features protruding like some sort of abnormal fairground attraction.

Before I knew it, we were pelting through a network of sheltered colonnades that were set among neatly manicured squared gardens, all closed by small shrubs for borders. Set among the sections of grass, marvellous, white streaked marble fountains featured sculpted women posing in all sorts of odd positions atop of them. Each little courtyard we passed looked the same. How Mother knew where she was going was beyond me. The tight squeeze of my hand gaining my attention, she excitedly tapped it several times as we headed straight for an overgrown archway.

What is it? I croaked in dismay.

Panting, Mother took a breath. We're here, this is one of the exits we can take out of the castle.

Without the same enthusiasm as my mother, I stared at the overgrown white jasmine and clematis resembling the hair of Medusa. It climbed erratically above the stones of the arch.

Mother grunted before thrusting herself into the sweet smelling mess. My faculties almost fully returned, I locked my fingers to help her.

Waving her hand to knock on something smooth, she let out a small squeal of delight.

A-ha, found it!

Ever the pessimist, I soon dampened the mood with a sarcastic quip. And how do you suppose we get through it? I can't even see a handle!

Unperturbed and unwilling to yield to my pessimism, Mother made several noises, investigating through the dense vines behind the pretty flowers as far as they would allow her. Tugging on something hard, her voice exerted from the strength of her pull.  Got it!

Several strained attempts later, the mysterious door still wouldn't open. Not wanting to add to her frustrations, I had no choice but to give her a good dose of the grim reality of our situation. Mother, if we don't move quickly, the warlocks will catch up with us. It's not like there's many places to hide in this godforsaken castle!

After a few more attempts and nearly a stumble for her best effort, the steel, ring gate latch refused to unlocked.  Slicking back her dark blonde hair that had gone as haywire as the climbers themselves, she let out a low growl. Wait a minute... Her eyes flickering, she pulled out her wand from the pocket of her white and navy dress. With a twirl of her handy wand, she stood with her feet apart, pursing her lips. Limovay!

Ensuring that I stood well out of the way, the cold leaves of the waist height, squared bushes brushed up behind me. I turned back to Mother and gawped at the brilliant flash that shot from the wand that blasted into the narrow wooden door. The incredible explosion ripped the chunky door completely off of its hinges. Heat radiated around the area as the backdraft wafted abruptly across my face, chest and arms. Walking through the still singeing greenery, we were finally outside.

Not wasting any time, a sharp pull of my hand threatened to dislocate my arm.

Come on!

Following her lead, we hitched up our skirts, running along the right side of the castle's high stone walls. We leapt over the brambles as best we could as we ran around the square juts and circular turrets. Wondering if we'd ever get to the protective chambers, I thought my squeezing heart might actually come up and out of my mouth.

Upon seeing the tallest tower with its imposing black turret, I knew it had to be where the prince was being held. Both clasping one another's arms after our quick flight, mother spoke breathlessly. Only...you...must...go on.

My stomach dropping in an instant, I shook my head. No... I can't do this without you! I pulled her closer to me to embrace her. The cold of the bitter wind had chilled her skin, but I still felt the warmth from within her as she put her arms tightly around the back of my neck. Despair soon replacing the shock, I put a shaky hand to my mouth as we broke the hold. How can I possibly rescue the prince alone? You and the coven all said it yourselves, I have much to learn. I'm a novice, what would I know about daring rescues?

Slowly squeezing both of my hands in hers, her loving touch quietened my nerves.

Marcisse, you might be a novice, but you are not just a witch coming into her powers. Your destiny marks you out as the one who will restore the balance of Acremon.  Releasing my hands, she held the sides of my face. This time her touch was warm, alike the feelings of the first heated rays on your face in spring. Refusing to break eye contact with me, I sensed the conviction in her voice. "From the old prophecy in our most sacred of books, it has to be you who forges ahead with returning Prince Sylvio his rightful crown."

Tears escaping from the corners of my eyes, my stuttering lips betrayed what my mouth wanted to say.

As she pressed her index finger to my lips, Mother's own blue eyes pooled with emotion. Say no more, and go with courage. I promise you that we will not stray far from the castle. We'll be waiting for when you break him out.

The distant shouts of the warlocks caused my back to stiffen. We were running out of time. It was now or never. Picking up my skirts, I took one last look at my mother as I backed away to take my leave.

Mother reached out a hand before calling out. Her voice almost lost in the wind and the warlocks’ cries, I just about heard her. When you get to the turret, you must announce to the statue that you wish to take up the challenge. Only then you can begin to complete the dragon trials. It is the only way!

I could've frozen on the spot at the mere mention of dragons, but I could afford no such luxury. With my enemies hot on my heels, I took one last glance as Mother disappeared into the white wonderland of frozen orchards.

My throat parched and my feet heavy, I made a mad dash to the turret. I kept as close to the fortified walls as I could, fearing that an attack could come from the parapets above at any moment. I panted erratically as I ran my hands along the sphere of the turret’s base, desperately looking for the statue that Mother had spoken of. Seeing only overgrown shrubs and ivy that spiralled upwards, I ran my fingers through the thick mix of greenery. Several yelps of frustration later, I couldn't find anything that even resembled such a thing. Just when I thought all hope was lost, my eyes were drawn to the narrowest window I'd ever seen. Set just taller than myself, it had no pane. Mustering the strength to grip the ledge, I hauled myself up to peer inside. My mouth falling open, there stood in the centre of the circular room a towering three headed dragon statue. Coloured the same grey as the stone floor it was set on, my eyes narrowed. Glancing behind me, the shrieks of the warlocks raced toward me, their capes fluttering in the wind. My body almost fell as my grip began to slip. I willed the muscles in my arms to work, the backs of them burning as I pulled myself back up. Sighting the statue once more, I tried to keep my gaze focused as I recited what Mother had told me. I, Marcisse, take up the challenge of the dragon trials!

Forcing my hands to let go of the chunky ledge, powerful vibrations pulsed through the wall. I landed into the shrubs with an abrupt thud. With the dry sound of mortar between the stones cracking and grating, the brickwork began to shift. Rising to my feet, my gaze flickered over the entire section of wall that was now rapidly changing, the stones sliding in different directions as a passageway was formed. Craning my head tentatively into the opening, I quickly pulled it back in awe. Finally, with more conviction, I shook my head and stepped over the threshold and into the room. It was either that or face the warlocks. Tossing my head back, I stood in wonder as the stones sealed back up. Morden's furrowed blonde brows were the last things I saw as he bellowed my name.

Now completely enclosed, I could hear nothing but the sound of my own footsteps, and my thudding heart. Curious as to why I couldn't hear the warlocks’ shouts through the lone window, I spotted a faint glimmering blue line running down the side of the window. Taking a huge gulp, it dawned on me that not only were the warlocks kept out, but I was kept in. What had I taken on?

I turned back towards the statue, and paced around it for a moment. A marvellous piece of creation, my whole body vibrated with the power emanating from it. It was clear that it had been enchanted by the warlocks to stop any would-be rescuers from getting to the prince, but despite the fear that shook my bones as I gazed upon its three enormous heads, I was willing to give it a shot. Trying not to think of the mill stone load of pressure that rested rather burdensomely on my small shoulders, I swallowed down my own terror and walked up to its suitably huge rounded base. Clearing my throat, I spoke directly to the snarling spiked head in the middle. It is I, who you allowed to enter that will accept your challenge to reclaim Prince Sylvio.

Fully aware of how authoritative my voice sounded as it rebounded around the eerily large empty circle room, I could only hope that the statue wouldn't suddenly spring to life and devour me right there on the spot.

A tense pause followed. Moisture trickled down the back of my neck and beneath the oval black opal stone that I was given to wear by the warlocks as a gift. As if one measly precious stone would persuade me to join the dark side! Interrupting the thought of bribery, the statue began to quake.

I slowly backed away, as the neck of the middle dragon cracked, jerkily lowering itself to touch the floor. Fascinated and fearful mixed in one exhilarating concoction, I couldn't tear my gaze away. Its flared nostrils touching the stone ground, small orange glows replaced the hollowed out grey mouldings. Violently snorting what must have been a ton of sand-like debris, I shrieked. Before the clouds of dust had time to settle, fire shot forth, creating a perfectly circular ring on the floor that burned only around the edges. The heat of the flames were unbearable, my hair and dress quickly clinging to my skin.

A gravelly voice whose tone rumbled through the room made my head dart to locate the source of the bone chilling speaker. Step into the fire.

Half expecting a warlock to jump out from behind the statue, I had to concede that I was now very much in the game. My legs quaking, I pushed them forward. Gasping as I leapt over the hovering flame that outlined the boundary of the circle, I fell into sudden blackness of what I can only assume was some sort of abyss. My innards felt like they'd been left behind in the smouldering room. Completely blind under the unknown cloak of darkness, I thrust out my hands to try and feel for anything.

H-hello?! My own voice echoed back to me. Is anybody there?

Out of the corner of my eye, a curtain of the watery ripples caught my attention. Walking to the black undulating veil of wavelets, I channelled my hand through it. Coolness encircled my wrists, and a sound similar to wobbling jelly altered the faint wavy motions that pulsed around my hand. Sensing a breeze against my hand, I pushed half of myself through to the other side, girding myself for what was about to greet me.

Bidding farewell to the void, I slithered the rest of my body through it. Here goes nothing. 

Chapter Two

Holding my breath, I entered into the terrifying unknown. Greeted by bountiful greens in various shades, the colour was a welcome sight from the darkness. I compelled myself to finally inhale a much needed breath, but soon realised, the eerie quietness of the new dimensional world was not going to give me the respite I thought it might. Who was I kidding? This was a trial, after all.

Neatly trimmed grass was like sponge under my feet, and the towering hedges that loomed around the narrow passage around me felt like they were closing in on me. I looked up to gain relief from the night air, but to my horror, I saw no sky, no starry host and certainly no moon to guide my way; just endless insidious inkiness that blotted out the entire belt around me. Panting, I clutched my chest. Shouting aloud to myself, I wondered if I'd lost my grip on sanity before I'd even tried to undertake the trials. Think, Marcisse, think!

I took a breath and tensed my arms by my sides. Inching forward, I stepped into the wind that blew my dark hair wildly around my face. Crunching the leaves underfoot that gusted in my direction, small autumnal leaves rustled as they blew over my boots.

Approaching the first corner of the green labyrinth, the only direction I could take was to go to the right. More leaves whirled around from the fierce winds, which I was sure was picking up the more I ventured into the maze. I glanced behind me to view the spot where I'd arrived. My stomach twisting, the hedges flickered before swallowing themselves up. If I didn't feel trapped before, I certainly did now.

Struggling to gasp, I launched forward. I didn't wait for the foliage to enclose me as the hedges behind collapsed into each other. I grabbed for the sides of my olive green skirts ready to run for my life. Puffing erratically, I kept looking behind me, my acutely tuned ears hearing the maze devouring itself. Twigs cracking and crunching more loudly the further I ventured deeper, the sound of the