The Magician's Web

By Maidie Reeve

Something is very wrong in the world of the magic game The Tenth Gateway. Two children, Sophie Jones and Jun Wu, are magically transported into the game and receive a desperate message from Eda, the guardian of the game world. The evil magician, Malefic, is now in control of the enchanted world and Eda is his prisoner. Only a powerful talisman can save her.
Following the clues contained on a magic scroll, the children set out on a quest to find the seven magic gemstones which were once part of a special medallion. They must reassemble the charm and prevent the talisman from falling into Malefic’s hands.
Meanwhile, Malefic’s master spy, Perscrutor, uses his network of spies to keep the evil magician informed about the quest and he will do anything to seize the talisman for his master. Is there a traitor amongst Eda’s supporters? Who can be trusted? Will the children reach Eda in time before she is forced to reveal her magical secrets?
Sophie and Jun are facing their biggest challenge yet and the fate of The Tenth Gateway depends on them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781528999335

Maidie Reeve

Maidie Reeve grew up and lives in Melbourne, Australia. Before she started writing children’s stories, several years ago, she worked as a teacher and as a manager of international education. Maidie loves travelling and exploring ancient ruins and castles. These experiences and her love of fantasy inspire her writing. Maidie enjoys reading and watching great stories as much as writing—including fantasies, mysteries, historical dramas and documentaries. She also loves to work in her garden whenever she can.

Book preview

About the Author

Maidie Reeve grew up and lives in Melbourne, Australia. Before she started writing children’s stories, several years ago, she worked as a teacher and as a manager of international education. Maidie loves travelling and exploring ancient ruins and castles. These experiences and her love of fantasy inspire her writing.

Maidie enjoys reading and watching great stories as much as writing—including fantasies, mysteries, historical dramas and documentaries. She also loves to work in her garden whenever she can.

Dedication

For Phoebe and Olivia, my two wonderful great nieces, who encouraged me to complete this third book about the magical world of The Tenth Gateway.

Copyright Information ©

Maidie Reeve (2021)

The right of Maidie Reeve to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528999328 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528999335 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2021)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

Once again I would like to thank the team at Austin Macauley who have contributed to the publication of The Magician’s Web. I could not do it on my own. A special thank you to the illustrator whose work on the covers of the trilogy bring the mystery of the fantasy world of The Tenth Gateway to life. And many thanks again to my husband, Frank, who never questions my frequent disappearances upstairs to write my stories.

Chapter 1

The Secret Quest

All was not well in Eda’s enchanted world of The Tenth Gateway. Her ongoing struggle to control Malefic, her evil rival, was becoming more and more difficult.

Eda remembered the time when she and Malefic were both magicians in the court of the king and queen of the Kingdom of Zlandgovnia. They had once been friends but as his magic powers had grown, Malefic had become arrogant, and plotted to overthrow the king and queen. To protect the kingdom from destruction Eda tricked Malefic into playing a magic game that she had created. When they were both inside the enchanted world, together with their supporters, she closed the only exit – The Tenth Gateway – with a powerful spell.

Trapped inside the game, Malefic’s only hope of escape was to seize control of Eda’s magic and use the spells contained in her magic book. Eda knew that it was only a matter of time before he would find a way to defeat her. She was determined to protect her subjects and the worlds they lived in.

Malefic’s army now approached Eda’s camp in the world of The Ninth Gateway and her victory in battle was not guaranteed. But Eda was prepared. Some time ago she had set another plan in motion – a plan that only she knew of until now.

Eda’s green eyes glittered as her thoughts dwelt on what had to be done.

I will strive for victory but I am also ready in case of defeat. It is now time to issue my final instructions.

With her curly chestnut-coloured hair flowing over her shoulders, she looked magnificent. She wore a long blue tunic and a narrow leather belt was slung around her hips. A scabbard holding her magic wand hung loosely at her side.

Eda summoned Morgan the Minstrel, her loyal advisor and messenger, into her tent.

We don’t have much time. Malefic will be here very soon.

What would you have me do? Morgan asked the magician, his brown eyes alight with concern.

Eda went over to a wooden table at the back of the tent where she had placed a beautiful silver casket.

I hope it won’t be necessary, Eda said, as she took a small leather pouch from the casket. But I have taken precautions in case Malefic manages to overpower me.

She handed the pouch to Morgan.

Take this, but keep it closed. Its contents are very precious.

Pulling his red cloak aside Morgan quickly tied the pouch to his belt, making sure its drawstrings remained tightly wound.

Inside the pouch is my special talisman, Eda explained. It will help protect any who carry it, and when it is returned to me as I instruct, its powers will help save this world. Malefic must not know what’s in the pouch and he will be suspicious if he sees you wearing it. That’s why, if it looks like I am about to be defeated, I want you to give it to one of my most trusted subjects. You must be sure that they can do what I ask.

Everything will be as you wish, Morgan replied.

Eda continued.

I will keep The Elf Road open only long enough for our courier to escape. Tell them that they must go to the Arch of Cwfdor. It is in one of the worlds I created for gateway two. The road ends there. Our courier must wait until the keeper of my magic book arrives, no matter how long it takes. They must then hand over the pouch which contains further instructions about the talisman.

Twice before Eda had sought the help of the human child Sophie Jones to keep Malefic under control. Sophie was now safely back home from her adventures in the world of The Tenth Gateway and she still had Eda’s magic book in her possession. If, as Eda feared, Malefic could be victorious on the battlefield, she was prepared to seek Sophie’s help once again.

The sound of fighting grew louder. Eda and Morgan left the tent and observed with heavy hearts the battle which was underway. Malefic’s goblin army were locked in a fierce fight with Eda’s followers.

Go now, Morgan. Check on our troops and then report back to me. I must wait here and confront Malefic. I can sense that he is very close. Remember my instructions.

Morgan ran swiftly to the edge of the camp and stared at the battlefield.

It’s too late, he groaned out aloud. The fight is almost over. We have lost. I must return to help Eda.

He returned to where he had left the magician and stared at her in dismay.

Eda was on her knees in front of the evil Malefic.

Do as I said, she cried out to Morgan.

Morgan realised that the worst had happened. Eda was about to fall under Malefic’s control and he needed to act quickly. He raced back towards the edge of the camp. Looking around, he saw a small gnome wearing dark clothes and a green pointed cap bending over a defeated goblin. The goblin lay on his stomach and the gnome had his arm twisted behind his back to prevent him from standing.

Gwulfud is loyal to Eda and quick-witted. He will be a good choice, Morgan thought and raised his voice above the noise of the fighting to attract the gnome’s attention.

Gwulfud. Quick. Eda needs you, Morgan called out as he moved swiftly across the short distance to join the gnome. Distracted, Gwulfud loosened his hold and, seizing his opportunity, the defeated goblin jumped up and ran off.

Edward, a human child who had once played the magic game and lost, and been trapped in the game, appeared from behind a nearby tent. He was now one of Eda’s supporters. Hearing Morgan cry out, he also raced to join Gwulfud.

Listen carefully. The Elf Road is still open, but not for long. Take this, Morgan said as he untied the pouch and handed it to Gwulfud. This contains Eda’s special talisman and her instructions for activating its magic. You must go immediately to the Arch of Cwfdor in the world of gateway two at the end of The Elf Road and wait for the keeper of The Book. All is not yet lost. Do as Eda says and she will regain the power she needs to defeat Malefic.

I will not fail you, Gwulfud said. He lowered his gruff voice. I will do all that is within my power to help Eda and her followers.

Morgan was already turning away. I must try to make my escape. We will meet again when your mission succeeds.

He ran off without looking back.

I’m going with you, Edward said to Gwulfud. You can’t do this alone. Let’s find the entrance to The Elf Road while no one’s paying us any attention.

I already know where it is, Gwulfud replied. It’s how I travelled through all the gateways to come here.

But before they could make their escape, Perscrutor, a traitor elf and Malefic’s master spy, suddenly appeared and barred their way. He lunged at Gwulfud and grabbed the pouch.

The Master will be very pleased to see this, Perscrutor said gleefully, holding up the pouch. The hood of his dark cloak had fallen back, revealing his narrow scarred face and mean look.

Edward leapt at him and they struggled fiercely. Edward twisted Perscrutor’s arm which was holding the pouch and forced him to drop it. Gwulfud quickly grabbed it and tied it to his belt. He stood back and watched anxiously as Edward wrestled Perscrutor to the ground and placed his arm across the spy’s throat. Perscrutor spat out some words which Gwulfud couldn’t hear and Edward hissed something back. Perscrutor then used his special power to disappear and Edward was left staring at the space where, only moments before, Perscrutor had lain defeated.

He’ll soon be back with some soldiers. We better get out of here, Edward gasped. I’ll follow you. You said that you know the way.

They raced towards a thick grove of willow trees growing near the river, managing to stay out of sight as they skirted the battlefield. Gwulfud led Edward towards a soft light near one of the large weeping willows.

Here, take my hand, Gwulfud said to Edward. You are not one of us, so you have to come through the portal with me.

Edward grasped Gwulfud’s hand and they both stepped through the light and onto The Elf Road. The Elf Road was a magical and invisible thoroughfare created by Eda for the use of her followers in times of need. It provided protection against Malefic.

Behind them, the fighting in the world of gateway nine was almost over. The goblin army had overpowered most of Eda’s supporters, including Morgan, and were in the process of disarming them and placing them under guard.

Outside her headquarters, Eda was trying desperately to ward off the powerful bolts of energy being hurled at her by Malefic. She knew it wouldn’t be long before he would completely overpower her. Eda sensed that Gwulfud and Edward had managed to escape and she knew that it was now time to put the rest of her plan into action. To do this, she had to take the risk of briefly opening The Tenth Gateway and transmitting a message for help to the outside world.

Summoning her remaining strength, she raised her wand. There was a flash, and a green cloud of sparkling dust streaked through the air and entered The Enchanted Garden which was located near the camp site. In no time at all the green dust reached The Tenth Gateway. The cloud hovered for a moment near the secret gateway and then started to seep through a tiny opening. However, in her haste to prevent Malefic becoming aware that the gate was open, Eda resealed it too quickly and the tail end of the green cloud was cut off.

In his thirst for revenge and focused on victory, Malefic raised his arms to throw the full force of his power at Eda. As he threw back his head and laughed, he failed to see the green flash sent from Eda’s wand towards The Enchanted Garden. Within seconds, Eda hurled a white flash towards the riverbank, and the entrance to The Elf Road was closed and hidden from view. Malefic saw the second flash and tried to stop it with a bolt from his own wand. But he failed.

Malefic was momentarily diverted from his fierce attack on Eda and this enabled her to put herself beyond his reach. She swiftly touched her forehead with her wand and then placed it back into its scabbard. She closed her eyes and a soft white mist covered her from head to toe. Eda was now in a deep trance, a trance which could only be broken by the magic of the talisman.

Malefic raised his wand and tried to pierce the mist of enchantment, but that part of Eda’s magic was still too strong for him.

You can’t escape me forever, he snarled at Eda’s silent form. I will create an even more powerful magic to break your spell, and when you are under my control, I will have all your secrets. In the meantime, I’ll make sure no one can reach you.

Malefic called out to his three goblin servants Weezle, Slithe and Grot, his voice full of anger. These ugly creatures were never far from his side, ready to do his bidding.