Sorceress Bound

By Audrie Futrell

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465386816

Audrie Futrell

I grew up in Idaho, graduating from Buhl high. I served my country in the U. S. Navy for four years. I married a service man and had five children. I enjoy writing, sewing, art, and crocheting. Mostly I enjoy being a grandmother of nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Book preview

CHAPTER I

On the far-east side of Snagsmore Mountain and Graymarsh Forest, Cory, a young woman, lived with her three sons and her Mother. She lay sleeping in her bedroom, in the meadow home, her father had built many years before. Her eyes twitched in nightmare. Her husband Blain had committed suicide, four years earlier, unable to get over the fears induced by his Sorcerer Father’s monstrous experiments. Disappearing about this same time was Cory’s father David, leaving the meadow house and land to Cory and her mother. Blain had hoped that, by his death, his monstrous Sorcerer father would not be able to find Cory or their boys.

Sitting up suddenly her eyes snapped open with tears trickling from her eyes as she reached out to the pillow beside her. Trembling her body perspiring she sighed with resignation once again. He was gone there was no bringing him back. The boys, that monster must not find their boys. They had hidden them here in this valley in hopes that he wouldn’t see what was right under his nose. Frowning Cory wiped away another tear, she was getting maudlin. Shaking her head at the gentle insistent buzzing of her alarm reaching out punching the clock alarm off. She snuggled down in the bed for a few more moments rest. Her blue eyes popped open again at the realization that the room was filled with a soft diffused gray light. Glancing towards the lacy curtained window the soft gray light filtered through them. Her face and eyes lit up with joy. Snow! It must have snowed last night, she thought, as she ran her hands through her long blond hair stretching, cat like, in the bed. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood, hurried to the window pulling the filmy curtains back looking out. The snow was at least two feet deep here in the valley that meant at least four feet in the mountains. Sighing she smiled. No work today, maybe not for the next four months. She’d never be able to get across the mountain pass to her work in Claymore City on the west side of the mountain. Laughing to herself she thought what a great day for her and the boys to decorate for Yuletide. Michel and I will go into the forest to get the tree. But first I’ll have a hot shower and some breakfast.

Stepping from the shower Cory smelled bacon frying and hearing the laughter of her boys she smiled. She got dressed in the warm cable knit sweater and blue jeans that covered her slight figure. Stepping from her room, she smiled at the large open kitchen and living room, where she found Marnie, her petite, slightly buxom mother, fixing breakfast for the boys.

Marnie smiled warmly at the sight of her daughter. The boys wanted omelets this morning. I’m fixing animal pancakes and bacon to go with them. What would you like dear? Marnie poured batter into the large frying pan.

Not a thing, I think I’ll have my usual. Reaching for the bread and toaster Cory sniffed as the smells assailed her nostrils.

I’ll heat up your chocolate. Marnie put a kettle of milk on the stove. The boys want to build a snowman this morning. All three boys looked hopefully up at their mother from the stools at the kitchen counter, between the living room and kitchen.

A snowman! Reaching for the toast that had popped up Cory slathered on the jam taking a bite reaching for the steaming chocolate.

Yeah. Three sets of brown-eyed boys said looking up at her in unison.

Not now. Eyes twinkled as Cory sipped the warm chocolate. Michel and I will go into the forest this morning and bring back a Yule tree.

Yeah. Michel yelled excitedly scooping up the last of his omelet and pancakes.

Having finished his breakfast he slipped off the stool hurrying to get into his rabbit fur lined boots and his leather jacket pulling a green knit cap over his blond hair.

At the sound of the toast popping up Cory reached for the jam slathering it across the second piece of toast. Biting into its warmth she finished her toast and chocolate. Feeling ready to leave she went to the closet for her coat and boots.

You’ll need more than that to eat if you’re going to traipse through the woods.

Marnie said reaching for a couple of eggs.

I’ll be fine Mother. Cory shrugged into her fur-lined coat stamped her feet into the fur lined leather boots making sure they were on tight. She picked up her sword, fastened it around her small waist. She also picked up a bow and quiver of arrows placing them over her shoulder. Reaching for a saw, from the mudroom, she found Michel picking it up as he started out the door holding it open for her.

Watching Marnie, Allen and Tylen waved goodbye out the kitchen window as Cory and Michel walked into the forest with the saw across Michel’s shoulder.

Come. Marnie said shooing the boys towards the living room. We’ll clean up and clear a place for the tree and get the decorations out of the shed while they’re gone. After clearing the space in front of the living room window, putting the overstuffed chair in the corner, Marnie helped Tylen get his boots and warm jacket on. Running her hands through her graying light brown hair Marnie helped him pull on a red knit cap over his light brown hair. Grabbing her coat and boots she was soon ready to go. Allen already had his boots and jacket on. Marnie pulled a blue knit hat over his dark brown hair.

Grandma Do you think Michel and Mom will be alright? The wolf men won’t get them? Tylen asked looking towards the woods where his mother and brother had disappeared. The scrreee of an Eagle was heard far above them. All of them glanced skyward to watch it circle above.

No, No dear. They wouldn’t dare even try. Your Mothers good with her weapons. Fitting the key into the shed lock Marnie turned it lifting the lock off.

How much longer before Yuletide? Allen asked as his grandmother opened the shed door.

Not long maybe another thirty days. What would you like for Yuletide? She asked as she reached for the ladder to climb to the top shelf at the back of the shed.

Michel wants a new Dad. But I guess I’d like a sleigh. Tylen said as he held one side of the ladder while Allen held the other.

I imagine yours could be arranged but Michel’s would have to be up to your mother. Handing down a small box to Allen, Marnie said. What about you Allen? Do you want anything special?

I want a car like Mom’s. Allen answered as he reached up to take the box.

Aren’t you a little small for a car? Well maybe we can come up with something. She handed a medium sized box to Allen and a much smaller one to Tylen. Taking up a bigger box for her own self. She led the way back across the ground to the house. Three more trips later struggling Allen placed the last of the boxes next to the living room window. Standing the ladder next to the door Marnie glanced out the window.

Tylen stepped to the widow looking out then up at the back of his Grandmother. "When will they get back?

Soon. Marnie said. Come we’ll make brownies. She started pulling out the bowls and the ingredients for the brownies placing them on the counter.

Two hours had passed the house smelled of warm chocolate brownies. Standing at the kitchen window Tylen shouted. They’re coming! They’re coming! Jumping down He ran towards the kitchen door.

Hold on there little guy! Marnie reached out to catch him by the arm. You haven’t got your coat and boots on. They’ll be at the front door before you can put them on.

Tylen raced to the front window shouting. They’re coming! They’re coming! He raced to the front door flinging it open just as Michel dragging the top of the tree reached the door. Cory brought up the rear carrying the trunk. We got a good one. Happily Michel shouted with excitement. It’s at least five feet tall or taller. Anyway it’s taller than Mom and I.

We just need to get the decorations and the Angel that goes on top from the shed. Then we can decorate. Cory and Michel turned towards the window leaning the tree up next to the door.

Already taken care of. Marnie’s blue eyes twinkled as she pointed to the boxes. The boys and I have been busy while you were gone.

Grinning Cory looked at the window, which had been cleared out for the tree. I can see you have. I didn’t realize we had so many boxes of decorations.

We never do until we get them out and start decorating. Marnie laughed softly. I’ll leave you and the boys to do that while I make some Yule cookies.

Can I help decorate the cookies? Tylen asked expectantly.

So you shall after lunch and they have cooled enough. Yes you may help decorate even eat some young man? Marnie ruffled his hair as he smiled delightedly up at her. First give your mother and brother one of these brownies.

Help me set up this tree first Mom. Cory said holding up the tree near the middle of the trunk looking back at Marnie. With yours and Michels help. Getting the tree straight will go much faster.

Marnie dug out the tree stand having Michel place the stand under the tree while she and Cory guided the tree into the stand. They finally got it up with a lot of tugging, pulling, laughter and suggestions from the two little boys watching from the sidelines. They made sure the tree was secure and straight so it wouldn’t fall over. Cutting the cord she and Michel had wrapped around the tree to keep the branches from breaking. They then added some special sugared water to the bottom of the stand.

Watching from the overstuffed chair as Cory and Michel put the lights around the tree occasionally Allen fussed because he was unable to help. Tylen sat on a stool at the kitchen counter watching Marnie make the cookies. Standing back looking at their handy work Cory said as she bite into the warm brownie. Tylen, Allen come and help decorate now.

They quickly came as she sat in a chair watching them excitedly trim the tree with small animal, bells, and balls as high as they could reach. Tylen’s eyes lit up at the little animal figures she gave him.

Making popcorn Marnie had Allen stringing the corn on a piece of thread with a large sewing needle. Soon they were taking turns stringing the corn on the large needle and piece of thread as a garland for the tree. Cory finished stringing the last of the popcorn on the thread. Michel and Cory strung the popcorn garland on the tree.

The warm house soon carried the aroma of popcorn, cookies, chocolate and pine.

After lunch, of grilled goat cheese sandwiches and tomatoes soup, was eaten Marnie looked at the tree. The tree’s nice but don’t you think it could use some tinsel after it’s decorated.

Oh Mom I hate putting that stuff on. The tinsel takes forever to put on just right. If you want tinsel you put the stuff on. You seem to have some kind of magic about getting it up quickly.

It is magic Dear, just a little magic. Just not enough for the Old Goat to feel my touch.’ Marnie thought as she handed tinsel to each of the boys and began quickly putting it on the tree.

Once the tinsel was on the tree the last of the decorations put out. Lifting Tylen up onto Cory’s shoulders where he could put the angel on the top of the tree. Tylen smiled down at the sight of the other two boys frowns. She reminded them. We take turns boys. Last year was Allen’s turn. Next year will be Michels. However I do believe we’ll have to get him a stepladder. When he was six I could lift him. I don’t think I can lift him now that he’s eight.

An hour later Cory said. That’s enough for now how about we go out and build snowmen?

I’d prefer cooking. You’re not getting me out in that cold to build some old snowman. Marnie said as she pulled out a batch of cookies from the oven shaking her head. I don’t see why anyone would want to go out in that cold unless they had to.

Each of the boys had his idea about how their snowman should look and each began making their own snowman. I want mine to look like a cat or dog. Allen shouted. He never seemed to get below a roar. Glancing at his skinny little frame Cory wondered where all that noise came from.

Well I don’t care I just want mine to look like a snowman. Tylen said his husky little, three-year-old, body rolling a ball almost bigger than he was.

Michel laughed. Maybe I can make mine look like a magician.

Here I have a stovepipe hat, broomstick and carrot for a nose if anyone wants to use them. Cory said. Can I help you Tylen?

I do. Tylen said trying to lift a smaller ball atop his two bigger ones.

The boys and Cory stayed out to build a snow fort having a snow battle the three boys against their mother. Snowballs were soon flying back and forth across the yard. Marnie soon joined them for a bit of the fun. Why don’t you boys decorate cookies while I fix supper? Marnie asked, shortly after starting to play, rubbing her hands up along her jacketed arms and heading for the front door. I’ll also fix some hot chocolate to warm you up. It’s getting cold enough out here that you need to be inside by a warm fire.

Laughing and shouting they trooped into the house for a warm supper of beef stew and hot biscuits.

Plugging in the lights of the tree as soon as Michel’s supper was finished.

A short time later Cory said. It’s getting late, time for showers and bed.

Worn out they stumbled towards their bedroom to get ready for bed and some much needed rest. They had barely reached their bedroom door when there was a knock at the door.

Glancing at each other in question Marnie and Cory stepped to the window glancing out. Moving between the boys and the door Marnie hurried the boys into their bedroom. Cory motioned to her mother to stay where she was with curses under her breath. Dad-gum old goat better not be after my children. Opening the door slightly, standing in the small gap, she prevented any view into the house. A skinny old man, carrying a stench of death, stood at the foot of the stairs. What are you doing here? What do you want? I have nothing for you. She demanded angrily standing between him and her family.

I’ve come for the children. The old man said as he raised his staff shaking it at her. You’ve had them long enough.

You can’t have them. I’ll never let you have them. She glanced anxiously over her shoulder. They’re my children you have no right to them.

They’re my Grandchildren and I’ll have them. I’ll be the one to teach them. It is my right as the only adult male in the family. You’ve coddled them long enough.

As you taught their father? He finally got away from you or can you bring him back from the grave? Be my guest try. Cory growled back at him pulling the door even tighter towards her. You have no right to my children.

He was my son I had the right. He shook his staff at her. They are my grandchildren. I have every right. There’s no law saying otherwise.

No one has the right to do as you did. He was so broken he took his own life in fear of becoming like you or you finding him. She was so angry she trembled nearly shouting.

If you don’t let me have them I’ll put a curse on them. The eldest will become blind. The second will become deaf and the third will be crippled. He said shaking his carved wooden staff at her.

No! Cory shouted. Not even if they have to go through life this way. It’s better for them to go through life crippled than be destroyed mentally as you did their father. I’ll not let you have them for your horrible experiments. I may not be able to stop you from using other people’s children. But you will not use mine. I won’t let you.

So be it. He stepped back, his long salt and pepper beard blowing in the wind. The curse will stand and I’ll be back on Yule Eve to take them from you despite their deformities. You will not be able to withhold them from me.

No! No. I will find a way to defeat you in this. Leave my home and my family alone. We’ll have nothing to do with you! She closed the door tightly against the old man against the stench of death and disease that he carried with him. Turning to her mother and the frightened children behind her, she leaned against the door smiling weakly. The smile never reached her worried frightened blue eyes. She pressed her body tightly against the door as if it would keep the old goat out. Come on let’s get you into bed. That old man can do nothing to you or me.

Marnie stood in the doorway clasping her hand over her mouth tears running down her cheeks. Three small boys huddled behind her their eyes wide with fear. Sending the boys to their room to get ready for bed. Cory bolted the door glancing out the window watching the Old Wizard walk away. Pale and shaken she turned to her mother. He can’t do this, can he?

Looking at her daughter sadly through soft green eyes Marnie shook her head. Yes, my dear I’m afraid he can. There is no one in this world powerful enough to stop him. There hasn’t been for a very long time. But you have challenged him now you must fight him even though you have no powers. You have twenty-nine days to gain the power your father and I bound within you, that the Old Goat might never know you possessed. You were the most powerful child we had ever seen. We didn’t dare let him find out. You must leave at first light travel across the mountains to Claymore City. You must see Elder Garston. Marnie reached behind her putting her arms around the boys to comfort them.

Going to the boys room to see them off to bed Cory looked down at the boys smiling. Now we’re not going to let our good day be spoiled by some old man are we?

But Mom! Michel cried. "He said—

Shhh! Now do you think I would let anyone harm you if I could stop him?

No. But—

Do you feel any different than you did a while ago? The three boys shook their heads. Then get ready for bed, say your prayers. I’ll leave early in the morning and get help we need or learn how to stop him myself. Cory smiled at the boys gently pushing them towards the bedroom. Finally Michel smiled weakly back at her.

Alright Mom. We’ll show that old man he can’t mess with our Mom. All three boys nodded their heads as Cory ran Tylen’s bath. Allen and Michel had their baths while Tylen started getting into his pajamas. Tylen headed to the bathroom for the last time that night.

You bet we will. Marnie said as she Listened to Tylen’s prayers. Then Allen and Michel completed their prayers.

Brushing Tylen’s dark hair back from his forehead Cory kissed him on each cheek. She then smoothed Allen’s sandy hair back kissing each of his ears. Allen laughed. That tickles Mom. She then kissed both Michel’s eyes, only to hear him grumble. It tickles Mom. Come on I’m alright.

And a little too old to be kissed goodnight? She smiled at him walking from the bedroom with her mother. Goodnight boys.

Closing the door she crossed her arms turning to her mother. Alright Mom what did you mean you bound my powers?

When you were a baby you began showing strong signs of the power early. Your father and I were afraid the Old Goat would find out. He’d try to take you from us so we bound your powers. The powers are still there you just can’t feel them or use them.

So unbind them. Cory said moving across the room to sit on one of the stools.

It’s not that easy dear. Your father and I, together, bound you. I might be able to unbind you in some small way but we’d need your fathers help to complete the job. We bound you in layers his then mine then his and mine six maybe seven times.

Will you try to take some of the binding off? Dad disappeared four years ago so there is no hope of his removing any of his binding.

Yes he probably disappeared at that old man’s instigation. I will take off what I can, though I doubt you will feel the removal or be able to use your power to any great extent. It’s probably best that I can’t removed all the binding I put on you or the Old Goat would feel your power.

Will this Elder Garston be able to unbind me? Cory asked turning to watch her mother pace the floor.

No dear. But he may be able to give you the ability to unbind yourself. But even then you would need to be trained. An untrained Sorceress is a danger to herself and everyone around her. Learning to handle the power takes nearly thirty years of training. To become a good Sorceress you have less than twenty nine days. Your Father and I knew you were to have the opportunity to defeat The Old Goat even then. You couldn’t be brought to his notice until it was too late. If The Creator above commands something he prepares away for it to be accomplished. Your father and I were told that you were to be the one to free us from The Monster. If that is so The Creator above will prepare a way for you to obtain your power and training to accomplish the task.

The mountains are snowed in I can’t even drive my little car across the pass. Starting to pace the floor Cory wrung her hands while her mother sat. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at her mother.

Marnie stood gently putting her arms around her daughter. It will be difficult traveling over the mountain in the snow. It will be dangerous, as the Old Sorcerer will be watching for you to do something like this. Sssh, Dear it will be alright.

Thirty years! Mom wasn’t there some other way to keep me safe from that Old Goat? Can’t you stop this curse? Cory asked turning from her mother starting to pace the floor again. You have magic or you couldn’t have recognized the power in me or bound me? Doesn’t it take a hundred years or more to become a powerful Mage?

Yes dear but your father and I didn’t want to give you up as Nona did. She had me take Blain’s twin brother to another dimension. She would have taken Blain also but she was caught before we could get him to safety. No I can’t remove the curse.

What do I do now Mom? Cory sobbed. How do I get thirty years or more training in twenty-nine days?

Well for one thing you can’t give up. We’ll lose the children if you give up. You’re not going to give up. Are you? Marnie said reaching for Cory.

No! I’m not giving up. She answered angrily facing her mother. If Elder Garston is the best way I have of defeating that Old Goat then I’ll walk across the mountains if I must. But I have to get across quickly in twenty four hours or less. She started pacing again. I’ll need food for twenty four hours and something warm to wear it will be extra cold in the mountains. Why is he called Elder Garston? Elder of what?

Eldest of the Magicians. He’s lived longest among us. But he has assured us he’s unable to defeat the monster. He promised when you were born that you would be able to defeat him if you lived long enough. Marnie hugged Cory trying to comfort her.

Me! Why me? Cory hic-upped.

Marnie shrugged her shoulders. "None of us ever understood what Elder Garston said. You get some sleep. I’ll worry about getting you