Malena: People Of Melarandra, #1

By PD Stewart

Tried and convicted for being one known to possess magical abilities, as well as being caught using demons and dark magic, Princess Malena sits in a cell, awaiting her punishment.

Death

Gillock, advisor to the king and queen, has a different idea. His plan: to get Malena's side of the story, and before the penalty of death is enacted, banish her to the Void. It is the least he can do for the royal family, who has kept his secret for so many years.

Casting a small spell to set Malena at ease, Gillock sets about writing down her tale. What he discovers, however, is a sad story of a simple life, and the tragedy that pushed Malena to become the person that all see today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PD Stewart
• Release date: Nov 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201743536

Book preview

Prologue

Idon't know what I can do to ease the pain I know I'm causing, but I don't have any other choice. Malena must be sent into the Void. Having been caught in the act left no doubt to the arbitrator, yet I feel so guilty.

Prince Eric is inconsolable. Finding out his wife was not at all whom he had thought, has pushed him to the brink. The lone saving grace is Jessup and Elizanne. It's my hope that having the twins to take care of will help ease the pain in the prince's heart. They are still too young to understand what has happened, and I don't want them to hate me for sending their mother away.

In light of this event, the council has voted that Dennion Traven will be the next king of the Central Lands. Should he fall, the rule will then go to his young son, Jeremy. Prince Eric doesn't appear to care. His pain is too strong. I hope when he does come out of this he doesn't bear any ill will to the council, Dennion, or myself for all which has transpired.

I know this sounds like a confession, and I suppose in a manner it is. Tomorrow I will carry out the sentence. The arbitrator from the Order, a young man named Lakin, has decided death. Most get death for possessing magic, but this decision was for the fact that Malena had been consorting with demons. The Order is the law when it comes to magic, and no one is permitted to contest their decisions. Thus, I felt the need to go to the king, personally, and tell him what I was going to do.

King Harry has always known that I'm a wizard, but it's a closely guarded secret. I don't plan to carry out the sentence of death; instead, I will be banishing Malena to the Void. Only a few others and I will know the truth of where she has been sent. Those I trust dearly and to who hold my deepest secret. I hope that while in the Void, Malena will realize her mistakes and perhaps become a better person.

Jessup and Elizanne, I hope one day you read this. Tonight I'm going to the dungeon and conversing with Malena. I wish to write down her story. Most of it I have already discovered. When she came to Keenley she had only a few possessions from her past life, and I was able to see much from them. It's my hope that she will tell me the entire story before being sent away.

I will be casting a minor spell, one that will put her at ease, and block those who are listening in from hearing our conversation. Maybe by hearing her side of this tale, we may better understand why she felt the need to go down such a dark and dangerous path.

A passage found in the diary of Gillock, First Order of Wizards

GILLOCK STOOD OUTSIDE the cell door, smelling the strange incense the Order had placed within. It was an unusual blend, which confused the mind, making it difficult for one to focus enough to create a spell. Most cells harbouring one who possessed magic have one or two bowls burning. Malena's had six.

Slowly, he opened the door, and spotted her sitting on the cot, legs pulled up, hugging her knees. When Malena noticed him, she put them down, and straightened up. It was clear she didn't want to appear weak.

Quietly, Gillock uttered a spell, which would make it easier for Malena to narrate her tale. The Order’s incense nullified most magic, but not his. Gillock moved in, and sat down at a small table on the opposite side of the room. Here, he pulled out a quill, ink, and parchment.

I wish to hear your story, stated Gillock, and his voice sounded distant to Malena. Please, start where you feel it begins, and finish when you arrive back here.

As Gillock's spell took hold, Malena’s eyes began to glaze over, and her pupil’s dilated. Not long after, she began telling her tale.

Chapter 1

My childhood was the same as any other. Small town, everyone knew everyone. The only difference was I always felt as if something more existed for me. I was not certain why, as I was only a farm girl, but the thoughts were always there. I feel, however, that to start at the beginning would be pointless. Therefore, I will start my story on the day I felt my world began to change. To begin, my true name is Almeana. I was named this to honour the Goddess of Stars. She rules luck, chance, and fortune. It was my parents hope my name would help me achieve great things, with the goddess’ help.

I opened my eyes slowly, and stared about the room. Sun was poking in through the sheer curtain, which covered my bedroom window. It was late summer, and the cool breeze coming across the sea made the curtain flutter softly. Today was the day.

After years of helping my mother around the house, and learning all I could about dressmaking, I was finally being allowed to go to Keenley.

Almeana wake up! The morning meal is ready! hollered my mother.

I jumped out of bed and paused in front of the full-length mirror. My long brown hair was a mess, but it was an easy fix. I adjusted it as needed, then stood and admired myself for a moment.

I was coming into my woman's body, and it was beginning to show. One day I would be one of the most beautiful women in the entire Central Lands, or at least that’s what I thought. My mother's voice sounded again so as quickly as I could, I threw on my best dress and ran down to the kitchen.

Sorry mother. I was daydreaming.

A laugh came from her lips, and she turned to place a plate in front of me. When aren't you, she scolded, but there was no harshness to her tone.

Where's father? I asked between mouthfuls of eggs.

He's tending to the cows. Something had them spooked this morning. Some of the men went out to check the forest and see if there were any wolves or other creatures around.

This is a small town, you see. It means everyone helps take care of each other. We live on the shore of the Sea of Arran, close to Death's Boundary. Some people fish, but it’s kept here to feed the town. What the village brings into Keenley, is woollen items, vegetables, grain, milk and an assortment of beautiful gowns. Some of it is warm winter clothing, which is sent up to the northern towns. Blankets and bedding tend to sell quickly because of its soft feel, and quality make.

My mother is the best seamstress in the land. She creates the finest gowns you'll find anywhere. There isn’t a noble household in Keenley that doesn’t have one of her gowns. I have been studying under her, and hope that once I'm of age, I will be as great as she. Right now, I'm only thirteen.

After I finished eating, I helped my mother with the dishes. She could tell I was excited and tried to hurry things along. By the time we were done, I could hear the cart pulling up in front of our house. With a delighted squeal, I ran out the front door and into the arms of my father.

Is everything ready? he asked.

Yes! Mother's getting ready. I found it hard to contain my excitement, and my squeals of joy put a smile on my father's face.

He moved inside and grabbed the different chests, which were full of items my mother was going to sell. Already I could see other carts leaving the town and