Malcom Stone and the Six Seals

By Luke Bell

Malcolm Stone is unlike any other teenager around. For starters, he doesn't have magic. In a world where everyone receives magic once turning 18, this is very strange. He's also having dreams of a dark magic wielder, Lord Azrod, who has been sealed away for thousands of years. Lord Azrod's escape is very near, and along with covering the world in darkness, he has promised to destroy Malcom as soon as possible.

Malcom will have to journey to mystical locations, fight against magical creatures, and overcome many difficult obstacles to discover his own magic before the evil Lord Azrod escapes and takes over the world. Alongside his best friends, Rowan and Serena, whom he has harbored a secret crush for several years, Malcom will battle the forces of darkness. Will he be strong enough to overcome? Wait and see.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luke Bell
• Release date: Apr 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798377960966

Book preview

Prologue

A dark, empty cavern filled his vision. There was no source of light to fight off the gloom, and yet he could see everything in front of him clearly as if it were midday. As he descended farther into the dank cave, the temperature steadily dropped until he began to shiver, and his breath came in a fog. There was no sound to be heard aside from the echo of his steps on stone. It seemed like he had been walking for hours with no end in sight, when he sensed a change. His surroundings hadn’t changed, but something was different. He sensed something strange, something...ancient. Intuition told him he should go back now. Leave while there was still time, but his curiosity won out.

He continued walking until he rounded a final corner and came to a dead end. There was nothing to see but a rock wall, but it was different from the walls he had been passing by for the past couple of hours. Along the borders of the wall were six small circles that gave off a faint, flickering light. One circle pictured a flame. Another pictured a swirling wind. The rest held a tree, an ocean wave, a heart, and the sun. He put his hand on the rock wall and gasped, pulling his hand quickly away. The rock was scalding hot.

He stood there with his blistered hand in the air, when for the first time in hours, he heard a noise other than his footfalls echoing off the rocky walls. A shuffling sound was slowly moving closer and closer to the rock wall until it stopped in front of him. He opened his mouth to call out to this unseen being, but found that no words would escape. A sudden fear had gripped his heart and paralyzed his entire being. From the other side of the wall he heard a deep, gravelly voice speak in the darkness.

Come to gloat have you? You think your prison will hold me forever? I tell you now, these seals cannot contain me. And when I am finally free, you, my captor, will be the first one to feel my wrath. Although...something seems different about you. I don’t sense the power you once held. No matter. I have no misgivings in destroying the weak. You may have bested me before, but you shall not prevail again. I promise you. I am Lord Azrod and I will cover this world in darkness.

AAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH! Lord Azrod bellowed as he pounded his fists against the rock wall.

Chapter 1

Malcom Stone sat straight up in bed, sweat soaking his night shirt, his dark, black hair plastered to his forehead. He pulled aside the window curtain and saw only darkness outside. Looking over at the clock on his wall showed that it was still about an hour before he needed to get ready for school. He wouldn’t be falling back asleep anytime soon. He got up from his bed and began pacing around his small room, his bare feet cool on the wood floor.

The strange thing about this dream-aside from the whole dream itself-was that he remembered every detail as if he had actually been there. He remembered the long journey through the cold, dark cave. He remembered the rock wall and burning his hand. He looked down at his hands in the dim room and saw no signs of injury. He remembered the six small circular images, which must have been the seals to which the man had been referring. And he especially remembered the conversation with the so-called Lord Azrod. His scream and pounding fists still echoed in Malcom’s head.

He seemed to know me, thought Malcom. No. He thought I was the one who put him there. This isn't good. I can’t handle an ancient demon guy coming after me. I’ve got other things to worry about, like graduating from high school, finally figuring out what magic specialty I’ll get, and most importantly, getting Serena Davies to go on a date with me. Fighting a powerful, old, wizard guy is not high on my priorities. Besides, it was just a dream. There wasn’t really someone who was out for my blood, right?

Dad always mentioned how dreams can be symbolic of some hidden meaning. Malcom’s dreams were usually about eating junk food. It didn’t take a psychic to work that one out. He liked food. This dream didn’t feel symbolic, though. He registered everything he saw, heard, and felt, but it just didn’t make sense. Who was this Lord Azrod? Why was he sealed away in a cave?

And why did he blame me for imprisoning him?

This was too much to think about in the middle of the night. One thing in the dream that did make some sense were the seals. Malcom recognized the seals as the mark for each of the different branches of magic. Fire specialists wore bracelets with a flame pendant on it. Wind specialists wore a swirling-wind-pendant bracelet. Nature specialists had tree-pendant bracelets. Water specialists-an ocean wave pendant. Light specialists-a sun pendant. And healing specialists wore a heart-pendant bracelet. His own dad wore a heart bracelet, and his mom had a sun bracelet. Not everybody wore bracelets displaying their magic, though. It appeared all the magics had been brought together to seal this guy away.

I gotta stop thinking about this. It’s making my head hurt.

It was now close to when Malcom’s phone alarm would go off, and he could already hear his dad downstairs in the kitchen. He cancelled his alarm, took a shower, got dressed, and went downstairs. He found his dad sitting at the kitchen table munching on some buttered toast. His dad had short, black hair that was starting to bald at his crown. He had big, strong arms and was a little on the heavier side, but wasn’t fat by any means.

Morning, muttered Malcom’s dad through a half full mouth.

Morning. Malcom walked over to their pet phoenix, Astrid, who was perched in her cage, and stroked under her chin. She had a brilliant crimson and gold plumage that glowed like burning embers in the dark. He grabbed some cereal and milk, and began to pour himself a bowl.

Was that you I heard walking around a while ago? Kind of early for you isn’t it? Dad asked.

Couldn’t sleep.

Something on your mind?

Not really. Just had a weird dream.

Another one about ice cream?

Malcom laughed. Not this time. Actually...

At that moment, Malcom’s older brother, Benjie, floated down the stairs on his own heat current. As a fire specialist for the past four years, Benjie never missed an opportunity to use his magic, even when he could have easily walked down the stairs. Where Malcom was taller and lankier, Benjie was shorter and stockier, but he had jet black hair like Malcom. They both got that from their father.

That never gets old, said Benjie.

You sure about that? Malcom mumbled.

Ya know, when you turn 18 in two days you’re gonna be singing a different tune. Malcom chose not to respond. The truth was that Benjie was probably right. 18 years was a long time to wait for magical powers, and he was dying to know what his specialty would be. Any one of the specialties would be fine. The fact that anyone turning eighteen would be gifted a magical ability, no questions asked, was just amazing.

Tell Mom hi and bye for me. I’m off to the harbor. Benjie was an underwater welder. He worked with wind specialists to breathe easily while working on ships. He grabbed a banana from the kitchen counter, opened the front door, and swan dived out of the house. He caught himself with his heat current before hitting the pavement, and propelled himself through the air. The heat wave pulled the door shut. Malcom smirked and shook his head. His brother was a dork, but he loved him anyway.

So, Dad, about this dream, Malcom said.

Right. The dream.

Well, I was walking...

Good morning you two, said Mom, walking into the kitchen carrying her camera. Mom was a photographer, and as a light specialist she always had perfect lighting for her shots. She was a slender woman with blonde hair that fell to her shoulders. She was also tall, almost as tall as Dad. She set her camera on the counter and sat down next to Dad.

Morning, Mom, said Malcom and his dad.

You have some pictures to take this morning, hun? Dad asked Mom.

I was thinking of going over to Star View Park. The flowers are lovely there in the springtime. I love how they clap when I show them a picture of themselves.

His dad chuckled. They are beautiful. Do you want a ride? I’ve got a few minutes to spare before I head over to the hospital.

That’s okay. I think I’ll bike over. Get some fresh air. Thanks though.

You want to tell me about your weird dream now, Malcom? Malcom’s dad asked.

That’s okay, Dad. Maybe some other time. Malcom walked over to the sink and put his bowl and spoon in.

You had a weird dream? About what? Mom asked.

It’s fine, Mom. I’ve got to get going to school.

Alright, Malcom. If you’re sure.

I’m sure. I’ll see you guys later.

Bye, Malcom, said Mom and Dad.

Malcom walked to the front door and pulled it open. He thought he might try Benjie’s swan-dive exit just for fun. He was going for graceful swan, but in reality it was more like a funky chicken. He jumped out with his arms bent at his sides like wings, and took one large leap forward and stuck the landing. He heard clapping and cheering off to his left. He turned to see none other than his next door neighbor, and best friend, Rowan Atkins.

Dude, that was epic! Exclaimed Rowan.

No one was supposed to see that, Malcom said sheepishly.

I don’t know why. That was some top notch choreography. I’m thinking the dance team could use your expertise.

Yeah, right after you give them some fashion tips. Rowan’s wardrobe was always a bit over the top, usually involving bright fluorescent colors. Today he was sporting white-strap-on shoes with no socks, lime green shorts, and a bright orange t-shirt. He was like a walking-talking sherbet. He also wore a bracelet with an ocean wave on it, having had his 18th birthday a couple months ago. To top it all off, he had bright blue-spiked hair.

I don’t think the world is quite ready yet to embrace my awesomeness, said Rowan.

Malcom and Rowan set off down the sidewalk toward Star View High School. Malcom could smell the blossoming Magnolia trees lined up along the sidewalk. Some of the Star View Seniors were flying overhead to campus. Some used wind to fly, while others like Benjie used fire or water to propel themselves through the air. Star View wasn’t a huge city, but it wasn’t a Podunk town either. Most of its citizens were gifted with magic. Some used their magic more than others, but in the end, everyone who could use magic, did. It was their way of life.

So, did you finish the homework for Mr. Davenport’s calculus class? Asked Rowan.

Almost. I need to look at the derivatives some more on the last problem.

Well, you’re further than I am.

Where are you at?

I put my name at the top of the page, replied Rowan.

Always a good place to start, Malcom snickered.

Ya know, I’m sure there’s a certain someone who wouldn’t mind some one-on-one tutoring. Or maybe you could pretend that you’re not some kind of genius and plead for her help. Whaddaya say?

I think you’re nuts.

Oh, come on, he cajoled. You know she likes you.

"Is that something I know?"

Totally, dude. Remember that time when we were all sitting at the lunch table, and she asked you to pass a ketchup packet? She could have asked me or any of our other friends for ketchup, but she asked you specifically. That’s true love.

"I’d love to see when you think a boy and a girl only like each other," Malcom said.

You’ve got to take the plunge, man. You’ve been friends with Serena for almost as long as we’ve been friends. This is our senior year, and who knows where you two are going to end up after high school.

But what if she doesn’t feel the same way that I do about her?

Then she rejects you, you finish high school, and move on with your life. It’s simple.

Simple...

What’s the worst that could happen?

I could explode, and then pee my pants. Rowan gave Malcom a sour look. Okay. Okay. You’re right. I’ve just got to pluck up the courage and tell her how I feel, or at least ask her on a date. Hey, I know! I’ll invite her to my birthday party. That’s a start.

Baby steps, my friend. Baby steps.

Talking to Rowan had put all thought about dreams of dark caverns and dark lords out of Malcom’s mind. When they arrived at Star View High School, there were kids slowly trickling in, kids hanging out at their lockers, and kids who were already going into class. Malcom and Rowan had lockers at opposing ends of the corridor, so they parted ways and headed to their own lockers. Malcom put his books into his locker and pulled out a couple notebooks, stuffing them into his backpack. He closed his locker door, spun around, and came face to face with Serena, making him jump about a foot off the ground.

Sorry, apologized Serena Bad timing. I wasn’t trying to scare you.

It’s okay. Now I’m awake for my classes, Malcom said, trying to slow his breathing.

She smirked at Malcom. Serena was a short girl. The top of her head reaching slightly below his chin, with sandy brown hair that fell just past her shoulders. She had freckles that dusted the top of her cheeks and nose. She wore blue jeans, flip flops, a crimson tank top with a white sweater over it, and a bracelet with a tree pendant. Malcom thought she looked beautiful.

What’s up? Malcom asked.

Well, I was hoping to give you an early birthday present, she said nervously.

Oh! You didn’t have to get me anything.

I know I didn’t have to get you anything, but I wanted to.

Alright.

Close your eyes, she said.

What?!

What? Don’t you trust me?

Most of the time, Malcom said, closing his eyes.

No peeking... Okay. Open up. Serena was holding a jar out for Malcom to take. Inside the jar was some dirt, and the smallest maple tree he had ever seen. Malcom grabbed the jar from Serena and inspected the tiny green leaves on the tree.

Whoa! This is incredible, Malcom whispered.

I thought you might like it.

I love it. Thank you. Malcom gave her a hug. He noticed she smelled like peaches.

You’re welcome. It absorbs water from the air on its own, so you don’t have to water it, she said, letting go.

That’s cool.

Now you won’t forget me.

I don’t think that’s possible. That reminds me, what are you doing Saturday night?

Actually, I’m going on a date Saturday night. That’s kind of why I wanted to give you your birthday present early.

Oh...okay...that’s cool. So, who’s your date with? Malcom asked, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Randal Flemming.

How do you know him?

He’s in my Spanish class.

Ah, well I’m sure you’ll have a fun time.

Yeah...well I better get going to class.

Yeah, me too. Hey, thanks again for the tree. It’s really cool, Malcom said.

You’re welcome, she smiled and turned away.

Malcom put the jar in his locker and trudged off to class. The rest of the school day passed in a blur. He didn’t raise his hand to answer any questions, and when teachers asked him a question, he didn’t have the answer. It was an off day for Malcom. Normally Rowan and Malcom would walk home together, but he didn’t feel like reporting on his failure to ask Serena out, so he waited a few extra minutes and then made his way home with the jar in hand. When Malcom got home, his Mom was sitting on the couch reading a book.

Hey, Malcom. How was school? Malcom’s mom asked.

It was alright.

What do you have there?

It’s a birthday present from Serena.

Awww, how sweet. I love that girl. You should invite her to your birthday party.

I already tried. She’s going on a date with stupid Randal Slime Ball Flemming.

Who’s Randal Flemming?

Just some guy in Serena’s love language class, Malcom vented.

Love language?

Spanish class.

Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Well, at least your other friends will be coming to the party, right?

Yeah, I guess. I’m going to go do my homework in my room.

Okay, Malcom. Let me know if you need anything.

I will.

Malcom brought his backpack and jar into his room. He chucked his backpack onto his desk, placed the jar on his dresser, and flopped down on the bed.

I need to shake myself out of this funk. It’s just a date. We're still friends. I’ll just have to ask her out some other time. Yeah, no problem. Everything will be fine.

The following day went much better for Malcom with his improved attitude. He joked with his friends, including Serena, and he was much more attentive in his classes. He didn’t have any homework to do after school, so he decided to visit Benjie at his work.

Huntsman Harbor was on the eastern edge of Star View. It was full of large and small ships, and boats of all kinds moored in the water. There was a strong scent of salt water and fish in the air as Malcom grew nearer. Seagulls were flying high above. Looking over at the beach, he saw a funny sight, as not only were there people flying kites in the air, but kids also had some strings tied to people in the air, pulling the strings side to side to make the people do flips.

It took Malcom a few minutes to track down Benjie, but finally spotted him sitting on the top of a picnic bench drinking from a bottle of water. He was wearing a bright green body suit and was sitting next to his co-worker Jeff, the wind specialist.

Malcom, I didn’t expect to see you here, said Benjie.

I didn’t have any homework today, and it’s been a while since I’ve been down here.

Cool. You remember Jeff?

Yep. Hi. Malcom waved to Jeff.

Hey. How’s it going? Jeff asked.

Good.

We were just taking a little break before finishing up. You want to see what we’re working on? Benjie asked.

Sure.

It took Malcom a few minutes to change into the green body suit and slip some fins on his feet. They all walked into the water until they were submerged. Malcom was glad that he had on the body suit because the water was frigid. They swam about fifty yards northeast until they came to a yellow buoy bobbing in the water.

We’ll swim straight down from here. Jeff’s going to keep us breathing, Benjie said.

Jeff turned on his flash light, and created air bubbles around their heads that would connect with the air above the water. There was no noticeable difference in appearance, or how they were breathing, but Jeff declared, We’re good to go. With that, he dove straight down and they followed after.

The water was murky as they started swimming down, but then started to clear up as they went deeper. They swam about thirty more yards before passing through a field of kelp as they neared the bottom. After crossing through the kelp, they were met with an impressive sight. Sitting at the bottom of the ocean floor was a submarine with a huge hole blasted in its side.

Our search and return team hauled it in a couple days ago, Benjie said. Even though they were underwater, the air bubbles somehow enabled them to communicate as easily as if they were above the water.

We’re not sure what made the big hole, but assume it happened during some kind of battle. No human remains were found inside.

Good. I would’ve screamed like a little girl if I saw a dead body floating in the water, Malcom said.

Let’s go take a look.

They spent the next few minutes exploring the inside of the submarine. It was a bit unnerving going through the dark, quiet spaces. He was happy to say, though, that no dead bodies jumped out at him during their subaquatic tour. The hallways were separated by short, oval shaped doors. Small, neon yellow fish darted around the interior, and some swam alongside them, giving off a glow to help light their path. There were several pipes and valves of varying size throughout the whole submarine. They came across a room that looked like it could have been a kitchen, with tables and chairs suspended in the water. Malcom opened up a cabinet, and one of the neon fish swam right past his head. Malcom shrieked and his companions laughed. They also came across a couple different rooms that appeared to be the barracks. The coolest part was when they found the periscope, a cylinder spanning from floor to ceiling with handles on its side. He tried looking through it, but could only see blackness. They swam back out of the submarine’s gaping hole.

So, what did you think? Benjie asked.

Pretty cool. Thanks for showing me, Malcom said.

No problem. I was planning on inviting you to come see it. We’re going to spend a few more minutes patching up some of the smaller holes along the submarine’s body. You can stay or feel free to head out.

I’ll stay. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you do your work.

Benjie spent the next half hour patching small pieces of metal onto the submarine holes. The metal pieces had been previously deposited on the ocean floor next to the submarine. Malcom assisted with retrieving the pieces of metal while Benjie did the hard work. He would sometimes use his heat magic to warp the piece of metal to fit over the holes. He would then produce a blinding-white light to fuse the metal to the submarine. Apparently, this didn’t damage Benjie’s eyes, but both Jeff and Malcom had to look away.

All done, Benjie said, turning off his fire. I’m starving. I wonder what Mom’s made for dinner.

After having tacos with his parents, Malcom went up to his room. He saw the little tree on his desk, and stared at it for a few seconds, admiring its size and ability to sustain itself. Magic was amazing. He sat down on the edge of his bed, considering what the next day would hold. He was looking forward to the weekend. One more day and his whole life would change.

Chapter 2

Malcom slept surprisingly well that night. He didn’t usually sleep well when he had something going on the next day, no matter how small the occasion. Malcom stretched out his body and sat up to the edge of his bed.

I’m 18 years old!

He tried to pay attention to his body to see if he felt any magic inklings. Everybody he asked about their magic had the same thing to say, it just comes naturally without needing to really focus on it.

Maybe I’m focusing too much on what my body’s doing, thought Malcom. Just keep it loose.

He tried relaxing and did some deep breathing. Still nothing. Maybe his magic wouldn’t come until 9 pm. That was when he had been born. He hadn’t asked other people what time of day their magic came. He had had high hopes of waking up with magic.

Oh well. I guess I’ll just have to be a little patient. What’s a few more hours tacked onto 18 years?

Usually Malcom loved Saturdays, as any normal teenager does, but he felt like this one was going to drag. He decided to go on a morning run to start the day. Malcom got on his running clothes and shoes, and headed downstairs.

Hey, Malcom. Happy birthday! Dad said.

Thanks, Dad.

Feeling any magic?

Nothing yet, Malcom replied.

That’s alright. All in good time. Gonna go for a run?

Yep. I’ll probably be back in an hour.

Sounds good. See you soon.

Malcom popped his earbuds in, and headed out the front door. He was on the cross country team for his high school. He wasn’t the fastest runner, but he usually did pretty well for the team. It was a cool morning, and fog hung in the air. He took off running toward Aqua Meadows. It was a big lake with several rivers, fountains, and water falls all maintained by water and nature specialists. Malcom loved running there just for the sights, but it also had some good running trails. Malcom ran along a path that had an archway made out of water. It went for about fifty yards, making a long water-enclosed corridor. There was also a spot on the lake that was so shallow that it looked like you were running on water, which a water