Saving Magic

By Michelle Mackenzie

The fragments of the Sacred Gem of Truth had been scattered across the kingdoms. But when the realm is on the brink of war, the high wizard sends his companions on a quest to retrieve it. If put together, the sacred gem reveals the liars among them, and can use it to start a war. 

But with their powers growing, it becomes clear that they may not survive. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mackenzie’s Publishing House
• Release date: Jun 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223552222

Michelle Mackenzie

Michelle Mackenzie is the writer and author of the published novel, The Dark Queen series (Book 1): The Storm Within.  Encouraged by the sucess of her book, she is continuing to her career as a thriller and suspense writer.

Book preview

Chapter One

Melody Veil walked down the worn path, slowly admiring the view.

The grass around her was blue and green. The tree branches were light brown with bright yellow leaves that rustled with the wind.

She smiled, in no rush to get to the Vulgar Dragon's Inn.

Zodiak hadn’t said that she had to get there quickly, only to get there as soon as she can. It was not unusual for her to be asked to go on a quest. She toyed with the ring on her middle finger that she got from her last quest. It was small in comparison to the rings she normally would wear, but this ring allowed her to learn other abilities of magic. Melody smiled, remembering that she had picked it up for a bargain at an unusual stall.

She smiled, watching people retreat from their stone bungalows to dry their wet clothes.

Even the simpler villagers appeared from their wooden houses up in the trees, getting on with their chores. This surprised her; she had always thought that the simpler people would do their laundry differently, like hanging their clothes inside the tree house where it was warm and dry.

Melody wondered how often the tree house residents would have to repair their rope ladder which looked frayed and worn.

At least they would have a pleasant view of the stony houses with smoke rising from their chimneys, Melody thought proudly.

She smiled, thinking back to the stony house that was waiting for her, and the row of pink and red roses in front of it.

Finally, she saw the tavern. It was dank and small, with a thin rug outside the entrance to welcome the arriving customers.

As she neared the building, she could smell the odour of beer and stale drinks that was left in a barrel besides the building.

Holding her breath, she walked in. She looked around in disgust, clutching at her black robes in hope that Zodiak had forgotten about their important meeting. Though, it was doubtful. That wizard barely forgot anything. Well, almost anything. She smiled at the thought. It took him two days to remember his own birthday. She had to remind him. Even wizards had to bare the effects of old age.

We're over here, he called out.

Groaning, she noticed him sitting in a dark corner at the far end of the Inn.

She narrowed her eyes, grimacing. The wizard was not sitting alone.

As she walked toward them, she could see he was wearing his usual dark blue robes, decorated with glistening, silver and gold stars.

Melody pulled off her hood, revealing her long, mousey brown hair.

Glad you finally decided to turn up, a man grumbled, his face hidden beneath the hood of his deep brown robe. Pulling his hood off; revealing his short red hair.

Melody raised an eyebrow. Zodiak must have told him of her reluctance to be rushed.

She glared at him with her icy blue eyes, I'm here, aren't I? Who are you to scowl at me about how long it takes me to arrive?

The wizard sighed, Melody, this is Bane Rainsinner. He is going to be joining our meeting.

She looked at the stranger in disgust. Why? I am perfectly capable of working alone.

He shook his head. Not this time, this mission is two big. He is going to keep you out of trouble.

Well, I will try to, Bane muttered, though he appeared less than pleased. I’m not here to be anyone’s babysitter.

He rolled his eyes, waiting for his companions to listen to him.

So, what's so urgent? Melody asked.

The wizard straightened his back. The three fragments of truth, he replied seriously.

Bane raised an eyebrow. The three fragments of truth? Why is that so urgent?

It is urgent because if it falls into the wrong hands. The truth could be turned against people and start a war.

Melody fell silent, listening to the old man talk, sipping noisily at her cider. Finally, she spoke up whilst she had the chance. What exactly are the fragments of truth; I don't know what you are talking about.

Bane rolled his eyes, Zodiak was right; she wasn’t too smart. It is a sparkling red gem; it is magic and has the ability to make the truth naked to the person who has acquired it.

So where would we find the fragments? he asked, ignoring Melody's slurping.

You will need to go across the river to get to the Empire of the Springs.

Melody choked, coughing violently. Are you serious? Outsiders aren't allowed to visit  they'd have us hung!

That's why I am asking for three of you to go, instead of just one of you, the wizard sighed, besides, if you dress like the locals, you'll blend in with the crowd. It's a large area, so you should be able to go unnoticed.

Bane laughed, Are you senile, old man? There are only two of us.

Zodiak glared at him, Three of you are going to the springs. Yourself, Melody and Squall Ironlord.

Who in the name of the spirits is Squall? Melody demanded with a scowl.

Yeah, Bane growled, he sounds like a parrot.

She nodded, agreeing with him.

Squall is going to meet you both in the morning, before you leave, he said sternly.

Bane sighed reluctantly, All right, he agreed but Squawk better not cause us any trouble  like getting himself or us killed.

I assure you, he declared Squall will be on his best behaviour.

He’d better, Bane muttered, scratching his rough unshaven cheek. He raised half a glass of cider to his dry lips. His robe sleeve rose up his arm, revealing his bulky muscles.

She looked at him, her mouth gaped open, dropping her glass.

Bane glared at her, Watch where you are spilling your drink.

Melody tore her eyes away from him, blushing whilst she replaced her glass on to the table.

She looked around the room, avoiding his rugged face. Through the dimly lit room, she could see the tables were nothing more than up side down barrels.

The seats were made from the smaller barrels, neatly lined up around the bigger barrels around the room.

Are you coming? Bane demanded.

Melody blinked, realising that the meeting was over and why she at once disliked Bane.

His attitude was not to be admired.

She followed him over to the other side of the room, and out of the exit.

If we're to travel, then we will need to buy some bread, vegetables and some water, he listed.

She ignored him, already walking towards the vegetable stand and scanned the items, looking intensely at the cabbage, tomatoes, and carrots. Then, picked the carrots from the shelves, thrusting them into a bag. Smiling politely, she handed the shop assistant her money.

The woman walked around the town square, picking up garlic bread and some water from the local well.

I will meet you back at the tavern, Melody instructed.

She looked above her; the clouds had darkened the sky.

There was a flash of light. Thunder roared. Then, it began to rain heavily upon them.

Melody squealed, running back to the tavern, hurrying for shelter.

As she re entered the dank Inn, she ordered herself a glass of cider and gazed out of the window.

She drained her glass in silence, and then made her way over to the stairs.

With one final look behind her, she climbed the stairwell and went into a room that Zodiak had previously ordered for them.

Thanks wizard, she muttered, then closed the creaking wooden door.

Chapter Two

Melody laid in her bed, trying to block out the noises that surrounded her.

The water dripped from the sink on the other side of the room.

The floor creaked and groaned as other residents walked across the floorboards to their own rooms.

She could hear the tree branches tapping against her window, swaying from the wind.

She closed her eyes tight, gritting her teeth and pressed the pillows tightly to her ears. She sighed reluctantly, and sat up in her bed, wishing for the noises to fall silent.

As the time dragged on, her eyes began to ache and feel heavy.

Her thoughts began to drift, her eyes began to close and she drifted off to sleep.

Melody woke with a groan, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

There was a sound of a fist banging on the thin door.

Who is it? She called out, grabbing her rucksack from beside the locked door.

Who do you think? A man bellowed.

All right Bane, I will be right out.

She looked around the small room. The walls were painted in red and black stripes.

A small window was covered with a red curtain, made from an old bed sheet.

Melody opened the bedroom door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway.

Bane was standing by the stairs, leaning against the chalky wall.

Let's go and meet our new travelling assistant, she said with a yawn.

Squawk might not even turn up, Bane grumbled, folding his arms defensively across his chest.

Melody rolled her eyes. She listened to the floorboards creak as she walked down the hallway towards the stairs.

The stairs looked dusty and old. She carefully held on to the walls, walking down the spiral stairwell.

Halfway down, Melody stopped. A young man was sitting on the bottom stair, blocking their path.

She took another step, waiting for the young man to remove himself from the dusty step.

The man stared into the distance, unaware of Melody standing behind him.

Excuse me, she growled We can't seem to get through.

Slowly, the young man looked up at her and began to grin.

Well, it's about time you arrived. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming, Squall snapped.

Oh great, Melody cursed silently another jerk to pull my chains.

Squall glared at her, climbing to his feet. Her eyes widened, watching as he towered above her.

Well, she said, clearing her throat just don't fall behind.

Squall looked pass her, eyeing up Bane.

You must be Bane Rainsinner, I am Squall, he introduced.

Bane yawned, I know who you are. As long as you don't fall too far behind, we won't have any problems. Ok Squawk?

Squall, it's pronounced as Squall.

Bane watched as Squall shrank back under his glare. Ok, Squawk, it is then, he muttered.

Melody looked at Bane, giving him a small thankful smile.

Then waited for Squall to walk ahead, dragging his feet on the way out of the tavern.

Thank you, Bane, she whispered.

He nodded silently, I only give you a hard time to pull your chains. He is just plain rude.

Melody nodded, walking close beside her companion. Bane growled, glaring at the man ahead of him.

He may be a head taller than you, but I am twice his built.

He looked up at the sky above him with a sigh. It was barely past dawn, yet the morning's air was hot and humid.

Squall paused and turned to face his reluctant companions, Where are we going anyway?

Bane raised an eyebrow, surprised that Zodiak hadn't told him where the fragments location was.

We are going to the Empire of the Springs, he reported.

Squall gaped; the blood drained from his face. The Springs? We can't go there its suicide!

Melody took a step forward; her voice was surprisingly cold even to her own ears.

It would be suicide if we were going alone, but we are not. If we stick together and try not to draw attention to ourselves, then we have a small chance of collecting the fragments and leave before they notice that we're there.

Do you really think that it will be that easy? That place is huge; someone is bound to notice that we're outsiders!

Melody rolled her eyes, You know what, if you are really that scared of a little adventure, then by all means turn back and go home.

Squall forced out a weak laugh, I'm not scared, and I am just not willing to die.

Bane stood beside Melody, resting a hand on her tense shoulder. She’s right. If you are not up to it then go home. I am sure that Melody and I can take care of ourselves.

Squall nodded, turning around to walk back to the tavern. Before you go, Bane added smugly what do you plan to tell the wizard?

I am going to tell him that if he told me where we were heading, I never would have agreed to accompany you.

Bane shrugged, looking at Melody for a moment. Ok. Well, you better be on your way then.

Without saying another word, Melody and Bane began to walk away.

Wait! Squall shouted, I can at least walk some of the way with you. Zodiak wouldn't be very happy if I had let you two get killed before you get there.

Melody grinned at Bane, proudly. Bane winked at her, smiling smugly.

They walked slowly towards the south as they had been instructed. She smiled, happily observing the crimson fields of grass, with purple and pink flowers scattered across the hills. The birds continued to sing, and the sun continued to move across the sky. Feeling the full wrath of the summer season, they slowed to a stop.

There was a tree nearby, casting a shadow on the bottom of the steep hill. As they sat down on the cool shady grass, They dug through their bags to retrieve their water and something to eat as a snack. Melody pulled out a carrot stick and a green apple. Bane pulled out some garlic bread and a banana, and then began to peel away the yellow skin.

Squall rolled his eyes, but grateful for the rest. He rummaged through his own bag, covered with black and white stripes. He clawed through his possessions before he pulled out a biscuit and a chocolate cake. Melody stared at the cake, thinking silently to herself. She bit into her carrot, satisfied with hearing the crunch.

She took a mouthful of her water, her thoughts turned to their quest. She sighed, Do we even know where to look when we get to the springs?

Bane shook his head, swallowing his bread. "I was thinking about that myself. Maybe we