Journey to the Jeweled Woods: Sign of Alchemy

By Robert Oliver

Cherin, bound by temple traditions, yearns for a rustic life in the mystical Jeweled Woods. A spat with her sister leads her to Ren, a humble dreamer with identical hopes. As they explore their shared dreams through an old book, misunderstandings arise. Will their love survive or will sacred obligations shatter their shared dreams?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Oliver
• Release date: Oct 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223502173

Robert Oliver

Robert is the author of the bestselling Sign of Alchemy series, Dragonfly, Snow Day, and several non-fiction titles.   He lives with his family in the beautiful Shoals Area of Northwest Alabama.

Book preview

I feared the woods would not forgive me for thinning their numbers, but as I felled several, I got the sense that they knew change was inevitable, and their mighty brethren—and the very logs and planks of my new home—would carry on their legacy.

Chapter 1

High Priestess Vella narrowed her disapproving gaze. Where do you think you’re going?

Cherin flashed a sardonic smile. To find a man to marry and get out of this prison!

Vella’s normally soft, pale complexion flushed red with anger. Before she could offer any retort, Cherin spun on her heels and left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Her fists clenched as she charged down the hallway, still seething from her argument with her sister. Vella’s footsteps clicked furiously on the marble floors as she tried to catch up to her. She raced down the staircase to the lobby and rushed out the front doors, not even thinking of slowing down until she reached the fountain.

She looked back at the Temple of the Ael’Shanar, her home for all twenty years of her existence. Her sister Vella stood on the front steps, hands on hips, staring at her. She was too far away to hear anything she said, but they didn’t need words. Vella’s eyes conveyed everything she needed to know. Vella wasn’t going to budge.

That was fine by Cherin. Neither was she.

Her anger kept her from feeling the cool spring night air, but now that she had stopped running and had a moment to think, the chill caught up to her. She only wore her robes from the Ael’Shanar order. In her haste she forgot her cloak. There was no way she was going back inside to get it.

She folded her arms and continued through the upper city, winding through the elegant homes and shops until she reached the park near the retaining pond. She didn’t really know where she was going. It didn’t matter. Anywhere other than the temple.

She sat on a bench and looked out over the water. The moonlight danced over the gentle ripples on the surface, but it did little to calm her. Two people, one with the leashes of a what seemed like a whole kennel of dogs, interrupted her view. A woman, at least in her late fifties, dressed in an elegant red evening gown, sat next to her. She scooted over to give her more room.

The lady took off her glove and extended her hand. Good evening.

She took it, but only out of politeness. She wasn’t in the mood to talk.

My name is Rose. And yours, young Ael’Shanar adept?

Cherin.

The woman gasped. Cherin? Sister of Vella and Maeva?

She sighed.

Rose smiled. Mmhmm. It’s awful late for you. Don’t you have a rigorous schedule of magical studies?

She scoffed. Sure my older sister didn’t send you?

Not at all. I’m just out walking my dogs one last time for the evening. Well, rather my manservant is doing that for me.

Manservant?

Rose’s eyes glowed with interest. They’re the greatest thing. I don’t know how I ever lived without one. She leaned back against the