The Stone Keeper's Quest: Elrich, #1

By Jamie Porter

How can a teenage orphan born of dark magic stop a ruthless warlord from destroying the world with his dragon army?

When Elrich, a young orphan, stumbles upon a dying dragon and a mysterious stone, he doesn't realize he holds the key to a cosmic conflict. The stone is the Firestone, a source of unimaginable power that can destroy the universe in the wrong hands.
And there are plenty of wrong hands eager to get it: the ruthless Dragon Lord Vorghul, who leads a horde of rebel dragons; the wicked witch, Moribund, who seeks the Firestone to unlock an ancient tomb and unleash dark magic; and the tyrannical King Gilfillan II who needs the Firestone to win his fight against both dragons and witches, while fighting to protect his own throne from his ambitious cousin. Elrich must protect the Firestone from all these enemies, even at the cost of his life and everything he loves.

 

This stunning debut novel is a thrilling epic fantasy of swords, sorcery, dragons and witches, set in a richly imagined world.
This fantasy book is a must-read for fans of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones. BUY NOW and immerse yourself in a magical world!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Porter
• Release date: Dec 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223815976

Book preview

ELRICH

A stone keeper’s Quest

By Jamie Porter

To my beloved brother J.B, who left this world too soon on 9 November 2016. You are always in my heart and mind, and your spirit lives on in these pages. I hope you have found the peace you deserve.

Copyright © 2023 Jamie Porter.

All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY

CHAPTER ONE

He gasped, his pupils dilating in terror. His thoughts scrambled, but he couldn’t move. A crimson blotch stained the fading sky, mocking him with its brightness. Smoke and sulfur filled his nostrils, his heartbeat thundered in his ears. The sun was dying, as the old ones had warned, signaling the end of days.

The crimson blotch became a fireball, a lion’s roar in its wake. It slammed into the earth with a thunderous boom, shaking the ground and hurling him backwards. His head smashed a rock and he blacked out. He was motionless and quiet, oblivious to everything but the crackling noise that slowly woke him up.

With a groan, he forced his eyes open and felt a surge of pain in his forehead. He reached for it and flinched. He pushed past the pain and scanned his surroundings, looking for clues. A massive crater gaped in front of him, as wide as twenty-four steps. He couldn’t tell how deep it went, but at its heart he spotted a red orb, glowing and defiant, like a star that had fallen from the sky.

The fractured rock crackled. Curiosity overcame fear. He slunk towards the crater, a shadowcat on the hunt. His heart thudded louder than the twigs he crushed.

He froze as the rock cracked like fiery veins. This is a bad sign. I should run. His voice was a faint whisper. But he was mesmerized by the rock, hidden among the kapok trees. Then it exploded with a deafening blast, hurling fragments everywhere.

A skull-sized shard flew at him like an arrow. He dodged behind a kapok trunk. The shard grazed his ear and hit a tree, exploding in flames. The forest lit up. He squeezed his eyes shut and shielded them with his hand.

He cracked open his left eye and glimpsed a blue creature among the shattered rocks. It was unlike anything he had ever seen: a reptilian form with hexagonal scales, except for its pale and clawed feet. It had bat-like wings on its back, folded over each other on the ground.

A deep voice echoed in his ears, but he saw no lips move on the beast’s snout. I mean you no harm, come closer, it said. He shivered with fear and wonder. The voice softened and gentled. Young man, I come in peace. The creature continued, What is your name?

He gazed at the creature, noticing a faint movement in its upper wing. It quivered slightly. The jaws parted for the first time, exposing rows of sharp gray fangs. One of them was bent and misshapen, like an outcast among royalty. Come closer, the dragon rasped, its pink tongue dangling from its mouth.

He stepped closer and introduced himself. Elrich. The dragon snorted. Elrich? A stench filled the air. Elrich wrinkled his nose and fought the urge to cover it. Pardon me, but what are you? he asked, his voice trembling

I am a dragon, a creature of your legends. The beast raised his head, his golden eyes meeting Elrich’s.

Do you have a name?  Elrich asked, trying to sound brave.

The dragon’s laughter rang like a melody in the forest, his face wrinkling with pain. His wrinkles deepened into grooves, as if carved by a plow. Every living thing has a name, he said. He spread his wings, revealing his majestic scales.

Elrich gazed at him in awe. And yours is? He took a step closer, curious.

Gorabroth, King of Muduk from the starry realm of Draco.  The dragon bowed his head slightly, as if acknowledging a fellow monarch.

Your grace, I’m honored, Elrich bowed. He felt a surge of respect and admiration for the creature.

You humans are loyal to your kings, even after millennia. Dragons have no such bond. King Gorabroth’s face tensed. He frowned and clenched his teeth. He squinted, as if seeing something far away. Your world is in danger, he said. He lowered his voice to a whisper.

Elrich looked around, expecting an attack. What do you mean, your grace?

Lord Vorghul has a sinister plan. He wants to drain the suns of every galaxy, King Gorabroth said. He reached under his wing and revealed an orange crystal cube. Inside it, a blue liquid coiled like a snake.

Elrich gasped. What is that? He reached for the cube, but the dragon pulled it back.

This is the firestone, a powerful relic that could wipe out a civilization. King Gorabroth said. He clutched it to his chest, as if guarding a treasure.

Your grace, you need help, Elrich said. He saw the blood dripping from the dragon’s wounds.

No time. Take my hide for armor. Protect the firestone with your life, the king said. He pushed the cube into Elrich’s hands.

Elrich stepped back. Me? I’m just a young man. The king should have this. He tried to give it back, but the dragon refused.

The dragon reached for his hand. Elrich, come here.  He spoke with urgency and authority.

Elrich backed away. What will you do to me? he asked.

Trust me. Gorabroth extended his hand. I need your help. Put your hand under my right wing. I’m wounded there. Elrich obeyed, averting his eyes from the blood. He felt a warm, sticky wetness and a gaping hole in the flesh.

Elrich plunged his hand into the king’s flesh, feeling it squirm and spasm around him. Blood gushed from the gash, drenching them both. Gorabroth chanted in an ancient language, and the earth responded. Pebbles and twigs stirred, then whirled faster and faster, dragging boulders along. A great whirlwind rose up, dwarfing them.

Elrich gasped at the sight, then shut his eyes as the wind pelted his skin with stones that gnawed like teeth. His shirt tore apart, scattering buttons everywhere. He gripped Gorabroth’s body, fearing he would be torn away by the strong wind. Then the whirlwind swallowed them. Elrich felt a jolt of power from his hand, where it met the king’s flesh.

He felt a thousand needles stab his skin as the wind whipped him around. His body spasmed, his eyes rolled back, his mouth frothed. He lost all sense of reality, only pain and wind. Then it stopped. He collapsed on the ground, gasping for air. Silence filled the air.

What did you do? he croaked, his voice barely audible. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and gasped for air.

I showed you your world’s fate, King Gorabroth said, grimacing. He towered over Elrich, his scales shimmering in the daylight.

It was terrible, Elrich said, shivering. He remembered the visions of fire, blood and death that had filled his mind.

It was a warning. And a secret, replied the dragon.  He lowered his head and looked into Elrich’s eyes with a piercing gaze. You are the only one who has seen it. And you must not tell anyone.

Can we stop it? Elrich asked, his eyes wide with fear and curiosity. He felt a strange connection to the dragon, as if they shared a bond beyond words. The king looked at the sky and sighed. He seemed tired and weary, as if he had lived for too long.

Is there hope? Elrich pressed, eager to hear more.

Patience, boy. The truth will come to you when you are ready for it. But beware of Lord Vorghul. He will stop at nothing to find this stone, it is the key to everything. Many have sought it, but few have found it. And none have understood its true power. He sighed and closed his eyes. His face froze in a mask of death.

Elrich felt a cold dread in his chest. He clutched the stone and looked at the king’s lifeless face. My king, I am afraid. You have put the fate of the world in my young hands. He whispered. But there was no answer. Only a silence that crushed him like a shroud.

He touched the king’s nose with two fingers, hoping for a breath. But there was none. King Gorabroth was dead.

He couldn’t believe what had just happened. He had met the dragon king, seen the future of his world, and received the most powerful relic imaginable. And now he was alone, with no one to guide him or protect him.

CHAPTER TWO

Elrich wondered if King Gilfillan’s army had seen the ‘sun’ fall from the sky. He felt a surge of fear and reached for his pocket knife. Seven hells! he cursed. He had left his knife behind, of all the days. He looked around for something sharp, but saw nothing. He sat down and ran his fingers through his hair, feeling helpless. A splash of white on a nearby rock caught his eye. He looked up and saw two vultures circling above him. Bloody scavengers, he thought.

He looked at the rock again and saw that it was stained with bird droppings. A desperate idea came to him. He grabbed a stone and smashed it against the round rock that had knocked him out earlier. The stone cracked in half, leaving two jagged edges. He picked the sharper one and began to cut the dragon’s skin. It took him more than an hour to finish the gruesome task.

He folded the hide as best he could and tried to lift it. It was too heavy for him. He decided to drag it instead. He pulled with all his strength, moving it a few inches at a time. He avoided the bare ground and stayed on the grass, hoping to leave no trace. When he reached a thick patch of vegetation, he stopped and covered the hide and the Firestone with branches. Then he ran as fast as he could to the nearest farm.

*****

In the heart of the Enchanted Forest, there was a village of witches. Their houses were made of baobab trees, arranged in circles around a sacred shrine. The shrine had a magic well and two altars for sacrifices. The innermost circle of houses belonged to the royal family and the Grand Witches. There were four gates in the village, each facing one of the cardinal directions.

Atop each gate, a huge eye of a frost giant watched for any threat. Queen Witch Moribund, the ruler of the witches, had called the Grand Witches to her chambers. The twelve Grand Witches sat around a round wooden table, whispering in sibilant tones. Their talk was cut short by the sound of the door slamming open and hitting the wall with a loud bang.

They all rose to their feet in a flash. Your Grace! they said as one.

The queen walked to the table, without a word. She pulled her throne with a screech that pierced the tense silence. She sat on her throne built from the bones of enemies and gestured with her right hand. The Grand Witches followed suit. A small aye-aye perched on the queen’s right shoulder. It was her familiar, an animal companion that aided her in her magic.

Sisters, a week ago, two of our own were captured and burned at the stake by King Gilfillan’s executioner, Queen Witch Moribund said. She looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each of the Grand Witches who sat in a circle around her.

The Grand Witches nodded and muttered in agreement. Some of them clenched their fists, others wiped away tears. For years, we have lived in hiding, hunted, killed for being what nature made us. Sisters, it is time to fight for our freedom, the queen said, her round face showing grave concern.

I say it is time, she repeated. She raised her voice, hoping to inspire courage and confidence in her sisters.

Yes, my queen, I think we should— Evanora, the queen’s second-in-command, began to say, but was interrupted by the door bursting open again. Everyone turned their heads to see who had dared to enter without permission.

Queen Witch Moribund glared at her daughter, who stood in the doorway, panting. Madeleine, how many times have I told you not to disturb me when I am in a meeting? she snapped, her face turning red with anger.

There is a…, the sun…, the prophecy, Madeleine stammered.

Girl, you better speak clearly or not at all, the queen said. She waved her hand impatiently, motioning for Madeleine to come closer.

I’m sorry, mother, but you have to see this, Madeleine said, ignoring her mother’s wrath.

What is it? Queen Witch Moribund demanded, waving her hands.

Mother, the sun is falling, Madeleine said. A cold silence filled the room. The Grand Witches gasped and whispered among themselves. Some of them looked out of the window nervously.

Elders, this meeting is over for now, the queen said, feeling a sudden urge to see for herself. She rose from her seat and followed her daughter outside. She grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders as she walked out of the door.

Madeleine stopped and pointed at a bright ball of fire descending from the heavens. Look, mother, she said.

Queen Witch Moribund gazed at the sky with wide eyes. She saw a bright ball of fire descending from the heavens. The sun is falling, she repeated. She felt a chill run down her spine as she realized what this meant for their world.

Witches came out of their houses, crowding the streets, staring at the strange sight that soon disappeared behind the tall trees. They murmured and shouted questions and fears. Some of them cried and hugged each other. Others looked angry and defiant.

Madeleine, take three sisters with you and investigate, the queen ordered.

Yes, mother, Madeleine said, walking away. She scanned the crowd for three volunteers who would join her on this dangerous mission.

Madeleine, the queen called after her. Madeleine turned around. She saw her mother’s face soften with concern and love. Be careful, the queen said.

Yes, mother, Madeleine said. She went into her baobab tree house and came out a moment later with her flying stick. She put the stick between her legs and it lifted her into the air. The other sisters did the same and they flew away quickly following the trail of smoke that marked where the sun had fallen.

*****

In the capital of the kingdom, the castle was built of hard chalk, limestone and sandstone. Oak wood was used for the frames, ceilings and floors. The castle was protected by high curtain walls and seven round towers spaced evenly along them.

The curtain walls were surrounded by a moat filled with water that had turned black from oil. A wooden drawbridge crossed the moat, using a system of pulleys and winches to raise and lower it. There was one tower that faced the inland, where King Gilfillan sat on that fateful day.

The tower was a lonely place,but King Gilfillan liked it that way. He enjoyed the quiet hours of reading and studying, away from the noise and troubles of his realm. He was deep in a tome of ancient lore when a flash of light caught his eye. He looked up and saw a fiery orb streaking across the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind it. It plunged towards the earth, disappearing behind the green canopy of the forest.

What in the seven hells? King Gilfillan muttered, his silver-gray eyes wide with wonder and disbelief. He rose from his chair and grabbed his cloak.

Merlin! he shouted. Fetch me my armor! Merlin, his loyal squire, came running in. He was a scrawny lad of eighteen, with a mop of brown hair and a freckled face. He had been serving the king since he was twelve, and he admired him greatly.

Yes, Your Grace? he said.

My armor, boy. And tell the First Commander to ready the horses. We're going hunting. said King Gilfillan.

Hunting, Your Grace? Merlin repeated, confused.

Yes, hunting. Now go! King Gilfillan snapped.

Merlin nodded and ran out. He returned shortly with a wooden cart that carried a metal dummy dressed in the king's armor. It was a fine suit of steel plate, polished and engraved with the sigil of House Gilfillan: a golden lion on a crimson field. Merlin quickly undressed the dummy and helped the king don his armor.

Did you inform the commander? King Gilfillan asked.

Yes, Your Grace. He's assembling the men as we speak, Merlin said.

Good. I have a craving for some wild boar tonight, King Gilfillan said.

He fastened his sword belt around his waist and put on his helmet. He followed Merlin out of the tower and into the main hall of the castle. The servants bowed their heads as he passed by.

Your Majesty, they said in unison.

He ignored them and strode towards the courtyard, where First Commander Zachary was waiting for him with thirty mounted knights. Zachary was a grizzled veteran of many battles, with a scarred face and a bushy beard. He saluted the king as he approached. Your Majesty, he said. The horses are ready.

We ride west, into the forest, King Gilfillan said.

He mounted his white stallion, a magnificent beast with a silver mane and tail. He pulled on the reins and turned to face his men.

Lower the drawbridge, Zachary ordered.

The heavy wooden bridge creaked and groaned as it descended over the moat. King Gilfillan spurred his horse and led the way across it, followed by Zachary and the rest of the knights. They rode out of the castle gates and into the open fields, heading towards the dark woods.

CHAPTER THREE

Elrich leaned against an old oak tree that had two trunks twisted together like lovers. He gasped for air, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. He had been running for hours, and he was not sure how much longer he could keep it up. He looked around, hoping to find a safe place to hide. He saw a gap in the foliage and decided to take his chances.

He pushed himself off the tree and ran towards it. He tore through the greenery, ignoring the scratches and stings of the leaves and branches. He emerged onto a dusty road that ran along a fence of maize. Elrich followed the road until he reached a rusty gate that hung half-open.

He squeezed through it and entered a farmyard. There was a barn nearby, where an old man and a young man were working. They looked like father and son, with the same broad shoulders and long tan faces. The old man was raking hay, while the young man was loading it onto a cart. They did not notice Elrich until he was almost upon them.

Who are you? the old man asked, dropping his rake and taking off his gloves. His hands were veined and gnarled, like the roots of an ancient tree. His eyes were hooded and weary, but they still had a spark of curiosity. He tried to straighten his back, but age had bent him too much.

The old man smiled and offered his hand to Elrich. Forgive me, I've been rude. I'm Mike, but everyone calls me Old Mike. It's a pleasure to meet you. He gestured to the small farmhouse behind him.

Elrich shook his hand cautiously. Elrich, he said, panting. He glanced at the horse and the cart that stood near the fence. They looked old and worn, but they were better than nothing.

Elrich Caulfield, he added, meeting the old man's gaze.

This is my son Steve. He helps me with the farm work. He's a good lad, aren't you, Steve? Old Mike said. Steve nodded, but did not speak. He looked at Elrich with suspicion and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

I need a horse and a cart, Elrich said.

Old Mike frowned. We don't have any to spare, he said. He scratched his beard and squinted at Elrich.

Elrich reached under his shirt and pulled out a leather pouch that hung from his neck. He unfastened it and poured out thirteen gold pieces onto his palm.

This should be enough to buy a new one, he said, handing the coins to Old Mike, his eyes widened as he took the gold. He looked at Elrich incredulously.

Are you mad? he asked. That's more than this old nag and this rickety cart are worth. He felt the weight of the coins in his hand.

I don't care. I just need a ride. Or two, Elrich said, forcing a smile.

Old Mike shook his head. Where did you get all this gold? he asked.  He could not help but wonder if Elrich had stolen it or killed someone for it.

I'm a gambler, Elrich said. He tried to sound casual, but his voice was tense.

You must be a lucky one, Old Mike said. He did not believe him, but he decided not to argue.

Some days more than others, Elrich said. Old Mike studied him for a moment. He noticed the tear in his shirt and the dirt on his face.

Are you running from something? he asked. He sensed that Elrich was hiding something.

No, no. I just had a little accident on the road. Nothing serious, Elrich lied. Old Mike did not look convinced, but he did not press further.

Well, suit yourself. You can have the horse and the cart. But you should clean yourself up a bit. You won't impress any ladies looking like that, he said. Steve snorted and made a sound like a snake hissing.

Elrich ignored him and looked at the horse. It was a large black stallion with a white blaze on his forehead. He looked old and tired, but he still had some spirit in his eyes.

What's his name? Elrich asked.

Black Thunder, Old Mike said, nodding at a black horse that stood in a corner of the barn. He's the best horse I have. He'll take you where you need to go.

Steve, hitch him up to the cart for our guest, Old Mike said.

Steve did as he was told, quickly and skillfully attaching the horse to the cart. He had grown up around horses and knew how to handle them. Elrich reached out his hand and stroked the horse’s mane, feeling its coarse texture. Elrich climbed onto the cart and grabbed the reins. He looked at Old Mike and smiled. Old Mike turned to Elrich and winked. You’re lucky, Mr. Caulfield. Black Thunder doesn’t let just anyone ride him.

Thank you for your hospitality, Old Mike, he said. He spat on his hand and offered it to the old man. Old Mike spat on his own hand and shook Elrich's. His eyes sparkled with joy.

Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Caulfield, he said. Elrich flicked the reins and urged Black Thunder forward. The horse neighed and broke into a gallop, pulling the cart behind him. Elrich waved goodbye to Old Mike, who waved back from his field.

Elrich rode for fifteen minutes, following the road that led to the forest. He looked up and saw a flock of turkey vultures circling in the sky. The scavengers smelled carrion. They wanted the dragon king’s corpse.

He also knew that he was not the only one who had seen the dragon king fall from the sky. As he watched, he saw four figures flying down from the sky on wooden sticks. They were witches, wicked women who practiced dark magic. They landed near the dragon corpse and dismounted from their sticks. They began to talk among themselves, gesturing at the carcass.

Elrich stopped his cart and got off. He patted Black Thunder on the neck and whispered, Stay here, boy.

He walked into the bushes, moving quietly and carefully. He reached a spot where he could see the clearing without being seen himself. He crouched behind some branches and peered through them. He could not hear what the witches were saying, but he could tell they were arguing about something. They had their sticks piled up next to them, within easy reach.

Elrich knew he could not cross the clearing without attracting their attention. He hoped they would leave soon, so he could get his share of the dragon loot.

*****

King Gilfillan II lifted his left hand in a silent command and yanked the reins with his right. His warhorse snorted and halted, and the rest of the cavalry followed suit. He scanned the sky with narrowed eyes, searching for the source of the dark shapes that circled above. Witches, he spat, pointing with his sword. His face was twisted with disgust.

He turned to his First Commander, Zachary. Take some men and scout ahead. Find out how many of them there are. Zachary nodded and slid off his saddle.  He picked four of his best soldiers and motioned them to follow him. As you wish, Sire said the First commander.

But be careful. They may have more tricks than we can handle, said King Gilfillan. He watched them go with a worried frown, then turned to the rest of his army. He raised his voice and tried to sound confident. Prepare yourselves, men. We are about to face the most elusive enemy this kingdom has ever known. He gripped his sword tightly and prayed to the gods for victory.

First commander Zachary disappeared into the thickets, leaving the king and his men to wait and watch.

*****

Andrea knelt beside the carcass and prodded it with her flying stick. The flesh was charred and stiff, but she could still make out the scales and claws. She pointed at the massive creature lying on the sand, its scales glittering in the sun. Madeleine, what is this thing? she asked, looking up at her friend.

Madeleine's eyes were wide with awe and fear.  This is a creature of legend, she whispered.

Gianna scoffed and kicked a stone. Don't be ridiculous. There's no such thing as legends. She glanced at Kiara, who shrugged and said nothing.

A dragon, Madeleine said, ignoring them. This is a dragon. Gianna rolled her eyes. And how do you know that, Miss Know-it-all? she snapped.

Madeleine held out her hand. Give me your calabash, she said.

Gianna clutched her calabash to her chest. No way. You should have brought your own water. She pulled out the cork and took a long gulp. Ah, that's better. She wiped her mouth and grinned. You want some? she taunted Madeleine.

Madeleine shook her head. I don't want to drink your stupid water, Gee. I want to show you something. Gianna sighed and handed her the calabash. She didn’t trust Madeleine, but she was curious about what she had in mind.

Fine. But don't waste it. Madeleine poured some water on the ground near the dragon's wound. The water seeped into the sand in seconds, leaving no trace. She glanced at the others, who watched her with curiosity and suspicion.

Now look at the blood, Madeleine said. She pointed at the dark red liquid that stained the sand around the dragon.

Gianna frowned. What about it? she asked impatiently. She shifted her weight from one foot to another, eager to leave this place.

Don't you know the legend? Madeleine said. The blood of dragons never leaves the earth. It is-

-rejected by the ground because of its dark magic, Kiara finished, her voice low and serious. She looked at Andrea, who nodded solemnly. They exchanged a meaningful glance, as if they shared a secret.

And it is a vital ingredient for many of the spells in the Sacred Book of Shadows, Andrea added. They all stared at the blood, which pooled around the dragon like a crimson halo.

Gianna licked her lips. We should collect it, she said suddenly.

Andrea smiled and agreed. Good idea. She winked at Kiara, who smiled back.

Madeleine raised her hand and muttered a word. The blood rose from the ground and formed a sphere in the air. It grew larger as more blood dripped from the dragon's body and joined the sphere. Madeleine reached for her flying stick and said another word. The stick flew into her hand. She looked at the blood sphere with satisfaction and pride.

CHAPTER FOUR

The bushes rustled. The soldiers drew their swords from the scabbards on their belts and tensed. A figure emerged from the greenery, his face grim and sweaty. It was Zachary, the First Commander. The soldiers relaxed and sheathed their blades.

Sire, there are four witches in the clearing, Zachary reported. And something else. A dead beast of some kind.

A beast? King Gilfillan II asked, his brow furrowing. What kind of beast?

Zachary shook his head. I couldn't tell, Sire. It was unlike anything I've ever seen.

The king clenched his jaw.  Have I grown so weak that witches dare to hunt in my lands? he muttered. No one answered. He looked at Zachary with a fierce glint in his eyes. We'll take them by surprise and capture them alive. They'll pay for their crimes with their blood. He turned to his men and raised his voice. You heard me. Follow Zachary and do as he says.

The soldiers nodded and dismounted their horses. They grabbed their quivers of arrows from their saddles and slung them over their shoulders. Zachary led them into the bushes, gesturing for them to be quiet and careful. They moved swiftly and silently, like shadows among the leaves. Zachary stopped and raised his fist.

The soldiers halted behind him. He crouched and crept forward, peering through the branches. The soldiers followed his example. Zachary reached for an arrow and fitted it to his bowstring, pulling it back with a steady hand. He aimed at one of the witches, who was kneeling by the carcass of the strange beast. The soldiers did the same, each picking a target. Zachary gave a sharp whistle and released his arrow.

The arrow flew through the air and pierced the witch’s thigh. She screamed and fell to the ground, blood spilling from her wound. The other witches looked up in alarm, only to see more arrows flying towards them.

*****

Arrows flew from the bushes, cutting through the air with deadly precision. The witches gasped and dodged, but not fast enough. Madeleine felt a sharp pain on her cheek as an arrow grazed her skin. She heard a scream behind her and turned to see Kiara clutching her thigh, where an arrow had pierced her flesh.

Gianna ran to her side