Spells and Bones (Dragon Thief Book 2)

By Mac Flynn

Millie and her wealthy protector Count Benjamin Castle have their first adventure behind them, but troubled seas lay ahead in the land of magic and mayhem.

Millie finds herself wondering about the unique staff in her possession, and how she could master its supposedly powerful magic. Castle suggests she find herself a teacher for its flute form, and an opportunity presents itself when a well-known band returns from a long tour. They venture out to make inquiries, but their journey becomes a winding path of relatives and revenants as a strange horror rises from the ghoulish depths of the old city.

Their troubles are complicated by their budding romance, and Millie’s inexperience in a world filled with fantastical creatures and some rather shady characters. One of those characters is the seller of a popular card game among the youth. The parents consider the game a less frightful diversion than the odd music band, but something seems amiss to Millie. She can’t put her finger on it until her curiosity gives her more than she bargained for.

Together Millie and Castle must wade through ghouls, graveyards, and groupies to discover the truth behind the sinister magics cropping up around the city, before they’re both buried by their latest, and maybe last, adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mac Flynn
• Release date: Feb 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215360491

Mac Flynn

A seductress of sensual words and a lover of paranormal plots, Flynn enjoys writing thrilling paranormal stories filled with naughty fun and hilarious hijinks. She is the author of numerous paranormal series that weave suspense, adventure and a good joke into a one-of-a-kind experience that readers are guaranteed to enjoy. From long adventure novels to tasty little short-story treats, there's a size and adventure for everyone.Want to know when her next series comes out? Join The Flynn newsletter and be the first to know! macflynn.com/newsletter/Also check out her website at macflynn.com for listings and excerpts of all of her books!

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Do you think this thing can change into a hammer?

I was the curious carpenter, and the person I questioned was the handsome man seated at the head of the dining table.

Count Benjamin Castle paused in the middle of his breakfast and lifted an eyebrow at me. Pardon?

I held up the Prima Staff, otherwise known as my flute. This thing. You think it can change into a hammer, too?

Ben set his hands on the table and smiled at me. That’s a rather unusual request.

I have a rather unusual floorboard in my room that could use some pounding, I revealed as I tilted the flute to and fro like it was a metronome. Maybe this thing could make itself into a purse, too.

He chuckled and resumed his eating. You may have better luck fitting yourself to its magic.

I stopped my ticking and lifted an eyebrow at him. What do you mean?

He pushed away his empty plate and dabbed the corners of his mouth before speaking. Magic is used, but it cannot be pushed, especially powerful magic. It was created with a specific purpose, and it’s best to find that purpose rather than try to bend it to your will.

I scooted a little closer to him. What would happen if I tried a little bending?

You do recall what happened to Dunn only a week ago?

I winced and leaned back in my chair. Point taken.

Ben’s eyes flickered between the flute and my face. Do you play?

I blinked at him. Play what?

He nodded at the instrument. The flute?

A snort escaped me as I lifted the flute. I think this is the first time I’ve ever held one.

You could try playing it.

I studied the instrument for a moment before I winced. I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.

Try playing it now.

My face drooped. You don’t want me to do that.

Why not?

I tried playing the tuba once.

And?

I attracted all the wrong attention.

He set his arms on the table and leaned in closer to me. How so? I rolled my eyes and mumbled a few words. Pardon? I didn’t catch that.

I scowled at him. I said someone’s pet pig came into the building thinking I was a lovesick sow.

Ben burst into laughter, so much so that I glared at him. After a moment he gathered himself and wiped away a tear under one eye. My sincerest apologies. I had no idea you were so musically gifted.

I wagged the flute at him. You just keep laughing and I’ll subject you to a fate worse than death.

His eyes twinkled at me. How is that?

I lifted the flute to my lips. I’ll play the flute.

Some of his good humor failed him as his attention fell on the instrument. That may not be a good idea.

My heart pumped a little faster as I set the flute on the table. What do you mean?

Even if your intentions are in the right, powerful magic such as the Prima Staff must be used with skill and caution, he warned me as he took the instrument from my hands and studied the markings. Otherwise, chaos may ensue. You may be killed.

I couldn’t help but look him over, especially the high collar of his shirt. You know, you still haven’t told me why your body’s covered in those black designs.

He sighed and set the flute on the table between us. Those are a. . .rather long story.

I put my elbows on the table and cupped my cheeks in the palms of my hands. I’ve got time, remember? Stuck here with nothing to do.

They are-

A loud rap on the front door gave us both pause. Ben lifted an eyebrow as he rose from his seat. I’m not expecting anyone.

I cursed the intrusion as Ben exited the room and moved out of sight into the hall. I leaned forward to see what was going on, but all I caught were some voices.

Hi-ya, count! I snorted as I recognized the eager voice of Tim the newspaper boy.

Good morning, Tim. What brings you here?

I’ve got a special edition for you. Maybe your new girl would like to see it. All the girls are going crazy over it.

Really? came Ben’s bemused response. I’ll take two.

Thank ya! Tim shouted, and a moment later I heard the front door slam shut.

My curiosity was near bursting as Ben strolled back into the dining room. He was engrossed in a small pamphlet, and another one hung from his arm. The front page of the folded paper showed some strange designs. Those were popular that morning.

What’s going on? I inquired as he stopped just shy of his chair with his gaze still fixed on the paper.

Phantom is returning.

A little color drained from my face. You guys have those, too?

He chuckled as he held out the paper he had been reading to reveal the headline. The word ‘Phantom’ was written in a jagged typography, and below that was a long article. I leaned forward and squinted as I read the first part aloud.

The famous Phantom musical group with its mysterious lead singer are set to arrive back at their home city of Validen within a few days. Long-time fans of the group will be aware that they have been on a tour of the continent for the past half year, and look forward to some well-deserved time to themselves after they have their farewell performances at Fox Hall. I paused and looked up questioningly at my local host. Fox Hall?

The locale for large musical performances, he explained.

I leaned back and crossed one leg over the other. I’m guessing a lot of women are looking forward to their return.

They also have many among the male citizenry who admire their songs, he revealed as he resumed his seat. He caught my eye with his own look of curiosity. You might ask their leader about playing your flute.

My lower jaw hit the floor. A big-time singer like that? Why?

He’s apparently proficient in many musical instruments, Ben revealed as he set the other folded paper on the table. And it’s always a good idea to get the best teacher.

"Can I afford the best teacher?" I wondered as I studied the emboldened typography.

Ben clasped his fingers together in front of him and smiled. I may be willing to grant you a loan. At a reasonable rate, of course.

I snorted. Only an arm? Or do you want a leg with that, too?

His bright eyes took on a slier expression as he studied me. I might be forced to take the whole thing.

A blush accented my cheeks, and I swatted his arm. I’m not buying.

He feigned a sigh and shrugged. Then I suppose we’ll have to lean on his benevolence, though admittedly that may be hard to do.

I lifted an eyebrow. Why?

Ben tapped a finger against the name. Their leader is a known recluse. No one even knows what he looks like, as he wears a different mask for every performance.

That sounds like a lot of trouble.

He must make them himself, as well, as no one’s been able to trace their creator.

A smile slipped onto my lips. And I’m sure many a female fan has tried.

He grinned and inclined his head to me. Many.

I tilted my head to properly read the band’s name. So it doesn’t sound like we’d have much luck getting him to talk about the flute.

Ben stood and offered me his hand. Should that stop us from trying?

I snorted and accepted his hand, wherein he drew me to my feet. I suppose not, and what do we have to lose?

As it turns out that was going to be more than a morning’s time as we strolled into a hair-raising adventure of ghouls, graveyards, and groupies.

CHAPTER TWO

So where exactly are we going? I wondered as we trotted down the busy streets of Validen with Ferox the fierce pulling our vehicle. That Phantom group isn’t supposed to be here yet.

We’re going to inquire exactly when they’ll arrive, he told me as he gave me a mischievous smile. One can’t fetch a good teacher if they don’t know when they’re available.

I dropped my gaze to the cylinder attached to my arm. Is this such a good idea? I mean, what if this thing accidentally kills him?

He shook his head. It’s more likely to kill you first than him.

I dropped my arm and my face did the same. That’s a comforting thought.

A pensive expression slipped onto his face as he crossed one leg over the other. We could try investigating the Prima Staff, but our inquiries would attract unwanted attention.

His eyes flickered to a tall figure whom we passed. It was a guard, and I had to stop myself from flinching. I see what you mean.

Ben cocked his head slightly and studied me. We could, however, have someone else make inquiries for us.

Both my eyebrows shot up. "You mean him?"

My companion nodded. He’s rather useful for such expeditions. People feel more freely speaking with him than with a high-society swell.

I blinked at him. Why is that?

He flashed me a wicked grin. Because they already know who, and what, they’re dealing with.

I leaned back against the seat and crossed my arms over my chest. "You’re going to have to tell me how all of that happened, and you still haven’t explained- I waved my hand at his chest, -well, all that."

There was that thoughtful look on his face again as he stared ahead. We might make a brief stop elsewhere for that explanation. There is someone I know who would be better able to answer your questions.

I lifted an eyebrow. Really? Who?

My mother.

I shouldn’t have been as surprised as I was. After all, I’d heard he had a parent. Still, there was one nagging question about that admission. Your mom knows about what you do?

You mean gallivanting about with beautiful women, then yes.

I rolled my eyes. I meant your ‘hobby.’

Also yes.

I narrowed my eyes at him. And she approves?

He sighed. "She doesn’t completely approve of my hobby, no."

A snort escaped me. Alright, I want to meet her.

Ben leaned forward and lifted his voice just slightly. Ferox, take us to- The horse flung his head back and whinnied before he turned sharply rightward. So sharp, in fact, that Ben was sent tumbling against the wall of his side of the carriage. He righted himself and grinned. I should have known his acute hearing was listening in on our conversation.

"Does he understand everything we’re saying?"

Certain words, at the very least, Ben mused as he set his clasped hands in his lap. And definitely more than he lets on.

A crooked smile adorned my lips. So what does he know that I don’t?

You mean where we’re going? he teased as his eyes twinkled at me. Didn’t I tell you? We’re going to see my mother.

I gave a nod. Yes, but where is she?

At the destination to which we’re traveling.

I folded my arms over my chest and snorted. Always the mystery man, aren’t you?

I try to make your life interesting.

My eyes flickered down to his shirt. I hope you’re not keeping any more insane nobleman’s sons in your sleeve.

Only on special occasions, but we’ll be there soon.

We rolled through the cobblestone streets and into a neighborhood of stone buildings that more resembled miniature fortresses than homes and shops. The road was bumpy and winding, and the further we traveled in that medieval district the taller and more imperious the buildings became until they towered over our little carriage.

The structures occupied larger and larger plots, and many were surrounded by low stone walls. They reminded me of giant mausoleums, and the empty streets added to the effect. Ferox rolled us up to one of the tallest and most imposing buildings. A low wall surrounded its acre-sized plot, and each corner of the interior wall was adorned with a gigantic tree that resembled oaks.

The structure itself was round with a huge glass dome on top. High, narrow windows were evenly spaced with one row above the other. The entrance was a pair of large wooden doors that featured carved scenes of women with their hands raised to a moonlit sky. Smaller rectangular buildings with single-sloped roofs were attached on either side to the round building.

Not a thing stirred as Ferox stopped the carriage in front of the gap in the wall. Ben hopped out and offered me his hand. Welcome to the Covenant.

I lifted my eyes to the high structure and lifted an eyebrow. This looks a little. . .bleak.

He chuckled as he led me up the stone path to the doors. The more welcoming living quarters are in the rear. My mother should be in the main chapel, however, with the other sisters.

My mind caught up to what Ben had said, and I whipped my head around to face him. Did you say convent or covenant?

Covenant, he told me as we reached the door. My mother is charged with managing a horde of hexers.

Some of the color drained from my face. Isn’t hexing bad?

He rapped loudly on the door. Very little magic is inherently bad. Only the way it’s used can be bad.

One of the portals opened and a spinster stuck her head out. She wore a flowing black robe, and her long gray hair was tied in a braid that trailed down her back. The old woman wore spectacles perched atop her beaked nose, but she still squinted at us. What’s wanted?

Ben offered her a smile. An interview with my mother, Lady Forsythe.

She leaned in closer and her eyes widened. Why, little Benny! I nearly burst out laughing. Why in the world haven’t you visited sooner?

He nodded down at me. Some complications arose, but is my mother available?

Of course she is! Forsythe assured him as she opened the door and stepped to one side. She’ll be delighted to see you, as will all the girls.

We stepped into the brilliantly lit interior. The glass dome provided direct sunlight, as did the windows, and illuminated a circular nave with a single aisle. Wide, hard wooden benches on either side were softened by plush pillows on their seats. At the end was not an altar or podium, but a statue of a woman with her head bowed and her hands clasped together in front of her. She was robed similarly to Forsythe, though a shroud covered all of her face. Doors on either side of the room led to the offshoot buildings I had noticed outside.

A gaggle of some dozen women were seated in the two front rows of pews with their hands raised to the ceiling. A soft green light emanated from their palms and stretched upward in thin strands of brilliance. The strings of light intertwined and floated through the glass dome where it dissipated into the air.

The leader of the coven was a woman who stood before the matronly statue. She wore a black cloak with a hood that covered all but the bottom half of her face. Unlike the others, her hands were pressed together in front of her in perfect imitation of the statute at her back. I could hear a few soft prayers murmur from her lips.

Forsythe pressed a finger to her mouth and gestured to one of the rear pews. Ben and I took a seat, and she scurried back to join the others where she, too, raised her hands in supplication. I cast a questioning look at my guide and my eyes darted to the praying women, but he shook his head.

After a few minutes, the leader stopped her prayers and dropped her hands to her sides. The others did the same with many sounds of relief.

My goodness, but I think I’m getting older, one of the women spoke up as she rubbed her arms. That isn’t as easy as it used to be.

One of her companions farther down the pew leaned forward to catch her eye. You’re telling me. My arm’s cramped up.

Another in the front row turned around and gave her a disapproving look. Did you remember to take your medicine this morning to prevent that?

The cramp suffered wrinkled her nose. That filth isn’t fit for an animal, much less a woman like me.

But that’s exactly who it’s for, the other one scolded her.

Ladies.

The voice was gentle, but as sharp as a knife. It cut through the burgeoning argument and silenced all the parties as they looked ahead.

The person who spoke was the hooded figure. The woman drew back her hood and revealed herself to be about fifty, but her beauty softened the effects of her few wrinkles. Her bright smile, too, diminished her age as her bright blue eyes fell on me. It appears we have company.

CHAPTER THREE

Everyone turned around and all eyes fell on Ben and me. He smiled and bowed his head to the company. Good morning, ladies.

More than one cooed at the attention, and a few even jumped to their feet. They all replied in unison.

Good morning, Count Castle.

That will be enough for this morning, ladies, the robed woman commanded them. Return to your work.

The rest of the women stood, and a few looked mournfully at Ben as they passed by. One of the arguers, the one who hadn’t taken her pills, stopped at his side opposite me and set a hand on Ben’s arm.

It’s so nice to see you, Count. What’s kept you away for so long?

Ben nodded at me. A pleasant distraction.

The woman gave me a look of curiosity before one of her friends grabbed her bent arm. Come on, Matilda. That’s enough flirting for one day, especially with what I’ve heard.

Matilda gave her friend a blank look as she was carted away. What did you hear?

Never you mind. Just hurry along.

Soon the nave was emptied of all but we three. The robed woman’s gentle eyes smiled at me. So this is the young woman who is going to give me grandchildren.

At that moment Ben and I were two of a kind. My cheeks glowed like a bonfire and his wide eyes reflected shock and confusion. The scene must have been hilarious because his mother burst into laughter.

My goodness, she mused as she wiped a tear from one eye. I didn’t expect the reaction to be so quick and so telling.

Ben gathered his wits and his eyebrows crashed down. I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mother, but where did you hear that false rumor?

She tapped her ear lobe. I, too, have my sources, but I see now there is no wedding ring. Perhaps the announcement was premature?

Perhaps the announcement should never have been made, Ben countered.

His mother sighed and shrugged. One can hope, but may I have a proper introduction to this lovely young woman?

Ben stepped between us and gestured to each of us in turn. "Millie Lucas, may I introduce you to my mother, Countess Sofia Rookwood