Death and Magick: All Things Dark and Deadly, #3

By SF Benson

A necromancer. A Time Witch. A deathly doctor.

 

The Oracle and the Time Witch have outsmarted the aspiring pupil of Sherlock Holmes and escaped the mirror world.

 

But Evaline can't simply chase after Doctor Death's cohorts. For starters, she's lost the Firestone along with her crystals and grimoire. Without a spell, she can't travel back to London unless she relies on the mage wanting her hand in marriage…

 

Can Fergus Culpepper teach Evaline to tap into her powers to return the Oracle and the Time Witch to Londinium? Will magick be enough to thwart Doctor Death once and for all?

 

Alice took a dark turn when she fell down the rabbit hole in this twisted series.

 

Discover what happens when a magickal sleuth puts her abilities to the test.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SF Benson
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224457236

SF Benson

SF Benson, a Michigan native, resides in Southern California with her husband, a human daughter, and a couple of miniature fur kids (two female short-haired guinea pigs). At one time, she wrangled a household which included three Samoyeds, saltwater fish, a hamster, and three guinea pigs. She’s an avid bookworm who appreciates a well-written book regardless of genre. SF prefers writing stories about strong, diverse protagonists set in dystopian, science fiction, or paranormal worlds. Connect with Author SF Benson: Be the first one to find out news about releases and giveaways! Email List https://bit.ly/3GnDYCk Facebook www.facebook.com/bensonsf Twitter @bensonshantella

Book preview

1

So Much at Stake

Doctor Death and the Oracle were no longer in Londinium? How did that happen? To be honest, I didn’t think the feat was possible without destroying the veil between worlds. Assuming Agatha Bancroft rent the barrier, then other creatures might enter London too. All hell would break loose, and I refused to allow such a disaster to occur.

The situation was grave, but I didn’t know how to remedy the issue. Was it possible to take care of the problem with the artifact?

Practice with the Firestone might have provided the answers I needed. I would have learned what powers were associated with the object. According to my mother’s doppelgänger, however, activating the artifact had dire repercussions. Supposedly, the gem could annihilate a person’s life force. The stronger the artifact became, the weaker the user would get. Eventually, the wielder would die.

Naturally, my thoughts turned to the obvious. If death was a foregone conclusion, then how would Agatha use the Firestone? Was it possible her moribund state rendered the item’s inherent energy useless?

In the event my mother’s duplicate spoke the truth, I had to not manipulate the artifact. Perhaps I could convince Ferliebell Pepper to handle the item. Should she die, I’d simply revive her.

The vampire king Nostro cleared his scrawny throat, snapping me out of my analysis. Stroking his goatee, he asked, How did the culprits leave?

There is evidence Agatha and the Oracle escaped through the Mithraeum, said the woman who claimed to be my mother.

I wondered what proof she had of their departure. Malgrave Keep was a considerable distance from Londinium’s Wall. Furthermore, no one could see the temple from the wall. So, how would she have seen it all the way in the Verge?

The illustrious Mr. Holmes would have used his deductive powers to ascertain the truth, but I didn’t need to study with the detective to form a theory. Based on what I already knew, I questioned why Mother’s lookalike insisted I return to London. She’d made the request long before we learned Doctor Death and the Oracle slipped through the veil.

Second, Mallie Liddell Wainwright’s double had an unqualified outburst. My mother would have never yelled at me for any reason. Although I gave her plenty of cause to do so, the woman had always been patient with me. What sparked the lookalike’s frenzied behavior?

Third, that version of my mother was cognizant of things about my magick. Things Mother wouldn’t have kept hidden. My mother would have deemed the information important enough to share. Then we would have figured out a way to deal with those peculiarities.

I also couldn’t forget the doppelgänger’s claim to knowing Agatha and the Oracle had left the mirror world. Before my doubts arose about her, she stated there was a mirror allowing her to see Father and me. Did the looking glass permit her to spy on the Londiniumites, too?

Those facts alone inclined me to believe the dead ringer was someone other than my mother. Which led to the question, why was the woman masquerading as Mallie Wainwright? What purpose did the pretense serve?

But I would have to wait for a more opportune moment to receive my answers. We had two evil entities running amuck in my world. Without swift action, innocent people would be injured or worse.

Assuming they left from the temple, then Agatha and the Oracle would be in the heart of London, I said. Then I realized the pair could be in Piccadilly Circus. Depending on the time of day, there could be mass casualties.

Nostro glanced at me but didn’t acknowledge my assessment. Instead, he asked, What would Doctor Death be searching for since the Firestone remains in our world?

The statuesque female vampire, with skin resembling alabaster and hair as dark as a black pearl, suggested, My guess would be another significant artifact.

Aisling might have meant the Raven’s Stone. It was an important object for Agatha. According to Mother’s journal, she hadn’t found the artifact. Most likely, it didn’t exist.

I seriously doubt the stone is in London, provided it’s real, I stated.

The Mallie imposter said, Finding the object would be similar to locating the Firestone. A person only has to discover its signature in one world to track it down in another.

Anyone could have come up with that answer. My mother would have mentioned the Egyptian expedition. She would have pointed out the likelihood the artifact was a mythical relic.

Another reason to distrust the imposter.

The doppelgänger added, I doubt Doctor Death is seeking the item. The creature is after the Firestone artifact. In my opinion, the woman wants a bargaining chip. Something ensuring she obtains whatever she’s after.

And what does the imposter want?

Nostro bobbed his head up and down. Mallie’s conjecture seems more accurate.

I disagreed. Disrupting the real world and threatening its inhabitants would be a seriously large negotiating asset. Do you honestly think Agatha would hold an entire world captive? Besides, have you forgotten I no longer have the Firestone?

My mother’s doppelgänger gasped, and then her face reddened. Her nostrils flared as she stared at me. When she spoke, her voice shook with fury. Where. Is. It.

I scrambled backward out of fear or perhaps common sense. With the Firestarters. The queen’s daughter took it from me.

And you allowed her to do so? The imposter’s lips pulled back as though she was disgusted with me. When she closed the distance between us, I wished I had someplace to hide. She stopped and asked, How could you?

Her question implied I handed over the object to Issir. To be honest, the warrior female essentially took it from me.

Before I could defend myself, Aisling raised an eyebrow and sneered. I think you should go after her. Take back what doesn’t belong to the beasts.

Has Aisling lost her mind?

Me go up against a dragon?

I shook my head. Not possible. According to Lady Kovra, the Firestone belongs to her people.

But she stole it! shouted Aisling. They had no right to do so!

I saw the situation differently. Somebody had pilfered the object from the dragons. We were no more entitled to possess the artifact than Aisling was authorized to wear a crown.

My lips parted.

Enough! Nostro held up his hand, cutting me off. I’ll meet with the queen and negotiate a deal. Surely, we can borrow the object for a time. Once the Othersider has defeated Doctor Death and the Oracle, we’ll return the Firestone to its rightful home.

He made it seem as simple as borrowing an item from a trusted neighbor. Deep down, I realized nothing in the realm could be so easy. The Firestarters had no reason to believe we’d return the artifact, especially since someone had taken it from them previously. To be honest, we had no reason to believe the creatures would agree to any type of arrangement.

To Aisling, the king said, Send word to Lady Kovra.

Of course, said the female vampire with a bow.

Naturally, the imposter had to remind us of what was at stake. Time is of the essence, Nostro. No one knows how much trouble Doctor Death and the Oracle might cause. We have no idea how many people might die because of their actions.

He pursed his lips and then said, Aisling, let Lady Kovra know the urgency of my request.

The female vampire rushed from the room.

As soon as she departed, Mother’s double continued, Our best course of action would be for Evaline to return to London and face Doctor Death and the Oracle. We can acquire the Firestone while my daughter is gone.

The imposter wants me to face Agatha and the Oracle? With what army?

I hadn’t a snowball’s chance in Hell against those two on my own. To be honest, having the artifact didn’t promise victory. But having the Firestone was a lot better than not having it. Actually, the smartest strategy would be for me not to go alone.

Mother… I cringed, using the title with the woman. Yet, I couldn’t let her know I suspected her. So, I shook off the abhorrence and said, I need to heal Delbert first. He’s been instrumental during this entire trip to the mirror world. He can help me when I return to London.

She frowned deeply. I’m afraid Delbert’s recovery will have to wait. As long as he’s in stasis, there’s no need to worry about him. Remember, Evaline, there are more important matters to tend to.

Not to me. Without Delbert, my life wouldn’t mean much.

The woman folded her arms over her chest. Evaline, we’re talking thousands of lives versus one. In the grand scheme of things, Delbert’s life doesn’t matter as much. The world can afford to lose one soul, but not thousands.

My vision blurred, but I fought to hold in the tears. She was immensely wrong. His life was important to me. Without Delbert, I would be lost. Much like Mr. Holmes would be without Dr. Watson. Great detectives required outstanding colleagues to bounce ideas off of. Otherwise, we’d spend an exorbitant amount of time talking to ourselves.

More importantly, Delbert was my lodestar. He never steered me wrong. He helped me find true north on numerous occasions. Above all else, I loved him and refused to lose him.

Risking the doppelgänger’s anger, I said, "No offense, Mother, but I see nothing more urgent than healing Delbert. Surely, you can understand. After all, you married the love of your life. If Delbert dies, I won’t be able to follow in your footsteps."

My mother would have comprehended and empathized with my plight. More importantly, she wouldn’t have argued with me. Instead, she would have offered to heal Delbert herself to spare me the pain.

But the harridan scowled and studied me as though I were a bug under a microscope. Right when I figured she wouldn’t respond, she snarled, Love isn’t our primary focus, my dear daughter. Sometimes it’s necessary to sacrifice those we claim to love.

Claim to love?

Mother would have never said those words to me. She recognized how much Delbert meant to me even before I admitted it to myself. Somehow the charlatan had reaped my mother’s memories and used them for her own purpose.

Before things turned ugly, Nostro intervened. Mallie, what must your daughter do to remedy the situation?

The woman gave him a thin smile. Return to London and track down Doctor Death and the Oracle. When Evaline finds them, she must eliminate the malefactors. Only then, should she come back to this world.

I flinched slightly and then bit my lip. What she expected of me bordered on the impossible. I doubted even the world’s most powerful mage could tackle the entities unassisted.

Finally, I asked, And how am I to accomplish anything, Mother, without the Firestone?

She glared at me. The moment quickly evaporated, and the smile reappeared. It’s time you learned to rely on your magick.

I’m just learning to control it.

Ignoring my comment, she said, Wielding your powers correctly will enable you to stop Doctor Death and the Oracle.

I can stop Doctor Death and the Oracle…

Those words chilled me as I realized the imposter’s true intention. She wanted to use me the same way I wanted to use Ferliebell. I would become the pawn sent into battle. Success would mean all would be right with the world. Failure meant the lookalike would live to see another day.

Time to test my theory…

Tell me, Mother, how am I supposed to use my magick? I glanced over at the vampire who leaned forward on his throne. Remember, I haven’t had any lessons. No one’s taught me how to use it properly.

She stared at me. You’re a smart girl. Figure it out.

Although I lacked the doppelgänger’s confidence in my abilities, I had no doubt the woman wasn’t my mother.

2

A Great Debate

If Delbert had been my side, he would have known right away the imposter couldn’t be my mother. He always believed in me when I doubted myself.

Mother’s doppelgänger didn’t wait for my response. She turned to Nostro and became engaged about another matter.

We weren’t finished!

I couldn’t help yelling, How am I supposed to figure out using my powers? Have you forgotten magick isn’t about taking a stab in the dark? The pair stared at me. If I use my powers incorrectly, people could be hurt. Even killed! I don’t want an innocent person’s blood on my hands!

I didn’t want anyone’s blood on my hands.

Pshaw! You’re merely afraid, said the imposter with a dismissive wave. You have nothing to fear, dear Evaline. You only have to follow your heart.

Easy for her to say. No one asked her to thwart the enemy with untested magick.

Aisling returned to the Great Hall in time to weigh in on the argument. Your Grace, forgive me for saying so, but the way I see it, the situation isn’t about Doctor Death or the Oracle. This is only about the girl, pure and simple. She should be imprisoned. Better yet? Kill her. Save our world from her.

Kill me? What had I done?

Nostro yawned. Why do you think that, Aisling?

A hint of a smile touched her lips. Sire, she poses a threat to this world. The simple fact she doesn’t know how to control her magick makes her dangerous. Worse? We don’t know what she can or can’t do. Will she act in our interest or her own? I strongly suggest we not trust her.

The feeling was mutual.

The king sighed heavily and then muttered, Valid points.

Not true, Aisling, said the imposter. Forgive me, Nostro, but I feel it necessary to remind you. Evaline is the key to everyone’s peace. As long as she doesn’t allow her dark side to rule her, she could eliminate Doctor Death and allow everyone to live calmly.

Could isn’t the same as would.

The lookalike added, Believe me when I say, destroying the fiend is my daughter’s only motivation.

She was wrong. Delbert was my motivation. Once his health was restored, then I’d worry about everything else. Besides, how would I do anything without proper instruction?

Your Grace… Aisling grasped her hands in front of her flat chest. Surely, you’re not going to take the word of the Othersider’s mother! She’d say anything in defense of her child.

Not true, Nostro. I say these things in defense of this world. A world offering me a home when I couldn’t return to my own. I have nothing but respect for you and the people of the Verge. The imposter glanced at the female vampire. The sole person I harbor animosity toward is the woman claiming to govern Londinium.

I agreed.

The vampire king wrinkled his nose and seemed to struggle to find the right words. He combed his fingers through his black hair as he studied the women. In an unenthusiastic tone, he finally said, Aisling, I have always depended upon your counsel. Usually, you are right about everything without question.

The female grinned, revealing the tips of her fangs.

He added, This time, however, I must listen to Mallie.

The vampiress gazed toward the ceiling and shook her head. Whatever for? Give me one good reason.

Nostro strummed his long, elegant fingers on the chair arm. You must admit Mallie has been as accurate as Lydia Wright had been.

And you saw where that led…

The three of them continued their back-and-forth debate. For every piece of positive evidence the vampire king gave, Aisling countered with something negative. My mother’s double adding her own facts didn’t help.

Thankfully, their argument gave me a chance to slip away unnoticed. I quickly made my way through the chilly corridors and went to the only place I could—the chambers previously assigned to me. For a moment, I stood outside Delbert’s door with my hand on the surface as though I could will him there with me.

I remembered our conversations and how we slept side by side each night. We studied books about the Firestone and various spells, too. Seeing his smiling face first thing in the morning filled me with so much joy. But my memories couldn’t bring him to me. They wouldn’t heal him from a distance either. With a deep sigh, I went across the hall and entered my room.

Shutting the door, I leaned against the worn surface. I didn’t know what I should do other than hurry back to Delbert. He was my prime focus. Strangely, I didn’t care about Agatha or the Oracle. Without Delbert, nothing made a difference. Everything else left me confused and conflicted.

Usually, my self-confidence reigned supreme. I prided myself on always finding the right path to solve a problem. Without Delbert, I failed to do so. Honestly, I couldn’t finish the mission without my beloved. I required his strength and compassion. Above all, I yearned for Delbert’s constant confirmation of his love for me. The man was an anchor keeping me tethered to reality.

The situation, however, wasn’t all about me. Delbert required our help—mine and my real mother—to save him before the poison killed him. He didn’t deserve to die in such a violent manner, especially since he didn’t ask to make the trip to Londinium. Yes, I realized Ferliebell had cast a spell to keep him in suspended animation, but trusting the wacky witch filled me with trepidation. After all, her earlier spell had landed me in the land of the Firestarters.

What if her incantation didn’t hold?

If I listened to the imposter, I had to leave Delbert behind and return to London. What if he worsened while I was away?

Frankly, I didn’t know how I’d rid