“When the healers began to work their magic on her, they discovered she was with child. Her father knew it wasn’t safe for her to stay in Misteria, not if Malzador’s Goblin assassins ever found out she was still alive. If they did, they would find and kill her. She had to leave. But before her father sent her away, she was given two rules. She was never to use her gifts in front of humans, and she was never to tell anyone about Misteria.”
Will glanced at his sister and knew she was wondering the same thing.
“What was the Sorceress’s name?” Anna asked.
Will’s heart sped up, anticipating the answer.
Lavinia’s eyes softened. “Her name was Talia…your mother.” The room fell silent. “Your grandfather sent her away from Misteria to keep her safe. He also sent a guardian to protect her and her unborn child.” Her eyes shifted to Henry.
“My dad?” Henry gulped.
She nodded. “Your father was given a great duty, Henry, and was chosen because he was highly regarded by the leaders of this land. Haribold is a strong and cunning warrior.”
“My father is not a warrior,” Henry muttered. “He can barely chop down a tree.”
Lavinia laughed. “You must understand, Henry. Both Haribold and Talia had to take on human characteristics to fit in. They couldn’t let anyone know they possessed any magical power, including all of you.”
“I—I don’t believe it.” Henry buried his face in his hands.
“Your father never anticipated meeting and falling in love with your human mother. You are a special gift to him, and I know he loves you very much.”
Henry’s head snapped up. “Wait. If she was human, then what does that make my dad?”
“Your father is a Middling,” she replied, “a distant relative of the Buguls.”
Dread shot across Henry’s face, his eyes bulged, his jaw dropped. “I’m part that?” he exhaled, his finger directing to Tobin.
A broad smile spread across Tobin’s lips as he wiggled his bushy brow.
“No,” Henry exhaled, his face paling.
“A distant relative,” Lavinia added in an effort to console him.
“Don’t be jealous. Middling are just as superb as Buguls,” Tobin mumbled with a mouth full of grapes.
Frustrated, Will stood to his feet. “I want to know why we’re here. Where is our mother? We’re here because she told us to follow Tobin. She said she had to return to this place. Why?”
Lavinia sighed, then walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder.
“In approximately seven days, the earth will enter a rare galactic alignment. At that exact moment, a portal will open.”
“Like the one we came through?” Anna asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “Only, this portal opens a gateway between Misteria and the Underworld. It is the only time, in a few thousand years, that Malzador can re-enter our world. And when he returns, he plans to destroy the magical mist which keeps our world hidden and protected from the mortal world.”
“How can one Sorcerer undo all of this?” Will questioned.
“The magic protecting our land can only be undone by a ceremony performed by each of the five original Sorcerers who created it. And it must be done during a lunar eclipse, which happens to occur on the same night as the alignment.”
Anna looked to Will, then back at Lavinia again. “What does that have to do with our mother?”
“Your grandfather is one of the five Sorcerers, and last night, he was taken.”
“Our grandfather is alive?” Will choked.
“Yes,” Lavinia answered. “He was taken by the leader of Malzador’s army—a dark, masked warrior who carries out all his evildoings in Misteria. The masked warrior has been ordered to capture the original Sorcerers and hold them for the return of Malzador, who will oversee the ceremony.”
“So, our mom came back to look for our grandfather?” Will questioned.
“Yes,” she answered. “She wanted to stay until you arrived, but knowing the alignment and eclipse were approaching and time was short, she left with Haribold and a small company of Elves.”
Henry dropped his fork. “My dad is with her?”
Lavinia nodded.
“Why did she have to go? Why couldn’t the Elves go instead?” Anna sobbed.
Lavinia’s golden eyes fixed onto Anna’s tear-filled ones.
“Your mother . . .” she paused.
“What about our mother?” Will questioned.
“She is much stronger than you think. She is a Sorceress of Misteria, as is her father, as are both of you. She has magic flowing through her veins, so you mustn’t worry about her.”
Will and Anna remained speechless. All this time . . . all those countless stories their mother told them of the warrior Elves and Fairies and creatures that roamed across a wondrous land. They were her way of sharing Misteria with them without revealing the truth. Her way of sharing a world she was a part of, and a world they were a part of too.
“You both possess great gifts. Hidden secrets locked deep within each of you. They have been dormant because you’ve been raised in the human world and have never needed to call upon them. Your mother’s powers were weakened while she resided outside our land—outside of the magic—but now that she’s returned home, her powers will quickly be restored.”
“Do you think she’ll be able to save our grandfather?” Anna questioned.
“I don’t know, sweet child,” Lavinia replied. “But she has our best warriors with her.”
Will steeled himself. He needed to keep it together for his sister, and even more, for his mother. “What can we do to help?”
“There is one Sorcerer left who has not yet been captured. His name is Rhyder, and he’s gone into hiding. We need to find him before they do because he is the final piece to their puzzle. If they capture him, they will have everything they need to destroy Misteria.”
“Do you know where he is?” Will asked.
“No, but I know someone who might.” Lavinia stood and waved for them to follow her. “I will take you to the Seer. If anyone can help us find Rhyder, she can.”
Lavinia proceeded back down the spiraled staircase, and they followed.
When they reached the center courtyard, Lavinia leaned down and whispered into Tobin’s ear. He turned and signaled the guards, and two immediately descended the stairs and stood on either side of him. Both Elven warriors were tall and strikingly handsome. Even Will was impressed.
“These are two of my personal guards,” Lavinia said.
The slightly taller of the two—with sharp features, light brown hair, and brown eyes— bowed his head slightly. “My name is Thane.”
“And I am Alek,” the other announced, also tipping his head. His voice was deeper, and his eyes and hair were a much darker brown.
Lavinia stepped toward them. “I am taking the children to the Seer and would like you to accompany us.”
“Yes, milady,” the guards answered in unison, bowing at the waist.
Lavinia gave a single nod, then turned and led the group to the edge of the enclosed trees. With a quick wave of her hand and a few spoken Elvish words, the trees untangled, leaving an opening the size of a doorway with a trail leading into the dark forest. The sun had already set, and Will wondered how they would be able to see in the dark.
Tobin grabbed two torches and handed them to Thane and Alek.
“Is it safe to go out there at night?” Henry asked.
“Yes, we are still traveling in the Hallowed Wood. As of yet, no dark creatures have breached our wards,” Lavinia replied.
“Yet?” Will repeated.
“Evil creatures are smart not to enter here, for fear they may never find an exit,” Thane added with a sly grin.
“What does that mean?” Henry asked.
Will chuckled. “It means we’re safe.”
“Smart boy,” Alek returned, patting Will on the shoulder.
Lavinia turned back and winked. “Of course he is. It’s in hi
s blood.”
Thane and Alek nodded with smiles on their faces.
“I wonder what she meant by that?” Anna questioned, side-eyeing Will.
“They clearly recognize how intelligent I am.”
Anna laughed and elbowed him. “If they only knew the truth.”
“Let’s go,” Thane said, leading the way. Alek waited for everyone to pass before he brought up the rear.
As the group made their way through the dark, narrow pathway, Will realized how quiet it was. There didn’t seem to be anything moving in the woods around them—no birds, no insects, no wind. Just an eerie silence.
“Are we safe here?” he asked.
“Yes,” Lavinia answered. “We are still within the wards of the Hallowed Wood.”
He nodded. The silence didn’t seem to affect them.
After a half a mile or so, they exited the forest, arriving at a small clearing. Directly in the center, stood a single, majestic tree which looked quite old and out of place. It reminded Will of their favorite tree back home, only this one was much, much larger.
Thane stepped forward and touched his torch to the ground. The flame caught hold and traveled fast, encircling the large tree, but leaving a small opening at the front. The flames didn’t spread but stayed in place.
The enormous trunk had a smooth, silvery bark bearing intricate carvings. Its roots were massive and matted, and its leaves glowed bronze in the dancing firelight.
“Tis a special tree,” Tobin whispered. “Tis da king of all trees in da forest.”
“It’s magnificent,” Anna whispered.
Will wondered how many incredible stories the tree held from its many years in Misteria and what each of the carvings meant. Did they tell stories? Or were they magical runes that protected the tree?
Lavinia stepped forward and raised her arms in the air. Closing her eyes, she began to speak in an eloquent foreign tongue while everyone else remained quiet and still as she summoned the Seer.
A loud wind rustled high within the boughs of the tree, swooshing down and rushing around them. Will turned to Anna, her hair whipped every which way, but her eyes remained fixed on the hollow of the tree. Someone or something was emerging.
By the look of the tree, Will was anticipating a beautiful Elven or Fairy Queen to appear. Instead, out hobbled an old looking hag with stringy, silvery hair which hung over most of her face. Her short, withered frame was hunched over as she shuffled toward the party. In her right hand was a twisted wooden cane.
“My dear Lavinia, it’s been a while since you’ve visited,” she cackled, sounding more like a wicked old witch. “What brings you here?”
“It’s been much too long,” Lavinia agreed. “I’ve brought Talia’s children with me.”
“I know,” the Seer responded. “Although these eyes fail me, I still see everything.”
“Of course,” Lavinia said with a bow of her head. She placed the Seer’s hand on her arm and led her over to Will and Anna.
Anna stepped closer to Will as the Seer neared them. She smelled like moss and earth and wood and air. The old lady’s face was horribly weathered, her teeth were yellowed, and her eyes were a grayish, murky color.
Henry took a step forward to stand on the opposite side of Anna, and Will was thankful for his friend’s gesture, knowing Henry would be as protective of her as he was.
The old woman lifted her arthritic finger and placed it in the middle of Will’s chest. As she leaned into him, he automatically leaned away from her.
“Will,” Anna scolded, “don’t be rude.”
“I can’t help it. She’s creepy.”
“Ahhh—they are telepathic, just like their mother,” the Seer spoke, turning to Lavinia.
“You can hear us?” Will said softly, a heat creeping up his neck.
“But of course,” the Seer replied with a haggard grin.
Anna elbowed her brother in the side and he grunted but didn’t rebut. He knew he deserved it.
“This one,” the Seer pointed at Will, “is much like his father.” Her gaze met Lavinia’s. “Does his presence bring you pain?”
Lavinia’s head fell. “No,” she answered. “Seeing them has brought nothing but joy; something I haven’t felt in a long time.” Her gaze met Will and Anna’s, and although she was smiling, sadness swam deep in her golden eyes.
“How did you know our father?” Will asked her. He wanted to know why she would be so affected by their father’s death. She must have been close to him. But how close?
Lavinia looked away for a moment, a single tear trailed down her cheek. “Your father, Jarek, was my brother.”
Will’s heart hammered hard in his chest, hearing her speak his father’s name . . . Jarek. Until today, it was just a faceless name. But here, in Misteria . . . they knew him. He was her brother. And that made him even more real.
“You’re our aunt?” Anna breathed.
“In human terms, yes,” she answered softly.
“That means our father was—"
“Prince of the Hallowed Wood,” Lavinia finished. “He was a great warrior, a master archer, and beloved by his people. He should have been king.”
A great warrior and an Elvish prince. Will could hardly contain himself. “Are there any more relatives we should know about?” he asked.
Lavinia shook her head. “Your father was the last of my kin.”
“I’m sorry,” he replied, fighting back his emotions. “I wish we’d had the chance to know him.”
She dipped her head. “For that, I am sorry. Your father would have loved you both. You would have been his entire world,” she replied, her eyes studying his face. “You look so much like him, William.”
Will was still grappling with all the new information when the Seer turned, taking a few hobbled steps back toward the great tree. She raised her arms and entered some sort of trance, swaying back and forth, chanting in a foreign tongue.
The leaves rustled high in their silvery branches, and the boughs creaked and groaned as if they were speaking to her. When she stopped her movements and her hands fell to her sides, the tree stilled.
The Seer slowly made her way back toward them. Stretching her arms out, she offered Will and Anna her hands. Will turned to Lavinia for affirmation, and when she gave an approving nod, he placed his hand on top of the Seer. Anna did the same.
The old woman’s palms were surprisingly warm and soft. She closed her eyes tight, and when they opened again, they’d gone entirely black.
Anna gasped, and Will twitched at the alarming change in her appearance. She looked horrifying, like a witch.
The Seer’s gaze locked onto Will, speaking in a raspy, high-pitched voice. “You are strong, son of Jarek, a legacy passed down through the generations. The future holds much mystery but do not flee from it. The fate of this land rests in your hands.”
Her obsidian eyes shifted to Anna. “Special powers are your birthright, daughter of Talia. Born in the world of man but conceived in the land of mist. Your gifts will reveal themselves in time. Embrace the power bestowed or it will destroy you.” Her head fell forward.
“Two conceived from a single seed,
With magic shall arrive.
Together, standing hand in hand,
The darkness they will drive.”
She raised her head again. “Alone, you will have the power to defeat a single enemy, but together, your gifts will be unstoppable. Misteria has always been a part of you, and now that you’ve returned, your powers will grow. You are the two the prophecy has foretold.”
Will looked at Anna, but the Seer wasn’t done.
“Seek out the Lady of the Crystal Lake, she knows where the last Sorcerer is hidden. He will help release the gifts inside and instruct you how to use them. Your gifts will be instrumental in defeating Malzador. We all must prepare for his arrival.” The Seer’s eyes rolled back into her head, and her body convulsed. She closed her eyes, and when they reopened, they’d returned to their murk
y, grayish color.
She was weak, and as her legs faltered, Lavinia reached out and caught her, wrapping her arm around her waist.
“Take me back,” the Seer wheezed. Lavinia nodded.
Henry picked up her cane and followed them back to the tree while Will and Anna stood still, heads spinning. Tobin stepped behind them and gently patted their backs.
“Everyone in Misteria has been waitin’ for ya. It’s truly an honor ta be in yer presence.”
“This is crazy. There is no way we can defeat a great Sorcerer,” Will exhaled. “We’re just kids. The only gift we’ve ever had is telepathy.”
“He’s right,” Anna agreed. “She has to be wrong. It can’t be us. We’re not special.”
“Ah, but dat’s where you’re wrong. Ya are special. And just for yer information . . . da Seer is never amiss.”
Lavinia and Henry returned after delivering the Seer back to her home. Lavinia placed a hand on Will and Anna’s shoulders.
“I know you’re confused, and I can’t begin to imagine what’s going on inside of your minds. But there is so much more to tell, and I believe a short history of Misteria is what you need before we go any further. Come, this way.” She walked over to a fallen log and sat down. The rest of them gathered as she began to tell the story.
“At the beginning of time, man lived in harmony with all creatures, magical and non-magical. There was perfect balance for hundreds of years, until one fateful night when a baby boy was born to a lowly farmer and his wife. Creatures large and small gathered from every corner of the earth, keeping watch in the farmer’s fields.
“Word of the unusual occurrence spread like wildfire, soon reaching the leaders of men. Afraid the child was sent from the gods to overthrow them, they secretly conspired to kill him. The wicked men sent an army of one hundred men, who marched throughout the night until they reached the farmer's house. When they arrived, they dragged the couple out into the middle of their field, with the baby swaddled in his mother’s arms. There, the soldiers executed the farmer and his wife. In her last moments, the woman wailed, screaming a prayer—her dying wish—into the heavens.
“Out of the dark sky swooped a wondrous, mythical creature, answering her plea. It was a white, winged horse. His frame was muscular, and his silvery coat glistened in the firelight.