Whispers

Whispers

Book 4 of the World In-between Series

IE Castellano

Whispers

Copyright © 2015 IE Castellano

Rights reserved.

Cover by JosDCreations

http://JosDCreations.com

Laurel Highlands Publishing

Mount Pleasant, PA

USA

http://LaurelHighlandsPublishing.com

ISBN-13: 978-1-941087-28-2

ISBN-10: 1-941087-28-0

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Magic is everywhere if one knows how to look

Table of Contents

Chapter One Uninvited

Chapter Two Family

Chapter Three Convergence

Chapter Four Whisperer

Chapter Five Love Always Finds a Way

Chapter Six Irmingard

Chapter Seven Rane’s Plan

Chapter Eight Carts and Tunnels

Chapter Nine Into the Fog

Chapter Ten The Smoky Time

Chapter Eleven Magic Is As Magic Does

Chapter Twelve Accident Training

Chapter Thirteen Tactical Magic

Chapter Fourteen A Council of Dragons

Chapter Fifteen Trekking to Tren

Chapter Sixteen The Nereida

Chapter Seventeen Sisterhood

Chapter Eighteen Garden Variety

Chapter Nineteen March

Chapter Twenty Pure of Soul

Chapter Twenty-one White Tent City

Chapter Twenty-two The Battle for Fairyland

Chapter Twenty-three For the Betterment of the Empire

Chapter Twenty-four Peace

About the Author

Chapter One Uninvited

His crimson bowtie sat perfectly against his white shirt collar. His garnet cufflinks glimmered in the mirror. Berty slipped on his tuxedo jacket. As he adjusted his sleeves, he heard a knock on the door. Come in, he said.

Declan entered, fidgeting in his tuxedo. Your brother and his family have just arrived, he announced. Your mother wants to pin flowers on us. Berty had spent the night in his old bedroom down the hall from his parents while Declan stayed in Jon’s old room. He stood next to Berty, gazing at their reflections in the full-length mirror. I look ridiculous in this. Your mother said that I look dashing. He shook his head. Delyth is going to laugh.

Don’t worry, said Berty with a chuckle, Jon, Dad, and Matt are all wearing tuxes, too.

Edwin says everything is secure and Delyth and her mother are preparing the Fairy Ring, Declan said.

Before Berty could answer, Jon strolled into the room with a crimson boutonniere pinned to his lapel. My big brother is finally getting married. Of course, you have to leave your bedroom first.

A man’s got to look good on his wedding day, Berty joked.

Yeah, but you can do magic, so it shouldn’t take you that long, said Jon.

Berty snapped his fingers. Jon’s tuxedo pants turned into a sparkly black tutu. You mean like that? He and Declan laughed.

Very funny, Jon said in a flat voice.

I think the black socks and dress shoes make it, said Berty.

When you’re done laughing, can you change it back please?

Berty Chase! a woman’s voice scolded.

Seeing Teresa in the doorway, Berty returned Jon’s pants. Don’t you look lovely in dark red, he said.

Teresa rolled her eyes. Declan, let’s get your boutonniere, she said.

Left alone in his old room with his brother, Berty said, I’m not the only one with magic in this family. Remember, the Pixie Priestess appeared to both of us in that fire in the Outlands. Magic runs through your blood. You just need to find it.

Jon adjusted his glasses while checking his reflection. You’re still wearing pants, Berty said. Come on; don’t want to be late for my own wedding.

In the living room, Berty stood still as his mother pinned a crimson mum to his lapel. Stepping back, she smiled.

The limo is here, his father announced. Kate, are we ready?

I think so, she said. His mother sparkled in her claret dress.

The seven of them climbed into the back of the limousine. Sitting between her mother and grandmother in the same color red dress, Hope stared at Berty. He watched his niece’s dark brown curls begin to fall while he waited for her question.

The houses of his parents’ neighborhood blurred in the tinted window above her head. Finally, she asked, After you and Silvia marry, will she become an empress again?

No, answered Berty. All the Empress’ husbands became Lord Hunter. Silvia will be known as Lady Chase, but to you, she’ll be Aunt Silvia. He smiled at her.

Why not? Teresa asked. Why won’t she hold the title of Empress?

Because only the Scepter can bestow that title, he explained.

That doesn’t seem fair, Teresa said.

Berty shrugged.

Turning her attention to Declan, Teresa asked, Have you spoken with Julie yet?

She sent me a, Declan glanced at Berty, postcard from Japan. Then last night, she called when she and Matt got back. Hearing her voice through that phone thing was different. She sounds happy. Life on this side of the portal agrees with her, I think.

Smiling, Teresa said, My brother loved showing her Japan. He’s so happy with Julie in his life and being able to be home, now that he’s working for Jon.

The limo passed the Victorian Berty called home. It drove until the tree-lined street ended at the beginning of the woods. After Berty, his family, and Declan exited the car, the limo driver cruised back the way it came. Berty led the group into the forest.

Away from the view of the street, an Empire Guard escort waited for them. Surrounded by leather armored men, they continued through the trees.

A Goblin stepped out of the shadows. Congratulations, my Lord, it squeaked. Berty gave the Goblin a nod. The gray skinned creature rushed out of sight.

Wedding guests already sat in chairs under an autumnal canopy. More Empire Guards patrolled the ceremony space.

Is all this security really necessary? Kate asked.

Very, Berty replied.

Everything is as you specified, my Lord, Edwin said into his ear.

Thank you, Edwin, he said. He watched Hope run over to Obie who sat with Julie and Matt. You can take your seat with Lark. We’re going to start soon. All his Advisors were present except for Alvar. His wife, Hedda, saved him a seat while he escorted Silvia and her family to the forest ceremony. Prince Goscislaw sat near the front with his wife and daughter. High Elf Avery attended alone while Lord Darnell and Chief Miercia arrived together. They wanted to show a strong Goblin-Troll alliance. Unfortunately, Ojore could not attend. He and his father sent a gift that sat in the house with the others waiting to be opened after the ceremony.

My Lord, said Alvar. Everyone has arrived. Queen Lida has closed the Fairy Ring.

After giving the Elf a nod, he clapped his brother’s shoulder. It’s time.

Jon walked down the aisle between the chairs by himself. He stopped in front of the flower covered canopy. Turning to face the guests, he waited for Alvar and Lida to take their seats. He adjusted his glasses, then said, I’d like to welcome all of you to the union of my brother, Berty, and the love of his life, Silvia. Flashing a quick smile, he sat next to Teresa.

With his mother on one side and his father on the other, Berty strode down the aisle. His parents left him to stand alone at the entrance to the canopy. He took a breath.

Silvia stood at the end of the aisle, shimmering in a silvery light blue gown. In a tailed tuxedo, Martin held her arm. She glided towards him. All he could do was smile.

Martin kissed his sister on the cheek, then sat next to his wife in the front row. Taking each other’s hands, Berty and Silvia stepped under the canopy. In the center of the canopied space, they faced each other while holding hands. Their gazes locked.

Berty, I willingly take you as my husband, Silvia said.

He could see his life in her brown eyes. Silvia, I willingly take you as my wife, he said.

Together, they said in unison, we will face whatever life brings as equal partners. In this union, two hearts become one, two souls merge. A candle behind them magically lit. Let our love bind us. His lips found hers.

When they finally turned to their guests, everyone was standing. A line formed behind Martin and his wife, Martha, in the center aisle. So beautiful. Congratulations, said Martha. She hugged him both.

Welcome to the family, Berty, Martin said.

Berty’s family and Teresa’s family gave them hugs, some with happy tears. The Heads of the Empire and their families wished them well next. King Elrick proudly used a cane to walk. Delyth took Telor’s place by her parents’ side—congratulating them as Princess of Fairyland instead of Historian of the Empire.

Running between Declan and Hatcher, Hope shouted, People came through the portal with weapons!

Some of the guests froze while Empire Guards and others ran into position. Berty closed his eyes. Near the portal, a dozen men in dark cloaks waited as more crossed into their forest.

Anti-imperialists, said Berty.

Silvia nodded. Martin, are you ready to lead the guests back to the house the back way?

Yes.

Delyth will break the Fairy Ring. Gather everyone.

Under tufts of leaves, people grabbed weapons. Berty found his sword right outside the canopy. His mother stared at the blade in his hand. You’re coming with us, she said.

We’ll be right behind you, he told her. Get within the property line as quickly as you can. In the garage, you’ll find weapons on the second floor. Use them if need be.

Broken! Delyth announced.

Silvia raised her right palm. That should keep them at bay long enough to get a head start.

Carrying a sword, Martin led most of the wedding guests into the forest. Hedda, at Alvar’s insistence, was the last to leave with a spear and shield.

Silvia shuddered backwards. They’re fighting my magic.

Firework like explosions rocked the forest. With his eagle eye, Berty saw Obie rolling colored spheres of magic. Wielding a crossbow in each hand, Julie used the trees as cover. Hedda touched a tree, becoming invisible. She surprised an attacker with her spear. Jon pulled Hope away from the fighting. I wanna help, she protested.

It’s our job to protect the house, said Jon. And you have to bring people through the portal. Taking her father’s hand, she ran.

I can’t hold them any longer. Silvia’s arm lowered. She stumbled.

Catching his new wife, Berty helped her take refuge under the canopy. Delyth stared at Silvia collapsing to the ground. Old Fairy Dust, she said to Lida. Unfolding their wings, the Fairies leapt into flight.

Even with Empire Guards, Berty felt underprepared for a battle. He removed the magic that returned his and Declan’s tuxedos to their usual Empire garb. Edwin’s shield blocked an arrow. Swords clanged beyond the ceremony space.

Silvia knelt to recover her strength. With his palm out, Berty’s arm crossed in front of his body. The forest reclaimed the chairs. A tree hid Silvia from view.

Arrows whistled through the autumn air while dark cloaks charged between the trees. Empire Guards met the charge. From behind the guards, Declan’s arrows pierced the dark line.

Berty’s blade struck another’s. Blue sparkles rained on dark cloaks from the Fairies. Magical explosions shook the forest. A scream pierced his eardrums.

Fighting paused as a bluish purple shape tumbled out of the sky. The free fall froze feet from the forest floor. Lida, convulsing in pain, gently fell to the earth. Blue oozed from her wing.

A second shape slammed to the ground. Red fed the earth. A male Fairy’s crumpled body twitched on the dry, brittle, discarded leaf carpet.

When Berty’s foe fell, another took its place. The dark cloaked anti-imperialists outnumbered them. Hedda materialized, viciously stabbing her husband’s attackers with her spear. From the side, arrows hit targets. Julie’s dual crossbows kept the advance at bay.

Magically, the injured Lida slid behind Berty. Silvia stood at the center of the former ceremonial space. She breathed deeply. When she exhaled, a pulse pushed the attackers back.

A horn called through the woods. Dragging their dead and wounded, the anti-imperialists retreated.

Delyth landed, running to her mother. Mom! she cried. She crouched next to Lida. Your wings.

Lida held a torn piece of her gown over the gash in her wing. Blue blood streamed through her fingers. Thank you for stopping my fall, Lady Chase, she said. With the help of her daughter, she stood.

Silvia gave the Fairy Queen a nod. We need to get inside the house’s protection. Follow me.

Weapons still drawn, they followed Silvia through the forest. Even with Delyth’s aid, Lida stumbled often. Declan tried to help, but Lida said, Watch and protect.

The squeaks of an old, rusty swing set carried onto their path. Edwin froze. What’s that noise? The other Empire Guards shifted their weight while their eyes examined the trees.

A nearby park, said Silvia. Stay on the path. We won’t be seen. They hurried as quickly as Lida could.

Fallen leaves speckled the backyard. Berty spotted the blue wood siding of the two story garage. Colvin, Avery, and Matt lowered their weapons, then greeted the wedding party.

Everyone is in the house, said Matt.

Lida! Avery said, rushing to help.

Lida raised a hand to stop the Elf. Only Fairies can help me, she said in a weak voice. Fairy wing blood is worse than Fairy Dust, especially for an Elf, but I appreciate your concern, Avery.

Matt’s eyes scanned the group. Where’s Obie?

He came back here with you, said Julie.

He’s not with me. I thought he was with you, Matt said.

Obie? Julie said, trying to hide the panic in her voice. She spun, searching. He could be lost in the woods. We need to look for him.

Hope ran from the garage with her bow. Taking a step outside the property line, she touched a tree. They took him through the portal.

All feeling left Berty’s limbs. Again, they came for Hope. What would happen to Obie when they discover they abducted the wrong child? Instead of a Wood Listener, they got a young Warlock. Berty closed his eyes.

Dark cloaked men surrounded Obie as they marched. He said nothing to his captors. Every so many feet, he would touch a tree in passing. His hand left a glowing mark none of them saw.

When he opened his eyes, he said, Obie’s leaving us a magical trail.

Silvia approached with two cloaks draped over her arm. After handing Declan his purplish-black cloak, she gave Berty his claret cloak. Good luck. She kissed him on the cheek.

He squeezed his wife’s hand, then glanced at Declan and Edwin.

I’m coming, too, said Hope.

No, Silvia said before Berty could. You are able to help Obie in another way. I’ll show you.

Hope looked from Berty to Silvia, then stood next to Silvia.

After fastening his cloak, Berty led Declan and Edwin back into the woods the way they came. I hear someone, said Edwin. He looked behind him while Declan raised his bow.

Don’t shoot, said Matt. He carried the battle staff Julie honed for him.

Berty noticed the gray cloak fastened around his shoulders. If Matt expected an argument, Berty did not oblige. He simply gave him a nod, then continued leading them towards the portal.

In front of the two oak trees, Berty closed his eyes. Two Guardian Trolls laid motionless on the forest floor. Neon blue specks covered the pine grove and the Trolls.

Cover your faces, he said when he opened his eyes. Fairy Dust is everywhere.

Edwin threw his cloak over his head.

Wait, said Matt. Our eyes, too?

Fairy Dust can affect you through your eyes, nose, and mouth, Declan explained.

How are we going to see?

Leave that to me, said Berty. Grab hold of Declan. Keep your faces covered until I say otherwise.

When he felt Edwin’s hand on his shoulder, Berty covered his face with his cloak. With his eyes closed, he saw a shimmering blue disc between the trees. He stepped toward the portal. In the grove of pines, it looked as though a Fairy Dust bomb exploded. He led them past the knocked out Trolls. When he no longer could see neon blue particles, he dropped his cloak from his face. It’s safe, he said.

Declan turned to look at the pine grove. They expected to be followed. Fairy Dust is everywhere.

What does Fairy Dust look like? Matt asked. I don’t see anything.

I can see its magical residue, explained Declan. He stood at the edge of Perimeter Road. His eyes scanned until he pointed. There. Walking across the road to a tree, Declan crouched. He extracted his wand from his quiver. Clever boy.

What is it? Matt asked.

He knew my wand could follow his trail, he said. And by touching trees… very smart. This way.

Declan’s wand directed them through the forest. Sunlight escaped beneath the horizon. The dark forest slowed their search. Berty relied on his eyes adjusting. He did not want to alert anyone to their position.

An eagle called through the night. Stopping, Berty closed his eyes. He saw a camp. Obie sat near the fire, surrounded by men. When he opened his eyes, he whispered, We’re close. And extremely outnumbered.

The trees creaked. Different colored lights floated around the trunks. Knownots, whispered Edwin. Opening his mouth, the Elf emitted a sound that made the three of them stare.

A blue light flew to Edwin. The tiny winged creature hovered like a hummingbird in front of Edwin’s face. It conversed with the Elf using a series of squeaks.

The Emperor suggests using an area around a nearby campfire for a Knownot party, Edwin whispered. Just don’t touch the boy.

After squeaking, the Knownot flew back to the other waiting lights.

The trees summoned them here, Edwin told them.

Berty saw Hope standing on the Star Gazing Platform with her arms outstretched. The forest below her pulsed at her command.

They crept closer to the camp, staying in the shadows. Little colored lights converged on the campsite. They lost their glow as they transformed into woodland creatures. Berty thought he heard faint, mischievous giggling. He peeked through a bush.

Where’s my spoon? one of the men asked.

Tents collapsed. Swords clanged to the ground. Pants dropped as people walked.

A man screamed, Knownots! He ran towards the only person who the tiny shape shifters ignored. This is the boy’s doing. Grabbing Obie from behind, he held a blade to his throat. Stop it now or the boy dies!

The tricksters froze. An arrow pierced the man’s forehead.

Clutching a sword, another snatched Obie. He crouched behind the boy, using him as a shield. Others grabbed weapons as they stared into the trees.

Obie released a magical sphere. It collided with the fire, sending flames shooting into the camp. The scrambling men did not know which way to look.

The trees creaked over the commotion. Berty watched a Knownot exodus of the camp. All the creatures stayed low to the ground. Get down, Berty said.

The four of them laid on the ground. The camp exploded over their heads in blues and greens. Silence blanketed the forest.

Uncle Declan? Obie called.

Jumping off the ground, Declan said, I’m here.

Obie hugged his uncle. I thought I saw your arrow.

Let’s get away from here, said Edwin, surveying the scattered bodies.

Declan placed his wand in his opened palm. We can’t go back through the portal.

They followed Declan through the dark forest. That was some explosion, said Matt.

I didn’t know I could do that, said Obie. Hope said I could.

How were you talking to Hope? Berty asked.

Through the trees.

Berty and Declan exchanged glances.

I started touching them, so they thought I was she, Obie explained. With each touch, I left magic, then Hope spoke to me. I don’t know how. She sent the Knownots. He smiled.

They found a well-protected, secluded spot to make camp. Obie sat close to the fire in the sweater and slacks Matt’s parents bought him for the wedding. He shivered a little without a body enveloping cloak.

Take my cloak, Declan said to his nephew.

I’m okay, Uncle Declan. Obie formed a sphere between his palms. His fingers stretched it wider than his shoulders. With a flick, as if he were shaking a blanket, it grew into a long rectangle, which he threw around him.

Sitting next to Obie, Declan said, Cloaks made out of magic are useful in a pinch.

But? Obie asked.

Just know that a Watcher can find you while wearing that.

I thought you approved of my magic.

I do, Obie. Magic, like everything, has its limitations and its consequences. It’s important you learn that, as a Warlock.

Tearing his blue eyes away from his uncle, Obie stared into the dancing flames. What are the limitations to your magic, Uncle Declan? he asked finally.

I don’t have any magic of my own, said Declan. I can only see it.

But your wand? implored Obie.

Detects magic, Declan explained. If I were to use magic in the way you do with my wand, then I’d have to take it from somewhere.

I don’t understand.

You, the Emperor, and Hope have true magic. That magic resides within you. I can only conduct the magic surrounding me. He watched Obie digest his words for a moment. Get some sleep. We’ll discuss magic later.

The five of them laid on loosely piled pine needles around the fire for warmth. Lying beside Berty, Matt fidgeted. You okay, Matt? Berty asked.

Just getting comfortable, Matt answered.

They awoke with a cold sun barely touching a cold sky. Matt stood next to the morning fire, rubbing his neck and back. Handing Matt a cup of magically brewed coffee, Berty asked, Problem?

Matt sipped the warm coffee before saying, Sleeping outside on the ground is much more glamorous on tv and in books and movies. The ground is hard and lumpy. I can see my breath. I’m surprised my nose doesn’t have frost on the tip.

Berty laughed. It gets cold in November, he said. Drink your coffee. We gotta go.

After erasing their fire magically, Berty asked Declan, Does Delyth still have your locket?

No. She gave it back before the wedding, Declan said.

They hiked in the direction Declan’s wand steered. Hearing cracks, they stopped. Edwin unsheathed his sword. Declan pointed his wand at Obie. It quickly absorbed the magic cloak.

A dark cloaked man holding a wand approached. Give us the child, he demanded.

Berty pushed Obie behind him. He could see a few men lurking in the shadows.

Declan flicked his wand towards the other Watcher. A stream of magic shot from the tip. With a quick wrist movement, the Watcher caught the magic, then shot it at Edwin. The Blade of the Golden Flame sliced through the stream. Magic dispersed into the trees.

Berty’s hand grazed the hilt of his sword. His fingers plunged into a small velvet pouch. He released the pinch of sparkling Fairy Dust. The Watcher fell.

The lurkers attacked, giving Berty a wide berth. Obie raised his hand, but Berty stopped him. Unsheathing his sword, Berty attached himself to Obie.

He held Obie’s hand as he fought. Declan ran from tree to tree, lobbing arrows at men out of Berty’s view. Edwin battled two men with his golden sword and shield. Using his battle staff, Matt knocked a man to the ground.

Disarming his opponent, Berty dropped Obie’s hand. He gave the boy a slight nod.

With both hands, Obie created a magical disk. It hovered in front of him, growing larger. His hands pulsed. The disk pushed their attackers through the forest.

Berty approached the dusted Watcher. My Lord, said Edwin, holding out his sword. To slice his wand and dispel any magic. Taking the Blade of the Golden Flame, he located the wand in the underbrush. He promptly sliced it in two.

They hurried through the forest. I’m sorry, Uncle Declan, Obie said in a small voice.

We must learn from our mistakes, Obie, Declan said.

The sun’s warmth faded quickly. Declan wrapped his nephew in his cloak. When they lost daylight, they traversed slower. With rumbling stomachs, they emerged from the woods. Berty’s weary eyes gazed upon the treed wall of the Sages’ Grove. They followed the wall to the gates. A door inside the wooden gates opened, letting them inside the protection of the trees.

When they reached the Empire Tree, they climbed the steps to the Reception Room. Silvia met them at the top of the stairs. Looking at Declan, she said, The Fairies are still in the house. Freesia will take you through the portal.

After giving his nephew a quick hug, he sprinted up the main staircase.

Julie wrapped her arms around Obie. I’m so glad you’re okay, she breathed. When she unlatched from her nephew, she hugged Matt. Thank you.

Berty noticed his family sitting with members of the Advisory Council and Heads of the Empire. He took his wife’s hand. Together, they approached the table.

Avery, I assume you arrived with a Warrior escort? Berty said.

I did, Emperor.

I would like you to return with a Fairy of the Containment Unit stationed here, he said. That Fairy will then reside in Irmingard in case of a Fairy Dust attack.

Alfred smiled at Berty. That would prove prudent during our travels, said Avery, but the Dominatrix has activated our moat. It is our ancient defense against Fairy Dust. The Fairy can return once we are within the walls of Irmingard.

I believe that to be unwise, Avery, said Alfred.

Grandfather? How else are we to defend ourselves?

I am not talking about the moat. I would advise against turning away the Fairy, said Alfred.

Allowing the Elves to discuss, Berty turned his attention. Miercia, he said, your Guardian Trolls have been dusted. In fact, the entire portal area is smothered in a layer of Fairy Dust. A Containment Unit will be dispatched shortly. Hope, Jon, and Teresa, come with me. He tugged Silvia’s hand lightly to ask her to come with him.

Matt’s parents doted on Matt, Obie, and Edwin as Berty climbed the steps with his family. Entering the Roundtable Room, he asked everyone to sit.

Berty, what’s wrong? Jon asked, sliding in his chair.

He looked directly through his brother’s spectacles into his brown eyes. They abducted Obie, thinking he was Hope.

How is that possible? asked Teresa.

His eyes switched focus. Because they are looking for a child with a specific gift. They just don’t know which child has this gift. He looked at Hope sitting on the large chair between her parents. Hope is a Wood Listener, he said. As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt purged of his final secret between him and his brother.

What does that mean? Teresa asked.

She can communicate with the trees, answered Silvia.

And this is useful? continued Teresa.

Very, said Berty.

How did she become a Wood Listener? Jon asked.

A person is born with magical ability, Silvia said.

So wackos are after my child because she can talk to the trees? Are they going to be after my other child as well once she’s born? Jon asked.

I don’t know, Jon, said Berty.

Jon said nothing. An uneasy silence filled the room.

What can Hope do to defend herself? Teresa asked. What can we do to protect her?

Hope has two weapons. One is her bow. The other is Fairy Dust, said Berty.

And us? said Jon.

Let her, said Berty.

I can join the archery club at school, said Hope.