Forged Lives: Forged Series book 3

(c) 2016  Patricia M. Bryce

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without the permission

of the publisher.

Cover Design by SB Designs

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Other books in the Forged Series

Book 1

Forged in the Maze

Book 2

Forged Magic

Also by Patricia M. Bryce

Close to you

To My Bristol Renaissance Faire Family

For giving me a place to feel safe to play.

*

Cover art by Sydney Blackburn

http://sbtales.weebly.com/sb-designs.html

Chapter 1.

A moment before, the group had been standing in the parking lot, and the next they were in a greeting area before the castle. Garrett opened his arms wide and proudly said, Welcome to the Imp kingdom of Gendawyn, and to Gendawyn City, its capital. Home of the Grotesques and the Unwanted. His motorcycle vanished as they appeared. He was now dressed not in the leathers he had been, but in garments reflecting his status as a Fairytale King. He looked at them with a playful grin. Faith pushed aside the feeling that the grin was a harbinger of trouble.

This wasn't the first visit Faith had made to the mystical Kingdom. Nor, she was sure, would it be her last. Not if half of what Garrett had told her had been true. She looked around, ‘Gendawyn City.’ Everything was a bit more vivid than she had recalled, perhaps a bit brighter. From the tiled roofs to the multi-colored cobblestones at their feet, it was as if a haze had been scrubbed off or partially removed.

Anne looked at all the strangely formed buildings, shaking her head, she held up a hand, No, don’t explain, I don't think I could stand long and drawn out explanations. Just tell me one thing. Why so many walls torn down all over the place? It looks like a small war was waged here.

Garrett crossed his arms. That would be Faith’s doing. He did not even try to hide the sarcasm. Wouldn't it, baby?

Anne looked at her friend. Oh, really? Faith wasn't sure if it were a look of disbelief or a look of disgruntlement, or was that a bit of surprised envy she saw in Anne's gaze?

Faith giggled as she recalled the Grotesque War, such as it was, and didn't even bother to correct the monarch for calling her baby, I’m not the one who called out armed guards.

The smile on Garrett's face was almost wicked with pleasure as he recounted. They were doing their job.

I got past them anyway, if you recall. Faith pointed out. She turned to look at the impressive Castle. Right into your castle.

Garrett laughed, Yes, you did, and you managed to turn my capital inside out in the process. He turned to Ryan, And I’ve the battle scars to prove it. Faith was not surprised that Garrett and Ryan were quick to renew their bond.

Dylan shook his head. Ahem... the quest? Faith knew he was impatient to hear details of what was expected of them. "You were saying you need us for a quest."

Stormy blue eyes looked at the other young man with amusement. Dylan, you really gotta’ learn to lighten up. Garrett's use of slang lightened the mood. He waved for them to follow and led them all up the front steps of the castle. He pushed the double doors lightly and they parted, opening for the group to enter. Come on in, it’s not much, but it's home.

Ryan looked around at the medieval grandeur and gasped. Not much?

Garrett did not bother looking back, but kept walking setting the pace for the group to follow. You should see my Father’s palace! he boasted. Makes this, look like a summerhouse. He was practically prancing up the stairs, and Faith was aware how exuberant he appeared. She remembered him saying in the Zaker complex, that his kind responded to happy excitement by appearing youthful and energetic. First stop on our tour is my throne room; you all need to be acquainted with it. Faith has already seen it, although I don’t suppose you had time to take a good look around. Now did you, baby?

Don’t call me baby, and no, I did not. Faith answered. I was a bit preoccupied at the time, if you recall. This time she was taking time to look things over and get her bearings. This room too was different, not as she recalled.  Just as the outside of the castle was this time around lighter in shades, brighter and a bit more real. Even the debris on the chamber's floor was more substantial.

Garrett led them into the great circular stone chamber that was the throne room of the Imp Lord and Gendawyn King. Home sweet home; He said proudly. Excuse the mess, my last housekeeper recently quit.

Anne looked at the repulsive mess and before she could stop herself asked, How recently?

A century or two, why? Garrett looked around as if he didn't see anything wrong. Is it bad? He shrugged as if he really didn't see a problem with the clutter and refuse.

Faith and Anne both were looking around at the collective mess, and the bodies of sleeping and intoxicated Imps, Goblins and other Grotesques littering the ledges and the floor. It looks like a frat house party. Anne said quietly to Faith. Complete with frats. Her hand pointed at a pair asleep by a keg.

Garrett, Faith said, This is going to have to change.

Garrett looked around. I suppose we should hire a new housekeeping crew, I just never really worried about it. Faith found that hard to believe. Garrett was very careful with his personal attire and appearance. That he was oblivious to the disorder in the throne room was out of character. He pointed to the draped throne in a prominent location in the room. That’s the present seat of power for the Kingdom.

The present seat of power? Faith repeated, and held up a hand. Garrett smiled and nodded. What does that mean?

The last king's  throne was... Garrett seemed at a loss for words. Uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable?

He leaned closer to Faith, and said in a low still voice. It was made of bones... enemies of the Grotesques, generations of them. I have no idea of what the original throne looked like. I only know I couldn't sit on that thing. Faith grimaced in agreement. Garrett waved at his throne, This is far more comfortable, and it's more me.

Faith studied the throne. It was stylish with its draped material that had gold Fleur-De-Lys on a royal purple field, held onto the grand sweeping back and arms by burnished gold rings. The seat sat above a pedestal that had carved faces, Grotesque faces. The dais was a platform with three raised curved steps, also containing carved faces of the grotesque races. It's impressive, she agreed.

Dylan was busy looking at the construction of the room. Did you build this place? He was looking like he'd just opened a Christmas present.

Yes, Garrett nodded proudly, Ah, but you should see the original, it’s really impressive.

Original? Dylan had stopped short of caressing the wall, his lips trembled as his eyes wide and he repeated. Original?

Yes, the original builders built the first castle that stood here over a thousand years ago. I’ve only been here for a little over three hundred or so years, give or take a century. This is a game house compared to the other...  more official castle. Garrett said. The older Grotesque races were a bit more, let us say, industrious than the present races who populate my kingdom. At one time, the capital city was filled with their buildings. You can still find a remnant or two, even a temple or two still stands. The other castle was designed by the First Gendawyn King. Garrett drew a crystal shard out of the air and the image of a castle formed in its heart. See what I mean?

It’s magnificent, and so out of the ordinary in its function and form. Dylan said, enamored with the structure. I should really like to know more about its construct and the original builders. His voice was filled with intrigue, captivated by the composition of the construction of this structure.

I’ll see to it you get a copy of the original blue prints and the additions as well. Garrett promised. Garrett sensed Dylan was holding back, as did Faith. Is something else bothering you? Garrett asked.

Why did you build this, when you had that? Dylan was trying to be diplomatic, but it was evident he found fault with the present castle.

Because I was still a bit of a child when I arrived, an adolescent really; and this was more fun than that; that one is a grownup's house. Garrett answered honestly.

Dylan blinked, So what did you do with that one?

Oh, I put it in storage, Garrett teased lightly. Someday, I may outgrow this one and fetch that one back.

May it be soon, Dylan whispered into a cupped hand. Faith had a feeling that the disarray and clutter of this throne room were upsetting to Dylan, who was known to his club members as a very 'fastidious fellow'.

Garrett chose to disregard the remark that was little more than an insult, Faith admired that he would do this. I meet with the subjects of my Kingdom in here each day. He pointed to the stairs; Next stop on the tour is a favorite of Faith’s, the Puzzle room. He moved toward the staircase off to one side in the circular room. Everybody stay together and don’t go in, just stand in the doorway. We will utilize this room later when we need to. I just want you all to see it and know how to get here from the throne room.  

Garrett moved to the side and let the four mortals stand in the archway. Faith moved out of the archway to stand beside the king. See, back together as if nothing happened. He whispered to Faith, taking hold of her hand for a moment. A soft, reassuring squeeze later, he let go of her hand.

Like a jigsaw puzzle?

He nodded yes. Yet another of Gendawyn’s riddles and surprises, Faith. He reached out and touched her face, caressing her cheek line with a crooked finger. Like you and I. He looked over at the three marveling at the room. This way, please. He gestured to the opposite corridor. This leads to the King’s wing of the palace, it is here you will be staying; as my guests, for now. My war room is there, and the library is just beyond it, it even has a connecting door. Garrett sounded like a kid, proudly showing off his fort to his best friends. We’ve a dining room, kitchens and a scullery, and formal parlor on this level. Above, He pointed up; Are the bed chambers. He looked around. Any questions so far?

What is this quest you said you need us for? Dylan was becoming nervous and suspicious. Faith hoped he could hold it together until Garrett was ready to tell them of the quest. Like many Fae she’d read about, Garrett was all about the build up.

I’m getting there, patience, please. Garrett teased. Anne, would you care to inspect the library and the scribe’s office? He was being solicitous, Faith realized only Dylan seemed to be taking notice. Anne and Ryan were too overwhelmed to realize. 'Hook, line and sinker,' she thought to herself.

Anne nodded enthusiastically. Oh, you betcha!

Garrett opened the door of the palace library. I’m afraid it’s not very well organized anymore. He was apologetic, but not entirely contrite. It was not a room that I spent much time in, until recently. I’ll put a staff at your disposal; I'm sure you'll have it all put to rights in no time.

Anne’s mouth had dropped, gaping open. The room was two stories high. Shelves and ladders, heavy carved wooden tables and ornate chairs littered the room. Most were stacked with scrolls and leather bound tomes. All was seemingly in disorder, but things were not always as they seemed here in this magical kingdom.

At the end of the room was a two story stained glass window, allowing enormous amounts of light to gaily dance in the room. The Scribe's office was an alcove, it looked as if it needed a good cleaning and a good sorting down. Wow. She looked around. Will I be able to read all of these? I can read English, Latin and Fae-script. What of the others?

Garrett scratched his nose and winked at her. "I upgraded your reading skills when we arrived. You can now read, and write all the languages that are represented here. It pays to have a scribe who has such skills. He winked at Faith, A little trick I learned at my Father’s knee. He once told me to make the most of the skills of my staff."

Thank you, Sire. Anne bowed toward him.

War Room, Garrett pointed to an ornately carved door at the end of the room. Notice, battle scenes... The First Imp King liked to advertise his conquests, and I found them very cool, so I copied them to my war room. I think it’s important to remember the history of this Kingdom. While I may not have been born here, I do respect and revere its history. He placed a hand on the panels. Here you see some of the first battles to secure the Kingdom. It was a wilderness when the Imps and Goblins settled here.

Settled here, Sire? Anne asked.

Most of the races of Imp and Goblin and others originated in the realm of man, not on this side of the Fairy Mysts. Garrett explained softly. "It was a time when magic was free in your world, many of the magical races had their beginnings there; and there were no Fairy Mysts. At the dawning of the age of man, the magical races looked elsewhere to live and that's when the Mysts formed. No one is quite sure how, but we accepted it and adapted.

Here, in the lands of the Mysts, there are five recognized major Kingdoms and countless principalities and territories. But we are not the only Magical Realms, just the ones best known to your race. Faith knew Garrett was thinking about the Magi, There are some realms that prefer to stay anonymous." It amused Faith that he skirted any mention of the Magi.

He opened the ornate door and they entered a room with maps and scrolls spread on a large table. This is where battles are planned, in theory. Garrett said with a grin. There hasn't been a battle fought in this kingdom since long before I came. He moved toward the center of the room. It is here you and I shall do most of our work, men. I look forward to getting to use this room at long last.

Do you even have an army, Sire? Dylan asked. Faith had a dark feeling that she knew the answer.

Not the one I am going to need, I fear. Garrett admitted. I’ve been too busy having fun. This Kingdom has not been desirable to any other Kingdom for eons. In fact, he hesitated, "Most avoid us like the plague. So there was little need to have a real army."

The one that came after me seemed real enough, mused Faith.

They were the village militia, Garrett teased and waved a dismissive hand. When it was time for tea, they quit and went home.

Ryan held up a hand, Look, Dylan and I are good, but you can’t plan any kind of battle with just two men.

That is why it will be up to you two to help train my new army. Garrett said with a coaxing grin. To share your skills.

Faith was looking about, impressed with the room and its contents. And what about me?

Garrett smiled, I told you, you’re the floor show, he teased. Your tower awaits you, my lady. He led her to yet another carved door. This one had suns, moons, and stars on its panels. He opened the door, then paused. I’m afraid only Faith and I can enter here. He addressed the others. Look around and get a feel while I give Faith the tower tour.

On the other side of the door was a large circular room with a massive spiral staircase snaking up the wall. The walls were the same stone as in the circular throne room. Faith looked at the stairs and groaned, Garrett smiled and took her hand. We’ll use the lift; it will be easier on you. Oh, I could just snap my fingers and transport us, but you need to know how to use the lift when I’m not with you. I doubt you know much about levitation spells.

Watch, this is very important for you to know. He placed a hand on a stone with a Fleur de Lys pattern cut into it. The stone pressed in and Faith could hear a spring trigger.The hidden panel sprung open. Think you can do that? He closed the panel and motioned her to try. She placed her hand on the stone, as she had seen him do, and pressed. The panel popped open. Good, go in. He pulled the panel shut and showed her the levers. This one releases the panel from in here. He motioned to the windows that allowed light in the shaft that went straight up. From the outside of the Castle they look decorative. Few know of this shaft, and we’d like to keep it that way. If the Castle were under attack, you’d be able to use the shaft to go from tower to tunnels and safety.

He showed her another lever, This one takes you up, and the one over on the other side operates the counter weight and chain to go down to the tunnels. Right now, we will use the one to go up. He pulled the lever down and up the platform rose. When it reached the farthest point the chain allowed, it stopped. Garrett pointed to a lever that matched the one below. This will open the hidden panel of the tower room. Go ahead; you need to get a feel for it.

Faith moved forward, and pulled the lever and the door opened the same as the one they had entered. That was easy, she said.

Gets harder from here on out, baby, he warned.

Don’t call me baby, she complained.

Garrett motioned her to enter the tower's wizard’s room. Her eyes widened as she looked at the tools of the magical trade displayed neatly. Why is this room so much more organized than the others? she asked, turning to her host. Everything in here is in perfect order.

Good observation, Garrett looked slightly guilty. Because this room and its functions are more important on some levels than any of the others; Magic has to be organized to work right, my dear Faith. If there's one thing I learned quickly at my father's knee, it was that. He was worried about something, and Faith wished she could ease his concerns. He looked at her, his expression vexed, You witnessed what a mess Robyn made of his spell work. He wasn’t organized and he never obeyed the rules. Robyn saw himself as above the rules, much the way his mother sees herself. He moved toward some of the star charts on the one wall. Magic has a strict set of laws, you know. If you don't respect them and you don't obey them, there are consequences.

You've used this room, she said. It wasn’t a question; it was a statement. One that every particle of her body seemed to confirm from the moment she'd entered. This place had his signature vibration to it.

"I was the only major magic user in the palace, until now. He looked at her; his eyes were full of merry mischief. You and I are the only ones in the entire palace, right now who can enter this room without consequence, he  warned. This space is ours alone."

Consequence? She knew he was more serious than he had ever been with her.

He nodded. "The entire tower is magically charged. WE, you and I, need the energies; it feeds the magic within us. Ryan, Anne and Dylan are recipients of magic; they don’t actively use it themselves. The energies here would overpower them and render them..." he paused.

Helpless? she asked.

Insane. He finished. Only you and I can safely work here. It will be our secret, you must not reveal that or the workings of this room to anyone. Do you understand?

Faith nodded. Magic carries a hefty price.

Yes, it does. Storms at sea eyes watched her carefully. The heaviest of prices, it’s a responsibility few truly understand. I’ve only come to comprehend the true price myself recently. I wouldn’t have you make the same mistakes I have. He moved to a cabinet and opened it. Here are books and scrolls of herb lore, and also a volume on gemology. Read them at your leisure. Also a spell book, and a book of potions. He pointed to the table. Tools, I suggest you take time to learn their uses. By the way, have you ever used a wand?

No. She said quietly. There really hasn’t been the occasion. Magic, the use of real magic, was something new to Faith. She had been very careful in how she went about learning how to utilize her long dormant gifts. A wand wasn't something she'd even considered at this point in her education. Users of 'real' magic on her side of the mist were hard to come by, and there hadn't been a mentor for her. She'd taken  to going on gut instincts when it came to her research on the subject. I'm still finding my way, I'm taking the baby step route, she admitted to her host.

Garrett snapped his fingers sharply, got her attention and she looked at him with a bit of irritation. Do as I do. He told her, then he drew a crystal from the air. It was large, but oddly shaped, with polished facets. It was crystal clear, and filled with energy that resembled lightning strikes. Try. He encouraged her. You've done this before, this is just review.

~*~

Garrett watched as Faith raised her hand, a dreamy look came over her features. Her crystal appeared, but instead of clear, it was slightly greenish in tint.  It was smaller than the one he’d pulled, and the cut was more round, and orbish, not a shard with cut and polished facets. I did it. She was amazed. But it’s the wrong shape and color. Faith pouted. It doesn’t look like what I pulled at the complex. My other crystal was purple, this one is... greenish. she made a face.

It’s not wrong, and don’t compare it to what you did at the complex. What you did there was because of magical interferences from Robyn's spells. This one is yours, without interference. Garrett corrected. Faith, there’s going to be a massive amount of magic I’m going to have to teach you, and in a short time. Crystal work is just the beginning.

Faith tossed the crystal in the air as she had seen him do, it vanished. Easy as falling off a log, she said, sounding as if she actually believed it. He saw something change in her face, The other castle... it had a tower? Before Garrett could answer Faith blinked, This tower. He was a bit astounded that she'd picked up on that information. You kept the tower?

This tower is the only thing I didn't exchange. It was created out of the original, and because of the magical repercussions, I felt it had to stay.

Faith looked at the newly crowned King, Thank you for the tour.

Anytime, baby. As she began to protest, he placed gloved fingers over her lips and silenced her. Now, let us see how well you remember how to get back down. He snapped his fingers and vanished.

~*~

That’s arrogant! she shouted in protest. Looking at the wall, she found the carved stone and pressed. Entering the lift room, she pulled the lever and down the platform travelled. Exiting, she found Garrett was waiting for her, sitting on the staircase with a haughty smirk.

Not bad, for your first time. He stood up and offered her his arm. I say we join the others and I’ll explain the situation. For now, keep your fledgling powers under wraps until we have a chance to hone your skills just a wee bit more.

Faith placed her hand on his arm. Why does that sound so dirty?

Garrett smiled, I do believe you're a pervert, girl.  His voice flowed like cream.

Chapter 2.

Cairbre, in the privacy of his stylish cottage on the outskirts of town, sought to catch up on his correspondence and scrolls. The office had many parchments in various states of completion. He had devoted an entire wall to the Gendawyn subjects and their Kings.

Sipping hot willow tea, a brew he found most comforting, he went over the notes on the King of Gendawyn's latest adventures. He smiled to himself again, remembering the booty he had won wagering in the forest on a night not long ago, while Garrett of Gendawyn was but a Lord of the lowly province. It had been a good evening, many new friendships had been made. He thought of one friendship he was already treasuring, the Lady Solea.

Cairbre left his notes on the desk, carried his tea and looked out at the evening falling upon his garden, now blooming with night blossoms. He was surprised to hear a light tapping at the door; he was not expecting guests. Few guests ever came to the garden door. Opening the door, he was even more surprised to find Meep the Pixie awaiting entry. Meep, what brings you here, my good fellow?

Meep frowned, He’s turned me into a bloody messenger boy, that’s what. In his hand was a vellum envelope that bore the new seal of the Imp King. This one is for you, Bard.

Stifling the chuckle in his throat, the Bard stood back, Come in, Meep.

The Pixie shook his head; Have others to deliver, don't have time. But thank you for the offer.

Don’t you want to wait for a reply? Cairbre knit his brow.

The Pixie laughed. Are you kidding? You’re a Bard, you’ll be there whether you want to be or not! The curt little Pixie bowed to the Bard, snickered and ran off vanishing as he did.

Cairbre looked at the envelope, broke the seal and opened the invitation.

By Royal Order of

His serene

Majesty

Garrett, Imp Lord and King

of Gendawyn

You are hereby

Requested

To be present for

A Tourney

of

Gendawyn versus Tarsi

The Brad groaned; the Pixie was right. Like it or not, he was a Bard and he had a duty to bear witness to any Tourney that the Imp Lord King was involved in. This invitation was a formality that wasn't necessary. He read further down, and saw he was invited to observe at the Scrying Pool in the Enchanted Wood. He tapped his invitation to his chin, it wasn't really an invitation at all; it was a royal command. The kind of command that usually came from Garrett's father, the High King, not Garrett.

As a Bard, he was expected to bring either a servant or an attendant. He wondered if Lady Solea was available to accompany him. It would be wonderful to spend time with the witty Water Sprite. Moving out to the garden, he dipped his hand into the waters of his fountain. Lady Solea, Lady Solea.

The waters rippled and the Lady rose from the waters. Cairbre! I was just thinking of you... She held up an envelope that looked very much like his. I’ve been invited to witness a Tourney on behalf of the Water Sprites.

The Bard held up his as well. Since we are both in demand, I was thinking it would be nice to attend together. Interested, dear lady?

Nothing would please me more, she said softly.

Holding out a hand, the Bard helped her from the waters. The instant her foot touched earth her watery gown solidified. You really must tell me how you sprites do that, he teased.

That, my dear Bard, is a trade secret, she teased back. If I told you, you’d feel honor bound to write it down, and then everybody would be doing it. It wouldn’t be special anymore. She batted her lashes at him enticingly.

Nodding, he agreed. Too true.

Solea looked at the invitation. Do you have any idea of what this is about?

I’d say someone has seen an apple they wish to take a bite of, Cairbre escorted her into his home. "Give me a bit of time, I need to change. Would not do for whoever is there to see a Humanie, when an Immortal Bard is expected." He moved to another room.

Does the glamour not become troublesome? She called to him, lounging on a chair. Pretending to be a human, when you are so much more?

Returning, dressed in his official Bardic robes, Cairbre appeared thoughtful. His chiselled features seemed to stand out even more. The Glamour was dropped and he was in full Bardic glory. Whenever I think of how much of a burden maintaining a glamour is, or having to appear to age or even having to move on to a new home, I think about the end results. With the aid of the Glamour, I am able to keep a foot within the Fae world and the Mortal one. I have been blessed over the years with some exceptional students. Take the Lewis boy or Tolkien, we Bards inspired them, you know. All in all it’s worth it, Solea, it’s worth it.

Are you working at inspiring anyone at this time, my dear Bard? she asked.

Yes, I’ve three students who stand out, the three who were with the Gendawyn King during the Zaker incident. The Bard smiled faintly. "Those three will have tales written on them soon enough, I am sure. Perhaps they themselves will write, I can but hope. If nothing else, I’ve opened a door for them. Given them a way to think outside the mortal