Spell Breaker Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  MAP

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Books by J.A. Culican

  About the Authors

  Contact me

  Acknowledgements

  J.A. Culican

  Tanya Dawson

  Copyright © 2019 J.A. Culican & Tanya Dawson

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without the express written consent from the author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages embodied in critical articles or in a review. Trademark names appear throughout this book. Rather than trademark name, names are used in an editorial fashion, with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.

  The information in this book is distributed on an “as is” basis, without warranty. Although every precaution has been taken in preparation of this work, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.

  The characters, locations, and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarities or resemblance to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  www.dragonrealmpress.com

  For all our readers who have lost themselves in the world of Lynia.

  “I’ll find you.” Dag'draath’s voice echoed through the hallway, barely audible, as the sound of my heels clicked on the concrete surface of the prison floor as I ran.

  I turned to see if he was behind me.

  No one was there.

  I noticed a small, grey door to my left. I quickly sought refuge through it. Now inside, I placed my hand over my heart and closed my eyes. My once-frantic heartbeat now began to slow to a more manageable speed. I was in control of my body again.

  Placing my ear to the door I strained to hear what could be on the other side. Silence. I didn’t move and barely breathed until I was certain I was alone. I stepped away from the door and examined the room. It was dark. The only light shone from part of the wall that had been broken—perhaps in a prison revolt. In any event, I was happy to have it.

  I paced back and forth as I became familiar with the room and its contents. Dust covered every inch I could see. I ran my finger along the top of a table and stopped as I walked into a wooden box. I lifted the cover, uncertain of what I would find. Anxious to find any clues. The darkness made it impossible to see what was inside. I reached in and felt something cold and round. It was too heavy to lift with one hand, but I was already committed and dove my other hand in. I placed my hands underneath and gauged the weight of the object.

  I lifted it out and raised it to where the light shone into the small room. The light bounced off what I found to be a round glass ball, and more of the room became visible. It clearly had not been entered for an exceedingly long time.

  I placed the glass ball on top of another box, close to the hole in the wall, and used it as a light source so I could explore the room. I grabbed a cloth that had been laid over a chair and placed it at the foot of the door, ensuring no light escaped the room.

  To the right side of the room stood a large cabinet that someone had taken the time to lay a large rock at the foot of its door. As quietly as I could, I removed each item around the rock. There was a reason this cabinet had been secured. I leaned over and tried to slide the rock across the floor, since it was far too large to lift. I pushed with everything I had. It didn’t budge. Why hadn’t I been blessed with the power of magic?

  I placed my foot on the rock and used the wall as leverage. Once I crammed myself into an awkward position, I placed my other foot on the rock and used the wall to my advantage. To my surprise, the rock moved. An inch, maybe two. I got back into position and tried again. This time the rock moved enough to where I should be able to view the contents of the cabinet.

  I lifted the latch, and the door came free. I pushed it open until it hit the rock. I was at a disadvantage as the light from the ball flashed against the door. I stared into the darkness of the cabinet as I gathered the courage to reach my hand inside.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Nothing inside can hurt you.”

  I let out a large breath as I leaned forward and reached my arm past the edge of the visible door into the abyss of the cabinet. At first, I felt nothing within reach.

  “Ouch.” I yanked my hand back. The edge of something sharp had pierced my flesh and blood dripped to the floor.

  I placed my hand over the wound and managed to grab the pouch that hung from my waist. I shook the contents over the cut and used the heat from my hand to form a seal over the injury. Something I had practiced since I freed Beru from the prison. I wouldn’t take any chances of becoming injured and not being able to heal myself while I dreamwalked.

  I had to move the rock to open the door fully to allow light to shine inside. I hoisted myself against the wall and readied myself as I jumped into position. The rock slid a good foot—in the wrong direction. I swung my head back and banged it hard on the wall.

  I needed a new plan.

  I sat on the other side of the cabinet, with my hands on the floor and my back pressed against the wall and pushed. It moved—in the right direction. I tried again and freed the door. I jumped to my feet and placed my hand on the edge of the door. I stopped as my nerves revved.

  I gave my head one good shake and swung open the door.

  “Aria, it’s time to get up. It’s getting awkward trying to entertain Beru without you.” Gavin yelled as he entered my bedroom.

  I shot up in my bed, startled and confused as to where I was. Slowly my surroundings came into focus, and I knew I was in my bedroom.

  “Were you dreamwalking?” Gavin asked as he wheeled himself over to my bed, his red hair flopped over his left eye.

  “Yes.”

  “Did you find it?”

  “No, but I think I’m getting close.” I sat up and swung my legs over the side of my bed as the sun shone brightly through my window. I closed my eyes as the warmth covered me.

  “Get dressed. Food is on the table.” Gavin wheeled himself out of my room.

  I stood up and stretched my arms as I cracked my neck. It was good to be home. To see Damour and Vinsha and their baby, Brock, my parents, and to keep my word to Damour—to bring Gavin home.

  I slipped into some comfortable clothes, as I fully intended to work the fields with Father. As I walked out into the great room, I watched Damour scramble eggs as Vinsha bounced Brock on her knee and Mother rubbed his back. Father sat at the table as he ate his food with Gavin. My eyes searched for Beru.

  “He’s outside.” Father pointed toward the door with his fork.

  I nodded and smiled as I practically bounced toward the door. I couldn’t hide my pleasure at being home again. I had d
reamt about this moment for many moons. I swung the door open and stepped outside. Beru sat with his head hung low by the fire pit. His pale skin slightly burnt from the sun.

  “Did you eat?” I called toward him as I approached.

  “Yes, thank you. Your family has been gracious to me.”

  “You’re welcome here. Always.”

  Beru glanced up, and our eyes met. It was easy to tell he had been crying. “Did you dreamwalk?”

  “Yes, I did. I didn’t find anything yet.” I tossed a handful of brush into the fire. “Father have you on brush duty?”

  “I offered.” The corner of Beru’s lips turned up in a half smile, his eyes darting toward me.

  Poor Beru. Father had kept him busy with work since the moment we had stepped foot on the farm. Idle hands equaled wickedness, he’d said. My family was not happy I had brought Beru back. After much discussion, they agreed he could stay—for now.

  “I know you’d rather be anywhere but here. To finally be out of the prison just to be on a farm….”

  “I like it just fine.” Beru interrupted and surprised me as he reached out and placed his hand on my arm briefly.

  “Okay.” I smiled back at him. “I’m going back in for some grub. Care to join me?”

  “I’m suited fine right here. Go be with your family.”

  I nodded as I got up. I couldn’t help but feel sorrow for Beru. While finally out of prison, he had nothing to come back to.

  I walked back to the house and turned back to him halfway. He’d been watching me. I continued on to the house as I wondered what he was thinking.

  “Your plate is getting cold.” Damour said as I entered the room.

  “I’m ready to eat.” I smiled as I slipped into my seat and ravished the food in front of me. I still hadn’t gotten used to hot food.

  “I ate your ham.” Gavin said as he wheeled himself out of my reach.

  “There’s more.” Damour smiled as he placed a large plate of ham in the middle of the table.

  “I’m off to the fields. I’ll take that one with me.” Father nodded to the door.

  I had noticed that father separated Beru from me as much as he could. I hadn’t made any mention of it and wondered if Beru noticed as well.

  “You be nice to that boy.” Mother scolded him as she helped him into his work overcoat.

  “He’s not a boy, Mother.” Father practically scoffed.

  “You hold your tongue in front of him.” Mother called out to Father as he left the house.

  “Wonder what that’s about?” Damour winked at me.

  “What’s that wink for?” I sat up, unsure if I wanted him to reply.

  “That’s enough. None of us know what it’s like for him. Until he shows disrespect, we will all treat him with kindness.” Mother sat at the table and reached for a piece of ham.

  “He’s taken to Brock,” Vinsha added as she placed the baby on the floor.

  Brock crawled over to where Mother sat, and she picked him up. Brock was never on the floor long with Mother around, much to the dismay of Vinsha.

  “He needs to crawl Mother.” Vinsha took Brock from her grasp and placed him back on the floor—further from her.

  “He’ll catch cold from that dirty floor.” Mother barked back.

  “Mother,” Damour turned from the stove to silence her.

  “I can tell I’m not needed here.” Mother stood up and put on her boots, “I’ll be in the fields.”

  “Mother,” Damour called after her as she left the house.

  “What’s with her?” I placed my fork on my empty plate, and Damour filled it with more eggs.

  “She’s called Brock, Harov a couple of times.” Damour sat down at the table and loaded his plate with ham.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.” Damour jammed a large piece of ham in his mouth.

  “Do you think it’s what Grandpa had?”

  Damour jammed more meat in his mouth as he looked toward me and made it clear he didn’t want to have this conversation.

  “I’m going to put him down.” Vinsha called over to the table as she picked up Brock.

  “What are you going to do with him?”

  “Beru?”

  “Have you brought anyone else home?”

  I raised one eyebrow at his sarcasm. “Not yet.”

  “Seriously, how long is he staying?”

  “I’m not sure. I need him in case…” I stopped myself from saying what everyone was thinking.

  “Until the others leave.” Damour finished for me.

  “They don’t know there is a tear. No one is looking right now.”

  “They know he left? That he’s not hiding somewhere?” Damour filled his plate with another round of eggs and ham.

  “Yes.” I finished the last piece of food on my plate as I avoided his gaze. He blamed me as the others did. They didn’t understand why I couldn’t leave him there or send him back once I freed him.

  “It’ll all work out.” Damour nodded.

  “You think so?”

  “They haven’t gotten out. The longer it is, the less likely they will look for a way out.” Damour reasoned.

  “I’m not upset with what I did, but I’m afraid of what could happen if….” I put my hands in my lap, uncertain Damour would understand, not having seen what the prison was like.

  “You mustn’t worry until something happens. They have no reason to believe they could also be freed. It will work out.” Damour stood up and brought our plates to the sink.

  “So, what do I do with Beru?”

  “Don’t worry. Father will work him to death.” Damour laughed as he clanked the dishes in the sink.

  I threw a towel towards him and lifted myself up on the counter. “I’m serious.”

  “It’s not up to you. He’s got to choose what he wants to do. He feels a duty to you now for saving him." Damour placed a pot of water on the stove to boil.

  “He has no duty to me.” I swung my legs back and forth over the counter edge.

  “Then why hasn’t he left?”

  I glanced toward the window. If I had to guess, it’s because he had nowhere else to go. I needed him more than he needed me. One day, I knew Dag'draath would find the tear, and he and his soldiers would be freed from the prison.

  And it would be my fault.

  One, Two, Three…

  I often counted when anxiety overcame me. I knew what you were thinking. How could a warrior get anxious? When you’re about to knock on the door of a woman who threw you out of her home, it’s fairly easy. Especially when that woman is Mother Ofburg.

  I had barely slept the night before as I envisioned this visit many different ways. I hoped time had healed her, and she wouldn’t throw me out as soon as she saw me.

  As I stepped up on her front stoop, her door swung open, and from the look upon her face I was certain time had not healed all.

  “What are you doing here?” Mother Ofburg swept the dust from her broom into my face.

  “I need to talk to you.” I stepped back and coughed the dust out of my mouth.

  “There is nothing you could say to change my opinion of you.” Her stout frame blocked any entrance into the house.

  “Please.” I hated to beg but I needed her guidance and to get back to my normal life before all this happened.

  “I have no time for deceit.” Mother Ofburg slammed the door shut.

  “I’ll talk loud enough through the door,” I yelled and waited for a response.

  Nothing.

  “Loud enough for all the neighbors to hear.” I raised my voice.

  The door swung open, and Mother Ofburg stood there with her broom firm in her hand. She stepped back for me to enter.

  I quickly took her cue and walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Mother Ofburg closed the door and for a moment, just stood there as she faced the back door. “You have until my cake is done. I don’t expect that to be very long.” Mother Ofburg placed her broom against
the wall and then took her place on the opposite side of the table.

  “Thank you for hearing me out.” Guilt poured over me as I thought of what she lost because of me.

  “I have no choice apparently.” She drank from a glass on the table as she avoided any eye contact with me.

  “I’m sorry for everything and that it all comes back to me, but I never asked to be a dreamwalker. I never asked to be the person to free Beru.” I pleaded with her to reason my burdens with her losses.

  “You freed a monster.” She blurted out as she folded her arms in front of her chest.

  “There’s so much you don’t know.” I leaned in as I yearned to see the old Mother Ofburg, even a glimpse.

  “There’s nothing you could tell me that would change my mind. All of a sudden you can dreamwalk and know everything now?”

  “No. I don’t know everything, but I know Beru. He’s not what people say of him.” I stood up and paced back and forth on the floor. I needed her to trust me again.

  Mother Ofburg stood up and lifted the top of the pot that had been suspended over the fire. “It’s done.”

  “I’ve barely spoken.”

  “That’s all the time I have.” Mother Ofburg turned back to her cake and proceeded to remove it from the fire.

  “I want to come back. I want to be a healer again.” I watched as Mother Ofburg’s movements slowed.

  “You were never a healer. You’re a dreamwalker, Aria.”

  For the first time in a while, I had my Mother Ofburg back for a brief moment.

  “I want to be a healer. To learn from you. I promise to take it more seriously. I’ll study and be present. I won’t fool around. I promise.” I stood at attention and waited for her to accept me again.

  “Your time here would be wasted as a healer. You must practice dreamwalking. It is too dangerous not to take seriously.”

  I heard a hint of concern in her voice and smiled. I tried not to, but I longed for her approval.

  “Couldn’t we try? You mentioned training me to dreamwalk.” I practically bounced up and down at the thought of working with Mother Ofburg again.

  “Most of my assistants are dead. Had you not left to go on an adventure to save the world … well, who knows? No, I don’t need another child around here that I must look after. It was a favor to your parents, and that is all. I owe them nothing now.” Mother Ofburg returned to her fire and stoked the coals until they burned bright orange.