The Crone of Mystic Sparks: Myrtlewood Crones 4 by Iris Beaglehole

Author:Iris Beaglehole [Beaglehole, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

29

Declan

Declan materialised in the shadow of an ancient oak, the dark night air heavy with the scent of rain and earth. He had been leading the Order on a relentless chase, and now he was close to their base, again, with the intent of taunting them once more. The compound of the Order of Crimson loomed in the distance, its silhouette stark against the moonlit sky, enchanted so that most eyes would simply slip over it, but Declan’s practiced gaze could see clearly. He took a deep breath and allowed himself a brief moment to gather his strength. He knew the Order’s agents would be close on his heels.

He waited, the minutes dragging by, his senses sharp and attuned to the slightest sound. Then, he heard it – the rustle of leaves, the barely audible footsteps of his pursuers. Declan’s heart pounded in his chest as he prepared himself.

With a swift, deliberate movement, Declan drew a portal, the shimmering gateway of magic opening before him. He stepped through and emerged in the middle of a bustling town square night market nearby, amid busy people who paid no attention to the appearance of a man from thin air, their rational minds simply explaining anything mysterious away. Declan scanned his surroundings, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the Order’s changing tact. They had guards stationed here, and he had a vague idea where they might be.

He dashed through the narrow streets, his footfalls echoing in the night. Declan glanced over his shoulder to see dark figures emerging from the shadows, their pursuit relentless. He rounded a corner, his mind racing as he plotted his next move. With a quick flick of his wrist, another portal opened, and he dove through it, reappearing on the edge of a windswept cliff on the other side of the compound.

This new location afforded him a small rest, but the Order’s agents soon appeared at the edge of the cliff. Declan could see the determination in their eyes as their red cloaks flapped in the wind, the unwavering intent to capture him. He stepped back, his heels teetering on the edge of the precipice, and with a grin, he activated yet another portal, this time appearing in the nearby forest.

The chase continued. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but the longer he could keep the Order occupied, the more time Delia and the Crones had to secure their own safety. He emerged once again near the compound, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The agents were closing in, and Declan could feel the tension mounting.

Perhaps tonight he’d retreat back to Spain where the warmer air could soothe him into sleep, away from the Order’s grasp, yet also far away from the warmth he craved the most.

Suddenly, a searing pain shot through his side. He stumbled, glancing down to see a crimson stain spreading across his shirt. An arrow, tipped with poison, had found its mark. Declan gritted his teeth, his vision blurring as he struggled to stay upright.

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