The Amber Elixir by Ariella Moon

Author:Ariella Moon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Star Tribe Publishing
Published: 2017-09-11T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

The Bargain

Prone behind a boulder at the seaward mouth of Merlin’s cave, Morainn hid. Submerged rocks lining the cave floor bit into her chest and stomach, and a particularly sharp-edged stone scratched her thigh. The shifting tide had just begun to sweep waves into the cave, so Roderick waited offshore in deep open water. Morainn felt his protective gaze upon her sapphire skin.

The cave reeked of must and magic. Several of the cave’s enchanted rocks jumped onto her back. The charmed stones chattered inside her head. Pick me! Take me home! Add me to your treasure trove! Having heard tales about the rocks becoming angry and vengeful once they left the cave, she ignored their pleas. But when she found herself struggling to breathe beneath their weight, she wriggled, knocking the stones off. Several jumped back on.

If only she and Roderick had found Merlin’s spell book. But nay, their search had proven fruitless. So, it had come to this—lying in wait at Merlin’s lair—the very wizard who had claimed the Fairy borderlands as his domain and earned Mab’s wrath.

If my dear queen discovers I have come to her enemy’s cave, she will chain me to an iron anchor and see that I die here. Morainn shivered. She glanced up. Sunlight slanted into the cave and struck the glistening walls. Teal and bright blue magic suddenly shimmered through the left wall. Morainn sank as low as possible into the shallow water and sea foam. The shimmer formed an arched portal through which Viviane emerged. Merlin followed close behind her. His grim expression matched the young Lady of the Lake’s.

“Remember. Trust your inner voice. Perceive with your mind, not your eyes.”

“I promised I would.” The Lady of the Lake sounded annoyed. “Farewell.”

“Farewell.” Merlin stood with his back to Morainn as he watched his apprentice wade ashore. He waited ’til all that remained were Viviane’s footprints in the wet sand outside the cave.

“You will not find answers hiding behind that rock, Fairy.”

Morainn gasped and concealed her face in the water. A fresh wave skimmed over her, and she retreated with the sea foam.

“Oh ho.” The wizard’s voice sounded inside her head. She wondered if Roderick could hear it, as well. “Your queen has sent you on an impossible quest.”

“I came here on my own behalf, not Mab’s.” The thought projected out afore Morainn could stop it.

“Do tell.” Merlin twisted to face her, as though he now deemed her worthy of his keen attention.

“Aye.” Morainn raised her head then spoke aloud. “I came to warn you…sir. The Queen of Fairy possesses a page from your grimoire that contains a most dangerous spell.”

“From my grimoire? Oh, that is unlikely! How did Mab come to possess the supposed page?”

Morainn glanced over her shoulder and spotted Roderick just beyond the waves. She lowered her gaze. “I could not say. But…” Remembering Mab’s penchant for spying, she wriggled as close as the water allowed then beckoned Merlin to come closer.

“My enchantments prevent your words and thoughts from being overheard outside this cave.

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