The Spirit Collector by C.A. Varian

Author:C.A. Varian [C.A. Varian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.A. Varian
Published: 2023-10-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter eleven

The Crone, The Spirit, & The Raven

Wisps of fog drifted over barren ground and dead trees with gnarled branches when Hazel found herself standing in a gray, muted landscape. In the distance, shadowy figures wandered, too far away to make out any features.

Hazel suppressed a shiver, her senses on high alert as she made her way deeper into the misty realm. The atmosphere grew heavier, weighed down by the sorrow and unrest of souls unable to move on.

A whisper of movement caught her attention and Hazel turned, peering into the gloom just in time to see a shape dart behind a twisted tree, too quick to make out.

“Hello?”

A raspy chuckle answered a heartbeat before the shape glided out, features forming into the translucent figure of a gangly young man. One side of his face was badly scarred, his hair falling in matted locks over his eyes.

“Well met, mortal,” he greeted with a mocking bow. “You’re a long way from home.”

Hazel inclined her head, unsure who she could trust or who to talk to. “I’m searching for someone…a young living girl. Have you seen her?”

The spirit’s eyes glinted. “I might know something…for a price.”

Realizing he intended on playing games with her, Hazel frowned and pulled a small crystal from her bag, offering it to the spirit. A gift for the dead, to entice cooperation. He didn’t hesitate to take it.

“Her name—Bella?” He peered down at her, scratching the air where his chin should have been. “Strong magic in that one. But magic can’t save her from those determined to use it. Heed the raven’s flight...and follow the stars.”

With the cryptic warning, he vanished, leaving Hazel to ponder his words as she continued her search. Raven’s flight and follow stars...she would decipher his clue. She had to, for Bella’s sake.

Hazel pressed on through the shadowed forest, leaves and mist swirling around her. In the distance, a raven cawed, its cry echoing strangely among the trees.

She followed the sound until she reached a small glen, her boots silent on the mossy ground. Ahead, a glowing figure sat upon a fallen log, humming just over the wind.

“Hello?”

“Welcome, child.” Looking up, the spirit’s gentle face was framed by long, flowing hair, her voice musical. “I am Amelia. Are you lost?”

Hazel nodded, the entire situation starting to feel like one of her dreams in the darkness. “I’m looking for someone—a young living girl named Bella. She’s been taken. Have you seen her?”

A knowing look passed across Amelia’s pale eyes. “Ah yes, taken by the dark one. His lair lies deep within the forest, but tread carefully, young one. His minions guard the path.”

Even with the warning, Hazel felt a spark of hope. “Can you show me the way?”

With a shake of Amelia’s head, Hazel’s spark of hope vanished. “I cannot go nearer to that evil place, but I can give you this.”

Reaching forward, the spirit pressed a smooth stone into Hazel’s hand, ancient runes glowing across its surface. Hazel had never seen anything like it, but she could sense the power surging within it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.