The Angel of Elydria (The Dawn Mirror Chronicles Book 1) (23 page)

Hector decided it would bring too much unwanted attention if they wore the same things every day, even if the magic sewn into the garments kept them pristinely washed, and bought new clothes for each of them. In addition to everyday wear, Penny persuaded him to get her a blue miniature top hat adorned with a feather and a sweet yellow bow. To her surprise, he also presented her with a tiny star-shaped barrette that changed color to match her outfit. Though a modest gesture, the gift warmed Penny’s heart and she treasured it.

With indulgences like these, plus the food and lodging expenses, their funds were growing more meager by the day. Hector, who Penny discovered had something of a sweet tooth, was disappointed when he realized how much he’d spent on sampling Elydrian confections. He had to perform his summoning spell once more, and felt guilty for an entire day afterward.

Simon and Matilda had become something of an item within their first week at the inn. In the same space of time, the magician became insufferable to be around, taking every opportunity imaginable to mention Matilda and his new romance with the certainty of a much longer relationship. Penny discovered with annoyance that Simon seemed incapable of answering a question or speaking as an individual; his singular pronouns changed overnight to plural. Despite their determination to portray themselves as the ideal couple, Penny watched the attraction between the two of them fade in mere days. Penny suspected Simon’s proclamations of happiness were aimed at convincing himself, rather than her or Hector.

Hector launched himself into a full investigation of how they would get across the ocean to Hulver. It wasn’t long before he located a bookstore down the road from the inn and covertly read all he could in the dark corners of the shop, until the owners noticed and asked if he was planning on buying anything. He found other bookstores and shared fascinating new tidbits about Elydria with Penny every day. His discoveries about the Ages of Elydrian history continued to awe her; the laws and customs of the six different races, nations, and countries across the world, and, of course, cutting edge discoveries in magic and steam technology.

Penny learned that Elydria was split into four major continents: Ciellios, the Borbarro Islands, Aulbaine and Crescia. Iverton was located on Ciellios, and ruled by humans in the northern region. Far to the west end of Ciellios was a mountainous area inhabited mostly by dragons, which Hector explained weren’t the brutish, fire-snorting beasts from fairytales, but rather a civilized, albeit hot-headed, race with their own unique culture and history. Central Ciellios was where the Nation of Elves could be found, and far to the south was a country of plains and grasslands called Nern.

To the north of Ciellios were three islands dubbed the Trinity Islands, and it was here that Lord Nestor had lived before his disappearance. Even farther north from these islands was the continent of Aulbaine, origin of the faery race and the nation of Luarpok. The continent Crescia was quite isolated from Ciellios and Aulbaine due to a vast ocean, and it was there the Nations of Goblins and Therios sprawled. Penny also learned the fomorians were a race of brutal sea demons that made their homes in the oceans. They could not survive on land, or in warm or fresh water, but made sea travel and trans-continental trade and relations a challenge. This made the southern Borbarro Islands unique, since it was a tropical and lush there. Due to the temperature, it was the only place on the planet where sea-travel was possible.

Yet another concern arose when Hector inquired about transport to Hulver one night at the dinner table, and the innkeeper’s family grew stiff and anxious. The goblin and prideful therios races did not coexist harmoniously alongside human or elfin beings. The innkeeper told them in a hushed whisper about the rumors he had heard over the past months at the neighboring pub, explaining that the goblin owners were rumored to be linked with the appearance of wraiths in the Nation, and that there was talk the goblin monarch was responsible. Hector dismissed this later as a load of poppycock, but it didn’t make Penny feel any better about Hulver being their final destination.

As the days grew colder and grayer, Penny’s bravery increased and she began to explore the other districts of Iverton in hopes of finding something that would give her any information that could lead her home or across the sea. She rode Humphrey through the streets, stopping anywhere that looked promising or interesting. The first few attempts at mingling with the people in pubs or marketplaces took great effort and left her with worn-out nerves. However, after engaging in small-talk with a dragon while standing in line to buy a book for Hector, talking to strangers wasn’t as frightening to her anymore.

About two weeks into their stay, Penny attempted to visit Armonie at the Grand Cathedral. To her disappointment, she was not allowed past the opulent reception hall of the Grand Cathedral, nor was she permitted to send Armonie a message. She exited the colossal building and set out to explore more of the Royal District, visiting both the Royal Academy and Museum. The Crafter’s Guild was a subject of great curiosity for Penny, and one day she trudged through a light rain to see it. Upon entering, she became fascinated to see a group of crafters at work. Their display was open to the public and Penny watched as a young woman with eyes a shocking shade of blue transformed a hunk of raw magic into a ring that would make the wearer’s voice as loud as if they were speaking into a microphone.

Running out of ideas and knowing it was a long shot, Penny ventured to the castle. It was a stunning sight. She peeked between the iron bars of the twelve-foot gates barring the castle grounds from the main streets and stood on her tiptoes to see the large gardens and orchards that it hid. Even from a mile away, the castle’s height was staggering. The turrets and steeples rose high, silhouetted deep gray and navy blue against the dense, clouded sky. Penny discovered she was not allowed to enter the castle grounds without an official form. Disappointed, she turned to start her journey back to the inn, and an advertisement caught her eye. She could not read it and struck up a casual conversation with the castle guard to inquire.

“This is a notice for the King’s Annual Jubilee Ball, little sister,” the plump guard informed her. “It’s a celebration to congratulate our king for another successful year on the throne. All sorts of ambassadors and special guests come from all over the world―they have these sorts of balls in other Nations, too, but of course Iverton’s is the grandest. You’ll need an invitation, though.” Penny thanked him, her curiosity sated as she made her way back to the inn.

Upon returning, Penny was surprised when Simon broke away from twirling a strand of Matilda’s flaming red hair to follow Penny.

“Got a minute? I’d like a word,” he murmured halfway up the staircase. Penny frowned, but agreed. They took refuge at the end of the corridor, and Simon shot a shifty gaze around before speaking.

“Erm, do you remember when we were traveling with Armonie and Madam Elise?” Simon mumbled, looking a bit nervous.

Penny knew what he was getting at and the memory hit her like a sack of heavy stones. Searching for clues in Iverton had driven the event from her mind, and the ease with which she had forgotten it disturbed her.

Simon watched her expression and seemed to know they were on the same page. “I’ve been thinking about that quite a bit, have you?”

Penny shook her head. “It slipped my mind somehow. I’ve been meaning to tell Hector, but―”

“I, well, I actually told Hector myself,” Simon admitted with a shrug.

Penny couldn’t help but feel exposed, and a panicked buzzing started in her chest. “Oh,” she replied. “Well, what did he think?”

Simon looked thoughtful. “Well, don’t discard this theory as soon as you hear it. It sounds a little crazy, but hear it out, okay? Hector and I talked about it, and we both thought―” he fumbled, trying to find the right words, “What I mean to say is―you know how Elydria and Hector’s world have types of crafters or enchanters or that sort of thing.” He gesticulated in a bizarre manner that must have made sense to him.

Penny thought a moment before answering. “Yeah. Hector told me people from Nelvirna could perform magic by using their intentions to do enchantments and crafters of Elydria can shape physical magic to whichever form they’d like, right?”

Simon appeared not too concerned with the details. “Yes, yes. Well, it only makes sense that people on Earth should have a certain natural magical ability, too, am I right?”

“Yeah, Hector mentioned something about that before…had to do with dreams, I think,” Penny said, but Simon was explaining his idea.

“That thing you did―what if that was you…
using magic
? What if you saw my memories in a kind of dream?”

Penny was stunned for a moment, hating to admit that what he was saying sounded plausible.

“I think it could be a useful asset,” Simon continued. “You should try and take control over it if you can.”

Penny looked at him in disbelief. “I think you’re getting carried away. That could’ve been a million different things. And even if I did have this
ability
, how do you suggest I use it?” she challenged.

Simon went very still, his face devoid of emotion. Penny thought she had stumped him, but felt a low rumble of alarm when he held the expression for a moment too long. Without warning he lunged. Penny yelped as she felt Simon’s hands brush against her face. For a moment there was only bewildered panic, and then a familiar shock descended upon her. A flash of light exploded in her eyes and her vision was bombarded with unfamiliar sights, her heart filling with foreign feelings…

“SIMON! Look what you’ve done!” a frustrated female voice rang out. There was playful defiance in the young boy’s heart as he watched his mother round the corner and bluster down the hall of a simple country home, her lips tight. He giggled and let out a shriek of wicked joy as he tried to escape from his mother’s grip. She caught him, and he received a furious telling off, her relentless shouts forcing him to turn serious.

Satisfied that he had become still and respectful, Mother spoke again. “What have you learned, young man?”

Simon’s youthful face remained grim for another second, then split into an impish smile. “That with enough glue―anything is possible!”

Mother did not appreciate this response….

The memory faded to darkness and before Penny could draw herself back into reality, another sprang up in its place…

…An even younger Simon trudged up a mound of dirt, surrounded by golden fields of wheat stretching on for miles. Simon clutched a ragged bouquet of mismatched flowers in his fist, the sap congealing on his wrist. At the top of the mound of dirt sat a little girl in a gingham dress, with bushy hair and dirt on her cheeks. Simon marched right up to her and extended his arm, holding the flowers in her face.

“Julie, will you marry me?” he shouted at her, beaming….

….It was the Simon from only a few years ago, speeding down the highway in a vintage burgundy Camaro….

….Simon from a year ago, blinding lights burning his eyes and a dove fluttering from his hands, a flapping silhouette against the powerful whiteness…

Penny was flung back into her own head and leapt away, grasping for something to help her stay balanced. She steadied herself and looked back at Simon, her eyes narrowing despite his ecstatic countenance.

“Simon! What is wrong with you?!” Penny choked.

“I knew that was it. You were able to do it last time when I caught you off guard. I think it’s a sort of defense mechanism! I am
so smart!
” Simon congratulated himself while Penny shot him venomous looks.

“That makes
no
sense. I’ve been threatened or caught off guard tons of times in my life. There’s no reason why it should be happening like that now,” Penny insisted, but Simon remained smug.

“In your life
before.
What about after you started giving off all that magic? Or after you almost died?” Simon questioned and Penny bit her tongue. Once again, the frustrating notion that Simon could be right nagged at her. As her brain tried to work logic into the situation, Simon spoke again, this time in a gentler tone.

“I think we should try again. Do you think you could do it without having to be surprised?” Simon asked, putting a slow hand on her shoulder.

Penny eyed it. “Why do you want to do this? And why are you so eager to open up your own private memories like that?” she asked, feeling a bit skeptical.

Simon looked shocked. “Why shouldn’t I help you?” he retorted, sounding indignant. “We’re friends.” Penny started a little when he said this, feeling a bristle of emotion. “And I don’t mind sharing my memories, anyway. I’ve got nothing to hide. An open book, as it were,” Simon added with a grin.

Penny looked at his guileless expression and shed her suspicions. “Well, all right, I guess. I’m not entirely certain this is a good idea, but it might be worthwhile. Only, let’s not practice in this hallway,” she suggested.

Situated inside their room, Simon extended his hand to Penny. She studied it. The whole thing seemed a little embarrassing to her. Physical contact of any kind tended to made her feel very nervous and uncomfortable. With a little prodding, Penny brought herself to grasp his hand, bracing herself to feel the shock of unfamiliar images drowning her eyes. Nothing happened. Penny shut her eyes and strained, trying to jumpstart the blinding flash that would be the harbinger of success. The awkward silence made her feel self-conscious.