Myths and Gargoyles by Jamie Hawke (interesting books to read in english txt) 📕

over, considering. “Perhaps it’s best if I tell you only what is necessary, for now. I have seen glimpses of what is to come and know better than to spoil that future. What you need to know is that we are up against a great evil. It was contained for many years, but the bonds that held it are breaking. The dark magic is returning, although it can be harnessed by both sides—dark magic isn’t inherently evil, but it has the power to easily corrupt.”

“So, these attacks are coming because the doors are about to open?” I asked.

“It would seem that way.”

“Can’t we just go back and stop it somehow?”

“He has a point,” Ebrill added. “He’s been going back, affecting things. What if—”

“He will,” my aunt cut in. “And it won’t largely change things in the way you’re thinking, but will make all the difference in the battle that is to come.”

We spoke more on the subject, but mostly she filled us in on her travels to uncover the gargoyles. She had only gathered two so far, but there were papers in what she had passed on that included the right pieces, she believed—clues toward finding at least two more, along with other potential allies.

Soon, we were done. Ebrill and I tried for Kordelia again before training, but no luck. Since we were already on the rooftop, we figured that was as good a place as any to practice. I first went around and practiced my spell for the barrier wards, ensuring they were still up, then went over the spells I knew. Tarian for defensive boosts, which I found worked on Fatiha and Ebrill as well, and Elfenol Streic for the elemental strike.

“Try this,” Fatiha said, breaking off a metal rod that was loose from the fence. It had likely gotten knocked free during last night’s fighting. She tossed it over, and I caught it smoothly.

“As in…?”

“With the elemental strike.”

I looked at the rod, said, “Elfenol Streic,” and then twisted to go for fire and watched as the metal burst into flame. It was hot but didn’t burn me, the spellcaster. With a pleased grin, I waved it around, only stopping when my gaze landed on the spot where the witch corpse had been earlier. “She’s gone.”

“Who?” my aunt asked.

“A witch’s body,” I explained.

Fatiha smiled, knowingly. “Something your aunt set up, wisely.”

“Ah, yes.” My aunt beamed with pride. “Nothing much, just a little spell that basically allows the house to absorb our enemies for its own power. As it strengthens the wards, it needs power. In this way, if we are attacked, we see benefits.”

I laughed, not sure whether to be impressed or grossed out. Both worked. “You’re saying… the house literally eats our enemies.”

“Absorbs their energy,” my aunt corrected, but then nodded. “But yes, basically. If someone is attacking us, it’ll start the moment they are within the range of the spell—basically the grounds—although the more powerful they are, the slower the process.”

“Unless they’re dead,” Fatiha added.

Ebrill was looking between the two, more excited as they spoke. “So, you’re both… what, witches?”

“I was,” my aunt replied, sending me a sensation like a punch to the chest.

“And me, not so much,” Fatiha said.

“Wait, really?” I put a hand to my mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so surprised, it’s just that I figured…”

Fatiha gave me a forgiving smile. “I like to help. Do what I can without getting my hands dirty.”

“So, you’re like Tonto,” I said. “Or… Alfred.”

“You fancy yourself Batman, now?” Fatiha laughed. “Wow, you all seeing how fast that ego grows?”

My aunt’s remnant chuckled.

“What’s a Batman?” Ebrill asked.

“A superhero,” I replied, but then thought about it. “Er, like a witch, but in this case, he uses fun gadgets instead of powers or magic.”

“So, like a knight?”

Now it was my turn to laugh. “Yes, a dark knight. I’ll show you sometime. For now,” I turned back to my aunt, and held up my hand to bring up the screen with the spells I had scanned. “What are we thinking for next ones to try?”

“Are you seeing a gauge of your leveling?” Fatiha asked.

I nodded, looking at what I’d begun to think of as my XP bar. “Sure. But it doesn’t seem to have gone up much since last time.”

“Diminishing returns,” my aunt said. “My guess is, once you start using your magic for real purposes—battle magic in a real battle, revealing spells and whatnot to actually reveal secrets, you will see jumps in your advancement.”

“Ah, damn. I was kind of hoping I could cast my defense or ward spell over and over and watch those levels rack up, but yeah, that makes sense.” Looking at my spells, I frowned. “Wait a minute, I don’t have any attack spells yet, other than the elemental strike.”

“Which counts, but yes.” My aunt flashed out and then appeared next to me, apparently able to see my screens, as she started scrolling. “There—‘Hurtio.’” She indicated the spell, which showed a simple motion of thrusting my hand forward.

“It… hurts them?” I asked, humored.

“Stuns, actually. At your level, it’s probably the best ‘attack’ spell you’re going to get.”

I tried it but couldn’t tell if it worked.

“Try on me,” Fatiha offered.

Before I had a chance to reply, Ebrill stepped in front of her. “No, I can take more. In case it does hurt, try it on me first.”

Oddly, the look in her eyes made me think she might enjoy it if the spell did hurt.

“It won’t cause any damage,” my aunt said again.

Ebrill shrugged. “In case.”

I chuckled and thrust out my hand, saying, “Hurtio.”

Sure enough, a gust of wind seemed to hit Ebrill and for a moment she was unable to move. It only lasted about a second and then she shook it off and looking at me, impressed.

“Hit them with that, then a strike from that fire baton of yours, and I think we have something.”

“Not a baton,” I said, eying the fence pole. One end of it was sharp, so I could definitely