Lost Treasure - Chapter 3 Vinny woke early the next day, even before the High’s did. He found himself back on the bed trying to remember how he got there. The last thing he could remember was falling to the ground and then hands moving him before the darkness came. Why did he keep falling asleep? He couldn’t understand it. Every time he had something to eat, he got so sleepy that he couldn’t keep his eyes open. What was wrong with him? Maybe it was something in the room, like that gas he’d heard about in school that makes you go to sleep. What was it called again? Oh yes, carbon monoxide. That was it. It had to be. Vinny got up off the bed slowly. His head felt so heavy he thought it would fall off if he moved too fast. He was starting to remember little things that had happened to him over the past few days. As he hadn’t really used any of his muscles in the past few days he found it difficult to get up from the bed. At first his legs wouldn’t take his weight, but bracing himself on the bedside table, he managed to stand up. He had to stay still for a few minutes until he was sure his legs would take his weight before letting go of the table. Slowly he raised one foot and took a tentative step forward. It was painful and he almost fell, but he managed to stay upright. Slowly, but surely his muscles began to work again. Vinny started exploring the room properly for the very first time. It was a sparse room painted light blue with blue curtains and blue bed sheets. It was obviously a boy’s room. It also looked like it hadn’t been used for quite some time. Though it had been cleaned, there was still a thin layer of dust on most of the furniture and there was a stale smell in the air. Vinny went to the window first and opened the curtains. It was still dark outside, but in the moonlight he could see bars over the outside of the windows. The room also looked out into the secluded back garden so no one could see into the house. Next he went over to the door and tried the handle. It was locked. But then, what did he expect? That the door would be open and he could just walk out of here? That kind of thing only happened in movies. Even though he was desperate to get home, Vinny decided to wait until morning when his kidnappers would come and feed him. That was his best chance of escape. They wouldn’t expect him to be awake. He’d take them by surprise, run out the house and scream for help until the police came. It felt like he’d been sitting for hours, but finally Vinny heard a soft click before the door started to slowly open. Bracing himself against the wall beside the door, Vinny waited until a tall, imposing figure stepped into the room. Mustering all his energy, Vinny launched himself at the figure giving an almighty yell in the process. ‘NNNNNOOOOO….,’ screamed a female voice from the doorway as the sound of dishes smashing reached Vinny’s ears. It was too late. He was already on his kidnapper and lashed out with all his might until he felt a painful tug at his ear. ‘How dare you hit your father, Nathan,’ said a stern female voice. ‘Apologise this instance or I will pull your ear off.’ Trying to look round, Vinny saw an imposing old woman looking down angrily at him and he felt all his fear and anger drain away.

Lost Treasure - Chapter 2 Vincent couldn’t remember how long he’d been locked in the room for. All he could remember was waking up and finding himself in an unfamiliar place. His head had been pounding, but he was glad he was in a soft warm bed. ‘Where am I?’ he asked himself as the room came into focus. He knew instantly that something wasn’t right. For one thing, his bed wasn’t as soft and comfortable as this and for another, he could smell spaghetti bolognaise. His mother had never made spaghetti bolognaise, but that was because she didn’t really cook. Looking around the room, he saw the tray on the table and automatically reached out for the juice. Without thinking he drank it all in one gulp and almost choked. It took a while for the coughing to stop, but once it did, he started on the food. It was delicious and he finished it quickly, secretly hoping for more. As his memory started to come back, Vinny realised he had been kidnapped. It still hadn’t fully sunk in, but he was starting to accept his situation. The only thing he couldn’t understand was why he had been kidnapped. His parents weren’t rich and his father didn’t work for any government agency or anything like that. His mother was a teacher and his father a bus driver. What did his kidnappers want with him and why hadn’t he even seen them yet? Vinny started crying as he remembered his parents and what they must be going through. Even though he’d never been as good as they’d hoped for, he wasn’t a bad child either and he just hoped his parents would do everything they could to find him. Looking around the room for anything that could help him, Vinny decided to try the door. As he got to his feet, he felt dizzy and almost fell over. Steadying himself on the bedside table, he cautiously made his way over to the door and started banging as loud as he could. ‘Please, let me out,’ he shouted, but even though he used all his strength, his voice just wouldn’t come. Feeling weaker by the second, Vinny decided it was best he go back to the bed. As he tentatively made his way across the room again his legs began to feel heavy and he stumbled, crashing face down onto the floor. Unable to find the energy to get back up again, he lay there and closed his eyes until once again sleep took him. Just before he was completely engulfed by the darkness, he felt a pair of hands turn him over and slowly start to drag his limp body. *** Jack waited a few minutes before releasing his wife. He then got up and went to the locked door across from the living room. Placing an ear to the door, he stood and listened for a few seconds before deciding it was safe enough. Taking the key out, he unlocked the door and opened it slowly, bracing the handle. As he looked in, he saw Vinny lying unconscious on the floor. He then looked over at the tray of food just to make sure before entering the room. As he turned Vinny over, Vinny gave a little moan which almost caused Jack to let him go with fright. Taking a firm grip of his arms, Jack dragged the boy back to the bed and struggled to get him back onto it. Once Vinny was back in the bed, Jack picked up the tray from the table and left the room, locking the door behind him. ‘What happened?’ asked Margaret as Jack entered the living room with the tray of dirty dishes. She was paler than usual. The last few days hadn’t been easy for her. ‘He collapsed on the floor,’ replied Jack. ‘I had to drag him over to the bed and lift him back into it. Turns out I’m not as fit as I used to be.’ Jack gave a false laugh. ‘I’m sorry honey. I never meant to put us in such trouble,’ Margaret trembled. ‘It’s just that… It’s him,’ she continued. ‘I know, my dear,’ replied Jack walking over to Margaret and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ‘And it’s no trouble at all. You know I’d do anything for you.’ Margaret gave a slight nod and smiled. ‘I think I just need to get some rest,’ she said as she lay back in her armchair and closed her eyes. ‘Let me know if you need anything,’ said Jack as he entered the kitchen. He then washed the dishes and started heating the rest of the spaghetti bolognaise for his and Margaret’s dinner. Then the doorbell rang. Jack rushed out the kitchen, taking a quick glance at Margaret to make sure she was still asleep, and answered the door. ‘Can I help you?’ he asked the young girl on the doorstep. She was wearing a school uniform for the school down the road and carrying a rather heavy looking red schoolbag. Her long black hair was tied back in a pleat with a pink bauble holding it in place. ‘I’m looking for my friend Vinny,’ she said. Jack started at her in shock for a few seconds before he composed himself, ‘Who?’ he asked. ‘My friend Vinny,’ replied the girl. ‘You know? The boy from the news that the police are looking for?’ she said sounding annoyed that he didn’t know. ‘Oh, you mean the schoolboy who’s gone missing?’ asked Jack, hoping he sounded sincere. ‘Who else would I be talking about?’ asked the girl. ‘Who are you?’ asked Jack starting to feel a little annoyed by the way he was being spoken to by a schoolgirl. ‘I’m Jas,’ she replied. ‘Vinnys best friend.’ ‘And why are you looking for him?’ queried Jack. ‘The police have already been round and asked me about the boy today.’ ‘Like I said, I’m his best friend,’ repeated Jas as if this made perfect sense. ‘Besides, the police aren’t asking the right questions.’ ‘What do you mean not asking the right questions?’ ‘Well… the police think Vinny’s ran away, but I don’t,’ explained Jas. ‘So what do you think has happened to him?’ ‘He’s been kidnapped, of course,’ she said as if it was obvious. ‘What? Kidnapped? How do you know?’ Jack spluttered as he tried to control his nerves. How could this little girl know so much already? They’d been so careful to keep the boy quiet and hidden away. Yet here she was, standing on his doorstep, accusing him of kidnapping. It just wasn’t possible. ‘Well, he wouldn’t just run away now, would he?’ she continued as if it was obvious. ‘I would know if he was unhappy at home. Like I said, I’m his best friend. Vinny tells me everything.’ Jack stood and listened to Jas as she babbled on about her friendship with Vinny. As she talked, he realised that Jas didn’t actually know anything. She only suspected Vinny had been kidnapped and was ‘pursuing her own line of enquiry’ as the police would have said. ‘Anyway,’ she continued. ‘Like I was saying, Vinny was happy at home. He was even starting to get better grades at school. Why would he want to run away? Plus, all his things are still lying at home. I saw them when I went to see his parents.’ Jack nodded as Jas spoke, and let her speak without interrupting. Maybe he could learn something from this girl about how to handle the boy. Then they wouldn’t need to keep drugging him. ‘Why would he run away without taking any money, or clothes, or food with him? It just doesn’t make any sense. He’d even forgotten his phone at home the day he disappeared and he definitely wouldn’t go anywhere without that.’ Jas paused for a few seconds and stared at Jack. ‘Is something the matter?’ he asked her. ‘Well…’ she began. ‘It’s just that by this time, people have usually closed the door on me,’ she explained. ‘Why haven’t you?’ ‘Because that would be rude,’ replied Jack. He’d never even considered closing the door on Jas, no matter how annoying she might be. It just wasn’t in his nature to be rude to others. ‘Oh,’ said Jas, still looking confused. ‘Would you like to come in?’ asked Jack when Jas failed to speak again. ‘Um… I’d better not,’ she finally said. ‘My mum always told me not to go into strangers houses.’ Best advice your mother could have given you, thought Jack as he nodded in understanding. ‘Was there anything else then?’ asked Jack. ‘Of course there is,’ replied Jas. ‘I haven’t even asked you anything yet.’ ‘Then ask away,’ smiled Jack. Even though he was a patient man, he had a limit and this girl was almost there. All he wanted to do now was close the door and go and get dinner ready. It was already past seven and he didn’t like to eat too late as both he and Margaret found it hard to digest food later in the evening. ‘The last time I saw Vinny was as we were leaving school the day he disappeared,’ said Jas. ‘He said he was going to walk straight home which would take him straight past your house. I don’t suppose you saw him?’ ‘What day was that again?’ asked Jack. His memory was excellent, but he wasn’t going to let Jas know that. Let her think he was forgetful. ‘It was the first of April. You know? April fools day?’ she told hm. ‘Oh. I think I was at home, but my memory is so bad these days,’ said Jack. ‘Sometimes I don’t even remember what I had for breakfast.’ ‘Great. Just what I need,’ said Jas exasperated. ‘A forgetful old guy. So does that mean you never saw anything?’ ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m going to be much help to you,’ replied Jack trying to look sombre. ‘Well if you do happen to remember anything, just let me know.’ ‘How do I do that? I don’t have your number,’ Jack pointed out. ‘You won’t need it. I’ll be around a lot,’ replied Jas. ‘After all, I can’t give up on my best friend now can I? He’s probably in the clutches of some maniac.’ Without even saying bye, Jas turned and walked away. Jack watched her as she went to the next door neighbour’s house and rang the bell before closing the door. ‘Who was that dear?’ asked Margaret when he entered the living room. She was sitting up in her armchair with a blanket on her knees. ‘Just a girl looking for the boy,’ answered Jack. ‘But don’t worry, my love. I took care of it. She thinks I’m a forgetful old fool. I doubt she’ll come round here again.’ ‘Oh, dear,’ trembled Margaret. The colour had drained even more from her face. ‘Who was she? What did she ask you?’ ‘It’s okay, Mags,’ said Jack sitting on the arm of the chair and taking his wife in his arms. ‘It was just a school girl looking for her best friend. She doesn’t know anything and I’m going to make sure it stays like that.’ ‘I got so worried when I woke up and you weren’t here,’ sobbed Margaret. ‘Then I felt the draft from the hall and had to get the blanket to cover myself with. I thought it might be the police again, but I didn’t have the strength to get up and make sure you were alright. I’m so sorry.’ ‘Don’t cry, my love,’ soothed Jack. ‘I know you’ve not been feeling well the last few days. Let me go warm up dinner and we can sit and have a nice meal together. Then I’ll run you a nice warm bath. How does that sound?’ ‘That sounds lovely,’ smiled Margaret, wiping away tears. Jack gave her a tight hug before getting up and going to the kitchen. Dinner was a solemn affair where neither of them said much. As Jack cleaned up, Margaret watched the news to see if there was anything new about the boy on it, but there wasn’t and the newsreader had read out the story quickly. It was no longer headline news. This made Margaret feel a little better, but she couldn’t stop the feeling of foreboding that was threatening to overwhelm her.

Lost Treasure - Chapter 1 ‘It’s on the news again,’ said Margaret as she painfully switched on the television with arthritic hands and turned down the sound. The face of a young, smiling boy filled the screen for a few seconds before going back to the newscaster. ‘Don’t worry, love. They’ll get bored soon enough,’ replied her husband Jack from the kitchen. ‘I really hope you’re right, Jack. I don’t know how much longer I can do this,’ she said, switching off the television and slowly rising from her antique armchair. It was getting much harder for Margaret to pull herself up these days and she knew she’d need to start using a walking stick soon. Jack came into the living room carrying a tray laden with food. Margaret marvelled at how well he still looked compared to her. They were both in their seventies now, but Jack could still pass for a young sixty year old. He still had a full head of hair, but it had long since turned silver and the glint in his dashing blue eyes was still there. Jack’s eyes had been the thing that had attracted her all those years ago. He’d been a dashing salesman with a silver tongue who’d come to her father’s house to try and sell cleaning products. It had been love at first sight for both of them. ‘What is it today?’ asked Margaret pointing to the old plastic tray. They’d bought it on their last holiday in Spain ten years ago, but it was only used for special occasions. There was a picture of a matador holding out his red cape and a bull running towards it, painted on it. They’d both loved it. ‘Spaghetti bolognaise and rice pudding,’ he replied holding out the tray. ‘I hope he likes it.’ Margaret shuffled over to the door and held it open for Jack. As he made his way into the hallway and over to another closed door, Margaret followed whilst digging a key out of the pocket of her long white cardigan. ‘Do you think he’s still sleeping?’ she asked apprehensively. ‘Probably,’ replied Jack. ‘There was more than enough tranquiliser in his lunch.’ Margaret remained holding the key for some time while tentatively looking between her husband and the locked door. ‘I’ll tell you what, love. I’ll open the door and check on the boy while you hold the tray. If he’s awake and tries anything, I’ll be ready. How about that?’ Jack held the tray out for his wife. With a slight nod, Margaret took the tray and gave the key to Jack. As he handed over the tray, he felt it tremble in his wife’s hands. Taking a deep breath, Jack placed the key in the lock and turned it. There was a reassuring click. Taking the handle, he braced himself against the door and slowly opened it, making sure he didn’t leave any space between the door and the wall. The small room beyond was completely silent with only a dull light breaking through the thin, blue curtains. Jack entered the room and headed over to the small bed where a still figure lay. ‘It’s okay, Margaret. He’s still asleep,’ said Jack, leaning over the sleeping form. Margaret entered the room as quickly as she could and placed the tray on the bedside table. She then turned on the lamp, revealing the face of the boy. ‘I still can’t believe how much he looks like him,’ she said, watching the sleeping boy. ‘I know,’ replied Jack. ‘I just hope he understands why we had to do this.’ ‘When he’s ready, I’m sure he will,’ Margaret gave her husband a reassuring smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. ‘He’ll be waking up soon. We should go,’ said Jack, taking his wife’s hand and helping her shuffle out of the room. He then locked the door behind them and helped Margaret back into the living room and back onto her armchair. ‘Can I get you anything, love?’ he asked. ‘Just some water please.’ As Jack made his way to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. ‘I’ll get it,’ he said as Margaret made to get up and went to answer the door. ‘Can I help you?’ asked Jack as he opened the door to find a burly policeman standing on the doorstep. Jack was taken aback by the large birth mark covering almost half the policeman’s face. ‘Hello sir,’ said the policeman. ‘I’m carrying out door to door enquiries into the disappearance of a thirteen year old boy, Vincent Travers.’ He looked at his notepad as he said the name. ‘The boy from the news?’ asked Jack, hoping he sounded sincere whilst trying not to stare at the officer’s birth mark. ‘Yes sir,’ replied the officer. ‘I only have a few questions if you can spare a few moments.’ ‘Of course. Anything to help.’ Beads of sweat started to form on his forehead. ‘Thank you, sir. Can you tell me if you were home on the night of the first of April, Mr…?’ asked the policeman, looking at his notepad. ‘High. Jack High. I was,’ replied Jack. ‘I’m not really fit enough to get out and about much these days.’ The officer wrote something in his notebook before continuing. ‘Did you see anything or anyone suspicious hanging about that day?’ ‘Not that I can recall.’ ‘Is everything alright, Jack?’ shouted Margaret from the living room. ‘Everything’s fine, dear,’ replied Jack. ‘My wife,’ he explained to the officer. ‘She’s not able to get up and about much these days either so I look after things for her.’ ‘Will she have seen anything?’ asked the officer. ‘Unlikely,’ replied Jack. ‘Our living room window looks out to our back garden. She spends the majority of her time in there watching the television.’ The policeman gave a knowing nod and again, wrote in his notebook. ‘Thank you for your time, Mr High,’ said the policeman. ‘If you do think of anything else you might have forgotten, please contact your local office.’ ‘I will,’ assured Jack closing the door as quickly as possible as the officer left. ‘Who was that?’ asked Margaret as Jack entered the living room, wiping sweat from his face. ‘That was the police,’ he replied. ‘They were making door to door enquiries, looking for the boy.’ ‘What?’ Margaret made to get up. ‘It’s alright, dear,’ reassured Jack, placing a wrinkled hand on her bony shoulder. ‘I told him neither of us saw anything suspicious. It sounds as if they’re still treating it as a disappearance.’ ‘Are you sure? What if they suspect us?’ Tears started forming in Margaret’s grey eyes. ‘Why would they suspect us?’ asked Jack. ‘We’re just an innocent, elderly couple. How could we possibly kidnap a thirteen year old boy? Surely he’d easily overpower us?’ ‘I hope you’re right. I can’t lose him again.’ Margaret wept. Jack sat down on the arm of the chair and held his wife as she shuddered under the weight of her grief. Silent tears formed in his eyes and he wiped them away before she could see. From across the hallway a dull thudding could be heard. ‘Please let me out,’ pleaded a weak voice as the thudding continued. Holding his wife closer, Jack whispered, ‘It’s all going to be alright, love.’

Magician's Secret A gust of wind blows the door open. All faces in the tavern turn to look at the figure standing in the doorway while the storm gathers pace outside. It’s a black night and the moon has decided to stay away tonight. Slowly the drenched figure crosses the threshold out of the rain and into the small, dimly lit, crowded room. The door mysteriously closes behind the stranger, seemingly of its own accord. With everyone still watching, the figure releases a slender hand from beneath their cloak and raises it above their head. The middle finger and thumb are poised and ready for 3...2...1...SNAP. As a bolt of lightning strikes the figure clicks their fingers and is instantly dry. Those still watching closely will have noticed the stranger is wearing a dark purple robe. Murmurs are heard as people resume their conversations, deliberately avoiding the stranger. Still hooded the stranger scans the room and fixes their gaze on a doorway at the far end of the bar. Starting towards the door, the crowd parts to let the stranger through, reforming in their wake. Only one set of beady eyes is still following the stranger’s progress at this point. All others know better. As the stranger approaches the doorway, it opens to reveal an empty room beyond. A round, wooden table sits in the center of the small room with a large black candle on top, creating the only light source. Two chairs have been placed opposite each other at the table. Cautiously, the lone figure enters the room and closes the door behind them, scanning the walls as they go. The room appears to be empty, but the stranger can sense a presence nearby. A small metallic object hurtles through the air towards the stranger. ‘Shield,’ says the stranger in a deep masculine voice, raising their right hand in front of them for protection. The metallic object bounces off an invisible barrier, millimeters from the strangers hand and falls to the ground. The stranger, still hooded, looks down to see a small dagger lying on the floor in front of them. ‘Impressive,’ says a voice from the shadows. ‘I always wanted to test myself against a magician.’ ‘I didn’t ask for a meeting just so you could satisfy your curiosity Duke,’ says the magician, lowering their hand. There is an edge to their voice. ‘No, I suppose you didn’t,’ replies Duke stepping out of a shadow at the far end of the room. ‘Please, sit down,’ he says, gesturing to the chair on his right. The magician slowly walks over and sits down, noting that Duke, though small in stature, has a hidden strength. ‘Do you have the item I requested?’ asks the magician. ‘Patience… We’ve only just met. How about a little chat first?’ replies Duke. ‘I don’t have time for pleasantries. Just give me what I came for and we can both be on our way.’ ‘It doesn’t work like that, I’m afraid. You see, I have what you want and I’m not parting with it until you tell me what I want to know.’ ‘And if I don’t? What will you do then? You can’t kill me. You’ve already tried, remember?’ ‘Maybe not, but I still have some tricks up my sleeve,’ Duke says giving a meaningful look towards the door. ‘You may be a magician, but I’m a hunter. I never do anything without being prepared for all… eventualities.’ ‘Meaning?’ curiosity getting the better of the magician. ‘Meaning, I’m not alone.’ ‘And why should that concern me, thief?’ ‘Because, I have someone with me who is immune to all magicians’ powers. I believe you will have heard of them. I’m sure the subject is familiar to all magicians.’ The magician feels an inkling of panic begin to rise within them, but pushes it away. Carefully considering what to do next the magician says, ‘Okay, what is it you want to know?’ Pleased with himself, Duke lets a grin loose across his face. ‘Let’s start with your name,’ he says. The magician can hear the triumph in the thief’s voice, but is concentrating on retrieving the package and escaping without getting into a fight. Not the easiest thing in the world when you consider there’s someone in the next room who could potentially be deadly. ‘I cannot answer that question,’ replies the magician after some consideration. ‘And why is that? Are you afraid I’m going to tell all your magician buddies about you?’ ‘Wouldn’t you be if you were in my position?’ ‘Ah, I see. So you’re here without their knowledge. That means they don’t know what you’re up to. Am I close?’ says Duke, a twinkle in his eyes. ‘I wouldn’t say that at all,’ says the magician calmly. ‘Then what would you say?’ asks Duke. ‘I would say… I’m here with the best interests of all magicians at heart,’ says the magician cautiously. ‘So… they have no idea what you’re doing, and you’re hoping to keep it that way. Am I close?’ asks Duke, knowing that he is. No magician in their right mind would do what this one is doing, especially when they’re expecting a war to break out at any time. ‘I think you’ve asked enough questions Duke. Just give me what I came for and we can both get on with what we were doing.’ The hooded figure rises from their seat, towering over the seated dwarf. ‘Fine,’ says Duke also rising in a less impressive manner. ‘If you want to play it that way…’ The door behind the magician bursts open and a gladiator steps into the room, sword poised, ready to strike. ‘Brian?’ says the stunned magician. The use of his name stops the gladiator momentarily. ‘Do I know you?’ he asks, confused as to what to do. ‘Who cares if he knows you,’ cries Duke, ‘ATTACK!’ ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ demands the magician, ignoring Duke. ‘Who are you?’ asks Brian, stunned by the magician’s tone. Behind the magician, Duke can be seen flailing about trying to attack, but being held back by an unseen force. ‘It’s me…’ the magician lowers their hood revealing a soft female face contorted in rage. ‘Brianna?’ Brian drops his sword. ‘What are you doing here? Mum’s going to kill you when she finds out.’ ‘Oh, and she won’t kill you for moonlighting as a gladiator?’ ‘What is going on here?’ screams Duke still trying to attack Brianna without success. ‘Sorry Duke, but I’m going to need to sit this one out,’ says Brian turning to his boss. ‘What?’ A stunned Duke stops his attack and sits back down to get his breath back. ‘I can’t threaten my sister,’ explains Brian. ‘I hope you understand.’ ‘What?’ is all Duke can say. ‘Sorry sis. If I’d known it was you, I’d never have taken the job.’ Brian gives his sister an apologetic look. ‘And you might want to get rid of the masculine voice too. It’s kind of starting to creep me out.’ ‘Oh. I forgot,’ says Brianna caressing her throat with her hand. ‘That’s better,’ she says in her normal voice. Duke can be heard mumbling to himself behind the siblings. ‘Sister?’ and ‘Should have known’ are all the siblings make out before walking out the room and leaving the dwarf to collect his thoughts. ‘What are you doing here?’ asks Brian as they sit down at the bar. ‘It’s kind of personal.’ ‘Since when is anything personal from me, Brianna?’ asks Brian. ‘After all… We are twins. You know you can tell me anything.’ ‘I know, but…’ ‘But what?’ asks Brian. ‘Just because I wasn’t born with your powers doesn’t mean I won’t understand what you’re going through.’ ‘I know, but it’s all just so confused and I don’t know what to do anymore.’ ‘Well… Maybe if you talk about it, I might be able to help you,’ says Brian. ‘I know you’re not meant to talk about your powers and what the magicians are doing, but can’t you make this one exception?’ Brianna looks around the tavern for a few minutes as she ponders her brother’s offer. As her eyes scan the room she notices people quickly looking away from her. Chewing her bottom lip, she makes her decision. ‘Privacy,’ she whispers while drawing a circle on the bar with her finger. ‘What did you just do?’ asks Brian. He has noticed that even though the people in the tavern are still talking, he can’t hear anything. ‘I cast a privacy spell,’ explains Brianna. ‘It means that we are now in a bubble where we can speak freely without any danger of being overheard.’ ‘Oh,’ says Brian. ‘I didn’t know you could do that.’ ‘You’re not meant to,’ says Brianna. ‘You’re not meant to know anything about what powers we have. How we can influence things around us. That’s the way it’s been for thousands of years.’ ‘So what’s going on?’ asks Brian. ‘I’m in trouble, Brian,’ starts Brianna. ‘I found out that the magician elders have been keeping a dark secret from everyone. Even from other magicians.’ ‘What kind of secret?’ Brian is enthralled. ‘If I tell you, you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone else.’ Brianna gives her brother a stern look. ‘I promise.’ Brian crosses his heart with his fingers. ‘Do you remember when I was about to graduate from university and I almost missed the ceremony?’ she asks her brother while twirling a strand of her long brown hair. ‘Yes. You were gone for ages. No one could find you anywhere.’ ‘That’s because I was hiding in the elders’ chamber waiting for them to leave so I could sneak out.’ ‘What were you doing in there?’ Brian is mortified. ‘I was trying to get away from Eric. You remember Eric? Tall, skinny guy with albino eyes? Anyway, he’d been looking for me all day to ask me to the graduation dinner. When I saw him waiting for me in the hall I quickly ducked into the elders’ chamber until he decided to go looking for me.’ Brianna recounts whilst playing with a peanut on the counter. ‘Then what happened?’ asks Brian. ‘Well, he took so long to leave that I ended up stuck there when the elders came for their morning meeting. I decided to hide in the cupboard and wait until they finished their meeting and left. I didn’t want to hear what was being said, but couldn’t help it when they mentioned my name.’ ‘Why were they talking about you?’ gasps Brian. He’s shocked to find out his sister has even been mentioned by the elders, the magicians government, let alone talked about. ‘At first I couldn’t make out what was being said. I knew it was important though, because they kept referring to some kind of foretelling which was almost upon them.’ ‘What does that mean?’ interrupts Brian. ‘It means some time ago, a wise man predicted what would happen in the future. There have already been some foretelling’s that have come true recently,’ explains Brianna. ‘Really? Like what?’ asks Brian eagerly. ‘Well, there was the flood in Westlake a couple of years ago which wiped out half the village. Then there was the war in Heartshire and the plague in Downland just to mention a few.’ ‘Are you serious?’ Brian asks amazed. ‘Yes. Anyway, while I was hiding in the elders’ chamber they said I would be crucial in the next foretelling. I was stunned. I tried to listen more closely, but my heart was pounding in my ears making it difficult to hear. ‘Gradually, I found out that I was the key to ensuring the foretelling came to pass.’ ‘Which is?’ ‘It’s been foretold that on a night like tonight I will destroy that which is closest to me, starting a world war that will destroy the world as we know it,’ finishes Brianna. ‘What is this thing that is closest to you that you’re meant to destroy?’ ‘I honestly don’t know. I’ve been trying to find out, but I still don’t know. That’s why I’m here tonight. I was hoping Duke could help me. He has a special crystal that can show me what I need to know. It’s very expensive, but worth it if I can stop a war from happening.’ ‘If you’d told me all this before, Brianna, I might have been able to help you.’ ‘I know, Brian, but I couldn’t risk something bad happening to you. If I lost you, I don’t know what I’d do.’ Tears start to form in Brianna’s eyes and she looks away from her twin in shame. ‘I love you, Brianna. I’d do anything for you. You know that. Why couldn’t you trust me?’ Brian places an arm around his sisters shoulders, hugging her close to his muscular torso. ‘I do trust you, Brian. I just couldn’t live with myself if you got hurt because of me.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ sobs Brianna. ‘I didn’t think I had a choice.’ ‘It’s fine now. I’m here to help you.’ Brian takes Brianna’s chin in one hand and wipes away her tears with the other. His calloused fingers lightly scratch her soft cheeks, but she doesn’t notice. ‘Brian? Are you alright?’ she asks her brother. His skin has gone pale and he seems to be having trouble breathing. ‘I…can’t…breathe…’ he chokes out through strangled gasps. ‘What’s wrong? Are you hurt?’ cries Brianna in a panic. All Brian can do is gasp for breath, but it gets harder and harder until his breath stops and he falls to the ground with a resounding crash. The whole tavern is watching and comes to #life with shouts of accusations and threats directed at Brianna. Brianna stares at her brother’s #lifeless body as the patrons descend on her. Acting instinctively and out of pain, rage and disbelief, she lashes out. Within seconds the whole tavern is covered in the blood of the innocent bystanders as well as the guilty attackers as Brianna casts attacking spells without remorse. Once the bloodshed is over, Brianna leans over her dead brother’s body and gently closes his eyes. She then casts one final spell which sends the tavern up in flames. The only survivor of the massacre stands watching the tavern burn from a distance. The dwarf known as Duke takes one last look before walking off into the distance to spread the news about what has occurred in the tavern at Greenroot tonight. As the story spreads and changes with each telling, more and more hatred for magicians spreads through the lands. Soon, effigies are being burned and magicians are targeted by mobs. Not long after, a full world war breaks out between magicians and non-magicians, destroying the world.

Mysterious Deliverance For those of you who like this it would be great to know if you like the way it ends or if you'd like for the story to continue after this. Thanks ‘Good morning class,’ said Mr Shapiro as he walked into the classroom and stood behind his cluttered desk. ‘Today we are going to talk about mythical creatures.’ Straight away every head in the room turned as one towards me. Isn’t it amazing when someone mentions mythical creatures, people automatically think of vampires and werewolves? Naturally of course they all thought I was a vampire, after all, I do look like one. If only they knew the truth… *** My name is Derek Soloman. I may look like I’m only sixteen, but I am in fact two hundred and twenty-two years old. I’m not a vampire if that’s what you’re thinking. Far from it; I don’t need blood to stay looking young. All I need is the will to look young. If I lose that, I die. You’d think after more than two hundred years I’d be bored, but you’re wrong. My long #life isn’t the only power I have. I have the power to do pretty much anything I want… within reason of course. I couldn’t, for example, destroy the world. I could, however, influence certain powers to start a world war if I wished. Not that I’d want to anyway. I quite like it here. Enough about me though. Don’t want to give everything away too early. *** ‘Derek,’ said Mr Shapiro taking me by surprise. ‘Would you like to start us off?’ Normally Mr Shapiro leaves me alone. That’s why he’s one of my favourite teachers. Never asks someone a question if he thinks they’ll know the answer. Since I know pretty much everything, he never asks me anything anymore. ‘What would you like to know sir?’ I asked as politely as I could. The twinkle in his sunken brown eyes faded as he realised I knew a lot more than he thought. ‘Can you name a mythical creature that no one will have heard of before?’ He was trying to regain some control of the situation, but it wasn’t going to work. I could see the beads of sweat starting to form above his brow. ‘Would that include one that you won’t have heard of either sir?’ I knew he wouldn’t like my impertinence, but I just couldn’t help myself. There were only two people in the whole classroom that weren’t impressed by this. Mr Shapiro and Ernie ‘suck-up’ Best, the teachers pet. Ernie’s your typical know it all who likes to parade the fact that he’s the smartest person in our year, after me of course. He was also the captain of the chess club and editor of the school newspaper, who no one reads. ‘Can you name a mythical creature I’ve never heard of?’ he challenged. Of course I can you idiot, I thought as I smiled at him sweetly. It was almost as if we’d been transported out of the classroom and into a gladiatorial arena and the rest of the class were the spectators waiting for the battle to commence. ‘Have you ever heard of a Henkaphid?’ I asked, only to receive blank stares from all sides. ‘Of course we haven’t heard of a Henkaphid,’ drawled Ernie, ‘because you just made it up.’ ‘Believe what you want Ernie,’ I said, not even looking at his scrawny stature. ‘Enlighten us then Derek,’ Mr Shapiro sat down heavily with a smug smile on his withered face. ‘What is a Henkaphid? I’ve certainly never heard of it.’ ‘A Henkaphid is a mythical creature sir,’ I replied as innocently as I could. This was going to be fun. ‘And what type of mythical creature is it?’ He was staying calm… so far. ‘It’s the worst kind there is. It’s the kind of creature that if it wanted to could destroy the world.’ There were sharp intakes of breath from some of the more easily persuaded pupils. Others just sat and shook their heads with a mocking smile on their faces. They would be the ones who would pay, starting with Ernie, I smiled. ‘Oh please,’ scoffed Ernie. It irritated me how he could get away with something like that with a teacher present. Just for that he would be left til last and it would be very slow and very painful. ‘A Henkaphid can take any form it wishes. Be it human, animal or plant, but it has to be a living organism,’ I continued as if Ernie hadn’t said anything. ‘It can also influence the weather, water and solid ground without any problems. The only problems they seem to have is with people.’ I paused and waited. ‘Why people?’ asked Lucie Sharp, a pretty blond girl who had been one of the one’s who'd gasped. I liked her. She would be spared. ‘Because people are so unpredictable and irrational,’ I answered. ‘It’s much harder to influence a being so emotional and complex. Not impossible though.’ I could tell everyone was enthralled now. Even Ernie was sitting with his mouth wide open. ‘So how can you tell who or what a Henkaphid is?’ This was asked by Alex, a fat boy who spent most of his time reading crime novels. I guess he fancied himself as a bit of a detective. ‘That’s the hard part,’ I replied. ‘Unless a Henkaphid introduces themselves to you, you won’t have a clue. They are masters of disguise and deception. It’s almost impossible to catch them unawares. Even if you do succeed, it won’t make any difference. You’ll either forget the encounter completely, go mad or end up dead.’ ‘How do you know so much about them then if no one ever remembers seeing them?’ Ernie had regained his confidence. His question also got a few of the other heads nodding. I smiled and left them hanging for a few minutes. It was good to see them squirming in their seats. From the looks of horror on their faces, some of them had already come to the only conclusion available, while others refused to believe it. Mr Shapiro was the first one to snap out of his trance. He looked up at the clock with a look of surprise on his face. ‘Is that the time already?’ he rose from his seat and started to shuffle some of the papers strewn over the cluttered desk. ‘I think you can all have the rest of the period off.’ ‘But sir,’ interrupted Ernie, slightly raising one hand. ‘We’re only halfway through the period and Derek’s still not explained everything to us about Henkaphids.’ Most of the class had the good sense not to say anything, but Ernie just couldn’t help himself. ‘What are you talking about Ernie?’ Mr Shapiro asked innocently. He could be very convincing when he wanted to be. ‘I’m talking about Derek’s made up story about a mythical creature supposedly known as a Henkaphid.’ ‘Are you feeling alright Ernie?’ Mr Shapiro looked concerned. Well done, I thought. ‘Of course I’m alright. Why are you acting so weird?’ Ernie looked round the sea of faces only to find them all looking in another direction; all except me. As our eyes connected, I smiled. ‘Ernie, I don’t know what you’re up to, but we don’t start mythical creatures until tomorrow. I explained that at the start of class.’ Mr Shapiro certainly knew what to say. The rest of the class were also nodding their agreement. ‘But sir…’ Ernie looked gobsmacked, as if he’d been given a B instead of the A+ he expected. ‘No buts. Now as I said, class dismissed.’ Mr Shapiro then started putting the papers on his desk in order as the class quickly put their books away and ran out the door as fast as they could before anyone could stop them. I stayed seated, as did Ernie. He had a determined look on his face. I’d seen it before, many times. He wasn’t about to give up that easily. As Mr Shapiro went to close his briefcase, Ernie struck. I was much quicker than he was though. He was still new, whereas I’d been doing this for much longer. I had recognised him straight away. Mr Shapiro never knew what happened. One minute he was standing at his desk closing his briefcase, and next minute he was sprawled in a heap on the floor behind me. He was unconscious, but at least he was alive. That was all that mattered. ‘Who are you?’ hissed Ernie. He’d taken up a fighting stance. His nails had extended to double their original size and were now razor sharp. Teeth that could bite through the toughest metal protruded from his open mouth and his lanky frame had inflated to become a body builder’s physique. He watched me carefully through black eyes. ‘I’m hurt you don’t recognise me,’ I said as I stood my ground in front of Mr Shapiro. I didn’t need to change my appearance to knew I was stronger and faster than Ernie. Like I said, I’ve been doing this for a long time. ‘Don’t play games with me. Who are you and how do you know so much about me?’ Even though I was standing casually, I knew that Ernie was looking for an opening to get to his prey. I’d been watching him for weeks now and knew that he’d planned his attack for today. All he’d needed was a valid excuse to stay back and speak to Mr Shapiro alone. It had helped that it was last period on a Friday too. ‘I’m the one who’s going to stop you by any means necessary,’ I replied calmly. ‘That still doesn’t answer my question.’ Ernie’s muscles tensed for a few seconds before he relaxed again. That was the problem with young Henkaphids. They couldn’t control their urge to devour and destroy. I was surprised Ernie had lasted this long. ‘Are you sure you really want to know?’ I asked, aware that we didn’t have long before the bell rang for the end of school and people started walking past the windowed door. All it took was for one person to see Mr Shapiro lying unconscious and me stopping Ernie from getting to him and all panic would ensue. I couldn’t protect that many people from Ernie. I’d need to make this quick. ‘I’m sure I want to know who or what is keeping me from my prey,’ replied Ernie still watching me carefully. ‘Ok then. I am what most of our kind call a Henkaphear. Have you ever heard that term before?’ I paused, but it was obvious he hadn’t. ‘Of course you haven’t. After all, you’re only thirty-three and it’s not as if you’ve ever tried to locate any of our kind, let alone learn anything about us.’ ‘Are you telling me there’s more like me out there? I thought I was the only one.’ Ernie looked shocked and had even relaxed enough to revert back to his chosen form. ‘Only an idiot would believe they were the only one of their kind in this world.’ ‘So what’s a Henkaphear then?’ he asked mockingly. ‘You can think of me as a policeman for our kind. I make sure we all stick to the rules set out by our elders, and if I find any that don’t, I take care of them.’ ‘I doubt you could take me.’ Within a second Ernie had changed back into the hunter and leapt at me. I saw him coming before he finished transforming and was standing ready for him before he’d even left the ground. With one hand, I caught him in mid air and spun him round, throwing him clear across to the other end of the room. Thankfully he missed all the furniture, landing on solid ground with a thud. Within seconds he was up again and heading straight for Mr Shapiro who was still lying unconscious on the ground. Before he could get very far though, I blocked his way, took one arm and twisted it up round his back, making him spin on the spot. I then placed my other arm across his throat in a choke hold, while he scratched helplessly at my arm with his free hand. ‘I gave you plenty of warning of what would happen if you didn’t stop,’ I growled in his ear. ‘You should have listened to me and left while you still had the chance.’ I tightened my arm around his neck until I heard it snap and watched his carcass slump to the ground. As I looked down at Ernie, I heard Mr Shapiro’s breathing start to change. I quickly kneeled down at his side and whispered, ‘You were leaving the room when you tripped over your chair and hit your head,’ in his ear. I then scanned the room to make sure there was nothing out of place and kicked Mr Shapiro’s chair over to make it look like he’d tripped. Lifting Ernie’s carcass off the floor, I left to dispose of the body. It’s a good thing I’d put the rest of the class in a trance before they’d left. At least they wouldn’t remember what was talked about and no one would care if Ernie never came back to school. My job was done.