Read Online Magic Parcel by Frank English - Free Book Online Page B

above.
    â€œThat’s it then,” he croaked, turning away from the outside world, a new light of determination burning in his eyes. “Something must be done. We will sort out this upstart; this... this... Seth. The Wizard of the Enchanted Wood must be summoned and consulted, and ...”
    â€œBut ... surely we can not summon legend to our needs!” Dominic blurted out almost disbelieving what his father was saying.
    â€œAlmost unseen and largely unknown he may be,” Tarna corrected, “but legend he certainly is not. By some he is known as Morgar; by others Tara-na-bos, but to most, he is Algan the Great.”
    Where there had been quiet before, a deeper more stunned silence set over the gathered company. The very mention of his name brought wonder to some and dread to others.
    The lights in the room slowly faded leaving the semi-darkness contrasting sharply with the outside afternoon sun. Each looked surprised and puzzled, and several turned to speak but tongue had cleft to palate in an involuntary spasm leaving all present without the power to communicate with their fellows.
    Their attention was drawn towards an area of silk tapestry-hung wall behind and to the right of the royal throne, where the darkness deepened and from where emanated a power of such intensity that each was hardly able to behold it for long. Softly at first, like dark treacle oozing over them, a voice poured into their minds, but then changing in depth and character, it left them in no doubt as to who was the master and from which source it came.
    â€œI am aware of your dilemma,” it said. “Seth and I are adversaries of old, and I know his mind. Do not attempt to confront him; you would be destroyed. He is of a power born of the ancient Evil and can be matched by like power only, which is outside any of your mortal capabilities. Fear not. A way will be found. My mind is turned towards it.”
    They were released as quickly and totally as they had been seized moments earlier, leaving their feeble minds groping and their weak, powerless bodies gasping. The room was again light, and a keen breeze disturbed the silken tapestry by the throne. There, to everyone’s utter amazement, was picked out in gold and silver, a huge capital letter ‘A’ where previously had been woven an ancient hunting scene.
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Chapter Seven
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    The monster-like mouth opened to its fullest extent, its yellow breath pouring over the two terrified and trembling brothers. The creaking and groaning of its protesting hinges had been replaced by a dull scraping of metal along a gritty stone floor. Jimmy’s eyes remained tight shut, anticipating the worst. Tommy, however, preferred to watch the approach of whomever was entering their room with eyes narrowed ready to turn off sight should it not meet his requirements.
    Quiet descended; no sound. Even the door had stopped opening, allowing the silence to grow around them.
    â€œDon’t be afraid,” said a clear ringing voice, which cut through the gloom and oppression like a razor.
    Slowly, like someone awakening from a long sleep, Jimmy opened first one eye, then the other, fully expecting to find that he was either at home after all or taking part in some extraordinary dream. Wasn’t that the smell of frying bacon? And surely, wasn’t that voice familiar? Now, where had he heard ...? What he did see surprised him.
    Two figures, one that of his brother, were silhouetted against the yellow light of the dungeon’s outer room. The other was that of a young girl of about Tommy’s age, to whom he was talking quite excitedly.
    â€œYou need not stay here,” she said with a strange lilting tone. “My uncle is occupied elsewhere, and when he throws his mind back your way, you must not be here.”
    â€œYour uncle, you say?” Tommy asked. “Who is he?”
    â€œWhy, the Lord Seth, of course,” she replied.
    The two boys visibly