Read Online Moonstone, Magic That Binds (Book 1) by Guy Antibes - Free Book Online Page A

about my dream, she thought that my parents were nobles from the continent of Zarron. They brought the Moonstone with them. Highwaymen or more likely assassins, now that I think of it, took their lives shortly after they arrived. Perhaps wizards threw spells at them, because my vision had them holding their hands to their ears. My father gave his boots to the driver, who tossed them into Heron’s Pond. He did that because he slipped the Moonstone into one of the heels. My mother died giving birth to me.
    “I didn’t grow up right, stunted and not thinking straight. Once I touched the stone the first time, I began to grow.  When the princess took it out of my hand I fainted and when I woke my mind had cleared up and it only took a few days to grow to my current height.”
    “I’ve always suspected that you were affected by the spells that had stopped your parents and the Moonstone might have reversed its effects. The Moonstone gives physical and mental strength to a linked pair.  You know Restella also grew a few inches and put on muscle like no woman I’ve ever seen. She’s still not as tall as you, but she can wield a blade rather well.”
    Lotto sat back amazed that Mander Hart had already known of his background.  He felt relieved that his burden had been shared with Mander and that he had already known much of the story. “My goal is to see the stone again and the princess. She is what drew me here and now she’s gone. But I can wait, now that I have a job, thanks to you.”
    “It’s nice to have such a bright young lad around,” Mander said. “I’d like take you to the castle and have Fessano, King Goleto’s wizard, talk to you. I have heard of your parents and, from what I know, they both possessed magical power and it makes sense that you do, too.”
    “Me, a magician?” Lotto shook his head. “Not possible.” He didn’t tell Mander that Jessie had said the same thing. He didn’t want to be a magician. In the books he had read, they were always evil men.
    Mander put his hand on Lotto’s wrist. “It certainly is. You have no idea how to tap into the nexus, if you have Affinity.”
    “But I don’t want to. I don’t want to have anything to do with magical power. It’s only brought death; to my parents and… and whatever happened to me.”
    Mander raised both of his hands. “I’m not asking you to take another job. Just talk to the wizard. He’ll probably know more about the Moonstone in any event. In fact, let’s go right now. We can close the shop and no one will notice.”
    “You can just go into the castle?”
    “I used to be an advisor to the king, but something, uh, happened and now I’m only brought in under special circumstances.” Mander grinned. “I like my new life better, rather than that of a courtier. I can dress and groom as I please.” He stroked his long hair.
    Lotto couldn’t help but laugh.  Mander Hart had an approach to life that was new to Lotto’s experience. He was very happy that he had Mander as a friend and employer. The life experiences that he remembered in Heron’s Pond hadn’t prepared him for Mander Hart, but Lotto felt fortunate to have met the man and now they were going to go the castle!
    ~
    The sun disappeared and the sky turned an ugly dark. Restella noticed how the air stilled. Silver rode up to her side.
    “Looks like a storm. I suggest that you order double covers over the wagons,” he said.
    Restella felt a drop on her nose. “Who do I order?”
    “You can leave it to me, ma’am. We will lose contact with the rest of the column when the road becomes muddy, but the men will appreciate dry tents tonight.”
    “Consider it done.” Restella twisted in the saddle and pulled out her rain cloak. “Hurry,” she said, “the rain will start soon.” Not long after the covers were tied down, rains pelted the army. It took a while for the wagons to catch up to the rest of the column, but she had seen the wisdom of Silver’s recommendation