Jaanis
decided to be the one to answer and he explained all about Gengaruk, his
exploitation of nearby villagers and why he requested an audience. He went on
to explain what happened next and the banishment. “He and his men were escorted
all the way to their new home in the east and due to magic cast around them,
they cannot leave the area.”
“What
about someone going into the area? If they belong to Gengaruk are they
automatically stuck there too? What about anyone Gengaruk’s men brought into
their encampment who isn’t one of their tribe? Wouldn’t they be stuck like the
others?”
“Well,
yes, you see the spells on the tribe are mainly for those wearing the
bracelets. However, the magic is strong enough that anyone entering the area
would be stuck there too.”
“I
have a strong feeling that’s where mother is. I am intuitive and my feelings
are rarely wrong. I think there were more men with Gengaruk who didn’t enter
the throne room, but did come into
the castle. I believe they somehow remained hidden until Gengaruk left the
building with his escort and let them get ahead before they grabbed my mother
and took her there. What do you all think?”
Surprisingly,
it was Bellis who answered. “It’s certainly not outside the realms of
possibility. We had fewer guards in and around the palace as one battalion were
escorting Gengaruk while another two battalions took much needed food,
clothing, and medicine to the northern sector of the country. Anyone with enough
skill to sneak into Garalia’s room would certainly be able to get across the
courtyard and out of the castle grounds without being seen.”
“By
all the gods, I think you may be onto something there,” Jaanis said
thoughtfully. His eyes stared at some distant thing only he could see. When he
returned from his trance, he seemed a little confused and closed his eyes,
shaking his head.
Kailani
knelt beside his throne and held his hand. “Grandfather?” He didn’t respond.
She tried again, this time shaking him. His eyes flew open wide and he looked
down at her. “Grandfather, did you bespell the bangles Gengaruk and his men
have to wear?”
“Yes,
I did.”
“Would
you be able to create one to make me immune to the magic? One I could remove
once I’d returned to the palace?”
“Yes
of course, but why . . .? No! Absolutely not! We have only just found you, dear
Granddaughter, and I will not allow
you to put yourself in danger.” Jaanis stared at Kailani with a stern
expression.
“What
is going on here?” Shivla asked.
“Our
granddaughter has plans to go to The Land of No Souls to try and find Garalia.”
YOU CAN BUY OF ICE AND AIR HERE.
***
Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.
She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. Author of the Heart Search trilogy and Of Ice & Air, she writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.
Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.
She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.
Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter. You can find out more about Carlie and her books on her website.
