The Magic Within

The Magic Within

and

The Tale of the Two Queens

Copyright 2016 S.C. Banhete

Published by S.C. Banhete at Smashwords

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Table of Contents

Chapter I - Now and Then

Chapter II - New Beginnings

Chapter III - Weird Things

Chapter IV - Cohabitation

Chapter V - Revelations

Chapter VI - Some more News

Chapter VII - Sweet and Sour

Chapter VIII - The First Show

Chapter IX - The Kitten Dies

Chapter X - The Lion Rises

Chapter XI - Change of Perspective

Chapter XII - Everything Changes

Chapter XIII - Darcy

Chapter XIV - Ups and Downs

Chapter XV - Starting Point

Chapter XVI - To the Queen

Chapter XVII - Layung

Chapter XVIII - Secrets

Chapter XIX - Frustration

Chapter XX - New Tricks

Chapter XXI - Alone

Chapter XXII - The Overwhelming Truth

Chapter XXIII - Fighting Back

Chapter XXIV - Cause and Consequence

Chapter XXV - This is Only the Beginning

Chapter XXVI - A Royal Wedding

Bonus Story - The Tale of the Two Queens

Thank You!

About the Author

Other Titles by S.C. Banhete

Talk to Me!

Chapter I – Now and Then

Evander was once a warrior. A very powerful warrior. He was the one who led the rebel's finest troops into the dungeons underneath the castle the Dark Queen had taken to free the Shifters from captivity. He was the one who led the troops to victory.

Now, four hundred years had passed, his kingdom was a different place and he was a different person. Now he was just an artist, pleasing the masses with one of his many hidden talents: his angelic voice.

Gone were the days of swordfights, fireballs flying over his head and desperate cries of hopeless people.

The world was at peace now. Although not everything was quite alright. The Shifters had disappeared from sight and sometimes he couldn’t help but feel like all that he had done in the past amounted to nothing.

I lost a fucking leg that day! he says to his best friend, Aliz I lost men in that battle. Good men with families and lives of their own! All because of them! They just disappeared! Without a word!

I understand what you're feeling Ev, but Shifters were never a kind to fight for anything. You know that. Besides, you can’t sum up all that you did in The Last War to that one day! You saved our kingdom, our people!

Evander lets a sad sigh escape his lips, while running a hand through his dark hair.

I know, sorry for venting on you. But this mystery makes me so frustrated… And my leg hurts.

Talk about phantom limb syndrome! She jokes It's been almost four centuries.

My leg always hurts when something is about to happen. Something serious. he says, somber.

I know. And you know you can count on me for whatever you need, don't you?

Yes, of course. I thank the Providence every day for choosing you to be born with Magic. Evander says, hugging Aliz really tight.

It's time for his show and his fans are waiting, so Evander takes a deep breath, smoothing out wrinkles in his costume, the wine colored vintage suit with a white frilled shirt and tight brown trousers with knee length boots.

You look amazing, as always. Aliz says pushing him out of the dressing room.

As soon as he leaves, she closes the door behind her and goes to sit on one of the comfortable couches. She ought to be prepared when Evander's phantom leg hurts, for soon she will see what he feels is coming.

Soon enough the vision takes form behind her eyelids. It’s a little indistinct, as all visions happen to be, but it's nothing bad. At least for now.

An hour later, when Aliz has already reestablished from the draining vision, Evander goes back to the dressing room, with a startled look in his eyes.

Is Pete alright? She asks right away.

He's not dead, which is great in itself, but he won't be able to come on tour with us. His leg is broken in three places. New went to the hospital with him.

Who would have guessed that a move he pulls every single night would turn out so wrong...

Can't you fix his leg? Evander asks, hopefully.

"Well, I could. If he knew about me and if it wasn’t going to interfere with the plans of the Providence.

Oh! That's why my leg's hurting then... He settles beside her, taking his top hat off. What else did you see?

You're supposed to get a new bass player.

No?! He mocks Really?

Aliz glares at him for a long minute until Evander apologizes A young blond man will come and he's important.

Important how?

I don't know. She shrugs. I only know that he is and that you're supposed to protect him.

Ok... That's more than the Providence has never shown us before. What's his name?

I don't work with names Evander, you know that. It took me an entire year at the Academy to figure out it was you who I was supposed to become joined at the hips, remember?!

Depths if I don't! The singer laughs remembering those good old days of his infancy when he and Aliz had become part of each other’s lives.

Everything was easier then. Not easy only in the way childhood usually is, but easy in the way that no one feared Magic and the ones who are born with it. People with Magic ruled the land because they were entitled to it by the Providence and there was no poverty or famish. There wasn’t a single person in need.

Evander and Aliz, together with half a dozen other kids, were trusted to the Mage Academy by their families to become what they were meant to be. He was an innate warrior and her, a powerful healer and seer.

Together, they studied and later, when the Dark Queen took the land by storm ravishing the peaceful balance and destroying everything in the kingdom, they fought against her side by side. They lost friends in that war, and although they won, the wound would never heal completely, even four hundred years later. And that was why, every once in awhile, Evander would feel a need to talk about those days.

He had been summoned by the Red Queen, the most powerful sorceress to born in a thousand years.

My dearest Evander! I’m yet to thank you for saving my life yesterday. She said, once he kneeled before her, inside her chambers in the secluded castle to where she was forced to flee.

Assuring your safety is my sacred duty, Your Majesty.

My gratitude is yours, anyway. Rise now, my brave warrior, for I have yet another quest for you.

My life is yours, M’lady.

I must ask for you to once again venture into the dungeons of the fallen castle, for the usurper has an entire kind of our people in captivity.

The Shifter People. I’ve heard that she has them. May I ask why the usurper wants them?

I don’t know, brave warrior, but no good can come from it. I count on you and your troops to free them.

Evander bowed again and left, promising a victory to his queen.

And a victory he gave her.

It was an ugly, violent battle once the Dark Queen’s army noticed their invasion. Evander’s troops were close to leading the prisoners back to freedom when the soldiers made of stone surrounded them.

In a desperate attempt to lead the Shifters to safety and away from the battle, Evander had cast a spell to freeze time around him, so Aliz could flee with them. The stone golems were stronger than the warrior had anticipated, though and not all of them were affected by his Magic, and that was when Evander lost his left leg to a sharp curved blade.

No one had trained him for when his Magic fails and panic threatened to overtake him, but somehow he managed to hide in a corner for enough time to make his leg stop bleeding with a healing spell and using a broken spear to support himself, he went back to the battle, assuring their victory.

As soon as the last soldier fell at his feet, Evander collapsed, losing his senses. When he woke up, Aliz was hovering over his body, a concerned look in her beautiful green eyes.

Oh, you’re awake! Thank Goodness! She said, squeezing his hand. How are you feeling, dearest?

Feels like my head is stuffed with cotton… What happened? He tried to sit, but she kept him lying with a firm hand on his chest. We lost?

Of course not. Don’t be silly, but… Aliz exhaled a long breath and took a seat beside his bed. The Shifters are gone and… You lost your leg…

They are gone? How? Why?

I don’t know why… As soon as we reached the woods, they shifted and disappeared among the trees. And they are impossible to track, so…

My men, are they alright?

A shadow covered Aliz’s eyes and Evander knew something was wrong.

We lost… Sam, Taylor and Sasha. Her voice was broken and a thick jade colored tear ran across her face.

Damned be the usurper and her thirst for power! Evander was crying as well, while sitting up to take his friend in his arms. We’ll avenge them! I swear to you, Aliz! Our friends’ deaths won’t be in vain!

I know. We’ll take her down and give our land back to the Red Queen, as it should be. They will be avenged when peace rules our kingdom again!

From your lips, my brave warriors! They turned their heads to see the Queen entering the room. She was a beautiful woman, even in her sorrow and the serenity in her features never failed to bring peace to the ones around her. How are you feeling my dearest Evander?

Ready for battle, M’Lady. He assured. What are your orders?

For now, rest and heal, Evander. The Shifters’ flight frustrated my plans, so now I need to rethink everything.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

The Queen left and Aliz turned back to Evander. What were you thinking, offering yourself for battle? You lost a damn leg, Evander!

Can’t you make it grow back?

I’ve tried! She said, exasperatedly, sitting back in the chair. And our queen has tried too. We even tried it together! But there’s something blocking the Magic… I don’t know… I… I’m sorry, Evander.

Don’t be sad! Hey, look at me Aliz! Evander reached for her chin, tilting her head up. It’s fine. I’ll get used to it. I can even transform my sword into a crutch… He joked, smiling as brightly as he could at that moment.

That won’t be necessary my Lord Warrior! A happy voice said behind them.

They turned around once again to see a small, puny man with a bald head and big nose entering the room.

Master Goldsmith, what can we do for you? Aliz asked, wiping away her tears.

It’s more what I can do for you, my Lady Healer. The old man said, with a smile. Better saying, what I can do for our most valorous warrior.

Can you make my leg grow back? Evander mocked.

That, unfortunately, I cannot do. But I can give you a new one. Ignoring the astonished looks on the two warriors’ faces, the goldsmith continued: One that you’ll be able to link with the rest of your body, my lord. It will be like nothing ever happened.

Great! Get on with it then!

With a broad smile on his face, the goldsmith opened his huge suitcase, laid on a table and rolled his sleeves to his elbows. First of all, I’ll have to take your measurements. If you’ll excuse us, milady…

Aliz looked back at Evander, with her brows raised and an amused smile.

There’s no need for her to leave.

The goldsmith shrugged and requested Evander to remove his bottoms so he could measure the width of what was left of his thigh, the length of the healthy leg and the size of his foot.

To look at the stump his leg had become, both terrified and amazed Evander. It had been a clean, even cut and his skin showed dark spiral marks.

Soon enough, the goldsmith declared his job done and left to go to his workshop.

Were those marks caused by the blade that cut my leg off? He asked Aliz, as soon as they were alone again.

I think it was. My guess is that that sword was meant for your heart or head and it was enchanted with a blocking spell, so we couldn’t revive you, that’s why I can’t make your leg grow again.

Someone put a lot of thought in killing me and keeping me dead… he muttered to himself.

Well, of course. You will be the demise of the Dark Queen and she knows that.

I wouldn’t do anything by myself, Aliz. I need you by my side and my men…

You’re our head and our heart, Evander. We wouldn’t be anything without you.

Well, thank the Providence we won’t need to prove that point anytime soon.

It would have been easier if the troops could have counted on the help of the Shifters and their Nature bending Magic, but the Red Queen’s troops defeated the usurper’s henchmen for good and Evander felt pride in taking the Dark Queen’s head to his sovereign.

The Red Queen was restored to her rightful place and together with what was left of her people; she began the slow task of rebuilding the kingdom.

Only then did Evander and Aliz let themselves mourn their fallen friends, creating a huge monument at the central square of the Red Castle where their names would shine forever, as would their souls among the stars in the dark night sky.

Chapter II – New Beginnings

Surprisingly enough, Tommy’s not nervous about his audition. Normally he would be, but when he woke up that very morning, he felt a relaxing confidence. A feeling that everything would be alright.

He needs this gig, of course, he would be dead in a month if he stayed in that dead end job riding a desk through a sea of paperwork, but somehow, he knows he will get it.

Tommy had seen photos of the star that was looking for a new bass player. He was tall, dark haired; with a muscled body and expressive eyes and something in those eyes makes Tommy feel they could be great friends.

So, he’s smiling as he climbs the few steps to the building, his bass in a case over his shoulder.

There were quite a few candidates, all of them looking rather nervous. Tommy smiles broadly and takes a seat at the end of the line.

Not five minutes later a beautiful woman with long, curly golden hair and expressive eyes opens a door and smiles to the various people in the room. Tommy notices that she’s taking her time to make eye contact with every one of them and so, he also notices that her eyes were of a bright green that turned even brighter when they met with his.

Good morning everyone and thank you for coming. The auditions will start in a few minutes. You’ll be playing the National Anthem for our evaluation. Anyone need sheet music for that?

No one says a thing, so she claps her hands once. Great. I’ll be calling you in application order, so let me see… She flicks her eyes through a piece of paper on her clipboard. Caleb Saunders, Charity Thompson and Tommy Sabberton. Tommy raises his hand along with the others. Do you need time to rehearse a little?

The other two say yes and smile gratefully to the woman, but Tommy shakes his head. I’m good. Can I come in?

Her big smile becomes even bigger and she nods. Come with me, please. My name is Aliz, by the way.

I know. You’re Evander’s best friend and tour manager. Which means, you call the shots.

I like you already. C’mon in!

He follows her through a short hallway and then into a large room with musical instruments scattered all around. There were three chairs and a little amp at the center. Sit down and get ready. Evander will be here soon.

Shouldn’t he be here already? He asks, playfully.

Yeah, he should. But Evander can’t get anywhere on time, not even if his life depended on it.

And trust me, it already did.

Tommy turns to the voice then and it’s like all planets have aligned and the angels descended from the Plains bringing the moon and the sun. His cool attitude vanishes and he feels a lump in his throat.

Which one of them are you? Evander asks him, reaching forward to shake his hand.

And it’s with utter horror that Tommy hears himself say I’m the right one.

Evander’s brows shot up, as Aliz’s do and the two friends exchange glances. Is that so? Alright then. And what’s your name, beautiful? Evander says.

Tommy, sir. My name is Tommy.

Evander wasn’t planning to be late for the auditions, but he’s glad he was, because he had the opportunity to observe the young man Aliz brought with her, without being noticed. He’s small and thin, with a perfectly combed blond fringe falling over his eyes that, surprisingly, were heavily made up. His voice was strong, but not too low and his smile was charming, but above all, he transpired confidence.

Evander likes that instantly and prays to the Providence for this guy to be the one he’s destined to protect.

Shouldn’t he be here already? The singer hears the other ask. He has sass too!

Amused, he enters the room while Aliz says Yeah, he should. But Evander can’t get anywhere on time, not even if his life depended on it.

And trust me, it already did. He interrupts laughing, but then his eyes lock into the brown ones of the musician and he’s sure. This is the young blond man in his destiny. He’s looking back at Evander with widened eyes and arched eyebrows; it’s adorable and not very different from when he meets one of his fans, but somehow, it is. He knows. The sparkle of recognition is there, but not the understanding… What does he know?

Which one of them are you? Evander asks, shaking his hand.

I’m the right one. The blond says without a spare thought and seems as confused as Evander.

The singer exchanges glances with his friend and then looks back at the bass player, who doesn’t look that confident anymore. Is that so? Evander says. Alright then. And what’s your name, beautiful?

Tommy, sir. My name is Tommy.

Tommy… Cute name. Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. I would like to ask a few questions while you prepare to play, if you don’t mind.

Shoot. He says, with a shy smile.

Evander takes his time to observe him get his bass out of its case and sit down to plug into the amp.

So, where are you from?

I live in Holls, but was born up north.

Near the Old Capital?

Right behind the old Red Castle, actually. Tommy says, with a nostalgic smile. My mom and sister still live there.

I’m sure it’s in your application form but, how old are you?

Just turned 30, sir.

Cut this sir thing out, ok? I’m Evander. Tommy smiles brightly at him then. But, if you’re going to lie about your age, I suggest 25. You wouldn’t pass for 30 years old in a million years.

Says the guy who claims to be 529 years old. Tommy retorts, cheeky.

You did your research. Bravo. Evander applauds sarcastically That’s my character, since I’m supposed to be a bard from the past and all that. And it was a compliment.

Tommy rises his head up from his bass and blinks stupidly to the singer. I… ah… thank you, Evander. And I’m sorry.

That’s ok. I appreciate someone who can keep up with me in a sarcastic conversation. Now, if you don’t mind, Aliz and I would like to hear you play.

Now you remember I’m here? she snarls, rolling her eyes. Go ahead, Tommy.

As he plays, Tommy gets more and more relaxed, going back to the calming confidence from earlier. He knows the song by heart since that is what’s expected of true citizens, but most of all, he loves their National Anthem, that speaks of the glories of the past and plans for a bright future.

I think that’s enough Aliz says and he can hear a smile in her voice. Evander just hums beside her.

I can play something else if you’re not convinced… Anything you want.

That won’t… She starts saying, but Evander interrupts her.

Can you play one of my songs?

Tommy shifts his gaze to the singer, measuring forces with him. He wasn’t expecting that audition to be easy, Evander is one of the most successful artists of their time after all, but something was wrong. Tommy’s getting the feeling that Evander wants him to fail. Well, he thinks, challenge accepted pretty boy. You’ll have to find someone better than me if you don’t want me around.

Which one? He says, after a short silence and with a grin on his face.

Whichever you want. Surprise me. The singer shrugs. By his side, Aliz’s looking at him dumbfounded.

As you wish.

He starts then with one of Evander’s first hits, that’s one of Tommy’s favorite songs ever and speaks of a land of Magic and peace from a long time ago. Before he notices, he’d engaged in a complex medley of almost all of Evander’s songs.

Suddenly, his concentration is disturbed by the sound of laughter. A loud, cracking, satisfied laugh. He looks up to see Evander on his feet, clapping and laughing; Aliz’s still seated, looking at him with a very pleased look, almost as if she knew what was going to happen.

That’s definitely enough! Evander says, with a wide smile on his face You’ve more than surprised me! Ally, do you think we need to see the others?

Need? No. But we must. She says, standing up too.

Evander seems a little annoyed by that if the way his mouth curves in a snarl is any indication.

What does that mean? Tommy risks asking, his voice hopeful, but uncertain.

It means you got the job, dear, Aliz says, smiling at him.

If you decide to take it, of course. I can be a pain in the ass to work with and am very demanding of my musicians Evander adds, his strong, tattooed arms crossed over the broad chest.

I think I can deal with that. Tommy shots back and reaches down to unplug his bass. When do I start?

Soon. We’re starting the tour in the central territory in two weeks and although apparently you don’t need to learn my songs, you must get comfortable with everyone. It makes all the travel easier, you know? Tommy nods And we need to know if you can play with the rest of the band.

I’m pretty easy going. Just don’t ask me too many questions in the morning and everything will be fine.

My kind of person, Aliz mutters under her breath and then smiles. I’ll call you with the details then. Probably tomorrow.

Perfect. I’ll wait. Tommy shakes Aliz’s hand and turns to Evander. See you soon, boss! He says and winks, before turning around and disappearing through the door.

This one is something else… He hears Evander say and wishes he knew what that meant.

The travel back home is long and tiring on the old intercity bus. His head is pounding with the smell of cigarettes inside the bus, making him wonder why that’s permitted. He looks through his window to see the profusion of poor, ill-constructed houses along the road. There were so many things wrong in his country! Tommy just wishes he could do something about them. He wishes he could make a difference.

Help one person at a time and you’ll make the difference in their lives. It’s almost like he can hear his mother’s voice in his head and that’s why, when he gets off the bus in Holls’ Central Station, he pays for the whole bucket of silk flowers that a young, too skinny girl, is selling. The gratitude in her eyes causes a lump to form in his throat.

When he gets home, his phone is ringing and he runs through his tiny apartment to pick it up.

Hi baby! I’ve been calling you for hours!

Hey mom! Sorry, I just got home.

I figured, but I couldn’t wait. How did it go, then?

Tommy feels a dumb smile curving his lips.

I got the job! He shouts, falling heavily on his couch.

Oh thank Goodness! Blessed! Blessed be this man!

Who? Evander? Mom, I know you’re a fan, but…

I know. I know. You deserve it for your own talents but I just… I’m just so happy that you’ll be with him and his friends! You’ll be safe now…

Safe? Mom, what’re you talking about?

Nothing. Nothing at all She rushes to say and Tommy can’t help but think how odd his mom’s statement was. Don’t mind me. I’m really happy for you, baby. Diane will be too.

She’s not home, yet? Tommy looks at the clock in the wall. There’s a time difference of one hour between Holls and the Old Capital and Diane should be home by now. It must be almost nine o’clock up there.

No. Things are a little complicated around here. We were robbed at the bakery last week and…

Wait! What? You got robbed? Mom, are you alright? Why didn’t you tell me? Furious, Tommy gets up from the couch and starts pacing around his small living room.

I didn’t want you to worry about us, dear. We’re fine. They only took some money, no harm done.

Only… Fuck, mom!

Language, Thomas!

Sorry mom… But…

See, that’s why I didn’t tell you! There’s no need for you to get so upset, baby… What’s done, is done.

I don’t want you two living alone up there anymore! Come live with me in Holls, please!

Is it so much better than the Old Capital? His mother questions and for a moment, Tommy doesn’t know what to say. Of course, it’s not better. It’s the same shit that the entire country is becoming. Crimes, violence, hopelessness…

At least I would be able to take care of you… he says weakly.

You’re such a good soul, my boy! Don’t worry about us, though. We have the bakery and our neighbors. Everything’s going to be just fine. Plus, you’ll be traveling around the five territories in no time and we would be alone in a strange city.

He can’t argue with that, so Tommy says nothing for awhile.

Don’t stress yourself with the things you can’t change, baby. Just focus on your life from now on and when the band comes up here, come pay us a visit, alright?

Of course, mom. I’ll get you and Diane a private meeting with Evander.

You better bring him home so I can cook for him!

Of course! He laughs fondly and runs a hand through his hair. I need to go now, mom. I’m really tired.

Yes, yes. Go to bed, baby. Call me soon, ok? Love you.

Love you too mom.

Tommy has one foot out of the shower stall when his phone starts ringing again. Wrapping a towel around his tiny waist, he runs back to the living room, frowning at the clock. Who would call him at this hour?

Hello?

Why in the Depths don’t you have a cell phone?

Evander?

Yes, it’s me…

Tommy’s heart skips a beat then, already waiting for the news that Evander found a better bass player.

Is everything alright? He forces himself to ask It’s late and I…

Oh! Damn it! I’m sorry! Did I wake you up?

No, no. I was in the shower… I… What can I do for you, boss? Or you’re calling me to say that you’ve found someone else?

What? No! No, no, no, no… Evander blurts out, making Tommy laugh. We just finished the auditions and I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell you that it’s official. You work for me now.

Oh! That’s great! Thank you, Evander. I know it will be great to work with you.

I have no doubt about this, but there’s one little issue.

What? What!!

We’ll start rehearsing tomorrow. There will be long work hours for at least two weeks and Holls is just too far away for you to come and go every day.

You want me to move to the Capital?

That would be good, yes.

I’m sorry Evander but I barely make enough money to keep my studio here in Holls, I couldn’t afford even a shoebox in the Capital…

That’s no problem at all. You’ll move in with me.

What? No! That’s not…

Tommy, listen to me! I want you in my band and for that, I need you nearby. I have a big house with more space than I can use so, what’s the problem?

But that would be weird… I mean, we barely know each other.

Something that won’t be a problem for much longer, you moving in or not.

After a few moments of silence, Tommy releases a loud breath and says: I guess you’re right… Ok, but I’ll pay you rent. You can deduct it from my paycheck. Evander tries to counter but Tommy cuts him off. "Evander, please! I really want this job, but what