An Xmas Adventure

  Tales of the Magi Saga

  By

  Andrew Dobell

  The book is Copyright © to Andrew Dobell, Creative Edge Studios Ltd, 2019.

  No part of this book may be reproduced without prior permission of the copyright holder.

  All locations, events, and characters within this book are either fictitious or have been fictionalised for the purposes of this book.

  Welcome to the Magi Saga

  This is book one of a long, sprawling adventure over several series of books.

  I hope you enjoy reading about the adventures of Amanda and the Magi, as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

  Acknowledgements

  For my Grandfather, who was a continual inspiration and support. I miss you, and this is for you.

  Thank you to my wife and family for their love and tolerance and help. You make everything worthwhile.

  Thank you to my old gaming friends, you guys have inspired this story more than you can know. I have some of the best memories from those hours sitting at the gaming table.

  Thank you to my Editor, Crystal Wren, your input has been amazing.

  Thank you to Vicki Blatchley for being my cover model.

  Dedication

  For my boys, my kids, I love you!

  Language

  I’m a British author living in Britain, and I write in British English with British spellings.;-)

  Booklist

  For a full list of Andrew Dobell's Books, visit his website at:

  http://www.andrewdobellauthor.co.uk/booklist

  Table of Contents

  Welcome to the Magi Saga

  Acknowledgements

  Booklist

  Claws Christmas

  A Market of Darkness

  A Festive Investigation

  Glad Tidings

  North Pole Hustle

  All through the House…

  Claws Christmas

  Deep in the Aetheric Realm, unexpected Magic swirled and pulled at Nikolas. Before he knew it, it took hold of him in a vice-like grip and wouldn’t let go. The tides and eddies of the powerful energy pulled at his very soul, ripping him from the realm that he called home. Colours swirled and streamed past him. The Magic was powerful and could not be denied, no matter how much he resisted.

  His home, such as it was, shot out of view to be replaced by a rippling vortex of Aetheric energy. He felt himself falling, pulled by an inexorable force. With a grunt of effort, he closed his eyes and tried to focus. Drawing on his millennia of experience, he tried to fight it. But no matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he fought against the Magic, it was to no avail. Whoever was behind this knew what they were doing, and there was no resisting it. Instead, with no other choice, Nikolas settled in for the ride. It was far better that he prepare for who or whatever was waiting for him at the other end, than to waste his energy on fighting the process. With a deep breath to calm his nerves, he readied himself for whatever he would face.

  After an indeterminable time that seemed both brief and ages long, he felt something at the edges of his senses, a barrier of sorts, approaching fast.

  Bracing himself, Nikolas gripped the handle of his sword, drew it, and held it ready as the feeling at the edge of his senses grew closer. In a matter of moments, it was upon him. He likened the feeling to being plunged into a pool of water. The barrier let him through with minimal resistance.

  The air around him changed, and he knew he was far from home. Everything seemed coarser and rougher, both fresher but also not, and it was a feeling that he recognised. It stirred memories in the oldest part of his mind, memories Nikolas thought he'd long since forgotten. Deep down, part of him knew where he was, but he didn't quite want to admit it to himself just yet.

  Somehow in the chaos of the flight through the Aetheric Realm, he'd managed to orientate himself and miraculously landed on his feet. He crouched on one knee with his sword planted into the ground and his eyes closed.

  He feared where he’d appeared. He feared to admit it to himself, hoping that it wasn't true. But as the biting cold air chilled him to his soul, Nikolas opened his eyes and took in the world around him.

  Sure enough, it was as he’d thought. He was back in the world he'd left behind so long ago. He was back on Earth, back in the Material Realm.

  And he was not alone.

  Slowly, Nikolas raised his head and looked into a pair of familiar bloodshot eyes. He'd seen these eyes many times before, and in all honesty, it wasn't a surprise to see them here, at the other end of this Magical journey. Only one creature would be mad enough to do this, and that creature stood before him, leering down at him, grinning like the mad beast that it was.

  “It's good to see you, Nikolas,” the monster grunted.

  “I wish I could say the same,” Nikolas replied, peering up at the thing through narrowed eyes.

  Around him, Essentia swirled as the creature's Magic faded into the background energy. Nikolas raised himself up and took in his surroundings. He was standing in the centre of some kind of ice and snow-encrusted courtyard, and behind his nemesis was a legion of slathering, cackling demonic creatures, each of them watching him with hungry eyes.

  Even surrounded by tall walls and towers, the protection they gave from the elements was limited. The cold was really starting to bite, despite his Magical nature. He knew enough Magic to protect himself from such extremes should he need to, but he doubted he’d be given the opportunity to cast it. But as much of a worry as the cold was, it paled in comparison to the situation he found himself in.

  Biting his lip, Nikolas refocused on the creature. “Why did you bring us here? This is madness. Do you have a death wish?”

  “Only one of us will die this night, Nikolas,” the creature growled, its sparse fur and great horns coated in flecks of snow. “And it’s not me.”

  Nikolas grimaced. That last line felt redundant, but critical thinking had never been the creature’s strong suit.

  Adjusting the grip on his blade, Nikolas tensed, readying himself for what was undoubtedly to come. “Then, don’t keep me waiting, or the cold will beat you to it.”

  The creature grunted and then with incredible speed, lunged at him. Where his claws flashed through the air, streaks of fire arced towards him. Nikolas saw the attack coming and dodged. The creature was fast, but so was he. Skipping back onto better footing, Nikolas swung his blade. Essentia coursed through it, making it flash with energy as a Magical frost covered the metal.

  With a burst of flame, a seven-foot-tall black pitchfork appeared in the creature's hands. He slammed the butt of the weapon into the floor, blocking his strike. Their weapons rang like bells as they clashed, echoing around the courtyard.

  The sound acted like a dinner bell as the small army of Goblins surged forward. Nikolas swung his blade around him, chopping down any who got too close. Summoning the Magical energy of this realm, he blasted them with ice, sending shards of it into the enemy, but it would just be a matter of time before they overwhelmed him, and here, in the Material Realm, the physical effects would result in dire consequences.

  Nearby, his nemesis watched, leering at him and laughing at his efforts to fend off the Goblins. He knew as well as Nikolas did that things would not go well for him. There was no other option, he needed escape, to fight another day and make use of this newly traversable veil into the Aetheric Realm.

  Summoning his power, Nikolas chanted the words he needed and called upon the spirit inside him, channelling its raw power. Essentia gathered and swirled, and then it snapped and faded.

  Nothing happened.

  Nikolas looked up, sensing a new power, and saw his nemesis sneering at him, holding his fist close to his face. On his middle finger, a ring glowed with Magical energy that reached into the Aetheric and solidified that barrier.

  He couldn’t leave. They’d trapped him here.

  There was no escape.

  In a moment of despair, Nikolas faltered, and the Goblins made the most of it. They leapt, hitting and knocking him flat, their claws ripping at his fur coat and the flesh beneath. Nikolas cried out in pain.

  A loud whooshing, like the great flapping of wings, filled the air as inhuman shouts and yells surrounded him.

  Were they his own? Were they coming from the Goblins? What was going on?

  Delirious with blood loss and pain, he sensed movement and the rush of air. The ripping of claws was replaced with the biting of the cold once more, and then darkness took him.

  A Market of Darkness

  Holding the disposable cup with both hands, Katy enjoyed the warmth and aroma of the mulled wine within as it soothed her chilled fingers. She took a sip and savoured the hot, spiced drink with its rich flavour.

  This, and coming here with Emily, was a nice dose of normality, away from the Magical craziness of the Academy. Yuki, Felix, Titus and Dana had all chosen to head home for the Christmas break to spend time with their families before returning for the spring term.

  It was funny because since the Red Witch incident had drawn to a close things had calmed down at the Academy now that she was no longer dealing with murderous ghosts out to kill her and her friends. Unfortunately, she still had to deal with idiots like Mikayla and her sycophants, but that was endlessly preferable to the Red Witch.

  And so, she’d chosen to come home, back to London and spend some time with her much-neglected family and friends.

  She glanced over at her friend, Emily, and smiled as they walked a
long the winter-chilled streets of London. They’d been close for years, sharing anything and everything with each other, but things had changed in the last couple of years, and she wondered if they’d ever be so close again. She had a whole new life that Emily had no idea about.

  She couldn’t tell Emily about it either. How could she? Where would she even begin? It sounded crazy, even to her, and she was the one who could use Magic. It was dangerous to draw an oblivious Riven into this world, and they’d been warned against such things since day one. They were safer not knowing and living in ignorance of the Magi and other things living in their midst.

  Emily wasn’t an idiot, though, and had obviously picked up on the change in her friend. She’d been asking probing questions about Katy’s life at this new boarding school, and although Katy had prepared a story in her head, complete with half-truths and absolute lies, she’d already convinced herself that it sounded fake. Had Emily picked up on that?

  Even if she had, better that than being torn to bits by a werewolf, she guessed.

  Still, she was determined to try and have a good time and enjoy the festive period.

  “How’s the mulled wine?” Emily asked, sipping her own.

  “Good. Really good. I’m not sure I’ve had it before.”

  Emily laughed. “You’re such an ignoramus. How have you never had mulled wine before?”

  Katy shrugged, smiling. “I don’t know. I just haven’t. It’s nice.”

  “I know it’s nice.” Emily shook her head. “Oh dear, you’ve led a sheltered life.”

  Katy snorted and nearly choked on her drink. If only Emily knew. After a brief coughing fit, she got control of herself. “You’re just trying to get me drunk, to find out about the guys at my school, right?”

  “Of course, I want to know all the juicy details.”

  “Are you looking for me to fix you up with someone?” Katy teased.

  “No. I’m spoken for, remember.” Her mock expression of surprise mellowed and shifted into something more conspiratorial. “But that doesn’t stop me from asking questions. You have a boyfriend, right?”

  “Yeah,” Katy admitted, thinking of Titus with his dark hair and chiselled good looks. She always enjoyed thinking about him. “Titus.”

  “Titus? What a name.”

  Katy smirked. “It’s a nice name.”

  “It’s a pretentious name.”

  Katy went to object but found she agreed with Emily. “Yeah, maybe. But it suits him. Wait till you see him.”

  “He’s a looker then, is he?”

  Katy shrugged, feigning ambivalence. “He’ll do.”

  She laughed. “Oooh, let’s go in here,” Emily suggested and pulled on Katy’s sleeve.

  They were in Covent Garden on the final day of its Christmas Market and had been soaking up the atmosphere of the stalls and the street acts that used this place to perform. They’d already watched an impressive magician and a trio of musicians, but they were keen to get a little shopping in before they found a place for lunch.

  Emily pulled her towards the entrance for the Jubilee Market Hall, a covered market on the ground floor of a building on the south side of Covent Garden.

  “Oooh, it’s good to get out of the cold, isn’t it.”

  “Yeah,” Katy agreed, but found herself distracted by a feeling at the edge of her senses.

  As a Magus, she could sense Magical energies. She could feel the ebb and flow of Essentia as other Magi, or supernatural creatures, used their powers, and if she wasn’t very much mistaken, something or someone was in here.

  The market was bustling with people, making navigating the gaps between the stalls a slow process that involved sacrificing any personal space you might have, as people pushed and squeezed past.

  As they moved deeper into the market hall, Katy sensed she was nearing the source. Working some Magic of her own, she used her Aetheric senses to see Essentia and Magic and started scanning around. As her senses expanded, the world around her burst into vivid colours; a thin golden mist hung in the air, permeating everything. This was Essentia, the exotic energy that fuelled both life and Magic.

  As she pressed through the crowded space, she started to wonder, was she in danger? Was Emily in danger?

  It was reasonable to believe that if she, as a young, Novice Magus, could sense the Magic of someone else, they would likely sense her too, which could spell danger to those nearby. It depended on who or what ended up being the source of the energies, but she reasoned it would be wise to assume the worst and hope for the best.

  “Oooh, I want to have a look at that stall over there,” Emily said, pointing the opposite way to where Katy sensed the Magic.

  Grabbing the opportunity, she called after her friend, “I’m going to look over here.” She pointed to a random stall not too far from where she would be really going.

  “What?”

  But Katy was already slipping through a gap in the crowd. “I’ll meet you over there,” Katy said over the heads of several people before she turned and focused on the fading energies. She couldn’t see anything yet, but as she approached a gap between some stalls, there was a sudden and brand-new flare of Essentia. The glowing, golden mist pulsed as a wave rippled through it.

  Someone had just used Magic.

  Unconsciously, the crowd moved away from the casting, somehow sensing something wasn’t right over there and keeping well away. It was something Riven did without really thinking, and it allowed the Magi to work in the shadows more easily than they otherwise might.

  Katy slipped through the gap, sensing a Magical effect in place just ahead and around a corner. The Magic felt simple enough, clumsy even, and probably within her own capabilities. It weaved the local sound waves to the caster's whim. Luckily, there was no Aegis in place, and Katy could pass through the edge of the area of effect without impediment.

  Once inside the area of effect, she heard it, shouting and screaming. The caster of this Magic was hiding these noises from the people in the market.

  Katy paused and wondered if she should do this. She’d not been a Magus for long, and her abilities were nothing like what she’d seen some of her teachers demonstrate, but as far as she knew, she was the only one in a position to do anything.

  After a moment's concentration, Katy summoned her own Magical willpower and infused her Aegis with Essentia in the hope that her Magical shield might protect her. With that in place, she readied an attack and walked up a short corridor that turned a hard right up ahead.

  This was a corridor leading to the restrooms, but right now, no doubt influenced by the presence of Magic, no one nearby wanted the toilet or could find it.

  Katy ran to the right-hand turn and tensed as she stared up the hallway.

  Surprised by the sight ahead of her, she blinked in shock. A pair of grey, inhuman creatures that looked like something from the Lord of the Rings but with greatly exaggerated features grappled with a child of about five years.

  “What the hell?” She said it without thinking, and the three faces turned to gape at her.

  “Help! Help me,” the child shouted, crying hysterically.

  “Get her,” one of the creatures grunted in a rough but high-pitched voice. They were about the same size as the child but spindly with long arms, legs, noses and long pointed ears. For want of a better word, she thought they looked like Goblins.

  One of the creatures snarled and bounded towards her, its claws flashing in the harsh artificial light of the hall. Concentrating on her Magic, Katy whipped her hand forward. Her Magic took hold of the kinetic energy in the swing of her arm and transformed it. There was a flash of blinding light as a bolt of powerful electricity ripped from her hand and hit the Goblin full in the chest.

  It yelled in pain but kept coming and swiped at her. Its claws raked across her arm, cutting into her flesh as she kicked at the thing in a wild and unplanned reaction. Her foot connected, and the thing stumbled back, yelling as Magic flared further up the corridor.

  Desperate to save the child, Katy worked her Magic again, swinging both arms in tandem and summoning the Magical lightning for a second time.