Page 180 of The Lost Ones

“There’s a spell stone that the earth witches make but I don’t usually bother with them sorry.” Kysen says as we nudge our horses into a trot.

“Spell stone?” I ask curiously.

“Wow they really didn’t teach you anything did they?” He says incredulously.

“Nope, although we had only been there for a few days before we had to leave so some of this stuff they might have covered.” I reply.

We gave him the short version of events on the ride into town earlier but left some things out that weren’t necessary for him to know.

“I seriously hope so.” He says shaking his head, “Spell stones are well stones, depending on what type they are depends on what sort of spells they can hold. The drying spell is quite common but not everybody can do it, it’s stored in a stone made of citrine, you say a word that triggers the spell and that’s it. They have them for all sorts of things but they can be quite pricey so its normally easier just to do it without magic if you can.”

“That is so cool!” I exclaim unable to help myself.

“Citrine is a kind of gemstone, so I assume that different gemstones are able to contain different spells?” Maverick asks, his eyes alight with happy curiosity.

“Yeah that’s right. Some kinds can be good for more than one use as well but that depends on the strength of the caster. They are also extremely rare so very expensive.” He grins. “The clearing is just through here.”

He leads off of the dirt road and down a path only big enough for one horse at a time even then I have to duck underneath the odd branch. We take a couple more small side paths before we finally get to a small clearing this one is a lot smaller than the one we slept in last night but there’s just about enough room for what we need. Everyone gets off their horses and sets about tying them securely and getting on with the tasks that they all did last night, Kysen fitting right in. It’s obvious that he’s used to this sort of thing.

I stay atop Dave for a second longer just staring up at the incredible trees, I can’t see the top of them not even a hint that’s how tall they are. They’re so beautiful, with their wide jewel green leaves. My smile widens as I spot Knot swooping through the high branches towards me, Ghost’s much larger form flying behind her. Not able to take the same route as Knot’s more slimline form.

They both dive down towards me before smoothly coming to a land on each of my shoulders. Ghost nuzzles the very top of my head with his own, gently pulling at my braid as Knot nudges my cheek gently with her soft head.

“Just where the hell do you think you two have been!?” I exclaim.

I’ve gotten used to Knot disappearing on me but Nyx made out that Ghost wouldn’t want to since he’s new to the whole familiar thing.

“Erm what!?” Kysen asks sounding semi hysterical and just about done with all the new surprises now.

“They’ve been gone since just after we came through the portal, highly unhelpful since Knot at least should know more about this realm than I do.” I reply giving Knot a raised eyebrow look, she nods once and Kysen makes a strange choking noise.

“I think what he meant was more along the lines of, how and why are two massive ravens sat on your shoulders, Titch.” Hunter says sounding amused as he watch me and Kysen.

“That . . .” Kysen says pointing to them as if that will give me more information about what he’s confused about.

“They’re my familars.”

“You have two!?” He asks his voice filled with shock and curiosity before a wide grin crosses his features and he moves closer. “That is so cool, may i?”

He stretches his hand out towards Knot.

“Sure one second let me get down first.” I get off of Dave, Knot and Ghost moving off my shoulders whilst I do so and then settling themselves back down.

You’d think that I’d find them too heavy especially since neither of them are average sized ravens but surprisingly they aren’t at all. I can feel the reassuring weight of them both perched on either shoulder but it’s not uncomfortable and it certainly doesn’t hurt.

I wonder if its my magic or their magic as familiars that has that effect. I hope someday I have someone who I can ask all of these questions because to be honest I’m getting sick of it, please Nyx? I silently beg.

“Soon Daughter, it will all make sense.”Nyx’s voice whispers through my mind a fills me with at least some reassurance.

I smile softly.

“Can I?” Kysen asks.

“Huh?” I reply unsure what he’s talking about.

“Stroke them, is that ok?”

“Oh sure.” I reply and chuckle as they each nuzzle his hands.