The Owl Diaries DIVONNA
T.W.HEBERTSON
Copyright 2012 by T.W.Hebertson
Smashwords Edition
The howling wind died abruptly, beyond the heavily barred reinforced doors of the great hall. The creaking trees outside became utterly lifeless. No crickets or insects announced their melodious proclamations of nocturnal activity. It was dead silent. Evaria tried to hear beyond the soft ringing of age, in her ears. A single candle flickered dimly in the black surroundings of the giant gathering room and stone corridor. All alone and through sleepy eyes, Evaria saw peripheral shadows move across her dark bedroom wall. Am I seeing things again? She was no stranger to the supernatural but this was different. The fine nape hairs on her neck rose like the undead. I need Taudfre. She wished Taudfre had not stayed in Cottonwood Heights, at Marcham’s home, up in the tree village. Having always enjoyed the canyon’s seclusion, she had peace of mind in knowing her dwelling was the only singular residence high up in the Bella, she now thought otherwise. She pretended to be asleep, her face half covered by the heavy goose-down blanket. She focused through the doorway and was sure she saw a shade’s hand remove itself from the threshold. She froze. Cold sweat freed goose bumps on her body. She was frightened. Her heartbeat increased waiting for some supernatural encounter to come barging in. It never came. The candle reflection danced agitatedly. She could not sleep this one out. Quietly, she slipped off the bed, horizontally to the floor. The stone-tiled ground was uninvitingly cold on her hands and bare feet, raising her goose bumps even higher. She crawled over to her tall armoire, nervously. Slowly she reached around the backside of the oak furniture for the silver staff, but it was missing. She searched again, reaching farther. Gone! Someone or something had taken it. Impossible. She was sure it was there the night before last. CLANK! Something dropped and rolled, what sounded to be from the armory. Someone is here! She steadily opened the bottom armoire drawer and retrieved her twisted metal handle wave bladed dagger. What good would this do against a spirit? False confidence inspired her feet forward. She peered around the door frame, ready to launch the dagger’s bite. Sliding against the rock wall, she reached the alcove to the great hall and felt exposed by the singular flame. She walked backwards to hide into the shadows as something cold and unseen raced behind her with a sounded whisper, hair brushing forward. She screamed. The candle blew out leaving her in encompassing darkness. She did not move. Whispering voices began to precede from the blackness ahead of her, hovering in the air, closer and closer. Get a grip Evaria you’re an elohmancer! She mustered the courage to ignite the great hearth in the middle of the room, dagger poised, “Incendium!” she yelled. The great hearth ignited as flames jumped into the air, wall torches throughout the dwelling came to life revealing the cold furnishings around. Darkness and shadow retreated…Nothing! I really must be getting senile. With lights ablaze she walked to the armory and looked for the unordinary. Thud! Thud! Thud! Someone was at the front entrance. With adrenaline still flowing, she grabbed a crossbow from the rack and loaded a bolt. She walked down the long entrance hall remembering of better times when Snowbeak’s giant winged body would knock down the wall adornments hung along it. I wish he was here. The throw bar that locked the massive doors was slid open! She knelt down to the floor, raised the crossbow, finger pressed against the cold trigger, “Ostendo.” The door creaked, as it opened on its own. Something was sliding against the wooden door as it opened. Clink! The missing silver staff bounced on the floor. Tunnel vision enveloped her sight as she stared at it…Thump!
FROM THE AUTHOR, I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BRIEF EXCERPT FROM THE SECOND FORTHCOMING BOOK IN THE OWL DIARIES SERIES. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS READ FOLLOW MY LINKS ON SMASHWORDS.