Tiercyl – 1.1

Posted this draft ages ago. but forgot to stick it here. It is a follow on to the prologue. Which I really should link to but … If you really want to find it you can click on the category thingy.

Aidan paced the floor, eyes closed as he went over what he had just read. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to remember the exact details. After a few minutes he collapsed onto the chair, and putting his feet on the table, took the book onto his lap. He reread the instructions again, then lifted the blade that lay alongside his chair. He stared at the blade, its bright surface reflecting the lamps that lit the room, the heavy shutters were closed, keeping the daylight out.

Biting his lip uncertainly he flicked through a couple of delicate pages, then with a sigh tossed the book back onto the table, knocking a glass to the floor. It landed on one of the rugs, a soft landing so it did not smash. He ignored it, the room was in a mess anyway, one more item littering the floor wouldn’t make a difference.

With a scowl he ran a finger over the blade’s edge and then gritting his teeth made the shallow cut. Carefully he held the knife so the drops of blood ran along its length, but did not fall to the ground. Then he waited.

Finally, he dabbed at the redbrown stain with a finger, it was dry. He got to his feet and, kicking the rugs back to reveal the stone underneath, paced out the dimensions of the casting. Luckily there was no need for a physical marker, he had no doubt but that she would spot it if there had been.

Taking a deep breath he cast away his misgivings and began the incantation. It was a remarkably straight forward spell, with little in the way of double-meanings, still he was careful to ensure that every single word was pronounced correctly, and that he did not speak too fast.

When he got to the end, he looked around, expecting to see some results. Nothing. Slowly he turned, examining the room. Not even the wall hangings were out of place. If the beast does not appear to heed your call he recalled the note at the end of the page then you must command it to take on it’s true form.

The moment he did so she appeared in front of him. Her long hair swayed as she stepped towards him, her wild eyes glowing golden.

“Lord Tiercyl?”

Aidan swallowed, trying to ignore the little voice that asked what exactly he was doing he stepped forwards to meet the guardian and, taking a deep breath, drove the knife deep into her chest..