This weeks prompt words from Colleen are cover  and precipitation and the challenge is to use only synonyms. I’ve chosen cloud-burst for precipitation and masquerade for cover.

This weeks prompt words from Colleen are cover and precipitation and the challenge is to use only synonyms. I’ve chosen cloud-burst for precipitation and masquerade for cover.

And the following is an extract of Puzzle Piece 28: Leanne’s Warning from my YA fantasy novel – The Curse of Time Book 1 – Bloodstone which is currently on special offer price, so grab a copy!!

I knocked and waited to enter. The door creaked open. I took that as my invitation to slip through the opening and breezed inside. As before, my eyes searched out the sparkling crystals, and for a moment I almost forgot why I’d come. I stood motionless, in awe of the surrounding beauty.
In the corner, I spotted Leanne, unpacking new stones that must have recently arrived. As I watched Leanne at work, the crystals freed themselves from her protective hands. They flew across the room, whizzing, creating a trailing rainbow of spectacular light, and sound. In no time at all they found their allotted places, embedding themselves with ease in the walls.
At last, I drew my eyes away from this amazing sight. I turned to face Leanne. ‘I need to speak to you.’
‘What can I help you with?’ replied Leanne, in a dream-like voice.
‘Recently things have been happening that are beyond my usual level of acceptable peculiarity. I wondered if you could help.’
Leanne’s eyes widened, and she nodded her head. I explained about how my new paint set seemed to have a mind and purpose all of its own. I described the strange events that had happened since I used my aunt’s gift. She listened but made no comment.
I stomped my foot and thought I would burst with frustration at her lack of response. ‘Leanne, what shall I do?’
‘Embrace these events.’ Cupping her hands together, fingertips touching, Leanne rocked on her heels. She turned back to her unpacking duties.
‘Whatever do you mean?’ I wailed, shocked at her response.
‘This is happening for a reason. You must not be fearful, Amelina. Welcome, all that’s happening, and the truth of who you are will dawn on you.’
The room was quiet except for the rustling of paper as Leanne unwrapped the remaining crystals. I listened but was unsure what to do next. I walked over to the wall of gems, ensnared once again in the magical beauty they exuded. Three crystals twinkled more brightly than the rest and caught my eye. I carefully removed the Black Obsidian, the Bloodstone, and the Merlinite and weighed each gem in the palm of my hand. An aura of light burst from the stones and encircled me. Each crystal’s field of energy exploded in a kaleidoscope of colour and joined together forming a solid beam of brilliant intensity. I felt an invisible energy force rush through me shooting all the way into my fingers. I glanced down, and my fingertips were glowing, the brightest pink I had ever seen.
I had never felt such raw power. I could tell something beyond my comprehension was taking place. I staggered back, filled with wonder, and my mouth dropped open. The experience made me feel complete as if something elemental had been missing from my life all this time, until now. I had no doubt these crystals were the perfect choice to give me the answers I was seeking.
I stumbled over to Leanne who winced from the brightness of my aura. I gently handed her the gems. She inclined her head and pondered over my selection. ‘Interesting… such a choice of crystals, Amelina. I’m sure these gems will set you on the right path towards discovery.’
The sound of rain falling outside, followed by rumbles of thunder, interrupted my thoughts. The cottage darkened, highlighted only by flashes of lightning. The crystals lining the cottage walls shrank into their protective spaces, their colours dull, seeming to hide from the sudden approaching storm.
Leanne’s face darkened, mirroring the impending storm. Thunder boomed above causing her to pause for a moment before she continued. ‘You must take extra care with these stones, for all three hold immense power. Guard the Wizard Stones, the Black Obsidian, and the Merlinite. Keep them safe, and remember, the power they may unleash could overwhelm you.’
The luminosity surrounding me swirled and intensified. I swallowed and asked my question carefully. ‘How?’
Leanne peered at me from the darkness. ‘These are Wizard stones. She pointed to the gems still cupped in my hand. Used without care they can drive you mad, make you hallucinate, or even provoke seizures.’ Her forehead creased and her eyes blinked as the lightning flashed through the windows. ‘You must protect them from damage, taking particular care to avoid scratches, blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperature. Cleanse the Bloodstone Crystal if it comes in contact with anyone else.’
‘What happens if I don’t follow your instructions?’
Leanne leaned in close to my face and whispered, ‘The crystals will become impure, open to evil manipulations, wielded by darkness and used by black-hearted, devious souls.’
I whispered back a scared, ‘I promise.’

© M J Mallon 2017. All Rights Reserved

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