Golden Box Book Publishing GBBP Magazine, June, 2017 | Page 39

Excerpt from the book
The twelve–year–old warlock gave a start, hearing his name
announced telepathically. Mierta stood up on shaky legs and
brushed his brown bangs out of his green eyes. The room inside
Draconiera Mountain was suffocating. Hot springs bubbling up
from deep beneath the ground created a dense fog, which pushed
down on Mierta’s shoulders. Sweat was already dripping from his
brow onto his long dark royal blue robe. His heart raced as he
approached a large wooden door. He occasionally glanced over at
others who were anxiously waiting their turn, wondering which of
those he made eye contact with would succeed.
No matter what happens. No matter what I see. I cannot allow
my fears to overcome me, Mierta told himself. I will achieve what
I have come to do. I cannot fail. I won't. I will make Mother and
Father proud.
A loud creaking echoed across the room, and the ground
shook underneath his feet. Two tall wooden doors opened up to a
pathway of complete darkness.
“Step inside,” he heard the dragon say. Mierta swallowed hard
and expelled air through his mouth.
Upon entering the pathway, a warm mist rose from below.
Water splashed against rocks, and occasional water droplets hit his
skin. A faint glow shined in the near distance. He walked towards
the glow until he found himself in a large circular cavern. In the
centre of this cavern was a short round pedestal. An opening off
towards the right appeared as if it was open–aired, and off to the
left side was another doorway, which was currently closed.
Mierta gazed up at the source of the glow and caught a
glimpse of the magnificent creature standing on a rocky ledge. He
could hear his pulse beating in his ears. He felt like his body was
paralysed, yet he felt unsteady. His own rapid breathing masked
the sound of Lord Kaeto stepping into the light.
Mierta gasped, shielding his eyes against the bright yellow
light from Lord Kaeto’s wings, trying to conquer his fear. When
his eyes adjusted, he noted the ebony veins that traced a pattern
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