Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 12

by Meredith Skye

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The sword did the trick—finally stopping the skeleton once and for all. Kyran was sure it was magical. Everyone had been relieved when Rian had cut its head off and it had crumpled to the ground.

Now, Kyran relaxed slightly. But instead of being happy, his big brother scowled and turned to him. "What have you done?" Rian demanded sharply.

Again Kyran tensed up. Why was in trouble again? "Who ... me? Why is it ... me?" He never had the courage to lie to his brother. Rian always saw through it.

"Where did you find this sword, hmm?"

If he told Rian, then Rian would tell Mother. And she'd be very angry. Mother hated the graveyard. And after seeing that vision of her inside the crypt with Corey, dead at her feet, now Kyran began to understand why. Something had happened on that night ten years ago. His father had not fallen off a cliff.

Rian held the sword in his hand a moment. His eyes had a far-off look. Then he buckled the sheath to his belt. And put the sword away.

With a glare at Kyran, Rian began to walk towards the fence that led to the graveyard. Kye and the others followed him.

Zane tried to stand but Grandma Baggins stopped him. "You're not going anywhere."

"Yes, but I have to—" objected Zane.

"When I'm done," she said. "And you be careful, Rian," she snapped.

For moment, Rian paused, hoping that Haley would come with him but she stayed with Zane.

"What are you doing?" asked Kyran, apprehensive.

"Going to the graveyard," said Rian, annoyed. He sheathed the sword and fastened the sheath to his belt.

"What? No, Mom will get mad," said Kye.

"Oh, I think she's going to be mad anyway." Rian easily climbed over the iron fence.

"If you go, I'll ... I'll tell on you!" threatened Kyran, standing with his hands on his hips.

Rian leaned towards him. "Will you? And I'll tell her that you've already been over there, to a crypt." He started towards the graveyard without looking back. Kyran stood there stubbornly and watched as Westin, Ray and Edward climbed over the fence to follow Rian.

Finally, Kyran followed them. He had to run to catch up, with his short legs.

"Where is this crypt?" demanded Rian.

Kye stared at him. Did he know?

"Fine, I'll find it myself." Rian stomped down the dark path with the little bit of remaining moonlight, sword at his side.

"So," said Westin, walking next to Rian. "What are we looking for?" Edward and Ray weren't far behind him.

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this," said Rian, stubbornly. "Even if my brother won't give me any help."

"I got you the sword," muttered Kye, sprinting now and then to keep up with the adults.

"True," admitted Rian, which was as close to any thanks that Kyran had gotten so far. Now he almost regretted trying to help Rian. No matter what Kyran did—he always got into trouble!

They walked on in silence searching through the graveyard, getting ever closer to the crypt. Kyran hoped that Rian wouldn't see it, since it was nearly obscured by weeds and brush. But then his big brother spotted it and went closer for a look. It didn't take long for him to see the rune that matched the one on Kyran's hand.