[Mirror Me Series Book 1]
Hope Martinez was taught to fear her reflection, but the magical world on the other side is too tempting. Descended from those who can use mirrors as weapons, Hope has many dangers to face if she wants to get home before a...
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Sage Martha led me out from under the Lacquer tree to four fully supplied horses stationed in the crowded street. People watched from every angle; their curious eyes scanned my every move.
On the front horse sat Daarith. His eyes were bloodshot and his cheeks were soggy. I must have made him cry. For all those muscles and the rough and tough persona, Daarith was perhaps more sensitive than myself, a gentle soul with a big heart. He was wearing a white cloak with red hearts appearing much like the paintings of the knights on the church walls.
The second horse held Owen. He sat still staring melencoloy at the distant horizon. As I passed by he neither turned his head nor bid me a fair morning. Owen looked focused and ready and unwilling to make any further mistakes. I guessed with all these people watching him he was on his best behavior or risk the wrath of Martha should he screw up again.
Martha brought me to the third horse. She petted its jet black mane as she motioned to the saddle. The creature emanated beauty and majesty; a dream that any horse loving child would wish for. Clearly Martha had saved the best one for me.
"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" asked Martha.
"I haven't," I said staring at the large beast before me. It was nearly double my height. "They are much bigger in person than they look on TV."
"Well, there is a first time for everything." Martha showed me where to grab and how to mount. I gave it a go only to fall on my first try. My worst fear became realized when a young boy called out from the crowd.
"That's supposed to be our savior? She can't even get on a horse." Some people laughed, but being used to such taunting I tried once more and this time, succeeded in mounting the horse. Whispers started to spread amongst the people. I paid them no heed and sat up straight trying to be as Mirrorbender-like as possible or something close to it.
A beautiful girl with long blond hair ran up to Daarith handing him a bouquet of flowers. She promptly kissed him on his cheek. Straightening his back, Daarith raised his hand into the air and ushered silence over the crowd.
"Dear people of Bristondale," he said, "I, Sir Daarith, your recently appointed mayor, must take my leave and escort the new Mirrorbender to the great city of Vetra for her training and initiation as the new protector of the realm. I may or may not return from this journey, but I know this place will always live in my heart. I was born here and would gladly die here should fate be kind. I can proudly say that you people are the strongest that I have known in all my years of military service. I promise you this terrible deed will not go unpunished. The Half-Lives will pay dearly for the pain they have inflicted on our town and our people. Until my return I appoint Charles Caviston to rule in my stead. May the light of Vetrus guide and protect you all the days of your life." He kissed his fingers and then placed them across his chest. The crowd followed. "We ride to new beginnings!" The townsfolk cheered for Daarith. Their arms rose up praising him, thanking him, and wishing him safe travels. The people's jubilation even brought a smile to my face, but the cheering was not to last forever.
