The Dark Binding

PROLOGUE

Darkness.

Darkness was everywhere. The pitch-black rendered sight impossible.

There was however a powerful aroma of sage, red spice and yellow herb.

A feint whisper could be heard in the darkness. At least it was a whisper at first before slowly growing louder until it became more animated, urgent even.

The same words were being chanted over and over again. And then suddenly the darkness was overcome by a bright blue circular flame which illuminated a black-roped figure. Slowly a ghostly blue triangle began to emerge inside the circle with the black-robed figure seated at its apex.

Along one vertex the bright flame twisted and flickered into the shape of a young man with a sword at his hip. He seemed amidst conversation before turning around as if noticing something behind him.

At the other end the flame took the shape of a girl sitting down, she seemed to be staring directly at the robed figure.

''Ergo on Mona, ''the figure whispered before the flames and shapes abruptly went out.

And then....

Darkness.

CHAPTER ONE

A cold wind gusted through the courtyard spreading brittle brown leaves all over a young girl. She was likely fourteen, although a little small for her age.

She wore a red blouse and skirt with black stockings which was complemented by red hair which hung loosely about her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes were staring hypnotically into the air, captivated by some unseen force.

Suddenly she jolted and looked about wildly as if she were unsure where she was.

''Sabrina!'' Alice called flicking her dark bangs out from her eyes.

Sabrina looked up at her three friends seated next to her on the tarnished stone fountain.

The courtyard was filled with the clatter of laughter and conversation from young girls all wearing the characteristic red uniform.

I'm still in Oire'', she realised.

''What was that?'' Lena asked, wrapping her red woollen coat tighter around her body. ''You left us for a few seconds and went to la la land''.

''Did none of you feel that?'' Sabrina asked.

''It was like a jolt of lightening,'' she whispered unconsciously holding her shoulders.

''It was probably just the realisation of how much you're going to miss us when you go off to Rhodes this spring,'' Anne chided grinning widely.

Anne was one of those girls who seemed to have it all, intellect, humour, silky blond hair and a figure that made Sabrina feel as though she were ten.

Sabrina let out an affectionate smile. "You know I'll miss you guys."

"Liar," Alice giggled. "You'll be too busy having lunch and going to balls with all those city boys."

"Aah" Anne laughed. "Our little Sabrina's going to become a woman."

Sabrina shook her head disapprovingly with crimson cheeks, while Alice and Lena burst into startled laughter.

"Are we still on for cards at your house tonight, Anne?" Lena asked.

Anne looked at Lena smiling before glancing at the others.

"Yes, we are." She replied.

"Sabrina," a soft voice interrupted them.

She looked ahead to see her sister, Pam motioning her over.