Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Allow #mfrwhooks

For the next few weeks, posts switch from dragon magic to a different kind with excerpts from the dark fantasy Imprisoned in Stone. This week uses the book quote word ALLOW.

To set the stage, Colwynn has an unexpected visitor at his quarters, yet another of the women selected by the Brethren as his potential mate. Only he discovers that she did not come of her own free will, but under a magical compulsion.

Excerpt:

Colwynn dragged a chair to the side of the bed and lit a candle on the small side table. Using the flickering light as a focus, he sank into a deep trance and searched for the faint hint of residual power that would identify the source of Aine’s compulsion. A breath later, translucent chains, as black as the moonless sky, materialized around her throat.

Anger that Jarlath could use his daughter that way caused Colwynn’s spell to waver. The reality of the danger to both him and Aine broke his concentration and the visual shattered. He sat motionless for several long moments. In attempting to end the spell of another, a mage could become overwhelmed. Death, or at the least, the risk of loss of powers was the price. If he failed to break the geas, an even greater threat remained. Aine could remain imprisoned within her subservient roll forever.

Forcing his emotions behind a wall of ice, determination fueled his attempt to cut the bond controlling Aine. A flick of his wrist and the chains shattered into pieces. The motes floated throughout the room in a black haze. He searched Aine’s face for signs of pain or fear. All he saw was the peaceful sleep of an innocent mind.

Colwynn’s mind worked out the next move as if he played a game of castle and siege. He allowed his racing pulse to slow. Calm, deliberate calculations had to dominate his thoughts. Each incantation he called forth built on the one before. His voice grew louder as he fed more of his power into his words.

A glow of sea sprites replaced the last vestige of the setting sun. Hundreds of the tiny winged creatures flew around the room creating long streamers that swirled and danced in the air.

~ * ~

 Imprisoned in Stone:

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