Free Mad Lord Lucian by Shay West

PROLOGUE
    MASTER BROK WAS ABOUT TO GIVE UP his search for Jon and Saemus when he heard Captain Thrace Morden's voice echo through the narrow passageways of Lucian's Fury. He suspected the boys would be with the captain. Brok had been keeping a close eye on his Chosen ever since learning of Jon's ability to use the dark magic. The others wanted to know about this forbidden magic, and none more so than Saemus. His studious nature desired information, especially about things that weren't often found in books and scrolls.
    Brok peered around the doorway and into the room. Jon and Saemus stared at a large map covering a wooden table, their heads nearly touching as they pointed to the location of Haunted Island. Captain Morden stood nearby, arms crossed over his chest, a sliver of wood jumping around between his lips.
    “I thought anyone who visited the island never came back alive,” Jon said.
    “Aye, ‘tis true lad, for the most part,” Morden said.
    Jon and Saemus shared a glance. “So what did you see?” Jon asked.
    Morden stared at the map, his eyes glazing over as the sliver of toothpick moved even more quickly. “Some things are better left unsaid.” The man turned and nearly ran into Brok, who'd still been lurking in the doorway.
    “I guess we'll never find out what happened.” Jon sighed.
    “Morden is right. Some things are better left unsaid.”
    Jon and Saemus jumped at the sound of Brok's voice.
    The old Mystic shooed Jon and Saemus out of the room, shaking his head when the two gazed back at the map longingly, as though they could see the secrets of the island in the charcoal drawings on the faded parchment.
    Perhaps I should tell the boy.
    Brok watched Jon as he made his way up the stairs to the deck. After all, what happened on the island had a direct connection to evildoings and dark magic.
    Jon may know how to call on the forbidden power, but he has no ounce of evil in him .
    Brok walked to the quarters he shared with Jon and Saemus and rummaged through his knapsack; he pulled a thin book from the depths. Brok turned it over in his hands, remembering the first time he had come across this piece of history.
    He was new to this world and diligently working to build his new identity. Brok had traveled to Vis Rellisa soon after arriving through the portal from Gentra. He needed to establish himself there for a short time before traveling to Heart Stone to meet his Chosen. His studies back home had made it possible for him to quickly blend in and become nothing more than another Mystic, another learned man waiting for the call to serve a village or town of his own.
    The invitation to attend a banquet by Lord and Lady Stoneworth had given him the perfect excuse to mingle. Torches, cheerfully keeping the dark at bay, surrounded the manor house. Brok handed his invitation to a servant who then escorted him to the main hall.
    “Lord and Lady Stoneworth will be here shortly. Please enjoy the refreshments.” The servant bowed and disappeared back to the front door.
    Brok's hand dipped into the pockets of his robes and stroked his wooden pipe. He pursed his lips, wondering how long it would be before the Lord and Lady of the manor would make their appearance. He spotted a door at the back of the main hall.
    Just a quick smoke is all I need .
    Brok shuffled quickly down the darkened hall, hoping to find an exit that led outside so he could have a few puffs on his pipe.
    He passed a partially opened door and peered inside. He paused when he saw the shelves full of books, his love for them warring with his love of pipeweed. A quick glance in either direction showedthat he was alone. Brok darted inside and closed the door softly behind him.
    The light from the single lamp was enough to reveal the luxury of the Lord's library: the warm glow of the honey-colored wood, the richness of the leather-bound volumes. Brok touched each one as he made his way slowly along the length of the shelves.
    What's this?
    Nestled between