The Magical

Prologue

"No! I won't let you do this! There has to be another way, there has to be," Sequoia secretly watched from the steps as her father begged and pleaded with her mother. She could feel the emotion coming off them in waves.


"What do you want me to do Rowan? I can't let them do this to our daughter. I won't," she responded, suddenly tearing up. Rowan sighed and brought her into his arms, holding her tight.


Sequoia gripped the edge of her nightgown in an attempt to suppress all the sadness and fear coming from her parents. She gulped down a cry and, with a heavy heart, continued to watch.


"We can't stop the elders, we aren't strong enough. However...," At this her mother looked up with wide, sparkling eyes, "...I do know a spell. It will work, it will protect her but...it.." Rowan hesitated.


"But what? What is it?" the woman pleaded, taking her husbands hands.


"It will come at a cost," he looked down, unable to meet his partner's eyes.


"I knew this already Rowan, as all spells do. But I would pay any price to save Sequoia, you know that," she placed her hands under Rowans chin and forced him to look at her. "Whatever price there is to pay, we will pay it. Together. Just like we always have." Rowan shook his head, turning away from her.


"No Ilana, not this time. This is the one price that can't be payed together," Rowan looked into his wife's eyes hoping she would understand. Ilana suddenly stepped back, tears forming once again in her beautiful green eyes.


"No. No!" she cried, shaking her head. "We can find another way, we can run!" Ilana tried, but they both knew it was too late when they felt the elders approaching their home.


Both of their heads snapped to the front door, listening. The wind picked up outside, causing the house to rattle slightly. Then a deafening cackle was heard from outside, echoing in the wind.


"I love you Rowan, I always will," she pulled Rowan in for one last, long kiss. "Now go save our daughter."


Rowan ran to the stairs as fast as he could only to be startled when he saw his daughter already sitting right there in front of him. He shook it off and grabbed her, running up the stairs as if his life depended on it.


When Sequoia began to cry in his arms he rubbed her back and started to hum their special tune. It was the same tune he always sang to her in sad or hard times. She instantly relaxed, closing her eyes.


And, with a sigh, she fell asleep to the serene sound of her father's enchanting voice.