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The Magic Lands
The Magic Lands
Synopsis
When two teenage boys, Tom Lewis and Jack Barton, climb the gigantic oak at the bottom of Tom's garden they embark on a journey that takes them toward adulthood, a change embracing both enlightenment and loss. Finding themselves in a dangerous, alien realm, where dreams and reality seem to interweave and deception is at the heart of everything, they come under the malevolent influence of a creature known as the White Wolf. What had began as a childish adventure is in fact something far darker and deeper, for the Wolf is playing a momentous game, an arcane puzzle that must be resolved. The boys walk a dark road of treachery and pain, love and lust, sacrifice and redemption. Friendship and loyalty are put to the test and corruption comes in many guises. Finally, truth can only be revealed through pain and forfeit. It is a journey into the heart of darkness where nothing and no-one are what they seem and the rules are the logic of a dream.
Book Excerpt 1
Tom led the way with Jack close behind. They had ventured along many bleak hallways since they had watched the guests at the Ball from their overhead hiding place. Now they were completely lost, having no idea if they were on the ground floor or the top.
"We’re not getting anywhere like this," grumbled Jack, his apprehension growing with every moment that passed. "I know it's dangerous but don't you think we should take a look in some of these rooms?"
"But suppose somebody's already in there?" Tom responded, coming to a halt in front of a row of panelled doors.
"What choice do we have," Jack argued, "and anyway, Mo could be inside one of these rooms, tied up or something."
Tom studied a large wooden door to his left and with a shrug, he reached out a tentative hand and touched the door handle. "They're probably all locked. If you were holding someone prisoner, wouldn't you lock the door?"
"There's only way to find out."
Tom gently pulled the handle down and pushed the door a few inches ajar and then turned to look at Jack. "What now?"
Jack stepped forward and peered through the gap into darkness. There was no light within and nothing stirred. All was silent and still. "I think it's empty," he whispered, listening intently.
An unpleasant idea surfaced in Tom's head. What if the Wolf was inside there? What if it was just waiting in there for them, crouching in the dark.
"Mo might still be in there," Jack said reluctantly, not wanting to enter into the blackness beyond the door. "He could be hurt."
Tom inched forward, trying to resist the tide of fear that threatened to engulf him. "I'll go first, but stay close to me." He sounded a good deal braver than he actually felt.
Pushing the door open a little wider, Tom stepped inside. As he passed over the threshold, lanterns set upon the walls ignited into low flame that gradually grew stronger until the room was brightly lit.
The Wolf was waiting for him, grinning with hideous mirth.
Behind him the door closed with an ominous click.
"Jack," he murmured, almost choking on the word, not daring to look back. But there was no reply, only the ticking of a clock somewhere within the room.
A scream began to rise inside him, but he could only stand there, eyes fixed on the drooling beast. He knew he must turn around, must run. But he also knew the door would be shut, his friend gone. He looked anyway and saw with only mild surprise that where there had been a door moments before there was now just a wall, a faded portrait of a cadaverous old man peering down from above him. The sunken eyes seemed to be alive, twinkling with some monstrous intelligence and Tom turned quickly away, his fear so great now that his legs were like jelly and he wobbled on his feet, certain he would fall.
He was alone. One boy against the Beast.
"Now the odds are even," breathed a voice at his ear.
Book Excerpt 2
It was only an old dream.
Mo was looking at him with a terribly sad, perturbed expression, the animal's tired  face regarding him with deep concern.
Jack just remained slumped on the ground where he was. It was all right though, he knew. He had experienced this kind of dream before. It would go away soon and he would be able to stay in the warm haven he had discovered where softness and tranquillity held him close.  Now there was nothing to be afraid of.
He waited, yet still the badger watched him silently and doubts began to prey upon him.
No, he told himself. I won‘t go back. I hate it there. I hate it!
“Jack,” the badger urged him gently.
"No, no," he moaned, reaching up and forcing his hands over his ears.
“Jack,“ Mo said firmly, coming in even closer, seeking the boy‘s face.
“Leave me alone. I don’t want this, I don’t want it! I’ve had enough, can’t you see that, I’ve just had enough.“
Mo brushed his cheek with his warm, smooth fur. "Be still, be still," the badger said with tenderness, "everything will be all right."
Very slowly, despite his efforts to hold onto the sanctuary he believed he had found within his dreams, his thoughts began to take shape.
“There is no refuge for you in dreams,“ the badger uttered softly, “I know it’s hard but you have to understand that we cannot hide from our own existence. You cannot run from yourself. Whatever choices we are offered must be met with our minds our own. Now stand up and let us face what will come.”
Realising that the dream was past and there was no refuge to be found there, Jack cupped his face in his hands. “Why does it have to be like this?”
Mo regarded him with a steady gaze. “Because a greater will than yours or mine sees all that must come, all that has been.  It is a choice. No-one can be forced. Each must choose their own path. It is a personal test of our character.”
Very hesitantly Jack looked into the dark eyes of the animal. “But I always fail.“
“No,” said Mo definitely, “mistakes are not failure. No-one really fails until they give up their soul at the very last breath of their life. And that will not be you, Jack. You will stand.”
And hearing this, the boy made a half-hearted effort to do just that. He pulled himself up onto his knees and then made a tentative attempt to get up onto his feet. “Who am I?” he asked in a wavering voice.
Mo looked at Jack for a long moment. “My kin,” he breathed, “my brother.” The badger pushed himself against the boy’s side for support. “And we will stand together.”
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