The bandit and the mage, p.1
The Bandit and The Mage, page 1
© 2023
Vanessa Paige
vanessapaigebooks.com
In a world of thrills and magic's hold,
A bandit and mage, a story unfolds.
Ethan, the thief, with charm and flair,
Lira, the sorceress, with powers rare.
Battles fought, treasures found,
Their connection grew, love unbound.
Amidst mishaps, their hearts did mend,
A romance of laughter, a journey's end.
In each other's arms, they found delight,
A love story, whimsical and bright.
Bandit and mage, together they'll be,
In a world where love's the key.
Prologue
In a realm where magic intertwined with shadows and whispers, where ancient secrets whispered through the breeze, the tale of the Bandit and the Mage began. It was a world of enchantment and danger, where the line between good and evil blurred, and destiny took unexpected turns.
Ethan, a skilled and notorious bandit with a quick wit and agile hands, roamed the land with a mischievous grin and a heart longing for adventure. He thrived on the thrill of the chase, seeking riches and fame, yet yearning for something more.
Lira, a captivating mage with emerald eyes and powers that danced with the elements, possessed knowledge and secrets that could change the course of history. Her past was veiled in mystery, her future entwined with destiny. Guided by an inner fire, she embarked on a quest to restore balance and heal the scars of a wounded world.
Fate, with its playful hands, wove their paths together, entangling their lives in a web of intrigue and possibility. Bound by circumstances and propelled by an unforeseen force, Ethan and Lira found themselves thrown into a tumultuous journey that would test their mettle and ignite a connection neither anticipated.
Chapter 1
"You know, I don't understand why they call me The Blackheart Bandit. First of all, my name is Blackthorn," Ethan says as he chugs another cup of ale at the local watering hole in yet another village he happened to stumble across.
"Oh...right. Mr. Blackcorn," the bartender replies.
"No, no, no. It's Blackthorn. Thorn!" Ethan corrects him, his disappointment evident in his voice.
The bar buzzes with the chatter of local townspeople, both men and women, and occasional glances from a disgruntled dwarf.
Looking around, Ethan takes another look around, lifts his mug, and jests, "...and so the legend lives on, the days of the Great Blackthorn Bandit." He chugs the ale and drops a coin on the bar. "For you, my good sir."
The bartender grunts and says, "Huh, and that's the second time today."
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Ethan notices a woman watching him intently from across the room. Her eyes, the color of emerald, caressed by long raven hair, meet his with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. He can't help but be drawn to her captivating gaze and alluringly voluptuous body.
"It appears that lovely lady hasn't yet met the Great Blackthron---" he says just as he's interrupted.
"Bandit! Right there!" yells the angry dwarf.
Soon a group of men appear out of nowhere set upon by the dwarf.
Ethan sighs and hurries out. "Great...and I was getting so close to...." and he runs out.
Ethan rushes out of the tavern, his laughter echoing behind him. The encounter with the angry dwarf and his companions only adds to the legend of the mischievous bandit. As he steps into the cool night air, he scans the streets, searching for a quick escape route.
Just as he turns a corner, he nearly collides with the very woman who had caught his attention earlier. Her emerald eyes widen in surprise, mirroring his own astonishment. They find themselves face to face, their breaths mingling in the dimly lit alley.
"I apologize for my hasty departure earlier. It seems trouble has a way of finding me," Ethan says, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.
The woman's lips curve into a slight smile, revealing a hint of curiosity. "You certainly have a talent for stirring up chaos," she replies, her voice carrying a melodious tone.
Ethan extends a hand toward her. "I'm Ethan Blackthorn, at your service."
She takes his hand, her touch gentle and warm. "Lira Shadowglen, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ethan."
They stand there for a moment, their hands lingering in the air, an unspoken connection passing between them. Fate, it seems, has brought them together once again.
As the distant sound of raised voices and angry shouts draws nearer, Ethan realizes they need to find a safe haven. "Lira, it might be best if we continue this conversation elsewhere. Care to join me on an adventure?" he asks, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Lira hesitates for a moment, considering the offer, before a hint of excitement flashes across her face. "An adventure? I could use a change of scenery," she responds, her voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and caution.
"We best get moving, my lady." says Ethan eager to get to know this new buxom beauty at his side. They continue walking through the dense forest. Ethan looking back as if to ensure they've lost their pursuiters.
"You know, something so sexy about a man on the run Mr. Blackthorn." says Lira in a somewhat stern voice.
"Well, I can't help myself these days. Seems I'm always on the run. Don't understand why." he says with a slight tone of sarcasm.
"I'm pretty sure you must've made someone quite angry." she says.
"No, no, no. I assure you, they're always angry. I just---I....I just....wait a minute.." suddenly Ethan finds himself frozen in place. Unable to move and budge, he looks up at a ravishing looking Lira with a serious look on her face and glowing eyes.
He looks down once more and his legs are caught in the grasps of some very thorny vines.
"Well, well, well. The Great Blackheart Bandit has finally been caught." says the dwarf who appeasrs out of nowhere with his group of men ready to apprehend Ethan.
"BlackTHORN! And....What?!?! Oh, you've got to be kidding me. She's working for you?" he says angrily.
Unbeknownst to Ethan, Lira had been secretly aiding the angry dwarf and his companions in their pursuit of the Blackthorn Bandit. She had been sent on a mission to capture him and deliver him into the hands of those seeking retribution. Those meaning, one very disgruntled dwarf.
Ethan's eyes widened with a mixture of shock, anger, and a twinge of heartache as he stared at Lira, who had revealed her true allegiance. The thorny vines constricted tightly around his legs, rendering him immobile, while the dwarf and his menacing group closed in with triumphant grins.
"You guys can't be serious! Really!?" Ethan's voice seethed with anger and disbelief.
Lira's emerald eyes met his, an unsettling blend of determination and regret flashing within them. "I'm sorry, Ethan. There's more to this than you know," she whispered, her voice laden with sorrow.
The dwarf stepped forward, a malicious grin twisting his weathered face. "Oh, there's plenty you don't know, Blackthorn. Your days of thieving and causing chaos are about to come to an end."
Ethan struggled against the restraining vines, his frustration mounting. "You've all made a grave mistake! I'm not the villain you think I am."
Lira's voice quivered slightly as she addressed the dwarf. "Can we just get this over with? The sooner we deliver him, the sooner I can be free of this burden."
The dwarf chuckled, relishing in their capture. "Oh, you'll be rewarded handsomely for your services, my dear. Now, bind his hands and let's take him back."
With deft movements, the dwarf's henchmen approached Ethan, securing his hands tightly with sturdy ropes. As they led him away, Ethan cast one last glance at Lira, a mixture of anger and hurt clouding his gaze.
Lira's expression wavered, torn between duty and a flicker of remorse. She longed to explain, to tell Ethan that things were not as they seemed, but the constraints of her mission weighed heavily upon her.
As they disappeared into the shadows of the forest, Ethan vowed to himself that he would uncover the truth behind Lira's odd deal with the dwarf. In his heart, a sliver of hope remained, a glimmer that there was more to this tangled web of deception. With every step they took, his determination to escape burned stronger within him.
Chapter 2
"A mage? Really!?" Ethan exclaimed as he was forcefully taken, his arms bound alongside Lira, and the dwarf looming over them.
"Well, a bandit? Really?! Did you honestly believe this wouldn't happen eventually, Ethan? I mean, Mr. Blackthorn," she retorted sharply.
"Oh, there's no need to be so formal, Lira. After all, we were just getting acquainted," Ethan replied, his voice laced with sarcasm despite the dire circumstances.
"That's enough!" the dwarf bellowed, his face contorted with anger. "I've finally captured you, and you will pay for your crimes."
"Honestly, it was all a mistake. A genuine mistake!" Ethan pleaded. "I had no idea you were-" he paused, hesitant to reveal the details.
Lira's eyes met his, a glimmer of uncertainty mingling with the remnants of her anger. She understood his unspoken words, and a flicker of understanding passed between them. In that moment, they realized they were both caught in a web of misunderstandings and hidden agendas.
Before Ethan could continue, the dwarf's men forcefully silenced him, a firm hand covering his mouth. The group pressed forward, marching deeper into the heart of their captors' lair. Questions swirled in Ethan's mind, the need for answers burning brighter with each step.
"Stop!"
The dwarf stops and thinks for a moment.
The dwarf signals for everyone to halt, and he approaches Lira, getting uncomfortably close.
Lira stands her ground, though her stance reveals a hint of uncertainty.
"Well, my dear, I understand that a powerful mage like yourself has traveled far for something. There's no need to be so impatient. I will get what I want, and so will you," the dwarf states.
Ethan's face contorts with confusion. "What is happening here?!"
"Listen, I brought the thief to you. Now, I want the map," Lira asserts firmly.
The dwarf ponders for a moment, his gaze fixed upon Lira.
The dwarf's eyes narrow as he scrutinizes Lira, considering her words carefully. A faint smile curls at the corners of his lips, revealing a glimmer of amusement.
"Well, well, well. It seems we have ourselves a deal, my dear mage," the dwarf finally responds, his voice tinged with a mix of cunning and satisfaction. "Hand over the thief, and I shall grant you the map you seek."
Ethan, still bewildered by the unexpected turn of events, opens his mouth to protest, but Lira cuts him off with a subtle shake of her head. She knows that her best chance at completing her mission lies in playing along for now.
With a resigned sigh, Ethan reluctantly steps forward, casting a wary glance at Lira. "You better know what you're doing," he mutters under his breath.
Lira meets his gaze with a determined expression, her emerald eyes gleaming with resolve. "Trust me, Ethan. There's more to this than meets the eye. We have to play their game for now if we want to uncover the truth."
"Truth? What truth?!" he says confused.
"Shhh!" she retorts.
The dwarf, satisfied with their compliance, nods toward his men, signaling them to release Ethan from his bindings. As the ropes fall away, Ethan rubs his wrists, a mixture of frustration and curiosity bubbling within him.
"Mr. Blackheart Bandit. You will accompany the Lady Lira on her quest. Return to me that which I seek and you both shall be set free. Do not, and I'll have you both for supper." the dwarf says.
"Wait! What!? That is not what we agreed! How could you!?" she yells.
"Silence Mage! Your powers are no match for me here. I have commanded. Now be warned one last time. Bring the gold to me or I'll hunt you both down and sell you to the ogres!" the dwarf storms off.
He turns back one last time. "Here", he says as he throws the map to Lira. "Now, go! And don't come back without that gold!"
"What's wrong, Mage? Nervous you won't be able to fulfill whatever deal you made with that dwarf? Having second thoughts?" Ethan taunts.
"Silence, bandit! You have no idea what this is!" she retorts sharply.
"Oh, really? Looks like a map to me," he says with sarcasm lacing his words.
Lira grunts in frustration and steps closer to Ethan, their faces almost touching. A kiss just a breath away.
Ethan is taken aback, but a part of him welcomes the possibility of a sensuous kiss from the enchanting although angry maiden.
"Look, Blackheart-" she begins, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and intensity.
"It's Blackthorn, but come closer, and I won't care what you call me," he interjects with a mischievous tone.
"That's all you care about, isn't it? What if I turned you into a dwarf yourself?" she threatens, her eyes narrowing.
"As long as we're both trapped in this dangerous game, I suppose we'll have to find a way to work together," Ethan responds.
Lira's anger softens momentarily, and she studies Ethan's face, her gaze searching for a trace of sincerity.
“You're just as shallow as I thought, Blackthorn. But don't mistake me for some random fool. I will complete this mission, fulfill the deal, and be on my way," she warns, her voice filled with a mixture of caution and defiance.
Lira steps away, her face stern and determined.
Ethan meets her gaze, his eyes glimmering with newfound determination. "I'm not asking for your trust, Mage. But you're crazy if you think I'll let this dwarf dictate my fate."
"Well, it seems we have no choice," Lira says resolutely, her voice steady.
Ethan lets out a sigh, frustration mingling with a sense of acceptance. "Fine."
Lira nods, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "Fine."
"But I think in time, you'll warm up to me, Mage," Ethan says with a teasing tone.
"I think not, bandit," she retorts. "Let's get on with this."
With a shared understanding of their current predicament, Ethan and Lira push aside their differences and focus on the task at hand. They set off, their steps guided by the weight of their mission and a reluctant camaraderie that begins to blossom amidst the uncertainty. Deep down, both of them know that trust may not come easily, but their intertwined destinies demand cooperation and a measure of faith.
The unlikely duo continues their journey, but now their paths have merged, bound together by an intricate web of intrigue and hidden agendas. As they delve deeper into the heart of the unknown, they must navigate the treacherous landscape of alliances and secrets, all while maintaining their own ulterior motives.
Chapter 3
With the dwarf's ominous warning lingering in the air, Ethan, Lira, and the newly obtained map in their possession, they set forth on their shared quest. Bound together by circumstance, their individual goals become entangled, and an uneasy alliance forms.
As they begin their quest traversing through dense forests, treacherous mountains, and winding paths, the odd pair find themselves engaged in frequent debates and discussions. Ethan, never one to shy away from banter, engages Lira in playful verbal jousts, attempting to unravel the layers of mystery that surround her.
"You certainly know how to complicate things, don't you, mage?" Ethan teases, a mischievous grin dancing across his face.
Lira responds with a cool demeanor, her eyes fixed on the map. "I could say the same about you, Mr. Blackthorn. Your knack for attracting trouble is quite impressive."
Ethan chuckles, the sound echoing through the forest. "Ah, yes. You should know. Trouble seems to have a way of finding me, my dear mage. You know, a bandit. The Great Blackthorn Bandit. But let's not forget that you're the one who roped me into this little adventure."
Lira rolls her eyes, though a hint of amusement glimmers in her emerald gaze. "Roped you? I recall a certain bandit getting caught in his own web of mischief. Don't pretend you didn't enjoy the thrill."
He raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Enjoy? Well, maybe just a little. But I have to admit, I never expected to find myself teamed up with a powerful mage like yourself. What's your game, Lira?"
She pauses for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her features before she composes herself. "My game, Ethan, is one of redemption. I seek something that has been lost, something that can right the wrongs of the past. And you, with your uncanny ability to navigate the shadows, might prove useful in this endeavor."
Ethan's eyes narrow slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Redemption, huh? Sounds like a noble cause. But why me? Surely there are more reliable companions you could have chosen."
