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  The Knights of Flame need to move their army across the country to defeat a brutal enemy. Tricky, as the knights have outlawed magic. They hire a researcher, Camille, to fix the problem and assign the dashing Major Sydney to help. If Camille and Sydney can keep their hands off each other long enough, they can surely come up with a solution.

  Rowena the Hawk is a witch of great power and stubbornness equal to that of an entire phalanx of knights. Exiled from home, she has only her construct Ember for company until the most beautiful woman she’s ever seen dares her to save the world.

  Wanting to cuddle one moment and strangle each other the next, the four women are the kingdom’s only hope. Everyone’s probably doomed…

  What Reviewers Say About Barbara Ann Wright’s Work

  The Tattered Lands

  “Wright’s postapocalyptic romance is a fast-paced journey through devastation. …Plenty of action, surprises, and magic will keep readers turning the pages.”—Publishers Weekly

  House of Fate

  “…fast, fun…entertaining… House of Fate delivers on adventure.”—Tor.com

  Coils

  “…Greek myths, gods and monsters and a trip to the Underworld. Sign me up… This one springs straight into action…a good start, great Greek myth action and a late blooming romance that flowers in the end…”—Dear Author

  “A unique take on the Greek gods and the afterlife make this a memorable book. The story is fun with just the right amount of camp. Medusa is a hot, if unexpected, love interest… A truly unexpected ending has us hoping for more stories from this world.”—RT Book Reviews

  “The gods and monsters of ancient Greek mythology are living, breathing entities, something Cressida didn’t expect and is amazed as well as terrified to discover. …Cressida soon realizes being in the underworld is no different than being among the living. The heart still feels and love can bloom, even in the world of Myth. …The characters are well developed and their wit will elicit more than a few chuckles. A joy to read.”—Lunar Rainbow Reviewz

  Paladins of the Storm Lord

  “This was a truly enjoyable read… I would definitely pick up the next book. …the mad dash at the end kept me riveted. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who has a love of sci-fi… An intricate…novel one that can be appreciated at many levels, adventurous sci fi or one that is politically motivated with a very astute look at present day human behavior. …There are many levels to this extraordinary and well written book…overall a fascinating and intriguing book.”—Inked Rainbow Reads

  “I loved this… The world that the Paladins inhabited was fascinating…didn’t want to put this down until I knew what happened. I’ll be looking for more of Barbara Ann Wright’s books.”—Lesbian Romance Reviews

  “Paladins of the Storm Lord by Barbara Ann Wright was like an orchestra with all of its pieces creating a symphony. I really truly loved it. I love the intricacy and wide variety of character types…I just loved practically every character!… Of course my fellow adventure lovers should read Paladins of the Storm Lord!”—The Lesbian Review

  Thrall: Beyond Gold and Glory

  “Once more Barbara has outdone herself in her penmanship. I cannot sing enough praises. A little Vikings, a dash of The Witcher, peppered with The Game of Thrones, and a pinch of Lord of The Rings. Mesmerizing… I was ecstatic to read this book. It did not disappoint. Barbara pours life into her characters with sarcasm, wit and surreal imagery, they leap from the page and stand before you in all their glory. I am left satisfied and starving for more, the clashing of swords, whistling of arrows still ringing in my ears.”—Lunar Rainbow Reviewz

  “In their adventures, the women must wrestle with issues of freedom, loyalty, and justice. The characters were likable, the issues complex, and the battles were exciting. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.”—All Our Worlds: Diverse Fantastic Fiction

  “This was the first Barbara Ann Wright novel I’ve read, and I doubt it will be the last. Her dialogue was concise and natural, and she built a fantastical world that I easily imagined from one scene to the next. Lovers of Vikings, monsters and magic won’t be disappointed by this one.”—Curve Magazine

  The Pyradisté Adventures

  “…a healthy dose of a very creative, yet believable, world into which the reader will step to find enjoyment and heart-thumping action. It’s a fiendishly delightful tale.”—Lambda Literary

  “Barbara Ann Wright is a master when it comes to crafting a solid and entertaining fantasy novel. …The world of lesbian literature has a small handful of high-quality fantasy authors, and Barbara Ann Wright is well on her way to joining the likes of Jane Fletcher, Cate Culpepper, and Andi Marquette. …Lovers of the fantasy and futuristic genre will likely adore this novel, and adventurous romance fans should find plenty to sink their teeth into.”—The Rainbow Reader

  “The Pyramid Waltz has had me smiling for three days. …I also haven’t actually read…a world that is entirely unfazed by homosexuality or female power before. I think I love it. I’m just delighted this book exists. …If you enjoyed The Pyramid Waltz, For Want of a Fiend is the perfect next step…you’d be embarking on a joyous, funny, sweet and madcap ride around very dark things lovingly told, with characters who will stay with you for months after.”—The Lesbrary

  “This book will keep you turning the page to find out the answers. …Fans of the fantasy genre will really enjoy this installment of the story. We can’t wait for the next book.”—Curve Magazine

  “There is only one other time in my life I have uncontrollably shouted out in cheer while reading a book. [A Kingdom Lost] made the second… Over the course of these three books all the characters have blossomed and developed so eloquently… I simply just thought this whole novel was brilliant.”—The Lesbian Review

  “Chock full of familiar elements that avid fantasy readers will adore…[The Pyramid Waltz] adds in a compelling and slowly evolving romance… Set against a backdrop of political intrigue with the possibility of monsters and mystery at every turn, the two women slowly learn each other, sharing secrets and longing, until a fragile love blossoms between them…”—USA Today Happily Ever After

  Not Your Average Love Spell

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Not Your Average Love Spell

  © 2019 By Barbara Ann Wright. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-328-4

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: November 2019

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Sheri ([email protected])

  By the Author

  The Pyradisté Adventures

  The Pyramid Waltz

  For Want of a Fiend

  A Kingdom Lost

  The Fiend Queen

  Thrall: Beyond Gold and Glory

  The Godfall Novels


  Paladins of the Storm Lord

  Widows of the Sun-Moon

  Children of the Healer

  Inheritors of Chaos

  Coils

  House of Fate

  The Tattered Lands

  Not Your Average Love Spell

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to Cindy for being an awesome editor and mentor. I owe you and Ruth a Coke.

  Thanks to my writing group members: Angela, Deb, Erin, Matt, Natsu, Sarah, and Trakena. You’re family.

  A continuing thank you to Bold Strokes Books and all its authors. Woo.

  Thanks to all the readers. I hope you have a laugh.

  I love you, Mom. You were right about everything.

  Dedication

  For Natsu. You’re a unicorn.

  Chapter One

  Surrounded, a situation not easy to contemplate and even harder to be in, but Sydney grinned at her opponents as she kneeled on the deck of the pirate ship. The captain smirked, creating more lines in his sun-browned, leathery face. Sydney sucked the cut on her lip and waited, trying to breathe shallowly, but the smell of the unwashed crew surrounding her was giving her a headache.

  Or maybe that was the punch to her jaw.

  “Knight of the Flame, eh?” the captain said as he held her captured blade. The golden sun inlaid in the hilt winked in the bright morning light. “Thought you lot were supposed to be smart.” He glanced toward Sydney’s sloop, now tied up alongside the pirate ship with its crew just as subdued as she was. “But you’re easy pickings like all the rest.”

  Sydney’s smile widened. “Where’s the witch?”

  His smug look faltered. Maybe he expected her to beg for her life instead of asking questions. “How did you know…” He chuckled. “That’s none of your concern any longer. Now, anything of importance to say before we throw you overboard, Madam Knight?”

  “I’m a major, actually. And yes.” She leaned forward as if sharing a secret. When the pirate followed suit, she said softly, “Where’s the witch?”

  He made a disgusted noise and stood back, gesturing to his crew. “Toss her and her crew over.”

  Ah well, if he wouldn’t spill his plans like a good villain…

  Sydney bent forward and put her palms on the deck, fingers spreading over the worn and pitted wood.

  “Begging?” The pirate guffawed. “I’d have never—”

  Sydney wrenched one leg beneath her and sprang up. The pirate staggered back with a strangled cry for aid. He swung at her with her own blade, but she was inside his reach too quickly. She crashed into him, sending them both to the deck.

  His head thunked hollowly against the wood. “Get her. Get—”

  Sydney knocked his hand against the deck, sending her blade clattering away, then pressed her forearm over his throat.

  “Submit,” she said. “You are surrounded.”

  The sounds of combat rang out behind her, but she didn’t bother to look. It would be over swiftly.

  “Crew is subdued, Major,” a voice behind her called.

  The pirate captain sputtered. Sydney grinned as he gawped like a fish in hand. She stood, hauling him along with her and relieving him of his own sword. Holding him by the neck of his filthy coat, she let him see his ship.

  Her ship, now.

  His crew moaned or coughed from where they lay on the deck, all alive from what she could see and ready for capture, trial, and then, most likely, the gallows. Her undercover squad, still disguised as fellow pirates, moved among them, tossing weapons overboard and trussing the pirates hand and foot.

  Senior Recruit Juzail handed Sydney her blade, and she slid it home in the scabbard across her back. Juzail somehow kept a smug expression from his light brown face after he took possession of the pirate captain, but his dark eyes twinkled.

  The pirate captain sputtered before managing, “I…” He swallowed. “How?” He gaped at Juzail. “You’re…a knight?”

  “Not yet,” Sydney said. “All recruits. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to infiltrate your crew.” She tapped twice over her heart with three fingers, the knight’s salute. “Knights of the Flame can’t lie.” Hands on hips, she took a deep breath of the salty air. “Now, where’s the witch?”

  The pirate swallowed so hard, his patchy beard seemed to bob along his neck. “Not aboard.”

  “I know that.” She sighed. “You’re going to have to do better, Captain…”

  “Smythe,” Juzail said.

  “Bastards,” Smythe muttered.

  “Look,” Sydney said, putting a hand on his shoulder and trying not to wince at the grime. “You’re bested, man. You had to be suspicious when a sloop with one knight and a handful of sailors tried to take this lumbering hulk. Even when I was on my knees, you had to know something wasn’t right. You’re not a stupid person.” She kept her voice friendly, almost drawling as if they were out for a relaxing spot of lunch. “If you tell me where the witch is, I will inform the magistrate when we return to Kingston, and he will tell the court that you cooperated, and maybe you can avoid the fate of most of your crew.” All true, but she doubted it would work.

  He trembled, and she thought it was fear until a sound sputtered from his lips, a high-pitched, nervous bray, and she realized he was laughing. “They call her the Hawk. Know why?”

  She smiled, encouraging him now that he was in the mood to talk.

  “Because she swoops down on her enemies before they ever know she’s there.”

  Sydney glanced at the cloudless blue sky. “No one’s swooping in to save you now.”

  He only laughed harder. “You don’t know what you’re doing, none of you knights. You think you’re saving the world by getting rid of magic?”

  “Where’s his cabin?” Sydney asked. When Juzail pointed in the right direction, she said, “Bring him.” Maybe while she was searching his possessions, he’d give something away.

  The cabin was a small affair with a narrow bed, a small desk, and a large trunk, with barely enough room to move between the three. Sydney started with the desk, keeping an eye on Smythe in the doorway. She riffled through maps and set aside a logbook for later. Her discoveries didn’t make Smythe blink, and Sydney’s irritation grew. His words had already grated her nerves; if she found nothing, she was going to be dashed upset.

  But finding one of the few witches still practicing magic in the kingdom of Arnvild was worth any little upset of hers.

  When she lifted the lid of the trunk, Smythe licked his lips. Ah, progress at last. Beneath a heap of dirty clothes, she found a small velvet bag. “What have we here?” she asked as she tipped a palm-sized crystal ball into her hand.

  His gaze flicked between the ball and her face.

  “This is how you speak to her?” Sydney asked. “Or is she going to swoop out of this and aid you?”

  “If it was possible, I would,” a low voice said.

  Sydney bit back a cry and stared at the weighty orb. The inside swirled as if filled with smoke, and she caught hints of a pale face, dark hair, and eyes that seemed to glow like green fire. “There you are,” Sydney said, just managing to keep her voice from shaking.

  “Where you’ll never find me,” the husky voice said. “And I’ll remain free from your tyranny.”

  Sydney scoffed. “Rather righteous talk from someone who allies herself with pirates.”

  “Needs must. Whatever witches have become is due to the Knights of the Flame. Ironic, seeing as how you use magic when it suits you.”

  Sydney gripped the ball so hard, her hand ached. She bared her teeth, hoping the witch could see her clearly. “Heartfire is born of valor and purity. It is the strength that lies in every human spirit and not the filthy magic witches use to perform nasty spells like animating the dead.”

  The smoke winked away along with the image. From the doorway, Smythe snickered.

  Rage built in Sydney’s chest, tapping into the very power she’d just laid claim to, heartfire, the energy knights were taught
to harness. She channeled it through her hand, setting blue flame licking among her fingers, though it could never hurt her. The globe glowed with dim light before cracks spread along it like spider legs, and it burst into hundreds of pieces.

  Sydney threw the shards into a corner. “Chain him up aboard the sloop.”

  “Yes, Major.” Juzail dragged Smythe away, still chuckling, and Sydney followed, happy to be out in the light again, away from the cabin’s foul air and the taint of magic.

  Her crew of recruits divided themselves between the pirate ship and the sloop, both flying the colors of Arnvild as well as the knights’ flame. When they were under way, Sydney pressed Smythe a little more; she wanted to know what the witch looked like and what Smythe had seen behind her in the crystal ball, but he claimed to have seen the same shadowy figure she had.

  “She’s abandoned you,” Sydney cried. They sat on the deck of the sloop, and the wind was at their backs, making it feel as if the ship flew over the water. Sitting easy, Smythe seemed to roll with the waves. Sydney envied him. She didn’t often get seasick, but the choppy water that day made for some ugly stirrings in her stomach, feeding her anger.

  She swallowed and told herself again that this man had been duped. His stubborn refusal to believe in the evil of magic proved he was more than just a hired sword. He believed in the witches’ cause to bring magic back to Arnvild, and that made him a misguided fool who might still be saved.