Third Time's the Charm: The Kingdom of Ura, #1

Third Time's the Charm

Gio Peters

Copyright © 2023 Gio Peters

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781234567890

ISBN-10: 1477123456

Cover design by: Art Painter

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

Printed in the United States of America

To my mother. I could never have come this far without the love and support you give me daily. I couldn’t have done this, nor anything else without my biggest fan, my everything, cheering me on. There were days where I simply could not go on, not with writing, not with anything, but you picked me up and pushed me forward as only a mother can—as only you can. Love you endlessly.

And

My Aunty Judith, who inspired my love of stories and writing since I could speak. We began with thin books we got in the front of Woollies, and shared novels, essays, and poetry throughout my life to make me the writer I am today. You explored my ideas with me, so many of which went nowhere and we laughed about their ridiculousness, but ultimately you egged me into pursuing my writing. Thank you for it all

All things proceed from Nature—don't they? All things in the heaven, in the earth, and under the earth, act and live as Nature ordains?

Sheridan le Fanu, Carmilla

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Epigraph

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Glossary

Gods

Deities

Other Books

Acknowledgement

About The Author

Chapter 1

6th January 1872

I

t was my birthday, and I was hoping to avoid—

Sun, moon and afternoon!

Three interchangeable blondes, Alexandria, Ashleigh and Amber were armed with bright red lipstick, stilettos of the same colour and small wands holstered on each of their left thighs respectively, visible beneath their pleated school skirts. Their hair hung loose, and they wore no bonnets nor scarves, as they were witches. They intercepted me on my way to deliver a parcel to the butchery, the final delivery of the day.

Carrying meat around again, Niamh? said Alexandria, the leader, so identified by her having the longest hair; it came all the way down to her waist.

No I’m carrying a parcel to the butchery where the meat is—

Think you’re smart? said Ashleigh, whose hair fell to the middle of her back.

No—

Oh so you think you’re dumb? said Amber, with the shoulder-length hair.

I think he does, because he is, they said in unison, and cackled together at their supreme wit.

I felt the tears hot behind my eyes. I tried to sidestep Alexandria, but she was in front of me, and behind me, and to the left and to the right and all around me and so were Ashleigh and Amber, multiple copies of them—a form of Glamour spell.

Away with you lot! scolded Penn, the head of the delivery service, appearing from right behind me. Don’t you three bitches have bushes to piss on? And don’t you go aiming those wands at me you little wenches! You won’t be seeing mail for a month. Scat! Scram!

Alexandria drew her lips back to deliver a cutting remark, but Penn pointed his thick finger in the opposite direction to where they had come from. I said away with you three!

The girls swore under their breath, rolled their eyes and said Whatever, before strutting away to whichever sinkhole they rose from each day.

Penn’s face lost its stony I-am-a-grown-man exterior, and opened up into a sunny smile. His cheeks bunched up, strawberry red. He scratched his beard, and smoothed it down.

Got to look neat for the birthday boy, eh Niamh, said Penn.

I nodded enthusiastically, partially out of excitement and partially to shake away the tears of shame and humiliation that were welling up. Penn turned the corners of his mouth down. He grabbed me in a bear hug, which kind of hurt because he was a very big man, but comforting at the same time.

Oh boyo, don’t pay no attention to those lasses and their words. They’re twisted, mean girls who have more money and power than sense.

But they’re witches—

Ah don’t pay mind to that! Besides, you’re sixteen today. You’re a man now, and men don’t bother with kids’ games. Penn clapped his big hand on my shoulder, which once again, hurt. Did this man not realise that he was a hundred kilograms? I tell you, Alexandria still feels bitter and insecure because her old boyfriend liked you better, and you’re fae. Made her feel small. Now she’s trying to make you feel small. You’re not small Niamh. Alright maybe you’re a wee bit small, but you’re not small in the sense what I mean.

I chortled. Some tears came out (as did some snot; not my proudest moment), but Alexandria, Ashleigh and Amber’s spite had left me. Besides, as the third son of the third son, I had less to worry about concerning magic once I blew out my candle at home.

I’ll deliver this parcel to the old butcher. You go on home, said Penn as he relieved me of the somewhat heavy package. But you’re back to work tomorrow so don’t go getting too drunk! warned Penn, and gave me a playful wink.

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, sweeping my glossy curls behind my ears. I make no promises.

Penn gave a hearty laugh. There’s a good lad.

I hurried on home, taking the cobblestone alleyways as opposed to one of the eight tar roads. Last year there were only six of them but Fix It Construction Company had clearly built more; the town was growing, and frankly I didn’t like it. With the proper roads came the proper houses, the ones that were upright and sturdy. I quite liked Thimbleton how it was, with its narrow cobblestone roads and double-storey houses which tended left and right. Some people said it looked as if they might collapse, but I fancied they were leaning towards each other to gossip about the people who lived in them.

I walked past the shopping district with its two-man-high statue of a man in a girdled tunic with winged sandals and cufflinks which identified him as Hesh, god of the wind, travel and trade and the town’s patron. Lining the district were stalls and shops that sold little necklaces and trinkets and home decorations that mums (like mine) would spend hours fawning over; tools needed for various house upkeep and little toys for tots to play with. The vendors were shouting out prices of wares, most of which were on sale for one day only, as they were every day. The path then forked: to the left was the road I was advised to take by my mum and dad, and the other was a narrow alleyway called Ricket Lane lined with rickety buildings which threatened to fall over at the utterance of an unkind word.

I should have gone home, but dash it all. I walked briskly down the dubious path, past the pubs and taverns and a wooden building called Sticks and Bones (it was the town brothel) and—

Oi Niamh, shouldn’t you be home for your birthday? asked a woman with a voluptuous figure, dark hair plaited into two ropes that escaped her pinafore on either side of her head. It’s the big one-six!

Just going for a quick swim Liezel!

Liezel was a maid at said brothel who, well, helped my oldest brother Alistair from time to time.

To see that merman you ogle? she said, putting her hands on her hips.

No—

Go on. I’ll keep an eye out for ya! But be quick.

A wizened old man seemed to appear out of nowhere, right next to Liezel, who jumped in fright. It was—

Herman! You scared me, said Liezel.

Sorry, sorry, sorry, said Herman.

Wish Niamh here a happy old birthday. He’s sixteen today.

Herman’s brow creased. Er, uhm…

He’s Alistair’s youngest brother.

Herman snapped his bony fingers, each adorned with a ring of a differing colour. They were special wizard items, called lodestones. Ah! The youngest Nestor sibling. Third son of the third son! I wonder what type of fae you will be. Anyway, happy birthday.

Thanks. At this rate, the only thing I‘ll be is late. I have to go.

I sped away, nearly falling as the even ground suddenly gave way to a steep slope bracketed by fisheries and businesses having to do with boats, which I had no interest in. I all but flew down to the barge, to the left and round the bend. There was a tidal pool there. The rocks were smooth but slippery, covered by seaweed. Starfish lined the edge, and the waves of the ocean dashed against the exterior, calm runoff making the water ripple, afternoon sun enchanting it with gold flecks of light. I stripped down starkers, putting my clothes in a bundle atop a dry rock, and slid into the pool. And waited. And waited.

There was a merman, no doubt. I had met him three times. Out of twelve. In his favour, merfolk had no concept of time nor did they understand the days of the week, but still, it was worth the chance. He said the silliest things, and told me all about the underside of the sea and the weird things that lived there. And the fact that his arms were very buff did make his ridiculous tales of fish with one protruding, glowing eye all the more interesting, especially when he let me feel them. The muscles that is, not the fish.

I waited there for quite some time, raking my fingers through the sand and making a game of counting how many dolphins breached the surface of the water.

Who are you waiting for? asked someone, snidely.

It was Alexandria, and she was holding my clothes.

Give those back—

Amber, Ashleigh, let’s see how much of a man Niamh Nestor is.

The other two girls dropped their Glamours, which were rendering them invisible, and spiralled their wands over the tidal pool from a vantage point above my head. The water rushed out to sea, and I found myself beached. My hands shot downward to cover up.

Alexandria forced a wicked laugh, and her friends followed suit. Is that what they call a man? If that’s all you have you’re a girl with a flat chest.

Why even bother with underthings? It’s not like there’s much to cover up, hissed Amber.

When they said it was your sixteenth birthday, did they mean sixteen years or sixteen months? cackled Ashleigh.

There was salt water in my face. Some of it was seawater. Most of it was the kind my eyes produced when I was mortifyingly humiliated, embarrassed and powerless.

It’s… I’m cold, I sniggered, not knowing what else to say. Not that I really could say much.

"Oh I’m cold, mocked Alexandria. The only thing big about you are those elephant ears of yours."

Yes, you are cold, said Herman. Liezel was steadying the old man. "Alexandria Lambert, Amber Cumberbatch and Ashleigh Parker you are very cold. In fact you are freezing."

The lodestones on Herman’s rings began to glow. I’d never seen wizardry performed before. The three witches froze in place, teeth chattering and limbs shaking. Their lips went blue and their eyes bloodshot.

Liezel walked up to Alexandria and smacked her across the face so hard she toppled over. Bitch of a girl, she said as she collected my clothes and handed them back to me. She turned her back as I quickly put on my smalls, trousers and button-up shirt. Fortunately my shoes and socks weren’t too sandy.

You’re holding up the day for the lot of us back home, said Alistair, as he rounded the corner in his black slacks and top, sweaty from working construction all day.

How did you—

Birdie told me, replied Alistair. He was referring to Liezel, who had a Favour—a small bit of magic bestowed upon people (ostensibly from the gods) randomly—and could talk to birds. Now let’s go home so you can blow your birthday candle out and we can get on with our lives.

Liezel rolled her eyes at Alistair’s comment. She beckoned me closer and gave me a hug. Big happy birthday. It can only get better from here. Sorry about your merman. She then shot a glare at Alistair. And your arsehole brother for not being a bit more sympathetic.

Alistair sneered. You’re too soft Liezel. He’s a man now.

Liezel stared Alistair down. Oh? And you think you’re a man? Age twenty-one and at your last ‘visit’ with me, you were too soft to get the job done. No refund next time.

I laughed aloud. I knew it would get me in trouble later on, but I loved seeing Liezel put Alistair down. It was one of the best birthday gifts I could’ve asked for. Herman hobbled toward me, not paying any attention to the sand getting in his broken red shoes. He nearly stumbled over a seashell. Heavens only knew why he didn’t use a walking cane. He reached into one of the multitudinous inner pockets of his tattered grey blazer and gave me a small silver letter opener, with a cloth folder that could fit comfortably in my palm. It was yellow—must’ve been ancient. Where he’d gotten the items from between forgetting I existed and now was beyond me.

He licked his cracked lips. This is my present to you. Open it only when you feel at your most confused.

Thanks Herman. I don’t know what to say. This is so touching.

Herman gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He smelled a bit odd but I was also not daisy-fresh after being in the tidal pool for so long. I took the note and letter opener and put them in my trouser pocket. I really did intend to keep it safe. Even though Herman was a bit nutty sometimes (all the time) he was still a wizard, and he did seem to care for me and my family a lot.

Oi, Thread, it’s time to go home. It’s sundown! shouted Alistair.

I hated it when he called me Thread. He motioned with his fingers for me to follow along, and I did so. I took one last look at sunlight playing upon the sea, making it look like rolling waves of shattered glass, and wondered where my merman was. I thought I saw him, but it was just another dolphin.

***

Alistair led me to our house as if he thought I’d forgotten where we both lived. It was a triple-storey building. We weren’t rich—far from it—my family simply built a floor for each unit. The ground floor which was made from concrete was for my eldest uncle Theodore and his first wife Aunt Alina and their son Brody, as well as his second wife Aunt Alison and their daughter Elinor; the first floor was constructed of wood and was for Uncle Lucian, his husband Uncle Ciaran, and their adopted daughter Corina; and the top-most floor, which was a prefab, was where I lived with my mum and dad, Alistair (obviously/unfortunately) and my middle brother Adam. The ground floor had a proper front door with a knocker and everything, but the upper floors had entrances on the side which you could only get to by climbing a rickety staircase. The entire structure was held together by the universe knowing that if it collapsed, three families would have no lodging.

I ran ahead of Alistair, all the way to the top of the stairs, each step creaking as I did so. I burst through the door, more excited than what I’d liked to have admitted to myself.

Mum nearly tackled me as I entered. Happy birthday!

Dad was next. He pinched my cheeks and kissed my forehead. What an auspicious day! My youngest, and the youngest in the family, turns sixteen. I couldn’t be prouder.

The rest of my family was all there, dressed to the nines (or rather, the six-point-fives. We couldn’t afford much), surrounding the dinner table. It was a bit of a squeeze, but they all fit in. I made the rounds, hugs and kisses everywhere. Except for Alistair, who said he had already wished me and refused to repeat himself.

Dad scratched at his five o’clock shadow. Alistair could you—

Okay fine. Happy birthday, Thread.

Mum brushed her wavy dark locks behind her head, as she always did when she was about to scold someone, and Dad narrowed his eyes.

It’s okay, I said, but it really wasn’t.

I got a massive gift from the family: a pair of authentic denims from my mum and dad and Adam; a lovely button-up shirt from Uncles Lucian and Ciaran and Corina; and Uncle Theodore and Aunts Alina and Alison, as well as Brody and Elinor gave me a snazzy pair of brown boots, polished so thoroughly I could see my own bewildered expression. And finally, there was the cake. It was black forest, just big enough so we could each have a slice. There was one single candle in the middle. They all gathered round and sang to me:

Happy birthday. Feel the earth day. From whence you came. Happy fun day. Feel the sun day. Which doth warm your face. Happy you day. Feel the moon day. Which watches your dreams. Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday!

I was overjoyed! I inhaled to blow the candle out, but Alistair pushed me out of the way and extinguished it with his finger and thumb. A part of me melted a little bit.

Why’d you do that? I asked.

Alistair, go, said Mum. Now!

It’s only a candle! he said.

If it’s only a candle then why’d you do it? asked Corina, green eyes flashing with anger. She didn’t look like the rest of us, because Uncles Ciaran and Lucian adopted her. Her skin was caramel, her nose a bit like a button and she was thicker round the bottom and thighs than us fairer folk. Her hair was also quite frizzy, and refused to be pinned or tamed. It seemed like she was of mixed descent: one parent Urish and the other Afaran.

Because—

Because you’re jealous that he’s the third of the third and you’re not, she said, very matter-of-factly.

It’s not that special, he retorted.

If it isn’t special, you won’t miss us when you stay with a friend for the night, said Mum.

Alright. Cheers then Thread. Alistair left in a huff.

I was glad he was gone. Dad relit the candle for me. The third of the third was supposed to get a wish and their fae power once they blew out their birthday candle, but I was hesitant; it wasn’t really mine anymore.

Go on, said red-haired Uncle Ciaran, revealing his crooked teeth as he smiled encouragingly.

I swallowed hard. I only got one wish, but as I looked around at my family, I saw that I had everything here already. Except for one thing:

I wish to kiss a merman, the one I’ve been seeing, I thought.

I puffed my cheeks and blew hard. The flame was out. Everybody’s hands were clasped, fingers knitted together, waiting for the change to occur.

And? Anything? asked Aunt Alina.

I don’t feel any different, I said.

What if Alistair stole my power?

Mum rubbed my back, and Dad my shoulders. It’s okay. It’ll show eventually, said Dad, and even if it doesn’t—

It will, asserted Corina.

I wiped the tears away, and smiled at my cousin. She went to the tiny kitchen next to the eating room and handed me a knife. Cut the cake. One for each of us. Except Alistair. Take his slice for yourself.

Exactly what I was thinking, I said.

Cake cut, slices handed out, I took a bite. I didn’t quite understand how something could taste like a black forest, but it was divine nonetheless. The clothes and the cake must’ve cost a pretty penny, which meant I’d have to work extra hard at Penn’s Deliveries to help cover some of the cost, but that was tomorrow’s worry.

Right now, we were all exchanging stories of the most embarrassing moments in my life. I tried to play it cool, but I could feel my cheeks flushing. I was glad Alistair wasn’t there to tell them about the nickname he’d given me. Everything else paled in comparison to that incident.

Once the chatter was done, most of the family filed out from the room, until it was only Adam and Corina left around the table, and Mum and Dad in the kitchen.

So what was your wish? asked Corina.

I can’t say, or it won’t come true, I replied.

I think I know what it is, said Adam, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief.

Mum and Dad were washing the dishes, chatting to each other. It was usually the children’s responsibility to clean the house, but they let us have the night off.

It’s—

Respect your brother’s birthday wish privacy! hollered Mum to Adam before he could spill the beans to Corina.

Alright, alright, sorry, said Adam, smile still plastered to his face.

So how was your day? asked Corina.

It was alright, I lied. Actually, not great. Alexandria, Ashleigh and Amber stopped me twice and made sure I felt awful. They confused me with their Glamours and stole my clothes at the beach.

Corina twisted her mouth and balled up her fists. I really don’t get bullies. They’re stupid. Wouldn’t it be easier to not do anything? Why put the effort in to make someone else feel small when you can work on yourself to make yourself feel big?

Sometimes, that’s how people are raised. Sometimes people’s parents bully them and that’s the only way they know how to interact with the world, said Mum from the kitchen.

I nodded pensively. I’d never thought about that before. Alexandria’s mum was a witch and her dad was a high ranking constable. I didn’t know them all that well but witches were tough and officers were often strict and domineering. Maybe that was why she was so good at controlling her friends as well?

Anyway, they don’t matter, not in this house, and not today, said Dad.

I believed him. Those mean girls waved their wands around to get what they wanted, but not anymore. I was sure that my power would manifest. Someday. And then I’d show them what for.

Why me though? Not that I wish it on anybody else. But, I just deliver packages to people, I said, before I could stop myself.

Adam shrugged his shoulders. Corina shook her head. Nobody had an answer.

Guess what? said Mum to me, peeping her head around the kitchen corner.

What Mum? I asked.

You can go downstairs to Uncle Theo. They ran a bath for you, and you’re the first to go in. Hot water for you!

I sat bolt upright. A bath! And the first one in! We only had a metal basin in the house which Mum and Dad used first, then Alistair, then Adam, then me, meaning I had cold grey water to clean myself in. I shouldn’t complain though, we had an indoor toilet, which some didn’t have.

I’m so jealous, said Corina.

Yeah, me too, enthused Adam. Don’t be too long. I want to climb in next.

I laughed at Adam’s comment. I was going to enjoy the soak.

***

As I was about to leave for Uncle Theo’s, my pyjamas (my only set. Mum had sewn them) under my arm, my dad stopped me.

Dad?

It’s about time I gave you a new one of these, he said, handing me a shaving razor. It had a black handle, blade tucked inside. You are of course a man now.

Thanks Dad, I said, accepting the token and hugging him tightly.

Don’t pay Alistair no mind. I’ll give him a good talking to.

Dad it’s okay. I can handle him. It’s a stupid nickname, and I think Corina put him in his place. Like you said, I’m a man now and I have to fight my own battles.

Dad’s mouth turned down at the corners. You shouldn’t have to fight your own brother though. But I’ll leave you to it.

***

Uncle Theo’s bathroom was luxurious. It had a full-length mirror behind the door, and a face basin fastened beside a cabinet against the wall. The floor was tiled—tiled! There was a small counter with things like toothbrushes and hair combs and razors for shaving. The bath itself was enamel, and set in stone. I took off my clothes, and with my back to the mirror, stepped in. Muscles I hadn’t realise I possessed began unwinding, and all thoughts of those three witches flowed away, except of course when Liezel slapped a frigid Alexandria! I laughed to myself, but not so loud as for Uncle Theo and them to think I was some kind of lunatic.

I looked down at my body, hard and wiry. Fortunately my needle was back to its normal respectable size, but still having Alexandria and her friends see me so exposed was frightful. Those three witches cackling—perhaps somebody else had seen me? And were talking about me too.

I reached for the shaving razor which I’d put near the bath’s edge. I opened it, nicking my finger already. Damn! I stroked the blade down the hollow of my stomach, seeing each hair fall into the bathwater. I stroked lower, shaving the hair on my pelvic girdle, and around my needle, making it look a centimetre or two longer.

Would Alexandria, Ashleigh and Amber laugh now? Probably, because now I looked like a ten-year-old. I saw a swirl of blue in the water. Blood was leaking from between my legs—I’d cut myself right between my thigh and bollocks. I heard Alexandria, Ashleigh and Amber giggle uncontrollably. Now I looked like a girl getting her menses