by C E Johnson
“I just want to go outside, to see what’s going on. Then I’ll be ready to go,” Malachi said. A drum was beating slowly in his mind and violins were beginning to softly play.
“I understand.” The brown-haired agent glanced around. “Let’s make it quick.” Malachi could see something new in the man’s eyes when he looked at him and Malachi knew he had his first follower, his first believer. They walked out the front door of the White House together. The air was icy cold, and a gusty wind began to blow. Gray clouds parted to reveal a full moon that now cast a strong light. “You were right, Malachi … you’re a true prophet.” The man spoke gently, but with infallible certainty.
Malachi found himself able to laugh and he felt a calm descend on his mind under the glow of the moon. “I’m much more than a prophet, I’m a black magician.” Malachi pulled his blackstone out of his pocket and rolled it in his hand. “What’s your name?”
“KC,” the brown-haired agent answered. He went out the door first, making sure the area was clear, before gesturing for Malachi to follow him. “I’m a martial arts and weapons specialist.”
Malachi nodded to the man. “You will be my captain and you will thrive in this new age.”
The man raised one eyebrow at Malachi. “All clear, sir.”
Malachi walked out of the building toward the Ellipse. Members of the Stargate Project Council were already assembling and he could see strong auras forming on each of them. Amanda rushed up to him and threw her arms around him. Her aura was white as snow and she smelled like strawberries and vanilla. “Oh, Malachi, you were right.”
Malachi felt his cheeks burning. He didn’t know how to act. He had never had a beautiful girl touch him in such a way, much less hold him so tightly and with such affection. He could feel Amanda breathing rapidly, every curve of her soft body heaving against his side. A thin sheen of sweat covered her skin and she looked to him for direction. She was beautiful in the light of the moon, and flutes were added to his inner melody. He knew what Drogor would tell him to do, so he leaned in to her for a kiss, daring himself to do that which he never would have thought was possible. Electricity surged through his body and he trembled and quaked as her lips brushed on his. Trumpets and horns were added to his inner orchestra and he could barely concentrate. Amanda backed away, giving him a shy and confused smile, but she held on tightly to his hand. Malachi wondered if his heart would explode in his chest. He turned reluctantly from Amanda and took control of the moment, speaking in a strong voice to his group, his warriors. “This is a new world. We’re going to be leaders now. Everything’s going to change.”
C H A P T E R 2 9
Epilogue
After several days, Emily’s ship exited the tunnel systems beneath the Dothan Forest. The elves helped place the mast on their ship and they joined other elven crafts leaving the forest to form a small armada. Once clear of the forest, the river entered into a lake in a great valley. Smaller streams exited from the lake, but they were too small for the ships to sail farther and the elves made a camp along the banks of the water. Elaina contacted the elf tending their horses through a dream-link with their position; he would arrive at their location in the next few days.
Ammolite’s coming, Xena whispered.
Ammolite appeared over the bank of the lake, like a giant bird of prey slowly circling their position. I’m here. Once Ammolite landed, Emily and Xena went away from the group to have a moment of peace together.
Your aura is different, Ammolite studied Emily intensely after they greeted each other. Orange has infused your pattern.
From Shadoe, Emily realized subtle differences in herself through Ammolite’s eyes. He gave me a part of his magus, like my mother did.
He has no children, Ammolite thought. You became his heir.
I’ll have to assimilate all he gave me, but not today. Emily still felt tired and weak.
Ammolite snorted, I’ll have to get used to your new hues. Ammolite curled on the bank overlooking the elven camp and the lake. Come close to me, my links, she whispered. Once they were all in physical contact, the three felt an instant catharsis. They reviewing all the events that had passed through each of their perspectives. They unloaded thoughts and feelings, allowing each other to sort through their most intimate memories. I’m still amazed that Shadoe used almost the same words as my mother spoke just before her death. Ammolite murmured as she reviewed Shadoe’s words and deeds.
They were both skilled with prophecy. Emily rubbed her palm over Ammolite’s scales, finding comfort in the new oranges, somehow calmed by the storm of colors she had become. I think they both fully realized the outcome of their actions and were at peace with their lives. Emily looked up into Ammolite’s golden eyes. Are you impressed by him? I was in awe of his character.
Ammolite nodded her great head. He was unique, almost like a dragon, but even more skilled in certain ways. To pull everyone together for that moment was incredible.
What should we do with Iscar? Xena asked.
I keep wondering about the possibility of dragons going to Earth. Ammolite stared out over the lake.
“You could never do that.” Emily spoke aloud, sitting up and shaking her head. A cool edge of fear gripped her heart. “There are so many weapons on Earth. Someone would shoot a missile at you. You wouldn’t be very safe there.”
Relax, my little one, Ammolite soothed her. I will have to discuss these events with my dragon advisors. If there’s going to be a war on Earth, we’ll have to look through our ancient prophecies and attempt to look to the future. I’ll have to talk with Ladon.
Glossary of Characters
Aamon, Abadd, and Abatu – Samil’s sons
Aderyn – Falcon, Keaton’s bondsmate
Adrienne – Dryad, half-dead created by Emily
Akhil – Freedom Fighter
Amana – Saber-toothed tiger, Rios Esteppe’s bondsmate
Amanda Baker – Stargate Project member
Andrew Dalton – Doctor, pediatric surgeon, Emily’s godfather
Anna – Emily’s friend, martial artist
Apache – Emily’s horse at the Henry stable
Arach – King of the dragons in the first dragon war
Argos – Isabelle’s horse at the Henry stable
Arn – Eagle, Droth’s bondsmate
Ashignis Angel – Gold Magician, Professor of the elements
Bronte – Emily’s warhorse
Brytam – White Magician, Samil’s assistant
Cain – Vampire, half-dead created by Samil
Calumnia Funk – White Magician, Alitis, Professor of illusions
Cameron – Blue Magician, orphan
Caroline – Swimmer
Claire – Blue Magician, orphan
Crittenden Quercus – Elf, Captain of the guard
Cyril – Red Magician, King of Ekron sector
Dax – River otter, Dr. D’s bondsmate
Delores Quadmire – Bully in Austin, Texas
Doeg Quadmire – Delores’ father, trainer
Dracul, Drago, and Drakkon – Dragons of the Black Riders by Portal Lake
Drakus – Black Magician, Drogor’s ancestor, fought in first Dragon War
Drogor – Wraith-spirit - dead grandfather of Samil, magician, black magic
Droth – Black Magician, Samil’s general on Earth
Duke – Boxer, Hadrian’s bondsmate, nickname for Orthus
Dysis Hoshi – Blacksky lieutenant
Edvard – Vampire, half-dead
Elaina – Elf queen
Elizabeth – Emily’s friend, swimmer
Emily – Blue Magician
Fang – Saber-tooth tiger, Suci Abaddon’s bondsmate
Ferdinand Maurer –Yellow Magician, Professor of auras and magestones
Finnur Haukur – Captain of the Elisabet
Flamescale – Red dragon of Eusebius
Fred Wernli – Pulmonologist
Gavone Gassone – Red Magician, leader of the Cat Clan<
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Ginger Mero – Brown Magician, Professor shape changing
Goldenmoon – Dragon of Eusebius
Graciela – Vampire, half-dead
Greyson Raiken – the Raik, master thief
Hadrian Simara – Blacksky Commander
Ian McClinton – Medic who found Hadrian in Hawaii
Isabelle – Emily’s friend, horse rider
Iscar – Magician
James Moss – Doctor that trained Dr. D
Janishka Rumanovah – Violet Magician, Droth’s wife
Jon – Magician, Green Magic, crew of Elisabet, longbow expert
KC McLaughlin – Federal Agent
Keaton – Blue Magician, orphan, Alitis
Kelcey – Black Magician, Elf, sister of Shadoe
Kwan Tat – Gold Magician, Javan, crew of Elisabet
Mors – Vampire, half-dead
Mr. Jesse Gunlock – Attendant at the animal shelter
Ladon – Dragon of Angkor
Lambo – Great grandnephew of Droth
Lampos – Horse merchant of Angkor
Loff Retz – Indigo magician, nexus, wraith spirit
London Belafsky – Indigo Magician, Professor of bondsmates
Luce Levi Laadah – Lacerta warrior
Luke – Emily’s friend, fencer
Lyall – Leader of the were-creatures in the Dothan Forest
Maaca – Vampire, half-dead created by Samil
Magog – Saber-toothed tiger, Suci’s bondsmate
Malachi Hughes – President’s son
Marcus Tate – Yellow Magician, Samil’s assistant
Marie – Swimmer
Medens Force – Green Magician, Professor of healing
Milo – Red Magician, Droth’s assistant
Nathan Ezer – Fisherman who gave Cyril a water cobra
Neal Poulton Himes – Archery instructor
Nicos and Yorgos – Twins, crew of Elisabet
Nox – Horse, Cameron’s bondsmate
Oliver Tseng – Sensei of martial arts
Orel – Eagle bondsmate of Lambo
Pendon – Angkor Castle director
Richard and Jean Whayne – Emily’s adoptive parents
Rios Esteppe – Red Magician, Cat Clan
Roseanne Reese – Orange Magician, Professor of Dragon lore and the history of magic
Ross – Elf warrior
Rune – Dire wolf, Luke’s bondsmate
Sak – Gray dragon of Citlaltzin
Samamune – Javan swordmaker
Samil – Black Magician
Scott Henry – Owns the stables where Emily trains
Shachal – Black tiger, Gavone’s bondsmate
Shadoe – Orange Magician, Elf
Skyler – Black dragon, Samil’s bondsmate
Stacy Stevens – Silver Magician, Professor of psionics
Steele – Captain John Steele, Elf warrior
Suci Abaddon – Violet Magician, Professor of potions
Tebah – Blacksky agent, close friend of Hadrian
Tengu – Acacean mega-bat bondsmate
Tertius Kline – Captain of pirate ship
Tiamat – Queen of the dragons on Acacia
Tonalli – Javan warrior, trained Hadrian
Ullr – Shade, half-dead created by Samil
Vadimas – onetime head of the magical academy on the Island of Bashan
Val Vincere – Red Magician, Professor of offensive magic
Victor – Fusion of mermaid and Acacean, crew of Elisabet
Wennogle Wall – Blue Magician, Professor of shields
William Hughes – President of the United States
Wuldur – Shade, half-dead created by Samil
Xander, Xanthus, Xeno – Xena’s littermates, Droth’s dogs
Xena – pronounced Zeena, Doberman, nickname Z, Emily’s bondsmate
Yannis – Water Cobra, Cyril’s bondsmate
Yotan – Javan King during Hadrian’s youth
Zaki – Freedom Fighter
Zara – Innkeeper of the Flotsam
Glossary of Magic
Aneoxa porta – Open
Aranea Textura – Weave a web to search for others, or scan for items
Ardesco – Fireball
Armus – Communicate with animals
Ater – Purgatory, the spirit world
Consigno – Seal a message in a magestone fragment
Defigere – Enchant an object
Domina Ferinus – Spell to control animals
Dream-link – A spell to communicate
Fegkos fulgar – Fire
Flamae – Fireball
Flammeus absorbeo – Reduce things
Fulgar makria – Turn off lights
Glacies – Freeze spell
Ianitorus – Spell to open doors
Ki (Pronounced “key”) – Inner voice, inner magical power
Loqua umbra – Words to guide a magician to the spirit world, Ater
Madai – Name for someone who has no magical ability
Mage-field – Force field around an object to prevent magus use
Mage-lock – A lock on a door allowing limited magician entry
Magus – (pronounced “may-jus”) - Inner magic
Makria – End a spell
Medicor – Heal
Memoria – Memorize, commit to memory
Mind-link – A mental link between bondsmates
Mouwe – Camouflage spell
Mutationnem – Mutate to another shape
Mutato Draco – Spell to transform into a dragon shape
Oath-bound – Samil’s dragon-oath bound warriors
Praedico vaticinatio – Spell of prophecy
Propero – Move
Pulsus – Psionic spell, push, moves an object
Remedio bestia – Healing spell for bondsmates
Somnio – Sleep or meditation to begin to send across a dream-link
Thyreos o – Shield spell
Ukcabala – The process of pulling across a spirit from Ater
Vinculum – The process of bonding with a bondsmate
Zambi – Formation of a Mavet raa
Glossary of Time
Earth prime age: starts from the day one first arrives on Earth
One day on Earth is equivalent to one year on Acacia
Traveling from Acacia to Earth: No change in age. Earth prime age begins. Weakening in magic, senses, agility. A tolerance can be built over time or adaptation occurs with spells that promote rejuvenation
Traveling from Earth to Acacia: Travelers from Earth to Acacia undergo a heightening. Agility, strength, intelligence, senses and magical ability all increase, greater based on years on Earth. Heightened abilities decay slowly over years spent on Acacia
Traveling from Earth to Acacia and back to Earth:
- For each year spent on Acacia, one day passes on Earth.
- Age will revert upon a return to Earth based off Earth prime age plus one day for each year spent on Acacia. Cheating time.
- Retain skills and memories from a trip to Acacia upon a return to Earth
- Weakening upon a return to Earth - greater depending on the amount of time spent on Acacia
Examples:
Born on Acacia. Leave Acacia at 30, arrive on Earth. Earth prime age begins at 30. Weakening. Tolerance will build. Remain on Earth 10 years. Will be 40 Earth years. Return to Acacia. Will stay 40. Heightening. 3,650 years will have passed on Acacia (365 x 10). If remain on Acacia 10 years, heightening decays. Will be 50 years old. Return to Earth. Weakening. Only 10 Earth days will have passed for the 10 Acacean years. Revert to 40 Earth years plus 10 days. Cheat time. Will retain new abilities, memories. Tolerance begins
Born on Earth. Earth prime age begins at birth. At 14, travel to Acacia
Heightening. Live 10 years on Acacia, will be 24 years old, heightening decays. Return to Earth. Weakening. Revert back to 14 years of age plus 10 days. Cheat time. Will retain memories and skills learned. Toler
ance begins
Twins born on Acacia. Twin A leaves at birth to Earth. Weakening. Earth prime age begins at age 0. Tolerance begins.
Twin B lives 10 years on Acacia (10 Earth days). Twin B goes to Earth. Weakening. Earth prime age begins at 10 years. Tolerance begins. Twin A will be 10 days old, Twin B 10 years old. Discrepant age based on Earth prime day.
Born on Acacia. At 50 years old, travel to Earth. Earth prime age begins at 50. Weakening. Tolerance begins. If stay one day and return to Acacia. One year will have passed on Acacia. Mild heightening. Stay on Acacia ten years - 60-year-old. Return to Earth. Weakening. Revert back to 50 years plus 10 days. Cheat time. Stay one day on Earth, return to Acacia. One year will have passed on Acacia. Will still be 50 years plus 11 days. Cheat time. Mild heightening.
Glossary of Locations
Acacia – Parallel world to Earth
Achrace – Adjacent city to Citlaltzin in the Javan lands
Alitis Sea – The sea by the Alitis continent and the Bird’s Nest Island
Angkor – sector where Dr. Dalton is king
Aquatine – River between Eusebius and Machimum
Atitlane Sea – Many islands in the center, including the Black Mountain and the Island of Bashan
Bird’s Nest – Island of the Bird Clan near the Alitis, also called Akrysha
Castle Cave – A castle within the stone high in a rock ridge in Angkor
Citlaltzin – Hadrian’s capital city of Antioch, a sector in the Javan lands
Dothan Forest – Dense woods in Acacia
Durhabareth – Capital of Ashur, a sector in the Javan lands
Eusebius – Capital city of Ekron sector in Acacia
Forest of Harath – The elf forest
Gibeon – A city of the Javan, where Maaca once ruled
Haran – Capital city of Angkor sector in Acacia
Henry Ranch – Oaktree stables, a ranch in Texas where Emily trains
Horseclans lands – In the sectors of Greyfell and Galathe
Island of Bashan – Location of the greatest school of magic on Acacia
Jotun – City off the main waterway near Lake Atitlane
Lake Atitlane – Many islands in the center- Black Mountain, Island of Bashan
