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by Soul Of A Witch (lit)




  Soul Of A Witch

  A thunderous cloud obscured the moonlight suddenly, but not before he caught a glimpse of the determination on her face. Determination and something else... a wildness? No, something more. Something almost... otherworldly. The flash of lightning reflected in her eyes, and he felt as though she were already withdrawing from this world, and into the spiritual plane. Fear gripped him suddenly, not for himself, but for her.

  "Beulah, what are you going to do?"

  Thunder crashed overhead, making the ground beneath their feet tremble. The sound of the river swirling hurriedly was loud, and a wind whipped up suddenly.

  "Hortra comes!" Beulah yanked her arm from Sinya’s grip. "There is no time left!"

  "Oh God! Wes!" Breaking into a run, Sinya dashed for the hut.

  Leaping up the stairs, he pushed through the door, tore across the room and skidded to a halt beside the still figure of his brother. It was then he realized that Beulah wasn’t with him.

  "Beulah!" He ran back to the door and peered out into the gathering storm.

  And saw her.

  The lightning split the sky, and through the flashes of light, he saw her standing still, exactly where he’d left her. Head thrown back, her arms still by her side, she braved the elements swirling around her.

  "Beulah!" Sinya shouted.

  What They Are Saying About

  Soul Of A Witch

  "…leap into mysticism. Her explanations of the different spiritual planes that are traveled and of the mystical battles that are fought are concise and riveting."

  Brenda Edde,

  Romance Junkies

  "Ms. Verdenius has a way of making other worlds come alive. Once you start reading you are so into the story that everything about these worlds seems real."

  Lydia Funneman,

  Writers Unlimited

  "This is an absolute great book to read. I didn’t want it to stop. I loved the way Ms. Verdenius makes the characters believable."

  Lynne Latimer, author

  "…makes you believe in the powers of the unseen. You don’t want to miss this struggle between good and evil…"

  JoEllen Conger,

  Return of The Goddess

  "…loaded with action, suspense and of course romance… combines, science fiction, fantasy and romance with a touch of humor. If I had to rate this story on a scale of one to ten, I would give it an eleven!"

  Steve Gambuti,

  Center Moon: Stone of Cordova

  Other Works From The Pen Of

  Angela Verdenius

  Heart of an Outlaw

  An outlawed warrior saved by a Daamen trader. Love blossoms, a powerful enemy threatens. Passion, betrayal, bloody legends, and a shocking secret in a galaxy of enemies and friends.

  Soul of a Mercenary

  Reya walks the edge of insanity, her soul darkening beneath a bloody secret. For love, Maverk will follow the Reeka warrior into the nightmare reaching out for her.

  Heart of the Betrayed

  Betrayed once, Dana trusts no man. Garret will risk everything to prove his love--even if it means assisting her betrayer, and entering a country split by hate.

  Love’s Sweet Assassin

  Trying to discover the identity of his enemy, the ruthless Argon will pit his wits against the short, outrageous assassin. It should be straightforward… shouldn’t it?

  Soul of a Hunter

  The bounty hunter’s soul thirsted for vengeance, her life given to the hunt. He’d thought Sabra was dead. Now he’s found her again, Cam won’t give her up.

  Love’s Bewitching Thief

  Felys female: thief, feline-like, bewitching – and coming on heat. Argon: sensual, looking for revenge – and captivated. The Cyborg: he just wants to kill the Felys.

  Heart of the Forsaken

  First Sonja high jacks his ship, then his heart. But can Red battle the evil legacy from an old Empire that threatens to engulf her?

  Wings

  Soul Of A Witch

  by

  Angela Verdenius

  A Wings ePress, Inc.

  Futuristic Romance Novel

  Wings ePress, Inc.

  Edited by: Leslie Hodges

  Copy Edited by: Elizabeth Struble

  Senior Editor: Elizabeth Struble

  Managing Editor: Leslie Hodges

  Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

  Cover Artist: Richard Stroud

  All rights reserved

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Wings ePress Books

  http://www.wings-press.com

  Copyright © 2005 by Angela Verdenius

  ISBN 1-59088-463-9

  Published In the United States Of America

  June 2005

  Wings ePress Inc.

  403 Wallace Court

  Richmond, KY 40475

  Dedication

  One of my best friends, Jemma Hipper, for introducing me to mystical worlds and answering all my questions--and not laughing at the twists I put in them.

  My mother, Doreen Verdenius, for telling everyone I’m here in body, but not in mind (love you, Mum!)

  Leslie Hodges, my editor, and Richard Stroud, my artist, for going through this with me yet again!

  To Brenda Edde, the famous Bee, for your belief in my characters, and your friendship.

  To all the readers who ask me for my next book--thank you so much!

  And to my Dad, Johannes… I know you’re watching from up on High. This is for you, Dad. Love you and miss you.

  One

  The boom of a laser cannon pierced the air and the planet shuttle shook beneath the onslaught.

  "Dear God, we are done for!" a woman moaned, clutching her bosom. "The space-pirates will surely get us!"

  "The bastards!" Her lifemate snarled. "Attacking travelers is so like them! Murdering, butchering, scum of the universe!"

  The planet shuttle shook and the end door slowly opened with a torturous squeal to emit a barrel-chested pirate with a grey beard and wild eyes.

  "Look here!" he roared in glee. "Riches everywhere!"

  "Out of the way, Ephim! Your bloody great bulk is blocking the way again!"

  "Stop complaining, Franc." Reaching behind him, he hauled forth a thin, gangly pirate with mournful eyes.

  "This lot doesn’t look like they’ll part easily with their gems," Franc announced.

  The woman shuddered, gathering her whimpering children closer. "Don’t hurt us, I beg of you!"

  "We’re pirates, wench! What do you think this is, a picnic?" Ephim retorted, waving his laser. "Now take off them fine jewels!"

  The twenty other travelers huddled back in their seats, trying to avoid eye contact with the bloodthirsty pirates pouring into their midst. A hulking brute with an eyepatch swooped down upon one hapless merchant and lifted him easily from his seat to stand on tippy toe, held up by one meaty fist.

  "Look here! You must have a fine pouch of dinnos for us, eh?"

  "Damn you!" The merchant choked. "I worked hard for it!"

  "And we’re working hard to relieve you of it. Now cough it up, there’s a good fellow." The brute scowled suddenly and held up a sharp dagger. "Or else I’ll have to carve you up."

  The woman screamed.<
br />
  "Tut-tut," a voice admonished sternly. "Ralfis, is that any way to act before a lady?"

  "Aw, Cap’n--"

  "Nicely, Ralfis, nicely. Aren’t I always telling you to be nice in front of ladies?"

  All eyes turned to the doorway, where a lean pirate reposed languidly against the destroyed door. The white shirt with billowing sleeves was unbuttoned to the navel, showing the hard muscles beneath, while tight black pants emphasized lean strength in the long legs, the knee-high boots hugging strong calves.

  "Aw, Sinya--"

  "Now play nice, or the lovely ladies will be shocked and we can’t have that, can we?" One black eye winked merrily at a nearby young woman, who blushed, awed by the sight of the sinfully handsome pirate.

  The sinfully, handsome young pirate. Were all pirates like this one? she wondered. She watched him stroke the thin mustache beneath the regal nose before he tugged thoughtfully on his dark brown goatee while eyeing her.

  He was eyeing her! Nervously, she glanced around at the others. Her? She was plump and no beauty, the stars knew. No man looked at her like that. Thoughtfully. Meaningfully. Her heart started to flutter and it wasn’t from fear.

  "Now then, my pretty little wench," Sinya drawled, walking forward easily. "Where’s your man and how dare he leave you alone?"

  "I--I don’t have a man," she stammered.

  "No man?" Capturing her hand in his, he gallantly raised it to his lips and with a slow smile that melted her insides, pressed a lingering kiss to it. "What can the male population on your planet be thinking of? A lovely wench like you! For shame!" Straightening, he smiled down at her.

  "Cap’n, we have the cargo." A craggy-faced man with a horribly scarred face looked in. "Aw, geez..." He rolled his eyes.

  "Unload your pouch," Ralfis snapped to the merchant.

  Unnerved, the man obeyed, fumbling with the string around his neck. With a sigh of disgust, Ralfis slashed the dagger across the ties, narrowly missing the shaking fingers. With a squawk, the man dropped the pouch into the big paw thrust beneath his nose.

  With a last lingering look at the woman, Sinya moved farther into the cabin, his gaze sweeping across the passengers. Planet shuttles were always an easy target, which was why he never attacked them very much. But today he was after something special, something that was in the cargo hold. Now it was in his possession--on his spaceship by now, knowing the efficiency with which his crew worked--there was nothing for him here. His crew, however, needed time to play, to be the pirates they were. To gain a few riches and have some entertainment. Besides, it did no harm to bring a little happiness into the lives of some of these women, and annoy their menfolk. It wasn’t a bad pasttime and one he rather enjoyed.

  "All you lucky people can now donate to our cause," Ephim declared, holding out a bandanna. "Just drop all your goodies into this, thank you very much."

  "And just what is your cause?" A man fumed, delving into his pocket.

  "Our retirement fund. We have to retire at some stage, you know," was the mournful reply from Franc. "Times get dangerous and we might get hurt one day."

  The crying woman was dropping something into the bandanna, Sinya saw, and his eyes narrowed. It was her wedding band from around her wrist. Immediately he looked at Ephim.

  "Oh, all right!" Ephim sighed. "Take the wedding band back."

  "What?" She stopped crying.

  "The band. Take it back. The Cap’n never lets us take a wedding band."

  Perplexed, she dipped her hand into the bandanna and picked it up again. "I--I don’t understand--"

  "Neither do we, but it’s one of his rules."

  "He always has rules," Franc informed her mournfully.

  The woman’s husband stared at Sinya. "Rules?"

  "About how to treat ladies." Sinya smiled at the woman before turning steely eyes on the man. "And how to treat men. Which, I assure you, is totally different. The pouch in your pocket, if you please."

  "My pocket?" he blustered.

  "Now, or I fear I’ll have to gut you."

  The man blanched as a dagger flashed into the pirate’s hand, the point piercing his tunic.

  "From here," the point pressed forward sharply, "To here." In one smooth movement, the tunic was sliced from the waistband up to the sternum.

  A gasp sounded from the passengers, and immediately hands started to reach into pockets and pouches, and the sounds of coins tinkling into the bandanna sounded loudly.

  "Goodness me!" Ephim said gaily. "This is getting heavy!"

  "Probably tear the material," Franc said dolefully.

  The man stared down at his slashed tunic, fear and anger warring for supremacy inside him.

  This, Sinya thought, has to be stopped. If the man decided to be a hero, who knew where it would end. Softly, menacingly, he said, "I’d advise you to cooperate if you wish to live to see your children grow up. It would be a shame for them to see their father die."

  His lifemate started sobbing again, frightened and distraught.

  Steeling his jaw, the man slid one arm around her and gathered his children close. "I am no fool, you scum. My family comes before my pride."

  Approval swept through Sinya. "Well said, sir. A thought to be rewarded."

  "Oh, no," groaned Ralfis.

  "Give the man his dinnos back." Sinya grinned expansively. "A family man is to be justly rewarded when he thinks of family first!"

  The shuttle passengers gaped at the lean pirate. Surely he was insane? Touched in the head? What pirate actually gave money back?

  "Come, lads," Sinya said jovially, turning and heading back to the door. "We must be off before our friendly Peacekeepers arrive and spoil our fun."

  Muttering, Ephim followed him.

  Franc handed the man’s money pouch back to him. "You are lucky you answered how you did. Our Captain has killed for less."

  Overhearing this, Sinya paused and glanced over his shoulder, one brow raised, laughter dancing in his eyes. His glance caught the young woman still gazing at him in awe, a blush still coloring her plump cheeks. By no means pretty, and undoubtedly going to end her days an old maid, or worked to the bone. From the looks of her work-worn hands, she was a lowly tavern wench, probably used in the kitchens to cook and clean. He knew the signs. Well, he’d give her something to think over, a sense of her own worth.

  "Now then, my little pretty." Stepping forward, he wrapped one arm around the ample waist and pulled her against him. "From you I will steal something. A kiss to see me on my way!"

  The passengers gaped as he fastened his lips upon hers and gave her a thorough kissing. His pirates seemed to find nothing amiss in this, passing him with nary a twitch of an eyebrow.

  Breaking the contact of their lips, Sinya winked at the delightedly speechless woman and left with a flourish through the broken door. "Onward, lads! Our duty here is done!"

  "What bloody duty?" A man spat, touching his empty pouch angrily.

  "To rob you." Ralfis poked his head around the door and leered. "Have a good day, now."

  "Ralfis!"

  The pirate’s head disappeared again. "What? I was being nice!"

  "And very proud of you I am." Sinya’s laughing voice drifted back to the listening passengers.

  The pirate’s spaceship left, their tunnel withdrawing into their ship. The pilots of the planet shuttle were found tied up in the cargo hold and released by the disgruntled passengers. Within minutes, the shuttle was once more on course and speeding through space, a great deal lighter in load.

  Meanwhile, the young woman subsided into her seat, fingertips pressed to her tingling lips and eyes dreamy. Never, she swore to herself, would she ever forget the gallant, handsome pirate.

  ~ * ~

  "Excellent!" Sinya leaned over the sparkling gems on the table. "This is a wonderful sight, warms the cockles of my heart."

  "Mine would be a great deal warmer if you hadn’t given that idiot’s money back," Ephim said sourly.

  "Pshaw," Si
nya replied. "Stop complaining. Divide this up equally between you lot, Franc."

  "You don’t wish a share?"

  "With that huge gem sitting in our cargo hold? I’ll get a share of that, don’t you worry. This is a little thank you to my crew." He glanced up as a thin, lanky youth entered quietly. "Wes? Are you all right?"

  "Of course." The youth pushed back a thick hank of black hair and eyes, as dark as his brother’s, swept disinterestedly over the gems. "No one was hurt. That is good."

  "Yet you bleed." Sinya walked over and touched the sleeve of his shirt with gentle fingers.

  "Only a little. Drake cut himself trying to avoid a pile of dirt near the big gem."

  A pale, graceful man shrugged apologetically. "I’m sorry, Wes."

  "There’s no need to be." Wes smiled slightly. "It has stopped, see?"

  No one felt the need to check Drake’s wound. They knew the youth spoke the truth. They knew because the blood on his shirt sleeve had vanished.

  "You’re looking quite tired today." Franc stepped forward.

  "I feel a little tired." Wes looked up at Sinya and smiled tremulously. "I think I will rest."

  "I’ll come--"

  "There’s no need. I will see you at the evening meal."

  Sinya watched silently as his brother left the room, noting the dragging steps, the listlessness in his words, the faraway look in his eyes. Worriedly he chewed his lip, running one hand through his dark-brown hair, dislodging the rawhide tie. Hair spilled forward over his shoulders in a wavy fall.

  "He’ll be fine," Franc said.

  "Of course he will," Ephim tried to say heartily, but the heaviness in his tone belied his true feelings.

  "He’s getting worse." Sinya turned to face his crew abruptly. "You’ve all been with me for more than ten years. You’ve seen Wes growing up, helped me to rear him. What the hell can we do for him?"

  The pirates looked at each other, an assortment of emotions flickering across their faces.

  Finally, Ralfis said, "I don’t know, Sinya. The episodes get worse, longer, harsher. The other week..."

 

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