Shattered by Shadows: The Innocence Cycle, Book 1

by J D Abbas

  Silvandir blinked and shielded his eyes from the sun. It looked as if beams of light were exploding from Elena as she rode, making her appear as pure illumination. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, but she shone brighter and brighter as they moved across the field.

  When Elena finally returned to where Silvandir waited, she slid from Nakhona’s back and ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist, laughing. “Thank you so much for bringing me here, Silvandir.” She beamed as she looked up at him. “I love what I feel when I ride. It was almost as if I were flying.”

  Silvandir returned the embrace, hoping she couldn’t feel the heat that rose in his body when she pressed against him. “I could see it on your face, Elena. It brings joy to my heart to see you so happy. You’re most welcome.”

  The longer she clung to him, the harder it was to breathe and keep his body from reacting, but he didn’t want to offend her by pulling away.

  Windham nudged Elena playfully then pushed between them. When he’d separated them, the Ilqazar rubbed his head against her arm.

  Elena laughed. “Are you feeling left out, Windham?” She obligingly hugged the stallion’s neck and stroked his mane, oblivious to the stallion’s diversionary tactic. “I could stay out here all day,” she said with a contented sigh.

  “Thank you, old friend,” Silvandir whispered.

  Windham nickered and flicked his tail.

  Chapter 58

  After they returned to Celdorn’s, Elena bubbled as she told the others of her first experience riding. Her enthusiasm was contagious; the men couldn’t help but be pulled into her joy.

  It was clear to Silvandir that Elena had missed the deeper significance of Zhalor’s vow. Later, around Elbrion’s fireside, he met privately with Celdorn and Elbrion and relayed what occurred.

  “Zhalor himself offered to serve Elena?” Celdorn was incredulous.

  “To serve her and her seed. It sounded like an ongoing promise, almost prophetic.”

  Elbrion said, “I am astounded the stallions bowed to Elena; they bow to no one.”

  “They didn’t just bow, Elbrion. They did some sort of formal tribute. I’ve never seen them do anything remotely like it, even for you or Celdorn. What is it they see in Elena?”

  “Do you think Zhalor knows something about her lineage?” Celdorn asked Elbrion.

  “The Ilqazar know a great deal concerning the races of men and their histories. I have no doubt Zhalor knows better than we what blood flows in Elena. It never occurred to me to ask him. He has been alive longer than most of the Elrodanar council and has not been limited to the realm of Queyon.”

  “And to what seed was he referring?” Silvandir asked.

  “Only Zhalor knows, and I do not believe he is ready to reveal that to us. There are many things the Ilqazar hold closely. The future is one.”

  “Zhalor’s been aware of Elena’s presence here all along,” Silvandir said. “Elena told me he appeared to her the day you brought her to Kelach and another time when she was on your terrace. She was afraid to tell us because she thought she’d imagined it. How did he know she was here?”

  “Zhalor is also a mystery. I think we know little about his giftings or those of the Ilqazar as a whole. Again, they are cautious with the sharing of that information.”

  “Elena was also able to communicate with Nakhona, the filly who Zhalor chose to serve her,” Silvandir said. “There was an immediate bond between them. Apart from myself and a few Elrodanar, I know of no others who can hear the Ilqazar.”

  Celdorn’s brows arched. “This is another ability of which she was unaware?”

  “I believe so. She seemed genuinely surprised when she heard Nakhona’s thoughts.”

  Celdorn tipped his head, his forehead creased. “I wonder if Elena’s presence here has not only deepened the gifts in those around her, as we’ve repeatedly seen, but has also allowed her to absorb the powers or skills of others.”

  “That is quite possible,” Elbrion said. “As with her emotions and the images in her mind that often cannot stay within the bounds of her body, so too, the strength of her Jhadhela may be unhindered by physical boundaries. Its power may leap into the skin of another or pull their strength and ability into her own.” Elbrion shook his head. “This is beyond me. I would welcome a time with the council of elders in Queyon to seek their wisdom.”

  Silvandir started to say something then stopped himself.

  “What is it?” Elbrion asked.

  “This may sound as if I’ve lost my mind, but I observed something else. While Elena was riding, I saw light bursting from her until all I could see was pure radiance. It looked like a star had fallen from the sky and landed on Nakhona. I tested my eyes several times, but the vision remained.”

  Celdorn chuckled. “I’m certain your mind is quite sound, Silvandir. After what we witnessed during her diagmatz, I have no doubt what you saw in the fields was real. I named her well when I first called her Elena. I sense greater powers at work among us than I’d realized before now.”

  “I think back to the day we found her, to the explosions of light that would not let us pass so we would be there to hear her screams.” Elbrion’s gaze seemed lost in the woods of Alsimion.

  “We saw her shift several times that day though we thought it was some sort of illusion,” Celdorn added.

  “Do you remember the light that exploded through the fissures in her flesh when Elbrion touched her?” Silvandir asked. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

  “Who is she, Elbrion? Why was she brought to us?” Celdorn’s face was harried with his longing to unravel this mystery. “What is required of us?”

  Elbrion was quiet for a time. “Elena and I talked about this last night. My guess is she is of Anakh’s kind, judging by what we’ve seen with the grandmother and by Anakh’s assertion that Elena will become more like her with time. She is without a doubt a Rahima, perhaps a scion of the ancient shifters.”

  “But weren’t the original Guardians annihilated in the Nasara?” Celdorn asked.

  “There are notes in the lore suggesting some may have survived, but most of the scholars doubt their veracity. The scrolls are four or five centuries old and no evidence of their presence has been seen.”

  Celdorn shook his head. “She may be of their race, but she’s nothing like Anakh, though they’ve worked hard to make her believe otherwise.”

  “That may well be the reason Elena is here; we can counter the lies. We believe in her,” Elbrion replied. “It was no accident that we found her. In all of the southern realm, there is no safer place for her to be, no other place where the Jhadhela is as strong. And it is no coincidence that the Ilqazar dwell by this stronghold and no other.”

  This pricked Silvandir’s memory. “One other thing happened with Zhalor,” he said. “When Elena first approached him, she uttered something in a language close to Raphar, which Zhalor interpreted for us. Elena had no idea what it was she had said; in fact, it was as if she was in a trance and not acting of her own volition. I don’t remember the exact words, but it was something about a prophecy and their destinies being entwined, and the rise and fall of all that is good. It sounded like they had known each other previously and were reuniting before some great battle.” Silvandir stopped, realizing how crazy his words sounded. He was sure he must have misunderstood.

  “What could she have meant?” Celdorn wondered. “She’s never been here before and hadn’t met Zhalor prior to today.”

  Silvandir gave a helpless shrug.

  The men turned their gaze back to the fire, lost in thought as they struggled to piece together the information.

  ~

  Elena came in a short time later to bid them goodnight with Sasha on her heels. The men rose when they entered, and she giggled. Silvandir loved that sound.

  “Do you want me to sit with you tonight?” Elbrion asked.

  “No, I think I’ll sleep quite peacefully. Besides, I have my blade.” She patted
the sheath at her hip and smiled at the three men. “And my faithful Sasha.” The dog pressed into her chest as if to confirm her words.

  “Good night, Ada,” she said, kissing Celdorn then Elbrion on their cheeks.

  “Good night, Silvandir, and thank you again for the gift of today. It was wonderful beyond words.” She threw her arms around his waist, sending a rush of warmth through him. Then, to his surprise, she pulled his head down and kissed him on the cheek. Without another word, she hurried off to bed with Sasha racing her to the door.

  When Celdorn and Elbrion eyed him sideways, Silvandir blushed and tried to shrug it off; though, in truth, it pleased him a great deal. Perhaps there was hope for them yet.

  The men’s eyes followed the girl to her room, each one smiling, though probably not for the same reasons, Silvandir thought.

  ~

  As they returned to their seats, Celdorn wore a contented grin, feeling the tension he’d been carrying for days ease from his body. Finally, she had accepted their love.

  It was strange to think how life had changed since Alsimion.

  How he had changed.

  He shook his head, amazed to discover he could feel such love—and in so short a time. Prior to Elena, his heart had grown cold and jaded. He knew she had no idea the healing she’d wrought in him. In her mind, she was the one receiving all the gifts, but he and Elbrion had agreed she was the dearest—and most mysterious—gift either of them had ever received.

  She was a gem, this little one. His smile broadened.

  Elbrion sighed and turned to Celdorn and Silvandir. “We may not understand all the mysteries surrounding Elena, but I believe more strongly than ever that she was brought to us for a purpose and protecting her life must be our highest priority. I have no idea what battle Zhalor and Elena were referring to, but I am certain Anakh will not give up this girl without a vicious fight. I believe we have not begun to see the extent of Anakh’s dark powers or the strength of the Zhekhum among her followers. But I, for one, will fight to the death to protect that precious girl.”

  “As will I.”

  “And I.”

  ~

  After putting on a nightshirt, Elena sat on the bed clutching her dagger, her mind drifting to many places. Finally she told Sasha, “It is time for bed.”

  She lay down, and it struck her: It is time... Those words kept popping up, as if to remind her of something important, pulling her thoughts back to Alsimion. Did the apparitions know she would be rescued when they took away the knife, when they stopped her from slitting her own throat?

  Is she the one? a specter had asked. The one what? Did they know who she was? What she was? Did they know she would end up here?

  She clutched the hilt of the dagger as she rolled to her side and threw her arm around Sasha’s neck. “Thank you, spirits,” she whispered into the dark, her eyelids heavy with sleep.

  ~

  In the deep of the night, mists rose and swirled in Elena’s room, taking on form. Three liorai stood around the girl’s bed, gazing down.

  Poor child, she has no idea what is ahead.

  She may not thank us in the end.

  A gossamer finger stroked Elena’s cheek, and she smiled in her sleep.

  Sleep while you can, dear one. May Qho’el guard your dreams...and your life.

  Coming in January 2016

  Behind the Third Door

  The Innocence Cycle

  Book 2

  by

  J D Abbas

  Acknowledgements

  First of all, thank you for reading my novel and taking a chance on a new writer. I hope it has been a worthwhile venture and you’ll join me again for the rest of the series. The Third Door, Book 2 of the Innocence Cycle, should be out in January 2016.

  A dollar of every book I sell is donated to support services for survivors of human trafficking. I appreciate your investment, not only in my work, but in the lives of those often overlooked. It means so much to me.

  It is so difficult for an introvert like me, with a life-long habit of trying to blend into the woodwork, to step out of the shadows and put myself and my work on display. It goes against everything within me—well, almost everything. A part of me knows I have something worth saying, but fear is an oppressive overlord. Were it not for a community of people who have cheered me on and assisted along the way, this novel would never have been published.

  To my husband, best friend, and love of my life. Thank you for putting up with my weirdness and endless hours hidden away writing and editing. Thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to reach for my dreams. It is because of you I can create characters who are gentle, kind and self-sacrificing, and yet incredibly strong. I see that in you every day.

  To my mentor, editor, catalyst and friend, Portia. Thank you for putting up with my crazy, emotional, “tormented artist” moods. You have been such a great encourager all along the way, and you’ve help me become a better writer. Thank you for reading and re-reading and re-reading… See Portia’s blog at slant-life-story.blogspot.com/.

  To my friend, John, who first suggested I write down the scene stuck in my head and see where it took me. Halfway into the fifth book, I’m almost done following that thread. Who knew? So glad you pushed me to do it.

  To my number one critique partner, Jessica Kapp. What would I do without you? You understand the ups and downs of the crazy mind of the writer. Your support, humor and friendship have meant so much to me. Learn more about Jessica at jhwritesblog.wordpress.com/.

  To my other critique partner, writer Elisabeth Hamill. I know you came late to the game, but I’m so glad we found each other. You’re a gifted writer and faithful CP. Thank you for all of your input. Check out Elisabeth’s work at elisabethhamill.com. I connected with Elisabeth after falling in love with the first line of her novel, Song Magick, which just won the Dante Rossetti award for YA fantasy.

  Great thanks to my other beta readers, who gave me feedback on many levels (in alphabetical order so I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings): Brittany, Cindy, Darren, Dawn, Heidi, Janet, Jessica A., John, and Rebecca.

  Thanks to the many writers at the Cascade Writers Workshop (cascadewriters.com), Tri-Cities Writers Critique Group (tri-citywriters.com), and the Thursday Writers Group for the critiques and feedback on various portions of this novel. I’ve enjoyed, in a masochistic kind of way, all the love/hate I have inspired. These groups have launched some great writers, and I’m proud to be associated with them. I’m just sorry Allen Broyles didn’t live long enough to see this published. He and I shared a common concern for anti-trafficking, and he wanted me to finish this. Hope you’re watching now, Al.

  To my PitchWars’ mentor and wonderful YA/NA fantasy writer, Charlie N. Holmberg. Thank you for your guidance and input on my first chapter and what ended up being my back cover copy. See Charlie’s work at charlienholmberg.com. Read the Paper Magician Series. It is delightful.

  Special thanks to writer and graphic artist, Mark Ferrari, for his work on my logo and creating the best fairy ever. See Mark’s work at markferrari.com. And read The Book of Joby, one of my all-time favorite books. In fact, it must be about time to re-read it.

  Last, and most importantly, to my children and grandchildren. Thank you for making my life full to bursting. Your love, laughter, and joy in living give me hope for our world’s future. May you one day know a world I never have—a world without slavery.

  About the Author

  J D considers herself a modern day abolitionist in the fight against slavery and human trafficking. She has a particular concern for survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. One dollar from each book sale goes to help survivors in the greater Seattle area.

  In addition to writing and abolitionist work, J D loves to travel and has been to four continents and fifteen countries. But Kenya holds her heart.

  She and her husband live in a rural part of the Pacific Northwest. They have four children and five grandchildren living nearby, who fill
their lives with great joy.

  Feel free to connect with J D via:

  WordPress blog

  Twitter

  Facebook

  Goodreads

  Amazon’s Author Central

  Pinterest

  Because of her advocacy work with human trafficking, J D writes under a pseudonym, gives out minimal identifying information, and does not post pictures of herself. Thank you for respecting her privacy in that regard.

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Names & Pronunciation Guide

  Foreign Words

  Trigger Warning

  Literary Warning

  Prologue

  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

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45