She would only have enough time for one shot, accidentally triggering a single portal. Who knew where that portal might dump them? Knowing her current run of luck, they might appear on the lawn of the White House in the mundane world. Now, wouldn’t that create a massive problem?
At least appearing in the mundane world would keep her occupied and away from Nick’s condemning stare.
She turned to the nearest doorway and quickly ran her hands down its frame.
“Blast it Sarah, come on,” Nick snarled, reaching for her arm. “Those worms are fast.”
Sarah easily slipped away from his outstretched hand. While, he was busy snarling at her, she simultaneously tapped her finger against a small key-like indention in the middle of the solid doorway. It didn’t do anything, but the mental order she sent to the synth within the portal did do something. It shimmered, blooming with life.
The solid wall disappeared. The silent hum of power reached-out and touched the edge of her mind, as if the synth crystal was a sentient creature and curious about her.
Black filled the doorway as an active gateway opened inside the frame.
Sarah hesitated. She couldn’t see beyond the inky blackness. The portal could have opened anywhere, even a dhark lord’s courtyard.
Brianna ran up beside them, her shoes slapping against the floor.
Nick obviously didn’t share Sarah’s hesitation.
“Go!” he snarled.
Brianna gave a startled cry.
She glanced to the side, briefly catching a glimpse of Nick shoving the girl forward. Brianna flew past Sarah’s elbow and into the black void.
Sarah whirled, but she was so surprised at his actions, he caught her off guard.
With both arms wide, he swept her up in them and charged through the pitch-black portal.
He stumbled, falling to his knees.
She jerked out of his arms and scrambled to her feet. Waving her arms in front of her, she smacked against thick curtains. She shoved her way through them, leaving Nick and Brianna struggling on the floor.
Sunlight blinded her, long enough for her to realize she had a slight problem.
The sharp edge of a sword touched her neck. “That is quite far enough, Lady Sarah,” a deep voice said.
She froze, inhaling the scents around her. Irritation churned in the pit of her stomach. Of all the places for them to appear, she had to pick a portal that dumped them in a dragon's lair.
Chapter - Olitiau Portal
Nick clenched his hand in the bark of a blue furble tree. The spongy surface crumbled under the pressure. Morags buzzed in the forest around him. An owl or a hibbet, he wasn't sure which, hooted from within the limbs high above him. It had been hours since Sarah disappeared. He knew she had to be with Guardian Alexander. The thought didn’t sooth him.
The dragon lair had been a suite of rooms inside the guardian’s castle. Alexander had not been pleased with the intrusion, even less so when he realized Nick, Sarah, and Brianna had been separated from their cabin mates.
The guardian flew them across the Sídhí forest and found the missing teens, including Clarisse and her dragon escort, Harry. As usual, the red-haired vamp created even more problems, revealing a portal that opened into the Dhark Empire.
Nick ground his teeth together in anger as Clarisse and Harry admitted to being member of a terrorist organization. He had wondered at the true reason behind the camp. Never, not in a million years, would he have guessed it had something to do with Dragon Valley terrorist problem. The bomb that truly blew Nick was Harry’s belief the Khr’Vurr hunted for Chi’Kehra, a creature out of nightmare. A Chi’Kehra, after four thousand years, was nearly worse than a horde of umbra suddenly appearing in Clan Valley.
Now, Nick and everyone else, except Alexander and Sarah were cooling their heels in a small grove of trees in the middle of nowhere. He searched the pre-dawn forest for any sign of Sarah. Time had burned the mite poison from his body so the dark night was not an obstacle for his enhanced vampire eyes.
Yeah, he could see just fine, but he was so angry he could barely think straight. He didn't doubt for a minute, Sarah had followed Alexander on his wild goose chase into the Dhark Empire's worst prison.
He shuddered, unable to consider the thought of losing her.
Without warning, Sarah ported into the middle of the clearing. She reeked of blood, both human and other wise. Red globs splattered her clothes. Thankfully, none of it smelled like hers.
He charged to her side, relieved she was in one piece.
“Where have you been?” he snarled, unable to keep the anger from his voice.
She danced backward, avoiding his touch.
“How did you get your bracelet off?” Beth asked furiously, pointing at Sarah’s bare wrist.
He glared at the small shifter as she leaned aggressively toward Sarah. Too bad the fairies had tinkered with the silver, allowing the shifters the ability to change shape anytime they wanted. Tackling a hundred and twenty pound girl that turned into a deadly Sídhí animal, a werewolf or khatt three or four times her size was not encouraging.
Her words registered, and he realized the shifter was correct. Sarah had ported into the middle of the clearing. A feat that was impossible with the restrictive silver bracelet they all wore.
Sarah chuckled softly. The sound sent a shiver of dread up his spine. It was only then that he noticed her eyes looked flat, void of emotion. Not her normal ice princess look, but completely dead.
“Guardian Alexander needed a guide through TèVarrn Prison. My price was the immediate and permanent removal of the silver bracelet.”
“He had no right to risk your life like that,” Nick said harshly, furious the dragon dared jeopardize her life.
“You no longer have the right to question anything I do. We’ll be free of each other soon enough.” Lacking all emotion, her lips curled upward. Her dead eyes never flickered. “That is what you want, isn’t it Nicholas Andrews, to be free of the filthy exile? Fine. Your wish is my answer. I will never bond with you.” After a slight pause, she softly added, confusing the hell out of him. “You can thank me when the synth in your blood sings for a sweet little clan vampire. I’ve been promised you’ll probably meet your new lifeMate within the month.”
Her words registered and he felt his heart shatter. He didn't want anyone but her. She darn well knew that. He shook his head, refusing to listen to her. His animalistic growl bounced around the silent clearing.
She stared at him, coldly watching him. “You only want me when I’m hurt or you think you have lost me.”
She chuckled and he heard the depth of grief in the sound, a touch of near insanity.
He cursed. What the bloody hell had he done to her?
Sarah turned, avoiding his eyes. “Guardian Alexander changed the Olitiau Portal to exit at the main camp grounds.”
He heard her soft, dead words but he didn't care. He had to make her listen to him. He'd figure out a way to fix things.
Sarah turned and walked into the surrounding trees, leading them to the portal.
“Sarah,” Nick said, hurrying to catch up with her.
A creature of the night shrieked, a dozen more screams of hunger quickly followed.
___________
So ends the prequel to Exile.
Nick and Sarah's story will be available 2013 (late fall). As release day approaches, a notice will be posted at Sídhí News & Gossip (blog), Facebook, and Twitter.
Excerpt - Forbidden Temptation of a Vampire
The Exile turned her gaze to Katie.
Katie’s new promise to herself: Don’t feel left out when psychotic people ignore her. She shivered, not from the cold, but from the Exile’s glacial gaze. She felt Jared move even closer.
The Exile stared for several seconds. Then her eyes narrowed and she glanced back to Mitch. Her nostrils slightly flared, catching his scent on the afternoon breeze.
“You’re Gwen McQuillen’s children.” The Exile’s
expressionless face didn’t twitch when Katie gasped in shock. “Not hard to figure out.” She nodded toward Mitch. “You smell and look like a halfling. Yet, you’re both the image of Gwen with your pale green elfin eyes and golden hair.”
The revulsion on Mitch’s face reflected Katie’s own as he asked, “How would an Exile know our mother?”
“The Sídhí world is very small.” Her eyes, chunks of red ice, never wavered as she studied the brother and sister. “Many years ago my mother’s name was Lily McQuillen.”
Katie couldn’t contain her gasp.
Mitch’s jaw dropped, looking as shocked as Katie felt. Everyone thought Lily McQuillen, their older sister, had died a hundred years ago.
“Are you saying our sister is a prisoner in the Dhark Valley?” Katie’s voice shook with anger.
Mitch took an angry step toward the lethal Exile.
“Mother is no one’s prisoner.” Her lips lifted in a slight smirk. She reminded Katie of an animated ice sculpture with her satin white skin and pale hair. “My parents are bonded lifeMates. Her name is now Lady Lily Trellick.” She paused, less than a heartbeat and added, “And my name is Sarah.”
Glossary of Sídhí Terms
Condensed version - Complete glossary at author's website and blog
Chi’Kehra – Chi’Kehra is the title for the true elf monarch. In known history, there have only been two. Every elf baby is tested at birth; the baby’s hand is sliced open and dipped into pure synth crystal. Any child that has a scar after this process is declared as the ultimate elf leader, Chi’Kehra. The Chi’Kehra is the only person that can completely manipulate synth crystal in its pure form.
Dragon – 1.) Dragon shifters are a race of people originally from Sídhí. They have the ability to change their shape to that of a specific animal/dragon. Each sub-race (Clan) has various strengths provided by the synth crystal in their blood. A person’s first shift into dragon can take place before or after puberty. A shifter in human form smells human. They consider the term shapeshifter a slur, as they are dragon. 2.) Dragons are a very intelligent, and highly dangerous, Sídhí animal.
Dhark elves – A dhark elf is an elf that lives in one of the Dhark Valleys. There is no physical difference between elves and dhark elves. Dhark elves simply have a different life style than elves.
Dhark Empire (aka Empire) - The Dhark Empire is a made-up of independent dhark valleys. Many Sídhí refer to the Dhark Empire as simply the Empire or call it the Dhark Valley, lumping all of the dhark valleys into one.
Dyrst’Lye Clan – A nearly extinct clan of dragon shifters whose gift can destroy a blooming lifeBud before a bond is created between lifeMates. Dragons within the clan are not necessarily related by blood.
Elves - Race of people originally from Sídhí. The have a rigidly strict code of honor. They give an oath of fealty to whomever they choose. First, they always give a blood oath of fealty to the unknown Chi’Kehra, second oath goes to their house, and third oath may go to their valley or their liege lord. Due to synth crystal, they have increased sense of smell, sight, strength and mental capabilities. They have pointed ears, approximately a half inch to one inch taller than a mundane human’s ear. The pupil (black center) and the iris (colored portion of their eye) are larger than a mundane human’s eye.
Fairy - Race of people originally from Sídhí. Each fairy has various strengths provided by the synth crystal in their blood. Very secretive race. Most live in Atlantis Valley, which covers large swaths of land and all of the North and South Atlantic Oceans. Five castes: Royal, warrior, merchant, common, and servant. The five castes (aka class) contain hundreds of sub-races, such as siren, pixie, nymphs, changelings, dwarves, leprechaun, brownie, banshee, harpy, phoenix, enchanter, mermaid, mystic… Physical and paranormal attributes vary widely between sub-races.
Foresight – The ability to see glimpses of the future that may or may not change. Several races have a touch of foresight.
Furble Tree – A native Sídhí tree that has blue bark & needles. In the wild, it is found primarily in mountainous regions. There are several varieties from dwarf to trees over 100 feet tall. The trees are popular for building as once they are cut, the grains of the wood turn a darker blue creating a unique pattern. Note: Burning furble wood has blue flames. It smells like a cross between hickory and pine with a touch of vanilla.
Gateway (aka portal) - A gateway is a permanent ‘doorway’ that allows people or inanimate objects to travel instantly between Earth and valley (see valley) or between valleys. A mundane human cannot see a gateway, but they can go through a gateway if touching a Sídhí or holding a piece of synth crystal.
Glow moss – A prolific form of moss that glows. The most common form is cave moss. The moss glows in a variety of colors when disturbed. Another form of glow moss is found above ground.
Halfling – A halfling is an individual who is half one race and half another.
Hibbet – A hibbet is a nocturnal animal the size of a baseball. It is rarely seen in the daytime. Its wings and feathered body are brown. The four black legs are scaled and frog-shaped for hopping. It hoots like a small owl, but also has a chirping sound used with its young. Omnivore, but prefers small insects.
Khatt – A khatt is a large Sídhí animal. Very family orientated. They live in large herds. Babies are called kit - litters of three to five. Omnivore, though they prefer meat. They will adopt a human upon occasion. Long lived - several centuries.
Khr'Vurr – The Khr'Vurr is a fanatical group of dragons, also known as Freedom Fighters.
LifeMate – When a person is drawn toward another person by the synth crystal in their blood. Two people who are perfect soul mates. Two people who fall in love and bond. LifeMates are miserable when apart from each other.
LifeBond - The lifeBond is a permanent mental bond between two lifeMates. The bond allows them to feel each other’s emotions. The bond cannot be broken once formed.
LifeBud - The LifeBud is a physical organ in a Sídhí brain that allows a lifeBond to be created between two lifeMates. The bud can be destroyed before a bond is created, but not afterward.
Markles - A red plant with tall bamboo like stalks. The tip of each stalk ends in a ball of pink finger-like protrusions. They catch and eat insects with the finger-like protrusions. If approached or hit/broken, they spew a red, sticky substance.
Mia Cara - Literal translation: my beloved.
Morag - A nocturnal insect with a blackish oval body with grooved wings and several dozen legs. It makes an irritating buzzing/belching sound, but is not very loud.
Mundane (human) – A mundane is a normal human with no synth crystal in their blood, normally born on Earth. Some valleys have a few mundane settlements. The Dhark Valleys keep mundane humans as servants/slaves and a source of blood for their large vampire population.
Olitiau – An olitiau is a Sídhí animal that looks like a giant bat. Adults are approximately the size of a large dog. They prefer fresh meat.
Phoenix – 1. A race of winged people originally from Sídhí; they have not been seen or heard from in four thousand years. They are the strongest of fairy within the warrior caste. The wings of a phoenix cover a spectrum of colors, but are primarily mixtures of red, black and/or white. The eyes of a phoenix turn silver when emotional, a reaction that can turn deadly to others.
2. A bird that drips fire off brilliant red wings. Unlike the Earth myth, they are not reborn.
Port – See teleport.
Pre-pub - A Sídhí young person before or during puberty.
Puberty - The developmental period every teenage Sídhí goes through. In a twenty-one day period, a Sídhí youth will start out stick-thin and develop into their adult body and abilities. The youth is always hungry during this time.
The Second Dimensional Balloon Theory - During the Great War, Chi’Kehra (see Chi’Kehra) gathered tremendous amounts of raw synth crystal and began pushing the raw energy into the gateways connecting Earth and Sídhí. Before he
could finish - whatever he planned - he died. The energy had no guidance. The gateways overloaded and all the energy exploded outward toward Earth. The explosion created massive valleys, teleporting all living creatures from Sídhí to Earth, and permanently sealing the gateways between Sídhí and Earth.
Shapeshifter (aka shifter) - Race of people originally from Sídhí. They have the ability to change their shape to that of a specific animal. Each sub-race has various strengths provided by the synth crystal in their blood. A person’s first shift can take place before or after puberty. A shifter in human form smells human. Known shifters include wolf, khatt, and dragon.
Sídhí (aka Immortal or home world) - 1. A Sídhí is a person that originally lived (or descended from people who lived) on the home world of Sídhí. 2. A formally mundane human who has been injected with pure synth crystal or received a venomous bite from a vampire. 3. Sídhí is the original home world of non-mundane humans.
Sídhí is pronounced: Sid He
Synth Crystal - 1. The purest form of energy, it was created by the highly advanced Ancient Ones on the home world of Sídhí tens of thousands of years ago. Synth crystal makes normal (mundane) people immortal and increases all of their natural abilities. It also gives them other extra-ordinary abilities. 2. It is the strongest known substance on Earth or Sídhí 3. Each source (or spring) of crystal has a slightly different set of characteristics in it.
Synth Crystal Spring - A spring of Synth Crystal can be grown. Crystal in liquid form is poured into an underground chasm or cavern. The crystal grows until it fills the underground abyss. Each spring is subtly different as the crystal leeches microscopic material from the surrounding nature. Pools of Synth Crystal can be seen above ground, but growth (expansion) can only take place underground.
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