Shadow people – Spirits of humans and animals who are living and dead who reside in the shadow world. Demons are also considered shadow people, although they do not exist in the physical world.
Shadow world – A place many people in the Serpent Isles think of as the afterlife. It is the ethereal home of the shadow people.
Shadow warrior – Shadow stalkers who train in stealth and guerilla warfare tactics. They are spies and assassins who answer only to the Foramar.
Shock wands – Torture devices used by the Galvadi for cleansing and interrogation purposes. There are two types, though both emit an electrical charge that gives a painful shock. The longer one is used for delivering quick shocks for the purpose of cleansing, and are only electrified on the tips. The shorter one can be used for both punishment and torture. It is electrified all over, except for the handle, and can deliver quick stocks or steady pulses of electricity.
Yarrin Lake – Southernmost lake on Appolia, south of Yarrin Mountain.
Yarrin Mountain – Southernmost mountain in the Appolian Mountains.
Yarrin Park – A park south of Yarrin Mountain on Appolia.
Acknowledgments
This last year has been really great and it wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for all the help I've gotten from Kathryn Jenkins and Melissa Barker-Simpson. Kathryn has become a good friend who ran DKC, which has since merged with another company and become The Book Stalkers. They've done everything for me from cover design to help me promote my work. Melissa is a friend I met along the way, a fellow indie author, who has been doing my editing.
I'd also like to thank Debra Mauldin, Louise Findlay and Fergus McCartan for being regular reviewers of my work. I met each of them through doing blog tours and they liked the serial so much they started reviewing each episode, and I'm grateful for that.
There have been others who helped me in the last year and if I've forgotten to mention your name here it's not because I've forgotten what you've done for me. I appreciate all the help I've received.
Last, but not least, I'd like to thank my husband and daughter. They're my reason for living and wanting to push myself to succeed even on days when I feel my lowest. I love you both!
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12). Don’t forget to sign up for regular updates so you don’t miss out on my next book.
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Excerpt from Shadow Stalker: Defiance (Episode 13)
Chapter 1
Cali gave me a nudge as she sat next to me. "Do you know what's going on?"
"No idea," I said, moving over a few inches so she had space between me and Shai on the log someone had converted into a bench.
Shai slung an arm around her cousin and Cali returned the gesture, then wrapped her free arm around me. I smiled at her. Cali was the only one who helped me maintain my sanity over the years. It drove me crazy never knowing what was happening to Makari. Kado kept me busy, as usual, but anytime I had a free moment, all I could do was wonder if he was safe. I would know if he died. I'd be able to feel him again in the shadow world. He had been blocking me from sensing him to keep me safe, though I had no idea how it was supposed to help. All it did was make me want to go to him, which would be more dangerous.
Of course, Kado would never allow that. He knew my thoughts as I had them most of the time, and he'd know as soon as I made the decision. I learned quickly not to allow my thoughts to go down that path too often. That's where Cali came in. She distracted me by helping me forget the war and making me feel like a normal person once in a while. She was as good a friend as Jade, except she didn't encourage me to disobey Kado when I was angry.
"Maybe the Galvadi have decided to give up," Shai said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Cali snorted.
"I know. It's wishful thinking."
I smiled at Shai. "I want this to be over too."
"You'll figure it out soon." Cali gave my shoulder a squeeze.
All the shadow warriors knew the end of the war would not come until I stopped Drevin. The only problem was I had no idea what I was supposed to do, and no amount of training helped. Each day felt like I was further from my goal instead of closer.
After everyone had taken their seats, Kado held up a hand calling us all to silence. "Makari has just given me some disheartening news. The Galvadi have developed a—"
I tried to listen, but I couldn't get past the fact that Makari had been here. "He didn't even bother to see me?"
Kado glared at me, and I suddenly realized I'd blurted it aloud.
"Makari has to keep a low profile for his own safety, and they were not aware he had left. He couldn't stay away long."
"Maybe it's time he left the Galvadi all together," I suggested, still feeling annoyed.
"It would be the healthier option," Cali added on my behalf.
"Makari's work has been invaluable to us, and would not be possible if he weren't living among them for the time being," Kado said, then leaned in my direction looking straight into my eyes. "And he knows what he is doing."
Kado watched me, and I knew he was waiting to see if I'd continue to interrupt him. I remained silent, but neither he nor Makari would be able to convince me the man I loved wasn't taking an unnecessary risk. They could get whatever information they needed from their missions.
When he was sure I wouldn't interrupt again he finished explaining that the Galvadi had developed a new recinder and how it worked. "You will need to avoid capture at all costs. Once these recinders are placed on you, there is no known way to nullify its effects even after removal. Auren, I want you to visit Makari's unit and steal the schematics, if possible, one of the recinders and any other information you can find about new technologies. Makari suspects there is more, but they are keeping him in the dark."
I stood quickly, smacking my hands together. "When do I leave?"
"Wait a moment. I have other things I need to discuss with you first."
I sat again, hoping I wasn't in for one of his long lectures.
"The rest of you are dismissed. Sephir, I know you and Shai have been training for a special mission. You are clear to leave as soon as you're ready, but please be careful."
"We will," Sephir said, bowing.
I leaned over Cali to give Shai a quick hug. Cali wrapped her arms around both of us. Shai stood as soon as we released her, and Sephir, who had been standing next to her, wrapped an arm around her as they headed off.
"Good luck," Cali said, winking at me then followed Sephir and her cousin.
Kado sat next to me. "Auren, I know you have been the most adept at overcoming the effects of the beryllonium. That's why I'm sending you on this mission, but you need to be extra careful this time. Makari believes even you wouldn't stand a chance with this new recinder. If they are looking for test subjects, they may also have new ways of detaining shadow stalkers that Makari might not be aware of. If you are discovered, do not take any risks. Makari will not be able to help you. You will need to leave immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, Kado. I'll be fine." I only just managed to stop my eyes from rolling.
"I'm serious, Auren. We can always return later, but if you are captured, you may be lost to us for good this time."
The fear in Kado's eyes sobered me. Things came easily to me now that I had completed my training, and I discovered abilities not even Kado had known existed, but I wasn't foolish enough to believe I was all powerful. Sometimes my foster father seemed to worry more than he should, but I was beginning to think it wasn't the case here.
"I'll be careful, Kado. I promise." It wouldn't hurt to pay Makari a little visit too if he was alone.
Kado gripped my arm and tilted my head with his free hand so I was looking directly at him. "Under no circumstances are you to seek out Makari. If you attempt something so foolish, Auren, you will be punished and banned from future missions."
My shoulders sagged. "It was an errant thought, Kado. I will focus on my mission."
"The mission and nothing else, Auren. This is important."
I nodded and averted my eyes. I just missed him. That's all it was.
"I know you miss him, Auren, and I know it's been hard for you both to be apart, but it won't be forever. You and Makari will have your time in this world if the shadow people will it, but not if you risk both your lives on foolishness."
"I know. I'm sorry." Though it was Makari who was being the more foolish of both of us, and yet Kado supported him. It didn't make sense and anytime I brought the subject up with either of them, they redirected the conversation.
Kado pulled me into a tight hug and whispered, "Come back to me in one piece, please."
I returned his embrace. "I will."
Get Shadow Stalker Part 3 (Episodes 13 – 18) Now!
Other Books by the Author
Shadow Stalker
Individual Episodes
Shadow Stalker: The Beginning of the End (Episode 19)
Shadow Stalker: Awakened (Episode 20)
Serial Bundles
Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6)
Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12)
Shadow Stalker Part 3 (Episodes 13 – 18)
Novellas
Demon Hunt
Other Stories
Short Stories
The Dream Crypt (An Onyx Warrior Short Story)
The Redemption Games (A SciFi Thriller Short Story)
Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 - 12) Page 20
