“What is this problem?”
“The Droge caused an outbreak against us Drogusts. He has been contained and is being held in the lower chamber. We await your word, my master. What matter of punishment do you decree for him?”
“This behavior will not be tolerated. He must be disciplined,” said Clore.
“My lord, the Droge I speak of has been dealt with on numerous occasions.”
“Who is this imbecile?”
“It is Mischief.”
“What! Him again?”
“It seems any form of punishment given to him is not entirely effective,” said Cringe, smirking in the hopes that Clore would hand down a more effective form of punishment.
“Then let that be the last of it. Drown him and let’s be done with him.”
“Yes, my lord,” said Cringe, smiling with satisfaction.
“Have the Droges be witness to it. Let this be a lesson to all of them,” demanded Clore. Cringe walked away and shut the door behind him. Clore took another sip from his goblet and smirked.
“So this is how you justify your actions,” said Melina.
“On the contrary. His welcome among us has been overstayed.”
Once again the squeaky doors opened and Birus walked in with a tray of food. “Ah, dinner,” said Clore. “Melina, my dear, your meal has arrived.”
She frowned at Birus and gestured to him that she had no desire for food.
“No need to be shy, my dear. Birus has prepared something special for you.” Tyrus stood and held out his hand to her. “Come.”
They walked over to the dining table made of black marble. She stared at the table. “It is nice,” she said awkwardly.
“No, I see it does not please you,” said Clore, frowning.
“It is not that, only that I miss Elysium,” Melina said humbly.
Tyrus Clore was displeased. He raised his voice. “There will be no talk of Elysium! You are among my people now, and you will show respect.”
Melina stayed silent, pouting and staring at the plate before her. Birus took off the lid from her dinner, revealing the exquisite food set before her. “Don’t think of me as a monster. I am merely suggesting you put all past things behind you.”
“This meal, it is my favorite dish from my homeland. How did you know what I like?”
“I have read your mind. I know all that you like. So you see, I can bring you happiness.”
Melina gave him a frown. She didn’t like her mind being read. “Well, perhaps just a bite or two,” she said, but only played with the food.
Tyrus smiled and took another approach. “The roasted pheasant is quite good.” Tyrus smiled ear to ear. “Very well, perhaps later. Do as you wish.”
Melina stared down at her plate.
“Cheer up, my sweet. At least you are in a much better state than that poor pheasant.”
They looked at each other in a stalemate.
“Petunia,” said Clore.
“Would you stop reading my mind!” exclaimed Melina harshly.
Clore laughed; she was easy to tease.
Saddened, her thoughts were on her beloved Caprius. No matter how much Clore pampered her, she couldn’t accept life outside of her homeland. She missed her friends dearly and wished she had never stepped foot in the coach that led her to this dismal land of solitude.
Minutes turned to an hour. Her food was now cold and remained untouched. Not even a well-cooked meal she usually fancied could lift her spirits. She finally broke the silence.
“Who is Cliea to you?”
Tyrus Clore sat back in his chair and clasped his hands. “She is my mother. Cliea is the eldest of all female vampires. She has not seen a sunrise for countless centuries. She was born to this world by Makoor and brought death to her mother. Her transition to the undead brought legions of our kind. What she started was from a seed planted. That is why mankind will cease to exist. She is mother to us all. And she has the power to condemn me.”
“Good for her. Better sooner than later,” Melina said under her breath.
“She has great powers. And her sister shares the same qualities.” Clore paused and grazed the tabletop with his fingertips. Melina pushed away her plate and sat back in her chair. She took a deep breath and felt weak. She slid back her chair and slowly stood. Clore sat and watched as she walked about.
“There are no windows in this room!” she yelled. “I feel nauseous. I need air. I’m not feeling well.” She put her hand to her forehead and began to whimper. “I feel so alone! I cannot take this! You and your treacherous lies. You kidnapped me! You’re keeping me confined, never to see the light of day again.”
“You are free to walk about the castle grounds,” Clore spoke softly.
“You call this freedom? And love, what do you know of love? Tyrus, can you even love?”
Tyrus Clore slowly walked to her and held her gently. “Yes, I can love. And I have grown to love you.” He gently put his fingertips to her lips. “You are so precious to me, my sweet Melina. All I want is to be with you, to hold you. I shall never leave your side. I will take care of you.” He looked at her sincerely. “I have had other women. But they were nothing like you. They don’t have your eyes or your sweet lips.”
“Please stop,” she whispered as she looked into his eyes.
“Your gentle smile. Without you,” he whispered gently, “I would sacrifice a thousand Droges in your honor.” They gazed at each other.
“A thousand Droges in my honor? Really?” Melina thought about it for a moment.
“Come, let me show you a place where you will find peace.”
***
Alamptria: Red Moon Rising concludes with some of the most exciting, descriptive fight scenes. The book is very intense and provides an intricate plot. The book went on to win the 2010 Buzzillions Reviewers Choice Award.
Chapter 7
Quantum Heights- Excerpt 5
Quantum Heights was a new start to the series of Alamptria. It was much improved in many ways. The villains are determined and eager. And heroes have been given the face of two female warriors. Calista Genesis and Cynthia Davenport are the new knight masters, and Caprius Seaton has his hands full. For as beautiful as these women are, Caprius knows he must act professionally and objectively and not see this as a way to bed the women. His commitment is to Melina Hampshire—his wife. And these fine agents are not just witty and fun to be with. When they put aside their sexuality and charm, Caprius discovers how skilled they are as warriors and that they are a great asset to the council of Elysium.
In this scene we observe the integrity and professionalism of two agents as they work together. Caprius and Calista’s relationship gets off to a rocky start. But as the fine wine is just not right for Caprius’s pallet, he finds that his relationship with Calista is warming up. He learns of her dismal past, and as she sheds tears, Caprius offers her his friendship and advice. Let’s see how this plays out…
***
The train was bound for Koriston. Smoke continued to puff out into the clear sky from the steam engine.
Calista sat with her face to the window, looking at the distant mountains and reminiscing about things past. She let herself get lost in her memories, not at all concerned with making Caprius comfortable or engaging him in small talk.
Caprius was aware that Calista’s mood toward him was quite changed. It was a nine-car train, but there were very few passengers. A waiter came to them presently and said they’d have his undivided attention, given they were alone in their car. The waiter had a mechanical right arm filled with gears and wiring. “Would you care for a refreshment?” he asked. Calista finally turned away from the window, but she avoided Caprius’s eyes. Caprius ordered wine, and she ordered a cup of tea with sugar. They fell into silence until the waiter returned with their drinks. Calista sipped her tea, but it was scalding hot and burned her lip. She made a small noise.
“Are you alright?” Caprius asked her. She ignored him.
“H
ow is your wine?” she finally asked flatly.
“Unfortunately, it’s not to my liking.” He pushed it to the corner of his tray, but his fingers hit the stem awkwardly and he knocked it over. He and Calista leaped up, and the waiter returned with towels.
“Would you like another?” he asked.
“Actually, would you happen to have the Chateau Rauzan Segla 1729?” asked Caprius.
“No, sir, I’m afraid not,” said the waiter.
“What about the 25?”
“Why, yes, we do. I will get that for you right away, sir,” said the waiter.
“Splendid,” said Caprius. He seemed relieved.
“You sure know your wines,” said Calista.
“I do enjoy good wine. It’s a fun hobby,” said Caprius. Now that they were speaking civilly, Caprius decided he needed to humble himself. “Calista, I must apologize for what I said to you days ago. I had no right to say those things. Naturally, you must miss your father very much.”
“Thank you. Apology accepted,” said Calista with a warm smile.
“How are you enjoying Elysium? Are you liking it here?” he asked.
It didn’t take long for them to feel much more comfortable each other and relax into their conversation. “Yes, I’m enjoying it very much. Your family welcomed me with open arms. You showed me support and your love. And, for that, I thank you. It is very nice here. And I love the scenery; it’s breathtaking. The gardens of Meadow-lie are my favorite place to find peace,” she sighed. “I confess, the first few weeks I was in Elysium, I was rather uncomfortable. Living in a strange land, that is, and with people I didn’t know.”
“You’re not a stranger among us, Calista. Our home is your home,” said Caprius.
“Thank you, Caprius,” she said.
At that moment, the waiter arrived with Caprius’s wine. Holding the bottle with his mechanical hand, the waiter poured the wine.
“Thank you, my good man,” said Caprius.
“As I was saying, the first few weeks I had some difficulty. I had nightmares every night. My thoughts were with my father, but in my dreams, he was tormenting me.”
Caprius remembered that time and felt sorry. “Yes, that first week, we heard your screams. We didn’t know what was troubling you. And we still don’t know because you weren’t able to talk about it. Not even Doctor Finklestein was able to help.”
“Actually, he did help. He gave me some sedatives. With some sleep, I was able to feel much better.”
“I only hope your problems don’t resurface, for your sake.”
Calista smiled brightly. “I put the past behind me. I am not bothered by my father’s spirit anymore.”
Caprius was somewhat puzzled. “I don’t quite understand. You say you were tormented by your father, but you loved him and miss him. How does one want to be with someone yet push him away at the same time?”
Calista took a long sip of her tea, which had cooled. “Caprius, my father had a difficult past, one in which he acted in terrible ways. Yet, I still loved him dearly. When I was a little girl, he used to sing me lullabies and tell me bedtime stories. That is a cherished time in my life, when I felt so loved and cared for.” She paused. “But, when I became a young woman, his love for me was overshadowed by a sickness, an immoral lust. One night, he had his way with me. The moment I turned sixteen I ran away. My father had been long since dead, and my guardians cared for me, but I was so tormented by what my father had done that I kept wondering when my guardian would have his turn. There were nights when he’d come by my bedside only to kiss me good-night, and I would scream. My nights were filled with terror. And all he wanted to do was help me, love me. They were good, kind people.”
Tears fell from Calista’s eyes. “I often wish I’d had the strength to stay and heal. But I was compelled to go. And, when I ran away, I became a wanderer of Alamptria.”
Caprius was silent a moment. He’d had no idea of the things she’d lived through. “I am so sorry,” said Caprius. He put a hand on her knee to comfort her. She placed her warm hand atop it.
“Years went by, and I found myself living in the city of Koriston. That is when I met the Goncools. One Goncool grew fond of me, named Nigel. By this time, my fear of being with men had faded away, and Nigel became my friend. When, after a time, Nigel and I developed feelings for one another, we moved into an intimate relationship that was caring and made me feel safe. I realized I had found love.”
“Why did you leave Nigel or, rather, when?” asked Caprius.
Calista took a deep breath. “Later, I came to understand that the Goncools were plotting against the queen of Koriston. Something about transforming humans into the undead and eternal life. I knew then I was fraternizing with the enemy. Nigel’s younger brother Thornin was first in command and oversaw the operation. He was a man whom I had also adored, even developed some feelings for. But my loyalty was to Nigel, and Thornin knew and respected that. After the Goncools planned to assassinate Queen Amenova, I panicked and went into hiding in Koriston. Nigel and Thornin searched for me, but I’d hidden well. Any time a Goncool went to a pub or an event, I made sure to remain inside. One night, at Gripers Green Dragon Pub, there was a close call; I caught a glimpse of Nigel from a distance. I knew he was looking for me. I saw the look on his face. He missed me. Thornin showed up and comforted his brother with a hand on his shoulder. My heart ached for them both.
“The next day, I learned about their failed attempt on the queen’s life and how all the Goncools had been arrested except for Nigel and Thornin, who must have managed to escape. A trail led the Taughtenslotte army to a house where they found a coffin and a creature resting inside. Disturbed, the creature tried to attack, but one of the Taughtenslottes was quick and destroyed the creature. Then they burned the small house down. I was across the village and saw the smoke trailing into the sky.” She paused.
“A few days later, I learned that the captured Goncools were set to be hanged and among them was the prince of Elysium. That day I stood in the crowd watching the hanging. As much as I knew Nigel deserved to be up on the platform with the other Goncools, I couldn’t help but feel relieved just a bit to know he had escaped and was probably still alive somewhere. But,” she paused, “not long after, I heard a rumor that he’d been apprehended and executed.” She grew quiet, her fingers trembling as she rubbed her hands together, as if she were cold. “I’m sure it was for the best,” she whispered.
“Nigel was a menace to the world. You know that. But, what can you tell me about the hanging? I still haven’t heard the full story of what happened with my brother. He doesn’t like to speak of it.”
“Yes. It was a most unusual occurrence. Just as they were preparing the prisoners’ necks with nooses, your father said something to the hangman and showed him a piece of paper—a letter, I learned later, from Queen Amenova that stated Andromin should be released. He removed the noose from Andromin’s neck amid booing from the crowd. But, I was happy he’d been freed. It seemed he had simply gotten involved with the wrong crowd. He had taken his fate like a soldier, not flinching when the hangman prepared his neck and tied his hands. The more I read and got to know details about Andromin and the Seaton family, the more I felt proud.” Calista finished her tea and put the cup down on the table. Her cheeks grew hot. She realized she’d revealed too much.
“Proud of Andromin and the Seaton family? And this was before you came into our lives. We consider you family despite you’re not being of our blood… yet, I’m starting to wonder whether you’re keeping something from me,” said Caprius, staring at Calista directly in the eyes. “Most people might admire or be curious about others, but to feel pride is an intimate emotion, one that means you’re taking people personally,” said Caprius.
Calista looked around; the waiter was delivering late luncheon to the passengers from a cart and came to them with trays. “Can I persuade you to have a glass of red wine with your meal, Madam?” asked the waiter. “I have the Chateau Rauzan Se
gla 25, of course.”
“Yes, a glass of wine for us both,” said Caprius, without taking his eyes off Calista, who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat. The waiter bowed and departed, leaving the two to continue their uncomfortable discussion.
Calista looked at Caprius. He was an honorable person, a good man. She had so many secrets. Often she felt as though she would burst for wanting to let some of them out. She yearned to feel that free. But, she also knew she had to tread carefully. She shifted the subject slightly. “After the hanging, I left Koriston and became a wanderer. I was only sixteen, and I was often scared and hungry. When I came upon a small band of warriors who seemed kind, I decided to travel with them. The group’s leader was Platasus Cremiss, and he was competent at managing his group, making sure they had food and adequate shelter. He was happy to take me in.”
She looked at her fingers, which she was knitting fiercely together. “At first, he seemed all right. We ate together and we slept close to one another. But I was developing into a woman, and they were lonely. Soon, they made me their plaything. They liked to make crude jokes about me behind my back, fondle my body at any time, interrupt my sleep to touch me or kiss me. They didn’t rape me, which they could have easily done, but they had ceased to treat me like an equal. I felt terrible. Violated. My bad dreams resurfaced. When I was alone, which was only when they were off hunting or too drunk to use me, I would weep. I thought about Nigel and how caring he was. I did the right thing by leaving him, but I’d unwittingly delivered myself into a life of slavery. Platisus was deranged. He was a womanizer.”
“He’s a terrible man,” said Caprius.
“Platisus would relieve himself in front of me. He walks like a dog and shits like a horse,” said Calista.
Caprius rolled his eyes. His eyes were full of pity. He took her hands in his. “Calista, I cannot tell you how sorry I am,” he said. He felt ashamed for trying to pin her into a corner. “You have been through so much pain in your life.”
“Yes, I have.” She smiled and got a dreamy look on her face. “And then, one day, the men had decided they’d had enough of simply touching me. They got stirred up and tied me to a tree in order to rape me, one after the other. I tried to reason with them, to beg, but they were like animals. I was sure I would die. Andromin was in the forest and heard my screams. He didn’t think of himself or the danger; he leaped in and slaughtered the bastards, one after the other. And then I was free. I came to Elysium, and now I feel like a complete woman. I have your family to thank for that,” she said. She looked down and realized they were holding hands. She dropped his quickly. “Oh, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
The Dark Magical World of Alamptria Page 3
