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the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen took his eyes off the Valkyries for a second and regarded Faedra with the same interest. "You have done your homework," he said with a raise of his eyebrow. She shrugged. "What can I say, mythology fascinates me, and it's amazing what you can find on the Internet," she gave him a weak smile, which he returned before reverting his gaze back to the armored maidens. "Oh, God," Faedra whispered under her breath after being given a moment to think about it. Her body started to tremble, it was involuntary on her part, but, nevertheless, seemed to be out of her control. She wasn't ready to die and fight for Odin for all eternity. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen took hold of her hand and gave it a squeeze in an attempt to calm her. He could sense her getting frayed around the edges and they all needed to focus if they were going to make it through this. "We do not know why they are here, Faedra. Do not trouble yourself, just yet. Asgard and Valhalla are probably just as much affected as Azran and The World of Men. If Vivianna is trying to destroy all realms, she certainly has it within her grasp to do so. The book controls nature in every realm not just ours." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The winged horses stepped forward until they were lined up in front of them. The center horse then broke ranks and moved closer to the three that were huddled back to back in a protective triangle in the center of the circle. Restless murmuring came from where the redcaps were lurking in the shadows, but they did not move forward themselves. Vivianna stood on the lintel above them, watching with amusement as the scene played out below her. A vindictive smile curved her lips. This was more than she could have hoped for, that the Valkyries would take them to fight for eternity after she had slaughtered them. They would never have the chance to rest in peace, after all, and this thought made her intensely happy. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The solo winged horse came to a stop just feet away from Faen, and Faedra assumed it must be carrying the leader of the group. She had not been able to take her eyes from the maiden who exuded grace and valor, but there was an underlying presence that was unmistakable. These maidens were not here to take sides, they were here to take the losers. Faedra's heart sank once more. For a second she had allowed herself a glimmer of hope that they would help because their world may be suffering, too, but, without words, it was still as clear as crystal that the Valkyries would not be breaking any rules that night. The maiden and Faen exchanged pointed glances at each other in silence for a moment. "Freja," Faen broke the silence first. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Freja inclined her head in acknowledgement. "Guardian," she responded, and Faen did the same. They fell silent again but neither one broke eye contact with the other. "I think that we have had quite enough of the pleasantries," Vivianna's silken voice cut through the silence like a knife. The Valkyries looked up at her and Freja nodded her head in agreement. She looked to the maidens on one side of her and then the other, and their horses all simultaneously backed up until they were lined against the inner wall of the circle. "They're not going to help us are they?" Faedra whispered to Faen. "They cannot be seen aiding us, no," he replied. That at least gave Faedra a glimmer of hope. He hadn't just said 'no, end of story'. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | As soon as the Valkyries had retreated, Vivianna flew down and landed on the altar stone towards the center of the circle. "Let us have some fun, shall we?" she said as she lay the Book of Anohs down on the altar stone. "I will give you the chance to win back the book, Custodian," she taunted, mumbling something under her breath. Another sword appeared in Vivianna's other hand. She swiveled them around her body in a spectacular display of sword skills. Even Faedra had to admit she looked impressive, which certainly didn't help with the knots that were tying themselves in her stomach. "Vivianna," Faen reprimanded, "Faedra does not know the way of the sword. You dishonor our race by what you ask." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Do you think I care of honor or dishonor after I found out about _her_!" Vivianna spat her words that were full of anger and contempt. She threw one of the swords hilt first for Faedra to catch. To Faedra's surprise she caught the sword gracefully, and the feeling of holding it in her hands was an oddly familiar one. She couldn't understand why; she had never held a sword before this moment. She looked up at Vivianna. "I don't even know you. What could I have possibly done to offend you?" she asked, trying in vain to hide the quiver in her voice. Vivianna looked at her intently, carefully measuring Faedra's expression. "You do not know, do you?" Vivianna narrowed her eyes, but her voice was smooth as silk again. "Know what?" Faedra questioned. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Oh, this makes things even better," Vivianna laughed, a cold hard cackle that made Faedra shudder. "After I kill you and retrieve the amulet, I will send you to your grave forever ignorant of who you are." "What is she talking about, Faen?" Faedra whispered. "I do not know." "Silence!" Vivianna bellowed as she swooped down from the altar and was standing a few feet in front of Faedra. "Kill them, leave the _samtero kruwos_ for me," she commanded in the direction of the redcaps. Faedra saw Jocelyn and Faen exchange surprised glances at the foreign sounding words Vivianna had just spoken. But a second later, the redcaps had surrounded them and they were busy defending themselves. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Fight!" Vivianna instructed Faedra, and slammed hard with her sword. It clashed forcefully with Faedra's, knocking her off balance and sending her crashing to the ground. Vivianna hovered above her, horizontal to the ground, holding her sword point to Faedra's throat. "Don't bore me, Custodian, get up," she demanded as she landed back on the ground and stepped back, allowing Faedra to get to her feet. Faedra picked up the sword, her heart pounding. She didn't know how to fight with a sword. She looked over to where Faen and Jocelyn were expertly wielding theirs. She could hear their swords clashing with the redcap's axe-like weapons, and so far, could see two of the evil beings dead on the ground. She gulped, she wouldn't last five seconds if she were expected to know how to use a sword to that proficiency. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Vivianna came at her once more with a force that Faedra could see was going to knock her off her feet again. She braced herself and held her sword out in front of her tightly in both hands, trying hard not to close her eyes as Vivianna's made contact with hers, sending sparks flying. The swords connected with such intensity Faedra could feel the vibration fly up her arms and into her head. Vivianna came at her low the next time, and Faedra angled her sword to meet the blow and defend her legs. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The redcaps were fast; they were coming at Faen and Jocelyn from all angles. Jocelyn hovered above the ground to dodge the axe that was being wielded towards her. Another redcap grabbed her neck with his invisible hold and threw her violently against one of the stones. She lay stunned for a few seconds, but regained her senses just in time to move to the side, narrowly missing the spear part of the weapon as it came at her head but made contact with the stone instead. She got up and spun round to the back of the stone, and leaned against it for a few seconds to catch her breath before moving around to enter the battle again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen's sword was flying in all directions, clashing fiercely with his enemies' weapons. Four redcaps surrounded him, and before they had had a chance to respond, he had raised himself from the ground and flew over one of them, stabbing it without mercy in the back. It fell to the ground with a thud. Another then grabbed him with the same invisible force and held him up above the ground. Faen struggled in mid air, but the stranglehold the redcap had on him was so strong it forced Faen to drop his sword, which landed point down and was standing up in the earth below him. Jocelyn saw what was happening, and with lightening speed, crossed to the redcap holding her brother and slashed it through the chest. It slumped to the ground, and Faen caught himself just before he hit the ground and was able to land softly. Faen grabbed his sword and wielded it around as he spun towards yet another redcap, taking it out with a fatal blow to the head. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | With a move that Faedra didn't even know her body knew existed, she spun around wielding her sword over her head, and brought it crashing to meet Vivianna's. They hit so hard that sparks flew on contact. Vivianna had a satisfied glint to her eye. "That is more like it, Custodian. This will be so much more fun than when I killed your mother. I didn't have any time to play with her, and I find poison such a boring way to kill." Faedra stepped back, reeling from what she had just heard, and Vivianna caught her off guard again with a swing to her upper body, slicing through her shirt and into her arm. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra gritted her teeth as the pain shot up her arm. Managing to bite back the tears that stung behind her eyes. She looked down at her arm just as she caught sight of Vivianna's blade coming at her again. Somehow she ducked under it and was now standing behind her. She could feel the blood pouring down her arm, but now that there was revenge flowing through it, it didn't seem to hurt as much. Vivianna spun around so she was facing her opponent, ready to wield another blow at Faedra. Pure fury flowed through Faedra. She charged at Vivianna, wielding her sword around her head. It clashed so hard with her opponent's that it was nearly knocked out of her hands. "Your sword skills are very rudimentary," Vivianna said with an undeniable pleasure. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "You don't say," Faedra retorted sarcastically, and slammed her sword hard into Vivianna's, forcing the fairy to step back. "Well, considering this is the first time I've ever held one, I would hazard a guess that I'm going to be good enough to kick your fairy butt all the way back to Azran." Vivianna laughed her cold humorless laugh. "Why did you kill my mother?" Faedra demanded between the wielding of swords and the clashing of blades. Their swords locked at the hand guard so their faces were mere inches from one another. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "She stumbled upon my redcaps plotting the execution of my plan and was about to enter Azran to tell my father. I could not allow that to happen. I was so close to taking the amulet then, but Faen showed up," she scowled, "so I have spent the past eleven of your years biding my time until you became of age." Her silken voice did not fool Faedra, she knew the owner of it was deadly. Vivianna used the hand guard of her sword and pushed hard on Faedra's, forcing Faedra to stumble backwards. "But why would you turn on your father and your own people, not to mention my people? Everyone is suffering, Vivianna," Faedra questioned as she tried desperately to regain her balance and stay upright. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Vivianna eyed Faedra with vicious intent, holding her sword out in front of her ready for another attack. "Revenge, Custodian, pure and simple." She came at Faedra faster and more determined than ever. "Let us see what havoc I can wreak when I have control over weather, too." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra was desperate to know what Vivianna wanted revenge for, but Vivianna's determination caught her off guard again. Faedra went to make several defensive steps back, but was blocked by something hard in the small of her back. She looked around to see it was the altar stone. Vivianna was on her almost immediately, but Faedra had not managed to adjust her grip on her sword. With the next blow, it was sent flying from her hands. Vivianna raised her sword with malevolence and was about to wield a fatal blow, but Faedra was not ready to die just yet. She had questions that needed answering, and if that fact alone was giving her the determination needed to survive, that was just fine with her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She was lying half on, half off the altar stone. With a movement of pure adrenaline, she rolled her body over and Vivianna's sword missed her by mere millimeters, clashing with such a force on the stone beside her, she could feel it vibrate. She slid off the other end of the stone and moved quickly around it, putting it between her and Vivianna, looking around her for her sword as she did. She couldn't see it. _Oh, God, where did it go?_ |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She looked up just in time to see Vivianna fly up on top of the stone and was now standing above her with her sword poised to swipe at Faedra's head. It was a knee-jerk reaction; Faedra held her hands up and closed her eyes as two balls of blue light thrust themselves forcefully from her palms, knocking both her and Vivianna off their feet with the intensity, but not for long enough. Faedra hadn't had the time to focus on her energy to make it powerful enough to do much damage. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Vivianna was on her feet again in seconds and was flying towards Faedra who scrabbled backwards on the ground, using her legs and feet to push her backwards with all her might. She scanned the ground around her and could see her sword a few feet out of her reach. Her heart sank; she knew she would not be able to reach it in time. Her eyes widened as she saw the sword turn and skim along the ground hilt first until it reached her hand. She looked up just in time to see the Valkyrie nearest to her return her spear to her side and look away with an innocent expression on her face. Grabbing her sword, she held it above her head defensively just as Vivianna's came crashing down with another blow to try and take her head off. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra's phone rang. She could tell it was her father, she had a specific ring tone for him. "Oh, crap," she groaned. _Great timing Dad_ , she thought as she defended against an onslaught of blows from Vivianna. If she didn't answer her phone he would just call Amy, and she really didn't want her friend to have to lie for her, if at all possible. She shot another energy ball at Vivianna, knocking her backwards, and grabbed the phone from her pocket. "Hi, Dad," she grunted breathlessly, "you kind of caught me at a bad time, can I call you back?" "Sure, darling, what on earth is all that commotion?" "Err, we're playing _Dungeons and Dragons_ on Amy's video game – Urgh," she groaned as she shot another energy ball and sent Vivianna reeling backwards again. "You sound pretty out of breath, hun." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well, it's one of those remotes you have to use like the real thing. At the moment, I'm having an – argh – swordfight with an – urgh – evil fairy princess, it's really interactive." "Oh, okay, darling, well have fun. I hope you win." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Me, too, Dad, me, too." She rang off and moved her head to one side just in time to dodge another blow that came crashing to the ground. She looked at her phone that she was still clutching and threw it away as she grabbed for her sword . She held her sword with one hand and threw another energy ball with the other, forcing Vivianna back just long enough for Faedra to get to her feet. Then she saw the book, it was still sitting on the end of the altar stone where Vivianna had laid it before they had started their fight. She had to think of a way to get her hands on it, but right now she was being well and truly out-sworded by her opponent, and it was all she could do to keep herself from getting killed. _Use the amulet, Faedra_. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Mum?" Faedra called out, looking all around her. Vivianna stopped for just a second and gave her a questioning glance, then continued with her onslaught. _The amulet, Faedra, use the amulet_. She couldn't quite believe she was having a _Star Wars_ moment with her mother, but went with it. "How do I use the amulet, Mum?" she cried out into the darkness as she sent another energy ball into Vivianna's chest to distract her for another few seconds. Think, Faedra, the book is near. Use your power to use the amulet. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "That's all I need right now, riddles," she mumbled under her breath. How on earth could she get hold of the book when she was fighting for her life? Vivianna was not giving her any respite, where did this woman get her energy? Faedra looked around her in the split seconds she had between parries and shooting energy balls. The red eyes of the winged horses shone in the darkness. The Valkyries were sitting motionless, watching intently, but with no movement to imply that they would help again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen and Jocelyn were still wielding their swords valiantly. There were fewer redcaps now, which gave Faedra an idea. It was a long shot, but if Jocelyn could hold off the redcaps and Faen could distract Vivianna, maybe it would give her enough time to figure out how to use the book and the amulet. "Faen!" she shouted across the circle. Her sword clashed with Vivianna's sending more sparks flying. "Yes!" he shouted back. Vivianna was upon her again. Faedra swung her sword just in time to meet with her opponent's and averted the loss of a limb. "Do you think Jocelyn can handle those redcaps by herself for a minute?" Crash - she dodged another blow that struck the altar stone, sending more sparks flying. There was silence for a moment, except for the clashing of metal on metal. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I think so," Jocelyn shouted back. "Faen, distract this evil fairy for a moment, would you?" Faedra asked and shot an icy glare at Vivianna who just smiled at her vindictively as she came at the Custodian again with her sword. "It would be my pleasure," he spoke with deep satisfaction as he flew over and descended upon Vivianna with a clash of his sword, giving her no choice than to give up her onslaught on Faedra. Vivianna screamed something incoherent at Faedra, who could see the fury in her eyes. Faedra dropped her sword, dodged past the two of them who were fighting with a vengeance and grabbed the Book of Anohs from the altar. The stone in the amulet blazed to life as she ran with the book into the shadow of a monolithic stone. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "How do I do this? Oh, God, what do I do?" she mumbled as she looked over to her two friends who were fighting for their lives. "Well, whatever you do, Faedra," she told herself, "Do it quickly." She opened the book, but found that of no help; it was written in a language she couldn't understand. Then she had an idea. What if she imagined the weather she wanted; would that work? Could it be that easy? She took hold of the amulet, closed her eyes, and concentrated. A moment passed and she could feel cold splashes on her face. She opened her eyes and looked up. Dark clouds had appeared from nowhere and it was suddenly raining - hard. Within seconds, she was drenched through to the skin. "Ha," she cried, "it worked." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Not... helping...!" Faen grunted over his shoulder between parries with Vivianna. Faedra closed her eyes again and the rain stopped as abruptly as it had started. "Sorry," she called out to her now soggy cohorts who she could see slipping on the wet ground. "That was stupid, Faedra," she cursed at herself. She glanced over to see how Jocelyn was doing and was horror struck as she watched a redcap sneak up and spear her from behind. Jocelyn gasped and slumped to the ground. "NO!" Faedra yelled as anger surged through her more blindingly than she'd ever felt it before. Thunder roiled ominously in the air around her; a low growl to begin with that turned rapidly into a noise so vicious the sky sounded like it was being ripped apart. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She could feel her body surging with an energy so powerful it was overwhelming. Faedra held her hands up to the sky, asking for more, accepting every tiny particle the atmosphere could provide her. At that moment, a bolt of lightning struck her in the heart. But instead of it killing her, she absorbed it, molded it; her whole body crackled loudly. Then she realized it was her that was making the noise, not the thunder. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She opened her eyes, which were now glowing with the bright blue-white radiance of the lightening she had absorbed, and threw her hands out in the direction of the redcaps, unleashing every particle of electrical energy she had molded inside of her. Six bolts of lightning flew from her palms hitting each redcap directly in the chest, killing them on contact. They slumped to the ground, also. Faedra fell back against the stone and attempted to steady herself. She could feel her legs weaken beneath her. Vivianna was momentarily distracted by Faedra's show of power, enough that Faen had been able to knock the sword from her hand and was now holding his to her throat. He kicked Vivianna's sword out of reach. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | With the last fragment of will that Faedra had left, she stumbled over to where Jocelyn lay unmoving on the wet ground. She sat down beside her and lifted Jocelyn's head, cradling it in her arms. "Jocelyn, oh, no. Please, God, not Jocelyn." Big fat tears rolled down Faedra's cheeks as she carefully moved a clump of wet hair that was splayed across her friend's lifeless face. She looked over to Faen in desperation, tears flowing down her face. He was still standing motionless, holding his sword to Vivianna's throat. "Oh, Faen," she cried, "I think she's dead." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen's eyes blazed with an anger Faedra had never seen before. He swung his sword high above his head and was just about to wield it with a fatal blow to Vivianna's neck when Jocelyn coughed. He stopped mid-swing and looked over to where Faedra and Jocelyn were on the ground. Jocelyn breathed in, an urgent gasp as if coming up for air. She opened her eyes slowly and smiled up at Faedra. "You're alive?" Faedra half laughed, half cried, she was so overjoyed. "They must have missed my heart," Jocelyn whispered, her voice sounding gravelly. "She's alive, Faen!" Faedra called. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Vivianna took advantage of the distraction and flew over Faen's head to stand behind him on the altar stone. Faen whirled around, but just as he did, she spat some more words that Faedra did not recognize, and something appeared in her hand. At first glance, it looked like a spindly tree branch, but it glittered with sparkling red stones. Vivianna glared at Faen and then over at Faedra; she muttered something else and slammed the staff hard on the stone. The red stones emitted what looked like whirling red laser lights that within seconds had encircled Vivianna. She gave Faen a malevolent smile. "Until we meet again, Guardian," she said smoothly with an incline of her head. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "No," Faen cried, lunging out with his sword. But Vivianna was gone. His sword came crashing to the stone. Faen shouted something Faedra didn't understand and from his tone of voice, wasn't sure she wanted to, either. He sheathed his sword angrily and strode over to where the girls were sitting on the ground. His expression altered in an instant as soon as he reached them, replacing the one of anger with one of compassion. "Jocelyn," he cupped her face, his eyes full of concern. "My dear sister, are you alright?" She smiled at him. "I am fine, Brother, it missed my heart." Faen hung his head and heaved a sigh of relief. They looked at the bodies that were strewn all around them. "Where did Vivianna go?" Faedra asked. "And what was that thing she had?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "It was the ruby staff," he replied. "It has the power to transport you in an instant to anywhere in any realm. I have only heard of it, I have never seen it before. It holds dark magic. I do not know how she came by it; I was told it had been destroyed." They had been so focused on Jocelyn they hadn't noticed that the Valkyries had advanced, and were now forming a semi circle around them. Freja moved forward from the line again. "Well done," she said to all three, her features devoid of emotion. "Redcaps make excellent warriors." All of the maidens held out their spears, lowering them so they were pointing at the bodies on the floor. Faedra watched as the redcaps shimmered and disappeared. "Our job here is done, Guardian," Freja continued, "as is yours." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The horses all backed up in one fluid movement and then turned. They walked through the stones of the circle and disappeared. Faen scooped his injured sister up off the cold, wet ground. Faedra pushed herself up, which took more effort than she could have imagined, and stumbled over to the book. She leaned over and scooped it up, wrapping her arms around it and held it tight to her chest. "We need to get this back to Azran," she croaked. "Jocelyn, there must be a portal nearby, can you sense one?" Faen asked. Jocelyn closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated. "Yes, Brother, there is one at the cathedral we passed, but I do not know where in Azran it will take us," she replied. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "We will have to take our chances," he said as he looked at Faedra, and could see her complexion graying and her legs weaken. Jocelyn noticed, too. "Brother, take Faedra back to the car. I will wait here until you come back." Faen looked with concern from his injured sister to his weakening charge. "Go. I will be fine," Jocelyn reassured him. The Guardian laid his sister with care on the altar stone and turned to Faedra. "Come, young lady, we need to get you some sugar water," he scooped Faedra up just as her legs gave way. She gave him a weak smile, she had no energy left to do anything else. He turned back to his sister. "I will be back in a moment." CHAPTER SIXTEEN |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | After Faedra had replenished her energy levels by drinking nearly every bottle of sugar water she had prepared, she drove them to Salisbury Cathedral. It was an impressive building; the spire towered several hundred feet above them. She had read somewhere once that the weather vane on the top of the spire was the size of a donkey. "This way," Jocelyn pointed, and headed off in the direction of where she could sense the portal. Jocelyn's body had healed itself in the time it took for them to reach the cathedral, much to her brother and her friend's relief. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra was still holding on tight to the book, and Faen was scanning the area all around them as they followed the younger fairy to the portal. There was no telling where Vivianna could be. It wouldn't surprise the Guardian if she turned up and tried to take the book away, and he wouldn't feel comfortable until it was safely back in the castle and under some stronger magical bonds than last time. Jocelyn came to a sudden stop, and made a sharp turn. "Over there," she said. She reminded Faedra of a Bloodhound sniffing out a scent. "Here it is," she stated as she came to a sudden stop on the path. Jocelyn recited an incantation and told Faedra and Faen when the portal was open. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Get ready with your sword, Jocelyn. We do not know what awaits us on the other side," Faen instructed cautiously. Jocelyn conjured her sword and Faen drew his from its sheath. He looked down at Faedra and gave her a wry smile. "As for you, my little _Kenget_ , I believe you can hold your own. Energy balls at the ready?" She smiled back at him, her eyes twinkling from the reflection of the ball of blue light that was now bobbing above her free hand. "What does _Kenget_ mean?" He laughed. "It means Warrior." Faedra bopped him on the arm with her elbow. "I hardly think so," she blushed. "Vivianna out-sworded me every step of the way." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Faedra, do not underestimate yourself. You had never held a sword before today and survived a fight against one of the best in our realm - Vivianna has been training since she was a child – and you are still alive to tell the tale. To be honest with you, I do not know how you did it," he looked at her with pride. "I believe you will be a formidable Custodian," his smile slipped and his eyes saddened. "I think perhaps, you will not need me anymore." Panic flashed across Faedra's face. "You're not going to leave me, are you?" Her energy ball fizzled out with her question. He considered her panic-stricken face for a moment and a warm smile curved his lips. "No, Faedra, I will not leave you, unless you wish it. Shall we?" He motioned in the direction of the portal. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra's body relaxed and she smiled back at him, the ball of light reappearing in her palm. The three of them stepped into the portal on full alert. A second later they were standing in a cobbled street in the City of Azran. People meandered past them, going about their business. Faedra closed her hand, Faen sheathed his sword, and Jocelyn's disappeared. Faedra looked around and noticed something that filled her heart with joy. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Look!" she shouted as she pointed to a window box hanging on a wall nearby. "The flowers, they're growing again." They all wandered over to the window box. Bright green shoots were starting to poke their way through the soil. "It worked; the plants are growing. When I took the book from Vivianna, it must have broken whatever hold she had over it. We did it!" She shoved the book at Jocelyn and wrapped her arms around Faen's neck to give him a hug. He picked her up and swung her around. A laugh escaped him as he got caught up in her excitement. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Her outburst had caught the attention of some passers-by, and suddenly gasps of shock and surprise were resonating all around them as people stopped to see. Faen eased Faedra to the ground and they turned to scan the crowd that was now increasing in number by the second with people looking intently at the book. "They found it!" A man shouted from the crowd. There was silence for a few seconds, then the crowd erupted and surged forward. At first, Faedra thought they were in serious trouble, but as soon as she was scooped up and planted on a burly-looking fairy's shoulder, and watched as the same thing happened to Jocelyn and Faen, she realized that these people were pleased to see them. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Cheers rang out down the cobbled streets and little children skipped their way in front of them. They were carried through the city until they arrived at the courtyard in front of the castle, where they were lowered carefully to the ground. The people who had been carrying them bowed and stepped back. "Thank you," they said. "You're welcome," Faedra responded. She didn't think it sounded quite appropriate under the circumstances, but it was an automatic response that was commonplace in conversation in her world, and was more habit than thought. The crowd stood in silence as the three of them walked towards the enormous entrance to the castle. The plants in the courtyard were budding again, and fresh new shoots of life were replacing the brown wilted flowers. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The doors opened without Faen rapping on them this time. They walked through and headed towards the Great Hall. As they entered the Great Hall, the volume was deafening. It was still full of people, and their cheers upon seeing the three almost raised the rafters. The king stood waiting for them at the end of the room with a warm smile on his face. Faedra followed etiquette as best she could before handing him the Book of Anohs. He bowed his head to Faedra as he took it; the room went silent. "Our realms owe you all a debt of gratitude," he spoke clearly and proudly so that everyone in the hall could hear. "But for now, I hope you will accept a ball in your honor, to be held this evening." Whispers resonated around the Great Hall, then the king addressed the crowd. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Tonight I hold a ball, a celebration of life," he stated in his commanding voice. "Everyone is invited." The volume increased to deafening again, then the king made a gesture with his hands and the crowd fell silent once more. "Your Majesty," Faen spoke with caution. "There is something more." The king nodded and gestured for them to retire to the library room. Once there, he sat behind his desk and rested his elbows on the rich mahogany, touching his fingers together. "Your Majesty, it is about Vivianna," Faen continued. The king took a deep breath. "She did this, didn't she?" he asked with a heavy heart. Faedra and Jocelyn looked at each other, eyes wide. "Yes, Sire, how did you know?" |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "I had my suspicions, but I tried to deny them. She is my daughter, after all," he hung his head. "Where is she now?" "We do not know, Sire. She had the ruby staff," Faen answered. The king's head shot up and he narrowed his eyes. "Where would she have gotten the ruby staff? I thought it had been destroyed." "I cannot answer that, Sire," Faen bowed his head. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well, there is nothing we can do about it at this moment," he looked at all three intently. "You have done well. Our realms will be eternally grateful to you all. Unfortunately, Faedra, your realm will never know how you saved them. I am afraid most of your kind do not have minds open enough to absorb or believe what happened, so it is best they never know. Well, you had better go and prepare for the ball," he clapped his hands, and the two fairies that helped them the day before appeared again. Faen and Jocelyn turned to follow the fairies who were heading for the door. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Hold on a moment," Faedra piped up. She had some questions and thought she deserved some answers. After all, his daughter had just got through trying to make mincemeat out of her. She had some for Faen, too; he was not getting off lightly, either. She wanted to know what Vivianna had called her that made Jocelyn and Faen exchange such surprised glances. Faen could sense the king needed time to absorb the news about Vivianna, and now would not be the right time to be asking him questions. He took hold of Faedra's hand and started to pull her with him. When she gave him a questioning look, he subtly shook his head. "But..." she replaced the questioning look with one of annoyance. "Not now, Faedra," he whispered, and looked with concern at the king. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra looked at the king, too. He was holding his head in his hands and was in obvious distress. She conceded that maybe now wasn't the right time to start firing questions at him. It could wait until tomorrow, but she would get some answers, of that she was determined. "I've got some for you, too," she warned Faen as they followed the fairies through the castle. "I am sure you do," he replied stoically, but at that point he wasn't quite sure how he was going to answer the one he knew without a doubt she would ask. He was, therefore, relieved when she didn't say anything else; they walked in silence for the rest of the way to their rooms. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra decided her questions could wait until the next day. She had to admit, she was getting excited about being the guest of honor at a fae ball. The fairies escorted them up to the same rooms they had been given before, and they left them after announcing that if they needed anything to let them know. "Faen," Faedra whispered with a tinge of embarrassment. "I have no clothes to wear to a ball." She opened her arms and looked down at her filthy, torn clothing that was still slightly damp from the downpour she had created just a short while ago in her world. Even if they were clean, jeans were definitely not suitable attire for a fae ball. She knew Faen and Jocelyn could just magic themselves a wardrobe at the flick of a wrist. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Do not worry, Faedra. I have a feeling the king would have thought of that," he gave her a warm smile. Faedra's eyes widened with excitement. "See you later then," she said as she ran into her room and made a beeline for the bed. Faen raised his eyes heavenward and shook his head, a big smile curving his lips as he headed to his room. "Oh, wow, it's beautiful," Faedra gasped as she picked up the dress that had been laid out for her on the bed and held it out in front of her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The dress was made of luscious silk damask in the most beautiful color of green Faedra had ever seen. The pattern woven into the fabric shimmered as she moved it under the light. The dress was full length. The bodice was laced in the front and had a square neckline with a panel of gold silk running down the front to the floor. The bodice nipped in at the waist, and the dress fell from there into a full, flowing skirt that was heavily petticoated. The sleeves were long and wide, shaped into a point that hung down from the wrists. Faedra held it up to her and ran to the mirror. She admired the dress for a moment twisting from side to side, causing the skirt to rustle as it swung with her movement. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She returned the dress to the bed, making extra care to lay it out neatly so that it didn't wrinkle. She looked on the floor beside the bed to find a pair of silk slippers that matched the color of the dress to perfection and were trimmed with gold braid. At first glance, Faedra thought she saw what looked like a tiara, beside the dress. But when she picked it up to examine it, it was the wrong shape to fit on top of her head. She considered it carefully for a while, not quite sure where it should go. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | It was beautiful, a band of delicate gold with a filigree pattern, which was open at the back and curved into a 'v' in the center from which a delicate gold pendant hung in a design that she recognized instantly. It was the same design as the center of Faen's talisman that hung around his neck. She stared at it in awe for a moment, and then it occurred to her where she would wear it. This piece of jewelry was to be worn on her forehead. She replaced it carefully on the bed next to the dress. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra peeled out of her dirty torn clothes, folded them up and laid them on the chair. She was not looking forward to having to put them back on in the morning. A bath was waiting for her, just as before. She soaked in its soothing hot water for a while before getting ready for the ball. She was astounded by what had been laid out for her. Beneath the mirror, was an array of things she may need. There were clips and pins for her hair. The exact shades and types of makeup she used, and the brushes to apply them with. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "How do they know all this stuff?" she whispered to herself as she happily went about her usual routine of applying her makeup. She decided to pile her thick, curly red hair high on her head. Leaving the odd tendril to fall around her face and neck, which left her 'fairy' birthmark proudly on display. The dress and slippers fit her perfectly; she had no doubt that they would. She checked her appearance in the full-length mirror, and it surprised even her. She chuckled at the corniness of it; she looked nothing short of a fairy princess. "Finishing touch," she told herself as she picked up the piece of jewelry off the bed and walked over to the mirror. She slid it onto her forehead, the ends nestled securely in her hair, and it rested comfortably above her eyebrows. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | There was a knock at the door. "Come in," she called and turned just as Faen entered. He stopped dead upon seeing her, and she heard a definite catch in his breath. He had exactly the same affect on her. They stared at each other for a moment in silence. He was wearing a cream shirt under an overcoat that was made of the same material as her dress. The sleeves of his overcoat were slit almost from the shoulder and fell behind his arms. The collarless front came down in a 'v' and had one clasp holding it closed at the center. The overcoat came halfway down his thighs and the entire garment was edged with gold trim, as were the cuff and collar of his shirt. He smiled and it took her breath away. "You look beautiful," he said. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Thank you. I have to admit, I feel like a princess in this dress." "It is not the dress that makes you a princess," he stated as he walked over to where Faedra was standing. She gave him a questioning look, thinking that was an odd thing for him to say, but he didn't respond to her puzzled expression, so she thought no more of it. When he reached her, she looked up at him and pointed to the jewelry on her forehead. "This was you, not the king, wasn't it?" "You do not mind do you?" he asked sheepishly. "Mind?" she was surprised at his question. "No, why ever would I mind, Faen? It's beautiful." He smiled. "I'm glad you like it." "Is this design like some kind of family crest?" "Yes, I believe you could call it that." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well, then, I'm honored that you think highly enough of me to allow me to wear it," she said brimming with pride. "Shall we?" he asked as he held out his arm for her to take. "Jocelyn is waiting for us in the corridor." Faedra took his arm and they walked out of her room. "Wow, Jocelyn you look fantastic," Faedra gasped as she caught sight of her friend. Jocelyn had traded her usual black and white dress for one that was a sumptuous purple velvet with a panel of shimmering lilac silk down the front. It also had a fitted bodice that laced at the front with a square neckline and a full skirt that flowed to the floor, but her dress was sleeveless. "Why, thank you, Faedra, as do you." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | They could hear the music playing as they approached the Great Hall. They got to the doors and were announced by a very austere looking fairy. The music stopped and people ceased their dancing to turn and look at them. Faedra could feel her cheeks heat up. Faen took hold of her hand and they continued into the hall. Everyone they passed either bowed or curtsied. Faedra wasn't quite sure how to react, so she kept nodding her head and smiling at everyone as they continued to where the king was sitting. When they got there, the king clapped his hands twice and the music started again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | The Great Hall had been decorated extravagantly. Lots of silver and gold banners with the royal crest emblazoned upon them hung from the ceiling. Twinkling lights were wrapped around the columns. Faedra's attention turned to where the music was coming from. There was a group of musicians sitting to one side of the raised platform where the throne sat. A couple of older looking fairies with silver gray hair and neatly trimmed silver beards were playing mandolins. There was a younger fairy playing what looked like a flute and a beautiful lady fairy playing a harp. The music they were creating was truly enchanting. She then turned her attention to the people dancing. There were lots of different kinds of people dancing, probably from other realms, and they were doing a very good job of it. It was nothing like the dancing she had ever done. It involved at lot more movement and looked much more complicated as they twirled and stepped and twirled again. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "May I have this dance?" Faen interrupted Faedra's thoughts. "Oh, um..." She chewed on her lip as she watched the dancers swirling around with confidence and ease in front of them. "Faen, I can't dance like that." The dancer's timing and accuracy was something to behold. To be honest, she'd rather take her chances with a sword and Vivianna than make a complete fool of herself in front of all these people and the king. "Do you trust me?" he asked. "That's a silly question, you know I do, with my life," she replied with a panicked look on her face. She knew where this was leading, straight onto the dance floor. "Well, in that case," he held his arm for her again. "I'm not going to get out of this am I?" she said with a disgruntled look in her eyes. He just smiled. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra grimaced, and after taking a deep breath, took his arm. She needn't have worried, as soon as they stepped onto the dance floor, he made a movement with his head towards the musicians and they stopped the lively music they were playing, and started playing something soft and lilting. Everyone stopped dancing mid-stride and paired up to continue dancing to the slower tune without even skipping a beat. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen led Faedra around the dance floor with so much confidence, that she soon forgot her nerves and could only focus on the face smiling down at her. She didn't even know how her feet were making their way around, nor did she care. The dance came to an end all too soon, and, for a moment, they stood in silence in the center looking at one another, completely oblivious of the people who were dancing around them. "I need to show you something," Faen said after a long moment, his eyes shining with uncertainty. "Okay," Faedra replied cautiously, wondering why he was looking uncertain. He very rarely looked uncertain. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen took hold of her hand and walked her out of the hall. Torches blazed along the walls of the corridor, lighting their way outside. The moon was out in all its silvery glory, shining its bright ethereal light onto the courtyard where they had stopped. They were bathed entirely in the moonlight now, out of reach of the golden glow from the torches in the castle. He turned Faedra to look at him and took both of her hands in his. She noticed a slight tremble there and gave him a puzzled look. "Close your eyes, please," he whispered. She did as he asked. "You may open them now," he said after only a heartbeat had passed. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She did as he asked again, and instantly sucked in a breath. Her jaw dropped, she couldn't find any words to describe what her eyes were seeing. She thought him beautiful before, but now with his wings outstretched before her, it made her want to cry. She took a step back but didn't let go of his hands and could feel tears of emotion pricking behind her eyes as she absorbed the picture of beauty standing right before her. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | His wings were silvery white, at least that is how they looked in the moonlight. All around the edges, they sparkled in gold. An intricate golden design intertwined its way throughout his whole wingspan, which was twice the size of Jocelyn's, although, they were shaped similarly to his sister's. She had noticed that most of the fairies she had seen had wings of different shapes and sizes. She hadn't seen any that sparkled the way Faen's did right now, though. Every inch of his wings glistened in the glow from the moon, and she could just imagine how much more vibrantly they must shimmer in the sunlight. Enchanting didn't even begin to describe them. "Breathe, Faedra," Faen whispered after a moment. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra brought her gaze to meet his. "Huh?" She was still speechless, it didn't happen very often. She pulled in a breath. "You're beautiful," she whispered. "Thank you," he said softly with an incline of his head as he pulled her towards him. She noticed his talisman hanging from his neck. "Your necklace, and my..." she touched the jewelry on her forehead, "it's the same design as your wings." "Yes, it is." He smiled at her observation. "I don't think I'll ever get used to them, you know," she whispered as she looked up at his wings again. "Well, you will have a very long time to try." He smiled again as he cupped her face in his hands. She closed her eyes. His wings were emblazoned on the inside of her eyelids; they still sparkled there even when her eyes were shut. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | As they kissed, Faedra was too distracted to pay any attention to the warm sensation traveling up her ring finger. Neither of them noticed the person lurking in the shadows, who was glaring at them with such an icy stare it could have frozen fire, nor did they notice the tiny red laser lights that encircled her before she disappeared. EXCERPT FROM THE EMERALD STAFF CUSTODIAN NOVEL #2 - AVAILABLE NOW CHAPTER ONE Halloween was just around the corner, and Faedra's father, Henry, was arranging a Halloween costume party. Faedra was mulling over what she could possibly dress up as. Sitting on the swing and gazing up at the trees in her yard for inspiration was not helping the least little bit. As yet, she still didn't have a clue. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She had a good idea what her newfound friend Jocelyn was going to be coming as... herself. Although Faedra was slightly skeptical that people would have a hard time believing her wings were not actually real, Jocelyn was eager to take the risk. And who was Faedra to stop her? Let's face it, who actually believes in fairies anyway? She certainly hadn't until a few short months ago. And as for her Guardian, Faen, she had no idea who, or what, he would dress as. He definitely couldn't go as himself because no costume rental store could ever re-create his wings, even in their wildest dreams. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Closing her eyes, she leaned back and started swinging, enjoying the feeling of the breeze on her face and through her hair. There would not be many more evenings like this before the cold and damp of winter crept in and claimed the land, so she was going to take advantage as long as possible. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She smiled. The leaves were turning now, of their own volition this time and she took a moment to look around her. The trees that lined the circumference of her yard glowed with ethereal radiance in the setting sun, and at that moment all was right with her world. She shuddered at the thought that it could have turned out so differently if she hadn't been able to recover a book the fae use to control nature. The nagging reminder in the back of her mind that it had been stolen by none other than the fae king's daughter as some kind of revenge was still there. She couldn't figure out what the revenge was all about. She knew it had something to do with her, but as yet, no one, including the king, her Guardian, or her friend Jocelyn, had been forthcoming with any information whichever tact she used to try and wheedle it out of them. She felt in her heart that they knew exactly what Vivianna's motive was, but they were being tight lipped about it. If it was one thing she had learned in the short time she'd known them, it was that fairies could be extremely stubborn when they wanted to be. Well, she was a redhead with the temperament to match, and could be just as stubborn. She would find out what Vivianna's problem with her was, if it was the last thing she did. And based on the fairy princess's sword skills, it may very well be. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra shrugged and let out a sigh before leaning back as far as she could, her arms outstretched from holding onto the ropes. After a few more swings, she came to an abrupt halt in mid air, her head now pressing against something warm and firm. She opened her eyes with a start and looked up to see a familiar face staring down at her. "Faen." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She smiled up at him. He held onto the ropes, holding them so that she was almost horizontal to him. Her head rested at right angles against his chest as he stood over her, his aqua blue eyes locked with hers. He returned her smile with one of his own and walked forward until the swing was vertical. Taking his hands from the ropes he caressed each side of her face, and leaned down to brush his lips against hers in an affectionate upside down kiss. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling his touch evoked. After a moment, when Faedra's muscles had all but turned to jelly, and Faen's lips were starting to feel a tingle from the energy her emotions were building, he pulled away and took hold of the ropes again. "What are you doing out here by yourself?" he asked. "Thinking." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "May I ask about what?" Faedra sighed and pulled herself to sit up. Faen gave up his hold on the ropes and moved around to face her. She looked pensive. "You look worried, Faedra. Can I help?" "I don't know what to wear to Dad's party. I have no idea what to go as," she blurted, knowing it wasn't as if it were a life or death situation, but it was bugging her all the same. "You are worried about that?" Faen asked, incredulous. "You have your mythology tests tomorrow and you are worried about what to wear to a costume party?" Faen's eyebrows pinched together, forming a frown. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | After discovering on her eighteenth birthday what she was, Custodian for the Amulet of Azran, she decided to change from her previous choice of psychology to study mythology and parapsychology. It dawned on her that with her first hand experience, there was every chance that she would be able to ace her grades. "Yeah, I know it's a stupid thing to worry about, but I also know that Amy and Zoë will look super cool, coz they always do. And Jocelyn, well, Jocelyn will look like Jocelyn, and I needn't say any more on that subject. Still I don't have a clue what to wear." "If I may, Faedra, you seem to have your priorities somewhat muddled. You have a week left to think about what to wear but only tonight to brush up on your test." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "That's not helping either, Faen. So, what is _Frederick_ going as?" she asked with a wry smile. "I am not telling you. You will have to wait and find out." "That's not fair," she grumbled and stuck out her bottom lip in a childish pout. "Come," he said, a patient expression plastered on his face. He held out his hands to take hold of hers. "If I promise to think of a costume for you, will you go upstairs and study? Your grades are extremely important." She sighed again as she slid off the swing at Faen's encouragement. "Okay, if you insist." "I do." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faen didn't let go of her hand until they got up the stairs to her bedroom. She wandered over to her desk and pulled her books from her backpack. Faen lay on her bed on his stomach and rested his head in his hands, which were propped up on his elbows, and watched as she gathered her study materials. "You have the test tomorrow, too." Faedra stated when she noticed that he was watching her instead of burying his head in a book. She started college as planned at the end of the summer, and her ever-faithful dog had joined her. Only he spent his days in class as his alter ego, Frederick, and his evenings at home in his canine form. It was a very strange situation. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "My dear Faedra, what I do not know about mythology is not worth knowing." He gave her a conceited smirk when she narrowed her eyes at him. It was starting to get dark outside. Her father was not yet home from work. His company had given him a project a few months ago that needed him in their office to complete, so he had been coming home late each night. This turned out to be very advantageous because he was not around to notice the fact that her dog was missing each day she was at college. Faedra wondered how much longer she could juggle Faen and Frederick before her father became suspicious that the two of them were never in the same place at the same time. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She must have been studying for a while because it was pitch black outside when she heard the crunch of the gravel driveway made by her father's car, and lifted her head to see him pulling up beside the cottage. A few moments later he was calling from the dining room. "Hi, Fae, I'm home! You up there?" "Yes, Dad." "Well, take a break for a while. I've brought take-out. Chinese; your favorite." "Thanks, Dad. I'll be down in a minute." |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Faedra watched as Faen gave her a wink before he blurred into his dog form. She didn't very often have Frederick around her home, for obvious reasons. If Frederick was there, Faen wasn't, and that would take a lot more explaining. As far as her father was concerned, Frederick was still just a friend who boarded his horse at the same stables as her horse, Gypsy. They occasionally went riding together. Her father knew nothing about him going to college with her. As far as she was concerned, that was how it was going to stay. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | She put her pen down and pushed her chair back. Wandering past her bed on the way to the door she scratched behind Faen's ears. She'd been doing it for so long, she was finding it an impossible habit to break. He didn't seem to mind though; as yet, he'd never brought up the issue. She pulled her hands away when she caught herself doing it. "Sorry," she whispered. Her cheeks flushed a little, and twinges of regret shot through her. She missed the carefree relationship she had shared with her 'dog' until just a few months ago when she turned of age and he had revealed his true self. She suspected that Faen realized this fact all too well. Perhaps that was why he never protested when she still kept treating his dog form as her beloved pet. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Come on, let's go and have some dinner," she said with a sheepish smile. The shaggy white dog jumped off the bed and padded down the stairs behind her and into the kitchen where Henry was setting out the take-away boxes on the dining table. The aroma wafted up to caress her nostrils and her mouth began to water. "Have a good day at college?" her dad asked when she entered. "Yes, thanks. How about you at work? How's the project going?" She leaned over and grabbed a prawn cracker from a bag on the table, then took another and offered it to Faen, who almost inhaled it he ate it so quickly. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "It's going," he sighed, "but not as smoothly as I had hoped. It doesn't look like I'll finish it this week as planned. But it should be done by the end of next week, just in time for the party." "Since you bring that up, what are you going as?" Faedra asked before putting another prawn cracker in her mouth and crunching. "You'll have to wait and see," he said with a smirk. "Oh, not you, too." She huffed out an exasperated breath. "Frederick won't tell me what he's wearing either, and I haven't got a clue what to dress as." "You'll think of something, Darling. You always do." She raised an eyebrow at him _. Isn't that the truth?_ |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "By the way, I've invited some people from the office. I thought it might be fun for you to meet some new faces..." he hesitated, "well, one new face in-particular." Faedra watched as a flush came to his cheeks and her eyes lit up. "You've got a girlfriend?" she asked with enthusiasm. "Well, I wouldn't go _that_ far just yet, so don't go getting all excited." Faedra beamed a big grin at him. It was about time her dad found a companion. He'd been on his own for much too long, as far as she was concerned. Her uncle's efforts at playing matchmaker had failed miserably, which only ended up making her father less inclined to want to try anymore. This was exciting news, and now she couldn't wait until the party next week. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "Well don't leave me hanging, Dad. What is she like?" Henry's cheeks reddened a little further. "Well, she's a little younger than me but that doesn't seem to bother her at all. She is beautiful, Fae. I don't quite know what she sees in me." "Oh, come on, Dad. You're not bad looking yourself, you know. You would be a catch for anyone. Come on, tell me more." "Well, we have been out to lunch a couple of times. She is very sweet natured and she loves animals, especially dogs." He cast his gaze over to the dog relaxing on the floor beside them. "I've told her all about you and she can't wait to meet you. Oh, I do hope you like her," he added somewhat pensively to his daughter, who was looking hopeful. |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | "She sounds wonderful, Dad. I'm sure that I will like her just as much as you seem to." Faedra could hardly contain her excitement and wrapped her arms around her dad's neck. "This is great news, Dad." "Thank you, darling. Now dig in before it gets cold." He waved his fork over the open boxes of Chinese food that were spread over the table. Faedra put a little from each container on her plate and dug in. She tried to savor every last bite before having to go and bury her head in her books again. She was determined to ace her test tomorrow. Her Guardian was right, she could wait until after her test to worry about her costume for the party. About the Author |
the-amulet-custodian-novel-1.epub.txt | Alison Pensy was born and raised in England. She grew up near a medieval city, which is where much of the inspiration for her books comes from. Moving to the States in 2001, she eventually settled near a small town in mid Missouri with her menagerie of animals. Alison also runs her own tax and accounting business and started writing when she became so fed up with the real world, she decided to create her own. Please visit her website at www.alisonpensy.com. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to leave comments or ask questions. |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | 100 SECONDS to MIDNIGHT # A Clan Story ## JOHN FRANCIS KINSELLA ## Copyright (C) 2020 all rights reserved Published by Banksterbooks Cover & contents designed by Banksterbooks This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of the author. banksterbooks@gmail.com 300420200800 # Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Page The Doomsday Plan JODOCO RIQUE, 1534 CONTENTS PREFACE Author's Note PROLOGUE |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | 2019 | MAY | 1 | A BOOK FESTIVAL 2 | AN IRISH HERO 3 | A QUEST 4 | A PHILANTHROPIST 5 | RIO PUTUMAYO 6 | DISAPPEARING FISH 7 | A FEMINIST MOVEMENT 8 | COLLAPSOLOGY 9 | ORIGINS 10 | ST KYRIL 11 | THE DISINHERITED 12 | THE ANDES 13 | COLOGNE 14 | THE CONQUISTADORS 15 | GOLD 16 | THE INCA EMPIRE 17 | JOUVENCE JUNE | 1 | A QUESTION OF CLIMATE 2 | CLIMATE AND ARCHAEOLOGY 3 | A MINI CRASH 4 | AMAZONIA 5 | A GARDEN OF EDEN 6 | ALONE IN SPACE 7 | A WALK IN THE PARK 8 | THE INCAS 9 | THE HOUSE OF THE GODS 10 | ANOTHER CRISIS LOOMS 11 | NOTRE DAME 12 | SAN FRANCISCO 13 | GEOGLYPHS 14 | SAINT TROPEZ 15 | A REFIT |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | 16 | THE AMAZON 17 | THE CAQUETA RIVER 18 | THE ISLAND 19 | THE PRIVILEGED 20 | THE MALOCA OF THE JAGUAR 21 | IMPACT 22 | HONG KONG BATTLE ZONE 23 | BELEM 24 | A BOLTHOLE 25 | MANAUS JULY | 1 | COAL 2 | ECOCIDE 3 | LESSONS OF THE PAST 4 | RAINFORESTS 5 | VALE DO JAVARI 6 | ANOTHER WORLD 7 | WAR FOR SURVIVAL 8 | ON THE BRINK 9 | UNREST 10 | GUETHARY 11 | SUMMER CAMP 12 | A NEW PRIME MINISTER 13 | BORIS AND BOMBAST 14 | A PROPHET 15 | INSOMNIA 16 | THE LOST CITY AUGUST | 1 | AN OLD FRIEND 2 | THE MEDITERRANEAN 3 | CRISIS 4 | JAKARTA 5 | A LIGHTHOUSE DINER 6 | A SUMMIT 7 | DIVISIONS 8 | ANOTHER VERSION 9 | A SAVIOUR? |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | 10 | BREXIT 11 | AFTER PUTIN 12 | TIPPING POINT SEPTEMBER | 1 | THE BANK 2 | UNWELCOME VISITORS 3 | VERNISSAGE 4 | LIDAR 5 | THE UN-UNITED KINGDOM 6 | A STRANGE WORLD 7 | CHAOS 8 | 24 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER | 1 | SANTIAGO DE CHILE 2 | A PAINTING 3 | REFLECTION 4 | EVENT201 5 | HONG KONG 6 | CHALLENGES 7 | MADRE DE DIOS NOVEMBER | 1 | FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER AD2026 2 | DIVERSIFICATION 3 | THE CARIOCA SOCIETY 4 | BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU WISH FOR 5 | FOUNDATION DECEMBER | 1 | TROUBLE IN HONG KONG 2 | ECONOMY 3 | THE IMPACT OF AI 4 | DIRTY MONEY 5 | RUSSIAN PALS 6 | CHRISTMAS EVE 2020 | JANUARY | 1 | SHANGHAI 2 | THE ROAD TO RICHES |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | 3 | A NEW EMPEROR 4 | TROUBLE AFOOT 5 | GOODBYE EUROPE 6 | A QUESTION OF MORALITY 7 | ANOTHER OLIGARCH 8 | A BLACK SWAN 9 PANDEMIC FEBRUARY | 1 | BUNKER MENTALITY 2 | OIL & MAN MARCH | 1 | SNAKES POSTSCRIPT APOLOGIES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Other books by John Francis Kinsella | Fiction Non-fiction Translations In the works For Tilla, Selma, Eleonore, Noe, Xaver, Elyas, Adele, Camille and Antoine | | ---|---|--- # JODOCO RIQUE, 1534 'The lust for gold is so great that neither work, disease, or death can stop them. I believe that if there was gold in the mouth of hell, they would not be deterred.' | | ---|---|--- # CONTENTS Preface Author's Note Prologue 2019 May June July August September October November |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | December 2020 January February March Postscript | | ---|---|--- # PREFACE Nine months have passed and now it is here, not completely formed, like any newborn it cannot stand alone. Soon it will be complete, the story of one year in the lives of a handful of fortunate men and women. That's right, they are not ordinary, what would be the point on dwelling on misery when there is so much of it? One year, one orbit of our troubled planet around the sun, less than one hundredth of a life time, a blink of an eye in history, a millisecond in human existence, one of four billion past orbits, an inconsequential instant in the life of our solar system, galaxy, universe. |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | The actors that have lived during that brief flash of time, that is most of you, even your children and their children's children, will soon be forgotten. And yet ... yet, I, a tattered coat upon a stick, have lived, and perhaps, perhaps, these words will live on a little longer. Will yours? | | ---|---|--- # Author's Note |
100-seconds-to-midnight.epub.txt | Soon half a century will have passed since I first seriously ventured into the pristine equatorial climax forests of Borneo, a soon-to-be forgotten world. It was not until 1980 I started to pen my first story, Borneo Pulp, about the ravages of logging and plantations, already clawing their way into one of nature's last natural reserves. During the forty years that have since passed my worst imaginings have come to pass, millions and millions of hectares of primary forest, on every continent, have been sacrificed to the chainsaw, transformed into toothpicks, chopsticks, toilet paper, hardwood and rattan furniture, making way for oil palm and pulpwood plantations. The lives of countless orang-outangs and other forest creatures lost, and entire communities of forest peoples driven from their ancestral homes. |