Prologue for Geldian Prophecy: Ascendence

I have been busy getting my book, The Geldian Prophecy: Ascendence ready for publication via Kindle and Paperback on Amazon. The release date is 9/8/24 and is ready for Pre-Order.(UPDATE: release date is now 8/10/24).

I decided to give my Internet Followers a taste of what the book is like by giving you the deleted Prologue for GP: Ascendence. Now this is not as polished as GP is but you can tell the growth in my writing compared to POAK which was written originally in 2005. This was written many years later and edited to death. The alignment got a little wonky with the copy and paste from Word, lol. Enjoy!

Prologue

2024 Lexy

Eugen

Scribe Eugen’s footsteps echoed down the citrine-lined floors of the Crystal Palace, the sound ringing like thunder in his ears. As he walked, he noticed that some of the citrine stones were not shining brilliantly underneath his feet with the element of spirit. Citrine was a stone of power of abundance, success, and prosperity. Now it looked as if it was shifting away from his ruling house, House Lexy. Eugen couldn’t understand why, but the fear settled in his stomach like a fifty-pound weight. 

Eugen stepped in front of the door to the office of his wife, Adia. The door remained locked, although it was supposed to slide open upon detecting his presence. He started to punch in the security code, when he heard the voice of Senior Prelate Taima. That’s the Prelate she was meeting with? What in Geldia’s heart does she want? He could only hear muffled voices. Wanting to hear their conversation clearly, he closed his eyes and the white flow of the element of spirit was in his mind. He reached out and embraced it, his body glowed white with the element of spirit. There wasn’t any privacy weave protecting the door, so Eugen stretched out with the element of spirit. His spirit glided to the other side of the door, while his body remained behind.

            Adia said, “Taima, I will not start a war with the Evangeli. They are peaceful and harmless. Their prophecy of the Amedtad is just a myth. No female child born of all four races of Geldia has ever survived to adulthood. Their immune systems have been too weak and none have ever wielded all five elements. The Fratens are in no danger from them.”

            This was an ancient argument between the legislature and judges of Geldia. Adia was constantly defending the Evangeli. Eugen wished she wasn’t so pro-Lupiri. We are Meridian and pure breeds, for Geldia’s sake! Meridians were one of the four races in Geldia, marked by their blue skin and yellow eyes. Lupiri were the Geldians of mixed races and most of them were Evangeli but not all. Lupiri were here to serve us, not the other way around.

            “You are short-sighted, Adia,” Taima said. “You always have been. But tonight, that all changes.”

            Eugen reached out further with the element and slid into Adia’s mind, though, not to control her. He was strong in the elements, but not to that level. As a trained Fraten, he could control not only the element of spirit but fire and air. It had been some time since he had used his elemental powers for anything other than practicality. Right now, all he wanted to do was see Taima’s expression for himself.   

Looking through his wife’s eyes was always strange. It was like looking at one’s reflection in a pond. He could see Senior Prelate Taima with her long white-blonde hair pulled into a bun. Her Sangiene pale skin seemed to glow against her white gown. Her blue eyes were intensely staring at Adia. Taima adjusted her black beaded veil. Sangienes were another of the four races in Geldia, noted for their pale skin and blue or gray eyes.

Eugen had not entered Adia’s mind this way in many months. Normally, she would have greeted him with a tender comment, but she barely acknowledged his presence. Her attention was on Taima. “What are you talking about?”

            “I laced your tea with godinis blood.” Taima replied, smiling.

“You witch!”

Eugen gasped audibly in horror. Godinis blood was a rare poison, undetectable and untraceable. It killed in seconds. There was no antidote.

 Adia wheezed.

“I see the poison is taking effect. I also piped the poison through the vents of the bedrooms in all of House Lexy and gave the poison to those out traveling. It won’t be long until every member of your family is dead,” Taima said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

I have to get in there! In the part of his mind that is still in control of his body, attempted to punch in the security code to the room. In vain, every number combination he tried, failed. Why can’t I remember the code? Why isn’t Adia calling for the guards? He felt the potion course through her veins. Her muscles seized up, even her mouth. She couldn’t speak. He knew in moments her lungs would no longer pull in air. He had to disconnect the link or he would die with her.  

Even though he knew his wife was dying, Eugen looked around to find something to pry the door open. He was a man of science; he knew Adia was lost to him and that he should go to save his daughters. Adia, however, was the first one who believed in him. She made him her husband and not a concubine. The third child of a high ranking Meridian House, his family hated him, yet they felt honored by his good fortune to become second to the leader of the planet. Eugen’s heart spurred him to lose all reason and forget the most logical path to take to save his children. How can I live without her?  

 He summoned a fireball in his hand and shoved his fist into the security pad, melting the circuitry. The fire turned the security pad to slag. Before he could pull the door open, Eugen felt something cold pass through the crack in the door and brush his cheek. He watched as a small white light floated pass him. It was his wife’s life-force.

“Adia!” Eugen cried.  

He couldn’t breathe. Tears slid down his cheeks. Adia’s spirit slipped away that quickly. In anger and an unusual act of bravado he normally did not possess, he tried to pry the door open. 

He heard Taima laugh behind the door. “You’re too late, Eugen! House Lexy is dead. Come in and you can join them.” 

Eugen stopped, his thoughts racing. He knew Taima was trying to manipulate him into a battle he would lose. She was thought to be the most powerful elemental ever born. Compared to her, he was like an uneducated child. Clenching his fists, he fought back his anger and sorrow. He came to his senses. I need to save my children!  

Seized with urgency, he flew through the palace. He went to his daughter, Meska’s room, which was next to the stairs, without even considering whether the poison might still be in the room. The door slid open, and he ran to her bedside. She looked so peaceful, as if she was in a deep sleep. He reached down to shake her, but her body was cold. Sensing her soul had left, he swept her up in his arms and wailed, rocking her back and forth. As he cried, he reached out with his mind, trying to find any living member of House Lexy. They were all dead–his other children, Adia’s sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents–everyone.  

Eugen carefully put Meska back in bed and reached out to the ribbon of fire curling inside him. His body glowed red. He wanted Taima dead. Using the element of spirit to find her, he sensed the nearby presence of a second Sangiene. It was Taima’s husband, Senior Cleric Jael. They were both heading his way. 

Eugen heard Jael ask Taima, “How did Eugen escape the effects of the poison?”

“He must have woken up before the poison saturated his room. I told you to do the Oracle’s quarters first,” Taima replied, sounding annoyed.

Eugen’s angered flared. They have no remorse! As he walked toward them, an icy breeze brushed his face. 

He turned and saw a giant bright light. Within it, a group of voices whispered, “Eugen, you must flee! This is not how you will avenge our deaths. You must live to tell our story. Go, you have time to escape!”

Eugen had never espoused any Evangeli beliefs, but he realized that the voices he heard were the life-force energy of his family, House Lexy. Through the tears, he saw Senior Cleric Jael and Senior Prelate Taima heading down the hall towards him. The voices were right, Eugen’s only choice was to flee for his life or to die with the rest of his family. He could not defeat both Taima and Jael. 

Eugen whispered, “How do I escape? They probably have men outside waiting for me.”

“Follow us. Come quickly! We have little time in this world,” the voices said, the light slightly dimming.

With the light spinning wildly down the hall, Eugen struggled at his top speed to keep up. The light led him to the first floor library. Eugen had spent many days getting lost inside its walls. Now those days are gone. Before he entered, he stopped to see if someone had followed him. Yet at the moment, he was alone. He could feel Taima searching for him. Her elemental powers pushed on his mental block was like caresses from a lover. She’s not trying that hard…it’s like she doesn’t care if I escape! Why? The light guided him to the fireplace was in the center of the room, against the far wall. It was still summer, so the fire was not lit.  

The light said, “Pull the bust of great great grandpa down.”

Eugen tilted his head. Wondering what was about to happen, he pulled the bust of Adia’s grandfather down and the fireplace opened swung open to reveal a secret passageway. Eugen quickly ran inside and the fireplace slammed shut behind him.  
            “Where to now?” he whispered.

“Come quickly!” The light replied, now dimmer than before. 

            He darted down the passageway, his only light was his family’s dim life force. He feared summoning any of the elements would give away his location. 

The passageway opened to a path that led to the hovercraft hanger, which was off to the side of the palace keep, for easy access to the royal families. Eugen could sense a small group of Sangienes waiting there. Probably Taima’s personal guard.  

The light, however, had other plans. It was getting so dim, he could barely see in front of him. Eugen tiptoed, to prevent being heard by the Taima’s guard. He slipped into the barn which was to the left and in the courtyard, close to the palace gates. He sensed no other Sangienes as he walked by the stalls.  

“We must leave you–goodbye father, lover, son, brother, uncle–for now,” the voices said in hushed tones, as the fading light floating up to the sky.

“Adia! Meska! Children! Wait! I love you!” Eugen said in a loud whisper. “My little anghelias.”

Anghelia was the Ancient Meridian word for an angel. It was the last time Eugen would ever use that term of endearment. That name forever belonged to his wife and children. 

Eugen turned his attention back to the barn. Few members of the Royal Houses knew how to ride Golen bulls. Beasts of burden were for the lower classes. Eugen learned as a child and had brought his childhood bull, Moondust, with him when he became Scribe. 

Moondust flicked his tail and let out a happy “moo,” as Eugen jogged to his stall. Moondust was pearl white and his skin sparkled in the moonlight, hence the name.  

Eugen didn’t have time to put a saddle on his ride. Throwing on a bridle, Eugen opened the pen and mounted him. He reached out and touched Moondust’s mind. “Let’s go, Moondust. Take me into the city!”

The animal sprinted out of the barn so quickly that Eugen had trouble staying on him. Grasping onto the bareback bull helped him focus, keeping him in the moment, though tears of grief flowed down his face. With each passing minute, Eugen felt Jael and Taima’s elemental signatures diminishing. If I can make it to the next town, maybe I can live through the night.  

#

Eugen rode Moondust into the Blue and Black Forest leading away from Bremner, the city of the Crystal Palace. He didn’t know where he could go. If he returned in the morning to tell the Concilium and Ludicum – the legislature and judges of Geldia – what happened, Taima and Jael would have time to frame him. It would be his word against theirs. And who would believe me?  

Taima had more credibility because she was a woman. Even though Eugen was the Scribe, his power came from his wife, the Oracle. As punishment for killing House Lexy, the Clerics of the Ludicum would bind him from the elements, a fate worse than death. It would be pointless to fight the charges. Taima and Jael had too much influence over the Prelates and Clerics. 

He was afraid of turning to the Evangeli, but he had little choice. The Evangeli were a religious organization of Geldia. They consisted of elementals and nonelmentals, pure breeds and the mixed breeds called Lupiri. The Evangeli believed elemental powers came from the True Goddess and they should be treated with sacredness and holiness. Believing the Amedtad would come to end the oppression of the Fratens, the Evangeli prayed for the prophecy – a female Lupiri child born of all four races of Geldia, who could wield all five elements–fire, water, air, earth and spirit. The Praeco of the Amedtad would be born first, a male version of the Amedtad. He would be a sign that the Amedtad was coming. 

Eugen feared the Evangeli would like nothing better to see him dead, one less Fraten in the world. He had to figure out something of value he could give them in exchange for their protection. I have lost everything! I don’t even have money. I have enough for a magnatram ticket and room and board for a week in a commoners’ hotel, if I push it.

            Eugen stopped several yards away from a tavern near a tram station. He sent to Moondust, “Go home, Moondust.” However, instead of sending the mental image of the Crystal Palace, he sent an image of his old home in west of Bremner, the Sea Castle in Rutan.

Eugen removed the bridle. Moondust gave him a pitiful, please-don’t-leave-me look. Eugen ignored it and slapped Moondust on the rear to get him moving. Eugen held back fresh tears. How much more will I have to lose? I should have let Taima and Jael kill me instead of listening to my family. I’ll be on the run for the rest of my life.

Eugen paid for the first train out of the area at the magnatram station, which was to the Arcadian Rift. Three people were waiting for a train which surprised Eugen at this late hour. He rarely took the magnatram. I am a royal; we use hovercrafts. Well, guess with no money or title, I’ll use what I can afford. Within five minutes, the southbound train pulled up. Eugen glanced around nervously. Can it really be this easy?

Eugen took the seat by the window, to make sure there were no pursuers. There was a Lupiri female, seated a few seats ahead of him in obvious distress. She was leaning against the glass window of the train, not actually in the seat and her breathing was labored. Eugen ignored her as the magnatram pulled away from the station, but soon she wailed in pain.

“Madame, are you okay?” he asked.

As Eugen approached, he noticed that her skin was light blue, lighter than any Meridian’s would be. Her eyes were grey like a Sangiene. Her auburn hair fell long and wavy down her back. She was wearing a simple black dress with a white shawl–and she was very pregnant.

            The Lupiri woman reached out for his hand and cried, “My baby!…. Need healer!”

            Eugen touched her belly and reached out with the element of spirit. The baby would not wait. “You will not make it to a healer. The child is coming now.”

            As he sat down between her legs, he tried to remember the basic healer training he received as a Fraten. He first embraced the element of spirit and held his hand to her head.

            “Relax,” he whispered softly. 

The element of spirit coursed through his body and into her mind. The woman’s breathing gradually regulated and her body relaxed between contractions.  

“You’re a Patris!” she whispered, her eyes wide with fear.

Eugen hadn’t been called a Patris since before he became Scribe. A Patris was a male graduate from the Fraten Motherhouse. The woman had not recognized him as the Scribe, second to the ruler of the planet. Reading her mind, he found that her name was Liera from Jespa in the north, on her way to see a woman named Korena in the Arcadian Rift.

            “Liera,” he said, “I want you to take deep breaths and push as hard as you can. Please trust me, I want to help.”

            “Trust a Fraten?” She gasped in pain. “Never!” 

            Eugen should have expected that. There was no love lost between the Lupiri and the Fratens, even if the Lupiri wasn’t an Evangeli. In the Evangeli faith, life began with the Lupiri. Then the races separated and the idea of the pure race took hold. The Fratens soon appeared, disavowing the True Goddess. The Fratens waged war against the Lupiri and won. If the Lupiri didn’t own property or a business, they found themselves indentured to a pure breed. If Liera was traveling alone, this meant she was one of the lucky ones. She owned her own business or property.

 “I am a scientist, not part of the militia. Now you must not excite yourself. Just push. Once the child is born, I’ll take you both to an Evangeli healer.”

Eugen had no idea how long Liera was pushing, but after some time, he was holding a beautiful baby girl. She was smaller than most newborns, borderline preemie. All his emotions hit him at once. He thought of holding Meska that first time, how tiny she was. How beautiful he thought Adia looked, even though she would have sworn she looked like a turtle shark drowned in mud. He would never see either of them again. He fought back a sob as he laid the child on Liera’s chest. When the infant cried, Liera wept with happiness. 

Eugen rummaged around and found two towels and a blanket in Liera’s traveling bag. He cleaned off the baby with one towel, as Liera held her. He tried to clean up the afterbirth with the other towel as much as he could, but blood and other tissue covered the seats 

After giving Liera her moment with the infant, he carefully took the child away from her and summoned a small spark of fire from his fingertip to burn off the umbilical cord, controlling it so it was not hot enough to harm the child. Then he wrapped her in the blanket. Eugen noticed the infant had blue-green skin, one gray eye and one hazel eye, a little bit of auburn hair and a tiny red mole on the center of her head. The mole made Eugen’s heart stop. The mark of the Amedtad! Few people outside of the Concilium and Ludicum knew of that specific trait of the Amedtad. Eugen reached out with the element of spirit and touched the child. Suddenly, the five elements coursed through his body faster than a flash fire. His body could not contain the power. He pulled back before the elements destroyed him.

“This child is the Amedtad!” Eugen exclaimed.

Liera’s face paled, and she quickly took the infant away from him. “How do you know?”

“I sensed it with the elements–she can wield all five and she has the mole.” 

  She pushed back in the seat but in her vulnerable position, Eugen could sense she knew she was trapped. “What do you plan to do now?”

“I will still take you to your healer. I gave you my word.”

He didn’t mean to read her mind, but he was still linked to her because of his attempts to calm her. With the element of spirit, he saw Liera talking to Prelate Niveh, who told her she needed to get to the Arcadian Rift to reach General Korena Quanor. Korena would protect her from the Fratens. 

 “Why is Prelate Niveh involved and who is Korena?” Eugen asked.

Liera sat up properly in the tram chair. “You read my mind! You’re just like I expected a Fraten to be, using their powers wantonly to gain power to manipulate. Why do you want to know?”

Eugen felt like someone had slapped him. He did not think the Fratens were like that. However, he could see how a nonelemental could view an elemental like that, regardless if he or she was a Fraten. Yet the bigger question loomed. Can I trust this woman? I’m asking her to trust me. I suppose that is fair, but what if she tries to turn me in, to get into Taima’s good graces?

He decided that he would have to try. He said, “I’m sorry I read your mind, but manipulating you was not my intent. I only ask because maybe Korena can help me, too.”

“Help you? Why do you need help?” Liera said, narrowing her grey eyes at him.

“You still don’t recognize me?”

Liera leaned closer to Eugen. A few moments past and then she gasped, “You’re Scribe Eugen! Your Most Worshipfulness, forgive me, if I had known it was you, I would have never been so rude! I live to serve!”

Eugen tried not to smirk. It is amazing how quickly the commoners will kiss a royal’s behind. Any other Fraten or pure breed, they would speak plainly. But a royal? They put on their best behavior, especially toward the second in line to the throne. Eugen shook his head in sadness and considered his situation. The magnatram would slow down at the next stop in a few minutes. Taima’s soldiers could be waiting for him. He had no choice but to put his life into Liera’s hands.

“Liera, my title means nothing anymore. Senior Prelate Taima and her husband, Jael just murdered my entire family,” Eugen said. “They are searching for me which is why I am taking this magnatram to the Arcadian Rift. It was the first magnatram out of Bremner. If Taima finds me, she will kill me, just like she will kill you and this child. We need each other. Let me join you in the Arcadian Rift with Korena.”

“Why should I believe you?” Liera asked, as the infant whimpered. She kissed the child’s head and glared at Eugen.

“If I truly was on the Concilium and Ludicum’s side, don’t you think I would have killed your daughter while I held her in my arms?” Eugen said.

“I don’t know….” Liera chewed her bottom lip. Eugen sensed her fear, but he was running out of time. He had to appease her.

“Listen, we have little time,” Eugen said, exasperated. “This magnatram will stop soon and Taima’s soldiers are probably coming for me. I might get around them, but you can’t. That child’s elemental signature will light up brighter than ten thousand light globes. Being a nonelemental, you have no power to protect the two of you from capture.”

“And if I take you with me to Korena, you will protect my child and me?” Liera asked, her voice uncertain.

“Yes, I will. You have my word,” he said.

She nodded reluctantly. Eugen could sense she still didn’t trust him, but she had little choice. Taima wouldn’t pass up destroying the Evangeli’s one chance at supreme power, the Amedtad. The Evangeli had been handing down that prophecy for centuries. However, fulfilling it had been difficult because the Prets were a proud race and did not want their bloodlines tainted by Lupiri offspring. Somehow, the Evangeli had found a way. The Prets were another race in Geldia, who had green skin, red eyes and were the same height of Meridians. Eugen figured Liera’s husband was a Pret-Vix Lupiri. An interesting combination, I wonder what he looks like.

Eugen closed his eyes and reached out with the elements, weaving spirit with the undulating flow of fire. He summoned a wall of protection around Liera, the infant and himself. It would be strong enough to fool any Fraten Equite that the power they were sensing was coming from all three. Tying off the shield so he wouldn’t burn himself out by constantly feeding energy into it, all an elemental would see was an orange glow around them. They could not differentiate who was generating the specific energy signature.  

An Equite was a graduate from the Militia College of the Motherhouse. They could be male or female. There were rumors that Taima recruited Equites of dubious morals for a secret elite fighting force. Yet, no one could ever prove those rumors. Equites would just retire early from the Militia, get their pension and disappear. Never to be seen again. If Taima had sent these Equites after him, Eugen doubted he would fare well in battle against them. Let’s hope they’re rumors.

“Do you have a name for her?” Eugen asked, feeling slightly drained.

“Riane,” Liera said, as she adjusted the infant in her arms.

Eugen smiled, Geldian for “little queen.”

“A worthy name for a worthy ruler.” Eugen asked, “What does your family do for a living?”

“We ran a butcher’s shop,” Liera said. “My sisters provided us meat from their farms. My husband, Tomid and I had six boys. We’re all nonelementals.”

Eugen blinked in surprise. It was rare for nonelementals to give birth to a child with power. 

  “Prelate Niveh is the one who told me I would have the Amedtad,” Liera continued. “This one is the True Goddess’ handiwork.”

 Eugen didn’t know if he believed her, but something miraculous was definitely at work. 

“So what about you, Your Worshipfulness? What is your history?” Liera asked, as she breastfed Riane.

“Don’t call me that. I’m no longer Scribe.” Eugen said as tears welled up in his eyes, “Also, everyone knows my story.”

“No, they know you as the Scribe, Oracle Adia’s husband. But where do you come from?”

Eugen sighed. He did not enjoy talking about his royal family. He was the third child from House Remi. His older sister, Chiara, was a Prelate. When Adia’s parents were looking for a suitable mate for Adia, they wanted his older brother; yet Adia chose Eugen. Eugen did not understand why. His older brother was bitter about it and the rest of the family did not hide their jealousy. Eugen thought they would get over it once they realized a Remi would be Scribe. However, when Adia passed a law that gave the Lupiri a 10% pay raise, the Royal Houses almost revolted. The increased wages forced House Remi to fire some of their staff and give up some creature comforts. Chiara was the only member of House Remi who would have a civil discussion with him. Eugen thought that was only because he was the Scribe.  

“If you’re wondering if my original family will be miss me, they won’t,” Eugen said, sitting back in his seat. “We had a falling out years ago. House Lexy was my family and now they are gone.”

With her free hand, Liera reached out and squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, Your… Scri… I mean, Eugen.  I don’t think anyone can even begin to understand your suffering.”

They were silent for a little while. Eugen’s thoughts floated to images of birthday parties with his children and reading them stories at night. Meska had just finished the testing to see which elements she controlled. She controlled water, air and spirit. He could still see her little hands clap with joy has she created a small waterspout in the glass of water. He saw Adia’s long black hair falling in his face as she pinned him down, her yellow eyes dancing mischievously. In Ancient Meridian he could hear her whisper, “my love – mahia kia.” 

            His face was moist with tears. He had to distract himself. He felt himself wanting to get lost in his grief, but Liera and Riane needed him to be in his right mind. Eugen thought about Prelate Niveh of House Volmier’s connection to Liera and the Amedtad. Prelate Niveh is helping the Evangeli. Normally that would not be a big deal, except there was talk that some Evangeli were forming an army to overthrow the Fratens. If that is true and Prelate Niveh is helping them, that act of treason could cost her the seat on the Concilium and they would bind her from the elements. What do I care now? I’ll be bound from the elements, too, if I’m caught. Unless I betray Niveh. What is it about Fratens that make us think of self-preservation? I should be ashamed.

“How is Prelate Niveh involved?” Eugen asked, “How did she know you were carrying the Amedtad?”

“I’m not at liberty to tell you,” Liera said, as she finished nursing Riane. “Taima could capture you and force you to tell her all you know. Then everyone would be in danger. It’s bad enough you know our names. Besides, what do you think you can offer the Evangeli?”  

Eugen ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “I’m a scientist by trade, but how can I practice mechanical engineering without a license from the Fratens? If I use my real name, Taima and Jael will eventually find me and eliminate me.”

Liera frowned. “Creating a new identity is easy for the Evangeli.”  

Eugen remembered his final project in the Scientist College from the Fraten Abbey. He had created a device that boosted the user’s elemental power. Maybe I can modify it for a nonelemental? Maybe I can be of use to the Evangeli? And if it causes Taima and Jael to fall from grace, so much the better. Eugen smiled bitterly to himself. I may not be able to face them now, but one day Taima and Jael will wish they had never tangled with House Lexy.

See the rest of the story in The Geldian Prophecy: Ascendence – release date 9/8/24.