Read Soulless: The Story of Shayan (Prequel to The Soul Quest Trilogy) Online

Authors: Amy Jones

Tags: #spirit daeva aengel free ebook indie science fiction and fantasy historical fiction

Soulless: The Story of Shayan (Prequel to The Soul Quest Trilogy) (7 page)

BOOK: Soulless: The Story of Shayan (Prequel to The Soul Quest Trilogy)

7.77Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

Read Book Download Book

ads

Chapter Thirteen

Shyam Donovan

Time: 2001

Place: Manhattan, New York

Nine Eleven

“Today, we gather to
be reassured that God hears the lamenting and bitter weeping of
Mother America because so many of her children are no more. Let us
now seek that assurance in prayer for the healing of our grief
stricken hearts, for the souls and sacred memory of those who have
been lost. Let us also pray for divine wisdom as our leaders
consider the necessary actions for national security, wisdom of the
grace of God that as we act, we not become the evil we
deplore.”

~Rev. Nathan Baxter, Dean of Washington National Cathedral

Avna’s most recent Aengel was scowling at
her reflection in the mirror. I didn’t see what the big deal was.
It’s not like she was all that hot – to – trot in her human form.
Of course, now she was about as appealing as road kill. Her hair
looked stringy, bleached and brittle and her eyes took on a dull,
flat, grey hue of sorts. Her skin was so pale it made a corpse look
healthy. My love noticed the girl frowning at herself in the large
mirror in the foyer of the hotel suite and found amusement in the
situation. She must be remembering what it had been like on those
long and restless days as an Aengel. I continued to observe her
interaction with the girl. Avna can be quite colorful and her flare
for theatrics helps me pass the time as I wait for the call from
those annoying, incompetent humans. It seems if I ever want
anything done correctly I must do it myself.
"Don't fret my sweet. It won't last forever.” Avna cooed in her
most patronizing tone.
Yes, my mate was laying it on thick, rubbing dirt into the wound.
Avna’s beauty must seem incomprehensible to this horrifically
infected beastess. How I love the way her porcelain skin glows
against her dazzling, onyx eyes and flaming red curls. Now her
girl, Etheline was glaring at her. Yes, this type of comedy is a
welcome distraction.
"See!" Avna gestured toward herself in the mirror. "No worries."
she bragged.
Etheline growled and pouted in response to Avna’s flamboyant
insensitivity.
As Avna continued to degrade the poor girl’s self esteem I was
prompted to wonder about what had befallen upon my boy, Lefu.
"Has Shyam received confirmation from the humans yet?" I over heard
Etheline mumble.
This inquiry pulled me back into my incessant worrying caused by
the inconveniencing humans I rallied to work for me. Avna seemed to
notice my worry and simultaneous scanning of the hotel suite. It’s
as if this remarkable woman can read my mind.
"Where is Lefu?" she asked suddenly. Like me, she realized she
hadn't seen him in awhile.
Etheline quickly confirmed that he was out hunting for our dinner,
a few drunks toiling in the alley behind the hotel.
"Good. I'm in need of some refreshment. They will have to do for
now." Avna approved.
As I awaited confirmation from the humans I paced back and forth in
front of the bar, brandy in hand. The idiots are making me very
nervous, and I don’t like to be nervous. Tomorrow would be a day of
reckoning if all goes as planned. You see, I have very skillfully
planned out the slow and consistent demise of humanity. Tomorrow I
will launch a series of suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda against the
United States. The so – called terrorists are to hijack four
airplanes and intentionally crash two of the planes into the Twin
Towers of the World Trade Center. The latter two planes are
scheduled to target Washington, D.C. Of course, the humans weren’t
too keen on the suicide bit but they were powerless against my
compulsion. It’s a done deal! The aftermath will be entirely
devastating to the humans and all empowering to me and my mate and
Aengels. Can you imagine the strength I will gain from devouring so
many lost souls?
Avna and Lefu were boasting in laughter about some antic targeted
at Ethleline when my cell phone finally rang. This was it. I
continued to pace back and forth in front of the bar as I mentally
confirmed what was being said. It was my job to manipulate the
humans. It had been all too easy for me to set up the disastrous
event planned for September eleventh. By tomorrow’s end I will
possess infinitely more power and more control than any one human
could ever dream to realize. I will rule the world at last.
I snapped my cell phone closed.
"We are ready." I uttered these words alone and my accomplices
grinned at me in conspiratorial malice.

Chapter
Fourteen

Hala
Year: 2015

Place: Arcadia

Halloween

A gypsy fire is on the hearth,
Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!
~Author Unknown

“…and so the soulless story of Shayan comes
full circle my young ones. Do you have any questions?” I closed the
sad story.

“Do the human Oracles have any idea about
what happened to Shyam and Avna’s Aengels?” little Tracy inquired,
always true to her Seeker nature.

“Ah yes, that is an excellent question my
dear one. Why don’t you ask them yourself?” I smiled.

Tracy and her peer’s instant confusion is
both humorous and gratifying. I am delighted to realize that they
still have no idea about the surprise I’ve planned for them. Before
I can begin to explain I am already able to make out Brayan’s
centaur form rounding the forest’s peak. Laith and Meena are piled
on his strong equine back as Liv flanks him in her eagle form. I
simply gesture toward the sky and my flabbergasted young Guardians
whooped and hollered and danced with jubilant joy.

The ground shuddered as Brayan’s hooves
touched the earth and stampeded through the soil and autumn leaves.
Laith sprang off of Brayan’s back and assisted Meena’s dismount.
Liv’s hovering eagle form began to glow and soon she morphed back
into her human form. The children surrounded them in seconds,
hugging and congratulating them.

“Happy birthday!” they all shouted.

All Hallows Eve marks yet another passing
year for the birth of my dearest children Oracles.

“How does it feel to turn seventeen?” I
smiled over all of the excitement.

Realizing their excitement, the children
opened a gap for me to approach the human Oracles.

“…like being sixteen.” Liv giggled in
return.

Youth is such a luxury and gift.

“Will you tell us what you’re up to now,
Liv?” Tracy fired, full of excitement.

“Yes, please tell us. Please, please,
please…” the other children echoed and cheered.

“OK, well what is it exactly that you would
like to know?” Liv laughed, overwhelmed by the anxious faces
surrounding her and her companions.

“Where are Lefu and Etheline?” a small voice
volunteered from the back of the crowd.

This question sobered the group and they
immediately gathered in a semi – circle and dotted the lawn
surrounding the human Oracles.

“The new Daevas are in Scottland.” Liv
explained.

“Scottland? Why Scottland?” Tracy
pressed.

“They’re in Scottland because they learned
of the existence of an ancient, supposed mythical creature that
resides within the Loch Ness of the Scottish Highlands.” Meena
informed them.

“Yes, if this creature truly exists it will
be very bad for us and human kind if the Daevas should trick and
capture him.” Liv added.

“Why?” Tracy wondered.

“…because the creature has awesome powers,
powers that exceed our own. If the Daevas should sway the beast to
their side, they would gain an overwhelming and all empowering
advantage. The Daevas could finally take the control they so
desperately want.” Liv clarified.

“Let’s go get them! We’ll help you find them
and capture them before they find the monster!” they all
ranted.

“Whoa! Now, let’s wait just a minute here.”
Brayan warned seriously. “Daevas are very dangerous and we have no
idea what this creature is capable of. We need to bide our time and
do our home work.”

“My companion, Brayan is right. An encounter
with a Daeva could be fatal. The Spirits who pursue and apprehend
Daevas must be highly trained and conditioned in combat. Only
members of The Guardians of Souls can go after Daevas. Besides, we
know nothing of the monster. We must learn as much as we possibly
can if we are to be well prepared before we launch an attack.”
Laith emphasized Brayan’s words.

“That’s right. You must promise me that you
will never try to go after a Daeva, my young ones. You must leave
the work of The Guardians of Souls to the trained professional
within its ranks.” I said firmly. Realizing the enormity of the
situation, the young Guardians agreed to my plea. “So,” I decided
to change the subject. “What do you lovely children have planned
for your birthday on this All Hallows Eve?” I prompted and Liv
quickly assisted my effort.

“Another enchanting Halloween Dance in
Gaea’s meadow, of course.” she smiled and her companions joined
her.

“Happy Halloween!” I breathed.

Books and Writing by Amy
Maurer Jones

Soul Quest, Book One, The Soul Quest
Trilogy

The Guardians of Souls, Book Two, The Soul
Quest Trilogy

Soulless; The Story of Shayan, Prequel, The
Soul Quest Trilogy

Other Related
Works

The Glassheart Chronicles; Short Stories

Tunnel of Love (or Heartbreak), Book 1.5,
The Soul Quest Trilogy

Fisher Amelie, Wren Emerson, Nichole
Williams and J. L. Bryan

Soul Deep, Book Three, The Soul Quest
Trilogy

Coming Summer 2012