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The Protektor's Reality: A Trials of Terrara Vikos Prequel
The Protektor's Reality: A Trials of Terrara Vikos Prequel
The Protektor's Reality: A Trials of Terrara Vikos Prequel
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The Protektor's Reality: A Trials of Terrara Vikos Prequel

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Lucian Gallager carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Not only is he the future leader of the Realm, but also the next great Protektor. While his part is to aid in the defeat of the Seeker – the biggest evil in Terrara Vikan history – the odds are not in his favor. The old Seeker’s spirit, a demon by the name of Miles Bianchi, has been tormenting his family for years, and now, Miles has even claimed Lucian’s younger brother as his servant.
With a bright future as his father’s successor as Head Doctor of the Realm, Barlow James Kalen’s world is shaken when the Seeker throws him into the middle of the struggle for control. The Seeker wants to make a deal, and it may be too tempting for Barlow to turn down.
Both men's lives have been founded on Gallager creed: Keep faith. But as their determination is tested time and time again, each must decide for himself...
How far will they go to protect the ones they love?

LanguageEnglish
PublisherC. McDonnell
Release dateNov 30, 2014
ISBN9781311538987
The Protektor's Reality: A Trials of Terrara Vikos Prequel
Author

C. McDonnell

Born in Schenectady, NY and raised in Richmond, VA, Christine has always had a love of reading and writing. She didn’t become aware of her gift for crafting stories until fifth grade, when she made it her dream to one day see her works on a bookstore shelf. Her love in the literary world has always been fantasy novels, because they allowed her to leave this world and venture into another. She devoured books growing up and still does in her free time.Christine lives in Virginia, balancing her day job (working with numbers and Excel) and her creative endeavors.You can find more about her and her works at:: http://terraravikos.comOr Like her on Facebook (link in profile) or Follow her on Twitter:: @discoverywritin

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    The Protektor's Reality - C. McDonnell

    Chapter 1- Lucian

    The tinny voice came over the loudspeaker, We have now landed in Scuric. If you are leaving us, gather your bags, clear with the attendant, and exit the plane in an orderly fashion. If you are remaining for the flight to-

    I didn’t need to hear anymore. Unhooking my seatbelt, I grabbed my shoulder bag from the above compartment, slid the strap over my head, and marched down the aisle. As I was about to leave the plane, a flight attendant stopped me.

    Young man, you need to slow- I pulled my bifold wallet out of my inside jacket pocket and flashed my family’s crest, the Rosara, pressed in a shiny, silver badge. The attendant’s eyes widened, finally taking in my black, clean-cut uniform and serious expression. My apologies. Go right on ahead.

    As I walked down the tarmac that led to the gate, my grip tightened on the strap of my messenger bag. Six long months had gone by, and I was back in Scuric. My glasses on the bridge of my nose felt so comforting, so familiar, yet so foreign. A lot had happened in six months, a majority of which would remain etched on my mind with no one to tell.

    I kept my gaze aimed at the floor as I entered the terminal. I kept glancing out of the corners of my eyes, scanning the crowds of people at this little airport. There was more activity there than I had ever seen. That put my nerves on edge, so my eyes kept darting at everyone, analyzing each person in an instant. The kitsune businessman had attempted to hide the coffee stain on his dress shirt by buttoning up his suit jacket. Pity it didn’t cover the brown millimeter sticking out on his chest or the jittery look in his eyes. There was a korrigan couple sitting at Gate 6 who were holding hands. To anyone else, they would look like a happily married couple. In the split second I glanced at them, I caught the wincing of the woman and a genuine smile, and a forced smile on the husband’s face with his muscles tense in a fight-or-flight instinct. Understandable, when your wife is pregnant and you’re worried about the complications of a child. I also noticed the guns on the waists of certain Transportation and Airport Security agents, the TAS symbol emblazoned on the backs of all their jackets and their tasers creating bulges in their inside pockets.

    I shook my head, trying to snap out of it. I was home. I needed to behave like I used to, the cocky, reckless, and slightly disobedient teenager with a screwed up destiny. That training the Alliance put me through had messed with my head. However, it felt good to be closer to my goal of full-fledged Protektor.

    The name Gallager was well-known among the magical families of the Realm, but my true identity was known to few. As Lucian Merrick Gallager, seventeen-year-old, first-born son to Lord Morgan, my destiny was to become the next Realm Leader. The Realm was a secret ‘world’ in the world. The humans were dominant throughout Terrara Vikos, and to them, the beings of the Realm were just a myth. We’d gone into hiding centuries ago, creating this secret Realm where magical beings of all kinds could live, be happy, and be able to communicate with each other without fear of the humans finding them out. Most were terrified of torches and pitchforks, which seemed preposterous now that guns were becoming more commonplace.

    As the thought of guns appeared in my mind, the horrors of the past six months shot back into my brain. Loud shots, fiery explosions, blood everywhere… I shook my head again to knock it out, secretly yearning for my shoulder-length, unkempt, shaggy hair that had been chopped off on week two of training.

    My trained hearing caught my name being mentioned a couple hundred yards ahead of me. I quickly lifted my head, muscles tensing in case I needed to run. They relaxed upon approaching the central lounge of the Scuric airport and seeing the one person I’d been missing most since the second I left, all dolled up in a red and white sundress.

    Kimmy?

    Kimberly quickly spun around, green eyes wide and brimming with tears. Running to me, she exclaimed, Luke! She flung her arms around me, squeezing me tightly as if I might disappear. Her face was buried in my chest, but I could hear her muttering my name over and over again, gasping for air as she cried in what I guessed was happiness. I held her close to me, savoring the moment. I’d missed that, the comforting feel of a compassionate hug, and the knowledge that someone would care for me unconditionally.

    She finally pulled back, but just barely. Her arms were still wrapped around my back, and we were a few inches apart.

    Hey.

    That’s when she finally released me, taking a few steps back with an annoyed expression on her face. She chuckled humorlessly as she wiped tears off her cheeks. Hey? That’s the first thing you say to me after being gone for six months?

    A coy grin tugged up my mouth as I replied, If I recall, the first thing I said to you was ‘Kimmy’.

    That annoyed look on her face vanished, replaced with a small, nostalgic smile. She took a few steps toward me and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "That’s the Lucian I know."

    I pecked a kiss on her lips and replied, I told you I would get a cab.

    A small smile decorated her lips. We wanted to surprise you.

    We?

    A boisterous voice shouted, Lukie! I lifted my head just as someone rammed into my waist.

    Looking down with a smile, I grabbed the kid hugging me and hiked him up into my arms. He may have been eight at that time, but after the training I’d gone through, it was child’s play to lift his weight. How’ve you been, Michael?

    My little brother, Michael, grinned at me. I’ve been good. Daddy took me to the stadium and stables and shootin’ range lots. We had lots and lots of fun! The little boy nuzzled his head against my neck. I missed you, Lukie.

    I clutched him tighter to me. I missed you too, kiddo.

    Upon hearing someone clear their throat, I looked up to find my best friend and bodyguard, Halden, standing across the lounge from me. He was in an identical military uniform: black pants and jacket with white accents. His black patrol cap covered his slicked back, dark brown hair. His physique was noticeably more muscular, and he stood up straight and tall with his hands clasped behind his back.

    A small, nostalgic smile crossed my face. Putting my little brother down, I started sauntering over to the serious-looking cadet. Never in my days would I ever have expected young Master Halden Rendra to look presentable and formal, I laughed, You look like someone’s stuck a stick up your butt, dude.

    Halden’s neutral expression twitched a bit, a sign he was holding back his laughter. Instead, he strained too formally for my liking, Sir, your superior would like a word back at base.

    I chuckled, Superior? Base? What are you babbling… I faded off as I looked at the thing that Halden’s gaze had wordlessly directed my attention to: a security camera. My friend’s words had finally sunk in, the formality of the request digging into my brain. I turned back to Halden, my smile quickly fading. In a militaristic fashion, I ordered, Cadet, get Miss Garibaldi and young Michael rides back to their homes please.

    I heard Kimberly whimper behind me, Lucian, what’s wrong?

    Spinning around to face her, I flashed her a reassuring smile. I’ll meet you back at your house, Kimmy. Before she could protest, I turned back around and headed in the direction of the airport exit. I heard Halden give orders to the other two soldiers that had been watching nearby, probably for my protection. As I walked away, Halden quickly caught up and followed in sync with my steps.

    I assume my father sent a car?

    Halden nodded. Yes, right outside the terminal.

    To where?

    His eyes glared at me, a sign he was annoyed, but when he replied, his voice was firm and obedient: "The base."

    I came to a stop near the exit doors. Malen’s house? When Halden averted his gaze, I pressed on. Why there?

    Halden hesitated for a brief moment. … Your father has spent an awful lot of time there lately, Master Lucian. Looking through the library and taking command of aspects of the Alliance, which, to be completely honest, is annoying the higher-ups. Maybe you being back will lessen his hold on the mansion.

    Rolling my eyes, I said in reply, Yeah, maybe. See to Kimmy and Michael, alright?

    Halden nodded. Of course, Lucian. After we saluted each other, I stepped through the front doors, which slid open when I approached.

    Chapter 2- Lucian

    Coming out into the open air, I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of home. No gunpowder smell, no loud explosions or yelled orders. Just calm, serene home. It had felt like an eternity had passed since I’d last been here.

    I saw the black car sitting discretely off to the side of the arrivals pick-up lane. Keeping a serious look on my face, I made my way in the car’s direction. The driver’s side door opened, and a young man I was shocked to see as my driver, stepped out.

    Tivan? I asked. His family was of nobility, and he had been raised in close proximity to the Gallager home for decades. Tivan’s mouth broke into a wide grin as he walked toward me. After a brief bro’s hug, I greeted, It’s good to see you again! You’re my chauffeur?

    Tivan grinned and nodded. Ta the bes’ of ma knowledge, Sir, yes.

    How’ve you been?

    I watched Tivan’s hand suddenly snap up and grip his ear as the young man winced. When his hand slowly released, I caught sight of the tiny machine in his ear. I raised an eyebrow knowingly. My father?

    Tivan chuckled nervously, W-We s’ould prob’ly get going. We colleck’d your baggage a’ready, so no worries, mate. He slapped me on the back comfortingly.

    I opened my door and tossed my messenger bag inside. When I did, I heard, someone exclaim, Hey, watch it, you little bugger! The humor behind it was evident. I bent over to find Tivan’s older brother sitting in the far window seat. Barlow James Kalen, ten years my senior, was my personal doctor as heir to the Realm Leader, and he took good care of me. He’d taken up the position about four months before I left for training. We hadn’t been necessarily close, but we had our moments.

    Hey, Barlow! I greeted as I slid into the seat next to him.

    As his brother shut the door behind me, Barlow replied, Good afternoon, young master. I trust your flight was uneventful? Tivan got into the driver’s seat, and the car lurched forward as it went down the drive.

    I scoffed teasingly, More uneventful than the rest of my ‘trip’. I did air quotes for emphasis on that last word. The young doctor just stared at me. My joking smile faded. What’s wrong, Barlow?

    You’re… different.

    Well, yeah, kinda, I replied flippantly.

    No, this is not normal, Master Lucian. Your magic is all wonky.

    I had to stifle a chuckle. "Only someone like you would use words like uneventful and wonky, you know that? That’s one wide range of vocab you’ve got in your skull. "

    Barlow started rifling through the bag on the floor in front of him. Then, he pulled out a stethoscope and blood pressure monitor. This time, the laugh actually did escape my lips. Nothing’s wrong, Barlow.

    He wrapped the strap for the monitor around my arm as I rolled my eyes. After a few seconds, he responded evenly, I’m not so sure about that, young master. Relax a bit, would you?

    This was getting old. I groaned in annoyance. I promise you I am not sick!

    He lifted his gaze from my arm as the monitor started sporadically shrinking again. I didn’t say you were sick.

    The doom-and-gloom way he said it made me finally start to worry. Barlow had trained in medicine since he was a teen. Once he worked his way up to assist his father in taking care of my family, he’d observed me closely, learning as much as he could to better take care of me. He didn’t get much real time to understand the complications my magic had, since I left four months after he was assigned to be my personal doctor.

    Barlow ripped the Velcro strap off my arm and politely asked me, Could you take off your shirt please, Master Lucian?

    My face paled. Why, Barlow? I finally squeaked out.

    As he tucked away the blood pressure monitor, he calmly replied, I need to get a good grasp of your magic levels, young master, and you know your specially designed clothing restricts that. Now, if you please?

    I swallowed nervously as I slowly unbuttoned my black uniform jacket. After I’d maneuvered enough to get my jacket off my arms, I yanked my white undershirt over my head, exposing the muscles and scars I’d gained through intense military training.

    Master Lucian… I could tell that Barlow was shocked. After all, when I left, I was skinny as a stick, and my physical strength could lift next to nothing without the aid of magic. It also didn’t help that my chest had gained some cuts and scars during my trip.

    When the car finally came to a stop, Tivan turned around, eyes widening as well. Luke, wha’ ‘appened?

    Shrugging, I chuckled weakly, I worked out.

    Yeah, but tha’s more than jus’ a workout!

    Barlow’s brow furrowed as he stared at me. What? I snapped, sounding a bit harsher than I intended.

    His eyes had flashed to orange as he stared at me. I rolled my eyes and groaned, pulling the door handle to leave. Look, Barlow, I understand your concern, but I really have to get going.

    The doctor’s hand grabbed my wrist as I stepped one foot out of the vehicle. I met Barlow’s stern gaze, watching the dark orange irises brighten back into dark grey. Lucian, you’re not normal.

    Of course I’m not normal! I exclaimed angrily, I’m a Gallager, the Realm Leader heir, and the bloody Protektor. I’m not meant to be normal!

    Barlow kept a grip on my wrist, telling me softly, "You’re not normal for you."

    Tivan flinched again, and this time I heard the voice growl sternly in his earpiece, "Tell your brother to release him now."

    Apparently Barlow had heard the words and tone behind them as well, because he then released my wrist. I continued to stare at him, eyebrow raised as I pulled my white tank back over my head. Then, I grabbed my messenger bag and jacket and stepped back out into the sunlight. We had arrived at the Jaegar family home, a house whose size rivals the Gallager mansion on the other side of Scuric. For centuries, the Jaegars had been members of the Protektor’s Alliance, whose base was headquartered under his house. The Protektor’s Alliance was also the group that sent me on that six-month training excursion. Unfortunately, some of the things I encountered in that time frame would haunt me for years.

    The doors swung open before I could knock, revealing Sir Titus Bishop, the current leader of the Alliance, with a wide, warm smile on his face. Lucian, my boy!

    My lips mirrored his smile. Good afternoon, Sir Titus. I was told my father wants to see me?

    I caught the brief micro-expression of fear on Titus’ face, one I probably wouldn’t have caught six months ago. Yes, of course, Master Lucian. His smile twitched as he gestured into the house, taking my jacket and hanging it on a coatrack in the hallway. This way.

    Dropping my messenger bag next to the rack, I followed him. As soon as I crossed the magical seal that protected the house, I started deciphering all the magical signatures inside. I sorted through them, trying to locate a particular one. Finally, I felt it: the agitated, pulsing signature of my father. The worry grew inside me. If my father was disconcerted, then something was wrong. Really wrong.

    Titus led me to a fancy door and simply nodded toward it. I recognized his signature as frightened. The gesture told me that he wasn’t going any further. Great, like I needed more reasons to worry.

    As he bowed and walked down the hallway, I opened the door and walked inside the large room. Three mahogany desks sat on the far left side, while a living area was on the other. The living room furniture sat around a fireplace, which was currently crackling. I smirked slightly as I stared at the fancy chair whose back was facing me.

    Hey, old man, I called out, "Last time I checked, it was a seventy-five degree day outside. Don’t tell me you’ve gotten that old."

    I heard a heavy sigh come from my father, followed by the almost-silent creak of the chair, which was probably him falling deeper into it. The father I’d left would usually snap back something like, Not as old as you make me feel!

    I quickly walked over to the chair, coming to a stop to its right. Looking at him, I realized this man sitting in that chair was not my father. At least not the father I’d known. The laugh lines on his face looked like he hadn’t laughed in a while. There were dark bags under his eyes, signaling little sleep had occurred recently. His cheeks were red and raw, probably from rubbing tears off his face too much and too often. That especially increased my concern. My father didn’t cry. He just didn’t. He stopped doing that a long time ago, once he’d mastered controlling his emotions. A Realm Leader needed to be strong for his people, so it would be counter-productive for too much extreme emotion.

    Dad, I asked gently, What happened?

    He didn’t even look at me, but continued to stare into the crackling fire. After a few moments of silence, he asked weakly, How was your trip, Lucian?

    I raised an eyebrow. It was fine, Dad. Can you tell-

    How was the training?

    This time, my brow furrowed in frustration. Fine. Tell me-

    Did you ever connect with Loren?

    Dad! I shouted, my frustration reaching its peak, Will you please tell me what happened while I was gone?

    He looked up at me out of the corners of his eyes, and I caught a twitch in his mouth. Well, Saber passed Alliance training, and Nit de Nova was spectacular as usual, thanks to Jez-

    That’s not what I meant and you know it.

    I watched his shoulders slump, his mouth quivering between a weak smile and an upset frown. I waited in ticked off, paranoid silence, my fingers twitching in anticipation. Well? I snapped.

    My father sighed deeply and then actually turned to meet my eyes. Michael has the Reygal, Lucian.

    That slammed me harder than it should have. What? I hissed in disbelief.

    A ghost of a smile decorated his face, one that I could tell was forced. I figured it out a few months ago. Couldn’t bear to tell him, so I tried to make him feel special, the poor kid.

    Michael’s excited words from the airport ran through my head. So, those games and trips he was babbling about?

    Ways for me to entertain him and make sure he could protect himself.

    The Reygal was a special magic ability, but it was very different from the other one present in our world, the Sense. The latter one was a magic ability that allowed an Ascential to perform magic without a spell. It was a talent that the Gallagers had for centuries, including my father and me. The Reygal was pretty much the opposite. Instead of increasing magical potential, it inhibited it. A Reygal user could use magic, but only in times of extreme emotion, and it would burst out of them without much control if they were in danger. Every other time, they can’t use magic well. Quite a bit of Realm citizens considered the Reygal in the same category as a terminal disease. While not a real illness, the stigma was the same: a weakness that regular Ascentials pitied.

    However, there were plus sides. Reygal users tend to have more physical and mental prowess, with bigger strength of body and mind than other Ascentials. This made them better warriors. I’d actually met quite a few of them at the Alliance’s military base in the past six months, and meeting them opened my eyes to how useful they can be. However, a Gallager with the Reygal… Something had to be wrong.

    How is that possible? I asked, Gallagers aren’t built for the Reygal. We’re all Sense users and have been for centuries.

    My father shook his head. I don’t know.

    I caught the fear in his eyes. Are you telling me everything you know?

    He stood up slowly, refusing to meet my eyes. Don’t tell him. He doesn’t need that kind of worry at his age.

    But, Dad-

    He clapped a hand on my shoulder and finally lifted his head to meet my eyes, where I recognized the wear and age in his. The stress that came with that knowledge about Michael had made his gaze look much older than he actually was.

    He whispered, Just don’t tell him. Understood?

    I heard the torment behind those words and gave him an understanding smile. I understand, Father.

    He patted my shoulder a few times before he walked past me. I continued to stand there in silence as my father left the room. Once the door had clicked shut behind him, I ran to the door and locked it. I also placed a noticeable magical signature around it, letting people know not to disturb me. Then, I rushed to the large desk area, where confidential documents were stacked and spread out for any nosy guest could see. Bad move on the Alliance’s part in my opinion. However, since there was a seal that kept unwanted visitors out, I could see why they felt safe.

    Sitting down at one of the desks, I pulled the rolling chair up as close to it as I could. Rubbing my hands together, I said, Let’s see what I can find.

    I had been taught over the past six months so much, but there was one lesson that I was using at that point. When you want to know something, do whatever it takes to learn it.

    And I wanted to see what data they had on Michael.

    Chapter 3- Lord Morgan

    Lord Morgan was right down the hall when his son put up the warning barrier. He guessed that Lucian needed a little time to himself to get his emotions in order. That’s what he’d been doing quite frequently, as it would be bad for his emotions to flood out in public. His bipolar genes had been throwing him for a loop lately, becoming a rather unwelcome reaction to unpleasant news. Getting those feelings out occasionally in private helped to avoid

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