Faerie Born: The Azarian Chronicles, #1

First edition  September 2015

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Cover art by Fiona Jayde

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Edited by Editorial Services of LA 

This book is dedicated to my daughter Jennifer, whose strength and love

inspires me every day, Susie for making me take my writing seriously, and Mom, who always believed there was a writer in me.

CHAPTER ONE

There may still be a chance to flee, Jade said, worry etched on her blue tinted face.  A tree crashed behind the young faerie and something in the woods gave a triumphant howl.

It’s too late.  They’ve found us!  Alexis said, pointing to the other side of the woods.  A morloc and four orcs, all a foot taller than the teens, stormed into the clearing with their sickle blades raised.  Full metal armor covered nearly all of the morloc leader’s body, but the smaller orcs had only wooden breastplates and shields for protection. The creatures all had wrinkled, dark gray skin, black slits for eyes, and noses that had been smashed into their faces.  Large bat ears stuck out from the sides of their round faces, and open mouths showed rows of sharp, jagged teeth.  Alexis knew the orcs would be easy to defeat, but the armored morloc posed a serious problem.  It would take all of them fighting together as a team to defeat him. 

The Dark Lord wants only the princess, the morloc said, its gravelly voice making Alexis’ insides quiver as he pointed his ax at her. Hand her over, and your deaths will be less painful. The other orcs spread out, leaving the group no means of escape.

Don’t you creatures know how to bathe? Jordan asked, his face wrinkled in disgust. You stink so bad, we could smell you coming a mile away.

The elf is mine! cried one of the orcs.

Will you hand her over? the morloc asked again, pulling his ax back and arching into a fight stance.

Never! yelled Selina, her daggers now in both hands, her movements mimicking the morloc’s.

As you wish, the morloc replied.  Looking at the orcs, he shouted, Bring her to me.  And destroy the others!

We have no other choice now.  We have to fight! Sean said, never taking his eyes off the grayish black creature.  The pungent scent of rotting meat hit Alexis as the night creatures advanced forward, weapons raised.  Sean took a step forward, his battle ax wielded high.  I’ll go first and take the largest one out.  Jordan and Selina, I need you two to take out a few of the orcs with your arrows.

We have your back, Jordan responded, easily drawing a few arrows out of his quiver. I’ll take the ones on the right. Selina can take those on the left.

Selina looked at the advancing orcs and smiled.  It’ll be my pleasure.

What about Alexis? Jordan asked looking back at where she stood with Jenna and Jade.

Don’t worry about us! yelled Alexis as she searched frantically through her black velvet pouch.  She knew instinctively what power each stone contained, but it was often trial and error figuring out which were best to use on the different night creatures. Blue stones were for water elements, deep red called on fire, brown rocks were for earth powers, and a clear stone controlled the air and weather. Her own amethyst could bring forth energy blasts, but it was a one-shot power so she used it only as a last resort.

You can’t fight this battle, Alexis, Sean said, stationing his body in front of her.  Remember, the princess must be protected at all costs.

Alexis moved to the center of the circle, a fiery red stone in her upraised hand.  I will not stand by and watch others fight for me!

Jenna put a hand on her friend’s shoulder.  You’re not strong enough yet.  It’s our responsibility to protect you so you can build up your power, fight the darkness, and end this war.

Alexis knew Jenna was right, though having that knowledge didn’t make it any easier to watch her friends fight for her.  The Dark Lord would be the most powerful adversary they had ever faced and there were still more power jewels to collect before she met the ultimate test alone.  The strategy was to keep her protected and out of the battle as long as possible, giving her enough time to figure out the right combination of powers needed to defeat him.

From a distance, ten loud clangs vibrated through the park.   Alexis sighed as she lowered her hand, the crackling stone now nothing more than a rock. 

That story was really intense. Jade said, her pixyish body barely moving the swing she was in.  You should write a book based on your dreams, Alexis.  With your imagination, you already blow everyone else out of the water in Advanced English. 

Alexis bit the corner of her lower lip, taken aback by her friend’s confidence in her. She had met Jade a few years after her adoptive mother had died, her unique looks making her an instant Misfit.  Slanted violet eyes, pointy ears, and a loud attitude didn’t fit in well with the other teens at Owenton High.

If she only knew my dreams feel more like memories. Alexis thought.  Xandia, Azaria, the royal court, and the Dark Lord are all more real to me than my own life at times.

Well, we’d better get going, Jade said, shaking Alexis out of her thoughts, We wouldn’t want to be late for ‘Torture High’ tomorrow.  You know Christina and her group of followers love waiting for us to goof up or say something wrong so they can embarrass us in front of as many people as possible.

At least Lucas isn’t like that, Alexis said as she stood up, He’s always gone out of his way to be nice to us, even though I’m sure he gets hell from Christina.

You’re just saying that because you think he’s hot, Jade said, winking at her. Personally, I don’t get what you see in him.

Than you must be blind, Jade, Alexis said, I just hope they don’t try anything dirty on our last day as sophomores.  Besides, we have the faire tomorrow night.

She pointed toward the wagons scattered throughout the park. Alexis had been anticipating the Mystical Faire ever since she had seen the scrolled announcements posted around town promising reenactments, sword fighting, fortune telling, and unique items to buy and see.

I might have something to help you with your storytelling. Jade said.  Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a flat tiger’s eye stone the size of a silver dollar.  It’s a dream stone my aunt brought from overseas.  You put it under your pillow and ask it to reveal your deepest desires, Jade explained, handing the stone to Alexis.  

It’s worth a try, Alexis thought, rolling the smooth stone between her fingers.  Thanks, Jade. I’ll use it tonight when I go to bed.

A rustle in nearby bushes startled them.  Lucas, a junior at Owenton High, stepped out of the woods, his eyes on Alexis.

That’s my cue to leave, Jade said, I’ll meet you in the morning, Alexis.  Nice seeing you, Lucas.

Alexis waved, never taking her eyes off of Lucas.  Seeing him always took her breath away.  Long raven hair, golden eyes, a lean muscular body with a slow predatory walk.  She’d had a crush on him since he showed up the beginning of the school year and wondered if he felt the same.

Be careful with Jade, Lucas warned, I don’t believe she’s all she seems to be.

Jade is harmless, Lucas, a Misfit like the rest of us.  Alexis said.

And what about that stone she gave you?

It’s just a tiger’s eye, Alexis said, showing it to him, You never explained why you didn’t show up yesterday after the media interviewed us.  They were doing a 10 year anniversary piece on the Misfits – I mean, us being the Lost Kids.

There are bigger things going on that needed my attention.  I used to think I had to protect you, but you’re stronger than you think, Lucas whispered as he reached for her hand. I truly care about -

Danger, children! Run while you can!

They both jerked around. Ms. Judy was running their way, her wide green eyes blazing, cotton candy curly hair flying behind her. Ancient hands lifted a multicolored gypsy skirt as she ran, nearly tripping a few times. Grabbing Alexis’ hand, she started pulling her toward the woods.

What do you think you’re doing, Ms. Judy? Lucas demanded.

Something wicked comes this way! The Hunt is coming! Beware!

Lucas jerked her hand away and pulled Alexis to him.  What are you talking about? What Hunt?

Ms. Judy looked to the woods then back at the kids.  Forgive me, children. I often sense things others can’t.  I can overreact.  Strange things are about to happen to both of you and your friends.  I fear your lives will never be the same after tonight.

Than just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone.  Alexis and Lucas looked at each other in amazement.  And I thought I was strange. Alexis said.

Lucas grabbed her hands and pulled her close.  I never want to hear you say that again.  You are not strange, Alexis Farmer.  You are unique and beautiful.  He lightly kissed her trembling lips.  I already know how special you are.  Someday, so will everyone else.

CHAPTER TWO

After Lucas left, Alexis decided to take a shortcut home through the woods, easily making her way around branches and over roots.  Usually she didn’t go that way at night, but she was running late and knew her dad would worry.  She was fantasizing about Lucas’ kiss when a cold burst of air blew past her, stopping her in her tracks.  Although it was early May, there hadn’t been a breeze all day.  The leaves around her hadn’t stirred. The hairs on the back of her neck made her shiver.

Is anyone there? she asked, trying to sound braver than she actually felt.  She was over halfway home by now; perhaps she could outrun whatever it was.

Hello, princessss, hissed the woods.  Looking in the direction of the voice, she saw glowing red eyes staring at her through a smoky mass of shadows.  She sucked in an icy scream when the shadow reached for her.

Alexis quickly found her feet and took off running toward home, trying to stay on the trail.  The thing seemed to know which way she would go and kept cutting in front of her.  She darted to the left to avoid it, losing the trail as she ran harder.

Now in unknown territory, she held her arms in front of her face to block low branches and nearly lost her footing a few times as she stumbled over strange roots and downed logs.  Whatever it was, it was getting closer, hissing as it slithered over the ground, freezing the air around her.

Just when she thought she might be close to a clearing, the shadow appeared in front of her, blocking her way.  Losing her balance, Alexis fell back on the ground.  The air got even colder as the shadow loomed over her.  An overwhelming sense of fear and doom settled in her chest like a rock.

"I have found the princessss!  Glory shall be mine!" she heard it hiss in her head.  Something behind her growled as the shadow started to surround her.  Alexis sat as still as she could, afraid she was now trapped between two of these things.  Glancing behind her, she watched a large black wolf stalk past to stand between her and the shadow.  It was over four feet tall, built with powerful muscles, its massive mouth pulled back in a snarl.

So it’s afraid of wild animals, she thought, watching the shadow retreat as the growling wolf moved closer.  A creature straight out of her nightmares and a wild wolf were fighting over her.  If she weren’t so scared she might have laughed.

The air around Alexis warmed and she realized the shadows were back to normal.  Her aching back and arm muscles protested as she sat up.  The wolf turned, glancing at her warily before walking toward her.

Her eyes widened when the wolf stopped, its nose less than an inch from

her face. Golden eyes glowed like molten sun and its musky scent filled her nostrils.  It

sniffed at her than lowered its head.  Raising one of her scraped hands, she gently

rubbed the wolf’s ears and neck, the fur thick and rough between her fingers.

So you like that, do you?

The wolf licked her nose in response.

This is impossible, she thought, I’m petting a wild wolf.  But that shadow thing was just as real and a lot more frightening.

You wouldn’t happen to know the way home, would you? she asked, standing up.  Brushing leaves and twigs off her jeans, she looked around at the unfamiliar woods, I think I’m lost.

Sniffing the air, the wolf went over to a group of ferns then ran back, nudging her in that direction.  She grabbed the fur around its neck and let it lead the way, following the wild path she had made trying to escape the shadow.  She shuddered, wondering what other crazy creatures lay in wait.  The wolf seemed to sense her unease and moved closer.

They found the main trail in no time and made their way toward her house.  The wolf paused for a moment when they got to the clearing linking her backyard to the woods and looked around cautiously while sniffing the air.  Deciding the area was safe, he moved forward with Alexis in tow.

Solar lights lit up the large wooden deck her father had built years ago as a gift to her mother when they first found out about the cancer.  It had definitely gotten used; summer block parties and grill outs with their friends and hers, holidays, end of school sleepovers.  Standing under a large oak was the wooden castle playhouse her parents had made when she was younger.  It was one of the few reminders she still had of her mother and she refused to get rid of it, despite having outgrown it years ago.

The wolf didn’t stop till they got to Alexis’ porch.  Thanks, friend, she said, rubbing between its ears.  She walked up, found the hidden key under the doormat, and opened the front door.  Before going in, she looked back.  The wolf, watching her intensely, stood at the bottom of the stairs.

I’m safe. You can go now.

Instead of leaving, the wolf made its way up the stairs and lay down near the door.  It looked up at her, then out across the lawn.

My own personal protector.  Now I totally feel like royalty. she said, remembering the shadow calling her Princess before it attacked.

Alexis closed the door and was about to let her dad know she was home when she saw the note on the dining room table.

Of course he would still be out.  I’ve had the most amazing, frightening night in my life, and he’s still at work.  She wadded up the note and tossed it in the trash. He wouldn’t believe it anyway.  He’d probably yell at me for allowing a wild animal to follow me home.

Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, Alexis went upstairs to her room.  The scent of lavender and roses calmed her when she opened the door.  Her father may not have made much time for her in his busy life, and even less since her mother died, but he allowed her to decorate her room her way.  Lavender walls and sheets blended with curtains of pastel gossamer fabric.  A dark cherry four-poster bed, large enough to take up one side of the room, was backed against a mural her mother had painted when she first brought Alexis home.  Fantasy creatures of all types roamed through a forest under an eternal sunset sky, the castle of her dreams shining in the mountainous background.  Crystal balls, ceramic fairies, and colorful unicorns sat on white shelves next to dog-eared books by J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Tamora Pierce. 

After taking a quick shower and checking her scraped hands, she grabbed her journal out of her purse. In the back was a sketched map she created to figure out where the places in her dreams were.  As far back as she could remember, her dreams always felt more like flashes of memory than unconscious desires or fantasies. In them, she could feel the wind and heat on her skin, taste the fruit she ate, and smell the most glorious flowers as she walked around.  She could describe each place in detail as though she had actually been there before, making each dream seem even more realistic.

After writing down her experience with the shadow and the wolf, she flipped back a few pages to a dream she had a few nights ago:

Jade has been taken by something in the shadows.

Have to go through the veil to find her.

Jewels for a crown

Can feel the darkness getting closer. . . 

Yawning, she looked over at the clock and saw it was nearly midnight.  Tomorrow was the last day of school, and her birthday, and there was no way she was going to miss either.  Besides finally getting to go to the fantasy faire with her friends, she would have another chance to see Lucas before summer break.

She still didn’t understand why he hung out with spoiled Christina and her bunch of clones, but Alexis knew for certain he was nothing like them. While Christina made a point to stay far from the Misfits unless she was pestering them, Lucas was always friendly to them.  She trusted him as much as she did the other Misfits.  No reason not to.  He was absolutely the hottest guy at school: deep golden eyes, long raven hair to his shoulders, powerful arms and hands that could be just as gentle off the football field.  He was tall and thin, yet she could sense a storm of power and passion behind his cool facade.  But there was more to Lucas than just his looks, something wild that drew her in and made her feel alive when he looked at her. 

After putting the journal and her amethyst amulet on her night stand, she picked up the dream stone Jade had given her, twirling it with her fingers, watching the surface shimmer.  Tucking it under her pillow, she made a silent wish and closed her eyes, black fur and golden wolf eyes her last thoughts before falling asleep.

CHAPTER THREE

Looking out the cliff cave’s entrance, Alexis could see most all of Azaria, from the lush green of Lier Forest to the bland stillness of the Borderlands.  Energy currents pulsed from the realm’s twin towers, the light of Xandia’s Crystal Palace keeping the shadows of Mount Nocturn at bay.  As queen, she was able to feed off both energies, keeping the realm in balance.  But time had passed and her enemy had grown stronger, his shadow covering more of her kingdom every day.  She had been in hiding far too long, protected from Morlin and those who hunted her.

‘No longer,’ she thought, grasping the hilt of her sword, ‘Let them come; we are ready.’  Although small compared to the Dark Lord’s army of night creatures, her allies were powerful and loyal.  They were out there now, gathering bands of rebels for the approaching battle.  She pulled her sword from the gold sheath on her hip and held it high.  Energy crackled around the blade, momentarily blinding her. . .

Opening her eyes, Alexis instantly recognized Owenton’s city park.  Before she could question how she got there, a storm of black emptiness rolled from the woods toward her, pulling the life out of everything as it advanced. The color on the swings and park benches dulled to gray, the fountain abruptly stopped spraying water, and the air felt unnaturally heavy.

The sword, held high over her head, glowed crimson, a sign he had followed her across time and space. Alone yet unafraid, she welcomed the power surging through her veins and felt the storm’s wildness inside her, building and swirling in her soul as the darkness grew.

Releasing the sword tip, Alexis held out her left hand.  The blackness continued to roll internally, but the storm stopped moving.  She was powerful enough now to pull energy when she needed it, even from the darkness.  A swirl of her hand made the storm increase in intensity.  Thunder crashes matched her racing pulse, lightning danced across the sky, and the pouring rain made her heated body steam.  The wind tossed her hair wildly as she mounted the ridge and stared down at Owenton.  How easy it would be to destroy those who had wronged her, taunted her, lied to her. . .

A deep voice from behind whispered her name.  She smiled as the presence stepped up and put a hand on her shoulder.

I knew you’d come, she said, turning to look at her beloved.

For a moment, Lucas’s face looked down at her, his lips curled in a familiar smirk before subtly morphing into Stefan.  He laughed hysterically as his handsome face melted away like candle wax, leaving the acid burnt skin and glowing eyes of the Dark Lord. Smiling, he pointed a clawed finger to his dark castle looming beyond the woods.

I’ve been waiting for you too, my Alexandria. Come to me and I will show you real power.  Alexis! Alexis. . . .

Alexis! Get up or you’ll be late for school again!

Alexis jerked up with a scream in her throat, nearly colliding with her father’s head.  She searched around wildly, positive the storm and horrid face had followed her out of her dreams.  Bright purple crystals and draped silk replaced the blackness of her dream, but she couldn’t shake off the fear and gloom she felt inside.

What happened?

You were screaming so loudly, I could hear you on my way to the car.  I swear, your imagination is scary sometimes. he said, running a hand through his curly bright red hair.  With his thick round glasses, plaid suit, and bushy mustache, he looked like a flashback from the 70s.  

". . .Wish I had a boy...maybe a new school. . ."

Did you say something, Dad? she asked, worried she had let him down again.  Why else would he say such nasty things to her?

No, just thinking. . . .Forget it, he said, irritated, I’ll be working late today, so I want you home by ten o’clock.  He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead then turned toward the door.

Alexis slipped out of bed and walked over to him.  The plush pink carpet felt comforting to her feet, easing some of the edginess the dream had caused.  "Hope you have a good day, Dad.  I’m sorry