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    Hunter's Challenge
    Hunter's Challenge
    Hunter's Challenge
    Ebook326 pages5 hours

    Hunter's Challenge

    By M.A. Abraham

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    About this ebook

    The entity who has been called the 'Witch Hunter’ is focusing on those who have psychic powers. He has issued an edict to the Tantalarians, demanding that they bow to his will. He has challenged the wrong people, though he doesn’t seem to realize it.

    One Tantalarian, in particular, feels he has an axe to grind with this 'Witch Hunter'. This entity has mentally attacked Terec, and singled out the woman he loves to use for his own nefarious purpose. He will not rest until his foe is dead, the game lines have been drawn, the war is on. He might be a young warrior, but he will protect his own. He has nothing to lose but his life, for until the one he loves is safe from the madman, he will stop at nothing.

    Adele, a young Earthling, falls in love with the young Tantalarian Hunter, Terec, at first sight and is determined she will have no one else. One of the Phoenixes connects with Adele, creating changes in her, both mentally and physically, that no one expected.

    Adele, agrees with Terec's decision to go after the ‘Witch Hunter, although she knows how dangerous his plans are and she is prepared to fight at the side of the man she loves.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherM.A. Abraham
    Release dateOct 1, 2016
    ISBN9781370856367
    Hunter's Challenge
    Author

    M.A. Abraham

    I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

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      Hunter's Challenge - M.A. Abraham

      CHAPTER I

      Adele whirled around in circles, as she finished putting the finishing touch to her rooms in Mitchel and Karia’s Aerie. Her mother had stipulated her move into their home as the only place she would allow her to settle in the upper atmosphere of the planet. Cara had assumed Terec was still in recovery in the infirmary, under the doctor’s care. She thought her daughter’s move was the perfect way to keep the young couple apart, which would allow Adele the chance to rethink her attraction to Terec. She was sure that if Adele had something constructive to focus on, she would forget about the young Tantalarian. As no one shared her view on the matter, they didn’t bother to tell Cara, Terec had been released on the day of the attack.

      The moment Adele heard someone at the doorway to her rooms, she stopped dancing long enough to see Karia watching her. Karia smiled, as she watched her guest with great curiosity. She had never seen anyone act like that before, but figured it must be fun, because Adele looked so happy.

      Haven’t you ever seen anyone dance before? Adele wondered.

      Not like that, we do our celebrating in the skies, where there is more room. It is very exhilarating and probably equivalent to how you are feeling. That isn’t why I am here though; I have a surprise for you. I have brought you company. Karia informed her.

      Terec stepped out from behind Karia and smiled widely at Adele, as he teased. I was told that you had moved into an Aerie and wanted to be the first to welcome you to our part of the world. I hadn’t expected to find you in such exalted company though.

      Adele gave an excited little squeak, before she catapulted herself into Terec’s arms, and gave him a welcoming hug.

      I heard the Doctor released you from his care, but wasn’t sure that you would look me up. It is so good to see you on your feet and to know you are capable of flying again. Adele admitted.

      Terec laughed happily and replied. This is one of the first places I came, after I checked things out below. It is very calm there at the moment.

      That is a switch and after all that has happened since we arrived, it is almost scary. The peace is misleading though, and it makes a person wonder what is going to happen next. Adele admitted.

      How are you enjoying life in the clouds? Terec asked, as he continued to hold Adele. He was reluctant to let her go. He knew she had undergone extensive testing after the Phoenix had chosen her to see how that would affect her, along with what could still happen. He also knew no one had brought her the results yet, and he thought she might need a little moral support while she waited.

      Adele didn’t need to be told what Terec was doing and she appreciated his thoughtfulness. He was putting his own concerns aside to give her support through a tense time. She had been trying to act bravely, to convince everyone that she wasn’t nervous that the Phoenix had singled her out, but in the end, it seemed like she was fooling no one. She wondered what had given her away.

      You did nothing to make anyone believe you were nervous about the outcome of the tests they took, Adele. Terec assured her. It is, however, common sense to assume you would be concerned.

      Adele wrapped her arms around Terec’s torso and pressed her face against his chest, as she confessed. I am terrified of what they might find. I don’t know what to expect. They are even checking my DNA to see if anything has changed, or if there is a tie to your people that might have attracted the firebird. That would be something no one could have been aware of.

      I personally think it is the red hair, Terec joked.

      Adele chuckled, even as she admonished him, Get serious, Terec.

      I am serious, Terec, continued to tease, before he returned to his serious self. How would they know if there is a change in your DNA?

      Our Doctor has everyone’s DNA catalogued in special files in his office, it was one of the things they did when we were accepted into the program. They are going to do a comparison. At first, they questioned how they would handle that, but things are working out. Actually, I laughed at how surprised the Tribunal Elder was when he noticed that some of our technology matched his. I am expecting the results from that testing at any time now. Adele commented.

      And they are here, Cara informed them, as she walked into Adele’s rooms. She took one look at the way Terec was holding her daughter, and warned him. If I were you, I would consider getting your hands off of my daughter. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were still residing in the infirmary.

      I was released days ago. Terec admitted, though he made no move to release Adele. He didn’t think it would be right to hide his attraction to Adele from Cara. He also wasn’t about to hide the truth of his release from her. He believed she deserved more respect from him than that. After all, she was the mother of the woman he hoped to settle down with one day.

      Cara noticed how Terec disregarded her suggestion immediately and, because there was nothing she could actually do about it, she picked on Adele.

      Either keep your distance from that man or I will get the Tribunal Elder to return you home.

      You can’t do that, Adele retorted. I won’t go. I need the knowledge they are willing to teach me. Things are changing mother, and there is nothing anyone can do to change that.

      You are my daughter and you will do what I tell you, Cara insisted.

      Adele would have debated that statement, but the Tribunal Elder chose that moment to enter the room. Martin, Mitchel and Tribune Sterling followed him. Instead of doing as she had been ordered, she wound her arms tighter around Terec and shook in apprehension. She wasn’t afraid of the people, but learning what awaited her in the future terrified her.

      Terec immediately tightened his wings around Adele’s shaking body as he cooed comforting words into her mind. The Tribunal Elder cleared his throat to catch everyone’s attention and motioned for Tribune Sterling to begin. Cara’s disapproval was etched on her face. She wasn’t very pleased with the way her daughter was reacting to Terec and her attention needed to be diverted.

      Tribune Sterling knew what the Tribunal Elder was doing, he had also seen Terec’s actions and Adele’s reactions. If those two young adults were not involved at this point, it wouldn’t be long before they were. The attraction was there, and it was strong, but that wasn’t what he had come to discuss, so he got straight to the point.

      We brought the test results with us and, I have to admit, some are not what I expected, although most are. The blood work came as no surprise, as our species share the same blood types. The Phoenix has, however, made a few changes to the structure of your DNA. You are not going to become a blond, or experience changes in eye color, but you can expect other things to happen. This will begin with certain biological functions. I will have Karia, her mother and Grandmother explain those, as they are to do with things experienced by women. They are matters that affect your link with the Phoenix and most men are not familiar with them unless they are bonded with a woman who shares that link. I don’t expect them to affect you yet, but as you are not a true Tantalarian, I can’t say for sure. I have suggested early training, in case I am wrong. It is best that you learn everything you need to know as soon as possible, in case it is needed.

      I insist on being present for these lessons, Cara insisted.

      You are very welcome to attend, Cara, but I must warn you that anything you hear during those sessions must be kept in the strictest of confidence. Karia stated, before giving Terec a pointed look and adding. Men are not welcome at female conferences.

      Terec gave a nod of understanding, as he answered. It will be as you command.

      Cara frowned. She was happy Terec wouldn’t be there, but not so pleased to see that he was free to visit her daughter whenever he wanted.

      Martin knew what was going on in Cara’s head, he didn’t need to be a mind reader to know what was written all over her face. She wouldn’t accept what was happening easily, but this was out of their control, and there was nothing they could do about any of it. He walked to her side, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drew her to his side and gave her a small squeeze to let her understand that he was here to support her. He didn’t think he needed tell her there were limits to which he would go.

      Now, Tribune Sterling grew serious. We need to discuss some of the changes your body will go through. These will affect you greatly and some are happening already. Some will take time, for they will be changes that don’t happen overnight. For obvious reasons, none of this has ever been chronicled before. We have no guidelines to work with, therefore, we have to join forces to handle the changes when they occur. Everyone will be expected to keep track of anything different they notice about Adele, until the transformation is complete.

      What are you talking about, transformation? Just what are these things that you expect to happen to my daughter? Cara wanted to know immediately. She didn’t wait for Adele to speak. She didn’t even notice the frown on her daughter’s face, or the frustration in her eyes.

      Adele remained silent; although she didn’t approve of the way her mother just assumed she had the right to take over. Ordinarily she wouldn’t have questioned the matter, but this wasn’t about Cara’s right as a mother any longer, this was about her life, for as long as it lasted. It was her responsibility to take charge, to assert her right as an adult.

      If we were to take a skeletal scan of your daughter’s body, we would be able to tell that her bones are becoming lighter. At the same time, they are becoming much stronger. The first thing I noted was how strong the connection between her and her Phoenix is and we know it will grow more so over the years, as it does with all females. Tribune Sterling began.

      Something tells me you are reluctant to tell us what the biggest change is going to be. Adele noted.

      I admit I don’t know what to think about what is happening. Like I said, we have never run across anything remotely like this before. We don’t know how painful the transition will be for you, or when it will happen. We aren’t even sure it will be an uncomfortable change. The one thing we know for sure is that it will happen. We admit to being a little afraid of how you may react to the news though. Tribune Sterling admitted.

      Has anyone ever told you that you have poor bedside manners? Why don’t you just tell me what the problem is and put us all out of our misery? Adele asked in frustration.

      Cara’s reaction surprised everyone, as she immediately took her daughter to task over her caustic remark. Adele, I taught you better manners than that.

      Adele tossed her mother an annoyed look, but didn’t respond. She wasn’t going to apologize, the man was being annoying. He was beating around the bush, which wasn’t going to solve anything. There was nothing anyone could do to change things, they were going to unfold the way they would, so why not just blurt it out and get it over with. The suspense was killing her.

      Very well, Tribune Sterling agreed. He could see Adele’s point and agreed on many levels. It is very possible you are already beginning to grow a set of wings.

      Wings! Real wings that could fly people through the air and carry her to wherever she wanted to go? Adele couldn’t think of anyone who hadn’t dreamed of owning a set of wings. Her imagination took flight, as she thought about how heady that type of freedom could be. She realized, at the same time, that it could be dangerous, as well as wondrous. This wasn’t a dream; this was reality. She gave a shaky smile and admitted to being overwhelmed by the possibility.

      You are talking about a real set of wings that I would actually be able to use?

      Most definitely, although it won’t be that simple. You will need to be taught how to use them and how not to abuse them. That will fall into the job description of your Guardian. The Tribunal elder detailed and when he noted the frown of disapproval on Terec’s face, he quickly chastised him. You can cease frowning at any time, Terec. None of this has anything to do with you.

      I could teach her to fly, Terec offered.

      Any of us could, but you won’t. Neville will, he is Adele’s Guardian and it is his place to perform this task. This is the last time we will mention anything to do with the matter. Karia will teach her whatever she needs to know about caring for her wings, that is her place, unless she passes it to another woman. The Tribunal Elder declared.

      I will take care of it, Karia agreed.

      The only sign Terec made that he was upset over the Tribunal Elder’s edict, was the slight tightening of his arms and wings around Adele. He nodded his understanding and then dropped the matter. No one had denied him the right to see her yet, and he wasn’t about to give them a reason to do that. If Neville was the one who would teach her to fly, he would grit his teeth and accept that decision with a smile, anything to make sure he didn’t lose his right to visit.

      CHAPTER II

      Adele stood at the entrance to the Aerie and watched everyone leave. She knew there was going to be trouble, because of what had happened, but she was determined not to shoulder the blame. It wasn’t her fault that this had happened and, in fact, she had to wonder if it was even the Witch Hunter who was the guilty party. Something told her this would have happened to her, no matter what conditions they had faced on this planet. It was something that was just meant to be, which was why no one had any answers. All they could tell her was that she was slowly becoming a Tantalarian, albeit one with Human characteristics. She turned from the ledge that she had been looking over, and noticed Karia watching her. She had the most quizzical look in her eyes and Adele couldn’t help but smile.

      Did you ever get the feeling that it is going to storm, but it isn’t the weather that will be the problem? Adele asked Karia.

      Karia offered Adele a small smile in return, as she held out her arms to invite the young woman close and nodded, as she replied. And it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. We are here for you, if you need us. We will never let you down.

      Adele stepped into Karia’s embrace and answered, Sometimes there’s no choice. The circumstances surrounding us seem determined to work against us.

      As Adele wept on Karia’s shoulder, Karia wrapped her beautiful white wings around her, as she ran her hands up and down her back in a soothing fashion. If she had any say in the matter, everyone would be ordered to quit being so demanding around Adele. Didn’t they realize just how much pressure this young girl was trying to deal with? In the last few months, she had been torn from her home planet, forced to flee from a danger that few could handle, and that was only the beginning. Now, she was facing an unsure future, and she could use a little more support from those she was closest too.

      Karia had talked to both Mitchel and The Tribunal Elder about the matter earlier, after they had told her that Adele would be coming to live in the Aerie for a while. They had listened to her politely, and then told her not to interfere. It was the last thing she wanted to do, although the idea was tempting. How could she get Cara to realize that her daughter needed her support, not censoring. If she continued to fight with Adele, Terec would only get more protective. Adele would be forced to take sides and Karia feared she knew which one the young woman would choose.

      Adele was young and, Karia suspected, the pretty Human was quickly falling in love with the handsome Tantalarian Warrior. She couldn’t blame her for that, Cara would not take her daughter’s decision well. She would probably blame the Tantalarians of leading her daughter away from her. She wouldn’t acknowledge how much her own actions had played in alienating Adele. The animosity her accusations were apt to cause amongst others in her people could make things bad for everyone.

      Karia eventually led Adele back into the interior of the Aerie, where she heated some water to make tea. She didn’t say anything, but let Adele know, by her actions, that she was there to support her, no matter what she decided. Adele seemed to understand all of this without being told a word, which was a relief. She didn’t need any more problems plaguing her doorstep than there already were.

      Adele watched Karia, as she moved around her kitchen. She liked to cook and bake, but didn’t know where to start here. She noticed several of the things Karia brought out to make their meal with, and wondered what they were. There were some things that didn’t take much imagination to figure out, but she didn’t recognize many of the food items. It wasn’t long before she joined Karia at the counter, to learn what she was about to make, and how to prepare them. As they worked together to cook a light Traditional Tantalarian meal, she held up a vegetable and asked.

      What is this?

      Karia looked at the white globes that Adele was holding in her hands and explained.

      They are the bulb roots from a reed found in the edges of the lake, where the water isn’t deep enough for the Aquarians to swim. It is safe for us to harvest because of that, and they taste good. They are also very nutritious. We use several parts of the plant in our meals. Because of our climate in the past, there were times when they were the only source of vegetation we were able to get. They come from a very hardy plant and grow late into the season. They also freeze well, which is a huge point in their favor.

      I will need to learn all of this, won’t I? Adele asked.

      Not necessarily, but it might help. I was hoping you would teach me some of your cooking secrets also. It might help if we were to invite your mother to join in, and we could exchange ideas and recipes, Karia suggested.

      Adele wasn’t so sure about that idea. Her mother hadn’t seemed very open minded about any of this when they had talked earlier. She considered the matter for a while, as she watched Karia prepare the bulbs for their meal and smiled. She had a feeling her mother might feel just as lost in Karia’s kitchen as she did. Karia might be right about inviting her to share the experience after all. It would give them something in common that they could talk about. Neither Cara nor she had ever seen anyone heat up a stove with Phoenix power before. She would ask her mother to join them tomorrow, if that was all right with Karia.

      Karia smiled, as Adele asked if she minded, and then replied, Your mother is free to come at any time. We enjoy our visits and indulging in a little exchange of cultural cuisine might make things less strained. We both love to create, it is something we have in common.

      It didn’t take Adele long to contact her mother, although what she sensed when she connected with her, came as a surprise. Cara wasn’t just angry with her, she was furious with Martin. She didn’t mean to listen in on their argument, but continued to do so, despite knowing better.

      You need to let this insane prejudice you have against Terec go, Cara. If you keep this up you are going to alienate our daughter, Martin argued.

      MY daughter, not our daughter, and she seems to think she can do whatever she pleases. He is taking advantage of her, Cara returned.

      Adele could feel the remorse inside her mother, the moment Cara spoke those words, but she knew that wouldn’t stop her from continuing to follow through with what she had started. Her mother was the most loving person in the world, but when she decided on a course of action, she seldom backed down. She wasn’t too surprised when she heard Martin’s reply, or the hurt she could feel in the tone of his delivery.

      I thought we were supposed to be working together to create a family. I thought I was supposed to be a part of you, along with the children. I guess I thought too much. I will find another place to live.

      No, Cara quickly objected. That wasn’t what I meant.

      Adele felt her mother’s tears, as they ran down her cheeks, and then the force of Martin’s embrace, as he pulled her close so he could offer her comfort. She then heard the soft note of caring and the heat of his breath in Cara’s ear, as he spoke.

      You are going to need to fight whatever is making you feel this way, Cara, or it will tear us apart. I have waited too long for a woman like you to come into my life to give up what we have without a fight.

      She is my daughter. I love her. How can I stand back and watch that Alien fly off with my Adele? Cara sobbed.

      Adele is a grown woman, Cara. If we give her the space she needs to make her own decisions, she will make the right choice, but it has to be for her, not for us. You are a wonderful mother to your children, but this must be what she wants, or we will make her very unhappy. That is something I know you don’t want for her, Martin replied.

      I am losing her, Cara worried.

      You will if you continue to try to bully her. Cara, you have taught Adele to be a strong woman, like you. There are a lot of changes happening in her life at the moment that she needs to deal with. She is going to need our support and guidance more than ever. Give her the chance to allow us to be there for her without the extra pressures, Martin reasoned.

      I saw how Adele held on to that young man. How he kept her away from me, Cara spoke her inner fears aloud. He will take her from me.

      Adele wouldn’t allow that, unless you force her to, but if she decides in his favor, it would serve you better if you could find a way to accept him into the family. It would repair the rift that is beginning to form between Adele and you. You might even find that he is more likeable than you think. Martin advised.

      He is… Cara began, but got no further, as Martin interrupted.

      He is a young man. I might be wrong, but I don’t believe you are bothered because he has a set of wings. I think any man who your daughter showed an interest in at this time would be unacceptable. You are no different than any other mother who has needed to shoulder the burden of children that you love more than life, for a long time. It is difficult to admit that your dove is ready to spread her wings to see if she can fly. You are scared that she might find out she wants to leave the nest.

      Adele felt her mother’s watery chuckle as she responded, I never thought I would ever live to see the day when that saying could be taken literally. My baby is hurting and I can’t even offer her comfort.

      I don’t think that will be much of a problem, Martin admitted.

      Adele picked that moment to let Cara know that she was there, although she was careful to make it sound like she had just arrived in her mother’s mind.

      Mom, would you like to come to the Aerie and spend the afternoon making Tantalarian dishes? I think you might enjoy what we will be doing and find it informative.

      Very well, Cara agreed readily, as she looked into Martin’s eyes. He nodded his approval, as she sent him a private message.

      I will try my best, but I refuse to make any promises.

      Martin smiled wider and winked, telling her in that way that he accepted her compromise and approved. They were going to have a rough time of things, but he was sure they could weather the storm together, if Cara let it happen.

      CHAPTER III

      While Adele worked on a plan to bring everyone closer, Terec went on patrol with a few of his friends. He had a feeling he was going to need help, for he could see how dangerous the plans forming in his mind could be. Each step was going to be more difficult than the last and, the worst part of it, was that they were working against the clock, so there was a limit to the things that could be done. There wasn’t time to experiment, whatever they were going to do would have to be immediately effective.

      Terec feared that the moment word of Adele’s pending transition became common knowledge to those on the surface, her safety would be in jeopardy. The Witch Hunter would hone in on her, to see if he could take possession of her mind and body. He wasn’t about to let that happen. He hadn’t been given the responsibility of keeping Adele safe, but he would do it anyway. This was the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with, and he would happily offer his, to make sure no one hurt her.

      Something is disturbing the Aquatics, the Guardian who was in charge of this patrol noted, as he watched the massive Sea Creatures from overhead.

      They are not happy about who they are sharing the lake with, Terec answered, without pausing to consider the wisdom

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