Immortal Secrets: The Tales of Dungard

Immortal Secrets

The Tales of Dungard

ASHLEY HENGY

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

Immortal Secrets

The Tales of Dungard

Copyright © 2012 by Ashley Hengy.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-6423-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6425-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6424-0 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922659

iUniverse rev. date: 11/30/2012

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

To My Father, Brittany, Courtney, Patrick, Madeline, Lauren, Krash Nebula, and Liberty Belle.

My mother Teresa: Dear mama, I know I have not been there every time when I said I would be. I think about you everyday and I finished this book with the thought that you would be proud of me and at the same time push me to do more. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for holding me, thank you for putting up with my craziness, and thank you for being strong for me when you barely had strength for the both of us. Thank you for shaking me when I needed it and thank you for wiping my tears. Most of all thank you for not telling me when you were disappointed in me, which I realize is more often than what you led on to be. I love you so much you have no idea. This book is for you. In addition, to Sarah and Colin, you two have been such and inspiration and it has been such a pleasure to watch you grow up into such upstanding people. I love you like family! You two will never understand the effect you have had on this story. Without you two I am sure I would still just be a crazy babysitter challenging the both of you to dance-offs!

To my siblings: Brittany, Courtney, Patrick and Madeline: Within these bindings, you will find clues that connect each of you to this story. I started writing this book because of all of you and your crazy childhood imaginations. You were all too young to remember when I would tell you these stories at bedtime just to get you to go to sleep. Now you can finally relive them for yourselves on these pages. Do not forget to look for the clues! Each one of you is hidden amongst these pages. The four of you are my biggest fans and never gave up on me! If I ever make it big, I will not leave you in the dust. I promised to carry you all with me! Also, thank you dad, for constantly annoying me with your speeches of how I am going to accomplish all my goals one day as long as I keep trying. You are right; the only way I can fail is if I never try at all. I love you.

Not to mention my lovely four legged children Liberty Belle and Krash Nebula: When everyone else had fallen fast asleep, you both stayed by my side until the sun rose listening to me rant aloud about how I would write certain scenes and whether or not I should rewrite this whole thing for the fourth time! Your loyalty has kept me sane even if you did tear up the garbage once I started to slumber on my desk… Do not worry… . You are forgiven. No matter how many times I had to pry my precious journals and post-it notes from your slobbering jaws, you both have a permanent place in my heart. After all, there would be no Tabitha and Rowland if it were not for the both of you! I love you babies! If we sell enough copies, you will have rawhide bones for life!

To my Jamboozies family: Val, Cheryl, Marah, Christina, Bobby, Rose, Todd, Josh P, Matt S, Matt H, Josh J, Frank, Kevin, Theresa, Aleshia, Tasha, Anne, Jon Riley, Simz, Bryan, Connie, Little Sophia, and all my regulars (Jackie and Haji included) : Thank you so much! Little do you all know, but you have all inspired me in unique ways. We all may not get along all the time but boy do I love you guys! Thank you all for accepting me into your work family.

To all my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends and Acquaintances who I consistently bugged to help me with ideas and promoting the book… I thank you! If I drove you crazy, it was only because I needed constant reminding about how important it was for me to finish this and that I could not do it without your help! Thank you for all the support and well wishes from over the years. You all are the driving push I need to keep writing for years to come. A special shout out to Mrs. DuBay, you were my favorite teacher in high school and never seemed to mind when I would write in class.

Lastly, thank you to my dearest friend Lauren. If you do not know by now, which I hope you do, this book is entirely dedicated to you. If there had there not been so much dedication and passion on your end I cannot possibly imagine ever have finishing this project. You love the characters as much as I do, sometimes more. I could not have asked for a better friend and companion on this journey. Your enthusiasm for my story is what constantly drives me to develop my characters. I look forward to being able to turn to you for advice for many more novels to come. I love you dearly.

Chapter One

I

had been awake for four

hundred and twenty-nine years. As I watched the thick snowflakes fall from the sky, I felt tired. It was an odd feeling but after all these years, I actually felt something.

A soft clinking in the next room interrupted my thoughts. The sound was familiar. I knew my brother was pacing in the library stopping occasionally to drink some brandy. A small smile found its place on my lips. Damien had picked up his habit in the early 1900’s and continued it to this day.

Had I been born lazy by nature this life would be simple. On second thought, if I had been born mortal I would be equally unhappy. How annoying it was to have mixed feelings.

A yawn escaped me as I slouched against the window, my forehead resting against the cool glass. The snow had begun to stick on every surface but the concrete. This was somewhat of a secret blessing.

Every winter the roars and sputters of snow blowers invaded the mansion. If it were not for the sounds it would all be quite amusing to watch. The neighbors all seemed to leave their houses in unison, a joint force ready to battle Mother Nature.

What are you smiling about over there Lacey? Damien had abandoned his pacing at last.

The world, I turned to him. It is constantly changing and we remain the same.

I know. He came and rested a hand on my shoulder. We are perfect. I could not ask for anything more.

Do you not ever wish you were imperfect? It all gets quite old after a while.

Have I ever wished to be imperfect? My brother frowned as if I had spit in his direction. Why would you want to be imperfect? It makes you so-

Human? I asked him. I only wish I had more human qualities, and then everyone would not envy me so.

What is wrong with being envied? He grinned at himself in the nearby mirror. What is wrong with it I say? Let them envy and bow to our every will.

A loud sigh emitted from me. You do not understand. Being human is what we are trying to do. Getting away from the immortal ways is what we are trying to accomplish as well.

I know that. I was just trying to make you laugh. He grinned again.

You are so witty. I teased, So very, very witty.

He went to walk away from me. Damien easily tired of my complaints of being a half-breed. It was easy for him to adjust to the ever-changing life. I, however, did not enjoy it at all.

Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like to be clumsy? I asked to his retreating back.

Clumsy! He paused, laughing loudly. Why, people who are clumsy are embarrassed.

Yes, we have never had an embarrassing moment in our lives!

Well that is because we are confident and of course not clumsy. He winked at his reflection.

Yes, but don’t you ever wonder what it would be like?

No. He shook his head sternly. You know people like that are not perfect. They are not like us.

Will you stop saying that? We are only perfect to the humans. The eyes of the immortals see as abominations.

Oh, what do they matter anyways?

I sighed in resignation. Forget I said anything Damien. I don’t know what I was thinking assuming you would understand.

On the turn of my heel I walked swiftly out of the room. By no means was I angry with my brother; he was as content with life as I was bored.

About halfway up the grand staircase I froze. My hand gripped the railing in a slight panic. There was someone on the property, walking right towards the front door.

Damien stood at the end of the stairs. The look on his face told me he sensed it as well. Go upstairs and stay there until he leaves.

I quickly ascended the rest of the way to the second level. Rather than going to my room, I walked the length of the hallway to my study. This room was more of a physical timeline of my life. Along the walls were paintings of myself as a child. After that time, however, paintings turned to black-and-white photos to more recent colored snapshots.

Over the increasing centuries it has become easier to blend in with the humans. When Damien and I had first realized we had inherited immortality from our father it was a difficult life. There was not as many populated places in the world for us to live. As we both stopped aging in our twentieth year of life, we could not stay in one area for more than a few years at a time.

Once America had been discovered we fled Europe. We sought the safety of the new land during the massive witch hunts of Ireland and England. For years we had been alternating between the two countries. Our fear of being burned or hung was enough to convince us to leave.

Now we lived in an upscale area of the southeast side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Most of the houses in the gated community were brand new. During the construction stage Damien had paid a pretty price for three lots. The mansion stood in the middle of the land, twice as large as the other homes, and with grand landscaping.

Every step taken was to ensure our privacy. The neighbors on either side of us could not peer out of their windows and into the mansion’s because of the space. We did not get many callers but when we did we were cautious. It was no secret we rarely left our home, ignoring the door would be suspicious.

I laid myself across the burgundy lounge beneath the largest window in the room. My mind began to wander aimlessly. For three years we had been hiding within the confines of these walls. It would be a shame if we could not stay here very long. A small shudder ran up my spine. Just six months ago I nearly exposed our family secret.

Sitting up quickly I pushed the memory from my thoughts. There was nothing that could be done about my past mistakes now. All there was to do was forget and move on. My loyalty to her brother was more important.

Damien came to retrieve me once the stranger had left. I was always to stay out of sight when men were near. Though we are only half immortal we inherited the flawless beauty that could bring the humans of the opposite sex to obsession. Of course, our caller had been a man.

My brother told me the man was new to our street and had been introducing himself. I swear why do they feel the need to make themselves known to us?

To be polite, Damien. It is not as if we were ever the type to bring a pie as a gesture of welcome. I smiled at him. I do suppose we could send one.

Why do you insist on being acquainted with people? You are only going to cause trouble we do not need.

I am lonely in this place all day and night. Plus the boredom will surely drive me mad soon.

So get a pet, Lacey.

I could almost feel my face light up. Honest Damien? Do you really mean it?

Of course I do. Go down to the shelter and rescue a few. I know you will not be able to get just one. He said knowingly.

I threw my arms around him. Oh thank you! This is so exciting. You should come with me and rescue a poor animal yourself.

He stepped away from me. Hesitating, he slowly nodded his head. Just as long as it is not a rodent. I have a feeling I am going to regret this.

Could you ever regret bringing your sister happiness? I grabbed his hand and led him out of the house.

Disgusting, he made a face as we stepped out into the chilly air. Snow freckled his pale cheeks. I despise the snow.

I laughed. If it were not for our identical dark hair and serious blue eyes it would be a wonder if we were really related at all. "Well I adore the snow!"

Our voices carried out in the open. Damien shook his head at me. There were parted curtains in a few of the windows around us. I did not mind the curious neighbors nearly as much as my brother.

Just for fun, I twirled around in the thick falling flakes before following Damien to the garage. Oh calm down will you? It is courteous of us to let them know we are alive.

He did not answer. Rather than to argue my behavior he got into his favorite vehicle. The sleek black Chevy Camaro rumbled to life.

I slid into the passenger seat and inhaled deeply. The smell of leather and armor-all drew me in. My brother had owned the car for a year and it still looked as if it had just been driven off of the lot.

The tint on the car’s glass was so dark our outlines could not be seen from the outside. Those who were anxious for another glimpse of Damien and I abandoned their quests. I did not doubt they would be back when we returned.

There was a disadvantage to being immortal. Since the only person I talk to is Damien, conversations have long run out. I love my brother dearly but I know everything about him and his views are impossible to change. There was desperation within me to have a long talk with a stranger.

I am no mind reader, dear sister, but I can guess what you are thinking about. My brother slowed the car to stop at a light. Please do not take advantage of this outing to try and make friends.

You give this speech every time we leave the mansion. Should it not be assumed I would be remembering by now?

I do not consider myself foolish enough to assume anything with you.

My lower lip jutted out, I am insulted you would say such a thing. Besides, I see nothing wrong with making a friend when we are going to leave eventually anyways.

That is not the point. He stomped on the gas as the light turned. "Humans will not like you for the reasons you want. They will love you for what you are; dogs or cats will love you for who you are."

I did not reply; there was nothing to be said. Damien was right, however, there was a part of me that felt not all humans could be bound to adore my immortal side. If there was one person who could find a flaw within me I was determined to find them.

The Humane Society was a relief when I saw it. Damien and I had been silent during the remaining journey to the secluded building. I could sympathize with the animals. They were tucked away from sight and society just as I was forced to be.

Before the building was a small pen where a horse, two ponies and a gray donkey paced. I looked back down the path to the road. Trees surrounded this place except for that small path. How could people leave an animal in such a lonely place as this?

May I help you two?

We turned to see a frail looking woman leaning against the side of the pen. She seemed to fit in with the surroundings compared to the shiny Camaro and designer clothes my brother and I were clad in. Though she was plain I could sense she had a good heart.

It was a comforting feeling knowing she cared for these animals. I secretly hoped it would not cause the woman any torment by taking some of the creatures for my own. Damien was right about one thing: I had way too much emotion for people I had no business knowing or caring for. To be honest, I would most likely never see this woman again in her lifetime and she would remain a memory to me for decades.

The frail mortal politely invited us in and introduced herself. Her name was Dorthea. Being an older woman with a ring on her finger she paid no mind to Damien’s beauty.

Now what can I do for you two? Her sharp eyes read our faces as if looking for some hidden answer to an unasked question.

Damien flashed his business grin at the woman. My dear sister here needs a pet.

What type of critter are you interested in? We have all kinds. Dorthea’s voice was sweet and gentle.

I could hear heavy panting in the back of the building and the fast beating hearts of an excited bunch of young pups.

Do you happen to have any young dogs? I smiled kindly at Dorthea. I believe they would make the perfect pet.

You know, it’s funny you would ask me about puppies. The woman gestured for us to follow her. We found a small litter about a week back of the most beautiful Alaskan Malamutes I have ever seen. The mother must have run off or died because these poor things were half starved, all alone in the woods.

I nudged my brother, Damien, they sound like exactly what we are looking for.

They do? He cocked his brow. Those half dead unwanted mutts? Sounds like a burden to me, dear sister.

Dorthea glared at Damien. I certainly hope you don’t intend on treating these animals with anything less than the utmost respect.

Not to worry, ma’am. These will not be my pets by any means. He threw a wink in my direction. My sister already appointed herself as the primary caregiver in our home.

I ignored my brother’s unnecessary comment. Before me was a kennel which contained four adorable puppies. They had bright brown eyes and cotton candy pink tongues. From that moment on I knew that they would have to be a part of my life.

These are the ones. Dorthea stuck her fingers in the cage to be licked. Now they’re about two months old by my reckoning so they are set to be adopted. Unfortunately, half of them are already reserved. Now these two here are still available if you’d like. The only problem is they are completely inseparable.

Oh, it is no problem at all! I smiled widely at the woman. We will take both of them with us.

You’re sure? She seemed mildly surprised. Well, if that’s what you have your mind set on I won’t be arguing with you.

Lacey, you do not wish to see any of the other dogs? Damien had an unpleasant look on his face.

Scarlett despised high school, especially history class. Learning about the mistakes of old men from years ago bored her. Absentmindedly, she doodled in her notebook. Engrossed she did not hear the bell signaling freedom.

Miss Jenxon class is over. I know you’re in a hurry to finish the paper that is due tomorrow but I would like to go home.

"Oh, uh,