The Stolen God: Powers Truth

About the Author

Gemma Farley was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. As a lover of books and with imaginings of other worlds, she began creating her own. Gemma’s debut novel, The Stolen God, was released in 2016, with The Stolen God – Powers Truth the next instalment in the series. Gemma hopes that all who read her books are swept away by their own imagination.

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Dedication

For my family and friends and the adventures we have shared, the places we have explored and the journeys still to come.

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The Stolen God – Powers Truth

Published by Austin Macauley at Smashwords

Copyright 2018, Gemma Farley

The right of Gemma Farley to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission. No paragraph of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with the written permission of the publisher, or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956 (as amended). Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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A CIP catalogue record for this title is

Available from the British Library.

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www.austinmacauley.com

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The Stolen God – Powers Truth, 2018

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

ISBN 9781788487085 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781788487078 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781788487092 (E-Book)

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First Published in 2018

Austin Macauley Publishers.LTD/

CGC-33-01, 25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf, London E14 5LQ

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – The New World

Chapter 2 – Hiding

Chapter 3 – Command

Chapter 4 – Molus

Chapter 5 – Family Ties

Chapter 6 – Ultimatum

Chapter 7 – Challenge

Chapter 8 – Seeking Help

Chapter 9 – The Seer

Chapter 10 – Why Me

Chapter 11 – The Journey Begins

Chapter 12 – A Helping Hand

Chapter 13 – Which Way Now

Chapter 14 – Prison

Chapter 15 – The Turning Tide

Chapter 16 – Through the Looking Glass

Chapter 17 – A Matter of Blood

Chapter 18 – The Power Within

Chapter 19 – The Depth of Emotion

Chapter 20 – Rescue

Chapter 21 – The Next Step

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Chapter 1

The New World

Looking out the window from his principal’s office at Paruna College, Alax Myron still didn’t know how to react to the events of the last few weeks. As a good and faithful resident of Aruna, he had always believed in the gods as he had been taught to do so as a child, but to know that it was more than religious zealotry seemed unbelievable. Gods existed and to make it even more earth shattering, one existed amongst the mortals of Aruna living as one of them, despite his royal heritage.

Two weeks ago, the world had been on the brink of a Civil War that threatened to destroy more than just human life until Bart, an unclassed mediator in the Paruna army, had stunned the world and sacrificed himself to prevent the destruction of war taking place. In his act of selflessness, Bart’s origins were revealed, as his birth parents came from the skies to reclaim their stolen son who had through his own actions proven himself worthy of his birth right as a god.

Bart’s heritage was as much of a shock to himself as the rest of the world and, although it made sense to those who knew the man well, the revelation changed more than his life that day. Bart had created a barrier between the two opposing sides of the army that prevented any from crossing it that did not have peaceful intentions, forcing the world to discuss the issues between the two sides, and begin the process of healing the rifts and bring about peace in Aruna. Many people had thought the barrier would disappear within hours of its erection, but to this day, it still stood as strong as ever only allowing those with peaceful intent to pass through.

Although peace was now present throughout Aruna, it was not stable, and the level of work still required to repair the years of disagreement and resentment was enormous. Alax’s personal view was that the barrier would remain in place until peace was stabilised across Aruna. Alax had attempted to find out from Bart himself if he was correct in this view but had not received a clear answer. Bart had responded to his queries stating that the answer lay in the hands of the people of Aruna and it was their choice when the barrier should come down.

The biggest shock that came from the arrival of the gods and Bart’s revelation was, that when King Tolus and Queen Lia of the gods had informed Bart that it was time for him to return to the gods, Bart had actually refused stating his place was on Aruna with Kristy, the love of his life. The response from the ruling gods had been explosive and Alax believed that had it not been for their desire to have their son become part of their lives once more, it would have turned ugly.

Alax had been present on that fateful day, and watched Bart refuse to return to the realm of the gods with his parents and then leave with Kristy. King Tolus and Queen Lia had followed after him fuming, and in front of both gathered armies told Bart that he had no choice in the matter and that he would return with them at once. Alax was not the only one surprised by Bart’s response to his biological family which was a short and sweet ‘no’ before vanishing with a crack, Kristy right beside him throughout. Those gathered were silent and still, as the gods looking angry and stunned returned back to their own realm in a darkening cloud.

The couple had not been seen for the next two days, and probably wouldn’t have returned when they did if it had not been for Kristy’s position within the Council of Minds and their joint desire to see the world rebuilt anew. On their return, Kristy had plunged into the tasks required of the remaining Councillors and Bart had joined in wherever he could be of best help, rounding up individuals still angling for war or destroying hidden caches of weapons.

Their return had stirred up a hornet’s nest of gossip and intrigue which was made even more fascinating by their lack of willingness to discuss the matter. Bart had even gone so far as to say that he was grateful that his lineage had enabled him to help the people of Aruna but that he considered himself one of them and Aruna was where he was meant to be.

Despite the fact that the gods had not been seen since the day that peace began, the knowledge that they did in fact exist had seen a resurgence in the old religion. Temples that once stood in ruin now stood proud and tall, new temples were being erected in areas where none existed, and daily homage was paid to the gods for their wisdom, guidance and protection by the people of Aruna. Alax found this display to be quite disturbing as although he was stunned to discover they did exist, he wondered where they had been for all this time, and why they did not intervene and prevent the war, destruction, famine and atrocities that had swept the lands over the years. If gods were all powerful, why did they not help the world they were meant to rule?

Alax was wise enough to keep these thoughts to himself as he knew they were not shared by the bulk of the people of Aruna and those who thought the same as him, were also wise enough to keep it to themselves. Kristy’s return had been a warm relief to Alax though, as the stability of her presence had helped to ensure that the discussions between the Powered and the Technicians had been able to continue making certain that peace had the best chance possible.

The former ruler of the Council of Minds, Chief Councillor Feiht, had vanished hours after the arrival of the gods along with many other key members of the Council and senior individuals amongst the elite of the Powered community which left a void for Kristy to fill. Although Kristy had been loath to take on the leadership of the Council, she had seen the wisdom in taking over it as an interim measure until a restructure of the Council had been completed and a general election held to select the new leader.

Along with Kristy, Alax and the remaining Councillors, several key members of the Technicians including Representative Aldred, the former Technician leader, had joined them as part of a drive to incorporate key members from all regions in Aruna into the governing of the land. Initially, sparks had flared as each side had striven to take the lead in the discussions, and it was only Kristy’s calm and level approach which seemed to bring all onto an even keel. Although she had not wished to take on the role, it was clear to everyone that she was a natural born leader and Alax suspected that through a general election, she would be selected as the chosen ruler of the new Council.

Alax was in awe of Kristy’s abilities, most would have assumed that the events of the Civil War would have changed Bart the most, but to Alax this was not the case, the woman Alax now interacted with was so different to the one he had once taught and mentored. Kristy’s experience of losing Bart only to have him once more at her side, but for how long was anybody’s guess, had seen her experience grief and joy far beyond what her years should have seen, and the woman this brought forth was formidable. Kristy’s time with Bart, interactions on the Council with Councillor Feiht amongst those of the war, gave her an understanding to reach people on both sides of the equation, in every facet of rule, making her the fairest leader Aruna could ever hope to see and this knowledge was not lost on the people.

A decision was yet to be reached on how the future of governing Aruna would look but Alax had absolute faith that this would be a positive outcome which saw a fair approach to all. Although he would have liked to stay and continue working with the Council on the next stages, it had been necessary for him to return to Paruna College, and see to the new school year preparations and the changes that would be required to accommodate this new era of Aruna.

During the last few days, it had become apparent that the Technicians still felt segregated from the Powered community as there was no central school for Technicians, and that it may now be time to look at melding the two student populations. This identification had meant that Alax would need to begin the process of reviewing the school structure in conjunction with several Technician educators to work out a way to integrate the different requirements into a new learning stream for all.

Returning to his desk, Alax sighed and began to once more pore over the subjects that the Powered and Technician students learnt, thankfully, history, language, mathematics and sciences were consistent across the board but the rest were extremely varied. It would not be simple to ensure that all students left with a well-rounded education but also able to master their own abilities. About to give up for the day, Alax gave a start as he heard a knock on his door. Who would be at the school at this time of the day?

Walking to the door, Alax swung it open, and to his absolute surprise, Bart stood proud and tall with a smile to greet Alax, ‘Do you mind if I speak to you, Principal Myron?’

Stammering a little in his response, ‘Of course, Bart, it would be an honour to talk and please call me Alax, there is no need to stand on formality anymore.’

Smiling in response, Bart moved into the office and seated himself in the chair, and patiently waited for Alax to close the door behind them and return to his chair.

‘Can I offer you something to drink, Bart?’ Alax indicated the pot of tea he had just brewed, and with a nod of confirmation from Bart, he poured two cups and passed one over to Bart. The two sat in silence for a few moments as each took a sip of the warm drink and Alax could not help but wonder about the young gods’ appearance in his doorway.

Having worked so closely with Bart the last year during his previous schooling, it was hard for Alax to imagine that the man that sat opposite him now was stronger and more powerful than Alax could even comprehend. When he had first met Bart, had first felt the power that he could produce, Alax had known he was different but had never been able to truly understand what made him tick. It was still a mystery to Alax how he could have actually taught Bart anything in the hours they had spent together, especially considering his powers were not of mortal beings.

‘Principal Myron, sorry, Alax. I’m sorry if I disturbed your work,’ Bart indicated the papers on Alax’s desk and interrupted Alax’s thoughts.

‘No worry at all, Bart, you’re actually a welcome break. I have been comparing the syllabus from both Paruna College and Technician schools to try and find a starting point to integrate the two before my meeting later this week.’ Nodding in response to the task Alax was undertaking, Bart returned to his tea adding between sips, ‘I was hoping to be of help with you on this matter if you would be open to the assistance.’

Alax’s shock must have been evident on his face as looking at him Bart broke out into a laugh adding, ‘I know I’m no scholar but I think having someone who was partially educated in both streams might provide a unique insight.’

Realising that Bart was unsure if his help was welcomed or not, Alax quickly interjected, ‘I’m sorry, Bart, my response was not one of dismissal, but shock that someone of your station would want to spend time looking at a new school curriculum with me.’

Placing his now empty cup and saucer on the table, Bart responded, ‘The position I find myself in is one I am not yet fully certain of how to respond to, but what I can do is help. I can use my abilities and knowledge to help in whatever way can best serve to improve the lives for those living in Aruna. I am not arrogant enough to think that my newly founded origins give me any greater right to tell others how to live or act but what I have always wanted to do was help in finding a path of peace for all those within Aruna and I think education is critical in that future.’

Alax was not certain how to respond to Bart’s comments. Bart was in fact a god, immortal but yet more human than many others he had met over his years. Bart’s words showed wisdom well beyond his years but Alax felt that this was more the man than the god in what he said. Choosing instead to focus on the reason for Bart’s visit than attempt to respond to words of such depth, Alax answered, ‘It would be a pleasure to hear your thoughts on the issues I am facing with the course identification Bart. The task is much larger than I had initially thought and honestly I am having trouble working out the best place to start.’

‘The core subjects that all students in Aruna undertake are easy to merge due to the fact that in general, despite no direct consultation, the programs have ended up in similar learning patterns and timelines. Where I am getting stuck is the hands on trades of the Technicians and the Powered skill development, the subjects are completely separate, and have no overlapping segments. This lack of similarity will force the segregation of the students by necessity which is the reverse of what we are trying to achieve for the new program. Do you see the problem I’m facing?’ Bart looked thoughtful at Alax’s words and the causes of his concerns on the new program structure. Moving forward in his seat, Bart pulled several of the papers towards him.

Alax was extraordinarily curious about what Bart’s ideas might be to bring the two opposite program requirements closer but decided to remain quiet until Bart spoke up. Returning the papers to the desk, Bart once more leaned back in his chair with a pensive look on his face as he spoke. ‘I can see what you mean about the difficulties with this, but if you were to strip back the theory from the practical for the Powered and Technician classes, you would be able to give crossover learning for all.’

It took a moment for Alax to realise that Bart had finished talking and that his mouth was hanging open in what could only be perceived as an unintelligent look. Shaking himself, Alax exclaimed, ‘Brilliant! An absolutely brilliant idea, Bart. If we strip them back, all students will understand what is required to apply, both skills and the impact, if they are applied incorrectly but still allow them the opportunity to develop the practical aspect.’ Alax was utterly thrilled at Bart’s suggestion as it enabled a fresh approach to all of the subjects needing to be integrated into the overall curriculum.

For the remainder of the afternoon, Alax and Bart reviewed each class, and discussed what was applicable to both Technician and Powered students, and what was appropriate for just one or the other. Although the pair frequently disagreed on the exact split of the classes as they discussed their different views on it, they eventually closed in on the finer details and after several hours work, had a rough draft for the entire school.

Alax was surprised at Bart’s candour as they worked, he spoke about what it had been like finding out about who his parents were, his new-found elevated status, and the impacts on his relationships with Kristy and his mother. The latter of these seemed to get Bart the most agitated as he talked about the difficulties his mother had faced with the town she lived in and the lack of time that he had with Kristy before she had been needed back at the Council of Minds.

The time passed pleasantly for Alax, the task which had frustrated him earlier that day had ended up being an enjoyable and engaging activity working with Bart. Despite knowing intellectually that he was sitting and conversing with a god, Alax found he was forgetting this, and instead talked openly about his views on each topic and the potential results for Aruna, depending on the decisions made by the Council of Minds.

Alax was interested to see what Bart thought about Kristy’s future but had to be patient before asking the question. The moment eventually presented itself as the sun began to sink and not wanting to lose the opportunity was quick