Ambriel's Quest: Book 2 Read online

  Almost running down the hall, she dodged a few people who gave her curious looks. She quickly entered the battle room and found Avis alone. “Ambriel, what’s wrong?” he said with concern as he rounded the table to look into her wild eyes.

  “Where’s Mikal?” she asked in a rush.

  “I told you, he’s in the Human realm. He hasn’t made it back yet.” Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

  She took a few gulping breaths and then told him of her premonition. “Take me to Mikal,” her voice asked, demanded, pleaded at the same time, every emotion coming out at once.

  He pursed his lips and slowly shook his head. “I can’t, especially not now. Ornias has made this personal, and you’re not safe there.”

  Within the jumbled emotions, one took root and masked the others as rage fused her body. She was NOT a child, nor a prisoner, and she refused to be treated as such. Her eyes darted from Avis to the map and back to Avis in random motions. She knew she needed to calm down, think, but she couldn’t.

  Avis was talking, but Ambriel wasn’t listening. Her eyes landed on the smooth white stone lying on a cabinet that was shoved in the corner. She’d once called it a comforting stone, but it was a transport crystal. A stone filled with magic that allowed the Cusas, or half-Cusas in her case, to move from realm to realm. It was comforting that the Cusas couldn’t enter the Santiarn realm, and the Santiarns couldn’t enter the Cusas realm, not without their blood.

  “Ambriel, are you listening to me?” Avis asked, gently shaking her shoulders.

  Her eyes darted back to his, “What?” She hadn’t heard anything he’d said.

  “I said, Mikal will be back tonight. Talk to him. I’m sure he’ll take care of everything.” He smiled, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

  All she could do was nod. With one last glance at the stone, she headed out the door. She’d give Mikal time to come home, but if it wasn’t soon, then she’d have to take matters into her own hands.

  Back in her chambers, she paced. It was mid-afternoon, giving way to evening. Her stomach growled in protest, demanding food, but she ignored it as plan after plan formed in her mind. Most were quickly discarded, others put on a shelf for her to explore later. When her stomach growled again, she gave in and headed to the dining hall. She’d missed both breakfast and lunch.

  Avis sat with another male, if she remembered correctly; his name was Gabe. She grabbed a tray of food before taking a seat in front of the two.

  “Feeling better?” Avis asked as he scooped some food up with his fork.

  “Yeah, thanks.” Avis stared at her for a moment, probably gauging her odd behavior. Ambriel was normally chatty, but not today. She didn’t want to discuss anything as he’d dismissed her request quickly in the battle room.

  Avis and Gabe talked about training the other males, and Ambriel sat quietly, forming a plan while she ate quickly. They were only halfway done when she finished eating.

  “That was fast,” Avis commented.

  “Yeah, I missed breakfast and lunch.” Ambriel stood and then collected her tray. Looking at Gabe and then Avis, she said, “I’ll see you later.” She tried to give them a reassuring smile, but it felt pained.

  After leaving the dining hall she hurried to the battle room as quickly as possible. The last thing she needed was to get caught doing something she knew was wrong. Looking behind her and finding the hall empty, she hurried inside and snatched the transport crystal from the top of the cabinet. Holding it in her hand, she felt the familiar warmth and tingle that had brought her so much comfort. She slid the stone into her front pants pocket and silently headed out the door. Now, she’d wait.

  Mikal

  The Human Realm

  It was worse than Lukke had reported. The Human realm was full of chaos with the Santiarns out in full force. Thieves and murderers were at an all-time high, and he couldn’t help but feel that it was his fault. The Cusas warriors had protected the humans since they first came into existence. The humans were a young race, while the Cusas and Santiarns were not. Over the last two months he’d spent with Ambriel, he’d neglected the humans, and the balance between good and evil had tipped.

  “This is what I warned you about,” Lukke stated while standing at Mikal’s side. He and the other warriors hadn’t been here, either, but Lukke had told him several times that this would happen if they waited too long.

  “Tomorrow, we will triple our forces,” Mikal said while watching the scene before him. “For now, we hunt.”

  The Santiarns would pick a human who had evil in their heart, and then constantly whisper in their ear, becoming their subconscious. They fed the desire to steal, rape, and murder while reassuring them that it was okay.

  With his sword drawn, Mikal closed his eyes and let his senses take over, directing him to the enemy. The others followed his lead.

  He found one standing next to a human, whispering in his ear as the human held a gun on a convenience store clerk. When he raised his red eyes and spotted Mikal heading his way, he ran. Mikal gave chase and followed him down a busy sidewalk. The humans couldn’t see either of them, so he didn’t worry about the sword he carried. When the Santiarn disappeared, Mikal came to a stop, surveying the humans where he’d disappeared.

  Not being able to tell whose body the Santiarn possessed, he cursed to himself. This is where Ambriel was most helpful. She could still spot the Santiarns when they possessed a human, and the Zeaium that coated the tip of his sword would separate the Santiarn from the human.

  Mikal looked over his shoulder and spotted Lukke coming his way.

  “Did you get him?” Lukke asked.

  “No,” he said with annoyance. “Did you?”

  “Yes, I got him.” Lukke had chased after one while Mikal went after another.

  “We need Ambriel,” Lukke stated in a matter of fact tone.

  Yes, they did. But how could he bring her into this war-ridden realm? He let out a deep breath and knew she had to come. That was what the prophecy had said: A human will decide the outcome of the war. He still pondered on how that was possible. Yes, she had gifts, but was it enough?

  “I’ll bring her tomorrow,” he stated evenly.

  “Will you? You said you’d bring her today.”

  Mikal looked at Lukke. They were best friends, but Mikal didn’t appreciate his tone. He was still the Commander and would be treated as such. “Watch yourself, Lukke.”

  Lukke lowered his head before saying, “Forgive me, Commander.”

  They fought the entire day, slaying as many of the enemy as they could. Darkness now blanketed the Human realm, and Mikal silently admitted that he dreaded facing Ambriel. He’d left before she had risen, knowing that she’d insist on joining him. That was the deal they’d made, and he felt sure she would be upset, and for the first time that day, he concentrated on their bond, hoping to feel her emotions. Nothing! Confused by the odd feeling, he tried once again. Had she found a way to block their bond? Was she that upset? Fear took over, and the need to see her now consumed him. He opened the portal and stepped through….

  The Santiarn Realm

  Ornias sat on his high throne as servants weaved in and out, carrying out his every whim. Guards were posted at each of the three entrances, protecting him and his most prized valuables. The throne room was impressive to behold, even to him as he peered at the jeweled vases, golden trinkets, and expensive rugs that covered the polished floor.

  Greed gleamed in his eyes as he thought about ruling all three realms. Yes, the human was first on his list and would be his most prized possession, stealing her out from under the Cusas’ noses. He grinned with excitement.

  “Baccus, bring me the witch!” he ordered as he sipped fine wine from a gold goblet while servants set up the dining table for one, bringing in large platters of food.

  When Baccus appeared with the witch, Ornias felt irritation take over once again. She kept her timid pose, never meeting his eyes.
“Witch, what can you tell me about the human? Will she come?”

  Ornias watched; her red eyes glowed before she quietly said, “She will come earlier than you suspect. She has the power of premonition and will know of your planned movements.”

  So that’s how she does it, Ornias thought to himself. Looking at the witch, he realized that he’d always thought her weak. He should have used her more before now. She wasn’t as powerful as the human, but she had the ability to cast spells and read the powers of others, which was most helpful.

  “Baccus, you and Davas gather five others and join me for dinner,” Ornias ordered and almost laughed at their surprise. If the human knew of his planned movements, well, he’d eat with his soldiers and then decide on the spur of the moment when to visit the Human realm. Yes, this will work!

  Ambriel

  Daylight had faded to darkness as Ambriel waited for Mikal to return. She warred with the idea of quickly letting Sarah know what she’d seen in her premonitory vision. “Where is he?” she muttered to herself as she continued pacing. She had the transport crystal and thought more than once about seeking him out in the Human realm. She crossed the idea off every time it entered her mind for fear he’d take the crystal away from her. That wasn’t an option.

  When she finally stopped pacing, she let out a deep calming breath and sat cross-legged on the plush rug that covered the floor. Closing her eyes, she called on her power of premonition.

  I opened the portal with the transport crystal, and when the bright light appeared, I stepped through.

  Sarah was sitting in the recliner, covered with a blanket and reading a book. My appearance startled her. “Amber, what are you…how did you…?”

  “Hi, Sarah.” I smiled before taking a seat on the couch.

  “Where have you been? I been worried sick about you,” she said, sitting up more in the recliner.

  “It’s a long story, but I want you to know that I’ve found my family. My father’s alive.” I couldn’t help but grin when I told her the wonderful news.

  “Really? That’s great, Amber,” she said with enthusiasm.

  “Yeah, it is,” I chuckled a little in disbelief.

  “So, how did you get here?” She asked with a puzzled look.

  “That, too, is a long story.” I let out a harsh breath and said, “Look Sarah, I don’t know how to explain this, but you’re in danger…real danger.”

  “What do you mean?” she said, with concern and maybe fear etched into her features.

  “Do you remember when I told you I saw demon creatures?” At her nod, I continued, “Well, they are after me. They will try and hurt you to get to me. Is there anywhere you can go? Maybe a different city to stay with friends or something?” At her wide eyes, I continued, “Not forever! Just until we can take care of this…them.”

  Her eyes had a wild look about them. She jumped out of the recliner before saying, “Um…um, I can go stay with my old college roommate. She’s been asking me to visit.” She started pacing as her mind ran away with plans. “I’ll pack a small bag and leave tonight.”

  Getting to my feet, I stood in front of her and said, “I’m so sorry, Sarah. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, and I didn’t mean to bring this to your doorstep.” Tears filled my sad eyes before I hastily swiped them away.

  Sarah barely smiled when she replied, “It’s not your fault.” But I knew it was.

  Letting the vision fall away, Ambriel hopped to her feet with renewed vigor. Everything had gone smoothly and worked out well. All she needed to do was warn Sarah, and then she could transport back to the Cusasleon realm. It wouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.

  She’d retrieved the transport crystal from her front pocket and was just about to open the portal when she spotted the protection necklace lying on top of the chest of drawers. Not knowing what to do, she scooped it up and slid it into her pocket instead of around her neck so Mikal could find her if he came looking.

  With one last deep breath, she held out the transport crystal, closed her eyes and thought of Sarah’s house. A bright light appeared before her and she stepped through.

  The scene was just how she’d envisioned it. She slipped the crystal into her pocket just as Sarah spotted her.

  “Amber, what are you…how did you…?”

  “Hi, Sarah.” She smiled, and then all hell broke loose—loud screeches had her covering her ears before she frantically reached for the transport crystal. It was too late!

  Ornias appeared, along with seven other creatures. The one behind her grabbed her arms in such a tight grip, it foiled any chance of her getting away. The transport crystal remained safe in her front pocket, but her hands were secured behind her back.

  “How nice to find you here,” Ornias said with glee as he walked over, his body mere inches from hers.

  Ambriel noted his glowing red eyes and his dark, almost black, sharp teeth. His clawed hand came up, and he placed one black, pointed fingernail on the side of her face before letting it travel downward. She shuddered with revulsion.

  Glancing down, he reached into her pocket and pulled out the transport crystal, not that it would help him, at least not right now.

  “I’ll take this,” he said with a vicious grin. His foul breath had her turning her head away.

  Ambriel glanced to Sarah, whose eyes were wide with fear. She couldn’t see the Santiarns, but she could obviously see her and had to know that something awful was happening by her rigid stance, her arms tight behind her back.

  When Ambriel’s eyes glanced back to Ornias, they widened in horror as she watched him bite into his own wrist, causing brownish-colored blood to rush forward. He grinned viciously at her panicked expression and said, “Just like the Cusasleon realm, only someone with Santiarn blood can enter our realm. Drink up!”

  As he placed his wrist to her mouth, she turned her head and tried with renewed vigor to escape by squirming and kicking wildly. The one behind her tightened his grip before yanking her hair, tilting her head backwards. Ornias placed his wrist to her mouth once again and let the blood slide down her throat. He pinched her nose, making her mouth open automatically. She refused to swallow, but when enough blood filled her mouth, she couldn’t breathe and had no choice. When the vile stuff reached her stomach, she gagged in response.

  Ambriel watched as a black portal appeared, and they shoved her through it against her will.

  Chapter Four

  Ambriel

  The Santiarn Realm

  After the Santiarn shoved her through the portal, Ambriel stumbled, trying to catch her footing before emptying the contents of her stomach on the polished floor. Ornias’ blood tasted just as bad coming up, and she gagged again.

  “Clean this mess up!” Ornias roared.

  When her stomach calmed, she lifted her glassy eyes. Her first glance of the third realm was not what she’d expected. A massive throne lined with jewels and gold sat against the wall, which held a massive tapestry displaying an image of the leader of the Santiarn realm, Ornias. He was larger than the other Santiarns, and far fiercer looking, if that were even possible.

  The leader turned his attention to her and said with a grin, “Please, have a seat.” The Santiarn standing behind her shoved her down until she was indeed seated at a dinner table.

  “I’m so glad you heeded my warning,” he said as he lowered himself on the throne, looking like a vicious demon king. She shivered in response. “I’m hoping this will be pleasant for the both of us. If you will willingly help me defeat the Cusas, I’ll either let you live happily…or die quickly. I haven’t decided. If you refuse, I’ll keep you alive, and after taking what I need, I’ll let my soldiers have you.” Fear fused her body and soul when she noted the desire-filled stares of the other males.

  When Ambriel didn’t respond, he turned to one of the other soldiers. “Throw her in a cell and let her think about her fate for a couple of hours.” Looking at her, he said, “That’s all the time you have. Decide care
fully. I’ll see you again soon.”

  As one of the others dragged her out of the room, she got another look at the rest of the… castle? It was certainly large enough.

  As the Santiarn led her away, she dropped her mental shields but heard nothing as she took in her surroundings. The walls and floor were gray, dirty, and bare. Apparently, Ornias hoarded anything of value for himself. As they walked, she glanced into a room that held metal chairs and a window with no covering. Bleak, that was the word that came to mind.

  As he pulled her through another door, she spotted a cell. It reminded her of a jail cell with its barred door. The walls were made from rocks and mortar and had handcuffs dangling from chains that suspended from the ceiling. Ambriel shivered at the thought of those being used on her.

  He opened the cell and gave her and shove, which sent her falling face first toward the unforgiving, dirty floor. She hit hard, but luckily her hands caught her before her face hit the ground. With a loud clang, he locked the door and left her alone.

  “Shit,” she muttered as she cradled her skinned hands. Blood trickled from a couple of cuts, and she couldn’t help but blow on them to ease the burning sensation.

  Ambriel’s head snapped up when she heard the murmurings in a language she didn’t understand. It sounded like a chant, but it was in her head. She heard the thoughts of someone…but who? “Is anyone there?” she asked into the silence. Nothing. But the chant that she heard continued. Ambriel could feel the power of the spell, although she didn’t recognize it. She scooted over and sat on the floor, her back against the wall as she listened to the chant that filled the silence that surrounded her.

  Soon after taking a seat on the floor, the chanting stopped and Ambriel could hear someone. I hope that helps! I don’t know what else to do. Maybe that will help. Ambriel wondered who could be here besides her. Looking around, she found herself all alone.