6
(Terraday)
Rain poured down outside the Complex as Obion walked swiftly from his quarters where he’d eaten a quick breakfast. His red-orange Kyrilian cloak billowed in his wake.
“You walk swiftly this morning,” Cyanus observed as he and Tyree joined Obion.
“Ory sounded very excited just now. He’s in the library.”
“He’s started early,” Cyanus remarked. “Considering what time he must have got home last night, that’s really remarkable. The canteen was really quiet this morning.”
“The rain can’t have helped,” Obion replied. “I know that I didn’t feel like braving the rain. We really need a skywalk between our building and the Refuge.”
“There is a passageway about three floors deep, but it’s in poor repair,” Cyanus said.
“Maybe I can help get it fixed up again,” Obion offered.
“I dislike being underground,” Cyanus admitted. “I would be grateful for your help overseeing that project. Now, let’s see what Ory has been up to so far.”
They joined the teenager who sat at an HPS terminal, using his mind to skim through stuff so fast that it would give most people a headache.
“I don’t think I’ve seen many who can sort through things that fast,” Cyanus said.
“Good morning, Abári, Tyree,” Ory Tapnell said to Cyanus. “Obion, I’ve found all sorts of Neví and Balan-related intel!”
“Good morning, Ory. I’m glad you’ve started nice and early,” Cyanus replied.
“Anyway, what did you find?” Obion asked. “You were very excited over the PCS.”
“They have issued Death Edicts on this Zilan and his student,” Ory answered.
“Any name on the student?” Obion Laugar asked.
“None. I don’t know if they just haven’t gone to the trouble of naming him, or if they didn’t know. Anyway, this Zilan sounds to be a bit of a rogue. He’s been defying their orders and giving them reason to question his loyalty. They even mobilized their Towani cell,” Ory said.
“I didn’t know they had a Towani cell,” Cyanus said gravely.
“That could be what we found in the warehouse,” Tyree said.
“If they have a Towani cell, it sounds like we need to become more aware of them,” Cyanus said. “But if that was what we found in the old Uugli base, I don’t think we have a whole lot to fear from them.”
“Abári, if the Uugli building hasn’t been used in over 15 years, how is it still in such great condition?” Ory asked. “Obion and I walked past that warehouse yesterday, it doesn’t make sense to me.”
“That is a good question, Ory,” Cyanus answered. “It’s a question which needs answering.”
“Magna-seals can sometimes help hold a building together if they are strong enough,” Obion replied.
“But they’re not going to keep it looking pristine,” Ory argued.
“Very true. Anyway, is there anything else you’ve heard about this Zilan?” Cyanus asked.
“There are many comments about Zilan being very good with a shaze – one of the best. Kri’enden trained, even.”
“Of course,” Tyree said with a smile. “Kri’enden shaze training can’t be beat!”
“Maybe we need to contact our group in Joton. Find out whether this ‘Zilan’ is known to them,” Cyanus suggested.
“I’ll get right on it,” Ory volunteered. His maqla smiled from across the room.
“Thank you,” Cyanus said.
Obion watched as Cyanus and Tyree left the library. Even outside, the sun was peeking through the dark clouds, cheering everything up noticeably.
Vissia opened her eyes to light streaming in through her window. She realized she had slept in a bit more than she had intended. Her next thoughts were of Breckan. She imagined kissing him, his hands all over her body again, touching her intimately and making her feel desired.
She heard D’zani in the living room and tried to close away her feelings. She didn’t want D’zani to worry about her. The adults around didn’t want to admit that she was growing up and had grown-up feelings. Breckan treated her like an adult. Even her roommate protected her too much.
She got dressed in greens to match her Towani cloak, taking care to look good in case she somehow managed to see Breckan, though she didn’t know anything about where he lived or worked or if he went to school somewhere. She thought also about the fact that she really needed to find a couple new outfits – plenty of things went with forest green! She needed to capitalize on it more, especially if there was any chance of Breckan seeing her!
She went out into the living room.
D’zani was floating around the living room in a dreamlike state, having put on her normal dark garments that wouldn’t clash with her tribal cloak.
Vissia laughed. “I’m not looking!” she giggled.
“And you’re not thinking about Breckan?” D’zani asked accusingly.
“Of course I am. But that’s what I went to the dance to do – find a guy. You weren’t looking and I’d say you’re just as hooked as I am!”
“Let’s go have breakfast,” D’zani said, changing the subject.
“I need something cooked this morning – something to get me going!” Vissia agreed.
“Sounds perfect!”
“Probably good if you’re guarding your thoughts just a little,” Vissia said pointedly as they left their quarters.
Outside, it was gloomy, the sun having been hidden again by the dark clouds that were pushing in from the West. Vissia dodged the puddles while D’zani plowed through them, splashing dirty water everywhere.
“Hey!” Vissia complained. “Just because you only wear black!”
“Forest green hides a lot too,” D’zani retorted, splashing another puddle.
They entered the canteen. Vissia noticed that it was quite crowded. “Everyone is here,” she observed in surprise.
“That’s because it’s lunchtime!” D’zani said, indicating the wall chrono. “So much for breakfast!”
“Makes it easier, I guess. I just want some fish and chips with plenty of sauce!” Vissia said hungrily.
They found their desired meals and sat at a table near the others.
“Good morning,” Cyanus greeted the two ladies. He seemed to have a smirk on his face. Nina and Tyree with him, the trio sat nearer the windows near some of the other A’mara.
“I swear they’re making fun of us!” D’zani said.
“The abári never makes fun of people!” Vissia said, pretending to be shocked.
“Maybe not, but he teases us all the time,” D’zani said.
“He’s just a good uncle, isn’t he?” Vissia said.
“I’m glad he’s our abári. I love Nina too.”
“Me too. We are lucky to have them.”
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Brighid's Blood 2006 and 1200 B.T.C.E. Katja and Rachel are so desperate for love that they cast two love spells one night. But the Guardians do not consider spells "fun", but rather as cries for help from the very depths of your soul. Certainly Katja and Rachel could not have possibly imagined where these spells would take them! |
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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
| Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. The Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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