Crowning Fantasy Book 1 Read online

  Crowning Fantasy Book 1

  Coral Russell

  Published by Alchemy of Scrawl, 2015.

  This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

  CROWNING FANTASY BOOK 1

  First edition. May 27, 2015.

  Copyright © 2015 Coral Russell.

  Written by Coral Russell.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Dohla, City: Rasima

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Galen Wilderness Sanddyner, City: Free Port Sanddyner

  Country: Varlid, Area: The great sea Bred Hav

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West, City: Dong Tochi

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Dohla, City: Rasima

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Rike, City: Fond

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West Wilderness, City: Dong Tochi

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Bred Hav between Dong Tochi and Seo Jog Mo Seo Li

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West Wilderness, City: Dong Tochi

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West Wilderness between Dong Tochi and Seo Jog Mo Seo Li

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West Wildernes outside Seo Jog Mo Seo Li

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Far West Wilderness, City: Seo Jog Mo Seo Li

  Country: Varlid, Nation: The Galen Wildreness Sanddyner, City: Free Port Sanddyner

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Unknown, City: Refuge

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Patri Peyi (Nokashikatekiariku), City: Vil Peyi (Nokushilukumichi)

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Unknown, City: Refuge

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Joint Forces of Varlid, City: Enade

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Dohla, City: Rasima

  Areas of Varlid:

  Background of the areas of Varlid:

  The 99 Ways encoded for your protection

  Also By Coral Russell

  About the Author

  About the Publisher

  To Suzie, thanks for being my bestest friend.

  To David, thanks again for letting me read A World Apart.

  To my family, thanks for being so supportive.

  Country: Varlid, Nation: Dohla, City: Rasima

  Some see the turning point in the history of Varlid through the lens of intercourse or lack of. - Mikachiari scholar

  Mina lay in a puddle of bodies and twitching tails. It was almost morning and time for work. The warm, living mass moved, stretched, yawned. Mina felt blunt claws no longer good for hunting raking her back, arms, legs. Someone leaned over her head and began combing through her hair, tickling her ears.

  "Mina," her best friend purred. "You're always the last one to get up." Kazi must have been the one attending to her head because sharp teeth nipped her ear.

  "I'm up," Mina grumbled. She propped herself on one elbow and leaned over the closest Mikachiari to rake her claws along a body part. Her sleep blurry eyes couldn't tell exactly which area until a hand slapped her.

  "Not there," a voice spat.

  "Sorry," Mina said. Kazi giggled and pulled Mina up and away from the dissolving puddle of Mikachiari. All females, their bodies were barely covered with bits of cloth more for the sake of their Sayids and Ashihas, than any sense of propriety on the Mikachiari's part.

  Mina let herself be half-pulled, half-dragged to the common washing room where stalls fit two at a time. The younger ones splashed water, snapped towels, their voices rose in volume until an elder hissed for quiet. Mina and Kazi hushed. When Mina drew a washcloth away from her, Kazi gasped. Red dots stood out on the light-colored cloth. Blood.

  Mina froze, her eyes widening in terror. She fell to her knees before Kazi and pleaded, "Don't tell. Please, don't tell anyone."

  ***

  Gumus Ay waded into the mine as he had for the past one hundred years. Stoic, solid, a wall of Kertenkele flesh surrounded by his brother Kertenkele, they broke rock, removed precious minerals and stones, the wealth of Dohla, and deposited it at the feet of their Elyun masters. The Kertenkele also broke up Padda nests. Any Padda unlucky enough to cross their path within the mines were exterminated. His elders did it with relish. Gumus Ay thought they were reliving the invasion of their homeland. The one they couldn't prevent. The one that destroyed their race. He was young then and didn't remember any of the mothers, wives, sisters lost forever.

  The stone shattered, exposing the minerals he picked out of the debris. Gumus Ay felt... off. For a month now it felt as if a small fire burned underneath his skin, sending heat radiating through his large body. Working in the mines sixteen hours a day, almost non-stop, had not smothered the feeling. When he collapsed into his small stone cell the smoldering sensation barely let him gain one hour of sleep.

  Hours into his repetitive job and the heat from the inside notched up. Kertenkele didn't sweat. Not that Gumus Ay had ever seen, but beads of moisture now formed on his upper lip. His thick purple tongue removed them. Toward the end of his shift Gumus Ay's large hammer froze in mid-stroke. He remembered what this inner fire meant, death.

  ***

  Mina's body trembled as Kazi ran and hid the bloody washcloth, the sign Mina would be subject to the Nodoshiku. All Mikachiari who reached this age entered the ritual with Tado, the high priestess. Tado stated the Nodoshiku ritual was necessary since the exile from their homeland in order to protect the Mikachiari. Hushed speculation circled among the younger Mikachiari as to the details of this 'protection'. The Mikachiari who returned from the ritual were silent, their eyes dark with a secret never shared.

  Until recently or maybe the resistance had always been there and Mina and Kazi only noticed when they grew old enough for it to be relevant, Mikachiari questioned, in whispers, never out loud, of Tado's insistence on this ceremony. Mina and Kazi stayed up at night discussing as their time grew near. Their discussions resulted in a pact, they would stall the inevitable for as long as they could.

  It was easy enough the first few months, Mina's period was light and the ache only annoying. The hardest part was hiding the rags until they'd found a system of washing and hiding the evidence themselves. Six months later the pain radiated down Mina's legs and her stomach clenched in cramps. When they were able to sneak a moment alone after serving lunch, Kazi rubbed circles on Mina's lower back.

  "I don't know how much longer we can keep this up," Mina whispered to Kazi.

  "I'll find something for the pain, surely the Ashiha has something."

  "I'm sure she does but with what excuse? Ashiha's not going to just give it to us. Asking will raise suspicion."

  Kazi bared her teeth in agitation. "I've been thinking, I'm bound to start soon and what will we do then?"

  "You're a true friend for going along with this but maybe it's time to ask an elder sister for help. Whatever is done during the ceremony, it can't be that bad."

  "I'm not willing to give up yet. I'll keep alert for something or someone to help us."

  Ashiha Esarotarahis entered the large courtyard of the Mikachiari servants and the usual constant purr of conversation grew silent. "I need a Mikachiari to run an errand for me." Many ears pricked up at the chance of leaving the servant's quarters until the Ashiha explained. "It's in the Kertenkele market." At her announcement ears flattened and eyes wandered elsewhere.

  Mina and Kazi exchanged a glance and both shot forward. With a bow before the Ashiha Mina replied, "We'll go."

  The Ashiha's eyebrows raised for a moment before handing over a medium-sized package with the name of the merchant to look for in the market. She spoke the words Mina needed to hear, "Take your time."

  Kazi jumped forward to
follow Mina but Ashiha Esarotarahis motioned her back. "I just need one to go."

  Mina hung back hugging the package.

  "Go," Kazi mouthed.

  Mina tilted her head in apology to Kazi and slipped through the door and out into the streets of Rasima.

  ***

  Since the day in the mine when Gumus Ay realized his condition, he had redoubled his efforts to control the fire flowing through his body. They were trained from early childhood by Onyx Ay himself to prevent this very thing, the Cinsel Iliski. Warned repeatedly of the dire consequences facing all his brothers if the Ofkelenmek were unleashed upon Rasima again. With a heavy face, he slowly lowered his hammer. He was losing the battle over the control of his own body.

  Should he turn himself over to Onyx Ay? Maybe he hadn't studied hard enough, concentrated on Onyx Ay's lessons long enough, wasn't strong enough. Gumus knew a death sentence hung over his head at this display of weakness. Shame made him sag forward. Gumus was from the same clan as Onyx.

  "Gumus?" Buclu Okuz asked. The question was hesitant since Kertenkele never sickened or weakened or tired. They marched on for hundreds of years.

  Gumus looked up.

  "Are you... sweating?"

  Gumus's tongue darted out to remove the sweat. He shook his head 'no' and opened his mouth to speak when the klaxon bell for break rang out through the mines.

  "Drink," Gumus muttered and stalked out of the mine. He continued past the others where they stopped to eat. He ignored Buclu's calls. Soon every Kertenkele was watching as he left the mines and headed toward the Kertenkele market.

  ***

  Gumus was the only Kertenkele walking around the market at this time of day. He felt the eyes of the Sudawas on him as he passed. Gumus was as conspicuous as a hill with wildflowers sprouting from the top taking a stroll down the street. He would have to weave through the back alleys to his small, single room. He ducked through a stone archway when a hot, rolling wave surged through him. He stumbled against the stone wall, sweat rolling down his face and plunking on the pavement under his feet.

  Not here, not now.

  Gumus Ay had to barricade himself in his room until he could bring himself under control. Each step sent another wave crashing through him. No exact explanation of the Cinsel Iliski was given except that at the last stage it resulted in a rampage of such destruction, death was the only way to stop it. This was supposed to be a phase only possible in those Kertenkele who did not mate. The females were the key but the Kertenkele were a dead race, their females eaten up from the inside out by the Bocek. His giant chest heaved and he stumbled into a pile of stacked crates.

  A high-pitch yelp shot out from behind one of the crates that had tumbled down. Gumus recoiled at the thought of being caught during this fatal weakness. He flicked the crate away and revealed a Mikachiari crouching in the darkness.

  Female.

  His mind registered this much right before an opaque veil dropped in front of his eyes. He reached a massive arm down and clamped his hand across her entire face. Her terrified eyes peeped through the cracks between his fingers.

  A rumble rose from his chest as he picked her up and hugged her to his chest.

  Female.

  Squeezed against him, she resembled a furry package with a dangling, ribbon of a tail. Tension eased out of his body just enough for him to move his legs forward, weaving around the deserted back alley ways until he reached his room.

  A kick sent the wooden door clanging against the stone wall. Kertenkele were too massive for beds. Woven mats were on one side of the room and a small kitchen on the other. He dumped the Mikachiari on the mats and closed the door. There was no way she could escape with one tiny window at the back and Gumus filling the rest of the living space.

  Gumus was safe here. There were no other Kertenkele around at this time and no reason any Elyun would wander into the living spaces of their willing slaves. The Kertenkele had no vices and could offer no entertainment to the Elyun. Kertenkele lived as monks, the perfect working machines, the perfect guests in a foreign land.

  The Mikachiari stared at him with wide eyes. Kertenkele and Mikachiari did not mix. This could be the first time she'd ever seen one up close. Mikachiari barely spoke the language of their masters, Loha. She had backed into the corner and made herself as small as possible. The veil that had fallen across Gumus's eyes lightened and his mind reeled in horror at what he'd done. The Kertenkele were to harm no one. Ever. Such was the penance for the slaughter of their females. His knees buckled and he fell on them with a thud.

  Gumus flattened one palm against the wall. The burning so strong he thought he would burst into flames. His thick fingers pulled out his coarse shirt from leather shorts. A glow like embers from a fire fanned down from his belly to just above his knees.

  "Help me," Gumus said, bewildered at the pleading in his voice.

  The Mikachiari's mouth dropped open revealing tiny, pointed teeth. She hiccuped but did not speak.

  There were no other creatures in Varlid save Bocek and Padda as massive as Kertenkele. But the female Kertenkele were gone. Only males survived the invasion of the Bocek. Gumus was too young to remember when his brothers made the march of mourning, Sabah Yuruyusu, and placed themselves upon the mercy of the Elyun.

  Curiosity skittered across the Mikachiari's face. "Wha—What wrong?" she stammered.

  Gumus's shoulders powered up and down. The sensation of flames pouring out through his skin made him double over and moan. He rocked back on his heels as his eyes glazed over and the opaque veil dropped again.

  ***

  Gumus had no idea how much time had passed. The stones beneath him were slick with sweat. His body twitched and heat waves as hot as the Buyuk Col desert, passed over him. Just like that desert there was no rain, no relief. He pounded the wall in frustration. A scuttling sound reminded him the Mikachiari was still in the room. Why had he brought her here?

  Breath, it always starts with the breath, Onyx Ay had instructed. Do no harm. Do no harm. Do no harm. Gumus vowed he would take his own life before he harmed this creature. Still taking in great lungfuls of air, he sat up, grabbed the Mikachiari and hugged her to his chest.

  There was a pinpoint of sensation that sparked between warm and scalding hot like a current. Do no harm. Do no harm. Do no harm. Gumus slumped back and drifted away into unconsciousness.

  ***

  Mina gathered herself and pushed. The dead weight of the Kertenkele's arms held her firm.

  Stupid. Stupid. Stupid! She'd taken too much time to clean up. It felt so good to be out from the watchful eyes of Tado and Ashiha that she'd relaxed. The Kertenkele were all supposed to be in the mines this time of day.

  The Kertenkele's skin was cool and smooth to the touch. She'd never seen a Kertenkele up close. They lived in separate areas of Rasima and other than their similar sad history, they had no use for one another. One had never glowed before and no one had mentioned they did. Mina closed her mouth around the area of his skin closest to her and bit down as hard as she could. Nothing. Not even puncture marks.

  Mina let the heaving of the Kertenkele's chest lull her to sleep like the rocking motion of a boat. Ships had carried the Mikachiari across the Bred Hav sea to the nation of Dohla and the Elyun. They were servants, some even said slaves, but Mina had never wanted for anything in the Sayid's house.

  Her lips curled into a snarl at the reason she and her sisters were here - Chikitofu Meikizikashiteari. Those two words encased the entire event when the magic users raided her homeland, slaughtered their males and reduced their allies, the Faglar, to paupers clinging to the corners of their homeland.

  The Elyun and everyone else in Varlid called them Asistan Ti, the tiny wizards, and had open diplomatic relations. It did not extend to returning the female Mikachiari who had escaped and asked for sanctuary within Dohla and other parts of Varlid. The Kertenkele fluently spoke, Loha, the language of the Elyun, but the Mikachiari stood fast to their language and a few rem
aining traditions they could practice in their adopted home. They learned just enough to get by in their duties and no more.

  A pounding at the door woke both of them. Mina hissed from the top of the Kertenkele's chest. With a gentle touch, she was lifted and set down across from the door.

  "What's your name?" the Kertenkele asked. His deep voice vibrated in her ears.

  "Mina." After a pause she asked, "You?"

  "Gumus Ay." The pounding on the door became insistent. "I'm sorry. I'll do my best to see that no harm comes to you."

  Mina wondered what he was sorry for.

  ***

  Three Kertenkele in the shape of a triangle filled the doorway, Onyx Ay at the head. Kertenkele faces weren't as expressive as the Elyun or Mikachiari, but Onyx Ay's face was etched with sorrow. He looked down at the dull glow on Gumus Ay's chest and legs. He reached his arms out and rested them on Gumus's shoulders. "I have failed you."

  Shame fell on Gumus like a shroud. "It is I who have failed you." He reached forward and ripped his shirt in two.

  A ruckus outside the room made Gumus look over Onyx's shoulder. Tado, the high priestess, climbed the backs of the two Kertenkele behind Onyx screaming in Takatojidokajiku the language of the Mikachiari. Few understood more than a couple of words of their language, since one word often encompassed an entire subject. Whatever Tado was saying made Mina flex her claws in Gumus's leg and whimper.

  "Onyx, do with me what you will, may my sacrifices be remembered, but don't let anything happen to this Mikachiari. This is entirely my fault. I... I don't know why I brought her with me."

  Tado still screaming atop the shoulders of the Kertenkele, switched to Loha, the language of the Elyun. "What happened? Why my daughter? Do no harm, Kertenkele!" When she saw Gumus's glowing body she froze for a moment and then shrieked in earnest, incomprehensible in any language.

  Onxy motioned with his head to start backing out of the room. When they moved into the hall outside, Tado was able to squirm between the legs of the Kertenkele and grab Mina. Gumus moved to interfere but Onyx encircled his neck while the other two grabbed his arms.