by Jay Boyce
Still, she turned her head, looking out at the blue sky she could see. The nurses would be in soon to bring her breakfast and put more medication in the drip. It would dull the aching pain for a few hours.
“Oh, you’re awake already! Good morning, Jade.” Nurse Sarah had walked into the room with a small packet of medication and needles for putting it straight into her body. “Here, let’s get you up. Doctor Aaron is coming in for a checkup at nine, so we’ll do a quick sponge down and braid your hair out of the way.” Buttons were pressed, and she was slowly raised to a seated position, with Sarah sticking more pillows behind her to prop her up. “Did you sleep well?”
Jade nodded painfully, smiling. “I had the most beautiful dream.”
She turned her head to stare at the blue sky again, and Sarah smiled soothingly. “It looks gorgeous, doesn’t it?”
Another nurse bustled into the room, carrying a bowl of what felt like gruel, but was, in reality, oatmeal and milk. She stopped at Jade’s side as she bubbled cheerfully, “Breakfast time! Did you sleep well?”
“She was just telling me she had a beautiful dream. What was it about?” Heedless of her lack of response, Nurse Andrea was beginning to spoon oatmeal into her mouth while Sarah was wiping down her lifeless legs impersonally with a sponge.
Jade looked at their actions before swallowing painfully as she said quietly, “I dreamed I was healthy.” She had dreamed she could walk, and run, and do magic. As she watched Sarah pushing and pulling her legs, but not feeling a thing, a silent tear slid down her face.
“Oh, sweetheart…” There was pity on both nurses’ faces, but she kept her eyes on the sky, ignoring it. They were still going about their actions despite her inner turmoil. The day must go on, after all. They had other patients to care for, and breakfast was a busy time after all. Once she finished her oatmeal–really, it was just a token of food, she was kept alive by the saline–both nurses fussed around with her, doing her hair, trying to cheer her up.
Smiling sadly at the blue sky, she closed her eyes as she said quietly, “I think I’ll just go back to sleep now…”
“Honey, you can’t. Doctor Aaron is going to be here any minute.”
Jade opened her eyes wearily, looking at Sarah as she said softly, “I’m tired, Sarah.” She closed her eyes again, exhaustion at just sitting up and being spoon-fed oatmeal overtaking her. It was probably the drugs Sarah had injected earlier too. They always made her fuzzier. She heard Doctor Aaron coming in, asking how she was doing, but she didn’t care. She felt her consciousness slipping and welcomed oblivion.
In her dreams, she was free.
She sat bolt upright in bed, cold sweat covering her body. She glanced around the lit room, heaving a tiny sigh of relief that the sound of monitors was gone. She ran fingers over her body, muttering softly, “It was just a dream, just a dream…” Calming her wildly beating heart, she forced herself to lay down and breathe deeply. It took a few minutes before she was able to close her eyes and drift back to sleep, praying the night would pass without any further dreams...or rather, nightmares. She didn’t really want to attend her first day of school with the shadows of the night hanging over her.
Afterword
We hope you enjoyed Siphon! Since reviews are the lifeblood of indie publishing, we’d love it if you could leave a positive review on Amazon! If you scroll through to the end of this book, you’ll easily be able to leave a review, otherwise, follow this link to be redirected to the A Touch of Power: Siphon Amazon product page to leave your review: http://geni.us/Siphon.
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About Jay Boyce
Jay Boyce is an avid reader and traveler, explorer of new things. Daughter of a librarian and wielder of words, she is primarily an editor who's trying her hand at writing. A crazy dreamer, she creates stories in her head all the time, and finally decided to start writing them down and sharing the love. A perpetual learner, she also works at her local university attending classes with deaf students and gleaning knowledge on any random subject she can get her hands on. The best description of her has always been eclectic, because she wanted to try most everything at least once.
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About Mountaindale Press
Dakota and Danielle Krout, a husband and wife team, strive to create as well as publish excellent fantasy and science fiction novels. Self-publishing The Divine Dungeon: Dungeon Born in 2016 transformed their careers from Dakota’s military and programming background and Danielle’s Ph.D. in pharmacology to President and CEO, respectively, of a small press. Their goal is to share their success with other authors and provide captivating fiction to readers with the purpose of solidifying Mountaindale Press as the place ‘Where Fantasy Transforms Reality.’
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GameLit and LitRPG
The Divine Dungeon: Dungeon Born
For eons, conquering dungeons has been the most efficient way to become a strong adventurer. Although, not everything is as straightforward as it seems. Several questions have always plagued the mind of those that enter these mythical places of power: Why are there so many monsters? Where does the amazing weaponry and heavy gold coins come from? Why does the very air fill with life-giving energies?
Cal has all of the answers to these age old questions, for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Heart, a soul forced against his will into a magical stone. After several lonely years, Cal was able to regain sentience, allowing him to form new memories while slowly growing a dungeon around himself. With help from a friend, Cal learned how to create monsters and traps, increasing his power and size quickly.
When a threat to his existence rears its head, Cal decides that he will do anything to stay alive and become stronger. Unfortunately for treasure-seekers, the fastest way for Cal to achieve his goal... is to eat anyone that enters his depths.
The Completionist Chronicles: Ritualist
The decision to start a new life is never an easy one, but for Joe the transition was far more literal. After making the decision to become a permanent addition to a game world, it doesn't take him long to learn that people with his abilities are actively hunted. In fact, if the wrong people gained knowledge of what he was capable of, assassins would appear in droves.
In his pursuit of power, Joe fights alongside his team, completes quests, and delves into the mysteries of his class, which he quickly discovers can only be practiced in secret. Ultimately, his goal is to complete every mission, master every ability, and learn all of the world's secrets. All he has to do is survive long enough to grasp greatness.
Red Mage: Advent
Drew Michalik was working in a top-secret facility in Washington, D.C. when the Advent began. As all electronics in the world simply ceased to work, blue screens filled with information appeared before him.
Drew was given access to a mana interface and a limited number of reality-altering crystals called Xatherite. Following the instructions on his vision-impairing screens, he ‘slotted’ his Xatherite and changed his fate: he gained the ability to cast spells. Now alone in the dark, he must battle through the government bunker-turned-dungeon in a desperate bid for survival.
Escape is only the beginning, the first of his many problems in the changed world. Drew will be tasked to not only survive… but to guide the rest of humanity safely through the anarchy.
Pixel Dust: Party Hard
Before the online game Carpe Noctem hit the market, the average person wasted a third of their life sleeping. Now, instead of lying in bed dreaming about showing up late to class in their underwear, players step in
to a breathtaking world of fantasy and adventure. For most users, this is a dream come true. For players like MaxDamage24 and his sidekick Kirabell, it is about to become something else.
After being fired, one of Noctem’s creators sets into motion a plan to bring the system crashing down. To stop the collapse, Max and Kira will have to gather their most trusted friends and embark on a quest that will push them to their absolute limits. Together they’ll face creepy dungeons, impossible bosses, and their own nightmares, all while doing their best to stay alive. With a mission this big, none of them will be the same after. The real question is… how much will they be forced to change?
Only one thing is certain - if they want to survive, they’re gonna have to Party Hard.
Peaks of Power: Beginnings
There’s always somewhere to go, someone to defeat! At least that’s what Ryan believed until he ran out of challenges, adventures, and stories. Bored with his life as a casual player, he slipped easily into the lifestyle of a professional gamer.
After reaching the pinnacle of success, an email arrived from the mysterious Beta Academy. With his best friend and self-proclaimed bodyguard, Dimitri, he decides to take a chance and accept the strange offer contained within. Overconfident in his skills, Ryan thinks he’ll defeat this game as easily as every other, but that confidence is shaken and shattered within the first fifteen minutes. This wasn’t a standard game with haptic chairs or gloves; this was the real thing.
Ryan and Dimitri must learn the heights of the Peaks of Power… and what it will take to achieve their summit.
Fantasy
Coming soon!
The Black Knight Trilogy
Appendix
People
Adam Rawlings – Lord Rawlings is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. Commonly seen with Evan, Jackson, and Will.
Alfred – The first king of Caoi, a great earth mage who formed the walls and castle.
Ammon Whitaker – Count Whitaker is the commander of the East Gate. An older gentleman who's seen many battles.
Andrews – Sir Andrews is a guard at the East Gate.
Anthony Hewett – Baronet Hewett is the commander of unit five of the East Gate.
Ashanna Ri’Cloch – Queen Ashanna is an angelic visage of charm and diplomacy. She uses life magic.
Bick – Sir Bick is a city guardsman who escorted Jade home after the mesmer attack.
Blake – Sir Blake is the first mesmer-touched that Jade cured. Serves at the East Gate.
Britney Larkin – Lady Larkin is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. Was first seen flirting with Will.
Caldwell the Diligent – The first traveler of Caoi, he is responsible for the creation of the guard and helped found Dracona.
Camille Ri’Cloch – Princess Camille is a second year student at Dracona and uses Earth, Life, and Water magic.
Chloe Chambers – Lady Chloe is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. She was one of the first siphonees.
Christopher Jacobs – Sir Christopher was the guard who carried Jade home after the mesmer attack and accompanied her to the East Gate.
Corrai the Wrathful – The second traveler to Caoi, he introduced many weapons to their society and led wars to beat back the monster threat.
Cozzens – Sir Cozzens is a guard at the East Gate.
Dalton – Sir Dalton is the guard who jumped in front of a mesmer for Jade, and was subsequently healed by her.
Damian Bardak – Damian is the owner of The Glass Phoenix, a master craftsman who's working with Jade.
Darian – Sir Darian is one of the knights who helped unpack Jade's Workshop at Dracona.
Dashiel – Sir Dashiel is one of the knights who helped unpack Jade's Workshop at Dracona.
David – Sir David resembles Gaston and runs the coolbox store. Uses water magic.
Declan Silverstone – Duke Declan is Eric's brother, the next head of the family.
Derrick Ri’Cloch – King Derrick is the pillar of the kingdom, a wise man who keeps his family in check. Uses earth magic.
Donna – Donna is a waitress at the restaurant Evergreen.
Edward – Sir Edward is the Proprietor of Castle Armaments.
Elisa Scribner – Lady Elisa is the wife of Doctor Mike, a kind, older woman.
Eric Silverstone – Viscount Eric is one of Dracona's examiners, teaches metal magic at the academy, and is second in command of the library.
Evan Rikely – Lord Rikely is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. Commonly seen with Adam, Jackson, and Will.
Felice – Felice is a waitress at the restaurant Evergreen.
Hayden Ri’Cloch – Prince Hayden is a twin to Hunter and is 14 years old. Uses life magic.
Hunter Ri’Cloch – Prince Hunter is a twin to Hayden and is 14 years old. Uses earth magic.
Jackson Vancott – Lord Vancott is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. Commonly seen with Adam, Evan, and Will.
Jade Winward – Our lovely protagonist. Hopefully, you remember her name.
Jarom Sanford – Baron Jarom is one of the three examiners for Dracona. He's a weapons specialist.
Jessica Dorney – The primary cook, as well as maid of The Green Dragon. She appears to be not more than 15.
Joseph – Joseph is a third year student of Dracona, and one of the students who mans the desk at the library.
Kaylee Ivers – The primary waitress, as well as maid of The Green Dragon. She appears to be not more than 15.
Leroy – Count Leroy is a strict man who teaches etiquette at Dracona.
Lucas Solanell – Lord Lucas is a third year student of Dracona, and one of the students who mans the desk at the library. Uses light magic.
Magnus – King Magnus was the third king of Caoi, and primarily responsible for founding Dracona with Caldwell.
Marcelle D'Ard – Countess D'Ard is second in command of the East Gate. She lost her son to the mesmer.
Mike Scribner – Sir Mike is the owner of Doctor Mike’s Clinic, a respectable healer. He's married to Elisa. Uses healing magic.
Phillip Dureau – Phillip is the deceased guard who was replaced by the doppelganger.
Prescott – Sir Prescott is one of the knights who helped unpack Jade's Workshop at Dracona.
Raphael Millis – Baronet Millis is the owner of the Green Dragon, an academy graduate. Uses wind magic.
Scott Weber – Scott is a third year student of Dracona and one of the students who mans the desk at the library.
Sharon Dennis – Sharon is the owner of Sew in Style, a master tailor, and mother of Tina.
Silas Dastrup – A random passerby Jade siphoned water magic from when testing mana sense.
Stephen Kane – One of the three examiners of Dracona, he teaches Dark Magic and has rogue-like qualities.
Steven Cooper – Lord Cooper is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. He was one of the first siphonees.
Tanner – Sir Tanner is a city guardsman who escorted Jade home after the mesmer attack.
Tevon Ri'Cloch – Duke Tevon is King Derrick's brother, though he was taken by the mesmer.
Tina Dennis – Daughter of Sharon, Tina is curious and accident prone. She labeled Jade a 'zombie' first.
Tisha Ri’Cloch – Princess Tisha is a ball of energy at aged 16. Uses earth magic.
Tom – Tom guards the door of the first bakery Jade visited.
Travis Wainbright – Lord Wainbright is a first year student of Dracona, staying at The Green Dragon. He was one of the first siphonees.
Tristan – Baronet Tristan is one of the knights who helped unpack Jade's Workshop at Dracona. He's the assistant fire magic teacher.
Varden the Proud – The third traveler of Caoi, he introduced astronomy and glass to the economy. Possibly still living.
Victor Ri’Cloch – Crown Prince Victor is like a younger version of his father, and a fo
urth year student of Dracona. Uses earth magic.
Whitby – Duke Whitby teaches life magic at Dracona. An older gentleman who radiates vitality.
William (Will) Ri’Cloch – Prince William is a first year student of Dracona, staying at the Green Dragon. Uses wind magic.
Places
Abala – The capital city of Caoi.
Andara – The official name of the new world.
Caoi – A kingdom in Andara.
Castle Armaments – Owned by the royal family, the proprietor is Sir Edward. Sells weapons and armor.
Danny’s – Where Jade ate solo when leaving the East Gate.
Doctor Mike’s Clinic – Owned by Mike, it is a house of healing.