Quantum Heights: Book one of the Dead Path Chronicles

by Richard A. Valicek

  Melina abruptly pulled away from Caprius. “How can you say rejoice when we are faced with such darkness?” she asked.

  She was right in more ways than she’d meant; at that very moment, the sky darkened and the birdsong stopped. Dark clouds rolled in and settled above the garden. Lightning flashed inside the dense clouds.

  “Indeed, you are right. These dark clouds are foreboding. It seems something stirs from the mountains of Drone,” yelled Caprius over the wind. “Come, Melina, I must get you home.”

  The pair, now bowed against the wind and rain coming down in sheets, made their way off the bridge and quickly left the garden.

  ***

  A man rode a wagon. He was hauling wooden coffins. His name was Bombidus Barons, and he had been a member of the Elysian council. He had been secretly importing these caskets. He had just arrived at Hotel Quantum Heights. As he rode up the trail, he approached a gate. He halted his horse, pulling on the reigns. A man approached him. “State your business here at Quantum Heights,” said the man.

  “I have three parcels that I am to deliver to Mr. Willy B. Pinkles. He is expecting me. My name is Bombidus Barons.”

  “Oh yes, Mr. Barons. We’ve been expecting you. But, first, I need you to open up one of the wooden boxes. Inspection you know. Nothing gets past these eyes.”

  “Certainly,” said Bombidus, getting off the wagon. Bombidus and the man climbed onto the back of the wagon. Bombidus opened the crate. The man looked in. Six other men stood on the trail near the wagon observing.

  “Dirt? What does Mr. Pinkles want with dirt?” asked the man. The man stuck his hand into the dirt feeling around. “Open up the others,” the man said to Bombidus. Bombidus opened them. “More dirt,” said the man looking at it. Bombidus began to feel nervous.

  “Mr. Pinkles has a keen interest in botany,” said Bombidus. The man got off the wagon. He wiped his hands free of the dirt.

  “Okay, Mr. Barons. You may go in,” said the man.

  Bombidus closed the crates. “Thank you, my good man.” He got off the back wagon and got in the front. “I say, my lad, would it be possible for me two borrow two fine gentlemen to help me carry these crates? There quite heavy, you know, and I do have a bit of a back problem.”

  “Sure, I suppose so. The two of you, help Mr. Barons out.” The two men got onto the wagon sitting beside Bombidus.

  “Are you staying for the hotel anniversary party, Mr. Barons?” asked the man.

  “Ah, no. I’m afraid I can’t. But, I’m sure you’ll get a big kick out of it. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

  “Ha, ha, carry on,” said the man.

  Bombidus smiled and drove toward the rear of Quantum Heights.

  Beneath hotel Quantum Heights, in an unguarded and dismal basement, were two bodies laid to rest in crates filled with dirt.

  The two men who had helped Bombidus had left. Bombidus took his sword out of his sheath. With the sword, he loudly tapped the wooden crate. Bombidus backed away from it. As the lid cracked open, his eyes widened and he peered inside. The finger of a creature bearing a sapphire, and he pushed the lid to the side. The creature’s hand was large and menacing, larger than any man’s. He was covered in dirt. He gave Bombidus chills. Now, fully outside the coffin, the creature’s hand began to take on human form. A tall man stepped out of the coffin. He looked down at Bombidus. Then, from the other coffin, the other man stepped out. They both gazed down at Bombidus. A man had entered the basement. As he turned the corner, he saw the three men by the caskets. The man looked at them in fright. Be began to run. Suddenly, one of the vampires materialized in front of the man with swift speed. The man pulled his sword out of his sheath. He swung his sword swiftly, and the vampire drove his body into the sword. The man backed away looking at the sword within the vampire’s belly. The vampire pulled the sword out of his belly. He held the sword in hand and slowly walked toward the man. “Oh, that should have killed you,” said the man.

  “What is your name?” the vampire asked him in a soft, pleasant voice.

  “Dryfus. My name is Dryfus.”

  The vampire had a small smirk on his face. “Come to me, Dryfus.” The vampire held out his two fingers in front of the man. Dryfus suddenly felt dizzy and drawn to him. He began to walk toward the vampire. He was face to face with him, still feeling dizzy. The other vampire arrived with Bombidus. Then, Dryfus tilted his head to the side. The vampire slowly came to his neck. It bit Dryfus on the neck. The vampire sucked hard, extracting the blood from the man. It wasn’t long before the man fell into the vampire’s arms. The vampire gently held him. He began to carry him toward another part of the basement. The vampire came across a large room filled with wooden coffins. These coffins were all empty. The vampire used his mind to open up the lid from one of the coffins. He placed Dryfus’ body inside gently. “I give you a new life; the life of everlasting hunger for living blood. You will never see the sun rise and set through countless centuries. You, Dryfus, have endured the Monisar. Now, sleep, Dryfus.”

  ***

  “As so, I made it perfectly clear to Caprius, that just because he is two years older than you, Dragus, he hasn’t the right to speak to you that way. I would like all my four boys to have respect for one another. I don’t like anyone having the upper hand,” said Confidus.

  “Try telling that to Andromin. He is the oldest. His ego is his pride. And, he thinks he’s the gem of jules. He is expecting to take the throne after you step down,” said Dragus.

  “Well, he will be very surprised to learn that your brother Caprius is in line for the throne.”

  “He won’t take that very lightly when he finds out,” said Vijas.

  “When will we tell him, Father?” asked Dragus.

  “When the time is right. I will be the one to break the news to him,” said Confidus. Seeing the clouds swirl about with such violence made Confidus excuse himself from Dragus and Vijas so he could go see Felicia. He went to the basilica near the Garden of Meadow-lie and began to read the sacred words aloud from the book of Bivion. The golden statue of the elf queen in the center of the pond began to glisten. The clouds above billowed, and lightening struck fervently above the golden statue. Finally, light streamed out from the statue’s eyes and mouth, and the elf screamed, her transformation complete. Felicia - the Golden Fleece, now standing before Confidus, a living, breathing soul, used her magical powers to walk over the lily pads with her bare feet.

  She came to Confidus. He closed the Book of Bivion and returned it to its column.

  “The undead have devised a new plan to overtake the powers of Petoshine,” he said.

  “Yes. I have foreseen this,” said Felicia. “Calista will be conflicted, so tempted by the dark forces. She will accept an invitation from a Goncool.”

  Confidus shook his head. “Oh, no. Not Calista.”

  “Don’t worry. It will be short lived. She will ask Caprius for forgiveness. At first, he will banish her from his life, but he will come back to her. Their bond will be strong, virtually unbreakable. But, she must first go through what will be a difficult time.”

  “You know this to be true?” asked Confidus.

  “I have seen it,” said the Golden Fleece, bowing her head.

  “What is it you see?” asked Confidus.

  “I see a church tower, with its bells chiming. And, a great battle with Caprius and Calista standing victorious, scores of vampires at their feet.” Confidus smiled, his shoulders relaxing. “You need not fear what is to come,” said Felicia. “The vim of Petoshine will shine brightly.”

  “What of Melina?” he asked.

  “No harm will come to her yet. Before the birth of your grandson Lantrinon, Melina will be escorted to Petoshine. There, she will be protected by the vim. Grongone will watch over her and keep her safe.”

  “When will this happen?”

  “Nine months from now,” said Felicia. “That will be your greatest challenge. But, for now, focus on the present mission.” F
elicia looked into Confidus’ eyes. “I see that your mind is troubled by other thoughts.”

  Confidus smiled sadly. One couldn’t keep a secret around Felicia. “My thoughts are on my late wife,” he said.

  “I know it pains you to think of her past travesties. Talk to her. Go to the Triconion simulator and see her. Your burden will be lessened once you confront her spirit.”

  “I will do as you say. I will speak to Evelyn,” said Confidus.

  Felicia turned and went back up onto the mound, which was surrounded by water and lily pads. Her bare feet hardly graced the floating plants, so light she was upon them. As she situated herself on the mound, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Burry your burdens. Don’t let the travesties of Evelyn wear upon you.” She spoke the words of Bivion, looked down into the waters, and with her body glistening gold, she metamorphosed back into the statue she was.

  ***

  A day later, Confidus strolled along the cobblestone road. It was a lovely day. Snow was falling lightly, and the mood among all the people on the street was cheery. Merchants called out, hawking their products and trinkets. As Confidus passed, a merchant handed him an old copper chalice. “Most beautiful and rare of all the chalices in Elysium,” he said, grinning beneath his moustache. Confidus shook his head, smiled, and kept walking.

  Among the goods were colorful stylish blankets and shawls and samples of food. “Confidus! Confidus Seaton,” a cook behind his cast iron pot called out in greeting. Confidus stopped to chat with the man, whom he’d known for years. The chef handed him a skewer of spiced pork. “Sire, do try this,” he said.

  Confidus bit into the morsel. “This is quite good, my man. Very good,” he said admiringly.

  “A special blend of spices. Handed down from my great grandfather. He was a master chef, you know. My only goal is to follow in his footsteps,” said the man.

  “Well, you definitely have talent,” said Confidus.

  The chef bowed. “Thank you, sire. Someday soon I shall be opening my own restaurant: Franky’s Gourmet Eatery.” He beamed at the king.

  “That sounds splendid, Franky. I’ll be looking for it,” Confidus said. He nodded at the friendly cook and went on his way.

  “A good day to you, Your Majesty!” said Franky. He didn’t know that the king was not only a lover of good food, but he also truly appreciated an entrepreneurial spirit, and later in the day, Confidus would send Franky a large anonymous donation to help with his new restaurant venture.

  Confidus continued his walk through the winter festivities. He came upon a table stacked with copies of books. The author sat behind the table. “Ah, Morbius Moldrige,” said Confidus.

  “A good day to you, Confidus Seaton,” said Morbius. The men shook hands.

  “I must congratulate you on your success,” said Confidus. “Your last book did very well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.”

  “Why, thank you, sire!” said Morbius.

  “Is this your latest book?” asked Confidus picking up a copy and turning it over in his hand.

  “Hot off the press,” smiled Morbius.

  Confidus read the title aloud, “The Flagships of Hollandres.” Confidus reached into his satchel and handed Morbius a number of gold coins. He put the book into his satchel. “I’ll look forward to this one. A good day to you, Morbius.”

  “Thank you very much, and a good day to you, as well, Confidus.”

  Confidus resumed his walk but was now feeling the chill of the day enter his bones. He put his hands into his jacket to keep warm. All around him, the streets teemed with people brightly dressed in woolens and knitted scarves, happily enjoying the afternoon. He turned onto a smaller side street on which only a few people were scattered. A few houses down stood a gate. Confidus went through the gate, and down at the end of the long path stood a magnificent tower. At its top, the clouds parted, and pure yellow sunshine poured over it. Confidus went in and admired the great hall: the tall gold ceiling gleamed, and the walls were a pure clean white. He felt an instant peace fall over him. This was the hall where people came to make contact with the dead. Here, they could awaken the spirits and communicate with them in a Triconion Simulation Chamber.

  “A good day to you, Mr. Seaton,” said a lithe young woman with heart-shaped lips. She wore a yellow tunic and a headband with a porcelain oval at its center that was painted with a floating angel.

  “I wish to communicate with my late wife,” said Confidus.

  The woman at the desk handed Confidus a chip card. “Seventeenth floor, chamber six,” she said. Confidus accepted the card and walked down the aisle toward the elevators. When he came to the chamber, there was a gentleman standing by the control monitor. He was escorted to a chair within a large glass tube. He settled into a plush chair. The man put rubbing alcohol onto a small spot on Confidus’ forehead. He attached a wire with a small rubber suction used to monitor a traveler’s brain waves. A tube came from above that let in oxygen.

  “Who is it you wish to contact?” he asked.

  “My late wife - Evelyn Sandra Seaton.” Confidus rested his arms to the side leather hand bars.

  “Enjoy your travels,” he said and walked to a stone positioned in his corner, where he rested his hand atop the rough surface. The tube door closed shut. Confidus could hear the man’s voice as he spoke from a microphone. He pushed a few buttons on a monitor. At the top of the tube Confidus was in, a metal circular cylinder vibrated up and down by a foot surrounded by a glass tube. It went faster and faster. “Now, Mr. Seaton, close your eyes, relax your spirit, and concentrate on Evelyn.” He slowly pulled down on a leaver. There was a humming sound that came from the tube.

  Confidus let his eyes close and soon began to have visions of deep space. Tiny white stars raced across the darkness, going faster, then faster still, until soon, the dark gave way to a light blue sky filled with clouds. The clouds parted, revealing light shining down on a great city. A lone cloud that had remained came toward him. It lifted, and inside stood the spirit of his wife, Evelyn Marry Seaton.

  The spirit spoke. “My husband, you have come back.”

  “I miss you, Evelyn. I had to see you,” he said. “A day ago marked the eighteenth year of your passing.” He paused. “We need to talk.”

  “Speak, my husband,” she said.

  “Your granddaughter Melina Hampshire will give birth to her son, Lantrinon, in eight months time,” said Confidus.

  “It will be a blessing. He is the chosen one,” said Evelyn.

  “But, the dark forces are at work once again. The man who slayed you is still at large. And, he plans his greatest threat against us,” said Confidus.

  “Indeed, Cambrozes Genesis must not succeed. Both he and the Dark Lord must be destroyed if Alamptria is to survive,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Caprius Seaton’s child must endure. He must be protected. Melina must be protected.”

  “Yes, we will make sure of that. She will travel to Petoshine. There, Grongone will protect her. Our council senses that there is great danger. With each passing day, the dark forces are growing stronger. But, we will prevail. Felicia - the Golden Fleece foresees triumph. It will be a battle hard fought, but in the end, we will succeed.”

  “And, what does Grongone foresee?” she asked.

  Confidus frowned. “I do not know, but I am certain he shares Felicia’s optimism,” said Confidus.

  “All in good time, Confidus. Remember that the vim of Petoshine is stronger than the dark forces.”

  “Yes, Felicia said the same. Yet, I can’t help the feelings I have, especially for you. Cambrozes Genesis has made my heart heavy for eternity. I fight to overcome your absence from my life every day.”

  The spirit’s face was mournful and filled with love. “Don’t dwell on the past, my husband. What is done is done. You cannot change what has happened, but you can overcome the pain you feel by giving your love to those who matter to you. Seek the light of Petoshine. There, you will find the answers. Now go, and be s
afe.” There was an instantaneous flash of white light that was so fierce, Confidus screwed his eyes against it and shielded his face.

  When he opened his eyes, he felt somewhat dizzy and disoriented. His forehead was sweaty, and he was breathing hard. The glass tube door opened. Confidus waited to feel himself again, then rose from his chair and headed toward the exit. His guide met him there. Confidus stepped out of the chamber. “Were your travels to your satisfaction?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” said Confidus as he walked past him and headed toward the elevator. When he came to the main floor, he gave the woman his chip card and went out of the Triconion Simulation Chamber.

  Chapter 2

  A Vampire’s Love

  Within the volcanic underground lair sat the very large, undead creature Makoor by a deep gorge, which went down four hundred feet. Stalagmites and stalactites surrounded the flaming gorge from top and bottom. The Dark Lord was in thought and grimaced with a smile. He was eager to fulfill his long lust for dominating the lands of Alamptria. He looked down at an egg, which lay upon the ground. His hope was on a young beautiful woman, which Titanis Clore longed for—a woman so pure in heart and without any sin or thought of being tempted by the dark world of Mount Drone. “The dark world is my oyster,” said Makoor. “I have so mercifully longed for the moment when all would accept my offering. What is in light that the darkness has to offer? The sour fruit, which I plant upon the tree will spread over the dominion, and all will know that I, Makoor, am the way. Today, the seed, which I plant, will grow to my desired needs. All this will begin with a young innocent girl that has been chosen. Here me, Parthalius! I send onto you that which I am so anxiously eager to give you. My heart is for you. My soul is for you. All this, I bestow upon your inheritance.” His will was strong. His hunger grew.

  ***

  Melina trotted on horseback through the woodlands of Meadow-lie with her friend Fetrona feeling blissful. It was a gorgeous late afternoon. The trees were bare, the few leaves present waved gently in the breeze. A light blanket of snow covered the landscape like powdered sugar, delicate enough to be almost translucent.