Josephine Marlin and The Alternatives_Book One_A Friend in Need_Feilds of Elysian 1

by Karen Eastland

  ‘Now tell me how to find Tiamat, or I’ll turn you into a lump of petrified wood too.’

  The leaves of the tree began to droop, and each branch became twisted by pain, as the Stealer of Souls detached himself from it. We watched as he rose high above us.

  ‘I am no tree. You cannot petrify me,’ said Ancharious.

  Looking up at him, I quickly discussed things with Brain. The others had stepped back, except for Dog and Pony, they were used to it by now. I know I was. I was glad of the night because while wondering what could be used to kill the Stealer of Souls, a Jade sword suddenly appeared in my hand.

  ‘How’d that get there, Brain?’

  ‘“As your gifts grow,” I believe the We said. And so they grow Josephine,’ said Brain. ‘What you require will sometimes appear before you even know you require it. Sometimes it will not, and you will have to work things out for yourself.’

  ‘How do I get rid of it?’

  ‘Think about it,’ said Brain.

  I wasn’t ready to explain to the others the things I’d learned about myself, and with things like Jade sword’s appearing in my hand, I’ll need to work something out later. Right then, I had a liar to deal with, but don’t think for a minute if I need the sword that I wouldn’t call for it in front of my friends. I might be immortal; they are not.

  ‘If you don’t fulfil your side of the bargain,’ I said with all the courage I could muster. ‘I can always call for a sword of Jade and kill you too?’

  ‘A sword of Jade? No, no, you’re right as you say,’ he said. ‘We did make a bargain, that is true, and thought you’d go if there were something in it for you. I just wanted the Souls from the amphora of blue.’

  ‘It is Tiamat you seek? Well before such a battle within its Keep, I’d like to say, good luck, goodbye, and don’t come back again this week.’

  ‘I could say the same to you,’ I called out. ‘Now where’s the dragon’s Keep?’

  I know, I already had all the information I needed to find Tiamat, but I liked making this Stealer of Souls squirm. I think he also might have some idea about who I am… but not what I am. That’s a bigger secret that Mother and Daddy will have to fill in for me.

  ‘If you do not slay Tiamat ahead,’ he said in a menacing whisper, ‘then I hope you all end up dead. The first is a snap, the second is true, but from then on it is all up to you.’

  Ann looked up at an angry, frightened Ancharious bobbing around in the air.

  ‘You’re a nasty piece of work aren’t you,’ she said. She had nothing to fear and nothing to lose.

  ‘Who are you to speak to me? She is the real power, you are but an alternative to true power,’ Ancharious said pointing to me.

  Ann looked my way. I didn’t know what he was talking about… Okay… maybe a little… but Ann’s a god. Surely that trumps whatever I am…

  ‘Right?’

  ‘So where will I find a dragon with five heads,’ Ann continued, looking back at Ancharious. ‘You’re not sending any of us on another quest. Vila said you would lead us to its den. I wouldn’t waste my time again; Jo might just go and get that Jade sword, what would you do then?’

  ‘Vila? Did she send you to seek out Tiamat?’ he said with a sly smile. ‘She must be a friend to reveal that. Walk through the blackberries and blue. A pathway exists, but only for you. One girl may enter, she who seeks more, but only a god can exit, the goddess of war.’

  ‘Are you sure you’ll be okay?’ I asked pulling her away from Ancharious. ‘Because the sugaar was only one dragon, Tiamat is five in one, and then there’s the little matter of Ancharious’s lies.’

  ‘I’m sure,’ said Ann. ‘You just did something Ancharious didn’t think you could do.’

  ‘Go,’ he said, I am Stealer of Souls, now you know. But remember this, whatever you do, I will come for you.’

  Brushing his threat aside, we left Ancharious to weep over his loss. I didn’t feel sorry for him at all. I was curious to know what would trump a god though.

  ‘So,’ said Ann. ‘What really happened to those souls?’

  ‘We’ll tell you later,’ I whispered as we walked away. ‘We’ll tell you later.’

  I could hear Dog at my side, and Pony still had a tight grip on my hand. At that moment, all was right with the world. Smiling and looking up at the moon, while taking in more clean air goodness, I squeezed Pony’s hand a little and leaned down to pat Dog on his head.

  ‘We’ll tell you later.’

  Coming Soon in Book Two

  Josephine Marlin’s ancient powers have been forced into existence earlier than was foretold, through an act of despair, by a friend in need.

  This group of formidable warriors become the protectors of hope and leaders of humanity.

  They are: Josephine Marlin and The Alternatives

  Hold onto your worry sticks though because romance will raise its head in the coming books.

  Where book one began with a friend in need, books two and three will follow our reluctant band of heroes as they battle to get Pony to the hospital. What begins as a simple task, turns into a night of horrors without end. A night no-one will ever forget, least of all Josephine.

  As a special treat for those who sign up to my email list, one month after publication they will receive a free ebook titled, ‘Josephine Marlin: Origins.’

  Subscribe here: https://www.subscribepage.com/Josephine_Marlin

  About The Author

  Hello. My name is Karen Eastland and I am an Australian author.

  Josephine Marlin and The Alternatives is the first in a series of Australian epic, urban fantasy adventure books, littered with mythological, supernatural and paranormal events, creatures, people and hunters.

  I have been creating Josephine Marlin’s website behind the scenes to bring a more interactive experience to her story: http://www.josephinemarlin.com, A new post will be made available every day after the first month of publication, so keep an eye on the site.

  As a special treat for those who sign up to my email list, one month after publication they will receive a free ebook titled, ‘Josephine Marlin: Origins.’

  Subscribe here: https://www.subscribepage.com/Josephine_Marlin