Soul Stone Mage Complete Collection Boxed Set

by Sarah Noffke

  “I’m going to call a council meeting. The humans will have to negotiate for Azure’s return if the Crystals, the Light Elves and the Gnomes are present. Frederick will cave in the presence of older and wiser leaders,” Emeri said.

  “What you need to be worrying about is your soul stone.”

  “Mother, that’s my last concern. My daughter is a prisoner of Terran. And Richard, well, he’s a fucking coward who will be a prisoner as well,” she spat, narrowing her bright green eyes. Richard had been a coward since Azure was born, never standing up for his people. He’d allowed Phillip’s influence to take over Terran. That’s why the people were wasteful, and in her opinion, disdainful.

  “You need to stay out of this, Emeri.”

  “How can you say that? Azure—”

  “Is exactly where she needs to be,” the old witch interrupted, cutting Emeri off. “She’s a prisoner of Terran. Spread that around Virgo, and when she breaks out she’ll be revered. She’s been given the opportunity to earn the approval of her people and secure the crown. However, if you step in and rescue her, she’ll lose the chance to prove herself to the Virgoans.”

  Emeri opened her mouth to say something, then shut it again. Her mother was right. As much as she wanted to rescue her daughter—and she thought she probably could—that wasn’t going to help Azure’s long-term future. She was a strong and bright witch. Also, she still had her wand stashed in her shirt. Azure would get herself out of Terran, and when she returned she’d be seen as a brave and true leader, one who could protect her people from the humans.

  “Okay, well, we need to spread this news around Virgo then. Our people need to know that Azure has been taken a prisoner by the people of Terran,” the queen declared, turning and striding from her chamber.

  FINIS

  Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

  I remember the morning that Michael Anderle called me and we discussed me writing in his new universe. He kept saying the word Oriceran and I kept wondering, what the hell is that? But even with all my confusion, I knew this was a good idea. I’ve written five series in a different universe and knew I was ready for a new challenge. Originally I pitched the idea of Salem Witch Trials and how they were a result of the magic in Oriceran. When I actually came to write this series, the witch trials were much too dark for Michael’s audience. And so Azure and the soul stones of Virgo were born.

  Fun fact: I’m a Virgo. Another fun fact: Amethysts aren’t the birthstone for Virgos. It’s sapphires. Honestly, I chose amethysts for soul stones because they represent healing and rejuvenation.

  Here’s another fun fact. Monet’s name was supposed to be Monte. However, every time I typed it, Monet came out. And that’s how character’s names are sometimes born. Now I couldn’t imagine him as anything from Monet.

  I try to create symbolism with names in my books. For instance, most know that Azure means blue. And Emeri, as in the reigning queen, Azure’s mother, her name means industrious leader. I tried to create it so that the witches and wizards had names that were different whereas the humans of Terran had common names. Richard, Phillip, Frederick versus Emeri, Sari and Azure. I also tried to contrast the witches with the humans using dress, transportation and architecture. We have the old world charm of the wizarding community meeting the modern strictness of the humans.

  Writing the House of Enchanted was a wonderful experience. I laughed every time Monet graced the page. Loved and loathed that damn gnome. And I kind of have a secret crush on Ever. Well, I guess it’s not so secret anymore. But more than anything, I really was swept away with Azure. I once gave advice in an author interview. Someone asked, how do you make characters who readers want to read about. My answer was: fall in love with your characters and the readers will too. I feel as though Azure stole a part of my heart. And she continues to steal more with each book.

  Author Notes - Martha Carr

  Written September 5, 2017

  The first thing Sarah Noffke ever said to me was, “I’m willing.” Those were the magic words. We were talking about collaborating in a new Universe that Michael Anderle and I were co-creating. His sophomore project after the hugely successful Kurtherian Gambit Universe and my first.

  We were all hard at work laying the groundwork for an urban fantasy world that could include a lot of different authors. The one thing that Michael and I knew would be vital was to have good authors who were willing to work together and grow together into a great team.

  Today, the Revelations of Oriceran Universe expands and takes a big step forward with Sarah Noffke’s first book, The House of Enchantment. We’ve all come a long way since we first started talking about this project in January of this year. Things are actually turning out better than expected. I think I know the reason and Sarah touched on it with her very first words. She was willing… And then things took a turn into something even better.

  Michael and I have turned out to have some of the best kind of magic on our side because what we have created between the authors and the fans is a kind of family. The willingness was the place to start but the stories and the conversations we’ve all been having since the first series was released have made it into something more. I know a lot about how readers are doing. Who’s struggling after Hurricane Harvey or dealing with chronic pain or has grandchildren to celebrate. Everyone else knows I have more running socks of Star Wars characters and food (bacon socks…) and have survived cancer a lot. You even know about The Offspring and Magic Mike.

  It makes sense. The authors of the Oriceran Universe along with LMBPN Publishing, create characters that are loyal, courageous and will be there when you need them. Along with a lot of laughter. Start with that as your base, mix in willingness, have a lot of good conversations and there it is. Family of our own making.

  So today, our family expands and our readers are already eagerly anticipating the newest addition. Welcome to the Revelations of Oriceran – the House of Enchanted – Book One – the Soul Stone Mage Series and Sarah Noffke. A new part of the journey we will all take together. I’m going to enjoy every step of it with you.

  Publisher Notes - Michael Anderle

  September 5, 2017

  First, THANK YOU for not only reading this book, but also the Author, and now Publisher, notes at the back.

  Here it is, the first book that will be published without my name on the cover. (The first book I wrote Publisher notes actually comes out this Friday. You can preorder it, so it had to be locked down at Amazon 72 hours early.)

  Due to some damned amazing people, who happen to have really cool birthdays (I’m a Virgo and I’m almost positive that Martha is a Virgo as well) we hope to continue entertaining you for a while to come.

  For those that have started with me on Death Becomes Her, you know I like to share a little of ‘what’s up’ in the background.

  Today, I’m going to share that two (2) whole parties are interested enough to have phone conversations from that area near LA, the big ‘H’.

  Well, I think they are both in LA area…yeah, yeah they are.

  Anyway, one phone call happens Thursday morning and I’m waiting back on a confirmation for the other conversation. Now, I’m not expecting much and I’ll lay out the ‘why’ for you.

  From what I can gather, the typical option price for a movie/tv series is on the low end $1,000 and on the high end $10,000 for a pretty good length of time (maybe 1-3 years.)

  Kurtherian Gambit revenues (including all books, audiobooks, ebooks, merchandise) mean that for me to pay attention to something like the money above, it is going to take away a good portion of my focus from writing the next Michael or Bethany Anne story, or helping the next author as we collaborate or the next person we want to speak with.

  For even $10,000 (which I’m assuming 20% will go to an agent, another $3,000 will go to a lawyer and then 40% goes to the government) it just isn’t worth the interruption to my time beyond some preliminary talks.

  Don’t get me wrong, I would love
to see the visuals of the stories come to life, but I’m not willing to lose the focus that helped get us to where we are, because others come knocking with what is essentially not much money for us to worry about at the moment.

  We (and by ‘we’ I mean myself, the other authors, our team(s) that support us and you, the fans) don’t need to be screwed by Hollywood lawyers and that IS their job, generally speaking.

  So, I’m HAPPY and excited to talk with them. I’m just not expecting much to happen.

  J.K. Rowling sold the options to her first four (4) books for approximately $2,000,000 and while I’m not suggesting we are at that stage of awesomeness…

  We are definitely above $10,000. And that is $10,000 where we see something like $3,000 once the agent, lawyer and tax people get their cuts first.

  Since I put this down on paper, watch one of those amazingly gifted sales people get me to agree to something and cause me to have to write a ‘I’m eating crow’ next book.

  Wow, that would so totally suck.

  I’ll place it out into the world that I want to speak in six figures when we speak options for books and seven figures is alright, too.

  (I wants what I want, but it doesn’t mean I’ll get it.)

  That should cause Hollywood to laugh their asses off at me and you know what?

  I’m ok with that.

  Ad Aeternitatem,

  Michael

  P.S. I I’ve had a discussion with a lady since writing those words above. It seems I’m BEYOND ignorant where all of the expenses are in the beginning of anything to do with Hollywood.

  So, we shall see where it goes.

  The Dark Forest

  Prologue

  The Duke of Terran sat in a large office, his legs extended and resting on the former emperor’s desk. Who was he kidding? This had always been his office. The former emperor, his brother, had used it, but they had both known who was really in charge of the Land of Terran. And now this truly was his desk. Well, technically it belonged to Grand Prince Frederick, who would soon be sworn in as emperor, but he was untrained and too young for the position. Phillip, as Duke, would serve as regent for the time being. And just like his father’s, Frederick’s reign would be controlled. Maybe the young man would have an actual interest in leading, unlike his father. It wouldn’t matter, though. The Duke held the favor of the people because of the Consumer Party, and he had a power that the other humans didn’t.

  Phillip pulled his feet off of the surface of the desk, then stood tall, striding around the office. In this wing of the palace, they received firsthand reports from humans who had been to Earth, which informed the Terrans how the people of Earth really lived. The Land of Terran based much of its culture, nutrition, and lifestyle on Earth norms. On the walls were pictures of leaders who were constantly being featured on Earth magazines. Phillip passed portraits of George Clooney, Sean Connery and Michael Phelps.

  He turned and smiled at the row of portraits. Like these Earthlings, he was going to rise to power and one day take over the Land of Terran formally. The humans here needed him. Already he’d secured a new source for information from Earth. Before now, they’d purchased things that had been brought through illegal portals, like catalogues, newspapers and magazines. However, they were rarely in pristine condition when purchased in the black market. Now they had a more reliable source, thanks to him. Soon he’d know all about Earth, and be ready for a trip there.

  His brother Richard had never wanted to be Emperor. He was more interested in exploring Oriceran. However, when the role of emperor fell on him, he took it, accepting his birthright with pride. Richard had naively thought that if he married the queen of Virgo, together they would bridge the gap between the people of Terran and the witches and wizards of Virgo. That feud had been going on for ages for a reason, though. Witches and wizards were a disgusting species. If it wasn’t for them, magic wouldn’t be as heavily guarded on Earth, and Phillip would be there, doing as he pleased.

  Richard had been wrong to believe he could mend relations. And Phillip, when he learned that his brother had produced a child with one of the revolting witches, had used that information to leverage the power that should truly have belonged to him. For all these years Phillip had been Richard’s puppet master, blackmailing him with the fact that he bred with a witch—an act that was expressly forbidden by Terran law.

  His idiot brother had thought he could announce that his heir was half witch and the people of Terran wouldn’t rebel. He thought he could change the laws that said it was illegal to breed with other species. He had been wrong, and Phillip had ensured that both he and the queen of Virgo paid for their bad decision. The Duke was a liar, a murderer, and a cheat, but he did keep his promises, and as agreed, he hadn’t shared the secret of Richard’s child. But in exchange, he’d been secretly running the Land of Terran. He’d never imagined that Azure would strut into Terran and expose Richard to his people.

  His loud laugh echoed through the room. It really had gone so very perfectly.

  “What’s so funny?” Frederick asked, poking his head through the door as he opened it. The young man scanned the office as if he were expecting to find someone else there, but only Phillip was present, his gaze on a painting he’d commissioned. Its subject was of one of the golden arches found all over Earth. This place, McDonald’s, had served over a billion people. That was simply incredible. One day he’d visit the arches when he was on Earth. He’d learn their secrets, and bring them back to Oriceran so he could expand his influence.

  “Nothing. Come in.” Phillip waved Frederick into the office. “I need to talk to you about the next several months.”

  “Yes, and we need to discuss the emperor. I’ve been studying the laws, and I think that we could make an appeal to the court stating—”

  “There will be no appeal!” Phillip boomed, his face suddenly flushing red.

  “But Uncle Phillip, we can’t just turn our backs on Father,” Frederick declared.

  “Your father, my brother, broke the law. I was as shocked by it as anyone, but we have laws for a reason.” He was so young. So ignorant. He was his father’s son and didn’t see the big picture, like the things that a leader had to force his people toward.

  Frederick dropped his gaze so that his blue eyes rested on the carpet. He was obviously mourning this loss. “He will be tried, though. There’s a chance that the court will find him not guilty, or possibly pardon him.”

  “They will not do so,” Phillip stated. He’d ensure that the court upheld the law. Controlling Richard all these years hadn’t been hard, but it had become increasingly annoying. Frederick was young, and would screw up as Emperor. And when he did, Phillip would be in line to take the role. He would finally be able to lead without pretense.

  “But all he did was have a child with a witch from Virgo!” Frederick exclaimed. The boy was so shortsighted. This was Richard’s fault, Phillip thought.

  “Have you been to Virgo?”

  “Well, no.” Frederick smoothed down the blond hair on the side of his head. He wore a suit like Phillip’s, but his had pinstripes.

  “They live in poverty. Their houses are made from mud and grass and unfinished wood. If that weren’t bad enough, their queen has been complaining to the council that our way of life in Terran is polluting Oriceran; she’s obviously jealous of our wealth. This has been going on for far too long. They have been creating more and more problems for us of late. Even now we’re under official inquiry regarding the condition of the Dark Forest bordering our land.”

  “But the Consumer Party says that the damage was caused by a virus the witches and wizards of Virgo brought here. Isn’t that right?”

  Phillip pursed his lips slightly, a clever glint in his brown eyes. Frederick was going to be as easy as his father to control. “That’s correct. Everyone knows that our brand of magic actually heals Oriceran. Even as we draw energy from the elements, it’s replaced somewhere else. Just look at the Land of Terran. It’s burst
ing with life. However, that revolting queen of Virgo, and the queen before her, tried to convince the council that we’re to blame for the forest dying.

  “So they poisoned it, and are trying to frame us,” Frederick said, mostly to himself, as he connected the dots.

  “Exactly,” Phillip agreed. This was going to be too easy, he thought to himself, just as a wiry brown-haired dog trotted into the room. He knelt and petted the animal, allowing the poodle to lick his face. Rover had been incredibly difficult to secure in the Dark Market, but the dog had absolutely been worth it. Phillip didn’t just look like an Earthling, but more and more, he possessed the things they had.

  He rose, noting the hesitant look in Frederick’s eyes. “I want you to continue your training to be the new emperor, but until your education is complete, I’ll act as regent.”

  “But I finished college! Father said—”

  “Your father has been imprisoned.” Phillip cut him off. “There is much about Earth that you still don’t know. Sitting around playing that ET game on the Atari doesn’t qualify as proper training to rule a kingdom. How can you expect to lead our people when there’s such a large gap in your education? You were originally going to shadow your father for many years, but now you’ll be shadowing me.”

  Frederick closed his mouth, something simmering in him. “I’ve never understood why we have to model Earth. We live on Oriceran. None of us have ever even been there.”

  “Frederick, we are humans. Our ancestors came here when the portal was open, and although this is our home, we should not forget where we came from,” he explained. In truth, Phillip, like his father, simply found Earth to be superior. There weren’t nasty witches and wizards, Orcs, or mermaids on Earth. From everything he’d learned, things just made more sense on his home planet.