Fate (Inner Space Adventures Book 1)
Page 25
Taylor added, “I couldn’t believe when Tristen just walked into the house and sat next to Mom. I thought surely that she would sense something. Dad was clueless as well.” Tristen nodded at them, “only a few humans are gifted with the ability to sense our kind or others from outside of this world. Even though Marion has Fae blood, she does not have the ability to see and sense her own. Additionally, most humans are susceptible to our glamour spells only the rare sidhe seers can see past them.”
“How did everyone see you yesterday?” Taylor asked. “The glamour spell that I used allows people to see me as a human, the way you see me now. My true appearance is a bit different, most humans could not look upon a Fae without some manner of shielding or glamour.” “What will happen to me when I travel to your Fae Dominion? I’m sure that your people will not feel the need to shield themselves from me.”
“I believe that you will not be effected. I felt the strong ties of my blood in you and your grandfather as soon as I entered the portal. My sister and I will devise a plan to ensure that you are not susceptible to the whims of the Fae while you are in our Dominion. Hopefully you only need to spend a short time there before traveling to the Elven Domain.” “Do the elves have glamour spells also?”
Tristen laughed, “no they do not glamour, but they have their own brand of magic. Fortunately, I have avoided encounters that would stir the ire of our Elven adversaries. I cannot provide much background. Ionoe has dealt with them on diplomatic and political issues, she may have more insight for you. They visited with James until the end of visiting hours and said their farewells.
James hugged Taylor tightly and whispered, “I have faith in you. This is your destiny, we just didn’t know it. Please be careful and come back to me soon. I want all the juicy details.” With another squeeze, he let her go. Taylor needed a tissue to dry the tears from her eyes before they departed.
Tristen followed Taylor back to her apartment. She showered and changed into comfortable clothes. Tristen informed her that everything she needed would be provided when she reached his sister’s castle. She emptied the refrigerator to make sure that no science projects grew in her absence, adjusted the thermostat, closed her blinds, and locked the apartment. It was after dark when they finally left town. Tristen followed behind her along the way. Before she realized it, Taylor was pulling into a long-term parking lot at Houston Intercontinental Airport.
They rode on Tristen’s motorcycle back to the Westin Galleria. As they passed the front desk, he encouraged the attendant to extend his reservation for an additional two weeks. He left further instructions not to be disturbed during that time. Taylor was mesmerized by the opulence of the suite. She could never afford this type of luxury on her salary.
She settled in her bedroom and decided to take advantage of the spa tub. She mentally recounted everything that had occurred over the last few days. Things happened so quickly. The story went from amazing, to fantastic, to unbelievable and back again. Taylor did not know whether she could really help Tristen and his people but she was willing to try. Tomorrow was the start of one hellova ride, she thought to herself as she drifted to sleep.
Tristen had difficulty going to sleep. There were so many things to consider. He was fortunate that James and Taylor were open to his request. He doubted that he would have been so successful with other members in his line. He fully believed that their blood called to him for good reason. The next phase of his plan was even more critical now that they had an emissary. He hoped that Taylor was prepared for the adventure.
Author Notes
Thank you for reading Fate. This is the first step in a long-time goal of mine to share Taylor’s, Connack’s, and Tristen’s stories of their adventures in Inner Space. It took me a long time to complete this work, (mainly because I kept putting the manuscript on the shelf for extended periods of time). Life and a small thing called a full-time job kept getting in the way.
I hope you enjoyed the story and characters as much as I enjoyed writing the book. Hold on to your hats because book 2 promises to have more twists and turns than your favorite amusement park ride! If you loved it, liked it, or even hated it, please leave a review. Reviews help to spread the word to other readers. I promise to listen to your feedback since my goal is to make the stories and characters come to life in the best way possible.
Many thanks to my editor Angela Bell and cover designer Jarmila Takac for your patience and input on this project.
Also, look forward the series prequel that tells Tristen’s story in the next few months. Again, thanks for staying with me, until the next time……
J.B.
Stay in touch:
Newsletter/email: jb@jbforest.com
Website: https://jbforest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JB-Forest-370091363423494/
Cast of Characters
Elves
High Council – elven ruling body
Grand Council – combined high councils of the three elven realms
Connak –Svartan prince and emissary of the High Council
Laosx –Svartan historian, Connak’s best friend, head master of the Universtat
Shyilia – Svartan healer
The Mage – Svartan mage, Connak’s teacher and mentor
Aleesia –Ljosan soldier, outpost sentry, prize winning archer
Glarald, Ljosan captain of the guard at the outpost
Alwin, Ljosan, Aleesia’s father, member of the Ljosan High Council
Orrion, Ljosan member of Alwin’s personal guard, Elre’s son
Elre, Ljosan, head of Alwin’s personal guard, Orrion’s father
Terric, Ljosan, Aleesia’s brother
Wyn, Ljosan, Aleesia’s brother
Lyra, Ljosan, Aleesia’s mother, chancellor of the Ljosan Academy of Arts
Fae
Mogran – Unseelie prince
Seth – Mogran’s most senior mage, Seelie origins
Rahim, one of Mogran’s senior mages, Unseelie
Jerard, Unseelie mage
Zehn, Unseelie general leading the invasion
Toran, Unseelie mage
Malik, Unseelie mage
Nosh, Unseelie soldier (one of Zehn’s lieutenants)
Gnar, Unseelie soldier (one of Zehn’s lieutenants)
Tristen, Seelie prince
Ionoe, Seelie queen and Tristen’s sister
Justin and August, Seelie scholars and spies for Ionoe and Tristen
Humans (present day)
Taylor Simon –Assistant Professor of Mythic Sciences (McNeese State Univ.)
David –Taylor’s friend, Assistant Professor of English (Univ. of Pennsylvania) – Greek and Roman mythology
James Duncan, Taylor’s grandfather
Marion Simon, Taylor’s mother
John Simon, Taylor’s father
Sandy Boudreaux, nurse at Duncan’s assisted living facility
Jennifer, motorcycle owner, befriends Tristen
Humans (10th century)
Cruim – human, king allied with Mogran
Inner Space Worlds
Elven Domain
Drakar – Svartan palace, home of the ruling members
Reasuir Forest – home of the Svartar
Plains of Vadrin – outer boundary of the Ljosar
Yarrus Mountains – the Dockar reside in the caverns of these mountains
Cidrean – Ljosan palace, home of the ruling members
Fae Dominion
Seelie Domain – home to the Seelie Queen and Seelie fae
Unseelie Domain – home to the banished Unseelie
Universe
Astral Plane – space continuum that facilitates travel through Inner Space, allows access to other worlds
Inner Space – home of the worlds of the universe
Present Day - Earth
Lake Charles, La. – city in southwest Louisiana (approx. 150 miles east of Houston, Tx.)
Washington, DC – capital of the USA
Va
ncouver, B.C. – city in southwestern Canada
Houston, Tx. – city in southeast Texas
10th Century – Earth
Alba– site of Unseelie invasion (present day Scotland)