Elixir of Life: A Novella (A Hank Boyd Adventure - Book 4) (The Hank Boyd Adventures)

by Matthew James

  ELIXIR OF LIFE: A Novella

  A Hank Boyd Adventure - Book 4

  By Matthew James

  Description:

  Returning to the Yucatan wasn’t what Hank had in mind when he and Nicole discussed taking time away from their mind-numbing research inside ATLAS headquarters. Nevertheless, the two archaeologists are asked to travel to Chichen Itza and investigate the last thing they were trained for, something a bit over their heads professionally. A murder has been committed, witnessed by one of their trusted contacts.

  Once they arrive and the whole story revealed, Hank and Nicole quickly understand why they, in particular, were called. A secret has been uncovered, one that Ponce de Leon failed to find five hundred years earlier. Now, they must protect it before it falls into the hands of their greatest enemy to date.

  The treacherous Order of An’tala is alive and well, plotting their rise from the shadows. Will the kingdom’s former council get what they desire, or can Hank and Nicole survive long enough to stop them?

  *Elixir of Life is a fun, lightning-fast paced novella, centering around Hank and Nicole during a side mission in the Yucatan. This story’s purpose is for it to help launch the Hank Boyd Adventure series into its next phase, introducing the team’s most nefarious adversary to date, the Order.

  ALSO BY MATTHEW JAMES

  The Hank Boyd Adventures

  Blood and Sand

  Mayan Darkness

  Babel Found

  Elixir of Life

  The God Blood Novels

  Plague

  Evolve

  Standalone Novels

  Dead Moon

  Co-authored Novels

  Berserk w/ David Wood (coming soon)

  PRAISE FOR “THE HANK BOYD ADVENTURES”

  “BLOOD & SAND takes readers on a spellbindingly treacherous journey that also manages to have fun along the way!”

  —Rick Chesler, Bestselling author of HOTEL MEGALODON

  “The Hank Boyd series has been added to my must-read list!”

  —J.M. LeDuc, Bestselling author of SIN

  “The next Hank Boyd Adventure can’t come soon enough!”

  —David McAfee, Bestselling author of 33 A.D

  PRAISE FOR “PLAGUE”

  "PLAGUE erupts from the pages in a steroid-filled tornado of terror and shock!"

  —SUSPENSE MAGAZINE

  “PLAGUE is filled with action, monsters, and our new favorite hero, Logan Reed. Need a cup of coffee and the next book!”

  —THE MR. CAFFEINE SHOW

  "PLAGUE is a monstrously thrilling read!"

  —John Sneeden, Bestselling author of THE SIGNAL

  PRAISE FOR “EVOLVE”

  "A rip-roaring action-adventure that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go, with compelling characters who will stop at nothing to protect one another. Looking forward to the next installment!"

  —Richard Bard, Bestselling author of BRAINRUSH

  PRAISE FOR “DEAD MOON”

  “DEAD MOON is a high-octane thrill ride filled with action, suspense, sadness, and of course, monsters! An amazing read!”

  —Zach Cole, author of KAIJU EPOCH

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I’m going to be honest… It’s not always easy to write this section of a novel. There are truly so many people to thank that it becomes difficult to put it down on paper—or in a Word Doc in this case. But every time I sit down to write and look around my office, I remember who truly inspired me to become the WordSlinger I am now. His name? Dr. Henry Jones Jr.

  While some of you might find it humorous that I’m thanking a fictional character for helping me become a writer, it really is the truth. Like most of you know from my prior novels, Indiana Jones is the main inspiration for this series, along with The Mummy, Tomb Raider, and the Uncharted video game series (but mostly Indy). There’s just something I find so special when archaeology and history are spun in a fictional way. It’s probably because it’s more of a grounded subject versus a series like Star Wars or something else revolving around space and time. It’s so much easier for me to grasp something that happened here on Earth and I absolutely adore the tales—legend or not.

  Every single moment I spend writing I unconsciously thank those responsible for creating the titles above. It may sound weird to some, but like most kids born in the 80’s, my childhood was filled with comics, video games, and movies. My imagination would take over and the want of creating my own story would burst forth. Eventually, I sat down and wrote out my first book, even naming the series’ protagonist after Harrison Ford. I’ll never be ashamed in admitting that a fake action hero means that much to me. Never. It would basically be telling my inner child that he’s an idiot and to grow up.

  Where’s the fun in that?

  For the BRU Crew.

  You know who you are.

  ELIXIR OF LIFE

  A Hank Boyd Adventure

  Book 4

  By Matthew James

  PROLOGUE

  Ancient History

  “Quiet!” The voice boomed through the gallery, silencing those arguing within it. While the temple was not built as a traditional display for art, this particular gallery was used as one, eventually inspiring other ancient civilizations like the Romans to build theirs in the same style. The room was also used as a meeting place for An’tala’s council, including the kingdom’s ruler, Thoth. He believed that sitting amongst the history of their people would help guide them into doing the right thing and not jump into things like war.

  The twelve men and women did as their lord ordered and calmed their fervent argument, sitting quickly like a group of frightened schoolchildren. They knew for Thoth to speak up as he’d just done, that whatever he was about to say was of great importance.

  “Yes, my king?” One of the men closest to Thoth’s side asked, bowing slightly out of respect.

  Thoth glanced to the man and likewise tipped his head in acknowledgment. Rand Intari was one of Thoth’s closest confidants, and unlike some of the others that made up the Order, he was brutally honest and unafraid to speak truthfully. Many in the council were there only to raise themselves up within the island kingdom’s ranks, doing as the king asked without so much as giving their own opinion. They would routinely roll over when it mattered most.

  But not Rand…

  He constantly battled with Thoth over the policies within An’tala’s walls and also those concerning the world outside of them. It’s why they were meeting that night. Six of the twelve members were trying to convince Thoth to expand their borders and head into the mainland, while the other six, including Rand, fought against such hostility.

  Thoth stood, looking over those seated around him. “While I agree that the expansion of our kingdom would benefit us greatly in many ways,” he again looked at Rand, “I would have to agree with those against it. Our ways must never be seen to those beyond these walls. Would you willing give up your profound abilities—hiding them in darkness forever?” He stepped away from his simple throne and circled them, speaking as he walked. Everyone’s eyes were wide at the thought of living a human life. They wouldn’t have their gifts stripped from their bodies, but they would have Thoth’s wrath to fear if they went against him. “I, like many of you, have seen the world surrounding us. It is vile and filled with those that would like nothing better than to exploit our aid. It isn’t their faults either. It’s just who they are—eager for anything that will give them a leg up in life.”

  “But my lord,” one of the w
omen said, “are we to just stand by and not spread our influence over the savages? Are they doomed to live in such squalor forever?”

  Thoth stopped. “I would like nothing better than to help those on the outside, Gwyn, but I, unfortunately, also am aware of some of this council’s secondary goals. It’s why we’re here…” he looked over the six members wanting to expand, “are we not?”

  “We,” Rand said, standing, “must remember why we were elected to this office. We are here to simply advise our lord on the happenings within his kingdom, not persuade him into acts of war. Regardless of how good the intentions are, marching our army onto the mainland and forcing our ways over those living there is still an invasion tactic. We would be no better than they.”

  “Which we are,” Thoth added. “Do not forget that. You are here for that same reason,” he opened his hands, “everyone in An’tala is here for that reason. My influence brought the original settlers here. You answered my call, not them.” He pointed to the sea to the south and the land beyond it. “Your minds and hearts heard and accepted my invitation. They were then unlocked and given the ability to shape the world.”

  “Of which we haven’t been able to do!” A man shouted. “You said we would be the Architects of a New World. So far, all we’ve been is nothing more than city governors and bureaucrats arguing over petty things! We want more than to be just sitting on our backsides and discussing such nonsense. We want to mold the humans into something more than just the barbarians they are, can’t you see that?”

  Thoth breathed in and then out, steadying his building rage. His gold eyes flashed. “And then what, if I may ask? What happens after you succeed in tearing down an entire race—a race that everyone here belonged to at one point, if I may remind you all?”

  “As did you, my lord,” Gwyn added, eyeing Thoth. She’d been the most vocal of the six, vehemently disapproving many of Thoth’s decisions.

  He nodded. “Yes, I was once nothing more than a commoner, living among those who wanted more. I was shunned and cast aside like refuse, only to return a new man. But in my youth, I realized something. Mankind, while bloodthirsty and violent, can prosper without the help of a higher power. If we are to reenter their world, but in our current state, it will be because of necessity and not of want. We will truly help them someday, but it won’t be because we forced our ways upon them. As you know, that rarely ever works.”

  “And if it does,” Rand added, “it’s because there isn’t any more blood to spill.”

  Voices began to shout arguments against his verdict, until he sat and looked them over, his eyes roiling with the power within him. The gallery was again silenced, wary of him. “Are we clear?”

  No one commented, and then shortly after, they reluctantly dispersed, leaving Thoth alone with only Rand and his three bodyguards, the Priests of An’tala.

  Turning back to his king, Rand spoke quietly. “Thank you, my lord, for reconsidering going to the mainland.”

  Thoth nodded. “I will take your advisement to heart, Rand. But we must expand our borders eventually. New blood is born every day and eventually An’tala will be unsuitable for any of us to live here. I do not wish for that to happen. But I also agree that such expansion mustn’t be as you said, ‘an invasion tactic.’” He looked off into the distance. “I can feel a deep unrest within our walls my friend, one that will tear us apart if we are not careful.” He looked back to Rand. “I feel that we may not have a choice and soon have to vacate our home regardless. I hope I’m wrong, though.”

  Rand nodded, knowing not to question Thoth’s foresight. He was never wrong. “I—I will personally leave then, and begin preparations for your arrival to the east. I will spread the word of a glorious being coming from the heavens above, coming to save the world from death. Hopefully, with any luck, the locals will listen to my tale and believe it as truth.”

  Smiling, Thoth put a gentle hand on Rand’s shoulder. He smiled, the nostrils of his long, regal nose flaring slightly. “If there’s one thing you are great at, besides being the true architect of An’tala, it’s a tall tale. Where you get such ideas from is beyond me—a true gift from above.”

  “And what of the Elixir?” Rand asked softly, cautious of speaking the word aloud. “If it were to fall into the hands of those within the council that would—”

  Thoth’s eyes narrowed, stopping Rand. They then softened. “Keep it safe. Those here that want it for its power, must never get it… Ever. Only you and I know of its true abilities. I’d like to keep it that way if possible.”

  Standing straight, Rand looked Thoth in the eye. “Then I guess this is goodbye, my lord.”

  “Yes,” Thoth said, “it is.”

  The king’s eyes began to glow brightly as he stepped up nose-to-nose with his confidant. Rand looked deeply into the swirling orichalcum vortex and gasped as the very fabric of his soul was ripped apart and then quickly pieced back together. Once finished, Thoth sat back down, feeling drained. He could feel something within him stirring, unsure of what it was. He’d look into it soon.

  “Go, Rand Intari, Keeper of the Elixir of Life, live now in peace…forever.” Thoth leaned in close as Rand blinked out of his stupor. “And don’t trust anyone…”

  * * *

  Rand gathered what he thought necessary for the trip and headed to the coast, requisitioning a simple sailing vessel. No one manning the docks would stand in his way with his status so publicly known and respected. He was Thoth’s top advisor and trusted friend after all.

  But, like a lot of relationships, Rand and Thoth weren’t always completely honest with one another. Thoth had his family secrets, of which Rand had his suspicions, and Rand himself had his own secrets. While as Thoth’s consultant and the kingdom’s chief historian, Rand was also his top researcher. That’s where the Elixir came into play.

  Years ago, the king asked Rand to follow his original steps of breaking down the pure orichalcum and record his findings. The process for someone of Rand’s intellect was easy enough, having so much more knowledge than Thoth did at the time of his…change. And during the last step, there was an accident, something that would alter his body and mind in ways that would prove helpful to the kingdom but cost Rand in the future. Instead of the orichalcum being broken down and ingested—the latter of which Rand had no intention of doing—a torch fell from the wall of his study and lit the powdery substance on fire, where he inhaled its vapors.

  Something about the material burning and then entering his body as a gas instead of a liquid transformed something within Rand’s body. It was a change that he thought best not to divulge to Thoth…yet. He’d planned on eventually telling him, but once it came out that Thoth wanted to spread his kingdom beyond the island’s walls…

  If Thoth wasn’t the one to use such power against the innocent lives surrounding us, then it would be someone else within the Order that would. Rand pushed off the dock and set sail for the lands to the east. I must never allow another An’talean to possess the Elixir. He glanced behind him, back to his homeland. There are just too many evils within those walls that would claim the world as their own.

  THE ARCHITECT

  1

  Present Day

  Chichen Itza, Yucatan

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us here this morning at Chichen Itza, home to the Temple of Warriors, the Sacred Cenote, the famous ball court, and of course El Castillo—the Castle—or as some of you know it, Kukulkan’s Pyramid. The word Kukulkan translates as ‘feathered serpent’ and…”

  The man zoned out the loud British woman’s ear-piercing voice, instead focusing in on his target. He’d been tracking the older, white-haired man for some time now, only just locating him an hour ago. He was a tricky one to find and if the operation went as planned, the old man would be his within the next five minutes.

  Usually, Gerard didn’t take captives. Killing his targets was the norm in his line of work. He was a mercenary, but unlike the other people in his p
rofession, Gerard had an even more unique set of skills.

  And an even more unique group of employers, he thought, smiling to himself. He and those he served weren’t exactly what you would call human…

  His target moved off with the tour, pretending that he was listening intently. Gerard knew better, though. The elder he sought knew more about El Castillo than anyone alive, especially the woman with the high-pitched, grating voice leading him along.

  Why did he return here after all this time?

  He was now only feet from the white-haired man and knew that once he made his move that he needed to be quick and without pause. His mark may look to be in his sixties but Gerard knew what really lay beneath the man’s peaceful outward appearance.

  Pure power. A power, unlike anything anyone has seen in some time.

  “The Architect isn’t one to underestimate,” Gerard’s contact within the hierarchy said. “Though he is as old as we are, he has yet to truly age. It’s why we need him alive. We need to know what he has that we do not.”

  “But we are still powerful in our own right,” Gerard replied.

  “Very true,” the caller said, laughing slightly, “but he is even more than us—more than you. Be careful but be ruthless. Take care of him before he can use the Elixir against you.”

  The tour guide, Victoria Lynch, led them to the step-pyramid, telling the group about its construction and significance to the Mayan people.