Caliel - Story Index
Dark Guardian
Arvis Sharadel, a sly, sinister and dangerous figure, is summoned by his old allies in the noble House of Destin, who have a favor to ask of him. They plan to nominate their only son, the brash and arrogant Raine, for a prestigious competition called the Choosing in which the priesthood of Vraxor will select the god's next mortal regent, and they want Arvis' help in keeping him safe from the assassins that their rivals will surely send against him. But no sooner has Arvis arrived than he discovers that an enemy already has deadly designs on the boy.
This is a prequel to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place a few days before the main plotline of the book begins.
Part 1: An urgent letter arrives, and an unlikely guardian is summoned. Flavors: Vanilla #28 (letter), Rum Raisin #10 (guardian)
Part 2: Arvis arrives to answer an invitation, and learns who he's being asked to protect. Flavors: Chocolate #1 (loyalty), Guava #3 (so nice of you to join us)
Part 3: In which we learn why the Destin family asked Arvis to be their protector. Flavors: Peanut Butter #1 (fire), Coffee #8 (shadow), Amaretto #30 (to the death)
Part 4: Raine is enjoying his newfound freedom, until he learns the price. Flavors: Quince #24 (aren't you glad you asked?), Strawberry Banana #4 (bad news), Kiwi #30 (last one standing)
* * *
Candlelight
In a hovel in the countryside, a young girl named Wyre Tehliari lives in poverty with her mother. Though they have peace and happiness when they're together, they both dread the occasional visits of Wyre's father, an alcoholic and brutally abusive military officer. One day, Wyre's father goes too far and accidentally awakens her latent magical talent, with terrible consequences for all of them.
This is backstory to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place about twenty years before the main story of the book.
Part 1: Even many years later, she remembered the candlelight. Flavors: Milk & Honey #4 (candlelight), Sangria #10 (cruelty has a human heart)
Part 2: Wyre knew from an early age that strange things sometimes happened around her. Flavors: Chocolate Chip #28 (fury), Red Hot Cinnamon #9 (matches)
Part 3: It was a day like any other in late autumn... Flavors: Blueberry Yogurt #28 (for your own good), Rhubarb #15 (hell hath no fury), Peach Pie #5 (thus always to tyrants)
Part 4: Two days later... Flavors: Orange #24 (you can run but you can't hide)
Part 5: "We didn't do it!" Flavors: Molasses #17 (death sentence)
Part 6: The soldiers stared in bewilderment at the man in black. Flavors: Mocha #7 (to the rescue), Dragonfruit #30 (bittersweet victory)
* * *
Glory Awaits
Warde Kahliana never wanted to be anything more than a faithful foot soldier. But the war is going badly, and defeat seems certain - until a chance meeting with an enigmatic stranger sets Warde's life on a new course, and gives him a glimpse of the leader he was born to be.
This is backstory to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place about thirty years before the main story of the book.
Part 1: It had been raining for three nights, and the men of the army were growing weary and frustrated. Flavors: Blueberry Yogurt #29 (the first time), Chokeberry #1 (a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet)
Part 2: It was the next day, and the army was on the march. Flavors: Marshmallow #27 (promotion), Peach Pie #8 (by valor and arms)
Part 3: Warde walked among the army's makeshift camp. Flavors: Milk Chocolate #5 (obligation), Rhubarb #4 (with friends like these, who needs enemies?)
Part 4: Warde's boots rang like bells on the corridor's smooth floor. Flavors: Strawberry #23 (boots), Pistachio #6 (reward)
Part 5: Warde stood frozen in shock. Flavors: Mango #10 (at your service), Carob #26 (reluctance), Lemon-Lime Sorbet #11 (a night to remember)
Part 6: Brushing dust off his black cloak, Arvis entered the house. Flavors: Huckleberry #28 (it takes a village)
Arvis Sharadel, a sly, sinister and dangerous figure, is summoned by his old allies in the noble House of Destin, who have a favor to ask of him. They plan to nominate their only son, the brash and arrogant Raine, for a prestigious competition called the Choosing in which the priesthood of Vraxor will select the god's next mortal regent, and they want Arvis' help in keeping him safe from the assassins that their rivals will surely send against him. But no sooner has Arvis arrived than he discovers that an enemy already has deadly designs on the boy.
This is a prequel to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place a few days before the main plotline of the book begins.
Part 1: An urgent letter arrives, and an unlikely guardian is summoned. Flavors: Vanilla #28 (letter), Rum Raisin #10 (guardian)
Part 2: Arvis arrives to answer an invitation, and learns who he's being asked to protect. Flavors: Chocolate #1 (loyalty), Guava #3 (so nice of you to join us)
Part 3: In which we learn why the Destin family asked Arvis to be their protector. Flavors: Peanut Butter #1 (fire), Coffee #8 (shadow), Amaretto #30 (to the death)
Part 4: Raine is enjoying his newfound freedom, until he learns the price. Flavors: Quince #24 (aren't you glad you asked?), Strawberry Banana #4 (bad news), Kiwi #30 (last one standing)
* * *
Candlelight
In a hovel in the countryside, a young girl named Wyre Tehliari lives in poverty with her mother. Though they have peace and happiness when they're together, they both dread the occasional visits of Wyre's father, an alcoholic and brutally abusive military officer. One day, Wyre's father goes too far and accidentally awakens her latent magical talent, with terrible consequences for all of them.
This is backstory to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place about twenty years before the main story of the book.
Part 1: Even many years later, she remembered the candlelight. Flavors: Milk & Honey #4 (candlelight), Sangria #10 (cruelty has a human heart)
Part 2: Wyre knew from an early age that strange things sometimes happened around her. Flavors: Chocolate Chip #28 (fury), Red Hot Cinnamon #9 (matches)
Part 3: It was a day like any other in late autumn... Flavors: Blueberry Yogurt #28 (for your own good), Rhubarb #15 (hell hath no fury), Peach Pie #5 (thus always to tyrants)
Part 4: Two days later... Flavors: Orange #24 (you can run but you can't hide)
Part 5: "We didn't do it!" Flavors: Molasses #17 (death sentence)
Part 6: The soldiers stared in bewilderment at the man in black. Flavors: Mocha #7 (to the rescue), Dragonfruit #30 (bittersweet victory)
* * *
Glory Awaits
Warde Kahliana never wanted to be anything more than a faithful foot soldier. But the war is going badly, and defeat seems certain - until a chance meeting with an enigmatic stranger sets Warde's life on a new course, and gives him a glimpse of the leader he was born to be.
This is backstory to my novel Dark Heart, and takes place about thirty years before the main story of the book.
Part 1: It had been raining for three nights, and the men of the army were growing weary and frustrated. Flavors: Blueberry Yogurt #29 (the first time), Chokeberry #1 (a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet)
Part 2: It was the next day, and the army was on the march. Flavors: Marshmallow #27 (promotion), Peach Pie #8 (by valor and arms)
Part 3: Warde walked among the army's makeshift camp. Flavors: Milk Chocolate #5 (obligation), Rhubarb #4 (with friends like these, who needs enemies?)
Part 4: Warde's boots rang like bells on the corridor's smooth floor. Flavors: Strawberry #23 (boots), Pistachio #6 (reward)
Part 5: Warde stood frozen in shock. Flavors: Mango #10 (at your service), Carob #26 (reluctance), Lemon-Lime Sorbet #11 (a night to remember)
Part 6: Brushing dust off his black cloak, Arvis entered the house. Flavors: Huckleberry #28 (it takes a village)