Paragoy Dimension

By T.M. Nielsen

Book 2 in the Dimensions Saga.

Kyrin is forced by Daemionis to stay in Paragoy Dimension, but only after he sends her on a dangerous mission to retrieve the coveted seal of Carathis. While away, she befriends a creature that threatens to disrupt the peaceful life in the Valharan Castle.

Finn realizes that the Knights of Valhara have a grudge against the known evil, and he sets out to make sure Kyrin is treated as a noble. He starts to realize it’s going to be a harder task than he first though, but feels indebted to her.

Alric struggles to understand why Kyrin stays with Daemionis. He and Sithias try to find a way to keep her in Paragoy, when they become afraid that she’s about to shift out permanently. More nobles bring more conflict, and Alric’s afraid it may be more than Kyrin can handle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Nov 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465737878

T.M. Nielsen

T.M. Nielsen doesn't necessarily consider herself an author. She's an every-day woman who had a story to tell. Never intending to let anyone else read it, she decided to put it all down on paper. What she ended up with is a fascinating tale filling books full of drama, adventure, action, romance, and excitement.When asked why she decided to publish, she stated, "I want for others to be able to forget about problems in life and to lose themselves in my world... the world of the heku. While I write, I laugh, cry, grin, gasp, and my heart races. I want others to experience that too."T.M. Nielsen is a computer tech by trade and lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She's the author of Amazon.com's bestselling series The Heku Series and the Dimensions Saga, along with a Heku Series spin-off book called Return of the Encala. She's been listed numerous times on Apple's Breakout Books and on Amazon.com's top 20 in Fantasy.**** From TM ****I updated my books all the time! Check back often for new, cleaner versions. I can't afford an editor, but any time I hear of an error, I fix it immediately.

Book preview

Paragoy Dimension

Dimensions Saga Book 2

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2011 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

Kyrin sat on her horse, swinging her feet and looking out over the gathered knights of Valhara. Finn was back at command, having recovered after being found three months ago in the dungeon of Qualsax. King Alric was away on a mission to the elves, and Kyrin was helping Finn out with training. He wouldn’t tell her what he wanted her to do but was quite adamant that she attend.

I’ve called Lady Kyrin here because there are some things I’ve seen that are disturbing, Finn said. She cringed at the use of her official title.

The knights were lined up in perfect rows with their perfectly polished armor glistening in the sunlight. Every one of them had a long-sword at their side, the preferred weapon of their king.

I don’t want to involve King Alric. He has enough to deal with without knowing his elite knights have been disrespectful.

Kyrin frowned slightly, wondering what Finn was talking about. She knew how dedicated the knights were to Alric, and she was shocked that they were being accused of disrespecting him.

You know what I’m talking about, and I won’t have it! Finn yelled. Kyrin could tell the knights were nervous as their captain spoke. Kyrin is the Lady of Valhara, like it or not, and any disrespect to her is disrespect to your king. Is that understood?

Her nose wrinkled when she realized he was mad at the knights for how they treated her. She didn’t really care if they liked her or not. They went with her any time she left the castle grounds, and that was fine, because when they did they were usually silent and kept a watch out for Qualsax.

Qualsax had staged four more attacks on her, but each time, she had knights with her, and the warriors were easily dispatched. Kyrin had heard that knights would actually request to be her personal guard on outings, all because it gave them the chance to take on the Qualsax single-handedly.

Kyrin could protect herself, and everyone knew that, but if the knights wanted to fight, she let them. She only involved herself if she felt she was in danger at any point. So far, the knights had stayed ahead of the Qualsax, and she’d never been in any real danger.

Daemionis had backed off and was taking a watch and see approach. He used Kyrin to study the Valharans, and Sithias kept regular tabs on her too. It was dangerous to have an evil in his land, but with her use of magic and her extensive knowledge of fighting, he found her presence to be beneficial.

Kyrin hated when Alric was gone, and this time, he was supposed to be away for a month. Trox had gone with him to the elves, and she was just glad that Finn was around. Her first thought was to shift out of Paragoy and visit Creteloc in Paramide, but Alric had been concerned about her leaving and hadn’t told her why.

She got the feeling he was keeping something from her, and when he returned, she planned on finding out what it was. He hesitated being away from her and always kept a close eye on what she was doing and who she was with.

Kyrin sat on the horse and watched the knights shift nervously under the scrutiny of their captain. There were two captains now, but the other had gone with Alric and Trox. That left Finn in command, and he’d seen a lot of the behavior of his knights around Kyrin and wasn’t going to have it.

As knights, you swore your allegiance to King Alric and swore to follow his command and do as he asked, Finn said angrily. That included accepting who he chose to take on as a wife! Now that the king is gone, I want to hear the reasons behind the back-talk and the mocking.

Kyrin watched, not at all surprised when no one spoke.

For the next hour, I’m giving you all a pass, Finn told them. Anything you say will not be used against you. I’m here to figure out how to get you to back off of the Lady and how you can do your jobs without the petty gossip and juvenile bickering.

We’re free to say anything? one in the front row asked.

Finn walked up to him. Anything you want, Bines. Speak up.

The knight he called Bines looked nervously at Kyrin and then turned to his captain. Sir, she’s an evil.

Right

It’s hard to accept an evil in Valhara. We follow the Holy Knight of Sithias.

That Holy Knight of Sithias chose Kyrin as his wife.

That’s his choice. We understand that. However, some of us don’t understand why we would instantly kill anything evil that came near the king, yet we allow her to share his bed?

Kyrin’s eyebrows rose and she couldn’t help but blush. She was still uncomfortable with the openness of some marital actions and would prefer if no one spoke about them.

Yes, Lady Kyrin is a known evil, Finn said, walking along the front row. Have any of you seen her do anything that evils are said to do?

Sir? Bines asked.

Have you seen her sacrifice a human?

No, sir.

Animal?

No, sir.

Finn nodded. Have you seen her poison someone?

No, sir.

But you’ve seen magic.

Yes, sir. We’ve all seen her use magic.

Is magic evil? Finn asked him.

No, sir.

So help me understand why you have such a hard time around her when she’s done nothing evil.

The knight sighed. We just feel it’s a matter of time, sir. When that time comes, we don’t want to be around.

Finn finally got it. Okay, so let me get this straight. When Lady Kyrin goes rogue and decides to kill the king, you don’t want to have to stop her.

I didn’t mean…

That’s what I’m getting from this. If you stop her, and the king doesn’t believe she tried to kill him, then you risk being punished.

Maybe

Kyrin rolled her eyes. If I decide to kill your king, no one can stop me.

Finn sighed and looked at her. You aren’t helping.

She just grinned. I’m not going to kill Alric.

If she does, he will take her word over ours, the knight said.

There’s always apprehension when a new noble is sworn in. Years of distrust follow deaths, swearing-ins, and even marriage. This is no different. However, what I’ve seen isn’t becoming of one of Valhara’s knights. Finn was still walking along the knights, outwardly irritated.

What exactly have you seen? Kyrin asked, now curious. She never expected the knights to trust her or even remotely like her, but she did want to know what she was up against.

Finn debated and then shook his head. I’m not going to say. I can’t risk this getting back to King Alric.

A broad grin crossed her lips. What would he do?

No, Finn said to her, and then turned to his knights. So if there’s nothing else, this is your last warning. I had better not see or hear anything against the Lady, or you’ll have to deal directly with me. She’s saved Valhara. She’s saved my life, and you will treat her with the respect she is due.

Kyrin’s heart dropped. She didn’t think she was due any respect at all and would rather not be treated like she did. She’d done nothing to help Valhara. She’d only done things to help those she felt close to. She couldn’t care less if Valhara was wiped off of the dimension, and she felt that Finn probably knew that.

Head to your posts, Finn ordered. The knights all saluted as one and then spread out to wherever it was they were assigned.

Finn finally walked over and leaned up against the fence by where Kyrin was sitting on her horse. Alric had chosen a gentle silver mare for her, and she’d started to enjoy riding.

What kind of trouble are you going to cause today? Finn asked, smiling up at her.

I don’t know. I could go see if your knights like stealth attacks.

I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.

I was kidding. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I was thinking about shifting out for a few weeks though.

Finn sighed. Alric doesn’t want you out of Valhara.

Why is that exactly?

You know he hates it when you’re gone.

Yes, but it has been worse lately, and I want to know why.

That’s not for me to say. Let’s just say there are still parts of marriage that he hasn’t covered, and I don’t think he wants you to learn those out in some remote dimension.

She shrugged and sat back on the horse. Well, he’s not here, so I can shift if I want to.

Yes, you can, but I’d rather you stay here and not cause that much trouble.

Kyrin leaned down and whispered, Tell me some of the things the knights were saying about me.

His eyes narrowed. Why do you want to know?

I’m just curious.

Well, I’m not stirring that pot.

You’re no fun.

Not going there, Finn said, looking out over the orchard. Alric still wants you to go to the church and visit those children who lost their parents last month in the Qualsax skirmish.

She shivered. Children give me the willies. I don’t want to be around them and most certainly if they’re crying.

Finn started to laugh. I’d give anything to see you have a baby.

Kyrin frowned. That was pretty mean.

You’d love it.

I think not. Besides, Alric told me it’ll be a mutual decision. That’s one thing that I’m just never going to agree to.

That’s what he told you?

Yes

Finn shook his head. Well, you need to talk to him again.

Why’s that?

Because sometimes it’s not a decision at all. My first kid was an accident.

What do you mean?

I mean we’d just barely gotten married and weren’t planning on having a kid that soon, Finn explained.

She thought about that for a moment. So you don’t always get to decide?

Not really.

Then tell me how it happens, and I’ll just avoid it.

Finn started to laugh again. Nope, not going there. You need to take that up with your husband.

Oh, I plan on it!

Until then, stay out of trouble, okay?

Me? You’re the one that got kidnapped by the Qualsax for over a year.

Yeah, well, I’m not the Lady of Valhara. You have to keep your nose clean.

Says who?

All I’m asking you, and asking nicely, is to stay safe until Alric gets back. He’s overprotective of you lately, and I don’t want you hurt on my watch.

I’ll try. First, I want to go see if Dewell has anything for an upset stomach.

Are you feeling sick?

Yeah, kind of.

And so it starts.

What?

Finn simply grinned and walked away.

Kyrin decided to ignore him and headed into Valhara to talk to Dewell. Out of all of the priests, he was her favorite, even though at their first meeting, she was poised to kill him.

She tied her horse out front and then walked in. It felt weird walking into Sithias’ temple, but she was starting to get used to it. They seemed to always know when she entered, and all she could come up with was that her presence somehow disrupted the natural peacefulness of the temple.

Lady Kyrin, Dewell said when he saw her. He smiled and walked up to her. How are you doing?

I’m okay. Alric is still gone though.

Yes, I heard.

I have a bit of a stomach ache. Do you have anything? I tried to find the flower I use normally, but I can’t find anything alive.

Dewell nodded. Yes, herbs are hard to come by this close to winter. Stomach ache you say?

Yes, do you have anything for it?

Dewell called out for Saith, who appeared from the back room. Oh, Lady Kyrin, to what do we owe this honor?

She didn’t like Saith, even though he was the leader of the temple and a High Priest. He always treated her like a charity case, and she wanted nothing more than to freeze him and tell him what she thought. Instead, she just shrugged. Stomach ache.

Saith froze and looked at her. When did that start?

A few days ago. Why are you nervous?

He moved forward. Anything else?

Isn’t that enough?

Are you sure there’s nothing else to mention? Hunger perhaps?

He moved back and looked at her, and she unconsciously crossed her arms. What are you doing?

Is it getting worse? he asked, looking at her from the side.

Yes, listen, if you don’t have anything, then I can go raid Trox’s cupboard, Kyrin told him.

Saith and Dewell both turned and started to talk between themselves. This irritated Kyrin even worse, and she turned on her heels and walked out, determined to find something in the castle to alleviate her stomach ache. What she didn’t want to admit was that with the winter coming, she had been eating apples non-stop, and she thought she had hit her limit.

Even riding her horse made her think she might get sick. Her main goal was to get to the castle and then take a long nap. When she woke up, she’d go in search again of the weed with little white clusters of flowers. She knew if she could chew on it, her stomach would settle down.

***

Kyrin’s eyes narrowed when the knight bent down at the same time as she did to pick up her dropped paper. She wasn’t sure why, but the knights were being overly kind and people around the castle kept looking at her and smiling.

She tore the paper from his hand and then became furious when all he did was smile at her. Alric was due back soon, and she wanted to have a few words with him. Something was going on around Valhara, and she wanted to know what.

Finn was the only one treating her normally, but he wouldn’t say anything, though she knew he knew the reason. The priests kept coming up to the castle and offering her different foods and drinks throughout the day. The castle cooks were loading up her plate with too much food, and the waste was aggravating.

When the trumpets sounded, signaling the return of the king, Kyrin headed outside with most of the knights. She was ready to throw a fireball at one of them when he gently bumped into her arm and then began to apologize profusely and ask if she was hurt.

She walked out just as Alric rode up on his stallion and smiled at her. She couldn’t help but smile, relieved. He was finally back. She figured with him home, things would return to normal. Trox was beside him, and a handful of knights were behind them, all waving at some of the city people that had come to see them home.

Alric jumped off of his horse and quickly moved to Kyrin. He grasped her wrists and then kissed her passionately. When he moved back, one of the priests took him aside before Kyrin could even talk to him. She frowned and then walked inside, irritated at the amount of people. She just wanted some time alone with the husband she hadn’t seen in a month, and now she saw that wasn’t going to happen.

Just as she neared the top of the stairs, Alric came running up the stairs toward her. He took her hand without saying a word and pulled her into their room. Once the door was shut behind him, he sat on the bed and pulled her onto his lap, pressing his lips to hers.

It felt good to be in his arms again, though she had hoped when he came back, he might actually kiss her without holding her wrists. She felt it was being overly cautious. She’d only cast on him once during a kiss and felt justified in doing it that time.

Finally, he broke the kiss and let her wrists go. I missed you.

I missed you too. How did it go? She started off of his lap, but he pulled her back onto it and brushed a stray hair away from her face.

You first. How are you?

Fine

How is the stomach ache?

Still kind of there but getting better.

Was it bad?

No

He smiled and kissed her again.

She finally managed to pull away from him and looked into his eyes. There’s something weird going on around here.

Like what? he asked as he ran his hands lightly along her back.

Just people acting weird. Knights doing weird things.

I’m sorry about that.

Do you know why?

Yes, Saith told me.

Then fess up, because it’s irritating me.

He sighed. Why don’t we not right now? Let’s have a nice evening, okay?

So it’s something bad, Kyrin said, crossing her arms.

No, not at all. I just don’t really know how to tell you quite yet.

You swear to me that you’ll tell me tomorrow?

I promise.

Good, let’s go eat. I’m starving. Kyrin crawled off of his lap and then turned when he chuckled. What?

Nothing, just… hungry a lot lately?

She frowned and walked over to the mirror. Are you insinuating that I’m putting on weight?

No, I’d think you would have though.

Well, I haven’t. I’m just hungry.

Alric took her hand, and they walked down to the dining room together. She was frustrated to see the Valharan dignitaries seated already and couldn’t help but notice a sudden silence when they entered.

They both sat down, one at each end of the table, which Kyrin thought was absurd. She never understood why they had to sit so far apart. When no one else was there, they ate side-by-side, but when others came, they had to sit at opposite ends of the table.

She couldn’t help but think they were all watching her as the plates were delivered. It wasn’t a figment of her imagination though that she had twice as much food on her plate than the others. She figured the king would have the most food, but she was sure she had more.

After the Valharans said their blessings to Sithias, they all started to eat. Kyrin grabbed a roll and went to take a bite, but the food stopped just before entering her mouth, and her eyes moved up slowly. Everyone was watching her.

What?! she yelled, and slammed her roll down.

She was almost madder when no one responded but instead turned back to their food and started to eat. Alric was smiling at her from the opposite end of the table.

Furious, she stood up while everyone watched, and she stormed out of the room.

Finn glanced at Alric and then went back to his plate.

What? Alric asked, seeing the look.

Finn shrugged. It’s none of my business.

I’ll tell her.

A bit late, sir. Don’t you think?

Alric sighed. Yes, it is. I’ll talk to her tonight.

Kyrin stomped out to the orchard and then picked an apple. She was still hungry but couldn’t stand having everyone watching her eat. As she ate, she wandered through the falling leaves of the orchard. She wasn’t looking forward to the winter when the apples were gone, but she was assured that they had reserves of food. Winter was always the hardest to find food, and she couldn’t count how many times she’d had to go without.

She sat down, still irritated, and leaned back against a tree to watch the sun set. She had been so excited to see Alric, and not only had she had almost no time alone with him, now she seemed to be entertainment for the masses, and she didn’t know why.

Kyrin tossed the apple core out into the orchard. She was still wondering if the apples were making her sick. She couldn’t stop eating them. With winter approaching, she was convinced the food was going to be sparse, and it was natural to try to bulk up as much as possible before that time.

Kyrin?

She jumped to her feet at the sudden voice, and then fell to her knees when she saw Daemionis standing before her.

He laughed a dark, menacing chuckle. Did I scare you?

No, my Lord.

Why are you upset?

She shrugged. Things just feel weird right now. They’re treating me differently here.

Well, I have a mission for you, he said, watching down on her.

Why have you come into my dimension again? Sithias asked, appearing beside the demon.

Daemionis snorted and looked over. She is mine, and I will talk to her when I wish.

Then I will stay.

This is none of your concern, Daemionis snapped.

It is. Right now, she is of great concern to me.

Why is that?

Just finish with her and leave my dimension, Sithias told him.

Kyrin sighed when Alric came through the orchard toward them. What’s going on?

Sithias watched Daemionis. I’m trying to ascertain that.

What mission, my Lord? Kyrin asked, looking up at him. She didn’t want this to turn into a spectator event either.

The seal of Carathis is missing.

She smiled. The Clemency lost control of it?

Yes, and I want it.

Do you know where it is?

I suspect thieves took it into Terrahaut Dimension. Daemionis glanced at Sithias and glared at him.

Kyrin nodded. I’ll go and get it, my Lord.

No, she won’t, Sithias and Alric said together.

She sighed.

She will do as she’s told, Daemionis told them. He then turned to Kyrin. You know how important this is. Do not betray me!

If it’s in Terrahaut, I’ll get it.

No, she is not leaving this dimension, Sithias said, still floating above the ground only a few feet from the demon.

Come on, Kyrin, let’s go, Alric said. He reached down and took her hand, but she pulled away from him.

You can’t interfere with this.

I can. It’s too dangerous for you to leave right now.

Daemionis turned to Sithias, and Kyrin looked up just when Sithias whispered something to Daemionis. Her eyes narrowed when the demon turned to her and grinned as blood dripped from his teeth.

I will send another, Daemionis told her, and started to fade.

Wait! she said, jumping to her feet. When Daemionis reappeared, she walked toward him. Why am I getting pulled off of this mission? I can get the seal of Carathis, and you know it.

Have you not told her? Daemionis asked, looking at Alric.

He sighed. I am going to tonight.

Why does she not know?

It’s complicated, Sithias told him. Now, find another and leave her be.

Stop it! Kyrin yelled, and everyone looked at her. She crossed her arms. I’m done with this. Everyone is keeping something from me, and I’ll not have it. I’m going after Carathis’ seal, and when I get back, I want answers.

Sithias looked at Alric. You have to tell her.

Daemionis stepped back, still watching them. It was evident that he was looking forward to the fight this would bring.

Kyrin turned on Alric. Tell me.

He glanced at the gods and then took her hand. Let’s go in private.

No, she said, pulling away from him. Tell me now.

Daemionis, let’s leave them alone, Sithias said.

No, I want to see this.

It is private.

Nothing is private from her god. Carry on, boy, he said, grinning at Alric.

Alric nodded at Sithias and then walked up and firmly took Kyrin’s hands.

Let me go, she said, pulling against him.

No, I need you to hear me out without casting on me.

Her heart began to pound. Say it then.

You’ve been sick to your stomach lately.

Yes

That’s… that’s one of the first signs that you may be pregnant.

Her eyes narrowed at him. Do what?

I wanted to tell you, but you were so afraid of it, I didn’t know how.

She tried to pull her hands away. What did you do?!

It’s not something I did, well, on purpose. It just sometimes happens.

You’re done with me so soon? she snapped.

It has nothing to do with that! I love you more than ever, and you can’t go running off shifting right now. It’s too dangerous.

Without warning, she brought her knee up and hit him squarely in the groin. He doubled over but somehow managed to keep a tight grip on her. Daemionis watched with amusement.

You sonofabitch! Kyrin yelled, and then kicked him in the stomach. He fell back and rolled away when she tried to kick him again.

Just listen to me, Alric said, springing to his feet. He immediately fell defensive and put his hands out toward her.

Kyrin flew at him. He managed to dodge her punches and most of her kicks but had a hard time fighting back without hurting her. Alric had to fight his instincts and training to bring her down, because he didn’t wish to hurt her at all.

Daemionis watched, pleased, but Sithias called toward the castle. Finn ran out of the castle and right for them. He instantly took Kyrin, just as she jumped at Alric’s throat again. Finn was able to wrestle her away from the king while Alric straightened his tunic and calmed down quickly.

When Alric saw how pitch-black Kyrin’s eyes were, he winced and took a step back. She was struggling in Finn’s arms, and he was just glad that she didn’t have her flail. Finn was aware of her hands and had them pinned at her sides, far away from each other.

Calm down, Finn said, trying to hold onto her.

How dare you?! she screamed at Alric.

It wasn’t planned, okay?