Eden Shard

By Thomas Rowe

Ever since the creation of Evermore, its animal residents believed that they would be forever separated from the world of man. It was not until centuries later that the two worlds would collide. Without warning, Cheshire Cougar, the Marquis of Cougars, finds himself face to face with two human teens who have found themselves transported to Evermore. Now Cheshire and his animal neighbors find themselves standing between the humans and a demonic foe that will stop at nothing to gain the humans' souls. It will take more than strength and claws to stand up to a demon and his soul-rotted army. Victory can only come through faith and perseverance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Rowe
• Release date: Feb 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466165335

Thomas Rowe

Northern Virginia native Thomas Rowe is a writer whose influences include golden age mystery novels, detective novels, historic fiction, fantasy, and the classic pulp heroes of the past. His life experiences are just as diverse as his literary influences. Thomas Rowe grew up during the computer boom of the 80's and 90's and worked as a local sales rep for a nationally known computer company. He also has a keen interest in history, has a degree in graphic design, and received a golden bit in appreciation for his volunteer work with a local therapeutic riding program. When he is not fighting traffic during his commute, Thomas Rowe works to craft tales of adventure that will take readers along for the journey.

Book preview

EDEN SHARD

A Codex of Evermore

By

Thomas Rowe

Copyright 2012 Thomas Rowe

Smashwords Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Disclaimer

Letter

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Afterward

Disclaimer

Smashwords 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. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The following is a work of fiction. Any similarity to places, organizations, or people living or dead is coincidental.

Eden Shard and all of the characters contained within the Evermore series are the exclusive property of Thomas Rowe. No content from these books can be copied for any reason or in any form without written permission from the author.

LETTER

One day during a walk through the forest I found a backpack that contained a series of manuscripts and an unsigned letter. I present the manuscripts and letter unaltered for your enlightenment.

To whoever finds these codex,

I have walked through the cities, experienced gridlock, and ventured through the suburbs. I have also visited a place just beyond our imagination- a shard of Eden ruled by intelligent animals. This place is far different from our concrete jungles where serpents hide behind mind altering drugs and vain pop culture. In this world a war is being waged between heaven and hell, and there is no walking the fence. I have witnessed these things and written them down so all could read and learn, but what is there to learn? Simply this:

Do not listen to the world. People have value beyond what they wear. Look beyond the cement and steel to the forests, mountains, rivers, streams, and animals. See, touch, and hear the echoes of the Divine Architect and know you are one of his precious creations.

CHAPTER 1

There is a world that exists parallel to our own. It is a shard of Eden that has not had contact with humanity since the sin of Adam and Eve separated it from the human world. Evermore is a world filled with dense forests, wide-open plains, mountains, and many things similar to our own. The citizens of this world are animals. Not just any animals--intelligent animals that can speak, think, and know the difference between right and wrong. This world is not Paradise for them either. Their world was altered by original sin too.

In a meadow, in the center of the place known as the Forest Valley, a male mountain lion paced nervously under the branches of an ancient cherry tree. The young cat had just entered the age of adulthood. The lion’s nose was accented by deep black fur that was his family birthmark. His eyes were a deep emerald green.

Cheshire, pull yourself together. You are not the first cat to be named Council Representative for the Cougar Clan, he muttered to himself as he paced nervously.

"Divine Master, please guide me as I serve my brothers and sisters," Cheshire prayed.

Cheshire’s quiet reflection was interrupted by the arrival of a gray lynx. The lynx was many years Cheshire’s senior, and he was a friend of Cheshire’s father. The lynx was also the Council Orator.

Cheshire, it is time to go before the Council, the newcomer stated.

Okay, Cheshire answered after taking a deep breath.

Cheshire, relax. You will be fine, the lynx assured him.

The lynx led Cheshire through the forest. The trip was made in silence. Cheshire was the son of Gabriel Cougar, the Duke of Cougars. The Duke was the clan leader, judge, and a member of the Council of the Trinity. When the Duke had felt that his son Cheshire was ready to lead, the Duke had appointed him Judge and had sent him to be trained as a Council Representative. Now Cheshire, the Marquis of Cougars, was ready to join the Council. When he walked into the Council Chamber he would take the oath and would become the Cougar Clan’s representative on the Council. It was a major undertaking and one that he could only aspire to do with the Divine Master’s help.

The path ended abruptly at a stream that was fed by a waterfall. Undaunted, the lynx turned and followed the shore until he found a series of large rocks that crossed the waterway. On the other side the path continued along a stone ledge that extended underneath the waterfall. Shielded by the overhang of the ground above, the path meandered along the side of the hill and then tunneled into it behind the waterfall.

The tunnel opened up into a large cavern with a sandy floor. Seated inside this cavern were members of every clan that the Council acknowledged. The owls and hawks perched on rock formations while the others sat side by side forming a large circle. Just inside the cavern entrance stood a cougar with yellow eyes and the same family marking as Cheshire. The Duke had journeyed to the Council meeting to see his son appointed to the Council.

Son, I am very proud of you, he beamed.

I’ll do my best.

The lynx walked into the middle of the circle and studied those assembled. All were in attendance and appeared to be ready to welcome their newest member. The raccoons, who acted as Council scribes, were ready to record the event on bark scrolls; and then they would copy their notes into more permanent records. The Marquis of Cougars stood talking with his father, the Duke. It was now time for the lynx to fulfill his duty.

I am now calling this meeting of the Council of the Trinity to order, he began after clearing his throat. Chaplain Paxson, please say the opening prayer, he continued when the crowd fell silent.

A mountain of a grizzly bear climbed to his feet and casually joined the lynx in the middle of the circle. Chaplain Paxson could have intimidated even the bravest warrior, were it not for the warmth of his smile. His smile revealed a gentle soul.

"Divine Master, we thank you for bringing us here safely. We pray for your guidance in the matters before us," he prayed.

Before we administer the oath, I would like to take the time to thank the Duke of Cougars for all that he has done. The Duke has been a champion for his clan and a valuable member of this Council, the lynx stated while Chaplain Paxson returned to his seat.

Thank you, Gabriel. My sincerest prayer is that you enjoy your retirement, the lynx stated after turning to face the Duke. The sentiment was shared by the others.

Your kind words are much appreciated. I enjoyed serving on the Council and I look forward to seeing all of you socially, the Duke replied.

A large gray wolf who had been seated with the Wolf Clan representative stood and joined the lynx in the center of the circle. The wolf, like many canines, moved with rigid precision. The wolf wore a serious expression--an expression that was hard to maintain in a place with so many smiling faces. Without a word the wolf rested his gaze on the lynx.

"Are you ready