Cydonia (Book 4 - Windfire Series)

By Tamsin Silver

Jensine, Hunter, and Josh arrive at Cydonia, Valencia’s secret commune of hybrid soldiers in training, only to find themselves face to face with a hybrid army primarily comprised of teenagers. Jensine focuses on getting Hunter and Josh to help her gain the trust of these young warriors to learn about their powers. Yet, Josh is torn. Pepper has been out of touch too long and he must decide to either stay or fly to Boston to make sure she is alive.

On the run from The Great Order Royal Guard, Atlanta and Gray head to New York City. To avoid capture, they deviate from the original plan and decide to stay with friends in Manhattan. However, Valencia has an ace up her sleeve and Atlanta doesn’t travel as unnoticed as she believes. Worse yet, Vampire Sickness is looming over her. Can she avoid the loss of her soul in time to find Jensine and bring her safely home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamsin Silver
• Release date: Oct 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301854967

Tamsin Silver

Tamsin L. Silver is a New York City based author who works in multiple creative platforms. Other than her two YA Urban Fantasy Series (Windfire and Mark of the Necromancer) she is the creator/writer for the web series, Skye of the Damned, produced by VampireFreaks.com and Small Town Pictures, and a writer for www.MagicalWords.net (a blog for fantasy writers by published fantasy writers).Each year she sells her books and speaks about writing, acting/directing, and producing on panels at conventions like Con*Carolinas (Charlotte, NC) and Dragon*Con (Atlanta, GA). She also can sometimes be found just selling her books at other conventions along the East Coast (specifically the NY area). All of her e-books and short stories in e-format can be found here on Smashwords, as well as on Amazon, iBooks, and Barnes and Noble while print copies are exclusively through Amazon or from meeting Tamsin herself at any convention she attends.While on the writing path, Tamsin graduated from Winthrop University with a BA in Theatre and a Secondary Education, as well as a minor in Creative Writing and Shakespeare. She has taught both middle school and high school drama, run two award winning theater companies, and has a rewarding day job working for a non-profit hospital in the city. She loves dogs, anything flavored orange, and has never met a mac-n-cheese she didn't love.For more about Tamsin you can visit her website (www.tamsinsilver.com) where there are links to all of her books, projects, blog writings, and where you can see the first three episodes of Skye of the Damned for free in SD. The full HD versions of Episodes 1-6 can be found on Vimeo.com or by visiting www.SkyeOfTheDamned.com or the SKYE Facebook page: http://facebook.com/SkyeOfTheDamned/.

Book preview

Cydonia

Excerpt

"I’m petrified," Jensine said to Hunter mentally, so those in the front seat of the car couldn’t hear her.

"It’ll be fine," Hunter said, resting his hand on her arm.

For the sake of selling the story, Jensine was in Valencia’s usual limo with Hunter next to her inside and Jonathan was driving. The real Valencia had altered her appearance so she could be there and perform things Jensine couldn’t, just in case she needed to display power.

Valencia sported a men’s black T-shirt and a pair of baggy, ripped men’s jeans. For the first time ever, for most of them, they saw her in military boots instead of heels. To top it off she’d also magically altered her hair to be long, straight, and blond.

"What if I can’t pull this off? It’s not like I’ve spent a ton of time with the crazy bitch to the point where I can imitate her!"

"The beauty is that no one here has actually met her, so you don’t have to. You only need to be in charge. Just remember, be a bit cold and aloof. She’s got a rep for that no matter if they’ve met her or not," Hunter replied.

"That’s SO not me."

"I know," he said, squeezing her hand before letting go of it, Pretend you’re a famous rock star…I think that’s an accurate way to portray her. They see her that way is my guess.

Jensine took in a deep breath and let it out.

It’s going to be easy, Valencia said, turning around to look at her doppelganger, I’ll be right behind you and if you need to show your power, just fake it and I’ll do the rest. Hunter is posing as your guard and will stay here with you. I am posing as Jonathan’s guard and will leave with him, Valencia stated, reaffirming the plan.

And what do I do once you leave?

Valencia turned back around to look out the front window. We hope to have someone else to help you fake your powers here soon. I’ll keep you posted as to their arrival.

I’m sorry, you know someone else who’s an Air Witch?

I do…and I believe they are on their way here…

Jensine turned to Hunter at the same time he glanced at her and then they both looked at Valencia.

Like I said, I’ll let you know as soon as I know. That said, welcome to Cydonia. Game faces people. Time for the dog and pony show.

Cydonia; Book Four, The Windfire Series

By Tamsin L. Silver

Copyright 2012 by Tamsin L. Silver

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art Copyright 2012: Kathleen Baum /Baum Book Designs

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

No part of this story may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher/s.

Published in the United States of America.

Cydonia

Book Four

Windfire Series

Tamsin L. Silver

Dedication

For the real Shannon. A young woman who fought so hard to live. Many love her and miss her every day. Shannon may not have survived the cancer that rudely took her at such a young age, but she will live forever in these books.

Also for Joanne. You are the epitome of strength and love. Shannon has the best mom in the world.

Acknowledgements

As always, a large thank you to my editor, and mentor, Chris Borhani. She’s been, and will continue to be, someone who drags me through the rain to find the light.

To my logo artist, Anastasia Catris, and my cover artist, Kathleen Baum, thank you for making me and this new version of the series look professional. You both are some talented ladies!

To John Hartness—you, good sir, inspire me. Never stop being a force of nature. Now pass me a drink!

To all my Beta Readers—your input is, as always, vital. Thank you for your patience, time, and input. Hopefully you will like this new and improved version.

To my writers group—you may spend hours nit-picking everything I write (ie: blood wine), but its damn well worth it! Thank you!

To my focus group of powerful women—thank you for backing my play. It was a terrifying decision, but you all gave me the strength to take the bull by the horns and change this series for the better.

Lastly, to my family and friends all over the globe—from Michigan to the Carolinas, to NYC, Georgia, Colorado, California and the UK—without your support and belief in me I’d never have come this far…not just in writing, but in life. Thank you. I love you all very much.

Letter to the Reader

Welcome to the fourth book of The Windfire Series!

I began this saga in college, yearning to create a kick-ass female character and take her on a journey. I wanted to not only show her strengths, but expose her flaws. For I feel that the true love for a person stems from understanding and accepting both.

Shortly after I started the novel it became apparent to me that just like in life, my primary character wasn’t whole without her support system, her friends—a team. So, the book altered from one person’s story to an ensemble team of seven to whisk you off on an adventure. I hope you enjoy where they take you.

Originally, books one and two of The Windfire Series were one book known as The Betrayal - A Living Dead Girl Novel. If you read that book, there have been changes. For instance, this series is now YA Fantasy vs. adult. However, the story is still the same and I would suggest you begin reading this new version with book three, entitled Metamorphosis, and then continue on with this book, Cydonia.

If interested in knowing more about me or the series, you can visit my website, www.tamsinsilver.com and/or blog, http://tamsinsilver.blogspot.com. There are pictures of characters as well as videos from the photo shoots and character information. You can also come follow me on Twitter (@tamsinsilver) and Facebook for more updates on the series as well as other books I’m working on.

Cheers! Tamsin L. Silver

Clandestine History

Volume Four: 1998

Chapter One

Come to order! The In-Court Clerk announced. The Royal Council is now in session. His Royal Highness, Prince Carmone, is presiding for part one of the trial concerning The Great Order vs. Atlanta Hart Keziah.

Everyone stood in the courtroom, which was in the legal wing of the Keziah Estate. It was approximately the size of a tiny courthouse in a small city, and set up similarly. The main differences were that the witness faced the council, not the onlookers, and this courtroom was fancy like a ballroom, with detailed mahogany furniture and marble floors.

Council members flooded into the seats of the jury box and then, as Carmone sat, so did every else in the room.

I first call Phoenix Keziah to the Seat of Inquisition, Carmone ordered.

Phoenix came forward, was sworn in by the clerk, and sat in the witness stand, facing the council.

Carmone proceeded. Prince Phoenix, it has come to the Royal Council’s attention that your brother, my cousin, has gone against the law and created a vampire child who was already of Clandestine decent. Is this correct?

Yes, sir.

And in doing so, she is now a hybrid of witch and vampire. Is that correct?

Yes sir, she is Air Witch and vampire.

Air Witch? I find that hard to believe. We haven’t seen one of those in many years.

That is true, sir, but she is. I have seen her powers with my own eyes. There is no questioning that she is of the Setti line.

I assume everyone else here who is set to testify can state the same?

Phoenix nodded. Yes, sir.

Very well. Moving forward. My question to you is simple—why have you bothered the Royal Court on such a matter? You are well educated in our laws, seeing as your father was the one that helped put them into effect. You know that hybrids are not allowed. There are no exceptions on this. Were you just too attached to this girl that you couldn’t kill her?

Sir, it’s not like…

Were you also too family bound to punish your own brother to the extent of the law? Please, tell me why you waste my time.

Carmone’s tone was biting. Roman knew Phoenix was torn. He could save Atlanta’s life by saying she was Diana’s chosen. However, since they didn’t know whom they could trust, Phoenix could not use the information. He needed to take another road.

Sir, I apologize that you feel we are wasting your time. But being as that Atlanta is different, I feel it is imperative that before we are rash in taking a life, as my father did, we discuss the differences I myself, as well as others here, have witnessed.

Carmone waved him to continue, his face pinched and irritated.

Sir, she is stable. There is nothing violent about her. She even made the transition to vampire smoother than most. From what I’ve both seen and heard of her continual growth she is sane, coherent, and not bloodlust driven like our other hybrids. We never bred witches when The Great Order experimented in this as the covens were against allowing interbreeding. I’m sure that if we had, we’d have known before now that this is the one DNA combination that works in harmony.

Then what do you make of her attack on the witches who were her friends until the change occurred?

To clear that matter up, she was attacked first. Celeste is here to explain what happened with concern that situation. Being as that Atlanta was attacked first and retaliated with restraint instead of harm, I feel that speaks to her state of mind. The hybrids we knew, if attacked, would have gone for blood, for death. That wasn’t Atlanta’s goal in the situation—she was aiming to escape and simply leave them unable to follow her.

I see. Is there anything else you would like to say on this account?

Yes, I feel that as she’s now the heir to the throne for this area of the United States we actually not only give her passage to live, but to be sworn into The Great Order.

With this, Carmone’s dark eyebrows shot up. Roman knew he’d not be expecting this.

So, not only are you looking for me to allow this abomination to live, but to have the chance to run the Northeastern states? Carmone jeered, followed by a loud sound that was a mix of a ‘ha’ and a ‘huh’.

Sir, I know that—

I know that you ask too much of The Royal Council, Phoenix. I know that your brother also must be put to death according to laws. Are you also going to ask me to pardon him too, while you’re making your impossible Christmas list?

Phoenix’s face was calm, but his grey eyes glared with disdain. No, sir, he said slowly with extreme articulation. My brother made his choice knowing it was not allowed. He must go to trial and pay the consequences that your father, who is my father’s brother and King of The Great Order, deems equivocal to the crime.

Wow, an ounce of sanity on your part. I thought that we might disagree on all points, but it seems you are only misguided when it comes to this girl.

Sir, she didn’t ask to be turned, she has a soul. To kill her when she had nothing to do with the change is unjust since she’s emotionally stable.

Carmone’s eyes narrowed. In a voice filled with anger he yelled, "I deem what is unjust here, not you. You lost that option when your father stepped down from the post of King due to his great failure on the hybrid experiment. Are you also as blind as your father in this matter? Has the history of your father’s ignorance and his death taught you nothing?"

Standing up, Phoenix replied, You arrogant arse, how dare you say those things about my father? It is uncalled for and—

Remove him from these proceedings! Carmone ordered.

Two guards grabbed Phoenix by the shoulders.

I will appeal your decision and you’ll look a fool, Carmone, don’t be stupid!

With that comment hanging in the air, the guards escorted Phoenix from the room.

Next? Carmone said, trying to regain his calm, smoothing his dark hair down.

J.J. stood and walked to the table. They swore him in and he took his seat.

Am I correct in understanding that you are the Alpha of the CPA that works for the Northeast division of The Great Order?

Yes, sir.

And you are a werewolf?

Yes, sir.

So how are you wrapped up in vampire business?

This is Clandestine business and so it is my business sir, he said, his tone carrying a hint of impudence. Roman knew J.J.’s allegiance to Phoenix had his temper up. Atlanta has also been residing at my home for the past two weeks since her change.

Why is that?

J.J. told Carmone about Gray.

So you have a child of Germandival in your home and you didn’t kill him? You offered him a job? Am I to understand the file correctly?

Werewolves are not like vampires, they are not bound by family bloodlines. They are only bound to report to their maker for ninety days and then they have free will.

So you let a man, with bad blood, learn about your unit and then let him go off to report to The Superior Order? Do I understand you fully?

Roman sighed, praying J.J. knew Carmone was attempting to break him.

Keeping his tone light, obviously attuned to the game, J.J. responded, "Excuse me, sir? Am I to understand you know nothing of werewolf lore? Let me explain it to you; we are infected by saliva, not blood, hence we are not blood bonded. This would mean then that Gray isn’t of bad blood.

Just because Germandival is a self serving bastard who, of his free will, works for Valencia for his love of money, land, and power…it doesn’t make Gray the same. Grayson Stolz is his own person with his own choices. Out of respect for our maker we spend three cycles of the moon with them to learn their ways and then we have the option to stay or venture forth on our own.

Thank you for that recap Jason. I do know werewolf lore but it’s always nice to be bored with it again. For the sake of the court, let us clarify that what you’re telling me is that he won’t have to be honest and tell everything to his maker when he sees him?

No. That is vampire law, not werewolf.

Fine, enough on Gray and the werewolves. Back to the issue at hand. Tell me about her stay with you.

J.J. filled everyone in on the activities of his household since that Thursday night two weeks ago, leaving nothing out.

So, as I understand it, she’s not fully in control of her powers? Carmone speculated.

That was an isolated incident, J.J. said. A witch issue, not a hybrid issue. She’s only known she was an Air Witch since September. I’ve known witches that take years to learn to do what she’s had to grasp in not even one. She’s totally in control for her level.

I disagree. By becoming a hybrid, her witch powers are amplified by the vampire genes. She shows signs of not being able to control not only her anger, but her powers.

It was just windows, nothing as detrimental as you make it sound.

Carmone shook his head, No, you are not seeing the picture as I do. That is why a third party who isn’t attached to the situation is called in. For instance, I see that she is showing the beginning signs of the vampire psychic break, and yet she’s not in a cell being watched and controlled. I don’t understand why you all feel the need to protect her. She’s obviously a danger to herself and the rest of The Great Order.

You’re twisting everything like you always do. J.J. said through clenched teeth.

Careful werewolf, our past has nothing to do with today.

J.J. growled.

You are dismissed. Who is next?

J.J. stood up, You unbelievable bastard, you aren’t even listening to what we’re really telling you. You had your mind made up even before we walked in here! I demand a mistrial!

If you cannot control yourself, sir, you will be escorted out as well.

J.J.’s growl was deep in the back of his throat, but he put his palms up in surrender. I’m calm. I’m fine. But I can promise today isn’t the end of this.

You are probably correct, werewolf, but I am doing my job as I see fit. Next…or are we done?

With that 2Doggz and J.J. went to sit back down in the seats at the sides of the room and Roman stood up.

No sir, I am also here to speak.

Come forward and sit, Roman.

They swore him in and he took his seat, loosening his tie slightly.

Carmone looked bored. And what are you here to put forth on the topic?

That without her we have no chance in hell of winning this war with The Superior Order.

This got Carmone’s attention. Excuse me?

She is an Air Witch/Vampire Hybrid. So is Valencia. By keeping her on our side, we have the chance of a fair fight. Without her? Well, your position, my position, could very well come to mean nothing. We must prepare for the war. Atlanta is our ace in the hole.

Carmone stifled a laugh. The war, you say?

The Prophecy Diana made that once her child was born and the Setti family regained power there would be a war. Are you not educated on that either, or do you just choose to not believe in the prophecies, sir? Do you think the witches just made that one up, hiding all the Air Witches for a couple of hundred years?

Carmone sat up, not oblivious to Roman’s candor and tone of voice.

Mr. Pierce, do you insinuate that I not know Clandestine lore?

It’s Duke Roman Pierce of Wales, sir. And yes, I do. Because until I mentioned it, you seemed to not even consider it. Air Witches are back in our world. We found Atlanta and then we learned that Valencia is part Air Witch as well. Their existence means one thing, and one thing only…war. By keeping Atlanta, we even the playing field. By shoving her away she could very easily find a home with Valencia and we could almost guarantee a loss of many lives if not our entire way of life.

You say that like they are the only two Air Witches in the world.

For all we know, they are, sir. Unless you know of others?

There was a pause.

Roman took that pause to back up Phoenix. Sir, she is not like the hybrids of the early 1900’s and she’s our only hope for a fair fight. For these reasons, I too agree with Phoenix that she should be spared and sworn into The Great Order. It is time for us to look at some of our laws and make amendments.

Carmone laughed and started to clap, mockingly. Very powerful. Heroic even. It’s apparent you still love her.

Roman knew his face was going red with anger. He swallowed it down.

Oh yes, I know. I must say, I commend your ability to still fight for her Roman, but honestly, how am I to take you seriously when I know you have other motives here?

Sir, I do not ask for her life to be spared because I love her.

Oh, but aren’t you? Carmone taunted, a sly grin on his face.

I admit, because I love her I would want her to live, but that has nothing to do with the fact that we need her for this war.