The God Machine

By Teri Harvey

As the famed black wizard of death, Zolton had two functions: first, to protect the world from the mistakes of all the lower wizards, and second, to destroy any being who rebels against nature and the will of God. Being an assassin of God has its perks, but when the League of Wizards charges Zolton’s beloved apprentice, Salamander, with treason and sentences him to death, the black wizard of death is obligated to carry out Salamander’s execution, even if it breaks Zolton’s massive heart.
Amanda has spent the entirety of her life hiding her true nature from her great black master. Only now as she hits puberty, her feminine body has become much more difficult to conceal, as well as the dangerous love she feels for Zolton. As Zolton’s apprentice, Salamander has access to the grandest powers in the universe, powers that are illegal for Amanda to posses, but as Salamander, she could learn from the most powerful wizard on earth, and stay with her beloved master.
When Salamander’s true nature is reveled to all, Amanda and Ferret, Amanda’s best friend and the only person in the world who knew her secret, are forced into hiding. Ferret shields Amanda from Zolton’s violent attacks, and mends her heart from the soul shattering loss of her master. As they continue to run, their undying friendship flourishes and Zolton has to watch while Ferret and Amanda fall in love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teri Harvey
• Release date: Nov 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301776344

Teri Harvey

Teri Butterfly Harvey is a Regency Romance novelist from Stillwater, Oklahoma. When she is not busy working on her literary masterpieces, she is working at her local health food store and the Oklahoma Wondertorium. Teri is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Marketing. She is a tie dye artist and has a blog on Wordpress called bflyzone (Butterfly Zone).

Book preview

The God Machine

By

Teri Butterfly Harvey

SMASHWORDS EDITION

####

PUBLISHED BY:

Teri Butterfly Harvey on Smashwords

The God Machine

Copyright © 2012 by Teri Butterfly Harvey

Thank you for downloading this eBook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form, with the exception of quotes used in reviews.

Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Adult Reading Material

Cover Art by M.S. Fowle

Melchelle Designs http://melchelledesigns.com/

Model Photographer Cathleen Tarawhiti

http://cathleentarawhiti.deviantart.com/

Dragon Photographer Dimitri Elevit

http://elevit-stock.deviantart.com/

#

####

The God Machine

Part one

1

It was foolish to believe he wouldn’t come after her again after she’d killed him that last time. Her compassion did her no favors where the black wizard was concerned. Amanda knew if he were still breathing, if there were a spark of life left within him, he’d find a way to get back to her. If only she’d killed him when he lay on the ground defenseless. If only she’d taken the chance and taken that last life that would have rendered him dead forever... but she couldn’t. She loved Zolton too much to let it end that way.

He was close. Amanda could feel his vast presence all around as she hid amongst the thousands of celebrating humans. New Years Eve in Times Square was a monster of activity filled with explosions, fireworks, flashing lights, music, and food, a perfect place to lose herself amongst the thousands, perhaps millions of gleeful souls. She hoped they would conceal her presence, or at least distract him long enough so she could get away. Maybe he had enough mercy and restraint not to kill her in the middle of a crowd.

It was difficult to hide from the black wizard of death. He always found her some way or another. His body was designed by God himself to be a hunter of men. Very few were able to escape him, but Amanda had become practiced at the art of escape. A century of giving Zolton the slip had given her experience like no other target marked for death by the League of Wizards, and she knew the black wizard better than anyone else in the universe.

She could feel his emotions filling the ballroom as he entered. Amanda closed her eyes and let the feelings wash over her as she stood in the middle of the crowd. She could feel the old feelings surrounding her, pulling at her soul, pulling her toward him. Those were the feelings he felt when he was in love with her, the feelings she’d always wanted to feel from him since the day she first laid eyes on him.

More than anything else in the world she wanted him to love her again. Tears flashed down her cheeks as she remembered who she was, what she was. This was a trap. Zolton did not love her anymore. She had to get away now and quickly before she did something foolish. Will this be the day we die, she thought. She opened her eyes once again, and continued milling through the crowds.

#

Zolton’s massive heart thundered underneath his ribcage when he spotted her across the ballroom through the crowd of enthusiastic party goers. One more year spent away from her, one more year wasted, but there she was, still soft and delicate like a newly cut daisy, a daisy he would never let die.

His last death had changed him. His death wiped away all the insanity he’d held so dear to get the job done. It blasted away the wall he’d erected to keep all his emotions away. He’d lost any interest in his duties to the League of Wizards, and he was ready to do what he wanted for once. Let them all be damned.

He’d chased her for so long, a century maybe. He’d lost count. Pride filled his heart as he thought of the many times his love had thwarted his attacks, escaping death. She was the only being in the universe with the wherewithal to escape him time and again, and he knew she could. He’d always treasured her talent. He’d taught her well, but tonight it was time to catch her. Tonight she foolishly let her guard down.

She looked stunning as the blue lights hit her, then the red, then the green. Her chestnut curls caught the light in all the old ways when she’d been by his side, when they were two magical beings creating miracles with explosions of shimmering light and color, but that was such a long time ago, centuries maybe. He’d lost count, but it was much too long. He couldn’t seem to remember how their magic had turned to hate, and the shimmering lights had turned to fire, but he needed her now, and this time she would not escape him. Tonight she would be his again, and he would have her regardless of who he had to destroy.

#

Amanda could feel his presence drawing near. She could always feel him when he was nearby. Many times she would feel him coming and run away before he was able to capture her, but tonight, she supposed, the alcohol that drowned her system slowed her response. Now he was close. It was difficult to tell how close with all these people around, all these thoughts and emotions swirling above her along with the bright lights, ridiculous hats, noise makers, and the alcohol. Perhaps she’d had a touch too much.

She had to get out of this place. She had to escape before he found her, but this hotel was built like labyrinth. All she had to do was find an exit, find a taxi, and get to the airport. Florida was nice this time of year. No, she had to get out of the country, Sao Paulo? Tokyo? Paris? She couldn’t get far enough away from this place.

No, this was impossible. There was no way to find a taxi now. She was in the middle of Time Square in New York on New Year’s Eve. She would have to run away on foot. Only she couldn’t quite remember where she’d left the door.

She was too late, she realized, when she felt a swath of amorous energy rolling over her. The love he felt rushed over her like water gliding over rocks in a stream. His eyes had found her in the crowd, and his magic was already pulling her under.

Too many faces. She could feel his vibrations growing stronger as he neared, but she couldn’t see him. She couldn’t run away. Suddenly, the room was spinning. She needed to find a wall, a chair, anything to hold onto. Where was he? She couldn’t run unless she knew what to run away from, or she might run straight into his arms. He would love that.

She swallowed and lifted her fingers to her temples. Damn alcohol. Zolton, she called out to him with her mind. She knew he could hear her now. She knew he had the advantage. Go away, Zolton. Please, leave me alone.

No, he echoed back to her, watching her face change as she realized how near he actually was. She was panicked now. She knew he was close. He could read it on her face. We belong together, my little Salamander.

She gasped. He was so near that she could smell his skin, the smell of hot flesh and lavender. She braced herself for death as the room went dark around her. Then everybody cheered. On a big screen, a giant ball of light with the numbers 2010 began its yearly plunge.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Happy New Year!

Lights flashed, and metallic confetti exploded from the ceiling along with balloons. Horns blew and people kissed. She breathed out surprised and relieved to still be alive, but she knew the danger was not over.

A pair of strong arms her circled around her from behind. Her world spun relentlessly until she was trapped within his embrace. He engulfed her until there was nowhere to look but into his amethyst eyes.

He looked different from when she last saw him. His black hair was cut and combed neatly in a modern style. His face was cleanly shaved revealing his smooth facial skin. His black tux fit his muscular frame perfectly, and as usual, he was several heads taller than everyone in the room.

His lips pressed against hers with a gentleness she couldn’t believe he was capable of, so soft she could not help but let him taste her champaign sweetened mouth. She shivered against him and clasped the coat of his tux. She wanted, needed to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her. His hold on her was far too great, but the confetti kept falling, the balloons kept falling, and he kept kissing her all the way through the second or third playing of Auld Lang Syne.

Hello, Winn, she whispered when his lips finally let hers go. He could hear her over the crowd.

Hello, Salamander.

You know my name is Amanda now.

You’ll always be my Salamander, he said, his smile as handsome as she remembered it in the old days when they were in love. She stared up at him, her silver eyes shivering along with the rest of her body.

Dance with me, he said after the party resumed around them.

Amanda knew there was no escaping him, so she allowed him to hold her close. His body was warm and oddly comforting as they floated just above the dance floor. His love felt so familiar to her, so overwhelming that all she wanted in the world was to close her eyes wrap herself up in it, but his love wasn’t real anymore. It was all a hoax to keep her feeling good so she would come with him quietly without a fight. She wanted to believe he still loved her, but the real Winfred Ximon Zolton was dead. The man before her was but a husk, a demonic shell whose only desire was for her destruction.

Did you think you could escape me? Zolton whispered brushing his fingers across her chocolate curls.

You always say that, she replied staring up at him.

Did you think I wouldn’t kill them all to get to you? Zolton said letting his eyes case the crowd. How many will it take this time?

Please, they’ve done nothing…

Don’t worry, love, he said softly. I suspect I’m not going to hurt them, but you know I can. I can drop every single one of them in the blink of an eye.

Please don’t.

Zolton’s smile widened as he stared down at her, gently swaying their bodies back and forth as he held her.

Please don’t hurt them, she whispered, her face pleading.

Her face hadn’t changed all that much in all their years. He remembered that face, a face that would forever be burned in his mind. He could still remember the first time he laid eyes on her as if it were yesterday.

#

800 years ago the newly formed wizard Zolton was hiking through the hills surrounding his home in a place called Dark Mountain. Only a scant few decades ago had he stood before the sacred flame, the source of all the power in the universe. It infused him with its galactic power and transformed him into an all powerful, all encompassing black wizard, the most powerful being on earth.

He was ruthless and arrogant as most young wizards are, lighting up the night with explosions of purple fire and magic powerful enough to scorch icecaps and melt mountains. He had yet to reach the age of 300, but he was talented, blessed with more power than any of the other older wizards or his fellow apprentices could ever imagine. He was one step away from ruling the universe.

Zolton lived a life of solitude as did his fellow wizards, but this lifestyle was lacking in ways that, at times, were unbearable to him. Wandering the countryside for special herbs and substances by day and casting volatile spells by night left him time for little else. His focus was superb, and his spells, flawless, but when he found a moment where he could allow his focus to break, and allow his powers to rest, he found his onyx caves and his enormous spell tower perched prominently atop Dark Mountain cold.

He’d sought companionship amongst other wizards, but those arrogant haughty souls were solitary and militantly so. They didn’t seem to mind the loneliness their stations required, and there was always work to be done for which the other wizards couldn’t be bothered, so he never stayed long.

He’d sought companionship amongst the humans, but quickly realized it was a mistake. The seven foot seven, dashingly handsome man of magic was a daunting figure to the tiny humans who never seemed to grow to far past five feet tall. Interacting with these people was impossible now that he was quite literally larger than life.

When they saw him coming, they ran away from him, a vast contrast from when he was a mere apprentice. When he was young and not so powerful the women and the men flocked around him. Just above six feet tall, he was still taller than most, but he wasn’t a monster. He’d been an alluring figure able to charm anyone he pleased, especially the women, but it all changed once he’d received his wizardhood and grew into the most powerful being on earth.

Human desires and other such foolishness are usually washed away when an apprentice is granted his powers. Those things are of the past have should have no effect on the wizard’s grand future of protecting the universe and serving God. Zolton’s humanly desires were supposedly vanquished when he was baptized by the sacred flame, but his humanly desires were stubborn. All he could do was ignore his feelings, and wizards were very practiced at that.

One day while wondering through the woods Zolton heard a strange noise unlike any animal he’d ever heard. He walked among the trees listening for the little cries, and they became louder as he approached a large rock off the side of a sheer cliff face. Behind this massive red rock, nestled in a tuft of grass, he discovered the baby.

Zolton’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the infant. The baby smiled up at him kicking his feet and cooing at him. The child was covered with care, hidden well from passersby if only the thing would be quiet.

Zolton recoiled and backed away. This baby’s mother must be nearby. It was none of his concern, and he would in no way involve himself in any woman’s problems. He turned away from the child and stocked in the opposite direction when he saw the broken body on top of a mound of jagged rocks.

She was young, no more than twenty human years old. Her chestnut hair streamed all around her, and her skin had gone ashen in death. He moved closer to the body hoping this woman was merely sleeping, but as he got a better view he could see her neck was snapped. He peered up the cliff face he assumed she was trying to climb. Out of the hard rock high above her grew a singular crimson poppy. It sprung straight from the rock without any soil or even a crack to help it survive.

Zolton shook his head at the damned flower and the foolish girl. He couldn’t just leave her there dead and mangled, could he? He turned away from the body and stared into the horizon. He had to leave this place before her people came looking for her. He couldn’t have the humans chasing after him with torches and pitchforks again. One time was enough for him to learn his lesson, but he’d hardly taken a step when he thought better of himself. No, he couldn’t just leave her there.

Zolton gathered up her delicate corpse and carried her away from the cliffs that had taken her life. Her body was chilled, yet still pliable, still fresh. He lay her down on the grassy earth, straightening her body until she looked unbroken, merely asleep, not dead.

He sat beside her on his knees. He admired her face, memorizing every line, every curve from her no longer fluttering eyelashes to her rosebud lips or what he imagined had once been rosebud lips. Now they were a cold shade of blue. He sat in silence pondering what he should do with her. Humans generally buried their dead didn’t they? This girl was much too beautiful to go into the ground, but what else could he do?

Magic. He could fix her. He’d never done anything so far as resurrection, but he knew it was possible. Lazarus had been brought back to life by Jesus, but Jesus was more powerful than anyone could even fathom. Jesus wasn’t a wizard, but the son of God with which Zolton could not compete.

Zolton had studied the resurrection at length and he’d learned a few things over the years. Being the black wizard of death, his role in the universe was clearly laid out for him. Killing was as simple as batting an eyelash, and he’d killed many unsuspecting human souls who dared to trifle with the natural order of the universe, but life, giving life to someone who had lost it? That was something different. It was well known among the wizards that only God could give life, but Zolton wasn’t just any wizard. He was the most powerful wizard. Perhaps in this one instance God would grant him favor. Perhaps this one human could be the companion he’d been praying for, a special being infused with life giving magic making her more than just a human.

Perhaps when she awoke she would be grateful to him. His heart ached at the thought. Perhaps she might choose to stay with him. Perhaps she might grow to love him. Perhaps he might find a way for them to be together. He touched her cold cheek with one of his knuckles. Then he went to gather the necessary tools.

As he walked away he heard the cry from behind the large rock. He’d forgotten this small detail. The baby wailed and reached its little arms in the air as Zolton peeked around the rocks. He stayed back at first, but the child quieted as soon as it saw him. It had the same chestnut hair as the lovely dead girl, and stunning silver eyes that pierced his very soul. He couldn’t leave the child either.

Zolton scoffed uncertain of what else to do. What an ugly little boy.

He sighed, groaned, and paced back and forth debating his debacle. Well, I guess you’re going to have to come with me, aren’t you?

Zolton’s long and muscular body bent over the boy, and his strong arms lifted him to his chest. The boy couldn’t be more than a year old, probably less, but he cuddled close to Zolton and cried pitifully.

I suppose you’re hungry, Zolton groused.

Zolton removed his water pouch and set it on the ground. It wasn’t an amazing feat to turn water into wine. After it was done originally and had impressed everyone thoroughly there were many imitators, including him, but now Zolton wondered if he could turn water into goat’s milk.

Zolton waved his hands around the pouch of water and concentrated. With a flick of his powerful wrist, magic exploded around him. He reached for the pouch and it was warm as he held it in his hands. He opened the cap and took a sip. Just as he expected, the water had transformed into perfectly warmed milk. He casted a spell that closed the top of his pouch and made it to where only a few drops could escape at a. time Then he gave it to the baby who drank greedily until his pale skin turned pink. Thoroughly satisfied, the baby went to sleep.

Thank God, Zolton said to himself. All you have to do is feed them and they pass out.

Zolton laid the child back behind the huge rock and returned to the girl.

No live girl could be this lovely, he thought. It was time he brought her back. She had a child who needed her, perhaps a family. It wouldn’t do just to leave things as they stood.

He sat next to her body and pulled from his black robes his magic talisman, a sword carved from the purest amethyst. Every wizard had a wand, but not every wizard had this. The powerful sword was light in his hands and he wielded it with precision. Its blade sliced through the air and over the girl until the amethyst in his eyes glowed. Magic exploded around him in a shower of purple sparks raining down over both of them. The sword was hot in his hands, and with all the power he could wield he sunk it into the ground next to her body. Her body jumped with the jolt of energy forcing its way through her, but she lay silent as the grass and red flowers grew high around her.

Damn it, he cursed retracing all his steps trying to figure out what went wrong. The baby who had crawled into view laughed heartily at the fumbling wizard.

Zolton’s face reddened. What are you laughing at you naughty little spork?

The child cooed and chewed on his fingers as the purple sparks poured over them again. As the grass and flowers around her grew too thick, Zolton took the girl’s arm and pulled her to another bare spot on the ground.

For three days Zolton cast his spells over the girl’s body. He used so many different powders, herbs, and potions he could hardly remember them all. Between castings he took care of the baby, feeding him and soothing him to sleep, but Zolton didn’t sleep. He lay in the grass next to the girl trying desperately to think of the next spell to try, but at the end of the third day he grew weary and had expended all his ideas.

Why won’t you come back? he yelled into the night. He’d tried everything. He’d healed all her broken bones, reattached every blood vessel, and even made her cheeks rosy from artificial blood flow, but as the sun set on them, so did any hope of bringing her back.

Zolton’s eyes wandered back to the child who was sleeping soundly after Zolton’s last attempt to revive the girl. He pitied the little one who lost his mother. He realized now that he could never bring her back.

Zolton closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It was time to bury her, but her face was too beautiful to cover in dirt. He brought her body to the lake’s edge and constructed a floating pyre on which she could rest. He propped the baby up against a rock so that the child’s eyes could see him as he built his mother’s final resting place. The baby’s little eyes were wide and focused on the magic torches that lit the night, blanketing him with many glorious shades of purple. His eyes then focused on the wizard who placed the girl on the pyre along with many wooden logs he stacked, covering every inch of her body except her lovely face.

As Zolton opened his powerful hands his feet lifted off the ground. He flew back to the top of the cliff and plucked the single crimson poppy that had been the girl’s undoing. He plucked it right off the skin of the rock, no roots, no soil. Magic put that poppy there and tempted the girl to her death. One day, he would find the careless bastard who did this to her.

He had already given the girl to the lake when he flew down and placed the poppy upon her forehead. He gave her one last loving look and kissed her cold cheek.

I’m sorry, he whispered as the current carried her body into the center of the lake. He flew into the air high above the pyre. He raised his sword of amethyst to the heavens, and the night sky lit up with purple lightning and ominous thunder. Then he lowered the sword, pointing it toward the pyre. He howled a scream of anguish as the fire erupted from his blade. A stream of amethyst flame raced through the air causing the pyre to explode, sinking the boat and its lone occupant to the depths. The beautiful, foolish girl was no more.

Zolton landed on the shore of the lake. He was exhausted. He yawned, rubbed his eyes, and yearned for sleep. Then he remembered. The baby looked up at him with wide and curious eyes. Zolton glared down at the baby with disdain.

What are we going to do with you? he asked. Huh? Got any ideas?

The baby cooed as Zolton lifted him. He held the baby away from him as a smell worse than any wizards brew erupted from the little one.

Yick, Zolton sneered. He dropped the child, but levitated him in the air in front of him. Zolton put his hands on his hips and pondered the solution to this vile odor. He lifted a finger to the child, calling upon his magic. Be gone, foul stench from Hell.

A bright purple light flew from Zolton’s extended finger and engulfed the giggling baby, and in an instant the baby was back in Zolton’s arms cleaner than the day God put him on this earth.

The next day, Zolton did something he thought he would never do again. He ventured into a human town. It was a village of shepherds that lived several miles below his mountain. It was the closest town to where he found the girl, and the most logical place to start. He carried the child with him at midday. In the town square he came upon a random gathering of people. He held the babe up to each of them and asked. Do you recognize this child?

Every one of them shook their heads or shrugged their shoulders before running off in the other direction. Some of the braver towns’ folk were more polite and waited until Zolton turned away before they ran. Others turned and fled before he could even ask the question. Zolton ran his fingers through his black hair in frustration. The townsfolk were understandably wary of the handsome, giant man of magic who was desperately searching for someone to take his baby. Zolton could imagine their fear, but it wasn’t helping him find a home for this foundling child.

After three days and three nights and three different villages, Zolton grew weary of his search, and weary of the unfounded fear the humans had of him. He could only get a fraction of them to even look at the baby. They were all looking at him and running away.

Zolton had no other choice in the end. He took the baby to the orphanage, but as he entered the dark place and watched as skinny little boys slaved around the building, waxing and cleaning the fat owner’s house, Zolton decided it was time for a change.

Zolton lifted the child to face him and stared into his silvery eyes. The baby grinned and gripped Zolton’s thumb. Zolton stared for a long time and made his decision. The other wizards were content to live alone because they had something that Zolton did not, and he could see how it would make all the difference.

You know, he said proudly. Behind every great wizard there is a great apprentice. I am in need of an apprentice, so I think you should come with me to Dark Mountain. Don’t think this life is going to be easy, though. There is much to learn and much work to be done. I shall make you my pupil, and I shall train you in the art of magic. I can show you things no human could ever dream of. Doesn’t that sound nice?

The baby cooed and drooled, but his eyes were sharp on his new master’s. There seemed to be an understanding between them that didn’t need words, and Zolton could see the acceptance in the baby’s eyes as they imprinted on each other.

I shall have to find something to call you. Every little boy must have a name, and I’ve been pondering one for just this occasion. Your name shall be Thane. It means follower. As my apprentice you shall follow me for the rest of your life, so it seems appropriate. But you need a last name as well.

Zolton reached into his robes and retrieved a handkerchief he’d found on the dead girl’s body. Inside, hand embroidered in red thread, appeared the name, Shelby. He expected the name might have been her name, or perhaps her last name. Such a lovely name.

Thane Shelby, Zolton said with pride. I shall show you all the secrets of the universe, Thane Shelby.

#

Come home with me, Zolton whispered holding her tighter now as the colored lights flashed around them. He’d drained the energy from her body until she was limp in his arms. All she could do was cling to him as the ballroom whirled around them. Amanda, please.

That place is a prison, she cried resting her head on his chest.

It’s your home, Amanda, our home. We have so many memories there. Please, come home with me.

No, she breathed. Her arms pushed against him, but her thrust was lighter than a passing breeze. No.

Amanda remembered her home at Dark Mountain, what it was like. Just like its name, it was a dark place where she’d always felt isolated. She was trapped by the flowing dark emotions of the place, and she had to hide her own dark feelings. In Dark Mountain she was always hiding, but it wasn’t always that way. She’d been happy there as well.

No, she cried. I can’t go back. I’ll die there. You’ll kill me.

No, sweet Amanda. You will not die there. I no longer wish for you to die. I never wished to harm you. It was the League of Wizards. They ordered you destroyed, and I was bound to do their bidding. I’ve come to retrieve you. I’ve come to protect you from their hatred. I’ve come to make you mine again. The League of Wizards is dead to me now. I don’t care how many of them must die. I shall keep you safe.

I don’t believe you.

It’s all right, my love. You don’t have to believe me. When I died that last time, everything that was wrong was made right again. All the feelings I’ve hidden away with such care have been set free. I love you, Amanda. Just let them try to take you away from me.

Amanda groaned and attempted to escape Zolton’s arms but he held firm.

Still don’t believe me? he asked, his voice becoming low and sensual. Fine. If that’s the way it must be, that’s fine. Zolton lifted his fingers to her cheek, letting his fingertips graze a line up to her temple. Amanda’s lashes fluttered as her eyelids became heavier.

Please, don’t, she begged.

Shhh, he said dropping his fingertips to her lips. Sleep, my love. When you awaken everything will be right again.

Amanda whimpered as she lost consciousness, but before she did, Zolton’s lips brushed against her ear. I have a secret. I’ve found a way for us to be together. Good night.

Then the world went black.

#

Salamander, what are you doing? the large gray tabby cat asked stepping stiff legged into the boy’s conservative quarters.

The boy who was now aged to sixteen, but in reality was actually more around 160 years old, gasped and covered his naked body with the sheet he’d been holding open in front of a long mirror. Once he was covered, he dove into his meager cot on the cold floor.

Go away, Georgina, Salamander rasped swiping his hand out from under the blankets.

You’re supposed to be asleep, the cat said. What were you doing?

Nothing, Salamander demanded. I was just looking.

Looking? the cat asked, yellow eyes probing as her cold nose touched the back of his hand.

Yes, looking, Salamander said defensively. It’s my body. Don’t I have the right?

Of course, dear. Good night?

There was a loud crash and then an explosion coming from the bowels of the mountain, and purple smoke filled the room.

What was that? Sal asked sitting up.

Zolton is hard at work again, the cat answered licking her paw. Doing God only knows what.

Why didn’t he wake me? I could help, Salamander said in a panic.

There are some tricks little boys shouldn’t know, Georgina said rubbing her forehead against Sal’s forearm. Sal groaned and fell back against his pillows.

Zolton never lets me see the good stuff.

Good night, Salamander.

Good night, Georgina.

Sal sat up after the cat left the room again. With a flick of his wrists, the wall sconces blazed until he could see the black stone outline of his room. With a turn of his finger his full body mirror returned. He gazed at himself wrapped in that sheet, his thin shoulders and nonexistent waist, the fine blonde hairs all over his body so tiny you could hardly tell they were there at all. He liked the way he looked, but he knew he was different from the other boys he’d seen in town. They were brutes. They had muscle and deep black hairs all over their bodies, and even some patches of hair on their faces.

Salamander inspected his face, softer than the petals of a freshly sprung daisy. As was his chest, he thought as he opened up the sheet and looked down. Boys’ chests didn’t look like this. They were wide and muscular. His were silky with very little muscle. His were small and his pecks were round like small oranges. They seemed to have grown over night. Last time he checked, his chest was flat.

He bit his bottom lip and closed the sheet over himself. He was bothered by all of this, bothered by his soft little voice, bothered by his hairless body, bothered that he was missing certain parts of his anatomy, and bothered that he loved the way his tan sheet looked draped over his body. He stood and turned in place letting the sheet flow over the air like a ball gown. Then he sat down again.

He sprung back up when he heard another explosion. Wind burst through the caves of Dark Mountain, and he heard Zolton cackle. Then there was a relentless banging sound. Then it all stopped abruptly with a thud that shook the mountain.

Salamander gasped, He’s hurt.

Sal shuffled out of bed and ran toward grand tower number one where Zolton liked to cast his most important spells, the tower Sal spent most of the day scrubbing. Sal ducked behind a medium sized rock to protect himself from any remaining magic that might still be running amok in the tower. When Salamander peeked over, Zolton was there just fine with his back turned away from Sal as he casted his spell.

It was hotter than murder in the tower tonight as Zolton flew through the air around a giant caldron, amethyst lava glowing and spattering all around him. Sweat rolled off Zolton’s brow as he landed. His black robes were plastered to his body, and his black hair was plastered to his forehead just the same.

Zolton rose off the ground again. Salamander watched in wonder as Zolton threw something volatile into the brew causing an explosion that forced Sal to duck out of the way to avoid the shock wave of purple fire. When Sal peeked back over the rocks, Zolton’s feet were once again safely on the ground, and he was laughing, his robes covered in purple and black slop. He pulled off the hopelessly soiled robes until all that was left was naked skin.

Salamander ducked behind the rock a second time and pressed a shaking hand over his mouth. Sal’s white skin flushed and flushed again as his heart slammed so hard against his chest he thought it was attempting to escape. Sal closed his eyes and tried to take deep breaths. He’d never seen his master that way, nor any other man for that matter. Sal’s hands shook as he lifted himself for a better look.

Zolton ran his fingers through his black hair and stood before the caldron waiting. For what? Sal could not guess, but he had a perfect view of Zolton’s olive skin glistening in the purple light. His muscles were large and sculpted like those of a Greek god. Zolton was a god, at least in Salamander’s eyes. He was everything a man should be with muscles and hair. He also had a bit of a beard going tonight. He was so rough and raggedly handsome. Sal wanted to touch that beard before it went away, to see what it felt like, to see what Salamander himself was lacking. God, Zolton was strong. Salamander knew he was strong, but he’d never seen the naked physical evidence of it.

"Zolton is magnificent," Sal thought as an overwhelming pang curled up in his stomach. He’s amazing.

The pang in Sal’s stomach unraveled and stung him until he could feel it everywhere in his body, and in places he knew he shouldn’t. Sal closed his eyes and breathed in slowly. Zolton was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen in his life.

Salamander gasped and fell backwards as Zolton’s eyes turned his direction. Sal had always appreciated Zolton, idolized him, and was always grateful for the shelter and home he created for them, but Salamander had never felt anything like this for his master. He was suddenly frightened by the strange and wonderful feelings, so he ran faster than he’d ever ran in his life back to his little cot in his little room. He dove under all of his blankets and pillows until he disappeared.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! You stupid idiot! he screamed. Wrong!

#

Zolton could feel the presence as he worked feverishly in this blasted heat, but he could not stop at this point. He’d spent weeks on this spell, weeks gathering the correct herbs and potions. He was determined that none of his work went to waste. This spell was much too important. Besides, it was probably just Salamander. It wouldn’t hurt for the boy to watch. Sal had spent many nights watching Zolton as he casted his most precarious spells, nights when the boy should have been sleeping. Zolton always knew when he was there. Sal had always been a curious soul, but as long as it didn’t affect Zolton’s important work, and as long as it didn’t affect Salamander’s chores, Zolton saw no harm in him watching.

Zolton smiled to himself. The boy was just like Zolton when he was an apprentice. He and Merlin would stay up all hours of the night watching as their wizard Ximon would do something as important as bending space and time, to zapping a hangnail or levitation exercises. It didn’t seem to matter what Ximon was doing, or what Zolton was doing. Zolton and Salamander alike just wanted to be a part of it.

It was probably time for the boy to participate in the more important spells Zolton usually scheduled to take place while Sal slept. He felt Salamander was becoming mature enough to handle the more dangerous and difficult things that come along with the profession of wizardry. Besides, Salamander had been poofing flowers and zinging butterflies for much too long.

It was deadly hot in this tower. Sweat rolled off Zolton in buckets, and he promised himself a rain shower before the night was over. When he whipped off his robes, the sound of a heartbeat thundered in his ears even louder than the explosive magic in the room. It was a frantic sound that excited Zolton’s ears and made him raise his eyebrows.

He’d never known the boy to be so shy, but then Zolton realized that it was not shyness that made Sal’s blood boil, nor appreciation, nor the thrill of the magic all around him. No, this was different. This was something sweet and innocent like the blooming of a delicate flower or the flutter of butterfly wings, the twinge that erupts all over when your heart realizes it is in love.

That isn’t...healthy, Zolton thought as the boy’s anger surged, and fear, and confusion. Zolton’s gaze turned as the boy fled back to the safety of the caves.

Zolton shook his head in amazement, and a wide smile came over his lips. What a thing it is to be in love. He’d never had the luxury, but he felt a certain pride and flattery at being the object of such feelings, even though those feelings were completely inappropriate, and he would have to put a stop to them immediately.

#

Amanda’s eyes opened slowly. The room seemed to spin as she regained consciousness, but then it stopped. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she recognized where she was, the feeling of the cot beneath her, the cold rock floor it sat on, the dim torchlight and the cold black walls. She was home. This was her room.

God, how she missed this place and the magic within it. She missed her wand, and helping Zolton with spells that were crucial to human existence. She missed Zolton back when he was her master, back when she trusted him, and he trusted her with all the secrets of the universe. She closed her eyes, pulled the blanket tighter around her, and wondered if life would ever be that way again. She closed her eyes tighter when she felt a presence draw near.

2

Salamander, how many times do I have to tell you, arrange the potions in color order, not alphabetical order, Zolton seethed as Salamander fell to his knees scrubbing the mess his master had smashed on the floor. Zolton was a bit angrier tonight than usual, but for just a moment, Sal was unexpectedly grateful. Sal didn’t know how he would react if Zolton was nice to him after what he’d seen and felt last night. Although he was still having trouble looking Zolton in the eyes, Sal was still having more trouble looking at him without picturing him without his clothes off.

Do you know what could have happened had I used the wrong potion? There would have been an explosion so large they’d be finding pieces of you and I on the moon! You do remember color order don’t you, you wicked little spork?

Yes, Zolton, Sal answered quickly, feeling his heart twist until it hurt.

Red, Orange, Yellow—

Why was he doing this? Salamander just couldn’t understand why his master would turn on him this way. In their previous relationship he’d always been indifferent to Salamander, grudgingly showing the boy spells and grudgingly complementing him on his herb gathering skills, but now he was so angry.

Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

Yes, Zolton, Sal said hiding the tears threatening to burst from his eyes.

And when you’ve finished cleaning up your mess and putting my remaining potions in their correct order, my caldrons need to be scrubbed, my moonstones need to be polished, my smoke stacks need to be swept, and if the sun still shines by the time you’re done, go into town and pick up my supplies. It is a large order so bring the ox.

Yes, Zolton.

Zolton turned away, his robes swooshing arrogantly behind him as he exited. Salamander tossed his scrub brush into the bucket of rainbow water and finally began to breathe again. He had been holding his breath the whole time Zolton was snarling at him, only taking a breath to answer questions. Sal laid his head on his knees and greedily gulped air. He’d never seen his master this way, and he didn’t know what he could have possibly done do make him turn so cold.

Zolton had always been angry and impatient, always thinking of absurd and time consuming chores for Sal to do, but the impatiens had turned into contempt, and assignments had piled up, so many that Sal didn’t know if he’d ever finish in his lifetime. This morning Zolton had worked his way up to another level of anger, a desperate swath of fury that Sal couldn’t understand.

Salamander should have hated Zolton for his merciless behavior, but somehow Sal knew there was something else brewing inside Zolton’s heart. Sal thought he could feel a twinge of pain coming from his master as he berated him, and that his master’s cruelty was more a punishment to himself than to Sal.

Salamander was exhausted, and he didn’t know how much more of this nasty work he could possibly take. After a few more weeks of menial manual labor, Sal thought he might fall to pieces. At least then he’d have a moment to breathe while he picked himself up. Sal shook his head and paced in his tiny room. He was an apprentice, not a slave. Even if he did love Zolton, everyone had his breaking point.

He dragged his weary body to the small writing desk in the corner of his room and sat down. He took out a piece of parchment and a quill and began to write.

Dearest Zolton,

It is with a heavy heart that I must leave you tonight. I thank you for all the things you have given me, my life, my powers, but now I must go. Always know that wherever I go, you will always be in my heart.

Love always,

Salamander

Tears fell on the paper smearing a few of the words. He crumbled the paper and tossed it away. Zolton was his family, the only person who ever loved him, the only person he ever wanted to love him. He could not leave.

#

Amanda felt her little mattress move as he sat down beside her. His fingers grazed her cheek and his lips brushed against her temple. She remained absolutely still, but he could feel her shiver and sense her fear. Then he kissed her eyelids.

Welcome home, Amanda, he whispered. I know you’re awake.

Her eyes flicked open slowly, and he smiled lovingly at her.

Why did you do this to me? Why couldn’t you just leave us alone? she asked.

You know I never meant for this to happen. My duty in the matter was clear, but I always loved you Salamander…Amanda. I’m going to make everything right. Isn’t it a black wizard’s duty to right the wrongs of the world?

Amanda didn’t reply. She only pulled her blankets tighter around her.

You know I’d die before I hurt you. What are you afraid of?

#

Salamander crumbled a second letter, a third, a fourth. Then he laid his head on the writing table. He was used to giving Zolton everything his highness wished. If he wished for distance, then, by God, he’d have it. Only, why was it so difficult?

He felt a cold rush of air as it moved around his body. When he lifted his head there was a large parcel setting at the corner of his table. It was long and fat and when he opened it, a rainbow of sparks flung themselves across the room. He pulled from the envelope a single piece of paper, and it was addressed to someone named Thane Shelby. The name sounded so familiar, but he couldn’t remember why. As soon as he unfolded the single sheet of fancy parchment, it lit up and the message played out.

Thane Shelby… it said.

Who is Thane Shelby? Salamander asked.

It’s you! You are invited to participate in the Wizards Invitational Games and Sorcery Fair featuring the Apprentice Showdown and Gauntlet of Fire presented by the UWA. It’s the only place on earth where you can… socialize with other apprentices from all around the globe, learn from today’s best wizards and sorcerers, and showcase your own special talents. Bring your wand and your wizard to the top of Ascension Mountain Dark Arts Exchange for the Wizards Invitational Games and Sorcery Fair running all through the month of June. Be there!

June! Salamander said to himself. That’s only three months away. I have to start training. I have to get a wand. I have to... Oh God, I have to ask Zolton.

Salamander bit his lip. Zolton never left Dark Mountain, especially now that he had Sal to do all his bidding in town, and gathering all his herbs in the forest. Sal paced a rut in the floor and wondered if his master would agree to take him to such a place.

I must at least ask him, he said to himself. I must try. He doesn’t admit it, but he cares for me, and I... he let his voice trail off.

I love him, she said inside his head. Sal shook off the voice and lifted the magical parchment to his eyes one last time.

Hurry, it said. Registration begins today.

Begins today?

Yes, today! it said.

I have to tell Zolton right away, he said.

Salamander ran out into the caves to find his master, but he was shocked to find tower one cold and empty. It was past the witching hour, and Zolton was always in tower one late at night. He’d cast his spells clear till dawn most nights. Then he’d continue on through the day. Worry streaked through Salamander’s tiny body, and he hoped desperately that nothing was wrong with Zolton. Zolton was probably resting, that’s all.

As Sal neared Zolton’s bedchambers, he heard a foreign sound, many foreign sounds that instantly made his feet fuse to the rocks below. There were two people in the bedchamber tonight. Sal shook his head and blinked hard as he felt their presence. The feeling was so sudden and so intense that it felt like the mountain had collapsed on top of him.

He’d never felt emotions like this, so clear and so fierce. There were times in his life when he’d thought he’d felt someone’s emotional state, but the flashes only lasted seconds. It was so minor that he just dismissed the fleeting emotion. Now he could feel these two people’s emotions flashing on and off before his eyes like a thousand lightning bolts attacking his brain. It took all the energy he had not to collapse.

Salamander could feel them both, their emotions, their connection, and they were very connected. He could feel it down in the hot pit of his stomach. The woman giggled loud enough that it traveled down the hallway and slapped Sal in the face. He could hear his master grunt and growl as they wrestled together under the sheets.

Salamander felt a pang in his heart as he took a step forward, peeking inside the open door. They were both naked, Zolton and the beautiful blonde woman. They were both sitting up, and her legs were around him. They were moving together. His lips were on her neck and sometimes traveled lower. Her head was thrown back and she was laughing. She seemed to be enjoying herself immensely, and so did Zolton.

Salamander fell back against the wall in the hallway and let the magical piece of paper he was holding fall to the floor. He’d never seen anything like this in his life, and the scene made him feel heavy and nauseous. The emotions pummeling his brain made him want to scream.

He felt so dizzy as he tried to run away, so many emotions eating at him, attacking him, and he couldn’t escape. The image of Zolton and the woman burned itself into his mind, and he could feel them all over each other, touching all their private places outside and in, and the elation in doing so.

Sal’s legs shook under him as he moved, barely strong enough to carry him away from there, but he still couldn’t escape the lusty onslaught as he collapsed into his little cot and buried himself under his pillows and blankets.

Sal cried out loud as he pressed his pillows against his head, his heart broken and shattered beyond repair. He could feel all the things Zolton was doing to that girl, and all the things she was doing to him. Sal could feel her, could feel all her feminine desires, feel all her womanhood, feel the essence of what she was.

As his fright and pain subsided, Sal could see them more clearly, and his mind focused on the woman. He took a slow deep breath and uncovered his face. She was stunning with her strawberry colored lips and her pale soft skin. Her breasts were round like grapefruits and her nipples were perfectly supple. Sal’s fingers moved up under his shirt and touched his own growing breasts. They were just the same, smaller, but the same. His hair was short like a boy’s should, but it always became so quickly unruly with curls if he didn’t keep it sheered down. His hair could look the way hers did, only darker. And Zolton, he admired this woman’s ethereal beauty, loved it so much that he vowed to taste every inch of her before the night was through.

She was what Zolton wanted all along. She was the reason he’d been in such a foul temper these past few months. Then, in an instant, Sal knew what he wanted. He knew