The Paradox

By Michael Alexander

Jerell is dead, Raynor is defeated, and Xela has left in search of answers. 3 long years of searching have been fruitless. But a chance encounter with the God of Time means Xela has another chance to be happy. The catch: a girl must die. Little does she know that the Cabal is operating right under her nose and she is getting in their way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Alexander
• Release date: Oct 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301119127

Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander lives with his husband on the west coast of Florida and enjoys the beach, reading and writing.

Book preview

The Paradox

Book 2 of the Machinations Series

Michael Alexander

© 2013 Michael Alexander

Smashwords Edition

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This novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. All references to actual events and places, or descriptions of persons living or dead are used fictitiously.

Cover Art by Amanda L. Matthews at AMDesign Studios

http://amdesignstudios.net

Table of Contents

Dramatis personæ

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

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Dramatis personæ

Airato (Air-ah-toh)- the Goddess of Justice and one of the Nine

Avela (Ah-veh-lah)- one of the Signors that make up the religious oligarchy called the Four

Baan (Bah-n)- the Goddess of Time and Illusions and one of the Nine

Babylon (Bab-ih-lon)- hand servant to Terra and one of two Senators representing the forest city of Eden in the Solian Senate

Carth (Kar-th)- Senator from Xela’s hometown of Laedon

Cidd (Sid)- boy student in the Academy

Davill IV (Da-vih-ll)- King of Gyy, a nation of tundra and mountains north of Sol

Dula (Doo-lah)- Madam of the Blooming Rose, a brothel in Nivali, the capital of Gyy

Elomi (Eh-loh-mee)- a girl held prisoner in Nivali Prison

Em (Eh-m)- mage and twin brother of Hale, proficient in fire and water magic with a temper to boot

Eythia (Eh-thee-ah)- the Goddess of Wisdom and one of the Nine

Fael (Fay-l)- brother of Xela, achieved dark magic through the worship of Shaktor, killed by Xela during the Daemon Crisis

Fawn (Fawn)- Elomi’s mother

Gaia (G-eye-ah)- the Goddess of Nature and one of the Nine, revealed to be Xela’s grandmother through Terra, her daughter

Galen (Gay-leh-n)- male prostitute working at the Blooming Rose

Hale (Hay-l)- mage and twin brother of Em, proficient in telekinesis and healing magic with a thirst for knowledge

Hurin (Hur-eh-n)- President of Fikli, a nation south of Sol geographically full of forests and swamps

Jargal (Jar-gul)- guard posted in Nivali Prison

Jerell (Jer-eh-l)- a descendant of an ancient race known as the Druids and Xela’s lover, sacrificed himself so that Xela could live during the Daemon Crisis

Korbal (Kor-bah-l)- one of the Signors that make up the Four

Lelee (Lee-lee)- an old woman who runs a bread stand in Nivali

Lumos (Loo-moh-s) Elomi’s father

Marquis (Mar-kwih-ss)- a former Signor of the Four that betrayed Sol in pursuit of power, was killed by the Daemon

Markar (Mar-kar)- a Cardinal of Gyy, leader of the resistance against King Davill IV

Midian (Mih-dee-ihn)- a powerful telepath in Sol’s Elite Guard

Nestor (Neh-stor)- Xela’s horse that was a present from her mother Seelah before she died

Oama (Oh-ah-mah)- a newly appointed Signor of the Four

Phalan (Fa-lan)- a member of the resistance planted inside King Davill’s castle

Quint (Kw-int)- a gnome under contract at the Temple of the One

Raynor (Ray-nor)- a.k.a. the Daemon, wreaked havoc across Sol three years ago, was killed when the ritual to anchor Shaktor to Xela’s body failed

Razi May (Raht-zee May)- a neurotic and high-strung worker for the Four

Reverie (Reh-ver-ee)- a powerful air mage training to be a member of Sol City’s Elite Guard

Roan (Roh-ihn)- a newly appointed Signor to the Four, a potent fire mage and the only member of the Four with magical abilities

Sadia (Say-dee-ah)- a female prostitute working in the Blooming Rose

Shaktor (Shak-tor)- the God of Discord and Darkness and one of the Nine

Tiro (Teer-roh)- former Lieutenant of Eden’s army of Rangers, acts as one of two Senators in the Solian Senate

Umerya (Oo-merr-yah)- Premier of the Solian Senate, treasured by the people of Sol

Vaera (Verr-ah)- a powerful telepath that oversees all telepaths in Sol City’s Elite Guard

Wymm (Wih-m)- Senator from the town of Nojac

Xela (Zay-lah)- the protagonist of the story and the Vessel, a powerful human blessed with the power of Airato and Gaia, has the ability to forge weapons of light from her inner energy, has made it her life’s mission to find the people responsible for Jerell’s death and bring them to justice.

Chapter One

Xela sauntered through the streets of the City of Never-Ending Snow, enduring the consistent onslaught of bitter cold against her face. A gentle, pure snow floated down from the heavens and carried by a brisk wind, formed a blinding white mist that would have been the perfect background for a painting. Perfect if only for the fact that Xela stood in the middle of it and desperately wanted out. Xela clutched her hunter green Ranger cloak closer to her chest, the garment that had once belonged to Jerell before his life was taken so violently from her.

An overbearing blanket of dark clouds covered the sky, severing the glorious warmth of the sun from the denizens of Nivali. The city looked to be operating after dusk even in the middle of the day. The street was littered with torches alit with fire, casting the shadows of their bearers on the walls and walkways. Everyone walking the streets as Xela did walked in groups of two or three never venturing through the city on their own. Xela knew all too well that where darkness hung mischief and evil lurked.

Criminals had already tried to take advantage of her twice during her stay in Nivali. Xela, of course, knew little to no one in the city and thus, had no associates to travel with. Her first encounter was an attempted mugging where a man tried to force her coin pouch away from her when she had made a wrong turn into a side alleyway. When he realized she was armed with not just a bow but a pair of daggers as well, he sprinted off hoping to Airato that she wouldn't pursue him.

The second time, a group of men calling themselves the Shivs cornered her at a dead end alley. There they tried to rob her and, by the inflection in their voices, rape her. These men were not frightened by Xela's weaponry as the last man was and attacked. Xela held them off killing two of their members before she escaped to a more populated area. Ever since those two incidents, she guarded herself more closely when walking the streets alone.

She turned a corner and entered the Emporium, the commercial center of Nivali. The Emporium was essentially a large dead end alley with enough room for shops and stands. As it usually was midday, the market was fairly empty save for a few of the wealthy elite. These were curious housewives that had nothing better to do than spend their time window-shopping, sending the hopes of eager merchants into the ground when they departed without a single purchase. Despite the fact that miles of forest and mountains separated Nivali and Sol City, the rich were still the rich and treated the middle and lesser classes like specimens to be observed, studied, and scoffed at. Because truly, who would ever choose to be anything but wealthy?

Guards stood at their posts garbed in long, hooded robes of purple fabric. Each guard wielded a physical weapon such as a sword or a mace. Only once had she seen the guards take action in the Emporium and the thief they caught suffered a brutal beating. They were strict observers of the law and Xela did not want to be caught on the wrong side of their fight.

A few stands down stood her destination; a humble stand run by a small older woman named Lelee. Barely reaching a height of five feet, Lelee had a frame that seemed so delicate that the slightest breeze may send her up into the air. Her gray hair was pulled back into a bun, revealing a tired but caring face. Lelee may have been the only woman in the entire city that Xela might be able to call a friend. She smiled as Xela approached.

Good morning there dove, Lelee greeted. Another cold day we got out here today.

Xela shook her head. Lelee, everyday is cold. You say that as if the snow will break any day or it's an unpleasant surprise.

Don't be snarky with me, Lelee quipped. Just making conversation. I'm guessing you've come to me for another loaf of bread, am I right?

Xela nodded as enthusiastically as she could in the freezing temperature. Lelee turned behind her to pull a loaf of bread from a pan resting on top of a small fire. Xela took the loaf with a shivering hand and retreated under her cloak. The bread was still warm and that warmth quickly spread through her torso, allowing Xela to let go of the rigidity that came with being cold. Xela breathed a sigh of relief as Lelee laughed wholeheartedly.

I'm not sure anyone likes my bread as much as you, Lelee said. Whether you enjoy the taste or merely the warmth makes no difference to me. That will be one gold piece.

Xela fiddled her hands, trying to keep them under the warmth of the cloak. Finding her pouch, she reached in and removed an ice-cold gold piece and placed it swiftly on the stand before retreating back inside the cloak. Lelee reached out with a hand and snatched the coin with as much swiftness as Xela had the bread.

Thank you Lelee. I must be going.

You're welcome dove. Do try to stay warm.

Xela nodded and turned to leave the Emporium. She began devouring the bread immediately with vigor. In a matter of minutes the loaf was completely gone without any crumbs left to its existence. Pairs of Nivalians passed her by casting a mix of worried, disgusted, and confused expressions upon her. Even Xela admitted the manner of her consumption was animalistic. None of them stopped to observe her any further and the footprints that they left behind in the snow were quickly erased by the unceasing wind.

I think it's about time I was leaving, Xela thought. She didn't just mean the Emporium. She meant the city, for good.

Xela had arrived in Nivali a week before this day desperately searching for clues that would ultimately lead her to the Cabal, the entity behind the Daemon's horrendous actions upon Sol. The Cabal's identity was still veiled in mystery much like the snow veiled Nivali in a hazy, ivory snow. After three years chasing after shadows, rumors, and mysterious intrigues, she was no closer to finding answers. The Cabal, whether it was a sole individual, human or demon, or a cult, eluded her grasp.

Airato had all but abandoned her. The visions she received had ceased years before and the Goddess of Justice was no help in casting a light on where Xela was to turn. How was she to exact justice without any idea of where she would find answers? Airato had tested her for three years and she had failed her.

Her time in Nivali was at an end, for a lead she had acquired through the whisperings of the informed had, unfortunately, resulted in a dead end. She had heard through the rumblings of tax collectors that a crime boss within Nivali possibly had connections with a secret entity. With this clue unfounded, Xela believed it was time to return back to Sol City. She had failed. Her friends, if they were still her friends after the way she had left, would be able to help her sort everything out when she returned. She just hoped the city was in higher spirits than she was.

On her three-year journey, Xela had learned one thing. Those with nothing better to do whispered of many things. News spread quickly, even across continental borders. And it is through the words of drunken men and women, self-absorbed housewives, and bribing of beggars that Xela came upon the news of Sol City and its current status.

Avela and Korbal appointed two new members to the Four, once again completing the Holy Council as Airato commanded. Together, the Four established the Solian Senate, a legislative house comprised of elected officials from cities, towns, and provinces within Sol's borders. With Sol's growing population, the Senate's members stood at twenty-four members from the original eighteen at the time of its inception.

The Senate was presided over by the Four themselves and Premier Umerya, a woman so wealthy and powerful that she seemed the complete opposite of what a council of the people would want watching over their proceedings. However, despite her riches and influence, Umerya seemed to be a jewel of the people, a political champion that looked out for the interests of the less fortunate despite the widely known fact that her pockets reached ten times as deep as all of the pockets living in the poor district of Sol City combined. Xela had never met the woman however, so she had little opinion of her.

Hale and Em, the teenage mages that had accompanied Xela on her journey west, were far too obscure to know anything about in detail. But she wished they were well. In respect to politics and religion, they mattered little to neighboring nations. Her worry did not rest with Hale. Hale had always been self-reliant and valiant in his causes. Xela knew in her gut that he stood by the Four wholeheartedly. She had seen a valor and a nurtured kindness in his eyes from the moment she met him.

It was Em that worried her. Besides Xela, Em's anger over Jerell's death surpassed all the others. When Xela left, Em was, to say it simply, in a bad place. At that moment, Xela saw herself within the fractured girl. Em became a mirror reflecting Xela's haunted past back into the present. Xela's anger over Raynor's death, and subsequently that of her mother and father, led her down a path that Xela barely escaped. And that escape wasn't without its scars.

Jerell had pulled her off the road that ended with Xela plunging off a cliff into the abyss. At the time, she didn’t want any help, but what she discovered later is that she needed it. With Em just as angry, Xela couldn't allow her to live as she had. She only hoped the words she had spoken to Em before departing had sunk in and didn't fall upon deaf ears. Xela only wished someone wiser had provided her with such compassion sooner.

Xela turned down a narrow street to make her way back to the stables where her horse Nestor had been kept. The beautiful steed was probably just as anxious to move on as well. Getting as far away from the snow as possible was an idea that excited Xela as much as seeing her friends once again. It was true that Sol experienced winter, all of the four seasons to be exact. But this much snow was in excess, like an alcoholic refusing to let go of the bottle. Sol's winters were mild at best and though winter had set in on the sylvan country, it would be more pleasant than this one. A more romanticized one.

Coming to the end of the street, Xela turned right onto another, a wide boulevard bustling with hundreds of bodies. Xela was unable to count the number of fur-covered hats that littered the thoroughfare. This was where the most elite members of Nivali's socialites housed themselves in their entire splendor. Mansions lined the street with flickering windows, showcasing the roaring fires that danced and shimmered within its walls, no doubt filling the less than humble abodes with a warmth that Xela had not known in a week's time. Every main door of every mansion proudly, borderline narcissistic, displayed the coat of arms from the family taking up its roots there. An intricately crafted guardian, usually in the form of a lion, tiger, or another predatory animal, glared out above the doorframes warning those with a harmful agenda to stay away.

Tucked in between the lavish mansions were three-story condominiums famously housing the servants of each household to the brim and were equally unremarkable as the mansions were elaborate. The servants lived on shifts. While the day shift servants tended to the family's needs, the night shift servants slept in their cramped rooms quivering in anticipation for their shift to begin. Xela couldn't imagine living in such uncomfortable circumstances, let alone taking orders from those who thought they were better than you simply because of the depth of their coffers.

Besides the elite, these streets were also filled with pickpockets, sulking behind their targets until they could snatch a revealed coin pouch and dart into an alleyway unnoticed. But anyone who wasn't dressed in embroidered gowns or expensive robes looked out of place. Their presence and intentions were obvious, but guards or patrolmen were never called to help a victim of thievery. Xela theorized that Nivali's wealthy believed they were doing these downtrodden thieves a favor by letting them steal. Truly, what worth did coin have to someone who had so much of it? They probably slept better at night thinking they had performed some sort of charity work for the day.

At the end of the boulevard proudly stood the city's theological nexus. The Basilica of the Prophet was the most impressive structure that stood within Nivali's, even the entire country of Gyy's, borders. Many considered the Basilica a rival to the equally impressive Temple of the One in Sol City. Xela understood why when she first laid eyes on the beast of a building, but knew the two houses of worship could never be compared. The Temple of the One's height reigned supreme over every other structure on the entire continent, but the Basilica of the Prophet boasted exquisite architectural design and the largest collection of religious art in the world. It was like comparing a horse to a whale.

Even from a distance, and through a thick snowdrift, the artistic detail of the Basilica stood clear as day. Though not as lofty as the Temple of the One, the four spires of the structure pointed to the heavens with hope. Two spires rested at the front of the Basilica with another two at the rear. Long rows of flying buttresses lay propped up against the building's stonewalls, and a large dome dominated the middle of the church, with a lesser spire of its own, directing an observer's gaze to the sky. As the stone steps ascended to greet the wooden doors framed by a pointed double arch, two statues of the Maidens sobbed in a frozen marble pose. One was the Prophet's mother, the Blessed Relia, and the other was Yilana, the Prophet's most loyal disciple, who would eventually become one of the first Signors of Airato.

The socialites glared her down as she weaved a way through the mass of bodies that blocked her path, as if she was purposefully intruding on whatever gossip spewed from their mouths. Wrapping herself tightly in the Ranger cloak, she twisted and contorted her body to fit through the small openings the nobles allowed for her. As she passed through, she decided to eavesdrop on any conversations. Perhaps more news from Sol had reached the wintry country of Gyy.

Much of the dialogue was unnecessary banter; words speaking spitefully of other nobles, business or the government were the most popular subjects. Particular disgust was being targeted at the country's monarch Davill IV. Unlike Sol, Gyy's political and religious leaders were kept separate and for good reason. It was well known that the monarch's policies, particularly of an intimate kind, often caused many a debate with the Cardinals of Gyy. Davill looked to be one step away from being excommunicated, a punishment that had never been inflicted on a monarch of Gyy before. The entire country seemed on the brink of civil war.

Faintly Xela picked up a piece of dialogue that piqued her interest. Scurrying in the direction she had heard it, she saw two men engaged in discussion. Both wore a long trench coat made of wool that covered them from head to toe with a hood secured over their heads with a silver circlet. These were the clothes of scholars, a select few who were revered in high regard for their wisdom. The word she had heard so faintly caused her heart to race rapidly. Daemon. As she listened further, her heart's racing slowed, for there was nothing to be alarmed about.

My friends in Sol City have heard rumors that Sol is instituting a festival to commemorate the end of the Daemon Crisis, the man on the right said, leaning in.

Yes, it seems that way. Why they waited for three years to create such an event is beyond me. Nowadays, people need only the slightest suggestion of victory or success to justify drowning themselves in ale.

That's a little harsh don't you think? Victory over that man was no easy task considering the power at his disposal.

Doesn't matter. Xela and that army of nature dwellers may have defeated him, but those Solians are running that country into the ground on their own. Creating that senate is going to be the end of them.

The man on the right leaned away, seeming perturbed. I think it is noble for Sol to institute a senate. I wish we had more say in our government.

You cannot give the everyday rabble a voice in policy. People are idiots, my friend. Blind, stupid, gullible idiots. Yes, we would be able to contribute a great deal to matters of law, but the commoners here would have us taxed beyond our limits simply because we happen to be more fortunate than them. Envy is a powerful motivator.

Perhaps you are right.

Mark my words, I give Sol one year before a revolution begins. People should learn it is more efficient to live under a monarchy. You do what you are told and people live their lives without question. A king's authority leaves no room for dispute.

We may not have one soon, the man on the right said with a point of his index finger. The King's extracurricular activities are causing a rift already broken open with the Cardinals. Airato frowns on his misdeeds. I for one would like to see a more honorable man gracing the throne.

The man on the left pulled his associate closer with a tug, almost pulling his friend off-balance. He lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. That's treasonous talk, my friend. Be careful where you speak words of that nature. Davill's spies lurk everywhere. The man on the left tilted his head in Xela's direction, having noticed that Xela had conspicuously paused to hear their words. Xela did not react and did not flinch as the men slithered away from her as if she carried a deadly airborne disease. It did not bother her and she was thankful for the smallest bit of information.