Willow and the Rise of the Serpent

By DB Jones

Travel with Willow through magical worlds as she discovers a great evil that lies beneath the Endless Waters. An evil so terrifying it has been sealed in the underworld for over a thousand years and if escapes, could annihilate the sea kingdom and shift the balance of life forever. The beast is awakened and has heard that the sea kingdom is now ruled by the new Goddess of the Sea, Willow, who possesses great powers. He begins to plot his freedom only to discover this Goddess is no ordinary creature.
Willow unlocks the great powers that were given to her by the ancients but not even they could imagine such magic exist until she reveals them in her attempt to save her worlds.

“DB Jones has done it again with Willow and the Rise of the Serpent. I couldn’t put the book down. I thought her first book Willow of Endless Waters was exciting and magical but, again, she has filled my nights with suspense and magic as I glided along with each twist and turn in Willow’s new adventures. Thank you DB.”...Renee’ S.
“Willow and the Rise of the Serpent will keep you riveted with each page. This book is filled with suspense, magic and unexpected events as the readers travels through this vividly, exciting new fantasy world. With each new journey Willow unlocks magical powers she never imagined.”...D. McClain
“I completed reading Willow of Endless Waters and can hardly wait for the next book in the trilogy. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to continue with Willow’s adventures. Her journey is packed with visual fantasies that will pull the reader into each page as if they were with her every move, feeling her every fear, tension and challenge. If you love fantasy, this trilogy is a must read.”...Marie B.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DB Jones
• Release date: Apr 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310061875

DB Jones

DB Jones is a best selling author of Mystery and Crime Drama, including the Madison Hart Mystery Series and the Seasons of Passion Mysteries. She also writes YA/Fantasy which includes the Willow Trilogy. Before writing DB along with her husband composed melodic flute music for over thirty years. She began writing at the age of 68 after her husband passed away. She lives in the hills of Virginia where she overlooks the BlueRidge Mountains as she hammers away at the keyboard bringing her characters to life. DB writes in two genres, Young Adult/Fantasy and Mystery/Crime Drama with an occasional twist of the paranormal spun through some of her books. Join DB’s mailing list at http://www.dbjones-author.com/ for news about her books and upcoming events. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dbjones.author, Twitter https://twitter.com/dbjones72. Contact DB at [e-mail]

Book preview

1

The creatures of the Endless waters were stunned at what they witnessed when Willow and Vala joined as mates. Never before had there been such a magical event, or at least no one had ever heard of such an event. The sea opened, creating a giant vortex that spun Willow and Vala upward into the clouds, crossing the boundaries of the Endless Waters. This event was seen by many standing on the shore, leaving everyone in amazement and wonder.

Willow and Vala were engulfed in ethereal silver stands of crystal blue light that could be seen across the horizon, as they spiraled upward above the crest of the waves. Then as they descended back to the sea, the brilliance of the light emanating from them nearly blinded those trying to watch this event. When Willow and Vala returned to the coral forest, the strands of light retreated from them, returning to the cave of the ancients. Vala and Willow hovered in the blue waters, with their bodies still illuminating, as the water people and the clans of the sea kingdom bowed and paid honor to their new Goddess of the Sea and her mate. Willow and Vala glided just outside of the forest where Llyr, the God of the Sea, and her protector waited. The two of them approached Llyr then reached out and touched his mighty fin, bowed to him, and he in turn lowered his majestic sliver head to them. Then Willow and Vala glided back into the coral forest and vanished.

It was all anyone, on land and in the sea, could talk about. Of course those in the sea knew it was the joining of Willow and Vala that created this amazing thing. But those on land, in the village where Willow had lived before entering the Endless waters, were completely puzzled. No one could imagine or speculate what could make the waters rise into the sky, and then slowly retreat to the sea with such power and radiance. Everyone but Willow's mother, Audra, and her father Nyle. But this was a secret they would have to take to their grave. If anyone ever found out this world beneath the sea existed, it would cause havoc and may even destroy the balance of their two worlds. So they kept this secret and rarely even discussed it among themselves for fear they would be over heard. They could not even tell their children that it was their sister Willow who manifested this miracle.

Audra could feel the beating of Willow's heart within her own with more intensity than ever. Willow had nearly developed her full powers, which only made their connection stronger. They were so connected. Not only because Willow was her daughter, but because they both were from the same lineage of the ancients. Willow and Audra had a certain way of communicating that no others did. Audra was not aware that it was the language of the ancients, until Willow entered the waters to discover her own lineage. She thought it was just the way her grandmother and great grandmother spoke to one another when they didn't want anyone else to hear; but it was much more than that. They possessed the language of the ancients that had been passed down since the beginning of time. It began when some of the land people entered the Endless Waters. It was how they communicated to ensure their survival; a connection of the minds only their lineage knew. Now, this would be the only way Willow and her mother could communicate. Though Audra missed her daughter, she knew this was the way it was meant to be. Willow had fulfilled the promise made so long ago, and now she would be the bridge between the land and sea people. She knew that someday she would see her daughter again, but now was not the time.

Willow and Vala had not been seen for a long time and many of the water people wondered where they were. They had already lost their Goddess, Morven to the Great Beast of the Sea, Adaro. They did not want to lose Willow too. At least the Spirit of the Sea, Ellura, stayed close and in constant contact with Llyr while Willow and Vala were away. Only they knew that their absence was very important to the survival of the sea kingdom. Many of the clans and water people assumed they were spending time alone as mates and would return soon. Yet it was anything but that. Adaro was obsessed with Willow and the powers she received from Morven at the time he devoured her. He knew if he could take Willow now, all her powers would be his. Then he would rule the sea kingdom. His desperation took him to the depths of the sea to plot his next move. No one had seen him roaming the open waters since Willow and Vala joined. They assumed he retreated out of fear of the consequences that awaited him for taking Morvens' life. But they could not be more mistaken.

There were rumors that Adaro descended to the deepest and darkest part of the sea. It was said that something even more sinister than Adaro resided there; and such evil prevented anyone from ever venturing there to see if it were true.

2

Willow and Vala had been summoned to the cave of the ancients for training with the gifts they received from the ancients during their joining. They spent much time in quiet meditation within the depths of the cave, only coming out to the sands to receive more instructions on the powers they acquired. Each one had many powers passed down from their individual lineage; but together they possessed greater powers than even the ancients possessed. But they needed guidance to call forth the magic within them, and between them. Even the ancients would not grasp the full power they possessed together, until Willow and Vala were called to the challenges that lie ahead.

Willow and Vala could feel their strengths growing but did not realize the magnitude of their combined power. They no longer needed to speak, except to those of the clans and even then, they could perceive what the clans were thinking throughout the entire sea kingdom. Some of the training they received from the ancients was to be able to restrict the rushing voices in their head, and pull forth only that which they needed. It would prove to their advantage some day.

It was time for Willow and Vala to return to the forest, but first there was one more moment with Morven, Willows' great-great grandmother. No words needed to be spoken. An ethereal silver strand bridged between Willow and Morven, and now also with Morven and Vala. Willow and Vala had truly fulfilled the promised made so long ago.

Though they could travel beyond the speed of light back to the coral forest, they returned slowly through the warmth of the currents. They eased into the cool waters that led to the gateway of their home. There would be great obstacles and joys that awaited them on this next phase of their journey. No one could imagine the extent of what was to come for the kingdom. But Willow and Vala knew. And they would spend their time preparing for the challenges they would one day face.

As they emerged from the cave, Ellura was there to greet them. There was no question how she knew they would be arriving at that very moment. They knew Ellura was the spirit of the sea, and she knew every ripple of the waters, and every swish of the sands. She was connected to the ancients in ways not even Willow or Vala understood. They were glad to see her, and then they turned toward their home and glided back into the coral forest together.

Ellura had announced the couple would be returning soon. Everyone gathered in the center of the forest to greet their new goddess and her mate. The Delfin clan circled outside the forest, all except Llyr. Llyr kept vigil in the open waters for any sign of Adaro or his clan. He knew Adaro would be back for Willow. It was just a matter of time. He suspected Adaro was planning something to avenge the loss of those powers he sought when he took Morven. Yet nothing stirred in the open waters, nor was there any hint of an impending attack. Usually the slithers that creep beneath the sands ever on the lookout for Adaro, would surface if something was amiss. It was their nature. The seas were calm and there was no sign of the great beast but Llyr didn't trust that Adaro would give up, so he remained vigilant.

Willow and Vala entered the center of the forest to jubilant sounds from the water people, and chatter from the clans that inhabited the forest. Of course Willow and Vala could hear them all. Willow shared with Vala the secrets and the gifts passed to her when Adaro took Morven. It was the final gift linking her to the secrets and powers of the ancients. Now Vala could communicate with the clans; but first he too must be accepted by each clan in the same ritual Willow once did.

Vala began his introduction with the Great Queen of the shell clan. He had accepted nourishment from her when he awaited his first communication with the ancients, just before he and Willow joined. But now he was held in a higher status, as the mate of the Sea Goddess. He slowly approached the great shell and requested to draw nourishment from her. She slowly opened her mighty shell and spoke to him, You may take all that you need. Vala bowed to her and took a very small morsel and said to her This is all that I need, I thank you. She slowly closed her magnificent shell...it was done! One by one he approached the leaders of the clans to pay honor and ask for acceptance, and in return they accepted him and shared the secrets of their clans, and honored him with their allegiance. Vala could now communicate with all the clans of the sea kingdom openly. Showing them respect was the way of the sea.

Willow would now reside in the cave of Morven, as it had been done since the beginning of the emergence from land to the sea. It had always been the cave of the Goddess of the Sea. They all dwelled in this cave; even before Morven returned to the sea and was given the gift from her great-great grandmother. Two great lineages have now joined to fulfill an ancient legend, so now the cave would be shared by Willow and Vala. Never before had the Sea Goddess shared her cave with her mate. This cave held great power and was only for the maternal lineage of the ancients. But now the time had come for the great powers to merge.

Day by day Willow and Vala grew in strength and often disappeared together for long periods of time. Ellura and Llyr were never far from them, as Willow and Vala explored the magic they held within.

Willow and Vala began thinking as one being, and could feel even the subtlest changes in each other. What one felt, the other felt. There were other magical occurrence developing that would someday be crucial in not only their survival, but that of the entire water people and the sea clans. Not even Llyr or Ellura could imagine what would come.

3

Audra and Nyle kissed all the children, and tucked them away in their sleeping lofts. Seth, Willow's brother, had banked the embers in the fireplace and Raven, her sister, soaked the oats and berries in the pot that would be swung over the fire for the morning meal. Nara and Ciara, the twins, were always the first ones to be put to bed. They were the youngest. Seth was growing into a man faster than Audra expected, and Raven would soon be joining the other young girls at the festival to pick her mate, as Willow was meant to do before she was carried off to the endless waters.

There was a chill in the air that night as Audra sat in her rocking chair on the knoll overlooking the endless waters. Nyle joined her and gently wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. The two of them sat for a long time watching as the waves crashed onto shore. Both of them were thinking the same thing, I wonder how our girl is doing? Would we ever see her again? Though they both missed her very much, it was Audra that felt the pain of losing Willow more. The two of them had a special connection, stronger than most mother and daughters.

Nyle reached down and kissed her on the head, it's getting late. Come in out of the cold. She replied soon... soon. Nyle patted her on the shoulder. She turned and smiled up at him. Even in the light of the moon he could see her once golden hair was beginning to incorporate gray strands woven into it. She still possessed the beauty of a young woman, but her hair began to show signs of her aging. He still found her incredibly beautiful and amazing. He felt blessed to have her in his life, and she felt the same admiration for him. They loved each deeply and were close. Yet he noticed her becoming distance with each day Willow was gone. He knew how much she missed her daughter, but he found comfort in knowing she also loved all her children.

He called out to her just as he entered the kitchen door, Soon Seth and I will go out to the endless waters to hunt the great migration of fish. I suspect it will be a good one, don't you? he said. She turned and said, I'm sure you will do great.

Audra sat alone with the breeze gently caressing her cheeks. She could smell the salt air as the mist rolled in. Then she felt a slight tug against her ankle, where Ellura had woven the silver strands from her hair. Then she heard a whisper in the wind, Your daughter is well. Audra knew it was from the woman in the water, Ellura. Thank you for letting me know, Audra whispered.

Soon the moon would be full again and the migration of fish would be approaching. The men of the village prepared their boats and cleaned their nets. They hung the nets along the side their boats, ready to cast when the time was right. Audra knew Seth would be joining his father on this run, as he had done the last few times. Soon Seth would have his own boat and would have his own family to support. Audra's children were growing up so fast. A part of her wanted to join them on this trip out in the sea. She wished it would give her an opportunity to perhaps see Willow. In the midst of her thought she heard, Not now, not yet. There would be too much danger for you. Audra wasn't sure it was her own thoughts, or those of the woman of the water. She knew it wasn't Willow speaking to her, she would know if it was. She would feel it.

She finally pulled herself up from her rocking chair and slowly headed back toward the kitchen door. Just as she approached the door, she felt drawn to take one more glance out at the waters. There in the moonlight she thought she saw that magnificent silver being she once encountered when their eyes locked from off shore. Again she couldn't pull her sight from this creature in the sea. Again his eyes locked with hers. It was as though they were within inches from each other. Such a calm and peace came over her as she watched him. Then he slowly dipped back beneath the water.

Audra returned to the kitchen and sat in front of the burning embers, briefly reflecting on what she thought she experienced. She became very tired and finally crawled into her loft and curled up next to Nyle, who was already asleep. She finally drifted off into a deep sleep. She had visions of the magical underwater world. She had dreamed of this place once before. It was a forest filled with brilliant colors and mysterious creatures weaving in and out among this strange forest. Only this time in her dreams she saw the Woman of the Water, Ellura, and her silver hair flowing with the water's current. She appeared to be facing directly at her. Soon Audra felt her body gently swaying with the rhythm of the waves. She could feel the coolness of the water brushing against her skin, and the calming effect of the water's rocking motion.

Ellura seemed to be speaking to Audra, but again without words. It was the language she and Willow often communicated together when they wanted their conversations to be private. She whispered to Audra, It will not be long before you will see your daughter again, but that visit will be brief. Ellura told her not to be concerned; after that visit she would see her again. Then Ellura disappeared among the colorful forest, and Audra drifted deeper in sleep.

When she awoke the next morning, she could hardly wait until the children where off playing, when she and Nyle would have a private moment. She was eager to tell him of her dream. When she finished telling him, she expected him to be happy that she would see Willow again. But the look on his face told a different story. Then he asked her to follow him to the knoll and he told her of his dream. It was similar to her vision, but his message was quite different. She looked at him with a troubled look on her face. It was only a dream my dear husband. They sat there quietly for awhile just looking at the waves crashing onto the shore. But in Audra's heart she knew it was not a dream, but a vision of what was to come. She tried to assure him it was only a dream, and he shouldn't worry about such things. Then she said nothing else to him about it.

Audra changed the subject quickly and asked if everything was ready on his boat for the day of the full moon; the day the villagers would head out to the open waters to meet the migration of fish. He seemed to change his mood to a more excited one as he mentioned how proud he was of Seth. He told her how Seth was beginning to take on more responsibilities on the boat. It was as if he was born to be a great fisherman, Nyle said. He told Audra he rarely has to tell Seth what to do. Nyle told her how he was beginning to feel the effects of his years when they fished, and was pleased to know Seth would be able to assume that job when the time came.

Nyle loved being out in the waters when the weather was good. But when the storms came up, he was aware of his aging body. He sometimes struggled to pull in the large catches. Seth never complained, and just jumped in to help his father complete the job. He was a good son. Audra and Nyle were proud of all their children.

In only two days, the boats would cast off once more in search of the migration. Audra never doubted they would return with a large catch. She just knew. She wanted to go with them on this trip, but knew she couldn't. She fought the urge to ask if she could go with them. She was warned against going, and decided she would heed the words of the Woman of Water.

The next day the villagers were preparing their smoke houses and cleaning up in anticipation of a good catch. Somehow when it was time for the migration, the villagers did well, but none more than Nyle's boat. He always pulled in the largest catch. He always shared his catch with those who could no longer fish, and those families that no longer had a man to fish for them. He was a gracious man, and highly respected for it. The men in the village tended their boats, rolled up their nets and placed them in strategic locations on the rim of their boat. Then when the migration approached, they could cast the nets just as the fish were driven close by the Delfins. Of course it was not just the Delfins that herded the fish toward the nets; it was the water people too. But the fishermen would never see them beneath their boats. This has been going on since the water people entered the sea so long ago. It was their way of helping their land families survive.

It was the day the moon was at its' fullest, and all the villagers had prepared their boats and were ready to head out to sea. Nyle kissed Audra,