War

By Nicole Willard

The war draws nearer and Cole Dralliw finds herself placed under even more pressure. From the mounting tensions between the elves and the humans, to learning strategy for battle. And worst of all (in her opinion), she has to use a lot of numbers.

Betrayal, kidnappings and the murder of loved ones distract her from her training, granting her foe even more of an upper hand.

Can she bring closure once and for all to the disagreements between her and the persistent Brutus Bothwell?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Willard
• Release date: Oct 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311921840

Nicole Willard

"A Whole Load of Trouble" in 2006, whilst studying for her end of school exams."Blackmail" was written nearly a year later in 2007."Trials and Tribulations" was written 6 months later."War" was written approximately 8 months later and completed by 2008."Once Bitten..." was finally completed in 2009."Lovebite" appeared somewhere in between finishing "Once Bitten..." and starting "Twice Shy...", being completed by 2010."Twice Shy" was then completed shortly after in the same year.Recent Additions:"The Temptress" (January 2016) follows Sarah Lawson, a Succubus with a life-threatening problem, and Nikolai, a Vampire who can solve that problem."The Wolf" (May 2016) follows the short story of a female Werewolf, Sarabella Johnston, as she is haunted by the past of her father in the form of a spirit determined to bring about her own demise. Along the way, she gains a Mate, a gorgeous Dhampir - half-Werewolf, half-Vampire hybrid - named Fury, a name that fits him like a glove."The Demon" (2017) follows Anastasia Liseux, a She-Demon recruited to aid in the solving of a number of murders, along with the assistance of Cole, a devilishly handsome Vampire."The Dragon" (July 2016) follows Helena Lukasinski, a nice normal human woman who happens to get lost in the Amazon rainforest at the wrong time. During that little adventure, she discovers a compelling man in the ruins of an Aztec temple by the name of Drakantos, a man with eyes of gold and a body to die for...who also has suspiciously reptilian tendencies...Upcoming Books (waiting on book covers) :. “Merlise" - (Ilaeden series) An adventure by one of Cole's daughters.. “The Albino” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Luna, a rare albino werewolf fighting to be accepted.. “The Ashes” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Aurora, in the search for someone who wants an abandoned baby dead.. “The Dancer” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) - Following the story of Raelyn, a human with unusual abilities.. “The Shadow” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Eleanor, whose family is murdered in the middle of the night.. “The Waitress” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Serenity, who finds herself being hunted by supernatural creatures.. “The Mortician” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Rayne, a mortician who has a body stand up on the autopsy table.. “The Book” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Jane, who fights to keep a book out of the clutches of dragons.P.S. All reviews are welcome and wanted. After all, how can I improve writing books to cater to all readers if nobody leaves feedback on what they thought of the books? ?Shurz Yaz - Facebook review7 August 2016 at 23:46"The Temptress" I have recently finished reading this amazing book! The storyline is jaw-droppingly good! Very visually descriptive where it's lead me to create a fantastic scene in my head - one of the first signs of a good writer. I couldn't put this book down as it was an addictive read. I'm eager to read the next book! If you're into supernatural/fantasy/adult/romance, this is the book for you! Nicole, you rocks! :)

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cole Dar – the Elven Queen – huddled in a corner of a dirty alleyway three days after her kidnapping by Keith Anders.

She cradled her son Geran to her closely, her body shuddering as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. She didn’t bother to wipe them away, knowing more would come as her mind dwelled on the events of the past few days.

Once she had managed to compose herself somewhat, she forced herself to stand, rising from behind the mound of rubbish she had been hiding behind. She wiped her face with a shaky hand before speaking to her son soothingly as he whimpered in her arms. He quietened at the sound of her voice and she hesitated before walking to the end of the alleyway.

She remained in the shadows as she looked out onto the busy street nervously. She was more than aware of how vulnerable she was right now, her ability to fight back limited by her need to protect Geran.

Her Llaro were unaware of where she was or what had happened and quite honestly, she didn’t want them to know her shame over what had occurred. The thought of them finding out was the only reason she didn’t call for them now that she was free.

She finally stepped out from the alley and was immediately grabbed by the shoulder. She was spun around roughly and found herself faced by a rather angry man wearing the uniform of a city guard.

Where the devil have you been, girl? he demanded. You were meant to be home last night. Cole pulled herself out of his grip, backing away from him with wide eyes.

Sir, I…I don’t know who you are, she stammered.

Don’t go playin’ games with me, girl, he snapped impatiently.

There yeh are, Amber, a rough voice interrupted gruffly and Cole looked around desperately at the comment obviously aimed at her.

The owner was a grizzled man, a patch over one eye and missing an arm, his empty sleeve hanging loosely by his side. He wore the face of a retired sailor, but Cole recognised him instantly, his mental pattern familiar to her.

Kyle, she breathed in relief, hurrying to stand behind him and the guard looked between the pair suspiciously.

You know this wench? he questioned the sailor and Kyle nodded shortly.

My niece, he grunted then eyed the other man suspiciously. What’s it to yeh? His tone was challenging and the guard backed off, lifting his hands in surrender.

Sorry. Thought she was someone else, he mumbled.

He strode away quickly, the back of his neck as red as his uniform and Cole relaxed a little, reassured by the presence of at least one person she knew. Kyle turned to her.

What are yeh doin’ here, Lady Cole? he asked lowly, his single eye scanning around them sharply, his body tense. Where is everyone else? It ain’t like them to leave yeh runnin’ around alone. It ain’t safe fer yeh. She opened her mouth to answer but he waved a hand before she could speak. Nevermind. Let’s get yeh off the street first.

*

Cole let him lead her to a nearby inn, her mind distant from her body as she moved on autopilot. She only realised that she sat in a basic room when Kyle called her name several times, the man snapping his fingers in front of her face.

He grunted when he saw life return to her eyes and dropped onto the chair in front of the desk as he removed the blue ribbon from around his neck. His sailor appearance faded before her eyes and she watched dully as he returned to his natural look, his auburn hair the last to change back.

What are yeh doin’ here? he repeated as she placed Geran onto the bed next to her. Especially without any o’ the Llaro. They follow yeh around like stray dogs. An’ where is Fulcan? The lad doesn’t leave yeh alone fer more than five minutes. He frowned harder. An’ why do yeh look different?

She attempted a smile at his rush of questions, but the effect was ruined when tears filled her eyes again and she covered her face, her shoulders shuddering as words failed to come to her. She felt him touch her arm cautiously and she took a deep breath before lifting her head, determined that she would keep her composure until she was alone.

You’ve missed a few things since leaving the castle, she began bravely, meeting his concerned hazel gaze. Firstly, Brutus has officially declared war on me. Sent me a letter and everything. Secondly, my father forced me to be crowned and even made Fulk King.

He turned a Llaro into the King of Elves? he spluttered, finally showing a reaction. She nodded and he pinched the bridge of his nose. What else?

Well, Keith and Matron have been returned from death to aid in Brutus’ war, she started, listing the things he had missed. He’s got thousands of soldiers on his side, including the Forgotten and even one of my own El’s!

She was still a little sore on the topic of Seraphus turning to the enemy’s side and she made herself move on.

A few days ago we had Pridden attack the Elven village of Arête, where Lord Rarecroft’s people are currently staying, she continued, twisting her hands in her lap. A lot of the women died, including Kayla.

His expression darkened at that. The man had courted her friend for quite some time if what Kayla had said was true. Evidently, he was still fond of her, the news of her death promising pain to those who caused it.

Who ordered the attack? he asked tersely.

I would assume either Brutus or Matron, she guessed. I haven’t been given details on who the order came from directly… He nodded shortly.

How did yeh end up here? he pressed and her mouth turned down as they turned to the harder part of the conversation.

I went to feed the twins, she started softly, keeping her eyes lowered. But when I went into the room, I…I…

Her mouth was open but she was unable to speak as a fresh wave of tears flowed down her cheeks. She gestured mutely, trying to force herself to tell him what had happened, but her mouth refused to form the words.

Someone knocked on the door and Kyle moved to open it, his body tensed readily. A woman stood on the other side, her smile warm as she met his guarded gaze.

There are three men waiting for you downstairs, Master Burke, she warned. Llaro by the looks of things. Do you want me to tell them you’re not here?

Llaro? he repeated sharply and she nodded. He glanced back at Cole questioningly and she cleared her throat quietly.

I ordered them to look for you about a week ago, she explained hoarsely, somehow managing to tell him about that, but not about what had happened to her. They were meant to tell you about this war, and that I need your help to deal with Brutus’ forces. He nodded then turned back to the lady innkeeper.

Look after my friend please, Mrs Saladin, he requested gruffly. She’s not feelin’ too good.

Yes, Master Burke.

She entered the room as Kyle left, shutting the door firmly behind him. The woman locked it before glancing at the baby on the bed as Geran whimpered and her expression softened as one of her hands rose to her chest.

Oh, isn’t he a darling? she cooed but Cole picked her son up quickly, her expression wary.

No offence, Mrs Saladin, but I don’t know you, she said guardedly and the woman sighed wearily.

I know, dearie, she accepted with a kind expression. That’s what happens when you deal with folk from not very nice backgrounds. They have gone through so much that they trust no one. Cole nodded but the pair looked at the door when someone rapped on it firmly. Who is it?

City Watch, Madam, a man called. We have been notified that a notorious thief is being housed in this establishment. Open the door or we will be forced to break it down.

Don’t you have any morals in you? the woman grumbled, unbolting the door slowly. It was thrust open but she barred the guard’s entry into the room, glowering at him. There’s no one here but a poor girl and myself…

Actually, Madam, it is the girl we are looking for. She is wanted here, Dimab and Pief, he explained then pushed past the stout woman, another two men moving to stand in the doorway. Miss Dralliw, do you have anything to say about these claims before we arrest you?

It wasn’t me, Cole protested and he sighed, obviously having heard the same words many times before. I’m serious. The man who committed those thefts is trying to blame them on me.

Of course he is, Miss, he said dryly, his tone proving that he wasn’t buying it. That’s what they all say. She looked disheartened at his refusal to believe her and he grimaced, seeming to relent a little. What is the name of this man you believe is pinning the thefts on you, Miss?

Jackson, she answered promptly and he paused. He wanted me to steal for him and threatened to kill my son if I refused. I managed to escape before he could.

You don’t look like the sort that would steal, Miss, he admitted grudgingly. But I still have to take you in for questioning. If your story checks out, then you are free to leave.

I can’t, she refused anxiously, not daring to put herself at further risk by being confined to one place. I’m waiting for my husband.

I’m sure the lady innkeeper will be able to inform him where to find you, he suggested and Mrs Saladin nodded, though her gaze was worried as she looked between them.

Please, just let me go, Cole pleaded.

I’m afraid we can’t do that, Miss, one of the other guards said firmly and she held Geran to her closely, feeling her chances at escape growing slimmer the longer they spent arguing about this. Come with us quietly and you won’t get hurt.

He took a step into the room and she ignited herself, the flames not even marring Geran’s soft skin. Normally she would avoid using her powers in front of strangers, especially humans, but she was fast running out of options.

The guards gaped at her, seeming stunned for a moment as her body merged with the fire seamlessly.

You’re an elf, the second guard spluttered.

Let me go, she repeated pleadingly. Please.

The men moved forward and her stomach sank, reluctant to cause them harm for simply doing their job. She hesitated then ran towards them and they scattered as flames singed them in passing.

She ran out into the hallway, leaving a wall of fire across the doorway before extinguishing herself. She hurried towards the stairs, but a guard stepped into her path at the top of the stairs, calling out for his comrades.

Without slowing her pace, she rammed her shoulder into his chest as he made to grab her and he flew backwards down the stairs with an expression of shock.

He landed heavily at the bottom and Cole hurtled down after him, leaping over his still form. She landed awkwardly, twisting her ankle and she fell with a hiss of pain. Her elbow hit the floor as she tucked Geran into the crook of her arm to protect him, her shoulder taking the brunt of the impact.

She grimaced with a grunt of pain, but forced herself back to her feet, her leg almost giving way when she put weight onto her ankle. She managed to remain standing and looked around desperately as she remembered that Kyle was supposed to be there.

She found him walking towards her, three Llaro following silently and she sagged as she recognised the three men.

Jaridan, she greeted in relief, regaining some of her confidence at the sight of them. Jan. Josef.

The trio paused when she spoke their names and she saw the uncertainty in their gazes. Obviously, they had not been informed that she was there.

Lady, the Llaro said tha’ when they left the village, yeh were there, Kyle said evenly.

Cole cursed under her breath. Of course, a copycat must have been put there in her place. No wonder they didn’t believe who she was.

Give me a dagger, she said impatiently, holding a hand out. Kyle frowned.

What?

A dagger, she exasperated then turned to the Llaro. I’ll show you the tattoo that I…

There is no need for that, My Lady, Jaridan interrupted and she paused. We know of what you speak. Her tension eased, but she looked at Jan when he spoke.

My Lady, we can safely assume that the woman we saw in the village was not you, he allowed. But how are you here? Especially with no one aware of your disappearance?

I was…

She was suddenly thrown across the room to hit the wall hard before she could say another word, startling her out of her explanation. She struggled helplessly with the invisible force that was strangling the life from her, her mouth opening and closing breathlessly.

She was about to pass out, when the pressure eased and she dropped to the floor weakly, Geran still in her arms. She gulped in deep breaths of air, her body trembling, before checking her son anxiously.

Geran was unharmed, the infant stirring restlessly in her arms and she breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up when Jaridan crouched before her, offering his hand and hesitated before accepting it, letting him help her stand unsteadily.

Why dun’t yeh write it down instead? Kyle suggested, eyeing the raw marks around her throat cautiously.

Do you have something to write with? she asked hoarsely, massaging her freshly bruised throat.

The redheaded man looked around thoughtfully then stole a piece of paper from a man next to him, the stranger having been ignoring what they were doing and simply minding his own business as he read his letter.

The man looked like he was about to object then reconsidered when he noticed the burly redheaded man was accompanied by Llaro. He turned back to his tankard wordlessly.

Kyle moved to the bar, leaning over the counter to take a piece of graphite from the shelf under it then presented the two stolen items to Cole. She accepted the tools to write with as he eyed her clothes curiously.

Yer father finally managed to force yeh to wear a dress? he queried and she made a face.

I was learning to dance, she explained distractedly. Wearing a dress when trying to dance, means that the teacher cannot see if my feet aren’t in the right place. She turned to the man that Kyle had stolen the paper from and placed a hand on the table lightly. May I borrow this table for a moment please?

He looked up at her polite question and bowed his head to her mutely. He rose from the bench to stand next to the bar and finished his drink quickly before exiting the building, deciding to leave before anyone asked for his money next.

Cole looked puzzled at his exit then shook her head before sliding onto the wooden bench, the Llaro moving to stand around her. Juggling Geran carefully in one arm, she placed the paper down onto the table before attempting to write.

She had just managed to write the letter ‘K’, when a large sword appeared from nowhere. It ran straight through her hand without warning, going all the way through until it reached the underside of the heavy table. The men cursed in shock, taking a step back as they stared in sheer disbelief, none of them saying a word.

Cole closed her eyes as pain rolled through her in white-hot waves, but not one sound passed her lips. Thanks to the torture that Matron had inflicted upon her during the thirteen years she had been captive, Cole had mastered the art of self-control when it came to dealing with pain.

She released her breath slowly, forcing her heart to steady itself before she opened her eyes once more. She placed Geran onto the table with forced calm before reaching up to take hold of the hilt of the sword. Taking another deep breath, she drew it from her hand with a gasp, a fresh wave of pain washing through her.

She automatically cradled her injured hand to her chest before holding it in front of her, bringing her other hand to hover above it. Both hands began to glow as she attempted to mend the hole now punched through her right hand, but it didn’t even begin to heal and she looked frustrated.

I’m going to need a bandage until I have enough energy to heal it, she admitted, hating saying the words that confirmed her current state of weakness. I used the last of my energy upstairs when I used my fire.

Kyle nodded and jumped over the bar before striding into the backroom calmly. He returned moments later with a white bundle in his possession – very likely without the knowledge of its owner – and placed it on the table.

Without speaking, he propped her hand in the air before covering the open wound on each side of her hand with a clean cloth then winding the bandage around the rest of her hand securely until a thin layer covered it.

Yeh migh’ want to wear a glove over the top of it to stop it comin’ loose, he advised and she nodded.

A yell sounded from the upper floor and the group looked towards it. There was a thud as it sounded like someone landed heavily from a jump and Cole grimaced. The guards must have worked out that they could jump through the wall of fire after all.

We need a safer place to talk at, she sighed, gathering Geran back into her arms securely.

Kyle nodded in agreement, slipping the blue ribbon back around his neck and she watched as his features returned to the grizzled sailor once more.

He stood there for a moment, checking that everything was in place, before turning to her and Cole rose from the bench wearily.

~*~

Chapter 2

Okay, so yeh have tried sayin’ what happened, Kyle grunted as they left the building. An’ yeh have tried writin’ it down…

Neither of which have benefited my immediate health, Cole pointed out, limping as she followed him, the Llaro keeping pace behind her.

She grimaced when she stumbled; cursing herself for forgetting that she had hurt her ankle, her mind too focused on her throbbing hand. Jaridan caught her arm wordlessly, preventing her from falling and she sent him a grateful smile before regaining her balance.

Since someone doesn’t seem to want yeh talk’ about whatever happened to yeh, tha’ means it’s serious, Kyle reasoned and she inclined her head. Is it really tha’ important? I mean, if yeh dun’t have to say it…

Pain flickered across her face at his question, tears quickly forming in her eyes before she wiped them away hurriedly, determined that she would not let them see her weakness. The Llaro caught the glitter in her eyes and exchanged a look, but didn’t speak a word.

I don’t want to, but I have to, Cole said quietly. If I don’t tell Fulk then he will think the worst. Especially after what happened when he was taken…

He was taken? Kyle repeated sharply.

He shoved a man out of the way when he didn’t move fast enough and the man turned to respond, his face red with anger. He swiftly changed his mind when he saw the redheaded man surrounded by Llaro, instead moving aside hurriedly, his head bowed as though trying to make himself invisible.

He’s back now, Cole assured Kyle as they continued down the street, people giving them a wide berth when they saw the assassins. She glanced back at the Llaro, worry in her eyes. If I manage to tell Fulk what happened, I…I will need you nearby.

You believe he would harm you, My Lady? Josef queried. She shook her head firmly.

He would never hurt me, she said with absolute certainty. But he might do something stupid that will get him killed.

My Lady, I would not insult you for the world, but your husband is fully capable of defending himself, Jaridan said carefully.

Normally I would agree with you, she allowed. But he cannot fight an army of Forgotten by himself.

Does this have anythin’ to do with Anders? Kyle asked casually. He seems to hang out with a lotta troublesome folk an’ I’m willin’ to bet tha’ Forgotten are some of those people.

What are you doing, Kyle? Cole asked suspiciously. He shrugged, gazing up at the sky.

Yeh can’t tell us outright, bu’ what if we work it out fer ourselves? he asked idly. Yeh can’t be punished if yeh don’t say anythin’ bu’ yes or no.

That might work, she agreed slowly.

So…does it have anything to do with him? he repeated and she took a deep breath, tensing expectantly.

Yes.

She waited a few moments for something to happen, but when everything remained calm, she relaxed slowly, releasing her breath. Kyle nodded.

Righ’, so we know it involves Anders, he mused aloud. Did Anders kidnap yeh an’ bring yeh here? She tensed again, his question much closer to the truth this time.

Yes, she answered cautiously.

Again, there was no pain and she relaxed a little more. The yes-no theory seemed to be working so far.

Why did he bring yeh here? he asked this time. I mean, if he’s gonna kidnap yeh, why leave yeh here? She looked at him pointedly and he grimaced, waving a hand. Yeah, I know. Too detailed.

He sucked on his teeth for a moment then tilted his head thoughtfully.

Why does Fulcan hate him so much? he asked, changing the topic and she frowned. He didn’t even know the lad afore he met yeh.

Cole gazed at the ground as she contemplated on what to tell him, or even what she could tell him.

The past didn’t really relate to what had happened the past few days and he didn’t really need to know. Then again, he might be able to piece together some sort of explanation if she was careful about what she said. He was a clever man after all and the past shouldn’t affect the yes-no boundary they had discovered.

I told Fulk about something that happened in my childhood, she finally said carefully. He waited expectantly and she realised that he wanted more details. Keith attacked me when I was thirteen and came close to…using me. The last part was delicately put, her gaze awkward. Fulk did not like that story.

The men were silent at that and she waited for someone to speak next. Kyle suddenly stopped walking, turning to face her and Cole grunted as she walked straight into him, having not expected the abrupt stop.

Did Anders finish what he started all those years ago? he asked suspiciously.

Cole didn’t answer, avoiding their intent gazes as she focused on Geran’s face. She tried to think about anything other than what he had suggested, but the attempt was futile. Memories flooded her mind and she automatically flinched, squeezing her eyes shut as though she could force the images out.

There was a light touch on her arm, making her instinctively recoil from it and she opened her eyes slowly to meet Kyle’s unwavering gaze. She forced her face to remain expressionless, but she couldn’t hide the trembling of her hand as she lowered it from her forehead.

Yes, she confirmed in a whisper, her voice nearly inaudible.

Kyle swore loudly, gaining him an alarmed look from a passer-by. The man hurried along when he caught Jan’s pointed glance. The Llaro themselves were remaining remarkably composed, though their eyes couldn’t hide their anger.

Why didn’t yeh escape? Kyle demanded. Yer an elf, yeh have all those magic powers…

I can’t…

She gestured in frustration and he growled, remembering that she was unable to give the details he wanted. She ground her teeth, distressed at how she couldn’t explain what happened without using words.

A thought came to her and she turned to the Llaro urgently.

Do you remember when we were in Kismet? she reminded them. When I told you what he could do?

They stilled as they recalled the exact conversation regarding Keith’s powers, their thoughts passing through her mind.

Yes! she exclaimed suddenly, pointing at Josef, the man having been running through the list she had provided them. That one!

He hypnotised you to keep you here? he guessed and she nodded, relieved that there was some way to communicate after all.

Yes. Her gaze swivelled to Jan then. And that one! she said sharply and Jan paused.

He drained your energy to keep you weak? he said carefully.

Yes.

And that is why you can’t heal yourself properly, Jaridan realised. He took too much of your energy for you to teleport back to Arête when he left. She breathed a sigh of relief as they finally got there. My Lady, we can take you back… She shook her head hurriedly, her eyes widening and he frowned.

I…I can’t, she whispered. I can’t face Fulk yet, not after…

She ducked her head, panic fluttering through her body before she realised that they seemed to be wandering the streets aimlessly whilst the City Watch were after her.

Where are we going?

Here, Kyle grunted as they stopped outside a building tucked discreetly between two others.

*

Kyle approached the bar as Cole leant back against the wall opposite the door, her eyes closing tiredly.

She felt like she could sleep for a week. After scrubbing herself raw first of course. Followed by burning the clothes she wore and ordering every Llaro under her command, to find Keith and kill