The Celestine Sword

By M.E. Cunningham

She found the perfect boyfriend in a land of wonder and enchantment. To find him again, Lauren Marriott is going back to the mysterious world of Terratir, but instead of being a dream come true, it turns into a nightmare of demonic proportions.

Zach Marriott will now take his rightful place as the last and only Ancient in the land of Terratir... or so he thinks. One crisis after another threatens to distract him. Will he be able to save himself, let alone the magical realm he has come to love?

Lauren and Zach are once again immersed in the perilous world of the Warlord, only this time, the Warlord isn't the problem. Something worse awaits them—something terrifying and indestructible. They must make a choice... slay their most-beloved friend or risk the destruction of the world of Terratir by a monster made flesh.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CTP Publishing
• Release date: Dec 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781634220460

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

~The Doctor is In~

Lauren

I studied Dr. Lange from my chair. I’d been coming to him for almost a year. Forced, really. There was nothing wrong with me, but everyone else had a different opinion.

My therapist’s fiery red curls framed his freckled face, and his pale, dappled hands held a ballpoint pen. He tapped his notepad with it as he reclined in his leather chair. So, tell me Lauren, how are you feeling today?

Oh, I'm marvelous. Absolutely fabulous. You know, shopping, dating, and hanging out with friends. The usual. I didn't like Dr. Lange’s condescending smile or the way he crossed his legs, the narrowness of his eyes, or his neatly pressed pants, but it didn't matter. My parents made me see him anyway. When their happy, popular daughter suddenly wasn't happy or popular anymore, they’d panicked. When I’d lost my passion for modeling… well, they'd become frantic. They insisted I see a counselor.

The truth was, after returning home from Terratir, I had become depressed. I’d spent hours in my room alone, no longer caring about hanging with my snobby friends who only wanted to gossip and point fingers at everyone else. I’d wasted hours, sitting at my window, looking out at nothing in particular.

Shopping didn't captivate me anymore. The only clothes I longed for were my priestess robes. When I was with Dardanos, I’d worn the same clothes for almost two weeks, and it had made my priorities change. A new outfit every day was no longer vital, and I seldom wore makeup anymore, preferring the natural look that Dardanos loved. That alone had lost me friends at school. I’d become too granola, and I quickly lost my top spot. The fact that it didn't bother me left everyone troubled.

Everyone but Zach. He alone knew the truth.

Have you been taking the medication I prescribed? Dr. Lange asked, crossing his legs in the other direction and peering through his long, auburn eyelashes.

I heaved a tired sigh. What I wouldn’t give to put a sleeping spell on him right now. No, Dr. Lange, I haven't. I don't need medication. There's nothing wrong with me.

You claim to have lived inside a computer game for two weeks. You don't think that's unusual? Your entire personality changed in just one day!

I should have never told you. I snorted and glanced away, crossing my arms even tighter over my chest. I wrote about it in the journal. What more do you want?

He exhaled audibly and pursed his lips. We need to get to the root of the problem, which we can't do if you aren't willing to help. Why the Warlord game? Do you play other computer games? He leaned forward, getting ready for something exciting to spill from my mouth.

You already know that answer. I told you, I don't like computer games.

He stared out of the window, looking tired and resigned. Well, our time is almost up. I don't think these sessions are doing any good. I'm deeply concerned about your abnormal perceptions of reality—the fact that you still believe you lived in a game, your depression, and your altered personality…

I stood in a rush, a flush of fury creeping up my neck. "Just because I'm not a mean, selfish, shallow debutante anymore, you think there's something wrong with me?"

He ignored my outburst and leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen on the notebook. I've spoken to your parents to discuss your options. We feel that spending some time in Morton House would be the most helpful. Can you please send your mother in? We need to go over some last-minute details. Thank you for coming in, Lauren. Have a nice day. He stood and held the door open for me. I left his office, speechless. Dr. Lange was a complete idiot and he should be admitted into Morton House.

When my mother emerged from his office, it was with worry lines around her mouth and eyes. Once we were alone in the car, I asked, So? What's my diagnosis? Am I skitzoid?

"Dr. Lange is very concerned about you. He feels… well, he feels the best place to get help with your… um… issues, is at Morton House.

"He was serious? Are you freaking kidding me? I'm not going there! You can't make me. I'll run away. I swear I will," I screamed into the small confines of our car.

Oh, Lauren. What do you expect us to do? Ignore the situation? My mom dabbed on some lipstick, checked the rearview mirror, and then pulled out into traffic. You've been sixteen for almost six months, and you've never even gone on a date. You've been waiting to date for as long as I can remember.

I know, I said, suddenly tired. Leaning back against the cool leather seat, I let the music from the radio wash over me as I tried to find peace in my situation. Before my Warlord adventure, dating had been my ultimate goal. Boys had adored me for years, and many had begged for a date. But that was then—before Dardanos.

We'll discuss this with your father and decide what to do.

"You mean, you'll decide what to do."

Mom ignored my sarcasm and changed the subject. There are a few boys still calling. Why don't you go out with one of them? Hmm? She glanced at me with a loving, patient smile.

I heaved a heavy sigh and turned to stare out of the window. My mom wouldn't understand. She had been a dating queen and expected the same of me. Mom, I don't want to date because I've already met someone I really care about. That's all. It's no big deal.

You have? she asked, raising her eyebrows. Who?

No one you know. A guy I met a while ago. I closed my eyes and imagined Dardanos the way I had last seen him—sprawled on the floor at the Warlord's feet, screaming my name, his eyes wide and panicked as I was torn from him.

Well, I think your father and I should meet him. She gave me a wry expression that looked like she didn’t believe me.

He doesn't live around here.

"You're sure being evasive, Lauren. It's almost like you don't want us to meet this mystery boy. Where does he live?"

Should I tell the truth? Oh boy. That would get me a one-way ticket to Morton House by bedtime. He's from Morgantown. It's… back East.

Hmm. I think I've heard of it. Is it in Illinois?

Yeah, Mom. It is, I answered with a smile, wishing Terratir were as easy to get to as flying across the country.

CHAPTER TWO

~A Surprise Visitor~

Zach

I sat cross-legged on my favorite giant beanbag, totally immersed in the new video game I’d just bought. My parents had surprised me with this new system for my birthday, and I preferred it to playing Warlord, on the computer because I got too depressed looking at the toons I’d created, knowing I might never see them again. At the moment, I was focused on this game, and I didn't notice Lauren and my mom come in.

Hey, Zach. What's up? Lauren plopped down next to me on a similar beanbag, her shoulders scrunched and a frown on her lips.

Hey, I said, not missing a step in the game. My body gyrated to the right as I moved the controller.

You look ridiculous when you play, she said with a soft chuckle.

Uh huh, I grunted, jumping up and moving both hands to the left, and then quickly to the right.

Aw, dang! I died! I fell back into the beanbag. This is a hard level.

Zach. Can we talk? Lauren glanced toward our mom, who stood at the kitchen counter emptying grocery bags.

Sure. What’s up? I asked, still distracted.

Things are bad, Zach. Bad for me.

Bad for you? What do you mean? I turned off the system, rolling up the cords to put them away.

Lauren sighed, pulling her knees to her chest, hugging them, looking utterly dejected. She bowed her head, hiding her face behind the waterfall of platinum hair she used to be so proud of. My stupid therapist wants to admit me to Morton House for a month. He thinks I'm nuts.

I stopped and stared at her, the force of her words almost leaving me speechless. You mean you're not?

Very funny. She punched me in the arm, but it wasn’t a very convincing attack.

Aw, I'm just kidding, I socked her back gently, and she tipped over. I tried to lift her spirits by telling jokes or teasing, but it never seemed to work. We could run away.

Run away? Where would we go? she asked with a smirk.

I knew as well as she did there was nowhere to hide or escape to. We had money, true, but it wasn't touchable. It was well guarded by the bank for our college tuition. We could go to our grandparents but, sooner or later, we would have to come home.

Lauren often complained that I didn't have go to therapy too. I’d been sad when we returned from Terratir, but instead of becoming clinically depressed, I’d burst with confidence. I was still in great shape from my magical metamorphosis in Terratir, and my friends worshiped me like a god. My problems weren’t so bad.

Lauren stood, suddenly animated, and grasped me by the arms. Let's try the pendant again! Maybe it will work this time.

I leaned back, pushing her hands away. We could, but we’ve never succeeded at it before. I doubt we will now.

Let's try! She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the stairs. Come on! It’ll be fun!

Where are you two going? I need your help, our mom called as we passed the kitchen.

We'll be right back! Lauren answered as we raced up the stairs.

I went to my closet and pulled out a box, setting it on my desk. Opening it carefully, I lifted out my ruby pendant—the Pendant of Power. It was attached to a long, golden chain that sparkled in the sunlight. I placed it around my neck with reverence, knowing that it was beyond powerful and that it was capable of taking us back to Terratir somehow. Okay. I'm not sure how to do this. Maybe we should stand and hold hands this time.

Lauren took my hands, and we stood in the middle of my room. In the background, I could hear the chirping birds through the window and the hum of my computer.

Okay. I closed my eyes, concentrating on the warmth of my magic medallion. Pendant of Power! Take us to the world of the Warlord!

Nothing happened.

Say it more forcefully, Lauren whispered, her eyes closed too.

Oh, mighty Pendant of Power, I command you to take us to Terratir! We remained where we stood. No weightless, white cloud. No strange sensations.

Lauren cracked one eye and whispered, Say it again.

Okay, but this is the last time. I sighed, knowing it wasn’t going to work. It never did. No matter what we tried, no matter what words we used, we never left the safety of my bedroom.

Pendant of Power! I commanded in a firm voice. We must return to the Warlord game! Send us there immediately! I began to feel warm, and my hands started to tingle. I heard Lauren’s breath catch, so she must have felt it too. Opening my eyes, I fully expected to see the white cloud that was surely surrounding us.

Nope.

We were still in my room. Lauren let her hands drop. Maybe it's because there's no Warlord there anymore, and nobody evil to defeat. Maybe… oh, I don't know. With slumped shoulders, she plopped onto my bed and dropped her head into her hands.

I'm sorry, I whispered.

Lauren turned away. "It's okay. I'm not surprised. Why should it work this time when it never has before?"

CHAPTER THREE

~A Close Call~

Lauren

I left Zach's room and went into my own, shutting the door. It was moments like these I felt totally despondent and alone. The curtains were closed, and dark shadows hid the outline of my dresser and walls. The smell of lasagna wafted up the stairs, but I wasn't hungry anymore. Instead, I put on my softest pajamas and pulled back the blankets, climbing into bed.

Closing my eyes, I prayed Dardanos wouldn’t forget me. I could picture him in the cities we’d visited, in the adorable café in Oakenfield where he had proposed, and in the Cavern of Cadavers where he had given me his beautifully crafted knife for my birthday. I held myself tight, remembering our first kiss, the warmth of his enormous body, his twinkling eyes.

I pulled the ring out from under my shirt and undid the chain. It was a half-carat diamond solitaire, princess cut. I slipped it onto my finger, admiring the way it sparkled. It must be magical, I thought, cradling my hand against my chest. All jewelry from Terratir was magical. I snuggled down further in my bed, holding my ring finger, tears staining my pillow. There had to be a way to get back.

***

Dinner's ready! my mom called, startling me out of a deep sleep. I glanced at my phone. It was already seven o'clock. I had slept for two hours. Turning over, I faced the wall. I heard my door open slowly and quietly. I laid perfectly still, pretending to be asleep.

Mom sent me to get you. She knew you wouldn't get up. Zach switched on my bedroom light.

Dang it, Zach. Turn it off!

Okay, okay.

Tell her I'm not hungry, I mumbled.

Are you kidding? Tell her yourself, he said. I don't want to get mixed up in this.

"You're already mixed up in it, I answered, swinging my feet to the floor. I threw on a robe, refusing to get dressed. Who cared anyway? As I was plodding down the stairs, Mom turned and caught my eye. Have a nice nap?"

Um… yeah.

I could’ve used your help, she said, giving me a wounded expression and gesturing to the table, laden with food.

Her ploy wouldn’t work. I couldn’t be manipulated. Sorry.

Well, come sit down. She sighed and turned back to setting the table.

I slid into my chair across from Zach and noticed him staring at my hand with wide eyes.

What? I asked, annoyed, trying not to be totally irritated by everyone.

He scowled, nodding numerous times at my hand. Glancing down, I noticed the ring I had forgotten to take off. I hurried to turn it so the diamond was hidden inside my palm, the cold edges digging into my skin.

My dad fluffed his napkin and spread it across his lap. He gave me a pleasant smile. How was your day?

Fine, I lied.

And yours? he asked Zach.

Oh man, Dad, you wouldn't believe how cool tryouts were today. I made Junior Varsity. Can you believe that? I'm the only fifteen-year-old on the football team! Zach's face lit up like the Superdome. I tried not to roll my eyes.

Wow! Fantastic! That reminds me of when I played football in high school. I didn’t get to start as young, but my best memories are on that field. I wasn't nearly as good as you are, but I loved it. When do practices start?

This week.

Dad nodded. I can't wait for your first game.

The conversation died as everyone began eating. I kept my eyes on my plate, pushing my lasagna around with my fork.

I visited with Dr. Lange again today, Mom said, taking a bite of her salad. We had a very serious conversation.

Is this really the place to discuss it? I asked, my heart speeding up. It wasn't like the family didn't already know about my psychosis, but I didn't want it to be the main topic of every conversation at dinner. Did this have to be hashed out right now?

Well, yes. We're your family, we love you and care about your well-being, Mom said. "Dad isn't home much, so now is the perfect time. She set her fork down and folded her hands, turning to my dad. You know, Dr. Lange thinks we need to take more drastic measures to help Lauren, and, well, he thinks we should admit her to Morton House for a month of in-depth therapy."

Mother! I yelled, rising. I don't want to talk about it. There's nothing wrong with me!

My dad stared at my mom in confusion. But, Kate, I thought she was doing better. Do you really think it’s for the best?

She shook her head. I don’t know anymore.

My dad turned to me, folding his napkin and laying it next to his plate, his brow wrinkled in concern. I thought you were doing better?

"I am. I directed my comment toward my mom, daggers in my eyes as they began to well with tears. Zach, I said, turning to my brother. Tell them!"

Both parents glanced at Zach, who sat gaping, his fork sticking out of his fist. He looked at me with wide eyes, begging me not to make him admit the truth.

Thanks a lot, I spat.

Mom shook her head, frowning. The truth is, Lauren isn't taking the antidepressant Dr. Lange prescribed, and she's not responding to therapy.

Am I invisible? There's nothing wrong with me, I repeated, leaning forward, my hands flat on the table.

Zach sat silent, staring at his plate, his face flushed red.

So… ? Dad searched my mom’s face for an answer instead of listening to me.

She sighed in resignation and shrugged. So, I agreed to give it a try. She glanced at me apologetically. I'm sorry, Lauren, but we've been so worried about you. You’re just not the same, and—hey, what's that?

What? I pulled back, slumping down and tucking my hands under the tablecloth.

Your finger? That looked like a ring, she said, her eyebrows drawn together. "A diamond ring."

It's not, I said slowly, noticing the ring had turned on my finger without me knowing. The diamond had been sitting in plain view for all to see while I ranted. It's costume jewelry.

Really? my mom said, rising. It's beautiful. Let me see.

There was nothing I wanted to do less. My mind raced, trying to think a way out of this. My mom knew jewelry. She'd know it was real immediately and would demand to know where I’d gotten it. That would lead to a discussion about my engagement, which would lead to World War Three.

Suddenly, I covered my mouth, pretending to heave. Oh my gosh, I gasped. I think I'm gonna throw up!

Run to the bathroom! Mom yelled. Quick!

Is she sick? I heard my dad ask.

I ran to the bathroom and locked the door, turning on the faucet full blast. My mom couldn’t stand puking or the sounds that went with it. I’d counted on her to drop all conversation and rush me out of the room before she started gagging herself.

Rummaging through the drawers, I found what I was looking for—costume jewelry. Slipping the diamond from my finger, I replaced it with a Walmart special.

Whew, I whispered to myself. That was close.

CHAPTER FOUR

~Someone's Watching~

Zach

After the fiasco at dinner, I was anxious to escape. The sun was finally beginning to set, and heat waves no longer rose like a mirage on the asphalt. September had been especially hot this year, but not enough to stop my friends and me from playing football in our spare time.

Dude, throw it as far as you can, Gavin yelled as he ran down the field, his dark hair flopping over his face.

I pulled my arm back, aimed, and then threw, watching in amazement as the football sped down the length of grass, flying over Gavin's head. It was just so cool. I didn't have any magical abilities in this world, but I was way stronger and faster than I’d ever been.

Gavin jogged back, the football tucked under his arm. Dude! You should try out for the NFL!

Yeah, maybe. I made the high school team. I caught the ball effortlessly.

Shut up! How come you didn't tell me? Gavin mock-boxed in front of me, smiling from ear to ear.

There's a lot going on at home. I didn't think about it, I guess.

Dude, you're insane! That's all I'd be talking about!

Come on guys, throw the ball! our friend, Jeff, called from the far right. He waved his thin arms and hopped in place.

Okay, okay! Gavin threw the ball to Jeff—with half the speed I had.

As I caught the next pass, I noticed a dark green sedan with shaded windows and a dented front bumper pull up and park across the street. Chills prickled down my back and an uneasy feeling enveloped me. I had no idea why. It was just a stupid car, but I kept my eye on it.

We threw a few more passes, but the uneasy feeling hadn’t left, so I said, Hey guys, it’s getting dark and I should head home.

I should too, Gavin said, breathlessly.

Man, you guys always have to be home early, Jeff complained, pushing his oversized glasses back up his nose.

I kept an eye on the green sedan as we walked down the street, and my heart just about dropped to my feet when it followed us at a slow pace until we turned the corner. Worried, I said, I'll walk you guys home. Don't want the bogeyman to get you. I wiggled my fingers, trying to make it a joke. We passed my house. My oblivious friends didn't even notice the car.

Gavin laughed. You don't have to. It's no big deal. I'm only five houses down.

Yeah, you don't want to get grounded. You know how your mom is if you’re late, Jeff said with a roll of his eyes.

After walking them to their doors, I headed back to my house at a quick jog. It had grown dark and the street lamps flashed on like giant fireflies above me, creating deep shadows in front of each house. Imagining something deadly hiding in the recesses of my benign neighborhood was only too easy. I’d learned that the bogeyman was real, and not only did he have sharp claws, but supernatural abilities too.

I hurried, jumping at every sound, dark memories of my adventure in the Warlord game stepping to the forefront in my mind—memories of the chupacabras chasing us through dark mountain tunnels, the lifeless faces of the slain in the city of Stonehammer… the visions still plagued me. Screeching tires startled me out of my thoughts, and I jerked in surprise, leaping out of the way of the green sedan now blocking my path. I froze, watching the dark window roll down.

Hello, Zach. You're a hard boy to track down, the oh-too-familiar voice said.

Warlord, I whispered, backing up.

Nice to see you again. You're growing up. A feral grin lit the Warlord’s face, and dark shadows hid his eyes as though they were endless black holes.

I didn’t answer, and I couldn't have made my feet move if I wanted to. And I did want to… run, that is.

Do you still have the pendant? he asked, raising an eyebrow. He was still huge, massive, and his enormous hands held the steering wheel, white knuckled.

That’s none of your business.

I'll take that as a yes.

Finally gathering my wits, I darted away and sprinted around the car, intent on making it to my house before he could grab me, but as though I were in a dream, my feet lagged heavy and slow. Before I could register what was happening, he was at my side, gripping my wrist with lightning speed.

He spun me around so that I faced him, and memories of us in mortal combat while he was the Warlord in Terratir came back in a flash—his impenetrable armor, his iron grip and piercing