Argent's Illusion

By Jake Gillette

In the beautiful lands of Velshania, peace has become a way of life. King Dmitri Romanov has overseen many years of harmony and tranquility after the bloody 10 Years War, but inside the royal court a dark conspiracy is unfolding. Michael, a power mad prince in collusion with a dark magician have created a plan to bring the spirit of Destiny from his Underworld imprisonment and harness his power for their own devices. A young boy must come to terms with his family’s dark past and bring justice to a kingdom betrayed. Aided by a supernatural force, he is the only one who can stand alone against the darkness.

Jake Gillette has weaved the ultimate tale of fantasy, magic and suspense. A story that will take the reader through a journey of love and loss, and of triumph in the face of darkness. Through the tides of war, and through the joy of peace, Argent’s Illusion tells the classic tale of good versus evil. In a world of gods and spirits both good and evil, a balance must exist. But at what cost?
The most powerful evil force in the world, is the fallacy of man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jake Gillette
• Release date: Mar 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311076250

Jake Gillette

From a young age Jake has been a creature of curiosity. He was always fascinated by stories and film, and he knew he would spend his life surrounded by his passions. A self taught guitarist, he had spent many years playing in numerous cover bands in and around Fargo, North Dakota. Jake was always writing and working on numerous short stories and other original ideas throughout his teenage years. The year 2011 saw Jake stepping away from the cover band scene to focus on original music and also his writing. Fast forward 4 years.Jake had been working on ideas for his first major novel Argent's Illusion since 2011. Now was the time to finalize the first book in the series and release it. 2015 will see the release of his first full length novel, Argent's Illusion. Jake built a digital distribution company called MINDCORE LLC to release his current and future works, as well as works by other authors, musician's and filmmakers.Jake enjoys writing music and the occasional late night Taco Bell run. He lives in North Dakota with his beautiful and very talented wife Helen, who serves as inspiration to his many ideas both written and heard.

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CREDITS:

Cover Design and Illustration: Cat-Archer Wills

http://www.carcherwills.com

Published by: MINDCORE LLC

Please visit us at www.MINDCOREDIGITAL.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, stories or actual events is purely coincidental.

Argent’s Illusion Copyright © 2015 by Jake Gillette

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 0

Beginnings

Lucien waved his hand at a child’s top that sat on a dusty shelf across from where he sat.

It began to vibrate.

He smiled, kept waving his hand back and forth as he teased it off the shelf. He could have easily snapped it off the shelf with one wave and yanked it across the room into his hand, but he wished to take his time tonight.

Are you planning on entertaining the guests tonight with your parlor tricks, Lucien? Prince Michael Romanov asked in between sips from his golden goblet of wine.

I ceased to be a carnival performer long ago, Prince Michael, Lucien said flatly. I do not stoop to such a lowly trade even out of nostalgia. It is a game for the young sorcerer, Your Highness, Lucien added as he finally snared the top and yanked it into his hand as if by an invisible rope.

True, he had once been known as Lucien the Great in his youth. He had enthralled crowds throughout Velshania, Remegia, Gustavia, and other lands.

When his youth had finally faded, he had discovered a hunger for more, much more, than traveling with carnivals full of freaks, strongmen, licentious women who stripped themselves naked for a few gold coins (and laid with men for a few more.)

His last performance had been before King Mikhail Romanov, the father of Michael and his elder brother Dimitri.

King Mikhail had watched with awe Lucien’s many tricks that ranged from simple to elaborate.

Lucien had snatched off tables from across the room, summoned up dancing lights out of thin air, shot light out of his fingers like lightning, amongst other feats. His most powerful tricks were to invade the thoughts of others, and implant ideas as if they were reality.

Lucien had been in as much awe of the Romanovs as they had been of him. That night King Mikhail had confided in Lucien a vile secret: The queen had not attended because she had been taken ill with fits that made her all but foam at the mouth.

Lucien’s face had hardened by the time King Mikhail had finished. Those are not ‘fits’ but the signs of a demon, Your Highness. He had said gravely to the king.

His Majesty had wasted no time in conducting Lucien to the royal suite where, after an intense struggle, Lucien had banished the demon from the poor woman forever.

King Mikhail had grasped Lucien’s hand and said with a gleam of joy in his eye My kingdom and my family are forever in your debt.

Lucien had accepted a special place in the royal household the next morning. Lucien was appointed as overseer and spiritual guide for the Romanov family by way of royal decry. King Mikhail would pass on his throne to Dimitri with his death. Lucien accepted his place now at the young King’s side.

Lucien’s addition to the family would become much more than a kind gesture. Michael had done what he could to make sure the old wizard was in league with his plans. Lucien could be much more than an advisor, he could harken the power to create a new age. It would be a new tower of Babyl to be seen by the light of day.

Lucien took his prized place as royal advisor and Michael played the part of royalty. Lucien would enjoy the power he could command to build the largest library of magical texts in all of the lands. He spent most of his time in his study reading and learning the ways of the ancient practitioners, dark magicians, and demonic forces. Dimitri and his queen Marie enjoyed each other’s loving company and would try for an heir to the kingdom. It was becoming evident that might never come to pass, but as long there was another day, there would be another chance.

The years passed by in much splendor, the kingdom in peace and the world was right. The light of peace can also be the perfect place to hide the darkness. There may always be calm before the storm, and a place where poets and madmen are tied in silent collusion. The time would pass very easily, but things don’t always remain as they are, in fact they never do.

Chapter 1

Salt of the Earth

Many years later in the dark of night.

The sounds of laughter and conversation wafted up from the courtyard below Lucien’s chambers.

Michael Romanov the prince of the royal family, sat bolt upright at the sound. Oh, damn! The guests are arriving. Make it quick, Lucien. What do you have to tell me?

He fears his wench will desert him for another man at the Grand Banquet, Lucien thought dryly.

Lucien finished his own golden goblet of wine, and then leaned forward.

Michael waited with bated breath for Lucien’s next words.

I can contact the Spirit of Destiny on the next blood moon, and if he can be held, he will bring forth the power of the gods, Lucien said to Michael softly.

Michael’s face lit up.

He then threw his head back and laughed gleefully.

The Spirit of Destiny, Michael finally said, still laughing. Ah, how I shall reward you greatly for this, old man.

Lucien sighed. Come, come, Your Highness. Your family has already been most generous to me.

Michael wildly shook his head. No, Lucien. You cannot begin to imagine what this would mean to me.

Lucien took another sip of wine. You must control your exuberance, your highness. I must warn you that it will not be easy to reach Destiny, even with the magic knowledge I possess from within this book.

Lucien held up a dusty tome with a black cover. Its ragged leather cover held together by strands of weaved human hair. On the front of the book was an emblem of a crown hastened from real human finger bones. The book stank of the mildew the century’s had imbued within its pages. Pages that looked like stretched pieces of dried human flesh, and they most likely were, if the stories of its creation were true. Michael reached out for it hastily.

Now Prince Michael, Lucien chided. We cannot risk any harm to this book from human hands.

Michael snorted. I have looked at spell books before, Lucien; why not this one?

It is to be opened only by me or another one of the Ariah, for if mishandled could mean the destruction of your very soul, Lucien replied icily as he put the book back on his desk.

Michael’s eyes flashed with anger. Lucien ignored it. You remember I am of the Ariah, do you not? Lucien added as he put the book back on the table.

Michael nodded. Yes. The Ariah were a once nomadic people now living in the mountains north of the Velshanian capital. They were experts in the ways of the dark arts and black magic. It was living his life amongst these people that taught Lucien the ways of being a wizard. They held a series of ritualistic festivals throughout the year as homage to their gods. At these festivals large tapestries of purple fabric would adorn the halls of the old temples as they gathered to take part in the ceremonies. Commoners were not allowed at these festivals and Michael had even heard ghastly stories that the Ariah would sacrifice humans at these grisly events, although this was untrue in most cases.

Anyway, Michael continued. Can you capture Destiny on the next blood moon or not?

Lucien cocked a brow at Michael. I cannot do that beneath these catacombs, Your Highness.

Michael’s eyes flashed with impatience. "Where can you capture Destiny, old man?"

Lucien laughed Only at a place where the sun meets the earth at its setting, at the temple of Remanos, Your Highness.

Michael’s hands balled into fists. Damn it all! Then why even summon the Spirit of Destiny if it cannot be made to do my bidding?

Lucien laughed again, a bitter, hoarse croak that sounded like the squeal of rusted hinges. Your Highness, I need to make contact with Destiny so I can discover what I need to entice him from the Underworld to Earth.

Michael sighed, nodded. Do what is needed my vizier, we must not let mortal worries get in our way now, and to hell with the Remegians; I will find a way to get you to that temple, Lucien.

Lucien smiled. I do not doubt you will, Your Majesty.

Michael got to his feet abruptly. We shall discuss this more two days hence, old man. By then the blood red moon would be at its fullest.

Lucien nodded. He had expected as much, what with the thought of a waiting comely wench badly distracting Michael.

Michael had meant to stay and ask the sorcerer more about Destiny, but he could see the hour was becoming late. Serafina will be waiting for me. I must get to the Grand Banquet. Good night.

Serafina? That is a pretty name, Lucien thought after Michael left.

Lucien thought of the temple of Remanos. How does His Majesty plan to get me into that place? The Remegians do not tolerate Velshanian witchcraft on their lands. Even with Michael’s cunning, convincing Dimitri to invade Remanos would not be an easy task.

Michael stepped into the Grand Hall…and his jaw clenched.

Serafina stood talking and laughing with a dashing-looking young man with black hair and a smooth, clean shaven face.

Serafina! Michael called.

She did not acknowledge that she had heard him.

Michael’s eyes turned hard as diamonds.

He stormed over, grabbed the man by the arm, and spun him around.

Silence fell across the Grand Hall. A man caught with lustful thoughts toward a Prince’s prize might spend the rest of his painful existence in the stockades, Michael hissed into the man’s startled face.

Prince Michael!

All eyes turned to the front of the room. King Dimitri Romanov stood there along with his wife, Queen Marie Romanov, flanked by the royal staff. Apologize to the man, Dimitri ordered Michael.

Michael looked at the man. I apologize for my outburst, Michael said curtly to him.

He then took Serafina by the arm and walked towards the entrance to the Royal Gardens.

The hum of conversation gradually revived behind them.

Why do you put up with him? Marie whispered to Dimitri in between greeting guests.

Dimitri chuckled ruefully. Because of our royal blood, my dove, he said to her with a kind smile.

Marie smiled back. Well, that I can understand my dear. But cannot you…discipline him more?

Dimitri chuckled again. He became wild as soon as he could sow his oats, my dove. I trust he will eventually have his fill of power and become more…benevolent.

Marie laughed lightly. "I do not think so. There is no more a benevolent man in all Velshania than you, my dear"

Dimitri just smiled.

I do not belong to you, Serafina said.

Michael just glowered at her.

"You do belong to me," he said curtly.

Serafina laughed scornfully. Why? Because you are a prince and I am but a street urchin?

I take what I want, Michael said.

Serafina gave him an appraising look. Do you want me just because of my…maidenly status? She asked with a knowing arch of her brow. She knew very well his appetite for women. There was scarcely a woman in the village he had not lusted for.

She threw out her chest at him. Go on, look. But you cannot have me unless…

Michael’s eyes gleamed as lust replaced anger. Unless…?

You give me what I want.

Michael smiled. Serafina was surprised.

You are a woman after my own heart, he said with a dry chuckle. What is it you want?

Serafina laughed. I want many things.

Michael laughed too. Serafina could tell she was already wrapping him around her finger. Is power one of them?

Serafina came so close Michael could smell the perfume on her neck. Yes, she whispered softly.

He used that opportunity to steal a sudden kiss.

You shall soon have it, Michael vowed during a brief pause for breath.

Serafina smiled. She had counted on Michael being the man that would give her the keys to the kingdom as long as he could have her body.

She suddenly pulled out of Michael’s arms. How soon, your highness? She purred quietly

Michael smiled. Ah, I see. You wish to spy for my brother, eh?

Serafina’s expression turned sour. Now he is playing the coy one, she thought.

She shook her head quickly. No, no Your Highness; I do not spy for King Dimitri. I want you for my own reasons…

She paused, and then gave him her most seductive smile. …and all the power you can bring me.

Michael laughed harshly. As a gift for your…favors, Serafina?

Serafina felt a pang of fear. Have I underestimated him? She thought.

She considered her options. Lucien was too old and too asexual to seduce. The king was deeply in love with his wife. And there was not a family in all Velshania whose power rivaled that of the Romanovs.

You do not know what other power I seek, Serafina told Michael coldly, desperate to induce panic in him.

She turned to go.

Michael suddenly grabbed her arm, spun her around.

A spark of hope flared in Serafina’s chest.

Michael’s eyes were clouded with a mix of lust and desperation.

You are ravishing, Serafina; more ravishing than any woman in all of the Kingdoms.

You should know, Prince Michael. Serafina thought tartly. Michael was a well-known womanizer.

But even he could tell from her dark, exquisite beauty that Serafina was a woman any man would kill his own father to have.

I will give you all the power you wish if you would be mine, Michael said. His face almost touched Serafina’s by now.

She smiled in triumph.

Serafina kissed Michael lustfully. We shall see. Said Serafina with a smile. As the night wore on they took part in the royal festivities.

***

Michael still thought of Serafina and her exquisite body as he entered the catacombs underneath the castle two days later. I should have gotten more sleep, Michael thought to himself as he briskly walked along to reach the ceremony in time. He had spent the last two nights in the embrace of Serafina, while he embraced more than his fair share of wine. By now the moon shone blood red in the night sky.

His thoughts stayed with her until he heard the sound of voices coming from the Grand Amphitheater. Twelve Ariah where there, all gathered around Lucien. They were dressed in black cloaks with their faces hidden by the darkness of the drawn hoods around their heads. One of the Ariah held the book Lucien had shown Michael.

Michael pulled the hood of his own black robe over his head as he approached.

Is everything ready? He asked.

As soon as you give the word, Your Highness, Lucien replied.

You may do so now, Lucien Michael ordered.

Lucien stepped to the forefront of the gathering.

Michael stood with the Ariah, felt his heart begin to quicken inside his chest.

Lucien glanced over his shoulder at the twelve silent monks gathered in the center of the room, raised his staff to them to send a silent signal that said: It begins now.

The Ariah fanned out into a semicircle around Lucien.

Michael stayed back, so awestruck all his lingering thoughts of Serafina vanishing like mist before the sun.

He had thought he had seen a spirit before when he was a boy. An evil-looking cloud had dropped out of a gray, turbulent sky and twisted the landscape a mile from where Michael had stood. Lucien had done his best to disappoint Michael gently when he told him that what he had seen was a whirlwind, not a spirit.

Will I finally see and hear one tonight? Michael found himself wondering.

Michael’s gaze steadied on Lucien. The old wizard seemed to be already in a trance as he pointed his face towards the top of the amphitheater and began to speak.

Ela, ela, ooh ca, ma. Lucien began to chant in a loud but steady tone of voice.

Oh Guardian of Destiny, Michael silently translated.

Ee ma sitti, no caee.

Hear my plea this moon.

Ca mae prea, tee la ne sah.

I beseech thee, of thy great goodness.

Michael’s pulse became rapid. The winds seemed to pick up within the chamber, although they weren’t the kind that the Earth produced. They seemed to come from deep below.

Ca ba tum na sish.

To open the veil that separates our worlds.

Lucien lowered his arms.

Ah ae, ah ae, no se, the monks began to chant.

Michael joined their chanting. He relished the words that meant: We agree. Let it be done, Guardian as he spoke them out loud.

He glanced upward, as he wanted to let out a joyous shout.

White mist had begun to gather beneath the ceiling.

Michael’s heart pounded faster.

Destiny is up there! He thought excitedly. Ah, if only we were at Remanos temple…

Michael had first learned about the Spirit of Destiny while reading one of Lucien’s musty old spell books as a child. Ever since he read the sentence which said He who captures the spirit of Destiny can become a god amongst men, he had dreamed of becoming that god.

Michael lusted to have the power to create what he was seeing at this moment.

The mist began to swirl about.

Bring me the book, Lucien commanded the druid that held it.

Lucien accepted it with solemn thanks, opened it a third of the way, and read out loud: Sela, saya, la ca no kerno.

Now that our worlds are joined together on this moon.

Chebko!

Speak!

Michael’s heart beat so hard, he half expected it to burst from his chest.

Ceetila! A deep voice thundered.

Michael almost gasped. That means… hello, he thought, so awestruck he scarce dared to breathe.

Ceetila! Lucien crowed in reply. His eyes had closed, but he still spoke.

"Nee cee seva Destova?"

You seek to speak with Destiny?

Nee, ca la, sa , Lucien replied.

Yes, oh Mighty One.

Nina ca be so manyo?

Why did you bring so many men?

Michael scowled. Destiny is a clever spirit, Your Majesty, Lucien had warned Michael when he was a boy. He had just dismissed it with a snort. But Lucien! You are a clever wizard! He had cried out.

Lucien had accepted the praise modestly, but Michael began to sense that the old man was right.

Ca voo bene so cola na! Destiny barked.

Michael almost jumped out of his skin the spirit’s voice was so loud. Destiny had just ordered all the others to leave.

Michael spun on his heel and walked out, heard the swish of the druid’s robes as they followed.

As soon as they were out of the Grand Amphitheater, Michael ducked behind a wall, and tried to eavesdrop.

All that came from the chamber was a deep silence.

Michael’s brow furrowed in puzzlement.

Chapter 2

The Still of Night

Does the moon’s color bother you this night, Your Majesty? Father Peter Tishmoshenko asked Dimitri Romanov.

Dimitri nodded. I believe it is an omen, father.

"Is