Seer of Mars: The Vallar Series, #1

By Cindy Borgne

Ian Connors happens to be the secret weapon of a powerful military faction bent on conquering all humans who have colonized Mars. His job is to use his psychic ability to uncover secrets or hidden bases of other factions. Ian not only uncovers a valuable hidden mine through his visions, but also Kayla, a woman he sees himself with in the future. The only problem is she's on the other side and fighting to save her people.

Ian discovers the death and destruction his visions can bring when in the wrong hands. He realizes he has no choice but to escape his faction, but the admiral is not about to give up his prized psychic. Deep down, Ian longs to be with Kayla. He's inexperienced in a corrupt world. His only edge – visions of the future.

ABOUT: Seer of Mars is a dystopian story set on Mars with a psychic twist and a touch of romance. Written for those who love adventure and suspense in a world where people struggle to survive. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cindy Borgne
• Release date: Mar 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781501483554

Book preview

Chapter 1

Finn didn’t like to think about Markus, let alone talk about him. If only Michael would stop pestering him about how that beastie fell off the cliff. Meanwhile, their wagon rattled down a narrow trail with muskets and ammo on board. They led the way to Lynchburg, with about a hundred men in wagons and on horseback, single file. The trees with their brilliant colors made it look like a scene out of a painting. If only he felt as content as the tumbling leaves.

What happens next? Michael peered at him over his circle-shaped glasses.

Finn was glad to finish the last part. As I was about to fall off the cliff, Leotie came running toward us. She kicked Markus with both legs, sending him over the edge. Then she healed me from various wounds, saving me life.

Do you ever worry that Markus might still be alive? Michael asked.

Finn shrugged, despite it being his worst fear. He glanced back at Leotie, sitting right behind the buckboard, curled up with her new book. Questions about Markus tended to irritate her.

She’d joined the rebels under the condition that they accept the real her – a native woman fighting for their cause. Only Finn, Michael, Pierre, Samuel and a couple of the other leaders knew she was a shifter.

To blend in, she had cut her hair to shoulder length and wore a jacket and pants. It wasn’t too unusual to have a native in the ranks, usually for tracking and scouting, but most hadn’t liked that she was a woman, fearing her to be bad luck. However, she’d earned their respect as a healer and a spy. She was beautiful, even with shorter hair. His mind wandered, imagining them alone. No sex in two weeks was driving him crazy.

He forced himself to look toward the village. A barn and a small house in Lynchburg had become visible far down the trial. Soon he would see his family, as they had relocated there.

Well? Michael nudged him in the ribs. Shall I repeat the question?

Finn shook his head and tried to keep his voice down. It’s a distant, far off, small concern in the back of me mind.

Leotie turned around, standing on her knees, her expression adamant. He has to be dead. If he was alive, he’d have come after us by now. She spoke quickly, with that certain tone of irritation she always had when mentioning Markus.

Of course. Makes perfect sense, Michael agreed, but I still don’t understand why this Markus shifter wanted the English to win.

Because he was bloody mad, that’s why, Finn said. He hated me. He ken I became a rebel, so he chose to help the English.

Leotie put her hands on her hips. No, that’s not why. He preferred the English because they obey their king. Meanwhile, you outlanders want nothing to do with kings. You want democracy. That wouldn’t have worked for Markus. He wanted to be king so he could take over. Markus said he would put an end to all wars, but what he really wanted was power.

I suppose that makes sense. Finn took the reins from Michael and gave them a lash.

Good thing you ruined his plans, Michael said.

Definitely, Leotie agreed, smiling a little. 

Finn stared ahead at the town. The closer they came, the more his nerves grated on him like an angry bee. In any town, he used the name Craig Boyd. Wanted by the English, he had no choice. What if something had happened to his family while he’d been gone all this time? If only there was some way to stay in touch over long distances. A strand of black hair blew in his face. He pushed it away, reminded of how he’d dyed his hair black. He wore it longer now, and only spoke naturally among trusted friends. He’d got good at hiding his accent.

What is it? Leotie asked, always picking up on his emotions.

Even if me family’s all right, they’re sure to give me a hard time for being away so long.

Mine too, if I ever manage to see them again, Leotie said, with a hint of longing in her voice. She looked at him as if she could see right through to his soul, to the real him beneath the uniform. To the part of him that missed living in the wilderness, hunting, fishing and making things in his workshop. 

She touched his hand and gave it a squeeze. If only she knew how crazy she could drive him. He imagined himself kissing her for long time, the two of them in bed clutching each other ravenously. He shook his head, making himself stop. It only added to the frustration.

As the trail widened, Pierre and Anna, Pierre’s new wife, pulled their wagon up alongside his. The petite woman with strawberry-blonde hair sat close to him, holding one of his hands.

Hello Finn! Beautiful day, isn’t it? Pierre asked, beaming.

Aye, Finn said, still getting used to seeing Pierre happy.

Michael, Pierre called. Your wife wants to come over to your wagon. Could you hold up a moment?

Of course, Michael agreed. 

As Finn went to pull the reins back, Leotie stood up.

Smoke! She pointed toward the town.

Finn flinched. He strained to see it, not wanting there to be a problem.

Michael checked ahead with his spyglass. He stopped the wagon and signaled to man driving the wagon behind them. There’s smoke up ahead. Spread the word, we have to get there fast. He looked at Pierre to their right. Not you. You stay at the back. 

Yes sir, Pierre said.

Finn lashed the reins, driving the horses into a gallop. He hoped it was nothing, but he’d seen the Sassenachs burn buildings down often enough. A bad feeling settled on him. What if they’ve found out me family lives here?

All raced for Lynchburg with horses and wagons at full speed. Several horses passed him.

He looked behind him. Leotie!

Leotie was at the rear of the wagon. Someone’s screaming for help in the village! She jumped down to the ground, ran over to the side and ducked into the woods.

Finn coughed as a gust of dust blew in face. It didn’t feel right or manly to always be the one left behind. She ran ahead as she had done before too many a battle. He wanted to go faster, but they had one of the heaviest wagons. The others were passing them on all sides, including Samuel, who waved briefly as he passed. He’d grown about four inches over the year and had become a trusted and skilled soldier.

Flames spread over a house up ahead, and the smell of smoke intensified. A few of the other buildings were on fire too. Finn pulled back on the reins, parking the wagon at the edge of the town. The men gathered round.

Michael stood up, raising his musket. The English are around here somewhere! Stop them!

Chapter 2

Flames leaped through the smoke-filled house. Leotie held two small boys, one in each arm, as she guided their mother toward the front door. She hurried them along the best she could, in fear of the flames blocking the door.

The boy’s mother leaned on her, coughing. Me husband! Where is he?

Leotie noticed the Scottish accent. She looked behind her, trying to see through the smoke. She didn’t see anyone, and helped them out the front door and several feet away from the house. The boys sat on the ground coughing.

Please, me husband! she cried between coughs.

Several of their men were nearby, letting out whooping sounds as they charged past on their horses.

One of the boys looked familiar. Her eyes widened. The taller one was one of Finn’s nephews, James Junior.

Finn pulled up near them, grabbed his musket and jumped down from the wagon.

He scooped up James. What are you doing here?

Playing with me friend, James said between coughs

Finn turned to the mother. Anyone else in side?

Me husband. She motioned toward the house, shaking and coughing. 

Finn’s eyes widened at her accent. Leotie used her enhanced vision to search. Through the smoke on the side of the house, she spotted a body on the ground about ten feet left of the house. She darted over to it.

Leotie, be careful! Finn said.

The heat felt like being inside a kiln, but she managed to endure it and grabbed the dead man by the legs, dragging him several feet away from the house. Leotie turned the body over. Half his face was melted off. It was a sight no child should see. Through the burnt skin, she noticed a wound in the forehead, caused by musket fire.

Glen! The woman started over with the boys.

Finn pulled her back and shook his head.

Leotie held up her hand. He’s dead. Shot by the Sassenachs.

The roof caved in and the walls gave way. The mother gave up, dropping to her knees and sobbing. The small boys coughed, and tears ran down their faces.

Do you know me father Duncan and Aunt Helen? Finn asked.

Aye, they’re good friends, said the mother. 

Finn pointed a shaky hand toward the church, his eyes full of dread. Let’s take them over there.

Leotie agreed. They helped them over to the church, then hurried back into town. Folks were struggling to put out the fires, scooping water out of troughs with buckets while the fire tried to dance from one roof to another. Finn and Leotie grabbed a couple of the horses that were saddled up. They trotted down the main road, looking for the English.

She spotted Finn’s father, Duncan and some of his workers struggling to stop the fire in the building next to his glass shop.

Finn! Duncan yelled as they passed, his hair now completely gray.

We’re after them, Pa! Finn kicked the horse to go faster.

Far off, a few wagons could be seen leaving. An English flag fluttered atop one of them.

Stop them! Michael shouted.

Leotie pushed her horse into a gallop with Finn and the others, riding out to engage the Redcoats, their muskets and pistols ready. As they neared the far end of the village, it turned out to be a group of about fifty Redcoats. Her horse flinched as both sides opened fire. Smoke rose up, and horses whinnied as if screaming. The rebels had the advantage of more men on their side, which usually wasn’t the case. Many of the rebels had been hunters, so they naturally tucked themselves into hiding spots and picked off one Sassenach after another.

In the chaos of musket blasts and men shouting in pain, they soon overpowered the small, English unit. Many a Redcoat fell to the ground dead, and others were rounded up.

One of the younger Redcoats fumbled about. He dropped to the ground and tried to curl into a ball, terrified of the rough-looking rebels.

Finn grabbed him, put a pistol to his head and hid his accent as he spoke. Why did you attack this town?

The young man, trembling, his eyes wide with fear, hesitated at seeing Leotie. No doubt, it was odd for him to see a woman soldier, let alone a native.

I can’t hear you. Finn pulled the trigger back, a certain desperation in his eyes.

Please, I can’t tell you. Miller will kill me.

I’m going to kill you right now if you don’t. Finn pressed the muzzle to his temple.

We were looking for somebody – a Scotsman. Miller wants him captured.

Leotie held her breath, knowing they had to be looking for Finn. Had they gotten to any of Finn’s family? Finn stared at her. She could tell he was worrying about the same thing. Meanwhile, smoke still rose from the village.

Tie up the prisoners! Michael ordered. We will make camp here just off the road.

Leotie suspected some of the English had got away. Probably heading back to Greenville, where they would report this incident to Colonel Miller.

It was already planned that they would spend the night at Finn’s house.

Finn got on his horse. Hope to see you no earlier than in the morning.

Michael nodded.

They rode their horses back through the middle of town. Leotie winced at the burnt buildings, the bodies in the street, the sounds of women and babies crying.

Finn whispered in her ear. They did all this because of me.

No, don’t blame yourself.

Thankfully, the glass shop had only been blackened on one corner of the roof. They spotted Duncan on his knees in front of the house that had burned to the ground, and hurried over to him. He looked up at them with a tear rolling down one cheek. His name was Glen. A young man from Scotland. We’d become good friends. He was just starting out in life, and...his wife told me the English suspected him of being Finn Mathison.

Finn cringed. I don’t understand how the Sassenachs knew to look here. Is our family all right?

Aye. Duncan clenched his fists, his neck turning red. Meanwhile, I’ve been lying about who we really are. Then an innocent family dies, never to ken me son is a rebel.

Sorry I couldn’t save Glen, but Leotie saved his wife, son and James Junior.

Duncan’s mouth dropped open. My grandson?

Finn offered his hand to pull his father up. He was over playing with the other boy, but he’s all right. They’re over at the church.

Good Lord! Duncan looked at them, horrified, and pushed Finn’s hand away. He got to his feet and ran toward the church.

Leotie grimaced, brushing the dust off her pants. Don’t let him blame you.

Finn nodded, but he didn’t look sure. A man came galloping down the middle of the main rode, his black horse shiny with sweat. It was Carlton.

Leotie, Pierre sent me. He needs your help with one of the wounded.

She hurried to her horse.

Chapter 3

Leotie had grown weary of battles. Someone always needed healing afterward. If only I could go back to the days before the outlanders came and remain there forever. With Finn, of course.

Leotie hurried over to the wounded, who had been placed under a tent. At least this had only been a small battle compared to the ones she’d fought in up until now. Every time, she dreaded seeing the destruction, not only in human lives, but the devastation of forest and land.

Yet here she was, fighting alongside outlanders. It’s not wrong. At least I’ve been learning a lot about them, and that’s important.

Besides, the natives weren’t innocent either. More and more tribes were getting muskets. They even fight among themselves, native killing native. So what is so bad about helping outlanders? Maybe I’ll figure out a way my tribe can become allies. If only we weren’t so different.

She came into the tent while Finn went to handle other duties. Two of the men were only grazed, but one had been shot in the gut. They had him up on a table. Blood blotted his shirt.

Pierre stood over the man, holding a knife in his right hand and wearing a blood-splattered apron. He waved her over. Hurry up.

The wounded man squirmed in pain, tears dripping down the sides of his face. She recognized him as a man named Robert who happened to be a good friend of Samuel’s. He’d been with them since they joined the rebels. Robert was in his thirties, had light stubble and short brown hair. He was one of their more experienced men. She knew him as a clever fighter who’d avoided getting shot until now. Losing him would be a heavy loss for their unit.

Pierre went through his bag while Anna stood ready to assist.

Can...can you help me? Robert asked roughly, his face covered in sweat.

Yes, of course. Easy now. Leotie pulled the flask of herbal tea she always kept in an inner pocket. Drink this.

He struggled to choke it down; she only let him drink a little. Enola had taught her how to make the tea, but the real healing came from her other hand. Resting it on his arm, she sent him healing energy. The energy also had the effect of dulling the pain.

I may be able to get it out. Pierre pried at the wound with a tiny knife from a new set he’d got all the way from New York. 

Some of the others gathered around, watching. Anna stood next to Pierre, handing him various tools as he asked for them.

Leotie moved around to Robert’s head, her hands on his temples, continuing to send healing energy. She muttered some Mahasi words that always impressed everyone. They thought she was calling some healing spirits, but she was just saying. Stronger, stronger, no pain, no pain. You’re going to be all right.

Pierre pulled out a musket ball, and dropping it into a metal bowl held by Anna. Then another, and another. Leotie admired Pierre’s skill.

The last one. He let it drop into the bowl.

Anna handed him a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Pierre poured some into the wound, and proceeded to sew it up. Meanwhile, Leotie had put Robert into a trance, so he couldn’t feel any pain. She dabbed a cold cloth along his forehead. He drifted off to sleep right after the last stitch. Pierre cleaned up the wounded as best he could and bandaged it. Anna watched. She’d been learning a lot from Pierre.

Samuel came into the tent, holding his hat, and crept over. Is he going to be all right?

Pierre grimaced. I told you before never to ask me that. Nobody knows for sure. Just let him rest.

Can I bandage the next wound? Anna asked. I think I could do well at it.

Of course, dear. Pierre’s rigid face softened. You’ve made good progress.

Leotie held back a smile at how Pierre was sweet as a puppy around Anna.

Pierre smiled a little at Leotie. You’ve done well as usual, too. Where will you be if I need you?

Just outside of town at Finn’s father’s house. She pointed toward the end of town. Send Samuel if you need us. He knows where it is.

Very well.

Leotie, Finn called from outside the tent. Is all good? Can we leave now?

Yes, of course. Leotie stepped out of the tent, knowing they needed some time alone. She hoped there would be no interruptions during the night.

As she neared Finn, she sensed his tenseness. They took their bags out of the wagon and saddled up a couple of the horses. If anything, she hoped to see a grateful Duncan, since they’d paid for the house, a maid and two hired hands. They’d even paid for the glass shop. Finn had told his family they’d found some gold in a stream. However, it wasn’t hard for Leotie to convert energy into any sort of rock. Meanwhile, Finn always gave them more gold or coins with every visit, leaving them with plenty. Somehow, his father seemed to have forgotten all of it.

Finn tightened the cinch on his horse. I just hope my father’s mood has changed.

Leotie knew Duncan to lash out when afraid, but she didn’t want to say anything.

What if more English come? Finn asked. I’m not sure my family can stay here.

It’d be such a waste if they had to leave. Leotie attached her pack to the back of the saddle. Besides, maybe they’ll think they killed you.

No, no, no. Finn shook his head. Miller wants me head. He isn’t going to be happy with this. The safest thing to do is move them farther west.

She jumped into the saddle of the chestnut mare. Maybe, but we’re going to be trying to take back Greenville soon. How can we move them?

I’d have to hire someone. He mounted the bay gelding, pulling the reins to the right and toward home. Obviously it can’t be Dover, but I heard of this other town south-west of here, about fifty miles.

Leotie doubted this would go over well with his father, since moving him out of Dover had been like taking a mother bear away from her cubs. 

Chapter 4

Finn! Leotie! Helen greeted them at the door wearing a white apron to match her white hair. She held the door open. Your father told me you’re here. Come in! Come in!

Helen had gained back weight, and went about with much more energy than when Finn had seen her in Yorktown. It made him glad they’d set them up in this house and given them what they needed to live comfortably. Upon entering, she gave the two of them a big hug.

Cousin Susan came out from the kitchen holding baby Duncan, now over a year old and holding James Junior’s hand. Susan’s strawberry-blonde hair was all disheveled, her blue and white dress, and her face, smeared with soot. She was too young to be tied down with children. James Junior had on fresh clothes, and looked like nothing had happened.

The girls, Anna and Rebecca, came over wearing blue dresses. Look, how they’ve grown, and you missed it.

Finn tried not to wince at the guilt. Och, how big you’re getting. He reached into his pack, and gave the girls each a new dress he had bought for them a month ago. They took the packages and ran off squealing. For the boys, he gave each a toy wagon he had carved. The boys went off to play with them. Gifts lessened the guilt, but he knew well they wanted what he couldn’t give them yet – him home.

Helen hurried over to the fireplace and turned a large turkey on a spit over the fire. The scent made the place seem like home.

We heard about what happened in town, Helen said.

Finn tucked his thumbs in pockets and looked off the side. Aye. I’m leaning toward the idea you should move as soon as possible.

What! Helen blurted out. How can we move? We’re all settled in here, and you’re not even going to be here.

I ken it’s not easy, but we can hire some people to help you find a new home somewhere in the south-west.

Somewhere? That sounds promising. Helen waved herself with a fan frantically. 

Duncan came around the corner, frowning. The wrinkles around his eyes looked deeper than ever. No! We’ll not be having any ideas of leaving! Leaving Dover was bad enough.

Susan looked about nervously, gathered the children and hurried off with them.

I’m sorry, but ’tis what it is! Finn shouted, knowing he was in for another battle.

Duncan pointed at Leotie. You would’ve never left Dover if not for being under the spell of...this...this werewolf.

You liar! Finn shouted, his face red. I was going to leave to go check on me sister anyway, and you ken it!

Leotie cringed as they shouted back and forth.

’Tis not for her, I’d be dead! Finn shouted.

Duncan motioned to the backyard. That’s because you choose to be with those rebels while leaving us to raise the children. Your sister left them to you; they’re your responsibility!

I’ve left you with a house, servants, money, but I’m not about to abandon me fellow soldiers. Finn pointed toward the village. You saw what the Sassenachs did!

They’ve done that to a lot of small villages, and not over Finn either, Leotie said.

I ken what they’ve done! Duncan shouted.

Don’t you yell at her! Finn shouted.

Thanks to you, my grandson...

Calm down you two! Helen cut him off, shouting above the yelling. We’re supposed to eat supper soon.

Duncan scowled at Helen. You were just telling me last week that they should stop living in sin and get married.

Helen turned red. Well, I, er...do believe that is the proper thing to do.

Of course, Finn said. We plan to have a life-bond ceremony after the war.

Helen’s mouth dropped open. Why in the world would you do that? I mean, that’s not going to count in the eyes of the Lord.

Why the hell not? Finn snapped.

Helen fiddled nervously with her cross necklace. Because...her people are obviously not...Christians.

Leotie gave Helen a cold stare.

Helen smiled nervously at Leotie. Sorry, no offense, but I thought you two would be more traditional with...things.

I’m telling you, Duncan said. He went savage a long time ago.

Leotie clenched her fists, her bronze face getting a red hue. So, is that what you think? My people are savages?

Duncan brooded. Helen looked too confused to speak.

I’m out of here! Finn stormed toward the door.

Leotie planted her feet by the door, glaring at his father. We gave you all this, but all you do is whine! You’re nothing but a cranky old bastard! In her anger, her voice projected, booming right over Duncan’s head.

Duncan’s eyes lit up with fear. He turned and ran out the back door.

Finn waited by the door, expressionless, but