The Keeper

By Nas Peters

Although Solenum saves Galax from death due to the light phenomenon, he is forced to leave her side in order to get to safety. With Xania gone, the Regius have declared war and terror upon all of Zinc, including their own kind who refuse to bow down to the new hierarchy.

Delph quickly realizes his mission of justice for the Civilians will have to wait, while Maya finds herself running from the Regius with the most unlikely of people.
Calycanthus and Solenum must harness the power of the Seers and find a way to restore the balance, ending the war with Mallow and Vervaine’s help. Galax fears for Zinc’s future. He bands together with Palliums, Altors, Civilians and even Regius to start Zinc on the path of peace. When they think they see the light, Zinc’s darkest hours approach.

Day turns to night and the sky is washed away with a ruby gradient. The souls carefully locked away from the living in the Valley of Death have found a way to roam free. Past problems become trivial as everyone in Zinc is now forced to stand together and watch as The Keeper of the Dead takes over their world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nas Peters
• Release date: May 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311763983

Nas Peters

She was born in the Netherlands, 1989. Her mother is French and her father Dutch. At age fourteen she moved to France and became fluent in French, Dutch and English. It's also then that she started to illustrate.Behind every illustration is a story and after experimenting with short stories, it seemed like a logical step to move into the world of Zinc. It took some time, and a lot of planning, but she finally completed her book. Which today are four installments in the Zinc Chronicles.Currently Nas works for a graphic media website and does freelance work. She recently moved away from France and now resides in the UK.

Book preview

Mallow! Calycanthus shouted as he shook his sister. Why isn’t she moving anymore? She was here. Why isn’t she responding?! His golden eyes were frantic and his face was covered in such fear that it nearly froze the Keeper. He wanted to tell him that she was fine, that she was just resting.

Cali, He murmured, stepping closer and reaching out to try to pry Mallow out of Cali’s arms. He wouldn’t have it though, clutching to the Seer. Look at her, Cali. Look at the state she’s in.

No! He pressed his face in Mallow’s neck, tears spilling from his eyes. She was alive just a few seconds ago! She responded. She agreed that she would be okay!

Datura looked around the room, noticing that his three companions had given them some space. Strangely enough, in this moment, he wished they were standing beside him so they may offer guidance. He couldn’t seem to figure it out on his own.

She didn’t have much time left. Her mind has been eaten away, The Keeper explained gently.

You don’t understand! Cali shouted back at him. It was hard for Datura not to take his rage personally. He had to remember Calycanthus was not upset with him. Nola said she would be fine. We need Mallow to restore the balance! We can’t achieve peace without her! He was breathing heavily and starting to loosen his hold on Mallow. Datura, without her we can’t keep Venora out. Cali stared back at the Seer, gently pushing the hair out of her face. And I need her. She’s my sister. Datura looked to the ceiling as Calycanthus’ shoulders shook, the sadness the boy was overwhelmed with was quiet now, rather than fueled by anger. It was worse. The Keeper almost wished he’d go back to screaming.

I have to kill him, The boy suddenly said, releasing his sister and grabbing a hold of his sword. An energy source accumulated in his palm in the shape of a sphere, sparks snapping in the air around that arm. I don’t care if someone else is supposed to do it. He has to die. The Keeper knew Cali was speaking of Xania. As he was about to protest, wanting to explain the danger that act would entail, the boy had already stormed past him and out of the room.

Cali! He shouted after him.

"Let him go." The stern one spoke. He won’t be in harm’s way.

Datura reluctantly halted in his sprint. What happened?

"Digitalis took Xania’s life," The woman said. And then Lupinus took that of the Assassin’s. Before the Keeper could ask about the Guardian, more was revealed to him.

"You are falling, Keeper. Most Regius have abandoned this ruin. They are out in the forest. Calycanthus will not run into any soldiers or trackers." The youngest one explained.

I don’t understand. Datura looked at his hands, then touched the contour of his eyes. As though either would confirm he’d stepped over that dreaded edge. He found me. He looked at the three ghosts. How far am I gone?

"The souls within the Valley are stirring. They are pushing against the veil and it won’t be long before it cracks and this time, it won’t be of your accord. You won’t be able to reign them in. This time, you will have to succumb to them." Datura felt slight fear bubbling in the pit of his stomach. It was a strange feeling. He normally never feared for the outcome of his life.

"He spoke true," The youngest said. Without Mallow the Seer balance cannot be restored. Without her, Venora will find his way back onto these grounds. Then, it is a matter of him or you and everyone will be lost as you battle to keep the power. There can only be one Keeper.

Datura cleared his throat uncomfortably, looking down the empty corridor, wishing he had kissed Cali one last time before returning to the room where Mallow lay. Walking over to the Seer, he gently lifted her into his arms, pressing his forehead against hers.

Me for her, The Keeper said.

"We understand that giving yourself over to the souls is something you fought against, but surely a world without a Keeper to keep them in check, light or dark, is far worse!" The woman shouted.

"The Seers can repair the chaos."

"Only if the balance is restored!" The youngest said, his voice nervous.

"Which they will be able to do once Mallow returns!" Datura shouted, shutting the ghosts up. The Valley of Death will become obsolete once peace has been achieved. To achieve peace, we need the Seer balance. This can only happen with Mallow. He held her tighter in his arms, as his face scrunched up in a mixture of fright and determination. She is more important than I. What better way than to give into darkness and take myself out in the same instance? Resurrection comes at a price. Datura lay the Seer on the ground gently, placing one hand over her heart and the other over her face. What better price than the life of an immortal?

Chapter 2 – Calycanthus Esquivel

Death of the Keeper

Why couldn’t I run faster? I needed to get to the ballroom. I needed to get rid of Xania. He was what was wrong with this world. With him gone, things would get better.

Slowing in my steps, I noticed the lack of soldiers and trackers. Where had everyone gone? It was a quick thought though as I focused back to the matter at hand. The ballroom was near. I continued to run for those doors. For some reason it felt harder to lift my feet off the ground and my heart was heavier than usual. The dry lump in my throat became more noticeable and it took me a minute to realize that there were tears blurring my vision.

No! I fell through my knees, my fists punching the floor. She can’t be dead. My fingers were aching as I continued to ram my hands onto the ground. It was so hard to breathe, like my body wanted to just stop and my mind demanded I keep going. Everything was so conflicting, nothing was in sync.

Xania’s life for hers would not give me anything. I’d be killing out of vengeance. It was not even he who had killed her. It was those stupid Seer abilities. But he hurt so many, including Mallow. If it hadn’t been for him, she might have been less damaged. If I could only…

I sucked air in as a freezing cold rushed through the space around me, my eyes widening and my fists unclenching.

Datura! I realized. Heart beating fast, I clumsily got back up on my feet, only to fall down when another cold wind knocked me in the back. What was he doing?! Coughing, I tried getting up again, and as I did, I let out a fearful scream when I could see flickers of souls and red smoke rush towards me.

The force of the air pushed me backwards, but I held my arms outstretched, palms open as a shield burst out of my fingertips and shaped itself around me. It didn’t take them long to understand they couldn’t get in and they quickly moved on. Hands still in the air to keep the sphere up, I looked back over my shoulders, the flickers of them still electric in the air.

Gulping, I ran back to the room where I’d left Datura and Mallow. In my anger at her death, I had forgotten how fragile he was. What if my rage fueled his dark abilities? What if I’d set him off and ruined the chance at bringing him back?

Bursting into the room, I didn’t even need a second to take it in. I rushed towards him as he lay motionless beside Mallow, his eyes bleeding down the sides of his face and his lips turned an icy blue. His fingers were laced through Mallow’s, her body still as lifeless as it had been when I last saw her.

With frantic eyes, I scanned him over several times, slapping his cheek and shaking his shoulders.

What did you do?! I demanded. Datura! He couldn’t be dead. And if he was, he’d be back soon. He always came back. Yet, I couldn’t see an obvious cause of death. Looking around the room, I made sure nobody else was there, someone who could have harmed him. But, there was no one. I lifted my shaking hands off his chest, blood smeared on them. My breathing became erratic and I couldn’t think. Wiping the tears away with my forearm I found myself backing into a corner, wide eyes fixed on Mallow and Datura. What happened?

Chapter 3 – Solenum Everhart

"Vervaine"

I had every intention of pissing off the Altors to get my way. Delph rubbed his hair as he eyed the Coliseum. But the Regius beat me to it.

I hissed. This is bad. There’s people in there that can’t fight back. Breathing out gently, I blinked my eyes to pull up my Altor vision and started distinguishing the different types. I ignored Delph’s staring. Roughly four to five hundred Regius. Only a quarter are close ranged, the rest are up the hills. I pointed in the directions so he could see. There are two Altors on the Coliseum wall, two on the ground around the building with one Seer. Vervaine. Three Regius and one Altor in the building with one Civilian. I frowned at Delph. Is Helix in there? I would kick his ass if he’d brought that Civilian along.

He shook his head. Brass. The frown morphed into a look of surprise, but he shook his head. A long story we really don’t have time for. We need to get him out of there.

We can’t all leave, the Regius will notice. There’s a tunnel in the infirmary that leads to the house further away in Serenium. Cali told me about it. You need to get Brass and Galax to safety. The two Regius with them don’t wish any harm. I squinted and focused on their hearts again. They won’t cause you any trouble. I confirmed and gave him a reassuring smile. When he looked stubborn, I shook my head. Delph, I can only buy you time. I can’t worry about you, Brass or Galax while I try to fight the Regius with the others. I pointed to Vervaine. There’s a Seer down there that is about to burst any minute now. I need to stop her before the balance can’t be restored.

Stop worrying, Delph said softly, his hand squeezing my shoulder. I got Isa on my side.

I blinked. Isa Ryder? Prankster of the Ranger community?

Delph shook his head. "Isa Ryder. Captain of the skyship Apnea. He’s docked close to Copper Town. I can get them safely on the ship and we can stay up in the air until you tell me it’s safe to get back down."

You would hide away from a fight just to make me feel better?

He shrugged. This is bigger than me. Galax is important. Besides, Sighing, he stood and gestured at the mess spread out before us, I can’t demand an audience with the Altors now, they look a bit preoccupied.

I gave him a curt nod. If you guys can manage on your way up, try and disable a few stray Regius around the Coliseum to help heighten our chance at survival. I pulled my swords free. Stay close and don’t be a hero. I instructed as I made my way down the hill.

Where is Cali? I heard him ask over the noises of battle.

Making sure the world doesn’t explode. Not entirely accurate, but it was a good sum up. I gripped the hilts of the weapons more tightly, tensing my shoulders and preparing my stance. I couldn’t elaborate as I sensed a presence off to my left, twirling my sword in that direction and belting out a shout for Delph to move so I could block the attack of a Regius soldier, meeting him halfway. I let Luminis clash against the enemy’s sword and then thrust the blade, once belonging to the Regius King, forward. He dodged the stab, but I had enough leverage to push him backwards before he could launch another attack. Shouting out, I slid forward and between his legs, coming to stand back up behind him and without a flinch, I grabbed the man’s pony tail to clear his throat and ran my sword along it.

I let out a heavy breath as the soldier dropped to the ground, and Delph’s eyes were wide as he stared at the scene. Blood was still squirting from the wound, but before I could watch the body turn to ash, I noticed another.

Duck! I shouted, feeling grateful when Delph didn’t question me and let his body fall to the ground immediately and leave the trajectory open. Pulling the short knife free from my boot, I threw it forward and sighed in relief when it penetrated the heart of the soldier. I was glad for the excess energy built up within me now. It had been straining in the forest. Cali and I could only train so much and with the whirlwind of apparitions and situations, there hadn’t been a lot of time to release some of it.

What happened to you? I turned around to face Delph, surprised at his question. He took a step back when the body I had just stabbed turned to ash, allowing me to pick up the weapon with ease and avoid having to pull it free from the ribcage. Blowing the dust off the weapon, I offered him a dull stare.

The war, I answered simply. This isn’t the ring, Delph. It’s not about accumulating points by tapping certain body parts. It’s not a game. Either I kill them or they kill me. When he didn’t respond, I rolled my eyes and grabbed his hand so I could march us towards the Coliseum wall.

You look used to it. And not remotely sorry.

Staring at the wall, I scanned our surroundings and was glad there weren’t other soldiers near. He’d have time to get up on it before they noticed our presence. They made me get used to it. I wasn’t away on a vacation, Delph. Chasing, battles, kidnapping, dungeons, forest survival. I almost had time to get annoyed but then spotted the camera. I waved at it. I am Solenum Everhart!

I don’t blame you, Sol, Delph murmured behind me.

I am Altor and here to help! I added and then pulled my hair back, directing my face at the camera and pointing at my eyes. Cali’s cousin! I smiled when I heard a noise up the wall.

I know you don’t, I told my old friend, patting his shoulder. I feel once battles are over. I just can’t afford to care in those very moments. I saw someone peak over the edge. A crossbow followed. Dandelion.

We’ve heard a bunch about you, She shouted down, aiming her weapon at me. We thought you were dead.

Cali is fine! We made it out. Satisfied with the mention of Cali, she nodded in question at Delph. Brass’ friend.

The Altor soldier sighed. Great. Just what we needed, another Civilian. She waved her crossbow up then. I’ll put him with the others if you give us a hand down there.

I’m here to get people to Apnea. She’s docked nearby. Dandelion’s face had a hint of relief at Delph’s words and after I nodded in confirmation that I was here to help, she instantly threw a rope down. Delph grabbed it and prepared to climb up.

I have to stay down here. Before you lead the others away, make sure Galax sees me.

He frowned down at me as Dandelion had started pulling him up. Why?

He needs to know I’m alive or else he’ll die. I shook my head when he was about to ask for an explanation. No time! Just make sure he sees me before you take him into the tunnel, please!

He nodded his head frantically at my urgency. I promise!

Solenum! I heard Dandelion shout and nod over to my left. Staring in that direction, I pursed my lips.

I know. I’m on it.

* * * * *

As I came closer to Vervaine and the handful of Regius which were surrounding her, I felt what Nola had warned us about. Snippets of visions blasted their way into my skull. She was losing it and couldn’t control the power anymore. It was already trying to detach from her core and find a new harbor. It was sensing me, which in turn told me I didn’t have much time. What was she even doing?! She was way too weak to fight!

"Ilex, this isn’t a good idea. We need to let Vervaine stay with the others. She can’t fight! Caltha was angry and frustrated as he ripped his gaze off his partner and stared at the pitiful state Vervaine was in. Jan is back. With him, we can make up for her lack of presence." Jan, who had only just returned and barely been able to hug his wife and child, sighed, but stepped forward and agreed.

"Guys, stop, Vervaine said. I will die either way. Might as well be of use until then."

"We won’t win this battle. Iris took Jan’s hand and squeezed it. But I won’t make it easy for them." Ilex, Caltha, Jan, Vervaine, Jatrop and Dandelion all nodded at her statement.

"Dandelion and Jatrop up on the wall, the rest of us on the ground, Ilex instructed as he pulled his weapon free. See you in the Valley."

Knock it off! I groaned, nearly falling face first into the grass as I couldn’t keep the visions out and focus on the now. No, no, no! I let out a yelp as I sensed someone behind me, quickly turning over and letting the soldier impale herself on my blade. Before I could push her off me and continue on my way, another snippet blasted its way before my eyes.

Vervaine’s shoulders were heaving and her muscles were exhausted. She tried to keep her sword off the ground whilst her eyes wished they could follow all her opponents at once. They had the decency to attack in small groups. No more than three at a time. It was strange, maybe it would be better if they just finished her off. Right now it was as though they were taking pleasure in killing her slowly, watching their fellow soldiers die at her sword with extreme difficulty. As though she was a horse that needed to be broken in.

She grunted in pain as a soldier punched her in the jaw, her body falling backwards and landing on the ground with a thud. Her powers were still working hard to poison her system and she felt it now more than she did an hour ago. If they didn’t kill her soon, the curse of foresight would call shotgun.

Wiping her cheek, she saw a dark grey stain on her skin, telling her the soldier had managed to loosen a tooth.

Her eyes widened as she noticed they were going to kick it up a notch. Moving away quickly to avoid the soldier’s sword and her back pressed against the wall of the Coliseum, she used it as leverage to push back up onto her feet and only narrowly ducking the sharp blade that tried to slice her shoulder.

The soldier didn’t relent, attacking repeatedly. It was clear that he didn’t hold a lot of expertise, but she had no energy left. Her sword was too heavy and the idea of death was sucking her motivation dry. She didn’t want to do this anymore.

She sighed in relief when the soldier’s skull was pierced with an arrow that had come from the Coliseum wall, allowing Vervaine three seconds to recuperate and prepare for the next attack. Blocking one assault, she let out a noise of fear when another soldier attacked simultaneously, both of them clearly upset with the far ranged shot that had murdered their comrade.

They were working her to the ground and just when she thought one of them would cut through, he grasped her wrist and flung her from the wall. Their patience had run thin. Spitting out some blood, Vervaine leaned onto her Altor sword, staring as the handful of soldiers created a spacious circle around her.

"You may take your own life," The leader of the group murmured, inclining her head in what could be considered respect. Could they, the Regius lacking in empathy, pity her now? Lifting her sword, Vervaine shook her head. She would not take the easy way out. Moving much faster than before, the leader attacked harder than she had expected.

Attack, block and sidestep. Block, flip, attack. Vervaine’s sword trembled under the assaults and she took a blow in the back at the same time. She could only see Regius and weapons, the meadows were nonexistent and the Coliseum was invisible.

Falling backwards, she used the last bit of energy she had to lift her sword up before her face, screaming when pain radiated through her arms. Vervaine wished the ground beneath her would swallow and take her far away.

The sense of defeat rushed through her when one soldier grasped her arm and another pulled her weapon out of her hands. Vervaine relaxed then, accepting her fate.

"You fought bravely," The same woman as before spoke, pulling a dagger from her boot and nodding a goodbye at Vervaine. Refusing to close her eyes, she inhaled slowly for one last time. The other soldiers stepped back, giving space for their leader as she knelt beside Vervaine, the dagger glaring in the sunlight. As she stared at her reflection visible in the short blade, she was surprised to find that her life wasn’t flashing before her eyes.

Instead though, a brighter light overpowered her reflection and before she or any of the soldiers could comprehend what it had been, the leader’s head rolled across the grass and her body fell over Vervaine’s legs. With her eyes wide in surprise, she pulled free from underneath and crouched up to look back and see who had come to her rescue.

The girl had barely landed on her feet and she was already on the move, swinging the two blades she was armed with and slicing through the soldier that had taken the weapon from Vervaine earlier. Her savior threw one of the swords her way, and Vervaine caught it just in time, realizing with great relief that it was Luminis. Still holding onto the majestic looking sword, the girl armed her second hand with the standard Altor sword. The soldiers around her took a few steps back. She finally turned then, revealing her face.

"Solenum," Vervaine breathed in relief.

Chapter 4 – Delph Riddle

"Solenum"

Come on. We don’t have all day, The girl named Dandelion said grumpily as she pulled me with ridiculous ease over the wall and onto the ledge. What were you thinking?! She shoved me forward and pointed to a ladder that led down into the center of the Coliseum.

How was I to guess you guys were under attack?! I yelled back testily as I pulled free from her hold, heavily annoyed as I started down the ladder.

This is no place for a Civilian, whether we are under attack or not! She shouted down as she grabbed an oversized gun off a box standing beside her and aiming it somewhere across to the other side of the Coliseum. She pulled the trigger, and I quickly looked over my shoulder to see what she’d shot.

Paint?! I asked, dumbfounded.

That is the infirmary, She clarified. And that, she let another bullet of paint fly free, is the room your useless buddy of a Civilian is staying in. Now get over there and do what Solenum asked you. Make sure Galax sees her!

I jumped down and nodded up at her. I will. Groaning, Dandelion shrugged my determined response off and continued to do her duty on the wall. I sighed at her behavior, but didn’t get hung up on it as I made my way across the center area of the Coliseum which looked like a training ground. If I didn’t get myself and the others out of here soon I might become the witness of a bloodbath. Gulping, I tried to smother the thought of Solenum’s possible death at the end of all this and suppressed the urge to stay and help her.

Eyes fixed on the marked doors, I ran towards the one the people who couldn’t fight were staying in, but before I could reach the door, it was torn open from the inside.

Anemone! My friend roared after the little Altor girl who was rushing her way to the Coliseum entrance. Get back here! Brass