Lugah: Feral Intent

By Adrian Juhl

Lugah dreams of uniting the feral races on Ketu against the Methuselan Empire. When the Regent on Methuselah learns of the potential uprising, he enlists his most feared Bishop to cull Lugah's village.

Returning from the Druid planet, Whetu, Lugah's wayward portal strands him in ant territory. Caught trespassing, he convinces his young captors that pursuit of a shared enemy could save them from being recycled. Recaptured, he is ordered to rescue the young ants. Together with his friends - Honey, Sito and Olim - Lugah must venture into hostile lizard territory. Failure will mean the death of Lugah and his party.

Can Lugah and his friends make it back in time to save the village, and Lugah's son? Or will their mission lead them further from home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adrian Juhl
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310814259

Adrian Juhl

Adrian Juhl is a writer of fantasy fiction based in Coomera, Australia. He is currently working on a series of free, short stories in the lead up to the release of his novels.Adrian started writing in 2013. He keeps the reader's attention with continual action, and ever-evolving plot twists that can be discussed and debated within the family.His Drift World's free short stories will conclude with the final short story, 'Marcus' that delves further into the Aazronian leader. This prequel answers many fan letters and questions about the Drift Worlds universe.

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Lugah – Feral Intent

Copyright © 2014 by Adrian L Juhl

All rights reserved

Adrian L Juhl

Cover art by: Kristina Juhl

Adam Juhl

Published by Adrian Juhl at Smashwords

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold 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 enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is dedicated to

Alison and John Stonyer

Thank you for your support over the years and the many discussions on solving the mysteries of the universe.

Table of Contents

Glossary of Names

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Other books by this author

Connect with Adrian Juhl

Glossary of Exotic Names

Aazronia (Az-row-nee-ah)

Cravius (Cray-vee-us)

Dalynia (Dal-lin-nee-ah)

Defh (Deaf)

Ketu (Ket-too)

Lugah (Loo-gah)

Methuselah (Meth-oo-sell-ah)

Olim (Oh-lim)

Sito (See-toe)

Whetu (Feh-too)

Chapter One

A lone figure sat in shadow on the holy throne, overlooking the mezzanine’s balustrade. Although the arched windows covered the height of the wall, the sun no longer touched the throne. From within the shadows, she watched a line of soldier ants disappear through a tiny crevice in the marble wall. She scratched absentmindedly at the armrest, wondering where they were going in such a hurry.

Ouch! Removing the fine splinter of wood embedded beneath her nail, she sucked at her finger.

A sound drew her attention. She watched as someone hurried down the length of the hall, footsteps echoing against the marble floor. A shadow accompanied him. As he passed them, courtiers dropped to their knees to pay homage. She waited as the footsteps drew closer.

So, you made it, she remarked with indifference. She perched on the edge of the large throne and pushed. With noiseless ease, the throne turned away from the balustrade to face the entrance to the room.

The Regent strained to calm his breathing. His black-armored, personal Apothecary waited in the corridor.

Regent, you should do something about your fitness.

That’s my concern. Is there a reason you’re here and sitting in my seat? He glared into the shadows, trying to identify the mysterious woman.

As he moved towards the throne, she stood. My dear Regent, Ophidia herself has declared that everyone must have purpose. She leant forward. Or have you forgotten that?

Alarmed, the Regent stepped back towards the entrance. Don’t be absurd. I am Ophidia’s most faithful servant. I—

Spare me the rhetoric, Regent, and let’s continue, shall we?

You had better hope this is as important as you portray.

I’m here because a great travesty is about to befall the Church.

Oh? And why has Ophidia not informed me of this herself?

A moment of silence passed between them. Devoid of emotion, she responded in the coldest tone, Because we all have our responsibilities. If you like, we could attempt a summoning so you can… demand this of her?

No, that’s unnecessary. My faith in Ophidia is steadfast.

Then stop wasting my time and listen.

The Regent nodded in assent.

The Ferals—in particular, one named Lugah—are opposing the Church. In fact, even now they conspire against Ophidia. Something must be done, Regent. What do you propose?

The Regent approached his throne. Long strands of black hair brushed past his face as he took his seat. He placed his hands on the arms of the throne and focused his thoughts. His eyes glazed black, as if covered in a dark ooze. Unintelligible words poured from his mouth as he reported to Ophidia. Moments later, he opened his eyes.

Ophidia is pleased with your report. She will deal with Lugah. We will deal with the issue on the Forbidden Isles.

The Forbidden Isles?

Yes. It seems our young prince has defied the law and visited them. He has strayed from his true path and seeks to endanger us all.

I see, she muttered in a soft voice. What are our orders?

Ophidia is monitoring the situation. In the interests of maintaining peace between church and state, I will send my personal Apothecary to speak with the prince and undo any damage he has caused.

That’s an excellent idea. He is very loyal. At the same time a delegation will be sent to Ketu to impose sanctions.

Puzzled, the Regent replied, Sanctions? There’ll be no sanctions.

What do you mean?

Blessed Ophidia has ordered a culling. Every child under eight is to be euthanized. The wayward beasts will travel to Her embrace and She will save them from a life of heresy.

Outside, the hardened features of the Regent’s personal Apothecary paled in horror. Raymond staggered in disbelief as he overheard his master’s plan.

The Regent stood and grinned. Raymond! he shouted.

Raymond entered the room and found only the Regent there.

Mighty Regent, I am here, he replied.

The Regent smiled at Raymond. Ophidia has blessed us this day with an opportunity to magnify our faith and kingdom.

Raymond bowed his head, hiding the anger and confusion in his eyes. Blessed be Ophidia and her divine purpose.

The Regent opened his arms and hugged Raymond in a pious embrace. Leave now on our fastest ship. Summon to council the wayward prince. Escort Kayne home and into the embrace of Ophidia’s loving arms.

Blessed be Ophidia and her divine purpose.

Oh, and one last thing, Raymond.

Yes, my Regent?

Send me Bishop Belle.

In that moment, Raymond questioned his faith. Without raising his head, he shuffled backwards to the door, replying, Yes, my Regent.

Raymond.

Raymond stopped in the archway and raised his head.