A Walk Beyond The Graves: A Walk Beyond, #2

By Steven Goldsborough

Annabell Church left her old life behind for a new one amongst the magic, and mystery of the First Realm. Along with the help of her new family the Guardian's Manor truly begins to feel like a real home. As Anna and Phasia explore its endless hallways they start to uncover the secret history of the realm, and of the Guardian himself. From myth and legend, truth is revealed, including the long forgotten Grave Realms. Along with the truth, a growing darkness makes its presence known. A darkness that has been waiting to exact its revenge since before time began. It quickly becomes a race against the clock to stop the rising evil, and save all of reality from a fate worse than death.

A Walk Beyond the Graves is the second book in the "A Walk Beyond" series. It is a frantic adventure filled with terrifying secrets, untold evil, and mind bending revelations. That push the boundaries of love, hope, and friendship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Goldsborough
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519925992

Steven Goldsborough

Steven Goldsborough was born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas. The youngest of three boys he grew up with a deeply ingrained love for music, and technology. His work history varied dramatically from warehouse worker to network admin of a rural wisp. At the age of 28 he married his wife and became an instant father to two daughters. Two years later he had a son. He experimented in video game design, and even started crafting custom boutique guitar pedals and amps. Writing was a kind of after thought as he had a deep disdain for it. Yet on the insistence, and exuberance of his eldest daughter, he published his first book "A Walk Beyond The Realm" at the age of 36 in 2015.

Book preview

Life travels along the lines of time. Intersecting with trivialities and moments that define us as beings. And never are we able to stop, even if our feet are planted firmly to the ground. We travel ever onwards, toward the inevitable.

- Nimbra, Mother of the Platonic Stones

CHAPTER 1.

Moving With The World

Blue, white, brown, and gray was the color of the world that blurred around Anna. The sting of the cold mountain air was unrelenting as she squinted through its pummeling onslaught. Her heart pounded in her chest causing her blood to thunder through her veins. The sound of her heartbeat in her ears drowned out the rest of the world. The cold air shocked her gritted teeth and lungs as she breathed. What the hell am I doing, she asked herself in the chaos of her mind? Her stomach was a flutter of butterflies as she noticed a dark mass creeping up from the corner of her vision. Anna turned her head fighting the nausea from her skewed equilibrium to look at who or what had found its way next to her. Shock covered her face as she realized it was the Guardian.

How in the world did he catch up to me, she asked herself? She couldn't help but giggle inside at his raw determination. His smile spread from ear to ear as he glanced over in her direction. Then he stuck his tongue out at her and hunkered down even lower on his sled. The wind ruffled the white fur between his curved horns as he started to overtake her. Anna's head quickly snapped forward as her own sled buffeted in the snow. She clenched her fists tighter on the wooden handles and got down as low as she could, but he had already picked up too much speed.

They both flew down the pristine snow covered slope at a breathtaking pace. The unbridled exhilaration of speed left the carnival rides of her youth, with their colored lights and rickety construction, as pale distant memories in Anna's mind. She howled as the snow smoothed out again, and gave her tense muscles a reprieve. Never had she been able to ride a sled this fast or for this long before. She felt alive as the world sped passed her. Eventually, the steep slope leveled out and she put her feet out in front of her. The cold white powder shot up and around her in a large plume as she dug her heels into its soft surface. Her sled finally slowed and stopped close to where the Guardian had as well. She sat for a moment letting the drum beat of the heart in her chest slow.

The Guardian approached her from his resting spot, a big stupid grin on his face. She smiled back at him as he adjusted his suit, and brushed off a little snow from his shoulder with the back of his hand. Suddenly his head shot to the side looking behind her. Anna heard something then watched as the Guardian jumped straight up into the air, tucking his feet up underneath him. A screaming blur shot past her, and beneath him. The Guardian landed on his feet and quickly turned.

Phasia jumped up from where she toppled, covered in a white dusting of snow. Her red lips stretched into a large giddy smile, Let's do it again.

Seriously? You had to aim for me? The Guardian asked with a scowl on his face and fists on his hips.

I was not aiming for you, Phasia said with a giggle, and besides you would have been fine and you know it. For me it would have been like hitting a tree.

And you would have deserved it. The Guardian said straight faced.

Phasia glared at him through her white dusting, but Anna interceded before they could continue, That's enough you two. We're supposed to be having fun, not testing each other's immortality.

She started it, said the Guardian as he pointed at Phasia.

And I'm ending it. Anna said as she stood and knocked the snow off her coat, Honestly, you two act like such children at times. Is that just an immortal thing or does it come with age? The Guardian and Phasia glared at each other one final time then hung their heads. That's what I thought. You know it's kinda sad when the youngest person here, by a thousand years at least, is the only one acting like an adult. The Guardian regained his composure and adjusted his jacket, as Phasia stuck out her tongue.

You are, of course, right my love. We should be acting our age. He said with a snide sideways glance at Phasia before offering his arm to Anna. I believe I know a quaint little tavern where we can get some hot refreshments to battle this bitter cold.

Anna sauntered over to him and slid her arm around his, That sounds absolutely wonderful.

The mountain is yours Lady Phasia. Try not to run anyone else down. He said as they turned without looking back.

Phasia had almost knocked all the snow from herself as she watched them walk away. One more time down the mountain, she thought to herself. Then she saw the Guardian lift his arm and snap his fingers right before their solidity wavered in the bright sun, as they stepped onto the path. Phasia was watching them waver and fade when the snow around her shot straight up into the air, and came back down is a blinding fluffy flurry. As it resettled around her she wiped the cold wet powder from her face and glanced at herself. She huffed as she realized she was once again covered in snow. She glanced back up to where Anna and the Guardian had faded shimmeringly into the path and said aloud, Well played Guardian. Well played.

You are horrible. Anna finally said to the ram headed figure at her side as they stepped off the path. Knowing full well what he had done to her pale friend.

The Guardian grinned at her as she smacked his shoulder with an audible pop, Still worth it. He said proudly.

So where are we? She asked as she looked around at the tall trees that lined the route they were taking. She even noted the sun seemed dimmer as thin shafts of light cut through the gigantic pines.

We are now on an adjacent mountain to the one we were sledding on. Slightly further north. Vanger's inn and tavern is just up ahead.

Anna snuggled up against his arm as the old cabin style tavern came into view. Its ancient timbers were dark with age. The old snow covered building sat low amongst the surrounding foliage. A steady trail of gray smoke drifted from the central chimney off into the dense forest. A lantern, with a bright amber glow, swayed in the wind above an iron hinged door. It was beautiful in its ancient way. It held a serene magic in her eyes. The snow, the tree's, the slivers of fading sunlight. She sniffled back her running nose as the intense cold always seemed to affect her in this way.

The Guardian opened the heavy wooden door for her, and she nearly swooned at the intense wall of warmth that engulfed her as she shuffled inside. Anna felt his broad hand on her back guiding her forward, and keeping her moving so she didn't fall. Then he guided her along the bar to its far side and eased her down into a solid old chair. The warmth was heavenly after their day on the mountains. The fire in the center of the room blazed brightly as she slid out of her coat and basked in its flickering glow. A moment later and the Guardian was holding a steaming mug in front of her. Anna took it and breathed deeply. Its heat defrosted her nose and returned its ability to actually smell things. Apples, cinnamon, and a few other spices lit up her senses. She sipped cautiously and let the heat permeate its way into her.

Oh thank you, thank you. This is so good. She stammered as he took a place next to her.

I thought you would enjoy it. He said taking a healthy swig of his own, The last time you had spiced cider was your first day with us, if I am remembering correctly.

The memories flooded into her as she smiled ever so slightly. Had it really been two years since he handed her that mug filled with hot delicious liquid. It all seemed so long ago now. She grinned thinking about how naive she had been back then. How she had freaked out when she finally realized that yes the man sitting in front of her had the head of a ram. She also remembered how fast he had moved when she almost fell over the chair, and how his gentle arms were immediately around her. That first time he held her close trying to calm her fears. That memory had stayed with her. She had felt so safe in his arms, even though she had known nothing about him. And even now, holding his arm as they had walked, she still felt it. That feeling of safety.

So was that when you started to care about me? When you handed me that mug? She asked with a glimmer in her eye.

He smiled broadly at her question with a slight shake of his head, Just drink your drink. He said with a sigh.

Anna gave him a little giggle. She knew she had made him a touch uncomfortable, and she enjoyed it. She loved that she could affect him in such a way. A being such as him with god like powers, made to blush with a simple question. Oh how she loved him, and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that he loved her the same. The man of her dreams and all she had to do to find him was cross over to a different realm of existence.

Did you enjoy yourself today at the sledding festival? He asked before taking a sip from his mug.

I had no idea you could go that fast on a sled. It, it was exhilarating, and beautiful. But you looked like you were having more fun than I was.

I have no idea what you're talking about. He said coyly.

She raised an eyebrow before smacking him on the arm. He grinned uncontrollably. That, that right there. You had that same grin flying down the mountain with me.

So then, shall we do it again next year? He asked taking another sip.

You better believe it, and next year I'm going to beat you. She said very matter of fact.

I highly doubt it. He said knowing exactly what was coming next. Anna huffed then smacked him in the arm again causing him to giggle.

You big meany.

One of the bar maids approached their table visibly giggling at their exchange, Is there anything I can get you two?

Anna shook her head, No thank you.

Can your cook, by any chance, make waffles? The Guardian asked politely.

The young maid looked shocked at first, then her eyes lit up and she replied with a large wide smile. As a matter of fact he can my lord. We even have syrup.

Wonderful, The Guardian proclaimed, I will have one of those slathered in butter, and syrup my dear.

Right away my lord.

Anna watched as the young woman walked away, then her head shot back around to the Guardian. You and your waffles.

It is an addiction.

You don't say.

I blame you.

You blame me?

Yes, you got me hooked on them.

Then maybe you need to see someone about that addiction.

That is what I am doing.

But, you just ordered one.

Exactly.

What?

I found someone who could provide me with a waffle. That waffle will satiate my need for one until the next time I have a craving. So see, I saw someone about my addiction.

Oh good grief, Anna shook her head at him, Sometimes you are simply impossible. Be thankful I love so much.

He kissed her head, Every single day, and I love you too.

The fire in the center of the room flickered brilliantly as the Guardian devoured his waffle. His moans and grunts were playfully joyous. Anna stared into the flames as she contemplated her place in the universe, and everything that had happened to her since her arrival in the first realm. It all still weighed so heavily on her. Gods, Faeries, and transient beings. Even her own death. But through it all, she had found happiness. And against all odds she had even found love. Yet still she prayed that it was all behind her. They hadn't heard anything from the Remnant, and no other strange occurrences had caught their attention. And for that, she was thankful. The world was moving on in spite of it all. Just like it always had.

Anna's eyes drifted to the table in front of her. In the flicker of the fire's light she saw names and crude images carved into its well worn surface. Had they used a nail or a claw to carve these, she wondered. Maybe even a knife or the tine of a fork. She traced their smooth contours with her fingers, and spotted a familiarity amongst the scrawlings. A little heart. Plain as day near the table's edge, and on either side was an initial. P hearts T, she thought to herself, I wonder who you were? Her finger traced the familiar shape as she continued. How long ago did you love? Did you stay together till the end? Or were you destined for other things? The questions danced through her imagination even though the carving could have been a month to several hundred years old. But they had been here, and had been passionate enough to carve it in the tables top for all to see. She smiled to herself at the little carved heart. It still amazed her how some things transcended the boundary of the realms, and just how universal it all was.

So, you never told me how your meetings with the potential teachers went. The Guardian said. His smooth voice breaking through her contemplation.

Her mind snapped back into focus, Oh, well, it went really good. I think. I was just so nervous, but I think it went well. They all seemed so excited to possibly be part of the first school in the realm.

That sounds wonderful. I take it none of them gave you any issues.

Anna's face skewed as she thought back, Not any real issues per say, but a few of them were quite... um, disappointed.

Care to elaborate? He asked with a raised eyebrow.

Well, there were a few of them who were under the impression we were starting a grand college of learning or something. They weren't exactly thrilled when I told them it was going to be a school for children. Some seemed down right aggravated by it.

The Guardian wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and rubbed her arm. It's to be expected. You must remember many cultures do not see children the way you do. For a lot of them, the thought of educating a child is pointless. That learning, is something done by adults who are seeking great answers to impossible questions. Do not ever let those people get to you. There will be plenty of others who understand what you are trying to do, and they are the ones who really matter. And besides, the school is going to be yours to do with as you see fit. Let the detractors say what they will. They will become irrelevant with time.

Irrelevant with time. The phrase tumbled over in her mind. The implication, regardless of the fact that it was said so off the cuff, struck her hard. There were times she forgot she no longer aged, due to the amazing man sitting next to her, but the idea that by letting enough time pass so those dissenting voices will be forgotten, was a reality to her now. Would she still feel this way in ten, or even a hundred years? It felt strange to even think about it, but it was the truth. She knew what she wanted to do regardless of what others thought. There was nothing like the face of a child learning. Staring wide eyed into the chasm of endless possibility. She wanted to bring that to the children here. To give something back to the wonderful people of this realm. It just seemed so alien that some would have a problem with it.

I know. It's just strange to me is all. She said as she laid her head on his shoulder.

The Guardian rubbed her arm again as she sighed, Regardless, what you are attempting to do is amazing, and I am so proud of you.

Really?

Yes, really. You are going to make a change in this realm for the better. I can feel it.

Anna put a hand to his chest and felt the beat of his heart through his clothes. She closed her eyes and sighed at its steady rhythm. It soothed her inner fears as his words filled her heart. She had never known a man who had believed in her so passionately. Her hand quickly moved up and turned his face towards hers. She sat up and kissed him. Anna felt him melt with her unexpected action. His eyes closed as her warm lips pressed against his. She heard his low moan as his silky white fur tickled her face. It took him a few moments, once she broke the kiss, for his eyes to finally reopen.

Not that I'm complaining or anything, but what was that for? he asked, still trying to focus his spinning eyes.

Anna smiled brightly at him, Just for being you.

Then I guess I will try to be myself more often. He said giving her a half smile back.

Can we go for a walk under the stars? She asked, as she stared into his eyes.

Of course we can my lady. He stood, adjusted his coat and offered to help her with hers. Anna slid into it as he held it up, then turned and slid her arm around his.

The bar maid watched them as they left. A little sigh escaping her lips. Oh to be the Lady Annabell, she thought to herself as the door closed behind them. To be able to hold the Guardian like that was a dream she knew she would never fulfill. But it was okay. She was happy where she was, and it was okay to dream, she thought, as she grabbed a towel and began to wipe down the bar. A man in the corner began to sing, and she started to hum along with the song's tale of heartbreak.

Outside the wind had died down. Fluffy snowflakes drifted through the crisp night air like feathers from the sky. The slivers of fading sunlight had been replaced by slivers of pale moonlight. Anna loved the sound of the snow beneath their feet. Its rhythmic crunching in the still serenity of the surrounding forest. She licked her lips and reveled in the taste of waffles and cider. What a truly perfect day it had been.

She knew they would be heading back to the manor now. Where she would head off to their bedroom, and he would spend a little while in his study going over reports. She would be in bed by the time he came in, but it was just fine, she loved it when he slid in under the sheets behind her. His body pressing up against hers, and how he would gently drape his arm over as she snuggled up close. Anna loved the banality of it. The simple sense of security that came from the mundane repetition of everyday life. She found she had settled down into a nice, peaceful pattern.

Her breath came out in plumes of gray mist that gently rose into the sky. The night air bit at her nose and cheeks. She glanced one final time out into the expanse before her. The white mountains that seemed to stretch out as far as the eye could see, set against a backdrop of a deep azure night sky dotted with charcoal colored clouds. Then the world shimmered around her. She put her head on the Guardian's arm, and together they stepped onto the path. The blur of distance passed in a blink and the warm embrace of the manor welcomed them home.

--=<o>=--

Fear nothing in these worlds, except your nightmares, should they take form.

- Clive Calsifur, Knight of the Second Shade

CHAPTER 2.

The Things That Go Bump

Mearobeth smiled at her reflection in the mirror behind the old bar of the tavern. She just smiled at the thought that the Guardian had been here and had spoken to her. She had always heard stories about him, especially from her grandmother, but she had never met him until today. She had giggled uncontrollably when he approached her and asked for two hot ciders. It had taken all of her faculties to regain her composure, and even then, she had lost it again when she walked over to his table. She felt special, that of all the days he would come in was when she had been left in charge. Her mother would be so jealous when she returned tomorrow and heard the news. Mearobeth could imagine her grandmother, if she were still alive, laughing hysterically at the look on her mothers face.

She sighed as she moved about the room collecting mugs and plates.

This was her favorite time of the day. When the windows had grown dark and the light from the fire danced around the room. There were only three patrons left in the tavern and she knew them all by name. They were regulars, and pleasant enough she knew she had nothing to fear from them. Two were trappers and the other was Mr. Helms a local woodsmith who had lost his wife the previous winter. She returned to the bar and poured another ale for him. He was such a sweet man that she really felt for his loss.

She was walking to his table when the smell hit her. Her empty hand shot up to her nose from the repugnance of the odor. She noticed that it wasn't just her who could smell it either. All the other patrons gasped and began looking around the room. That's when she felt the sharp pain pierce her breasts, abdomen, and back. The freshly poured ale slipped from her fingers and splashed on the floor as her feet left the ground. She was forcefully turned sideways by an unseen something. Screams of terror and anguish filled the room as the other occupants of the tavern were hauled into the air and torn to shreds. Arms, legs, and heads were ripped and severed from torsos. She watched in horror and confusion as the three men and their severed limbs quickly disappeared into nothingness. Mearobeth tried to scream in terrified pain, but the unseen thing that held her in its jaws shook her with such violence her neck snapped with an audible crunch. Her body went limp as it dangled above the ground, but to her increasing horror she could still see and hear everything. She was terrified beyond reason as she realized the invisible beast was beginning to devour her. Her mind screamed as her flesh was ripped and torn. She begged her eyes to close, but to no avail. No, all she could do was watch and listen in pristine horror as she was chewed up and swallowed by a powerful foul smelling nothing. She heard its ragged breathing, and the crunching smack of its jaws. Her mind screamed again as she slid down its throat and was enveloped into a hot, wet, darkness. Please let me die soon, she pleaded in that foul void, and no sooner had the words skittered through her fading mind that a vast white light overtook her. As quickly as it had started the tavern was left in a deathly silence. All traces of life in the ancient structure had been devoured. The heavy sound of sniffing filled the emptiness briefly as the fire's light still flickered. The massive invisible nothings shot towards the entrance and disappeared through the slender cracks between the door and its frame. Moonlit shadows darted amongst the trees of the northern mountains. Native animals scurried for cover. The shadows moved with an incredible speed and eerie silence towards a point somewhere off in the distance.

******

Anna shot up in bed as the nightmare's terrifying imagery faded into the stark oblivion of wakefulness. She breathed heavily as she looked around the bedroom. She jumped a little when she felt the Guardian's hand come to rest on her back.

What's wrong? He asked in a deep whispering timber.

Anna closed her eyes and let the feel of his warm hand on her bare skin sooth her nerves, It was just a dream. Go back to sleep, It's okay. Really. She leaned over and stroked his face. She loved that he worried about her so, she thought, as she tried to hide the trembling of her hands as best she could.

As soon as his breathing had changed she slipped out of bed and slid into her night gown. She looked back at him as he slept, wishing she could close her eyes as easily and fall into the land of slumber like him. But the nightmare had worked too well on her senses, she was awake, for better or worse. Instead of staying in bed tossing and turning, she intended to walk the halls a bit. Burn off some of her more nervous energy looking at the curiosities that lined the manor's walls.

Silently, she closed the door as she left. The thick soft pile of the carpets in the hall wriggled between her toes as she walked. With no real direction chosen she wandered down dimly lit corridors. The only sounds that found her were of her own making. Left, right, right, up a flight of stairs, another left, another right, across a small bridge that had been built over a stream that exited one door and flowed into another. The manor never ceased to amaze her. Even after all the exploring her and Phasia had done over the past two years she still felt that there was so much more to see. Like she hadn't even scratched the surface.

Sometimes she liked to think that the manor itself was guiding her. Intentionally catching her eye with something new to lead her down corridor after corridor. Just like what was happening now with a glass case to her right. The glint of silver from behind the glass was too tempting to not investigate.

The case towered over her as she approached, its contents glaring down at her with a spine tingling gaze. Articulated metal plates from head to toe, interspersed with chains, jagged blades, and spikes. It was a wicked amalgamation of protection, intimidation, and weaponry. Anna swallowed hard when she realized the dark brown and green stains that were splattered across its polished surface was not paint. She looked away unsure of what to think of the armor. There had to have been a reason for it. Surely there had to be. Considering it looked to have been made for the Guardian. She couldn't imagine his dark eyes looking out through the holes in its face plate. Or its jagged metal teeth covering his gentle lips.

Anna noticed a small plaque at the bottom of the case. She bent down and leaned close to read its etched inscription.

Worn on the last day of battle

against the invading horde.

In the first age of the Lost.

Anna felt unexpected hands grip her sides. She jumped and stifled a scream as she turned around, a look of complete shock on her face. Phasia was still hunched over with her hands out in front of her from where she had grabbed her friend.

Anna caught her breath and stomped in anger, Don't do that, you nearly gave me a heart attack.

Phasia righted herself with a smug grin on her face, Sorry, I could not help myself. You were just to good of a target. I take it you could not sleep either?

I woke up and needed to clear my head.

Ah, bad dream? Phasia asked as she looked over the glass case.

You could say that, but I don't remember anything. I just know it scared the hell out of me.

Phasia raised an eyebrow at her, So to get over a bad dream you come here and look at this nightmare?

It's not like I was intentionally looking for this. She exclaimed with a flurry of her hands, I just found it.

Phasia laid her hand gently on the glass, Beautiful though, is it not?

I think the not part of your phrase fits better.

Oh come on, you have to see the beauty in it. It is a work of art really. Phasia proclaimed.

It's a weapon. I can't imagine what it was like to see this thing in a real fight.

Well, it was way before my time, but I have heard the stories. Phasia recounted to Anna's widening eyes, This was way back when a few of the other realms were attempting to gain control of the first. It was a very bloody war. Near the end though the Hitarrie had pushed forward and wiped out village after village. Three hundred men, women, and children. When the Guardian heard about the massacre, he declared that this would be the last day of the war. He put this armor on and walked right into the Hitarrie encampment. In less than four hours over ten thousand Hitarrie soldiers were dead. But on the bright side, the two other armies returned to their own realms without a fight.

Anna stood with her mouth open, Ten... ten thousand. The words staggered out of her, hand in hand with shock.

Phasia grinned as she stroked the glass of the case with her finger, Because of what he did no one else died after that. So do not think too harshly of him for it, he saved everyone in the realm.

Anna looked once again at the emptiness of the helmet's eyeless stare, and it looked back at her with its imposing regard. I just find it difficult to see him in something like... like this. I mean I know he's fought, ended, hell even started wars, but this... I can't see him in this thing.

Yes you can, and that is why it is bothering you so.

Sometimes Anna really hated how easily Phasia could read her mind. It wasn't that she was wrong. It was just how much of an open book she was to her pale friend. Cut that out, you know it's not fair.

Phasia sighed, It may not be fair, but it is the truth. I had some of the same feelings when I first found this, among other things. Anna looked stunned again. Oh, come on. He's been around since time began. You have only known him for a couple of years. Of course there are things in his past. There are things in everyone's past, but what matters is who he is now. The man that loves you, and you know it.

The blunt truthfulness of her comments struck home. Of course she was right. Everybody has skeletons, and demons. Even herself. She knew so many things weighed heavily upon his ancient soul. He had shared some of them, but it had never really clicked as to how many he may harbor. His true age always seemed to, annoyingly, slip past her thought process. What she knew of the conventions of typical relationships held no sway in what they had.

Exactly. Phasia said.

Exactly what?

That what you know of relationships is pretty much useless in regards to the Guardian. Phasia added. And this... she said pointing at the glass case, happened so long ago it does not even matter. Just like this conversation will not matter in a thousand years. Now enough worrying, let us keep exploring down this way.

Despite her penchant for trouble making, and her childish behavior, Phasia had a way of putting things in perspective that Anna appreciated. Her uneasiness slid away as they left the armored monstrosity behind, and ventured further into parts unknown.

The manor opened itself to them as they walked. The muted sound of their footfalls were interspersed only by their gasps, and sounds of wonder that escaped their lips. It wasn't long though before even Phasia held a look of bewilderment on her face from the increasingly alien peoples and vista's of the paintings and objects they passed by. Some even held a bewilderingly uncharted familiarity for the two women. Others left