A Walk Beyond The Realm: A Walk Beyond, #1

By Steven Goldsborough

Annabell Church was a young small town school teacher until grief and the sound of footsteps lead her down a cobblestone path deep into the woods. Where the darkness of the forest consumes her. Now she finds herself not just far from home, but in a completely different realm of existence. The magic and mystery of the realms unfolds around her as she meets strange new friends, bizarre creatures, and even the enigmatic Guardian of the realm. Anna tries desperately to find her place in this strange new existence, while holding onto the hope that she may one day return home. But it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, as ancient evils, generations old madness, and terrifying technologies descend upon them in ways that could have horrifying consequences not only for her, but for all of reality.

A Walk Beyond the Realm is a fast paced tale of heartbreaking loss, unexpected love, thrilling adventure, and unimaginable horror. Set in a hauntingly beautiful landscape of otherworldly myth, legend, and monsters. A story that will test the limits of the heart, and keep you guessing right up to the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Goldsborough
• Release date: Apr 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519908889

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.

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A Walk Beyond The Realm

By: Steven Goldsborough

Copyright © 2015 Steven Goldsborough

E-Book Edition

E-Book Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

If you enjoyed this book, please help get the word out about it. And please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Copyright © 2015 Steven Goldsborough

Cover Design & Book Layout By:

Steven Goldsborough

"There are places, hidden from ordinary view.

Tucked away in the folds of forgotten spaces that exist beyond what we know of time and reality.

Twisting paths that lead to lands forged from dreams and stardust.

Places where Gods still walk the streets, and words can reshape the landscapes.

These are places that have always been and yet are still to come.

So tread carefully when you walk any path that you have never traveled before."

- By Unknown: From The Practical Guide to Traveling the Realms 213th Edition

CHAPTER 1.

A Dream Removed

A lone wood on the edge of nothing was known to the indigenous people, since before time was kept, to be sacred. Then the travelers came oblivious to the old ways. They built houses and roads. It was considered settling the land. And soon all was forgotten. A small building was erected close to the wood. The settlers cut down trees for its construction and were baffled by the regrowth in its wake. No matter how much they tried they could not keep the woods back and soon they gave up trying. The cosmic irony of the small building was its purpose. The travelers built it to teach their young. But not about the wood. Not about this spot. The spot the natives had tried to tell them about, and were killed for their trouble. A fence was built behind the small building to keep the children from venturing into the woods as they were deemed dangerous. And so time passed in this fashion. More buildings came and went. Dirt paths became tracks, and tracks became roads. And through it all the small building endured. There was a small cobblestone path leading around the side of the small wood structure. A path that lead to a high fence. There was no gate just normal wood slats pointing to the sky. But to someone who was really looking, they might notice the hinges. Hinges but no handle.

Anna certainly did not when she came around the side of the building onto the little cobblestone path. She stood stoically for a moment before the tears over took her. She wept like she had four years ago when her mother had died. She tried stifling the sobs that wracked her body so the children inside would not hear. Oh, how she loved them. Their smiling faces filled her with such joy. But now that too had been taken away from her. Small town growth they said. That they could no longer have a teacher at the school who did not have a degree. Progress, they said. Her sorrow poured from her reddening eyes. Each tear a memory falling through emptiness, oblivious to her sobs, dashing themselves on the cobblestones at her feet, and moments later to vanish without a trace. Anna had been so proud that day in late March when she had come home to tell her mother about the new job.

I'm the new first grade teacher, she said through the glow of her smile. Anna's body could barely contain her excitement. Her mother had taken her hand and told her in only the way a mother could, that she was so proud of her. That night they had celebrated with sparkling cider and cinnamon rolls. It was magic. Three days later, Anna had found her mother in the garden. She was still wearing her favorite gardening gloves when the paramedics took her body away. Anna had wept then, alone, kneeling in the dirt of the small beautiful garden behind their tiny house. Not for the strangling loneliness she felt or the powerlessness against the inevitable emptiness of death. No, she cried because she had no words to express the loss of warmth her mother had kindled inside of her. That place near the heart that holds our love for those closest to us. Anna discovered that warmth again with the children. Their smiling faces full of joy and wonder filled her fragile soul. So she had dedicated herself to them. They became her world. And now, that loss was taking hold again. She could smell the damp earth, and plants surrounding her. And she felt like she was back in the garden behind the house. She had no idea what to say to the children once she went back inside, or even if she would be able to say anything at all without bursting into tears. Anna could hear the class helper reading them a book. She could imagine the look in each one's face as the story wove pictures in the tapestry of their minds. And the tears came again.

She could hear her mothers voice whisper from somewhere deep inside, I am so proud of you sweetheart. Those children are going to love you, And they have, she told the voice, more than I could have ever dreamed.

Anna wiped her face as best she could, and sniffled the tears away. She had to be strong. Not for herself she thought, but for those children inside. Being a teacher had never been about money, which was barely enough to live on. She knew she could probably get a part-time job at one of the little shops in town, and make just as much as her teacher's salary. And the small house she had shared with her mother was paid for. But none of that mattered. Her dream was gone. The world she loved was being ripped away from her all because of a stupid piece of paper, and the declaration of progress. She felt the curve of the cobblestones under her feet as she made her way towards the stairs at the front of the little school house. A sob escaping here and there as she walked through the haze of her emotions.

She sat down on the first step and felt the cool wood of the aging handrail as she rested her head upon it. It was almost shiny from the countless tiny hands that had used it over the years. This old place had always felt like home. So warm and inviting. Its old creaking wood floors and walls with more layers of paint than could be counted. The way a summer's breeze would drift in through the windows carrying the crisp scent of fresh cut grass along with it. Anna had always found clarity within these walls, even when the rest of the world grew dim. This had been a sanctuary for her and God knows how many others. She closed her eyes tightly, willing another wave a tears away. When she opened them, the world swam before her. A blurred mass of melting colors. Anna let herself drift momentarily in that artists dream.

When she finally blinked, the stark perpendicularity of reality returned. The old road, the trees, the concrete path leading to the steps she now sat on, and movement from the corner of the building. The sound of footsteps on the cobblestone path echoed from around the corner. Perplexed, she rose from the step and, as quietly as she could, made her way to the edge of the building. They were definitely not the foot falls of a child as they were too far apart, and heavy. She heard the creaking of a door. She came around the corner in time to see the fence had been opened and was rapidly closing. But that's not possible, she thought to herself, there's no gate in this fence. And before it even registered in her thought process she was running for the closing gate. She slid her fingers in right before it had fully closed. Still, the thought came through, this is not possible. She slowly opened the handle-less gate. Beyond was thick with trees and shrubbery. So much so that the light of day seemed to be choked off by it. She stepped through and found the cobblestone path continued on into its depths. And still, she could hear the foot falls. The gate closed behind her with a gentle wooden thud.

This can't be real, she finally said aloud, and with the echo of another foot fall she continued forward.

The path itself was thankfully free of obstacles as it became increasingly difficult to see as she moved onward. She looked up but saw no light breaking through the canopy over head. In fact she could not even see the canopy. She held her arms out and felt the branches and leaves on either side of her. There had to be some light soon, she thought, the forest just doesn't get this dark. Especially in the middle of the day. Then she noticed the sound of the foot falls changed. They became deeper, heavier, closer. The sound enveloped her and she could no longer feel the branches or leaves at her sides. Thump... THuummpp... THHHUUUMMMPPP! The sound was inside of her now. So loud, so close she could feel it. The thump became a crash like waves. Waves that were cresting on the shores of Anna. The sound and feeling was so intense with each new wave she was afraid she would lose herself in it. A creeping warmth came over her. She felt calm, peaceful, and secure. All of her senses were tingling even though she could see, hear, and touch nothing. Anna could no longer tell if she was standing or not. There was no longer any up or down, as direction ceased to be relevant. She swirled into herself and was held in perfect contentment. Everything stopped, and she was fine with that. There was no pain as her thoughts slowed. Her mind hung in an infinite moment that stretched on into the calm silent void.

...Then, Anna opened her eyes.

--=<o>=--

I woke from a dream that seemed so real, a part of me fought to return there. But I realize now it was not a dream. It was merely my past. That part of me that now only exists in my dreams.

- From the personal diary of: The Queen of the Blue Shadows

CHAPTER 2.

Beauty Of The Nightmare

Anna stared blankly into the space before her, but nothing made sense. There were colors, that she could tell, yet it was all a blur. Her right side was pressed up against a cool, forgiving surface. She tried to move, but her limbs ignored her. Finally, her eyes began to focus. The colors became clearer. Greens, browns, yellows, and blacks. Then she saw the sideways grass right in front of her face. No, not sideways grass, she thought, I'm laying down. Her neck responded to the conscious desire to move, and she immediately regretted it. Her head began to spin, and the entirety of her body screamed with an unyielding ache. A moment later she slipped from the waking world back into the black folds of oblivion.

When she finally awoke, the ache in her bones was receding and her head no longer spun. The grass was gone when she opened her eyes. Replaced instead by a plush weave of upholstery fabric. Anna slowly sat up. A beautifully woven blanket that had been covering her crumpled down around her waist. She rubbed her eyes of sleep and was astonished at her surroundings. Books everywhere. Row after row of incredibly ornate books all resting on lustrous dark wood shelves that took up every wall. The wood continued onto the ceiling edges that framed an indescribable fresco. The beauty of which took her breath away. It was a mix of what looked like star constellations, creatures, strange maps, and unknown vistas. At certain angles, the stars even looked as though they were twinkling.

She forced herself to look away from its splendor. There was a similar sofa on the opposite wall as well as a couple of chairs surrounding a very old looking fireplace. She made her way over to the chairs, blanket wrapped around her shoulders, and basked in the warmth of its flames, for the room had quite a chill. The smell of fire and old books filled her senses. The last vestiges of ache melted away to the flicker of the flames.

Sitting back in one of the chairs, she looked up to the stone mantel above the fireplace. On it sat more books as well as what looked like a clock, but the numerals and writing on it were indecipherable to her. As well as the fact it had four hands. Next to it was a small shadow box that contained a lock of silver hair tied with a green ribbon. Everything here was a feast for the eyes.

It did not matter where she looked, that space was filled with something to entice her. Then she saw the desk on the far wall. It was quite large and made out of such intricately carved wood she had never seen the like. Anna crossed to it in the hopes of maybe learning a name to put to the opulence that surrounded her. And again more books adorned the top of the desk as well as papers, an ink well, a small wooden box with a hinged lid, numerous things that all reminded her of the old movies she used to watch with her mother. She came around behind the desk next to a large high backed chair. She looked puzzlingly at the papers spread out in front of her. She even picked one up to ensure that her eyes were not playing tricks on her as she sat carefully on the edge of the chair.

I would not do that if I were you. said an unfamiliar voice that seemed to come from right in front of her. The proximity of which made her drop the paper from her hand and bang her knee loudly on the desk as she jumped up startled from the chair. Anna quickly hobbled around to the front of the desk, and just as quickly was puzzled by the absence of anyone else in the room. She leaned back on the desk and rubbed her throbbing knee while scanning the room again.

Hello? she asked inquisitively to the emptiness around her.

Hello, came the quick reply from directly behind her.

She jumped away from the desk and spun around, again to the complete absence of anyone.

It was definitely not my intention to startle you, came the voice again, But as you are a guest, I do believe it is considered inappropriate to snoop.

Anna was completely bewildered as the voice was definitely coming from directly in front of her. Yet still no one else was in the room. I'm sorry, she replied cautiously, I'm not real sure where I am is all, kinda like I'm even not real sure where you are at.

Aha, then it is my apologies now, I'm on the desk in front of you.

Anna raised her eyebrows at this, as there was clearly no one on the desk, as she replied, I'm sorry I don't understand.

It is quite all right, no need to apologize. The wooden box with the open lid.

Oh, she said as she picked up the small wooden box, it's some sort of intercom then?

Er... No, said the voice directly into her face as she held it up to the light to reveal its perfectly empty interior, I am the box, and I would be most appreciative if you put me back down.

To her surprise Anna could feel the vibrations of the voice through the wood. At this shock, she gently put the box back down on the desk.

I'm sorry, she said biting her bottom lip.

Again, no need to apologize. I understand, these sort of things probably do not occur much where you are from.

No, she said apprehensively, I've never spoken to anyone inside a small box before.

Then allow me to introduce myself. I am the Voice of the Old Guard, Overseer of the Realm, and Head Council of the New. But most people just call me Voice. And you are?

A.. Annabell Constance Church, Mr. Voice.

A snicker came from the little wooden box. Just Voice will be fine, my dear Annabell. And how is your knee feeling now? You did hit it quite hard.

Oh... um.. much better now thank you. Speaking of which, if you are just in that box then how did you see me hit my knee? Anna inquired.

Very astute Ms. Church, and to answer your question I see everything that happens here. Hence, the title of Overseer.

And how did I get here?

You were found outside and carried here.

Okay, but where is here?

You really do not know, do you?

No I don't. That's why I'm asking. she said as the frustration was building in her voice.

Ms. Church please take a seat, as I fear this is only going to become more confusing.

Anna reluctantly took a place in one of the chairs near the fire. Please, just tell me where I am.

I am afraid you are a very long way from home.

The sadness in his voice told her the truth of it. She sat in the chair stunned. But I have to get back to the children. Th... they won't understand.

I do not believe that is going to be possible my dear. I am truly sorry.

But... I didn...I didn't even say goodbye.

The tears began to stream down her face, but she was oblivious to them. The thoughts running through her head were like a stampede trampling one another before a single one could be heard. Yet one rose to the surface, Am I dead?

No my dear. You are most certainly alive.

Then is this a dream?

For the pain you are feeling I wish it were, but I will not lie to you. You are not dead. This is no dream, and you are speaking to a voice in a box.

Then I guess this is as good a time as any to be lost, Anna half chuckled through the tears.

Please my dear, tell me what you remember. So Anna told him.

The children, her mother, her shattered dreams. All of it came pouring out of her. Including the cobble stone path. It felt good to get it all off her chest, but at the same time she felt drained. So much emotion. Anger, sadness, and glee. Through it all Voice just listened. He never judged or commented. He just let her tell her story. And for that she thanked him. She didn't even argue with him when he suggested she should rest again. She just laid back down on the couch and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

The sound of low voices drifted through the room when consciousness began to return to Anna. The fire still blazed across from her in the stone hearth, and the smell of old pages helped to ease her transition to the waking world. The voices were very much background noise until she recognized the familiar timber of the voice from the box whisper.

I do believe our guest is waking up sir. Please allow me, and gently but clearly he continued, Ms. Church... Anna... There is someone here who would like to speak with you.

Anna sat up groggily, wrapping the blanket tightly around herself to fend off the insistent chill of the room.

How long was I out Voice? she asked yawning uncontrollably.

No need to worry about such trivialities my dear, he said as she shuffled her way toward the desk.

The unknown voice spoke up, Voice has been telling me all about you Ms. Church, and I believe we have uncovered some answers for you. If you would please, take a seat. He motioned with his hand for her to take the seat in front of the desk, which she did in a slow groggy manner. The gentleness in his tone put her very much at ease. Yet her senses were telling her that something was not quite right. She felt as though her brain was not functioning properly. The figure sitting behind the desk in the large chair was immaculately dressed in what appeared to be Victorian style attire. Gold fob watch and everything. She rubbed her eyes as he continued.

I am aware that all of this may not make sense to you, but please rest assured that I will do whatever is within my power to make this right. It appears as though you followed a path to get here but-

Anna's scream ripped through the room as her brain finally triggered upon what her senses were trying to tell her. She jumped up and stumbled backwards over the arm of the chair as her hands twitched furiously in front of her. The man bolted out from behind the desk. He ran to catch Anna before she completely fell. Anna tried to resist as he gently grabbed her arms and pulled her close. It is alright. It is alright. You are safe here. I have you.

She collapsed into the man's arms. She could feel his warmth, his strength, and the truth in his words. Yet her mind could not contend with what her eyes had shown her.

Anna trembling, looked up into his impossibly dark eyes and whispered, What are you?

As he spoke she watched as his lips formed every syllable. All the while trying desperately to hold on to the last shred of sanity she could find in herself as everything she knew was being dashed helplessly on the rocks of her soul.

My dear lady, I am the Guardian of this realm, and though I cannot hope to know what you have been and are going through, please know that I am so very sorry. Those who know how to find their way here know full well what they will find. You, I see, were not ready for any of this. But please know that while you are here no harm shall come of you. This I swear.

Anna stared a moment more. Willing her mind to accept the man that held her with such gentle care. But was he really a man? She thought to herself. A man with the head of a ram.

As her shaking began to subside the guardian helped guide her back to the chair she had nearly toppled over, and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders once again. He offered her a mug with a strangely sincere smile.

It is hot spiced cider, to help you relax.

Anna took it in her still unsteady hands and breathed deeply of its wonderfully intense aroma.

Ms. Church... Oh where to begin, the ram headed man thought momentarily, As I said before I am the Guardian of this realm. I have many names, but most just call me either Guardian or Protector, or if you like just call me a dream until you decide otherwise. Deal?

Anna stared blankly into the space before her while quickly stealing glances upward. His head was definitely that of a ram. The tapered face was covered in shining white fur. The ears pointing out and slightly upwards. The horns that started just above the brow and curved backwards and down in a spiral around his ears. And his eyes. Two large dark orbs that for some reason looked so sad to her. She took another sip of the cider and nodded her head in agreement.

Good, and as you are my guest here it would be my pleasure to show you around. The Guardian stood up, bowed slightly, and offered Anna his hand.

At her obvious hesitation, Voice spoke from his little wooden box on the desk, If it is only a dream my dear then there is absolutely nothing to worry about is there?

The Guardian saw Anna glance over at the desk. If you would like, bring him along as well. She sat down the mug, snatched up the box, and cautiously took the Guardian's hand.

Voice, with copious amounts of sarcasm, was quick to respond, If she drops me I will be quite cross with you sir. I might even have gone a few hours without talking to you.

The Guardian leaned close to Anna as she stood and whispered, When we get outside feel free to toss him in the air a couple of times. He loves that.

Anna giggled at his comment as they began to walk.

Oh like that is fair. Fine go ahead pick on the incorporeal being in the box. It is not like I am even capable of fighting back as I have no arms. You bully.

Anna giggled again and whispered softly into the box, Don't worry I'm not that cruel.

The far book shelved wall split at the center and swung inward towards them as if expecting their approach. The hall outside was dimly lit but Anna could just make out a small hunched creature scurry off through an open doorway. She straightened up and repeated the mantra to herself. It's only a dream. They finally reached a great arched wooden door. The kind she had only seen in movies. Again as they approached the door opened before them.

The site that greeted her was breath taking. They were in the middle of a vast forest. The trees were so high the tops were hazy with clouds. Greenery of all kinds surrounded a small cobblestone path that lazily snaked its way between the great trees. Flowers and bushes and vines. And still amongst all of this were the fronts of tiny buildings. Some made of ancient stones, others wooden shacks with thatched roofs, and some made of bricks and plaster. They all seemed to spring from the foliage as well as the ground. Hundreds of them. Lanterns and torches dotted the landscape. There even appeared to be Christmas lights strung between buildings and trees alike. The whole vista seemed to be a melding of different cultures and time periods as well as things unrecognizable to the human eye.

Anna didn't even realize that she was still walking. Her arm entwined around the Guardian's. The other clasped tightly around the now silent wooden box. She looked back the way they had just come, and to her amazement there was no grand castle or corridor filled mansion. Just a massive tree with the huge wooden door set into the bark. The Protector saw her reaction and gently patted her hand that gripped his arm so tightly.

When you know how to use it the path can take you anywhere. He pointed to the cobble stones at their feet. It is how you made your way here without even knowing it.

Which is not supposed to happen mind you, said Voice jumping in.

Yes I know it is not supposed to happen, but there is a first time for everything, said the Guardian as he took an abrupt right and headed for one of the small buildings. Now my lady, as we begin to pass through doors, do not let go of my arm. I would hate to lose you. Anna's grip tightened, Do you trust me? he asked.

Anna considered the question briefly, No.

I appreciate your honesty Ms. Church. I really do. Let's see if we can change your mind, And with that they stepped through the first door.

--=<o>=--

Life is like a maze of rooms, filled with strangers all trying desperately to find a place to call their own. Sometimes they find it and sometimes they are made into sausage.

- Sanguin Plutorn - Grand Orchestrator of the Horribillus Configurator

CHAPTER 3.

Out Amongst The Strange

The room was dimly lit by lanterns and candles but Anna could make out everything in perfect clarity. It looked like an old tavern, and a surprisingly large one considering the outward size of the building. The barkeep bowed and acknowledged the Guardian as they made their way through towards a door at the back. She was trying to take in as much as she could but there were too many things that did not want to register in her mind. Like the prevailing feeling that she was the only human in the room. Even though the barkeep looked normal enough, something just was not quite right. Did he have pointed ears? Before she could double check through the door at the back they went, and into an amazing sun lit garden.

Colors and shapes of flowers she had never even dreamed of surrounded her. Immaculately kept hedges easily fifteen feet tall. A beautifully ornate fountain at the center shot crystal clear water into the air that glittered like diamonds in the sun. They weaved around two poles as they continued on. But on a second look they were not poles at all, but the legs of an impossibly tall and thin person who was busy tending and trimming the hedges.

Afternoon Cecille, the little wooden box in her hands shouted.

Anna watched as the impossible person waved, and replied in a wisp from on high.

And to you as well Voice.

Friend of yours I take it? Anna whispered into the box.

Why yes my dear. Cecille tells some of the most beautiful stories you will ever hear. Mind the door.

She looked up just in time to avoid walking into the side of a stone archway hidden amongst the hedges. Through the door, the path led down into an earthen corridor with a multitude of homes, shops, and other branching corridors. And despite the fact that it was dark the tunnels teemed with life.

Finally, they emerged onto a moonlit path. The scent of rain hung in the air, and fireflies danced all around them. They were bathed in the warm glow from windows and lanterns. The faint sound of singing drifted with them, growing in volume as they approached yet another door. This one was covered with symbols Anna did not recognize though they seemed possibly related to runes. As it opened, they were greeted by a chorus of voices singing an unknown tune in an unknown tongue the likes of which reverberated to their bones.

She could feel the voices pass through and swirl around her in ways she had never experienced. The song seemed to reach into her very soul and kindle a fire that brought ideas and thoughts into her mind's eye. It formed a story. Of love and loss and the snow covered peaks of red mountains. The lovers of the story were not separated by bars or parents, but time. Centuries even. Their love had crossed the boundaries of their own existence. Anna felt their sorrow and the love. It was intoxicating. She wanted to sit and listen to the rest but another door beckoned.

This time they emerged onto a wooden platform and before them was, what looked like an old steam engine. It's black, red, and copper skin gleamed in the light from the setting sun. Eight passenger cars were behind it and she could see the tracks leading off into the horizon. A blast of steam came from its mighty pistons.

Where does it go? Anna asked openly.

From the very edge of the Realm to its center, the Guardian replied.

What's at the center?

The Hollow, Voice said the words in a hushed almost vulnerable tone, Pray you never find yourself there my dear. It is the one place even I am hesitant to gaze upon.

Anna felt a chill run down her spine. The seriousness of Voice's words struck her harder than what she was ready for, and so many questions were running through her head. Nevertheless, she was unable to voice them as the scene behind the next door forced them from her mind.

Red velvet covered the walls and ceiling. As well as the