Uneven Odds

By Caylen D. Smith

The battle may be over, but the journey is yet to end. A few months have passed since Aly received news she has an estranged half-sister, Samantha. After the attempted overthrow of Aly’s homeland, Republic City, she believes danger still lurks. This realization sends her in search of Samantha to warn and prevent her from falling victim to their family’s enemies. Aly gathers her most trusted companions to take on her quest. Along the way, she faces dire situations and learns, when you gain something, sometimes, there is a price to pay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caylen D. Smith
• Release date: Nov 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311624505

Caylen D. Smith

CAYLEN D. SMITH was born and raised in Southern California. She published Ripples, her debut young adult novel in the Guardian Series, at the age of nineteen. Now, five books later, A Thief's Game, is her first book in The Robyn Hoode Chronicles. Smith holds a Bachelors Degree in English. She enjoys reading, drawing and attending plays and musicals.

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UNEVEN ODDS

Book Two in the Guardian Series

Copyright 2015 Caylen D. Smith

Published by Caylen D. Smith Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It’s been years, since I wrote the first draft of Uneven Odds, the second book in the Guardian Series. There have been a lot of changes made since then. I need to thank the people who made it possible for the book to come to life: my digital artist, Daniela Owergoor, who designed a beautiful cover that I can’t stop looking at; my editor, Deborah Raney, because without her I wouldn’t have learned as much as I have about novel writing; thank you to Ryan Aquino and Sean Gordon, who help me with my tech issues and rescue me every time; and lastly, my mother, Carol Smith, who is always willing to be my first reader and critic.

Also, thank you to my father, sister and the rest of my family members, who daily give me encouragement and inspire me to continue writing.

Thanks to those friends who are willing to be a part of this journey with me. Your encouragement and interest is much appreciated. Thank you to the people who purchased the first book and read it and to those who purchased it and have yet to read it. Either way, you bought Ripples, and it’s appreciated.

Last but not least, thanks to those I have met along this writing journey of mine. For those who are intrigued when they learn I have written stories, you always bring a smile to my face.

All of you are the key to my work and I appreciate it.

Chapter One

Republic City’s market place swarmed with people as the afternoon hour approached. This rebuilt city would remain crowded for the rest of the day. Ever since the raid, not a sound of the Lorongies was heard. For now, everything had returned back to normal—or maybe normal was out of the question. Many of the citizens had nothing to fear for their rebellious actions, so they went about their daily lives without a care in the world.

Children ran up and down the dirt streets, carelessly kicking dust into the eyes of bystanders. They clearly did not care what their parents thought, since parental guidance was absent.

Walking along the path, I straightened my cap and watched as a little girl, hair as black as a night sky, dropped her toy bear and skidded to a stop. Her eyes were wide from the loss of her precious item. She quickly glanced over her shoulder to spot the rest of her group halfway down the street.

Taking the chance to run back and possibly lose her companions in order to retrieve the toy, she blinked with astonishment at its disappearance. Her eyes lifted from staring at the dirt-ridden road and recognition filled her features as a cheery smile stretched upon her tiny lips.

The girl’s arms desperately stretched to hold the bear safe within her arms, Thanks, Miss Aly.

I raised a finger to my lips and frowned. Shhh, Lily. Without another thought, I bent down—the binding around my chest constricted—and placed the doll in her hands.

Realization flickered in those dark eyes of hers. Sorry.

I grinned and tousled her thick locks. Don’t worry about it. At the end of the street, a group of impatient kids waited. You better get going. It looks like they might leave you.

She glanced over her shoulder in their direction. Oh, yeah. This time, she remembered to choose her words carefully. "Thanks mister. See you later." With a quick wave goodbye, the young girl reached the others and disappeared around the corner.

Tilting my cap lower, I carried on with my route. An old shop on the outskirts of the city became visible. The ominous area was void of the once joyful laughter and smiling faces. Even with tragic times behind us, the aftermath was not easily avoided. This area never was the celebrating kind to begin with. Coming back here was sadly depressing.

As I ambled up the steps, and cautiously looked over my shoulder to ensure no one was in sight, I breathed in deeply, raised my hand, and pressed against the door. The jingle of the bell rang throughout the antique shop. A chill ran up my spine. The eeriness of this part of the city touched even this place. The shop’s decor was colorless, and dust found every nook and cranny. Ritual dolls hung above the windowsill, moving with the breeze from an open window.

A woman appeared from the back of the store, clothed in dull-colored fabrics. Her eyes, crimson like a roaring fire, were hardly the color to develop from exhaustion but rather from a rare gene from this world.

A faint grin stretched across her face. Ah, so what brings you here today . . .? Those blood red eyes roamed every part of my body. Sir.

I squirmed.

Trinkets hung from the ceiling causing a person to brush them to the side as one moved about. Some might have thwacked me a couple of times on the back of my head, as my attention drifted. My life…I need to know. About a possible threat. I rubbed away the growing sore spot on my head, thinking I might have to add those items to my threat list.

She took her place at a table cloaked in purple. She gave no indication for me to follow. As she spoke, her voice was light—like a feather—but easy to follow. Threats are always with us.

I shook my head and proceeded to occupy the empty chair. I know this, but I mean to ask about one specific threat. Bigger than any other.

This grabbed her curiosity. The glimmer in her eye was answer enough. Who might it be then? She placed a delicate long finger upon her chin as another, with a severely chipped nail, tapped the side of her cheek.

I watched her, wondering if this meeting would be helpful. These people were known for deceiving their guests, especially ones outside of their culture. It was a running gag that never died. One of the fishermen from the wharf recommended her. He warned she might be a little nosy, but the gypsy would help anyone who walked through her doors. I wondered what her people might think of her helping an outsider.

I brushed back my bangs and contemplated the real reason I was here, knowing all too well not to mention his name for fear someone might overhear me. A man.

She pressed her lips together, apparently not liking my answer, and reached under the table. She threw a lumpy pouch on the surface and emptied it out. These are different elements collected from various places. They will help us. Using one finger, she moved them. She brushed against a small branch and mumbled curt words. The same finger hit a pebble, then a bone next to a feather. Other objects were present, but not recognizable.

Both hands proceeded to spread around the items and her crimson eyes slowly shut. Silence fell—almost too silent.

My foot, uncontrollably, filled the void with drumming underneath the table.

She spoke softly to herself. I cannot see a threat.

The weight on my shoulders lifted, and I slumped into the uncomfortable chair, pressing into my spine.

But there could still be one.

The burden of the weight returned as if it had never left. I bit my lip as she frowned and tilted her head. This allowed my once steady nerves to become sporadic. Though she might be doing this to comprehend what she saw.

I cannot tell for sure because the spirits won’t let me see—anything. Her gaze pierced mine. I am sorry. When I try to access the future, there is a barrier which won’t allow me to see past it.

I grabbed my cap and pulled it down over my eyes. So, that’s it? There’s nothing else you can do? My throat burned and I covered my face, which didn’t hide the fact that my emotions swirled in my mind.

So, the man, the leader of the Lorongies, the very person who wanted to keep me captive and kill everyone who got in his way without remorse, could very well be alive. People informed me how anyone could have removed the body, but they didn’t see the determination in his eyes. The strong willed man would stop at nothing until he was satisfied with the outcome.

Darien Lengths could be anywhere.

I am sorry, The gypsy repeated, but fate has different plans. It does not want anyone to intervene.

Perfect. There is absolutely nothing I can do from here. Somewhere, out there, has to be a simple answer. I barely sleep. All this time I’ve been screaming inside where no one can hear.

I shoved my chair backward and my eyes shot open as the chair connected with the ground. What time is it? My eyes roamed frantically, for any indication of what hour it might be.

Surprised by my sudden outburst, she placed the items back into the bag, and with a hesitant voice uttered, I believe it, almost noon.

A small groan filled my throat as I rushed out of the store. I abruptly stopped, then went back inside. I walked to the table and righted the chair, to excuse my rude behavior. I rushed back to the door and reached for the doorknob.

Thank you though…for taking the time to see me.

The woman, looking a little shocked, managed a nod. I stuffed my hand into my back pocket and pulled out a gold coin. I tossed it on the counter. It was still wobbling on the uneven wood when I entered into the bright daylight.

Without thinking, I hurried into the middle of the street. Hoof beats rapidly approached. It had slipped my mind that this street was the busiest place in Republic City. The carriage was inches from running over me and I had no time to stop. Making sure my cap was securely on my head, I jumped out of the way in the nick of time. I was not as graceful as I would have liked as I rolled on the dirt and picked up a few scratches to complement my unclean rags. Sitting on my bum, I inspected the damage.

The man directing the horses struggled to calm them. Once he gained some control, his wrinkled face turned and a hint of red covered his skin, Hey lad, better watch where you’re going. You’re lucky to be alive.

He had no idea.

I tipped my hat in gratitude and scurried back to my feet to pick up speed. I slipped, trying to get my shoes to grip the dusty road. The people on the street numbered in the hundreds. Perhaps it was a bad idea deciding to come out at the busiest time of the day. I narrowly avoided running into people and received a few curse words here and there. But no time to apologize, even though I knew it would be better if I made the effort.

A guard strolled up the street ahead of me. Luckily, his back was toward me. I tried to stop, but a barrel stationed under a rainwater collection pipe got in my way. It crashed to the ground, soaking everything within seconds. I couldn’t waste the extra minutes to pick it up. Unfortunately, the noise caught the guard’s attention. He whipped around to see what the ruckus was all about, but I was too quick, escaping down an alleyway.

Not wasting any more time for the guard to put the pieces together and find the person who caused the commotion, I sharply turned down the narrow pathway and stopped. Just my luck—a dead end. I grinned to myself and climbed on top a dumpster that was against the wall. I grabbed a railing attached to the side of the building and climbed.

The city’s walls were high, but not high enough to stop me from escaping. I jumped down to what I thought would be soft grass to ease my fall, but I was wrong. My landing struck a sharp pain in my ankles, and snaked up my legs. I seethed and tapped my feet to relieve the pain. I tripped midway up the hill, which didn’t help my healing ankles. As I headed into the forest, I gave myself a quick pat down. The noticeable stains would have to be washed out later.

My eyes narrowed into the forest where light shined in various spots. I brought up my two pinkies and blew sharply. The sound carried throughout the mesh of trees. The piercing noise soon brought an answer back.

It was not long before I spotted Gemini wandering the forest, grazing on thin blades of grass under a tree. Grasping—I greeted her with a couple of strokes on her snout. She bobbed her head against my open palm.

Okay, let’s go girl or we will be late. Placing my boot in the stirrup, testing my balance before I mounted her, I tightly held the reins and dug my boot into her side, pulling to the right.

I urged her forward into a trot and then a full gallop. I pressed my body against her mane and notified her to hurry. The wind pushed back my cap, but I secured it from flying off. Strands of my hair slipped out from being stuffed inside of the hat.

Gemini’s been a part of our family ever since I was old enough to ride on my own. Once the attempted overthrow of the city occurred, there was no expectancy any of our animals would survive—extremely idiotic of me to think, since they took every advantage to overwork them. Remorse was not the insurgents’ top priority regarding humans or animals.

As I neared the gates of Gefferson Mansion, I remembered not to casually waltz up to the front gate. It could raise questions. Not having snuck outside the mansion’s walls for a while had made me forget the path I should take to return, and almost cost me my well-kept secret. So, walking close to the walls was our best bet, though Gemini resisted at first. This stubborn horse would not slow down even with the forceful pull of the reins. I tugged harder. She reluctantly gave up the fight and slowed. The giant shadow, created by the hundred-foot wall, covered anyone within inches of it—like a blanket.

What many didn’t know is that a door had been placed on a side of the thick wall leading straight to the back of the mansion. I dismounted, pulling Gemini to follow.

A blank wooden door built into the stone wall was big enough to admit the two of us. Using my free hand to open the door, we entered into a dimly lit hallway illuminated by a few torches aligned along the wall. I stepped into the hall to be hauled back outside. A frustrated sound left my throat as I peered over my shoulder at the stubborn horse.

You have been here countless times. Do we have to go through this again? Gently, I tugged on the leather reins, giving a stern look at the animal. By some miracle, she let up and followed behind me. I quickly shut the door and waited to make sure the noise hadn’t caught the attention of curious guards.

The sound of hooves bouncing off the walls might be strange to some, but it was quite soothing to me. Strangely enough, little things caught my interest as of late, but I wasn’t quite sure why. Probably, nearly being killed by my psychotic captor could do that to a girl. But I tried not to dwell on it. People were worried for me longer than I would please. So, keeping those thoughts to myself was something I’d learned to do rather well.

The light cast from the bottom of the door beckoned me to pick up my steps. I double-checked my surroundings, wondering how no one spotted us. Though it was worrisome, if I could get around so easily, couldn’t someone else do the same? Maybe the guards knew of my outings and let me pass, not wanting to approach me about leaving home without my father’s consent. My face fell at the thought that maybe I wasn’t as secretive as I thought.

But, asking for my father’s permission to visit the city would lead him to appoint ten guards to trail behind me. It would only dissuade people from conversing with me as one of them, not as one who ruled over them.

With a heavy sigh, and a slight mumble, I let my thoughts disappear. All clear. Gemini nudged me forward and I almost allowed a yelp to escape my lips. I clamped my hand over my mouth. Yes, yes. I’m going.

Finally, in open view of anyone on patrol, we slowed as if nothing was amiss. Two actions could give us away: rushing, which could catch someone’s eye, and too casual of a walk would be suspicious. Either could end with me having a word with Father.

The stables were in view, and the horses greeted their friend. I guided Gemini to her stall, and picked up the pace without startling her or the other horses. I removed her gear. Thanks, girl. I patted her on the snout one last time as I made my way out.

Ahem.

My body froze once the door clicked. My nerves jolted and I took a huge gulp at the sound. A weak smile spread across my lips. I knew who it was, before the words left my mouth. Hi, Blythe.

Obviously not amused by my actions, her neatly shaped brow lifted and her arms crossed her chest as she stood there with her braided raven hair cascading over her shoulder.

Ever since the betrayal of Gloria, my previous maid and close friend, she’d been exiled from Republic City. Months later, I still had no knowledge of where she could be, after it had been revealed that she’d conspired with the Lorongies.

Because of those events, I’d received a new maid, Blythe. It was a sad situation with Gloria, but Father insisted a replacement be found at once. He announced how he needed a new group of people to keep watch over me. I, too, needed a fresh start and welcomed Blythe into our home.

I chose Blythe because of knowing her somewhat. I had grown to enjoy her company. She lived in the city, and wasn’t raised in the role of a caretaker for her status was…unfortunate. A life she lived before was of a scavenger and doing anything to stay alive, but it hardly mattered to me. The council did not need to know. Few questions were asked and I refused to answer what I knew. In the end, it was easier for me to consider her a close friend than a girl who only worked for me. She knew I wouldn’t treat her any differently just because she worked for my father.

We were the same age, which was quite perfect. We could relate to each