Frozen Path: Children of the Zodiac Book 1

By Steven Mouland

Frozen Path:
Book 1 of the Children of the Zodiac series

"When there is darkness and fear in the heart of man, he can be easily swayed, giving power to the forces of evil."

Arteriea has always known evil. But lately a new breed of monster is emerging from the shadows, hell-bent on wreaking havoc and targeting the Children of the Zodiac, young men and women who are destined to wield the power of the signs. There are also those who will do whatever it takes to control the Children of the Zodiac and convince them to use their power for evil.

Drawn away from their homes in search of a more meaningful life, those chosen as avatars for the Zodiac know not what their destiny will bring. Shy and kind-hearted Elementalist Jeremisias Mystal is plagued by nightmares about two different women. Caitlan Heightfire, the lady of the manor, fights against her position as a pawn in her father’s play for power. And Andromika Delarus is left to rule over her father’s people even as he sets out to destroy those he is supposed to protect.

As Jeremisias, Caitlan, and Andromika each struggle to find their true place in the world, they will encounter beasts they have never seen before and friends who may not appear to be what they seem.

Will they know who to trust? And — more importantly — will they be able to trust themselves enough to wield the power of the Zodiac for good?

Frozen Path has received positive recognition through the "OnlineBookClub" receiving a 4/4 Star Review:

Frozen Path is deemed to be:
"The author writes clearly and concisely, with first-rate grammar."
"This is an excellent book for people who enjoy good-versus-evil tales featuring wizards and supernatural events."
"The author gives us a richly detailed fictional world, with many unique characteristics and an ensemble cast of secondary characters."

Also a 5/5 Star review on Amazon from a verified purchase, deeming it to be a "Fantastic read!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Mouland
• Release date: Nov 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310868719

Steven Mouland

The Children of the Zodiac series, "Frozen Path", "Frozen Souls", and "Frozen Mystic" are his big debut into the world of writing. This new and aspiring writer from the small province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is prepared to share his passion with the world and help others venture into a world of imagination and adventure.Steven has a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts (Visual) from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, plus a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters of Education from Memorial University. Currently he is a teacher, but he would happily trade in his career to be a writer and artist full-time.As a huge fan of both Fantasy and Science Fiction, his imagination delves into worlds of magic and science, to explore the multi-faceted lives of his characters and their adventures. Prepare to join him in his journey; into the darkness and survive the living shadows, or into the stars to explore the past lives of eternal and ethereal souls.

Book preview

Frozen Path

Children of the Zodiac: Book 1

By: Steven N. Mouland

Developmental Editor: Colleen McKie

Copy Editor: Crystal Vaughan

This book is a work of fiction, the characters, incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

Copyright © 2015 by Steven Mouland

First Printing, 2015

August 15th, 2015

All rights reserved.

Publisher: Steven Mouland

Distributed by Smashwords.

Table of Contents

Prologue: World of Arteriea

Chapter 1: Witch’s Moon

Chapter 2: Heightfire

Chapter 3: Moment in Time

Chapter 4: Autumn’s Grace

Chapter 5: She of Shadows

Chapter 6: Azure Horizons

Chapter 7: Broken Soul

Chapter 8: Escape

Acknowledgements

Notes

Prologue: World of Arteriea

Arteriea is a fantastical world where earth, wind, water, and fire are used to create magic. These elements flow through the Epilobium weave of Arteriea, through which Elementalists become mediums, channeling their powerful forces. The elements of nature, along with the elements of balance — shadow and light — develop an intriguing mystical world.

The civilized races — Humans, Elves, Zarians, and Dwarves — co-exist in Arteriea, creating societies and cities across its landscape.

Arteriea, once a technologically advanced society destroyed by individuals using dangerous weapons of mass destruction, has begun to regrow. After thousands of years of healing, Arteriea has regenerated itself to become a livable place for many races.

The Arterieans, a mystical race also known as the race of the Ancients, have survived since before the last apocalypse. Though small in number, they too wish to guide the world toward a better tomorrow and right the wrongs of the past.

From the wreckage of the last apocalypse, many monsters and fiends have come to roam Arteriea, spreading fear and chaos across its landscape. The civilized races must battle against these hordes and reclaim their world. If they do not, the creatures of the shadow will destroy civilization. Protected by the good gods and goddesses, the enlightened races strive to restore order, fearful that history will repeat itself — fearful that the evil horsemen of chaos will ride again.

When there is darkness and fear in the heart of man, he can be easily swayed, giving power to the forces of evil.

Story of the Zodiac

The Zodiac Spirits anchor themselves to a chosen avatar to release their elemental powers upon the world. As one host dies, the spirit seeks a new one, drawing its selected host with a singular desire.

The core essence of these Zodiac Spirits await their new host, slumbering within their heart crystal. Legend says that each crystal-encased spirit, having crashed to Arteriea eons ago, seeks freedom once again to dominate the world of Arteriea.

The spirits of Fire — Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo — are found in places of heat and fire.

The spirits of Water — Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer — are found in places of ice and water.

The spirits of Earth — Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn — are found in places of forests and deep within the earth.

The spirits of Wind — Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius — are found in the heavens of Arteriea.

From the shadows a secret organization watches, seeking a way to control the Zodiac’s magic. The grand master of this organization is attempting to gather the Zodiac Avatars to create an unstoppable force of power.

Apart from the Zodiac, Arteriea wields her own weapons of power. The Shadow and the Light were born from the Tree of Life to combat the alien presence of the Zodiac. These energies, emanating from the Epilobium, have also taken on the form of crystals and seek avatars of their own to protect and control Arteriea. Individuals who strive toward the Light wield their power to heal and help others, while those of Shadow have questionable motives.

***

Into the darkness … lost in its cold embrace …

A slender woman with long, azure hair stared up at the crystalline ceiling of the Citadel of the Damned.

As she knelt upon the ice floor and marvelled at the design of the ceiling, her gaze shifted to the frozen walls around her. The place was known as the Frozen City and even the City of the Dead, yet here she lingered for all of eternity.

I will wait here for all of time. I will linger here for my time-keeper to return, my Frost Mystic …

The hushed words crept from her pale blue lips, which were weighed with frost. Her alabaster skin matched that of the snowy Trollspire Mountains that surrounded her City of the Dead.

As she shifted her gaze again her eyes lingered on a pedestal that stood before her. Upon it a radiating glow of royal blue shone, emanating from the crystal that rested there, waiting for him to find them. The Zodiac Crystal of Scorpio glimmered and awakened from its long slumber.

Her lips trembled, not in cold or fear, but in anticipation.

Chapter 1: Witch’s Moon

I have felt the darkness.

Lost in its cold embrace

There is comfort here when nothing else remains.

I will wait for my time-keeper.

My soul

Freed only by his touch.

The shell of a breathing body

Will remain in this stygian hell

Until naught remains.

— Lady of Ice

Miune’s magical stones — blue to see the past, grey to see the present, and red to see the ever-changing future — bounced along the cold floor of Darkwood Castle. The magic in them would show her the fate and destiny of those she sought to reveal. Twelve cards laid upon the floor before her, placed in the formation of a diamond. Each stone had chosen a card to land upon. Beneath the menacing glare of her captors, she focused on the weave of magic that flowed around her and the story about to be told.

Despite being a prisoner, her thoughts were still her own. The stones speak the future. The future is the path that the cards reveal to me, whether through destiny or choice. The future is set, and through my Sight I see them standing there, brave and free.

Cloaked figures filled the large throne room. They were huddled around in a horseshoe formation with only whispers of secrets and lies dancing between them. Miune felt them staring intently at her. She heard one of them murmur, Exquisite. She knew elven women were rare to see in the country of Zaria so she had expected her pristine and flawless features, especially her slender, pointed ears that reached back several inches behind her head, would draw attention. Her braids touched the floor as she gazed upon the stones and where they stopped. The cloaked figures did not push or shove to try to see past each other, but instead stood calmly and waited with anticipation. Without looking up, Miune knew that a tall figure wearing a red-hooded cloak stood at the closest end of the horseshoe. No doubt his hefty jewelled blade dangled from his waist. She imagined his right fist tightly clutching the hilt, as it usually was.

As the stones came to rest, the whispers hushed until only the soft silk-like voice of her magical chant remained.

Miune glanced slightly to the right and mouthed several silent words to an unseen companion who was perhaps beyond reality. Beyond even time itself. She touched each stone in turn, and the cards below them began to shine bright. Her hand hesitated slightly as she pulled away. She knew her captors watched her every movement and she could sense their burning eyes and disdain toward her.

A glimmer flashed through her vision. Her sight granted her a glimpse of several faces blurred through the passage of time: a half-elf male with chestnut hair consumed in wind and snow, an auburn-haired woman struggling to breathe, another woman consumed in shadows and darkness, and a blonde-haired beauty spinning in a field of flowers. Miune’s heart skipped a beat and her hand trembled slightly. Their faces filled her with hope.

She pulled back and rested her soft hands upon her knees. Her back was straight, accentuating her perfect posture. She stared at the tall man in front of her. Her eyes — one amber, the other green — were cold.

So tell me, my mistress of the night, he said in a smooth and mocking tone, just loud enough for her to hear. What, pray tell, does my Miune see in the stars tonight?

She spoke cautiously. I see hate and love, both yours and mine. I see actions and consequences, both yours and mine. I see life and death, both yours and mine.

Do not speak rhymes to me. I wish to know more of those I seek. Tell me of them, and where they can be found. His tone burned with intensity.

She glanced back at the magical stones and the cards beneath. Then she looked up at him, unflinching. The Sight takes time, my lord. Perhaps soon I will be able to tell you more of your daughter … and those of the Zodiac.

***

Miune awoke quickly from a restless slumber. She jolted upright and clutched the soft sheet beneath her to hold herself upright. A single bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she remembered what had transpired the night before. She was thankful that Lord Malak Delarus had not seen through her half-truths. She had been treated well as a prisoner and knew that lying to him could change that. But even a golden cage of luxury is a prison when you have no freedom or choice.

Lord Malak had been her student many years ago when he was just a human boy. His wealthy family had sent him to Harzenburg, the city of magic and science and the heart of knowledge. She taught him ancient lore and how the mysteries of this world came to be. He had been an excellent student, intelligent and curious. How he turned to madness she could never comprehend. Yet, somehow, the man that was once her curious little student still treated her as a teacher, and so she remained unharmed.

Over the years she had seen the future through her gift of Sight — a future with many horrors and traumas for several, including herself. She was a part of this now, and she knew there was no escape from destiny. They were all intertwined by fate.

What will be, will be. She spoke the words quietly.

Miune compartmentalized the images from her dreams and visions as she rose to her feet. So many visions would drive a lesser witch mad. She had learned over the years to sort through the pictures in her head and control her fear of what they might mean. She moved toward the window of the small bedroom and opened it slowly, staring down on the vast marshland from high in the tower she occupied. It was her prison. Her cage. A full moon shone brightly. A second moon, smaller and half concealed by the larger, almost faded into the night. It was this witch’s moon that made her Sight clearer.

From her visions she now knew there was hope, that there were those out there to stand against the Secular of Shadows and their Shadow Lord. But there was only one way to interfere with Malak’s and the Secular’s plans, and in doing so she would be adding more risk to herself. Her sacrifice may be the price needed to pay in order to foil her captor’s plans.

She needed to send a warning — a sign — to help the enemy of her enemy, for if her captors succeeded in their plans, then death would be a sweet lullaby.

***

In a darkened room, Jeremisias Mystal stood motionless with his eyes closed. As his golden-brown eyes fluttered opened, his hand moved side to side before him. Only one candle flickered outside the blue luminance that emanated from his magic. He softly whispered the words to his spell, a tender chant obscure to the untrained ear. The illumination spread forward from his hand and surrounded him in its glow, providing a warm embrace. As the light spread forth, the candlelight faded quickly before it vanished, snuffed out by the blue light.

His hand seemed blurred as time slowed to the pace of a snail. The weave of magic that he had created danced around his fingertips like the waves of a stormy sea. It was like a dream, but real — thus the power of magic, and his attraction to it.

Beautiful, Jeremisias, Master Yazaar said in a voice slightly wispy with age. Your energy has gained enough strength to affect the physical world. Just as I suspected, your attunement is that of water and ice. Your blue aura may one day have a devastating effect upon natural flame.

The words sounded like magic and music intertwined. Jeremisias emerged from the depths of the room as light suddenly returned, the candle burning again not from a match but by a flick of Master Yazaar’s fingers. The older gentleman was tall. He stood over six feet with long golden-embroidered blue robes that flowed along the floor, as if carried by magic. The effect made him appear to glide as he moved. His white beard extended down the length of his torso, as did his hair.

Jeremisias bowed slightly as he nervously ran one hand through his shoulder-length brown hair. Thank you, Master Yazaar. Your teachings have guided me well.

The Master smiled and his violet eyes shone bright with pride. You have done well, and learned very quickly. Quicker than I imagined you could.

Jeremisias bowed modestly. You are too kind, Master. I have only done what you have taught.

Master Yazaar glided toward the candle in the centre of the room and slowly moved his hand through the flame, unscathed. Jeremisias noted how his pale violet skin shone against the flame. He turned to Jeremisias and said, The magic of the world’s weave, its Epilobium, flows through you gracefully. In time you may be able to grasp that power. But to grasp it, one must first learn the control and strength needed to wield it.

I will do all that I can, Master, Jeremisias replied as he bowed his head slightly. His hair shifted, revealing his slightly-pointed, half-elven ears.

Indeed, young apprentice, Master Yazaar agreed. Alas, the hour is late and the lessons of tomorrow venture near. You should rest.

Yes, Master, he replied, bowed, and then left the room. As he did so he smiled proudly.

***

The grasp tightened and clenched his throat, tearing deep at his flesh and strangling the air from his lungs. This was a struggle from which there seemed to be no escape. He fought and screamed in deathly silence, terrified as he realized that it was not hands around his neck but shadows. His remaining strength faded as everything grew dark.

Jeremisias yelled into the darkness as he leapt from his bed and fell to the cushioned floor. His blankets and pillows were strewn about the room in a frenzied panic.

He felt a stinging pain and softly touched his neck. Moving his hands from his neck he could feel a sticky warmth on his fingers as he fumbled for a match in the darkness. With a quick flick he lit a nearby candle and noticed the smear of blood on his fingers. Stumbling to his mirror he could see scrapes and scratches in his reflection. Shocked, he realized he had been strangling himself in his sleep. He opened his dresser and pulled out a cloth to wipe away the blood and applied pressure to stop the