Blood Scroll of Antares

By Brian K. Larson

In this third installment in the Warlords Series, The Empress must seek the missing Blood Scroll of Antares. Rescued after her crash, she is brought to the under-lands of ancient Earth by a band of Sasquatch. Join them on this magical quest in search for the ancient texts and discover the mysteries of the Kron’Shulooka, or Blood Spirit.Their hope is that the ancient writings will hold the clues of what must be done.

Former Emperor Dumakas, thought to be killed, is returned from Revein'sev, the sacred place where all Antarians believe their ancient ancestors reside. Now seeking to return to power, Dumakas has a stronger fortitude and plans to invade Earth. However, there is strong opposition to him retaking his seat; those closest to the Emperor continue to hold the Empress' song within their hearts.

Will Dumakas succeed with his invasion plans, or will the Empress return to Antares in time to stop him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian K. Larson
• Release date: Mar 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311909411

Brian K. Larson

Brian was born and raised in Seattle in 1959. He grew up in the town of Mount Lake Terrace, a small suburb north of the city. Brian, being the youngest, had two siblings, his eldest brother, Mike and sister, Pam. School was challenging, as Brian suffers with Dyslexia, a learning disability that affects 1 in 15 Americans. That didn’t stop Brian. He was named "bookworm" in school because he always had his nose in a book.Brian received his MBA in 2010 in Business, now writes for fun, living his lifelong dream of writing science fiction books. He enjoys his off time, with his seventh grade sweetheart, Diana Rose now for going on sixteen years. She has been by his side and continues to supports his writing. Brian says that without her encouragement, his dream would never have become a reality. They now live in Marysville, Washington, and enjoy three wonderful kids and eight grandchildren. They range from newborn to thirteen, and he says they are so special and great to have around.It is Brian’s hope that through his writing he will fill hearts with joy to readers all over the world, sparking their imaginations.

Book preview

________________________

Antares Star System

Serintin - Storm Keep

________________________

You will bow down before me, Dumakas! I am your Empress! Danielle said, holding her sword crossways in front of her.

Dumakas resisted the powerful effect he was feeling and swung his sword at Danielle once more, NEVER!

Her sword caught his. In his weakened state she pulled his sword from his death grip and flung it over the side of the cliff. The deposed Emperor’s sword clanked and rattled until the blowing wind drowned out the sound.

Danielle hissed through clenched teeth, You have lost, Dumakas! Give it up and bow before your Empress!

Danielle held the tip of her sword at Dumakas’ neck. He lifted his hands in submission.

The sound of the female Boreshog’s wings rose behind Danielle.

The creature screamed as the Antarian on its back tossed a large stone at Dumakas.

Danielle glanced behind her. It was Darnash on the Boreshog. She turned back to see the he giant rock hit Dumakas in the head. He reeled back toward the precipice.

Danielle shrieked, Dumakas!

She reached out a desperate hand to catch him, but could not reach him. The former Emperor fell over the edge.

Dumakas plummeted down the side of the mountain, landing on a narrow outcropping. The impact knocked the wind out of his four lungs. He managed to scramble onto his stomach, futilely clawing at the crumbling cliff face. The ledge beneath gave way and he slid down the jagged rocks another six meters.

Another bone crushing impact submersed the deposed Emperor under massive waves of pain. With a blood-curdling growl he fought to stop his death slide, only to fall another ten meters along the unyielding rocks.

Dumakas slid in and out of consciousness as he bounced to the bottom of the mountain.

In a moment of awareness he tried to lift his head, hoping this ordeal was over. He found the effort useless, as his eyes were swollen shut.

Lying face down on the frozen, snow covered rocks, and knowing that if he did not succumb to his injuries, he would likely freeze to death, Dumakas spat out what would surely be his last words, Take me...to...Revein’sev... I... am... finished.

His awareness faded once more.

Tumaleka landed her shuttle near Dumakas’ battered and broken body. With great haste she opened the hatch, I through they’d never leave this place! she said to herself.

She kneeled next to her grandson and stroked his head with the back of her hand and then felt for a pulse.

Good, at least one of your hearts still beats! Come on, she said, as if he was listening, Let’s get you back to the Keep and tend to your wounds, warm you with their magnesium stone. I’ve got just the cure for you, and it’s right inside that cave.

Tumaleka heaved her limp grandson on her back and carried him to the ship. She sped to the Keep entrance.

There, my Grandson, warm yourself by the stone. I shall fetch your cure from the adolescent creature.

Upon her return, Tumaleka warmed herself on a fresh magnesium stone.  She looked at Dumakas’ broken and beaten body. His eyes swollen shut and his face bruised after the pounding he took from the fall. Tumaleka took a pouch and opened the drawstring. Carefully she poured a quantity of Dimeatarian dust in a circle surrounding Dumakas.

The old Antarian mumbled words under her breath and then took a vial of blood she had collected from the adolescent creature, now in full hibernation.

I sure hope the blood still sings within this sample, she opened the vial and dribbled the blood into the dust on the ground and then turned to her grandson.

Holding the vial to his lips, she emptied the rest of the contents into his mouth causing Dumakas to stir, From the depths of Revein’sev I bring you back. You will not die, my grandson. You shall yet live to reclaim your throne, as written in the ancient hidden Blood Scroll, and then she mumbled more words under her breath.

Dumakas licked his lips, collecting the last drops from his crooked fangs. His swollen eyes fluttered as he fidgeted.

Shhh, my grandson; you must rest and recover.

My Grandmother, Dumakas struggled to utter as he tried to move.

No, do not try to speak, Tumaleka pressed his body back down, You must heal, Dumakas.

He managed a crooked smile and voiced the Antarian word, Morgesh...

Yes, my grandson, Tumaleka whispered, and then stood to her feet. Raising her hands in the air, she shouted the sacred word, Bea’goth! Revein’sev does not hold you!

I was ready, my Grandmother. I was ready to travel to Revein’sev.

Did you see anything, my grandson? Did anyone speak to you from beyond?

Dumakas concentrated on her words, I do not know, my Grandmother.

Think hard, Dumakas. Did you see the other side?

Yes...yes, I remember seeing someone.

Tumaleka leaned close to his ear and whispered, What did they say?

Scroll...they told me she’s looking for the scroll.

Where is it, Dumakas? Did they tell you where it is?

Earth...long ago...must stop her...

That’s where she went! Tumaleka shouted, She is going to Earth!

That must be it, my Grandmother. We must stop her...

No, don’t you see? Now that she’s gone from the Rising Star of Antares, you can reclaim your rightful place.

Very broken...must heal...must heal... Darnash squeezed his eyes shut in pain.

Why are not your Nanites repairing your body?

I do not know, my Grandmother. Take me to Glavin. They can reprogram my Nanites. Send word to Baelak, he is there already.

You must rest for a time before I risk moving you again.

What about Shotzgren? Does he live?

I am afraid not, Dumakas. His wounds were too severe.

Reclaim the throne. I must...

Yes, my Grandson, you shall...

...then revenge I shall take.

________________________

Earth

Calypso Crash Site

________________________

Colonel, Lieutenant Bradley shouted, I found something here!

One sec, Race Jennings answered, and then turned his attention back to his wireless comm link, I gotta go, Admiral. My tactical officer said he found something.

Were there any survivors, Race? Admiral Jedidiah Fitz asked through his headset.

Not so far. It’s a pretty bad scene, Sir.

I’m sending Malcom down to help with your investigation.

Very well, Sir. I’m sure Artemis will be pleased to see him again, Jennings out.

Race made his way over to Lieutenant Bradley, What cha got Bradley?

Bradley was on one knee holding a piece of old parchment paper with a pair of tweezers, We almost missed this, Sir.

What is it?

It’s an old hand scribed note.

Let me see, Race took the tweezers and examined the parchment, I can’t make out what it says.

That’s because it’s written in Antarian.

You think they might have survived the crash?

Bradley looked over the edge of the cliff at the crash below, It’s very doubtful, Sir. This was a pretty bad wreck.

What about the Eridonian Scanner? Did it pick up any forensic signs at the site down there?

The shuttle’s fuel cells exploded on impact. Anything organic was vaporized in the heat.

Artemis stepped over to the two from Race’s shuttle, Excuse me, Colonel Jennings.

Artemis?

Her spindly hand asked for the scanner, May I?

Bradley handed her the device, By all means. It’s your tech. You’re better qualified to read this thing than we are.

Do not be dismayed Lieutenant Bradley. Earthlings have come a very long way in a few short weeks. Give yourself time to fully understand things as you learn more.

She took the device and scanned the parchment paper and then passed it over the ground where it was found. After a few moments of nodding and muttering a few unknown words she looked up at Race, There is no doubt this parchment is of Antarian origin. There is also no doubt that Danielle Cooper as well as the Antarian Darnash once held this with their hands.

You saying they may be alive?

There is not yet enough data to reach a conclusion on that matter. However, it is certain that this parchment survived the initial crash and somehow became separated from the crash below.

The thrusters of a landing shuttle interrupted them. The ship descended next to Race’s ship. A few seconds after touchdown the hatch rose, revealing the short bald Eridonian.

Artemis’ almond shaped eyes widened. Malcom! she shouted, and then ran to greet her mate.

The two locked forearms and touched their foreheads together, It is good to see you again. The two held their stance for several uncomfortable moments.

I know you two missed each other, but can we please get back to our survey mission? Race begged. You can get a room after we’re done here.

Malcom released Artemis and turned to Race, Yes, of course, Colonel Jennings.

Please accept our apology for our public display of affection, Artemis nodded.

An eight foot tall Antarian squeezed through the shuttle’s hatchway. He stood tall on the edge of the wing, arched his broad back, and stretched his arms to the sky, Ahhh, it feels good to be in the open. It looks like you have a wonderful planet here.

Thanks, Thelix, Race winked, We’re pretty partial to Earth too.

Thelix stepped off the low wing of the shuttle and approached the group. He raised his head and sniffed twice, I smell Antarians.

Antarians?

Yes, Thelix sniffed twice more, Unmistakable. Very close. They are likely watching us right now.

Antarians? No escape pods made it to the surface.

Curious.

Yes it is, Race questioned, and then turned to the two Eridonians, Can you detect anything at all?

Inconclusive, Colonel Jennings, Malcom answered.

I don’t get this telepathy thing at all. Before you said you could tell if either Danielle or Darnash was alive. What gives?

There are two possibilities. They died in this crash, and their life signs are hidden or too weak to detect. Or, there are other Antarians present. Artemis shrugged, We cannot say for certain which is the case.

These could be other Antarians that our friend Mr. Thelix smells?

There are creatures in the forest of your planet. They are nearby as Lord Thelix indicates...

It’s just Thelix now. I no longer consider myself a Lord.

Very well, Artemis nodded, as you wish. Do you prefer Mr. Thelix?

Yes. I have grown fond of that...Mister Thelix...has a nice ring to it.

Race gave the parchment fragment to Thelix, Can you decipher this? My Nanites aren’t interpreting the Antarian writing just yet.

Of course, Thelix grabbed the parchment and studied it a moment, Hmm… this is very old, and badly worn.

Can you read it? Race asked, scratching the back of his head.

This is amazing. It talks about the time of old when we first populated Serintin. We had to reduce the Boreshog population. Some Antarians disagreed with doing this. From what I can make out, it says that the Antarians from the House of the Emperor, that’s Serintin, left our Rising Star Antares. They wrote another scroll. Legends speak of this writing, that folklore named this the Blood Scroll. This part of the ancient writings has been hidden for thousands of cycles. It also says this group of rogue Antarians traveled to a distant star; a primitive planet where they would live and hide in the woods.

You’re not trying to say they came here, are you?

Yes, Race, Thelix answered, It does appear from the evidence they did come to your planet. Why else would Danielle and Darnash make such a fool’s attempt to get to Earth?

Race rubbed his chin, I’m afraid it does make sense.

These Antarians planned on remaining hidden. The last part reads ‘never to be found by Antarians until the stranger from an unknown house appeared.’ They placed their hopes in waiting many generations until this new warrior arrived. It was seen as the only way they could change the ways of the Antarians.

And our very own Danielle Cooper is the warrior from an unknown house they’ve been waiting for?

The ancient writings have never been wrong.

Well, then we have to believe they are alive.

Living with these rogue Antarians.

Okay, let’s form a search party. I’m going to call the Admiral and give him an update.

Yes, Thelix nodded. Then he handed the parchment to Malcom. Take this sample and keep it safe. I will examine it fully later. I will remain planet side to help with this search effort.

Chapter Two

________________________

Earth

Somewhere in the

Olympic National Forest

________________________

Naryah knelt beside the unconscious Danielle. The cool damp cave had a strong musky odor and was dimly lit. The seven and a half foot tall Antarian woman ran a wet cloth across Danielle’s forehead, She’s burning with fever, Akua. I do not know if she will live.

Akua sat at a small fire, holding a wooden ladle, and stirring the contents of a brewing pot, The dogwood tea is almost ready, do not worry, my Wife.

This human your brother brought to us is so pale.

I never promised Felvek they would live. And if I remember the conversation correctly, it was your brother’s idea to rescue them.

Davan is young and inexperienced. He does lack a certain amount of common sense...and I’ll be the first to admit that, Akua.

Our brothers departed to watch for more human activity at the above-lands. Felvek and Davan brought them to me because I am their leader...

And what other choice did they have, Akua?

You are right, Naryah, Akua motioned with one hand stirring the pot with his other, Just keep rubbing those nettle leaves on her skin. It will control the pain.

I do not know if this is helping, Akua.

The nine foot tall Antarian poured the elixir from the ladle into a wooden cup to measure the intended dose.

This needs to cool for a few minutes. How’s the other one doing, Naryah?

I do not recognize the Antarian. He must be from a Clan much farther from here. Perhaps he is from the across-lands.

I’ve never seen this one before either, Akua.

He suffered a blow to his head. He has no fever, but he hasn’t awakened either.

The short ceiling didn’t allow Akua to stand at his full nine foot height. Being stooped over all the time made dwelling in these parts of the cave a challenge. He peered at the ceiling, I shall be glad when our return trip to under-land comes.

Soon enough, Akua, our rotation begins within two above-moons.

Cradling the hot cup of cottonwood tea with both hands, he gently blew on it, It cannot be soon enough.

He made his way to the injured female but was interrupted halfway by his daughter.

Let me do that for you, Father, the young Antarian begged.

Thank you, Ruki’. You are a blessing, my child, yes indeed, Akua smiled as he handed the cup to his daughter.

Akua rested on the log bench as his daughter carried the tea to her mother. Naryah nodded softly as she took the cup, You are a good child.

Mother, do you want me to fetch Kuhar and Rehor from the hunting-lands? You know, just in case they run into more humans?

Ruki’, that is very thoughtful of you, but it’s much too dangerous for you to go out to above-lands alone. Am I wrong on this, Akua?

Your mother’s right, Ruki’. Kuhar and Rehor are old enough to take care of themselves.

Naryah continued to blow on the hot tea, They’ve encountered humans before at above-lands. Twice. They know what to do, she nodded.

Here, Mother, let me prop her up. Maybe she’ll awaken enough to drink the tea.

Perhaps, my daughter.

Danielle stirred as Ruki’ lifted her to a sitting position.

Where am I? Danielle struggled to say. She fluttered her eyes against the light from the fire.

There, there, now, my Dear. Try not to speak. You have been badly injured.

She speaks a human dialect, my Mother.

Yes, it is certain she is from Earth-lands, Naryah answered.

Akua pointed his large hairy index finger at Darnash, However, I am not convinced he is from one of our clans. I think he is an ‘off-worlder’.

Danielle became more alert at his last word, Yes...off-worlder...Antares.

She understands our language, Akua exclaimed. What is your name, my Lady?

Danielle... of... the house... of... Cooper... she panted.

Here, Danielle, Naryah said holding the cup to her lips, Drink this, you are very sick with high fever...this will help you.

Empress...of...Antares...

She is delirious, my Mother.

What? No! Akua said, now coming to his wife’s side, What house did you say you come from?

Danielle sipped the hot cottonwood tea before answering, The Empress’ House... of... Serintin.

Remarkable, Akua exclaimed.

...of... the... Rising Star... Antares.

How does she know of this unless they are both ‘off-worlders’?

Danielle sipped more of the tea, Darnash...Lord Darnash, is he alive?

Darnash must be her traveling companion, Akua surmised, Yes, Darnash lives, Danielle of the House of Serintin.

Danielle smiled and leaned back. So hot...sick...poison...

Naryah leaned closer to Danielle to hear her better, What kind of poison, my Lady?

Large...bug...eight legs...what was it he called it? ...Oh yeah... she whispered weakly, ...it was... an Erontos... bite...

Oh my, Naryah exclaimed, She knows of an Erontos?

That proves she’s been to Serintin, Akua said, stroking his chin. Do we have any dried Bladderpods?

Yes, I believe we do, Naryah nodded, I will fetch the herbs to make a salve. Ruki’, you look for the bite mark.

Yes, Mother, Ruki’ nodded and turned Danielle on her side.

She inspected her arms and torso, working her way to her legs when Darnash snorted and grunted.

Ruki’ stopped and looked over to Darnash, He is awakening, my Father.

Akua came to Darnash’s side, Are you alright, my Lord?

Darnash moved his head side to side and groaned, Where I’m I?

Your ship crashed on above-land, a ways east of water-land. You’re off-worlders, aren’t you?

I am from the Rising Star Antares.

Who is the female human? Why does she have such a power over us? We remain hidden from humans in above-land.

It’s a long story.

Time you seem to have since you crashed your ship above-land.

Is she alive?

Yes, but she has a dangerous fever.

How bad is it?

We gave her some cottonwood tea. That should help bring the fever down. However, my wife went to fetch some dried bladderpods from storage. Your human friend Danielle was bitten by an Erontos?

Yes, but she was treated before we left for Earth.

Something has caused the poison to return to her body.

Darnash rose up, nearly bumping his head. He watched Ruki’ for a moment.

Her bite was on the left ankle.

Ruki’ glanced at Darnash, then uncovered Danielle’s ankle. She found two holes oozing a yellow-green liquid amidst swollen, angry red skin.

It is infected, my Father. A gomish fluid runs from the wound.

Take us back to our ship, Darnash begged, There are other Antarians that came with us. I must take her back to the Rising Star of Antares.

Your ship was destroyed. My brother rescued you from the wreckage. Why have you come here?

We come seeking Truth.

We risk a great deal. We must not let any humans at above-lands find us.

You are the Sasquatch’s of Earth that Danielle told me of, are you not?

Yes, yes...the above-land dwellers you call humans use that name for us. Or big foot, or Yeti. Humans consider us legends or myths. We take great care to ensure that does not change. However, it is becoming ever increasingly difficult to remain hidden. A few Humans seek us out. We must remain on the move at all times when we’re on lookout at above-lands.

There is much we must discuss, Darnash insisted.

Yes, I agree, Lord Darnash. One such item is how your wounds heal so quickly. How is this possible?

Father! Ruki’ scolded, You do not need to interrogate our guests.

Akua returned a stern look, And you should be mindful of your tone, my Daughter.

It’s alright, Darnash motioned, We are all Antarians here...

Except for the female human who you have yet to explain why you are keeping a human in your company? Forgive my rudeness, Lord Darnash, I am in charge of the Clan of Grey’con. I must be mindful of our family’s best interests.

It is the Nanites.

Nanite-whats?

They are microscopic technology that flows within our body. They repair flesh and seal our wounds when we are injured. They also translate languages.

Amazing! Such wonderful advancements the Antarians have made, Akua nodded. And the female companion?

She is from Earth...

So she is not an off-worlder? Yet, she was with you in the wreckage.

Naryah returned with the dried Bladderpods, This is all we have, Akua.

Akua held his hand open for her to transfer the flowers. He looked at the amount in his palm and then nodded with satisfaction, This will be enough. Naryah, he brought the bundle to her, you must hurry. She has the gomish fluid.

Naryah nodded as she cupped her hands together. When Akua had given the dried flowers to her, she quickly began preparing the salve.

I have something that might work better than the dried flowers of that plant, Darnash said, fishing around inside his pockets.

Akua held up a vial of blood in front of Darnash, Are you looking for this perhaps?

The pain from his injuries halted Darnash’s charge at Akua. "You are thieves if you took that from me. If you are Antarian, you have no honor, nothing more