Mortal Moon

By Kim Luke

The third book in the Circle of Sun Series by Kim Luke, Mortal Moon takes readers to a fantasy world full of intrigue and romance.
After their Quest in Hudovistan in the second book of the series, Black Inferno, our Guardians return to the quaint riverside village of White Oak Missouri and join the cause to save an historic home from demolition. Quinn feels a strange connection after touring the old Victorian when confronted by a stranger who pleads for her help.
The Guardians find themselves transported to a world never before imagined, the first visitors in one hundred years. Under the
canopy of a dense forest, they discover a once mystical society struggling to survive after a malady of nature changed things forever.
The arrival of the Guardians fuels suspicions about the current ruling family, sequestered history, and deceit. The people fear the new flickers of light from the long-dormant Saville Square lamppost could mean the awakening of Mother Nature’s fury, or will it light the land, exposing darkness in their midst?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Luke
• Release date: Mar 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310424304

Kim Luke

Author Kim Luke once had to help a customer at her family Christmas tree farm chop down a fresh tree in a business suit and heels. She was comfortable in that attire, the “uniform” of her marketing profession. She was not as comfortable as a Christmas tree farmer, but she’s learned to be supportive in this family endeavor. The tree farm is located in Missouri, the setting for both of Kim’s two novels in her Circle of Sun series. A literature major in college, Luke has always enjoyed a good story and loves using her imagination. Of her many passions, writing has been with her the longest. The cornerstones in her life are her faith and family. Kim and husband Bob are blessed with three children, incredible in-laws and three grandchildren. The Lukes live with their Alaskan Malamute dog on a beautiful 20 acre farm, where Kims indulge in a love of books, coffee, wine and positive thinkers. You can connect with Kim at www.kimlukeauthor.com, on Facebook at Circle of Sun or on Twitter, @kimluke. She is also a Goodreads author.

Book preview

MORTAL MOON

By Kim Luke

Book III in the Circle of Sun Series

Copyright 2016 by Kim Luke

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise--without prior written permission.

For information:

[e-mail] or kimlukeauthor.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Published March 2016 by Kim Luke

Other Books by Kim Luke

Circle of Sun

Black Inferno

Cover and interior art by rembrandtsister.com

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 use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to the memory of our nephew Chase Luke. A beautiful and brilliant young man whose smile, compassion and tender heart have left this world with less. We will never forget you. Until we meet again.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Anne Tezon for her expertise, support, promotion of the series and her friendship. Thank you to Rembrandt ‘s Sister for bringing my story alive with her brilliant gift.

Writing a book is like trying to figure out the combination to a lock. You spin the dial around a million times. Thank you to my family who must endure that process and do so with smiles and encouragement. Thank you for supplying the oxygen of belief that fuels me daily and gives me the freedom to create.

Table of Contents

Moriah Family Tree

Prologue

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

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Farewell

About The Author

Prologue

The two women's explorations never went beyond the foothills, until today. One of them removes a bright red scarf from her bag and wraps it around her neck. Her sister at home, concerned for her safety, had placed a blessing upon it and asked her to carry it with her.

The one with the red scarf sits on a rocky ledge. She needs more layers on her feet to protect her from the poisonous soil. Her extra supplies are just about used up. As if the treacherous climb or their fear of what they will find is not enough, they must contend with the searing pain from their feet. Their long journey brings them to the loftiest of heights where ages-old stories tell of the dragon that lives in seclusion. First speculation, and then a bold plan, brings them to this place and the threshold of truth.

The taller woman pulls herself onto the plateau and immediately offers a hand to her younger friend whose red scarf tails twist in the wind. They catch their breath on the flat summit and look down on their magnificent progress. A sound behind them grabs their attention and both gasp simultaneously.

Behind them stands the creature! The woman in the red scarf moves closer to the edge, but her friend grabs her arm.

The monster is only a statue, she reassures her. Wide-eyed, they both pause and marvel at the oddity. The stillness of the air gives way to wind gusts that stir life into the clearing. The taller woman moves towards the dark stone reptile.

This is why he's been coming here. Her fingers run over the stony scales as she walks around the dragon. She climbs up on a boulder, which places her face-to-face with the threat, the wind blowing her long hair. The eyes are hollow.

I don't understand why this statue is here, the red-scarved woman says, once her breathing returns to normal.

Cowards must use tactics such as these, she replies. Defiantly, she peers directly into the vacant opening. Something's inside!

What is it?

A box of sorts, she says, reaching into the eye of the dragon. After some wrangling, she manages to remove the item from its hiding place. Together they observe the curious black chest. As if nature disapproves, a strong wind all but pulls the object from her hands. I want you to move away, go behind the stone creature before I open this thing.

Why?

Please don't ask me to explain. The contents could change everything, and I believe it’s evil. Reluctant but respectfully, the woman positions herself a distance away, under the creature's massive chest. From her vantage point she waits as the other woman sets the mysterious trunk down near the plateau’s edge and tentatively opens the lid. Blackness creeps steadily from its insides. As if on cue the wind stops and sinister mist bleeds over the entire surface, slithering around her ankles and spilling over the ledge.

This doesn't look good, she calls to her friend, who crouches closer to the underbelly of the statue. Instantly multitudes of black beetles pour out from all four sides. Piercing rays of red light burst towards the heavens and once again the blustery drafts threaten to sweep them off their feet. Ignoring the spectacle, the taller woman fights the force of nature and thrusts her hand into the black box and pulls out a book, gripping it tightly in the commanding wind.

"This is what we came for! Scriptura Verities, Book of Truth!

Let me see!

No! Stay where you are. Trust me, do not move! Opening the cover, its pages whipping in the strong gusts, she studies for only a few moments before she closes the cover, her eyes filled with fear.

No time to explain. Everything we need will be within the covers of this book. We must get away from this place, down from the mountains and hide this proof! Suddenly her plea is cut short as the mountain beneath her feet cracks and hisses. Both women stand motionless as the once solid floor now moves and molds itself over the tall woman's wrapped feet. Any movement is futile as the liquid rock travels up her ankles, quickly reaching her knees.

Take the book and hide it. Run! Just as the moving granite reaches her wrists, the red-scarf woman plucks the book from her hands before her entire body is enveloped. A tumultuous churning in the skies produces a lightning bolt that strikes its anger toward them. And in one instant the horrific statue of her dear friend is struck, obliterating every trace of her. With the book clenched tight to her body she freezes, her red scarf whipping and twirling. The sound of mighty stone joints creaking to life mimic thunder as she watches in horror as the dragon moves. Without a second thought she runs to the edge as the floor beneath her rumbles once more. Flinging herself over the edge, she uses the little magic she has left to soar away from the jaws of the snapping dragon. She lands far below and with her powers depleted. She sprints through the foothills, ignoring the increasing pain with each pounding of the ground.

The forest is dark and thick and her face is scratched by the fingers of hanging branches. The sounds of voices and dogs barking means they are after her. Knowing the forest better than most, she climbs a massive tree and uses ample limbs to travel above the ground. Her experience and swiftness bring her to her destination. Dimly lit by the midnight moon, she finds what she is looking for and opens a secret panel. She stuffs the book inside and locks the panel just as the chasers approach. The frightened young woman chooses a hiding spot behind the protection of a cross. Only fate can save her now.

She presses her back against the cross of stone, her hands to her side, and her head still and hidden by it. She closes her eyes and waits, her heart nearly beating out of her chest. The pack of dogs searches in haste and perilously close to her before a sound distracts them and she listens as danger moves away. She tries to open her eyes, but she cannot. Without warning she's unable to move any part of her body. Her final thoughts are for her family before she too becomes a granite statue, her red scarf hanging limply from her shoulders of stone.

Chapter One

Mocha Joe's is closed once Maude Elwood leaves and Professor Enderlee locks the door. Pony lowers the window shades then grooves his walk to soft jazz on his way back to a booth. Mixed aromas of hazelnut coffee beans and sweet tobacco from the professor's pipe are pleasant and familiar to the group of friends gathered there. The sun is setting and the Guardians savor the time to speak about the ordinary hours of their lives once the coffee shop is theirs alone.

Maude Elwood thinks the old Bennett House should be razed and replaced with a city dog park. Sounds good I guess, Sapphire Royce says, blowing at the steam from her brew.

Once that woman sets her mind to something, she's a bulldog and won't let go, says Professor Enderlee.  

This isn't the first time Maude has led a cause. When she gets behind something she is a force, Keefe reports from first-hand experience with the woman.

I wouldn't want her as an enemy, Tera confesses.

But since the Bennett house is so dilapidated, why not a dog park? Pony asks.

Burke Bennett did not hold up his end of the agreement. I know the man, Chamous adds.

Word is the old house is beyond renovation. The owner had multiple chances to prevent his former family home from becoming an eyesore, but his promises to renovate didn't come to pass. What a shame, adds Quinn Clark Royce, lowering her eyes and staring down at her coffee mug. Happy thoughts bring her smile right back.

Memories of your Victorian? Keefe asks her.

And a few nightmares, says Quinn. I did love that house, the first place that felt like home to me. Everyone at the table understands. Quinn lost her home to a fire that could have taken her life. Justice would almost take a lifetime, but Petulah paid the ultimate price for her devious, manipulative actions towards Quinn.

I remember the elbow grease required to put the place together. Tera says. Great memories made while working until the wee hours with nothing but a good bottle of wine and take-out pizza.

And one other thing, our friendship. We made the house a home, Quinn says and pats the hand of her friend.

Where is Cashton? Thought he was joining us tonight, Tera says.

Couldn't make it, Chamous tells them, shrugging his shoulders with no other explanation. When do Romulus and Jexis come back from England?

Only ONE more week. I miss them, Sapphire says.

Me too, adds Quinn.

Well, I know what I'll be doing tomorrow, the professor says, looking at the flyers Maude Elwood left for him to pass out to the merchants on Main Street.

Don't worry professor, Sapphire and I will be here and we can do your footwork, Pony offers. We are picking up the pastry order from Lena's first thing; afterwards we'll handle the flyers.

Oh, that would be most helpful, Professor Enderlee says.

Do walk a couple of those delicacies right on over to Fireside Books, Tera comments with a straight face.

Just make it one pastry.  Remember Tera, I meet with Burke Bennett first thing in the morning, Chamous says.

Your friend from Texas, that's right, Tera says.

Bennett, as in the Bennett house? Keefe asks with interest.

Yup. Burke owns the house. I met him a few years back when we both lived in Texas. He is the younger brother to my old buddy Will. Oh, and a damn good cook. There wasn't a chili cook-off in the region that he didn't win, Chamous says. Will was my training partner in the special force team. Burke tried all his experimental recipes out on us. No complaints here.   That chili had a kick, was delicious and best enjoyed with a cold beer. Sadly, Will died in a boating accident right after I moved up here. Last time I saw Burke was at Will's funeral. He wants to save his family home and will match any funds raised with his own, renovate it to its former glory and then turn over the house ownership to the City of White Oak.

Who would be against that? The offer sounds like a win for the community, Keefe says.

Professor Enderlee blows a white puff of smoke from his pipe into the air before commenting, Most everyone is against saving the old place because of the cost. Perhaps a decade ago his offer might have been met with support, but now the price tag of the renovation will be spread to the community and lots of folks don't want to open their wallets.

I hope he makes us some chili when he's in town! Pony says, licking his lips.

Maude Elwood is determined to not back down, Sapphire says.

The city gave Burke a deadline before they begin the demolition, but they consider the Bennett house a complete loss and a liability, Professor Enderlee tells them.

Well, from the outside of the old home, I would have to agree, Tera says, trying to conceal a yawn. Time to call it a night.

The group clears the mugs and takes them to the back room. Professor Enderlee tips his Gatsby good night, Sapphire and Tera head back to Royce Estate, and Pony and Chamous head to their apartment at the church. Keefe and Quinn decide to stroll through the sleepy streets of White Oak, enjoying the mild temperatures of the early September evening.

They hold hands and walk leisurely in silence, savoring a normal evening far removed from the business of Guardians. The quiet stillness is welcomed when only months ago they battled to defeat Petulah and her league of darkness in Hudovistan. Defending the light and fighting against a threatening evil is a heavy responsibility, but the Guardians carry it with honor. Peaceful times are embraced with gratitude.

Quinn bridges the canyon between everyday life and her role as Polaris to the Circle of Sun better than she ever has. In accepting the mystical realm as her new reality, she suffers less whiplash when the opportunity presents itself to lunch with a friend, or enjoy a glass of wine with Tera, or a date with Keefe. Her life has changed and from her stronger mindset comes the new normal.

Penny for your thoughts, Keefe says.

I was thinking how good tonight feels.

Their walk leads them to the topic of the evening's conversation, the Bennett house. Yards of caution tape and oak trees surround the once grand home.

This place is massive, Keefe says.

At one time, family memories were made inside. I’d love to get in there.

I’ll try to get a key tomorrow and we’ll take a look.

The old Victorian sits on a corner, and after walking the length of the front of it; they follow the walk along its side. Quinn stops dead in her tracks.

A light! Quinn says. pointing toward a window high on the third level of the structure.

Keefe ducks under the caution tape and Quinn follows.

Looks like shadows moving, someone is inside! Quinn says as Keefe runs towards the back door. He bounds up a sprawling porch and before he gets to the door, he uses his phone to illuminate the landing. The door is locked and they return to the side of the house just as a patrol car pulls to the curb. A policeman approaches them with a flashlight when a door to the rear of the house slams shut.

Stop! the officer yells while running in the direction of the sound. Two figures run from the house. The officer is no competition for the swiftness of obvious youth, and immediately returns to Quinn and Keefe. From under the glow of the streetlight, Keefe recognizes an old colleague.

Bryan is that you?

Yes, Bryan Winters. How are you Detective Remington?

Very fine. This is Quinn. We discovered light in the old house.

Miss Clarke from the bookstore, right? he asks Quinn.

Yes, that's right.

You aren't the only ones who saw the light. So did two of the neighbors, he says, pointing across the street. Our citizens keep a good eye on things. The disturbance was most likely bored teenagers again, Winters tells them. The house will be razed in a couple of months. Quite dangerous.

How are they still managing to break in? Keefe asks.

I can't tell you. The doors are bolted pretty well.

Too much time on their hands I guess, Keefe says with a snicker.

My opinion as well. Do you two need a ride somewhere?

No Bryan, my car is at Fireside Books. We're walking back.

Ok, I will make a report and come back at first light to recheck those door locks. Enjoy the evening, Winters says before getting back into his squad car.

Thanks, you too, Keefe says, taking Quinn's hand and heading back.

Small town life, neighbors looking out for one another . . . some things don't change, Quinn says.

Isn't that just another way to describe nosey residents? Keefe asks as he pulls Quinn's hand and sweeps her into his arms. Under a lamppost