Captured Hearts

By Shannon Diaz

Captain Altair Stone of Versaia’s Royal Navy expected to spend months at sea when King Adian charged him with finding the fabled Caspian Isle. What he did not expect was to discover a member of his crew was something more than she appeared to be. Nor did he expect to find his own beliefs challenged by the girl’s very gods.

Annabelle was a pirate tasked who understood that gods and goddesses walked amidst the realm, taking residence in the Caspian Isle. When she was told that she had to take up the task that was set her, she expected to find herself working as a spy. She did not expect the handsome Captain, though she did enjoy the draw she felt towards him.

Magic, pirates, gods, and demons...A man of honor, a pirate with a goal. Can the Captain, and the Pirate find peace amidst a world beginning to boil with turmoil from a forgotten darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon Diaz
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310470042

Shannon Diaz

I was born in West Virginia, and lived there until my teens. My family moved to Ohio where I finished school. After that, I bounced back and forth between the busy flat lands, and the quiet hills for a number of years before settling down with my family. Over the years, I have discovered a love of writing, and have had various works of poetry, and fiction published through traditional means. Now, I am applying myself to independent publishing, and look forward to the adventure that awaits.

Book preview

Captured Hearts

Copyright 2016 Shannon Diaz

Published by Shannon Diaz at 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

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

About Shannon Diaz

Connect with Shannon Diaz

Instructions for this section: This is what a hyperlinked Table of Contents (Step 20 in the Style Guide) will look like. Before you use this template, you should right mouse click on the links above and select remove hyperlink, and then click to Insert: Bookmark and delete all my bookmarks. My links above will not work for your book.

A good ToC-building strategy is to create your Table of Contents last. First focus on formatting the other parts of your book. Then create your bookmarks. Bookmarks identify the sections that your linked Table of Contents will link to. Think of a bookmark as a target, a destination, or a bulls-eye. First you’ll tag your targets with bookmarks, and then you’ll aim at your targets from your ToC with hyperlinks that will take the reader to your target destination. Got that? Create the bookmark targets first, then link to them later from your ToC.

When you return to complete the Table of Contents above, start by typing out the text that corresponds with each of your target destinations.

As discussed in Step 20 of the Style Guide, a big advantage of creating a Linked Table of Contents (a.k.a. "Linked ToC’) is that the Smashwords Meatgrinder conversion system will use your linked ToC to generate your NCX navigation in your .epub and .mobi files. Navigation makes your ebook more accessible to readers. As mentioned in the Style Guide, the linked ToC provides internal navigation, so readers can click the link and go straight to their destination. The NCX is actually navigation that sits outside your book. The e-reading software or device will use it to point into your book. Both types of navigation are super-useful.

The text you link above will become the text label that Meatgrinder will use in the NCX of your .epub and .mobi files. For example, if your ToC has a line such as:

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The next section will provide detailed instructions on how to create Bookmarks. Even novels can benefit from a linked Table of Contents, especially if you add the end matter sections of About the author, other books by the author, and connect with the author.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my family, and close friends for their support, and inspiration.

Prologue

In Versaia it has always been understood that the gods, and goddesses of the realm walk amongst the mortals. They pluck the prayers of mortals from the air, and choose which to nurture, and which must be left to find their own way. It is also understood that the gods see things that men, and women do not see, and when asked to help them prepare for the coming storm, it is an honor, and privilege to do just that. This is the belief of the majority, and it has long worked for the people.

The minority is a faith known as the Church of the Celestial Lord. There is but one god, and only through him will they know salvation. While the minority in followers, it has grown in power.

Now, a rift exists, and it is up to those who are sought out by the gods, and goddesses to see that things are set to rights. Some have been chosen since birth, and others will come to aid them through circumstance.

Dare men to walk where the gods tread? It is up to them to decide.

Chapter One

Altair

He strolled the halls of the palace, not quite sure what to make of the situation. He’d never been summoned by the King of Versaia before. It was well known the King, Adian Belletormach, avoided speaking to any followers of the Celestial Lord, though Altair couldn’t think why that would be. It was simply the way of things. He, himself, was known to be a devout follower, so he was made all the more nervous by the King’s summons. He found himself fidgeting and tweaking his buttons and medals of office, not wanting to give an improper first impression when the King saw him. What if he grew upset over a smudge on the silver?

Captain Stone? He looked up to see the savage looking man wearing only a sash around his waist. He was covered in tattoos, his incisors altered so they looked like fangs. He couldn’t say much about the tattoos, he bore his own marks of honor and pride, but the teeth, he found himself checking his stride and keeping out of reach.

I am. I was summoned by His Majesty.

I know. This way, the man said with a smirk. I am Jonas, the King’s Advisor. I was the one who spoke to him of you. You don’t remember me, do you? He shook his head when the man looked over his shoulder. You were still in the Academy. You were so fervently defending that strange, One God you believe in. You still believe in him, do you not?

I do.

Then perhaps you will be able to help the King where those of the Old Ways cannot. We are wary to go places we know will anger the gods. However, it seems to get answers, provocation must be tempted. He waved for silence before Altair could ask further questions. The King shall explain. You only need know that he won’t be having your tongue ripped out. This time.

I have heard he dislikes talks of the Celestial Lord.

Your ways are strange to him, and we have yet to see proof of this one god of yours. Our gods show themselves. They manifest. We see them, and their power. You would know this if you’d deign to bear witness to our ceremonies.

He blushed. He was told it was wrong to look upon the heathen rituals, or take part in them in any way. That had been when he was younger though. He was a man now. He shouldn’t be so terrified of smoke and mirrors, surely? Perhaps I will take you up on your offer sometime. After I learn what it is the King needs of me.

Gladly, Captain. This way. He opened a set of doors that led to a private beach. The King stood there, staring out over the water, his hands behind his back as the waves lapped at his feet and robes, and the wind played with his blond hair. Majesty, Captain Stone to see you. The man turned, and Altair saw the three stars, and two crossed swords on his chest. The ink was such a vivid blue, it looked black, but it was still off. Midnight blue? The Ocean’s Deep? He was too busy trying to think of a name to the color that he hadn’t noticed the Advisor, Jonas, leave them alone until he heard the door close.

You don’t look as old as I heard you were.

He grinned. Perhaps it is the shaven face, Majesty. I’m told I have boyish good looks.

And boyish charms, and boyish ignorance as well. He let the grin fall. He wasn’t going to argue with a King. He knew better. It was as dangerous as arguing with a Priest. Both could end your life with but a word if they saw fit. That boyish ignorance is what has gained you rare favor, Captain Stone. You’ve heard that I have been searching for the Isle of Caspian, and it’s fabled port, have you not?

I have, Majesty. Everyone has. Though no one knows why. Everyone assumed it was greed for the riches that were rumored to be found there. Others thought it was because of some pagan power.

The why is not as important as why I am summoning you. My ships have gone missing, though some of the sailors and officers have returned. They have been found adrift in life boats, babbling out of their minds, though there seemed to be no malnourishment or dehydration. By the time they are brought to me, they are as clear of mind as you and I are now. They speak of reaching the Caspian Port, but they can’t tell me anything about it. They only know they have been there, and seen wonders that they can’t bring themselves to speak of. They speak of an angel who took them to safe harbor, and sent them safely on their way. At first, I thought it was the Northern Angel, the star, they spoke of. One man said something that made me think otherwise. He fell silent, turning back out to stare at the waters as the sun began to set.

What did he say? He couldn’t believe he just asked that question. It wasn’t his place to question a King.

"He said, ‘He tried to drown her, but she wouldn’t die. She laughed. She laughed and laughed, and smiled as the Sirens took him below to his watery grave to await his death.’ You know little of our ways, do you not, Captain Stone?"

I know you worship natural occurrences, Majesty. That it is claimed your gods manifest in fantastic and over the top ways, while the Celestial Lord does not. Nothing more than that. Best to keep his answers as short, and honest, as possible.

For those who follow our beliefs, there are creatures, children of the Gods, true children of them. Heights cannot kill them should they be thrown from them, and drowning them does nothing. There has only ever been two instances where such creatures have been recorded in our histories, and it was always before a great war that would have torn apart the realm. They were our saviors in those times.

He fought the impulse to explain that the Celestial Lord was the only savior, that following his ways was the path to peace…He bit the inside of his cheek. The King would welcome no such words. What would you have me do, Sire?

First and foremost, I must learn what it is that is attacking my ships, and removing any trace of them from the seas. There was rich cargo among those ships I had hoped to use to buy favor with those who inhabit the Caspian Isle. Find what, or who, is taking my goods, bring them to justice, if it is the work of men. Try to find the Caspian Isle. You will follow the routes of the other ships I have sent out. You will choose a port, and hire a crew as any merchant would do. If it is the work of my enemies, then not bearing a royal banner will help you reach where others have not. If it is merely piracy, you know how to handle pirates, I assume?

Yes, Majesty. Death, or return them for trial if they choose such.

The King nodded. If you find the Isle, seek out the leader there. Ask for them to come speak to me, or if I might come speak with them, and discuss an alliance. Should you find it, you will be my envoy.

I’m honored, Majesty.

Your faith will not protect you, Captain Stone. If anything, it will be hindrance and amusement to the powers you will encounter. He bit back the retort of there being only one true power, and that being the power of the Celestial Lord. Should you return with your beliefs fully intact, I will attend one of your Cathedral’s high holiday masses. He stared in shock. This was a boon he’d never thought to have been offered. However, it must be as unshakeable as it is now. Should there be even the shakiest doubt in your mind, I will not.

I think this is a mission that I will be able to see through to the end, and you will learn that my Faith is unshakeable.

The King laughed. Oh, the surety of ignorant bliss. Send them out, he called to the doors. They opened, and two lines of men came out onto the beach. You have one hour to choose your first mate, Captain. Then you will begin the preparations. Remember, you must appear as a merchant, so you’ll have to take some time for grooming matters. He inclined his head, and Altair bowed. Good luck in your endeavors, Captain.

Chapter Two

Annabelle

She sat on the rock, staring out over the edge of the world. The waters rushed, roaring in her ears as the mist from the water crashing against the rocks landed on her skin, making her clothing cling to her form. She just smiled as she stared at her long hair, floating in the water, draping off the edge of the world as the water poured below.Your next paragraph goes here.

Beautiful, isn’t it, Annabelle? He joined her on the rock, having risen from the water. His skin was tanned as he leaned back, resting his palms against the rocks. Not as beautiful as our local Priestess, though. He smiled, his teeth pearl white against his tanned skin.

Thank you, Saheed. She just grinned, watching as the sun set on her left. She knew the moon would be rising on her right before too long. That was probably why he was here, waiting for his beloved to appear in the sky. Their love was probably the most perfect she had ever seen. So consuming when they were together, and nothing could stand against it. She didn’t even think of finding a man for herself. It would be impossible to find something to compare to what she knew…What she wanted for herself.

You’ve brought a great many to us, Annabelle, without ever stepping foot back on the soil of your mortal ancestors. It’s time you returned to it. If only for a little while. He was speaking as the Lord of the Sea. Not as one of the sources of Power that had created her. Not as her friend, or brother figure. It’s time for you to leave Caspian Isle. You’ll be finding your way to Dyon. There will be a ship looking to find their way here. Well, there will be several, but trust your instincts on which one to find yourself aboard. A few months at most. Then you’ll be back to raiding the high seas, and bringing men to heel.

Oh. So you mean a few of months of work, then I can go back to having fun? He laughed and nodded. So, since I’ll be getting on another ship, pack light, I suppose? Another nod. Can the mermaids help me with my hair?

They’d murder me if I tried to deny them their fun. They can even bring you things if you need them. Take care, Annabelle.

You, too, Saheed. She stood, rocks rose from the water as Elijah stood on the shore, arms crossed, grinning at her. Black hair, and blue eyes. She always thought of him as an uncle. Thank you, Elijah.

He nodded and bussed a kiss to the top of her head. Eat well. Watch yourself. If you need someone swallowed up by a hole in the earth, you just let me know. She laughed as he walked her towards the docks. I mean it. You just say the word. Llyr and Chanda will be taking you, by the way. Plants flourished at his feet, and he seemed to disappear into them.

She sighed and went to find the gleaming red ship. It’s captain was shouting. You demented imp! Get down from there before I set my wife loose on you! He threw a rock at the figure in the rigging. The figure laughed as the rock passed right through him. Llyr started cursing and growling, pointing. Captain Llyr was rather particular about his dear ship. More particular about it than his wife. His wife could defend herself and crush your balls beneath her heel.

Llyr! She laughed when he looked away from the Lord of the Wind who was playing in his rigging. Are you ready to set sail?

I’m always ready! And so is my ship! Are you ready Little Captain of Captains? She nodded and he bowed, gesturing for her to precede him onto his ship. She climbed the gangplank and moved to the bow of the ship. This was always her favorite part. Llyr and Chanda shouted orders and the crew began to get to work.

The Lord of the Wind appeared next to her, laughing. Another rock whizzed right passed her ear as Llyr tried to catch him off guard to get even for his pranks. The four triangles on his chin seemed to give him a devilish air as he climbed onto the bow. Adventure awaits, young Annabelle! Aren’t you excited?

You all seem to be so excited, it makes me nervous. She smiled, watching as Gwayne disappeared. That was definitely an easy means to go about avoiding answering questions. She just stared as the Lord of the Wind filled the sails. She felt her heartbeat quicken in her chest as she leaned over. She wanted to stand on the bow, but Chanda took hold of the back of her shirt. Oh, come on!

We are going to be flying over the edge of the world, young Captain of Captains. I would rather you not fall, no matter how many gods claim to be your patron. The woman’s skin was so tan, it was nearly a golden brown, much like Saheed’s had looked. She dressed in very revealing clothing, and the rings in her nose would make one think twice about messing with the woman.

Captain Llyr came up